Massive display featuring six items—two signed by Warren G. Harding and three signed by Charles Evans Hughes—highlighted by two presidential paychecks—one endorsed by President Warren G. Harding, and the other dated just two days prior to his death, endorsed by the executor of his estate. The checks are matted, framed, and hinged against the huge 52 x 33 display, allowing both sides to be viewed. Includes:
1. Extremely rare presidential paycheck from the Treasurer of the United States, 8.25 x 3, filled out in type and made payable to "Warren G. Harding, President of the United States, The White House, Washington DC" for $6,250, April 30, 1923, crisply endorsed on the reverse, "Warren G. Harding." At this time the salary for the US president was $75,000 per year, paid monthly. A noteworthy example of a presidential rarity.
2. Unique presidential paycheck from the Treasurer of the United States, 8.25 x 3, filled out in type and made payable to "Warren G. Harding, President of the United States, The White House, Washington DC" for $6,250, July 31, 1923, endorsed on the reverse, "Charles D. Schaffner, Executor of the Estate of Warren G. Harding, Late President of the United States." A rare and significant piece, seeing as only eight presidents have died while in office.
3. Matte-finish 10.5 x 13 photo of Harding in profile by Harris & Ewing, signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen, "To W. R. Smith, with most cordial greetings and good wishes from one of the Fourth Estate, Warren G. Harding."
4. Matte-finish 7 x 10.5 photo of Charles Evans Hughes by Harris & Ewing, signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen, "To Mr. H. R. Cornish, With cordial regards, Charles E. Hughes, Feb. 23, 1930."
5. TLS signed "Charles E. Hughes," one page, 6.5 x 8.5, Secretary of State letterhead, March 1, 1924, in part: "I have received your letter of February twenty-ninth and take pleasure in sending you an autographed copy of my address in honor of President Harding."
6. Booklet entitled "Memorial Address in honor of the Late President Warren G. Harding, delivered by Honorable Charles E. Hughes," signed on the front cover in fountain pen, "Charles E. Hughes, Feb. 27, 1924." The 20-page booklet contains the text of Hughes' speech delivered in the House Chamber; a photocopy of the complete booklet is housed in a nook behind the checks.
In overall fine condition. Warren G. Harding (1865-1923) was the first sitting United States Senator to be elected to the Oval Office. He served just one term in Congress after six years working in Ohio as a state congressman (1900-1904) and Lieutenant Governor (1904-1906). His tenure as President was marred by corruption carried out by appointed officials from his home state of Ohio. The Ohio Gang's activities were not uncovered until after the President's death.
Charles Hughes (1862-1948) was nominated by Harding to serve as Secretary of State, a position he held from 1921 to 1925. He was also an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1910-1916) and later a Chief Justice (1930-1941). Hughes resigned from the Supreme Court in 1916 to run for President. Woodrow Wilson defeated him in a close election.
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