[Philadelphia]: (S.n.), [1879-1885]. Leather over boards. Oblong duodecimo. [54 leaves].

A fantastic and eclectic trove of 19th century autographs collected by one Edward Wesson, apparently associated with the Continental Hotel in Philadelphia. The autographs range from military figures to actors and actresses, singers, diplomats, explorers, and more.

Some of the most notable figures whose autographs appear here include Ulysses S. Grant, Edwin Booth, William Tecumseh Sherman, P. T. Barnum, King David Kalākaua of Hawaii, Henry Ward Beecher, David Ross Locke (aka 'Petroleum V. Nasby'), and Hannibal Hamlin (Vice-President under Abraham Lincoln). There are also autographs from survivors of the tragic Jeanette Expedition to the Arctic, including John W. Danenhower, Louis P. Noros, William F. C. Nindemann, and George W. Melville. Among the other entertainment figures of the day to sign Mr. Wesson's album were actresses Maggie Mitchell and Emma Abbott and several others.

Of the 54 leaves, only 5 are blank on both sides, with the remaining 49 having autographs on one or both sides, and one autograph on the recto of rear free endpaper for a total of 57 autographs in all.

The album originated at Philadelphia’s Continental Hotel, one of the grandest and most socially prominent establishments of the 19th century. Opened in 1860 and famed for hosting presidents, generals, and celebrities—including Abraham Lincoln, who stayed there en route to his 1861 inauguration—the Continental stood as a national landmark until its 1924 demolition to make way for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel.

Apart from a single tipped‑in signature from a Mayor of Mt. Vernon, NY, every autograph in this volume is penned directly onto its original pages. This is of vital significance because unlike albums assembled from clipped signatures from various sources, this is a continuous artifact: the very book that moved through the hands of each signer. To hold it now is to experience that unique connection with each of the historical figures who once inscribed it.

A truly remarkable artifact.

Near fine. Leather over thin board with gilt-stamped upper board. Professionally restored, with about half of the original gilt-ornamented spine retained. Wesson's name card laid down on front pastedown.

Item #2007

Price: $15,000