October 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, October 23rd, 5pm Pacific

Extremely Scarce Franklin Pierce Free Frank Signed as President

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2012

Highly rare instance of Franklin Pierce's signature as President upon a free frank. He signs ''Franklin Pierce'' to the top, beside the Washington, DC postmark that identifies this as one of Pierce's presidential franking signatures. The postmark is dated 3 February. This particular style, with hollow-letter font, was DC's postmark only during the years 1851-1854. Pierce took executive office in 1853. While Pierce enjoyed the franking privilege as a Congressman from 1833-42, and as an ex-President until 1863, he did not have the privilege in the years immediately prior to being elected President when this postmark was in use. This can only be signed by Pierce as President. This envelope is addressed to ''Hon. W.G. Clarke'' in Manchester, New Hampshire. An etching of Pierce is included. Measures 6.25'' x 4.5''. Toning and chipping to the edges. Very good. The postmark itself is in very good to near fine condition.