Ink signature, “John Hancock,” on the top of a partial, off-white, 5 x 2.5 slip. The famously attractive penmanship of John Hancock (1737-1793) is on display in this rare offering. Hancock wrote his name on a partial slip from the title page of Hugh Blair’s Christian treatise titled Sermons. (Blair, a prominent figure during the Scottish Enlightenment period, is best known for this particular work, which was written as a five volume endorsement of practical Christian morality.) The black fountain pen signature shows the effects of feathering and light ink migration (heavier at the first name), and a Genealogical Society stamp faintly touches upon the illustrious surname. These age-induced defects notwithstanding, the observer of this neatly written autograph is reminded why Hancock’s large, sprawling signature so stands out above all others. The page displays scattered toning and soiling, as well as small edge tears. There is a marked unevenness to the bottom edge, yet the 18th Century memento retains good overall condition. RRAuction COA.
