This is really disturbing for me as a history buff. I don't care for the "custom card" craze much but I think this takes it to an even greater "ahistorical" level. Here's a Fredrick Douglass signature affixed to what is described as a "reproduction CDV" that has been aged to look antique.
Frederick Douglass Custom CDV Cut Signature Card
Authentic cut signature affixed to a reproduction CDV portrait featuring dramatic portrait of the esteemed orator and writer. Davis signs as “Fred’k. Douglass” and adds “Recorder” also in his hand.
Signature exhibits wear typically associated with age, use and handling. Custom card measures appx. 3.25” x 4.75” inside appx. 4.25” x 7” encapsulate.
The verso of the repro. CDV includes a digital reproduction of the 19th Century Matthew Brady photography studio logo along with the the modern day dealer's ad and website information. Plus fake foxing and toning on the background to make it all look antique. I guess the inclusion of the Brady logo and the artificial paper aging is what bothers me the most.
The fact that the year 2025 is included in the copyright notice on the dealer's ad will (hopefully) be a red flag in the future if it's resold to someone down the line who doesn't have the current listing info. available.


