Significant vintage matte-finish 5.25 x 7.5 photo of Samuel Clemens gazing directly into the camera, taken by Ernest H. Mills of Hampstead, signed in fountain pen, "Mark Twain." Presented in its original 10 x 12.5 mat, imprinted with the facsimile signatures of members of the Savage Club and the legend, "Mark Twain, From his Brother Savages, July 6th 07." Archivally matted and framed to an overall size of 14.5 x 17.25. In good to very good condition, with heavy silvering, toning, and staining to the image; the mat is also stained, scuffed, and likely clipped at its lower right corner.
On July 6, 1907, the Savage Club—a London gentlemen's club with members drawn from the fields of art, drama, law, literature, music, and science—hosted a dinner welcoming Samuel Clemens to the city. Presented with the original version of this portrait, signed by all members, he opened his speech by expressing his gratitude: 'I am very glad indeed to have that portrait…This is the best I have had, and I am glad to have your honored names on it.' Few examples of this specially signed photograph are known to survive.
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