Civil War General John Hartranft Signed Cut PSA Mint 9 - Lincoln Assassination!

Title: John F. Hartranft Signed Cut – Dated December 6, 1884 – PSA/DNA Certified Auto Grade MINT 9

Description:
Presented here is a finely penned cut signature of John F. Hartranft, featuring the inscription:
"Yours etc / J. F. Hartranft / Dec 6 / 84"
The autograph is rendered in dark brown ink on a sepia-toned card with excellent legibility and balance. Hartranft’s signature is elegant and deliberate, showing clarity and precision. The piece is authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, and it has received a MINT 9 autograph grade, reflecting its near-flawless condition and eye appeal.

Historical Context:
John Frederick Hartranft (1830–1889) was a Union general during the Civil War, noted for his leadership at Fort Stevens and Fort Stedman, and for commanding the execution detail of the Lincoln assassination conspirators in 1865. Following the war, Hartranft served as the 17th Governor of Pennsylvania (1873–1879), where he pushed for civil service reform, the creation of a state board of health, and modernization of the state’s National Guard. By 1884, the date of this inscription, Hartranft had returned to military service as a major general in the Pennsylvania National Guard, continuing his contributions to both civil and military leadership late into his career.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
This signature has been certified and slabbed by PSA/DNA, the gold standard in autograph authentication. The label reads:
"CUT – JOHN F. HARTRANFT – PSA/DNA CERTIFIED – AUTO GRADE MINT 9"
and carries the certification number 85481279.

Closing Appeal:
This clean, dated signature from Civil War general and Pennsylvania governor John F. Hartranft offers collectors a direct link to the postwar legacy of a key Union figure. With its strong historical connections and high PSA/DNA grade, this piece is a significant acquisition for collections focusing on Civil War leadership, state governors, or the aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination.