James A. Garfield Authentic Signed Congressional Free Frank – Framed Presidential Autograph

James A. Garfield Authentic Signed Congressional Free Frank – Framed Presidential Autograph

An attractive framed presentation featuring the original ink signature of James A. Garfield (1831–1881), 20th President of the United States, signed during his years as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

An attractive example of a James A. Garfield congressional free frank, featuring his original ink signature beneath the printed "House of Representatives" heading, with a Washington, D.C., postal cancellation and the initials "M.C." (Member of Congress). The piece appears to have been trimmed from a larger congressional mailing envelope, a common practice among early autograph collectors.

Accompanying the autograph is an attractive period steel-engraved portrait of Garfield, handsomely displayed with burgundy matting and an ornate gold-tone frame. The framing is of later manufacture.

Includes a notarized Letter of Authenticity dated January 22, 2002, from previous owner Wayne D. Ashford, who states that he purchased the signature in the 1950s and had it authenticated by Conway Barker, a charter member of the Manuscript Society and a dealer in presidential memorabilia.

Garfield served in Congress from 1863 to 1880 before winning the presidency. Tragically, his administration lasted only a few months before his assassination in 1881.

A handsome presidential autograph display combining an original nineteenth-century signature, congressional postal history, and an engraved portrait of one of America's assassinated presidents.