Autographs
Boldly Written Naval Hero JOHN PAUL JONES Signature
JOHN PAUL JONES (1747-1792). Famous American Naval Officer and Hero.
Very Rare, Naval Hero JOHN PAUL JONES Clipped Signature, “Jno P Jones,” measuring 2.5” x 1”, no date or place, clip from a larger document, Choice Very Fine+. Jones’ signature is one of the scarcest in American naval history. Famous for his historic quote: “I have not yet begun to fight!” John Paul Jones’ signature is written in bold deep brown ink being an excellent example for display. It is nicely penned upon period laid paper and has some faint trivial tone near the bottom. Also included is a copy Color Lithograph of Jones, measuring 6.75” x 8.75” from the engraved colored plate by T.M. Moreau, trimmed at bottom through a facsimile signature.

Jones is best remembered for his famous words exclaimed when he refused to surrender his ship the Bon Homme Richard in a fierce battle with a British convoy escorted by the Serapis: “I have not yet begun to fight!” Paul was able to capture the Serapis in one of the most desperate sea battles in naval history. Every American historical Autograph collector worth his or her salt certainly holds John Paul Jones as a major “Key” that is lusted after as being greatly desired. (2 items).
John Paul Jones (1747-1792). Born John Paul in Scotland, he first served in British ships, then deserted to America after killing one of his crew (1773). During the American Revolution,Jones was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Continental Navy (December 7, 1775), and was given command of the Alfred (1775), the Providence (1776), and the Ranger (1777).

Successes against the British Atlantic shipping during this period earned him the command of the French-donated vessel Duras, renamed Bonhomme Richard as a compliment to Benjamin Franklin (1779). Jones is probably best remembered for his famous words exclaimed when he refused to surrender his ship in a fierce battle with a British convoy escorted by the Serapis: “I have not yet begun to fight!”

Paul was able to capture the Serapis in one of the most desperate sea battles in naval history. Though he won the fight, Jones lost his ship, which sank two days later. Jones served in the Russian navy on the Black Sea against the Turkish fleet from 1788-1790, which left his physically and mentally a broken man, and then resided in Paris until his death.