This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/17/2017
The year was 1991. America was embroiled in the Persian Gulf War; the once powerful Soviet Union had collapsed; and Terminator 2 was dominating the theater box offices of the world. For the first time in America's more than 200 years of existence, five American Presidents stood together in one place. The historic event took place on November 5, 1991, at the dedication of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. There, former Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and our then-current President George H.W. Bush, stood side-by-side. On that noteworthy day, the five were captured on this exceptionally rare color photo, with each former Commander-in-Chief adding his signature below his own image in either blue or black ink. All five are strong signatures and smudge-free, with the signatures rating a solid "9-10" overall in appearance. It is a wonderful artifact from the first time in American history when five of our most esteemed former leaders were able to gather together. Adding even further to the rarity and collectability of this piece is its unusually large size (9" x 13"). While it is known that the presidents entered a pact where they signed 500 of the 8" x 10" version of this photo (100 for each president), it is unknown how few of these over-sized specimens exist. In researching the history of these relics, this stands as only the second 9" x 13" version that we know to surface in the marketplace. This photo exhibits a minor bend in the upper right corner and some trivial scattered surface impressions, but stands in otherwise fine condition. Authenticated by PSA/DNA with a full letter of authenticity.