Description:

John Hancock
Boston, MA, July 5, 1791
John Hancock Signed Pay Warrant for Bounty on Hemp, 1791
DS
A signed pay warrant by John Hancock as Governor of Massachusetts. 1p, measuring 7" x 8.5" (sight), Boston, dated July 5, 1791. Signed "John Hancock", countersigned "John Avery" as Secretary, and addressed to Treasurer Alexander Hodgdon Esq. The document orders that 12 shillings be paid to John Nurse "for the bounty on £1 of Hemp raised, manufactured & certified agreeable to Law…" Remnants of a red wax seal are present at the upper left edge. The document has been matted and framed along with an engraving of Hancock to the overall size of 13" x 22". With flattened folds and uneven toning. Large, very bold signature. Overall very good.

During the colonial period, hemp was primarily used for making ropes, sails, and clothing. The strong fibers of the hemp plant made it ideal for these purposes. As a result, hemp production became a major industry in many colonies. Some colonies even passed laws requiring farmers to grow hemp as a way to support the economy.

In 1791, Hancock was serving for a second, nonconsecutive time as governor of Massachusetts. However, with his health deteriorating, his final few years were spent essentially as a figurehead governor. He died just over two years later at the age of 56.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: Document: 7" x 8.5", Frame: 13" x 22"
  • Medium: DS

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Shipping

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000