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1927 Society War of 1812 Certificate Pearl Willard Bruce No 233 Signed Framed. Offered is an original-looking 1927 membership certificate from the General Society of the War of 1812, issued to Pearl Willard Bruce. The certificate recognizes Bruce’s descent from Robert Goucher (1788–1855), who served during the War of 1812 in Captain Warren Bissell’s Company of Infantry and Colonel William Rayen’s Ohio Militia regiment.
The certificate is dated June 10, 1927 and bears multiple handwritten signatures of Society officers, along with a large embossed red Society seal. It is marked No. 233 at the bottom. It is professionally framed with a dark mat and gold-tone frame. A label on the reverse indicates Tru Vue conservation glass and professional custom framing by Von Thaer Quality Custom Framing of Topeka, Kansas.
Research and authenticity
I researched the named recipient, his ancestry, and the military service stated on the certificate. Independent historical records confirm that Pearl Willard Bruce of Topeka, Kansas was a real person and a member of the Society of the War of 1812 through his ancestor Robert Goucher. A biographical record for Bruce gives the same War of 1812 service details for Goucher that appear on this certificate. Genealogy Trails
Bruce is also documented in a 1927 publication of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution, which records his family line through Robert and Margaret Goucher. SAR
The Society of the War of 1812 is a hereditary organization whose membership is based on documented descent from individuals who served the United States during the War of 1812. Maryland War of 1812 Society
The certificate’s style, embossed seal, handwritten officer signatures, age, and historical information are consistent with a genuine period Society certificate. The Society also had a documented relationship with Philadelphia firm Bailey, Banks & offerdle, which produced Society-related insignia during this era. General Society of the War of 1812
Important: This item has not been professionally or forensically authenticated by a third-party document examiner. Authenticity is based on visual examination, period characteristics, and corroborating historical research. Buyers should review all photographs carefully.
Condition
The certificate displays well and has been preserved behind conservation glass. There is expected age-related toning/spotting to the paper. The large red embossed seal remains present but shows cracking and age-related separation, visible in the photographs. The frame and matting are in attractive display condition with normal minor wear.
Please examine all photos carefully, as they are an important part of the condition description.
Value and pricing
The asking price reflects the combination of:
- confirmed historical identity of Pearl Willard Bruce
- documented War of 1812 lineage through Robert Goucher
- multiple period Society officer signatures
- large embossed Society seal
- 1927 date
- certificate No. 233
- professional conservation framing
- specialized interest to War of 1812, genealogy, Kansas history, Americana, and historical-document collectors
