It's a rare day that I come across a reward of merit--or three--as early as these, and even less frequently do I come across an entirely handmade one. Clearly Polly Este, or someone who loved her, was proud of her accomplishments, managing to keep these safe and sound and together for just about 200 years.  I have a definitive record for Polly, born Aug. 30, 1818 in Southborough, Massachusetts, daughter of Solomon Este. She married Henry Sumner Wheeler in 1843, with whom she had three children, and died in 1856 at the age of 38.

The handwritten reward of merit, ink and watercolor, reads "This certifies that Polly Este  has obtained the head of her class three days in succession and merits my approbation. M. Johnson,  Southboro, 1827. I really like the specificity of it--and the use of approbation! Polly would have been nine, I believe.

The printed pair of rewards were sold by Munroe & Francs, a prominent Boston-based publishing and printing firm located at No. 4 Cornhill (also known as the Shakespeare Bookstore), active at this location during the 1810s through to 1824. They rewarded Polly's diligence and attention to study, and good behavior in school. Signed by Laura Ann Fay, for whom I've also found a definitive record in Southborough, 1805-1836, who was buried in the old burial ground at Southborough along with other members of prominent and extensive Fay family. 

Handwritten, ink and watercolor: 6 3/8" x 2 3/4". Engraved: approx 4" x 2 3/8" ea. Sold as set of three.