Important matte-finish 7.25 x 9.25 photo of the Trumans waving from the steps of their private plane, the ‘Sacred Cow,’ boldly signed in fountain pen, “Harry S. Truman,” and in black fountain pen, “Bess W. Truman,” bearing the calligraphic notation “Christmas 1946” along the bottom. Matted in hand-wrapped velvet and framed to an overall size of 12 x 15.5. In very fine condition, with a tiny bit of scattered light silvering. According to Mary Evans Seeley’s comprehensive book, Season’s Greetings from the White House, the Trumans ordered 1,000 copies of this photo, and on December 23, 1946, the president greeted 575 members of his White House staff and presented each with this signed photograph. This example marked only the second time that the president and first lady actually took the time to hand sign Christmas presents for the then limited White House staff.
