Remarkable and comprehensive autograph collection featuring nearly all American presidents, entirely complete from George Washington to George Bush, comprised of a variety of formats including signatures, documents, letters, free franks, and photos, with all but the JFK and LBJ attractively framed and ready for display. The highlights of this collection are certainly the superior, bold examples of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy.
1. George Washington
Bold ink signature as president, "G:o Washington," on an off-white 4.25 x 3.25 slip clipped from a larger document. Handsomely mounted, double-matted, and ornately framed with a color portrait, engraved plaque, and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 24.5 x 21. In very good condition, with subtle intersecting folds, overall toning, and two cancellation slits cut through the "s" in his last name. A highly appealing example of Washington's sought-after presidential autograph.
2. John Adams
Crisp ink signature, "John Adams," on an off-white 4.5 x 1 slip clipped from the close of a letter, dated May 21, 1819. Double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 10.75 x 13.25. In fine condition, with overall toning and a small tear to the lower right. A choice, crisp signature of the scarce Founding Father.
3. Thomas Jefferson
Superlative ink signature, "Th: Jefferson," on an off-white 2.5 x 1.25 slip. Double-matted and framed with a color portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 15 x 20. In fine condition. An absolutely magnificent example in all respects.
4. James Madison
Free-franked mailing envelope panel, 5 x 3.25, addressed in another hand to "James Maury Esqr, Late Consul of the U. S. at Liverpool, City of New York," and franked in the upper right, "Free, James Madison." The panel is postmarked May 29 and bears a ‘Free’ ink stamp. Includes the original monogrammed red wax seal clipped from the cover, impressed with Madison's initials, "JM," and an engraving of Madison bearing a facsimile signature. Matted and framed together with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 15.25 x 19.75. Scattered creases, toning, and soiling, otherwise fine condition.
5. James Monroe
Desirable hand-addressed free frank, 4.75 x 3, addressed by Monroe to "William Dabney Esqr., Richmond, Virga," and franked in the upper right of the panel, "Dept. of State, Jas. Monroe." The panel is postmarked Washington, May 29, and bears a ‘Free’ ink stamp below his signature. Double-matted with a color portrait and nameplate to an overall size of 11 x 18. In very good condition, with three vertical folds (one passing through a single letter of the signature), scattered soiling, and a few creases.
6. John Quincy Adams
Bold ink signature, "J. Q. Adams," on an off-white 2 x .75 slip. Double-matted with a color portrait bearing a facsimile signature and a nameplate to an overall size of 11 x 18. In fine condition.
7. Andrew Jackson
Partly-printed DS as president, signed "Andrew Jackson," one page, 11.25 x 14, November 29, 1829. A document concerning a parcel of land. In part: "There has been deposited in the General Land Office a certificate…of the Register of the Land Office at Detroit in the Territory of Michigan, whereby it appears that…John Lawe was confirmed in his claim to the tract of land, containing one hundred and sixteen acres." Nicely signed at the conclusion by President Jackson and countersigned by Commissioner of the General Land Office George Graham. The white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains crisp and fully intact. Matted and framed with a portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 18 x 29. In fine condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature), one small hole to the body of the document, and a spot of soiling just beneath the first letter of Jackson's signature.
8. Martin Van Buren
ALS signed "M. Van Buren," one page, 4 x 6, March 25, 1842. In part: "I cheerfully comply with Miss Rutledge’s request by sending her my autograph." Double-matted with a color portrait and nameplate to an overall size of 11 x 18. Intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature) and scattered creases, otherwise fine condition.
9. William Henry Harrison
ADS signed "Wm. H. Harrison," one page, 7 x 2, August 12, 1795. A requisition order issued from Greeneville. In full: "For the Ottawas thirty seven pounds of beef & flour." Double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 14 x 14. In fine condition, with toning to edges and a small hole to the lower left.
10. John Tyler
ALS signed "J. Tyler," one page, 5.5 x 7, August 29, 1826. A letter to Doctor Curtis. In part: "I have agreed to pay…for my new carriage on the 15th Sept. and have to ask you to settle with him if possible." Double-matted and framed with a color portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 14 x 24. In fine condition, with intersecting folds and trivial dampstaining affecting the date.
11. James K. Polk
Elaborate ink signature, "I Have the Honor to be, Very Respectfully, yr obt & very Hmbl Servt, James K. Polk," clipped from the close of a letter. Double-matted and framed with a color portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 11.5 x 14.5. In fine condition, with overall toning.
12. Zachary Taylor
Ink signature as president, "Z. Taylor," on an off-white 3.75 x 1.75 slip dated March 22, 1850. Double-matted and framed with a color portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 12 x 15. In fine condition, with a few light spots of adhesive, mild toning, and slight show-through from writing to reverse.
13. Millard Fillmore
Hand-addressed free-franked envelope, 5.25 x 3, addressed by Fillmore to “The Gazette, Attica, New York,” and franked in the upper right, “M. Fillmore,” next to a “Free” stamp. Envelope also bears a September 10, Buffalo, New York, postal cancellation. Double-matted with a color portrait and nameplate to an overall size of 11 x 18. Moderate overall toning and light soiling, otherwise fine condition.
14. Franklin Pierce
ALS signed "Franklin Pierce," one page, 4 x 5, no date. Letter to "Hon. Mr. Appleton." In full: “If convenient will you allow me to see you for a few moments this morning?” Double-matted with a color portrait and nameplate to an overall size of 11 x 18. Intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature), a rough left edge, and show-through from writing in another hand on the reverse.
15. James Buchanan
Crisp ink signature, "James Buchanan," on an off-white slip clipped from a larger document. Double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 9.75 x 12.75. In fine condition, with light soiling.
16. Abraham Lincoln
Bold handwritten and signed endorsement as president, "Submitted to the Secretary of War, A. Lincoln, Jan. 23, 1863," penned on the reverse of a letter sent to him by Benjamin Brown French, two pages, 7.75 x 9.5, Office of the Commissioner of Public Buildings letterhead, January 21, 1863. French's letter, in part: "I have just recd. a letter from a very intimate friend, now at Memphis, Tenn. Surgeon John G. F. Holston…I know him to be as accomplished a surgeon as there is in the U. S. He went into service when the war commenced…has been in responsible & difficult positions, has never had a leave of absence or missed a day of duty. He was severely injured in the battles of Iuka & Corinth, & has not been well since…After the battle of Corinth Gen. Grant recommended him for promotion, but he has not received it. Surgeon Holston would be glad to receive the appointment of Medical inspector…I do not believe a better man can be found…My friend Holston was an original Republican, & did excellent service in the cause…I hope he will not remain unrewarded for his untiring duty, for he is always to be relied on." Matted and framed with a color portrait, transcript, and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 25.75 x 29. In fine condition, with intersecting folds and light toning (a line of toning through the date in Lincoln's endorsement).
17. Andrew Johnson
Manuscript DS as president, signed "Andrew Johnson," one page, 7.5 x 7, July 31, 1867. In full: "F. Andrews Esq is hereby appointed Acting Second Auditor of the Treasury, during the temporary absence of E. B. French Esq the Auditor." Double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 19.5 x 14.25. Intersecting folds with one small edge separation and light scattered soiling, otherwise fine condition.
18. Ulysses S. Grant
Partly-printed DS as president, signed "U. S. Grant," one page, February 28, 1871. President Grant directs the "Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to a Warrant for the pardon of Otto Andrea alias Otto Walde." Double-matted and framed with a color portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 19 x 12. In fine condition, with a horizontal fold passing through the signature.
19. Rutherford B. Hayes
ALS signed "R. B. Hayes," one page, 7.5 x 9, State of Ohio Executive Department letterhead, November 19, 1870. A letter to his son's schoolteacher. In part: "Ruddy has been suffering from a severe cold for several weeks, I have…thought best to take him out of the public school for the coming winter." Double-matted and framed with a color portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 13.5 x 17.5. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, noticeable mirroring to ink, and small blocks of adhesive remnants to the lower portion. Hayes's son, Rutherford Platt Hayes, would have been 12 years old at the time of this correspondence; he went on to become a librarian.
20. James A. Garfield
Ink free franking signature, "Free, J. A. Garfield, MC," on a beige 3.5 x 1.25 slip clipped from an address panel. Double-matted and framed with a color portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 12.5 x 20.5. In fine condition.
21. Chester A. Arthur
Bold ink signature, “C. A. Arthur,” on an off-white slip clipped from a larger document. Double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 9.25 x 11. In fine condition, with light brushing to his last name.
22. Grover Cleveland
ALS signed "Grover Cleveland," one page both sides, 4 x 6.5, March 8, 1884. In full: "I hardly know how to comply with your request that I write you a letter expressing some opinion or sentiment. Men in public life have to express so many opinions and sentiments that they are not apt to do so when they can avoid it. I suppose the truth is, the most you came for is my autograph—So here it is." Double-matted and framed with a portrait and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 18.5 x 16, with a window on the reverse for viewing the first portion of the letter. In fine condition, with show-through from writing to opposing sides.
23. Benjamin Harrison
Fletcher's Bank check, 7 x 2.5, filled out and signed by Harrison, "Benj. Harrison," payable to Schulmeyer Bros. for $7.77, April 26, 1888. Double-matted with a color portrait and nameplate to an overall size of 11 x 18. In fine condition, with two vertical folds (one passing through a single letter of the signature), and expected bank stamps and cancellation cuts above the signature.
25. William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt
Fantastic set of ink signatures, "William McKinley," "Ida McKinley," "Theodore Roosevelt, May 13th 1905," and "Charles W. Fairbanks, May 13, 1905," on an off-white 5.5 x 5.75 sheet. Double-matted and framed with three portraits and nameplates affixed to the glass to an overall size of 19 x 20. In fine condition. The McKinleys would have signed this much earlier than Roosevelt and Fairbanks; Roosevelt was McKinley's vice president, and ascended to the presidency with McKinley's assassination in 1901. Fairbanks became Roosevelt's vice president beginning in 1905.
26. Theodore Roosevelt
Handsome engraved portrait of Roosevelt, 7.25 x 10.5, signed and inscribed in ink as president, "To Mrs. Janie H. Rupert, with the regards of Theodore Roosevelt, Feb 18th 1909." Double-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 14.5 x 18. In very good condition, with scattered foxing and some light brushing and feathering to the signature.
27. William H. Taft
Sharp matte-finish 8.5 x 6.75 photo of Taft working at his desk, signed and inscribed in the lower border in ink, "For Frank G. Kelsey, with best wishes, Wm. H. Taft." Blindstamped in the lower left by Scherer. Double-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 14.75 x 12.5. Light overall fading and mild silvering to dark areas of the image, otherwise fine condition.
28. Woodrow Wilson
TLS as president, signed "Woodrow Wilson," one page, 6.75 x 7.25, White House letterhead, July 22, 1915. Letter to Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield. In part: "I shall entertain with much interest the report on fur seals which accompanied your letter." Also includes an earlier ink signature, "Woodrow Wilson," on an off-white 2 x 1 slip. Double-matted and framed with a period Hartsook photo and nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 16 x 26. In overall very good condition, with scattered creases, toning, and several office stamps and notations to the letter, substantial haloing to the signature on the letter, and scattered soiling and a tear passing through a portion of the signature on the slip.
29. Warren G. Harding
Unique handmade cut silhouette portrait of Harding on an off-white 3.75 x 4.5 card, signed in fountain pen, "Very truly yours, Warren G. Harding." Also signed below the image by artist, "Doris Burdick, 1920." Triple-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 9.25 x 10.5. In fine condition.
30. Calvin Coolidge
Distinguished matte-finish 7.5 x 11.25 portrait of Coolidge, signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen, "To E. S. Hooley, With regards, Calvin Coolidge, November 1922. Blindstamped in the lower left by renowned Washington photography studio Harris & Ewing. Double-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 14 x 17. In fine condition.
31. Herbert Hoover
Pearl-finish 7.25 x 9.25 photo of Hoover, nicely signed in a blank area in fountain pen, "The good wishes of Herbert Hoover." Double-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 13.25 x 15.25. A discolored area to the upper left and a few light creases, otherwise fine condition.
32. Franklin D. Roosevelt
Choice matte-finish 8.25 x 10.75 Bachrach portrait of Roosevelt behind his desk, signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen, "To Miss Effie Knowles, from Franklin Roosevelt." Double-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 16.5 x 19. In fine condition.
33. Harry S. Truman
Handsome matte-finish 7.25 x 9.25 portrait of Truman by Leo Stern, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, "Best wishes to Mrs. Mary Ana Kapek, from Harry S. Truman, 3/25/58." Double-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 13.75 x 15.75. In fine condition.
34. Dwight D. Eisenhower
TLS as president, signed "Dwight D. Eisenhower," one page, 6.5 x 7.5, White House letterhead, February 21, 1955. Letter to George E. Guthery. In full: "My grateful thanks for signing the beautiful, even though flattering, Resolution of personal commendation prepared by the Republican Finance Committee and given to me on February seventeenth." Double-matted and framed with the original mailing envelope, an image, and a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 19.75 x 16.5. In very good condition, with overall foxing and toning.
35. John F. Kennedy
TLS, one page, 8 x 10.5, United States Senate letterhead, February 18, 1959. Letter to Mrs. Edgar Deen of Fort Worth, Texas. In part: “I am very happy to give you my permission to use the picture of Anne Hutchinson in Great Christian Women, and I look forward with much interest to reading your new book. Thank you for your kind reference to my speech before the U. S. Conference of Mayors last September.” Scattered creases and a rusty paperclip impression to the upper left, otherwise fine condition. Kennedy had featured Anne Hutchinson, a member of the early Massachusetts Puritan congregation, in his 1957 book Profiles in Courage, citing her for holding true to her ideals and standing up to her minister and Governor Winthrop in holding her own religious meetings.
36. Lyndon B. Johnson
TLS, one page, 7 x 9, on personal letterhead, April 2, 1969. Letter to Miss Carol Nelson Tolson reads in full: “Thank you very much for your thoughtful telegram. I am indeed grateful for your generous words, and I hope you will enjoy having the enclosed. It comes with my very best wishes.” In fine condition, with some slight discoloration.
37. Richard Nixon
Color satin-finish 7.25 x 9.75 photo of Nixon with his hands clasped, signed in the lower border in black felt tip. Double-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 13.5 x 17. In fine condition.
38. Gerald R. Ford
Glossy 7 x 9 head-and-shoulders photo, signed and inscribed in the lower border in black felt tip, "To Adam F. Harwood, with best wishes, Gerald R. Ford." Double-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 12.5 x 14.5. In very good condition, with significant golding to image (affecting the overall appearance).
39. Jimmy Carter
Color 7.75 x 9.5 cardstock photo, signed in the lower border in black felt tip, "Best wishes, Jimmy Carter." Double-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 12.5 x 15.5. Haloing to the signature, otherwise fine condition.
40. Ronald Reagan
Vintage glossy 7 x 9 publicity photo of Reagan during his acting days, signed in blue ink. Double-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 12.5 x 14.5. In fine condition, with a few surface creases and light contrast to the signature against the background of his suit.
41. George H. W. Bush
Color satin-finish 7 x 8.75 photo of George and Barbara Bush, signed in black felt tip, "George Bush," and in blue felt tip, "With my very best, Barbara Bush" with a calligraphic inscription in another hand, "To The Reverend and Mrs. Dancer, with best wishes." Also includes a 5.75 x 3.25 vice president card, signed in black felt tip by George Bush. Double-matted and framed with a nameplate affixed to the glass to an overall size of 14.75 x 21. One word of the inscription struck through, otherwise overall fine condition.
43. George W. Bush
Color satin-finish 5 x 7.5 photo of Bush speaking at a podium outdoors, signed in black felt tip. Double-matted with a nameplate to an overall size of 11 x 18. In fine condition.
Aside from perhaps a complete collection of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, a presidential collection represents one of the pinnacles of autograph collecting, both from a historical and a collectible standpoint. A very impressive collection celebrating almost 225 years of the American presidency.
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