Francis Scott Key Handwritten Word Cut from An Autograph Letter Signed Beckett BAS

Offered for the first time ever – genuine handwriting from American Lawyer, Poet and “Star Spangled Banner” Author Francis Scott Key, authenticated and encapsulated by (BAS) Beckett Authentication Services. Each handwritten word was carefully removed from a handwritten legal brief by Key, author of the national anthem of the United States.

Each order will include one Key handwriting fragment selected from the dropdown menu. An example of the selection of Key words can be seen in the 2nd photo. Each word in the dropdown menu is an actual word handwritten by Key. You will receive one authentic piece of Key’s penmanship encapsulated by Beckett.

Each encapsulated word was individually removed from a Key’s handwritten legal brief circa 1804 regarding the alleged improper arrest and incarceration of his client who “…was tied & very inhumanly treated. The Plaintiff further makes oath that his said arrest and confinement was illegal and vexatious…” At the time, the 24 year old Key was a practicing attorney in Baltimore,Maryland, and it would be another 10 years before he would write his ballad of the infamous bombardment of Fort McHenry.

Genuine Francis Scott Key autograph documents are rare and can fetch thousands of dollars. This encapsulated word offers a rare and affordable opportunity to own an authentic piece of Key’s handwriting.

The cost of authenticating a single word of Key’s handwriting is $100 on Beckett's website.