Title: William A. Wheeler Signed Cut – Vice President Under Rutherford B. Hayes – PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Autograph
Description:
Offered here is a crisp and well-preserved cut signature of William A. Wheeler, signed clearly as "W. A. Wheeler" in rich brown ink on a lightly toned slip of paper. The signature is centered and evenly scripted in an elegant 19th-century hand. The paper shows expected age toning and mild handling wear along the left edge but remains intact and free of significant blemishes. This piece has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, certified as an Authentic Auto.
Historical Context:
William A. Wheeler (1819–1887) served as the 19th Vice President of the United States, holding office from 1877 to 1881 under President Rutherford B. Hayes. A Republican from New York, Wheeler was known for his integrity and modesty, earning widespread respect during the contentious Reconstruction era. He played a key role in the Compromise of 1877, which resolved the disputed 1876 presidential election and effectively ended Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South. Despite being relatively obscure today, Wheeler was deeply trusted by his peers and was praised by Hayes as one of the "purest and best men in public life."
Authentication & Encapsulation:
This autograph has been certified by PSA/DNA, one of the most trusted names in autograph authentication. The item is encapsulated in a tamper-proof PSA holder with the label reading:
"CUT – WILLIAM WHEELER – PSA/DNA CERTIFIED – AUTHENTIC AUTO"
and bears the certification number 85481294.
Closing Appeal:
This rare signed cut from a Reconstruction-era Vice President offers collectors a direct link to a pivotal and often overlooked figure in post-Civil War American politics. With PSA authentication and solid preservation, this is a notable piece of 19th-century executive history, ideal for collectors of vice presidential autographs, U.S. political memorabilia, or Reconstruction-era ephemera.
