How to Sell Your William Henry Harrison Autograph Signed as President
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).
Realized Prices for William Henry Harrison Autograph Signed As President:
William Henry Harrison Document Signed as President — The Scarcest Presidential Autograph, With Only 12 Privately-Owned Signed Documents in Existence
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.
William Henry Harrison Partial Document Signed as President — The Scarcest Presidential Autograph While Serving as He Was President for Just 30 Days Before Dying
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.
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How do I consign or sell my William Henry Harrison autograph?
It’s never been easier to sell your William Henry Harrison autograph at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and photos of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with a free appraisal.
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.