ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY (1837–1917). SIGNED PORTRAIT ON PUBLISHER’S MOUNT

Large-format photogravure (or collotype) portrait after a photograph, printed in black-and-white and tipped to the original textured mount with blind and printed publisher’s devices in the lower margin, copyright 1899 (Chicago). Boldly signed on the mount, “George Dewey,” with rank added in his hand, “[Admiral/Commodore] U.S. Navy.”

A handsome, post–Spanish-American War presentation of the hero of Manila Bay, executed the year following his decisive victory of 1 May 1898 and during the height of his national renown. Dewey remains the only officer in U.S. history to hold the grade Admiral of the Navy (established 1903). His large, clean signature beneath this formal bust portrait gives the piece strong display appeal.