The Fine Art & Collectibles Sale
Lot 109:
Description
11 x 9 in (28 x 22.8 cm)
Provenance and Authentication:
This lot is accompanied by supporting documentation provided by the consignor. According to the accompanying materials, the signature was reviewed with reference to factors including ink characteristics, material aging, stylistic consistency, and historical context. These materials relate to the reported signature, provenance, and authentication history of the piece, and are presented as received for bidder review in accordance with the auction terms and conditions.
This signed 1953 inaugural booklet, A Prayer for Unity, is directly associated with Dwight D. Eisenhower’s swearing-in as the 34th President of the United States. Items tied to presidential inaugurations are historically significant, as they mark formal transitions of power and are often produced in limited quantities for official or commemorative distribution.
The booklet itself features Eisenhower’s inaugural prayer, a text reflecting themes of national unity and post-war optimism. As such, it holds both political and cultural relevance, capturing the tone of early Cold War America.
Notably, this example bears two signatures of Dwight D. Eisenhower, which can be reasonably explained by the context in which such items were signed. It was not uncommon for presentation copies or commemorative booklets to be signed on more than one occasion, particularly:
Initial ceremonial signing at or shortly after the inauguration
Subsequent presentation signing when the booklet was gifted or distributed to an individual or organization
In many cases, a second signature was added later to personalize or reinforce the significance of the presentation copy. The presence of two signatures may therefore indicate that this booklet was both officially associated with the inaugural event and later presented or re-signed for a recipient, enhancing its historical narrative.
The signatures appear consistent with Eisenhower’s known autograph style and are positioned in areas that do not interfere with the printed content, suggesting deliberate placement.
From a market perspective, Eisenhower signed material remains steadily collectible, particularly items tied to his presidency and inaugural events. Inaugural-related pieces carry added appeal due to their direct connection to a specific historical moment.
Overall, this booklet combines presidential history, documentary significance, and autograph value. The presence of two signatures adds a layer of interest, potentially indicating a presentation history beyond standard signed examples.
Condition: ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO RETURNS OR CANCELLATIONS.
Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.
The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect color, tone, dimensions, condition, signature details, or the true state of the lot. Buyers should review all images carefully, as they form part of the description.
Provenance is provided by the consignor, prior owner, or most recent owner and may not be supported by records. All reports, COAs, appraisals, authentication letters, provenance statements, invoices, labels, or related documents, including any opinions, analyses, or conclusions therein, are provided as received from the consignor, prior owner, or third party, and have not been independently verified by Yakon Auctions. Such materials are for reference only and are not guarantees of authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, provenance, condition, or value.
All artworks, antiques, collectibles, autographed items, signed memorabilia, music memorabilia, records, photographs, posters, entertainment collectibles, and related items are offered based on information and documentation provided with the lot. Unless expressly stated, Yakon Auctions has not independently authenticated any signature, inscription, attribution, authorship, association, provenance, pressing detail, edition, period, origin, or related documentation.
Terms such as "attributed to, " "after, " "manner of, " "circle of, " "school of, " "in the artist’s style, " or similar language mean the lot is not guaranteed to be by the named artist, maker, signer, studio, or period. Exact authorship, origin, attribution, or date may be unknown, and the lot may not be included in any official catalogue raisonné, archive, registry, or recognized reference source.
Yakon Auctions makes no express or implied warranties or guarantees regarding authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, condition, provenance, attribution, description, value, or marketability. Buyers are responsible for due diligence and should seek independent expert advice before bidding.
No return, refund, cancellation, or bid retraction will be accepted based on disputes regarding authenticity, attribution, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, description, estimated value, market value, or buyer’s post-sale opinion.
Original invoices, reports, certificates, or documents shown in listings will be included only if all items listed on that document are purchased. If only part of the document relates to the purchased lot, a digital copy may be provided upon request at Yakon Auctions’ discretion.
Please bid responsibly. If you do not agree with auction sale principles, the "as is" nature of the property, or the binding nature of bidding, please do not bid.
For inquiries, please contact Support@yakonauctions.com.
Share this lot:
