Home » John Hancock Autograph

How to Sell Your John Hancock Autograph

ByNate D Sanders

Founding Father John Hancock is remembered as president of the Continental Congress between 1775 and 1777 during the important early years of the American Revolution. He’s famously known for being the first signer of Declaration of Independence and his vivid and elegant signature style is the most prominent of all the signers. Today the term “John Hancock” is used interchangeably with “signature”. Hancock’s unique role in helping shape the early years of the United States has made his memorabilia highly prized among historical collectors. We’ve sold several items signed by John Hancock and other Founding Fathers. Please feel free to contact us if you’d like to sell your John Hancock autograph or if you’d like a free appraisal.

Here are some of our top John Hancock autograph sales:

John Hancock Autograph Letter From 1775

We realized $10,745 for a John Hancock autograph letter dated 26 April 1775, one week after the Revolutionary War began. Hancock writes to Joseph Warren and the Committee of Safety requesting two soldiers.

Letter reads in full, “From a Conviction of your Disposition to promote the General Good, I take the Freedom to Request your Countenance and good offices in fav. of W Edward Crafts of this place that he may be appointed to the Command of a Company. I know him well, he is capable, I Beg your attention to this, it will give great Satisfaction to Mr. [Samuel] Adams & to myself, & to the People of this Country, do gratify us. I also beg leave you will Recommend to the Notice of General Heath in my Name W. Nathel Nazro of this Town, who is serious of being Notic’d in the Army, he is lively, active, and capable. My respects to Heath & all friends. Pray Gen Heath to take Notice of this Recommendation- / God Bless you. Adieu / I am your real friend / John Hancock (signed).”

Single page letter signed by John Hancock near bottom of page. Letter is framed and a photo of framed portion appears on bottom left.
John Hancock autograph letter.

John Hancock Autograph Letter Signed from 1775

We realized $9,768 for a John Hancock autograph letter as President of the Continental Congress dated 11 July 177[5]. Single page letter is to Major General David Wooster recommending George Baylor for a military command. George Baylor was an aide-de-camp to General George Washington and later commanded the 3rd Continental Light Dragoons. Hancock writes: “The Bearer Mr. Baylor…I take the Liberty to Recommend him to your Notice and Civilities, he is a Gentleman of Reputation…Any Civilities or Assistance Afforded him I shall Esteem.”

One page letter to General David Wooster in Philadelphia. John Hancock signs "John Hancock" with his distinctive flourish.
John Hancock autograph letter.

John Hancock Autograph Document from Revolutionary War

We sold a John Hancock autograph document from the Revolutionary War for $9,500. Document is dated dated 1 January 1776 and appoints William Eustis, as “Surgeon” for the Continental Army. Eustis would later get into politics following the war and serve as a Massachusetts congressman, Secretary of War, U.S. Minister to the Netherlands and Governor of Massachusetts. Document measures 14.25 x 9. 5 inches and Hancock signs “John Hancock / President”.

Rectangular appointment document is titled "In CONGRESS". John Hancock signs "John Hancock / President" near lower right.
Click image to enlarge.

John Hancock Revolutionary War Military Appointment From 1776

We realized $9,375 for a John Hancock military document signed in 1776 while serving as President of the Continental Congress. Document is dated 8 November 1776 and appoints an Ensign to 1st New Hampshire Regiment, headed by Major-General John Stark. Stark’s leadership during the American Revolution was vital in several important victories. His main accomplishments include the Battle of Bunker Hill, Battle of Trenton and the Siege of Boston. John Hancock signs document largely with his characteristic paraph and Charles Thomson as Secretary of the Continental Congress countersigns.

Rectangular document with "IN CONGRESS" at top. John Hancock signs largely at bottom with his distinct paraph.
Click image to enlarge.

John Hancock Military Appointment Signed from 1776

We sold a John Hancock Revolutionary War military appointment signed as President of the Continental Congress for $7,500. Document is dated 1 January 1776 and appoints Captain Ozias Bissell to the 17th Continental Regiment. The 17th Continental Regiment was commanded by Colonel Jedediah Huntington and participated in some important battles including the New York Campaign and the Battle of Long Island. Document measures 11 x 9.75 inches and has some creasing and fold through Hancock’s signature.

11 x 9.75 inch document mounted to a mat. Top of document reads "IN CONGRESS". John Hancock signs bodly near bottom right.
Click image to enlarge.

Thank you for visiting our top John Hancock autograph sales. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to sell your John Hancock autograph. Our monthly auctions can be viewed at natedsanders.com.

FAQ

How do I consign or sell my John Hancock autograph?
It’s never been easier to sell your John Hancock 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 for your 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 John Hancock autograph?
The value of your item can vary based on condition and subject matter of the signed document.