Harding on Roosevelt: Signed Souvenir Typescript after Teddy's Death

1p souvenir typescript of remarks on the recently deceased Theodore Roosevelt, signed by Warren G. Harding (1865-1923) as "Warren G Harding" at center right. With a small printed portrait of Roosevelt at upper left. Harding's signature is dark, fluid, and bold. Expected light folds. A minor paper clip impression and pin hole at upper left, else near fine. 6.125" x 8.875". Ex-Forbes Collection.

An interesting piece of political memorabilia in which Harding, the 29th U.S. President, evaluated his predecessor, 26th U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.

Theodore Roosevelt died unexpectedly at his home Sagamore Hill on Long Island on January 6, 1919. Though Roosevelt and Harding were both Republicans, they did not always agree; Harding had publicly condemned Teddy's break away from the G.O.P. to form the Progressive Party in 1912. When Roosevelt died, however, Harding praised Roosevelt as "one of the foremost citizens of the world in a most extraordinary era". Harding was still a U.S. Senator from Ohio at the time of Roosevelt's death, but he himself was just two years away from the White House. If Harding had anticipated his imminent presidency, perhaps he would not have stated, "There is no direct legatee to his [Roosevelt's] vast political estate."

Provenance: Ex-Forbes Collection. Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), the American owner-publisher of Forbes magazine and a consummate collector, amassed one of the most substantial autograph collections of such breadth and depth that it filled a half-dozen residences on three continents. Many of his manuscripts were sold in a series of multi-million dollar sales by Christie's in the early 2000s. The Forbes name is considered to be the apex of provenance, especially when attached to an item like the above. We are honored to have been chosen by the family to sell at auction the substantial balance of the collection.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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