Original signatures of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, America’s most beloved poet, dated in his own hand 1880; just two years before his death , and General Lew Wallace, Civil War hero and author of Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, published that same year of 1880 and destined to become the bestselling American novel of the nineteenth century. Both pieces almost certainly date from the same remarkable year, uniting two of the most celebrated figures in American cultural life at the height of their fame.
1. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow — Autograph Signature, Dated 1880
Signature signed “Henry W. Longfellow.” in brown ink on a white card, approximately 3 × 5 inches, with the year “1880” written in his hand below the signature. Bold, clear, and fully characteristic; light age toning and minor soiling to card consistent with age. Fine condition overall.
2. Lew Wallace — Autograph Signature Clipped, c. 1880
Valediction and signature clipped from a letter, reading “Very truly yours, / Lew. Wallace,” in brown ink on cream paper, approximately 3 × 4 inches. Bold, sweeping, and fully legible; light age toning to paper. Good to Very Good condition.
With One Of A Kind Collectibles LOA