Title:
Gutzon Borglum Signed Mount Rushmore Model Photograph – PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Auto #85513764

Description:
An outstanding and historically significant vintage matte-finish photograph measuring approximately 7 x 9.25 inches, depicting sculptor Gutzon Borglum's miniature Mount Rushmore model during the monument's development. The image captures the remarkable working model with the presidential likenesses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln emerging from the mountain, offering a rare glimpse into Borglum's artistic vision as he refined the design for what would become one of America's most iconic national monuments.

The photograph is boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen:

"For O. B. Stephenson, Sincerely, Gutzon Borglum, Black Hills National Monumn't."

The inscription references the Black Hills of South Dakota, where Borglum devoted the final years of his life to the creation of Mount Rushmore. His signature remains bold and highly legible, contrasting beautifully against the lighter portion of the image. The photograph has been professionally authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA for long-term preservation.

Historical Context:
Gutzon Borglum (1867-1941) was one of America's most accomplished sculptors and is best remembered as the visionary behind Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Commissioned in 1925, Borglum conceived the monumental tribute to commemorate the nation's founding, growth, preservation, and expansion through the likenesses of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Scale models were essential to Borglum's creative process, serving as highly detailed references from which measurements were transferred to the granite mountain using a sophisticated pointing system. This photograph preserves one of Borglum's original Mount Rushmore models while the memorial was still under development, making it an exceptional historical artifact documenting both the artistic vision and engineering precision behind one of America's greatest public works.

Borglum did not live to see the memorial completed, passing away in March 1941. His son, Lincoln Borglum, supervised the project's completion later that year. Signed photographs directly depicting Borglum's Mount Rushmore models are exceptionally scarce and represent an important intersection of American art, engineering, and presidential history.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
The signed photograph has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA as "Authentic Auto."

• PSA/DNA Certification Number: 85513764
• Professionally encapsulated by PSA/DNA for permanent preservation and authentication.
• 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:
Few signed photographs better capture the creative genius of Gutzon Borglum than this exceptional image of his Mount Rushmore model during the memorial's creation. Combining a personalized inscription, a bold autograph, and one of the most historically important subjects in American sculpture, this PSA/DNA-certified photograph is an extraordinary acquisition for collectors of presidential history, Americana, Western history, and historically significant autographs. It represents a tangible connection to the vision, artistry, and craftsmanship behind one of the nation's most enduring landmarks.

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.