Massachusetts Governor John Hancock signed his illustrious name to this ship’s registry (for the sloop Janet) dated October 20, 1784. His signature occupies the area between two overlaid pieces of square sheets at the top left of the document that bear the impression of the Massachusetts state seal. The patriot’s penmanship is bold and admits of the type of clarity one would expect of John Hancock’s own “John Hancock.” Clearly, a conscientious possessor of this immaculate piece sought to preserve the delicate heirloom, as the application of professional silking on its reverse has largely subdued several minuscule separations. Areas of scattered, age-induced soiling are also present, but these defects are noted only for the sake of clarity in description, detracting none from the item’s very good condition assessment. The official document is also signed by ship “masters” Ephram Delano and David Gilmor, and is also countersigned by secretary John Avery, Jr. and naval officer David Trufant. Measures to 12.5 x 16 dimensions. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
