Hi Clyde,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

I'm not certain how accurate this information is I've gleaned about Earl D. Desmond from online sources but it represents him as Earl Daniel Desmond, born August 26 , 1895 in Sacramento, California, and passed away May 26 , 1958, while still in office. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and after the war, Desmond served as secretary to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, before entering electoral politics.

He represented the 9th District in the California State Assembly from January 7, 1935, until January 8, 1945. He succeeded Percy G. West and was later succeeded by Dwight H. Stephenson. In 1940–1941, he served as Majority Leader (Speaker pro Tem) of the Assembly. After an initial defeat in 1932, Desmond was elected in 1934 and then re-elected in 1936, 1938, 1940, and 1942. In 1944, Desmond was elected to the California State Senate (19th District), where he served from January 8, 1945, until his death in 1958. His most enduring legacy is the pivotal role he played in the establishment of Sacramento State University, cemented in the campus geography by Desmond Hall.

This document, certifying his re-election to the Ninth Assembly, will have the most value to his family (perhaps that's you?), with diminishing value outside the family or local political ephemera collectors.

At auction, this would likely sell for around $50.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A State of California Department of State Certificate of Election
Printed/typed document certifying election of Earl D. Desmond to the office of Member of the Assembly - Ninth Assembly District. Signed by Frank C. Jordan (Secretary of State) and dated December 5, 1936.
Document printed by the California State Printing Office.
19 by 12 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$40-60*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia