John Hancock

John Hancock (January 23, 1737; January 12, 1736 – October 8, 1793), authentic autograph clipped from an original Boston Board of Selectmen document. Additional signature by fellow selectman Samuel Pemberton. 

The Boston Board of Selectmen was the governing board for the town of Boston from the 17th century until 1822. Selectmen were elected to six-month terms early in the history of the board, but later were elected to one-year terms.

In colonial days selectmen included William Clark. At the time of the American Revolution, the selectmen were John Hancock, Joseph Jackson, Samuel Sewall, William Phillips, Timothy Newell, John Ruddock, John Rowe and Samuel Pemberton.

Hancock was a merchant, statesman, and prominent Patriot of the American Revolution. He served as president of the Second Continental Congress and was the first and third Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He is remembered for his large and stylish signature on the United States Declaration of Independence, so much so that the term "John Hancock" has become, in the United States, a synonym for signature. 

The autographs, measuring approximately 1.5 x 5 inches, are in very good condition, showing light folding lines and chipping. It is housed in a custom double matte, with two contemporary prints of the Declaration of Independence. Complete in an archival (UV protective museum grade plexiglass) metallic gold gilt wooden frame for a finished size of approximatley 17 x 27 inches.