Auction 739 April.

Uncommon archive of 20 partly-printed DSs as president, signed "R. B. Hayes," all one page, 8 x 10, dated from March 14, 1877, to January 21, 1881. Includes warrants for pardons, proclamations of significant treaties, and the sending of diplomatic correspondence to fellow heads of state. In overall fine condition.

Complete list:

1. DS as President, July 7, 1877 - Warrant for affixing the seal of the United States to an envelope containing a letter to Marshal MacMahon, President of the French Republic.

2. DS as President, August 11, 1877 - Warrant for the conditional pardon of Leopold Eith.

3. DS as President, August 14, 1877 - Warrant for the pardon of Cornelius J. Kelley.

4. DS as President, February 4, 1878 - Warrant for the pardon of Henry C. Chappell.

5. DS as President, February 6, 1878 - Warrant authorizing Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Alderson to receive into custody Martin Bergin, a fugitive from justice.

6. DS as President, February 12, 1878 - Warrant for the ratification and proclamation of the Treaty of January 17, 1878, between the United States and the Government of the Samoan Islands.

7. DS as President, May 28, 1878 - Warrant for the ratification of the Metrical Convention concluded in May, 1875.

8. DS as President, July 30, 1878 - Warrant for affixing the seal of the United States to a letter to Muhammad Essadek, Basha Bey, of Tunis.

9. DS as President, September 25, 1878 - Warrant for the proclamation of the consular convention between the United States and Italy, signed May 8, 1878.

10. DS as President, May 10, 1879 - Warrant for the pardon of Isetta Hemmons.

11. DS as President, May 17, 1879 - Warrant for the pardon of Dempsey Jaco.

12. DS as President, June 17, 1879 - Warrant for a proclamation of the declaration concerning trademarks between the United States and Brazil, signed September 24, 1878.

13. DS as President, July 22, 1879 - Warrant for affixing the seal of the United States to an envelope containing a letter of recall addressed to "Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland," Queen Victoria.

14. DS as President, May 6, 1880 - Warrant for affixing the seal of the United States to an envelope containing a ceremonial letter to President Guzman Blanco of Venezuela.

15. DS as President, June 8, 1880 - Warrant for affixing the seal of the United States to an envelope containing a ceremonial letter to His Highness Abdul Mumin, Sultan of Borneo.

16. DS as President, June 9, 1880 - Warrant for affixing the seal of the United States to an envelope containing a letter to the King of the Belgians accrediting James O. Putnam as Minister Resident.

17. DS as President, August 27, 1880 - Warrant for the extradition of L. Charles Zink from Canada upon a charge of forgery committed in Ohio.

18. DS as President, November 9, 1880 - Warrant for the pardon of Oscar Snow, John McConnell, Charles Busk, and John McDonald.

19. DS as President, November 13, 1880 - Warrant for the pardon of Frederick Holt.

20. DS as President, March 2, 1881 - Warrant for a power given to Eugene Schuyler, chargé d'affaires in Bucharest, to negotiate and sign conventions of commerce.

Large ink signature as president, “James A. Garfield,” on an off-white 7 x 3.5 sheet clipped from a partly-printed document dated July 1, 1881. Mounted to a slightly larger backing sheet and in fine condition, with very light folds and creases.

A noteworthy signature from President James A. Garfield, who, just a day later, was shot by assassin Charles Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station on July 2, 1881. Although Garfield survived the attack for approximately 80 days, he was gravely ill and largely bedridden throughout that period, ultimately passing away on September 19, 1881. Notably, there is no historical record of him formally signing any official government documents after the shooting, making signatures from immediately before the assassination especially rare and significant.

Civil War-dated ALS as an Ohio congressman, signed “J. A. Garfield,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 9.75, February 3, 1865. Addressed from Washington, a handwritten letter to a general, ostensibly Major General Irvin McDowell, in full: “Your very kind favor of Dec., enclosing two of your speeches came duly to hand, for which accept my thanks. I have read both the speeches with great interest I assure you. No man in America was better qualified to discuss the merits of the Democratic nominee for President than yourself, and you do it in that clear and masterly style which always characterized you and which struck me so forcibly in the first production of your pen I ever saw. I am thoroughly glad that you have broken over your old army rule of letting politics alone. The rule did well enough till we were engaged in a war, more completely political in its causes, character and…than any other on record, and which no generalship is adequate to unless it be well mingled with a wise and comprehensive statesmanship.

I wish you were here now to give me, and all of us the benefit of your thought, when the country is going crazy on the question of peace and reconstruction. Our odd President is doing that odd thing – gone to Fortress Monroe to meet Stephens, Hunter and Campbell, whom both armies cheered as they came through. I have some hope of visiting California in the spring on a little official business, and among the chief pleasures of the possible visit be that of seeing you. I shall be glad to hear from you if the spirit moves you. Remember me kindly to Mrs. McDowell.” In fine condition, with two small fold repairs.

This fascinating letter was written on the day of the Hampton Roads Peace Conference, and captures Garfield’s immediate reaction to one of the Civil War’s final diplomatic efforts. Referring to Lincoln’s trip, Garfield writes, “Our odd President is doing that odd thing – gone to Fortress Monroe to meet Stephens, Hunter and Campbell.” On February 3, 1865, Lincoln and Secretary of State William H. Seward met aboard the steamer River Queen at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, with three Confederate commissioners — Confederate Vice President Alexander H. Stephens, Assistant Secretary of War John A. Campbell, and Senator Robert M. T. Hunter — to explore the possibility of ending the war. With Confederate defeat looming, Southern leaders hoped to secure negotiated terms, but Lincoln held firmly to reunion and the abolition of slavery. The meeting ended without agreement, and the war continued until Lee’s surrender at Appomattox two months later. Lincoln was assassinated just ten weeks after this conference on April 15, 1865.

Outstanding hand-corrected typed manuscript draft for part of Theodore Roosevelt's autobiography, five pages, 8.5 x 11, no date but circa 1912, containing over 350 words in Roosevelt's hand, written in pencil. Headed "Book Learning and Education. Boyhood and Youth," the draft represents what would become paragraphs 13–19 of his book Theodore Roosevelt: An Autobiography, published by Macmillan in 1913. The draft begins: "My father, Theodore Roosevelt [evidently written in another hand], was the best man I ever knew. He combined strength and courage with gentleness, tenderness, and great unselfishness. He would never tolerate in us children selfishness or cruelty, in idleness, cowardice or untruthfulness…He never physically punished me but once, but was the only man of whom I was ever really afraid…My mother, Martha Bulloch, was a sweet, gracious, beautiful Southern Woman, a delightful companion and beloved by everybody. She was entirely 'unreconstructed' to the day of her death…My grandmother…lived with us, and was distinctly overindulgent to us children…Towards the close of the Civil War, although a very small boy, I grew to have a partial but alert understanding of the fact that the family were not one in their views about that conflict…My aunt, my mother's sister, Anna Bulloch, lived with us. She was as devoted to us children as was my mother herself, and we were equally devoted to her in return. She taught us our lessons while we were little…She knew all the 'Bre'r Rabbit' stories and I was brought up on them. My uncle, Robert Roosevelt, was much struck with them and took them down from her dictation, publishing them in 'Harper's' where they fell flat." Roosevelt squeezes his many emendations into the margins and between lines, at times adding complete sentences and even paragraphs to the autobiographical text. In very good to fine condition, with some minor chipping and paper loss along the fragile page edges.

Theodore Roosevelt was a prolific author and, in fact, had first come to national prominence as a serious historian with the two-volume work The Naval War of 1812. He went on to write and publish many books, covering American history, politics, the military, hunting, and nature. In his autobiography, Roosevelt chronicles his life from his childhood to his presidency and beyond, covering a wide range of topics, including his adventures as a cowboy in the Dakota Territory, his experiences as a 'Rough Rider' in the Spanish-American War, and his time as President of the United States. The autobiography provides insight into Roosevelt's character, values, and political beliefs, making it a valuable resource for understanding both the man himself and the history of the United States during his era.

Handsome matte-finish 3.75 x 5.5 portrait of the bespectacled President Theodore Roosevelt by C. M. Bell of Washington, affixed to its original 6 x 8 studio mount, signed and inscribed on the mount in ink as president, "To G. W. Whitehead, Esq., with the regard and esteem of Theodore Roosevelt, July 22d, 1906.” In very good condition, with light silvering to the darker areas, an overall block of toning, and a light central vertical crease through the image.

Rare presidential mourning proclamation, signed "Calvin Coolidge" as president and "Charles E. Hughes" as secretary of state, one black-bordered page, 11 x 13.5, August 4, 1923. In his first presidential proclamation, Coolidge announces the death of Warren G. Harding and proclaims a national day of mourning. In part: "In the inscrutable wisdom of Divine Providence, Warren Gamaliel Harding, twenty-ninth President of the United States, has been taken from us. The nation has lost a wise and enlightened statesman and the American people a true friend and counselor whose whole public life was inspired with the desire to promote the best interests of the United States and the welfare of all its citizens. His private life was marked by gentleness and brotherly sympathy, and by the charm of his personality he made friends of all who came in contact with him. It is meet that the deep grief which fills the hearts of the American people should find fitting expression. Now, therefore, I, Calvin Coolidge, President of the United States of America, do appoint Friday next, August tenth, the day on which the body of the dead President will be laid in its last earthly resting place, as a day of mourning and prayer throughout the United States." In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold. Research shows that only about ten of these presidential proclamations were printed without the printed names of the President and Secretary of State. These were personally signed and were intended for presentation to members of the Cabinet.

Hardcover 1928 The Pedagog yearbook from the Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos, Texas, 314 pages, 9.5 x 12.5, signed and inscribed above his ‘Debate Team’ portrait in ink, “Dear Helen: It has indeed been a pleasure to know such a girl as you. Your charming personality is something that all girls would like to have. You, no doubt, will make a success in whatever field you enter. Happiness should certainly be yours, your friend, Lyndon B. Johnson.” Johnson is pictured three more times throughout the yearbook: his sophomore portrait is pictured on page 77, and he’s shown as a member of The Pegagog (yearbook) and The College Star (school newspaper) staff on pages 148 and 150. Additionally, on page 302 is a printed quote/poem from Johnson, printed next to a drawing of a donkey: “As he looks to us on the campus every day. From far away, and we sincerely trust he is going back. Sophistry Club. Master of the gentle art of spoofing the general public.” In fine condition.

In 1928, after completing his freshman year in college, Lyndon Johnson took a teaching assignment in Cotulla, Texas, instructing 5th, 6th, and 7th graders at the Welhausen School, which largely provided education for the city’s impoverished Mexican-American population. Johnson held deep sympathy for his Hispanic students and the socioeconomic problems they faced, and he brought strict discipline into his classroom, organizing his young students to participate in debate, declamation, spelling bees, and physical education—opportunities they had never had before. His care and efforts were not unnoticed, and soon after arriving in Cotulla, Johnson was appointed school principal. LBJ’s experiences in Cotulla had a significant impact on his understanding of poverty, discrimination, and inequality, and shaped his later policies and efforts as President during the Civil Rights movement.

Personal check, 6 x 2.75, filled out in type and signed by President Ford, "Gerald R. Ford," payable to Republican Party of Michigan for $12, January 28, 1975. In fine condition, with a central vertical fold and a bit of surface loss to the reverse. A scarce and desirable example as just the second Ford presidential check we have ever offered.

Signed just months into his presidency, this check offers a revealing glimpse into Gerald Ford's ongoing engagement with party politics during a pivotal moment in American history. Having assumed office in August 1974 following Richard Nixon’s resignation, Ford was navigating the challenges of restoring public trust in the executive branch while preparing for the 1976 election cycle. Made payable to the Republican Party of Michigan for $12, the modest contribution highlights Ford’s longstanding ties to his home state, where he had served for over two decades as a Republican congressman.

Beautiful ‘presidential’ Trek Project One custom mountain bike built for President George W. Bush by Revolution Cycles in Washington, D.C., signed and inscribed on the frame’s downtube in black felt tip, “Mike, Ride on! George W. Bush, 43.” This cutting-edge bike was one of two identical custom Treks specially produced for the president by Revolution Cycles in the early 2000s, when Bush became an increasingly avid mountain biker. The bike served as the president’s backup or ‘retainer’ bike, used when his primary bicycle—kept at the White House—was undergoing repairs or routine maintenance.

As such, Bush used this bike on several occasions. Most notably, Bush relied on this bike after an accident on July 6, 2005, when he collided with a Scottish police officer while riding his primary Trek at the Gleneagles Hotel during the G8 summit in Scotland. Bush suffered minor scrapes to his hands and arms, while the officer sustained a minor ankle injury, with the incident occurring while Bush was riding at a ‘pretty good speed’ in light rain.

Featuring a design similar to the Trek Top Fuel 110, this unique mountain bike was custom-painted by Trek’s elite Project One design department in a striking scheme modeled after the Air Force One livery, prominently incorporating the Presidential Seal. Built to the president’s specifications, the bike features a 19.5" frame tailored to Bush’s fit criteria.

Constructed from Trek’s proprietary OCLV (Optimum Compaction Low Void) carbon fiber, the main frame, seatpost, and handlebars are all carbon fiber. The bike is equipped with top-of-the-line components, including a 27-speed (3 × 9) Shimano XTR drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes with 6" rotors, RockShox Reba front fork, RockShox rear shock, Bontrager Race X Lite disc wheels, and Bontrager Jones ACX Tubeless Ready tires—representing the best performance equipment available at the time.

President George W. Bush developed a deep passion for mountain biking during his presidency, often using the sport as both recreation and exercise. After leaving office in 2009, he channeled that enthusiasm into supporting injured service members. In 2011, Bush founded the Warrior 100K, an annual three-day, 100-kilometer mountain bike ride held at his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas. Organized through the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative, the event brings together wounded post-9/11 veterans—known as ‘Team 43,’ referencing the 43rd president—for a challenging ride designed to promote rehabilitation, camaraderie, and mental recovery. Participants include service members living with both visible and invisible wounds, including amputations and post-traumatic stress, reflecting Bush’s enduring commitment to supporting veterans through the shared challenge of the trail.

In very fine condition. Accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Mike Hamannwright, the former owner and CEO of Revolution Cycles: “In the early 2000s, as President George W. Bush was transitioning from running to mountain biking, our shop had the distinct honor of serving as his primary bicycle supplier and service center.

During this period, we commissioned two identical, state-of-the-art Trek bicycles. The primary bicycle was kept at the White House for the President’s local and international use, frequently traveling aboard Air Force One. The second bicycle (the item presented here) was retained at our shop as a dedicated, active backup to ensure the President always had a ride-ready machine whenever his primary bike required regular service or repairs.

Both bicycles were custom-painted by Trek's elite Project One design department. The design scheme was specifically modeled after the Air Force One livery and prominently features the Presidential Seal. This backup bicycle was only ever ridden by the President. When not deployed for his use, it was proudly displayed in our retail stores. The frame features a personal message and the President’s signature, commemorating our unique relationship.”

Ink signatures of five subjects in Pete Souza's iconic photograph of the White House Situation Room receiving live updates from Operation Neptune Spear, the raid that resulted in the killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on individual slips and cards, plus the autograph of the photographer himself, matted with an oversized print of the image to an overall size of 27.5 x 25.75. Signers are: Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Marshall Webb, Robert Gates, and Pete Souza. In fine condition. Accompanied by full letters of authenticity from PSA/DNA for all but Webb's signature.

Color satin-finish 10.75 x 8 photo of Presidents Nixon through Bush together at the dedication of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in 1991, signed in the lower border in blue and black felt tip by Richard Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George Bush. In fine condition, with a few small surface creases.

Color satin-finish 8 x 10 photo of Presidents Nixon through Reagan gathered at the White House before departing for Anwar Sadat's funeral in 1981, signed in the lower border in felt tip, "Ronald Reagan," "J. Carter," "Richard Nixon," and “Gerald R. Ford.” In fine condition, with a faint stain to the upper left corner tip.

Ink signature, "J. Q. Adams,” on an off-white 2.25 x .75 slip, matted and framed with a portrait engraving to an overall size of 7.75 x 10.75. In fine condition.

Ink signature, "Joe Biden," on an off-white 5 x 8.25 sheet, on which has been printed mock White House letterhead and the text of the oath of office. In full: "I, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God." In very fine condition. Encapsulated in a Beckett authentication holder. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from PSA.

Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, July 22, 1858. President Buchanan directs the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to “the Warrant of remission of the fine imposed upon George S. Selden.” Signed prominently at the conclusion by James Buchanan. In fine condition, with some light creasing and faint toning. Encapsulated and graded by PSA/DNA as “NM - MT 8.”

The defendant, “George S. Selden,” was ostensibly a lawyer from Philadelphia who had been fined for contempt of court. Per an article in The Easton Gazette from June 5, 1858: ‘Judge Irwin, of the U.S. Circuit Court at Pittsburgh his imposed a fine ot $500 on George S. Selden, a member of the bar, and ordered his name to be stricken from the roll of practicing attorneys before that tribunal, for an alleged contempt of court in relation to a decision, which it deemed offensive and insulting.’

TLS, one page, 6.25 x 9, personal letterhead, March 22, 2000. Letter to Jason Hope of Madison, Wisconsin, shortly after George W. Bush victories in the 'Super Tuesday' primaries made him the presumptive Republican nominee for president. In part: "Your support for our son, George, means a lot to all the Bush family. He is a decent, honorable man; and we are, of course, extremely proud of him." In very fine condition.

TLS as president, one page, 6.75 x 9, White House letterhead, June 28, 1991. Letter to pioneering NASA astronaut Deke Slayton, in full: "From one 'high performance engine' to another, many thanks for your thoughtful letter and for sharing with me your experiences having atrial fibrillation. I'm feeling great, back up to 100 percent. You understand how good it feels to be running again, and I'm going to take your advice to stay with it." Bush signs his name after a brief handwritten postscript, “Give my best to David H.” In fine condition, with light toning from prior display. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.

On May 4, 1991, while jogging at Camp David, President George Bush experienced shortness of breath and chest tightness. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. This letter highlights a common, debilitating condition shared by the president and the astronaut. Slayton was scheduled to pilot the second U.S. crewed orbital spaceflight, but was grounded in 1962 by atrial fibrillation. In March 1972, he was medically cleared to fly and served as the docking module pilot for the 1975 Apollo–Soyuz Test Project.

Three different color 10 x 8 photos of George W. Bush and his wife Laura, each signed in black felt tip by George W. Bush; one is also signed by Laura Bush. In overall very fine condition.

ANS signed “Sincerely, George W. Bush," one page on a 7 x 5 Governor of Texas stationery card, no date. Handwritten note signed by George W. Bush, in full: "My favorite President is my Dad." In very fine condition.

Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, March 9, 1885. President Cleveland authorizes and directs the Secretary of State to cause the Seal of the United States to be affixed to an "envelope containing my letter to His Majesty the King of Corea." Crisply signed at the conclusion in ink by President Grover Cleveland. In fine condition, with light creasing in the top blank area.

This document dates to the opening days of Grover Cleveland’s first presidential term and reflects a formative period in United States–Korea relations, at a time when the United States was expanding its diplomatic presence in East Asia. Formal relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Korea (then commonly spelled “Corea”) had been established only a few years earlier with the Joseon–United States Treaty of 1882—the first treaty between Korea and a Western nation.

ALS as president, one page both sides, 5 x 8, Executive Mansion letterhead, March 16, 1886. Handwritten letter to Don M. Dickinson of Detroit, Michigan, in full: "An application is too strongly pressed upon me to appoint Romeyn of Detroit's Consul to Valparaiso Chile. I think you know him somewhat. He used to be in the Michigan Legislature I believe. This Consul is quite an important one and I want you to tell me confidentially all you know of this man and all you can find out — good, bad and indifferent. Please let me hear from you as soon as possible.” In fine condition.

Donald McDonald Dickinson (1846–1917) was a Detroit attorney and one of Cleveland's closest political allies, having been an early and active supporter of his 1884 presidential campaign. At the time of this letter, Dickinson was a member of the Democratic National Committee from Michigan. Two years later, in January 1888, Cleveland appointed him Postmaster General, the position he held through the end of Cleveland's first term. Dickinson County, Michigan, organized in 1891, was named in his honor.

TLS, one page, 7.75 x 10, Gray Gables letterhead, August 4, 1892. Letter to Joseph Oberfelder, in full: "I desire through you to express to the Cleveland club of Cheyenne county my thanks for their kind congratulations upon my nomination for the presidency. I am especially pleased with the earnest pledge of support which your letter contains. Hoping that we may be able as Democrats to congratulate each other on the outcome in November next." In very good to fine condition, with light chipping to the bottom edge, and a small stain to the left of the signature.

Two golfing items signed in black felt tip by Bill Clinton: an antique Hendry & Bishop Professional Special Ralph Beach 3-iron golf club; and a Callaway 4 golf ball. In overall fine condition, with signs of use to the golf club.

According to a November 2000 interview with Golf Digest, Bill Clinton’s relationship with golf began early and continued throughout his political career. He first started playing at age 12 at a course in Hot Springs, Arkansas, using clubs borrowed from his uncle; he played casually until age 17, when he stopped for several years. Clinton returned to the game shortly before marrying Hillary, playing with her brothers, and later golfed frequently while serving as governor of Arkansas, often fitting in early-morning rounds at a course near his office. As president (1993–2001), he remained an avid player—his handicap even improved—and he said he typically played about three times per month, averaging around five times a month in the summer, while also practicing his short game at the White House putting green.

Over his eight years in the White House, he reportedly played roughly 400 rounds of golf, making him one of the more active presidential golfers of the modern era. Per Clinton: ‘Golf is like life in a lot of ways: The most important competition is the one against yourself. All the biggest wounds are self-inflicted. And you get a lot of breaks you don't deserve—both ways. So it's important not to get too upset when you're having a bad day.’

Three items signed in ballpoint or felt tip by Bill Clinton: a matching pair of 6.25 x 9 programs for a “White House Millennium Dinner: Saluting American Achievement” on December 31, 1999, with one also signed by Hillary Clinton and Quincy Jones, and the other also signed by Jones; and a dual-sided 5.75 x 5.25 presentation card related to President Clinton’s visit to Kuwait, as part of his 1995 Middle East Tour. In overall fine to very fine condition, with a few small stains to the program also signed by Hillary.

Official printed invitation for the inauguration of President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore on January 20, 1993, issued by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, signed in black felt tip by Clinton. Presented in a metallic picture frame, 10 x 11.75, which bears engraved facsimile signatures of Clinton and Gore. In fine condition, with some faint scratching to the original frame.