Circa 1900 Mark Twain Signed Original Photograph

Sold For:

$1,392

Year:

1900

Auction:

2005 Spring

Lot #:

1341

Category:

Featured

Circa 1900 cabinet card-style professional photograph of author Mark Twain (1835-1910) is magnificently signed with his pseudonym "Truly Yours, Mark Twain" ("9") in black fountain pen on the charcoal-colored photographer's mount below. The photograph (5.5 x 7 inches) features a classic study of a seated, pipe-smoking Twain in semi-profile. Though the slightly dark color of the mount does not provide an ideal contrast, the salutation and signature are large, very bold, and easily legible even at a distance. The photograph is remarkably well preserved, with the lone noticeable imperfection being a thin 3-inch surface scrape to the far right. This does not impinge on the subject, whose image is strong and vivid; the photograph otherwise presents in Near Mint condition, with flawless contrast and exceptional detail. Imperfections to the original mount have been matted out. Mark Twain was born Samuel Clemens in 1835, but took on the now famous pseudonym and began signing his name with it in 1863. Famous for his folksy, down-to-earth storytelling, Clemens' most popular works include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Beautifully matted and framed to total dimensions of 13.5 x 16 inches. A rare and unique signed display photograph of one of America's most revered literary masters. LOA from James Spence, Steve Grad & John Reznikoff/PSA DNA. Reserve $400. Estimate $800/$1,200. SOLD FOR $1,392.00