An "autograph" is anything written in the person's own hand. It does not have to be (or contain) a signature. Hence the autographic designations:
A.L. Autograph Letter (letter in the person's hand, no signature)
A.L.S. Autograph Letter Signed (letter in the person's hand, with signature)
A.D. Autograph Document (document in the person's hand, no signature)
A.D.S. Autograph Document Signed (document in the person's hand, with signature)
A.M. Autograph Manuscript (manuscript in the person's hand, no signature)
A.M.S. Autograph Manuscript Signed (Manuscript in the person's hand, with signature)
That return address cut is at least an A.D., and some would call it an A.D.S. That Washington cut is a piece of an A.D.
Last edited by David Atkatz; 05-09-2012 at 01:15 PM.
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