Rare ink signature as president, "J. A. Garfield,” on an off-white 4 x 1 slip cut from a Riggs & Co. bank check. In fine condition. Accompanied by a transmittal letter from his son, James Rudolph Garfield, December 18, 1939, in part: "I am pleased to send you an autograph of my Father which I cut from a cancelled check"; also includes an earlier letter from Harry Augustus Garfield pertaining to his father's autograph.
This is an exceptionally rare signature of James A. Garfield, clipped from a check by his son, James R. Garfield, and sent in 1939 along with a transmittal letter. The primary question revolves around the ability to confirm its authenticity as a presidential signature, given the absence of a date. Following a comprehensive investigation, the signature has been unequivocally verified as that of President Garfield.
Fortuitously, there exist four complete checks and two partial checks in private hands and institutions, all drawn on Riggs & Co. bank in Washington, D.C. By meticulously comparing the clipped signature with these known checks, it becomes evident that they share the same bank and time period. Notably, the signature exhibits identical characteristics, including the presence of the same revenue stamp and printer issues in the inner border printing and throughout.
A pivotal discovery emerged during a perusal of the Riggs & Co. Records, revealing that Garfield initiated this specific account upon his assumption of the presidency in Washington. Further supporting evidence is provided by known comparables, indicating that Garfield was only on Check #16 by April 1st, 1881— 28 days into his presidency. This historical context lends credence to the authenticity of the signature, solidifying its significance as a genuine artifact from James A. Garfield's presidential era.
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