Description:

William H. Taft 1909 Inauguration Invitation & Souvenir Program

A lovely lot of two pieces relating to the inauguration of 27th U.S. President William H. Taft (1857-1930) and Vice President James S. Sherman (1855-1912). The lot includes an invitation to the Inauguration Ceremonies on March 4, 1909; and an inaugural souvenir program. Expected wear including isolated toning, foxing, ghost engraving impressions, and a few closed tears, else near fine. The largest item, the inaugural souvenir program, measures 8.125" x 11.25."

The lot consists of:

1. A printed invitation requesting "the honor of your presence…at the ceremonies attending the Inauguration of the President of the United States" on March 4, 1909. The invitation no longer includes the admission card once enclosed, but it does contain a handsome engraved portrait of Taft within. 6.25" x 9.875."

2. A 16pp inaugural souvenir program (Edward J. Stellwagen, Chairman, Inaugural Committee. Washington, D.C.: W.F. Roberts Press, © 1909). The program features three engravings, one of Taft, one of Sherman, and one of the North Portico of the White House, with original tissue guards. The program includes brief biographical descriptions of Taft provided by his predecessor Theodore Roosevelt, and of Sherman by New York Congressman Jacob Sloat Fassett. A list of the Inaugural Committee members is included at the back. Some of the deckled pages of Taft's and Sherman's biographical descriptions are uncut. With a light brown ribbon extending through its top hole punch, untied. 8.125" x 11.25."

William H. Taft served as president from 1909-1913; Sherman died at age 57 in October 1912, leaving Taft with no running mate for the last five months of his term.

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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May 31, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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