John Hancock Cut Signature Collage

Presented is an original John Hancock signature, presented framed with an 1858 engraved portrait of John Hancock. The cut signature reads “John Hancock” with a dramatic flourish, or paraph, on the “k” in Hancock. Hancock signed in black ink. This rare cut Hancock signature was one of several prominent American statesman cut autographs collected together and bound in a 1809 volume of the Baltimore Evening Post. 

Paired with the cut signature is a beautifully engraving of John Hancock, after an original painting by Alonzo Chappel. Published by Johnson, Fry, & Co. in 1858, the engraving depicts John Hancock seated in a chair in a dark topcoat and waistcoat and a lighter cravat. Hancock has a book open in his lap. Alonzo Chappel (1832–1887) was an American painter, portraitist, and illustrator celebrated for his historical scenes and portraits of prominent American statesmen, military leaders, and naval heroes. Contemporary critics praised his work for its strong characterization, skillful composition, and historical accuracy, and he enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading historical illustrators of his day. Though few original paintings survive, many of his works were widely reproduced as steel engravings, helping to shape nineteenth-century Americans’ visual understanding of their nation's history.

One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, John Hancock was a merchant, statesman, and patriot whose name became synonymous with the American Revolution. He is best remembered as President of the Second Continental Congress and for his bold and prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence. Hancock played a leading role in colonial resistance to British rule and later served as the first and third Governor of Massachusetts.

John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, in 1737. After the death of his father, he was raised by his wealthy uncle, Thomas Hancock, who was one of Boston’s most successful import merchants. Hancock graduated from Harvard College in 1754 and entered his uncle’s mercantile business, The House of Hancock. Following Thomas Hancock’s death in 1764, John inherited the prosperous trading enterprise and became one of the wealthiest men in the American colonies. His commercial success provided him with the financial resources that later supported the Patriot cause.

As tensions between Great Britain and the American colonies increased, Hancock emerged as a critic of British taxation and trade policies. Hancock was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1766, where he aligned himself with fellow Patriot leaders including Samuel Adams. In 1768, British customs officials seized his merchant vessel Liberty on charges of smuggling, an action that resulted in two highly public lawsuits that only served to intensify colonial opposition to imperial authority. 

In 1774, Hancock was chosen president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, the revolutionary government established in opposition to British rule.  In December of 1774, the Provincial Congress elected Hancock as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, and his influence in Massachusetts continued to grow. The following year, British authorities sought his arrest along with Samuel Adams for their role in the Provincial Congress, prompting the march of British troops toward Lexington and Concord in April 1775. The outbreak of those hostilities marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.

On May 24, 1775, Hancock was elected President of the Second Continental Congress. He presided over Congress during some of the most critical years of the Revolution, including the appointment of George Washington as commander in chief of the Continental Army, the creation of a small fleet of American frigates, and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. As president, Hancock became one of the most visible political leaders of the revolutionary movement and helped coordinate support among the colonies.

After leaving the Continental Congress in 1777, Hancock returned to Massachusetts, where he continued his public service, was re-elected to the House of Representatives, rejoined the Continental Congress for a brief stint in the summer of 1778, and was appointed senior major general of the Massachusetts militia. He was elected the first Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under its new constitution in 1780 and served for much of the remainder of his life. During his tenure, he supported the ratification of the United States Constitution and helped guide Massachusetts through the difficult years following independence. John Hancock died on October 8, 1793, in Boston.

John Hancock is remembered for his political leadership and his enduring association with the Declaration of Independence. His contributions to the Revolutionary cause and the establishment of the new nation secured his place in history among the foremost leaders of the American Revolution.

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Signature in black ink, on cut toned paper. Ink has faded from black to dark brown, but is still legible and strong. Cut signature has been archivally lifted from a larger page of pasted cut signatures. 

Engraving is in near fine condition. Printed beneath the portrait is a facsimile signature, which reads “John Hancock.” Following the signature is the printed text, “From the original Picture by Chappel, in the possession of the Publishers. /Johnson, Fry & Co., Publishers, N.Y./ Entered according to the act of Congress AD. 1858, by Johnson, Fry & Co. in the clerk’s office of the district court of the southern district of New York.” Strong impression. Paper is healthy, with full margins and bright tone. No tears or marks.  Unframed Dimensions: 10 3/4 “ H by 8” W. 

The portrait and cut signature are framed together in a custom, archival frame, with acid-free black linen mat, gold spandrels, a descriptive plaque, UV Conservation Clear glass, and a hand-built black and gold frame. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.