116

William Howard Taft

Two Photographs Signed, "WmHTaft,"

each by Underwood & Underwood. Each signed in the image at lower right. The first, additionally Inscribed, "Sincerely yours," half-length portrait showing him seated behind a desk while holding his pince-nez and looking into the camera. 10x8 inches; slight silvering in dark areas. The second, collage showing half-length portraits of [candidates for the 1912 presidential election] Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Taft, superimposed on a map of the United States. 8x10 inches; slight creasing at corners, remnants of mounting at corners verso, copyright notice printed on slip of paper attached at upper edge verso.

Np, 1 February 1919; nd.

  • Notes: Attached to verso of second photograph is a slip of paper on which is printed copyright notice, addressed to newspaper editors: "This photograph is released for publication on Nov 4th or 5th [1912], when the Presidential candidates will be figuring on the election returns. All the States are represented in this picture, and the crowds shown were made in the States represented. The Presidential candidates are placed in the position where they are supposed to draw the largest number of votes. Mr. Taft in the East, Governor Wilson in the South and Middle West and Col. Roosevelt in the Western States. . . ." It was Wilson who won the 1912 election. Unless Taft added his signature to this photograph at the time it was issued, he humbly signed knowing the results of the contest represented in the photograph.

    With--Small group of ephemera relating to one or the other photograph: Address panel from original mailing envelope * Typed letter from Taft's secretary Wendell W. Mischler to collector, sending signed photographs. ½ page, 4to, "William H. Taft" stationery. Washington, 1 February 1919 * Photograph, unsigned, showing Taft riding on an elephant. 10x8 inches * Newspaper clippings featuring Taft, circa 1919.
  • Condition:
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April 9, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
New York, NY, US

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