Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Autograph Value Guide

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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Autograph
Estimated Value
$750 – $900
Period
1850-1882
Origin
United States
Materials
Paper, ink

A Henry Wadsworth Longfellow autograph represents a tangible link to the 'Fireside Poet' era of American literature. These signed pages are highly collectible due to Longfellow's status as the author of iconic works like 'Paul Revere's Ride' and 'The Song of Hiawatha'.

What Is Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Autograph Worth?

The typical price range for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Autograph is $750 - $900 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The presence of a specific date or location, such as his home in Cambridge, can significantly increase the market value.
  • Overall condition of the paper, including the absence of heavy staining, tears, or significant fading of the ink.
  • The context of the signature, such as whether it is a standalone clip or a full inscription on a title page of one of his famous poems.
  • Provenances or certificates of authenticity from reputable literary manuscript experts.

How to Identify Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Autograph?

  • Verify the signature style matches Longfellow's characteristic 19th-century cursive, typically featuring a distinct, flowing 'L'.
  • Check for authentic iron gall ink which often shows slight browning or 'haloing' on paper from the 1850-1882 period.
  • Examine the paper for mid-19th-century characteristics, such as natural aging, foxing, or specific watermarkings common to the era.
  • Cross-reference the signature against known examples found in his published books or personal correspondence from his peak years of popularity.

History of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Autograph

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an influential American poet of the 19th century, known for narrative poems like 'Paul Revere's Ride' and 'The Song of Hiawatha'. His works were immensely popular and widely read during his lifetime. An autograph from such a prominent literary figure is a tangible connection to a significant period in American literature.

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