1779-Dated Revolutionary War, State of Massachusetts Bay Treasury Bond, 6 Percent Interest Bearing, “Advance Pay to Officers, Second Moiety” Anderson MA-19, rare “Unissued” with its full left margin Indent Completely Intact, “Rattlesnake Eating Tail encircling a Pine Tree” Vignette type, Choice Crisp Unused.
Low Rarity-6 (21 to 30 known) as listed by Anderson in the reference titled, “THE PRICE OF LIBERTY” as MA-19. An impressive looking crisp original Partly-Printed Certificate has serial number 394, manuscript denomination and date not completed. Extremely rare as an Unissued untrimmed example of this 1779 printed date Revolutionary War Treasury Note. This Bond is printed on high quality laid period paper. It measures 5.75” x 10.5” and is boldly printed with significant traces of original press text embossing remaining within the paper. One small ink burn hole in the serial number which is written within the left side marginal indent border design, if completed typically cut off and not present.
These certificates are some of the most sought-after pieces of fiscal paper from the American Revolutionary War period, due to the elaborate engravings used in their design, being after Paul Revere’s comprising the Pine Tree within the circled “Rattlesnake” vignette. This form is Signed by, “H(enry) Gardner” as Treasurer on the bottom right, and by “J. Mascarens” and “Stephen Minot” as “Committee” members, signed in crisp dark brown ink at lower left. Gardner’s signature has several horizontal lines being manuscript canceled. This example is in overall excellent condition, displaying bold impressive vignette and border engravings. An exciting example, considering it is fully complete, its full left side margin ornately typeset with a large engraved Script “MASSACHUSETTS” border design fully intact. |