Revolutionary War–dated DS, one page, 10 x 14.75, Commonwealth of Massachusetts letterhead, December 11, 1781. Ships registry issued to “Benjamin West March of Salem…maketh path that the Brigantain Lucee whereof William Ramsdel is at present Master, being a square stern’d vessel of the burthen of Eighty tons, or thereabouts, was built at Kenebunk in this commonwealth.” Signed under the intact paper seal in black ink, “John Hancock,” and countersigned by Secretary John Avery. Cloth matted and framed with a portrait of Hancock, to an overall size of 24.5 x 22.5. Previous intersecting storage folds, mild toning to bottom edge and some light creasing and soiling to top edge, otherwise fine condition. Simply a beautiful, crisp and precise signature, together with an unusual format in a ship’s registry. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
