1828 Massachusetts Justice of the Peace Commission Signed by Governor Levi For Sale

The document is signed in a bold, elegant hand by Governor Levi Lincoln Jr., one of Massachusetts' longest-serving governors, and countersigned by Edward D. Bangs, Secretary of the Commonwealth. A beautifully preserved large embossed Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dominates the left side of the document, providing exceptional visual appeal.

Joshua Blake was a respected Boston attorney and public official, making this an identifiable historical appointment rather than an anonymous commission.

Printed on period laid paper with manuscript insertions throughout, the commission remains in very good condition with original folds, light age toning, and no major defects. The reverse retains the original docket identifying the recipient.

An outstanding example of an early nineteenth-century Massachusetts state commission, combining an impressive embossed seal, bold gubernatorial signature, and historical association with one of Boston's prominent legal figures. Ideal for collectors of early American legal history, gubernatorial autographs, Massachusetts ephemera, and official state documents.

• Date: March 1, 1828
• State: Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Office: Justice of the Peace, Suffolk County
• Governor: Levi Lincoln Jr. [Governor of Massachusetts, 1825–1834]
• Secretary of the Commonwealth: Edward D. Bangs
• Recipient: Joshua Blake, Esquire of Boston
• Term: Seven years

The commission bears:

• The large embossed Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, beautifully preserved.
• The bold, oversized autograph signature of Governor Levi Lincoln Jr.
• The signature of Edward D. Bangs, Secretary of the Commonwealth.
• Original docketing on the reverse: "Joshua Blake Esq., Suffolk."

Joshua Blake [1778–1843] was a prominent Boston attorney and public official who served in several civic and judicial capacities during the early nineteenth century.

Very Good.

• Crisp laid paper.
• Strong blind embossed state seal.
• Dark, attractive governor's signature.
• Original folds as issued.
• Minor edge wear and light toning consistent with age.
• No significant losses or repairs visible.

Massachusetts commissions signed by Levi Lincoln Jr. are desirable because Lincoln was one of the state's longest-serving governors and the son of Revolutionary statesman and U.S. Attorney General Levi Lincoln Sr. Official commissions bearing his large signature and embossed seal are collected by:

• Massachusetts historians
• Early American legal collectors
• Political autograph collectors
• Judicial document collectors

The large blind seal adds considerably to its display appeal.