Lot 31

Superb U.S. Grant Signature on Lovely Minister Appointment of his Brother-in-Law

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Superb U.S. Grant Signature on Lovely Minister Appointment of his Brother-in-Law

Estimate: $800 - $1,000

Current Bid: $600

(9 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Ulysses Grant
Washington, DC, August 15, 1876
Superb U.S. Grant Signature on Lovely Minister Appointment of his Brother-in-Law
PPDS

Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885). Partially printed, partially manuscript document signed, "U.S. Grant," as president, 1p, Washington, August 15, 1876, being an appointment of Michael J. Cramer to Charge d'Affaires to Denmark. Countersigned by Hamilton Fish (1808-1893) as secretary of state. With a pristine, large white embossed sawtooth Great Seal of the United States at lower left. Blank verso. Folds with minor separation and loss, some of which have repair verso. Light uniform toning at edges. In fine condition and boldly signed.

Mary Frances Grant Cramer (1839-1905) was Ulysses S. Grant's beloved "kid sister." Despite the fact that Mary was seventeen years younger than Ulysses, the two maintained a lifelong, deeply affectionate bond. Grant supported her and her husband Michael J. Cramer (1835-1898) personally and professionally, helping Cramer secure several pivotal diplomatic appointments during his presidency, such as the one here offered.

Cramer earned his way through college by teaching German and Latin and working part time as a printer. He studied for the ministry and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1860, preaching for four years. In 1864, Abraham Lincoln appointed him Hospital Chaplain, in which post he ministered to sick, wounded and dying soldiers. Cramer stayed in the service until 1867, when he was named U.S. Consul at Leipzig, Germany. Following that, he was appointed Ambassador to Denmark, where he served for over a decade, then U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland. Cramer returned to the United States in 1885, the day after the death of Ulysses S. Grant, where he remained, and became a professor of theology at Boston University after a long and illustrious diplomatic career.

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: 15.5" x 11.75"
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$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