Signed Studio Photograph of President S.J.P. (Paul) Kruger

Hand-signed Studio Photograph of President S.J.P. (Paul) Kruger

Exceedingly rare, signed studio photograph (12X21cm) of President Kruger, dated August 15, 1896, and signed at Pretoria.  Collection lore has it that there are only a few hand-signed photographs (as opposed to the more common printed signature photographs) in existence, as the President only rarely signed portrait photographs.

Kruger's portrait is captured by the photographic artistry of Duffus Bros. of Johannesburg.  The studio's photographs are represented in a number of important national and private collections, and the value of the images they captured of prominent persons, lies in their ability to capture the very essence of the personalities whose portraits they rendered.

Likewise, this portrait captures a stately and vigorous Paul Kruger in 1896 (aged 71), after the Jameson Raid, prelude to the Anglo-Boer War.

The photograph is also unique in that Kruger's black ink signature is very well preserved as it was signed over a piece of originally pasted paper, and flows onto the photograph (see detail), otherwise most of the body of the signature would have faded (as is common) on the photographic paper.  The unsympathetic former framing of this photo (now preserved in a museum quality archival pouch) does not detract from its rarity and historical value.

Rare Anglo-Boer War and other collectibles are being loaded daily, please check back soon for this month end auction, and in lieu of low, combined shipping.  International bidders, please confirm shipping rates (DHL) with the seller, before placing your order.