Remarkable Rarity Auction
Live Auction September 18, 2014 | Boston, Massachusetts
How to Bid BID IN PERSON
Attend the auction Thursday, September 18 and bid live! The auction will be held at the Omni Parker House, 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108, and starts promptly at 3 PM ET. You may fill out an absentee bid form onsite if you are unable to stay for the entire sale.
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Thursday, September 11 - Tuesday, September 16 Visit www.RRAuction.com to place bids on lots before the live auction begins. Pre-live auction bidding will close at 3 PM ET, September 16. LIVE BIDDING Live online bidding begins Thursday, September 18 at 3 PM ET at www.RRAuction.com.
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Please call our office should you wish to arrange a live phone bid for the day of the auction. Absentee phone bids can be made by calling our office at (800) 937-3880 up to 12:30 PM ET on Tuesday, September 16.
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You can email your bids to Sue Recks (Sue.Recks@RRAuction.com). Please list lot numbers and bids in columns. Include your name, address, and phone number as well as a statement that you accept the Terms and Conditions of the auction. Emails will be accepted up to 3 PM ET, September 16.
Auction Info Live Auction
Online Bidding
Auction Preview
Pre-live auction bidding will close at 3 PM ET, September 16.
September 18, 2014 • 3 PM ET The live auction will be held at the Omni Parker House, 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
September 15, 2014 • 12 PM - 4 PM September 16, 2014 • 10 AM - 4 PM The auction preview will be held at the Omni Parker House, 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108 Auction preview will also be available in our offices by appointment only at RR Auction.
September 11-16, 2014 • 12:30 PM ET Visit www.RRAuction.com starting September 11 to place bids on lots before the live auction begins.
LIVE BIDDING: September 18, 2014 • 3 PM ET Visit www.RRAuction.com at 11 AM ET to watch and place bids live against floor bids.
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Remarkable Rarity AUCTiON An eclectic collection of “Remarkable Rarity” spanning the 16th and 20th centuries will be offered by RR Auction this September. This sale of distinctively fresh items represents an extensive variation of categories, including: theology, royalty, presidents, Revolutionary and Civil Wars, scientists, artists, and literary giants, aviation and space, Hollywood, classic and modern music, and sports. A small sampling of key items are: LOT 1015: Impressively documented fragments of the Star Spangled Banner flag LOT 1040: Iconic signed photo of Einstein sticking out his tongue LOT 1043: Monumental archive of unpublished PT-109 letters from JFK LOT 1063: Andy Warhol ‘Portraits of the Artists’ Screenprint This unprecedented ensemble will be auctioned live on Thursday, September 18, following the Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Auction at the same location: the Omni Parker House, 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108.
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Mike Nelson Senior Catalog Writer Mike.Nelson@rrauction.com Robert S. Eaton Sr. 1940–2001
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1543 Martin luther manuscript: “Believe and you shall be saved” LOT 1001
Martin Luther Autograph Manuscript Signed Starting Bid $5,000 Remarkable autograph manuscript in German, signed in Latin, “Crede et salvus eris, Martinus Luther D,” [translated: “Believe and you shall be saved”], one page, 9 x 13.25, dated 1543. Luther pens 17 lines to a fellow pastor, originally as a dedication on the front flyleaf of a 1541 Wittenberg Bible, beginning with the seventh verse of Psalm II. In part (translated): “The Lord spoke to me. You are my son and today I have begotten thee. In this dialogue it is known that God is one God divided into three separate entities. The first is the Father. He speaks to his Messiah: You are my son, today I have begotten thee. The other is the Son Messiah. So he says of his father: The Lord speaks to me. The third is the Holy Ghost, the other part of the whole entity, who spoke the sentence and the whole psalm through David. 2R23. The spirit of the father has spoken through me and his words were spoken through my tongue.” A two-line inscription from Pastor Matthias Rossmeussell follows, in full (translated): “Believe in Christ the son of God so you will become an heir in the throne of God.” Below Luther’s signature is a second inscription in Latin by “M.R.,” in full [translated]: “O I declare myself fortunate, since I see this to be the hand of Luther, and from this I see the letters of Christ with all his obedience and through him I am saved.” In very good condition, with overall staining and soiling, a few small wormholes, and a stain to the lower left (possibly obliterating an inscription). Provenance In the 16th century, this manuscript belonged to “M.R.,” whose two-line inscription is directly below Luther’s signature (before the date 1543); he was likely the original recipient. It then passed to Johannes Mylichius, Minister of the church in Panizsch. In the 17th century, it belonged to Matthias Rossmeussell, Pastor in Dornreichenbach (in the diocese of Grimma, near Chemnitz); Rossmeussell added his signature with a two-line inscription directly above Luther’s signature. The manuscript then resurfaced in 1926, when Chemnitz bookseller Otto Richter discovered it as a flyleaf of a folio Wittenberg Bible from 1541. Richter published his discovery in the Chemnitzer Allgem. Zeitung on February 18, 1926, before making the Bible available to the editors of Luther Werke, Weimarer Ausgabe, where the manuscript
was published in 1927. It is unknown when the flyleaf was extracted from the Bible. It has since been sold by Christie’s (1993) and by Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers (2010). Penned in 1543, during Martin Luther’s final years, the content of this manuscript holds several features that are quintessential in Luther’s theology. Beginning with Psalm 2:7—a frequently quoted and intensely studied Psalm for Luther—he succinctly explicates the revelation of the Trinity as an accumulation of knowledge, gradually leading to understanding, in the same way that Christians come to learn it in the Bible. It begins with the knowledge of God, the Father; is followed by the introduction of Jesus Christ, the Son—whose revelation is also gradual, first as a man, then as the Son of God, and only then as God himself; and finally is completed with the Holy Spirit, established and confirmed by Jesus in the Scriptures. Direct and clear, this passage holds the universal accessibility of Luther’s best work, intended for the masses and not limited to the theological elite. What is less typical about this piece is the period in which it was written and the encouraging tone it carries. Having spent over two decades in the spotlight, enduring years of struggle with Rome, antagonism with and among his fellow reformers, and unrelenting attention of virtually all religious parties, Luther’s health and patience had both significantly deteriorated by 1543. Suffering from Meniere’s disease, vertigo, and cataracts (among other issues), he had become harsh and intolerant, traits frequently reflected in his writings and commentary from this period. Thoughtfully inscribed into the Bible of a fellow theologian, perhaps a student of his own work, this manuscript is notable in its friendly doctrinal discussion, offering the ultimate encouragement to his recipient: “Believe and you shall be saved.” Exceptional not only in its extreme rarity, but also in its scriptural content and positive message, this is by far the most historically significant religious manuscript we have ever offered. RR Auction would like to thank the following for their assistance with this item: Joel Lampe, Curator of The Bible Museum; Rev. Dr. Daniel N. Harmelink of Concordia Historical Institute; and Mirko Gutjahr of the Luther Memorial Foundation in Saxony-Anhalt.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 3
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Mary, Queen of Scots Manuscript signed just ten months prior to her beheading LOT 1002
Mary, Queen of Scots Signed Document Starting Bid $1,000 Excessively rare vellum manuscript DS in French, signed “Marie R,” one page, 12.25 x 9.75, April 30, 1586. Mary, as queen of Scotland and dowager queen of France, grants, on the ‘specialle recommenda[ci]on’ of her cousin [Henri,] duc de Guise, the captaincy of the castle of Wassy to the duke’s maitre d’hotel, [Jacques] de la Montaigne. Neatly signed below by Mary and countersigned by her secretary of state, Claude de la Boissiliere Nau. Intersecting folds, scattered creases, and light foxing, otherwise fine condition. Reverse bears two small exhibition stickers, the first from the “Tercentenary Mary Queen of Scots Exhibition, Peterborough, 1887,” and the second from the “Stuart Exhibition, London, 1888-9.” This document dates to near the end of Mary’s life while she was imprisoned at Chartley Castle in Staffordshire by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England. In 1560, Mary had been granted the right to the profits of Wassy, located in eastern Champagne, France, as part of her jointure as widow of the recently deceased French King Francis II, and the rights were being managed on her behalf by her uncle Francis, Duke of Guise. In 1562, Wassy was the site of a notorious massacre of Huguenots by troops under Francis, and sparked the bloody French Wars of Religion. At the
time of the massacre, the recipient of this grant, Jacques de la Montaigne, was a resident of Wassy and the duke’s maitre d’hotel—he was undoubtedly present at the massacre and is described in one source as its ‘author and solicitor.’ Francis was assassinated in 1563, and his son Henry succeeded him as Duke of Guise, as this document indicates. Just four months after signing this document, Mary was implicated in the Babington Plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth and assume her place on the English throne—for her complicity in the scheme, Mary, Queen of Scots, was put to death by beheading on February 8, 1587.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 5
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Massive proclamation to honor “the Four Hundredth Anniversary of the Discovery of America” LOT 1003
400th Anniversary of the Discovery of America Signed Document Starting Bid $1,000 Amazing one-of-a-kind partly-printed DS signed by the entirety of America’s federal government, one page, 32 x 54, October 21, 1892. A proclamation signed by the leaders of all branches of government to honor the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. The printed heading reads “The Administration of the United States Government at the Beginning of the Four Hundredth Anniversary of the Discovery of America. Washington, D. C., October 21, 1892,“ and is signed below by President Benjamin Harrison, Vice President Levi Morton, and the entire presidential cabinet. The following section is signed by the nine justices of Melville Fuller’s Supreme Court, with the portions below signed by all members of the Senate and House of Representatives. Particularly notable signers from the Congress are Edward Douglass White, John Sherman, Joseph McKenna, and Henry Cabot Lodge. The manuscript statement at the conclusion of the document reads, in part: “I certify the above official State Paper exhibits the true condition of membership of the administration of the United States Government as it exists this date and also that I have here to attached the great seal of the United States by Authority of a Joint resolution of Congress as approved July 22, 1892.” It is supremely important to emphasize the presence of the large embossed white paper Great Seal of the United States affixed to the upper left, as well as the seals of the Supreme Court, Senate, and House of Representatives affixed at the appropriate sections of the document. Beautifully matted and framed to an overall size of 45 x 65. Scattered creases, a few edge tears, and a bit of spreading and fading to various signatures, otherwise fine condition. The circumstances surrounding the creation of this document are as unusual as the document itself. It was privately prepared for the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival by General James D. McBride, who petitioned Congress to affix the Great Seal of the United States to the document; he
had been successful in such a venture once before, in 1876, when he made a similar document to celebrate America’s centenary. According to the official 1976 Department of State publication The Eagle and the Shield (which accompanies this lot), these are the only two occasions in US history that Congress has enacted legislation authorizing and directing the secretary of state to affix the Great Seal to documents prepared under private auspices. This book goes on to state that these two ‘McBride Memorials’ are unlike any others known to have passed under the Great Seal in three respects: in both cases the affixing of the seal was directed by a special act of Congress; they were not generated in the course of official business; and they were impressed not only with the Great Seal of the United States but also those of the Supreme Court, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. In July 1892, President Harrison issued a proclamation that appointed ‘Friday, October 21, 1892, the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, as a general holiday for the people of the United States,’ and offered high praise of Christopher Columbus: ‘Columbus stood in his age as the pioneer of progress and enlightenment. The system of universal education is in our age the most prominent and salutary feature of the spirit of enlightenment, and it is peculiarly appropriate that the schools be made by the people the center of the day’s demonstration. Let the national flag float over every schoolhouse in the country and the exercises be such as shall impress upon our youth the patriotic duties of American citizenship.’ This proclamation represented the first nationwide celebration of Columbus Day. This is an absolutely remarkable, extraordinarily large document that celebrates an immensely important moment in American history, and is excessively rare—it is unique in itself, and one of few known documents in private hands to bear the signatures of all leaders of the three branches of government.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 7
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Rare 1670 colonial deed for the Wall Street property which became Hanover Street LOT 1004
Wall Street Land Purchase Manuscript Document Starting Bid $5,000 Manuscript DS, signed “Johannes de Peyster” and “N: Bayard, Secretary,” one page, 11.5 x 14.5, December 12, 1670. A rare deed transferring the Wall Street property which would become Hanover Street from Johannes de Peyster to Christoffel Amy. In full: “Know all men by these presents that I Johannes de Peister of New York, merchant, for and in consideration of certaine summe of monney before the ensigning & delivery hereof to me in hand paid, wherewith I confirm my self to be fully satisfyed & paid, have given, granted, bargained, sold, assigned, and sett over, and by these presents, do fully clearly and absolutely give grant bargain sell assign & sett over unto Christoffer Amie his heirs & assignees, certaine lott of ground scituated lying & being within this City, on the southside of the Street called the Cingol, having to the east and the south the lotts of Govert Loocquermans, to the west the house & lott of Adrian Dirckson, and to the north the street before named, containing in length & breadth according to a pattent of confirmation from the right honnble Governr Richard Nicolls bearing date the 27th day of November ao 1667; on the northside eight and twentie foot, on the southside nine and twentie foot, on the westside thirteen rod, three foot and three inches—and on the eastside twelve rod and foure foot; which said lott of ground was transported and made over unto me the said Johannes de Peister, by a deed of sale from Frederick Gybersen vanden Berg bearing date the 21st of Aprill ao 1669. By virtue of which said deed of sale, I the said Johannes de Peister do hereby assign & sett over unto the said Christoffer Amie his heyrs & assignees, the afore recited lott of ground and promises; to have and to hold the said lot of ground and promises unto the said Christoffer Amie his heirs & assignees unto the sole & proper use of the sd Christoffer Amie his heirs & assignees for ever, & I
the sd Johannes de Peister my executrs and administrs do further covenant to and with the said Christoffer Amie his heirs & assigns that I the sd Johannes de Peister my executs & adminstrs shall freely & clearly discharge the said lott of ground & promises from all recombrances, and against all persons whatsoever clayming any rights to the same, by, from, or under me. In wittnesse whereof I have hereunto sett my hand.” Signed at the conclusion by Johannes de Peyster and Nicholas Bayard. Intersecting folds (partial separations professionally repaired on the reverse) and uniform toning, otherwise fine condition. This Wall Street property was deeded in 1644 to Jan Jansen Damen, who owned a considerable amount of land in New Amsterdam, including property on both sides of Broadway. The land changed hands three times before being owned by Frederick Gybersen van den Bourgh in 1663, who is mentioned in this document as the party who sold the land to Peyster, a highly successful merchant. According to contemporary records, Peyster was the sixth richest man in New Amsterdam in 1674 as well as a prominent political figure in the colony, with positions including overseer of streets, referee for the mayor’s court, alderman, burgomaster, and tax commissioner. The other signer of this document, Nicholas Bayard, is also quite significant in the history of New York as the brother-in-law of Peter Stuyvesant and 16th mayor of New York City. Eventually the property was acquired by the Merchant’s Exchange Company in 1826 and became the site of Hanover Street. This is an exceptional early colonial document for one of the most important properties in American history, which has become synonymous with international commerce and the ideals of capitalism—a truly remarkable piece.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 9
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Rare 1848 Force engraving of the Declaration of Independence LOT 1005
Declaration of Independence Force Print Starting Bid $1,000 Striking rice paper reproduction of the Declaration of Independence, 26 x 29, printed by Peter Force in 1848 for inclusion in his series American Archives, beginning, “In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, mild mirroring to ink, and trivial chips and toning to edges. A supremely appealing example. By 1820, the original Declaration of Independence had seriously deteriorated due to inappropriate handling and storage, creating an immediate need for a facsimile reproduction. Commissioned by John Quincy Adams, William J. Stone engraved a copperplate by lifting ink directly from the original and creating a perfect copy. He printed 201 before placing the plate in storage for safekeeping. Twenty years
later, in 1843, Peter Force was commissioned by Congress to print a series of books—now known as the American Archives—featuring the founding documents of the United States. For the occasion, the Stone engraving was removed from storage and used to produce new copies on rice paper, distinguished from the original by an engraving in the lower left corner “W.J. Stone S.C. Washn.” Printed in 1848, each copy was folded into the first volume of the fifth series of books. After printing, the plate was again retired, now residing with the original Declaration at the National Archives. Congress authorized the printing of 1500 copies of American Archives, but subscriptions for the elaborate edition were disappointing, and in the end many fewer copies—perhaps only 500—were issued. Most, including this copy, were folded and bound into Volume I, Series Five.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 11
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Franklin safeguards Congress’s credit as he secures French aid for the Revolution LOT 1006
Benjamin Franklin Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $2,500
Revolutionary War–dated LS signed “B. Franklin,” one page, 8 x 11.75, Passy, France, October 4, 1779. Letter to William Bingham. In full: “I thank you for your frequent Communications of News Papers from North America, for tho’ they are generally old before they come to hand, they always contain some Information that I am glad to receive. I have not yet seen the Bills you mention your being about to draw on me. I wish it were in my Power to accommodate every one in the Service of the Congress. But there are Limits of possibility to every thing, and I am obliged now to refuse all Drafts, but those drawn by the Congress itself. It is my Duty and a Matter of the utmost Consequence to keep up their Credit here, but it is too much to be charged with the support of the Credit of their Agents in all other Countries.” Beautifully cloth-matted and framed with a portrait, nameplate, and engraved transcriptive and informational plaques to an overall size of 42 x 25.5. Intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through first letter of the signature) and light staining to corners, otherwise fine condition. At this time Franklin was serving as minister plenipotentiary to France, having been sent there by the Continental Congress in the autumn of 1776 with the intent of securing aid from the French—money, supplies, and men. Shortly
after arriving, he obtained an annual loan of two million livres to finance the Revolutionary cause. Because he had been so successful in gaining money from France, he was inundated with unofficial requests for funds from Americans at home—as these petitions far exceeded the resources at his disposal, Franklin had to refuse many, such as Bingham’s. In 1781, Franklin convinced the French to double their annual loan and give millions more as a gift—around this same time France seriously committed troops to the war effort. This letter comes from amidst Franklin’s important work in France and concerns his ability to secure the aid that proved essential in the American victory over the British.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 13
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President Jefferson addresses the economic crises caused by the Embargo of 1807 LOT 1007
Thomas Jefferson Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $10,000 ALS as president signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 9.5, September 6, 1808. Response to a petition by the inhabitants of North Yarmouth, Massachusetts, to end the Embargo Act. In part: “Your representation and request were received on the 5th. inst. and have been considered with the attention due to every expression of the sentiments and feelings of so respectable a body of my fellow citizens. No person has seen, with more concern than my self, the inconveniences brought on our country in general, by the circumstances of the times in which we happen to live; times to which the history of nations presents no parallel. For years we have been looking as spectators on our brethren of Europe, afflicted by all those evils which necessarily follow an abandonment of the moral rules which bind men and nations together. Connected with them in friendship and commerce we have happily so far kept aloof from their calamitous conflicts, by a steady observance of justice towards all, by much forbearance, and multiplied sacrifices. At length however, all regard to the rights of others having been thrown aside, the belligerent Powers have beset the highway of commercial intercourse with edicts which, taken together, expose our commerce and mariners, under almost every destination, a prey to their fleets and Armies. Each party indeed would admit our commerce with themselves, with the view of associating us in their war against the other. But we have wished war with neither. Under these circumstances were passed the laws of which you complain, by those delegated to exercise the powers of Legislation for you, with every sympathy of a common interest in exercising them faithfully. In reviewing these measures therefore we should advert to the difficulties out of which a choice was of necessity to be made. To have submitted our rightful commerce to prohibitions and tributary exactions from others, would have been to surrender our independence. To resist them by arms was war, without consulting the state of things or the choice of the Nation. The alternative preferred by the Legislature of Suspending a commerce placed under such unexampled difficulties, besides saving to our citizens their property; and our mariners to their country, has the peculiar advantage of giving time to the belligerent Nations to revise a conduct as contrary to their interests as it is to our rights…I should, with great willingness have executed the
wishes of the Inhabitants of North Yarmouth—had peace, or a repeal of the obnoxious edicts, or other changes, produced the case in which alone the laws have given me that Authority. And so many motives of justice and interest lead to such changes, that we ought continually to expect them. But while these edicts remain, the Legislature alone can prescribe the course to be pursued.” Cloth-matted and framed with a print of the reverse of the letter (with a window in the backing for viewing), the original petition submitted to him, and a small portrait to an overall size of 27 x 31. Professional repairs to partial separations at mailing folds and a tear to the upper portion, otherwise fine condition. This lengthy letter is a response to the growing opposition in New England to the Embargo Act of 1807, which imposed strict restrictions on American trade with Great Britain and France as a response to violations of American sovereignty and neutrality on the high seas—as Great Britain and France were engaged in the Napoleonic Wars, they rationalized the plunder of US shipping as incidental to war and necessary for their survival. The British also resorted to the practice of impressment, forcing American seamen to serve aboard their warships. President Jefferson’s saw this type of economic warfare as an alternative to armed conflict, and he wanted to keep the United States out of true warfare for as long as possible. This backfired, however, and only served to damage American trade—Massachusetts was especially affected by these measures, as most of the United States’ commercial shipping was located there. As a result, the economy as a whole began suffering and the shipping business was entirely devastated. The embargo undermined national unity and faith in the still-new government’s ability to create and enforce laws in the best interest of its people. The criticism and economic chaos it triggered throughout the country forced Jefferson to sign the repeal of the embargo just before leaving office, but throughout the rest of his life Jefferson maintained that if the embargo had been observed it would have avoided war in 1812. This is an extraordinarily historic letter that concerns the difficulties and disputes within the fledgling Republican government on an issue that tested the bounds of Jefferson’s commitment to limited government, one of the principle tenets for which he advocated.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 15
Amazing 1783 Jefferson document for the expansion of Monticello
LOT 1008
Thomas Jefferson Signed Document Starting Bid $5,000 Exceptional lengthy handwritten document penned entirely in Jefferson’s hand and signed 11 times within the text, “Thomas Jefferson,” one page, 11 x 13, August 14, 1783. A deed for the purchase of Lego, one of the farms comprising Jefferson’s Monticello estate. In part: “This indenture made on the Fourteenth day of August in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty Three, between James Hickman and Hanah his wife of the county of Culpepper and Thomas Garth and Judith his wife of the county of Albemarle of the one part and Thomas Jefferson of the same county of Albemarle on the other part witnesseth that Whereas Edwin Hickman father of the said James was in his lifetime seised and possessed in his demesne as of fee of and in one certain tract of land on the Rivanna river in the county of Albemarle containing by estimation eight hundred and nineteen acres and one quarter of an acre lying between and contiguous to two tracts of land of the property of the said Thomas Jefferson, and being so seised and possessed departed this life having first made his last will and testament in writing and thereby devised the said parcel of lands to his two sons William and Thomas and their heirs equally to be divided between them...whereas the said Thomas Garth and Judith his wife for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred and fifty pounds 16 / WWW.RRAUCTION.COM
to them in hand paid have covenanted to convey both the said moieties of land in entiertie containing by estimation eight hundred and nineteen acres and one quarter of an acre be the same more or less to the said Thomas Jefferson in fee-simple [and the] said James and Hanah his wife in consideration of the sum of five shillings to them in hand paid have covenanted to convey and confirm to the said Thomas Jefferson in fee-simple all their right and title in and to their said moiety of the said lands: Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said James and Hanah his wife do by these presents give grant bargain sell and confirm unto the said Thomas Jefferson their said moiety of the said lands with all their appurtenances and all their right and title thereto; And the said Thomas Garth and Judith his wife do give grant bargain sell and confirm unto the said Thomas Jefferson both the said moieties of land in entiertie with all their appurtenances: to have and to hold the two said moieties of land in entiertie to the said Thomas Jefferson and his heirs. And the said James and Hanah his wife for themselves their heirs executors and administrators do covenant and agree with the said Thomas Jefferson and his heirs that they the said James and Hanah his wife their heirs executors and administrators, their moiety of the said lands aforesaid to the said Thomas Jefferson and his heirs will for ever warrant and defend. And the said Thomas Garth and Judith his wife for themselves their heirs executors and administrators do covenant and agree with the said Thomas Jefferson and his heirs that they the said Thomas Garth and Judith his wife their heirs executors and adminstrators the two said moieties of land to be held in entiertie to the said Thomas Jefferson and his heirs will for ever warrant and defend. In witness whereof the said James and Hanah his wife and Thomas Garth and Judith his wife have hereto set their hands and seals severally on the day and year abovewritten.” Beautifully double-matted and framed with a large engraved portrait of Jefferson to an overall size of 35.5 x 26, with a window on the back for viewing of the reverse. Intersecting folds (some partial separations repaired on the reverse, with tiny tears trivially affecting two words), light toning, and some show-through from docketing to reverse, otherwise fine condition. With this historic document, Jefferson expanded his world-famous Monticello estate northward beyond the Rivanna River, which bisected his landholdings in Albemarle County, Virginia. This parcel, which Jefferson called ‘Lego,’ became one of the subdivisions comprising his vast 5,000 acre plantation—Jefferson lived in the iconic neoclassical mansion atop the mountaintop Monticello ‘home farm,’ with the outlying lands divided into manageable parcels known as ‘quarter farms,’ named Tufton, Shadwell, and Lego, which were run by resident overseers. The reason Jefferson chose to call the land ‘Lego’ is subject to speculation. The word means ‘I read’ in Latin, and local tradition reports that Jefferson liked to bring a book to a shady spring there; however, scholars question whether he would have committed a philological impropriety by applying a verb to a place. A more likely explanation is Jefferson’s love for the poems of Ossian (now known to be largely the creation of their purported translator, James MacPherson). The lake of Lego figures in the epic exploits of Ossian’s ancient Scottish heroes, some of whom also provided names for Jefferson’s horses. Shortly after making this land transaction, Virginia sent Jefferson as its representative to the Congress of the Confederation, the governing body put in place by the Article of Confederation. This is an astounding document in its length alone and is of great significance in the creation of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, one of the most well-known properties in all of America. REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 17
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“There was no Guard on Noddles Island,” the patriot scolds his men, “the Ordinance Stores were not under Lock or Key” LOT 1009
Paul Revere Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $2,500 Remarkable Revolutionary War–dated ALS signed “Paul Revere Lt. Col.,” one page, 6 x 6, Boston, May 1, 1779. Letter addressed to “Gentlemen.” In full: “Major General Heath told me this day, that Mr. Williams on Noddles informed Him: That there was no Guard on Noddles Island; and that the Ordinance [sic] Stores were not under Lock or Key.” Handsomely archivally cloth-matted and framed with a portrait and two descriptive plaques to an overall size of 23 x 23. In fine condition, with uniform foxing and staining. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from well-known autograph dealer Charles Hamilton. At this time Revere was a lieutenant colonel of artillery in the Massachusetts militia and in command of Castle William, an outpost south of Noddle’s Island in Boston Harbor. Noddle’s was a key location—it not only overlooked shipping lanes into Boston’s port, but was full of livestock, bales of hay, and other supplies due to the presence of a farm owned by Henry Howell Williams, very likely the “Mr. Williams” referenced in Revere’s letter. The militiamen had successfully taken the island in the second battle of the Revolutionary War on May 27–28, 1775, and then fortified it with mounted cannons to protect Boston from attack by sea. This letter of 1779 attests to the importance of the site, as Noddle’s Island was apparently still fortified and being used as an armory though the end of the war. In the following months, Revere would command the artillery during the failed Penobscot Expedition, and afterwards was accused of disobedience and cowardice; this resulted in his discharge from the militia in September 1779, though the charges were later cleared. Interestingly, Revere’s attention returned to the island in 1814, when he helped build new fortifications to again protect the harbor against the British as the War of 1812 raged on the high seas. Extensive research indicates that this is the only Revolutionary War–dated handwritten letter by Revere to have ever been publicly offered. A supremely rare and historically important piece.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 19
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Exquisite silver spoon crafted by Paul Revere LOT 1010
Paul Revere’s Handcrafted Spoon Starting Bid $5,000
Exquisite silver tablespoon made by famous silversmith and patriot Paul Revere, circa 1780s, with a 3˝ long oval bowl and total length of 9,˝ stamped “Revere” on the reverse of the downturned rounded-end handle, which is monogrammed at the end in foliate script with “DMS,” the initials of prominent Massachusetts couple Daniel Sargent (1731–1806) and Mary Turner Sargent (1743–1813). Mr. Sargent was a successful merchant and Mrs. Sargent was born in the house later made famous in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel House of the Seven Gables. An entry in one of Paul Revere’s ledgers on August 26, 1783, records the commission of a set of one dozen spoons by Daniel Sargent, reading: ‘Daniel Sargent / To 12 large Silver Spoons wt 25 / Making Sl / To Engraving 12 Cyphers.’ This coveted spoon originates from noted silversmith George Gebelein, an avid admirer and collector of Revere’s silver work, who acquired a set of six in 1938. Reference: 1998 encyclopedia on Colonial Massachusetts Silversmiths and Jewelers by Patricia E. Kane (pg. 833). The spoon is beautifully double-cloth-matted and framed with a portrait and engraved plaque to an overall size of 19 x 20. Remembered for his famous ‘midnight ride’ in April 1775 to warn his fellow patriots of the approaching British Army, which readied them for the important Battles of Lexington
and Concord, Revere was one of the most prominent figures of the Revolutionary era. He was equally renowned for his silverwork, which remains some of the most desirable in the world, coveted as important pieces of artwork in prominent museum collections around the world. An especially interesting feature of this spoon in particular is the date that Sargent ordered it, as recorded in Revere’s day book—August 26, 1783. This was just one week before the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the Revolutionary War. An absolutely fantastic piece crafted by the iconic patriot.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 21
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Historic muster roll that accompanied Washington across the Delaware LOT 1011
George Washington Muster Roll Starting Bid $1,000 Extraordinary muster roll carried across the Delaware River with Washington and his troops, for a Captain Joseph Pettingill’s company in the 26th Regiment of Foot in the Continental Army, commanded by Loammi Baldwin, one page, 14.75 x 18.5, listing July 27, 1776, as the encampment date. The roll contains lists of names, date of engagement in the regiment, and casualties, with 14 officers and 51 privates listed, including Thomas Ditson, who inspired a verse of the song ‘Yankee Doodle.’ The Continental Army’s 26th Regiment was referred to as the ‘George Washington Regiment,’ and had the cipher ‘GW’ embroidered on their uniforms. These troops were present in New York on July 9, 1776, where General Washington had ordered them to assemble to hear the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. The regiment went on to see action on Long Island and distinguished itself at the Battle of Throg’s Neck and the Battle of Pell’s Point in October, holding off a much larger British force to allow George Washington to withdraw from Manhattan to White Plains. They then joined Washington in White Plains, where the British forced the Continental Army to retreat to through New Jersey—this set the stage for Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. On the night of December 25, 1776, Washington staged a surprise attack against the enemy, heroically leading his troops across the Delaware River to attack a Hessian outpost in Trenton. The 26th was one of five regiments under Washington’s command, and participated in both the iconic crossing and the battle that ensued. With the Americans emerging victorious on December 26, 1776, this battle solidified confidence in the continental cause and the river crossing became one of the most iconic moments of the Revolutionary War. This 26th Regiment muster roll can be placed at this scene at the Delaware River based on the dates recorded—the earliest date appearing here is January 1, 1776, when Ebenezer Pike was engaged, with the last being December 29, 1776—three days after Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. To bear this post-crossing date, this document must have been present and must have crossed the Delaware with Washington and his troops.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 23
“For the hire of Negros, ineffectually it should seem, as I believe we have got none yet”
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Washington ON renting slaves to open the Potomac LOT 1012
George Washington Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $10,000 Amazing and extraordinarily well-preserved ALS signed “G. Washington,” three pages on two sheets, 7.25 x 9, Mount Vernon, January 10, 1786. Letter to Bryan Fairfax, Washington’s boyhood friend and nephew of Thomas Lord Fairfax. In full: “I have ordered my Gardr to furnish your Servant with Six of the weeping Willows that have roots; and as many cuttings as he pleases to take. If he does not bring enough for your purposes—or if these should not succeed, you may have a fresh supply at any time. I wish it was in my power to offer you any advice that would be availing in the case of Savage: but the truth is, I do not know where his property lyes—and ’till the receipt of your letter knew not, or did not recollect that, he died possessed of a foot of Land in this, or Loudoun County. If the Law will justify us in it, my opinion would be, that the Execution should be laid, or obtained ready to lay, in as much property as will unquestionably answer the demand—when that is satisfied, we want no more, the residue (if any) being untouched, cannot be injured; especially if it consists of Land. I should prefer beginning the Sale in this County—because least troublesome. By your not mentioning the hound puppies, it is probable you may have altered your mind respecting them; but if the case is otherwise, I am unable to supply you at present, having lost all but one, and the chance of his living not much in his favor. I shall always have great pleasure in seeing you at this place, and shall be equally happy in paying my respects to you at Towlston. I am sorry to hear that my fears , are likely to be reallized by, the Servants which were bought for the use of Potomack Comp’y. To avoid this evil—as much as possible—was the inducement with the Directors to offer such (as we thought) encouraging terms for the hire of Negros, ineffectually it should seem, as I believe we have got none yet. Mrs Washington joins me in Compliments, and best wishes for yourself, Mrs Fairfax & family.” Professionally inlaid into slightly larger off-white adjoining sheets. In fine to very fine condition, with intersecting folds and show-through from writing to opposing sides; it is truly impeccable, beautifully penned in bold ink and remaining as clean as the day it was written.
One of Washington’s greatest interests in the period between the end of Revolutionary War and taking office as president of the United States was developing the picturesque Potomac River into a navigable route to the interior of the country via a series of locks and canals, and was named president of the Potomac Company to lead these efforts in 1785. Washington and the company directors had difficulty hiring a competent workforce—in September 1785 the directors decided to supplement their hired laborers and tradesmen with slaves rented from local plantations, citing frequent absenteeism and poor behavior. However, the danger posed by the work made slaveholders hesitant to rent them out—workers were injured and killed in the process, as the raging current occasionally swept a worker downstream, and the construction of locks required unsafe black-powder blasting. A few weeks before the letter here offered, on December 20, Washington again wrote to another company official, Thomas Johnson, to alert him to the difficulties encountered in trying to rent slaves, saying: ‘It is to be apprehended, notwithstanding the great encouragements which have been offered by the Directors of the Company for the hire of negroes, that we shall not succeed in obtaining them. An idea is entertained by the proprietors of them, that the nature of the work will expose them to dangers which are not compensated by the terms.’ This was an ongoing issue—when George Washington took office as president of the country in 1789, Johnson assumed his role at the Potomac Company. In a 1793 report submitted to President Washington he was informed that it was ‘with some difficulty we have obtained about 60 Negroes for the year’—a fraction of the amount they desired. This outstanding letter is an example of Washington’s leadership during this brief period as a private citizen, in which he still served his country with an ambitious attempt to improve its infrastructure. It also lends insight into his misguided views on slavery, as well as the difficulties of organizing and completing large public works—a challenge Washington would continue to face as the nation’s leader, negotiating the complexities of the relationships between state and federal governments while shaping the role of the president of the United States. REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 25
“This is to certify that I removed the remains of the late John Adams Esqr. with his Consort”
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Important document for the construction of the Adams family tomb LOT 1013
The Grave of John and Abigail Adams Manuscript Document Signed Starting Bid $1,000 Manuscript DS, signed “J. Q. Adams,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 13, October 2, 1827. Contract for the construction of the family crypt. In part: “This agreement made between John Quincy Adams of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Henry Wood of Quincy…That the said Henry Wood doth covenant and promise on his part to construct a tomb under the stone temple now erecting in said Quincy, in the middle division of the cellar beneath the porch, on the spot ceded to the said Adams by the Congregational Society at Quincy…The whole to be of handsome hammered granite stone taken from the ledge given by the late John Adams to the Town of Quincy. And the said Henry Wood on his past doth covenant and agree that the said tomb shall be constructed in a handsome and workmanlike and durable manner…And the said John Quincy Adams on his part doth covenant and agree to pay to the said Henry Wood or his order, on the completion of the said work, and the delivery to him of the key of the door…the sum of four hundred & thirty four dollars and eighty nine cents.” Signed at the conclusion once by John Quincy Adams and twice by Henry Wood, and countersigned by John Quincy Adams’s sons George Washington Adams and John Adams II as witnesses. Also includes a manuscript receipt signed by Wood, in full: “This is to certify that I removed the remains of the late John Adams Esqr. with his Consort from his family tomb in the burying ground to the tomb erected under the new stone Temple in Quincy April the 1, 1828.” In very good condition, with fragile intersecting folds with partial edge separations, and scattered light foxing. The temple referenced throughout the document is the United First Parish Church, where the late John and Abigail Adams, along with their family, had attended. The construction of a new church building was financed by the Adams family, commencing in 1828. President John Adams aided the church’s construction through a land donation, and the bulk of the granite used came from their family quarry. John Quincy Adams hired Henry Wood to construct a family tomb in the cellar, and then had the bodies of his parents exhumed from their graves at Hancock Cemetery across the street and laid to rest in the new crypt. Like his father had been, John Quincy Adams was buried in Hancock Cemetery upon his death in 1848, as was his widow Louisa Adams when she passed in 1852. In December 1852, their only remaining son, Charles Francis Adams, had their remains reinterred in the family tomb along with John and Abigail. The additional two signatories on this document are Adams’s other sons, who led tragic lives—his eldest, George Washington Adams (1801–1829), had a reputation as an alcoholic and womanizer and died of apparent suicide at age 28, while John Adams II (1803–1834) served as his father’s private secretary during his presidency, then also descended into alcoholism and passed at the young age of 31. Their signatures are presumably quite scarce. An extraordinary and historically important document from one of America’s most prominent families.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 27
Meticulously complete collection of US presidents LOT 1014
US Presidents Collection Starting Bid $2,500
George Washington
Abraham Lincoln
An exceptional collection of all 44 presidents from George Washington through Barack Obama consisting of signatures, letters, documents, photos, a book, and engravings. All of the items (with the exception of the signed photos) are accompanied by portraits of the respective president, and the entire collection is housed in an attractive black document preservation portfolio made by Cohasco. Aside from perhaps a complete collection of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, a complete presidential collection represents one of the pinnacles of autograph collecting, both from a historical and a collectible standpoint. A very impressive collection celebrating almost 225 years of the American presidency. A complete description for the entire collection is available at www.RRAuction.com.
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Thomas Jefferson
John F. Kennedy
John Adams
James Madison
James Monroe
John Quincy Adams
Andrew Jackson
Martin Van Buren
William Henry Harrison
Detailed description & condition statements are available at www.RRAuction.com or (800) 937-3880
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 29
LOT 1014 US Presidents Collection
John Tyler
James K. Polk
Zachary Taylor
Milliard Filmore
Franklin Pierce
James Buchanan
Andrew Johnson
U. S. Grant
Rutherford B. Hayes
James A. Garfield
Chester A. Arthur
Grover Cleveland
Benjamin Harrison
William McKinley
Theodore Roosevelt
William H. Taft
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LOT 1014 US Presidents Collection
Woodrow Wilson
Warren G. Harding
Calvin Coolidge
Herbert Hoover
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Harry S. Truman
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Lyndon B. Johnson
Richard Nixon
Gerald Ford
Jimmy Carter
Ronald Reagan
George Bush
Bill Clinton
George W. Bush
Barack Obama
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 31
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Remarkable fragments from Fort McHenry’s Star Spangled Banner LOT 1015
Star Spangled Banner Flag Fragments Starting Bid $10,000 Astounding and superbly documented pair of fabric fragments from the actual ‘Star Spangled Banner’ flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write America’s national anthem after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships during the War of 1812, during which an American flag continued to fly strong over the fort. Each swatch measures approximately 3 x 3 and is mounted to a descriptive manuscript penned by Isaac Winter Heysinger, who originally presented the fragments to the Loyal Legion War Library and Museum in Philadelphia. His manuscript, entitled “Star Spangled Banner,” reads: “These tattered and torn fragments are a part of the flag which flew on Fort McHenry on the night of September 12th 1812. The British fleet under the command of ‘Admiral Cochrane’ attacked the fort in the night. ‘Francis Scott Key’ a prisoner on board on one of the English vessels supposed during the night the fort was captured. But on the breaking of dawn on the 13th inst. he saw ‘Old Glory’ still waving in triumphant defiance, bathed in the morning sunlight. He was inspired by the beautiful sight & there wrote the world famous & patriotic song The Star Spangled Banner. The above pieces are positively a portion of that precious relic. The flag is now in the National Museum, Washington DC.” The swatches and manuscript are impressively matted and framed with the original presentation card and two images of the flag to an overall size of 19 x 23; this superior quality display was custom built for the items while they were in the possession of the Loyal Legion. The famous flag was commissioned by George Armistead upon taking command of Fort McHenry in June 1813, requesting ‘a flag so large that the British would have no difficulty seeing it from a distance.’ Baltimore seamstress Mary Young Pickersgill was selected for the work, and she, along with several employees, crafted a massive flag that measured 42 feet across and 30 feet tall. Armistead remained commander on the night of the bombardment,
which took place on September 14, 1814 (erroneously dated two days earlier in Heysinger’s manuscript accompanying the flag swatches). Major Armistead kept the flag as a souvenir for the great victory in the battle, passing it down through generations; Armistead’s widow left it to their youngest daughter, Mrs. William Stuart Appleton, who then left it to her son Eben. Eben Appleton loaned the flag to the Smithsonian in 1907 where it was placed on official display for the first time, eventually making it a permanent gift. When the flag was given to the Smithsonian, eight feet were missing from the fly, and a portion had been cut from the canton—many of these pieces had been distributed by Armistead and his descendants as souvenirs. Further provenance is provided in a booklet published in 1914 in Philadelphia by John Wanamaker to commemorate the battle’s 100th anniversary, featuring a color image of these fragments inside. A photocopy of a 1969 letter from the Smithsonian’s Donald E. Kloster to the Union League of Philadelphia is also present, in which he asks for further details about the flag fragments from the Loyal Legion held in their collection; he goes on to write that the Smithsonian had ‘come across some fragments of the flag that apparently were given by Colonel Armistead to various people during the time he had it.’ Also accompanied by a 1982 letter from The War Library and Museum of The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, mentioning the deaccession of these fragments and transmitting information about Isaac Heysinger, who served in the Union Army as a member of the Rhode Island cavalry. He had interest in a variety of fields, and wrote numerous articles on music, art, science, economics, religion, and history, including several books on the Civil War. Additionally, he held over 100 patents and owned one of the finest art collections in the United States. An incredible opportunity to own substantial fragments of the most iconic flag in American history.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 33
war-dated letters from Five Old Ironsides commanders
EDWARD PREBLE
ISAAC HULL
STEPHEN DECATUR
THOMAS MACDONOUGH
Lot includes
OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES
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The poet who immortalized the ship in verse
LOT 1016
Old Ironsides Archive Starting Bid $1,000 Important archive of material relating to the USS Constitution, including five war-dated letters from the naval heroes of the War of 1812, all of whom commanded the Constitution at some point. The letters are trimmed to approximately 8 x 10 and carefully affixed within a scrapbook along with other Constitution ephemera. Autograph material included as follows: ALS by Edward Preble, one page both sides, January 5, 1804. Letter to Lt. Comm. G. Stewart, written from the USS Constitution stationed in Syracuse Harbour. In part: “You will prepare the Syren for a cruise as soon as possible, with six weeks full allowance of provisions & Stores; and wait in this port my further orders.” Preble was the third officer to command the Constitution, from May 1803 to October 1804. ALS by Isaac Hull, one page, 8 x 10, December 19, 1810. Hull writes to Lt. Comm. Oliver H. Perry from the US Frigate Constitution in New London. In part: “In pursuance of orders I have today received from Commodore John Rodgers to convene a court martial on board this Ship, (in which order you are named as a member) I have to direct that you give your attendance at 10 o’clock tomorrow.” Hull had received command of the USS Constitution in June of 1810, just shortly before this letter, and would see important action at the outset of the War of 1812. On August 19, 1812, the Constitution battled the British frigate HMS Guerriere at sea and handily defeated it; this was the battle that earned the ship the nickname ‘Old Ironsides.’ ALS by Stephen Decatur, signed “Stephen Decatur,” one page, 8 x 10, August 30, 1813. Report to Commodore William Bainbridge, written at the conclusion of manuscript letters regarding a request submitted to an enemy ship captained by Thomas Hardy. In part: “Lieut. Nicolson informed the officer who delivered him this letter that he was directed to bring the paper he had carried out back… from this it would appear that Captain Oliver does not intend to yield to our wishes.” The manuscript copy preceding Decatur’s letter reads, in part: “For two days after the receipt of your letters the Enemy kept under night, & at such a distance that I could not communicate with them— yesterday I sent a flag out in charges of Lieut. Nicolson. It appears that Sir Thos. Hardy has been relieved by Captn. Oliver. The letter you wrote with its enclosure I sent out directed to Sir T. Hardy, or the commanding naval officer, I gave directions to Lieut. Nicolson to bring it back, with, or without the desired endorsement, on his approach to the Enemy’s ship.” Decatur held command of the Constitution only briefly, from October 28 to November 9, 1804, when he relinquished command of the ship to his senior officer, John Rodgers.
ALS by Admiral Thomas Macdonough, one page, 8 x 10, May 9, 1814. Macdonough writes to Capt. Oliver H. Perry from Vergennes, Vermont. In part: “Mr. Ten says you could send me 50 men provided I wanted them. I am much in want of men particularly good ones & if you can, I hope you will send me as many as practicable. I am short by 200 & were they here we could enter the Lake in a few days with a force I think sufficient.” Within a week of this letter, Macdonough blasted away a British squadron with his guns planted on the shoreline, sending the enemy back to Canada badly damaged; he followed this up by defeating the British navy at the the Battle of Lake Champlain, which brought him great fame. He was later appointed to command the USS Constitution in 1824 but health issues forced him to relieve himself of command in 1825. ALS by William Bainbridge, signed “Wm. Bainbridge,” one page, June 7, 1814. Letter to Oliver Perry, written from the Charlestown Navy Yard. In part: “I have to direct in pursuance of orders from the Secretary that you order Lt. Nicholson to repair to this place without delay, to sit as a member on said Court.” Bainbridge succeeded Isaac Hull as commander of the Constitution, during which time he captured the 49-gun British frigate Java; President Madison would go on to award him with the Congressional Gold Medal for his service aboard the Constitution. AQS by Oliver Wendell Holmes on a 5 x 3 album page, November 27, 1856. A stanza from his poem ‘Old Ironsides,’ in full: “Nail to the mast her holy flag, / Let every thread-bare sail, / And give her to the god of storms, / The lightning and the gale!” Holmes wrote this poem in 1830 to oppose the US Navy’s plans to dismantle the historic warship, which quickly brought national attention to both Holmes and the USS Constitution. The public sentiment generated from this poem was a large factor in the decision to preserve the USS Constitution, which today remains the oldest commissioned ship in the world still afloat. Also included are a contemporary Boston newspaper broadside from February 16, 1813, describing the USS Constitution’s encounter with the frigate Java off the coast of Brazil; a printed circular from February 22, 1813, calling for a meeting to honor the “gallant conduct of Hull, Jones, Decatur, Bainbridge &c”; three 1929 letters concerning donations for the preservation of the ship; a 1932 booklet published by the US Government Printing Office entitled ‘United States Frigate Constitution,’ which includes several extremely detailed diagrams of the ship; and an abundance of magazine and newspaper clippings related to the ship. In overall very good to fine condition, with various toning, staining, and small tears to some letters.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 35
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Nelson’s personal retained copy of Troubridge’s official report on the 1797 battle that took his arm LOT 1017
Horatio Nelson Letter Signed Starting Bid $2,500 LS endorsed at the conclusion, “Copy Horatio Nelson,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 12.5, July 25, 1797. An important manuscript copy of Captain Thomas Troubridge’s account describing his attack on Santa Cruz, dated on board the HMS Culloden on the day of the battle. In part: “From the darkness of the Night, I did not immediately hit the mole, the Spot appointed to land, but push’d on Shore under the Enemy’s Battery’s, close to the Southward of the Citadel…I immediately push’d with Captain Waller for the Square, the Place of Rendezvous, in hopes of there meeting you… The Ladders being all Lost in the Surf or not to be found no immediate attempt could be made on the Citadel…I endeavour’d then to procure some Intelligence of you, and the rest of the officers without Success…By day break we had collected about Eighty marines, Eighty Pike Men, and One hundred & Eighty small Arm Seamen, these I found were all that were alive, that had made good their Landing…having procured some Amunition from the Spanish Prisoners we had made, we were Marching to try what could be done with the Citadel without Ladders…but found…upwards of Eight thousand Spaniards, and One hundred French under Arms, approaching by every Avenue; as the boats were all Stove, and I saw no possibility of getting more men on shore, the Ammunition wet, and no Provisions, I sent Captain Hood with a Flag of Truce to the Governor, to say I was prepared to burn the Town…at the same time, I desired Captain Hood to say, it would be done with Regret, as I had no wish to injure the Inhabitants, that if he would come to my terms, I was ready to Treat, which he readily agreed to…From the small Body of Men, and the greater part being Pike and small Arm Seamen, which can be only called irregulars, with very little Ammunition in the Pouches but what was wet in the Surf at Landing, I could not expect to Succeed in any attempt upon the Enemy, whose superior Strength I have before mentioned. The Spanish officers assure me, they expected us, and were perfectly prepared with all the Battery’s, and the number of Men I have before mentioned under Arms with the great disadvantages of a Rocky Coast, high Surf, and in the face of Forty Pieces of Cannon, tho’ we were not successful will shew what an Englishman is equal to. I have the pleasure to acquaint you, that We marched
thro’ the Town, on our Return, with the British Colours flying at our Head.” Nelson signed at the conclusion, now forced to use his left hand, to certify it as an official copy to retain for his own records. Troubridge’s original report is now in the Royal Navy College at Greenwich, England. In fine condition. Admiral John Jervis ordered Nelson’s squadron to capture the Spanish port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands in an effort to incapacitate the larger Spanish navy. Nelson’s assault plan began with Troubridge landing at Valle Seco beach under cover of night, stealthily disembarking to take the Spanish by surprise and capture their coastal batteries. Meanwhile, a British gunboat would attack from the sea, and Nelson would sweep in to capture Spanish merchant vessels and their cargo. The plan came to a halt during the first maneuver, as Troubridge’s report describes—though he managed to land, their cover had been blown and strong currents prevented a safe arrival on the shore. Angered by this failure, Nelson decided to personally oversee the next attack which would be against the city itself. Anticipating this move, the Spanish commander Antonio Gutiérrez de Otero concentrated his forces in the port defenses which were centered on San Cristobal castle. Nelson and his attack force set out to move against the castle but again were spotted by a Spanish frigate and the harbor batteries opened fire. Under duress, the British ships struggled to reach the shore and one boat sunk in the crossfire. Just as Nelson reached land, he famously was hit in the right arm and taken back to his flagship, the HMS Theseus, where a surgeon amputated the injured limb. Within 30 minutes of the amputation, Nelson was again issuing orders and commanding his troops. Ultimately, the British forces failed to advance and Troubridge became trapped, thus his request for a truce. This historically important document must have been one of the first signed by Nelson with his left hand, just after losing his right arm in the chaos of battle, and is exceptionally desirable in that it was his own personal copy of the report. This piece is both historically important and holds great significance in the context of Nelson’s biography and heroic legacy. REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 37
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Rare Marie Antionette “About the terrible accident which still makes me shudder” LOT 1018
Marie Antoinette Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $1,000 ALS in French, signed “Marie Antoinette,” one page, 4.5 x 7, August 1. Letter to her brother-in-law King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, the husband of her sister Marie Caroline. In full (translated): “I am very grateful, my dear brother, for the details you have sent me about the terrible accident which still makes me shudder; I hope it will lead my sister to take all the precautions necessary for her. Accept all my thanks and assurance of the very sincere friendship with which I am, my dear brother, your very affectionate sister.” Includes the original transmittal envelope retaining its red wax seal, addressed in Marie Antoinette’s own hand (translated): “To my Brother, Cousin, and Brother-in law, the King of Naples.” In fine condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds. Marie Antoinette’s older sister, Maria Carolina, married Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies in 1768; the sisters were extremely close throughout their entire lives, and Maria Carolina looked upon Marie Antoinette as her favorite sister. This relationship helped to shape European politics for some time—she saw to it that they supported the French monarchy once revolution broke out, and after Marie Antoinette was executed she even refused to speak the language. Letters by Marie Antoinette are excessively scarce—far more so than documents—and this is a supremely appealing example in its condition and intriguing content.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 39
Image is larger than actual size.
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Immensely desirable 1863 Gardner portrait LOT 1019
Abraham Lincoln Signed Photograph Starting Bid $10,000 Excessively rare 2.5 x 3.5 carte-de-visite portrait showing President Abraham Lincoln seated in a three-quarter-length pose, holding his glasses in one hand and a copy of the Washington Daily Morning Chronicle in the other, crisply signed on the mount in black ink, “A. Lincoln.” The photo was taken by Alexander Gardner and bears his address imprinted on the reverse. Housed in a gorgeous custom-bound clamshell case with attractive marbled boards. This exceptional image was one of six portraits captured on August 9, 1863, by Alexander Gardner, an acclaimed Civil War photographer and one-time protege of Mathew Brady. Gardner had just opened a new gallery on the corner of 7th and D Street in Washington, and the president had promised to inaugurate the studio by being the first sitter. This was his fourth sitting with the photographer, and upon privately reviewing the poses at the White House the president declared the session ‘very successful.’ Lincoln’s secretary, John Hay, wrote of this sitting in his diary: ‘I went down with the President to have his picture taken at Gardner’s. He was in very good spirits. He thinks that the rebel power is at last beginning to disintegrate, that they will break to pieces if only we stand firm now.’ The sitting came just one month after the Battle of Gettysburg, and yet—as the Civil War raged on in the background—this portrait aptly communicates the calm and dignified demeanor that defined President Lincoln as a great leader.
Actual size.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 41
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handwritten survey from the 25-year-old Lincoln LOT 1020
Abraham Lincoln Autograph Document Signed Starting Bid $5,000
Extremely rare and early ADS, signed “A. Lincoln,” one page, 6.75 x 12, September 5, 1834. A land survey conducted by Lincoln for William G. Cantrall, penned entirely in Lincoln’s own hand. In full: “Surveyed for William G. Cantrill the following tract of land (to Wit) Beginning at the South East corner of the West half of the North East quarter of Section 20 in Township 17 North of Range 5 West at a White Oak, 20 inches in diameter bearing South 60 degrees West 33 Links Thence West 31 chains & 50 Links to a Hickory 20 inches N 48 W. 25 Links Thence North 20 chains to a stake Thence East 31 chains & 50 Links to a Spanish Oak 20 inches S 66 W 42 Links—Thence South 20 chains to the beginning—J. Calhoun SSC By A. Lincoln,” also identifying his assistants, “Chainmen, Joshua M. Cantrill, Adam M. Cantrill.” Intersecting folds (one passing through but not detracting from Lincoln’s signature), light toning, and an irregularly trimmed right edge, otherwise fine condition. In 1831, after his father had moved the family from Indiana to Coles County, Illinois, Lincoln ventured out on his own, settling in New Salem, Illinois, on the banks of the Sangamon River. Sangamon County Surveyor John Calhoun appointed Lincoln a deputy surveyor in 1833, though the earliest known survey he conducted is from the beginning of 1834. This particular document dates to an extraordinarily important turning point in Lincoln’s career, marking his entry into politics. Almost exactly one month earlier, on August 4, Lincoln secured his first-ever electoral victory, winning a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives as a representative for Sangamon County. Although Lincoln would begin his first term in December 1834, he continued to work as a surveyor through November 1836 to supplement his income. Land surveys executed and recorded by Abraham Lincoln are extremely rare and, as they were conducted primarily for town and county governments rather than individual land holders, most extant examples reside in government archives and institutional collections.
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The future ‘Stonewall’ enjoys patriotic anthems At West point LOT 1021
Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $1,000 Early ALS signed “T. J. J.,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 10, January 1, 1846. Letter to his sister Laura Jackson Arnold, written from West Point. In part: “Amid the scenes of mirth & joy by which I am now surrounded I grasp my pen to announce to you the reception of your heart churning letter with it came feelings of joy which are more easy felt by the heart than expressed by the tongue or pen. Among the items of your letter I observed an improvement of your health & an accession to your family both of which are as agreeable to me as to yourself. I look with joyful anticipation to that day which I will have the pleasure of verbal instead of expository conversation with you as well as all my friends. The misfortune of Uncle Cummins brought to my heart feelings of regret & sympathy which time will never be able to erase. But I sincerely trust that he may ride clear from all harm which should be the case if as I have been informed that there was false evidence against him. I have not written home since my return from furlough neither have I received one from there. My standing at present is undecided but the examination commences to morrow the prospects are more favorable for me than they have ever been heretofore. It grieves me to think that in a short time I must be separated from amiable & meritorious friends…Last night we had very fine music by the band. Among the tunes was Hail Columbia & Star Spangled Banner. We have concerts every week by the brass band. I could continue to wright [sic] until every line should be filled but being well satisfied that the foregoing
will be as much as you could desire to read considering the hand in which it is written.” Intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through last letter of the signature), scattered staining, and light show-through from writing on opposing sides, otherwise fine condition. In 1842, Jackson was accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Because of his inadequate schooling, he had difficulty with the entrance examinations and began his studies at the bottom of his class. Displaying a dogged determination that was to characterize his life, however, he became one of the hardest working cadets in the academy, and moved steadily up the academic rankings; he graduated 17th out of 59 students in the Class of 1846. Jackson had a very close relationship with his sister, who was just two years younger, up until the beginning of the Civil War; as the war loomed, Laura Jackson Arnold became a staunch unionist and broke away from the family. Both Thomas and Laura were raised by the “Uncle Cummins” mentioned in the letter, who had gotten into some legal trouble. He had discovered a vein of silver near his property in 1844 and began to counterfeit half-dollar coins of lead with a thin coat of silver; after several months, a federal grand jury indicted him for forgery and 26 counts of counterfeiting. A wonderful and historically important letter from Jackson’s time at West Point.
“Last night we had very fine music by the band. Among the tunes was Hail Columbia & Star Spangled Banner”
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An 18-year-old Stuart writes from West Point LOT 1022
J. E. B. Stuart Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $1,000 ALS signed “James,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 10, West Point, May 8, 1851. Letter to his father, Archibald Stuart, who was serving as a delegate to the Virginia Constitutional Convention. In part: “We have commenced general review of studies, which, since we were obliged to know them so thoroughly going over the first time, are now comparatively easier; though our lessons are very long. The Point has begun to put on the appearance of spring, while the Corps animate the plain with evolutions of the line to which music lends her rapturous melodies, skirmish drills, the booming roar of artillery, or the more gay display of cavalry. Since winter has passed every thing seems invested with new life, and I cannot look on these beautiful woods, these mountains, and this noble river, that lay spread out before me without a little longing after the dear old hills of Patrick. But I easily quiet these longings by remembering that the next year will pass off as rapidly as the past one, and ‘Carry me back to old Virginny’…I never enjoyed better health than I now do. Mr. [John Randolph] Chambliss is quite well. He is an excellent young man—beloved by all, and holds an honorable position in his class. If his father is as fine a man as his son, you can’t help from being pleased with him. He is not only correct in his deportment but bears the stamp of the ‘Old Virginia gentlemen’ in the fullest sense
of the term.” Intersecting folds and light scattered staining, otherwise fine condition. At this point, Stuart was wrapping up his first year at the United States Military Academy at West Point and studying for the general examination to be held in June. Although he got into trouble for fighting somewhat frequently, Stuart had a successful year and finished eighth in his class of 71. The fellow student he mentions, John Randolph Chambliss, Jr., was one year ahead of Stuart and the son of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner—at this moment, John Randolph Chambliss, Sr., was serving alongside J. E. B. Stuart’s father as a delegate to the Virginia Constitutional Convention. The younger Chambliss would later join the Confederate Army and was killed in action during the Second Battle of Deep Bottom in 1864. What is most apparent from this letter is Stuart’s deep love of his native Virginia, comparing the landscape of springtime West Point to that of Patrick County, where he was born and raised at Laurel Hill Farm. This is a lengthy and thoughtful letter—particularly eloquent for an 18-year-old cadet—with exceptional content regarding both his life at West Point and his home state of Virginia, where he would take up arms against the Union a decade later.
“The booming roar of artillery, or the more gay display of cavalry”
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Impressive and rare Army of Northern Virginia battle flag LOT 1023
Battle Flag of Northern Virginia Starting Bid $10,000 Rare original Army of Northern Virginia Confederate battle flag, featuring the iconic dark blue Saint Andrew’s Cross edged in white against a deep red background, adorned with 13 white stars. The flag is constructed of a high quality bunting and measures the standard infantry size of 48˝ on the hoist and 47˝ on the fly. The stars are of heavy white linen and applied to the front side only, with corresponding star shapes cut out from blue fabric so that both sides are identical in appearance. The hoist is a heavier canvas material with hand-sewn grommets, folded over and sewn to the edge of the flag. It is a highly displayable piece in fine condition, with a nice age patina and some small holes and tatters throughout; it is entirely original and unrestored, and there is a six-inch open seam at the fly end. Previously sold by respected Civil War specialist Dale C. Anderson and accompanied by his letter of authenticity. The first commander of the Army of Northern Virginia was General P. G. T. Beauregard, who suggested the design and adoption of a battle flag, which came to be the primary battle flag for all corps and forces under the Army of Northern Virginia. In a letter to Joseph E. Johnston of September 5, 1861, Beauregard proposed ‘regimental war or badge flags made of red with two blue bars crossing each other diagonally on which shall be introduced the stars.’ At the first Battle of Bull Run a number Confederate regiments fought under the Confederate national flag, known as the ‘Stars and Bars,’ which resembled the flag of the United States— this led to some confusion in identifying troops, and Beauregard stated that if the army created a new battle flag, ‘We would then on the field of battle know our friends from our enemies.’ Original Confederate battle flags are extremely scarce—particularly in such a well-preserved state—and rarely ever come to open market.
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1861 letter from Lincoln’s assassin LOT 1024
John Wilkes Booth Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $5,000
War-dated ALS signed “J. Wilkes Booth,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, November 23, 1861. Letter written from Cincinnati to Joseph H. Simonds. In full: “I know you will forgive me, this long delay in answering your letters; if you knew better you would not wonder at it, as I avail myself of any excuse to get rid of writing, no matter how I may long to hear from the person to whom I have to write. And I confess I should like to hear from you every day. I received your photograph, a thousand thanks, I think it very good, I believe you have mine. My second week in Buffalo was so, so. I played 17 nights in Detroit to a good Bus[iness]. After here Monday night, 25th, they count high on me but I am doubtful as to my success. Maggie Mitchel is playing a good engagement here.” At this point in the letter, Booth’s handwriting begins to get a bit more jumbled. He continues: “I should have has been; as she finished last night. My dear Joe excuse this as I am standing in the office with about a hundred people about me blowing at a fearful rate. I am not fixed yet, so I cannot go to my room. Yours of the 16th also reached me, in Detroit. It seems that Forrest is always in trouble. I am sorry his bus. is not better, for it is rough to see such trash (as Barney Williams practices on the stage), get the best of the legitimate, but such is life. Give my kindest regards to the Bugbee’s. Has Mr. B. gone to Cal. yet? I addressed a letter to him in your care, did you get it. I will write to you more intelligibly the next time, so asking you to excuse this again.” Mild toning along two horizontal mailing folds, and a couple light brushes to text, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Booth’s hand and docketed by Simonds, bearing a very scarce 3¢ pink of 1861 (Scott 64) stamp.
Published in Right or Wrong, God Judge Me: The Writings of John Wilkes Booth, ed. J. Rhodehamel and L. Taper, pp.93–94. Provenance: The Sang Collection (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 26 April 1978), lot 46 [envelope then present]; anonymous owner (sale, Christie’s, 9 December 1993, lot 158). On November 25, 1861, Booth opened a 10-day engagement at Wood’s Theater in Cincinnati, appearing in such favorites as Othello, Macbeth, Hamlet, and the Marble Heart—a role that Lincoln once watched him perform. Standing in a hotel lobby two days prior, he penned this unusually long letter to his close friend and Boston banker Joseph Simonds; highlighting his deep involvement in the theater world, he offers several references to some of the biggest actors of the day—the scandal-plagued Edwin Forrest, President Lincoln’s favorite rising star Maggie Mitchell, and the Irish-born comic actor Barney Williams. Two years later, Simonds helped Booth handle his shares in a Pennsylvania oil venture, overseeing its production while Booth remained on tour. As the actor’s theatrical income declined during the war, Simonds loaned him money to help him get by, inadvertently contributing funds to an abortive plot to kidnap the president in March of 1864. Following Lincoln’s assassination, Simonds was summoned to testify about their financial dealings during the Lincoln conspirators’ trial in May of 1865. An incredibly rare letter, desirable both in its glimpse into the famed actor’s touring stage life and in its connection to a friend who would later have to answer for himself during one of America’s darkest hours.
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Travis receives the last shipment to the Alamo of lead and gun powder LOT 1025
William Barret Travis Autograph Document SigneD Starting Bid $10,000 Important ADS written just three days before the beginning of the Battle of the Alamo, signed “W. Barret Travis, Lt. Col. Comdt.,” one page, 8 x 7.5, February 20, 1836. Headed at the top “Commandancy of Bexar,” the document reads, in full: “Received of Luciano Navarro 640 lbs of coffee; 370 lbs tobacco, 3 large Bars of lead and 25 lbs of powder, valued at four hundred & fifty Dollars & one real, which will be paid to said Navarro on presentation to the proper department the above articles having been received for the use of this Garrison.” Docketing on reverse reads, “5323 $450.13, Luciano Navarro, filed 27th Nov. 1837, Examined admitted to audit for $450.122,” signed by the auditor. Docketing continues “20th February 1836, In. 28th Nov 1837, No. Draft 6446 W.,” and “approved 29 Nov 1837, E. M. Pease Controller.” A smaller docket, in Spanish, incorporates the words, “General de Texas.” Intersecting folds, mild toning, mainly along folds, light show-through from endorsements on reverse, and a few stray spots, otherwise fine condition. Travis signed this receipt for the last supplies before the siege of the Alamo on February 20—only three days before the arrival of Mexican forces in Béxar. Essentially a promissory note under the circumstances, the receipt provides specific details about what the defenders had at hand during the ensuing battle. This document, along with other receipts for lumber for planking and other supplies, offers strong evidence that Travis was laying the groundwork for his fateful encounter with Santa Anna and compels modern audiences to reconsider the popularly-held notion that he was taken by surprise. The contents of the delivery, purchased from local merchant Luciano Navarro, are especially revealing about how the men of the Alamo spent their final days. Coffee fueled the defenders’ night labors to improve the compound’s defenses.
To cope with the stress of the battle, tobacco steadied the nerves of the beleaguered defenders. Gunpowder was especially needed because of the poor condition of much of the garrison’s captured supply. Additionally, raw lead was essential given the Texans’ preference for personal rifles and pistols. Given the paucity of lead at the Alamo, it is almost certain that the lead from this shipment was used by the garrison’s defenders. This is certainly one of the most significant privately-held Alamo documents known to exist. Provenance The Robert Davis Collection.
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beautifully signed Custer 7th Cavalry commission LOT 1026
George A. Custer Signed Document Starting Bid $1,000 Extremely rare and highly sought-after partly-printed vellum DS, signed “G. A. Custer,” one page, 15.5 x 9.75, February 11, 1875. Custer, as Lieutenant Colonel of the Cavalry, appoints “Charles Smith…a Sergeant in Company E of the Seventh Regiment of Cavalry in the service of the United States.” Robustly signed at the bottom by Custer and countersigned by commanding officer W. W. Cooke. Intersecting folds and some scattered stains and creases, otherwise fine condition. The appointee, Charles F. Smith, was born in 1848 in Germany and enlisted in the United States Army on March 3, 1871, for a term of five years; fortunately, this term expired and he was discharged just three months before the Battle of the Little Bighorn and ‘Custer’s Last Stand,’ in which his company was annihilated. Smith then reenlisted in 1881 for another period of five years. The Custer appointment is accompanied by a small archive related to Smith’s career, including the discharge from the end of his first term of service; his subsequent oath of reenlistment and allegiance; a letter of recommendation; his membership certificate in the Regular Army and Navy Union; a certificate of deposit issued by Boatmen’s Saving Bank in St. Louis; and a document granting him citizenship in the United States. This stunning commission—ornately imprinted with the American eagle bearing a shield and clutching arrows and an olive branch beneath the heading, “The Commanding Officer of the Seventh Regiment of Cavalry”—holds a terrifically bold and much sought-after Custer signature. The counter-signature by William Winer Cooke, 1st Lieutenant Colonel of Cavalry and Adjutant of the Regiment, adds greatly to this document’s desirability: Cooke, a member of the so-called ‘Custer Gang,’ was one of the commander’s most loyal men and remained so until the end, found by Custer’s side on the fields at Little Bighorn in 1876. This is just the second example of a Custer 7th Cavalry appointment that we have encountered, and one of only a handful to be offered at auction in the last 40 years. Originally acquired directly from Smith’s descendants, these documents are certain to garner great interest. In addition to the excessive rarity, the historical context lent by the inclusion of Smith’s other cavalry documents make this a truly unique and fascinating archive.
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Extraordinarily bold signature of the fabled Geronimo LOT 1027
Geronimo Signed Calling Card Starting Bid $500
Chiricahua Apache (1829–1909) who attained the status of legend for his steadfast defense of Native American lands against the United States government. Pristine pencil signature, “Geronimo,” on the reverse of an off-white 3 x 1.5 calling card imprinted with the name of Mr. Clifford Melville Swan (now obscured by framing). Beautifully double-suede-matted and framed with a portrait of Geronimo to an overall size of 13 x 19. In very fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance stating that the autograph was sold through Christie’s in 1994 and originated from a turn-of-the-century collection of a Massachusetts resident. After being moved for the last time to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1894, Geronimo settled into old age as a celebrity—appearing at fairs (including the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis), riding in President Roosevelt’s 1905 inaugural parade, and releasing his popular autobiography the same year. Geronimo’s signature is among the most elusive and desirable of Old West autographs, and hardly ever found in such immaculate condition.
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the legendary Sioux chief
LOT 1028
Sitting Bull Signature Starting Bid $500 Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux holy man (circa 1831–1890) known for his steadfast opposition to the intrusion of the US government into Sioux lands and leading the defeat of George Custer’s 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Rarely seen and amazingly bold ink signature, “Sitting Bull,” on an off-white 5 x 3 album page, affixed below a vintage halftone portrait of the iconic chief and matted to an overall size of 12 x 14. In fine condition, with a miniscule tear to the upper right corner and a stray ink blot above the first letter of the signature. Sitting Bull joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in 1885 and stayed for just four months. Despite enduring taunts from the audience that identified him with the massacre at Custer’s Last Stand, he was able to earn a small fortune by selling his autograph to curiosity seekers attending the show. REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 57
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1870 subpoena from Wyatt Earp’s first post in public office LOT 1029
Wyatt Earp Autograph Endorsement Signed Starting Bid $1,000 Exceedingly rare and very early handwritten endorsement, signed “W. S. Earp, Const,” on the reverse of a subpoena from the state of Missouri. The subpoena was written and signed by his father, Nicholas Porter Earp, on one lightly-lined 7.75 x 9.5 page, dated April 20, 1870. Wyatt Earp’s endorsement on the reverse reads, in full: “I have served the within Suppena [sic] upon the written names herein mentioned by reading the same to them this April 29, 1870.” The text of the main document [now concealed by framing], signed “N. P. Earp, JP,” reads, in part: “To Dr. J. M. Endicott, W. W. Ross, J. N. Dunnaway, J. H. Richardson, William Broadhurst, Francis Reese, You are hereby commanded to be and appear before the undersigned Justice of the Peace within and for the Township of Lamar…to testify on the trial of a cause wherein the state of Missouri is plaintiff, and William G. Smith is defendant, on the part of the defendant and of this you will fail not at your peril. Given under my hand this 20th April 1870.” Reverse is also docketed in an unknown hand. In very good to fine condition, with a light vertical fold through center of endorsement, two diagonal cuts, lightly affecting subpoena, but not touching endorsement at all, scattered light toning and soiling, and some mild paper loss along top edge of front. Also includes a Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver, serial no. 5349, caliber .36. The frame and brass gripstraps have matching numbers, although the backstrap number is only partially legible. The barrel is numbered 207052, the loading lever is 7803, and the wedge is not numbered. The cylinder has no trace of the scene or a number. The 7.5˝ octagonal barrel has the “NEWYORK US America” address and has a good bore. The frame and cylinder have a dark patina with many small dings on the cylinder and excellent patent markings on the frame. The barrel is a light gray with areas of light pinprick pitting. The one piece walnut grip rates very good as refinished. The mechanism functions well. Built on a frame made in 1851. This is an antique revolver and transfers with no federal restrictions. The document and revolver are handsomely archivally double-cloth-matted and framed together with a photo of Earp and an engraved plaque to an overall size of 22.5 x 27. Accompanied by a 1995 certificate from Charles Hamilton stating, “I certify that I have examined the document dated April 20, 1870, signed W. S. Earp Const, and find that the five lines…are entirely in the handwriting of the famous frontier sheriff Wyatt Earp and bear his authentic, original signature.” Also accompanied by a photocopy of the front of the document. In 1869, 21-year-old Wyatt Earp joined his family in Lamar, Missouri, where his father Nicholas was the local constable. When Nicholas stepped down, Wyatt ran against his elder half-brother Newton for the job, winning by 137 votes and claiming his first position in public office. As constable he learned the service of process—summonses and subpoenas for people to appear in court—which became an integral part of his work later in life. This subpoena is one of the earliest signed Earp documents we have seen: an outstanding piece from the very beginning of what would become a legendary lawman’s career.
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Exceptional 1874 carte-de-visite of Darwin
LOT 1030
Charles Darwin Signed Photograph Starting Bid $1,000 Original 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite portrait of Darwin by Elliott & Fry, circa 1874, signed below the image in black ink, “Ch. Darwin.” Printed text on the reverse [now concealed by the frame] reads: “Elliot & Fry, 55, Baker Street, Portman Square. W.” Beautifully archivally triple-cloth-matted and framed with an engraved plaque to an overall size of 12 x 17.5. In 1874, Darwin published the second—and finally complete—edition of his second book on evolutionary theory, The Descent of Man. This exceptionally rare pose features Darwin with his arms crossed—cartes-de-visite typically seen from this sitting with Elliott & Fry are a slightly different pose where his arms are not visible. This is a perfect example of one of a handful of known signed Darwin cartes-de-visite.
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Rare image of charles dickens during his celebrated 1868 US reading tour LOT 1031
Charles Dickens Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Fantastic matte-finish 4.5 x 6.5 vignette image of a detailed engraving depicting the renowned British author, affixed to a 9.75 x 11.75 mount, signed on the mount in black ink, “Charles Dickens, Boston, Twenty sixth February, 1868.” Some scattered staining (not affecting the signature or vignette), a couple insignificant tears to mount edges, and a small puncture to the left side of the mount, otherwise fine condition. Dickens began his second tour of the United States in Boston on November 19, 1867, where he read in front of an excited audience at Tremont Temple, attended by the likes of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Ralph Waldo Emerson. He went on to energetically tour the rest of the
country, giving over 400 readings during the course of four months. He returned to Boston before leaving, which is where he signed this photo—despite feeling ill, he gave another reading at Tremont Temple on February 27, 1868, where he was greeted by an even more enthusiastic audience, of which he wrote to his publisher: ‘They took to it so tremendously…that I was stopped every five minutes. One poor young girl in mourning burst into a passion of grief about Tiny Tim, and was taken out.’ He gave his last Boston reading on April 8, where he gave a brief farewell speech thanking the audience, saying that ‘the spirit of the bright faces, the quick perception, the ready response, the generous and the cheering sounds that have made this place delightful to me, will remain.’
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A remarkable 1853 letter of praise for David Copperfield illustrations LOT 1032
Charles Dickens Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $1,000 ALS, two pages, 4.5 x 7, Tavistock House, London, April 19, 1853. Letter to J. C. d’Arnaud Gerkens. In full: “Your counsel general has had the kindness to forward to me, your most interesting and gratifying letter, and its accompanying representation, by your pencil, of some of the chief characters in David Copperfield. I can honestly express to you my great admiration of the delicacy and tenderness with which you have illustrated my book. I have examined your drawings with great pleasure and shall preserve proofs of your sympathy with the creatures of my imagination with great pride. Their conception is so quiet and gentle, and their execution so free, that they united two great qualities which I very rarely find in similar designs. Accept my heartfelt thanks, and the assurance of my high estimation and regards.” In fine condition, with subtle scattered foxing. Published in The Dickensian, edited by Bertram Waldrom Matz. Provenance: Christie’s, November, 2011. Three years after the publication of David Copperfield in novel form, Dickens received a set of illustrations from a young Dutch artist and teacher in The Hague named Johannes Christiaan d’Arnaud Gerkens. Created not for commercial use, but out of his sheer love of the book, Gerkens’s illustrations were distributed among his friends and colleagues, one of whom sent them to the author. Considering the large number of images that Dickens had seen depicting his work, it is quite remarkable that these touched him so deeply, striking a chord with their “delicacy and tenderness,” and “their execution so free.” A charming letter of appreciation for what must have been an outstanding set of unsolicited illustrations.
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Stunning Underwood portrait of the clean-clothed ‘Great American Author’ LOT 1033
Samuel L. Clemens Signed Photograph Starting Bid $1,000 Superlative matte-finish 10 x 12.5 Underwood and Underwood portrait of Clemens clad in his trademark white suit, a book on his lap, signed and inscribed in the wide white borders in black ink, “Mrs. John Wayland, with the affectionate regards of Mark Twain. Sept/08.” The copyright notice printed in the lower left reads, “Copyright 1907 by Underwood & Underwood, New York.” Gorgeously double-matted and framed to an overall size of 14.75 x 17. In fine condition. An exceptional oversized portrait boasting a bold signature and exceptionally clean, bright image. In Mark Twain’s Autobiography, published in 1906, he announced his intention to wear white suits year round. He was more comfortable in white than in dark colors, but had always conformed to seasonal fashion. He wrote: ‘One of my sorrows, when the summer ends, is that I must put off my cheery and comfortable white clothes and enter for the winter into the depressing captivity of the shapeless and degrading black ones.’ Although Clemens’s prolific writing career was long behind him when he began wearing his white suits, it is this image of the author that remains ingrained in the public imagination—this photograph in particular, showing him with book in hand, is a wonderfully appropriate example.
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The immensely influential Gustav mahler as he prepares to conduct his Rembrandt-inspired symphony LOT 1034
Gustav Mahler Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Austrian composer (1860–1911) whose epic symphonies redefined the genre and assured him a place among the most important and influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Exceedingly rare matte-finish 4 x 5 portrait of Mahler seated and looking contemplatively into the distance, boldly signed in the lower border in black ink, “Gustav Mahler.” Affixed to a larger 8 x 9.5 mount, bearing an ink date notation to reverse of September 29, 1909. In very good to fine condition, with overall foxing to the larger mount and slight spotting to image. Mahler left Vienna for Amsterdam on September 26, 1909, where he stayed with fellow conductor Willem Mengelberg, the principal conductor of the Concertgebouw Orchestra. This portrait was taken inside the Royal Concertgebouw building, where Mahler conducted two performances of his Seventh Symphony; another photograph taken at the same time shows Mahler sitting in this chair, surrounded by Mengelberg, Cornelis Dopper, Hendrik Freyer, and Alphons Diepenbrock. While in Amsterdam, Mahler conducted multiple performances of his Seventh Symphony, as well as a performance of Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, all of which were met with great success. In composing the Seventh Symphony, Mahler drew inspiration from Rembrandt’s painting ‘The Night Watch,’ which he had seen many times at the Rijksmuseum during previous trips to Amsterdam. A magnificent portrait of the acclaimed composer with many important biographical associations.
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Rare letter by the Romantic virtuoso chopin LOT 1035
Frederic Chopin Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $5,000
“As far as playing is concerned, please leave me alone should you see me too tired” ALS in Polish, signed “F. Chopin,” one page, 4 x 5, no date. Brief letter to his friend Albert Grzymala. In full (translated): “My life, I cannot refuse you anything, so I am at your service on Friday. But as far as playing is concerned, please leave me alone should you see me too tired.” The recipient is identified at the top in another hand. Attractively double-matted and framed with an image and descriptive plaques to an overall size of 20.5 x 21.5. In fine condition. According to the April 14, 1978, edition of the Nowy Dziennik [New Daily] newspaper, this letter was passed down through the family of former Polish diplomat Jerzy Lasocki, whose family owned a church near Chopin’s birthplace, where the composer had been baptized. Wojciech [Albert] Grzymala (1793–1871) was a Polish soldier, politician, and banker who was a close associate of Frederic Chopin, serving him as an advisor and ‘older brother’ figure. This is an especially interesting letter as Chopin apologizes for his potential inability to play—he was stricken with illness for his entire life, leaving him fragile and weak. At times he was so exhausted after long piano performances that he had to be carried to bed. A remarkable letter in its intimate association with Chopin’s close friend as well as its biographical importance as a firsthand acknowledgment of his weakness and how it affected his performance.
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On board Titanic, the ship’s assistant surgeon finalizes his White Star Line transfer LOT 1036
Titanic: Edward Simpson Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $2,500
Assistant surgeon on board the Titanic who was responsible for the second and third class passengers. Simpson perished in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was never identified. Very rare ALS signed “J. Edward Simpson, Captn.,” one page, 5 x 8, embossed On board R.M.S. ‘Titanic’ letterhead, Southampton, April 9, 1912. Letter, addressed at the top by Simpson, “From Capt. J. E. Simpson, R.A.M.C.T.; To The Adjutant 1st (F.S) Btn. Middx. Rgt.” Letter reads, in full: “I have the honor to request that I may be permitted to transfer to the unattached list of R.A.M.C.T. officers as owing to professional duties as Ship’s Surgeon in the White Star Line & am prevented from carrying out all my duties in the R.A.M.C.T. for some time.” Three horizontal mailing folds, scattered light soiling and creases, and signature at bottom a bit cramped, otherwise fine condition. Dr. John ‘Edward’ Simpson of Belfast was 37 years old when he joined the Titanic on April 6, 1912. He had previously served on board Titanic’s sister ship Olympic. He was still technically assigned to the Royal Army Medical Corps Territorials (R.A.M.C.T) as a medical doctor which meant his official duties would require him to remain under the army’s direction. Thus, one last piece of official busi-
ness before Titanic sailed was for Simpson to write this letter, which bears a beautiful White Star Line watermark, to the Adjutant of the First Battalion requesting that he be permitted to transfer to the unattached (i.e. inactive) list of the R.A.M.C.T. so as to be able to carry out his duties for White Star Line. Since the letter was sent on April 9, 1912 and Titanic sailed the following day, it is unknown whether he was officially relieved of his military duties before sailing, or thereafter. This original document relating to the official transfer of a notable Titanic crewman is one of the holy grails of Titanic memorabilia. We are unaware of any like document being offered for private sale. Titanic postal clerk Oscar Woody’s letter of appointment is in the Smithsonian, and this letter is equally worthy. Provenance Ex Ken Schultz Collection; The Mariners’ Museum, Newport News Virginia (1998); pps. 28-29 Titanic: Fortune & Fate by Beverly McMillan and Stanley Lehrer (Simon & Schuster 1998); Ref. Titanic: Belfast’s Own by Stephen Cameron (Wolfhound Press 1998).
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Gandhi letter encouraging Indian economic freedom LOT 1037
Mohandas Gandhi Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $1,000
ALS in English, signed “Bapu (M. K. Gandhi),” one page on a 5.5 x 3.5 postcard, February 18, 1942. Letter to to Shri R. Achuthan, a freedom fighter, student revolutionary, and later a member of the first parliament of free India. In full: “I have your letter. I am glad you are all spinning & make wise use of your time. I am asking Dr. Pattahbi to attend to your requirements.” Addressed on the reverse to Achuthan at the Central Jail, Rajamundry, Andhra. A central vertical crease, a few small stains, and a fingerprint near the signature, otherwise fine condition. Shri R. Achutan was general secretary of the Madras students and imprisoned in 1941 after speaking out against ‘police terrorism,’ and became one of Gandhi’s followers and correspondents during his time in prison. Gandhi’s mention of “spinning” is exceptionally important, as he
had adopted the spinning wheel as a symbol of economic independence very early on in his movement. His platform started to become popular shortly after World War I, and he developed a broad base of support from both Hindus and Muslims to support peaceful noncooperation. After assuming control of the Indian National Congress in December 1921, Gandhi expanded his nonviolence program to include the swadeshi policy—the boycott of British goods. From this originated his spinning wheel, as he encouraged all Indians to wear khaki (homespun cloth) instead of British-made textiles. He furthered this concept by exhorting Indian men and women, rich or poor, to spend time each day spinning khadi in support of the independence movement. Thus the spinning wheel—and the textile itself—became symbolic of the movement toward Indian independence. An outstanding letter of great historical importance.
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Incredible pairing of letters from Sacco and Vanzetti LOT 1038
Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti Autograph Letters Signed Starting Bid $2,500
Sacco laments his plight: “You can so well realise how hard it is after I been shut up for five long dolorous years in this terrible hole” Two extremely rare letters framed together with a potrait of the anarchists. ALS signed “Nicola Sacco,” three pages on two lightly-lined sheets, 5.25 x 8.5, August 2, 1925. Letter to Mrs. Evans. In part [grammar retained]: “In your card you ask me to know how goes the life with me. Well, my dear Mrs. Evans, I think I did told you once that be since I was a little boy and in all my continue life of adolescent, it was pretty hard work for my family to know from me something about the pain of my ill, but only my poor old dear mother she used succeed to know from me once a new well, the pain that I was suffering when I used to be sik. And so why I am tell you sincere from the deep of my heart (because from since the day that I have meet you, you been occupied in my heart my mother her place, and like so I been respect you and I been loved you) that this terrible life it is insupportable, and I feel so nervous and tired of this miserably life that I hate to see my own shade; and I do not see other that the minute and the time to seen finish this monstrous case. And therefore, you can so well realise how hard it is after I been shut up for five long dolorous years in this terrible hole, away from the warming kisses of my dear companion and children, and from all what’s nice and beauty, and from the liberty…P. S. Best wishes and regards to you and to all always from my comrad Vanzetti.” In fine condition. The recipient, Elizabeth Glendower Evans, was a prominent social activist and reformer who became a director of the ACLU in the 1920s and was thus involved in the Sacco-Vanzetti case. A key figure in the cause celebre, she provided important financial support and enlisted many of the intellectual figures that came to publicly speak on their behalf, including H. L. Mencken, Felix Frankfurter, and William G. Thompson, who eventually became their chief defense lawyer. Sacco became extremely close to her, eventually calling her ‘mother,’ and the last words he uttered before his electrocution were for her: ‘Farewell, Mother.’ 76 / WWW.RRAUCTION.COM
Vanzetti requests his favorite book: “Nothing of what I left in my room of the N. E. when I was took away without advice— has been sent to me. There I left a complet ‘Divine Comedy’”
ALS signed “Bartolomeo Vanzetti,” two pages on two lightly-lined sheets, 5.5 x 9, July 1, 1925. Letter to the medical director of State Farm. In part [spelling and grammar retained]: “To-day I have received most of my books and personal effects which…Many money-worth books, a Holy Bible among them—came in very poor conditions…Nothing of what I left in my room of the N. E. when I was took away without advice—has been sent to me. There I left a complet ‘Divine Comedy’ packable—an adition out of commerce actually, presented to me by a dear friend; only its bounding costed me $2.50—before the war. There is also ‘Friendship’ by Thoreau, artistically bound. More: a new-good toothbrush and almost a tube of paste; an hand-brush, a good one; and a comb worth of over a dollar…I told of my effects, left in my room to the assistent who had took me…I do not know is name—but I know and remember well his personality. He assured me that nothing will have gone lost. Now, I pray you to send me the said object.” Scattered creases and a few small stains, otherwise fine condition. Vanzetti was an avid reader and certainly the more intellectual of the two—he knew little English at the time of his arrest in 1920, but by the time of his execution had mastered the language and produced a relatively prolific body of philosophic work. He read the likes of Zola, Darwin, Marx, Tolstoy, and Carducci, but Vanzetti’s favorite books were Dante’s The Divine Comedy and Ernest Renan’s The Life of Jesus—he was said to never travel without them. This letter demonstrates the importance of these works to him—literature had helped him form his political ideology, and he looked to books for comfort while imprisoned. The letters are double-matted and framed together with a portrait of Sacco and Vanzetti to an overall size of 25.5 x 25.5, with a window in the backing to view the reverse page of the Sacco letter. This is an excessively rare pairing with ideal content from both men, with Sacco’s emotional letter describing the depressing confines of his prison cell and Vanzetti demonstrating his intellect and concern for his possessions. REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 77
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Raoul Wallenberg issues a Schutz-Pass to save a Hungarian Jew LOT 1039
Raoul Wallenberg Signed Document Starting Bid $1,000 Exceedingly rare DS, one page, 8 x 5.75, September 26, 1944. Document submitted to the National Central Authority for Control of Foreigners, Budapest. In full (translated): “We have the honor to let you know that the Royal Embassy of Sweden in Budapest has issued to Mr. Janos Karoly a Protection Passport in accordance to which the above named shall be considered a Swedish subject. The Embassy is respectfully requesting that the above named should be exempted to wear a distinctive insignia. The Embassy is certifying that a valid reciprocity with Sweden is in existence concerning the applicable ruling.” Stamped at the conclusion by the embassy with the Swedish coat of arms. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, mild overall creases, and an insignificant stain to the upper left. Upon occupying Hungary in March of 1944, the Nazi regime immediately began its mass deportation of the country’s Jews to concentration camps in Poland—at a rate of roughly 12,000 people per day, over 435,000 Hungarian citizens had been sent to their deaths by early July. In
search of someone willing and able to organize a rescue program in Budapest, US Treasury Department official Iver C. Olsen (dispatched by Roosevelt to Stockholm as a representative of the War Refugee Board) selected Wallenberg. His extensive business work in Budapest, along with his familiarity with the Nazis’ bureaucratic and administrative methods from previous trips to Germany and occupied-France, made him the ideal candidate for the job. Together with fellow Swedish diplomat Per Anger, Wallenberg issued ‘protective passports’ that identified the bearers as Swedish subjects awaiting repatriation, and earned them an exemption from having to wear the yellow badge required for Jews. During his time in this position—which was abruptly brought to an end on January 17, 1945, when the Red Army seized Budapest and took him prisoner—he saved tens of thousands of lives. Anything signed by Wallenberg is extraordinarily hard to find and sought-after; this document, granting one of the life-saving passports that made him an internationally recognized humanitarian, is by far the finest we have seen.
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Unquestionably one of the most important Einstein autographs in existence LOT 1040
Albert Einstein Signed Photograph Starting Bid $10,000 Amazing and extremely rare matte-finish 7 x 11 worldfamous photo of Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue, signed in the lower border in fountain pen in German rhyme, “Diese Geste Dir gefällt, Weil sie gelt der Menschenwelt, Der Civilist kann sich’s leisten, Kein Diplomat kann sich’s erdreisten. Ihr Freund und dankbarer Zuhörer,” translated to “This gesture you will like, Because it is aimed at all of humanity. A civilian can afford to do what no diplomat would dare. Your loyal and grateful listener, A. Einstein 53.” In fine condition, with some light creases to corners and the inscription and signature a bit light due to irregular ink flow. This iconic photo of Einstein was taken on his 72nd birthday, March 14, 1951, by United Press International photographer Art Sasse. After a birthday celebration, Einstein was mobbed by photographers and reporters as he made his way into a friend’s car to go return home. Sasse held back until he could get closer, then yelled to get his attention, ‘Ya, Professor, shmile for your birthday picture, ya?’ Tired of smiling for the cameras all day long, Einstein turned around and stuck out his tongue. Luckily, Sasse was quick enough to capture
the moment and create what has become one of the most well-known photographs of the 20th century. The original photo shows Einstein in between Dr. Frank Aydelotte, the former head of the Institute for Advanced Study, and his wife. After seeing it in the newspaper, Einstein sent a letter to International News Photos to request nine prints to give to his friends, and asked that the image be cropped to show his face only. This is one of these examples—an original print, cropped per Einstein’s specifications and given to him to distribute to close friends. The recipient of this particular signed photo was noted journalist Howard K. Smith, probably while he was chief correspondent for CBS and stationed in London. Einstein listened to Smith’s hour-long news broadcast every Sunday at noon, always making sure his schedule was clear—something that he points out by signing as a “loyal and grateful listener.” Between the extraordinarily famous image and connection between Einstein and Smith, this is undoubtedly one of the most desirable Einstein pieces extant—the most famous photograph of the most famous man of the 20th century.
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“This letter goes to you on the second anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima” LOT 1041
Albert Einstein Typed Letter Signed Starting Bid $1,000 Fantastic TLS signed “A. Einstein,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists letterhead, August 6, 1947. Letter to William Dwight, owner of the Holyoke Transcript-Telegram. In part: “The gulf between East and West which men of good will have worked to close is widening daily. Some people believe that no reconciliation is possible and that another World War must decide the issue; we scientists reply that it is no longer possible to decide any issue by such means—an atomic war will bring no real decision but only unprecedented death and devastation on both side...what we do or fail to do within the next few years will determine the fate of our civilization...Great ideas may often be expressed in very simple words. In the shadow of the atomic bomb it has become apparent that all men are brothers. If we recognize this as truth and act upon this recognition, mankind may go forward to a higher plane of human development. If the angry passions of a nationalistic world engulf us further, we are doomed...
assumed responsibility before the world for the release of the most revolutionary force since the discovery of fire. Each of us, whether as scientists who made the bomb possible, or as citizens of the nation that applied the knowledge, stands accountable for the use we make of this tremendous new force. To our generation has come the possibility of making the most fateful decision in the recorded history of the human race.” In fine condition.
“The American people assumed responsibility before the world for the release of the most revolutionary force since the discovery of fire”
If we are to have any hope of influencing the Russians, and of convincing them that America wants peace and security for all peoples, we must understand the reasons for their profound distrust of everything foreign which has become the sickness of a stubborn isolationism. We will work for understanding, not abject appeasement. This letter goes to you on the second anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. On that day the American people
In the aftermath of the devastation of the atomic bomb that ended World War II, Einstein personally established the Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists to warn the public of the dangers associated with the development of nuclear weapons, promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and ultimately work towards world peace. Einstein sent this letter to multiple individuals, though it remains extremely scarce—this is the only example of this letter we have offered. During this period he became one of the nation’s most prominent leaders in opposing nuclear proliferation, and correctly identified Russia as the most important country to seek understanding with—it was during this same summer of 1947 that the ‘Doomsday Clock’ was established, an iconic symbol of the nuclear catastrophe associated with the Cold War. Within two years the Soviet Union conducted their first atomic test, igniting a massive global arms race—despite this, the world has thus far heeded Einstein’s warning and resisted atomic warfare. A wonderful letter demonstrative of Einstein’s political voice in the wake of chaos caused by science.
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Guest book from presidential yacht USS Williamsburg— including presidents, foreign dignitaries, and military figures LOT 1042 Dwight D. Eisenhower USS Williamsburg Guest Logbook Starting Bid $1,000 Large leather-bound guest book from the presidential yacht USS Williamsburg from the estate of its chief James W. Hicks, 11.5 x 14.25, dated 1953, containing 44 signatures of politicians and their guests on the first four pages (signed back-to-back), including: Dwight D. Eisenhower (3), Mamie Doud Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Lyndon B. Johnson, Rene Mayer, Georges Bidault, Maurice Bourges-Maunoury, Livingston T. Merchant, Harold Stassen, Alexander Wiley, Douglas MacArthur II, Sam Rayburn, Charles Erwin Wilson, Henri Bonnet, Elivera M. Doud, Frances Doud Moore, Helen E. Eisenhower, Milton S. Eisenhower, Thomas E. Stephens (2), Edward L. Beach, Jr. (2), C. Turner Joy, and 17 others. Also includes a rare secretarial note sent by the office of Jacqueline Kennedy in the aftermath of JFK’s assassination, matted and framed with memorial cards, a card for the funeral services of John F. Kennedy, and Hicks’s name clipped from the mailing envelope, showing how important he was to the president. Other items include a group of five photographs of JFK and the Honey Fitz yacht; a couple snapshots of Hicks; a shadowbox display of matchbooks from the Honey Fitz and Air Force One; a few official badges and blank pad of White House stationery; a group of yearbooks from the ships that Hicks served on; and various other ephemera. In overall fine condition. James W. Hicks (1926–2012) enlisted in the US Navy in 1943, at the age of 16, and began serving on the USN West Virginia; he and his crewmen engaged in a number of important battles during World War II, including Midway and Coral Sea. Due to his stellar wartime service and vast knowledge of naval traditions, in the postwar years he was assigned as ‘Chief of the Boat’ for presidential yachts, including the USS Williamsburg, Honey Fitz, and Patrick J. In this position he served under presidents Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy, and following Kennedy’s tragic assassination he became an aide to President Johnson. This is an outstanding collection of the material he gathered throughout these years, highlighted by the presidential signatures held within the USS Williamsburg guest book.
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American flag flown above the Capitol Building on the day of Kennedy’s assassination LOT 1045
John F. Kennedy Flag Flown Over the Capitol on November 22, 1963 Starting Bid $1,000 Official American flag, 3 feet by 5 feet, flown over the United States Capitol on November 22, 1963. Flag was manufactured by Dettra Flag Company of Oaks, Pennsylvania, and bears their manufacturer’s marks along the left edge, reading: “Bull Dog Bunting / Reg. U.S. Pat. Office / Moth Proof / Best by Test / 2 Ply Warp and Filling / 100% Cotton,” as well as their logos and the dimensions of the flag. Includes a TLS addressed to Congressman Frank M. Clark, signed “J. George Stewart,” one page, 8 x 10.5, Architect of the Capitol letterhead, November 22, 1963. In full: “This is to certify that the accompanying flag has flown over the United States Capitol.” A carbon copy of the letter is also attached. Also includes a certificate from the Dettra Flag Company guaranteeing the quality of the flag, a pamphlet entitled ‘Our National Flag: How to Display and Respect It,’ and the original envelope in which these were contained, as well as the flag’s original box, stamped on the bottom: “From Your Congressman, Frank M. Clark, M.C.” In overall fine condition, with splits to corners of the box cover. Begun in 1937, the Capitol Flag Program offers the general public an opportunity to own a flag that flew over the Capitol, accompanied by a certifying letter from the Architect of the Capitol (formerly known as the Superintendent of the Capitol Buildings and Grounds) marking the date that it was flown; requests are made through Members of Congress, and fulfilled by the Architect. This particular flag, flown above the Capitol on the day of Kennedy’s assassination, was sent on behalf of Pennsylvania Congressman Frank M. Clark by J. George Stewart, who served as the Capitol’s Architect from 1951 until his death in 1970. As news from Dallas spread through the nation, Washington prepared for the slain president’s return; in shock, the solemn White House staff worked around the clock to plan the official state funeral, during which hundreds of thousands of grieving visitors came to view their fallen leader laying in state at the US Capitol. On Monday the 25th, Kennedy was carried to his final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery. A powerful symbol from the day of JFK’s assassination, with excellent provenance.
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Photo Credit: Adil Bradlow
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Nelson Mandela’s ‘Freedom Torch’— igniting the flame of freedom in South Africa LOT 1046
Nelson Mandela’s Torch of Freedom Starting Bid $50,000 On February 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela walked out of Victor Verster Prison after spending 27 years in detention under the South African apartheid regime—a pivotal moment in the history of the nation and the world. This marked the beginning of the end for a racist oppression embedded in culture and codified in law, with Mandela embodying the spirit of the peace, democracy, and freedom that would take its place. In 1994, South Africa held its first fully representative democratic national election—now open to all races—which would see Mandela elected as the country’s first black president. While on the campaign trail on February 2, 1994, Mandela returned to Victor Verster Prison to reenact his liberation, lighting a ‘flame of freedom’—using the torch here offered—to honor those who suffered to end apartheid. Mandela gathered with others who had been held as political prisoners and he was presented this torch at the prison gate, then lighted the symbolic flame, freed some doves,
and placed a wreath on the razor wire hedge erected at the prison entrance. He then rode past adoring crowds to a rally at the soccer stadium in Paarl. Mandela’s torch, which was actually fabricated for the event inside the Victor Verster Prison, measures 21˝ long and is constructed of an iron-type metal, with the flame holder punctured in a rudimentary pattern to allow the flame to breath; the charred remnants of the wick remain inside. The handle is a wrapped with a hard black woven grip. This was the only torch used by Mandela on this historic occasion, and it is accompanied by an abundance of photographic and video evidence as well as letters of provenance. Following the final rally held in Retreat Cape Province, Mandela presented the torch to a white worker who had assembled the platforms and staging for the rally, James David Sansom, as a token of appreciation and unity. A truly fantastic artifact of the utmost historical significance.
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Wilbur Wright photograph inscribed to the automaker who made his “success at Le Mans possible” LOT 1047
Wilbur Wright Signed Photograph Starting Bid $1,000
Breathtaking matte-finish 5.75 x 7 crystal-clear portrait of Wright in a classic head-and-shoulders pose, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To my true friend Leon Bolles, whose warm sympathy and unfailing help made my success at Le Mans possible, my sincere thanks and best wishes. Wilbur Wright, Le Mans, 18 December ’08.” Affixed to a period 8.25 x 10.5 mount. In fine condition, with trimmed edges and scattered staining to mount. In order to secure a contract for their Flyer with a private French syndicate, the Wrights had to complete several public demonstration flights to prove that their plane could fly a distance of at least 50 kilometers with a passenger. After a captivating series of 1908 flights in Le Mans, far surpassing
the requirements of the French contract, Wilbur was joined by Orville, who had been giving similar demonstrations in the US. This stunning portrait is inscribed to Leon Bolles, a French automaker who accompanied Wright as a passenger at Le Mans during a flight of four minutes and nine seconds on October 5, 1908—newspaper reports emphasized that Bolles weighed in at a hefty 216 pounds, yet the plane remained agile. The following day, Wright broke his own record for longest flight with a passenger, remaining aloft for 1 hour 4 minutes 26 seconds. It was this flight that secured the contract with M. Lazare Weiller’s syndicate, awarding them a whopping $100,000. An extremely rare and absolutely stunning image of Wright with a great association to this important period in his career.
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“The offer of the Raymond Orteig prize called my attention to the New York-Paris flight” LOT 1048
Charles Lindbergh Typed Letter Signed Starting Bid $1,000 TLS signed “Charles A. Lindbergh,” three pages, 8.5 x 11, July 22, 1963. Letter to G. Edward Pendray regarding the book The Guggenheim Medalists: Architects of the Age of Flight, edited by Pendray and published in 1964. In part: “The offer of the Raymond Orteig prize called my attention to the New York-Paris flight. I was much more interested in the flight than in the prize. (I do not mean to imply that the prize was not of definite interest too.) In attempting to obtain backing (financial) for the flight, I used the prize offer as an argument that a successful flight would more than pay for itself. But when I took off for Paris, I was not eligible for the prize, and did not expect to receive it. (According to the prize regulations, insufficient time had elapsed between my application for entry and my take-off.) Later, the regulations were waived and I was awarded the prize…
from Ira Biffle; later, from E. G. Bahl and Harold Lynch. He accompanied the latter two pilots on barnstorming trips, as mechanic, wing-walker, and parachute jumper.” In the section on his transcontinental flight, Lindbergh amends the wording from “attempting to win the $25,000 prize offered by Raymond B. Orteig” to “after reading of Raymond Orteig’s offer,” to make the distinction he outlines in his letter. Also included is Pendray’s retained carbon copy of his response to this letter, thanking Lindbergh for the notes and requesting a photograph, as well as the original mailing envelope panel addressed in Lindbergh’s hand, including his name, “C. A. Lindbergh,” in the return address area. In overall fine condition.
“I was much more interested in the flight than in the prize”
In Germany, I took part in writing reports concerning the Luftwaffe, to the American Government; but aside from this, most of my information was given by letter and verbally…I worked in close contact with Ambassadors Bullitt, Kennedy, Wilson, and their military staffs.
Almost all my work on high altitude and cruise-control flight was done during the war—at Willow Run and with the combat squadrons in the Pacific. My post-war work for the Air Force and Defense Department touched so many fields that I suggest leaving out the specific word, ‘research.’” Included is the two-page high-quality master copy of Pendray’s typed manuscript Lindbergh was returning, entitled “Medalist for 1953,” which the famed aviator meticulously hand-corrected in pencil. The most substantial correction comes in the second paragraph, which Lindbergh has crossed out and rewritten, in part: “He received instruction first
This is an extraordinary piece with superb biographical content—he writes on his early days as a pilot and learning to fly, corrects various long-standing misconceptions (particularly that regarding the Orteig prize), and discusses his military service. Lindbergh was allowed to tour German aviation facilities prior to the war between 1936 and 1938, and became familiar with the entire Luftwaffe fleet, which he was extremely impressed by. At the urging of Ambassador Joseph Kennedy he even wrote a secret memo to the British warning them that a military response to Hitler’s violation of the Munich Agreement in 1938 would be suicide, given Germany’s air superiority. By the time of this letter, Lindbergh was himself an accomplished author—he had released the autobiographical bestseller We within months of his famous 1927 flight, as well as Of Flight and Life in 1948 and The Spirit of St. Louis in 1953—in 1954 he received a Pulitzer Prize for the latter. Rife with fantastic content and intimate insight into the aviator’s life and legend, this is a one-of-a-kind historical offering. REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 101
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Stunning Underwood image of Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis LOT 1049
Charles Lindbergh Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Superlative glossy 10 x 8 Underwood photo of Lindbergh posing beside his iconic Sprit of St. Louis, boldly signed in fountain pen, “C. A. Lindbergh.” In fine condition, with some scattered surface creases and small tears and adhesive remnants to corners. Accompanied by a program for a banquet honoring Lindbergh in Philadelphia on October 22, 1927. Lindbergh’s flight was inspired in part by a $25,000 prize offered by hotel owner Raymond Orteig in 1919 for the first aviator to fly nonstop from New York to Paris—by 1927, six
prominent aviators had lost their lives pursuing the prize, and it had still not been claimed. Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field on May 27, 1927, spending 33.5 hours in the air before landing at Le Bourget Airport in Paris on May 21. Well over 100,000 people had gathered at the field to see him successfully touch down, and Lindbergh was promptly launched into the international spotlight. His feat captured the public imagination for years to come, and this is one of the most well-known photographs of the iconic pilot and his plane. A truly spectacular piece.
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“All of this week we are going to be evaluating the proposals for the Apollo space ship” LOT 1050
Gus Grissom Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $1,000 ALS signed “Virgil,” two pages both sides, 7.75 x 10, Project Mercury letterhead, October 7, 1961. Letter to his mother. In part: “All of this week we are going to be evaluating the proposals for the Apollo space ship. It’s the one we expect to fly to the moon and back. We expect to get started on the project early next year. This capsule will hold three men, but it will be a good number of years before we fly it. I’ve got some news I don’t think I should talk about over the phone...The flight crew for the orbital mission has been picked and I’m not on it. Neither Al nor I get one of the first two orbital shots. Glenn gets the first one and Deke Slayton gets the second one. Al is to be the controller for John’s shot and I’m going to be Deke’s controller. It’s not a job I want, I have to do a great deal of work, I’ll be gone from home a lot and I don’t get any of the credit, but if anything goes wrong I’ll get a good deal of the blame.
put on USS Randolph for trip to Island.” In fine condition, with intersecting mailing folds, and a few moisture spots to reverse of first page, not affecting legibility. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Grissom’s hand. Having missed the opportunity to be the first American in space, Gus Grissom hoped that he would be selected for the first US orbital mission in the fall of 1961; but with the controversial hatch blow of Liberty Bell 7 still fresh in everyone’s minds, the position was given to NASA’s ‘golden boy,’ John Glenn. Undeservingly thrown into the spotlight to defend himself against accusations that the disastrous Liberty Bell splashdown was his fault, Grissom viewed his new appointment as controller for the second orbital mission, to be piloted by Deke Slayton, with apprehension: “It’s not a job I want, I have to do a great deal of work…and I don’t get any of the credit, but if anything goes wrong I’ll get a good deal of the blame.”
“It’s the one we expect to fly to the moon and back”
Anyway I know you’ll be relieved that you don’t have to go through another launch. Of course I’ve been feeling pretty low for the past few days. All of us are mad because Glenn was picked. But we expressed our views prior to the selection so there isn’t much we can do about it but support the flight and the program. Of course no one is to know a selection has been made, so keep it under your hat. I just wanted to ease your mind a bit...It looks like we will move to Houston sometime next year...I’m not looking forward to going to Texas again but I guess it’s as good as Virginia. I’ve been loaned to NASA by the Air Force for another three years and I’ll probably [be] with them longer than that.” At the conclusion are several handwritten notations, presumably by Grissom’s mother which reads, “Virgil was at Bermuda for flight. Glenn’s flight Feb. 20, 1962. Time of flight left 9.47 a.m. His flight length of flight 4 hrs 56 mi. 26 sec. Picked up on deck of USS Noah at 3 o’clock 4 mi. and
The Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) launch finally took place on February 20, 1962, successfully orbiting three times and splashing down safely, making Glenn the first American astronaut to orbit the earth. Despite his disappointment, Grissom shared in the country’s enthusiasm for the mission and remained devoted to his work. Expressing great excitement about the Apollo plans in the works—“It’s the one we expect to fly to the moon and back”—he held on to the hope that even bigger opportunities were yet to come. This incredible letter offers a rare glimpse into the inner circle of the Mercury 7—where a group of highly dedicated men competed for the coveted mission assignments that would become historical firsts. With his life cut short in the Apollo 1 tragedy, handwritten material from Grissom is phenomenally scarce; this letter to his mother, with mentions of several fellow Mercury astronauts, the first American orbital flight, and plans for the upcoming Apollo project, is the first Grissom ALS we have ever offered.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 105
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patches from the ‘flight-worn’ NASA suits of Grissom and White, paired with a rare ‘red-numbered’ photo
LOT 1051
Apollo 1 Signed Photograph and Flight Suit Patches Starting Bid $1,000 Extremely rare color semi-glossy official ‘red-numbered’ NASA photo, trimmed to a size of 9.75 x 7.5, signed and inscribed in black felt tip by White, “To Joyce—Thanks for all your help at KSC—with best wishes, Edward H. White II” and signed in black felt tip, “Gus Grissom,” and “Roger B. Chaffee.” This is paired with a one-of-a-kind set of two leather NASA identification tags from White’s and Grissom’s flight suits worn during trips to and from the Kennedy Space Center, both of which are moderately to heavily worn. Unlike all other Apollo missions, flight-worn materials from Apollo 1 are manifestly nonexistent; as the personal name patches from their earthly flight suits, these are essentially the closest possible surrogates extant. The signed photo and leather patches are attractively suedematted and framed together with an Apollo 1 commemorative
patch and a printed caption to an overall size of 23.25 x 18.25. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Joyce Abrams, who served as the crew quarters attendant for the astronauts, in part: “The two leather uniform name patches for the Apollo 1 astronauts…are the original patches from the astronauts’ flight suits which were worn by them while flying into and out of Kennedy Space Center during Pres. John F. Kennedy’s Man to the Moon program.” Aforementioned trimming and a few scattered creases to photo, not detracting from the overall appearance, otherwise fine condition. This is easily considered the rarest of all Apollo crew signed portraits, few ‘red-numbered’ examples are known to exist; combined with the unique personally-worn name patches from the astronauts’ NASA flight suits, this is an absolutely remarkable display.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 107
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Armstrong contemplates what he will say upon stepping onto the moon LOT 1052
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin Typed Letter Signed Starting Bid $1,000 TLS, one page, 8 x 10.5, NASA letterhead, stamp-dated June 23, 1969. Letter of thanks to a woman in Honolulu, Hawaii, written just three weeks before the launch of Apollo 11. In full: “Colonel Aldrin and I appreciate your taking the time to write us for your suggestion on a message from the lunar surface. We do not know at this time what our inclination will be should we be successful in our landing attempt. I certainly hope you will be pleased with whatever message we do have and the impressions that people on earth receive from our efforts.” In fine condition, with Armstrong’s flourish lightly affecting Aldrin’s signature, and the opening stroke of another Armstrong signature, inadvertently started in Aldrin’s space. Accompanied by a printed Apollo 11 mission information sheet from NASA, as well as the original mailing envelope, and a couple of news clippings mentioning Armstrong’s and Aldrin’s moonwalks and possible statements when touching the lunar surface. This amazing letter pertains to one of the most historically significant broadcasts of all time—the first words sent to Earth from another world. Even before Armstrong, Aldrin, and Michael Collins would lift off for the moon on Apollo 11, people wondered what those words might be. With the danger and uncertainty that swirled around the historic NASA mission, its success was more important to Armstrong and the crew than what words would be uttered. As Armstrong noted here, “We do not know at this time what our inclination will be should we be successful in our landing attempt. I certainly hope you will be pleased with whatever message we do have.” The astronaut later explained that following a train of thought that he had had after launch and during six hours and 40 minute after landing, he developed the now famous line, “That’s one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind.” This is the only correspondence we have seen between Armstrong and Aldrin and someone outside of NASA regarding one of the most historic and familiar quotes of modern times.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 109
official NASA litho of the first man on the moon
LOT 1053
Neil Armstrong Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Highly desirable uninscribed official color 8 x 10 NASA lithograph of Armstrong in his white space suit, signed in blue felt tip by Armstrong. In fine condition, with a small paperclip impression to top edge and a couple trivial bends, one of which unobtrusively passes through Armstrong’s facial area. Uninscribed photos of Armstrong represent one of the most coveted prizes in the entire field of space collecting. 110 / WWW.RRAUCTION.COM
an American flag from Michael Collins’s personal collection
LOT 1054
Apollo 11 Flown Flag Starting Bid $2,500 Extremely rare and exceptionally desirable flown American flag carried on board Apollo 11, 6 x 4, signed and flight-certified in black felt tip by Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, “Carried to the moon on Apollo XI, July 1969—Michael Collins CMP.” Includes an ALS signed “Michael Collins, Apollo XI CMP,” dated July 2014, in full: “I hereby certify that the accompanying 4˝ x 6˝ U.S. flag was flown by me aboard Apollo XI to the moon in July 1969, and had been in my personal possession ever since.” Also accompanied by a color 10.25 x 12.75 presentation certificate signed in black felt tip by Collins. Certificate reads, “This flag traveled to the moon with Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing, July 20, 1969 / Apollo 11 / July 16-24, 1969 / Armstrong, Collins, Aldrin” and bears the mission’s eagle emblem below. Neil Armstrong’s famous words are also printed along the bottom border, “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” In fine condition. An iconic and highly coveted relic flown to the moon on the most historic and avidly collected of all Apollo missions.
“Carried to the moon on Apollo XI, July 1969”
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 111
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Mission-critical flown pages LOT 1055
Apollo 11 Flown Checklist Pages Starting Bid $2,500 Two amazing and highly important double-sided checklist pages carried to the lunar surface on board Apollo 11’s lunar module Eagle, 5.5 x 8, pages PGNS-15 and 16, and PGNS-17 and 18. Signed in blue ballpoint on pages 15 and 17, “Flown to the lunar surface on Apollo XI used for ascent, Buzz Aldrin,” and signed on pages 16 and 18, “Buzz Aldrin.” Page PGNS-15 lists the procedures for “Powered Ascent,” while page 18 begins the procedures for the Lunar Module’s rendezvous with the orbiting command module. In fine condition.
guide to have as we made our way to lunar orbit. The next phase was the complicated rendezvous sequence listed on page PGNS-18 which was the start of the P 20 Rendz Nav or rendezvous navigation. Almost 4 hours after lunar lift-off, we finally joined up and docked with Mike Collins in Columbia. Along the side of page PGNS-15 I have written: ‘Flown to the lunar surface on Apollo XI. Used for Ascent.’ I have signed that page plus signed page PGNS-16. On page PGNS17 I have written: ‘Flown to the lunar surface on Apollo XI. Used for Ascent.’ I have signed that page and signed page PGNS-18.”
“Some of the most significant pages from the entire dictionary”
Accompanied by a very detailed two-page letter of provenance and explanation signed by Aldrin, which reads, in part: “Enclosed with this letter are two sheets numbered PGNS15/16 and PGNS-17/18 from the Apollo 11 LM G and N Dictionary, Part No. SKB32100074-361, S/N 1001. It is part of the entire checklist that was carried to the lunar surface in the Lunar Module Eagle on the first lunar landing…These sheets are from the Primary Guidance and Navigation Section (PGNS) and have computer procedures to perform the lunar lift-off to enable Neil Armstrong and I to leave the Moon. These are some of the most significant pages from the entire dictionary. Page PGNS-15 has the P06 or PGNS Power Down Program steps to put the flight computer into a standby mode. The most important steps are the ones listed under P12 Powered Ascent. This was the program to enable lift-off from the moon. Neil Armstrong and I were ready to implement these steps immediately after our lunar landing on July 20 if an emergency arose. We also had this page available during predetermined abort periods throughout the lunar stay if an early lift-off was needed…The steps from page PGNS-15 were used to properly set up our computer for the P 12 Powered Ascent Program. The steps on PGNS-16 are exactly the same as the last minute of the countdown from our Lunar Surface Checklist. While that checklist ended at ‘Eng Start—Push’ to start lift-off, page PGNS-16 has all the expected events and steps during our actual flight profile from the lunar surface. This page as well as PGNS-17 was a reassuring
Aldrin provides a detailed description of the first lunar landing and Armstrong’s expert piloting during the descent including: “Neil’s flying tasks suddenly became more complicated because the computer was sending us into a large crater containing and surrounded by boulders…Neil asked me about our fuel status and I indicated we had 8 percent remaining. I was then able to glance outside and began to understand why the landing sequence was taking longer than planned—the craters, rocks, and boulders seemed to be everywhere. Mission Control radioed we had ‘60 seconds’ of fuel remaining…then ‘30 seconds’rang in our headsets. Neil was almost to the surface when a haze of dust was kicked up by engine exhaust. He could not see the surface and had to locate something just above the dust cloud. Finally, Neil was able to see a rock that appeared fixed in the stream of dust. This gave him a surface reference and he expertly nulled out a slight backward drifting motion and corrected for a small sideways drift. Just as Neil placed Eagle gently on the lunar surface, I spoke the first words from the Moon: ‘CONTACT LIGHT!’ This was the indicator light on our control panel that told us that Eagle had touched the lunar surface. We only had about 20 seconds of fuel remaining onboard.” Aldrin also describes the steps that he and Armstrong performed to become the first men to walk on the moon and provides his personal observations from his lunar surface experience.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 113
Extremely desirable Type 3 insurance cover, numbered ‘BA01’ from Aldrin’s personal collection
LOT 1056
Apollo 11 ‘Type 3’ Signed Insurance Cover Starting Bid $1,000 Apollo 11 ‘Type 3’ insurance cover with a cachet of the mission insignia, bearing a July 16, 1969, Kennedy Space Center cancellation, numbered on the reverse “BA01,” signed in blue felt tip by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. The cover is lightly affixed by three corners to a signed letter of authenticity from Buzz Aldrin on his own personal stationery which reads, in part: “This postal cover with the Apollo 11 emblem cachet is one of the ‘insurance covers’ signed by the Apollo 11 crew before our launch on July 16, 1969…The cover displayed above has been in my private collection since 1969 and has an identifier of BA01 written on the reverse side. It was signed by the Apollo 11 crew—Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and myself prior to launch.” In fine, bright condition. The ‘Type 3’ cover rates as the least commonly found of the three Apollo 11 insurance covers and is highly sought after by collectors; this one is further enhanced by its impeccable provenance from the second man on moon.
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Highly desirable flown Apollo 11 medal #40, from the collection of Michael Collins
LOT 1057
Apollo 11 Flown Robbins Medal Starting Bid $2,500 Historic flown sterling silver Apollo 11 Robbins Medal, approximately 1.25˝ diameter, with a raised early design on the face of the iconic Apollo 11 mission insignia, with the eagle carrying the olive branch in its beak. The reverse of the sterling silver medal is engraved with the last names of astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, along with the July 16, 1969, launch date; July 20, 1969, moon landing date; and July 24, 1969, return date. This medal is serial numbered “40.” In normal condition, with some spotting to the background. Includes an ALS signed “Michael Collins, Apollo XI CMP,” dated July 2014, in full: “I hereby certify that the accompanying Robbins silver medallion, #40, was flown by me to the moon in July 1969, and was part of my personal collection.” Remarkably scarce flight-flown mementos such as this—particularly one from man’s first step into a brave new world—are highly prized by collectors, with this being an especially appealing example as it originates from the personal collection of one of the Apollo 11 astronauts.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 115
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Flight-ready spare RS-2101 engine for the Viking orbiter LOT 1058
Mars Viking Lander Project Rocket Engine Starting Bid $5,000 An unfired flight-ready spare Rocketdyne RS-2101 Liquid Rocket Engine designed for application on the first spacecraft that successfully landed on the Planet Mars as part of Project Viking. Constructed from Beryllium, Columbium, and stainless steel by North American Rockwell/Rocketdyne, the engine stands 22˝ tall with a nozzle diameter of 10.5˝. The engine provided propulsion to take it to its destination and slow the Mars bound orbiter with its attached lander so that it could enter orbit around the planet. The engine was produced by Rocketdyne for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and includes gimbal attachments which allowed the engine to be adjusted on a rotational axis for in-flight course corrections. It’s beryllium thrust chamber was derived from the Minuteman ballistic missile program. NASA sent two Viking spacecraft to Mars in the summer of 1976, and each comprised of an orbiter, which would photograph the surface, and a lander, which would study the surface and conduct several experiments. The whole spacecraft would orbit the planet for approximately one month, using the images relayed back to mission control to identify a landing site. The landers then separated and soft landed on the Martian surface, touching down in July and September of 1976. Both orbiters and landers eventually failed or were shut down, but not before achieving all of the mission’s scientific objectives, including imaging the Martian surface and searching for evidence of life on the planet. An incredibly rare offering for the most discerning space collector, and as close to a flown engine from the project as you will find.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 117
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Hart Crane on his modernist masterpiece, The Bridge LOT 1059
Hart Crane Typed Letter Signed Starting Bid $1,000 TLS, two pages, 6 x 9.25, Hotel Albert, New York letterhead, October 26, 1930. Letter to architectural critic Lewis Mumford. In part: “I am told by Slater Brown that you have been engaged for some time on a life of John A. Roebling, or at any rate on the life of his son, Washington, involving a good deal of Roebling family data.
I am to go through the Trenton works sometime this week. And as Mr. Anderson has not yet specified the exact day I hope that I can hear from you in time to obviate any overlapping of engagements. I hope I am not imposing on your kindness in suggesting your co-operation to this extent.” In fine condition.
It so happens that FORTUNE (that business magazine par Spenglerian prophecy) has assigned me the subject of wire cable suspension bridges, a complicated summary of engineering feats and figures, historical research as well as current progress. And, as the Roeblings have played the central role in this entire matter a considerable amount of Roebling biographical material is to be included in the article.
Crane used the Brooklyn Bridge as a central metaphor and organizing structure for his most important book of poetry, The Bridge, a modernist epic in which he desired to create ‘a mystical synthesis of America.’ The bridge itself was designed in the mid-19th century by John A. Roebling and completed by his son, Washington Roebling, in 1883—the apotheosis of man’s mastery over technology in the industrial age and an inspiration to poets from Whitman to Kerouac. Crane spent six years working on The Bridge, at one point living at 110 Columbia Heights in Brooklyn, where he had an excellent view of it; only after it was complete did he learn that Washington Roebling had once lived at the same address. Despite the appreciation of The Bridge by the Roebling family, it was released to harsh reviews in sharp contrast to Crane’s expectations, who believed it would be received as a great and soaring spiritual affirmation of American life. He soon became crushed by a sense of personal failure— likely a contributing factor to his suicide two years later. Only posthumously has The Bridge become recognized as a cornerstone of modern verse, considered by some on the level of T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land—the very poem that had inspired the epic style of The Bridge. Crane is a literary autograph of the utmost rarity and this is an especially fine example in content and condition.
I had already written to Mr. John A. Roebling (at Bernardsville) last week, asking for an appointment. But the subsequent news of the death of his wife would seem to preclude any hopes of immeadiate [sic] attention from that quarter. Only a few months ago I had received a most appreciative letter from Mrs. Roebling in acknowledgment of a copy of ‘The Bridge’ which I had sent to the family; so I had entertained a reasonable expectation of contact with them, which, of course, is hardly conceivable in the immeadiate [sic] future. In view of these restrictions I am wondering if you would not be willing to discuss with me some of the biographical details of the Roebling family which you have assembled for your book. It would be pleasant to have you with me for lunch some day—this week, if possible, as there is some urgency about getting the article under way.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 119
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Exceptionally rare page from the manuscript of Atlas Shrugged LOT 1060
Ayn Rand Original Manuscript Page from Atlas Shrugged Starting Bid $2,500 Important page from Ayn Rand’s handwritten draft of her extremely influential novel Atlas Shrugged, 7.5 x 10.75, marked “197” at the top, no date but circa 1950s. A handcorrected and revised page from one of the most memorable scenes in the book, a terse exchange between heroine Dagny Taggart and Lillian Rearden, after she learns of Dagny’s affair with her husband, Hank Rearden. In full: “‘It was I,’ said Lillian, ‘who took Rearden Metal away from him.’ It sounded almost like a plea. It was not within the power of Dagney’s consciousness ever to know what it was that Lillian had hoped to find in her face; she knew only that she had not found it, when she heard the sudden sharpness of Lillian’s voice: ‘Have you understood me?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Then no further explanations are necessary; only the reminder that all the factual evidence—hotel registers, jewelry bills and stuff [...]” Attractively double-matted and framed with a portrait of Rand to an overall size of 20 x 17.25. In fine condition. Ayn Rand had spent 12 years working on her magnum opus Atlas Shrugged, espousing her controversial philosophy of objectivism, before it was first published in 1957 only to become one of the most influential novels of the 20th century. Regarded as much as a political philosopher as a novelist, Rand wrote a masterpiece in her first draft before completing a final manuscript. Her assistant, Barbara Branden, saved this page of the heavily corrected and reworked original first draft manuscript—most of the other pages being discarded after transcription. The final manuscript in its entirety is held by the Library of Congress, making this piece excessively rare. Branden was able to keep 29 pages of the first draft as sample of the work in progress, all from chapters two and three of Part III, ‘The Utopia of Greed’ and ‘Anti-Greed.’ Reflecting on her time working with Rand, Branden later wrote: ‘My prized possession is the manuscript pages of Atlas Shrugged, written in Ayn’s strong, angular hand—a gift I have treasured for 40 years. Touching these pages sweeps me back to the years of reading the manuscript as
Ayn was writing it—the excitement of being carried into a saner universe than the one I knew—the joy of discovering the answers to so many questions that had seemed to have no answer—the ecstatic sense of encountering, on each page, a mind of such power and range that I knew I would never find its equal again.’ The text here offered comes from ‘Anti-Greed,’ in which Lillian confronts Dagny after Hank Rearden signs over control of Rearden Metal to the government in order to prevent the knowledge of his affair with Dagny from becoming public. In the final version of Atlas Shrugged, this passage includes an additional piece of lengthy dialogue by Lillian in which she threatens to make the affair public unless Dagny appears on a radio program to endorse the collectivist government—she agrees, but undermines the blackmail by admitting to the affair on the radio and uses the public platform to admonish the government’s actions. This is a pivotal moment in the novel, which is considered by many a turning point in man’s intellectual history.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 121
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Frida Kahlo writes to the NYC gallery owner who put on her first show LOT 1061
Frida Kahlo Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $500
Extremely rare ALS in English, signed “Frida,” one page, 8.5 x 12.25, April 6, 1941. Letter to important New York art dealer Julien Levy. In full: “Did you forget all about me? Since the remarriage I haven’t heard a word from you! What are you doing? How is Muriel. Does Ella play her pianoforte all the time? Are you coming to this Mexico as you told me? Is your book finished? Do you like me less and less? I will never as long as I live be far from the three moons. Write to me. Will you kid?” In fine condition. Kahlo was more comfortable in her native Spanish tongue, making English autographic material uncommon. Levy established his art gallery in New York in 1931, and became a major force in introducing and popularizing surrealism in America—among the artists represented in his gallery were Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst,
Marcel Duchamp, and Salvador Dali. In 1938, Levy staged Kahlo’s first-ever solo exhibition, with 25 of her paintings put on display. Despite the success of the show—she sold half of the works exhibited— Kahlo’s art remained in relative obscurity until after her death, often remembered only as Diego Rivera’s wife. This was a tumultuous marriage—both had irritable temperaments and numerous extramarital affairs—and they divorced in November 1939. Levy had been one of Kahlo’s lovers, and perhaps he desired to further the relationship. However, Rivera and Kahlo remarried in December 1940, just a few months before she wrote this letter—clearly she was concerned that the renewed relationship had negatively affected Levy’s opinion of her. A wonderful letter to the most important patron in her artistic career.
“I will never as long as I live be far from the three moons”
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 123
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Superb signed 1931 Mickey Mouse Christmas card LOT 1062
Walt Disney Signed Christmas Card Starting Bid $1,000
Wonderful and rarely seen Christmas card from 1931, measuring 5 x 7.5 closed, featuring a colorful print of Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Clarabelle Cow, and Horace Horsecollar serenading Minnie Mouse with Christmas carols, beautifully signed below the print in fountain pen, “Walt Disney.” A Star of Bethlehem image and the text “Yoo Hoo!” are printed on the front, and the left side of the card is pre-printed sentiment offering seasonal good wishes, “A Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.” In fine condition. This card was sent to Henry Scherping of Chicago and is accompanied by the original mailing envelope, postmarked December 23, 1931. This appealing and unusual greeting features two of Disney’s most famous creations—Mickey and Minnie—and holds the distinction of being just the second Christmas card issued by the Disney Studio. The following year on November 18, 1932, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented an Honorable Mention Oscar award to Walt Disney Productions for ‘Distinctive Achievement’ for the creation of Mickey Mouse, who had debuted just four years earlier. A tremendously desirable early Mickey Mouse piece signed in full by the character’s creator.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 125
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Warhol’s captivating 1967 ‘Portraits of the Artists’ vibrantly colored cubes
LOT 1063
Andy Warhol ‘Portraits of the Artists’ Screenprint Starting Bid $5,000 Extraordinary limited edition screenprint by Warhol on 100 polystyrene boxes in ten colors, entitled ‘Portraits of the Artists,’ 20 x 20, numbered 58/200, published in 1967 by Tanglewood Press, Inc., New York, incised with Warhol’s initials on the side of the box in the lower right corner, “AW.” Housed in its original frame. In fine condition, with a tiny crack to the back lower right hand corner of the outer plexiglass covering, affecting nothing and not noticeable when viewing the item from the front. This piece was produced in an overall edition of 225, with 200 numbered examples plus 25 lettered proofs. Warhol created the work for the portfolio ‘Ten from Leo Castelli,’ issued in conjunction with an exhibition at Castelli’s Upper East Side gallery to commemorate its 10th anniversary. Aptly named, the subjects depicted in ‘Portraits of the Artists’ were all contributors to the Castelli show, including Robert Morris, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Larry Poons, James Rosenquist, Frank Stella, Lee Bontecou, Donald Judd, Robert Rauschenberg, and Warhol himself. Most interestingly, the boxes are modular and the artwork was released in a variety of orientations, with vertical or horizontal color bands, and the artists placed in differing orders. Additionally, the frame can be opened and the boxes rearranged according to the collector’s or gallerist’s preference—accordingly, today these ‘Portraits of the Artists’ appear in a vast array of variations. The original owner of this piece ran a Wisconsin gallery during the 1960s and passed it on to her son when the gallery closed its doors; it has remained in the family since that time. An exceptional piece embodying the essence of Warhol’s art and innovation. REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 127
desirable 1931 window card for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
LOT 1064
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Window Card Starting Bid $1,000 (Paramount, 1931) Exceedingly rare color 14 x 22 window card for the classic 1931 film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Fredric March. This is perhaps the most appealing poster created for the film, with a vibrantly colored image portraying the menacing duality of the title character. The upper imprint area is filled out in ink with information for the showing, reading: “Campus Theatre / Moran School / Friday, July 15th at 8pm. Prices 10¢ and 20¢ / Saturday, July 16th at 7 and 9 pm—Prices 15¢ and 25¢ / News Reel, Cartoon Comedy, / Rin-Tin-Tin in / ‘The Wolf-Man!’ and [Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde].” The copyright notice in the lower border reads: “‘Country of Origin U.S.A.’ Copyrighted 1931—Paramount Publix Corp. This poster leased from Paramount Publix Corp.” Matted to an overall size of 18.75 x 26.75, with a mat opening of 13.75 x 21.75. In very fine condition. This film is still considered one of the best versions of the oft-adapted Robert Louis Stevenson tale of the man whose potion turns him from a mild-mannered man of science into a homicidal maniac. Frederic March’s terrific performance garnered immense critical acclaim, and for this role he earned his first Academy Award. A paramount piece from the horror genre.
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1932 muders in the rue morgue window card
LOT 1065
Murders in the Rue Morgue Window Card Starting Bid $1,000 (Universal, 1932) Very scarce color 14 x 22 window card for the classic 1932 Universal film Murders in the Rue Morgue, directed by Robert Florey and starring Bela Lugosi. The poster artwork was designed by classic Universal horror artist Karoly Grosz and depicts Lugosi’s eerie disembodied face above one of his victims, casting a gruesome stare as the deranged Dr. Mirakle. The upper imprint area is printed with information for the showing, reading: “Home Theatre, 6421 Chene St. / Sun., Mon. and Tues. May 15-16-17.” The copyright notice in the lower border reads: “‘Country of Origin U.S.A.’ Morgan Litho. Co. Cleveland, O. U.S.A,” and the poster bears the uncommon and desirable facsimile signature of the artist Karoly Grosz beneath Lugosi’s image. Double-matted to an overall size of 18.75 x 26. In very good condition, with minor touch up and paper restoration, mainly in border area. The film was produced in 1932 following the wild success of Frankenstein the previous year, and is recognized as one of the formative films in the popular ‘mad scientist’ genre of Golden Age Hollywood. Murders in the Rue Morgue was actually produced as a compensatory package for Lugosi and Florey after both were dropped from Frankenstein—Lugosi had originally been cast as Dr. Frankenstein, and the film was to be directed by Florey, who had been developing the coveted project. A very rare and exceptionally desirable piece from this influential cult classic. REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 129
Possibly unique 1936 window card for the Karloff-Lugosi sci-fi film
LOT 1066
The Invisible Ray Window Card Starting Bid $1,000 (Universal, 1936) Exceedingly rare and possibly unique color 14 x 22 window card for the 1936 film The Invisible Ray, directed by Lambert Hillyer and starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. The upper imprint area is filled out in pencil with the showing information, reading: “Tues, Wed / June 9, 10.� Attractively double-matted to an overall size of 18 x 26, with a mat opening of 13.25 x 21. Some scattered creasing and a few small retouched and repaired areas, otherwise fine condition. The film cast Karloff as the scientist Dr. Janos Rukh, whose touch turns deadly after he is exposed to the radiation of a powerful new element called Radium X. Lugosi played Dr. Felix Benet, who develops a serum to hold the effect at bay. The consignor acquired this window card at the Morris Everett auction held at the 1994 Cinevent classic film convention in Ohio. Research and consultation with experienced collectors have yielded no other examples of window cards for this film, while one-sheets, inserts, and lobby cards can be found; this window card is quite possibly the only example of its kind. A true rarity that features the most important sci-fi horror stars of the era. 130 / WWW.RRAUCTION.COM
Superlative triple-signed check cashed in NYC
LOT 1067
James Dean Signed Check Starting Bid $500 Chase National Bank check, 6.25 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Dean, “James Dean,” payable to himself. “James Dean,” for $15, March 12, 1954, and again endorsed on the reverse, “James Dean,” above a 54th Street Tavern, Inc., stamp. In fine condition, with expected bank stamps and cancellation holes (only affecting his signature in the payee field). There are no folds and the check remains as crisp as the day it was cashed. Dean hung out at the 54th Street Tavern, which is mentioned in his biographies, and the establishment would cash his checks. Within one month of writing this check, Dean would be cast as Cal Trask in the screen adaptation of Steinbeck’s East of Eden, departing from New York on April 8, 1954, bound for Hollywood to begin shooting. An excessively rare Dean item signed three times, representing the time that he embarked on his short but bright cinematic career.
Signature that is on the back of the check.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 131
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James Dean’s 5th grade notebook from 1941 LOT 1068
James Dean’s Fifth Grade Notebook Starting Bid $1,000 Dean’s three-ring binder from 5th grade, 6.75 x 10, with five sheets of lined loose leaf paper written on by Dean, featuring a total of 12 practice signatures in various forms, personal information, schoolwork and doodles. Dean first filled out his personal information inside the back cover, writing his name, school, class, and address: “Jimmie Dean, West Ward, 5, Jonesboro R #1, Fairmount.” The first sheet bears an amazing eight practice signatures, including: four neatly signed “Jimmie Dean”; two apparently signed in his left hand in the same manner, “Jimmie Dean”; two signed “Jimmie,” arranged so that they overlap in the form of an ‘X’; two signed “Jim”; one signed “Jimmie”; and one signed with just an initial, “J.” On the reverse of this sheet, Dean penned some geography schoolwork consisting of two lists of the New England States, their capitals, and their abbreviations. The first contains numerous spelling errors, including “Mane,” “Virmount,” “Masstucukes,” “Rode,” and “Connnicut”; the second list is a corrected version of the same. The second sheet with the most writing is a list of 35 words, probably a spelling exercise dictated by his teacher. Among the 35 words Dean writes are “arrived,” “awful,” “color,” “guest,” “straight,” “struck,” “dreadful,” “breath,” “space,” “dream,” and “clearly.” The words he had the most difficulty with seem to be ‘secret’ and ‘describe,’ writing the series “serer,” “serc,” “secret,” and “describle,” “desc,” “descrebe,” “descreb,” “describe.” On the reverse is a brief geography quiz penned in pencil by one of his classmates, Eddie Van Ness, who dated it December 22, 1941. A third page contains a chart drawn in pencil by Dean and six of his doodles at the bottom. The chart is headed with the days of the week, and lists a series of hygienic details, with Dean filling in or checking off boxes corresponding with his daily routine. The categories read: “Teeth, W Hair, Bath, H & face, Milk, Arise, Retire, Break, No Coffee, Weigh, C Hair.” Under “Arise” he notes that he woke up at 6:25 on Monday and Tuesday, and 5:45 on Wednesday; under “Retire” he lists bedtimes of 8:45 on Monday and 9:30 on Tuesday. He also maintained a weight of 79 pounds throughout the week and rarely bathed. Below the chart are Dean’s sketches and doodles, including: three ghosts in pencil; two dotted
amoeba-shaped subjects in pencil, one filled in with ink; and a detailed bust portrait in pencil of an eerie figure with large oval eyes, short hair, and dotted open collared shirt. The remaining three pages are less substantial: on one, Dean outlined a similar chart listing the days of the week, but did not fill it out; the reverse bears another student’s schoolwork about Lewis and Clark. On another, Dean has written in ink “Bab / Baffer / Babbler / babbler,” and in pencil, “babbler / baffle”; another spelling test in the hand of Eddie Van Ness is on the reverse of this sheet. The final page is a smaller printed weekly to-do list on which Dean drew vertical lines to create a chart, filling out one row in ink with “Milk,” “Bcts,” “No coffee tea,” “CH,” and “WH.” Some sheets have various creases and small tears from general use, otherwise overall fine condition. Dean’s binder also holds an additional 11 loose leaf sheets with schoolwork by classmates Virginia Payne and Eddie Van Ness, but none are written on by Dean. After Dean’s mother died in 1940, his father, unable to care for the nine-year-old alone, sent him to be raised by his sister and her husband, Ortense and Marcus Winslow, in Fairmount, Indiana. Here Jimmy Dean was overcome by loneliness from the loss of his mother and felt abandoned by his father—a distance that grew when the elder Dean was drafted into the Army Medical Corps at the outset of World War II, during the same period that this schoolwork is from. The distress Dean experienced as he struggled to find himself is palpable, signing his name over and over as he seeks an identity—is he “Jimmie Dean,” “Jim,” “Jimmie,” or “J”? Is he lefty or righty? What is his daily routine? As time progressed, he began to call the Winslows ‘Mom and Dad,’ and emulated much of his uncle’s style and mannerisms—he began wearing a t-shirt and blue jeans, and slouched a bit when he walked. In addition to the general interest as very early material from the Hollywood icon’s life, it comes from a pivotal moment during Dean’s formative years as he began to grow into the man he would become. In 1941, the ten-year-old James Dean performed in his very first play, entitled ‘To Them That Sleep in Darkness.’
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Pristine first printing of Playboy presented by Hefner himself in 1955 LOT 1069
Hugh Hefner Personally Gifted First Printing of Playboy #1 Starting Bid $1,000
“I’ve dug this copy out of our editorial file”
TLS signed “Hugh M. Hefner,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Playboy letterhead, November 21, 1955. Letter to John Basil, including a first edition of the very first issue of Playboy from the magazine’s own archives. In full: “Anyone who would pay $5.00 for the first issue of Playboy thinks a good deal of the magazine and deserves to have that issue. I’ve dug this copy out of our editorial file, especially for you. Consider it a gift. Make your payment by continuing to boost Playboy with your friends and giving lots of Playboy gift subscriptions this Christmas.” Includes the extremely rare first version of the first issue, with the third page numbered, from December 1953. Letter in fine condition, with a trivial chip to one corner. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. The magazine was previously graded by CGC as 6.5, noting a tiny piece of tape to repair a thin short break at the base of the fold, and two small pieces of tape used to affix the letter to the first page; the magazine has been removed from the slab (CGC’s label preserved) and tape has been professionally removed, leaving just subtle shadows on the page that correspond with those on Hefner’s letter, confirming that this is the exact copy he sent. This is not only the first issue of Playboy ever produced, but also contains a pair of classic images of an American icon—Marilyn Monroe graces both the front cover and fullcolor nude inside. Only the first printing of this first issue had the number “3” on the third page, which is the rarest version—according to some estimates, this variant comprises fewer than 5% of the Playboy #1 magazines extant. As this was once held by the company as a file copy, it is likely one of the earliest printed, perhaps within the first hundred or so. Once held in the Playboy editorial archives and presented by Hugh Hefner himself, this is a true rarity and important piece of pop culture history.
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early essays by Bruce LeE on the philosophy of martial arts LOT 1070
Bruce Lee Autograph Manuscript Starting Bid $1,000 Amazing handwritten manuscript, four pages both sides, 6 x 8.25, no date but written by Lee during his high school years (circa 1959–1960), consisting of two separate handwritten essays, entitled “On the Unity of Softness & Firmness” and “On Gung Fu.” The first, in part: “Softness and firmness (yin/yang) are two interdependent and complementary forces in the art of Chinese Gung Fu. The aim is the attainment of perfect balance between these two forces…’Oneness’of things is a characteristic of the Chinese mind. In the Chinese language, events are looked on as a whole…The same thing goes to Chinese Gung Fu technique, which is always the ceaseless interplay of the two forces, firmness and softness, and is conceived of as essentially one, or as two co-existent forces of one indivisible whole…a Gung Fu man should be pliable like a spring and bend with the oncoming force in order to spring back stronger than before. Thus, the gap between softness and firmness is bridged.” The second, in part: “The center of the Far Eastern martial arts has been the art of Gung Fu, whose principle and techniques pervaded and influenced the different arts of Oriental selfdefense. Gung Fu is the oldest known form of self-defense and can well be called the concentrated essence of wisdom and profound thoughts on the art of self-defense. It has never been surpassed in comprehensiveness or understanding… Gung Fu means training and discipline toward the ‘way’ to the object—be it the ‘way’ to health promotion, to spiritual cultivation, or to the art of self-defense…The philosophy of Gung Fu is based on the integral parts of the philosophies of Taoism…Ch’an…and I’Ching…the ideal of harmony of yin/ yang (negative/positive force), of tuning in with nature, etc. Harmony and calmness distinguish the Chinese art of Gung Fu. A G. F. man rejects all forms of self-assertiveness and competition and practices the art of self-forgetfulness—to
detach not only from his opponent but from his ‘self.’ Gung Fu, in short, is not domination over nature, but harmony with it.” In the upper right corner of the final page, Lee also sketches a small figure of a man throwing a punch. These essays have been edited throughout by one of his peers in blue ballpoint. In fine condition, with small tears to binder holes on a few pages. Accompanied by the original binder, and a letter of provenance from the consignor, in full: “I have in my possession a hand written notebook by Bruce Lee. The little black notebook consists of four pages written on both sides. These writings were done when Bruce Lee was at Garfield High School in Seattle, Washington. My son passed away in 1999, leaving me all his personal property, which included the notebook. My son’s Uncle and Bruce Lee went to Garfield High School together. These notes were given to him for editing. The blue marks are the Uncle’s edit notes.”
“Gung Fu, in short, is not domination over nature, but harmony with it”
Lee left Kowloon for America in 1959 and settled in Seattle, where he completed high school and entered the University of Washington to study philosophy and drama. While in Seattle he began teaching what he called Jun Fan Gung Fu (literally Bruce Lee’s Kung Fu)—he later developed this into Jeet Kune Do, which embodies many of the principles he outlines in these early essays. As much a system of philosophy as it was of martial arts, Lee explained it as ‘a style without style’ or ‘the art of fighting without fighting’—using these descriptions of opposing forces just as he does in describing the ideas of “softness and firmness.” Any sort of Bruce Lee material is exceedingly scarce, and this handwritten manuscript offers tremendous insight into his ideas on philosophy and martial arts just as he was truly beginning to develop his own style—an absolutely remarkable piece.
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Highly-coveted A Hard Day’s Night album cover LOT 1071
Beatles Hard Day’s Night Signed Album Starting Bid $2,500 Fantastic and extremely rare unlaminated front cover to the band’s A Hard Day’s Night album presented to a stewardess on The Beatles’ flight from London to Liverpool on July 10, 1964, signed in black ballpoint, “John Lennon,” “George Harrison,” “Paul McCartney,” and “Ringo Starr,” with each band member signing on the line of his image. Scattered edge and corner creases, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, which reads, in part: “This flat…was actually a factory pressed cardboard printed front cover of the ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ LP, before being fully constructed into an LP cover (after which a thick, heavy laminate was applied to the front cover). All four have autographed the item beautifully in black ballpoint pen…The fact that it had not yet had the heavy laminate applied in the LP construction process allowed for signing, thus making it an extremely rare front signed Beatles album cover. This item is similar in every way to others which have surfaced which were signed on July 10, 1964, for stewardesses who worked for British Eagle Airlines who were working on the Beatles’ flight from London to their hometown of Liverpool to attend the Northern Premiere of their first feature film…The Beatles gifted the stewardesses working the round trip same day flight with a signed album flat as a ‘thank you’ for the good service they provided on that day…One of the photos taken on that day depicts some of the stewardesses holding other album flats, while Paul McCartney is getting ready to board the plane.” Also included are five second-generation photos from July 10, 1964, including the photo mentioned in Caiazzo’s letter. On this date, the band traveled to Liverpool for an appearance at the Odeon Cinema for the premier of their first full-length film. The afternoon before the premier, the Beatles’s went to a civic reception held in their honor at the Liverpool Town Hall, attended by several dignitaries including the lord and lady mayor. Over 200,000 people packed Speke airport and the motorcade route to the theater, an outpouring so overwhelming, it has been said that the group valued this reception more than any other in their career. It was also on this date that the album’s soundtrack was released, skyrocketing to number one on the charts. Only a very, very limited number of these covers were signed by the band on the flight, most likely less than five, elevating this cover to the highest level of Fab Four signed memorabilia.
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Fully signed program From their first UK tour LOT 1072
Beatles Signed Program Starting Bid $1,000
Very rare program for the Beatles’ first nationwide tour of the United Kingdom, headlined by Helen Shapiro, February 2–March 3, 1963, 8 x 10.5, signed inside in blue ballpoint and fountain pen by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Also signed on the front cover by Helen Shapiro, and inside by Danny Williams, Kenny Lynch, and Dave Allen. The signatures were obtained at the Regal Cinema backstage in Wakefield, Yorkshire on February 7, 1963. Scattered creases, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo. This was the Fab Four’s very first UK nationwide tour, and they were fourth on an eleven-act bill headed by the 16-year-old Londoner Helen Shapiro. They left the tour on February 11, and in one marathon day recorded most of their first album Please Please Me at Abbey Road. During the day of recording, they missed performing in Peterborough, a venue which they had already played in December 1962—at Brian Epstein’s request for a nationwide tour, promoter Arthur Howes had them backing Frank Field to less than stellar reviews. Fortunately, this led to Howes placing them in the more suitable, Helen Shapiro headlined, pop hit tour early in the following year. Within three months of Please Please Me’s release on March 22, 1963, the Beatles were touring with Roy Orbison and launched into international stardom. This is an excessively rare program in itself, and thus incredibly desirable as a fully signed, uninscribed piece of Beatles memorabilia from a critical turning point in music history.
Front cover of the program signed by Helen Shapiro.
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Hendrix signs a Woodstock program after his legendary performance LOT 1073
Jimi Hendrix Signed Woodstock Program Starting Bid $1,000 Incredibly rare Woodstock Music Festival program, 8.5 x 11, signed in black ballpoint on his full-page image, “Jimi Hendrix.” Some light wear, soiling, and creasing to covers, a few ripples and creases to some of the pages, and some wear to binding, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original recipient of the signature, which reads, in part: “I attended the Woodstock ‘Aquarian Exposition’ with a number or friends from my hometown in New Jersey. Given the awful traffic we had experienced coming in, we decided that the smart move would be to wait until everybody else left …We mostly hung out on and around our van parked alongside the main egress from the area, in a prime spot to observe traffic…At one point when the traffic came to a halt, the car directly in front of us was a station wagon with Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox and Jimi Hendrix in the back seat. We crowded around the car and started schmoozing with them. I had my Woodstock Program in my hand and at some point Jimi took it from me. I recall him looking at his picture in it and handing it back to me…It was actually some time later that I realized that Jimi had signed my program. When he died a little more than a year later I felt a personal loss. In those twenty or so minutes he really connected in a real and personal way with us.” Scheduled to close the music festival on Sunday evening, several delays saw Hendrix and his band finally take the stage at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning, after much of the crowd had already left. Included in his 19-song set were such classics as ‘Foxy Lady,’ ‘Fire,’ ‘Voodoo Child,’ and his iconic rendition of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner.’ Even unsigned original Woodstock programs are quite scarce and highly sought-after; boasting a crisp, bold signature of the legendary guitarist, this is by far one of the most impressive Hendrix items ever to come to auction—the first we have ever seen, it is fit to be the cornerstone of a magnificent music collection.
Front cover of the Woodstock Music Festival program.
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twice-signed Janis Joplin contract one week after Woodstock LOT 1074
Janis Joplin Signed Document Starting Bid $1,000 DS, one page, 8.5 x 11, May 23, 1969. Standard contract in which Joplin agrees “to perform 2 shows at 7:30 & 9:45 pm on Aug. 23, 1969. Artist is to do 2nd half of each show,” at the Convention Hall in Asbury Park, New Jersey, for “$15,000 + 60% over $27,000.” The names of the members of her band are typed on the reverse, including Cornelius Flowers, Richard Kermode, Sam Andrew, Terence Clements, Brad Campbell, Roy Markowitz, and Luis Gasca. A three-page rider is stapled to the contract, also signed by Joplin, which details ticket prices and advertising requirements, stage and lighting requirements, and grants her exclusive rights to sell souvenirs such as posters and programs. In fine condition, with expected document wear.
This document dates to shortly after Joplin had disbanded from Big Brother and the Holding Company and formed the Kozmic Blues Band with the musicians listed on the reverse of the main contract. Interestingly, Sam Andrew had left the band and returned to Big Brother and the Holding Company by the time the concert took place. The James Cotton Band opened the show, and members of the band Child—led by the 20-year-old Bruce Springsteen—were their guests backstage. Most importantly, however, is the date of the performance—it was exactly one week after her performance at Woodstock on April 16, 1969, and was her first performance following the legendary music festival. A supremely desirable piece of music history.
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The 1905 World Series Program, scored for Mathewson’s championship-winning shutout LOT 1075
Baseball World Series 1905 Program Starting Bid $1,000 Extremely rare program for the 1905 World Series, 10.25 x 6.75, featuring an image of the National League Champion New York Giants on the front cover, a team that featured the likes of Christy Mathewson, John McGraw, Joe ‘Iron Man’ McGinnity, and Roger Bresnahan. Most remarkable is that this program was scored in pencil for the fifth and final game of the series on October 14, 1905, in which Mathewson threw his third complete game shutout to clinch the championship. The program is in fine condition with only minor handling wear, and touches of color have been added at strategic edge points. The 1905 World Series was just the second ever played; the Boston Americans had won in 1903, and the 1904 World Series would have seen them attempt to defend their championship against the Giants. The Giants, however,
boycotted the would-be series, and the famously disagreeable John McGraw claimed his Giants were already ‘world champions’ since they were the champions of the ‘only real major league.’ In reaction to outrage and criticism from the New York fans, team owner John T. Brush initiated a formal plan for a yearly championship series that pitted the top teams from each league against each other. The ‘Brush Rules,’ as they were known, have endured nearly unchanged for over century—under this plan it was decided that it would be a seven-game series, versus the eight-game series of 1903. This is the only known example of this program scored for game five, which is only appropriate—the 1905 World Series was dominated by pitching, with every game being a shutout, and Christy Mathewson’s wild success thrust him into superstardom en route to a Hall of Fame career.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 147
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Highly desirable 1909 program for the Wagner-Cobb World Series
LOT 1076
Baseball World Series 1909 Program Starting Bid $1,000 Exceptionally rare program for the 1909 World Series, 10 x 6.5, featuring a cartoonish tiger on the front cover holding pennants for the American League Champion Detroit Tigers and National League Champion Pittsburgh Pirates. The program is scored in pencil for the third game of the series on October 11, 1909, in which the Pirates beat the Tigers 8–6, led by a three-hit performance from Honus Wagner. In very good condition, with three significant vertical folds, some slight chipping to edges, and pencil marks inside front and back covers. Despite their prolific careers, this was the only time that Honus Wagner and Ty Cobb met in the Fall Classic. The series went the full seven games, and ultimately Pittsburgh triumphed over Detroit to win their first championship of the modern era. Contributing to the rarity of these programs was Detroit’s defeat—most Tigers fans threw away their programs in an effort to erase the memory of their third consecutive World Series loss. Also notable is that the iconic T206 baseball card set began to be distributed in 1909, which is famously known for its extremely valuable Honus Wagner card. This program represents an important year and match-up in baseball history, and only four examples have been offered at public auction in over two decades.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 149
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christy mathewson contract signed by the legendary hurler LOT 1077
Christy Mathewson Signed Document Starting Bid $500 DS, signed “C. Mathewson,” one page, 8.5 x 11, March 24, 1925. Standard National League of Professional Baseball Clubs player’s contract in which the Boston National League Base Ball Company agrees to pay Robert E. Smith “an aggregate salary of $3,500.00 for his skilled services during the playing season of 1925, including the World’s Series or any other official series in which the Club may participate.” Signed at the conclusion by Mathewson as team president, “C. Mathewson,” and by the player, “R. E. Smith.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope and a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Smith began his career in the Major Leagues as the Boston Braves shortstop in 1923, the same year that Mathewson became team president. His 1925 season, however was most unusual—after having played two seasons as an infielder, he was converted to a starting pitcher halfway through the season. By the end of the season, he had pitched in 13 games and thrown 92 innings, while also playing 58 games in the field. In Mathewson’s position as president of the Braves he oversaw an increase in players’ salaries from a total of $80,000 in 1922 to over $200,000 in 1923. Of the five members of the first Hall of Fame class—Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Babe Ruth, and Honus Wagner his peers—Mathewson’s autograph is the rarest in any form.
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Babe Ruth, Cy Young, and Walter Johnson, along with 18 other Hall of Famers, attend the 1939 opening ceremony LOT 1078
National Baseball Hall of Fame Signed Program Starting Bid $2,500 Two sets of adjoined pages, consisting of the front and back cover and scorecard from the program for the June 12, 1939 exhibition game that took place at the grand opening of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, 16.5 x 10.5 unfolded, signed in ink and pencil by 21 Hall of Fame players and a number of other non-Hall of Famers. Hall of Fame signers are: Babe Ruth (very bold pencil), Cy Young (ink), Walter Johnson (ink), Ty Cobb, Mel Ott, Larry Lajoie, Tris Speaker, Arky Vaughan, Dizzy Dean, Connie Mack, Gabby Hartnett, Eddie Collins, Hank Greenberg, Lefty Grove, Joe Medwick, Bill McKechnie, Bill Klem, Carl Hubbell, Billy Herman, Charlie Gehringer, and Bill Terry. Other signers include: Wally Moses, Billy Jurges, Terry Moore, and Jimmie Wilson. Both pieces are permanently affixed to slightly larger mounts. In very good condition, with a light overall shade of toning, scattered creases, rubbing wear to the front cover, and staple holes along central fold. Even though Hall of Fame balloting began in 1936, the Hall officially opened in 1939 to celebrate the centennial of Abner Doubleday’s so-called invention of the sport. On the day of its dedication, June 12, baseball legends past and present descended on the sleepy village of Cooperstown, New York, for the Hall’s first induction ceremonies. The coterie included 11 members of the inaugural induction class and 32 Major Leaguers in their prime—two from each team, and nine of whom would go on to be Hall of Famers themselves—who were to play in an exhibition game at Doubleday Field in honor of the historic event. Inductees Honus Wagner and Eddie Collins each managed a team, and ‘The Wagners’ managed to beat ‘The Collins’ 4-2 in the seven inning ballgame, scoring two runs in the sixth behind doubles from Arky Vaughan and Frank Hayes, and a single by Morris Arnovich. The undisputed highlight of the game was a pinch hit appearance by Babe Ruth—then 44 years old and four years removed from his professional career—for Wagner’s squad. The result was a disappointing foul out to the catcher, but his mighty swing did not fail to impress the crowd. Some lucky member of the crowd managed to meet the players and get this program signed—even filling out the lineups but failing to score the game, probably too awestruck by the spectacle at hand. It is a great reminder of a historic event in baseball history, when a group of the greatest players in the world came together to celebrate America’s national pastime.
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Unique spring training photo of Gehrig in 1938— his last full season LOT 1079
Lou Gehrig Signed Photograph Starting Bid $1,000 Exceptional glossy 7 x 9 photo of Lou Gehrig with sportswriter Jeff Lyon at a 1938 spring training exhibition game at Duncan Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina, signed across his legs in fountain pen, “Best Wishes, Lou Gehrig.” Includes the original 5 x 7 negative from which the photo was developed. Matted and framed together to an overall size of 11.25 x 21.25, with a glass back so that the negative can be viewed; the image is sharp enough for the brand of Gehrig’s facsimile signature on the barrel of his bat to be perceived. In fine condition, with trivial chipping to edges. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA, a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA, and a copy of a tribute to Gehrig written by Lyon and published in the September 7, 1995, issue of the New Jersey Herald, describing the encounters that resulted in this signed photograph. In part: “I met and chatted not once but twice with Lou Gehrig… That was no mean feat for an unknown young sportswriter from an unknown paper up in Binghamton…in the spring of 1938…it was decided…to cover spring training of the local Eastern League team. That’s how this writer happened to be in Spartanburg, SC, when the Yankees stopped off for an exhibition game with their farmhands…I persuaded the photographer from the Spartanburg paper to pop a picture if I could get the famous star to hold still for it when I visited the dugouts to get my line-ups for the day…I finally asked the great man if he’d pose. He didn’t seem to mind at all… and I did have my official scorer’s book under my arm so he knew I was there on business. Later on in the summer, the Yankees came up to Binghamton for another exhibition with their farm team with led to my second brief chat with ‘Larrupin’ Lou.’ I stuck the picture under his nose and politely asked if he’d mind autographing it. He graciously complied, said something like, ‘Good picture,’ and left the dugout for his turn in the batter’s cage.”
At the time this photograph was taken, Lyon was a columnist for the Binghamton Morning Sun and on an assignment to cover spring training for the Binghamton Triplets, who were readying themselves for the 1938 season in Spartanburg, South Carolina. As they had done the previous year the New York Yankees stopped by to play an exhibition game against their minor league affiliate on April 13, and the local Spartanburg newspapers made it a point to note the Gehrig would be starting at first base. This was where Lyon first met Gehrig and had this photo taken. The Yankees defeated the Triplets by a score of 9 to 4, led by a great performance from Gehrig that included a double, triple, two walks, and three runs scored. Lyon would meet Gehrig again later on in the season when the Yankees traveled up to Binghamton for another game against the Triplets—as a nod to their fans upstate, the Yankees played an annual exhibition game each year at Johnson Field in Johnson City, New York. The 1938 game came on May 27, and handily defeated their minor league club by a score of 10 to 2—coincidentally, the game was abandoned in the seventh inning when kids climbed the walls and swarmed the field seeking autographs, DiMaggio and Gehrig the main targets. Lyon, of course, had politely asked for Gehrig to sign this photo before the game began. This would ultimately become Gehrig’s last full season, and a successful one at that—the 35-year-old ‘Iron Man’ increased his consecutive game streak to over 2600 and recorded a .295 batting average with 29 home runs. He was diagnosed with ALS after just eight games into the 1939 season, tragically ending the career of the iconic American athlete. He passed away just two years later in 1941, at just 37 years of age. Gehrig signed photos of this size and caliber are exceptionally scarce, with this example enhanced by its outstanding provenance and inclusion of the original negative.
REMARKABLE RARITY AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 18 / 155
Terms and Conditions of Sale TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE - AGREEMENT BETWEEN R&R AUCTION COMPANY, LLC AND BIDDER BY EITHER REGISTERING TO BID OR PLACING A BID, THE BIDDER ACCEPTS THESE CONDITIONS OF SALE AND ENTERS INTO A LEGALLY, BINDING, ENFORCEABLE AGREEMENT WITH RR AUCTION. The following terms and conditions constitute the sole terms and conditions under which R&R AUCTION COMPANY (“RR Auction”) will offer for sale and sell the property described in the Catalog. These Conditions of Sale constitute a binding agreement between the Bidder and RR Auction with respect to the auction. By bidding at auction, whether in person, through an agent or representative, by telephone, facsimile, on-line, absentee bid, or by any other form of bid or by any other means, the Bidder acknowledges the thorough reading and understanding of all of these Conditions of Sale, all descriptions of items in the Catalog, and all matters incorporated herein by reference, and agrees to be fully bound thereby. NO BID MAY BE PLACED IN ANY MANNER UNLESS THE BIDDER HAS FULLY REVIEWED AND AGREES TO ALL OF THE “CONDITIONS OF SALE” EITHER PRINTED IN THE CATALOG OR ONLINE, AS WELL AS THE TERMS OF THE REGISTRATION FORM. BY PLACING ANY BID, THE BIDDER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS TO RR AUCTION THAT HE OR SHE HAS FULLY REVIEWED AND AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ALL OF THESE “CONDITIONS OF SALE” AND THE TERMS OF THE REGISTRATION FORM. WITHOUT SUCH REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY AND AGREEMENT, RR AUCTION WOULD NOT PERMIT THE BIDDER TO BID. Bidder and RR Auction agree that any agreements between the Bidder and RR Auction including but not limited to these Conditions of Sale are entered into in Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County, which is where the agreements are to be performed and the auction to take place, no matter where Bidder is situated and no matter by what means or where Bidder was informed of the auction and regardless of whether catalogs, materials, or other communications were received by Bidder in another location. Both RR Auction and the Bidder agree that any disputes under these Conditions of Sale, the subject matter hereof, the entering into, or any aspect of the auction, shall be exclusively governed by Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County law, and that any and all claims or actions shall be brought and maintained only in Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County. THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. The Bidder hereby consents that any dispute shall be presented in confidential binding arbitration before a single selected Arbitrator selected by the American Arbitration Association. The Bidder and RR Auction herby agree that the dispute shall go to binding arbitration in accordance with the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. The American Arbitration Association arbitration shall be conducted under the provisions of the Federal Arbitration Act and the Bidder consents to jurisdiction in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Any dispute, claim, cause of action must be brought within one (1) year of the alleged breach, default or misrepresentation or the claim is waived. After one (1) year, the Bidder hereby releases and discharges RR Auction from any and all legal, equitable, administrative and/or other claims, counterclaims, demands, setoffs, defenses, accounts, suits, debts, dues, actions, causes of action, proceedings, arbitrations, damages, executions, judgments, findings, controversies and disputes, whether known or unknown or suspected or unsuspected, whether in law or equity, that the Bidder have or may have had against RR Auction arising from or relating to any claim whatsoever. Both Bidder and RR Auction agree that these provisions are intended to be binding on all parties in the event of any dispute specifically including third party claims and cross-actions brought by either RR Auction or Bidder, and that absent such agreement, RR Auction would not permit Bidder to bid hereunder. Any violation of the terms of this Paragraph shall entitle RR Auction to reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs in addition to all other available remedies, all of which remain reserved. The Bidder hereby agrees that RR Auction shall be entitled to present these Conditions of Sale to a court in any jurisdiction other than set forth in this paragraph as conclusive evidence of the parties’ agreement, and the parties further agree that the court
shall immediately dismiss any action filed in such jurisdiction. An award granted in arbitration is enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitrator’s award may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction. This agreement and any claims shall be determined and construed under Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County law. RR Auction is in compliance, to the fullest extent possible, with Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County procedures regarding the bonding of auctioneers. Auctioneer and Auction: 1. This Auction is presented by RR Auction, a d/b/a/ of R&R Auction Company, LLC, as identified with the applicable licensing information on the title page of the catalog or on the www.RRauction.com Internet site (the “Auctioneer”). The Auction is conducted under these Terms and Conditions of Sale and applicable state and local law. Announcements and corrections from the podium at live auctions and those made through the Terms and Conditions of Sale appearing on the Internet at RRauction.com supersede those in the printed catalog. Bidder/Bidders: 2. “Bidder” or “Bidders” shall mean the original Bidder of the property from RR Auction and not any subsequent owner or other person who may acquire or have acquired an interest therein. If Bidder is an agent, the agency must be disclosed in writing to RR Auction prior to the time of sale, otherwise the benefits of the warranty shall be limited to the agent and not transferable to the undisclosed principal. 3. The rights granted to Bidders under these Terms and Conditions of Sale are personal and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person or entity, whether by operation of law or otherwise. Any attempt to assign or transfer any such rights shall be absolutely void and unenforceable. No third party may rely on any benefit or right conferred on any Bidder by these Terms and Conditions of Sale. 4. Bids will not be accepted from minor persons under eighteen (18) years of age without a parent’s written consent containing an acknowledgment that the Terms and Conditions of Sale herein and indicating their agreement to be bound thereby on behalf of the Bidder. 5. Any person participating or registering for the Auction agrees to be bound by and accepts these Terms and Conditions of Sale. 6. All Bidders must meet Auctioneer’s qualifications to bid. Any Bidder who is not a client in good standing of RR Auction may be disqualified at RR Auction’s sole option and will not be awarded lots. Such determination may be made by RR Auction in its sole and unlimited discretion, at any time prior to, during, or even after the close of the Auction. RR Auction reserves the right to exclude any person from the auction. 7. If an entity places a bid, then the person executing the bid on behalf of the entity agrees to personally guarantee payment for any successful bid. 8. By accepting the Terms and Conditions of Sale, Bidder personally and unconditionally guarantees payment. If the Bidder is a corporation, the officers, directors, and principals of the corporation hereby agree to personally and unconditionally guarantee payment as part of the corporation’s agreement to bid. The authorized representative of any corporate Bidder who is present at the sale shall provide RR Auction or its agent, prior to the commencement of the bidding (or at the time of registration), with a statement signed by each principal, director and officer that they each personally and unconditionally guarantee any payment due RR Auction Credit: 9. In order to place bids, Bidders who have not established credit with the Auctioneer must either furnish satisfactory credit information (including two collectibles-related business references) or supply valid credit card information, well in advance of the Auction. Bidders who are not members of RRAuction.com should pre-register before the close of the Auction to allow adequate time to contact references. Credit will be granted at the discretion of Auctioneer. Additionally Bidders who have not previously established credit or who wish to bid in excess of their established credit history may be required to provide their social security number or the last four digits thereof so a credit check may be performed prior to Auctioneer’s acceptance of a bid. Check writing
privileges and immediate delivery of merchandise may also be determined by pre-approval of credit based on a combination of criteria: RRAuction.com history, related industry references, bank verification, a credit bureau report and/or a personal guarantee for a corporate or partnership entity in advance of the auction venue. Buyer’s Premium: 10. The Bidder acknowledges and agrees that a twenty-five percent (25%) buyer’s premium for the first $250,00 and twenty percent (20%) of any amount over will be added to the hammer price on all individual lots. RR Auction will only accept cash, check, money order, or wire. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, signed by RR Auction, payment in full is due within thirteen (13) calendar days of the auction or within twelve (12) calendar days of the invoice date, whichever is later. Bidding: 11. By submitting a bid, whether online, in person, by mail, by phone, by facsimile or through an employee or agent, the Bidder acknowledges (i) receipt of the catalogue, (ii) that the Bidder has read the Terms and Conditions of Sale and the descriptions for the lots on which they have bid, and (iii) that they agree to adhere to these Terms and Conditions of Sale. 12. Each Bidder’s determination of its bid should be based upon its own examination of the item(s), rather than the strict reliance as to what is represented in this Catalogue, online or elsewhere. In any purchase or sale, the value of the item(s) is determined by the price. THE BIDDER HEREBY ASSUMES ALL RISKS OF VALUATION CONCERNING ANY AND ALL PURCHASES. 13. RR AUCTION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ERRORS IN BIDDING. A Bidder should make certain to bid on the correct lot and that the bid is the maximum (plus the 25% Buyer’s Premium) that the Bidder is willing and able to pay. Since other Bidders (by mail, facsimile and in person) will be present, and since a re-offering could damage the momentum of the sale, once the hammer has fallen and the Auctioneer has announced the winning Bidder, such Bidder is unconditionally bound to pay for the lot, even if the Bidder has made a mistake. 14. If the description of any lot in the catalogue is incorrect (e.g. gross cataloging error), the lot is returnable if returned within five (5) calendar days of receipt, and received by RR Auction no later than twenty-one (21) calendar days after the sale date. NO RETURN OR REFUND OF ANY AUCTION LOT WILL BE CONSIDERED EXCEPT BY REASON OF LACK OF AUTHENTICITY, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE. 15. All prospective Bidders who examine lots in person prior to the sale shall personally assume all responsibility for any damage they cause in so doing. RR Auction shall have sole discretion in determining the value of the damage caused, which shall be promptly paid by the prospective Bidder. 16. Title to any lot remains with Consignor, any secured party of the Consignor, or assignee of Consignor, as the case may be, until the lot is paid for in full by Bidder. RR Auction reserves the right to require payment in full before delivering any lot to the successful Bidder. 17. It is the Bidder’s responsibility and obligation to have the lots fully insured while in their possession. Bidder assumes any and all RISK OF LOSS once the lot(s) is in Bidder’s possession. 18. Bidder grants to RR Auction or its assigns the right to offset any sums due, or found to be due by RR Auction, and to make such offset from any past, subsequent or future consignment, or items acquired by Bidder in possession or control of RR Auction or from any sums due to Bidder by RR Auction. Bidder further grants RR Auction a purchase money security interest in such sums or items to the extent applicable, and agrees to execute such documents as may be reasonably necessary to grant RR Auction such security interest. Bidder agrees that RR Auction and its assigns shall be a secured party with respect to items bought by Bidder and in the possession of RR Auction, to the extent of the maximum indebtedness, plus all accrued expenses, until the indebtedness is paid. 19. By bidding in this sale, Bidder personally and unconditionally guarantees payment. If the Bidder is a corporation, the officers, directors, and principals of the corporation hereby agree to personally and un-
conditionally guarantee payment as part of the corporation’s agreement to bid. The authorized representative of any corporate Bidder who is present at the sale shall provide RR Auction or its agent, prior to the commencement of the bidding (or at the time of registration), with a statement signed by each principal, director and officer that they each personally and unconditionally guarantee any payment due RR Auction. 20. RR Auction may at its sole and absolute discretion, make loans or advances to Consignors and/or prospective Bidders. 21. If a dispute arises concerning ownership of a lot that has been bid upon during the course of the sale, RR Auction reserves the right to commence a statutory interpleader proceeding at the expense of the Consignor and successful Bidder and any other applicable party, and in such event shall be entitled to its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. 22. In the event of a successful challenge to the title to any goods purchased, RR Auction agrees to reimburse any Bidder in an amount equal to the successful bid price actually paid by Bidder at auction plus any Buyer’s Commission actually paid, in full and complete satisfaction of all claims, which once tendered by RR Auction, relieves and releases RR Auction from any responsibility whatsoever to the Bidder, even if the instrument is not cashed or is returned. Bidding Options: 23. Non-Internet bids (including but not limited to podium, fax, phone and mail bids) are treated similar to floor bids in that they must be onincrement. Any podium, fax, phone, or mail bids that do not conform to a full increment will be rounded up or down to the nearest full increment and this revised amount will be considered your high bid. 24. When identical mail or FAX bids are submitted, preference is given to the first received. To ensure the greatest accuracy, written bids should be entered on the standard printed bid sheet and be received at RR Auction’s place of business at least twenty-four (24) hours before the Auction start. Auctioneer is not responsible for executing mail bids or FAX bids received on or after the day the first lot is sold, nor Internet bids submitted after the published closing time; nor is Auctioneer responsible for proper execution of bids submitted by telephone, mail, FAX, e-mail, Internet, or in person once the Auction begins. 25. In internet only Auctions, bids on an item must raise the current high bid by at least 10%. Bids will be accepted in whole dollar amounts only. No “buy” or “unlimited” bids will be accepted. In a live sale, bids on an item can change at the discretion of the auctioneer. 26. RR Auction reserves the right to accept or decline any bid. Bids must be for an entire lot and each lot constitutes a separate sale. All bids are per lot unless otherwise announced. Live auction lots will be sold in their numbered sequence unless the Auctioneer directs otherwise. It is unlawful and illegal for Bidders to collude, pool, or agree with another Bidder to pay less than the fair value for lot(s). Bidders participating in both live and online auctions acknowledge that the law provides for substantial penalties in the form of treble damages and attorneys’ fees and costs for those who violate these provisions. For live auctions the auctioneer will have final discretion in the event that any dispute should arise between bidders. The auctioneer will determine the successful bidder, cancel the sale, or re-offer and resell the lot or lots in dispute. RR Auction will have final discretion to resolve any disputes arising after the sale and in online auctions. If any dispute arises our sale record is conclusive. Payment: 27a.Subject to fulfillment of all of the Terms and Conditions of Sale set forth herein, at the close of the Auction, title to the offered lot will pass to the highest bidder acknowledged by RR Auction, and such bidder thereupon (a) assumes full risk and responsibility (including without limitation, liability for or damage to frames or glass covering prints, paintings, photos, or other works), and (b) will immediately pay the full purchase price or such part as we may require. In addition to other remedies available to RR Auction by law, RR Auction reserves the right to impose from the date of sale a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price if payment is not made in accordance with the conditions set forth herein. All property must be removed from RR Auction’s premises by the Bidder at his/her expense not later than thirteen
(13) business days following its sale and if it is not so removed, (i) a handling charge of 1% of the total purchase price per month from the 13th day after the sale until its removal will be payable to RR Auction by the Bidder, with a minimum of 5% of the total purchase price for any property not so removed within 60 days after the sale, and (ii) RR Auction may send the purchased property to a public warehouse for the account, at the risk and expense of the Bidder. 27b. All purchases are subject to the Massachusetts 6.25% sales tax unless the purchaser possesses a Massachusetts sales tax exemption number. Exemption numbers from other states are accepted in Massachusetts if presented with a business card or letterhead. Dealers, museums, and other qualifying parties can apply for a Massachusetts exemption number prior to the auction by contacting the Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation at 100 Cambridge Street in Boston. 28. Payment is due upon closing of the Auction session, or upon presentment of an invoice. Auctioneer reserves the right to void an invoice if payment in full is not received within thirteen (13) calendar days of the auction or within twelve (12) calendar days of the invoice date. In cases of nonpayment, Auctioneer’s election to void a sale does not relieve the Bidder from their obligation to pay Auctioneer its fees (seller’s and buyer’s premium) on the lot and any other damages pertaining to the lot. 29. All sales are strictly for cash in United States dollars (including U.S. currency, bank wire, cashier checks, eChecks, and bank money orders, and are subject to all reporting requirements). All deliveries are subject to good funds; funds being received in RR Auction’s account before delivery of the Purchases; and all payments are subject to a clearing period. RR Auction reserves the right to determine if a check constitutes “good funds”: checks drawn on a U.S. bank are subject to a ten (10) business day hold, and ten (10) days when drawn on an international bank. Clients with pre-arranged credit status may receive immediate credit for payments via Check, personal or corporate checks. All others will be subject to a hold of five (5) days, or more, for the funds to clear prior to releasing merchandise. 30. In the event that a Bidder’s payment is dishonored upon presentment(s), Bidder shall pay the maximum statutory processing fee set by applicable state law. If Bidder attempts to pay via Check and the financial institution denies the transfer from Bidder’s bank account, or the payment cannot be completed using the selected funding source, Bidder agrees to complete payment. 31. If any Auction invoice submitted by Auctioneer is not paid in full when due, the unpaid balance will bear interest at the highest rate permitted by law from the date of invoice until paid. Any invoice not paid when due will bear a one and one-half per cent (1.5%) late fee on the invoice amount. If the Auctioneer refers any invoice to an attorney for collection, the buyer agrees to pay attorney’s fees, court costs, and other collection costs incurred by Auctioneer. If Auctioneer assigns collection to its house counsel, such attorney’s time expended on the matter shall be compensated at a rate comparable to the hourly rate of independent attorneys. 32. If any applicable conditions herein are not complied with the Bidder will be in default and in addition to any and all other remedies available to RR Auction and the Consignor by law, including, without limitation, the right to hold the Bidder liable for the total purchase price, including all fees, charges and expenses more fully set forth herein, RR Auction, may (a) cancel the sale of that, or any other lots sold to the defaulting Bidder at the same or any other auction, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the Bidder, or (b) resell the purchased property, whether at public auction or by private sale, or (c) effect any combination thereof. In any case, the Bidder will be liable for any deficiency, any and all costs, handling charges, late charges, expenses of both sales, RR Auction’s commissions on both sales at our regular rates, legal fees and expenses, collection fees and incidental damages. RR Auction may apply any proceeds of sale then due or thereafter becoming due to the Bidder from RR Auction or any affiliated company, or any payment made by the Bidder to RR Auction or any affiliated company, where or not intended to reduce the Bidder’s obligations with respect to the unpaid lot or lots, to the deficiency and any other amounts due to RR Auction or any affiliated companies. In
addition, a defaulting Bidder will be deemed to have granted and assigned to RR Auction a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of RR Auction’s owing to such Bidder in RR Auction’s possession, and RR Auction may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to RR Auction. Payment will not be deemed to have been made in full until RR Auction has collected good funds. In the event the Bidder fails to pay any or all of the total purchase price for any lot and RR Auction elects to pay the Consignor any portion of the sale proceeds, the Bidder acknowledges that RR Auction shall have all of the rights of the Consignor to pursue the Bidder for any amounts paid to the Consignor, whether at law, in equity, or under these Terms and Conditions of Sale. 33. Auctioneer shall have a lien against the merchandise purchased by the buyer to secure payment of the Auction invoice. Auctioneer is further granted a lien and the right to retain possession of any other property of the buyer then held by the Auctioneer or its affiliates to secure payment of any Auction invoice or any other amounts due the Auctioneer or affiliates from the buyer. With respect to these lien rights, Auctioneer shall have all the rights of a secured creditor, including but not limited to the right of sale. In addition, with respect to payment of the Auction invoice(s), the buyer waives any and all rights of offset he might otherwise have against the Auctioneer and the consignor of the merchandise included on the invoice. If a Bidder owes Auctioneer or its affiliates on any account, Auctioneer and its affiliates shall have the right to offset such unpaid account by any credit balance due Bidder, and it may secure by possessory lien any unpaid amount by any of the Bidder’s property in their possession. 34. Title shall not pass to the successful Bidder until all invoices are paid in full. It is the responsibility of the buyer to provide adequate insurance coverage for the items once they have been delivered to a common carrier or third-party shipper. 35. All checks, cashiers checks or money orders are payable to R&R Auction Company, LLC. Orders paid by cashier check, money order, wire are shipped upon receipt. Delivery; Shipping; and Handling Charges: 36. Bidder is liable for shipping and handling. Auctioneer is unable to combine purchases from other auctions or affiliates into one package for shipping purposes. Lots won will be shipped in a commercially reasonable time after payment in good funds for the merchandise and the shipping fees is received or credit extended, except when third-party shipment occurs. Bidder agrees that Service and Handling charges related to shipping items which are not pre-paid may be charged to the credit card on file with Auctioneer. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, all merchandise is stored at Auctioneer’s facilities in Amherst, New Hampshire. The purchases shall be shipped from that facility unless bidder makes arrangements to take possession at the facility. 37. Successful international Bidders shall provide written shipping instructions, including specified Customs declarations, to the Auctioneer for any lots to be delivered outside of the United States. NOTE: Declaration value shall be the item’(s) hammer price together with its buyer’s premium and Auctioneer shall use the correct harmonized code for the lot. Domestic Buyers on lots designated for third-party shipment must designate the common carrier, accept risk of loss, and prepay shipping costs. Title: 38. On the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer, title to the offered lot will pass to the highest bidder acknowledged by RR Auction but fully subject to Buyer’s compliance with all of the terms of the Conditions of Sale and the Registration Form. Rights Reserved: 39. RR Auction reserves the right to withdraw any lot before or at the time of the auction, and/or to postpone the auction of all or any lots or parts thereof, for any reason. RR Auction shall not be liable to any Bidder in the event of such withdrawal or postponement under any circumstances. RR Auction reserves the right to refuse to accept bids from anyone. Conducting the Auction: 40. RR Auction reserves the right to postpone the auction sale or any
session thereof for a reasonable period of time for any reason whatsoever, and no Bidder or prospective Bidder shall have any claim as a result thereof, including consequential damages. 41. RR Auction reserves the right to withdraw any lot at any time, even after the hammer has fallen, until the Bidder has taken physical possession of the lot. No Consignor who has registered to bid at the sale (or at any other time unless otherwise provided in the consignment agreement), or any Bidder or prospective Bidder shall have a right to claim any consequential damages if a lot is withdrawn, even after the sale. 42. The highest qualified Bidder recognized by the Auctioneer shall be the Buyer. In the event of a tie bid, the earliest bid received or recognized wins. In the event of any dispute between any Bidders at an Auction, Auctioneer may at his sole discretion reoffer the lot. Auctioneer’s decision and declaration of the winning Bidder shall be final and binding upon all Bidders. Bids properly offered, whether by floor Bidder or other means of bidding, may on occasion be missed or go unrecognized; in such cases, the Auctioneer may declare the recognized bid accepted as the winning bid, regardless of whether a competing bid may have been higher. Auctioneer reserves the right after the hammer falls to accept bids and reopen bidding for bids placed through the Internet or otherwise. 43. Lots bearing bidding estimates shall open at Auctioneer’s discretion. In the event that no bid meets or exceeds that opening amount, the lot shall pass as unsold. 44. All items are to be purchased per lot as numerically indicated and no lots will be broken unless decided by RR Auction. Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw, prior to the close, any lots from the Auction. 45. Auctioneer reserves the right to rescind the sale in the event of nonpayment, breach of a warranty, disputed ownership, failure to execute the reserve, auctioneer’s clerical error or omission in exercising bids and reserves, or for any other reason and in Auctioneer’s sole discretion. 46. Auctioneer occasionally experiences Internet and/or Server service outages, and Auctioneer periodically schedules system downtime for maintenance and other purposes, during which Bidders cannot participate or place bids. If such outages occur, RR Auction may at our discretion extend bidding for the Auction. Bidders unable to place their Bids through the Internet are directed to contact Client Services at 1-603-732-4280. 47. The Auctioneer has the right to sell certain unsold items after the close of the Auction. Such lots shall be considered sold during the Auction and all these Terms and Conditions shall apply to such sales including but not limited to the Buyer’s Premium, return rights, and disclaimers. Internet Auction – Extended bidding & the 30 Minute Rule: 48. Any bidder may bid on any lot prior to 6 pm. At that time, the Extended Bidding goes into effect. If you have not bid on a lot before 6 pm, you may not bid on that lot after 6 pm. Only those bidders who have placed bids on a lot before 6 pm will be allowed to bid on that lot after 6 pm. If you are the only bidder on a lot at 6 pm, that lot is awarded to you. During the extended bidding period, a lot will remain open only to those who bid on that lot prior to 6 pm. All lots WITHOUT an opening bid at 6 pm will remain OPEN to ALL bidders until 7 pm or until they receive their first bid. These lots will close immediately upon receipt of a bid or at 7 pm, whichever comes first. For all lots that are active after 7 pm, bidding will remain open until 30 minutes pass without a bid being placed on THAT lot. The 30 Minute Rule is applied on a PER LOT BASIS; each lot in the auction closes individually based on bidding activity after 7 pm. On a PER LOT BASIS, the 30 minute timer will reset each time a bid is placed after 7 pm. If you are the high bidder, raising your maximum bid will NOT reset the timer. RR Auction reserves the right to close the auction at any time at its sole discretion. Auctioneer’s Discretion: 49. RR Auction shall determine opening bids and bidding increments. The auctioneer has the right in its absolute discretion to reject any bid
in the event of dispute between bidders or if the auctioneer has doubt as to the validity of any bid, to advance the bidding at its absolute discretion and to determine the successful bidder in the event of a dispute between bidders, to continue the bidding or to reoffer and resell the lot in question. In the event of a dispute after the sale, RR Auction’s record of final sale shall be conclusive. The auctioneer also may reject any bid and withdraw the lot from sale if the auctioneer decides either that any opening bid is below the reserve of the lot or article or that an advance is insufficient. Unless otherwise announced by the auctioneer at the time of sale, no lots may be divided for the purpose of sale. Reserves: 50. Lots may be subject to a reserve which is the confidential minimum price below which the lot will not be sold. Consignors may not bid on their own lots or property. Off-Site Bidding: 51. Bidding by telephone, facsimile-transmission (fax-in), on-line, or absentee bidding (advance written bids submitted by mail) are offered solely as a convenience and permitted subject to advance arrangements, availability, and RR Auction’s approval which shall be exercised at RR Auction’s sole discretion. Neither RR Auction nor its agents or employees shall be held liable for the failure to execute bids or for errors relating to any transmission or execution thereof. In order to be considered for off-site bidding in any manner, Bidders must comply with all of these Conditions of Sale and the terms contained on the Registration Form. RR Auction’ Remedies: 52. Failure of the Bidder/Buyer to comply with any of these Conditions of Sale or the terms of the Registration Form is an event of default. In such event, RR Auction may, in addition to any other available remedies specifically including the right to hold the defaulting Bidder/Buyer liable for the Purchase Price or to charge and collect from the defaulting Bidder/Buyer’s credit or debit accounts as provided for elsewhere herein: (a) cancel the sale, retaining any payment made by the Buyer as damages (the Bidder/Buyer understands and acknowledges that RR Auction will be substantially damaged should such default occur, and that damages under sub-part (a) are necessary to compensate RR Auction for such damages; (b) resell the property without reserve at public auction or privately; (c) charge the Bidder/Buyer interest on the Purchase Price at the rate of one and one-half per cent (1.5%) per month or the highest allowable interest rate; (d) take any other action that RR Auction, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or appropriate to preserve and protect RR Auction’ rights and remedies. Should RR Auction resell the property, the original defaulting buyer shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency in the purchase price and all costs and expenses associated there with, including but not limited to warehousing, sales-related expenses, reasonable attorney fees and court costs, commissions, incidental damages and any other charges due hereunder which were not collected or collectable. In the event that such buyer is the successful bidder on more than one lot and pays less than the purchase price for the total lots purchased, RR Auction shall apply the payment received to such lot or lots that RR Auction, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. If RR Auction does not exercise such discretion, the lots to which the payment shall be applied will be in descending order from the highest purchase price to the lowest. Any buyer failing to comply with these Conditions of Sale shall be deemed to have granted RR Auction a security interest in, and RR Auction may retain as collateral such security for such buyer’s obligations to RR Auction, any property in RR Auction’ possession owned by such buyer. RR Auction shall have the benefit of all rights of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C.) as adopted by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Warranties: 53. RR Auction does not provide any warranties to Bidders or Buyers, whether expressed or implied, beyond those expressly provided for in these Conditions of Sale. All property and lots are sold “as is” and “where is”. By way of illustration rather than limitation, neither RR Auction nor the consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to merchant ability or fitness for intended use, condition of the property (including any condition report), correctness of description, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, importance, exhibi-
tion, relevance, attribution, source, provenance, date, authorship, condition, culture, genuineness, value, or period of the property. Additionally, neither RR Auction nor the consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to whether the Buyer acquires rights in copyright or other intellectual property (including exhibition or reproduction rights) or whether the property is subject to any limitations or other rights. RR Auction does not make any representation or warranty as to title. 54. All descriptions, photographs, illustrations, and terminology including but not limited to words describing condition (including any condition reports requested by Bidder, see also Generally Terminology), authorship, period, culture, source, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, provenance, importance, exhibition, and relevance, used in the catalog, bill of sale, invoice, or anywhere else, represent a good faith effort made by RR Auction to fairly represent the lots and property offered for sale as to origin, date, condition, and other information contained therein; they are statements of opinion only. They are not representations or warranties and Bidder agrees and acknowledges that he or she shall not rely on them in determining whether or not to bid or for what price. Price estimates (which are determined well in advance of the auction and are therefore subject to revision) and condition reports are provided solely as a convenience to Bidders and are not intended nor shall they be relied on by Bidders as statements, representations or warranties of actual value or predictions of final bid prices. 55. Bidders are accorded the opportunity to inspect the lots and to otherwise satisfy themselves as to the nature and sufficiency of each lot prior to bidding, and RR Auction urges Bidders to avail themselves accordingly. 56. FIREARMS. Auctioneer complies with all Federal and State rules and regulations relating to the purchasing, registration and shipping of firearms. A Bidder is required to provide appropriate documents and the payment of associated fees, if any. Bidder is responsible for providing a shipping address that is suitable for the receipt of a firearm. Important Notice: Many identical versions of props and costumes are created for film and television productions in the normal course of a production. RR Auction does not warrant or represent that the screen shots referenced are exact images of the offered item (unless specifically noted in the written description). Use of a screen shot does not constitute a warranty or representation of authenticity or provenance. There is not a right of return or refund based upon a claim arising out of or pertaining to any reference to a screen shot. 57. Lots and property are not returnable to RR Auction for any reason except under Buyer’s limited Remedies set forth in Sections 58 and 59 below and under the express terms and conditions of Section 58. Limitation of Damages: 58. In the event that RR Auction is prevented for any reason from delivering any property to Buyer or Buyer is otherwise dissatisfied with the performance of RR Auction, the liability, if any, of RR Auction, shall be limited to, and shall not exceed, the amount actually paid for the property by Buyer. In no event shall RR Auction be liable for incidental, special, indirect, exemplary or consequential damages of any kind, including but not limited to loss of profits, value of investment or opportunity cost. Unauthorized Statements: 59. Under no circumstances is any employee, agent or representative of RR Auction authorized by RR Auction to modify, amend, waive or contradict any of these Terms and Conditions of Sale, any term or condition set forth on the Registration Form, any warranty or limitation or exclusion of warranty, any term or condition in either the Registration Form or these Terms and Conditions regarding payment requirements, including but not limited to due date, manner of payment, and what constitutes payment in full, or any other term or condition contained in any documents issued by RR Auction unless such modification, amendment, waiver or contradiction is contained in a writing signed by all parties. Any statements, oral or written, made by employees, agents or representatives of RR Auction to Bidder, including statements regarding specific lots, even if such employee, agent or representative represents that such statement is authorized, unless reduced to a writing signed by all parties, are statements of personal opinion only and
are not binding on RR Auction, and under no circumstances shall be relied on by Bidder as a statement, representation or warranty of RR Auction. Buyer’s Remedies: 60. Under no circumstance will RR Auction incur liability to a Bidder in excess of the purchase price actually paid. The terms and conditions of sale herein described shall be enforced in accordance with, and governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 61. This section sets forth the sole and exclusive remedies of Buyer in conformity with Sections 51-55 (“Warranties”) and 56 (“Limitation of Damages”) herein, and is expressly in lieu of any other rights or remedies which might be available to Buyer by law. The Buyer hereby accepts the benefit of the consignor’s warranty of title and any other representations and warranties made by the consignor for the Buyer’s benefit. In the event that Buyer proves in writing to RR Auction satisfaction that there was a breach of the consignor’s warranty of title concerning a lot purchased by Buyer, RR Auction shall make demand upon the consignor to pay to Buyer the Purchase Price (including any premiums, taxes, or other amounts paid or due to RR Auction). Should the consignor not pay the Purchase Price to Buyer within thirty days after such demand, RR Auction shall disclose the identity of the consignor to Buyer and assign to Buyer all of RR Auction’ rights against the consignor with respect to such lot or property. Upon such disclosure and assignment, all responsibility and liability, if any, of RR Auction with respect to said lot or property shall automatically terminate. RR Auction shall be entitled to retain the premiums and other amounts paid to RR Auction - this remedy is as to the consignor only. The rights and remedies provided herein are for the original Buyer only and they may not be assigned or relied upon by any transferee or assignee under any circumstances. 62. All Lots sold by RR Auction are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. On any lot presented with a Certificate of Authenticity (“COA”) issued by RR Auction, that warranty insures only to the original Bidder (as shown in Auctioneer’s records) “Bidder”. Bidder may not transfer the rights afforded under the COA and it is null and void when Bidder transfers or attempts to transfer the lot. The COA warranty is valid from date of the auction in which Bidder was awarded the lot to five (5) years after its purchase. The COA warranty is valid as to its attribution to the person or entity described or to the lot’s usage. The Bidder as well as their heirs, successors and assigns is also given an unconditional lifetime guaranteed that allows the present owner of any lot purchased through RR Auction the right to consign with RR Auction. When the lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (or its equivalent) from a third-party authentication provider, buyer has no right of return. On lots not accompanied by third-party authentication or under extremely limited circumstances not including authenticity (e.g. gross cataloging error), a Bidder who did not bid from the floor may request Auctioneer to evaluate voiding a sale; such request must be made in writing detailing the alleged gross error, and submission of the lot to Auctioneer must be pre-approved by Auctioneer. A Bidder must notify the appropriate department head in writing of the Bidder’s request within three (3) days of the non-floor bidder’s receipt of the lot. Any lot that is to be evaluated for return must be received at the office of RR Auction within 35 days after Auction. AFTER THAT 35 DAY PERIOD, NO LOT MAY BE RETURNED FOR ANY REASONS. Lots returned must be in the same condition as when sold and must include any Certificate of Authenticity. If a bidder wishes to challenge the Letter of Authenticity within the five (5) year warranty period, Bidder must present with the claim, authoritative written evidence that the lot is not authentic as determined by a known expert in the field. If Auctioneer concurs that the lot is not as represented, Bidder shall be refunded their purchase price. If the Auctioneer denies the claim, the Bidder may file the dispute with the American Arbitration Association with locale in Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County, before a single selected Arbitrator selected by the American Arbitration Association. The American Arbitration Association arbitration shall be conducted under the provisions of the Federal Arbitration Act and the Bidder consents to jurisdiction in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The challenge to Authenticity must be brought within one (1) year if the Auctioneer denies the claim. After one (1) year, the Bidder hereby releases and discharges RR Auction from any and all legal, equitable, administrative and/or other claims, counterclaims, demands, setoffs, defenses, ac-
counts, suits, debts, dues, actions, causes of action, proceedings, arbitrations, damages, executions, judgments, findings, controversies and disputes, whether known or unknown or suspected or unsuspected, whether in law or equity, that the Bidder have or may have had against RR Auction arising from or relating to any claim whatsoever. Specifically, the COA provided by RR Auction, does not provide for incidental or consequential damages or other indirect damages. Any lot sold with a certificate of authenticity or other warranty from an entity other than Auctioneer is subject to such issuing entity’s rules and such conditions are the sole remedy afforded to Bidder. For information as to third party authentication warranties the bidder is directed to contact RR Auction. RR Auction’ Additional Services: 63. For Buyers who do not remove purchased property from RR Auction’ premises, RR Auction, in its sole discretion and solely as a service and accommodation to Buyers, may arrange to have purchased lots packed, insured and forwarded at the sole request, expense, and risk of Buyer. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for acts or omissions in such packing or shipping by RR Auction or other packers and carriers, whether or not recommended by RR Auction. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for damage to frames, glass or other breakable items. Where RR Auction arranges and bills for such services via invoice or credit card, RR Auction will include an administration charge. Headings: 64. Headings are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret the substantive sections to which they refer. Entire Agreement: 65. These Conditions of Sale constitute the entire agreement between the parties together with the terms and conditions contained in the Registration Form. They may not be amended, modified or superseded except in a signed writing executed by all parties. No oral or written statement by anyone employed by RR Auction or acting as agent or representative of RR Auction may amend, modify, waive or supersede the terms herein unless such amendment, waiver or modification is contained in a writing signed by all parties. 66. If any section of these Terms and Conditions of Sale or any term or provision of any section is held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining sections or terms and provisions of a section shall continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way. 67. These Terms and Conditions of Sale and the auction shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, whether or not the auction is and these Terms and Conditions of Sale are fully performed in Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County.
AUCTION GENERAL GUIDELINES Conditions of Sale: Before you bid, you must read the Terms and Conditions of Sale, immediately preceding these pages. They represent a contract between RR Auction and you, and they contain important terms and conditions such as jurisdiction, payment terms, warranties and remedies. The Conditions of Sale are controlling over these general guidelines in the event of any conflicts between their respective terms. Estimate Prices: In addition to descriptive information, each item in the catalog sometimes includes a price range which reflects opinion as to the price expected at auction. In other instances, estimate prices can be obtained by calling RR Auction at (603) 732-4280. The Estimate Prices are based upon various factors including prices recently paid at auction for comparable property, condition, rarity, quality, history and provenance. Estimates are prepared well in advance of the sale and subject to revision. Estimates do not include the buyer’s premium or sales tax (see under separate heading).
Reserves: The reserve is the minimum price the seller is willing to accept and below which a lot will not be sold. Owned or Guaranteed Property: RR Auction generally offers property consigned by others for sale at public auction; in very limited occasion, lots are offered that are the property of RR Auction. Buyer’s Premium and Sales Tax: 10. The Bidder acknowledges and agrees that a twenty-five percent (25%) buyer’s premium for the first $250,00 and twenty percent (20%) of any amount over will be added to the hammer price on all individual lots. RR Auction will only accept cash, check, money order, or wire. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, signed by RR Auction, payment in full is due within thirteen (13) calendar days of the auction or within twelve (12) calendar days of the invoice date, whichever is later. All purchases are subject to the Massachusetts 6.25% sales tax unless the purchaser possesses a Massachusetts sales tax exemption number. Before the Auction: You may attend pre-sale viewing for all of our auctions at no charge. All property to be auctioned is usually on view for several days prior to the sale. You are encouraged to examine lots thoroughly. You may also request condition reports (see below). RR Auction’s staff are available at viewings and by appointment. Contact Information: 5 Rt 101A, Suite 5 • Amherst, NH 03031 Local/International: 1-603-732-4280 Local/Int’l fax: 1-603-732-4288 Website: www.RRAuction.com Email bidding: Bid@RRAuction.com Hours of Operation: Office hours are Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. -5 p.m. eastern standard time; hours on the last night of the auction are dictated by the 30 Minute Rule (see below). Any item in the auction can be viewed in our offices during normal business hours. Please call to set up an appointment. You must acknowledge having read your agreement with all of the Terms and Conditions of Sale prior to your registration and prior to your bidding on any lot. Bidding Live Auction: Property is auctioned in consecutive numerical order, as it appears in the catalog. The auctioneer will accept bids from those present in the salesroom or absentee bidders participating by telephone, internet or by written bid left with RR Auction in advance of the auction. The auctioneer may also execute a bid on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor at or above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve. Maximum Bids – Internet Auction Only: To maximize your chance of winning, we strongly encourage the use of maximum bids. For example, assume an item you want currently has a high bid of $100. Your bid would then be $110 (10% over $100), and you could tell us, “I’d like a maximum bid of $242 for that item.” We will enter your bid at $110, and we will then bid for you until the lot reaches your maximum of $242. If competitive bids only reach $148, you would win the item at $163—10% over the highest previous bid. To prevent tie bids, all maximum bids should be made in proper increments. Maximum bids are strictly confidential. Placing arbitrary, non-incremental bids on lots with prior maximum bids may result in these lots being sold for less than 10% above the under bidder’s bid. Bid Increments – Internet Auction Only: Bids on an item must raise the current high bid by at least 10% or at the discretion of the auctioneer. Checking Bids – Internet Auction Only: You can open, monitor, and/or raise bids as often as you wish. How-
ever, all bidding is governed by the 30 Minute Rule and extended bidding. Extended bidding always goes into effect at 6 pm on the last day of the auction. At 7 pm, the extended bidding ends and the 30 Minute Rule goes into effect. Callbacks – Internet Auction Only: RRAuction offers a callback service on auction night for any bidder who has the high bid on an item whose current bid is over $1,000 and who has placed a maximum bid. At your request, we will call you if your maximum bid is topped. We will need your correct telephone number(s) where you can be reached until the auction closes. Callbacks begin after 6 pm on auction night. You must request this service; it is not automatic. We make every effort to ensure that bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, we do not guarantee this service. Bidding - Internet Auction – Live Auction: To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. If you have questions about this feature, please call RR Auction well in advance of the auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not and cannot be responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids. Bidding - Internet – Live Auction: During live Auctions, internet bids can be placed in real time through the following services: www.RRAuction.com, www.liveauctioneers. com, www.artfact.com and www.icollector.com. On some occasions beyond the control of RR Auction, the bid software or the Internet itself may not physically keep up with the pace of the auction. In order to help avoid disappointment, RR Auction recommends placing a realistic absentee bid now. Since Artfact and iCollector (hereinfafter referred to as “Third Party sites”) bids are not shown to RR Auction until RR Auction opens the lot on the floor, RR Auction treats those bids the same as floor or telephone bids. In most cases, however, the floor and/or telephone responds before the Third Party sites bid is presented, due to Live Internet bid software or Internet lag time, so for consistency it is RR Auction’ policy that floor bids and telephone bids are always considered first over Third Party sites bids with floor bids being considered before telephone bids. Also please note that all RR Auction lots purchased through the Third Party sites carry an additional Buyer’s Premium. RR Auction strongly urges the bidder to resolve any questions about these policies or their implementation PRIOR TO BIDDING. Successful Bids: The fall of the auctioneer’s hammer indicates the final bid. RR Auction will record the paddle number of the buyer. If your salesroom or absentee bid is successful, you will be notified after the sale by mailed or emailed invoice. Unsold Lots: If a lot does not reach the reserve, it is bought-in. In other words, it remains unsold and is returned to the consignor. The Auctioneer has the right to sell certain unsold items after the close of the Auction. Such lots shall be considered sold during the Auction and all these Terms and Conditions shall apply to such sales including but not limited to the Buyer’s Premium, return rights, and disclaimers. After the Auction - Payment: You are expected to pay for your purchases in full within thirteen (13) calendar days of the auction or within twelve (12) calendar days of the invoice date. (See Generally “Payment” §27 through 34 of the Term and Conditions of Sale). Shipping: After payment has been made in full, RR Auction may, as a service to buyers, arrange to have property packed, insured and shipped at your request and expense. For shipping information, please contact RR Auction at (603) 732-4280. In circumstances in which RR Auction arranges and bills for such services via invoice or credit card, we will also include an administration charge. Packages shipped internation-
ally will have full value declared on shipping form. (See Generally “Delivery; Shipping; and Handling Charges” §36 and 37 of the Term and Conditions of Sale). At our discretion, some orders of high value may be sent via overnight or two-day service. Insurance is added to each invoice, with a minimum of $2 for the first $200 of value and 55¢ per $100 of value over $200. Oversized orders will have additional postage added to their invoices. Within the United States, rates for shipping and handling only are: $0–$100..........................................$10 $101–$500.......................................$15 $501–$1,000....................................$20 $1,001–$3,000.................................$35 $3,001–$10,000...............................$45 Over $10,000.................................$100 Additional Cataloging, Warranties and Disclaimers: NO WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO ANY DESCRIPTION CONTAINED IN THIS AUCTION OR ANY SECOND OPINE. Any description of the items or second opinion contained in this Auction is for the sole purpose of identifying the items for those Bidders who do not have the opportunity to view the lots prior to bidding, and no description of items has been made part of the basis of the bargain or has created any express warranty that the goods would conform to any description made by Auctioneer. Color variations can be expected in any electronic or printed imaging, and are not grounds for the return of any lot. Auctioneer is selling only such right or title to the items being sold as Auctioneer may have by virtue of consignment agreements on the date of auction and disclaims any warranty of title to the Property. Auctioneer disclaims any warranty of merchantability or fitness for any particular purposes. All images, descriptions, sales data, and archival records are the exclusive property of Auctioneer, and may be used by Auctioneer for advertising, promotion, archival records, and any other uses deemed appropriate. Release: In consideration of participation in the Auction and the placing of a bid, Bidder expressly releases Auctioneer, its officers, directors and employees, its affiliates, and its outside experts that provide second opinion, from any and all claims, cause of action, chose of action, whether at law or equity or any arbitration or mediation rights existing under the rules of any professional society or affiliation based upon the assigned description, or a derivative theory, breach of warranty express or implied, representation or other matter set forth within these Terms and Conditions of Auction or otherwise. In the event of a claim, Bidder agrees that such rights and privileges conferred therein are strictly construed as specifically declared herein; e.g., authenticity, gross cataloging error, etc. and is the exclusive remedy. Bidder, by non-compliance to these express terms of a granted remedy, shall waive any claim against Auctioneer. Some Property sold by Auctioneer are inherently dangerous e.g. firearms, and items that may be swallowed or ingested or may have latent defects all of which may cause harm to a person. Bidder accepts all risk of loss or damage from its purchase of these items and Auctioneer disclaims any liability whether under contract or tort for damages and losses, direct or inconsequential, and expressly disclaims any warranty as to safety or usage of any lot sold. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Provision: Bidder and RR Auction agree that any agreements between the Bidder and RR Auction including but not limited to these Conditions of Sale are entered into in Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County, which is where the agreements are to be performed and the auction to take place, no matter where Bidder is situated and no matter by what means or where Bidder was informed of the auction and regardless of whether catalogs, materials, or other communications were received by Bidder in another location. Both RR Auction and the Bidder agree that any disputes under these Conditions of Sale, the subject matter hereof, the entering into, or any aspect of the auction, shall be exclusively governed by Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County law, and that any and
all claims or actions shall be brought and maintained only in Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County. THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. The Bidder hereby consents that any dispute shall be presented in confidential binding arbitration before a single selected Arbitrator selected by the American Arbitration Association. The Bidder and RR Auction herby agree that the dispute shall go to binding arbitration in accordance with the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. The American Arbitration Association arbitration shall be conducted under the provisions of the Federal Arbitration Act and the Bidder consents to jurisdiction in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Any dispute, claim, cause of action must be brought within one (1) year of the alleged breach, default or misrepresentation or the claim is waived. After one (1) year, the Bidder hereby releases and discharges RR Auction from any and all legal, equitable, administrative and/or other claims, counterclaims, demands, setoffs, defenses, accounts, suits, debts, dues, actions, causes of action, proceedings, arbitrations, damages, executions, judgments, findings, controversies and disputes, whether known or unknown or suspected or unsuspected, whether in law or equity, that the Bidder have or may have had against RR Auction arising from or relating to any claim whatsoever. Both Bidder and RR Auction agree that these provisions are intended to be binding on all parties in the event of any dispute specifically including third party claims and cross-actions brought by either RR Auction or Bidder, and that absent such agreement, RR Auction would not permit Bidder to bid hereunder. Any violation of the terms of this Paragraph shall entitle RR Auction to reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs in addition to all other available remedies, all of which remain reserved. The Bidder hereby agrees that RR Auction shall be entitled to present these Conditions of Sale to a court in any jurisdiction other than set forth in this paragraph as conclusive evidence of the parties’ agreement, and the parties further agree that the court shall immediately dismiss any action filed in such jurisdiction. An award granted in arbitration is enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitrator’s award may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction. This agreement and any claims shall be determined and construed under Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County law. Miscellaneous: Agreements between Bidders and consignors to effectuate a non-sale of an item at Auction, inhibit bidding on a consigned item to enter into a private sale agreement for said item, or to utilize the Auctioneer’s Auction to obtain sales for non-selling consigned items subsequent to the Auction, are strictly prohibited. If a subsequent sale of a previously consigned item occurs in violation of this provision, Auctioneer reserves the right to charge Bidder the applicable Buyer’s Premium and consignor a Seller’s Commission as determined for each auction venue and by the terms of the seller’s agreement. Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions qualifies Bidder as a client who has consented to be contacted by RR Auction in the future. In conformity with “do-not-call” regulations promulgated by the Federal or State regulatory agencies, participation by the Bidder is affirmative consent to being contacted at the phone number shown in his application and this consent shall remain in effect until it is revoked in writing. RR Auction may from time to time contact Bidder concerning sale, purchase, and auction opportunities available. Rules of Construction: Auctioneer presents properties in a number of collectible fields, and as such, specific venues have promulgated supplemental Terms and Conditions. Nothing herein shall be construed to waive the general Terms and Conditions of Auction by these additional rules and shall be construed to give force and effect to the rules in their entirety. TERMINOLOGY Condition: Each item in the catalog is described with a statement of opinion indicating its overall condition. The condition of the items we offer generally falls into the following range: good—very good—fine—very fine. Treated as a scale of 1 to 4, good describes an item that has as many as several flaws, which are described in detail; very fine describes an
item whose condition and appearance may be regarded as flawless and superior in every respect. Most of the items we offer are in fine condition, meaning that there are no serious flaws. While we make every effort to describe flaws that materially affect appearance and value, we generally do not specify minor or routine flaws, such as (but not limited to) pencil or secretarial notations, mailing folds to letters, normal aging to paper, or tiny bends or creases from normal handling. We encourage prospective bidders to examine the image(s) of each item closely and to contact us with specific inquiries regarding condition. Group Lots: In descriptions of group lots of two or more items, every effort is made to mention any obvious flaws. Bidders should note that condition for group lots is given as a general statement or range, and that specific flaws to single items within the group may be omitted in the interest of catalog space. Questions about group lots, or specific items within a group lot, should be addressed before the close of the auction to Stacey Jordan (Stacey.Jordan@RRAuction.com). Matted and Framed: Many of the items offered for sale in our monthly auctions are described as matted and/or framed. We do not remove items from frames; the given dimensions of items housed in a frame and/or mat indicate sight size only. Photographs and other ephemera used with matted and framed items are not subject to description and condition statements, nor are they considered a reason for return. Condition refers only to the item and not the mat or frame. Our terms of return apply only to the item and not the matting and framing. Any item that is removed from the frame cannot be returned. Returns are only accepted when there is an authenticity question or the description of the item is incorrect. Abbreviations and Terms: ALS - Autograph Letter Signed (a letter entirely handwritten and signed by the given personality) ANS - Autograph Note Signed (a shorter ALS) AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed DS - Document Signed Endorsement - A signature on the reverse of a check, or a signature on a document indicationg approval or further instructions Ephemera - An unsigned item FDC - First Day Cover Inscribed - “Personalized” ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph LS - Letter Signed (a letter in a secretary’s hand, but signed by the given personality) Souvenir Typescript - An excerpt from a speech, book, film, etc. or an account of an incident, typed by a collector and signed by the individual noted SP - Signed Photograph Sweet spot - The area on the baseball where the stitched lines are closest together. TLS - Typed Letter Signed Book Grading: Fine (F) - unused, no damage Near Fine (NF) - one or two very minor flaws Very Good (VG) - some signs of wear, but overall sound Good (G) - well-worn but complete Poor (P) - heavily worn, sufficient as a “Reading Copy” All defects will be noted. For complete book grading guide, please check online.
RRAuction.com
(800) 937-3880
Auction gallery
OPERATIONS CENTER
236 Commercial St., Suite 100 Boston, Massachusetts 02109
5 Route 101A, Suite 5 Amherst, New Hampshire 03031
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM If you will be attending our sale for the first time and would like to expedite the registration process, you may fill out this form and forward it to our office prior to the sale and we will place your information on file.
Name _________________________________________________
Email ___________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________ Telephone _____________________________________
State ____________ Zip ___________
Fax _____________________________________
Driver’s License Number________________________________________________ Issuing State _________ What associations do you hold membership with? (optional)
Visa
MasterCard
Manuscript Society
UACC
PADA
Discover
Credit Card Number* __________________________________________ Expiration Date _______________ *Credit Card information is to secure bid only.
I have read, fully understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Sale set forth in this catalog. It is recommended that you telephone us after mailing or faxing bids for confirmation of receipt.
Signature _______________________________________________
Date __________________________
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU CAN ALSO REGISTER ONLINE AT www.RRAuction.com!
RRAuction.com
(800) 937-3880
Auction gallery
OPERATIONS CENTER
236 Commercial St., Suite 100 Boston, Massachusetts 02109
5 Route 101A, Suite 5 Amherst, New Hampshire 03031
ABSENTEE / TELEPHONE BID FORM Please check one:
ABSENTEE BIDS TELEPHONE BIDS __________________________ Telephone bidders: Please give us the number to call the morning of the sale
Name _________________________________________________
Mail / Fax absentee bids are due by 12:30 PM ET Tuesday, September 16. Please call our office should you wish to arrange a live phone bid the day of the auction. Absentee phone bids can be made by calling our offices at (800) 937-3880 up to 12:30 PM ET on Tuesday, September 16.
Email ___________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________ Telephone _____________________________________ Lot Number
State ____________ Zip ___________
Fax _____________________________________
Lot Title
Max Bid Amount
It is recommended that you telephone us after mailing or faxing bids for confirmation of receipt. I have read, fully understand
and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Sale set forth in this catalog. Please place the following bids on my behalf in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of Sale.
Signature _______________________________________________
Date __________________________
Recognized and respected for our
REMARKABLE RESULTS
$306,667
$264,000
$185,968
LIVE & ONLINE
$364,452
Our auctions continually command the attention of serious collectors and consignors around the world. Last year alone we exceeded $13,000,000 in sales. Each month, our color catalog showcases the rare and remarkable from fields including space and aviation, military, presidents, art and literature, classic and modern music, entertainment, and sports—all fully-authenticated and backed by our 100% guarantee. We have a 30-year history of record-breaking results, with more records still to be broken.
www.RRAuction.com | (800) 937-3880
It’s the perfect spot for
gallery
The North End is steeped in history The Old North Church, the Paul Revere House, key stops along the Freedom Trail—Boston’s venerable North End is home to some American history heavyweights. Now it’s our home, too. Here, collectors and consignors can attend special auction events, preview featured items, and schedule professional appraisals—just as they’ve done for years in our New Hampshire office, where it’s still business as usual. RR Auction has a long history of achieving record-shattering results; with our new gallery situated in one of America’s most historic communities, we see a future filled with even more remarkable results.
(800) 937-3880 | www.RRAuction.com
Remarkable Rarity Auction Live Auction September 18 Boston, MA
www.RRAuction.com