Seth Kaller, Inc.

"Sometimes, a document does more than capture a moment in history... Sometimes it is history..."

Collecting History

Seth Kaller, Inc. invites you to experience the wonder of owning important historic documents. Our goal is to create a personal connection between you and your favorite historic event, figure, or idea. We specialize in finding rare items, with a particular focus on documents of significant content, which often are available for just a brief time and, once sold, may never come on the market again.

We hope that in reading this brochure, you will get a sense of the wide variety of rare manuscripts and documents we are able to offer to our clients.

History You Can Own

Many of the items listed here are unique; we specialize in once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. When you are ready for personal involvement with history, please give us a call at 914.289.1776, or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Our Approach

We can handle and coordinate each aspect of the process, from locating single items to building an entire collection. Our clients include individual collectors to corporations, foundations and museums; what each shares is a passion for history.

Museum Quality, Private Ownership

Most people know that markets exist for Impressionist paintings, fine English antiques, or rare coins. However, the field of historic documents has long been quietly dominated by a select few: J.P. Morgan, Henry Huntington, Malcolm Forbes. This is changing as more collectors discover the satisfaction of a personal, unique connection with history.

Start Your Own Collection, or Let Us Build One For You

Seth Kaller is an acknowledged leader in the field of rare manuscripts and historic documents. We have the skill and expertise to locate individual items, or to build a complete personalized collection for you. Whatever your interest, we can create a unique link between you and your inspiration.

Achieve Immortality: Help Your Favorite Museum

Become associated with your favorite museum, library, university or historical society. Important properties can be loaned for exhibition, placed on deposit or donated outright, to insure their survival for generations to come. We can handle all the arrangements for you, including working with tax attorneys and accountants, and coordinating insurance, transit, and proper acknowledgment.

About Seth Kaller

Seth Kaller has been an acknowledged leader in the field of historic documents since 1989, building major museum collections for clients.

Kaller is on the board of trustees of The Manuscript Society, and is a member of the Antiquarian Bookseller’s Association of America. Kaller has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for acquisition of Abraham Lincoln's “House Divided” manuscript. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the New York Sun, Lifestyles Magazine and Forbes Magazine and interviewed by ABC, CNBC, Fox, Bloomberg Radio and C-SPAN.

Seth Kaller, Inc. specializes in building museum-quality collections for private, corporate and institutional clients. For more than 16 years, Seth Kaller has been a recognized industry leader in rare manuscripts and historical documents, handling all aspects of the collection-development process. Seth Kaller is also a partner in Kaller’s America Gallery, Inc., and Kaller Historical Documents, Inc.

For additional historical document offers please visit http://www.americagallery.com/

Kaller's acquisitions for clients have included John Hancock’s letter announcing the Declaration of Independence, George Washington’s 1796 State of the Union Address detailing his response to the Whiskey Rebellion, Benjamin Franklin’s signed copy of U.S. Constitution, Lord Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown, Thomas Jefferson letters on religion, the press, and government, Robert E. Lee’s farewell to his troops, plus important American paintings, including James Madison’s copy of the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, and a famous Childe Hassam Flags painting.

Since 1985, six copies of the Emancipation Proclamation with Lincoln's original signature have been publicly offered — Seth Kaller has handled them all.

Kaller is a member of the board of trustees of the Manuscript Society, the Antiquarian Bookseller’s Association of America, the United Jewish Communities’ Young Leadership Cabinet, and the Young Leadership Board of Seeds of Peace.

Please note:
Seth Kaller, Inc. is owned solely by Seth Kaller. For 16 years, Seth Kaller has been a recognized industry leader in rare
manuscripts and historical documents, handling all aspects of the collection-development process.

Kaller’s America Gallery, Inc. and Kaller Historical Documents, Inc. are separate corporations, owned by members of the Kaller family. You can find many great, unique historic documents listed online exclusively at http://www.americagallery.com/.

Values That Stand The Test of Time

Rare documents have a history of growing in value over time. Most investment advisors recommend portfolio diversification, with a percentage dedicated to tangible assets. For more information, please see Values that Stand the Test of Time.

Tax Benefits

We have considerable experience working with attorneys and accountants of clients who donate their collections. Let us help maximize your financial benefit as you promote your love of history.

Gift Certificates

We include an expiration date on our gift certificates, at least 12 months after the purchase. Even if you have an "expired" gift certificate bought at a charity auction, please contact us. We endeavor to make the supporters of charities we also support happy.

Request a Personal List or Catalog

Seth Kaller has built museum quality collections in every category listed on this website, and many others. Tell us about the figures, ideas or events that interest you. We will send you a personalized list of available documents with no obligation. Current offerings include Highlights of History, featuring a unique cross-section of the best historic documents currently available, and Early American Finance, which offers fascinating glimpses into the financing of the Revolution, the genius of Alexander Hamilton and the early Federal Period.

Terminology Used to Describe Documents

Find out more about the terminology used to describe documents by clicking here.