The Alphabet for the Deaf and Dumb.
West Rupert, Vermont: N.p., c. 1850. Broadside measuring 8 ½ x 15 inches affixed to sheet measuring 10 x 15 inches. Folded with wrinkling and some staining; slight smell; very good plus. Item #List3327
A broadside depicting a sign language alphabet invented by Charles Parker, Sr. (1827–1912). This broadside is affixed to a page from an accounting ledger. Parker, a graduate of the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb (now American School for the Deaf), published several sign alphabets; on this broadside, he writes:
“It is in the hope of inducing some to learn this simple but very useful alphabet, that the subscriber, himself a Deaf Mute, offers this sheet for sale, and he is confident that so far as he is able to extend its use, he is promoting the comfort and convenience of the class of persons to which be belongs.”
Parker’s alphabet differs somewhat from the ASL alphabet, which was in use at the time and was also developed at the American School for the Deaf. However, the same hand letters as Parker’s were also published as George W. Baker’s “Pictorial Manual Alphabet” (1856). We find three copies of Parker’s broadside on OCLC.
Price: $950.00
Status: On Hold