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Stunning 1784 John Hancock Signed Document Display (PSA)
Offered is a 1784 ship's register for the schooner named Friendship, magnificently signed by John Hancock as the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Hancock was one of the richest men in the American Colonies, deriving his wealth from his uncle, Thomas Hancock, an importer/exporter. John Hancock made use of his great wealth to financially help support the American Revolution. Hancock was a political protégé of Samuel Adams, although eventually a rift developed between the two politicians. Hancock served as the President of the Second Continental Congress, and he was the first and third Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The ship's register measures 12.1x15.1". The ship's papers (register) show that the owner of the ship is Joseph Monill, of Bedford (Massachusetts). Along with the ship's register, the offered display contains a plaque that measures 2.75x3.25". The plaque reads, "John Hancock (1737-1793)/First signer of the Declaration of Independence, President of the Continental Congress, Patriot... Official ship's register, signed as Governor, with Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts/July 13, 1784." The ship's register contains the iconic, large, flamboyant signature of John Hancock as the Governor of Massachusetts. The ship's register also has the Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the seal is very faded from the passage of time. The handwriting on the document is not in Hancock's hand. The document is framed so that one can see the back of the document as well. In addition, the display contains an image of a painting of Hancock, and an image of a painting of Hancock and other founding Fathers about at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. All of the above-mentioned items - the ship's register, the plaque and the two images of paintings, have been attractively matted and framed at 23.4x29". The lower part of the frame does have a small chip. The ship's register has four tiny holes, located at spots where the document was folded into 12 parts, and the fold lines are visible. The ship's register does exhibit some fading and foxing, and a few minor stains, but overall, the document is in good condition, particularly in view of its well-over two century age. It's an apocryphal story that John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence in such a large, bold way because he said, "I want King George to be able to read it without his spectacles." Yet, the Hancock signature has long taken on the meaning of the word "signature" itself, i.e., "Place your John Hancock on this." Thus, a signature from one of America's Founding Fathers, big and bold in the way a Hancock signature should be, is sure to be an attention getter in any collection. To possess the "John Hancock" of John Hancock? It's a prize for any collector. Comes with PSA LOA.
Past Sports Card, Memorabilia, Non-Sports Card and Collecitble Auction Items
Other past auction items that may be of interest to you.
1788 George Washington Signed and Hand Addressed Free Frank Envelope to James Madison Regarding Virginia's Ratification of the Constitution (PSA)
1783 George Washington Signed Discharge Papers (PSA)
1790 Alexander Hamilton Signed Recommendation Letter as Secretary of the Treasury (PSA)
1837 Robert E. Lee Signed and Hand Addressed Free Frank Envelope to Army Captain (PSA)
1813 James Madison Signed Check as President (PSA)
1861 Abraham Lincoln Signed Military Commission as President (PSA)
Stunning 1784 John Hancock Signed Document Display (PSA)
