c1840 Francis Scott Key — Rare “F. S. Key” Autograph Signature of the Author of “The Star-Spangled Banner”
Francis Scott Key (1779–1843). Bold ink signature, “F. S. Key,” on a clipped portion of an original early nineteenth-century manuscript.
An attractive autograph of Francis Scott Key, the distinguished Maryland attorney, United States attorney for the District of Columbia and author of the words that became America’s national anthem.
Key witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. At dawn on September 14, 1814, he saw the enormous American flag still flying above the fort and composed the poem originally titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” Set to music, it became “The Star-Spangled Banner” and was officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States in 1931.
The present example is boldly signed “F. S. Key.” in dark ink. The signature displays Key’s characteristic abbreviated form, flowing connected letters and pronounced descending stroke beneath the final “y.” It was evidently clipped from the conclusion of a letter or legal document, a common practice among nineteenth-century autograph collectors.
The paper exhibits expected age toning, scattered foxing and rust-colored staining or offsetting, principally away from the signature. The autograph itself remains dark, complete and highly presentable.
A desirable and displayable autograph of the man whose words gave the United States its national anthem.
Francis Scott Key (1779–1843). Bold ink signature, “F. S. Key,” on a clipped portion of an original early nineteenth-century manuscript.
An attractive autograph of Francis Scott Key, the distinguished Maryland attorney, United States attorney for the District of Columbia and author of the words that became America’s national anthem.
Key witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. At dawn on September 14, 1814, he saw the enormous American flag still flying above the fort and composed the poem originally titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” Set to music, it became “The Star-Spangled Banner” and was officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States in 1931.
The present example is boldly signed “F. S. Key.” in dark ink. The signature displays Key’s characteristic abbreviated form, flowing connected letters and pronounced descending stroke beneath the final “y.” It was evidently clipped from the conclusion of a letter or legal document, a common practice among nineteenth-century autograph collectors.
The paper exhibits expected age toning, scattered foxing and rust-colored staining or offsetting, principally away from the signature. The autograph itself remains dark, complete and highly presentable.
A desirable and displayable autograph of the man whose words gave the United States its national anthem.
