Description:

William McKinley
n.p., n.d.
William McKinley Signed Executive Mansion Card, Plus "Last Picture" Press Photo
Signed Card with Photograph

Two items relating to 25th U.S. President William McKinley (1843-1901), including a White House card signed by McKinley; and an undated press photograph showing McKinley at the Pan-American Exposition, known as "the last posed photograph." N.d., n.p. Condition issues will be elaborated below, but are overall very good to near fine. The largest item, the press photograph, measures 7.125" x 9."

The lot includes:

1. A White House card boldly signed by McKinley as "William McKinley" at center. The cream-colored stock card is embossed "Executive Mansion, / Washington" in the upper right corner. Gently toned with a few isolated spots recto and verso, otherwise superb. The card measures 4.375" x 2.75."

2. An undated press photograph, widely considered "the last posed photograph" ever taken of McKinley. The black and white glossy photographic print is affixed with a typed press caption verso as: "One day before his martyrdom, you see President William McKinley in front of the U.S. Government Building at the Buffalo Exposition, Sept. 5, 1901. This is virtually his last picture, for on the following day he was murdered by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist." A hand-stamped press attribution verso is partly concealed by tape. With scattered wrinkles and minor areas of loss affecting the right edge. Else very good. 7.125" x 9."

The original photograph of McKinley's party at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York was taken by official White House photographer Frances Benjamin Johnston on September 5, 1901, the day before McKinley was shot. It shows McKinley at center, surrounded by event organizers, aides, and diplomats, including his personal secretary, George B. Cortelyou (shown just behind McKinley's left shoulder), who had attempted to cancel McKinley's appearance because of safety concerns. Although there were a few candid photographs of McKinley taken after Johnston's September 5th group photograph, this was McKinley's last known portrait.

McKinley was receiving guests in the Temple of Music at the Pan-American Exposition when he was fatally shot in the abdomen by anarchist Leon Czolgosz on September 6, 1901. McKinley died of gangrene a little over a week later, on September 14, 1901.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: photograph: 7.125" x 9"
  • Medium: Signed Card with Photograph

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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