John Hancock - 1781 Broadside: “Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving”

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John Hancock - 1781 Broadside: “Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving” :
$17000.00

Extremely rare broadside issued by His Excellency John Hancock, Esq. as “Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” proclaiming a Day of Thanksgiving. Signed in type: “John Hancock,” to which has been added in period ink: “Esq.” Also added at the bottom in the same hand is the date: “1781.” Sight: 12-1/2” x 19-1/4”, matted and framed to an overall size of 23” x 28”. Not examined out of frame. Very light age-toning overall, folds, 1” split to central horizontal fold affects nothing. Due to a slight mis-alignment of the left and right sides of the document, it appears that it may have been separated at one time, and re-joined. Basically, in nice, clean condition, and remarkably good condition for a document of this age. An important and rare broadside.

See: Massachusetts Historical Society
2369. By His Excellency | John Hancock, Esq; | . . . | A Proclamation | For a Day of Thanksgiving...Archives, ccxcv. 195. Evans, 18025.
Additional copy in the American Antiquarian Society (ESTC W21243)
Additional citation: Ford, W.C. Broadsides, 2369

Comparable Price Realized: Bonhams, New York: April 7, 2014, Lot 86; Hancock, John, 1737-93 - A Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving - framed - Stained, worn, repaired - Eric Caren copy - $21,250 (includes Buyer’s Premium).