An elegant cabinet photograph picturing James A. Garfield (1831–1881), the 20th President of the United States whose tenure bears the distinction of being the second shortest of any commander-in-chief. The still-visual, 4.25 x 6.5 piece captures the historic figure in a rather stately pose, and penned below his image is his boldly scripted “J. A. Garfield” signature. The lower right of the image area carries the circular blindstamp, “Harroun & Bierstadt, Artotype, N.Y.,” which indicates that the original negative for this alluring display was taken expressly for Bierstadt by photographer H. W. Tibbals. Interestingly, less than a month after Garfield’s death on September 19, 1881, Bierstadt registered its copyright in this very image on October 5, 1881, presumably to capitalize on the market for memorial souvenirs. A faint crease passes through the “J” in Garfield’s first initial, and negligible surface faults are present in the form of scattered soiling and mild edge wear; otherwise fine condition. An outstanding example from a president seldom seen in signed photos! JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
