Signed book: The Playmate by Joseph Cundall. Boston: Wm. Crosby & H. P. Nichols, circa 1847. Hardcover, 6.25 x 8.25, 411 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page to his son as a Christmas gift, “Benjamin Pierce, from his affectionate Father, Dec’r 25, 1851.” Autographic condition: very good to fine, with light toning and foxing to the signed page, and a light bend passing through part of the handwriting. Book condition: VG/None. Accompanied by a custom-made slipcase.
Two months before entering the White House in 1853, Franklin and Jane Pierce experienced the ultimate tragedy when their last child, Benjamin, was killed in a gruesome train accident on January 6th—just a year and twelve days after the date of this book’s inscription. Having already lost their other two children, this final blow seriously affected both of them for the rest of their lives, and Pierce remained stricken with grief throughout his presidency. Inscribed to the then 10–year–old Benjamin Pierce, this is a remarkable piece of presidential family history. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*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.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.