Twentieth President of the United States (1831–1881) and the second U.S. President to be assassinated. His term as Chief Executive, second in brevity only to that of William Henry Harrison, lasted just six months and fifteen days, from March to September 1881. Exceedingly rare Executive Mansion card, signed in full, “James A. Garfield, March 12, 1881.” A notation at the bottom edge (in another hand, likely that of the original recipient) reads “President of the U. S. A. 1881.” On that Saturday afternoon, eight days after her husband’s inauguration, First Lady Lucretia Garfield held a reception at the White House. The Washington Post reported that “Mrs. Garfield gave her first afternoon reception yesterday, which was largely attended. The visitors comprised all the prominent people in society, who were anxious to testify by their presence their welcome to the city of the wife of the President....” In fine condition, with some light soiling, toning to extremities, and small mounting remnants and areas of surface loss to reverse. In 1997, a note penned by Garfield on an Executive Mansion card to Senator John Sherman, signed “J. A. Garfield,” sold at Sotheby’s for $14,950. The present item is the only fully signed Garfield Executive Mansion card to appear at a major auction in the last 30 years. A treasure of utmost rarity for the most advanced presidential collection! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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