John Hancock (17371793) was a Massachusetts statesman, patriot, and the first Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Revolutionary War-dated ink signature of, John Hancock, signed as the President of the Continental Congress in 1776. The signature is on an off-white 8.25 by 2.25 slip clipped from a Continental Congress military appointment document, beautifully matted and framed with an original 1770s steel engraving portrait of Hancock to an overall size of 25 by 19.5, and in fine condition with minor spotting and later ink and pencil notations, Prest. Convention, 1776, and, 1776, indicating that it was signed in 1776. REVOLUTIONARY WAR-DATED INK SIGNATURE OF JOHN HANCOCK SIGNED AS PRESIDENT OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS IN 1776. The very year he would sign the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock struggled to raise enough troops to defend the massive forces being sent by Britain to end the Revolution. Resistant to developing a standing army, the Continental Congress had been enlisting soldiers for short periods of service, usually only one year, leading to crises at the end of each year as troops were released from duty. The winter of 1776-77 was by far the most difficult time, with the number of soldiers dropping to well under a thousand, almost entirely focused in the Northeast. This harsh winter led to massive reforms in the Army, resulting in an increased number of battalions, a broader geographical base, and longer enlistment terms. An incredible Hancock signature in the most crucial year of the Continental Armys development and most pivotal year in American history. The item “John Hancock Ink Signature Signed as Continental Congress President in 1776″ is in sale since Wednesday, October 3, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Autographs\Historical”. The seller is “grayautographs” and is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Autograph Authentication: Guaranteed to pass PSA/DNA, JSA, or Beckett
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Signed by: John Hancock
• Original/Reproduction: Original