Remarkable 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo of Samuel Francis Smith in a head-and-shoulders pose, signed in the lower border in black ink, "S. F. Smith, born in Boston, Oct. 21, 1808." On the reverse Smith has penned the first stanza of his beloved poem 'America,' in full: "My country, 'tis of thee, / Sweet land of liberty, / Of thee I sing; / Land where my fathers died, / Land of the pilgrims' pride, / From every mountain side, / Let freedom ring." Smith signs at the conclusion, "S. F. Smith, Written in Feb. 1832," and adds the date, "Oct. 4, 1892." In fine condition, with mounting traces to corners of reverse. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder. An immensely appealing twice-signed example of the beloved lyricist, enhanced furthermore by the crisply penned first stanza of his patriotic ode to America.
