Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #76
James A. Garfield

Dignified Harroun & Bierstadt cabinet photo—the image selected as Garfield’s presidential portrait

This lot has closed

Estimate: $0+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

Dignified Harroun & Bierstadt cabinet photo—the image selected as Garfield’s presidential portrait

Stately vintage 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo, signed in ink, “J. A. Garfield.” The lower right of the image area carries the circular blindstamp, “Harroun & Bierstadt, Artotype, N.Y.,” which indicates that the original negative for this intense portrait was taken expressly for Bierstadt by photographer H. W. Tibbals. A faint crease passes through the “J” in Garfield’s first initial, and there is scattered light soiling and mild edge wear; otherwise fine condition.

Less than a month after Garfield’s death on September 19, 1881, Bierstadt registered its copyright in this very image, presumably to capitalize on the market for memorial souvenirs. 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 outstanding example from a president whose tenure bears the distinction of being the second shortest of any commander-in-chief, seldom seen in signed photos! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #364 - Ended December 08, 2010





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $75.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.