Description:

Woodrow Wilson
Washington DC, June 4, 1920
Woodrow Wilson Signed Appointment - Unusually Large Signature!
DS

Presidential diplomatic appointment document, June 4, 1920, and issued from Washington, D.C. is boldly signed by President Woodrow Wilson and Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby. The partially printed document formally appoints Ralph C. Busser of Pennsylvania as a U.S. Consul of Class Four. The text is beautifully engrossed in flowing calligraphic script on vellum paper, with the embossed paper seal of the United States is affixed at the lower left, remaining clean and intact. Wilson's signature, uniquely large, appears crisply in the lower right, with Colby's signature just below the engrossed closing. Excellent condition with only minor handling wear, remarkable for its age. Measures 2.5" x 4."

This is the only official document we have ever seen signed in pencil! Wilson's signature is unusually large and bold.

Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. His second term encompassed the U.S. involvement in World War I and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles negotiations. By 1920, Wilson's health had sharply declined following a debilitating stroke in 1919, making authentic, clear Wilson signatures from this period particularly sought after by collectors. The appointment of Ralph C. Busser fits into the broader context of Wilson's diplomatic efforts to strengthen American presence and influence internationally, even as the League of Nations initiative faltered domestically.

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: 23" x 19"
  • Medium: DS

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June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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