Title:
Stephen J. Field Signed Cut – PSA/DNA Certified, Auto Grade GEM MINT 10 (Cert #85616241)
Description:
Offered here is a bold and elegant cut signature from Stephen Johnson Field, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, signed in flowing black ink. The autograph reads:
“Stephen J. Field / Associate Justice / U.S. Sup. Court” and is dated “1881” in the lower right corner.
Executed in Field’s distinctive and confident hand, the ink remains deeply saturated with strong contrast against the cream paper. This autograph has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA and has received their highest GEM MINT 10 auto grade, denoting flawless presentation and condition. Professionally preserved in a PSA slab, the inscription is fully visible and neatly displayed.
Historical Context:
Stephen J. Field (1816–1899) was one of the longest-serving justices in U.S. Supreme Court history, holding his seat from 1863 to 1897. Appt. by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, Field served for 34 years, a tenure that spanned dramatic constitutional transformation during Reconstruction and the rise of industrial America. Known for his strong advocacy of substantive due process and states’ rights, Field frequently ruled in favor of economic liberty and property protections, shaping legal doctrine on corporate power and regulation. He also played a controversial role in civil rights jurisprudence, often opposing Reconstruction-era protections for freedmen. Despite the mixed legacy, Field’s judicial philosophy helped define the constitutional landscape of the postbellum era.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
PSA/DNA certified autograph, slabbed and graded GEM MINT 10.
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Certification Number: 85616241
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Label Details: “CUT – STEPHEN FIELD – PSA/DNA CERTIFIED – AUTO GRADE – GEM MINT 10”
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Slab: PSA standard encapsulation with full visibility of the signed inscription.
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Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.
Closing Appeal:
This remarkable Stephen J. Field signed cut, complete with title and 1881 date, is an outstanding example of a Supreme Court justice’s autograph at the height of the post-Civil War legal transformation. With a PSA/DNA GEM MINT 10 grade and beautifully preserved ink quality, this piece is a must-have for collectors of legal history, Lincoln appointees, or 19th-century American jurisprudence.
Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.
