A James Garfield Autograph Signed as President Can Be Worth Almost $10,000
If you are looking to auction, buy, consign or sell a James Garfield autograph or a James Garfield autograph signed as President, please email [email protected] or call (310) 440-2982.
James Garfield Autograph
A James Garfield autograph signed as President is so valuable because Garfield only held office briefly before he was assassinated and died– Inaugurated: March 4, 1881. Assassination Attempt: July 2, 1881. Died: September 19, 1881. A James Garfield autograph not signed as President is only worth a few hundred dollars, however. Here are some prices of James Garfield autograph items that we at NateDSanders.com have sold:
Incredibly Scarce James Garfield Autograph on a Military Appointment as President — The Second-Rarest Presidential Signature is a James Garfield Autograph as President
President James Garfield autograph on a military appointment, dated 14 May 1881. Document awards the rank of captain to George W. Crabb of the Fifth Regiment of Artillery. Signed at the lower right, “James A. Garfield” and countersigned by Secretary of War Robert Todd Lincoln. Less than two months after the signing of this document, on 2 July 1881, President Garfield, walking arm in arm with Secretary of State James G. Blaine, was shot twice at close range by assassin Charles Guiteau. Mortally wounded, the President struggled for eighty days before he died on 19 September 1881. Single page document measures 15.5″ x 19.5″ and is printed on parchment with two patriotic emblems flanking the document. Royal blue paper seal is still intact at upper left corner. Very light toning to lower margins and minor creasing to edges, otherwise in fine condition. Any signed items from President Garfield are exceedingly rare — military appointments even more so — considering his short tenure in office. Dark James Garfield autograph. Sold for $9,500.
Partially-printed postmaster’s appointment reads ”James A. Garfield President of the United States of America” and is signed in black ink, ”James A. Garfield”. Not filled out. Measures 17” x 14”. Small tear above printed name at top, and light foxing and discoloration. Very good condition. Choice James Garfield autograph as President. Sold for $8,711.
James Garfield document signed as President, dated 7 June 1881.
Assassinated just 200 days into his term, Garfield is the second rarest President signature, only surpassed by William Henry Harrison who served only one month. Prominently signed ”James A. Garfield”, document appoints George K. Gilmer as Postmaster in the County of Henrico, Virginia. Countersigned by Postmaster General Thomas L. James, partially printed document shows embossed ribboned seal of the Post Office Department. Single page measures 17” x 14”. Folds reinforced with archival tape to verso. Soiling along left edge and some shadowing from seal on right side, very lightly affecting signature. Very good condition overall. Beautiful James Garfield autograph. Sold for $8,438.
Letter From President Garfield’s Physician on Executive Mansion Stationery After the President Was Shot — “…He will get well, there can be no doubt on that point…” — Garfield Died a Month Later
Exceptionally rare autograph letter signed by President James Garfield’s physician, Dr. Silas Boynton, on the President’s health after he was shot by assassin Charles Guiteau. Ironically, Boynton confidently predicts a full recovery for the President, who would die from the bullet wounds a month letter. Written on Executive Mansion letterhead and dated 11 August 1881, letter reads in full, “My dear friend. Your favor of the 8th recd. I am happy to inform you that the President is doing splendidly at the present time with every prospect of going steadily on to complete recovery. He will get well there can be no doubt on that point. His case has been critical and at times very discouraging but to all appearances the danger is now past and we hope there will be no more complications. Give my love to your good wife and believe me your friend. S.A. Boynton.” Letter includes original “Executive Mansion” envelope addressed to the recipient, W.E. Ketchum. First cousin to President Garfield’s wife Lucretia, Boynton was one of three physicians attending to the President after he was shot, and specialized in homeopathic medicine. After Garfield died in September 1881, Boynton stated that he wanted no payment for his service to the President, though the government paid him $3,000. Garfield’s other two physicians pressed for and received much larger sums. Two page letter is on front sides of four page card-style stationery. Mild toning and folds, else near fine. Sold for $4,228.
If you are looking to auction, buy, consign or sell a James Garfield autograph or a James Garfield autograph signed as President, please email [email protected] or call (310) 440-2982.