 'We Promise Jointly and Severally to pay to Hunking Wentworth of Portsmouth Merchant or Order..'. December 25, 1734. Twelve Pence or One Shilling. No.2065. Signed by Hen.(ry) Sherburne, Geo.(rge) Jaffrey, and Theo.(dore) Atkinson. Signed on the verso, by the assignee, Hunking Wentworth. Printed on sturdy, laid paper. 105mm by 155mm. A very ''tall'' note, printed in black face and back. The top half has the textual agreement enclosed in an ornate tablet, engraved indent at the top face. At the lower left is a Colony Seal in circle with pine tree motif, motto BENEFICIO COMMERCI (For the benefit of trade). The back has ornate scroll indent printed at the top and a ship vignette heading west, to the colonies.
Printed from a very strong plate with deep clarity. The back printing is centered to the left, the scroll partially off the paper. Fine to Very Fine, quarter folded with some other off folds. There are some minor edge splits, but the paper maintains much of its integrity and crispness. A hinge remnant on the face and a small scotch tape piece at the back top edge. There is corner rounding at the top of the indent. Moderate soiling on the back, mostly along the folds. Overall, a very sharp example of this rare issue and with the bottom not trimmed away.
Hunking Wentworth (1699-1784) was later a member of the Committee of Safety in 1774. He was certainly a man of great financial influence in the province. George Jaffrey was later a member of Belcher's council in 1737.
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