Framed 1777 B. Franklin Américain Portrait Plaque. By Jean-Baptiste Nini. Greenslet GM-5, Margolis-17, Betts-548. Terracotta. Nearly Mint State, Framed.
115 mm, plaque only; circular frame approximately 9 inches x 1.25 inches. A lovely example of the most popular Franklin portrait issued during his lifetime, molded in France by Jean-Baptiste Nini and popular with Franklin's fans in Europe and the United States during and after the American Revolution. The color is excellent, the devices sharp, and the rims totally intact. Mounted in a circular golden-colored frame with mat, the plaque lose and floating therein, although generally held in place by the tattered paper backing to the frame. The coating of the frame is chipped in places, but it is intact with no significant flaws despite extensive signs of handling. Seemingly an old framing, with wire attachment on back for hanging.
From the Martin Logies Collection.

Estimate: $2500