George Washington signed discharge auctioning for $12,000

A signed military discharge from George Washington is currently selling for $12,000 in an online sale, which closes tonight (September 19).

George Washington signed discharge
The document was signed just a few months before Washington resigned



The document is dated July 10, 1783, at the end of the American war of independence. It shows Washington discharging wounded soldier Robert Hargrove from service, reading:

"By His Excellency George Washington Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States: Robert Hargrove Soldier in the Third Regiment of Massachusetts, having been reported by a Board of Officers appointed for the Examination of the Invalids of the Army as unfit for any further Duty either in the Field or Garrison—being lame—is hereby discharged from the service of the United States."

In July 1783, the war of independence was drawing to a conclusion and Washington was reaching the final days in his role as commander in chief of the US army. It was on December 23, 1783 that the soon-to-be president disbanded his troops, famously resigning his commission.

The impressive document boasts a strong example of Washington's flourishing signature at the base, though it has undergone extensive restoration work. Backed at the reverse, it is also marred by a few small areas of paper loss and scattered light toning and soiling.

The auction's highest selling lot is an outstanding collection of presidential signatures, which features an example from every president from Washington to Kennedy. With each item framed with a portrait of the respective president, it is currently selling at $43,681.

PFC Auctions is currently selling an authentic lock of George Washington's hair, his signature and a piece of his coat, all of which are framed with a classic portrait of American's first president.

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