Understated but lovely, and a rare, early handmade reward of merit, dated 1826, which declares that Mary Webster "has gained the head of her class by diligence and good attention." One guesses the Laura Webster who signed it was likely the recipient's mother, so how much competition there was for the top spot is unknown! I really love the carefully line drawn border, and flowers and suns at the corners, the color on which has much faded over 200 years.  I thought a special present for an antiques loving soon to be graduate, or for anyone exemplifying diligence and attentiveness! One finds hand-colored printed rewards of merits more frequently, but handmade ones this early are in my experience quite rare to find.

4 1/4 x 2 3/8 and in very good condition, with no tears, paper strong, and text very clear.