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18th-century colonial American legal indenture / quitclaim deed, dated 1733, written on laid rag paper with multiple red wax seals and signatures.
Document includes a witness notation bearing the name “John Hancock.” No claim is made that this is the declaration signer. However, it could possibly be his father.
The text references:
Lexington, Massachusetts Bay
Multiple grantors including:
David Russel
Jonathan Russel
Nathaniel Russel
Abigail, Sarah, Thomas, William Brown, etc.
A transfer or release of rights/property to Benjamin Murray and Edward Winship/Winslow (spelling varies in period script).
The endorsement panel suggests it was formally recorded or witnessed in court. The numerous wax seals indicate multiple parties executing the instrument — a desirable feature for collectors.
This is the kind of document often categorized as:
Colonial Maryland legal manuscript
Pre-Revolutionary American deed
18th-century vellum/paper indenture
The handwriting and ink are period-correct and authentic.
Estimated Value
Large format complete manuscript
Multiple original wax seals
Strong colonial penmanship
Pre-Revolutionary era
Numerous signatures
Attractive display quality
Good survival condition for age
Heavy fold wear and toning
Difficult paleography (hard for casual buyers to read)
Original 18th-century colonial American legal manuscript / indenture deed, handwritten in iron gall ink on laid rag paper with numerous original red wax seals.
The document contains:
Extensive period handwritten text
Multiple original signatures
Numerous intact red wax seals
Colonial legal language and formatting
Folded filing format typical of early American deeds
Original endorsement notation on reverse
Named individuals appearing in the manuscript include members of the Russel/Russell family and others involved in the conveyance or release of land/property interests.
An outstanding example of early colonial American legal history and frontier-era and legible
Age toning and fold wear throughout
Scattered staining and edge wear consistent with age
Wax seals remain partially intact
No major paper loss observed
Please review all photographs carefully for condition and authentic 18th-century manuscript document.
Buyers are encouraged to obtain independent third-party authentication or archival review if desired.
A superb display and research piece.
