Proposed new Coat of Arms for the amalgamation of the Orange Free State and Transvaal Republics

The original art work is in good condition, but is a bit toned from sunlight. It is firmly mounted on a board and although it came framed, prospective buyers must be aware of postage costs to include the frame and the original glass will only be posted on special request. The rear mounting board is in poor condition, but it contains important pen notes and should be sold with this item. This pen, pencil and paint art work has a unique history that has not been written up yet. The pen notes on the rear of the frame's backing board are difficult to read because of staining and warping: "Painted by P.E. de Bruyn Tengbergen Landrust(sic) of Swaziland 1895....(illegible)..Coat of Arms for the Proposed Amalgamation of the Republics ZA Republiek and Republiek van Oranja Vrystaat." The history of attempts to unify the two Boer Republics, roughly between 1860 and 1902, left traces in very few history books, and has to be researched in footnotes, archives and government documents of the time. The art work itself is not dated or signed, but the word "Amajuba" indicates after 1881. CONDITION DETAILS: The artwork is attached to a piece of stiff board and is in decent condition. It is the piece of backing board that is in poor condition, but it should not be discarded because of the pen inscription, the only provenance. It is not known who wrote the pen inscription. See image of frame - it is in acceptable condition.