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Philosopher John Locke???

I just came across this in a large lot of autographs collected in the 1800s that I bought at auction. Can anyone give me an opinion? The second, larger signature appears to be Damaris Masham. A Google search links her as an associate and protege of Locke's. The small slip is laid down on a larger page. Thanks for any assistance with this!

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Permalink Reply by Will McIntosh on April 16, 2021 at 6:50am

After some further research, I've discovered the other signature belongs to Esther Masham, daughter of Damaris Masham. John Locke lived with them for the last decade of his life.

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Permalink Reply by Will McIntosh on April 16, 2021 at 3:31pm

In case anyone is following along, I received a reply from a Locke scholar at Cambridge, who said the signature is in all likelihood authentic. It is part of a pastedown removed from a book that Locke had gifted to Esther Masham. Locke routinely signed his name inside the books he owned. He also suspects the "93" is in his hand. My day is officially made!

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Permalink Reply by G01ch on April 16, 2021 at 8:01pm

Congratulations!

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Permalink Reply by JK on April 16, 2021 at 4:44pm

Nice!

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Permalink Reply by stephen aronson on May 15, 2021 at 9:57pm

any chance at all that you might be willing to sell the john locke autograph. I have been looking for one for a while to add to my collection. all the best, sda@roarkcapital.com