RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc Presents: Ask the Appraiser

This document signed by George Washington has been in my family for over 230 years. It is a wartime pass signed by GW on September 8th, 1780, at his Bergen County N.J. Headquarters now known as Van Saun Park in Paramus. This camp sat right above the escape route from the British in New York, New Bridge landing. My Great Grandfather x 7 was a Patriot and farmer from Cedar Grove N.J. who sold crops to the Continental army. This pass was issued to enable safe passage for his workers when delivering supplies to the troops.  Never having been appraised I would very much appreciate your insight.  I’m assuming it’s worth possibly a few thousand dollars. BTW my wife and I are big fans of your column!

Thanks,

   Rick P

Good afternoon, Rick. Your assumption is partially correct. In addition to being one of the country’s founding fathers, George Washington is a highly sought-after figure in the realm of historical relics and autographs. Washington’s autographed signature on public documents as well as private transactions, is one of the most desired by advanced autograph collectors. There are a variety of factors that can influence the value of Washington’s autograph. Throughout his life, Washington signed a variety of papers, including letters, land grants and directives for the military. Of which, yours is one. For me, the bold, flowing elegant font of his signature is instantly recognizable. All one has to do is look at Washington’s signature, to see it possessed a feeling of strength and authority. We see typically his name signed rather large with looping script. Each letter seems to flow smoothly to the next. Babe Ruth’s autograph has the same feel to it. Powerful figures with strong, bold signatures. It is interesting to note however, the difference in Washington’s signature on various letters and official documents. Depending on the situation and point of his life, George Washington deployed several signature styles. It seems he used one style of signature for official documents, like the Constitution and another style, more informal, still bold, for his private correspondence. Yet despite these changes in his signature, it remained elegant and powerful. Perhaps a reflection of Washington himself. Now for a brief explanation as to how appraisers determine a proper value. George Washington’s signature has a wide range of values. What I look at first, how uncommon is the document that bears his signature. An important document for example would have substantially more value than say a personally signed letter discussing less than important subject matter. Next, the condition of the signature. Clear, crisp, legible signatures will always command more value than faded or blurry ones. Keep in mind, these signatures are over 200 years old. How and where the paper was stored all these years matters tremendously. The next point I will touch on is the document’s origin. Based on the information you’ve supplied relative to this letter, it has been in your family for over 200 years, is a major consideration when determining the value. It is music to a collector’s ears! A signature that can be tracked through a clear line of family ownership is more valuable than one with an undocumented past. According to all the previously mentioned variables, the value of a Washington signature can range from a few thousand dollars to well over a million dollars. These values are based upon recently completed auction results, conversations with colleges in the field of American history as well as my personal interest in George Washington artifacts in general. Finally, in this column I like to have a bit of fun. So, I have saved the best for last. In your case the “best” is the local interest. Bergen County, Northern New Jersey and yes, even Pascack Valley history. Nothing can compete with local history interest. Just ask any local historian or collector of Bergen County memorabilia. This fact is yet another plus in the value department. It’s time to disclose the value of this important item. Based on my extensive research and again, several conversations with friends and associates at two major auction galleries that specialize in important American historical autographs, it is my professional opinion; the current value of this autographed handwritten letter is $20,000 USD. Also, it is my firm belief that George Washington historical documents, such as the one you possess, are a very wise investment against inflation and will continue to substantially increase with time in value. This fact can be substantiated by the sales records of any Washington autograph, letter or document in the last ten years. The current demand is unprecedented. Thank you for allowing me to inspect and appraise such a wonderful item. Please continue to take extra special care of this item for future generations to see.