January’s History and Culture auction features rare presidential memorabilia and ephemera capturing first-hand accounts and artifacts of United States history. From one-of-a-kind authentic autographs to photographs capturing pivotal historical moments, the items up for auction this month are sure to catch the attention of history enthusiasts and collectors alike. Featured below are some of the most intriguing presidential and vice presidential lots from this month’s History & Culture Auction. Be sure to visit our Presidents and Vice Presidents Category for even more selections, too!
1. LOT 3 | GROVER CLEVELAND - 22ND & 24TH U.S. PRESIDENT - FRAMED CLIPPED AUTOGRAPH
Estimate: $200-$250
Stephen Grover Cleveland was born on March 18, 1837. He died on June 24, 1908 and was a prominent American politician. He held the office of the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, serving from 1885 to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897. Prior to his presidency, Cleveland made a name for himself as a mayor and governor in New York state, earning recognition for his efforts as an anti-corruption advocate. Cleveland holds the distinction of being the only U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms. Despite winning the popular vote in three presidential elections (1884, 1888, and 1892), he faced defeat in the electoral college vote in 1888 to Benjamin Harrison. His election as a Democrat during a period of Republican dominance (1861 to 1933) marked a significant chapter in U.S. political history.
This piece is a clipped autograph by Grover Cleveland, framed, measuring approximately 3.5 x 1.” The autographed clip is in near-fine condition, matted and framed alongside his portrait, resulting in a finished size of 14.5 x 17".
Estimate: $400 - $500
Calvin Coolidge (July 4, 1872 - January 5, 1933) was an American attorney and politician. He was the 30th President of the United States from 1923 to 1929. Coolidge began his presidency by trying to clean up the scandals before his election. He made an effort to reestablish morals and values in the White House by removing the corruptors and restoring American trust.
This Calvin Coolidge autographed Official White House calling card is in fine condition. A White House calling card is a formal and official card issued by the White House. It has the official emblem or symbol of the President of the United States. These cards are used for various purposes, including invitations, greetings, or official correspondence from the President's office. They often feature the President's name, title, and official insignia, adding a touch of formality to communication originating from the White House. The use of calling cards aligns with traditional etiquette and protocol in official and diplomatic arenas.
Estimate: $300 - $400
Millard Fillmore was born on January 7, 1800 and lived until March 8, 1874. He served as the 13th President of the United States from 1850 to 1853. He was the last president affiliated with the Whig Party during his term in the White House. Prior to his presidency, Fillmore, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York, was the 12th vice president in 1848. He became president of the United States in July 1850 following the death of Zachary Taylor. Fillmore played a crucial role in the passage of the Compromise of 1850, a significant agreement that temporarily eased tensions in the contentious debate over the expansion of slavery.
This piece is an autographed album page by Millard Fillmore, signed during his presidency on August 17th, 1850. Additionally, the page has signatures from Daniel Webster as Secretary of State, Thomas Corwin as Secretary of the Treasury, and Thomas M. T. McKennan as Secretary of the Interior.
While displaying slight signs of age and toning, the page remains in excellent condition, and has clear and distinct signatures. The signature page measures approximately 5.5 x 7" and has been matted with an engraved portrait of Fillmore. The vintage frame enclosing the ensemble measures 18.25 x 13".
Estimate: $200 - $250
James Abram Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, and tragically passed away on September 19, 1881. He was the 20th President of the United States. He served from March 1881 until his death in September of the same year, which was the result of an assassination attempt in July. Garfield, a lawyer and Civil War general, served nine terms in the United States House of Representatives. Interestingly, he is the only individual who was a sitting member of the House to be elected as President.
This piece has James A. Garfield’s signature trimmed carefully with facsimile signed cabinet card photograph in overall good condition.
Estimate: $500 - $600
Warren Gamaliel Harding (November 2, 1865) was the 29th president of the United States from 1921 until 1923. He died on August 2, 1923 at the age of 57 while on tour of the Western US. The unexpected cause of death was a heart attack. Though he was popular in the Republican Party, various scandals, including the Teapot Dome Scandal, tarnished his reputation.
This distinctive lot is an autographed oversized printed portrait of Warren Harding showing a bill signing. Harding's bold black fountain pen signature is situated below the image on the lower mount edge. The mounted image measures approximately 16 x 12".
The portrait is in excellent condition and has been framed to a finished size of 17 x 13.5".
Estimate: $400 - $500
Rutherford Birchard Hayes (October 4, 1822- January 17, 1893) , an American lawyer and politician, was the 19th President of the United States from 1877 to 1881. Prior to his presidency, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as the governor of Ohio. Interestingly, he was the first president to have a phone installed in the Whitehouse.
In this lot is an 1886 autographed Rutherford B. Hayes guest card measuring 4.5 x 3.5". When it comes to guest cards, President Abraham Lincoln introduced the use of these printed presidential stationery featuring the title "Executive Mansion." President Ulysses S. Grant was the first to utilize Executive Mansion cards. For collectors, Executive Mansion cards signed by Rutherford B. Hayes often mark the beginning of their collections.
Estimate: $150 - $200
Herbert Hoover ( August 10, 1874 - October 20, 1964) was the 31st President of the United States from 1929 to 1933. He came to office just before the start of the Great Depression, and his presidency faced the steep challenges of economic downturn. Hoover, a Republican, is often known for his response to the economic crisis, which has been criticized as insufficient. Despite his earlier successes as a mining engineer and humanitarian efforts during World War I, his presidency is largely defined by the challenges of the Great Depression.
This is an autographed page by Herbert Hoover on Waldorf Astoria stationery, measuring 5.25 x 3.5" in near fine condition. The Waldorf Astoria of New York, also known as the “palace in the city,” was first constructed in 1893 and has been visited by cultural luminaries, political dignitaries, royalty, and musicians.
Estimate: $250 - $350
William McKinley was born on January 29, 1843 and was assassinated on September 14, 1901. He served as the 25th President of the United States from 1897 until his death. Before his presidency, McKinley started his public service journey in 1869, in the role of prosecuting attorney for Stark County, which he held for two years. His political career extended to multiple terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1877 to 1883, 1883 to 1884, and 1885 to 1891. Additionally, he played a significant role as a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1884, 1888, and 1892.
McKinley then won the Republican gubernatorial nomination and eventually won in the 1891 general election, as well as reelection for a second term in 1893. Throughout his governorship, McKinley created improvements to the tax system, supported a railroad safety law, started a state board of arbitration, and effectively addressed a coal miners' strike. Then, after concluding his role as governor, McKinley achieved the 1896 presidential nomination.
His presidency witnessed success in the Spanish–American War of 1898, leading to the acquisition of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Cuba. McKinley played a crucial role in restoring prosperity after a profound depression by opposing the inflationary monetary policy of free silver, maintaining the nation on the gold standard, and implementing protective tariffs.
This exclusive historical document is an autographed Military Appointment by William McKinley, appointing him as the Governor of Ohio and on May 3, 1894. The document is framed to an overall size of 15.5 x 18.25" and is in excellent condition overall.
9. LOT 35 | WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT - 27TH U.S. PRESIDENT - AUTOGRAPHED LETTER (TLS), 1904
Estimate: $200 - $250
William Howard Taft (September 15, 1857 - March 8, 1930) was the 27th President of the United States from 1909 to 1913 and the tenth Chief Justice of the United States from 1921 to 1930—the only individual to have occupied both positions. Taft, elected president in 1908 as Theodore Roosevelt's chosen successor, faced defeat for re-election in 1912 when Roosevelt's third-party candidacy split the Republican vote, leading to Woodrow Wilson's victory. In 1921, President Warren G. Harding appointed Taft as Chief Justice, a role he held until a month before his death.
Presented is an Autographed Typed Letter (TLS) personally signed by William Taft and dated 1904 on War Department letterhead. The document displays minor ink bleeding resulting from exposure to moisture.
Estimate: $400 - $500
Martin Van Buren was born on December 5, 1782, and passed away on July 24, 1862. He was an American lawyer, diplomat, and statesman. He was the eighth President of the United States from 1837 to 1841. As a key founder of the Democratic Party, Van Buren's career included serving as New York's attorney general, U.S. senator, and briefly as the ninth governor of New York. He further solidified his influence by joining Andrew Jackson's administration, holding roles such as the tenth United States Secretary of State and minister to Great Britain. Van Buren's political journey continued as the eighth vice president after being selected as Jackson's running mate for the 1832 election. While he secured the presidency in 1836, his bid for re-election in 1840 proved unsuccessful, and he faced disappointment in failing to secure the Democratic nomination in 1844.
This lot features a distinguished autographed section from a Four Language Ships Papers document by Martin Van Buren.
Ship's papers, also known as "sea passports" or "ship's passports," were official documents provided by a government, particularly the United States in the historical context, to ships participating in international trade. These documents served as a guarantee of protection for the vessel and its owners in foreign waters. Ship's papers were typically printed with the same text in multiple languages to ensure understanding by authorities of different nations. Importantly, these papers helped establish the nationality of the ship and protected it against piracy or other threats during overseas voyages.
These Ship's Papers are extracted from the complete document and framed to a finished size of 15.5 x 12.5". The signature displays a subtle brushing of ink to one letter, maintaining an overall fine condition.
Vice Presidents Featured This Month:
1. Lot 1 | AARON BURR - U.S. V.P. & ALEXANDER HAMILTON DUEL SHOOTER - AUTOGRAPHED CHECK, 1788
Estimate: $750 - $1,000
Aaron Burr (Feburary 6, 1756 - September 14, 1836) was an accomplished American politician and legal professional. His most significant role was serving as Vice President of the United States from 1801 to 1805.
An autographed bank check by Aaron Burr is up for auction and dated 1788. It has cancellation lines intersecting the signature. The item displays mild signs of aging and wear, including irregular clipping.
2. LOT 7 | GEORGE M. DALLAS - 11TH U.S. VICE PRESIDENT - AUTOGRAPHED LETTER (ALS), 1833
Estimate: $75 - $100
George Mifflin Dallas’s legacy includes serving as the mayor of Philadelphia from 1828 to 1829 and holding the position of the 11th Vice President of the United States from 1845 to 1849. Dallas made a mark in the political arena during his tenure, leaving behind a legacy of public service.
In this George M. Dallas autographed hand-written letter (ALS) from 1833, and reads that Dallas “appoints Reah Frazer(1804-1856) to deputy of the attorney general in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Frazer ultimately went on to become a prominent attorney and influential member of the Democratic Party in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This document shows some age and wear including one small partial separation along a fold line on edge.
Estimate: $75 - $100
Charles Gates Dawes was born on August 27, 1865 and died on April 23, 1951. He had many roles such as a banker, general, diplomat, composer, and Republican politician. As the 30th Vice President of the United States from 1925 to 1929, Dawes earned international recognition and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1925 as a co-recipient for his contributions to the Dawes Plan aimed at addressing World War I reparations.
This Charles G. Dawes autographed canceled 100-shares Pacific Railway Company stock certificate dated October 31, 1916 is up for auction. It is in fine condition.
4. LOT 18 | HANNIBAL HAMLIN - 15TH U.S. VICE PRESIDENT UNDER LINCOLN - FREE FRANK SIGNATURE
Estimate: $75 - $100
Hannibal Hamlin (August 27, 1809- July 4, 1891), renowned for his legal cleverness and political expertise, assumed the title of the 15th Vice President of the United States from 1861 to 1865 serving under President Abraham Lincoln.
This Hannibal Hamlin Free Frank signature on vintage envelope is sure to lure collectors with an eye for presidential autographs. A "free frank" signature refers to a signature on a piece of mail that allows the sender to send the letter free of postage. Historically, high-ranking government officials, such as members of Congress or the President, were granted the privilege of sending mail without having to pay for postage. The signature, often accompanied by the term "free frank" or similar wording, served as authorization for the mail to be sent without postage fees.
Estimate: $125 - $150
Richard Mentor Johnson lived from October 17, 1780 – November 19, 1850. He was an American legal professional, military officer, and statesman. His notable service includes holding the position of the ninth Vice President of the United States, a role he fulfilled from 1837 to 1841 during the presidency of Martin Van Buren.
This exclusive piece is a Richard Mentor Johnson hand-written pay slip. The pay slip demonstrates Mentor Johnson’s unique penmanship. The payslip is in very good condition with light age and wear.
We are actively seeking to acquire for purchase or consignment collections of presidential and vice presidential memorabilia. To auction, buy, sell, or consign your collection of presidential autographs, documents, photographs or artifacts please contact us today at the services page for more details.