Named Card for the Dinner in Honor of Marechal José Simeão de Oliveira, the President of the Brazilian Commission to the Worlds Columbian Exposition. March 11, 1893. Extremely Fine. 5 inches x 8 inches. Printed form on heavy cream card. Embossed multicolor seal of Brazil at left, with ribbons of green and gold threaded through holes in the card. Dramatically named to "Prof. Putnam." in gold ink, applied at right. At the lower right is the autograph signature of the honoree, José Simeão de Oliveira, in pencil. He was the President of the Brazilian Commission, but also a Brazilian statesman of some renown. According to an article in the <em>New York Times</em>, of June 21, 1893, he had become so overwhelmed by stress over the state of the Brazilian exhibit at the fair, that he fell seriously ill as a direct result, and died at New Yorks Hotel Savoy while en route to Europe, the day prior. The ribbon ends are slightly frayed, but otherwise it is entirely bright and mostly free of handling. Notably, this was one of several events held prior to the opening of the Exposition to the public, and likely a very limited affair. Also included are the calling cards of Adolpho Aschoff, the Secretary of the Brazilian Commission, and Rear Admiral Cordovil Maurity, the President of the Commission, who had been appointed after de Oliveiras death. Mauritys card bears his autograph signature. Both calling cards are essentially As New, bright and fresh. (Total: 3 pieces)
