Signature / Unsigned Photograph

This New York City district attorney and Republican politician served as New York's 47th governor (1943-54); he was a presidential contender in 1940, although the nod was given to Wendell Willkie instead, but in 1944 was the Republican's candidate against FDR. Bold full signature in black ink on a buff heavy stock 5½" X 3¼" penny postcard, n.p., n.y. [postal cancellation 20 October 1937]. Near fine. Dewey signs the blank lower left corner of a typed signature request from future noted Lincoln and Civil War scholar Arnold F. Gates (1914-93) of Cleveland, Ohio. Writing Dewey as New York City prosecutor, Gates notes: "After reading a great deal about your great work in New York I am taking the liberty of asking for your autograph" -- adding earnestly, "Please send it to me for my small collection surely needs it!" Accompanied by a superb glossy 9" X 7" black and white news agency photograph (International News Photos) depicting a smiling Dewey standing alongside his wife as she signed a large open book on a table. Original mimeographed paper label neatly affixed to verso dates this image 6 October 1951 and titles it "Governor's Lady Insures Eligibility to Vote," describing the scene: "Mrs. Thomas E. Dewey is shown signing the book as she registered at Public School 18 this morning. Looking on are Governor Dewey and election board chairman...." An exceptionally early Dewey signature from his "Gangbuster" days as a special prosecutor.