Today’s “top tip” is one of the great items of early American history.

When it comes to historical signatures, it doesn’t get better than “The Earliest Known”.

It is believed to be the earliest known George Washington signature in private hands, handwritten and signed, not once, but twice.

Dated March 23, 1750-51 this is a handwritten land survey for 730 acres owned by a gentleman called John Grub.

What is remarkable about this survey is that it bears the surveyor’s signature on the front and rear – the surveyor being an 18-year-old George Washington.

The survey contains detailed notes of the exact layout of the land, as well as a crisply penned survey map of the tract of land.

In addition to Washington’s signature on the front, the document also bears a docket on the reverse in Washington’s more familiar letter hand “Surveyor’s fee not paid to Go; Washington”.

Interestingly, this exact document is reproduced in facsimile in the 1930 reference work “World Shadows of the Great: The Lure of Autograph Collecting” by Thomas F. Madigan.

Madigan comments:

“Original survey and plat made by George Washington in his eighteenth year. The entire document, including the map or plat is in Washington’s handwriting, the early form of which differs considerably from the familiar hand of his later years”.

A copy of Madigan’s book is included in the sale, enhancing its overall value.

The document is in fine condition, with professional reinforcement and small repairs to horizontal folds, as to be expected with an item of this age.

Whilst handwritten Washington surveys, which provide such an evocative and immediate window into the great statesman’s early career are uncommon, examples of this extremely early date (March 23, 1750-51) are of the greatest scarcity.

Only one earlier signature is known, and that is held in a museum.

As such, this is believed to be the earliest known George Washington signature available in private hands making it a treasure of the supreme historical interest.

Here’s a great example...

Just recently, a rare George Washington letter was expected to sell for $1.5m. After frantic bidding, it sold for $3.2m.

It is not surprising: after all Washington is the first US president.

Today, Washington’s face and image are often used as national symbols of the United States. He is featured on the $1 bill. Many things have been named in his honour. The nation’s capital - Washington DC – only 1 of 2 capital cities across the world to be named after an American president.

Did you know the state of Washington is the only state to be named after an American?

There is even a statue of Washington in London, the capital of his enemies.

It has been claimed that the soil in which the statue stands also comes from America since Washington is reported to have said that he would never stand on English ground.

This is an incredible display piece. We don’t often see Washington’s handwriting, let along hand drawings.

Provenance

Paper tests have been conducted over the last 12 months and the document appraised by a number of leading experts.

The item was previously held in a private collection and has impeccable provenance.

It is also referenced in Thomas Madigan’s definitive “World Shadows of the Great” from 1930.

A copy of which is included in the sale.

What is such a unique item worth?

So, what is the earliest known signature, in private hands, of the first US president worth?

Remember that a handwritten Washington letter recently sold for $3.2m at auction. That letter was signed only once and dated 1787.

This ultimate piece of American history can be yours today for just £60,000 ($99,000).

This suggests incredible value to me for such an important piece of history. At the right auction, at the right time, this item could fetch a far greater sum.

Put it another way...

Malcolm Forbes once referred to his historical documents saying:

“They are the most undervalued of all areas of collecting, especially when you consider what people are paying for even second rate paintings.”

This is one of the most fascinating items I have ever handled.

Build a Valuable Collection

If you are looking to build a valuable collection in historical signatures to benefit both you and your descendents, then this is a prize worth securing.

To purchase or find out more about this item, please call me on +44 (0)1481 708273 or email mhall@stanleygibbons.co.uk.

This is your opportunity to own a museum piece.