Thomas Jefferson Clipped Autographs & Free Franks: Values, Identification & How to Sell
To auction, sell or consign your Thomas Jefferson free frank or clipped signature, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (natedsanders.com).
Thomas Jefferson’s Many Accomplishments
In addition to being the United States’ 3rd President and the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson conducted the first census of the population of the United States. The census was used to distribute seats in the House of Representatives among the States. However, there was controversy over the census because it was believed that not all people had been accounted for, particularly among the African American community. This was due to a dispersed population, poor transportation links, limitations of technology and individual refusal to participate.
Some Thomas Jefferson Free Franks and Clipped Signatures We’ve Sold:
Signed Free Frank Envelope Filled Out in Jefferson’s Hand — Sold for $6,250
Thomas Jefferson free frank envelope, signed ”free / Th: Jefferson” to upper left corner. Free frank envelope is hand-addressed by Jefferson to Dr. John B. Cutting in Washington, and bears red postage cancellation stamp reading ”Charl VA / Dec. 10” next to Jefferson’s signature. Measures 9.75” x 7.75” unfolded, with center panel measuring 5” x 3.5”. Folds and toning. In very good condition with still bold handwriting. Sold for $6,250.
Signed Partial Document From 1804 — Sold for $4,469
Thomas Jefferson’s signature, ”Th: Jefferson” as President. Jefferson signs a partial document, dated 25 October 1804. Countersigned by Deputy Collector John Graff and another signer. Measures 5” x 2”. Mounted to a green slip to an overall size of 5.5” x 2.5”. Light staining and irregular edges, else near fine. Sold for $4,469.
Signed Free Frank as Governor of Virginia — Sold for $4,468
Thomas Jefferson free frank signed ”Th: Jefferson” as Governor of Virginia. Sent to Brigadier General Weedon at the Hanover Courthouse, document still bears original red wax seal, ideal for framing. Free frank dates to Jefferson’s gubernatorial term from 1779-1781. He wrote the Statue of Religious freedom in Weedon’s tavern in 1777 and called upon Weedon to lead the Virginia militia in the Yorktown campaign the following year. Measures 13” x 6.5”. Toning, creasing, and chipping to top edge. Pinholes to fold intersections. Very good condition with attractive signature. Sold for $4,468.
Free Frank Envelope Signed as President — Sold for $4,440
Thomas Jefferson free frank autograph envelope signed as President, circa 1805 with Jefferson writing “free / Th: Jefferson Pr. US.” in the top left corner. Composed entirely in his hand, Jefferson addresses the envelope to his butler, Mr. Joseph Rapin at the “South side of Market Street / between 3rd & 4th streets” in Philadelphia, close to the original Executive Mansion where Jefferson lived at the time. Postmark present but faded. Envelope measures 5″ x 3.25″, framed with an engraving of Jefferson to a size of 10.5″ x 15.5″. Light creasing, overall very good condition with exceptionally bold writing and signature by Jefferson. With provenance from Bauman. Sold for $4,440.
Clipped Signature — Sold for $4,375
Thomas Jefferson clipped signature, framed with an engraving of the third U.S. President. Signed ”Th: Jefferson”, slip measures 2.25” x 1”, framed to an overall size of 11.25” x 14.75”. Spot of foxing to signature, otherwise near fine. Sold for $4,375.
Signed Slip — Sold for $4,369
Thomas Jefferson signature “Th. Jefferson”, framed with an engraving of the President and Declaration of Independence author. Slip measures 2.25″ x 1″, framed to a size of 15.5″ x 18″. Near fine condition. Sold for $4,369.
Free Frank Signature on Envelope — Sold for $4,125
Thomas Jefferson Presidential free frank signature, beautifully penned by Jefferson who also handwrites the entire envelope. Cover is addressed to Georgia Governor John Milledge, an important figure in the Revolutionary War; in 1775 he imprisoned the colonial governor of Georgia, Sir James Wright, and later fought in the Siege of Savannah. Postmarked 22 November (circa 1802) from Washington, D.C., President Jefferson writes in full, ”free / Th: Jefferson Pr. US. / His Excellency / Governor Milledge / Augusta Georgia”. Jefferson’s name is written again along the left edge in another hand. Envelope measures 5” x 3.5”, nicely framed with a portrait of Jefferson to a size of 12.5” x 16.5”. Folds and light wear as expected, overall in very good plus condition. Sold for $4,125.
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FAQs
What is the difference between a Thomas Jefferson free frank and a clipped signature?
A signed free frank includes Jefferson’s signature and some handwritten information of the addressee, while a clipped signature is just Jefferson’s autograph cut from a document.
How much is a Thomas Jefferson free frank or clipped autograph worth?
The value of your free frank can vary based on condition, year signed and addressee.