Washingtoniana

Prized Autograph of George Washington

(ca. 1777-1789) Manuscript Cover with George Washington's Autograph. Fine.

Approximately 157 mm x 280 mm overall, with Washington's written area approximately 70 mm x 185 mm. Original form chipped at the upper edge with small separations at the joints, but entirely backed on card and thus very stable. Addressed in Washington's hand to: "His Excellency / George Clinton / Governor of the State of / New York," and signed in his usual style at lower left, Go. Washington. Original wax seal affixed at the upper right, though not in its original position, it having been removed and replaced to make the piece better suited for framing. Though undated, we can identify a window of time in which this must have been sent, as George Clinton was governor of New York between 1777 and 1795, and Washington was not inaugurated president until April 30, 1789. The docketing at the lower left, in the hand of the recipient or a clerk in his office, identifies it as a "letter from Gen. Washington / Private," indicating that it was written prior to Washington's presidency. A simple piece, but with a bold signature of the farmer of Mount Vernon, who would become the most widely recognized and perhaps highly esteemed figure in American history. Accompanied by a PSA/DNA Certificate of Authenticity.

Estimate: $ 5000