Description:

John Hancock
Boston, MA, November 1, 1766
John Hancock Potash Receipt Signed Within the Text
Partially printed DS
A handwritten receipt, in the hand of Founding Father John Hancock, recording a shipment of potash. 1p, measuring 9" x 4.5", Boston, dated November 1, 1766. Signed within the text "John Hancock", with approximately 50 words in Hancock's hand. Countersigned by Alexander Smith. The receipt has been mounted to a thicker black board measuring 11" x 6" overall. Minor wear, chipping and toning to the edges. Loss at the right two corners, affecting a very minor part of Hancock's last name. Boldly signed. Overall, very good.

The receipt states that a shipment of 50 casks of "Pott Ashes" were to be shipped aboard the Brig "St. John" by Captain Alexander Smith and delivered to the Port of London unto Messrs Harrison & Barnard. The businessmen were charged forty shillings and Ton weight for the Freight.

Potash is derived from "pot ash", referring to plant ashes or wood ash soaked in water in a pot. The term includes various mined and manufactured salts that contain potassium in water-soluble form. During the 18th century, American settlers exposed of wood cleared on their land by burning the excess not needed for construction or fuel. Ashes from hardwood trees could be used to produce lye, which could be boiled to make valuable potash or turned into soap. The higher quality American potash was exported to Britain by settlers desperately in need of cash as they expanded into the West. Hence, potash making and selling became a major industry in North America.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 11" x 6"
  • Medium: Partially printed DS

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Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

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June 26, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000