Title:
Joseph P. Bradley Signed Cut – PSA/DNA Certified, Auto Grade GEM MINT 10 (Cert #85616238)
Description:
This is an outstanding and finely preserved cut signature from Joseph P. Bradley, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, written in flowing black ink on cream-colored paper. The inscription reads:
“Jos. P. Bradley / ass: Justice Sup. Ct / US / Washington Ap. 19. 1881”
Bradley’s signature and formal title are elegantly written in full, accompanied by the location and date, all of which remain dark, legible, and attractively placed. The autograph is authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, receiving their highest GEM MINT 10 auto grade. It is housed in a PSA slab that offers full visibility of the entire inscription and protects it for future generations of collectors.
Historical Context:
Joseph Philo Bradley (1813–1892) served as an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1870 to 1892, appt. by President Ulysses S. Grant. Bradley is perhaps best remembered for his controversial role in the Electoral Commission of 1877, where his deciding vote handed the presidency to Rutherford B. Hayes over Samuel Tilden, ending the contested 1876 election. This decision marked the formal conclusion of Reconstruction, leading to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South and ushering in the Jim Crow era. On the bench, Bradley was an influential thinker on constitutional law, particularly in the areas of civil rights and commerce. He authored key opinions involving the interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment and was often a swing vote during an era of significant legal transition.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
PSA/DNA certified autograph, slabbed and graded GEM MINT 10.
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Certification Number: 85616238
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Label Details: “CUT – JOSEPH P. BRADLEY – PSA/DNA CERTIFIED – AUTO GRADE – GEM MINT 10”
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Slab: PSA standard encapsulation with full visibility of the signed inscription and date.
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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:
This beautifully preserved signature from Justice Joseph P. Bradley—complete with title, location, and a precise 1881 date—represents a vital judicial figure at the heart of one of America’s most pivotal political crises. Graded GEM MINT 10 by PSA/DNA, this item offers historical depth, striking penmanship, and investment-grade condition for collectors of Supreme Court, Reconstruction, or Gilded Age 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.
