William Rufus Blake Signed Autograph Cut 19thC Noted American Actor For Sale

From the collection of Frank D Andrews, purchase from an sale of items he donated to the Vineland Historical Society.

Mounted on paper with description at the bottom.

Original autograph signature of William Rufus Blake (1805–1863), a noted 19th-century American stage actor. This piece consists of a neatly clipped signature in period ink, professionally mounted to a larger cream card with an inked presentation border. A contemporary or early collector pencil notation at the bottom identifies Blake, his birth and death information, and notes his theatrical significance.

Blake was active during the golden age of American theater and appeared in numerous classical and dramatic stage productions, earning recognition in period biographical references. His autograph is scarce and sought after by theater historians and autograph collectors.

SIGNATURE ANALYSIS

• The clipped signature reads: “Wm Rufus Blake” (stylized), consistent with a 19th-century autograph of actor William Rufus Blake.
• Signature is executed in dark brown/black iron-gall ink with flowing cursive, moderate rightward slant, strong entry stroke, and a long, confident terminal flourish—characteristics typical of professional correspondence and autograph examples from the mid-1800s.
• The signature is neatly mounted to a larger cream card, framed by an inked border—suggesting period or early collector mounting.
• Handwriting shows controlled pressure, smooth line quality, and natural variation consistent with genuine period writing rather than modern reproduction.
• Paper exhibits age toning, scattered light foxing, and edge wear consistent with 19th-century paper stock.
• Pencil notation at lower margin identifies the signer and provides biographical data, likely added by an early collector or archivist.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY

• Item Type: Autograph signature clipping, mounted on archival card
• Signer: William Rufus Blake
• Era: Mid-19th century (circa 1840s–1860s)
• Additional handwritten pencil note reads (paraphrased):
“William Rufus Blake. B. Halifax, N.S. 1805. D. Boston, Mass. Apr 22, 1863. Noted actor. See Drake’s Biographical Dictionary.”
• The presentation suggests a collector-assembled autograph specimen rather than a full letter or document.

SIGNER BIO

William Rufus Blake (1805–1863) was a prominent American stage actor of the mid-19th century, born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and later active primarily in Boston and other major theatrical centers. He was well known for his work in classical and dramatic roles, appearing in numerous Shakespearean and popular stage productions. Blake enjoyed a solid reputation in American theater circles and is referenced in period biographical dictionaries and theatrical histories. His career places him within the formative era of professional American theater.

COLLECTOR INTEREST

This item appeals to multiple collecting fields:

• Autograph collectors of 19th-century performers and entertainers
• Theater and performing arts historians
• Collectors of mounted autograph specimens and early autograph albums
• Researchers of American stage history
• Ephemera collectors seeking identified and attributed signatures

The clear identification and period mounting enhance its desirability as a reference-grade autograph example.

TITLE

DESCRIPTION

Original autograph signature of William Rufus Blake (1805–1863), a noted 19th-century American stage actor. This piece consists of a neatly clipped signature in period ink, professionally mounted to a larger cream card with an inked presentation border. A contemporary or early collector pencil notation at the bottom identifies Blake, his birth and death information, and notes his theatrical significance.

Blake was active during the golden age of American theater and appeared in numerous classical and dramatic stage productions, earning recognition in period biographical references. His autograph is scarce and sought after by theater historians and autograph collectors.

Condition:
Signature clipping shows light age toning. Mounting card displays scattered foxing, minor edge wear, and general age-related discoloration. No major tears or repairs observed.

Ink: Dark brown/black
Approximate overall mount size: visible in photos

This item has not been authenticated by a third-party grading service but appears consistent with genuine mid-19th-century ink, paper, and handwriting. It is guaranteed original and sold as-is.

Item will be carefully packaged and shipped with protective materials to ensure safe arrival.

KEYWORDS

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HASHTAGS

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