1780 Thomas Jefferson Signed Land Grant

Sold For:

$5,175

Year:

1780

Auction:

2004 Spring

Lot #:

751

Category:

Featured

Partially printed land grant document (8.25 x 13 inches), signed by Thomas Jefferson, dated September 1, 1780. The signature ( "Th. Jefferson" ) is extremely strong, grading between an "8" and "9" on a scale of "1 to 10." Jefferson has signed this document as Governor of Virginia. In it, the future third President of the United States grants 60 acres of land on a branch of the James River to a Mr. William Hainfer, in exchange for his payment of 10 shillings sterling. During and immediately following the Revolutionary War, under Jefferson, Virginia made a practice of granting tracts of land in previously undeveloped areas, especially in the western portion of the colony, in part to encourage the establishment of a natural buffer against neighboring militant Indian tribes. Jefferson's great interest in expansion was also later demonstrated during his first presidency by his support of both Lewis and Clark's expedition, and his execution of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The granting of tracts of land, primarily to Revolutionary War veterans who usually preferred payment in land to currency, was an ideal match with Jefferson's interest in expanding west. This is an extremely impressive colonial document, which has benefited from the most minor professional restoration at weak points along the edges and fold lines for ideal preservation, and presents as in Excellent condition. The document is professionally and very expensively framed, with a portrait of Jefferson, in an elegantly matted display measuring total dimensions of 24 x 23 inches. A museum-quality document in a museum-quality presentation. LOA from James Spence, Steve Grad and John Reznikoff/PSA DNA. Reserve $1,500. Estimate $4,000/$6,000. SOLD FOR $5,175.00