Ulysses S. Grant Signed Engraving.

GRANT, Ulysses S. (George W. Casilear).

$5,000.00

Item Number: 101590

Washington, D.C:, 1871.

Official Bureau of Engraving & Printing U.S. Treasury Department engraved portrait of President Ulysses S. Grant by George W. Casilear. Boldly signed “U.S. Grant.” The brother of landscape painter John William Casilear, George W. Casilear was an early and nationally recognized security engraver. He held several important patents to features including  tamper-proof ink, printing techniques and paper. In consideration of the aesthetic needs of the Treasury for both widespread reproduction of these images on banknotes and well as the fine detail required to distinguish counterfeiting, the engravings are considered among the finest American examples of 19th century. In fine condition. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 10 inches by 9 inches. Engravings signed by Grant are rare, particularly by Casilear.

Three days earlier on May 8, 1871, President Grant had signed the Treaty of Washington, settling the so-called "Alabama Claims," whereby the U.S. sought reparations from the United Kingdom for attacks on U.S. ships by the British built ship, CSS Alabama, and other Confederate ships that were sold to the rebel states during the Civil War. The British government agreed to pay the U.S. $15.5 million.