12.75x15.5” overall wood frame (two small rub dots on right) with glass over dark gray mat that has 4.5x6.5” opening at top holding a vintage glossy photo with great contrast of TR in somewhat battered hat studiously reading the open book he holds while seated in the rear of what appears to be an open top automobile. The head of a young boy is at right with screen panels above him all within what might be a large garage area. TR wears a watch chain and has a large ring on the little finger of his left hand. Bottom edge of photo has copyright symbol and the text “American Press Ass’n N.Y.” Below, four clear plastic corner mounts hold the 3.75x5.75 card printed with name of his home at top “SAGAMORE HILL.” All else is in TR’s hand in black ink. Card has lightly tanned with three small darker tan marks each about .25” in diameter. Entire text is easily read except for a single word. It begins with the date “May 14, 1918.” It is addressed “Dear Mr. Allen.” The text is “I wish I could accept; but I am engaged about ten deep for all possible luncheons! I wonder if it would be possible for you to bring Prof. Van Tyne to see Corman (?) Friday, the 10th, at 4 pm at the Harvard Club? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt.” This item is from the collection of noted Roosevelt collector Peter Scanlon and was purchased from Peter by our consignor June 11,2011, as was item #49. Comes with Hake’s COA and JSA LOA.