Autographed Betty Ford Portrait
This is a framed, inscribed, and signed portrait of First Lady Betty Ford. The item features a studio photograph of Betty Ford with her characteristic mid-1970s hairstyle, wearing a light-colored high-collared blouse. Below the image, a personalized inscription reads: 'To David Swanson with appreciation and best wishes, Betty Ford'. The signature appears to be in black ink. The piece is housed in a rectangular dark wood grain frame with a thin gold-toned inner fillet. It is matted with an off-white, linen-textured mat that shows significant age-related condition issues. Specifically, there is prominent water staining or foxing in the upper-left corner of the mat and visible discoloration along the edges. The photograph itself appears to have maintained most of its color, though there is a slight shift towards magenta/sepia tones common in color prints from the 1970s. The frame shows minor scuffing and dust accumulation, suggesting it has been stored without recent conservation. This item dates to the mid-to-late 1970s, representing her tenure as First Lady or the immediate post-White House years. The personalized nature of the inscription adds provenance value, though the condition of the matting necessitates professional refurbishment to preserve the long-term integrity of the photograph and signature.
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Estimated Value
$250 - $400
Basic Information
Category
Historical Memorabilia / Autographs
Appraised On
January 21, 2026
Estimated Value
$250 - $400
Item Description
This is a framed, inscribed, and signed portrait of First Lady Betty Ford. The item features a studio photograph of Betty Ford with her characteristic mid-1970s hairstyle, wearing a light-colored high-collared blouse. Below the image, a personalized inscription reads: 'To David Swanson with appreciation and best wishes, Betty Ford'. The signature appears to be in black ink. The piece is housed in a rectangular dark wood grain frame with a thin gold-toned inner fillet. It is matted with an off-white, linen-textured mat that shows significant age-related condition issues. Specifically, there is prominent water staining or foxing in the upper-left corner of the mat and visible discoloration along the edges. The photograph itself appears to have maintained most of its color, though there is a slight shift towards magenta/sepia tones common in color prints from the 1970s. The frame shows minor scuffing and dust accumulation, suggesting it has been stored without recent conservation. This item dates to the mid-to-late 1970s, representing her tenure as First Lady or the immediate post-White House years. The personalized nature of the inscription adds provenance value, though the condition of the matting necessitates professional refurbishment to preserve the long-term integrity of the photograph and signature.
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