How to Sell Your Patrick Henry Autograph
To auction, sell or consign your Patrick Henry autograph, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (natedsanders.com).
Here Are Some Patrick Henry Autographs We’ve Sold:
Autograph Letter Signed — Sold for $9,480
Patrick Henry autograph letter signed during his last week as Governor of Virginia. Dated 25 May 1779, it informs the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, Benjamin Harrison, of the capture of a pair of spies. According to Henry, one spy, Zechariah Snead was “…detected going secretly to the British flag-vessels…” He warns a British nobleman’s wife, Letitia Fitzgerald, “…A great variety of circumstances concur to induce belief that this is a dangerous woman, and that she came hither with some wicked intention…” True to form, he scrutinizes the balance of power: “…The executive, having in these two instances exercised a power not expressly given them by law, I take this method of informing the legislature of it, and have only to add that apprehension for the public safety is the sole reason for the proceeding…” As a founding father, Henry opposed the Stamp Act of 1765 and advocated for the Bill of Rights. Letter runs two pages and measures 6″ x 7.75″. Ink burn in paraph under Henry’s signature and separation to center fold. Very good. Published in “Patrick Henry: Life, Correspondence and Speeches,” 3:242. Provenance: Anderson’s Simon Shwartz sale, 8 November 1926, lot 349; William D. Morley’s Louis J. Kolb sale, 17 November 1941, lot 110. Sold for $9,480.
Patrick Henry 1783 Autograph Letter Signed — Sold for $2,000
1783 autograph letter signed by American revolutionary Patrick Henry. Datelined “Vir. Richmond Nov 18th 1783,” letter to unknown addressee, “Your Excellency,” requests that a Mr. James Gordon be placed in the employ of said recipient. Letter reads in full: “Mr. James Gordon of Lancaster is desirous of rendering his services to your Excellency & the Council as Collector of the Import which, he apprehends, is about to be laid on the imported goods. His tabulation he thinks is favorable. His ability to discharge the Dugy of the Office I believe are as unquestionable as his Integrity. I beg learn therefore to recommend him to your Excellency & the Council; not in the least doubting but that on Inquiry you will have the most abundant Reason to be fully satisfied as I am of W. Gordons fitness for the office he solicits. With greatest of Regard I am Sir Excellency’s most obedient servant, P. Henry.” The James Gordon to whom he refers may be the militia lieutentant colonel in the American Revolution, who went on to serve in both the New York State Legislature and the House of Representatives from 1791 to 1795. Single page ink letter measures 5.75″ x 8.25″. Script is bold and legible. Paper is evenly toned with no folds and only mild faint soiling. Page has been affixed to paper backing. A superbly preserved letter in near fine condition. Sold for $2,000.
Land Grant Signed as Governor of Virginia — Sold for $1,563
Attractive land grant signed by Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia, dated 7 April 1786. On this vellum document, Henry grants a 1,000 acre tract of land to John Allison in what is now Monongalia County, West Virginia. With red wax seal at lower left and signature by Henry, ”P. Henry” at lower right. Measures approximately 15” x 12.5”. Folds and irregularly trimmed edges, otherwise near fine condition with virtually no toning. Sold for $1,563.
Land Grant Signed as Governor of Virginia — Sold for $1,500
Patrick Henry land grant signed “P. Henry” as Governor of Virginia. Partly printed document dated 19 February 1785 assigns one hundred acres of land in the “County of Jefferson on the Ohio Waters” to “Jacob Myers assignee of David Griffith” as payment for military service performed. Single page measures 14″ x 17.5″. Archival repair along folds with minimal paper loss affecting text, and toning along folds. Overall in good condition with a clean and visible signature by Henry. Sold for $1,500.
Signed Land Grant as Governor of Virginia — Sold for $1,031
Patrick Henry signed land grant from 1785 as Governor of Virginia. Dated 25 October 1785, Governor Henry grants a parcel of Virginia land to a Benjamin Wilson. Signed ”P. Henry” at lower right. Document measures 14.25” x 13”, affixed to thin wooden backing measuring 15.5” x 14”. Expected wear to vellum document. Overall very good condition. Sold for $1,031.
FAQs
How do I consign or sell my Patrick Henry autograph?
It’s never been easier to sell your Patrick Henry autograph at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and photos of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with a free appraisal.
This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement to review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.
What factors determine the value of a Patrick Henry autograph?
The value of your autograph can vary based on condition, subject matter and provenance.