King of Hawaii, 1874–91. When King Kamehameha died in 1872, he was a candidate for the throne, but his opponent, Williaam Lunalilo, was elected by the people, and confirmed by the legislature. The latter died within a year, and in February, 1874, Kalakaua was elected to the vacant throne by a legislature that had been convened for the purpose. Kalakaua almost single-handedly restored many of the nearly extinct cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people. These included myths and legends, and the hula, which had been forbidden by the missionaries for over 70 years. Extremely rare original vintage 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo by J. Jilliams of Hawaii (and so noted on reverse), of King Kalakaua in his ornate military uniform, signed at the bottom of his image in black ink. In fine condition, with a touch of trivial edge soiling and a small ink spot to the photo’s background. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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