One page (9 ¾ x 7 ½ in.; 247 x 191 mm), Philadelphia, 10 September 1811, with address leaf; signature clipped, both leaves remargined and hinged together, seal tear repaired, tipped to a larger leaf.

Minor Myers Jr., The Insignia of the Society of the Cincinnati (1998), pp. 18–19, no. 5

One page (9 ¾ x 7 ½ in.; 247 x 191 mm) on a bifolium, Philadelphia, 10 September 1811, integral address leaf; signature clipped, both leaves remargined, seal tear repaired, tipped to a larger leaf.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Passing on a fine tradition.

“I acquainted the General Society of the Cincinnati at their Session in August last, that you had delivered to me as the President General of that Institution, the Diamond Insignia of the Order which had been presented by the French Sailors to the immortal Washington; & by his Family to my ever lamented & illustrious Friend his immediate successor in the Office of President General …”

Pierre L’Enfant had returned to Philadelphia from Paris in 1784 with his first box of eagles and a special eagle ordered by Washington himself. But that particular badge was eclipsed by a splendid and unexpected gift from the French navy, an eagle set with 155 diamonds of all sizes, 28 emeralds, 10 rubies, and one blue sapphire, for a total of 194 precious stones. Henceforth Washington wore this bejeweled decoration as his regular badge. Even as President of the United States he would app𝕴ear at his birthday functions in his old buff and blue uniform wearing the diamond insignia. After his death, Martha Washington presented it to Alexander Hamilton, who in 1800 succeeded Washington as President General of the Cincinnati. Hamilton’s widow in turn sent it to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, who became ☂President General in 1805; and in 1811 he gave it to the society as its official badge of office. It has been worn to this day by every subsequent President General.