Lot 2018

EXTREMELY RARE GEORGE WASHINGTON 1796 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS BIRTHDAY ADMISSION TICKET AND COVER

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EXTREMELY RARE GEORGE WASHINGTON 1796 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS BIRTHDAY ADMISSION TICKET AND COVER

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Starting Bid: $1,000

(0 Bids)

by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates
June 27, 2026 9:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
2177 Green Valley Lane
Mt. Crawford, VA, US 22841

EXTREMELY RARE GEORGE WASHINGTON 1796 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS BIRTHDAY ADMISSION TICKET AND COVER, addressed to "The hon/ble: Judge Sumner." Comprising (1) a print and manuscript ticket on stiff-stock laid paper featuring an American Federal spread-wing, shield-breast eagle holding an "E Pluribus Unum" banner atop a decorative border enclosing "President's Birth=Day. / ADMIT The hon.ble Judge Sumner / Dinner on Table at half past 2 o'Clock. / February 22, 1796" with the 6 being an ink overwrite of 1794; along with (2) the original manuscript on folded laid paper cover/envelope inscribed "The Committee in behalf of the Subscribers to the Festival of the 22 inst., have the honor respectfully to present the inclosed [sic] Ticket of Admission. Concert Hall / Wednesday 17th Feby. 1796", addressed to Judge Sumner in the same hand as the ticket. The cover with sealing wax intact. The archival frame and mat in which these were displayed are available. 1796. 3" x 4 5/8" and 7 3/8" x 8 7/8" flat sheet, 3 1/4" x 4 3/4" folded
Catalogue Note: The February 22, 1796, celebration of President Washington's 64th birthday was one of the most widely observed public events in the young United States, with extravagant galas held in nearly all major cities and many smaller towns. The recipient of this ticket was Judge Increase Sumner (1746-1799), a staunch Federalist who held many positions in the state of Massachusetts. He was the state's fifth governor, serving from 1797 to 1799. Trained as a lawyer, he served in the Massachusetts provincial government during the Revolutionary War and was elected to the Confederation Congress in 1782. Governor John Hancock nominated him to the Massachusetts Supreme Court the same year, and he served there until 1797.

  • Provenance:

    From the Richard and Catherine Hubbard collection, Cape Charles/Williamsburg, VA.

  • Condition:

    Excellent condition, the cover has some light staining and toning at the fold creases and three pinholes at the corners of the creases.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000