Lot 99

James Polk PSA Slabbed NM-MT 8 Free Frank to Brig. Gen. J. G. Totten, JSA LOA

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James Polk PSA Slabbed NM-MT 8 Free Frank to Brig. Gen. J. G. Totten, JSA LOA

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500

Current Bid: $750

(8 Bids)

by University Archives
July 28, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
88 Danbury Road
Suite 2A
Wilton, CT, US 06897

James Polk
[Nashville, TN], May 26, n.y. [ca. 1847]
James Polk PSA Slabbed NM-MT 8 Free Frank to Brig. Gen. J. G. Totten, JSA LOA
Free Frank

A rare free franked panel signed by the President in the upper right, "Free/ J. K. Polk." 1p, measuring 5.5" x 3", [Nashville, TN], May 26, n.y. [ca. 1847]. The body has been further hand addressed by Polk to "Brevet Brig. Genl. J.G. Totten/ Chief Engineer/ Washington City." Postmarked from Nashville in the upper left, partially covering the first few letters of the addressee's title. Inlaid to a slightly larger sheet. Exhibits scattered light soiling and handling marks throughout, otherwise near fine. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA to an overall size of 9.5" x 4.5" and graded NM-MT 8. Together with a full Letter of Authenticity from JSA.

Joseph Gilbert Totten (1788-1864) was a noted career Army officer who fought in the War of 1812, served as Chief of Engineers, and became regent of the Smithsonian Institution. As chief engineer, he was intimately involved with every aspect of the Army Corps of Engineers' activities, from fortifications to harbor improvement. Totten was greatly admired by General Winfield Scott, for whom he directed the siege of Veracruz as his chief engineer during the Mexican-American War. He later served as a general in the Union Army, but died before the War's end, having been active in the military for nearly six decades.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 9.5" x 4.5"
  • Medium: Free Frank

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000