General Custer autographed New York Times 7th Calvary

Up for auction here is a dream come true for any collector of American war history. Today’s auction includes the New York Times from Saturday, November 28, 1862 signed by General George Armstrong Custer. The newspaper was found in my family’s storage in a trunk that included a genuine 7^th Cavalry helmet that we sold on eBay last November in order to pay bills. We are unfortunately faced with the same scenario again and; therefore, are having to let go of this incredible piece of memorabilia. 

HOW DO WE KNOW IT IS GENUINE?

We have obtained a hand written response from an historical appraiser recommended to us by the United States Department of the Interior (Please continue reading)

My family has had the paper in our possession for nearly half a century, but it wasn’t until the early 90s that we discovered the signature. My father, inquisitive about the monumental find, photocopied the signature and sent it to a number of authorities. Contained in this auction are all three original letters which stress the authenticity of the signature. Please read on as I have typed the contents of all three letters in their sequential order.

The first letter is a hand written response from the Little Big Horn Associates from 1991. It is the top letter you see in blue. Please note that the second reference mentioned in the body paragraph references Bob Aldrich, a professional appraiser.

Little Big Horn Associates, Board of Directors

May 13, 1991

Dear Rick:

Thank you for your recent letter concerning the Custer Signature.

I am not a Custer Signature expert but I am going to give you the addresses of some people who may be able to help you. I believe they all have original Custer signatures. Send a photo copy to each of the following.

W. Donald Horn [Followed by the address contained in the original] New Jersey

Bob Aldrich [Followed by the address contained in the original letter] Texas

Col. George A. Custer, III [Followed by the address contained in the original letter] California

If I can be of any further help please contact me at [address contained in the original letter] Alabama

Sincerely,

Lowell Smith

 The next original letter is type written from the United Stated Department of the Interior. It is the second letter (in white) included for authenticity. Please note once again the reference to Bob Aldrich, a professional appraiser.

 United States Department of the Interior

National Park Service

Custer Battlefield National Monument

Post Office Box 39

Crow Agency, Montana 59022

May 16, 1991,

Rick [Last Name, followed by address]

Since we are not handwriting experts either, I doubt that we could do anything more for you than offer a layman’s opinion about the alleged Custer signature you have. I do have a suggestion, however. You may wish to contact Mr. Robert Aldrich [followed by address]. Mr. Aldrich is a professional appraiser of historical documents who specializes in Custer material. I am confident that he can verify the signature for you.

I am enclosing your original letter to us so that you may forward it to him should you elect to do so. We hope it turns out to be an authentic one!

Sincerely,

Douglas C. McChristian

Chief Historian

The third and final hand written letter included in the auction is from the aforementioned Bob Aldrich who is a professional appraiser. This is the blue letter on the bottom right. 

May 30, 1991

Dear Sir,

Received your letter. The Custer Signature looks to be authentic. Do you have the paper properly stored between acid free plastic sheets! I would say that it would be perhaps worth up to a thousand dollars. When you are ready to dispose of it you should donate it to West Point Military Academy for a tax break. I am sending this information free of charge.

Custer’s signature sells for about $800.00 or more with the newspaper I would price it at $1000.00 It should go to an institution where it will [be] kept and used by students which is why I suggested West Point. So much of relics such as yours are throw[n] away or destroy in later years by someone who knows not or cares no for its value

Sincerely,

Robert Aldrich

If you decided to donate it you should write down the history of the paper and have the paper notarized. Actually you should do that anyway to establish prominence.”

The final item is a post card my father picked up in the Dakotas on a family vacation with a reproduction of Custer’s picture AND signature. Please note the exact likeness of the signature on the newspaper with that of the reproduction on the post card.The post card is NOT included in the auction.

As requested by Mr. Aldrich, we have had the entire newspaper contained in an acid free paper. The frame you see the paper contained in is included in the auction. Once again, the age of the paper (1862) in addition to the likeness of the signature are testimony enough for any layperson to believe the signature is authentic. The addition of confirmation from a professional appraiser specializing in Custer materials is a substantial guarantee of authenticity.

Shipping will be $25.00 and will include shipping insurance and delivery confirmation at no cost to the winning bidder. Therefore, I am not responsible once the item is given to the post office.

Paypal only. U.S. Bidders only. Payment is to be received within 48 hrs of auction closing. I will ship the day following payment being cleared. Item is sold as is with no returns, so please ask questions prior to bidding.  I am an honest seller who has been buying and selling on eBay for 5 years. I believe in communication. I have done my best to describe the items within my auctions to their full degree. If you have any questions, please ask before the auction closing and I will quickly and honestly respond within 24 hours.