Signed book: Manuel of Heavy Artillery Service. First edition. Washington, D.C.: James J. Chapman, 1880. Hardcover, 5 x 7, 516 pages. Signed on the title page in ink, as president, “R. B. Hayes, 3 Dec. 1880.” A card affixed to the inside front cover has been signed by the author, J. C. Tidball. Accompanied by a 1986 receipt for the same book from prominent dealer Robert F. Batchelder. Interior pages are in fine condition, with occasional mild toning; the covers are very good, with some rubbing and edge wear to boards, and areas of abrasion and surface loss to the leather extremities of the moderately soiled spine.
Once part of his Hayes’ personal presidential library, the owner may not have been an artillery officer but he did know a thing about the military, having served as a Civil War general. Three days after signing his name in this book, Hayes delivered his final State of the Union address, as the chief executive held true to a pledge to only serve one term in office. In that address, he chastised those who continued in their “opposition to the full and free enjoyment of the rights of citizenship conferred upon the colored people by the recent amendments to the Constitution.” Books belonging to sitting US presidents are not common and highly collectible. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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.
