Remarkable Rarities Live Sale January 22, 2015 at 1:00 pm EST | Boston, Massachusetts
How to participate Bid in person
Thursday, January 22 Attend the auction and bid live. The auction will be held at the Omni Parker House, 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108, and starts promptly at 1:00 pm EST.
Bid by internet
Thursday, January 15 - Wednesday, January 21 Visit www.RRAuction.com to place bids on lots before the live auction begins. Pre-live auction bidding will close at 12:00 pm EST, January 21. Thursday, January 22 Live bidding begins at www.RRAuction.com at 1:00 pm EST.
Bid by phone
Please call (603) 732-4280 today to schedule a live auction phone call. You may also call to leave absentee bids if unable to attend.
Bid by email
You can email your bids to Sue Recks (Sue@RRAuction.com). Please list lot numbers and maximum bids. Include your name, address, and phone number as well as a statement confirming that you accept the terms and conditions of the auction.
Questions
If you have any questions please call (603) 732-4280.
contents LOT 2016 Chiang Kai-shek Signed Photograph
03 China 33 North Korea 35
South Korea
41 Japan 43 Vietnam LOT 2156 Steve Jobs Twice-signed Document
51 Cambodia 55 Laos 56 Iran 57 Saudi Arabia 57 India 58 European Royalty
LOT 2171 Apollo 11 Robbins Medal
69 American Legends 74 Patriotic American Songs 77
Aviation
84 Titanic 89 World War II 91 Ral Echeverria Photographs LOT 2173 Johnny Ramone’s Longtime-owned & Stage-used Guitar
94 Art & Literature 101 20th Century Scientists & Engineers 114 20th Century American Icons
Specialists John Reznikoff, University Archives PSA/DNA Authentication Services Roger Epperson Signed, Sealed, and Delivered / REAL
Contributors Bob Eaton CEO, Acquisitions bob.eaton@rrauction.com
Jon Siefken Consignment Director jon.siefken@RRAuction.com
Evan Mugford Writer evan.mugford@rrauction.com
Carla Eaton Owner, Auctioneer carla.eaton@rrauction.com
Kelly Daniell Consignment Representative kelly.daniell@rrauction.com
Adam Karr Shipping Supervisor shipping@rrauction.com
Bobby Livingston Executive Vice President, Public Relations bobby.livingston@rrauction.com
Linda Hernandez Consignor Customer Service linda.hernandez@rrauction.com
Joe Doucette Inventory Executive joe.doucette@rrauction.com
Erika Rosenfeld Managing Editor erika.rosenfeld@rrauction.com
Sue Recks Customer Service Executive sue.recks@rrauction.com
Tricia Eaton Specialty Editor, Authenticator tricia.eaton@rrauction.com
Sarina Carlo Creative Director sarina.carlo@rrauction.com
Bill White Lead Authenticator bill.white@rrauction.com
Annie Nichols Junior Art Director annie.nichols@rrauction.com
Dan McCarthy Writer, Researcher dan.mccarthy@rrauction.com
Robert S. Eaton Sr. 1940–2001
Bobby Eaton Vice President of Operations Auctioneer, MA/Lic. #3214 bobby.eaton@rrauction.com Mandy Eaton-Casey Finance Manager amanda.casey@rrauction.com Elizebeth Otto Consignment Director elizebeth.otto@rrauction.com
World
Remarkable Rarities Auction
Leaders RR Auction is opening our January 22, 2015 live Remarkable Rarities Auction with a spectacular assortment of scarce Asian Leaders autographs.
Beginning in China, with the seldom-seen signature of the country’s first president, Sun Yat-sen, we are offering an impressive assortment of nearly fifty rare signatures from this incredible world power. Additionally represented are: Japan, North and South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Our clients will discover many rarely encountered autographs here among the nearly 100 scarce and desirable examples, many of which are being offered for the first time.
China
Sun Yat-sen
The highly esteemed first president of China
2001 Sun Yat-sen Signature Estimate $6,000 - 8,000
Founding father and first president of the Republic of China (1866–1925). Ink signature in English and Chinese on a 5 x 1.75 slip affixed to a 7.5 x 6.25 album page, which also bears two additional affixed signatures. In fine condition. Sun’s term as president was quite brief, as he resigned less than three months after taking office due to pressure from the Imperial army. A very rare offering from one of the greatest and most widely revered leaders of modern China.
4 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Wang Daxie
Stunning youthful portrait of the twice-serving Premier
2002 Wang Daxie Signed Photograph Estimate $800 - 1,000 Premier of China (1860–1929); he was in office in both 1917 and 1922. Exceptional matte-finish 7.25 x 9.5 Maull & Fox photo, boldly signed in black ink on the image in English, “Wang Tahsieh,” and again on the mount in Chinese. Reverse of photo bears an official photographer’s label from Maull & Fox of Piccadilly, London. In fine condition, with a small speck of toning above image, and some adhesive remnants to borders of reverse. Maull and Fox, in business from 1879–1885, was a British photography company specializing in portraits of noted individuals: the studio’s time period definitively dates Wang’s age in this photo to between 19 and 25.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 5
Rong Zhen
Striking portrait of the Fengtian clique soldier
2003 Rong Zhen Signed Photograph Estimate $1,500 - 2,000 Militant of Northern China (b 1891). Vintage mattefinish 7 x 10 photo, boldly signed in black ink in Chinese. This exceptional image, taken by Yung Fang photographers of Peking, exhibits their official blindstamp in the bottom right corner. In very good condition, with moderate surface creases and wear, spot of discoloration to background, and slight silvering to darker areas of photo; the overall presentability of the image at arms length remains exceptional. After the collapse of the Wang Jingwei regime, Rong was arrested by Chiang KaiShek and sentenced to death on military tribunal: his ultimate fate remains unknown.
6 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Li Hongzhang “The Emperor of China has bestowed upon you Class II Order of the Double Dragon”
2004 Li Hongzhang Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $3,000 - 3,500 Qing Empire general (1823–1901) who quelled several major rebellions and served as the premier viceroy of Zhili and the minister of Belyang from 1871 to 1895. ALS in French signed, “Thu,” one page, 8.25 x 13, embossed dragon insignia on Chinese Imperial Legation letterhead, Berlin January 1897. Letter written to Monsieur Otto Budole, informing him that the emperor of China has bestowed upon him the grade of Class II in the Order of the Double Dragon. In fine condition, with intersecting folds (near but not affecting signature), a few minor surface creases, and a paperclip impression to upper left; the writing remains impressively crisp and bold. The Order of the Double Dragon was founded by the Guangxu Emperor in 1882 as an award for foreigners providing outstanding services to the Qing Empire.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 7
Taiping Rebellion 2005 Chinese Taiping Rebellion Firsthand Account Estimate $1,000 - 2,000
ALS signed “George Royle,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 9.25 x 11.75, engraved ‘Shanghai’ letterhead, May 20, 1862. Letter to his cousin Hester, written from the H. M. Gunboat Havoc in Kinkiang. In part: “The ‘Snake’ was at Shanghai and I was at Hankau...A monument is being made at Shanghai by subscription of the Officers and men; but the ‘Snake’ has been moving about so much lately that it has not yet been sent up...The First Lieutenant of the ‘Snake,’ poor Royse, as good a fellow as ever breathed, has since died: he was very careful about We s t ’ s t h i n g s . . . There is no place like China for a good steady officer in the merchant service and ‘chin chin him, too much-ee for any’ as they say out here.
Imperial War junks since we have been in the river for different offices, but they never resist us. On one occasion we took more prisoners than the whole of our ship’s company numbered. The people here are at times very insolent and it can never be said to be safe to walk through the streets for there is no saying at what moment you might not be killed on the spot by some of these malevolent rascals, but I take my chance with the rest and trust to providence and a big stick and occasionally to a revolver, but I find that if you pick out of a crowd the man who insults you no matter how large he is and begin and give him a good thrashing he will soon run away and the mob too, but if you run away they will all run after you but if you make a run at a mob of any number they will always run away from you: there must be running on our side or the other. These Chinese are certainly a wonderful race.” In very good condition, with a noticeable tear to the center, partial separations along extremely fragile middle fold (item was not unfolded to image it due to fragility), and slight show-through from writing to opposing sides. Beginning in 1850, the Taiping was a radical political and religious upheaval in which the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom attempted to overthrow the ruling Manchu Qing dynasty. The Qing government besieged the Taiping armies throughout the rebellion, eventually defeating them in 1864 with the aid of British and French forces. A lengthy, interesting description of the conflict and day-to-day life from the perspective of a European observer and participant.
“There is no saying at what moment you might not be killed on the spot”
I have enclosed a sketch of the Han-yang hill shewing the site of the British Cemetery...The people flatter me by saying that the sketch is very correct…the chart, however, on the back is very rough...Up and down this hill is the only walk in summer, because the other one (there are only two) is inundated by the Yangtze and in the summer evenings all the Foreign residents may be seen disporting themselves thereon to the great astonishment of the Chinese who cannot understand why we should toil up a steep hill...It is not my intention to compete with the newspapers in telling you news, for a general rule you get the most correct information in the newspapers, at this distance inland we only hear faint rumours. But it is my opinion that the Tai-pings or rebels are getting a very severe beating. I wish I could come in for a share of the fighting. This vessel has captured 7 or 8
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 9
‘Red Band’ Cover
Remarkable 1904 cover mailed from Mongolia to China
2006 Chinese ‘Red Band’ Cover Estimate $3,000 - 4,000
Scarce Chinese ‘red band’ cover sent from Urga Mongolia to Peking China, dated March 8, 1904, and featuring lovely Chinese calligraphy. The cover exhibits Russian postal stamps and chop on cover, as Mongolia was occupied by Russia at the time and had adopted the Russian postal system. On the reverse of the cover, bearing the Russian Arms internal rate 1k orange and 2k green strip of three stamps, tied by the single ring “URGA” violet Russia Post Office chop, with “PEKING / 13.3.04,” Russia Post Office arrival chop present alongside. The sender was likely of Chinese ethnicity, living in Mongolia as evidenced by the use of Chinese characters and calligraphy. A magnificent display of tricultural heritage and philately—tying together Mongolia, Russia and China—on this desirable cover.
10 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Chiang Kai-shek Exceedingly rare ‘Romanized’ signature
2007 Chiang Kai-shek Signature Estimate $1,000 - 1,500
Chinese nationalist and military leader (1887–1975) who served the Republic of China between 1928 and 1975, including as its president for 26 years. Very early fountain pen signature, “Chiang Kai-Shek, Nanking, April 1932,” on an off-white 5.5 x 7 sheet. Expertly double-matted and framed with an image of the leader to an overall size of 16 x 13.5. In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold. After the death of Sun Yat-sen in 1925, Chiang Kai-shek became the de facto leader of the Kuomintang and launched the Northern Expedition, a military campaign designed to overthrow warlords in the north and unify China under a single party. Chiang’s forces successfully captured Nanking in 1927, and he declared the city as the national capital and seat of his government. Despite the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931, most of Chiang’s focus was on suppressing the Communists at the time he signed this in 1932. This example of Chiang Kai-shek’s signature is extraordinary not only in its early date but in its composition, as it is the only ‘Romanized’ English example of his autograph we have ever offered.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 11
Wang Chung-hui “It is my earnest wish to promote friendly relations between China and her neighbors”
2008 Wang Chung-hui Typed Letter Signed Estimate $1,500 - 2,000 Chinese foreign minister (1881– 1958) who served from 1937 to 1941; a close associate of China’s founding father, Sun Yatsen. TLS signed “Wang Chung Hui,” one page, 8 x 11, Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs letterhead, March 22, 1937. Letter to Jose Carpio reads, in full: “I am in receipt of your letter of March 10th. It is very kind of you to write me this encouraging message, for which I should like to express my hearty thanks. In taking up my present duties, it is my earnest wish to bring about some sort of settlement of our outstanding issues and to promote friendly relations between China and her neighbors.” With moderate creasing to upper left corner and two small chips to edges, otherwise fine condition. The year this letter was penned was Wang’s first in office as foreign minister—a post he would hold for five years; it was a chaotic time during which Japanese invasion would kill millions of Chinese civilians. Six months after he mailed this correspondence, on August 21, 1937, he signed the Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, guaranteeing the Soviet Union’s financial support of the Kuomintang government.
12 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Li Yuanhong Scarce three-time ROC president 2009 Li Yuanhong Signature Estimate $1,000 - 1,500 President of the Republic of China (1864– 1928) who served in office on three different occasions, with his last presidency occurring from 1922 to 1923; a notable Chinese general and political figure during the Qing dynasty and the republican era. Fountain pen signature, “Li Yuen Hung,” on an offwhite 4.5 x 3.5 card. In fine condition, with a bit of light brushing to ink. An exceptionally bold, clean example of this early Chinese autograph.
2010 Wu Chaoshu Signature Estimate $200 - 400 Minister to the United States (1887–1934) who served from 1928 to 1931; he twice acted as Chinese minister of foreign affairs—1923 to 1924 and 1927 to 1931. Fountain pen signature, “Chao–Vhu Wu, Canton, China,” on an off-white 4.5 x 3.5 slip. In fine condition.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 13
Soong Ching-ling
Beloved Madame Sun Yat-sen 2012 Soong Ching-ling Signed Card Estimate $600 - 800 Second vice president of China (1893–1981), who was the second wife of Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the 1911 revolution that established the Republic of China; she was given the special title of Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China in 1981. Blue ink signature, “To Victor Capron, from Soong Ching Ling,” on a “Children’s Drawings” greeting card, measuring 7.75 x 5.75 open. In fine condition, with a couple of tiny surface lines, not affecting the bold signature and sentiment.
2013 Major General Ting Tien Yung Signature Estimate $200 - 400 Vintage ink signature, “Ting Tien-Yung,” on a light pink 4.5 x 6 album page, with Chinese writing above. Below the signature is an official purple stamp identifying Ting as a major general and stating, “C. G. Marianas Service Command, Board of Supplies, Executive Yuan.” In fine condition, with horizontal fold and light paperclip impression to top edge, neither affecting the bold signature.
14 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Alfred Sao-ke Sze China’s first US ambassador
2014 Alfred Sao-ke Sze Signature Estimate $1,000 - 1,500 Prominent Chinese politician and diplomat (1877–1958) during the most turbulent period in modern Chinese history. Crisp ink signatures in English and Chinese, “Sao ke Alfred Sze,” on an off-white 5 x 8 album page. Also signed by his wife, “Alice T. Sze”; Minister of Communications, “Chang Kiangau”; co-founder of the World Health Organization, “Szeming Sze,” and four others. In fine condition, with a small spot of toning to lower left edge.
2015 Quo Tai-chi Signature Estimate $200 - 300 Chinese foreign minister (1889–1952) who served from 1941 to 1942, and was named as the permanent Chief Chinese Delegate to the United Nations in 1947. Crisp black ink signature, “Quo Tai-chi,” above his typed name, on an off-white 4.25 x 1.5 slip. In fine condition, with slight horizontal crease (not affecting signature).
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 15
Chiang Kai-shek
Scarce oversized portrait of China’s ‘Generalissimo’
2016 Chiang Kai-shek Signed Photograph Estimate $1,000 - 2,000 Military officer and politician (1887–1975), one of the most durable leaders of the 20th century, who led the government of Republic of China from 1928 until his death. Seldom-seen 8.25 x 11.75 richly colored magazine photo, potentially from a 1955 LIFE spread, boldly signed in black ink in Chinese. In fine condition, with light to moderate surface creasing resulting from affixment to a same-size sheet of cardstock, mainly visible at an angle, and not detracting from the image’s overall appeal. Chiang appeared on the cover of LIFE Magazine an astonishing ten times over his career. While smaller, black and white signed photos of Chiang are offered fairly frequently, color images of this size and caliber are rare—this is the largest, most dynamic example we have ever encountered.
16 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2017 Madame Chiang Kai-shek Signature Estimate $200 - 400 First lady of President Chiang Kai-shek (1898–2003), also known as Madame Chiang, who was the youngest and last surviving of the three Soong sisters; played a prominent role in the politics of the Republic of China. Crisp ink signature of Madame Chiang in English, “Mayling Soong Chiang,” on an off-white 4.5 x 2.25 cardstock slip. In fine condition.
2018 T. V. Soong Typed Letter Signed Estimate $400 - 600 Chinese businessman and politician (1891–1971) who briefly served as the premier of the Republic of China; brother-in-law to Chinese president Sun Yat-sen. TLS, one page, 8.25 x 11, President of the Executive Yuan letterhead, September 5, 1946. Letter to Episcopalian teacher and writer James Thayer Addison expressing his concern upon learning of Addison’s recent heart attack, in part: “I sincerely hope you have recovered by now, and some day you may be able to resume your interrupted trip and revisit Shanghai.” In fine condition, with some insignificant surface creases, mainly to edges.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 17
General Chen Yi Impeccable image of the Sino-Japanese War’s ‘Poet Marshal’ 2019 General Chen Yi Signed Photograph Estimate $600 - 800 Chinese foreign minister (1901–1972) who served from 1958 to 1972; also served as the mayor of Shanghai from 1949 to 1958. Impressive matte-finish 4 x 5.74 portrait of Chen Yi wearing a flat cap, boldly signed in black ink. In fine condition. A remarkable duet of desirable image and signature.
Chen Cheng
Distinguished military portrait signed as Premier 2020 Chen Cheng Signed Photograph Estimate $1,500 - 2,000 Chinese political and military leader (1897–1965) who served as the Republic of China’s vice president from 1954 to 1965; a notable commander during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War. Vintage satin-finish 8.25 x 9.75 photo, boldly signed in Chinese on the mount in black ink. In fine condition, with some minor surface creases to borders, rubbing above (but not approaching) the bold signature, and neatly trimmed edges. Accompanied by a 1954 onionskin “The Executive Yuan” letter of transmittal. An exemplary photo mailed from his office with desirable forwarding letter; he left his post shortly after on June 7, 1954.
18 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2022 Wei Tao-ming Signature
2023 Chiang Ching-kuo Signed Photograph
Estimate $200 - 400
Estimate $200 - 400
Chinese diplomat (1899–1978) who served as the Republic of China’s ambassador to the United States during the Second World War (1942–1946). Ink signature in Chinese on a white 2.25 x 2.25 card, affixed to a slightly larger piece of red cardstock. Typed notation above signature reads, “Autographed upon request, No. 59.” In fine condition, with faint paperclip impression to top edge and adhesion remnants to reverse.
Chinese politician and leader (1910–1988) and son of President Chiang Kai-shek, who would serve as president of the Republic of China from 1978 to 1988. Nice vintage pearl-finish 8 x 8.75 photo, signed in black ink in Chinese on the left side of the mount. Official red Chinese stamp is present below signature. In fine condition, with minor crease to upper left and pinhole to lower left.
2024 Wang Yun-wu Signed Photograph Estimate $200 - 400 Chinese scholar of history and political science (1888–1979) who invented Shih Chiao Hao Ma, a method of Chinese lexicography; also served as vice premier of the Republic of China from 1958 to 1963. Pleasant satin-finish 3 x 4.5 photo of an elderly Wang, signed in black ink on the front in Chinese, and English, “Wang Yun-wu.” Photo is also signed and inscribed on the reverse, “For Mrs. Esther Farris Collection, Wing Yun-wu, Dec 13, 1961,”; Wang adds his Chinese signature once more. In fine condition, with minor crease to upper right and a slight impression to left edge, leaving both sets of bold signatures unaffected.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 19
2025 Chow Shu-kai Signed Photograph
2026 Yen Chia-kan Signed Photograph
Estimate $200 - 400
Estimate $400 - 600
Republic of China’s US ambassador during the late 1960s. Vintage glossy 3.5 x 5 photo, signed and inscribed in blue ink “Chow Shukei, Foreign Minister, Republic of China,” and also signed in Chinese. With moderate scattered surface impressions, primarily visible at an angle, and slightly irregular ink adhesion to signature, otherwise fine condition.
Second president of the Republic of China (1905–1993) who served from 1975 to 1978; also served as the premier of the Republic of China from 1963 to 1972. Vintage glossy 4.25 x 4.75 photo, signed in ink in Chinese. Scattered light surface creases, trimmed edges, and a few spots of adhesive remnants to the reverse, otherwise fine.
2027 Ji Pengfei Typed Note Signed Estimate $400 - 600 Chinese politician (1910–2000) who, at the age of 43, became the youngest Chinese ambassador; serving as China’s first representative to the German Democratic Republic. TNS in German and signed in Chinese as ambassador to Germany, 6.25 x 5, clipped from the closing of a longer letter. In full (translated): “I take this opportunity to assure you of my most distinguished consideration.” In fine condition, with central vertical fold and show-through from mounting remnants on reverse (not near signature).
20 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2028 Qiao Guanhua Signed Photograph Estimate $200 - 400 Chinese foreign minister (1913–1983) from 1974 to 1976, whose talks with Henry Kissinger played an important role in the drafting of the Shanghai Communique. Glossy 6 x 8 photo of Qiao Guanhua shaking hands with former British Prime Minister Alexander Frederick Douglas-Home, signed on the reverse in ink by Qiao in Chinese and dated June 14, 1974. Photo is also annotated on the reverse in an unknown hand. Affixed to a slightly larger piece of cardstock. Moderate scattered creases, mainly to image side, but a few to signed side as well, otherwise fine condition; signature remains bold and unaffected.
Li Xiannian 2029 Li Xiannian Signed Photograph Estimate $400 - 600 Glossy 7 x 5 photo of Li Xiannian in front of a microphone, signed in Chinese in black ink on the reverse. In fine condition, a few tray ink marks to signed side.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 21
Hua Guofeng
Exceptionally scarce 1979 photo of Chinese-German foreign trade meeting
2031 Hua Guofeng Signed Photograph Estimate $8,000 - 10,000
Premier of the People’s Republic of China (1921–2008) who served from 1976–1980; he was eventually outmaneuvered by Deng Xiaoping, who forced him into early retirement. Hua is generally remembered as a benign transitional figure in modern Chinese political history. Attractive glossy 7 x 5 photo, signed by Hau in black felt tip in Chinese. Photo also bears an autopen signature of Helmut Schmidt. In fine condition, with some minor spots of silvering to a select few dark areas of the photo. Accompanied by a 1980 letter of transmittal from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This fantastic photograph was captured October 23, 1979, during a round of talks between the two nations in Bonn, Germany. That year, China and Germany entered into an agreement allowing China to study the German system of DIN norms and standards and transfer it to China; as a result, early 1980s Chinese product standards closely followed those of Germany. An extremely rare Chinese autograph desirably substantiated by official documentation.
22 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2032 Sun Yun-suan Group Lot Estimate $200 - 400 Premier of the Republic of China (1913–2006) who served from (1978–1984). Two color glossy photos of Sun Yun-suan, 3 x 5 and 4.75 x 7, signed in black and blue ink respectfully. In fine condition, with a couple of light creases to top of larger photo.
2033 Yao Yilin Signature Estimate $200 - 400 Chinese political leader (1917–1994) who served as the deputy Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China from 1983 to 1988. Blue ink signature of Yao Yilin in Chinese on an off-white 8.25 x 10 sheet bearing an affixed photo of Yilin’s son-in-law Wang Qishan, the former vice premier of the People’s Republic of China. Page is also signed by German politician Henning Voscherau. In fine condition, with a few scattered light surface creases.
2034 Ding Mou-shih and Hsieh Tung-min Signed Photographs Estimate $200 - 400 Two items: a 4 x 5.75 collector’s sheet signed in black ink in Chinese by Ding Mou-shih (minister of foreign affairs from 1987–1988) and a 3.5 x 5 glossy signed photo of Hsieh Tung-min (first local Taiwanese vice president of the Republic of China from 1978–1984) signed in blue ink. Collector’s sheet has a magazine photo affixed above signature. In fine overall condition.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 23
Zhao Ziyang
China’s third premier visits the White House in 1984 2035 Zhao Ziyang Signature Estimate $1,500 - 2,000 High-ranking Chinese politician (1919–2005) who served as the third premier of the People’s Republic of China from 1980 to 1987, and then as general secretary of the Communist Party from 1987 to 1989. Bold felt tip signature in Chinese on an off-white 3.75 x 5.5 card, to which a photo of Zhao walking arm-in-arm with President Reagan has been affixed. In fine condition. Accompanied by a 1987 letter of transmittal from his office. Zhao, a revolutionary in his country, introduced the stock market and vehemently promoted trading. The Reagan administration hosted Premier Zhao at the White House on January 10, 1984, in an effort to bolster China’s relationship with the West.
Li Xiannian & Helmut Kohl Scarce member of the ‘Eight Elders’ signs during his first year as president
2036 Li Xiannian and Helmut Kohl Signed Photograph Estimate $2,000 - 3,000 Third president of the People’s Republic of China (1909– 1992) who served from 1983 to 1988; considered one of the Eight Elders of the Communist Party of China. Rare glossy 9.5 x 7 photo of Li Xiannian, Helmut Kohl, and two others conversing over tea, signed in black ink by Li Xiannian in Chinese, and inscribed in black felt tip by Kohl to a German politician, dated December 28, 1984. In fine condition, with light fading to Kohl’s last name. Kohl, his wife, and the Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation, Dr. Jurgen Warnke, paid an official visit to the People’s Republic of China from October 6 to 13, 1984. This photo of Kohl’s meeting with President Li Xiannian was taken at the Large Hall of the People in Peking on October 9, 1984, a few days into the German chancellor’s visit.
24 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Hu Yaobang & Holger Borner Zhao Ziyang’s right-hand man strengthens German relations in 1985
2037 Hu Yaobang and Holger Borner Signed Photograph Estimate $1,000 - 1,500 High-ranking Chinese official (1915–1989) who served as the general secretary of the Communist Party from 1982 to 1987. Hu’s promotion of freedom of speech and press greatly influenced the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Glossy 7 x 5 photo, signed by Hu Yaobang and Holger Borner on the reverse in blue ballpoint and blue ink respectfully, with each adding a 1985 date. Hu adds, “1985. 5.22,” and Borner adds, “6.5.85.” In fine condition, with a few small spots of toning to reverse of photo and minor brushing to Borner’s signature. At the time this photo was signed, Germany was China’s number one European trade partner: the total value of bilateral trade between the two countries that year exceeded three billion. This was 38.3% more than the previous year and more than eleven times greater than in 1972, the year they established diplomatic relations.
2038 Zhao Ziyang and Wu Xueqian Signatures Estimate $1,000 - 1,500 Ink signatures in Chinese of Zhao Ziyang (third premier of the PROC 1980–1987) and Wu Xueqian (foreign minister of the PROC 1982–1988) on an off-white 8.25 x 10.25 sheet. A photo of Zhao speaking with another politician is affixed to the upper half of the sheet. In fine condition, with brushing to Zhao’s signature.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 25
Deng Xiaoping
ROC’s ‘paramount leader’ meets with Germany 2039 Deng Xiaoping Signed Photograph Estimate $2,000 - 2,500 Immensely influential Chinese reformist leader (1904–1997) who was the architect behind the modernization of China’s economy by opening the country to global markets. Glossy 9.5 x 7 photo of Deng Xiaoping at a diplomatic meeting with Helmut Kohl, signed in black felt tip by both leaders. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of transmittal from the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs, dated 1987.
Li Peng & Qian Qichen
China’s first foreign cultural center opens in Beijing 2040 Li Peng, Qian Qichen, and Hans-Dietrich Genscher Signed Photograph Estimate $2,000 - 2,500 Glossy 9.5 x 7 German press photo of Qian Qichen (left, Chinese foreign minister from 1988 to 1998), Foreign Minister of Germany Hans-Dietrich Genscher, and Li Peng (fourth premier of China from 1987 to 1998) posing with five other politicians, nicely signed along the bottom border by all three in black felt tip. In fine condition, with a couple of minor surface impressions, and a few specks of silvering to some darker areas of the image. The photo was signed in Beijing on November 1, 1988, following the opening of a branch of the Goethe-Institut, the first foreign cultural center in China.
26 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2042 Qian Yongchang Signature
2043 Li Tieying Signature
Estimate $200 - 400
Estimate $200 - 400
Minister of Transportation (born 1933) who was appointed in 1982, and later served as the party secretary of the Ministry of Communications from 1984 to 1991. Ink signature in Chinese on an off-white 6.5 x 9.75 sheet, additionally signed by several other unidentified Chinese politicians. In fine condition.
Chinese politician and author (born 1936) who served as vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Ink signature in Chinese on an off-white 6.25 x 8.25 sheet; Li adds the date of January 23, 1988. Signed by nine others on the reverse. In fine condition.
2044 Chiang Wei-kuo Signed Christmas Cards Estimate $200 - 400
Military leader (1916–1997), and the adopted son of President Chiang Ching-kuo, whose military education in Germany and expertise with tank operations earned him a strong reputation in warfare strategy. Pair of festive red Christmas cards with embossed gold writing. Both are signed in black ink, one on the front, “Wego W. K. Chiang,” and the other on the inside, “Wego W. K. Chiang, 1986, Taipei.” In overall fine condition.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 27
Li Peng
PROC’s fourth premier signs a rare photo in office 2045 Li Peng Signed Photograph Estimate $2,000 - 2,500 Fourth premier of China (born 1928) who served from 1987 to 1998; also acted as the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, from 1998 to 2003. Color glossy 7 x 5 photo of Li Peng, signed in black ink. In fine condition, with some signature contrast against dark background. Accompanied by a 1990 letter of transmittal from his Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Beijing. A fine portrait of the divisive former premier.
2046 Li Peng Signature Estimate $600 - 800 Political leader (born 1928) who served as premier of the People’s Republic of China from 1987 through 1998, best known for declaring martial law and backing the use of force to quell the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Ink signature in Chinese, dated June 30, 1994, on a white 4 x 5.75 card with a clipped photo of Li Peng and John Major affixed to top portion of the card. In fine condition, with one corner of photo peeling from card.
28 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Yang Shangkun
Twice-signed photo of the spirited ‘Long March’ leader
2047 Yang Shangkun Signed Photograph Estimate $1,500 - 2,000
Fourth president of the People’s Republic of China (1907–1998) who served from 1988 to 1993; also acted as the secretary-general of the CPC Central Military Commission from 1945 to 1956. Glossy 9.5 x 7 photo, signed on both the front and back in black ink in Chinese. In fine condition. Yang’s 1998 obituary recalled him as, ‘a great proletarian revolutionary, a statesman, a military strategist, a staunch Marxist, an outstanding leader of the party, the state, and the people’s army.’
2048 Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian Signed Photographs Estimate $200 - 400 Two color glossy photos: a 5 x 7 of Chen Shui-bian (ROC president from 2000– 2008) signed in black felt tip in Chinese; and a color glossy 3.5 x 5 of Lee Teng-hui (ROC president from 1988–2000) signed in blue ink. In fine condition
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 29
2049 Zhu Rongji Signature Estimate $400 - 600 Chinese political leader (born 1928) who served as the fifth premier of the People’s Republic of China from 1998 to 2003; he also acted as mayor of Shanghai from 1987 to 1991. Nice ballpoint signature in Chinese on an offwhite 6.5 x 9.75 sheet, which includes five additional unidentified signatures. In fine condition.
Jiang Zemin
Scarce ‘paramount leader’ of the 1990s 2050 Jiang Zemin Signed Photograph Estimate $2,000 - 3,000 Fifth president of the People’s Republic of China (born 1926) who served from 1993 to 2003 and oversaw substantial economic development and reforms. Color glossy 5 x 7 photo, signed in black ink in Chinese. Photo is affixed to a slightly larger piece of cardstock. Minor surface creases, some signature contrast, and a slightly grainy image quality, otherwise fine condition. An extremely sought-after Chinese political autograph on the preferred format.
30 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Jiang Zemin Germany and China discuss bilateral relations in 1995 2052 Jiang Zemin and Helmut Kohl Signed Photograph Estimate $2,000 - 3,000 High-quality color glossy 7 x 9.5 official German press photo of Kohl visiting the PROC in November of 1995, signed in black ink by Jiang Zemin (fifth president of the PROC from 1993–2003) in Chinese and by German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in black felt tip. Information on the reverse reads, in part: “[Kohl’s] conversation with China’s president Jiang Zhemin and Prime Minister Li Peng focused on reformatory politics and the economic opening as well as questions of human rights and the improvement of bilateral relations of both cultures.” In fine condition, with a slight crease to upper left corner and slight brushing to Kohl’s signature; Jiang’s autograph remains pristine. Under Jiang’s direction, China experienced significant developmental growth, though he was belittled by some for his eagerness to obtain approval from the outside world—a point fittingly pictured in this remarkable dual-signed photograph.
2053 Li Ruihuan and Helmut Kohl Signed Photograph Estimate $200 - 400 Chinese politician (born 1934) who was a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China from 1992 to 2002. Color glossy 9.5 x 7 photo, signed in Chinese by Li Ruihuan in black ink and by Helmut Kohl in black felt tip. Photo is signed again on the reverse by Li. In fine condition, with slightly irregular ink adhesion to signature on reverse.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 31
Hu Jintao
Rare signed image of the PROC’s sixth president 2054 Hu Jintao Signed Photograph Estimate $2,000 - 2,500 Paramount leader of China (born 1942) who held several high-level positions, including sixth president of the People’s Republic of China (2003–2013). Color glossy 5 x 7 photo, signed in blue felt tip in Chinese. Minor surface creasing and photo being affixed to a same-sized piece of cardstock, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a 2002 letter of transmittal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Over his decade-long tenure, Hu witnessed consistent economic growth and development, cementing China as a major world power.
2055 Chang Jing-fu Signature Estimate $200 - 400 Chinese politician (born 1948) who served as the governor of Taiwan Province in 2009-2010. Blue ink signature of Chiang Jing-fu in Chinese on an off-white 6 x 3 folded slip. In fine condition, with a typed German clipping affixed to another segment of the folded paper, which does not affect signed portion and could easily be could be trimmed.
32 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
North Korea
Kim Il-sung
Exceedingly scarce first president of North Korea 2061 Kim Il-sung Signature Estimate $2,000 - 2,500 The autocratic leader (1912–1994) of North Korea from its establishment in 1948 until his death in 1994, known for establishing an all-pervasive cult of personality that has continued under his successors, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. Superlative ink signature of Kim Il-sung on a high quality off-white 7.25 x 4.75 sheet. Removably matted in corner mounts with a portrait to an overall size of 8.25 x 11.75. In very fine condition. Accompanied by an official letter and envelope from the Korean Society for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, dated January 6, 1974, in part: “We are pleased to have come to know who you are doing such a work as deepening the friendship and understanding between all the peoples by organizing various forms of exhibitions…We who are attached to the friendship and solidarity with many friends of the world hope to have close contacts with you in the days to come. Our people were imposed upon the 36 year-long slavish life under the Japanese imperial colonial rule…President Kim Il Sung, the respected and beloved leader of the Korean people has correctly organized and led the Korean revolution to victory…Some time ago, we sent you the ‘Brief History of the Revolutionary Activities of Comrade Kim Il Sung’ and some publications to help you in having understanding of our country.” An immensely desirable signature by the influential and controversial world leader.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 33
Kim Il
Official 1973 card from the revolutionary-turned-cherished leader 2062 Kim Il Signed Compliment Card Estimate $800 - 1,200 North Korean politician (1910–1984) who joined the underground Communist Party in 1932 and fought the Japanese occupation beginning in 1935; he went on to serve as prime minister from 1972 to 1976. An official compliment card embossed on the front in gold Korean characters, 5.5 x 4, dated 1973 inside, signed on the front in black ballpoint. A small pencil collector’s notation identifies Kim Il at the bottom. In fine condition. An exceedingly scarce signature of this early North Korean figure.
2063 Choe Deok-sin Signature
2064 Ri Jong-ok Signed Compliment Card
Estimate $200 - 400
Estimate $200 - 400
Felt tip signature, “Choi Duk-Shin,” on an offwhite 2.5 x .5 slip affixed to a slightly larger purple card. In fine condition.
An official compliment card embossed on the front in gold Korean characters, 7.75 x 5, no date, signed in black ink. In fine condition, with a small stain to the lower edge.
34 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
South Korea
Park Chung-hee Stately portrait of the betrayed South Korean president
2065 Park Chung-hee Signed Photograph Estimate $2,000 - 3,000 South Korean military leader (1917– 1979) who seized power in a 1961 coup d’etat; he was assassinated by the director of his own security force. Rare color satin-finish 5.25 x 7.5 photo of Park Chung-hee in a handsome formal pose, signed in black ink. Displayed in its original 7.25 x 9.25 presentation folder. In fine condition. An extremely scarce portrait of the notorious Korean leader, including the highly desirable gilt-embossed presentation folder.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 35
Park Chung-hee Desirable 1967 signature 2066 Park Chung-hee Signature Estimate $1,000 - 2,000 Fountain pen signature of Park Chung-hee on an off-white 8 x 4 card bearing an affixed postage stamp, dated July 4, 1967. Removably matted in corner mounts with a portrait to an overall size of 8.25 x 11.75. In fine condition. Park Chung-hee was elected as president of South Korea in 1963 as the candidate of the newly created Democratic Republican Party, narrowly defeating the incumbent Yun Bo-seon. He was easily re-elected on May 3, 1967, just two months before signing this autograph.
2067 Syngman Rhee Signature Estimate $200 - 400 First president of South Korea (1875–1965) from 1948 until his resignation in 1960, leading his nation through the Korean War. Ink signature, “Syngman Rhee,” on an off-white 4.25 x 5.25 slip of Kyung Mu Dai, Seoul, letterhead bearing an affixed photo. Affixed to a slightly larger card. In fine condition.
36 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2068 Chung Il-kwon Signed Photograph Estimate $400 - 600 South Korean politician, diplomat, and soldier (1917–1994) who served as prime minister from 1964 to 1970. Glossy 8 x 10 photo, signed in blue ink. In very good condition, with moderate scattered creases and impressions, and light contrast to the signature against the dark background.
Choi Kyu-hah 2070 Choi Kyu-hah Signature Estimate $400 - 600 Politician (1919–2006) who served as South Korea’s prime minister from 1975 to 1979 and president from 1979 to 1980. Felt tip signature of Choi Kyu-hah on an off-white 4.5 x 2.75 card. Removably matted in corner mounts with a portrait to an overall size of 8.25 x 11.75. In fine condition.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 37
2072 Yun Bo-seon Typed Letter Signed Estimate $400 - 600 Second president of South Korea (1897–1990) who served from 1960 to 1962 before being replaced by Park Chung-hee as a result of the May 16 coup. TLS signed “Posun yun,” one page, 7 x 10.5, personal letterhead, March 28, 1972. In part: “Enclosed are the Visiting card and a photograph…I hpoe [sic] these will add on to your unique collection.” A small repaired tear to the top edge and some show-through from another sheet affixed to the reverse, otherwise fine condition.
2073 Baek Du-jin Typed Letter Signed Estimate $200 - 400 South Korean politician (1908–1993) who served as prime minister twice, during 1953–54 and 1970–71. TLS, one page, 6 x 7, Office of the Chairman, The Yusinjeonguhoe letterhead, June 13, 1975. In part: “In Compliance with your request, I enclose herewith my recent photograph…P.S. I add some of my careers. I have served twice as prime minister and speaker of our congress, now currently member of congress leading a largest group in our assembly.” Removably matted in corner mounts with an image of a diplomatic meeting to an overall size of 8.25 x 11.75. In fine condition.
38 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2074 Chun Doo-hwan Signed Photographs Estimate $400 - 600 Republic of Korea Army general (born 1931) who served as the leader of South Korea from 1979 to 1988; he was sentenced to death in 1996 for his role in the Gwangju Massacre, but later pardoned by President Kim Young-sam. Two photos: a color glossy 8 x 10 formal head-and-shoulders photo of Chun Doo-hwan, signed in the lower border in black ink; and a matte-finish 9.25 x 8 photo of Chun Doo-hwan and Helmut Kohl, signed in the lower border in black felt tip by both, with a lengthy inscription by Chun Doo-hwan. In overall fine condition. Accompanied by two unsigned photos of his trip to Germany.
2075 Chun Doo-hwan Signature Estimate $400 - 600 Felt tip signature of Chun Doo-hwan on a white 4.5 x 3.25 card. Removably matted in corner mounts with a portrait to an overall size of 8.25 x 11.75. In very fine condition.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 39
2076 Collection of Six South Korean Leaders Estimate $400 - 600 Collection of six felt tip signatures of South Korean leaders on slips and cards of various sizes, signed during their visit to Germany in December 1964, including: Park Chung-hee (president and military general); Tong Wong Lee (minister of foreign affairs); S. E. Kurta; C. H. Park (trade minister); Byong Kwan Kim (military attache); and Kim Ching oh. Affixed to larger sheets with images of the leaders visiting the Berlin Wall. In overall fine condition, with light soiling to one side of the Park Chung-hee signature. The South Korean delegation went on a four-day state visit to Germany in December 1964 to learn about the nation’s economic development, visiting the Berlin Wall on December 11.
2077 Collection of Three South Korean Prime Ministers Estimate $400 - 600 Collection of three items, each signed by a South Korean prime minister, including: Kim Jong-pil (SP), who served from 1971 to 1975 and founded the Korean Central Intelligence Agency; Kim Sang-hyup (signature), who served from 1982 to 1983; and Doo-sun Choi (signature), who served from 1963 to 1964. In overall fine condition.
2078 Collection of Six South Korean Leaders Estimate $400 - 600 Collection of six items, various formats, each signed in ink by a Korean leader, including: Park Tong-jin (SP), foreign minister who served from 1975 to 1980; Ban Ki-moon (SP), who served as minister of foreign affairs and trade from 2004 to 2006, now the secretary-general of the United Nations; Chung Kyun Shin (signature), a military leader; Lee Won-kyung (SP), who served as minister of foreign affairs; Ryu Kun Chang (SP), who served as the deputy minister of national defense; and Tae Wan-son (signature), who served as deputy prime minister. In overall fine condition.
40 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Japan
Emperor Hirohito
“Order of the Sacred Treasure Grand Cross�
2080 Hirohito Signed Document Estimate $10,000 - 15,000
Scarce DS in Japanese, signed by Hirohito as emperor of Japan, one page, 23.5 x 18, December 7, 1936. Document conferring the Order of the Sacred Treasure Grand Cross to Tetsutaro Inoue of Kyoto University, boldly signed by Hirohito. Neatly rolled and housed in its original wooden presentation box. In fine condition, with expected document wear. Accompanied by three examples of the Sacred Treasure of the Grand Cross medals, all housed in their original lacquered presentation boxes and two with their corresponding lapel pins. Established in 1888 by Emperor Meiji, this honor is bestowed upon those who have made significant contributions to academic and scientific research, healthcare, social work, and government. This particular document was issued during a formative period in Japanese history; the devastating Second Sino-Japanese War would begin just seven months later, continuing for nearly a decade as it merged into World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which came exactly five years after the date that this document was issued.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 41
Makino Nobuaki
Extraordinary 1919 Paris Peace Conference quote: “All the people shall be given opportunity to satisfy their legitimate desires”
2081 Makino Nobuaki Autograph Quote Signed Estimate $400 - 600
Japanese statesman (1861–1949) who was appointed to be his country’s ambassador plenipotentiary to the Paris Peace Conference after World War I. AQS on an off-white 6.25 x 4 album page, boldly signed at the conclusion, “N. Makino, Paris, Jan–July 1919.” While attending the Paris Peace Conference, Makino recalls a quote from Emperor Meiji. In full: “Our late emperor, in inaugurating his new reign in 1868, made a proclamation containing 5 articles, in one of which he says: ‘All the people shall be given opportunity to satisfy their legitimate desires.’ The atmosphere of Paris during the conferences recalled to my memory this Imperial message.” Also signed on the reverse by diplomats Guglielmo Imperiali and Arthur Nicolson. In fine condition. Makino’s delegation put forth an unsanctioned ‘Racial Equality Proposal’ at the Paris Peace Conference, rendering this bold handwritten quote particularly poignant.
42 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Vietnam
Vo Nguyen Giap
Phenomenal young portrait of Ho Chi Minh’s second-in-command
2082 Vo Nguyen Giap Signed Photograph Estimate $400 - 600 Viet Minh military leader (1911– 2013) who served as a principal commander in the First Indochina War and Vietnam War. Glossy 7 x 9.5 photo of Vo Nguyen Giap in uniform as a young man, signed in black ink and dated Vietnam, December 19, 1990. In fine condition, with some light surface marks and bends. Giap retired from politics in August of 1991, less than a year after signing this photo. An ideal pose of this key figure in the military success of North Vietnam.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 43
Vo Nguyen Giap
Remarkable postwar letter to a Czechoslovakian ally 2083 Vo Nguyen Giap Typed Letter Signed Estimate $1,000 - 2,000 Viet Minh military leader (1911–2013) who served as a principal commander in the First Indochina War and Vietnam War, serving as Ho Chi Minh’s secondin-command. Rare TLS in Vietnamese, two pages, 8 x 11.5, October 4, 1977. Letter to Martin Dzur, minister of defense for the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. In part (translated): “On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Czechoslovak People’s Army...I would like to send...the warmest congratulations. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia…the Czech People’s Army continuously achieved great[ly] in the building regular and modern military, cooperating with people to firmly safeguard the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, and having the worthy contribution to preserving peace in Europe and worldwide. As a close companion-in-arm of the Czechoslovak People’s Army, we are very pleased with this great success and sincerely wish that the People’s Army and people of Czechoslovakia continues to gain more new brilliant wins in implementing the resolutions adopted by the 15th Party Congress of Czechoslovakia, building successfully and firmly defend the socialist to develop Czechoslovakia more beautiful...we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the support and help in the spirit of proletarian internationalism of Communist Party...and the Czechoslovak People’s Army for the revolutionary cause of the Vietnam in recent years as well as in the social construction stage today. Good for friendship between the people and armies of two countries Vietnam—Czechoslovakia increasingly consolidate and develop well.” In fine condition, with light edge toning and staple holes to upper left. Czechoslovakia had fallen under Communist rule in 1948, making them a natural ally of North Vietnam during the conflict of the 1960s and 1970s, with Czechoslovakia becoming a key source of military materials and weapons for the Vietcong. Particularly important were their exports of the plastic explosive Semtex, which was developed by a Czech firm for the North Vietnamese Army in 1964. The countries continued to maintain close relations in postwar years, with economic ties that were mutually beneficial—even today there is a large Vietnamese population in the Czech Republic due to labor exchange programs of this era. Excellent foreign relations content from the Communist era.
44 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2084 Pham Van Dong Signed Photograph and Compliment Card Estimate $400 - 600 Politician (1906–2000) who was one of Ho Chi Minh’s closest lieutenants and served as prime minister of North Vietnam from 1955 to 1976. Two items: a glossy 7 x 9.5 photo of Pham Van Dong smiling handsomely, signed at the bottom in black felt tip, “P. V. Dong, 6-11-1986”; and a compliment card from 1980, 7.5 x 5, signed in blue ink, “P. V. Dong.” A somewhat noticeable horizontal crease to the photo, otherwise overall fine condition.
2085 Truong Chinh Signature
2086 Nguyen Thi Binh Signature
Estimate $400 - 600
Estimate $400 - 600
Vietnamese political leader and theoretician (1907– 1988) who was the second-ranked communist leader behind Ho Chi Minh from 1941 to 1957. Fountain pen signature, “Truong Chinh,” on an off-white 5 x 6.25 card bearing an affixed portrait. In fine condition.
Vietnamese communist leader (born 1927) who negotiated at the Paris Peace Conference on behalf of the Vietcong. Vintage fountain pen signature, “Ng Thi Binh,” on an off-white 2.25 x 1.5 slip. Removably matted in corner mounts with a photo to an overall size of 8.25 x 11.75. In fine condition. A highly uncommon and early autograph.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 45
Ngo Dinh Diem
South Vietnam’s first president, slain in a 1963 coup d’etat 2087 Ngo Dinh Diem Signed Sketch Estimate $600 - 800 Anti-communist politician (1901–1963) who served as the first president of South Vietnam from 1955 until his assassination during the CIA-backed coup d’etat that deposed his government. Unique pencil and watercolor caricature of Ngo Dinh Diem by an unnamed artist on an off-white 6.75 x 7 sheet, signed in the lower left in pencil by Ngo Dinh Diem. Affixed to a slightly larger sheet. Show-through from typed text to reverse and irregularly trimmed edges, otherwise fine condition. A scarce and highly desirable example.
Nguyen Van Thieu
Vietnam’s wartime president 2088 Nguyen Van Thieu Signed Photograph Estimate $600 - 800
President of South Vietnam from 1965 to 1975 during the Vietnam War, who resigned from the position as defeat was imminent. He left the nation just a few days before the fall of Saigon and ultimate Communist victory, living in exile for the rest of his life (1923–2001). Scarce war-dated matte-finish 6.75 x 8.75 head-and-shoulders photo of Nguyen Van Thieu in a handsome suit and tie, signed in black felt tip as president of South Vietnam, “Sincerely, Thieu, 1968.” Neatly affixed to a slightly larger sheet. Scattered creases (some near the signature area), and trimmed edges and corners, otherwise fine condition. A particularly desirable example dating to the period of the Tet Offensive and increased American involvement in the region.
46 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2089 Collection of South Vietnamese Prime Ministers Estimate $400 - 600 Collection of three items, each signed by a prime minister of South Vietnam, including: Nguyen Ngoc Tho (SP), prime minister from 1963 to 1964; Nguyen Cao Ky (SP), prime minister from 1965 to 1967; and Nguyen Van Loc (signature), prime minister from 1967 to 1968. In overall fine condition.
Politicians including Tran Van Huong Nice grouping of South Vietnam leadership
2091 Collection of South Vietnamese Politicians Estimate $600 - 800
Collection of seven items, each signed by South Vietnamese politicians, including: Tran Van Huong (SP), the penultimate president of South Vietnam prior to its surrender to North Vietnamese communist forces; Tran Van Lam (SP), minister of foreign affairs and a signer of the Paris Peace Accord in 1973; Nguyen Huu Tho (compliment card), president from 1980 to 1981; Hoang Duc Nha (signature and SP signed on the reverse), minister of information; Pham Kim Ngoc (SP), economic minister; and Tran Chang Thanh (SP), minister of foreign affairs. In overall fine condition.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 47
2092 Collection of South Vietnamese Military Leaders Estimate $400 - 600 Collection of seven items, each signed by an important South Vietnamese military leader, many inscribed, including: Do Cai Tri (SP), an ARVN general killed in a helicopter accident in 1971 during an incursion into Laos; Cao Van Vien (SP), chairman of the South Vietnamese Joint General Staff considered one of the most important leaders in the country’s history; Nguyen Huu Co (SP), a lieutenant general prominent in several coups and juntas in the 1960s; Nguyen Khanh (SP), general who served in various capacities as head of state and prime minister of South Vietnam while at the head of a military junta from January 1964 until February 1965; Duong Van Minh (signature), senior general who assumed the presidency after the assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem; Tran Van Chon (signature), a rear admiral and chief of naval operations; and Lu Mong Lan (signature), an infantry commander. In overall very good to fine condition.
2093 Collection of Vietnamese Post-war Politicians Estimate $400 - 600 Collection of five items, each signed by a Vietnamese politician, including: Nguyen Co Thach (signature and SP signed on the reverse), an influential foreign minister from 1980 to 1991; Le Duc Anh (SP also signed by Helmut Kohl), conservative president of Vietnam from 1992 to 1997; and Cu Dinh Ba (business card and SP), a diplomat. In overall fine condition.
48 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2094 Phan Van Khai Signature
2095 Emporer Bao-Dai Signature
Estimate $200 - 400
Estimate $200 - 400
Politician (born 1933) who served as prime minister of Vietnam from 1997 to 2006. Ballpoint signature of Phan Van Khai on a white 5.75 x 3.75 card. Removably matted in corner mounts with a portrait to an overall size of 8.25 x 11.75. In very fine condition.
The last emperor of Vietnam (1913–1997). Ink signature of Bao-Dai in both English and Vietnamese characters on an off-white 4.5 x 3.5 gridded slip, with a small identification label affixed to the upper left. Removably matted in corner mounts with a portrait to an overall size of 8.25 x 11.75. In fine condition, with slight toning.
2096 Prince Nguyen Phuc Buu Loc Autograph Note Signed Estimate $400 - 600 Cousin of emperor Bao Dai who served as prime minister in 1954 (1914–1990). Handwritten note in French on both sides of a 3.75 x 2.75 personal compliment card, signed on a second identical card, “Buu Loc.” In overall fine condition, with trivial surface loss to top edge of the signed card due to previous mounting.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 49
Queen Mother Doan Huy
War-dated correspondence from Vietnam’s last Queen Mother
“Today, living through the bombs of war, I, an 84-year-old Queen mother pray in all days and nights for Vietnamese people a peaceful life” 2097 Queen Mother Doan Huy Typed Letter Signed Estimate $400 - 600 Wife of Emperor Khai Dinh and mother of Bao Dai who was the last ‘Queen Mother’ of Vietnam (1890–1980). TLS in Vietnamese, one page, 8.25 x 10.5, September 8, 1972. Letter to Mr. Richard Peau of Germany, translated in part: “I send you my royal autographed photo for your collections in the incoming exhibition. Vietnam—our country is formerly under the monarchy since ancient times, at less war sword, less killing. The Vietnamese live and work in peace and contentment. Today, living through the bombs of war, I, a 84 year - old—Queen mother, with my righteousness and generosity always pray in all days and nights for Vietnamese people a peaceful life. Recently, some countries such as United States, Germany, and the famous writer, political organization, religious associations were in favor of sending the letter to pray for our Vietnam quickly stop living through the bombs. I appreciate your loving heart and am happy to exchange my ideas with you.” In fine condition. Brimming with desirable content, this letter was composed as the Vietnam War neared its end.
50 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Cambodia
Ieng Sary
‘Brother Number 3’ signs after the Khmer Rouge is overthrown
2098 Ieng Sary Signed Photograph Estimate $600 - 800
Co-founder and senior member of the Khmer Rouge (1925–2013) who faced charges for crimes against humanity as an architect of their genocidal ‘killing fields’ regime. Glossy 8 x 6 photo of Ieng Sary with a walking stick, signed in black ink and dated March 4, 1982. In fine condition. Sary signed this photo three years after the 1979 fall of the Khmer Rouge: he was the only one of the ‘3 Brothers’ to abstain from immediate hiding. An exceedingly rare signed photo.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 51
Long Boret
Scarce example of the would-be peacemaker 2099 Long Boret Signed Photograph Estimate $400 - 600 Politician (1933–1975) who served as prime minister of the Khmer Republic from 1973 to 1975. He unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a peace settlement with the Khmer Rouge during the Cambodian Civil War, and was arrested and executed by them shortly thereafter. Matte-finish 3.5 x 5.5 photo of Long Boret in a suit and tie, signed and inscribed in blue ink, “Dear M. Peter Kohr Jr., with my sincere friendship, Phnom Penh, 28 March 1974, Long Boret, Prime Minister, Khmer Republic.” In very good condition, with a significant crease to the lower left and a paperclip mark and impression to the top. An extremely rare portrait of one of the tragic figures caught up in the conflict.
Khieu Samphan
Uncommon image of the Khmer Rouge leader
2100 Khieu Samphan Signed Photograph Estimate $400 - 600 Communist politician (born 1931) who was a powerful official in the Khmer Rouge movement, convicted for crimes against humanity during the Cambodian Genocide and currently serving a life sentence. Glossy 8 x 6 photo of Khieu Samphan, signed in the lower border in black ballpoint. In fine condition. A seldom-seen format for this uncommon autograph.
52 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2102 Collection of Cambodian Prime Ministers Estimate $400 - 600 Collection of five items, each signed by a Cambodian prime minister, including: Lon Nol (SP), who was prime minister from 1966 to 1967 and 1969 to 1971; Son Ngoc Thanh (signature), who briefly served as prime minister in both 1945 and 1972; Pen Sovan (compliment card), who briefly served as prime minister in 1981; Hun Sen (very early SP), currently serving as prime minister; and Son Sann (SP), an anti-communist resistance leader who served as prime minister from 1967 to 1968. In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a transmittal letter from the office of Son Ngoc Thanh.
2103 Collection of Cambodian Leaders Estimate $400 - 600 Collection of four items, each signed by a Cambodian leader, including: Cheng Heng (SP), who acted as Cambodia’s head of state from 1970 to 1971; Hor Namhong (signature), a diplomat currently serving as minister of foreign affairs; Heng Samrin (compliment card), currently serving as president of the National Assembly of Cambodia; and Sosthene Fernandez (TLS), who served as commander-in-chief of the Khmer National Armed Forces. In overall fine condition.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 53
Cambodian Royalty
including the elusive Norodom Kantol 2104 Collection of Cambodian Royalty Estimate $400 - 600 Collection of five items, each signed by a member of Cambodian royalty, including: Prince Norodom Kantol (TLS), who served as prime minister from 1962 to 1966 and mysteriously disappeared in 1974, presumably killed by the Khmer Rouge; King Norodom Sihamoni (SP), king of Cambodia who ascended to the throne in 2004; and King Norodom Sihanouk (SP, greeting card, and stamp block), who reigned as king from 1941 to 1955 and 1993 to 2005, and was the country’s effective leader from 1953 to 1970. In overall fine condition. A fine assemblage of important leaders.
Queen Sisowath Kossamak 2105 Sisowath Kossamak Signed Photograph Estimate $400 - 600 Queen consort of Cambodia from 1955 to 1960 as the wife of King Norodom Suramarit (1904–1975). Uncommon glossy 3.5 x 5.5 photo of Sisowath Kossamak on her throne, signed in dark blue ink. In fine condition, with scattered surface marks and impressions.
54 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Laos
2106 Collection of Laotian Royalty Estimate $400 - 600 Collection of three items, each signed by a member of Laotian Royalty, including: Prince Souphanouvong (compliment card), who was one of the ‘Three Princes’ of Laos, reigning from 1975 to 1991; King Sisavang Vatthana (TLS), who was the last king, ruling from 1959 until his forced abdication in 1975; and Prince Souvanna Phouma (SP), who was the leader of the neutralist political faction and served as prime minister several times throughout the 1950s and 1960s. In overall fine condition, with light contrast to Prince Souvanna Phouma’s signature.
2107 Collection of Laotian Leaders Estimate $400 - 600 Collection of three items, each signed by a Laotian leader, including: Kaysone Phomvihane (ALS), who was the leader of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party from 1955 until his death in 1992; Khamtai Siphandon (SP), who was president from 1998 to 2006; and Oudone Sananikone (SP signed on the reverse), an aristocrat who served as director general of the military. In overall fine condition, with light contrast to Khamtai Siphandon’s signature.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 55
Iran
Ali Khamenei The rarely seen Supreme Leader
2108 Ali Khamenei Signed Photograph Estimate $800 - 1,200
Supreme Leader of Iran (born 1939) considered the most powerful political authority in the country. Color satin-finish 8 x 12 photo of Khamenei, signed in blue felt tip. Displayed in its original 8 x 12.75 presentation folder. In fine condition, with some edge dings to the folder. Accompanied by a letter of transmittal from his foreign relations office.
56 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Saudi Arabia 2109 King Khalid and H. R. H. Amir Mansour Grouping Estimate $200 - 400 Two items: a color glossy 5.75 x 8 portrait of King Khalid of Saudi Arabia, affixed within its original 6.75 x 9.5 presentation folder, signed below the image in black felt tip by Khalid; and a ballpoint signature of H. R. H. the Amir Mansour of Saudi Arabia on an off-white 9.75 x 7.5 sheet. In overall fine condition, with light toning and soiling to the signed sheet.
India
2110 Jawaharlal Nehru Signed Photograph Estimate $800 - 1,200 Political leader (1889–1964) who served as first Prime Minister of India from 1947 until his death. Glossy 5 x 7 press photo of Nehru seated behind a desk, nicely signed in fountain pen, “Jawaharlal Nehru.” In fine condition, with light bends and rubbing to surface.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 57
King Ferdinand signed “Yo el Rey”
Queen Isabella signed “Yo la Reyna”
European Royalty
Ferdinand & Isabella
Exceptional pair of letters from Spain’s revered royal couple 2112 Ferdinand and Isabella Pair of Signed Letters Estimate $8,000 - 10,000 The first is an LS signed by King Ferdinand at the center, “Yo el Rey,” [I the King] one page 8 x 11.5, dated February 21, 1512. Translated in part: “Senior accountants...in the office of...the most serene queen and princess, my very dear and very beloved daughter: I have been informed by Don Yñigo de Velasco, constable of Castile, senior chamberlain of the said most serene queen and princess, my daughter, that he wished to have copied and confirmed the privileges of maravedíes in the form of bonds and other things…and that if he had to pay the fees for the said privileges and confirmations, he would receive great injury...He petitioned me to order that he not be charged them, and taking into consideration...that the senior chamberlain has the same grounds to be exempt from paying fees...already on a previous occasion I and the most serene queen, my wife (may she rise in glory), ordered that his father, the constable Don Pero Fernandez de Velasco, not be charged the said fees...Done in Burgos on the 21st day of the month of February of the year one thousand five hundred twelve.” The second, an LS signed by Queen Isabella towards the top-center, “Yo la Reyna,” [I the Queen] one page, 8.5 x 11.75, dated May 31, 1501. Translated in part: “I order you, from any maravedies you have received in any way by my order, to give and pay at once to the Greek countess eighteen thousand seven hundred fifty maravedíes, of which I make her a grant. And obtain a receipt, with which and with this my warrant I account you free and quit of the said eighteen thousand seven hundred fifty maravedies. And I order my senior accountants to admit and include in your accounts the said eighteen thousand seven hundred fifty maravedies. Done in Granada on the 31st day of the month of May of the year
one thousand five hundred and one.” In fine condition, with some expected light handling wear to both letters; Isabella’s exhibits a rusty paperclip impression to top left corner which has resulted in a small hole (all writing remains unaffected). The overall crisp presentability of the letters given their age is really quite extraordinary. Here, in 1512, King Ferdinand is writing to the senior accountants of his daughter, Queen Joanna of Castile. Six years earlier, when she was unable to cope with the tragic death of her husband Philip, the young queen was deemed mentally ill and forever confined to a nunnery: she would later be known as ‘Joanna the Mad.’ This explains why Ferdinand was not addressing her directly, as others were handling day-to-day business in her stead. Upon Ferdinand’s death in 1516—only four years after this piece of correspondence—Joanna would inherit his kingdom of Aragon, and forging together with Castile, modern Spain evolved. The year Queen Isabella signed this letter, Spain had partnered with the Republic of Venice to fight the Ottoman Empire—which included Greece—over contested territory surrounding the Aegean, Ionian, and Adriatic Seas. This Second Ottoman Venitian War lasted from 1499–1503, dating the queen’s 1501 letter to the height of the conflict. In her correspondence, Isabella is ordering a Grecian countess be paid a large some of money; notable since their countries were at odds. The war ended in Ottoman victory, causing Venice to suffer incredible financial losses; this letter is evidence Spain endured their own. This gorgeous pairing of correspondence from Spain’s most recognizable royal partnership—the financiers of Christopher Columbus—is a perfect combination. With each letter possessing its own historical value, and both being preserved in such wonderful condition, the attractive framing brings it all together to make an impressive display.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 59
Mary, Queen of Scots Scarce letter related to her second husband’s murder—an event that led to her abdication
2113 Mary, Queen of Scots Letter Signed Estimate $20,000 - 30,000
Exemplary LS in Scots, signed “Marie R,” one page, 8.25 x 12, “Holyrood” (“At our abbey of Halirudehous”), March 23, 1566/7, written to William Keith, the 3rd Earl Marischal. Queen Mary summons the Earl Marischal to a significant parliamentary event in Edinburgh on April 14, strongly urging his attendance. In part (translated): “There are various matters to be discussed touching the welfare of our realm and…issues relating to the prosperity of our cousin the Earl of Huntly” [in Scots: “Thair is divers effaces to be intreated for the welffair of or. realme and… thingis concernyng the weill of our cousing the erle of hwntlie”]. The Queen adds that his “good counsel and advice” [in Scots: “guid counsall and adwyis”] would be very beneficial. With address, later docket to reverse, and very slight traces of a red wax seal. Eight neat slits from the original string closure, with only one affecting two words and not the signature, otherwise fine condition. Document is housed in a beautiful hunter green cloth display folder emblazoned with “Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots” on the front in gold. Third Earl Marischal William Keith, to whom this letter is written, was the Uncle of George Gordon, 5th Earl of Huntly and Lord Chancellor of Scotland. Huntly, a major conspirator of the time, had allied himself with the 4th Earl of Bothwell James Hepburn, Lord High Admiral of Scotland, and third husband-to-be of Mary, Queen of Scots. Huntly accompanied Bothwell and Mary to visit her second husband Lord Darnley, shortly before his February 10, 1567 death; Darnley’s residence was destroyed by an explosion and he was found murdered in the garden. Bothwell was immediately accused of the crime and stood trial on April 12: having packed Edinburgh with armed supporters, he was soon acquitted. In the meantime, Huntly persuaded his sister, Lady Jean Gordon, to divorce Bothwell, leaving him free to wed Mary. As payment for his assistance, Huntly’s family estates were to be restored and—as is foreshadowed in this letter—an Act of Parliament on April 19 delivered on that promise. Mary wed Bothwell on May 15, 1567, and with her reputation destroyed, she abdicated the throne on July 24, 1567. An exceptionally clean and attractive document of great rarity, boasting impressive historical content.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 61
King Charles II
Renews his efforts to secure the English throne in 1652 2114 King Charles II Signed Document Estimate $10,000 - 12,000 Manuscript DS, signed “Charles R” as King in exile, one page, 8.75 x 13.25, with blank integral leaf, the Louvre in Paris, June 25, 1652, to an unknown recipient promoting support for an uprising against the Cromwellian dictatorship. In very good condition, with expected folds, light toning and soiling, seal remnants and mild dampstain on verso, professionally cleaned and restored. The document reads in full (with period spelling and grammar retained): “Trusty and wellbeloved We greete you well. We have received so good information of your affection and zeale to our service, that we are most confident you will—gladly embrace any opportunity to contribute your utmost endeavour to the advacem[en]t thereof and to the recovery of your Countrey from the oppression, misery, and dishonor it now groans under by the insolence and tyranny of our English rebells, who propose to themselves the absolute charge of the whole Government thereof and the extirpation of the ancient Nobility and Gentry of that our Kingdome and the entire subiecting [?] of it so their Arbitrary and Lawless Jurisdiction; which every true Scotchman must from his heart abhorre; And therefore we have appointed Lieuten[an]t General Middleton (to whose fidelity and conduct we have committed the managery of that great affaire) to communicate your purpose unto you, that we are resolved to leave no way unattempted on our part, whereby we may suppresse those wicked rebels, and relieve our good Subjects of that Kingdome. For the better and more effectuall doing whereof We desire you to give him your best assistance, in such manner, as upon conference with him, or with any person intrusted by him to you, he shall make — appeare unto you to be most conducing thereunto. And whatsoever part you whall beare in this good worke, upon information given us by our said Lieutenant Generall. We shall for the present acknowledge, and gratify and reward assoone as it shallbe in our power. And so we bid you hearty farewell Given at the Louvre in Paris the 25th day of June. In the fourth yeare of R. Reigne.” Following his defeat by Cromwell’s forces at Worcester in September 1651, Charles II went into exile in France. The King then pinned his hopes on the skills of Scottish soldier John Middleton. When Charles II landed in Scotland, Middleton became a general in his army, but was wounded and captured at the Battle of Worcester in September 1651 and imprisoned at the Tower of London; he soon escaped and joined Charles II in exile in Paris. In February 1654, Middleton again travelled to Scotland in commanded of Charles II’s troops during the brief Royalist uprising. Subsequent to the restoration of Charles II in 1660, Middleton became 1st Earl of Middleton—in 1668 Charles II made him Governor of Tangier, a post he held until his death six years later.
62 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Peter the Great Modernizing the Russian workforce
2115 Peter the Great Signed Document Estimate $8,000 - 10,000
Russian czar (1672–1725) who ruled from 1682 until his death. Peter was an instrumental force in the Westernization and expansion of Russia into a major European power. Rare manuscript DS in Cyrillic, signed “Peter,” one page, 12.25 x 8, Saint Petersburg, December 17, 1717. The czar grants Artillery Major Johnson Henning permission to recruit craftsmen in Germany. A German translation is affixed to the reverse of the document. In very good condition, with a few small separations along intersecting folds and scattered light toning and foxing. The paper and wax seal are uniformly toned with a couple of small separations to lower portion. With precise writing, a bold signature, and the superb large seal, this is a very attractive piece. This is an incredibly meaningful document in view of Peter’s efforts to develop a modern Russia, as it concerns the increasing connectedness with the Western world. Peter famously studied shipbuilding in the Netherlands in the late 1690s, where he gained practical skills as well as a profound respect for European craftsmanship. He then traveled to England, where he studied urban planning in Manchester. These experiences proved important in expanding the Russian Navy and in developing Saint Petersburg into a world-class city. This document, signed shortly after one of Peter’s tours through Europe, was issued as part of an effort to engage skilled workers from abroad to train Russian laborers and assemble a workforce capable of completing the the nation’s ambitious projects.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 63
Frederick the Great Pens a poem for his masterful friend Voltaire
2116 Frederick the Great Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $20,000 - 25,000
King of Prussia (born 1712) from 1740 until his death in 1786, known for his political prowess and enlightened attitudes toward religion, learning, and the humanities. Outstanding ALS in French, signed “Frederic,” one page both sides, 7.5 x 10, February 27, 1738. Frederic writes to Voltaire!, In part (translated): “Your works are priceless. For some time I’ve been convinced of that truth, but that doesn’t keep me from my obligation to express my recognition and gratitude to you. The little trifles I send you are merely tokens of remembrance, signs for you to recall the pleasures which your works have given me. It seems Sir that the Sciences and the Arts are at your service on a quarterly basis. This quarter seems to belong to poetry. How is it that you are putting the finishing touches to an entirely new tragedy? Where do you find the time? Or might it be that verses flow from you like prose? So many questions so many problems; Or might it be that you are immersed in your Work night and day or it must be that Heaven has granted you an entirely extraordinary facility, in addition to the excellent talents you possess. Your ‘Mérope’ is never out of my hands. It redounds too much to my self-esteem to be the sole custodian of a piece on which you have worked. I prefer it to all your pieces that have appeared in France with the exception of ‘The Death of Caesar.’
64 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Amorous intrigues seem to me to be the essential element of Comedy…As for Tragedy I would say there are subjects which naturally require love such as Titus and Berenice, le Cid, Phedre and Hippolytus. The only problem is that love too much resembles itself and after one has seen 20 pieces, the mind finds the endless repetition of syrupy sweet feelings distasteful, feelings that are too far removed from the customs of our century. Ever since love in romantic novels has been justly associated with a certain foolishness, one no longer feels the emotional impact of excessive tenderness...the lover pining away in the first act...we find ourselves inclined to make fun of him in the 4th or 5th act... the passion which animates Merope is a natural feeling whose voice is recognized by everyone whose heart is in the right place. One does not at all mock what one feels oneself or what one is capable of feeling.
quise [Emilie] du Chatelet [highly respected mathematician, physicist, author, and Voltaire’s longtime companion] whose brilliant mind has made itself known by a small sample. It is just a ray of that sun that was seen between the clouds and that can’t be seen except through a veil. Perhaps it will be necessary for the Marquise to hide her brilliance as did Moses when he hid his face because the people of Israel couldn’t bear his brilliant light; nevertheless I will venture to take on the sight of that brilliance; before dying I must see the land of Canaan, that country of Wise Men, that Earthly Paradise.” Intersecting folds, some mild toning along top edge, and some light wrinkling, otherwise fine condition. Engrossed with the French Enlightenment in the mid-1730s, Crown Prince Frederick began a now-famous correspondence with Voltaire that would last nearly half a century. For the first four years, leading up to Frederick’s crowning, the two indulged their mutual intellectual fascinations with one another, prodigiously writing and enclosing their latest poems, philosophies, and reviews, amidst glowing praise. This letter, written two years into their friendship, captures the intensity of their early relationship. Complimenting Voltaire’s prolific work and range— “This quarter seems to belong to poetry. How is it that you are putting the finishing touches to an entirely new tragedy?...Or might it be that verses flow from you like prose?”—Frederick offers his scholarly opinion on the place of romance in different genres of drama, using Voltaire’s recent reinterpretation of the Francesco Maffei drama ‘Merope’ as the example of the perfect use. Sharing a new ode of his own, he encourages Voltaire to send his opinion of the work, remarking that though he is proud of it, “my eyes aren’t sufficiently open concerning my own work.” His closing comments referring to Emilie du Chatelet’s 1737 paper ‘Dissertation on the Nature and Propagation of Fire,’ are especially interesting, offering glowing praise of her genius—quite opposite the harsh opinions he expressed in private, fueled by his jealousy of the attention that Voltaire bestowed upon her. While the two lived together at Cirey, her chateau in Lorraine, Frederick sent ‘Cesarion’ there to obtain copies of all Voltaire’s works. A fascinating letter revealing the spark of this famous friendship between two of 18th-century Europe’s most influential men.
“Error is so much a part of us, often a trifle blinds us. Whether fool or wise man, when he judges his own work he’s seduced by his own vanity”
Merope does everything a tender mother would do if she were in her position, she speaks as we do, speaks to the heart, and the actor merely express what we are feeling. I’ve written to Berlin for the Marquis de Maffei’s ‘Merope’ although I am very certain that his piece won’t come near yours. The scholarly people of France will always be invincible as long as there are persons of your kind at their head, I even dare to say that I would be infinitely more afraid of them than of your armies with all your Marshals. Here is a newly finished Ode, less bad than the preceding ones. Cesarion [Frederick’s pet name for Dietrich Count von Keyserlingk, widely believed to be his lover] inspired it. That poor boy has an extremely violent case of the gout. He writes me about it in terms that pierce my heart and I can do nothing for him except counsel patience—a feeble remedy against real maladies, but nevertheless a remedy capable of calming impetuous flashes of the mind created by intense pains.
I expect that you, in your frankness and your friendship, will be kind enough to inform me of the defects…in the piece. I sense that I’m proud of it and I’m not pleased that my eyes aren’t sufficiently open concerning my own work. [Here Frederick pens a poem] Error is so much a part of us, often a trifle blinds us. Whether fool or wise man, when he judges his own work he’s seduced by his own vanity. You won’t forget to bestow a thousand assurances of my esteem on the Mar-
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 65
February 2015 Exciting opportunities with our live Remarkable Rarities auction
In addition to our long-time monthly timed internet sale, we will be having a live gaveled auction February 19, 2015. Hosted during a month dedicated to America’s presidents, this auction celebrates several of our most beloved leaders, including JFK, FDR, and Ike. Sampling of the exceptional Kennedy pieces: • Private candids of Camelot’s first couple vacationing • John and Jackie’s 1953 wedding china and silver • John Jr. and Caroline’s first childhood sailboat Visit RRAuction.com on January 26 for the full auction preview
REMARKABLE RARITIES The Rare and Remarkable continueS as we transition TO AMERICAN LEGENDS, GROUND-BREAKING SCIENTISTS, AND 20th Century ICONS.
In the second part of this auction, we are offering an assortment of signed material from over 40 history-shaping notables. A sampling of names present: Geronimo, Ayn Rand, Albert Einstein, Alan Turing, Carl Sagan, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Jerry Garcia, and Johnny Ramone. Here collectors will uncover many rare items with unique background stories and remarkable historical relevancy.
Above: Close-up images of signatures on page 2
Above: Close-up images of signatures on page 3
American Legends
William Barret Travis Extraordinary Texas Revolution document signed four times by the rare Alamo defender
2117 William Barret Travis Signed Document Estimate $25,000 - 30,000 Manuscript DS, in Spanish, signed four times, “W. Barret Travis,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 8.25 x 12, April 9, 1834. Document regarding the sale of a boat. In part (translated): “In the village of San Felipe of Austin…before me the citizen Robert M. Williamson justice of the peace of said village and the named witness at the end along with those of my assistance with whom I act because of lack of scribe appeared the citizen George Huff caretaker and reliable trustee…of the goods of the defunct William Kelly…in conformity of a public notice given in various points of this municipality for thirty consecutive days, sold on public auction on the current date of April 5th the schooner named the William of 54 and 53/94 tons situated and being on the Bafaloe Bayous River in the village of Harrisburg in this municipality with all of its sails, rigging, wardrobe and belongings to the citizen John W. Moore…and grants that in real and public sale…for use of inheritance forever to the said John W. Moore the said Schooner William that is the same that was registered and received a British patent…and that the said schooner belonged to the granted representative of the defunct William Kelly in possession and property, and as such will sell it with all its belongings to the stated Moore for 615 pesos whom he confesses having received in compliance of the said Moore with the terms of the auction…and by this… the said schooner will be delivered to the referred John W. Moore.” Travis has signed once in the final paragraph as a witness, and signed an additional three more times as a witness. Document is also signed by George Huff, twice by R. M. Williamson, and James Darwin. A final paragraph of the document, dated February 27, 1835, acknowledges transferring ownership of the schooner to another party. In very good condition, with minor foxing and edge chipping, light damp staining touching but not adversely affecting the
readability of some marginal text, a few small unobtrusive archival tape repairs along horizontal folds, and expected show-through from writing on opposing sides. All of the writing is very bold—particularly Travis’s four rare signatures. The Robert Davis Collection. This remarkable document connects several of the key figures in provoking Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and the conflict at Anahuac in the summer of 1835, one of the early military actions of the Texas Revolution. The schooner being purchased is appropriately situated in the Buffalo Bayou at Harrisburg, which served as a major shipping center during this period. The purchaser, John W. Moore, served in local government with Travis and later signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. In June 1835, a dispute over customs fees arose between settlers and Mexican officials at Anahuac which resulted in the arrest of two merchants. Once news of the arrests reached William Barret Travis in San Felipe de Austin, he raised a small militia of 25 men—Moore included among them—and commandeered a vessel at Harrisburg to sail for Anahuac and free the prisoners. Travis, Moore, and their militia were quickly able to free the merchants and expel the Mexican troops stationed there, who were led by Antonio Tenorio. As the Revolution progressed, George Huff took on the responsibility of supplying provisions, arms, and ammunition to the headquarters of the volunteer army at Gonzales. Williamson, known as ‘Three-Legged Willie’ due to a peg leg, was an early agitator for independence and during the siege of the Alamo he helped organize the relief forces gathering in Gonzales after receiving Travis’s plea for aid—these 32 Gonzales men were the only reinforcements that made it to the Alamo, and all were killed. Shortly before the Battle of San Jacinto, Santa Anna went to Harrisburg and burnt down the entire town—except, ironically, for Moore’s residence. Travis represents one of the rarest and most desirable autographs from the Texas Revolution, and documents such as this—signed four times by Travis and countersigned by his revolutionary associates—is an absolutely outstanding piece.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 69
David Crockett
Superlative frontiersman full free frank
2118 David Crockett Free Frank Estimate $4,000 - 6,000
Excessively rare full free frank, measuring 9.75 x 7.75 unfolded, with an address panel of 5.5 x 3, addressed in another hand to “John Wickham Esq, Richmond Va,” and franked in the upper right, “Free, David Crockett.” A docketing notation in another hand on the lower panel reads: “David Crockett, 6th July 1829, rec’d 14th will write as requested within letter to Col. Lambert.” Vertical folds to center and left edge of address panel (signature unaffected), a tear to the upper left extending slightly into the address panel, and some mild toning, otherwise fine condition. Crockett had recently begun his second term in the House of Representatives as one of Tennessee’s congressman, during which he stood in staunch opposition against President Andrew Jackson’s policies of Indian Removal—a stance that would cost Crockett reelection in 1831. His correspondent is most likely the lawyer John Wickham, one of the few Loyalists to rise to prominence following the American Revolution. He was a close friend of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, and served as lead counsel for Aaron Burr in his trial for treason. An exceedingly rare format—full, pristine Crockett free franks such as this are seldom offered.
70 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Kit Carson
Scarce 1860s example of the famous Indian fighter 2119 Kit Carson Signature Estimate $4,000 - 6,000 Noted American frontiersman, scout, and soldier (1809–1868) who takes a place among the most colorful personalities in the Old West. Rare circa late 1860s ink signature, “C. Carson,” on an off-white 4 x 1.75 slip clipped from a document, signed while in command as brevet brigadier general of volunteers. His rank is penned below in another hand, as well as an identification notation. Nicely double-matted and framed to an overall size of 13 x 18. In fine condition, with scattered toning and soiling (not affecting the signature). After making his name as a trapper and mountain man who guided John C. Fremont’s expeditions through the western frontier, Carson led Union troops in New Mexico during the Civil War before being sent to suppress the Native American Indians on the frontier. In October 1865, Carson was awarded the brevet rank of brigadier general ‘for gallantry in the battle of Valverde, and for distinguished conduct and gallantry in the wars against the Mescalero Apaches and against the Navajo natives of New Mexico,’ and appointed commandant of Fort Garland in Colorado. An extraordinary piece from the end of Carson’s legendary service in the west.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 71
George A. Custer Joins Union occupation forces in Texas in the fall of 1865
2120 George A. Custer Signed Document Estimate $4,000 - 6,000 Partly-printed DS , signed “G. A. Custer, Maj Genl,” two pages, one 9.75 x 11.75 and one 9.75 x 15.75, November 1865. Document headed at the top, “List of Quartermasters Stores, expended in the Public Service, at Indianola, Texas, under the direction of Captain Leander A. Poore, asst Quartermaster, in the month of November 1865.” A detailed list of the used articles and their applications follows including two different stores of coal for “Fuel for Steamer ‘Prince Albert,’” and “Fuel for Steamer ‘Mustang’ and ‘Santa Marta’ in Matagorda Bay,” Square lumber for “Boatways, Cattle pens, Wharf and Miscellaneous repairs,” locks and keys, chalk, lime, iron, leather, coal oil, and lamp wicks. Signed at the bottom of the second page by Custer. Very nicely double-cloth-matted and framed with a portrait of Custer and a small plaque to an overall size of 24.5 x 23.75. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and a slight brush to signature. Following Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, due in large part to Custer’s admirable service, Custer was given command of the 2nd Division of Cavalry and ordered to begin his march to Texas as part of the Union occupation forces. Becoming Chief of Cavalry for the Department of Texas in October, he struggled to gain control of his volunteer regiments, who had hoped to be mustered out following the war. Though they were finally replaced by the regulars of the US 6th Cavalry Regiment in November of 1865, the same time this document was signed, Custer welcomed his own release three months later, taking an extended leave to explore a possible career in the growing railroad and mining industries. A handsomely signed document from the Civil War hero’s frustrating post-war days in Texas.
72 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Geronimo
Superiorly scarce 1907 portrait of the Apache legend 2121 Geronimo Signed Photograph Estimate $10,000 - 15,000 Chiricahua Apache (1829–1909) who attained the status of legend for his steadfast defense of Native American lands against the United States government. Matte-finish 3.5 x 5.5 postcard photo of Geronimo standing alongside his wife, both clad in duster jackets, with badges pinned to his vest and coat, boldly signed across the top in pencil, “Geronimo,” and bearing the photographer’s imprint inherent to the negative in the lower left, reading, “Geronimo and Wife, Canady’s Photo.” Handsomely mounted and archivally matted and framed to an overall size of 10.25 x 12.5. In fine condition, with an unobtrusive stray pencil mark near the bottom. Depicting the Apache warrior with his ninth and final wife, Azul, this portrait was taken in 1907 by A. B. Canady of Altoona, Kansas. The year this photo was captured, Geronimo attended ‘The Last Pow-Wow,’ a commemorative celebration for the merging of the Oklahoma and Indian Territories. He would pass away two years later, in 1909, after succumbing to pneumonia. An exceedingly rare signed photo—a virtually unheard of format for Geronimo’s autograph—is lauded by experts as the finest extant.
Image is larger than actual size Live Auction | January 22, 2015 73
Patriotic American Songs
George F. Root
“Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching! Cheer up comrades, they will come!” 2125 George F. Root Autograph Musical Quotation Signed Estimate $600 - 800 American songwriter (1820–1895) who found particular fame during the Civil War for his patriotic songs. Uncommon lengthy autograph musical manuscript, two pages, 8.5 x 11, signed at the conclusion in ink, “Geo. F. Root.” Root pens 19 bars of music and lyrics to one of his most famous songs, writing the title at the top, “Tramp, tramp, tramp,” including three verses and the chorus. In full (transcribed as would be sung): “1. In the prison cell I sit thinking mother dear of you / And our right & happy home so far a-way, And my / eyes they fill with tears spite of all that I can do Tho’ I try to cheer my / comrades and be gay. 2. In the battle front we stood when their fiercest charge they made / And they swept us off a hundred men or more, But be- / fore we readied their lives they were beaten back dismayed And we heard the cry of / victory o’er & o’er. 3. So with-in the prison cell we are waiting for the day/ That shall come to open wide the iron door, And the / hollow eye grows bright and the poor heart almost gay At the thought of seeing / home & friends once more. Chorus: Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are / marching! Cheer up comrades, they will come! And be- / neath the starry flag we shall breathe the air again, Of the / Freeland in our own beloved home!” The second page has been affixed to the first at the left edge. In fine condition, with a small tear to the left edge, a few creases, and light scattered soiling. Root wrote this song, published under the title ‘Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! (The Prisoner’s Hope)’ in 1864, in an effort to bring hope to Union soldiers held captive as prisoners of war. It became one of the most popular songs of the Civil War, as the sentiment comforted both imprisoned soldiers and their families as they awaited an uncertain fate.
74 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Sabine Baring-Gould “Onward, Christian soldiers”
2126 Sabine Baring-Gould Handwritten and Signed Hymn Estimate $1,000 - 2,000 Anglican priest, antiquarian, and writer (1834–1924) especially well-known as a writer of hymns. Superb autograph manuscript, one lightly lined page, 3.25 x 10, no date, crisply signed at the conclusion, “S. Baring-Gould.” Baring-Gould pens the lyrics of his iconic hymn, ‘Onward, Christian Soldiers,’ writing five stanzas. In part: “Onward, Christian soldiers / Marching as to war, / With the cross of Jesus / Going on before. / Christ the royal Master, / Leads against the foe; / Forward into battle, / See His banners go. / At the sign of triumph / Satan’s host doth flee; / On then Christian soldiers / On to victory. / Hell’s foundations quiver / At the shout of praise; / Brothers, lift your voices, / Loud your anthems raise.” Handsomely archivally matted and framed with an image of BaringGould to an overall size of 7.25 x 20. In fine condition. An exceptionally bold, scarce example of this beloved hymn of significant historic importance—put to music by Arthur Sullivan in 1871, the Salvation Army adopted the song as its favored processional, Winston Churchill had it sung during a service held while meeting with FDR to sign the Atlantic Charter, and it was played at Dwight D. Eisenhower’s funeral.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 75
Katharine Lee Bates
“America! America! God shed his grace on thee” 2127 Katharine Lee Bates Typed Lyrics Signed Estimate $600 - 800 Educator and poet (1859–1929) best known for the lyrics to the iconic patriotic song ‘America the Beautiful.’ Desirable printed lyrics to ‘America the Beautiful,’ one page, 5 x 6, neatly signed at the conclusion in crisp black ink, “Katharine Lee Bates.” The classic anthem, in part: “O beautiful for spacious skies, / For amber waves of grain, / For purple mountain majesties / Above the fruited plain! / America! America! / God shed his grace on thee / And crown thy good with brotherhood / From sea to shining sea!.” Gorgeously archivally clothmatted and framed to an overall size of 11 x 12. In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold. Bates wrote the original version of the poem in 1893 after being inspired by the view from atop Pike’s Peak; it first appeared in print in The Congregationalist on the Fourth of July in 1895, and the final version was completed in 1913. An elegantly presented example of this iconic poem.
76 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Aviation
Wilbur Wright
The Wright Flyer achieves new heights in a stunning oversized 1908 Christmas image 2128 Wilbur Wright Oversized Signed Photograph Estimate $8,000 - 10,000 Breathtaking vintage matte-finish 11.75 x 15.75 photo of Wright breaking an altitude record in his Wright Flyer, affixed to a 15.5 x 19.25 mount, signed in the lower left in ink, “25 December 1908, Wilbur Wright.” Also signed in the lower right in ink by the photographer, Jules Garczynski. Irregular areas of fading and discoloration to ink, toning and adhesive remnants to borders of mount, and a crease to the upper left (passing from the mount’s edge to below the plane’s wing), otherwise very good condition. On December 18, 1908, as the Wright brothers’ landmark year was coming to a close, Wilbur Wright soared to a height of 110 meters above Le Mans, France, setting an epic new altitude record. For his achievement, he was given the Aero Club de la Sarthe prize. This image beautifully captures that success, showing the Flyer soaring above the Auvours Camp, with a balloon marking 100 meters well below. Oversized original photos of the Wrights’ famous machine are incredibly scarce; with the addition of Wilbur’s elusive autograph, this is a truly exceptional piece.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 77
Front
Back
Wilbur Wright
Guides his 1902 Wright Glider over Kill Devil Hills 2129 Wilbur Wright Handwritten Aviation Notes on Photograph Verso Estimate $10,000 - 12,000
Amazing matte-finish 5 x 4 lightweight photograph of the Wright Glider, labeled on the front by French Army and aviation supporter Captain Ferdinand Ferber, “Wright a Kitty Hawk en 1902,” with extremely detailed notes penned on the reverse by Wilbur Wright, in full: “Oct. 24th E. Slope #2 Hill. An interesting picture of one of a series of glides we made to test the ability of operation to turn to right or left. The machine was started exactly towards our camp which lies to the left of the field of view. When picture was taken the machine was almost at right angles to its initial course. Just after the picture was taken, (in fact the change in the wings is already made) the machine was brought back to a level and landed with the left wing a little the lowest. The picture also shows the inclination of both the ‘Big’ and the ‘Little’ hills with reference to the ocean.” Includes a typed translation to French signed by Ferber, who proved to be a major influence in the development of aviation in France by
publicizing the work of the Wright brothers and raising public interest in manned flight. The consignor, an expert in aviation history, notes that this is the first-ever instance of a pilot explaining these types of flight maneuvers in such detail. The Wright brothers’ first experiments in manned flight was with a series of gliders built and tested between 1900 and 1902. Compared to their initial efforts, this last iteration of the glider had a much thinner airfoil and longer and narrower wings, enabling longer glides at a flatter angle. However, the greatest development was the three-axis control system they implemented using a moveable rudder which became, and was the central aspect of the flying machine patent they later obtained. In its final form, the 1902 Wright Glider was the world’s first fully controllable aircraft and the direct basis for the design of the powered Wright Flyer.
“One of a series of glides we made to test the ability of operation to turn to right or left”
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 79
Kitty Hawk
Extraordinary 1902 Wright Glider photographs 2130 Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk Original Photographs Estimate $3,000 - 4,000 Four historic original photos of the Wright Glider experiments at Kitty Hawk in 1902, 4.5 x 3.5, with three photos of the glider and one showing Octave Chanute and a group of other men under a tent. Two images show the glider in flight, one of which is known to show Wilbur Wright piloting the glider on October 24, 1902, making a right turn. The third image of the glider depicts it on the ground with two men. In overall fine condition. Ferber was an officer in the French Army who—despite the fact that his own attempts at building aircrafts were largely unsuccessful— proved to be a major influence in the development of aviation in France by publicizing the work of the Wright Brothers and raising public interest in manned flight. Chanute was an American aviation pioneer who had conducted his own glider experiments in the late 1890s and later became an avid supporter of the Wright Brothers, frequently offering them engineering advice and visiting them at Kitty Hawk. A unique grouping associating these influential champions of aviation.
Orville Wright & Charles de Lambert One of the world’s first air races
2131 Orville Wright and Charles de Lambert Signed Program Estimate $2,000 - 3,000 Official program for the Grande Quinzaine d’Aviation de Paris, October 7–21, 1909, 5.5 x 8.5, 20 pages, signed on the first page in black ink by Orville Wright and Charles de Lambert. Also includes a vintage postcard signed by de Lambert, four vintage 1909 photos depicting de Lambert’s plane during the race, and one 1934 photo of de Lambert in flight near the Eiffel Tower. Separations to spine of the program and a few notations throughout, otherwise overall fine condition. Charles de Lambert was the first person in France to be taught to fly by Wilbur Wright. On October 10, 1909, he took virtually all the prizes at the meet—and on October 18, he became the first person to fly over the city of Paris during an impromptu victory lap, leaving the Aerodrome on his Wright Flyer, circling the Eiffel Tower, and returning an hour later. An amazing set of items from this historic event, signed by both the creator of heavier-than-air flight and France’s premier early aviator.
80 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Chanute Octave The first aircraft sold in France
2132 The First Aircraft Sold in France Archive: Chanute Octave Estimate $4,000 - 5,000 Small archive of material related to Octave Chanute and the firstever sale of an aircraft in France, comprised of two ALSs in French by Chanute, a shipping invoice, and three photographs. Both letters are to aviator Jacques Balsan, who had ordered an aircraft in 1903. The first is signed “O. Chanute,” one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, December 21, 1904. In part (translated): “The glider you ordered on November 6, 1903, was finished (except for the fabric) in March 1904, the time at which you were coming to America. Receiving no letter from you, I had to take the glider at my own expense.” He then says he covered the glider, and that it was flown by William Avery at the St. Louis World’s Fair in September of that year, continuing, “I received your telegram of September 24, 1904, and I replied that I would be in St. Louis from October 3 for a week. When I arrived, you already left for New York. The glider is back here (in Chicago), it is in good shape, but it will cost you 500 francs if you want it.” This letter was clearly successful, as the second ALS, also signed “O. Chanute,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, February 28, 1905, offers detailed information about the shipping of the glider to Paris. The invoice is for crating an airplane and initialed by Chanute, “O. C.,” adding a note reading, “Freight prepaid Chicago to New York.” The three photos, all measuring 2.5 x 2, depict the Chanute-Herring glider. In overall very good to fine condition. The aeronautics display held at the 1904 World’s Fair was largely arranged by Chanute, who set up an electric winch to launch the glider from level ground. Using this method, Avery was able to fly about 70 feet into the air and travel over 300 feet. After one of the launches, Avery crashed and broke his right foot and the aircraft suffered minor damage. However, it was easily repaired and the glider was sent to Balsan overseas in February 1905. After flying it for many years, he donated it to the Paris Air Museum in 1925, and it remains on display at Le Bourget. A rare, historically significant archive in the development of manned flight.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 81
More images of this archive are available online at www.RRAuction.com
John & Alfred Moisant
Stunning early aviation archive of the utmost scarcity 2133 John and Alfred Moisant Early Aviation Archive Estimate $4,000 - 6,000
Archive of material related to John Moisant (1868–1910) and Alfred Moisant (1862–1929), brothers who formed the ‘Moisant International Aviators,’ a flying circus which went barnstorming around North America; John Moisant was killed in an air crash while making a preparatory flight in his attempt to win the 1910 Michelin Cup and its $4,000 prize. The archive is comprised of: a DS, TLS, and SP by John Moisant; a TLS from Alfred Moisant; several unsigned vintage gelatin silver photos; and some related ephemera. The rarest items are those signed by John, consisting of: an untranslated DS is in French, signed “John B. Moisant,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 10.5, August 5, 1910, filled out by Moisant as a request to attend the ‘Fetes d’Aviation de Nancy’ air meet. The untranslated TLS is in French, signed “John B. Moisant,” one page, August 5, 1910, requesting 3000 francs from Borel & Cie to participate at the meet. Especially rare is the gelatin silver 6.5 x 4.5 photo of the all-metal Moisant monoplane at Issy-les-Moulineaux, boldly signed across the top in black ink, “John B. Moisant, Paris May 15, 1910”; seven additional unsigned photos of the plane at this time are also present. This experimental aircraft was constructed of aluminum and steel, making it the first all-metal aircraft in the world. It was commissioned by Moisant at Issy-les-Moulineaux and completed in February 1910. The untranslated TLS by Alfred Moisant is in French, signed “A. J. Moisant,” one page, Moisant International Aviators letterhead, May 15, 1911, sent to aviator Edmond Audemars, one of the Moisant troupe’s aviators. Two of
the unsigned photos show Audemars with fellow Moisant pilots Roland Garros and Rene Barrier, one of them on their way to New York in December 1910 and one showing them in Havana, Cuba. Additional material includes: a gelatin silver portrait of the brothers together; four gelatin silver photos related to John Moisant’s crossing of the English channel on August 17, 1910, which he made with his mechanic and his pet cat, the first-ever flight across the channel with a passenger; four postcards depicting the brothers and their plane; six gelatin silver photos of the Moisant International Aviators at New Orleans in December 1911, with two related to John Moisant’s fatal accident on December 31, one of which shows the wrecked plane; four gelatin silver photos of the Moisant International Aviators at El Paso in 1912; one gelatin silver photo of the Moisant International Aviators at Mexico City; and a newspaper page with an article about Edmond Audemars. In overall very good to fine condition. The Moisants were a significant family in the history of aviation—in addition to these brothers, their sister Matilde was the second American woman to receive her pilot’s license. John Moisant first entered aviation as a hobby in 1909, before entering Louis Bleriot’s flying school in the spring of 1910. The documents offered in this archive thus date to very early in his flying career—his August 5, 1910, application for the air meet at Nancy, a time trial circuit named ‘Le Circuit de l’Est’ that took place from August 9 to 11, was actually denied because at that point he had completed only two flights. An incredibly rare and historically significant archive.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 83
“According to the way we’ve been treated by England on our return we didn’t seem to have done the right thing in being saved at all”
Titanic
Lady Duff-Gordon Chastised by the press in 1912, the ‘Money Boat’ lady laments
2135 Lady Duff-Gordon Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $4,000 - 6,000
Phenomenal ALS signed “Lucy Duff-Gordon,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 7, personal letterhead, May 27, [1912]. Letter to a friend. In full: “How kind of you to send me a cable of sympathy from New York on our safety. According to the way we’ve been treated by England on our return we didn’t seem to have done the right thing in being saved at all!!!! Isn’t it disgraceful.” In fine condition. This poignant letter was composed at her Knightsbridge residence during the British Wreck Commissioner’s inquiry into the sinking of the RMS Titanic, which took place from May 2 to July 12, 1912. Lucile, a prominent fashion designer, and her husband Cosmo Duff-Gordon were aristocrats who controversially fled to safety on Titanic’s Lifeboat No. 1, occupied by a mere dozen people despite a capacity of forty. The wealthy couple soon became a popular tabloid topic with allegations that Cosmo had bribed the crew to row away faster, rather than returning to rescue others; the press ultimately dubbed it the ‘Money Boat.’ The only passengers to participate in the inquiry’s hearings, it was deemed that the Duff-Gordons did not deter the crew from any attempt at rescue, but that the lifeboat might have been able to rescue others had it turned around. Lady Duff-Gordon would later say that her husband was brokenhearted over the negative coverage for the rest of his life. Correspondence from prominent passengers with such exceptional Titanic content is rarely encountered—especially written so soon after the tragedy.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 85
“The sucking power of the propellers was so great that she broke loose another vessel�
Leonard Taylor
Titanic’s Turkish bath attendant recounts near sinking in an onboard letter 2136 Leonard Taylor Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $10,000 - 12,000
ALS signed “Your loving son, Len,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 7.75, embossed White Star on board R.M.S. ‘Titanic’ letterhead, April 9, 1912. Letter to his parents. In full: “I am on the briney [sic] ocean, & leaving Queenstown we passed Cherbourg last night. I suppose you read about our narrow escape when coming out of the docks at Southampton. The sucking power of the propellers was so great that she broke loose another vessel lying outside port and was only an airsbreath from hitting her. I am very comfortable—getting good food & a good bunk, my wages are low but I will let you know all later as I want to catch the Queenstown mail, I am only writing to let you know I am all right. I will write next week sending full particulars about my none too good job. Well good by. I shall come home after the trip as it is cheaper they issue tickets at £1.” Under his signature, Taylor adds a brief postscript which reads, “The boat’s rocking about.” Accompanied by the incredibly rare original embossed White Star mailing envelope, addressed in Taylor’s hand to his parents in Blackpool, and bearing a Queenstown postal cancellation, with a partially-legible date. In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds and some scattered mild soiling.
Only 18 years old, Taylor signed on as a Turkish Bath attendant on board the luxury liner three days earlier on April 6. His pay was slightly more than £4 per week, which he comments on as “low,” for his “none too good job,” as he would have been the junior man in the baths. As the Titanic left Southampton, it came within several feet of crashing into the S. S. New York, due to the large displacement of water caused by the ship and Captain Smith’s difficulty in navigating through the congested harbor. Taylor mentions the impressive power of the ship, which could max out at around 46,000 horsepower, and was responsible for snapping the New York’s mooring lines almost causing a catastrophic collision before even hitting the open ocean. The content of the letter dates it to April 11 as the ship sailed from Queenstown on that day, with Taylor seemingly too occupied to write the letter he intended to write and send earlier on the April 9. Unfortunately, he would never fulfill his promise of coming home, as he died in the sinking and his body was never recovered. Any letter written from on board the liner is quite rare and extremely desirable, even more so by a member of the crew, and particularly with its very rare White Star envelope.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 87
Titanic
Scarce cup and saucer destined for the bottom of the Atlantic 2137 Titanic Cup and Saucer Estimate $8,000 - 10,000 A stunning cobalt blue demitasse cup and saucer designated for the Titanic. Cup measures 2 x 2.25 and the saucer’s diameter is 4.75. This is an extremely rare set believed to have been destined for the first class a la carte restaurant on-board Titanic. Both the bottom of the saucer is labeled “Stonier & Co. Liverpool, Spode Copeland’s China, England, R4332, Rd No. 580303, White Star Line, ” and bottom of cup is labeled “Rd No. 580303, Spode Copeland’s China, England, White Star Line.” This pattern is arguably the most opulent design ever featured on any White Star Line china. Similar china bearing the identical registration number was recovered from Titanic’s wreck site in 1987. (See p. 99 Titanic: The Exhibition (Lithograph Publishing Company, 1997). Although the general practice was for china to be interchangeable amongst White Star Line ships, the exquisite pattern of these pieces, coupled with very few similar pieces having surfaced, suggests that that this pattern was reserved for exclusive use on Titanic, possibly in the a la carte restaurant or VIP service. Clearly if it had been used on Titanic’s sister ship Olympic, many more pieces would have surfaced given Olympic’s long career. A similar, yet less opulent and more common pattern of china was assigned Registration No. 4331 and may have been used as limited service aboard Olympic. The few pieces of this pattern to come to market have been attributed to presentation pieces (ref. Southampton Maritime Museum, Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom) or to pieces either from, or destined for use, on Titanic. What is amazing here is that rather than just the saucer or cup, this lot consists of the demitasse cup and saucer set. The interlocking letters “OSNC” on the saucer stand for Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, White Star Line’s parent company. White Star Line was known for its luxurious appointments on board its ships. This china represents the best of the best. The unusually exquisite cobalt blue color is so richly blue it practically leaps from the pattern. This set could easily become the pinnacle of any Titanic collection.
88 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
World War II
Winston Churchill
Boldly signed ‘The Second World War, Volumes 1–6’
2140 Winston Churchill Signed Six-Volume Book Set Estimate $4,000 - 6,000 Complete book set: The Second World War, Volumes 1–6. London: Cassell and Co. Ltd., 1948–1954. Hardcovers with dust jackets, 6 x 8.5. Beautifully signed on the half-title page of the fifth volume in fountain pen, “Winston S. Churchill.” Each volume is housed in a custom gilt-stamped clamshell box. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: signed volume, VG-/VG-; unsigned volumes, VG/VG-. As Britain’s prime minister for most of the Second World War, Winston Churchill had an unparalleled perspective on the conflict. After leaving office in 1945, he produced this remarkable account, which holds a very high place in the ranks of nonfiction books of the 20th century. The comprehensive series was a major success in both Great Britain and the United States, and was largely responsible for his being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 89
George S. Patton
Personal copy of Indian Fights and Fighters
2142 George S. Patton Signed Book From His Library Estimate $2,000 - 3,000
Signed book from Patton’s personal library: Indian Fights and Fighters by Cyrus Townsend Brady. Later printing. Garden City: Doubleday, 1923. Rebound hardcover, 5.25 x 7.5, 423 pages. Signed on the front cover in black ink, “G. S. Patton,” and on the spine, “Patton.” Patton also writes the title and author on the spine and front cover, “Indian Fights & Fighters, Brady.” Autographic condition: very good to fine, with the signature on the cover a few shades light. Book condition: G+/ None. No other military leader wrote so frequently in his letters or diary what he was reading, and no leader’s library was so well documented since Napoleon’s. Patton’s library, which was almost entirely inherited by his son, Major General George Patton III, was given to West Point, with just a small portion of books, including this one, inherited by other descendants or friends.
90 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Ral Echeverria Photographs The following three unique photographic archives originate from the personal files of bohemian NYC photographer Ral Echeverria. Most active in the 1930s, his family fondly recalls that Ral “always had a camera around his neck, and he never posed anyone for his photos; that’s why his subjects always look so free and full of life.” These photos of the Lindbergh’s Greenland Survey, the King and Queen’s visit to America, and General Ludendorff’s funeral are all one-of-a-kind, never-before-published, candid examples.
General Ludendorff Unique images of the German leader attending a 1937 funeral
2143 Adolf Hitler Photographs Estimate $1,000 - 2,000 Unpublished photographic archive comprised of 16 matte-finish 4.5 x 3 photos showing Adolf Hitler and members of the army at the funeral march for General Erich Ludendorff in December 1937. The photos were taken by New York photographer Raoul ‘Ral’ Echeverria and affixed to both sides of one 11 x 14 scrapbook page. Hitler is seen in two images, walking alone in the procession; two others show close-ups of the casket, draped in an Iron Cross flag, passing by in the horse drawn caisson. The other images show a military band, soldiers lining the streets, and other members of the procession. In overall fine condition. Ludendorff was one of the most prominent German military leaders and the chief engineer behind the management of Germany’s effort in World War I until his resignation in October 1918. Postwar he became a nationalist leader and joined with Hitler in a failed attempt to seize power in the Beer Hall Putsch of 1923. Both were arrested, with Ludendorff and Hitler found guilty of treason and imprisoned; it was during this period in prison that Hitler penned his book Mein Kampf. By the time Hitler rose to power in 1933, Ludendorff had become a pacifist and no longer favored the Nazi party. When Ludendorff died on December 20, 1937, he was given—against his explicit wishes—a state funeral organized by Hitler, which is depicted here. A fascinating background story of the political conflict that resulted in Hitler’s rise to power.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 91
Charles & Anne Lindberg
Personal candids from their 1933 ‘Tingmissartoq’ survey 2144 Charles and Anne Lindbergh Photographs Estimate $1,000 - 2,000 Fascinating unpublished photographic archive comprised of 27 matte-finish candid photos of Charles Lindbergh and his wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, during their famous 1933 survey of Greenland, taken by New York photographer Raoul ‘Ral’ Echeverria and affixed to both sides of four 11 x 14 scrapbook pages. The majority measure 5 x 3.25 or 3.25 x 5, with one larger 7 x 9 image showing the Lindberghs standing side-by-side on the deck of a ship. The subjects of the smaller images include their seaplane, a kayak journey, both of the Lindberghs individually, and visits with various people. Charles Lindbergh himself can be seen in a dozen photographs, including: two of him prepping a plane wing with some young assistants; two of him near his plane’s propeller, apparently filling the aircraft with fuel; one of him shirtless and sitting on the beach; one showing him in a life jacket, climbing on the plane’s wing; one of him from afar as they prepare for kayaking; and five of him posing with various groups. Anne appears in almost as many images. In addition to the images of Lindbergh with his aircraft, the seaplane alone is the main subject of three images, with its wing seen in two more with a primary focus of glaciers floating in the nearby water, near Angmagssalik, Greenland. Prominently displayed in one of these wing images is the plane’s registration number, “NR-211,” identifying it as their Lockheed Model 8 Sirius which was christened ‘Tingmissartoq’ during this trip to Greenland. Two other photos of particular interest are a close-up of Anne Morrow Lindbergh in the cockpit of a plane, and an aerial view of the glacial landscape. Noticeable vertical creases to a few photos (including the larger one), otherwise overall fine condition. This was a significant trip, as the Lindberghs were conducting a survey across the North and South Atlantic to gather information for planning commercial air routes—during this time they covered 19,000 miles and 23 different countries. It was during their stop in Greenland that the plane was named ‘Tingmissartoq’ by an Inuit boy, meaning ‘one who flies like a big bird.’ Of historical significance are the two photos of this Inuit boy painting the plane in white with the name ‘Tingmissartoq.’ A fantastic group of photographs capturing several relaxed, private moments from this historic trip.
92 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
King George VI & Elizabeth, Queen Mother Unpublished NYC photographs of the 1939 British state visit
2145 King George VI and Elizabeth, Queen Mother Photographs Estimate $1,000 - 2,000 Wonderful unpublished photographic archive comprised of 16 candid photos of various finishes from the 1939 British royal visit to the United States, showing King George VI and Elizabeth, Queen Mother, while in New York on June 10. The photos, measuring between 1.5 x 2 and 9.5 x 7.5, were taken by New York photographer Raoul ‘Ral’ Echeverria and affixed to both sides of three 11 x 14 scrapbook pages. The grouping begins with an invitation pass to be present at the city’s welcoming parade at Warren Street and West Street, with five photos showing the King and Queen as they go by in a fine limousine, including one magnificent close-up of the royal couple in clear view, with King Edward waving to the crowd. Subsequent images depict them visiting the British Pavilion at the 1939 World’s Fair, with the couple appearing in five of the photos. Additional photos show the royal motorcade and a waterfront building. Noticeable vertical creases to most photos (including the larger ones), otherwise overall fine condition. This royal state visit was of special historical significance—it was the first time a reigning British monarch had ever set foot on American soil. With Europe on the brink of war, President Franklin D. Roosevelt recognized the mutual importance of close relations with the United Kingdom and invited King George VI and Elizabeth, Queen Mother, to visit the United States. This visit became a key component in developing a stronger political and social alliance between the US and Great Britain, and these stunning photographs of the day they visited New York are of great historical interest.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 93
Art & Literature
Lord Byron
The poet joins the revolution in Greece 2147 Lord Byron Archive Estimate $20,000 - 25,000
Four evocative untranslated LSs in Italian addressed to Greek patriot Giorgio Vitali, three signed “Noel Byron, Pair d’Angleterre” and one initialed “N. B.,” each one page, approximately 8 x 10, dated between June 30 and July 12, 1823. All four were written while Byron was making his final preparations for his voyage to Greece and are penned in the hand of Count Pietro Gamba, Byron’s secretary and the brother of his mistress, Contessa Teresa Guiccioli. In his first letter, dated June 30, Byron declines an offer of passage in Vitali’s ship and explains that he has already hired an English brig for the voyage. In the second, dated July 7, Byron reschedules his departure to July 12 and recognizes the “momento del forte conflitto.” The third, dated July 9, informs Vitali that in order to not lose a moment of time, Byron has resolved to stop just briefly at Leghorn to take him and an English gentleman [James Hamilton Browne] on board, and asks Vitali to tell his compatriots to have any dispatches or instructions related to his mission prepared and ready for his arrival. In the final letter, dated July 12, Byron again delays his departure, now to July 14, and reiterates that while passing through
Leghorn they should not drop anchor, in order to avoid the pointless expense and waste of time. In overall fine condition, with a clipped triangular area of paper loss to the edge of one letter due to seal removal. Accompanied by an unsigned engraved portrait. Despite his strong circle of literary friends and his passionate relationship with Teresa Guiccioli, Byron was growing bored with his leisurely life in Genoa by the summer of 1823. With encouragement from a group of Greek revolutionaries to join them in their war for independence from the Ottoman Empire, Byron bid farewell to Teresa and boarded the ‘Hercules’ on July 13, the day after writing the last of the present letters. Arriving in Cephalonia on August 2, he funded the refitting of the Greek fleet and sailed for Missolonghi; but shortly after his arrival there, he fell ill and died on April 19. While the vast majority of Byron’s letters—over 3,000—were published in Marchand’s comprehensive, 12-volume edition of all of Byron’s known letters and journals, these four were not, making them exceptionally rare and desirable.
“The moment for the great conflict has arrived”
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 95
“What is this in life that sustains us, we poor children of hunger and thirst...is it not the unattainable that loves and comforts us�
Kahlil Gibran
The Prophet author praises Orrick Johns for his revelatory sonnet 2148 Kahlil Gibran Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $3,000 - 4,000
Lebanese-American artist and writer (1883–1931) best known for his writings on religion and for his best-selling 1923 spiritual-philosophical classic The Prophet. ALS signed “Kahlil Gibran,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, October 15, 1915. Letter to poet Orrick Johns. In part: “How more than gracious of you to send me this remarkable sonnet. It delights me exceedingly, and though it reveals a world beyond my reach I cannot but be moved by it. And what is this in life that sustains us, we poor children of hunger and thirst, but that which intensifies our thirst and deepens our hunger? Is it not the unattainable that loves and comforts us?—and how well you have expressed the unattainable in your sonnet. And may I not know more of you and your work? Indeed it would give me a real pleasure to read your poetry. And if some happy chance should find you again in this city, I would be very glad to see you and talk with you…many thanks for that
wonderful sonnet.” In very good condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds, a few areas of paper loss and several tears to edges (not substantially affecting any writing), and scattered creases. Gibran had published his first English poem earlier in 1915, and became increasingly involved in New York’s artistic scene. The recipient of this letter, poet Orrick Johns, was part of a literary group that included luminaries T. S. Eliot, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway. In 1912, Johns rose to literary prominence after winning a poetry contest for his piece ‘Second Avenue,’ ousting Edna St. Vincent Millay’s famed ‘Renascence.’ His next collection, ‘Asphalt and Other Poems’ was published in 1917; the warm approval Gibran lavished on him here may have been regarding a sonnet destined for that book. An elegantly penned literary letter from the beloved writer to a fellow, well-established poet.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 97
James Abbott McNeil Whistler
Exquisite twilight image of Valparaiso 2149 James Abbott McNeil Whistler Signed Albumen Photograph Mount Estimate $1,000 - 2,000 Magnificent and extremely desirable 10 x 7.5 albumen photo of Whistler’s 1866 work entitled ‘Crepuscule in Flesh Colour and Green: Valparaiso,’ affixed to an off-white 21 x 15.5 mount, signed on the mount in pencil, “Whistler,” adding his famous ‘butterfly’ signature below. In fine condition, with light edge toning and mild rippling to mount. From the private collection of American painter C h a u n c e y R y d e r, whose work can be found at several institutions including the Whistler House Museum of Art. Whistler made a curious trip to Valparaiso, Chile, in 1866, where he observed the conflict resulting from the Spanish occupation of the Chincha Islands. When he arrived in early March, Whistler found a squadron of Spanish ships blockading the country’s main harbor at Valparaiso, along with British, American, and French fleets present to induce peace. By the end of the month, Spain had announced its unwavering intent to bombard the city and the foreign peacekeepers were forced to withdraw in their own interest. This image is thought to depict the beginning of this withdrawal on the evening of March 30; Valparaiso was bombarded the next day, while Whistler had fled to the hills on horseback seeking safety. An absolutely remarkable image in a rare oversized format.
98 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Samuel L. Clemens Early uninscribed double-signed cabinet portrait
2150 Samuel L. Clemens Signed Photograph Estimate $4,000 - 6,000 Outstanding original 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo of a young Clemens seated in a chair by Rogers and Nelson of London, signed in the lower border in black ink, “Yrs truly, Saml L. Clemens, Mark Twain.” In fine condition, with some light rippling to horizontal edges, and small mounting remnants to reverse. Clemens appears to have sat for this portrait during his greatly successful 1872–73 lecture tour in England, during which he addressed packed houses night after night.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 99
Ayn Rand
Astounding oversized portrait of the Atlas Shrugged authoress 2151 Ayn Rand Signed Photograph Estimate $4,000 - 6,000 Extraordinarily rare mattefinish 10.75 x 13.75 portrait of Rand, nicely signed and inscribed against the light background in fountain pen, “To Carl Schaefer—Cordially—Ayn Rand, 8/18/48.” Handsomely double-matted and framed to an overall size of 17.5 x 20.5. In fine condition, with a few unobtrusive creases and a paperclip impression to the left edge. In 1943 Rand had published The Fountainhead, her first work to espouse the philosophy of Objectivism that would come to characterize her later work and legacy; by 1945 it had become a New York Times bestseller and a screen adaptation starring Gary Cooper was released in 1949. At the time this photo was signed, Rand was deep in research for her magnum opus, Atlas Shrugged, which would be published nearly a decade later, in 1957. Signed photos of Rand are practically unknown, and this beautifully signed oversized example is—by any objective evaluation—one of the finest extant.
100 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
20th Century Scientists & Engineers
Albert Einstein
Rare 1923 self-portrait sketched during sole Palestinian visit 2152 Albert Einstein Postcard With Self-portrait Estimate $40,000 - 50,000 Unique ANS in German signed, “A Einstein” on the reverse of a 3.5 x 5.5 postcard picturing the Red Star Liner Belgenland, [near Jerusalem, c. February 5, 1923]. Einstein writes to Zionist leader Arthur Ruppin, in full (translated): “To my dear Mr. Ruppin, We are having unforgettable days in Palestine. With the sun shining, in cheerful company. Your wife is standing next to me and looking at what I am writing about her. She is counting the days until you come back.” Einstein’s writing is below an ANS by Ruppin’s wife, Hanna, which reads in full (translated): “Dear Arthur, A pleasant tour of the city. Included is a picture by Prof. Einstein.” On the front of the postcard, Einstein has added a delightful self-portrait above the image of the ship and signed it, “A. Einstein” below, together with a portrait, Close-up also in his hand, of “Frau Ruppin.” Above the drawings, he of his 1923 added, “Jerusalem,” and “Heiligenschein,” [halo], with an self-portrait arrow pointing to his image. Einstein’s depiction of himself as a rotund, almost comical figure stands in stark contrast to the elegantly dressed “Frau Ruppin” with her stylish hat, shapely figure and umbrella. Light horizontal crease with a minor tear at left margin does not affect the drawings or Einstein’s note on the reverse, minor toned spot below the address line, otherwise fine condition. Einstein’s only visit to Palestine lasted two weeks. He arrived in Port Said on February 1, 1923, at the invitation of early Zionist leader Arthur Ruppin, who at the time was on an extended fundraising tour in the United States; apparently, in Mr. Ruppin’s stead his wife Hanna, acted as Professor Einstein’s guide. The first day of the physicist’s official Zionist-organized tour was February 5, 1923, when the here-offered ANS and sketch was accomplished. The professor’s first visit that morning was to the West Jerusalem suburb of Beth Hakerem, accompanied by Hanna Ruppin and Hadassah Samuel and Solomon Ginzburg. His tour continued with visits to Haifa and Tiberious, and ended in Jerusalem where he departed for Port Said on February 14, 1923. Although Einstein would never again travel to Palestine, he continued to support the promotion of Jewish settlements and the Hebrew University. An extreme rarity, letters written by Einstein during his singular Palestinian trip are virtually unheard of; no examples have appeared at auction for the past forty years. And although Einstein was known to accomplish drawings, signed self-portraits are virtually inaccessible—research indicates only three other examples, none of which have been offered publicly.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 101
Albert Einstein The genius assists a hydrofoil engineer in ten letters spanning WWII
2153 Albert Einstein Archive Estimate $20,000 - 30,000 Large archive of well over 1,000 pages related to hydrofoil engineer Wsevolode Grunberg, highlighted by ten letters from Albert Einstein (nine TLSs and one ALS) and one brief ANS. Handwritten letter is one 7 x 4.75 page, signed “A Einstein,” Port Chester, New York, [n.d., ca. 1939]. The nine TLSs, which combined total eleven 10.75 x 8.5 pages, are each signed, “A Einstein.” Locations include: Princeton, New Jersey; Peconic, New York and Saranac Lake, New York and cover the time period of July 1, 1939 to February 18, 1948. All letters are in German and addressed to Wsevolode Grunberg (also spelled by Einstein “Grunberg” and “Gruenberg”) and each is accompanied by an English translation. Letters concern a complex inheritance matter and Einstein’s assistance in Grunberg’s scientific pursuits. Also included is a three word ANS in Einstein’s hand on a 6 x 4 sheet, “Einstein Teconic Long Island.” In overall very good to fine condition. An interesting 1,000+ page archive
of Grunberg’s personal papers is present, including some original drawings for his hydrofoil improvements, copies of his patents (including a large dossier of declassified tests performed in the years immediately following WWII), photographs, correspondence, and other related documents and ephemera. Grunberg, an aeronautical engineer who developed an important design for the hydrofoil ( a lifting surface, or foil, which operates in water) became acquainted with Albert and his second wife Elsa sometime in the late 1920s or early 1930s. Introduced by Grunberg’s uncle, a friend of Einstein’s from Berlin, he eventually traveled to the United States in 1939 approaching the professor for an introduction to fellow US engineers in order to demonstrate his hydrofoil designs. The two met in June 1939 at the home of Irving Lehman in Port Chester, New York. Einstein’s introduction to the NACA resulted in extensive practical tests of Grunberg’s designs at Langley, Virginia. However, because he was a foreign national (at the time a French citizen), wartime security rules prohibited him from learning the results until many years following the World War II.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 103
Albert Einstein
Magnificent Halsman portrait of the revered genius 2154 Albert Einstein Photograph Estimate $3,000 - 4,000 Exquisite limited edition artist’s proof semi-glossy 10.5 x 13.5 gelatin silver photo of Einstein seated and writing on a notepad, originally taken by Philippe Halsman during a 1947 sitting, bearing his blindstamp in the lower right. Reverse bears an ink stamp reading: “Copyright © Philippe Halsman All Rights Reserved 1978 This photograph is of exhibition quality having been produced according to the highest archival standards. It has been printed by a master printer under Philippe Halsman’s control and approval in a strictly limited edition. Limited Edition # A. P.” Expertly matted and framed with a window on the reverse for viewing of the Halsman stamp to an overall size of 20 x 23. In fine condition, with an insignificant flaw to the right of Einstein’s face. Halsman’s defining images of Einstein are some of his most recognizable, with another from this sitting being used for a postage stamp and the cover of Time magazine. A superlative, exhibition quality image of Einstein as he is best remembered—a wild-haired academic jotting down notes in his study.
104 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Alan Turing
Virtually unobtainable father of artificial intelligence Signed “A. M. Turing” 2155 Alan Turing Signature Estimate $20,000 - 25,000 Immensely influential British mathematician, cryptanalyst, and computer scientist (1912–1954) considered the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. Rare fountain pen signature, “A. M. Turing,” on an off-white 7.25 x 10 sheet removed from a guest register. In fine condition. Turing first made his name as a code-breaker for Great Britain during World War II, where he devised methods for cracking German ciphers, including contributions toward defeating the Enigma machine; Winston Churchill said that Turing made the single biggest contribution to Allied victory in the war against Nazi Germany. In his work on artificial intelligence he developed the ‘Turing test,’ an attempt to define the standard by which a machine could be called ‘intelligent.’ Certainly included in the unofficial top three heroes of the world’s computer community, Turing frequently appears on Times’s list of the greatest names of the 20th century. Due to an early death at 42 and relative obscurity during life, his autograph is virtually unobtainable; only two examples have come to market. An exceedingly rare autograph of immense historical importance to our technology-driven existence—this may be a once-in-a-lifetime offering.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 105
First page of a comprehensive 8-page partnership agreement between Steve Jobs and Robert Friedland
Steve Jobs
Exceptionally rare 1978 Oregon business venture document 2156 Steve Jobs Twice-signed Document Estimate $20,000 - 30,000
DS, twice-signed “Steven Jobs,” eight pages, 8.5 x 11, August 17, 1978. PartInitially signed on page seven nership agreement between Jobs and Robert Friedland for a place of business located at “Rt 2, Box 472, McMinnville, Oregon.” The eight-article document includes provision for the purpose of the business, “The partnership shall engage in the business of investments, including particularly but not being limited to real estate investments, and in such other business of a similar nature or related thereto as shall be agreed Signed again on page eight upon by the partners.” Other articles include capital contributions, profits and losses, management, their partnership, and the dissolution of the partnership. Signed on page seven in blue ballpoint by Jobs, “Steven Jobs,” and Friedland, “Robt. M. Friedland.” The eighth page, labeled “Exhibit A,” is also signed by Jobs and Friedland, and lists a 170-acre property in Oregon for the business. Document is still stapled into its original legal folder. In fine condition, with expected document wear. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Before they became billionaire business tycoons, Jobs met Friedland, the charismatic student body president at Reed College, and was instantly captivated. Though the future Mac genius dropped out of Reed after six months to begin developing computers with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, he continued to spend a great deal of time with Friedland, taking spiritual trips to India and working on his communal farm and apple orchard near McMinnsville; numerous accounts, including one from Wozniak, have attributed the Apple name to Jobs’s time working in the orchard. This extremely rare and intriguing document solidifies claims of the strong connection between the two young entrepreneurs. With the success of the Apple II, which hit the market in 1977, and preparation for what would become one of the most successful IPOs in history, Jobs had almost completely distanced himself from Friedland by 1980. Authentically signed Steve Jobs material is exceedingly hard to find, and this twice-signed document, incredibly substantial and significant in its connection to a major figure in his life, is of the utmost rarity.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 107
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1. Personnel Security Questionnaire 2. Employment Application 3. Espionage Certificate 4. Office of Naval Intelligence Fingerprint Card 5. Payroll Authorization Slip
Carl Sagan
The physicist’s personnel file from a top-secret plan to nuke the moon 2157 Carl Sagan Project A119 Archive Estimate $8,000 - 10,000 Remarkable and historically important archive comprised of Sagan’s personnel file from the time of his employment at the Armour Research Foundation at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1958–59, during which time he worked on Project A119—a plan to detonate a nuclear bomb on the moon. The file includes his original job application, several documents concerning security clearances, various payroll cards and documents, and other general human resources documents. The earliest piece is Sagan’s application for employment, filled out entirely in his own hand and signed at the conclusion, four pages on adjoining sheets, 8.5 x 11, August 4, 1958. Sagan provides his personal information, a lengthy description of his educational and employment history, and a list of references. He lists his undergraduate education at “U. Chicago, Chicago, Ill.,” where he earned honors including “General Honors in the College; Special Honors in Natural Sciences; Honor Entrance Scholarship; various U. C. Scholarships,” also noting that he was “President, Astronautical Society, U. C.” He was still at the University of Chicago as a doctoral student at the time this was submitted. He continues to mention his published papers and lectures given, which include “’Radiation & the Origin of the Gene,’” “’Is there Life on Other Planets?,’” and “’The Problem of Life on Mars.’” His employment history lists several positions while studying at the university, with responsibilities such as “Research problem on star formation” and “Organized and moderated public lecture series on ‘Creation of Life & the Universe.’” The references he provides are especially impressive, and include Nobel Prize–winning scientists H. J. Muller and Joshua Lederberg. According to an internal typed personnel record present, Sagan was hired as a part-time temporary assistant physicist at a rate of $3 per hour and began on September 3, 1958. Six documents signed by Sagan are from the previous day, September 2, including: an insurance document naming his
wife, Lynn Sagan, as his beneficiary; a withholding exemption certificate; a nondisclosure agreement; a document certifying his American citizenship; and an ‘espionage certificate’ acknowledging the conduct required by the Espionage Act, attached to a security clearance questionnaire filled out at length and signed by Sagan. Also present are four documents signed by Sagan from 1959, including: an Office of Naval Intelligence fingerprint card, bearing original ink fingerprints of each individual finger as well as all ten simultaneously; a personnel security questionnaire, again filled out at length and signed by Sagan; and a security termination statement from the end of his employment in the summer of 1959, with an attached temporary identification card signed on the reverse. An insurance-related card is also included, signed by Sagan in print. Accompanied by several other personnel documents, not signed by Sagan. Several of these documents are signed by Dr. Leonard Reiffel, who oversaw Project A119. In overall fine condition, with expected document wear. The existence of Project A119 was essentially unknown until the mid-1990s, when Sagan biographer Keay Davidson stumbled across details related to the program in his 1959 scholarship application to UC Berkeley’s Miller Institute—this leak included the titles of two classified papers that Sagan worked on during the project, ‘Possible Contribution of Lunar Nuclear Weapons Detonations to the Solution of Some Problems in Planetary Astronomy’ (1958), and ‘Radiological Contamination of the Moon by Nuclear Weapons Detonations’ (1959). After these revelations came to light in the 1999 book Carl Sagan: A Life, Leonard Reiffel broke his anonymity and revealed further details about the studies, which he said were conceived in an attempt to intimidate the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War’s ‘Space Race.’ If placed correctly, the mushroom cloud resulting from a nuclear detonation on the dark side of the moon would be illuminated by the sun. Reiffel’s team produced eight reports on the subject during the 1958–59 period, all of which are said to have been destroyed in 1987. An absolutely unique archive related to this top secret, extraordinary work by one of the most influential scientists in recent memory.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 109
Stephen Hawking
Seldom-seen book ‘signed’ with his thumbprint
2158 Stephen Hawking Thumbprint-signed Book Estimate $2,000 - 3,000 Signed book: George’s Secret Key to the Universe. First edition, first printing. London: Doubleday, 2007. Hardcover with dust jacket, 6.5 x 8.75, 295 pages. Signed on the half-title page by Stephen Hawking using his thumbprint, and signed and inscribed in black felt tip by his daughter and co-author, “To dear George, Enjoy the cosmic adventure with love, Lucy Hawking.” Hawking’s nurse added certification surrounding the thumbprint, verifying it as “the right hand thumb print of Prof. Stephen Hawking,” adding the date of December 24, 2007. The aunt of the recipient, another one of Hawking’s caretakers, added an inscription on his behalf, “To George, Have a lovely 1st Christmas, 2007. Love, Stephen.” She also added her own gift inscription on the reverse of the half-title page, “To George, Have a lot of special years! Enjoy your 1st Christmas, Lots of love, Auntie Niki.” In fine condition, with show-through from the gift inscription. Accompanied by a photograph of Hawking holding the baby George in December 2007, as well as a letter of provenance from George’s father, in part: “We know Stephen as my wife’s sister Niki has been one of his carers for 9 years now. In that time my wife has become his hairdresser. Stephen even came to our wedding in August 2008 and a sight I will never forget is seeing Stephen being cared to by one of his carers on a bouncy castle we had provided for the children there, quite a surreal moment seeing a modern day mastermind on a kid’s bouncy castle.” An exceedingly rare piece with superior provenance—the first Hawking we have ever offered!
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 111
Enzo Ferrari Rare automotive content letters
2159 Enzo Ferrari Archive Estimate $4,000 - 5,000
Rare archive of seven TLSs in Italian, signed “Ferrari,” each one page, Ferrari logo letterhead, dated 1982–1984. A series of letters to Francesco Santuccione, who he collaborated with on the book Piloti, Che Gente; the correspondence primarily relates to this project and contains fine automotive content. The earliest letter, November 24, 1982, in part (translated): “The arguments that you are proposing take my memory back to an exciting era of motor car sports which I remember with so much pleasure. I am sending you a copy of my memoirs where you will find more material for the project which is so close to your heart.” A later letter, in part: “I am gathering material such as posters and signs of grand prix and motor car races...There is nothing among your papers that could have been reproduced in color…could you advise me who to contact in order to obtain any such posters, and in particular the one of the Acerbo Cup
1933.” The last letter, in part: “I have received your letter dated 16th December with the first chapter of your project dedicated to the Acerbo Cup…In my opinion the historical research is detailed and the reconstruction of the ambiance accurate…It is a pleasure for me to rediscover figures and faces, names which take me back…But have you realized that since then three generations have passed?” Ferrari also mentions keeping their project a secret, clarifies details about different racing circuits, and mentions meeting with Moretti, the publisher of an important automobile magazine. In overall fine condition. Five letters are accompanied by their original mailing envelopes. The book Piloti, Che Gente was published by Conti Editore in 1985. Single Ferrari autographs are scarce in themselves—a grouping of this quantity with such excellent content is exceedingly rare and desirable.
“The arguments that you are proposing take my memory back to an exciting era of motor car sports which I remember with so much pleasure”
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 113
20th Century American Icons
Charlie Chaplin
Highly desirable portrait of the Little Tramp
2161 Charlie Chaplin Signed Postcard Photograph Estimate $1,000 - 1,500 Vintage 3.5 x 5.5 Essanay Film postcard photo of Chaplin as the Little Tramp, signed along the bottom in fountain pen, “Faithfully, Chas Chaplin.” Collector’s notation on the reverse reads, “1 March 1920, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.” A few light corner creases, a bit of scattered light toning and foxing to lower portion, and some light contrast to small portion of signature and sentiment, otherwise fine condition. Portraits of Chaplin in his iconic role are rather uncommon and are highly prized by Hollywood collectors.
114 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Babe Ruth
Iconic image of the Sultan of Swat 2162 Babe Ruth Signed Photograph Estimate $2,000 - 3,000 Classic matte-finish 7 x 9 photo of Ruth in his Yankees pinstripe pants, showing off his mighty swing, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To my good friend Jack Musante, Sincerely, Babe Ruth 3-12-47.” Archivally triple-clothmatted in a pinstripe theme and framed to an overall size of 17 x 19; the mat is cut slightly irregularly on the left side to fit the full inscription. In very good to fine condition, with some scattered light foxing and spotting and a crease or small tear to the lower left edge; the signature and inscription are bold and attractive, ideally signed against the light background. The month after signing this photo, on April 27, 1947, the Yankees celebrated ‘Babe Ruth Day’ at Yankee stadium, honoring the slugger and his legendary career.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 115
Disneyland Railroad cap
Worn by California’s governor on Disneyland’s Opening Day 2163 Walt Disney’s Santa Fe Railroad Engineer’s Cap Estimate $4,000 - 6,000 One-of-a-kind Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad engineer’s cap, presented by Walt Disney to then-California Governor Goodwin Knight, and worn by Knight on the inaugural run of the E. P. Ripley train during Disneyland’s Opening Day on July 17, 1955. Fitted striped engineer’s cap bears a 3.5˝ diameter Santa Fe & Disneyland patch on the front, and is accompanied by a 4 x 5 photo of Knight and Disney on the E. P. Ripley on opening day, with Knight wearing the cap, and also an 8 x 10 photo and Governor’s card, each signed by Knight. The cap is in fine condition, with expected light wear. On Sunday July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates with an official dedication ceremony attended by 25,000 invited guests—an event witnessed across the nation by hundreds of thousands. Televised by ABC, the show began as the E. P. Ripley train made its first official trip along the Santa Fe Disneyland Railroad tracks; Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney, and California Governor Goodwin Knight led the way as the train’s engineers. Smiling ear-to-ear, wearing this history-laden hat, Knight stood by Disney as he offered his first words of welcome to the audience. The train ride was an instant favorite among all who visited the parks inception; it remains popular today. This cap— once displayed at the Disneyland Museum—is a whimsical piece of the park’s history capturing the spirit of Walt Disney himself, who personally gifted this exceptional artifact.
Image of Knight and Disney on the E. P. Ripley on opening day, with Knight wearing the cap.
116 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Walt Disney
Gorgeous high-quality Mickey dye transfer
2164 Walt Disney Signed Presentation Mat Estimate $2,000 - 3,000
Fabulous off-white 14 x 12 presentation mat prepared by the studio to exhibit an original cel, prominently signed on the mount in bold green artist’s crayon, “Walt Disney.” A light pencil caption, “From Mickey Mouse,” is below the image as issued. Now displayed in the mat is a high-quality dye transfer showing Mickey twirling a lasso around his body. Beginning in the mid 1940s, the Disney Studio created these dye transfers to give away for publicity and to VIPs that visited the studio. It was the best type of cel art reproduction of the time and due to their specialized purpose, production was extremely limited. The presentation as a whole is attractively matted and framed to an overall size of 20.5 x 18.5. In fine condition. An exceptionally appealing, boldly signed, and uninscribed Disney offering.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 117
One-of-a-kind sketch of Seuss’ beloved Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss
Geisel sketches ‘Dr. Cat in the Hat,’ covers his bustling TV schedule, and establishes his publishing philosophy 2165 Dr. Seuss Collection of Three Letters Estimate $2,000 - 3,000 Three remarkable letters from Dr. Seuss, one ALS and two TLSs, all written to the wife of a Texas doctor during the Spring and Summer of 1972. First, an ALS signed in red artist’s pencil, “Dr. S.,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, Dr. Seuss letterhead, dated May 18, 1972. In the upper left of the page, Seuss has drawn a pencil, ink, and crayon sketch of the Cat in the Hat wearing a surgical mask and cap. Seuss writes, in part: “You’d be surprised how you’ve changed the appearance of the cat-in-the-hat, who is now in surgery, wearing both appurtenances...In twenty minutes I’m rushing out of here to catch a plane for Hollywood, for a week’s work on my new T.V. Special.” Second, a TLS, signed “Dr. Seuss,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, Beginner Books letterhead, dated August 28, 1972. Seuss responds to an inquiry about his stories being used more to teach. In part: “I agree with you entirely about the great importance of Phonics in teaching kids to read…And the inclusion of two ‘Instructions to Parents’ pages could also help any parent who is trying to teach his child to read and recognize punctuation marks. However, more than ten years ago, when Beginner Books was founded, the founders went through a long soul-searching period, during which we established our publishing philosophy. We discussed…Just how far should we get involved with actual teaching? And we finally came to the following conclusion: We should not involve ourselves with teaching at all. Rightly or wrongly, we decided not to teach, but rather to supplement the work of teachers. Since then, we feel that Beginner Books has served its purpose of giving kids books that kids want to read and will enjoy reading, after the basics of reading have been taught to them by others.” The third letter is a short TLS, signed “T. S. Geisel,” one page, 7 x 10, Dr. Seuss letterhead, dated April
25, 1972, sending thanks for the woman’s first letter. The ALS is in fine condition, with signature a bit cramped due to space. The remaining two letters show a bit more wear, with toned front page to longer TLS, staple holes to both pages, and creasing through signature of last letter, as well as some scattered toning, otherwise fine condition. Each of Seuss’s letters are accompanied by their original mailing envelopes and photocopies of the woman’s correspondence with Seuss. Featuring a one-of-a-kind sketch of Seuss’ beloved Cat in the Hat, tailored to recipients “Mrs. Dr. T. and Dr. T.,” the author’s first letter makes mention of him “rushing out of here to catch a plane for Hollywood, for a week’s work on my new T.V. Special.” His favorite cat had already premiered in his own animated television special, The Cat in the Hat, in March of 1971, and Seuss was jet-setting to LA to oversee the production of the follow-up, Dr. Seuss on the Loose, which aired on October 15, 1972. The show was hosted by The Cat in the Hat, featuring animated adaptations of other Seuss children’s stories, including The Sneetches, The Zax, and Green Eggs and Ham. Busy bringing the Cat in the Hat to life for television, Seuss was also contentedly watching the rise of Beginner Books. Their decision not to teach, but rather create supplemental tools for teachers, proved even more valuable; in 1954, Life magazine published an article regarding the illiteracy of school children, and compiled a list of 348 words that were deemed significant for first-graders to comprehend. They challenged Geisel to write a book using 250 of the words listed, and the result was the children’s classic, The Cat in the Hat. Coupled with an unparalleled imaginative element, bold colors, and verse rhythms, Geisel hand-delivered the literary world to young children, creating generations upon generations of avid readers. These letters create a vivid picture of the ever-evolving career and journey of a visionary, from his jump to television to his dedication to providing a vast library of imagination and literary stepping stones to an adolescent population in need. An exemplary collection brimming with insight and energy.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 119
Beatles
Exemplary Spring 1963 portrait taken at Odeon Southend
2166 Beatles Signed Photograph Estimate $8,000 - 10,000
Exceptional vintage glossy 10 x 8 photo of the band posing together in a row, signed in fountain pen, “John Lennon,” “George Harrison,” and “Ringo Starr,” and in blue ballpoint, “Paul McCartney.” Reverse of photo bears a “Studio ‘4’ and Topical Press Agency,” London stamp. In very good condition, with overall scattered creasing and surface impressions (two heavier diagonal creases to lower right corner, one of which passes through Harrison’s signature) and single pinhole to top edge. Research indicates that this photo was taken backstage at the Odeon Cinema Southend, May 31, 1963, where they were performing for day 13 of their UK tour with Roy Orbison. A largerthan-usually seen, boldly signed, and visually impressive image of the Fab Four.
120 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Elvis Presley
Superb candid of Elvis in the Army
2167 Elvis Presley Signed Candid Photograph Estimate $1,000 - 2,000
Wonderful vintage glossy 3.5 x 3.5 candid full-length photo of Elvis in his Army uniform circa late 1950s, signed on the reverse in fountain pen. Photo is laminated on both sides and has a trivial crease to one corner, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. Presley was one of the most well-known entertainers in the world at the time he was drafted into the US Army, and he served as a regular soldier from March 1958 to March 1960. He was first sent to Texas for training at Fort Hood before being assigned to the 3rd Armored Division in Friedberg, Germany. This had a profound effect on his life and career—while in Germany he met his future wife Priscilla, was introduced to amphetamines, and as a result of his generous patriotic service, earned the respect of an older generation of Americans, many of whom had previously viewed him in a negative light.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 121
Martin Luther King Jr. Spectacular 1964 Man of the Year cover inscribed to noted journalist Chuck Stone
2168 Martin Luther King, Jr Signed Magazine Cover Estimate $10,000 - 12,000
Impressive magazine cover from the January 3, 1964 issue of Time’s Man of the Year magazine, 8.25 x 11, featuring a distinguished image of King, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To my Friend, Chuck Stone, With Best Wishes and Warm Personal Regards, Martin Luther King, Jr.” Double-matted and framed to an overall size of 15.5 x 18. In very good condition, with handling wear to borders (most noticeably scuffing to upper left corner); the front cover is still attached to its original back cover by pieces of small clear tape and the back cover has been permanently affixed to the mat. None of this detracts from the overall presentability of this spectacular piece. Only a handful of MLK signed Times covers have been offered for sale, and this particular example is just about the best condition you will find, with the usual obstructing mailing label not present. Accompanied by a copy of a 2010 provenance letter from Chuck Stone’s wife Louise Davis Stone, reading in part: “Chuck called Martin and said, ‘you are on the cover of Time magazine,’ ‘Please autograph the cover.’ MLK said, ‘well, if I am the cover, maybe you will come work for me.’ Background: MLK had previously asked Chuck to work for him but Chuck declined because Chuck did not feel that he is non-violent. End of the story, Chuck mailed the cover to him and he autographed it and returned to Chuck.” The recipient of this gift—a seldom-seen signed image of King—was famed newspaper editor, columnist, journalism professor, and activist Chuck Stone. In 1967, Dr. King asked Stone to become the executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Stone declined due to their philosophical differences and his hesitancy to move back to the South. He did later serve as the house advisor for the Martin Luther King Humanities House at the University of Delaware from 1986 to 1988. This piece is a one-of-a-kind treasure personally given by King to a close friend, colleague and legend.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 123
“Enslaved by lies and fairy tales concocted and perpetuated by the devils�
View all pages of the letter online at www.RRAuction.com
Malcolm X
Reflections on Malcolm Little’s teenage years and temptations in Boston’s music scene 2170 Malcolm X Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $15,000 - 20,000 ALS signed “As Salaam Alaikum, your Brother, Malcolm X,” three pages both sides, 8.5 x 11, March 9, 1950. A letter to a fellow member of the Nation of Islam, written while serving time in Norfolk, Massachusetts, after being convicted of larceny and breaking and entering. In part (spelling and grammar retained): “Enslaved by lies and fairy tales concocted and perpetuated by the devils…we fell in ‘love’ with these myths…kept their by unseen chains…but today the Almighty God, Allah, is Teaching His Children this Blessed Truth of Islam…and...driving the darkness from our minds…cleansing our polluted souls…and strengthening our weak hearts...We have been in darkness so very long…stumbling blindly along…wondering why this… and why that…knowing something was wrong…but not knowing what…No wonder we do some of the things we do…no wonder we drink, dope and all sorts of things to soothe our soul…no wonder we so continuously have sought the lures of night life to create some sort of peace within ourselves… no wonder we have so longingly turned so often to music for its comforting effects. Music, Brother, is ours…it is us…and like us it is always here… surrounding us…like the infinite particles that make up Life, it cannot be seen…but can only be felt…Like Life!!! No, it is not created…but like the never-dying Soul…eternally permeats the atmosphere with its Presence…ever-waiting for its Master… the Lordly Musician…the Wielder of Souls…to come and give it a Temple…mould it into a Song. Music without the Musician is like Life without Allah…both being in need of the house…a home…The Temple…the Complete Song and its Creator Sonny & Milt Jackson played together up in Flint, Mich. In ’45 just after Sonny left ‘B.’ All of them know me well, but few know me under my own name. Is ‘B’ a Muslim? I heard Dig was. Please tell me the fellows who are. There are many who belong to the Ahmadiyya Movement, but I want to know how many and which ones that are in show Biz belong to ours, under Mr. Elijah Mohammed. Do you know Al ‘Soul’ Hayse,
from Detroit; Hamp’s former trombonist? He was my ace. There were many that were tight with me, but that life has been so far from my mind these past two years, many I’ve forgotten. My ace girl was Dina Washington. She’s still the greatest. I hear some of Sonny’s records. When I was out he was on alto, but I see he is now giving tenor a fit. I think his home is in Saginaw. Today I fear the temptations of that life and its memories, so I steer as far clear from the subject as possible unless I know the fellows are brothers. There are many that I really should write to…so I ask you the ones who are for the Truth...my whole life at present, is lived within the letters I write and receive…for the beautiful words from my beloved Brothers and Sisters create an atmosphere for me that no devil can destroy.” In very good condition, with partial separations to intersecting folds (professional repairs to the central horizontal fold of the last page and a few small edge separations), a worn vertical fold passing through the signature, scattered creases, and a few smaller edge tears. Following a tragic upbringing in Lansing Michigan, Malcolm dropped out of school in 1940 and moved to Boston to live with his half-sister Ella. The 16-year-old soon befriend ‘Shorty,’ a well-connected aspiring saxophonist who got him a job at the Roseland State Ballroom. Malcolm later wrote of the mesmerizing city in his biography ‘Neon lights, nightclubs, poolhalls, bars, the cars...Jukeboxes blared Erskine Hawkins, Duke Ellington, Cootie Williams, dozens of others.’ Along the way—at the Ballroom or his haunt the Savoy Jazz Cafe— Malcolm met some of the famous musicians he references in this letter, Sonny Stitt, Milt Jackson, and the legendary Dinah Washington, his “ace.” Little’s path abruptly changed in 1946, when the 20-year-old received a ten year prison sentence for burglary. He was soon introduced Islam, and in 1948 renounced his past, promising to never again engage in destructive behavior. X’s clear longing for his previous life on the Boston music scene present in this letter is palpable. As a detailed letter offering great insight into his early life of ‘sin,’ and clear desire for repentance, this rare early example of his adopted “Malcolm X” name renders this a significant and immensely desirable piece.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 125
Images are larger than actual size
Apollo 11 Robbins Medal Only Armstrong-family-attributed Robbins ever offered
2171 Apollo 11 Robbins Medal Estimate $40,000 - 60,000 Unique and exceedingly desirable flown sterling silver Apollo 11 Robbins Medal originating directly from the family of Neil Armstrong, approximately 1.25˝ diameter, with a raised eagle carrying an olive branch in its beak. The reverse of the medal features the last names of astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, and is engraved with the launch date of July 16, 1969, moon landing date of July 20, 1969, and return date of July 24, 1969. The medal is serial numbered “236.” Condition is mint state, with expected age wear. Presented on a ring suspended from a silver chain to be worn as a necklace. This is the only Robbins medallion personally owned by Armstrong to ever come to market; after returning from the moon Armstrong gave this as a gift to his brother-in-law, Alfred ‘Bud’ Trude, and it was subsequently left to his son and Armstrong’s nephew, Mike Paul Trude. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Mike Paul Trude, in part: “Neil Armstrong was more than just the first man to walk on the moon—he was my uncle. Neil’s first wife Janet (née Shearon) was my mother Carolyn’s sister and as soon as they began dating Neil formed a close bond with my father, Alfred ‘Bud’ Trude. Neil became the brother my dad never had. The Armstrongs would visit our family at least once a year, whether we went to Houston or they came to our house in Barrington, IL. We also vacationed together and I played sports with Neil’s sons Rick and Mark. My parents even went to Florida for the Apollo 11 moon launch, on July 16, 1969. A few days later, Neil wasn’t the only one who made headlines. On July 21, 1969, the day after the Apollo 11 moon landing, the headline in the Chicago Tribune read: ‘Plays Ball as Uncle Neil Lands on Moon.’ The story
mentions me and my brother Jack, who was playing baseball on July 20, 1969. The article reads, in part: ‘Jack Trude, 11, was playing Little League baseball yesterday afternoon…his brother Mike, 12, was at home helping his father paint the swimming pool platform. They were listening to radio reports of the moon landing…Mike is pretty proud of Uncle Neil, the first man to set foot on the moon. ‘It’s not everybody who has an uncle who’s an astronaut.’’ Neil was just an average guy who happened to be the first man to walk on the moon. The most amusing ‘Uncle Neil’ anecdote I can recall was when he, my Mom and I went to get groceries. Since she just needed to pick up something quickly, she went into the store as Neil and I hung around by her car. A woman approached us and did a double take when she saw Uncle Neil, and said to him, ‘You know you look a lot like Neil Armstrong,’ and without skipping a beat he craftily replied to her, ‘I’ve been told that.’ Following the historic Apollo 11 mission, Neil gave my dad one of his personal flown Robbins Medallions. My dad bought a silver chain and wore the medallion fairly frequently right up until he passed away in 2005. When my brother and sisters were going through our parent’s belongings everything was split up evenly. We all got something from the Apollo 11 mission and I received this Robbins Medallion. I certify that this Apollo 11 Robbins Medal was given personally by my Uncle Neil Armstrong to my father, Alfred ‘Bud’ Trude. The background story detailed above is true and accurate.” Also accompanied by a copy of the newspaper article mentioned and copies of two family photos and another newspaper clipping. A scarce and immensely desirable Apollo 11 flown medallion in its own right, this is an absolutely astonishing artifact directly related to the first man on the moon and confirmed by industry experts as the first and only originating from Neil’s family to be made available for sale.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 127
“Grateful Dead just played our first outdoor show of the year at a place called the Greek Theatre”
All images are available to view online at www.RRAuction.com
Jerry Garcia 2172 Jerry Garcia Autograph Letter Signed
the extreme rarity of this item: “P.S., Pardon my handwriting, this is the first letter I’ve written in years.”
Estimate $15,000 - 20,000
The ALS continues on in a second part, written later on Hotel Parker Meridien, New York letterhead, postmarked June 22, 1982. In full: “Now, weeks later I’m in N.Y.C. Received your 2nd postcard (gasp) and I’m just getting (that is) around to mailing my first letter. Partly, it’s a sort of mail fright, like stage fright and partly editorial misgivings (Let’s see, is it legible? Spelled correctly? Am I constructing these sentences properly? God I hope she doesn’t think I’m an idiot for running off at the pen like this) Oh well—I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland. Hope you enjoyed it & I hope this letter finds you well. The whole Falkland thing here became really creepy (for me) when Begin explained & excused Israel’s invasion of Lebanon by comparing the situation to the British position in Falklands. The whole business scared the hell out of me. Latest news from England is of course the Royal birth. I’ll bet the locals are enjoying it immensly [sic].
Extremely rare two-part ALS signed twice “Jerry.” First part is on two pages both sides, 5.25 x 8.5, no date but circa late May–early June 1982, and second part is on one page both sides, 8.5 x 11, Hotel Parker Meridien, New York letterhead, no date but postmarked June 22, 1982. Written to a woman he met at a NYC party in 1980, in full: “Thank you really for sending that postcard, I feel like it’s sort of our first ‘official’ communication somehow. I’ve been hoping we could get together ever since we first met at Al’s that winter nite so long ago (sigh)…However it seems as tho…(Hey! My pen stopped writing) I’ve been ninety degrees off or out of phase or something whenever it might have been possible to get to know you a little better. I hope it doesn’t seem like I’ve been avoiding you, although I admit I’ve kind of been waiting for the opportunity (that is, the ‘right’ opportunity) for us to meet in some kind of neutral context that would be comfortable and relaxed and free of any pressure. Of course it could be years before any such opportunity arises, so…this is just a long winded way of saying thank you for writing. Oh! also in spite of never having been alone with you, I somehow feel close to you and I’ve looked forward to and enjoyed those times, however brief, that we have been in the same general vicinity and spoken slightly (New York, Germany, Calif etc.) you know—so… The Grateful Dead just played our first outdoor show of the year at a place called the Greek Theatre (a nice amphitheatre in back of The University of Calif. in Berekley [sic] kind of like this),” Here, Garcia draws a very detailed sketch showing all elements of their performance at the Greek Theatre: the columns lining the back of the stage; the band on stage, which he labels “us”; and the audience, labeled “them.” He continues, writing: “A really nice site, we played for three days and the weather was really delicious although the last day (Sunday) was the beginning of a short hot spell and was a trifle uncomfortable but it was nice to play outdoors. I’m going to be playing in and around New York in June (while you’re in London naturally) and I’m sorry I’ll be missing you again: write me more, if you like that is, and thank you again for the card.” He also adds a brief postscript, indirectly attesting to
I’m on the road again. This time with my own band & also doing some more of those two piece shows (me and John Kahn) (bass). I’ve done a few more of them since I last saw you and am starting to adjust to and become aware of the musical possibillitys [sic] of that acoustical format. It’s exciting tho still scary. I wish you were here now that I’ve got a little time here (for once) but… bye for now.” In overall fine condition, with a few small stains to earlier portion of letter. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Garcia’s own hand. Garcia admittedly had uncharacteristic “stage fright” with this method of correspondence as he repeatedly revealed, waiting so long he added a second part. When he finally mailed this letter from NYC, he was prepping for his June 25th acoustic solo act with John Kahn at The Palladium. The legendary front man mentions a little bit of everything including the June 21, 1982 birth of Prince William, “Latest news from England is of course the Royal birth.” The rarity of this handwritten letter cannot be overstated—research indicates no others ever being on the market—even Garcia himself noted, “this is the first letter I’ve written in years.” The unique sketch he drew of the Grateful Dead’s historic home-base venue, the Greek Theater, is particularly poignant as it relates to their Bay Area roots—this year marks the band’s 50th Anniversary.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 129
Images of Johnny Ramone on Club MTV in 1988
Johnny Ramone
Personally-owned and stage-used 1965 Mosrite 2173 Johnny Ramone’s Longtime-owned and Stage-used Guitar Estimate $50,000 - 60,000
Johnny Ramone’s personally-owned and -used red 1965 Mosrite Ventures V1 guitar, signed on the body in black felt tip, “Best wishes, Johnny Ramone, 5/22/90.” The six-string guitar features several modifications Ramone made to make the guitar fit his sound and style, the most significant being the replacement of the tremolo system with a stop bar tailpiece and installation of a DiMarzio FS-1 bridge pickup, as well as a tortoiseshell pickguard. Includes the original hardshell case. In very good condition, with various nicks and dings to body, and several areas of duct tape residue from Johnny’s guitar strap. Accompanied by full letters of authenticity from Roger Epperson/REAL and PSA/DNA. This is a rare instrument in its own right, and the only red guitar or Ventures Model 1 that Ramone owned; it was in his possession for at least seven years, from circa 1982–83 until he sold it in 1990; the first photographic evidence of Ramone playing the guitar comes from a show at the Eagle’s Hippodrome in Seattle on May 5, 1983. Johnny most often used this guitar for TV appearances and it can be seen up-close during a 1988 performance on MTV. In 1990, Ramone sold this guitar to friend and former Ramones band driver Gene Frawley, signing and dating it on the occasion. A subsequent owner later personally confirmed the ownership details with Ramone, who acknowledged that he owned and used the guitar throughout the 1980s before selling it to Frawley. This is one of just nine Mosrite guitars owned by Ramone known to exist—an exceedingly rare and historically important piece of music history.
Live Auction | January 22, 2015 131
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 $100,00 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 delivered to Massachusetts 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
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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 Sue Recks (Sue.Recks@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.
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.
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
RR Auction is in compliance, to the fullest extent possible, with Boston Massachusetts, Suffolk County procedures regarding the bonding of auctioneers.
Terms and Conditions of Sale
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.
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 ON-LINE, 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
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 $100,00 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 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. 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 on-increment. 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 delivered to Massachusetts 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 Corporation 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 Bid-
der 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.
ability, 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, exhibition, 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.
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.
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.
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, avail-
56. FIREARMS. Auctioneer complies with all Federal and State rules and
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.
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 an Auction Certificate. On any lot presented with a Auction Certificate (“AC”) 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 AC and it is null and void when Bidder transfers or attempts to transfer the lot. The AC warranty is valid from date of the auction in which Bidder was awarded the lot to five (5) years after its purchase. The AC warranty is valid as to its attribution to the person or entity described or to the lot’s usage.
When the lot is accompanied by a Letter 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 Letter 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, 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. Specifically, the AC 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.
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