WANAMAKER, John (1838-1922) - Signature

Shrewd American merchant who developed America's largest retail clothing store and pioneered the concept of a department store and a "money back guarantee"; controversial postmaster general under Benjamin Harrison (1889-93). Large and bold signature in black ink on the verso of a heavy stock engraved "The Secretary of the Navy" 3½" X 2" calling card, dated by him "Washington April 24/89." Near fine. With original envelope addressed in Wanamaker's hand (and printed "John Wanamaker, / Philadelphia" return address at upper left). Accompanied by a fine modern reproduction of a vintage steel-engraved head-and-shoulders portrait of a very young Wanamaker. Funny and odd that the Postmaster General, who'd been in office only a month and a half at this point, would sign the calling card of Secretary of the Navy Benjamin F. Tracy!.

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