Incredibly early ink signature, “A. Lincoln,” and dated “August 30” in Lincoln’s hand, on an off-white 4 x 1 slip clipped from a printed 1832 soldier’s discharge. In very good condition, with scattered toning and soiling affecting appearance, vertical fold to left edge through portion of date, and a bit of light edge loss.
This signature was penned when Lincoln was a 23-year-old captain in the Black Hawk War, the earliest example that we have seen! Lincoln’s military service was very brief. He served as a volunteer in the Illinois militia from April 21-July 10, 1832. Lincoln never saw combat during his brief tenure, but was elected captain of his first company. A complete example of this form of document signed by Lincoln as a Captain, and dated a full month later, can be seen in Charles Hamilton’s American Autographs Volume II on page 438. This newly discovered, excised exemplar is exceedingly desirable, as it is only the third known example offered at public auction! The last item signed by “Captain Lincoln,” an April 1832 muster roll, captured $32,000 during a 2002 sale. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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