Autographs
President James & First Lady Lucretia Garfield Signed March 15, 1881 “AS PRESIDENT” Dated Courtesy Cards
JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD & LUCRETIA GARFIELD, as PRESIDENT & FIRST LADY, (1831 - September 19, 1881). 20th President of the United States (1881), after completing nine consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (1863–81).
March 15, 1881- Dated, Original Mated Pair of Courtesy Autograph Signature Cards Signed by “James A. Garfield” as President and “Lucretia R. Garfield” as First Lady, together with their original Transmittal Stamped Postal Envelope Circular Stamp Dated “Mar. 15 - 1881 WASHINGTON D. C.”, the Two Cards grading Choice Crisp Near Mint. The transmittal envelope measures about 3.5” x 4.5” with its 3¢ green George Washington U.S. Postage Stamp nicely tied to the cover. It is addressed to: Mrs. M.E. Asbury of Springfield, Illinois. There is some expected circulation wear from actual use and scattered stains, primarily upon its reverse. The Two Courtesy Cards each measure 2” x 3.5” with each signature centered and beautifully written in their own hands. The blank reverses are each dated “Mar. 15, 1881” while James A. Garfield was Acting President, in office from March 4, 1881 to September 19, 1881. A superb trio, wholly original, in excellent quality and extremely rare being Signed AS PRESIDENT.

Garfield's Presidency lasted just 200 days, from March 4, 1881, until his death on September 19, 1881, as a result of being shot by Assassin Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881. Only William Henry Harrison's presidency, of 31 days, was shorter. James A. Garfield was the second of four United States Presidents who were Assassinated.

Garfield's accomplishments as President included a controversial resurgence of Presidential authority above Senatorial courtesy in executive appointments; energizing U.S. Naval power; and purging corruption in the Post Office Department. Garfield made notable diplomatic and judiciary appointments, including a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Garfield appointed several African-Americans to prominent Federal positions. As President, Garfield advocated a bi-metal monetary system, agricultural technology, an educated electorate, and civil rights for African-Americans. He proposed substantial civil service reform, eventually passed by Congress in 1883, and it signed into law by his successor, Chester A. Arthur, known as the “Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act”.