President Herbert Hoover Signed Underwood Portrait PSA Gem Mint 10 Auto

Title:
Herbert Hoover Signed Photograph – PSA/DNA Certified Gem Mint 10 (AR06848)

Description:
A distinguished vintage matte-finish portrait of President Herbert Hoover, inscribed and signed on the mount: “To Walter W. Clark / with kind regards of / Herbert Hoover.” The photograph, measuring approximately 6.5" x 9.5" on an 11" x 14" mount, was produced by the renowned Underwood & Underwood photography studio, known for its high-quality portraits of world leaders and prominent figures in the early 20th century. Hoover appears in a dignified three-quarter pose, crisply dressed and sharply lit against a deep studio backdrop. The autograph, executed in Hoover’s hand with clean, flowing strokes, has been awarded a perfect grade of 10 by PSA/DNA for its exceptional clarity and preservation. Some toning, and minor tears to edges, not affecting the signature. 

Historical Context:
Herbert Hoover (1874–1964) served as the 31st President of the United States from 1929 to 1933. Prior to his presidency, Hoover was internationally admired for leading relief efforts during World War I and serving as Secretary of Commerce under Presidents Harding and Coolidge. However, his presidency was largely defined by the catastrophic stock market crash of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression. Although his emphasis on voluntary cooperation and limited government intervention was in line with prevailing conservative principles, the depth of the economic crisis demanded more than his administration could deliver. After leaving office, Hoover enjoyed a long post-presidential career, during which he chaired major commissions and wrote extensively on government reform and international affairs. Signed portraits from this period—particularly those in pristine condition from noted studios like Underwood & Underwood—are prized for their quality and presentation.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Certified authentic by PSA/DNA with full Letter of Authenticity and Grading dated September 24, 2025.

• Certification Number: AR06848

• Autograph Grade: 10 (Gem Mint)

• Authentication Notes: All additional writing, including the inscription, is in Hoover’s hand.

• Encapsulation: This item is not encapsulated but is accompanied by PSA’s full LOA for verification and archival purposes.

• 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 signed photograph represents a superior example of presidential autograph collecting—uniting a flawless inscription and signature from Herbert Hoover with the craftsmanship of Underwood & Underwood. With PSA’s perfect grade of 10, this piece stands as a museum-worthy addition to any collection of presidential memorabilia or 20th-century American history.

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.