Title:

Robert E. Lee Authentic Signature Cut Displayed with Confederate General Portrait, PSA/DNA Certified

Description:

An attractive and historically significant autograph of Robert E. Lee (1807-1870), commanding general of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War, featuring his handwritten signature, "R. E. Lee," executed in light brown ink on a small rectangular paper cut.

The signature exhibits Lee's characteristic flowing penmanship, with elongated initials and a sweeping final flourish. The ink has faded to a light brown tone but remains discernible against the aged paper. The cut exhibits scattered toning, light surface soiling, and minor discoloration, with darker toning along the upper edge and small mounting remnants visible at the upper corners.

The autograph is attractively displayed beneath a black-and-white portrait of Lee in his Confederate military uniform, featuring his familiar gray beard and the insignia of his rank. Both the portrait and original signature cut are mounted against a contrasting black background, creating a handsome presentation that emphasizes the historical importance of the autograph.

The entire display has been professionally encapsulated by PSA/DNA, preserving the original signature while allowing for clear presentation and examination.

Historical Context:

Robert E. Lee remains one of the most recognizable and consequential military figures of the American Civil War. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1829, Lee distinguished himself during the Mexican-American War and later served as superintendent of West Point from 1852 to 1855.

In April 1861, following Virginia's secession from the Union, Lee resigned his commission in the United States Army and entered Confederate service. Although he had previously opposed secession, his decision to support the Confederacy placed him at the center of the military struggle to preserve a slaveholding republic.

In June 1862, Lee assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia, subsequently leading Confederate forces through some of the Civil War's most consequential engagements, including the Seven Days Battles, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. His battlefield successes against larger Union armies established his reputation as a formidable military commander, although his invasion of Pennsylvania culminated in the decisive Confederate defeat at Gettysburg in July 1863.

In January 1865, Lee was appointed General-in-Chief of the Confederate Armies. Just months later, on April 9, 1865, he surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, marking a pivotal moment in the collapse of the Confederacy.

Following the war, Lee served as president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, until his death in 1870. The institution was subsequently renamed Washington and Lee University.

Lee's autograph remains a significant collectible within the field of Civil War manuscripts and military history, representing a direct connection to one of the conflict's central figures.

Authentication & Encapsulation:

Authenticated and professionally encapsulated by PSA/DNA, with the certification label identifying the piece as:

"CUT ROBERT E. LEE PSA/DNA CERTIFIED"

The label further designates the signature as "AUTHENTIC AUTO", certification number 86001931.

The autograph and accompanying portrait are displayed within a protective PSA holder against a black backing, providing an attractive, ready-to-display presentation.

- 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:

A desirable original autograph of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, attractively presented alongside his military portrait and authenticated by PSA/DNA. The signature's distinctive penmanship, historical importance, and professional encapsulation make this an appealing acquisition for collectors of Civil War history, Confederate military figures, and nineteenth-century American autographs.

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.