Ulysses S. Grant Signature, with Oval Albumen Carte-de-Visite of Grant

This unique presentation pairs a bold cut signature of Ulysses S. Grant with a period albumen carte-de-visite portrait. The signature is executed simply as “U.S. Grant,” in bold black ink. Accompanying it is an elegant carte-de-visite photograph depicting Grant in his uniform, in an oval  head and shoulders pose, surrounded by a decorative embossed border featuring stars and lion heads.

Carte-de-visite photography emerged in the United States in the late 1850s and rapidly became one of the defining visual formats of the Civil War generation. These small albumen photographs mounted on card stock were inexpensive to produce and easy to exchange, display, and collect. Soldiers departing for war frequently sat for cartes-de-visite to leave likenesses with family members. Civilians also assembled albums containing cartes-de-visite of political leaders, military officers, actors, authors, and notable public figures. During and after the Civil War, portraits of Union generals became especially sought after, and depictions of figures like Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, and Farragut were sold by photographic studios throughout the country, an early form of portrait collecting.

Born in Ohio in 1822 and educated at West Point, Ulysses S. Grant served with distinction during the Mexican-American War. With the outbreak of the Civil War, he returned to military service and quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his strategic aggressiveness and ability to coordinate large-scale operations. His victories at Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga established him as one of the Union’s most capable commanders, and in 1864 President Lincoln elevated him to General-in-Chief of the United States Army. Grant’s campaigns against Robert E. Lee culminated in the surrender at Appomattox Court House in April 1865. As an American hero, Grant was later elected the 18th President of the United States (1869–1877), working to implement Congressional reconstruction, remove the vestiges of slavery, and reform civil service.

CONDITION: 

Bold cut signature signed “U.S. Grant” in ink. Very good+ condition. Beige evenly toned paper. There is what looks like another hand/ink intruding on the signature at the left- darker, oval shape that reaches just under the start of the “U.” One very small stain at top of page. Otherwise, bright and clear of any imperfections. Cut signature approx. 1 3/4” H x 4 1/4” W. 

Carte-de-visite of Grant on bright white paper with elegant embossing. Near fine condition. Decorative embossed border with stars and lion heads. Grant at center, turned in a three-quarters pose. Free from any noticeable damage, save light surface abrasions/dirt along embossing at bottom third. Carte-de-visite approx. 3” H x 2” W.

Signature and carte-de-visite presented together with custom acid-free mats, UV Conservation Clear glass, and a custom built black wooden frame with gold spandrels.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.