A Beautiful Bust Portrait Photograph of James A. Garfield, Boldly Signed by Him, Likely as President
Our first Garfield signed photograph in 17 years
- Currency:
- USD
- GBP
- JPY
- EUR
- CNY
This currency selector is for viewing only.
The Raab Collection only accepts USD payments at checkout.
Exchange rates are updated hourly. Rates may be inaccurate.
A scarce cabinet photograph of James A. Garfield, signed with a large ink signature, “J. A. Garfield”
The photograph was produced by the noted firm Harroun & Bierstadt of New York. Photographer Edward Bierstadt, of Harroun & Bierstadt, was the brother of noted nineteenth century artist Albert Bierstadt. The negative for this...
A scarce cabinet photograph of James A. Garfield, signed with a large ink signature, “J. A. Garfield”
The photograph was produced by the noted firm Harroun & Bierstadt of New York. Photographer Edward Bierstadt, of Harroun & Bierstadt, was the brother of noted nineteenth century artist Albert Bierstadt. The negative for this photograph was taken for Bierstadt by H. W. Tibbals, Painesville, Ohio (which is some seven miles from Mentor, Ohio, Garfield’s home). We know about the negative because the Ohio Historical Society’s collection includes this image mounted on a card, on the back of which appears this legend: “Negative by H. W. Tibbals, Painesville, O. expressly for E. Bierstadt, New York.” The United States Copyright Office records show that Bierstadt registered the copyright on this photograph on October 5, 1881, just after Garfield’s assassination on September 19.
Taking all this together, it would seem that the photographic image was taken after Garfield’s dark horse nomination in the spring of 1880, and before he left for Washington to assume office as president in 1881.
It thus is quite likely that Garfield signed this photograph as president. Even if Tibbals took the photograph before Garfield took office, a good amount of time would have elapsed by the time he sent the negative to Bierstadt in New York, then Harroun & Bierstadt manufactured the image, and the piece got to Garfield for his signature. Moreover, one example of this photograph we have seen was dated April 1881, and thus as president. The image in this photograph is used in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s official presidential portrait of Garfield, the die for which was engraved by Lorenzo Hatch in 1881. It was also used on the 6 stamp issued in 1903.
An absolutely stunning image of Garfield with an exceptional signature, likely as president. It is our first Garfield signed photograph in 17 years.
Frame, Display, Preserve
Each frame is custom constructed, using only proper museum archival materials. This includes:The finest frames, tailored to match the document you have chosen. These can period style, antiqued, gilded, wood, etc. Fabric mats, including silk and satin, as well as museum mat board with hand painted bevels. Attachment of the document to the matting to ensure its protection. This "hinging" is done according to archival standards. Protective "glass," or Tru Vue Optium Acrylic glazing, which is shatter resistant, 99% UV protective, and anti-reflective. You benefit from our decades of experience in designing and creating beautiful, compelling, and protective framed historical documents.
Learn more about our Framing Services
