Sam Houston, Twice-signed Document Collage

September 15, 2021

This stunning new arrival would make the perfect addition to a Texas home or office. The custom piece celebrates the third president of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston.

Sam Houston was a soldier, an important leader of the Texas Revolution, and an American politician. Houston is considered by many as the father of the Republic of Texas. This custom piece celebrates him and his life.

The collage features a document that was signed twice by Houston himself, dating to April 4, 1844. The document is an order to reimburse Dr. Jack Shackelford for his purchase of "1 Box Sperm Candles." Shackelford had made this purchase earlier in August 1842 as he helped the Republic defend against the Mexican invasions of that year.

The document reads in full: "Genl Sam Houston, For Executive Contingents, to J. Shackelford, August 11, 1842, To 1 Box Sperm Candles 36.3 lbs 759 $27.56 par funds." Below the text of the invoice, Houston writes, "Approved 4th Apl. 1844 Sam Houston" with his distinctive paraph. Over the top of text he adds his bold signature ordering to "pay this, Sam Houston," again adding his elaborate paraph. "J. Shackelford" is written in the lower right corner.

Houston continues to be celebrated throughout the United States for his role in forming Texas. During the Texas Revolution, as the region fought for independence from Mexico, Houston proved himself a great military leader. Despite the crushing defeat at the Alamo, being outnumbered and under-equipped, Houston managed to lead his soldiers to capture the Mexican General Santa Anna, effectively ending the revolution. Houston served as both the first and third president of Texas before it became part of the United States and then as one of the first two Texan senators.

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Theodore Roosevelt, Outdoorsman and Naturalist

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Theodore Roosevelt was an outdoorsman, writer, soldier, and the 26th president of the United States. Roosevelt made a name for himself in politics, being then the youngest president in U.S. history, and for his no nonsense approach. He also led an interesting and eventful life, regarded as a rugged outdoorsman despite poor health as a child. His books, of which he wrote many, most strongly reflect this perspective of his life- as a hunter, an adventurer and even a conservationist.

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Artists and Entertainers of the American West

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The Three Chiefs: A Rare Platinum Photograph

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Of all the original photographs that we have acquired, this is the single most significant photograph we have ever offered for sale. This is a rare, platinum Master Exhibition Print of Edward Curtis’ The Three Chiefs. This print is believed to be one of only three oversized, platinum Master Exhibition Prints of this image in existence.

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