Description:

Benjamin Harrison
n.p., September 20, 1886
Benjamin Harrison 2x Signed & Personally Hand-Scripted Life Insurance Application, With Frederick Meserve Gelatin Photo
DS

A large single page "Application For Life Insurance" partially printed document signed, with accompanying silver gelatin photo. 8" x 13.5". Filled out in part by Benjamin Harrison in his own hand and twice signed by him as "Benjamin Harrison", once to the recto and once to the verso. Dated "September 20, 1886" on the verso. Overall toned with light creasing, tipped to larger sheet but removable. Two small 1mm holes near center of page. Accompanied by a 2" x 2.5" near fine silver print portrait of Benjamin Harrison with a Meserve Collection stamp to verso. A fantastic set.

The twice signed "Life Insurance Application", (stating on the verso that he qualified for $10,000 of life insurance) has a revealing questionnaire with Harrison declaring that that he is of temperate nature, drinks rarely, and is not engaged in any way in the sale of alcoholic liquors. The upper margin of the application indicates the tontine date of the policy was January 11, 1902 at which point it was paid out in full. Harrison died in March 1901. A handsome signed application, with additional Benjamin Harrison hand scripted notes.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: document 8" x 13.5"
  • Medium: DS

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October 8, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
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$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000