Rare Autograph, Photograph and Manuscript Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2017
WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN. Large Engraving signed: "W.J. Bryan" in pencil. B/w, 19x24 overall, image 13¾x16¼ (one surface). Imprinted at left above image: "Copyright 1908 by William J. Campbell." Imprinted at left beneath engraving: "Published by William J. Campbell, Philadelphia". Imprinted at right beneath engraving: "Engraved by W.H.W. Bicknell, from a photograph by Alva C. Townsend of Lincoln, Neb." "WHW Bicknell [illegible]. These large engravings were used as Bryan's 1908 Presidential campaign posters. A lawyer known for his excellent oratorical skills, William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925) was elected to Congress in 1890, serving from 1891-1895. The Nebraska legislator soon became the acknowledged leader of the Free Silver Movement and, following his defeat for a Senate seat in 1894, returned to the private sector to wage his battle against proponents of the gold standard. As editor of the "Omaha World-Herald" and a popular lecturer, Bryan perfected his argument and delivered his "Cross of Gold" speech at the 1896 Democratic convention, resulting in his first presidential nomination. Although he lost the presidency to McKinley that year and in 1900 and failed to beat Taft in 1908, Bryan returned to high public office as President Woodrow Wilson's Secretary of State (1913-1915). After his resignation, Bryan returned to law for ten years before again gaining national prominence -- this time in July 1925 as the prosecuting attorney in Tennessee vs. Scopes, popularly known as the Scopes Monkey Trial. Although he was successful in debating the case against Clarence Darrow, the experience took its toll; Bryan fell ill and died just weeks late.
William Jennings Bryan 19" x 23" Signed Engraving
Click above for larger image.