Title:
1875 Chester A. Arthur Signed U.S. Custom House Receipt Document – PSA Certified Authentic

Description:
Historic partially printed and manuscript-filled document signed by future United States President Chester A. Arthur at the New York Custom House in May 1875, during his tenure as Collector of the Port of New York. The document bears an exceptionally large and bold “C. A. Arthur” signature, prominently penned in dark ink across the center of the receipt, making it an especially attractive and display-worthy example.

The document is titled “Custom House, New York” and records the receipt and distribution of funds connected to the seizure of “One barrel rum,” under “Seizure No. 1030,” pursuant to “order of distribution No. 1011.” Several additional government officials have also signed the document, including George H. Sharpe and A. H. Daglin, reflecting the formal administrative procedures of the New York Custom House during the post-Civil War era.

Printed on official 1875 “Receipts for Distributive Shares of Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures” forms, the document provides a fascinating glimpse into federal customs enforcement and maritime revenue operations in nineteenth-century America. Arthur’s signature stands out prominently against the otherwise elegant manuscript text and remains one of the strongest visual elements of the piece.

Condition is consistent with age and archival handling. The document exhibits expected fold lines, scattered age toning, edge wear, and several small tears along fold separations and margins. There are also a few period and archival repairs visible on the reverse, helping stabilize the paper while preserving the integrity and presentation of the document. Despite these condition issues, the signature itself remains remarkably bold, clean, and highly legible. Please note, this item will ship folded as stored.

Historical Context:
Before ascending to the presidency following the assassination of James A. Garfield in 1881, Chester A. Arthur served as Collector of the Port of New York, one of the most politically powerful federal appointments of the nineteenth century. The position oversaw customs duties entering the nation’s busiest port and generated enormous influence within Republican Party patronage networks during the Gilded Age.

Arthur’s tenure at the New York Custom House placed him at the center of American commerce, shipping, and federal revenue collection. Documents signed during this period are particularly desirable because they predate his presidency and directly connect to the administrative world that shaped his political rise.

This document also reflects the federal government’s regulation of imported goods and seized contraband during a transformative period in American economic history. The mention of a seized barrel of rum highlights the broad enforcement authority exercised by customs officials decades before national Prohibition.

As president, Arthur would unexpectedly become associated with civil service reform through the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, despite his earlier connections to the patronage system. Items from his pre-presidential Custom House years therefore hold particular historical importance in understanding the evolution of his public career.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated by PSA Authentication Services with accompanying PSA Letter of Authenticity, Certification No. AS04782. PSA has examined the signature and concluded that the autograph is authentic. The accompanying LOA notes that all additional writing is in an unknown hand beyond the authenticated signature(s).

• 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 striking Chester A. Arthur signed Custom House document represents an outstanding example of pre-presidential presidential history, combining strong historical content with an unusually large and visually impressive signature. The bold autograph, direct connection to New York customs enforcement, and official government format make this a highly desirable artifact for collectors of presidential autographs, nineteenth-century Americana, and federal administrative history. Examples featuring such a bold Arthur signature are increasingly difficult to locate, particularly on historically substantive documents tied directly to his influential Custom House career.

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. Due to the document’s oversized folded format and preservation requirements, this item will ship folded as originally stored.