The 1887 NYPD Patrolman Appointment Certificate was brought to the studio in a state of extreme deterioration. Glued to cardboard, it was wrinkled and yellowed, with the signature of Theodore Roosevelt barely legible. It was carefully cleaned and deacified to prevent further deterioration. With the original signature barely legible, a displayed copy of the document was made with all the damages digitally removed and the handwriting and signatures made visible again.
In the past, most NYPD patrolmen received their nominations by paying bribes to local politicians or precinct commanders. Roosevelt established the principle of appointments and promotions based on merit and character, which included hiring Isabella Goodwin, the first woman on the NYPD force,
A letter from the client:
What a wonderful job you done on the restoration of the 110 year old certificate we recently located in our family archives. The certificate was signed by future US President Theodore Roosevelt when he was Commissioner of the New York City Police Department. The purpose of the certificate was to appoint our ancestor as member of the Department.
In 1897, our ancestor was a recent immigrant to the United States. The certificate was torn, faded, darkened and carried just about every impediment to legibility which one could imagine. However, you proceeded diligently and with care to rejuvenate this 1897 document into nearly good as new condition. It was a pleasure to work with you.
Very truly yours,
David