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The Most Widely Read Collector's Newspaper In The East Published Weekly By Joel Sater Publications www.antiquesandauctionnews.net
VOL. 46, NO. 46 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2015
Special Installation Celebrates Alexander Hamilton est known for his appearance
the $10 bill and most B onrecently the subject of LinManuel Miranda’s award-winning musical, Alexander Hamilton continues to capture the imagination of Americans. In partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the New-York Historical Society is presenting a special installation of artifacts and documents that illustrate the story of Hamilton’s eminent career and infamous death. On view through Sunday, Nov. 29, the display includes the original pistols from the 1804 duel with vice president Aaron Burr that cost Hamilton his life. This special installation will celebrate the two men who have made this inimitable Founding Father once again topical: LinManuel Miranda, playwright and star of the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton,” and Ron Chernow, esteemed historian and author of the award-winning biography “Alexander Hamilton.”
Objects on view include the infamous Hamilton-Burr dueling pistols (ca. 1797), which belonged to Hamilton’s brother-in-law John Church, on loan from the JPMorgan Chase Historical Collection. Made of walnut, brass, and metal by the celebrated Wogdon Gunsmiths, the intricate weapons were favored by duelers
since Robert Wogdon opened his first shop in London in 1774. Exhibited with the notorious pistols are documents related to Hamilton’s political career and personal life, including a 1780 letter written by Hamilton while serving as George Washington’s aide-decamp during the American Revolution that reveals his
frustration with the weak central government. Also on view is a first edition of “The Federalist: A Collection of Essays” (1788), authored by Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, explaining the importance of the proposed new form of government in order to secure ratification of the Constitution. While serving as treasury secretary under Washington, Hamilton issued a report on public credit (1790) that advocated for the creation of a national bank. A copy of this report on display shows the first federal budget that lists the salaries for major government positions. Hamilton’s involvement in the pursuit of anti-slavery legislation is revealed by a New York City directory (1790), listing him as president of the New-York Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slaves. On a more personal note, in an intimate letter to his fiancée, Elizabeth Schuyler, Hamilton discusses their plan for a secret wedding and casts himself as “a Statesman and a soldier meta-
morphosed into a puny lover.” Above the display of documents hangs New-York Historical’s portrait of the statesman by John Trumbull, painted shortly after Hamilton’s untimely death in 1804. In addition, a selection of original manuscript documents and contemporary printed works evoking Hamilton’s several personas—scholar, soldier, statesman, and infamously, duelist— are on display in New-York Historical’s Patricia D. Klingenstein Library. Documents on view include a pay roll for Hamilton’s artillery company, written in his hand; a rare newspaper copy of Hamilton’s “The Federalist No. 1” that appeared in print prior to the publication of the book in the Gilder Lehrman display and was the first printing of all “The Federalist” essays; John Lansing’s notes on Hamilton’s speech at the Constitutional Convention; and a little-known letter written by (Continued on page 2)
Pook & Pook Inc. To Hold Sporting Sale On Nov. 14 uilding on its first dedicated sporting sale in May,
& Pook Inc.’s Saturday, Nov. 14, sporting sale B Pook highlights the artistry in this often functional category. Detailed engravings, inlays, and carvings abound on older firearms, while newer offerings often feature decorative accents, accessories, or original cases. Filled with militaria, firearms, sporting art, and Native American items, Pook & Pook Inc.’s upcoming sporting sale has something Here is a Colt Second Model Dragoon sixshot percussion revolver.
Peter White (Pennsylvania, 1778-1834) made this full stock long rifle.
the epitome of White’s Bedford County, Pa., school. The desirable Jacob Dickert rifle has little extraneous ornamentation, but this makes its characteristic daisy finial patchbox and long tiger maple stock that much more striking. Also of note are two finely detailed AyA No. 2 shotguns with elaborate full scroll engraving. Jacob Dickert (Lancaster County, Pa., 1740-1822) made this full stock flintlock long rifle.
for bidders of every price point. The shotguns’ intricate decoration is rivaled only by a The auction will open with long scroll engraved Colt Model 1849 presentation pocket guns, including Pennsylvania long rifles revolver. One of several handguns up for auction, this piece from renowned makers Johannes Derr, is in rare compaJacob Dickert, Peter White, and J.D. Gill. The rare, signed Peter White example is accompanied by another relief-carved long rifle that is This is an AyA - Aguirre y Aranzabal No. 2 sidelock ejector 20-gauge shotgun.
ny, with other handguns including a Colt Second Model Dragoon revolver, a U.S. Model 1805 Harper’s Ferry flintlock pistol, and a U.S. Model 1855 pistol carbine with its original shoulder stock. Pook & Pook Inc.’s handguns, including several commemorative and 20th-century examples, will be followed by a group of historic militaria, sporting accessories, and artwork. Original oil paintings by Richard Bishop are a highlight, as are several duck decoys. A signed copy of Joel Barber’s “Wild Fowl Decoys” will kick off a collection of carved and painted decoys, including the work of
The Richard Bishop (Pennsylvania, 1887-1975) oil-on-board painting is titled “They’re All Coming - Bluebills.”
The Cochiti polychromed pot, 20th century, is signed “Stephanita A. Herrera.”
Virginia artist William Gibian. His preening This is one of many cast wood duck drake is a iron shooting gallery tarquality example sure gets in the sale. to elicit interest among Southern collectors. The sale will conclude with more than 60 lots of Native American artwork. Baskets, weavings, and pottery, as well as stone and wood carvings, will close a strong second foray into dedicated sporting auctions. Interested bidders are encouraged to contact Pook & Pook Inc. at info@pookandpook.com or 610-2694040 to purchase a catalog or for more information regarding condition reports, in-house, phone, or absentee bidder registration. Catalogs can also be viewed online at www.pookand pook.com or www.bidsquare.com, where online bidding is also available. The sale will begin at 9 a.m.
This scroll engraved presentation Colt Model 1849 five-shot percussion pocket revolver will be sold. Here is one of several William Gibian (Onancock, Va.) carved and painted decoys to be offered.