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Lot #234
Franz Ferdinand

Early portrait of the 20-year-old archduke whose assassination sparked World War I

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Description

Early portrait of the 20-year-old archduke whose assassination sparked World War I

Extremely rare 5.75 x 9.75 cabinet card–style bust portrait of Franz Ferdinand in military uniform, nicely signed in the lower right in black ink with his name and rank, “Franz Obrst Lt,” adding the place and date, “Enns 8/7 84,” to the lower left. Published by Adele of Vienna. Scattered soiling (primarily to the left side of the image), otherwise fine condition. In the summer of 1884, Ferdinand was just 20 years old and found himself stationed in Enns as a lieutenant in the Dragoons. He disliked the experience and was bored with the city, but he found military life to be better after being promoted to major and moving to Prague in 1888. An exceptionally desirable signed photo of this historically important figure, and quite possibly the earliest known example. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #453 - Ended June 17, 2015





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.