This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2026
Society of Cincinnati document signed by George Washington, conferring membership to William Munson in the exclusive Society of Revolutionary War officers and their eldest male heirs. Signed ''Go: Washington'' as President of the Society and countersigned by Henry Knox as Secretary, dated 4 July 1786 the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The recipient, William Munson served in the Revolutionary War as 1st Lieutenant with Elmore's Continental Regiment in April 1776 and then with the 2nd Canadian, Hazen's Regiment in November 1776. He was promoted to Captain of in 1778 and fought until 1783. Munson was later appointed by George Washington as customs surveyor and inspector at the port of New Haven, Connecticut.
Vellum document measures approximately 20.25'' x 14.25'', with decorative vignettes by Auguste L. Belle and Jean-Jacques Andre LeVeau depicting the Society of Cincinnati seal alongside an American in knight's armor crushing the British standard and the American eagle striking the British lion and Britannia with thunderbolts. Light wear to vellum and small hole repaired at lower center not affecting writing or engravings. Very good condition with no tracing to Washington's signature as is often found on Society of Cincinnati documents.