Description:

James Garfield
Washington, D.C., March 11, 1881
James Garfield Rare Inaugural Photograph Signed As President - Unique Rarity!
Signed photograph
A rare mounted albumen photograph of President James Garfield giving his inaugural address, Washington, D.C., dated March 11, 1881. The photograph measures 9.75" x 8.25 ", affixed to a 14" x 12" mount. Signed and inscribed on the mount in black ink as president, "To Alex Campbell, Jr., With the compliments of J. A. Garfield, Washington, DC, March 11, 1881." Damp staining along the top and bottom margins, affecting a small area of the photograph and lightly affecting Garfield's signature. Some cracks and creasing to the mount, which have been reinforced with archival tissue on reverse. Bold signature.

Garfield is photographed standing on the east portico of the US Capitol on March 4, 1881, surrounded by a large audience. The photograph is accompanied by a letter from Williams College, Garfield's alma mater, noting that this photograph is reproduced in the biography "The Garfield Orbit" by Margaret Leech. As Garfield's tenure in office was cut short when he was assassinated four months into his presidency, his autographs signed as president are extremely rare. This extraordinary photograph of a historic moment—a rarity on its own given its large size—is possibly unique.

Garfield began preparing for his inaugural address in December, beginning by reading the speeches of his predecessors in chronological order. He found most of them—except Lincoln's—to be "dreary reading," and expected his would be the same. After writing and revising over the course of months, he tore up the speech and rewrote it three days before the inauguration. Although Garfield was known as a skilled orator, his inaugural address was considered by some to be below expectations as he focused on placating cabinet members on the nation's issues in agriculture, commerce, currency, and civil service reform. Following the address, Chief Justice Morrison Waite administered the oath of office and Garfield was officially sworn in as the twentieth president of the United States.

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: 14" x 12"
  • Medium: Signed photograph

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August 7, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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