Staggeringly impressive matte-finish 19.5 x 13 C. M. Bell photo on a 24 x 17.5 linen mount, copyright 1904, a distinguished image of the Fuller court before an elaborate trompe l’oeil backdrop, signed on the mount in ink by all nine justices: Melville W. Fuller, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Henry B. Brown, John M. Harlan, R. W. Peckham, David J. Brewer, Joseph McKenna, William R. Day, and E. D. White. Peckham originally signed under Holmes’ image, later neatly lining out this signature and signing in the “correct” position. Attractively matted and framed with an engraved plaque to an overall size of 35 x 28. In very fine condition. Signed Supreme Court images of this era are of exceeding scarcity, and the present example represents one of the earliest extant photos signed by an entire roster of justices. The early date—the lineup shown lasted only from 1903 to Brown’s retirement in 1906—coupled with the unusually generous size, scarcely believable pristine condition, and undeniable visual impact, make this a blue-chip offering of the sort unlikely to be encountered again in the most wildly optimistic collector’s lifetime. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
