Blotter ink signature, as president and in reverse, “William McKinley,” on an off-white 8 x 4 trimmed blotter. Signature is accompanied by a letter of provenance on Sergeant-at-Arms, U. S. Senate letterhead, dated July 9, 1898, which reads, in part: “The inclosed blotter was used by Mr. McKinley yesterday in the President’s room in the Capitol after signing some one of the bills of the last day of the 2nd Session of the 55th Congress—a session that will be famous in history for its Revenue Bill, its Declaration of War with Spain, and its Annexation of Hawaii…. Hold blotter before mirror to read autograph.” Cleverly double matted and framed in three hinged sections, with a biographical plaque, a portrait of McKinley, and a mirror for viewing the autograph, to an overall size of 41 x 24.5. In very good condition, with scattered light toning and soiling to blotter, a few rusty paperclip impressions, and slightly thick signature from excess ink flow and nature of blotter paper. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
