Title:
1876 Chester A. Arthur Signed New York Custom House Financial Statement Document – PSA Certified Authentic

Description:
Rare partially printed financial statement document signed by future United States President Chester A. Arthur during his tenure as Collector of the Port of New York in August 1876. The document bears an exceptionally large, sweeping, and remarkably bold “C. A. Arthur” signature at the lower right, accompanied by his title, “Collector,” making this an especially desirable and visually striking example from Arthur’s influential pre-presidential years.

The document is titled “Statement of Moneys deposited” and records customs-related financial transactions deposited with Assistant Treasurer Thomas Hillhouse in New York. The detailed ledger format includes numerous handwritten entries documenting tonnage duties and related customs receipts credited to the Treasurer of the United States during August 1876.

Arthur’s signature dominates the lower section of the document with strong contrast and elegant penmanship that displays beautifully. Signatures from Arthur’s Custom House period are highly sought after, particularly examples featuring such bold and oversized presentation.

Condition is consistent with age and long-term archival storage. The document exhibits heavy fold lines, scattered age toning, handling wear, edge wear, and several tears and separations along fold intersections. There are also multiple archival and period tape repairs visible on the reverse, helping reinforce structurally weak areas while preserving the historical integrity of the document. Despite these condition issues, the signature itself remains exceptionally dark, bold, and highly legible, standing out prominently against the ledger paper. Please note, this document will ship as folded, as stored. 

Historical Context:
Prior to becoming the twenty-first President of the United States, Chester A. Arthur served as Collector of the Port of New York, one of the most politically powerful federal offices of the nineteenth century. Appointed during the height of the Republican patronage system, Arthur oversaw customs collections entering America’s busiest port, a position that controlled vast revenues and enormous political influence during the Gilded Age.

Documents from Arthur’s Custom House service are historically significant because they directly connect to the formative years of his political career before his unexpected ascension to the presidency following the assassination of President James A. Garfield in 1881. These records also provide insight into the immense scale of American trade, shipping, and customs revenue collection during the post-Civil War industrial expansion.

This August 1876 statement reflects the complex financial administration of the federal customs system during America’s Centennial year, when New York stood at the center of international commerce. Arthur’s role in supervising these operations ultimately shaped public perceptions of political patronage and reform, issues that later defined his presidency and culminated in the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated by PSA Authentication Services with accompanying PSA Letter of Authenticity, Certification No. AS04394. PSA has examined the signature and concluded that the autograph is authentic. The accompanying LOA further 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 outstanding Chester A. Arthur signed Custom House financial statement combines exceptional visual appeal with important historical significance from Arthur’s influential pre-presidential career. Featuring an unusually bold and expansive autograph, the document represents a remarkable surviving artifact from the administration of America’s busiest nineteenth-century port. With its impressive signature, detailed governmental content, and direct connection to the political machinery of the Gilded Age, this piece would make a superb addition to any advanced presidential, Americana, or nineteenth-century historical collection.

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 original oversized folded format and preservation considerations, this item will ship folded as originally stored.