HELEN KELLER Autograph Photo Signed Inscribed CHRISTMAS 1936 * PSA
Guaranteed Authentic
American author, disability rights advocate, educator and lecturer HELEN KELLER uncommon photo signed and inscribed in pencil, "For Jean / With Warmest Christmas / Greetings / Helen Keller / Christmas 1936". The 56-year old Keller is shown reading a Braille book. Mild contrast issues with Keller signing and inscribing over a darker section at lower right, as shown.
1936 was an exceptionally difficult year for Keller with the profound loss of her beloved teacher and longtime companion, Anne Sullivan Macy who had just recently died in late October of that year.
Keller learned to use block printing, her handwriting was consistently upright like the writing in calligraphy. Her handwriting and signature bears this specific style because of the use of an assistive writing board and a method called "square-hand". People with visual disabilities would place a piece of paper on the writing board which had horizontal grooves in it, creating lines that could be felt as a person's hand moved across the page, keeping their writing straight. Writing within the grooves gave letters a square appearance, hence the term.
The HELEN KELLER autograph has been thoroughly reviewed and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION and encapsulated using PSA/DNA's proprietary sonically-sealed slab technology. GUARANTEED GENUINE.
Keller was a prolific author, writing 14 books and hundreds of speeches and essays on topics ranging from animals to Mahatma Gandhi. Keller campaigned for those with disabilities and for women's suffrage, labor rights, and world peace. She was a founding member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). She became the first deafblind person in the United States to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Condition is as shown with light toning and previously stated contrast issues and small stain on verso; In otherwise fine condition. Please review images carefully for exact condition. Photograph measures appx. 8" x 10" inside 10" x 13" encapsulate.
NOTE: several examples of "Newton's Ring" appear on the reverse side of the encapsulate (the rings that look like little air bubbles trapped inside) -- a common, harmless byproduct of the slabbing process of larger items, not affecting the autograph or printed image.
Buy with confidence – we are among eBay's elite "Top Rated" and "Most Reputable Sellers" of authentic historic autographs and artifacts since 1998 with 100% positive feedback! Please view our exceptional feedback and ratings, and our additional historic autograph and artifact auctions.
A handsome and impressive addition to any truly exceptional autograph collection. An exceptional investment opportunity, and a truly rare and remarkable find.
Sold as is, as shown.