Original handwritten British colonial Jamaican notarial certificate executed at Kingston on December 31, 1856, and signed at lower right by John Morce as “Jno. Morce, Notary Public.”
In the document, Morce certifies that George Symons Airey, described as a solicitor of Kingston, was sworn concerning the truth of affidavits annexed to the certificate. Morce further authenticates the handwriting and signatures of Airey and the Honorable Richard Anthony O’Reilly appearing upon those affidavits.
O’Reilly is identified in the instrument as an Assistant Judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Jamaica and as being qualified to administer oaths on the island.
The certificate bears an impressive original red embossed notarial paper or wafer seal mounted over a faded pink ribbon. Portions of the circular device and surrounding lettering remain visible. Morce’s large handwritten signature and “Notary Public” title appear prominently beneath the dated certification.
A visually striking primary-source artifact from the legal and judicial establishment of mid-19th-century British Jamaica. Particularly desirable for collectors of Jamaican history, the British West Indies, Victorian legal manuscripts, colonial government material, judicial history, autographs, and antique seals.
IMPORTANT COMPLETENESS NOTE: The affidavit or affidavits described in the document as “hereunto annexed” are no longer present. Neither Airey’s nor O’Reilly’s autograph appears on this surviving sheet. The visible original signature is that of John Morce. This listing is for the single notarial certification sheet shown in the photographs.
Approximately 9 1/4 x 9 1/4 inches when unfolded.
Condition: Original period folds with general age toning, scattered soiling and staining, edge wear, several small tears, slits or former attachment openings, and minor pencil notation on the reverse. The red embossed seal has extensive age cracking, surface lifting and areas of loss but remains substantially attached. The ribbon is faded and frayed with loose ends. Manuscript remains legible and Morce’s signature is bold. Please inspect all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Type: Handwritten Notarial Certificate / Legal Manuscript
Original/Reproduction: Original
Date: December 31, 1856
Era: Victorian
Place of Origin: Kingston, Jamaica
Country/Region: British Jamaica / British West Indies
Primary Signatory: John Morce
Signature: “Jno. Morce, Notary Public”
Other Named Persons: George Symons Airey; Hon. Richard Anthony O’Reilly
Court Mentioned: Supreme Court of Judicature of Jamaica
Subject: Authentication of Oath, Handwriting and Signatures
Seal: Original Red Embossed Notarial Paper/Wafer Seal
Ribbon: Original Faded Pink Ribbon
Material: Ink on Paper
Language: English
Signed: Yes
Number of Sheets: One
Approximate Size: 9 1/4 x 9 1/4 Inches Unfolded
Affidavit Status: Referenced Annexed Affidavit(s) Not Present
Theme: Jamaica History, Colonial Law, British West Indies, Judiciary
Condition: Antique Condition; See Full Description and Photographs