Timothy O Howe Antique Engraved Portrait US Postmaster General 1880s #1449

Original antique engraved portrait of Timothy O. Howe (1816–1883), U.S. Senator from Wisconsin and United States Postmaster General. This finely detailed portrait is printed on a single substantial presentation sheet with an embossed/recessed border surrounding the portrait area. The name “TIMOTHY O. HOWE” is printed directly beneath the oval portrait. Howe was a prominent Civil War and Reconstruction-era statesman who represented Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate from 1861 to 1879. He was later appointed Postmaster General of the United States by President Chester A. Arthur, serving from 1881 until his death in 1883. The engraving displays exceptionally fine line and cross-hatched detail characteristic of high-quality 19th-century engraved portraiture. The reverse of the original sheet bears the blue stamped identification/inventory number “725730A.” The significance of this number has not been determined. The engraving is currently displayed on a larger blue-bordered collector mounting board using clear corner holders. The portrait, printed name and embossed surrounding presentation area are all part of one original sheet; the blue-bordered board is a separate display mount. Overall the engraving presents very well for its age. There is some light age-related toning, handling and minor surface wear. Please examine the photographs closely, as they are an important part of the condition description. A handsome 19th-century political portrait with interest to collectors of American history, Wisconsin history, U.S. Senate memorabilia, postal history, presidential administration material and antique engravings.