Title:
Ronald Reagan Signed Portrait Cut - Early Political-Era Photograph - 40th President of the United States - PSA/DNA Certified Authentic, Certification No. 85952482
Description:
An attractive signed portrait cut featuring Ronald Reagan (1911-2004), later the 40th President of the United States. The vintage printed portrait shows a smiling Reagan in a suit and tie, with his distinctive full "Ronald Reagan" autograph prominently signed in ink across the upper portion of the image.
The photograph appears to have been clipped from a larger printed publication or promotional piece. The reverse retains partial printed text associated with the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce in Columbus, Nebraska, including references to the 1976-1977 term. This surviving material provides useful context for the period from which the signed image originated, although the visible reverse alone does not establish the exact date on which Reagan signed the photograph.
The piece exhibits expected age-related toning and minor handling characteristics consistent with its period and printed-paper format. Reagan's autograph remains clear, well positioned, and visually prominent above his portrait.
Historical Context:
Ronald Reagan's political career began with his election as governor of California in 1966. He served two terms from 1967 to 1975, establishing a national political profile that soon placed him among the prominent figures seeking the Republican presidential nomination.
The reverse of this piece is especially interesting because of its apparent 1976-1977 Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce association. That period coincided with a pivotal stage in Reagan's transition from former California governor to national political figure. Reagan formally announced his candidacy for the 1976 Republican presidential nomination on November 20, 1975, challenging incumbent President Gerald Ford. Reagan narrowly lost the nomination after a closely contested primary campaign, but his performance strengthened his national standing and helped establish the foundation for his successful 1980 campaign.
At the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City, Ford invited Reagan to address the delegates after securing the nomination. Reagan delivered an unscripted speech that became a memorable moment of the convention. After the election, Reagan resumed his syndicated radio commentaries, newspaper column, public speaking, and political activities, remaining highly visible nationally during the years preceding his next presidential campaign.
On November 13, 1979, Reagan formally announced another campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. He secured the nomination in 1980 and subsequently won the presidential election, beginning the first of his two terms as president on January 20, 1981.
This signed portrait therefore represents Reagan in the broader context of his pre-presidential political career. The surviving 1976-1977 material on the reverse is particularly evocative of the period when he had already served eight years as governor, had mounted a major presidential campaign, and remained active on the national political stage.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
The autograph has been professionally authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA. The PSA label identifies the artifact as "CUT / RONALD REAGAN / PSA/DNA CERTIFIED" and designates the signature "AUTHENTIC AUTO." The certification number is 85952482.
The oversized transparent holder provides an attractive display of Reagan's signed portrait while also allowing examination of the surviving Columbus, Nebraska, Chamber of Commerce material on the reverse.
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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:
A visually appealing Ronald Reagan autograph combining his recognizable portrait with a large, well-placed full signature and intriguing 1976-1977-era material on the reverse. Its apparent association with the period immediately surrounding Reagan's closely contested 1976 presidential campaign adds historical context beyond that of an ordinary signature cut. Professionally authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, the piece offers an attractive artifact for collectors of presidential autographs, Reagan memorabilia, and modern American political 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.
