Sold For $2,749
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Magnificent vintage matte-finish 9.75 x 12.5 portrait by Pach Bros. affixed to a 9.75 x 14 mount, signed and inscribed on the mount in fountain pen, “To comrade Wm. H. Crook from Theodore Roosevelt. June 25th, 1904.” Scratch along the left side, scattered surface marks and soiling, trimmed edges, and a block of even toning on the mount covering the signature and inscription, otherwise fine condition.
William Henry Crook was a Washington, D.C. police officer assigned as a White House guard starting in January 1865 and remained as a White House employee long after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln—still serving the White House in 1904, when he received this image. Crook was also on duty on April 14, 1865, before Lincoln was assassinated, and reported that earlier that evening, Lincoln asked him, ‘Crook, do you know I believe there are men who want to take my life? And I have no doubt they will do it.’ Sworn to serve and protect, Crook was also a collector who solicited letters and other mementoes of the various chief executives under whom he served—all of whom spoke in the highest terms of his faithfulness and abilities. Among those bestowing accolades—and a signed photograph—was TR, the 11th president to be guarded by Crook. He would go on to serve two more chief executives in a career that spanned 50 years. A fabulous, crystal clear portrait with excellent association. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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