$95.00
This is such a treasure! It’s a memorial certificate issued by the government of France after World War I honoring American soldier Alton Miller. The illustration has the heading “1914 – 1919” followed by the words “Ceux qui pieusement sont morts pour la patrie ont droit qua leur cercueil la folie vienne et prie” (Those who piously died for their country have the right to have madness come to their coffin and pray). The central motif is a wartime monument typical of the era featuring various human representations of elements of war surmounted by the word “PAX.” The inscription at the bottom reads “A la mémoire de Alton Miller, Private, Central Officers Training School des Etats-Unis d’Amerique mort pour la liberté pendent la grande guerre, hommage de la France. Président de la République,” signed by Raymond Poincaré (In memory of Alton Miller, Private, Central Officers Training School of the United States of America who died for freedom during the Great War, tribute from France). The soldier’s name, rank and unit are handwritten in ink. This is followed by the intertwined flags of France and the United States. The illustration is signed by Franklin Booth (see history below) and printed by Cartier Paris – New York – London. Framed under glass in a black wooden frame with grey marbleized accents and small carved details. The original hanging wire is present. We’ve added a new dust cover to the back. It measures 20.75″ x 13.25″. Beautiful piece of antique war memorabilia; great gift for the collector.
Out of stock
HISTORY (from online sources): Franklin Booth (1874 – 1948) was an American artist known for his detailed pen-and-ink illustrations. He had a unique illustration style based upon his early recreation of wood engraving illustrations with pen and ink. His skill as a draftsman and style made him a popular magazine illustrator in the early 20th-century. He was one of the first modern ex libris designers in the United States. Using watercolor, Booth created book illustrations, such as James Whitcomb Riley’s The Flying Islands of the Night and Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper. During World War I, he created posters for recruitment, fundraising, US savings bonds envelopes, booklets and death certificates for American soldiers who perished in France and Belgium. He published the first book about automobile travel, and created illustrations for a wildlife conservation series by the National Wildlife Federation. Other contributions include illustrating the annual Telephone Almanac, and the illustration “A Continent Is Bridged,” drawn for the Atlantic Telephone & Telegraph Company for the observance of the 25th anniversary of transcontinental telephone service in 1940.
SHIPPING: $20 flat rate shipping valid only for street addresses within contiguous United States; we cannot deliver to post office boxes. For shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and elsewhere, please contact us with your location for a custom shipping quote.
A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.” As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability. Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift. All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof.
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Customer has up to 30 days unless vendor opts out of return policy per item to return a product for any reason such as damaged item, size, or unhappiness with product upon arrival. Read our full return policy.
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!
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Your Review
danicatheracecardriver –
Wonderful experience, meticulous packaging!
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!