This membership certificate belonged to the United Patriots Benefit & Provident Society, a historic organization founded in 1843 to provide its members with low cost insurance. The certificate from 1861 features intricate designs including an all-seeing eye, four hands grasping together representing members from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The symbology is abundant in the various designs on the certificate, and the handwritten script is bold.
Including the frame, this measures 22in x 18in, and is ready to hang. There are couple water spots and wear appropriate for its age, but it is a beautiful and valuable piece of history for collectors of paper documents, particularly those interested in 19th century societies and organizations.
