William Henry Harrison Autographs: Realized Prices & How to Sell
To auction, sell or consign your William Henry Harrison autograph, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).
How Long Was William Henry Harrison President For?
William Henry Harrison served as the ninth U.S. president for 31 days in 1841, the shortest term in American history. Before his presidential term he was a governor of an Indiana Territory, a U.S. Congressman and Senator from Ohio. He hailed from a political family as the son of Benjamin Harrison V, a Founding Father, and was the grandfather of the 23rd U.S. President, Benjamin Harrison. William Henry Harrison autographs as president are extremely scarce as he passed away just 31 days into his term.
Some William Henry Harrison Autographs as President:
Document Signed as President — Sold for $75,043
William Henry Harrison full four-language ship’s paper signed as President, undated though of course sometime between 4 March and 4 April 1841. Countersigned by Daniel Webster as Secretary of State. Having only served one month in office before dying of complications from a cold, documents signed by Harrison as President are exceptionally scarce. In fact, only 24 Harrison presidential documents (twelve in private hands and twelve in institutions), three presidential autograph letters signed, and two presidential manuscript letters signed are known to exist, with many of the examples simply being his clipped signature with “President” printed beneath. This document, an exceptionally well-preserved four-language ship’s paper is boldly signed “W.H. Harrison” to the mid-right section. It was customary at the time for Presidents and the cabinet to sign ship’s papers in advance of their use for the convenience of the local officials who gave them to American merchant vessels bound overseas. This document is no exception, as portions were left blank. Printed in French, Spanish, English and Dutch, the English portion reads in part: “William Henry Harrison, President of the United States of America, To all who shall see these presents…By the President / Most Serene, Serene, Most Puissant, Puissant, High, Illustrious, Noble, Honorable, Venerable, Wise, and Prudent Lords, Emperors, Kings, Republics, Princes, Dukes, Earls, Barons, Lords, Burgomasters, Schepens, Counsellors, as also Judges, Officers, Justiciaries, and Regents of all the good cities and places, whether Ecclesiastical or Secular, who shall see these patents or hear them read: We [blank] make known, that the master of [blank] appearing before us, has declared, upon oath, that the vessel called [blank] of the burden of about [blank] tons, which he at present navigates, is of the United States of America, and that no subjects of the present belligerent Powers have any part or portion therein, directly or indirectly, so my God Almighty help him [blank] And, as we wish to see the said master prosper in his lawful affairs, or our prayer is, to all the beforementioned, and to each of them separately, where the said master shall arrive with his vessel and cargo, that they may please to receive the said master with goodness, and to treat him in a becoming manner, permitting him, on paying the usual tolls and expenses in passing and repassing, to pass, navigate, and frequent the ports, passes, and territories, to the end to transact his business, where and in what manner he shall judge proper.” Harrison signs his name, “W.H. Harrison” boldly and clearly on the fourth panel, the Dutch portion of the document. Webster signs his name “Daniel Webster”, also boldly and clearly, beside the printed “Secretary of State.” portion. Document measures 21.5″ x 16.5″ with neat mends to horizontal fold. Minor browning in a few spots and creasing around the original blindstamped U.S. seal still intact. An exceptionally scarce document in very good condition. Sold for $75,043.
Partial Document Signed as President — Sold for $59,742
William Henry Harrison partial ship’s paper signed as President, printed in English and Dutch. Countersigned by Daniel Webster as Secretary of State and by William Littlefield as Customs Collector. Having only served one month in office before dying of complications from a cold, documents signed by Harrison as President are exceptionally scarce. In fact, only 24 Harrison presidential documents (twelve in private hands and twelve in institutions), three presidential autograph letters signed, and two presidential manuscript letters signed are known to exist. This ship’s paper is partially trimmed and measures 10.5″ x 11 from the port of Newport, Rhode Island, dated 28 August 1841 approximately five months after Harrison’s death; it was customary at the time for Presidents and the cabinet to sign documents such as this in advance of their use. Document was issued to Theodore Wimpenney, master of the ship Margaret, noting that she carried “375 and 16/95 tons, or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of Newport, RI, bound for Pacific Ocean and laden with provisions, Tackle & stores for a voyage in the whale fishery.” Document is bright and clean, with two tiny tears at left center edge. Exceptional. Sold for $59,742.
These Are Some Autographs Before His Presidency:
Document Signed as Governor — Sold for $2,440
William Henry Harrison document signed, appointing one Joshua Deputy as Justice of the Peace in the county of Jefferson, Indiana on 10 December 1811. Harrison here acts in his role as Governor of the Indiana Territory and signs in full, ”William Henry Harrison”. Partially printed document measures 12.5” x 8”, framed in blue and gold to 28” x 23.5”. Weighs 10 lbs. Light soiling, chipping and three small holes along fold lines. In good to very good condition. Sold for $2,440.
Signed Book, Inscribed to the Aunt of Woodrow Wilson — Sold for $1,943
William Henry Harrison signed copy of ”The Token and Atlantic Souvenir”, a very popular annual gift book in the early 19th century. Signed books by Harrison are exceedingly rare and this one is inscribed to 18-year-old Margaretta Wilson, aunt of future President Woodrow Wilson. Inscription reads, ”Miss Margaretta Wilson / from the friend of her father / W.H. Harrison / of / North Bend / Ohio / Steubenville / 11th July 1838” on the title page. Edited by S.G. Goodrich and published by Charles Bowen: Boston: 1836. Margaretta’s father was James Wilson, grandfather of President Woodrow Wilson and publisher of an Ohio newspaper, ”Log Cabin”. Red, embossed leather over boards with gilt lettering on the spine. In fair condition with portion of backstrip missing, covers detached from book, and some toning and foxing. Sold for $1,943.
Autograph Document Signed in 1795 — Sold for $1,000
William Henry Harrison autograph document signed, acknowledging the receipt of ”thirty nine pounds of beef & flour”. Harrison signs as aide-de-camp to General Anthony Wayne, datelined [Fort] Greenville, 19 August 1795, approximately two weeks after the signing of the Treaty of Greenville, which ended the Northwest Indian War and began ”the beginning of modern Ohio history”; Harrison was actually a witness to the signing of the treaty. Signed ”Wm H Harrison / aid de camp”, with a paraph accenting his signature. Measures 8” x 5”. Small hole at center, light foxing and uneven lower edge. Very good condition. A document from the very beginning of Harrison’s military career, with rare Treaty of Greenville content. Sold for $1,000.
This concludes our William Henry autograph as president sales! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. View our current auction.
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How do I consign or sell my William Henry Harrison autograph?
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This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement for your review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.
What factors determine the value of a William Henry Harrison autograph?
The value of your autograph can vary based on condition, subject matter and provenance.