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

Description:
Elegant nineteenth-century cabinet card photograph signed and dated “Grover Cleveland 1887” by President Grover Cleveland during his first presidential administration. The sepia-toned portrait depicts Cleveland in formal attire, posed in profile with his distinctive mustache and dignified presidential bearing, captured by noted Washington, D.C. photographer Geo. Prince.

The bold ink signature appears prominently along the lower mount beneath the portrait image, accompanied by the handwritten date “1887.” Cleveland’s autograph remains highly attractive, dark, and well-defined, providing excellent contrast against the light mount background. The photographer’s imprint, “Geo. Prince, Pennsylvania Ave., Wash., D.C.,” is prominently displayed beneath the signature area, further anchoring the piece within the political and photographic culture of late nineteenth-century Washington.

The reverse of the cabinet card retains the ornate studio advertising design for Geo. Prince, featuring decorative typography and period studio branding typical of high-quality Victorian photographic presentation pieces.

Condition is very good overall for a cabinet card of this era, exhibiting mild corner wear, scattered age toning, light surface handling, and minor edge wear consistent with careful long-term preservation. The portrait image remains crisp and visually appealing, while the autograph retains exceptional clarity and display quality.

Historical Context:
Grover Cleveland served as both the twenty-second and twenty-fourth President of the United States and remains the only president in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms. By 1887, the year this cabinet card was signed, Cleveland was midway through his first administration and had established a national reputation for political independence, fiscal conservatism, and opposition to political corruption.

Cleveland’s presidency came during the height of the Gilded Age, a period marked by rapid industrial expansion, political patronage battles, tariff debates, and growing economic inequality. Known for his personal honesty and direct governing style, Cleveland stood apart from many contemporaries and became widely respected for his vetoes against wasteful government spending and political favoritism.

Signed cabinet card photographs from Cleveland’s first presidential term are especially desirable because they reflect the growing popularity of photographic portraiture during the Victorian era, when cabinet cards became treasured keepsakes exchanged among political admirers, dignitaries, and collectors.

This example also carries added historical charm through its 1887 inscription date, placing it squarely within Cleveland’s White House years and the same period in which his young wife, First Lady Frances Cleveland, became one of the most celebrated public figures in America.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated by PSA Authentication Services with accompanying PSA Letter of Authenticity, Certification No. AS04393. 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 Grover Cleveland cabinet card photograph represents an exceptional piece of presidential history from the Gilded Age. Combining a strong and elegant autograph, a distinguished photographic portrait, and direct association with Cleveland’s first presidential term, the piece possesses outstanding visual and historical appeal. Authentic signed photographs of Cleveland from his White House years remain highly collectible, particularly attractive dated examples such as this that embody the refinement and political culture of late nineteenth-century America.

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.