Title:
1887 Frances Cleveland Signed Cabinet Card Photograph – PSA Certified Authentic

Description:
Elegant antique cabinet card photograph signed and dated “Frances Cleveland 1887” by First Lady Frances Folsom Cleveland, wife of President Grover Cleveland. The striking sepia-toned portrait depicts the young First Lady in profile wearing formal Victorian attire, captured with exceptional period elegance by noted Washington, D.C. photographer C. M. Bell.

The bold autograph appears prominently across the lower front border of the cabinet card in dark ink, accompanied by the handwritten date “1887.” Frances Cleveland’s signature remains highly attractive and clearly legible, standing out beautifully against the lighter lower margin. The reverse retains the photographer’s imprint and copyright information for C. M. Bell of Washington, D.C., one of the premier portrait studios of the late nineteenth century frequently associated with political and high-society clientele.

The cabinet card exhibits expected age-related handling wear, including light edge wear, minor corner chipping, surface toning, and some scattered discoloration consistent with nineteenth-century photographic materials. Overall, the portrait image remains clear and visually appealing, with strong contrast and excellent presentation quality for display.

Historical Context:
Frances Folsom Cleveland became one of the most admired and celebrated First Ladies in American history. In 1886, at just twenty-one years old, she married President Grover Cleveland in a White House ceremony, becoming the youngest First Lady in United States history. Her intelligence, charm, and youthful public image captivated the American public and transformed her into an international celebrity during the Gilded Age.

The year 1887, written on this cabinet card, falls during Grover Cleveland’s first presidential term and represents the height of Frances Cleveland’s immense popularity. Her likeness frequently appeared in newspapers, advertisements, collectible cards, and society publications, helping establish one of the earliest modern First Lady celebrity cultures in the United States.

Photographs signed by Frances Cleveland from her White House years are especially desirable due to their historical significance and visual appeal. Cabinet cards from this era were often exchanged among admirers and dignitaries, making signed examples surviving in strong condition increasingly scarce today.

This piece also reflects the artistry of C. M. Bell, a distinguished Washington photographer known for producing portraits of presidents, diplomats, military officers, and prominent public figures during the late nineteenth century.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated by PSA Authentication Services with accompanying PSA Letter of Authenticity, Certification No. AS04392. PSA has examined the signature and concluded that the autograph is authentic.

• 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 beautifully signed Frances Cleveland cabinet card represents an outstanding piece of presidential and First Lady history from the Victorian era. Combining an elegant photographic portrait, a strong period signature, and direct association with one of America’s most beloved First Ladies, the piece possesses exceptional visual and historical appeal. Signed photographs of Frances Cleveland from her White House years remain highly collectible, particularly examples displaying such attractive presentation and strong autograph quality.

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.