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Finds and Interests
One of the things I enjoy most about my work at WorthPoint is keeping an eye on what our Industry Partners are bringing to the auction block. Every day, something remarkable surfaces. I especially like seeing items that aren’t just collectibles but genuine pieces of history. When I spotted an original document containing the signature of George Washington, I knew it was something to share with our readers.
I love collecting historical documents and other records, so when a recent auction featured a Society of the Cincinnati certificate dating to the American Revolution and featuring George Washington’s signature, it definitely caught my eye.
Documents bearing George Washington’s original signature are extremely rare. It’s not often that a document with a clear, legible, verified signature comes to the marketplace. It only happens every five to ten years, so collectors and historians are always interested. There was a recent sale at one of our WorthPoint Industry Partners, Goldbergs, where a Society of the Cincinnati certificate sold for $16,200. Another of our partners, Heritage Auctions, sold a similar document in 2014 for $22,500. Both sales generated significant interest, and the prices reflect how in demand these documents are.
The certificate sold recently was issued by the Society of the Cincinnati. It was established right after the American Revolution for officers who served, some French participants, and the sons of soldiers who were killed in action. It still exists today, but anyone wishing to join must prove they are direct descendants of someone who served. There are other requirements as well, and the organization dedicates itself to authenticity in everything they do. Currently, there are about 4,500 members.
Right after the war, there were not many members, so documents including Washington’s signature are quite rare. This particular certificate was issued to Lieutenant Samuel Lewis, who served in the 1st New York Regiment. Washington signed it at Mount Vernon in 1785, and it includes the signature of Henry Knox, who served as the organization’s secretary.
Part of The Society’s work is to seek out descendants of Revolutionary War soldiers who may not be aware of their connection. One of their goals is to find as many relatives as possible of the brave soldiers who fought to bring independence to a new nation. A list of soldiers for whom The Society has no living representative is worth taking a look at if you believe one of your ancestors may qualify.
Search over 1 billion prices in the WorthPoint Price Guide to see what your treasures are really worth. You might find you have a piece of history tucked away somewhere.