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Collecting Sir John A. Macdonald (part 2)

Last week I discussed collecting actual election items from Sir John A. Macdonald and his party.  Next week I’ll look at more contemporary items (as well as giving a sneak peak of how you’re going to want to spend his 200th birthday).  This week, I’m going to look at items from his life that are not election related.

The most common item, and easiest to collect is the Sir John A. Macdonald photo.  Numerous photos exist from the various stages of his career and life.  The original cabinet photo/cdv photo, while not common, are the most popular.  Macdonald usually posed for these.  At the very least, he was in the room when they were taken.  Also included in this group would be the stereocard of Sir John A.  These usually went out without any consultation.  The photo was usually purchased and then transferred to the card.  The went out without his knowledge.

The event ticket, or invitation is another great item.  Sir John A. Macdonald was a popular speaker.  Many times, printed tickets and/or invitations were produced for the events.  Sometimes, the organizers even included a picture of Macdonald.  As with actual election items, souvenir ribbons were also produced for some of these events.  If you’re looking to start a Sir John A. Macdonald collection, the items in this category are a great place to start as they are usually the least expensive.

From the least expensive, to the most expensive.  Hand written letters and other autographed items.  About ten years ago, these items sold for $400-600 Canadian.  Then, suddenly, a person purchased a cut signature (a stand alone signature that has been cut from another item) for $7800 American.  A few months after that, a hand written letter sold at a live auction in the Maritimes for $34 000 Canadian.  Not long after that, a collection of letters sold in the UK for over $250 000.  Suddenly, the values skyrocketed.  I would argue, justifiably so.  All of these items were held in Sir John A. Macdonald’s hand.  More importantly, they are all one of a kind.  You can still sometimes get his signature at a much lower price, but it does not happen as often as it once did (or as I often as I would like, as a collector).

Do you have any Sir John A. Macdonald items from his life time in your collection?  If so, tell me about it in the comment section.  Also, please post photos in the Shoppe’s Favourites page on Facebook.  I have already posted an original photo.

To see Sir John A. Macdonald items currently available CLICK HERE!

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