This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2026
Very early Revolutionary War military commission, signed by John Hancock as President of the Continental Congress. With an extremely bold and prominent signature by Hancock, accentuated with his usual flourish. Partly-printed document reads ''the United Colonies'' at top, an early and rare version printed by John Dunlap in Philadelphia in 1776 before the words changed to ''the United States''. This commission is unaccomplished with blank areas in lieu of a soldier's name, and therefore signed in advance by Hancock, perhaps shortly after the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776. Countersigned by Charles Thomson as Secretary. Document measures 15.25'' x 9.75''. Archival tape repair on verso to vertical fold and light uniform toning. Very good plus condition with an extraordinary signature.