47120: John Hancock Military Appointment Signed "John H

John Hancock Military Appointment Signed "John Hancock" as governor of Massachusetts. One partially printed page, 15.5" x 12.25", "Commonwealth of Massachusetts"; June 27, 1791. A document appointing "Theophilus Frye…Lieutenant of a Company in the third Regiment Second Brigade and second Division of the militia of this Commonwealth comprehending the County of Essex." Countersigned by John Avery as secretary of the commonwealth. Paper embossed seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the upper left, with docketing on verso. John Hancock (1737-1793) was the first and third governor of Massachusetts and this document was signed near the end of his last term. Of non-presidential autographs of American historical figures, John Hancock's is among the most popular and sought-after. Condition: Flattened folds. Toning, foxing, and soiling throughout. Chipping and tears at the edges. Paper loss at the lower left corner. Mat burn at edges. A few small separations at folds. Bleed through from writing on verso. A few strips of paper on verso to reinforce the folds. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved