Lot 282
Hancock, John (1737-1793) Founding Father; President of the Continental Congress; Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Governor of Massachusetts. Document signed ("John Hancock"), 2 pages, 11¾ x 7½ in., Boston, April 10, 1787. Also signed by his wife, Dorothy Hancock. The sale of "a certain tract of land situate in Pittston in the said county of Lincoln upon the West side of Kennebeck River containing two hundred acres…for the sum of five hundred pounds to me…"
Hancock's signature is the most famous signature in American history. It is said when asked why he made his signature so large on the Declaration, Hancock replied "so the King can readily see it!" When Franklin met with Lord Howe on Staten Island in September of 1776 in an effort for peace, Howe said that the colonies could return to the way things were before hostilities with one caveat--they must surrender John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Hancock spent most of the war moving about and hiding from the British as there was a huge price on his head.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
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| Realized $6,000 |
