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Chester A. Arthur

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:10,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Chester A. Arthur

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Auction Date:2011 Dec 07 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Magnificent sepia 18.25 x 24.25 Imperial 3/4-length portrait by Charles Milton Bell, signed and inscribed as president in the lower border in black ink, “To John Jameson, with sincere regard, Chester A. Arthur.” Nicely cloth matted and framed to an overall size of 31 x 37. Small repair to bottom of image, some light spotting to background, and some mild toning, soiling, and foxing to borders, otherwise fine condition.

Taken in 1882 during Arthur’s first year in office, images of the president are incredibly scarce, and photos of this size, in particular, are virtually nonexistent. Another striking feature of this particular photo is the man who took it: Charles Milton Bell. A celebrity in his own right, Bell established an acclaimed photography studio on Pennsylvania Avenue, and counted President Arthur among his elite clientele. The John Jameson of Arthur’s inscription is most probably the Amherst, Massachusetts lawyer who was appointed postmaster in December of 1876. Jameson trained under Colonel George S. Bangs, the man to whom the efficiency and operations of the original Traveling Post Office are largely attributed. This stately image not only captures a rare glimpse of the 21st president, but is brimming with great association as well. Oversized.