JOHN HANCOCK (1737–1793). Leader in the American Revolution, President of the Continental Congress, and First Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Historic Printed Document Signed, "John Hancock Prest.", with holograph corrections in his hand, as President of the Continental Congress, undated, no place (but post-July 4, 1776, Philadelphia), 6.5 in. by 8.25 in. An Officer's Warrant form, unissued, signed at the bottom with Hancock's famous signature. The signature is extremely strong and measures over 4 inches across. This was a transitional form leftover from the Colonial days, used in the session during 1776.. Here, Hancock strikes through the "Colonies" of "United Colonies" and writes in "States," referring to the newly formed country. This form was used by the Marine Committee of the Congress to appoint officers "to equip and fit out the Fleet of the United Colonies States..."

From an uncle Hancock inherited Boston’s leading mercantile firm, and naturally he opposed the Stamp Act (1765) and other British trade restrictions. In 1768 his ship Liberty was seized as a smuggler and confiscated by the crown. A riot ensued, and later the ship was burned. Hancock was hailed as a martyr and elected (1766) to the legislature, where he joined Samuel Adams in advocating resistance to England. In 1775, Gen. Thomas Gage issued a warrant for their arrest, but they escaped. Hancock was a member (1775–80, 1785–86) and president (24 May 1775 - 29 October 1777, and 23 Nov 1785 - 5 Jun 1786 [though he did not serve because of illness]) of the Continental Congress. His name appears first (and largest) on the Declaration of Independence, and the term “John Hancock” is often used to mean a signature. He was governor of Massachusetts (1780–85, 1787–93).

This is an outstanding piece, one of the brightest and cleanest Hancock signatures we have ever seen. Professionally mounted, matted and beautifully framed along with a picture of Hancock in an ornate, gilt wood frame to an overall size of 17.25" x 23." In very fine condition. $15,000.