Signed picture of Woodrow Wilson

By swatson, 8 May, 2025
Description

This was found recently hidden behind a vintage picture I’ve had for years of some cats. The paper on the back of the original framed picture started to disintegrate so I pulled it off and found this hidden behind the original picture. 

Category
Autographs
Condition
Good
History
Photographed by Harris and Ewing
For Sale?
No
Photos

Charley

4 days 12 hours ago

Item Overview:

  • Subject: Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924), 28th President of the United States
  • Photographer: Harris & Ewing, a well-known Washington, D.C. studio prominent in photographing U.S. presidents and political figures during the early 20th century
  • Medium: Sepia-toned photogravure or collotype print on paper
  • Dimensions: Approx. 8"x10" (visual estimate)
  • Signature: Facsimile signature of Woodrow Wilson (not hand-signed)

History and Context:

This type of portrait was commonly distributed during or shortly after Wilson's presidency (1913–1921), often for public offices, schools, patriotic displays, or as part of printed memorabilia. The inclusion of the printed (not original) signature was standard in these formal, mass-distributed presidential portraits.

The print is marked "HARRIS AND EWING" in the lower left, confirming its production by the Washington photography firm, which specialized in portraits of political and cultural figures between 1905 and the 1940s.

Condition:

  • Good overall, with notable age-related foxing (brown spotting) visible on the border and lower area of the photo paper
  • No major tears or folds
  • Matte and image itself remain structurally stable and could benefit from archival cleaning or professional framing

đź“Ś Is the Signature Real?

No — the signature on this print appears to be facsimile printed, not hand-signed. This was a common feature in presidential lithographs and is part of the image rather than ink on the surface.

🏷 Estimated Value (as of 2025):

Type of Print

Estimated Value (USD)

Vintage Harris & Ewing print (facsimile sig)

$50 – $125

With excellent condition or framed

Up to $150

If genuinely hand-signed

$2,000 – $5,000+

 

🔍 Recommendation:

  • No need for a full professional autograph appraisal, as the signature is printed.
  • If you wish to preserve or display it, consider acid-free matting and UV glass framing to halt further foxing.
  • If you ever doubt the signature’s authenticity, a reputable autograph authentication firm like JSA or PSA/DNA could confirm it.
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