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Notables
American Politicians and Leaders
Part of Alexander Hamilton’s 1787 handwritten draft for ‘An Act Raising Certain Yearly Taxes’ in New York State
95. Alexander Hamilton Handwritten Manuscript.
Handwritten manuscript by Alexander Hamilton, one page, 8.25 x 12, no date but circa March 1787. The autograph manuscript for pages 21-22 of Hamilton’s third draft of a New York State bill for ‘An Act Raising Certain Yearly Taxes within This State.’ In part: “Assessor shall leave with each possessor of land his or her bailiff Agent or servant or fix up upon some public place of the dwelling house of such possessor of land his or her bailiff agent or servant, if any there be on the premisses a memorandum in writing of the amount of this tax to the end that each person may be prepared in time to pay the same And the said tax shall be payable in the several counties at the respective periods hereinbefore limited for the payment of the tax on inhabited dwelling houses, and in the same proportions, and shall be collected to all intents and purposes within the times and in the manner prescribed for the collection of the said tax on inhabited dwelling houses.” Corner-mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 16 x 20. In very good to fine condition, with light overall creasing, and professional repairs (and possible complete backing) to repair small areas of paper loss. The balance of Hamilton’s draft is held as part of the Hamilton Papers in the Library of Congress; this leaf was attached to an unrelated document decades ago, and retained by his descendants until 2017. Starting Bid $1500
Businessmen
98. Warren Buffett Signed Book. Signed book: Of
Permanent Value: The Story of Warren Buffett. First edition. Birmingham, AL: AKPE, 1994. Hardcover with dust jacket, 6 x 9.25, 636 pages. Signed on the first free end page in black ballpoint, “Warren E. Buffett.” Also signed in black felt tip by Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
99. J. Pierpont Morgan Document Signed. Partly-printed DS, signed “Pierpont Morgan,” one page, 11.5 x 8, March 2, 1881. Stock certificate issued to J. S. Morgan & Co. of London, England, for five shares of preferred stock in the St. Louis Bridge Company. Signed along the left edge by J. P. Morgan as a transfer agent. In fine condition, with light staining along the left edge. Starting Bid $200
Desirable Standard Oil stock certificate signed by founders Rockefeller, Flagler, and Bostwick
Scientists and Inventors
100. John D. Rockefeller, Henry Flagler, and Jabez A. Bostwick Document Signed. Partly-printed DS, one page,
11.75 x 7.75, November 25, 1882. Stock certificate for ten shares in Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Trust issued to John A. Wiley, signed at the conclusion by John D. Rockefeller as president, Henry M. Flagler as secretary, and Jabez A. Bostwick as treasurer. The original receipt remains affixed at the left edge. In fine condition, with the signatures lightly canceled. Starting Bid $200
102. Niels Bohr Signed Photograph. Danish physicist (1885–1962)
who was awarded the 1922 Nobel Prize in Physics for his theory of atomic structure. Vintage matte-finish 3 x 4.75 portrait of Bohr, signed in the lower border in Danish in fountain pen (translated), “Niels Bohr, Copenhagen, March 1959.” In fine condition, with mounting remnants to reverse. Starting Bid $200
Archive of Graham Bell’s handwritten correspondence on ‘Visible Speech’
101. Alexander Graham Bell Archive of (8) Autograph
Letters Signed. Unique archive of eight ALSs by Alexander Graham Bell, including four standard letters (totaling seven pages) plus four postcards, dating from 1872 to circa 1874, all to Prof. Abel S. Clarke at the American Asylum in Hartford, now known as the American School for the Deaf. Bell writes regarding ‘visible speech’ and the ‘Visible Speech Pioneer,’ a periodical circulated to schools and institutions to promote his father’s ‘visible speech’ system. Two of the letters are written and signed using visible speech symbols—a novel and appealing rarity as the only such Graham Bell autographs we have ever encountered—and one remains untranslated. All four letters include their original mailing envelopes, addressed in Bell’s hand, and all of the postcards are addressed to Clarke by Bell on the reverse. In overall fine condition. Visible Speech is a system of written symbols that represent sounds capable of being made by the human voice. This system, which can be used with not only English, but also with foreign and obscure languages, was developed by Alexander Melville Bell, father of Alexander Graham Bell, and became popular with the publication of the latter’s book ‘Visible Speech’ in 1867. Alexander Graham Bell began teaching his father’s system upon his arrival in Boston in April 1871, and by March-June 1872, he was providing the same training to teachers at the Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton, Mass., and the American Asylum for the Deaf in Hartford, Conn. Starting Bid $1000
The creator of set theory graciously joins the “Mathematical Society at the University of Kharkov” as an honorary member
103. Georg Cantor Autograph Letter Signed. Ger-
man mathematician (1845-1918) who created set theory, which has become a fundamental theory in mathematics. Cantor established the importance of one-to-one correspondence between the members of two sets, defined infinite and well-ordered sets, and proved that the real numbers are more numerous than the natural numbers. ALS in German, one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, January 13, 1907. Handwritten letter to a colleague, in part (translated): “It was a great pleasure for me to read your kind letter from 17/30 December 1906 to learn that the Mathematical Society at the University of Kharkov, of which you are President, did me the great honor of welcoming me on November 12/25 last year to appoint their honorary member. I would ask you to express my sincere thanks to all members of the society. With great interest I will accept the Society’s magazine that you have promised me.” In fine condition, with two tiny file holes at the top edge. Starting Bid $1000
104. DNA: Watson and Crick Signed Book. Signed
book: The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA. Later printing. NY: Scribner Classics, 1998. Hardcover with dust jacket, 5.75 x 8.75, 226 pages. Signed on the title page in black ballpoint, “James D. Watson,” and in black felt tip, “Francis Crick.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200 107. Albert Einstein Signature. Vintage fountain pen
signature, “Albert Einstein, 1947,” on a light blue 4.5 x 6 album page. In fine to very fine condition. A nice and crisp full signature from the celebrated genius. Starting Bid $500
Einstein on international security: “One should first and foremost stick to the old medical motto: ‘Non nocere’”
man, signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, blindstamped Princeton letterhead, April 19, 1952. Letter to French mathematician Jacques Hadamard, related to his efforts as a pacifist activist. In part (translated): “I am sorry that I cannot authorize the publication of my private letter addressed to you… This political propaganda and counter-propaganda, which in fact cannot be based on any verified facts, is only suitable to create hatred and hostility. You are also aware that an objective investigation of the case, suggested by the International Red Cross, which was to be carried out by the Red Cross of neutral countries, has been rejected by the North Korean side. I believe that transnationally minded intellectuals can only serve the good cause effectively by advocating negotiation, understanding and transnational solution of the security problem, but not by engaging in such propaganda ventures as the present one. I find that the Quacker organization [sic!] and the Indian government have served the supranational interests best so far. I think that one should first and foremost stick to the old medical motto: ‘Non nocere.’” In fine condition, with some chipping along the edges.
Hadamard published an open letter to Einstein in March 1952, accusing the Americans of developing biological weapons for use during the Korean War. Einstein responded privately on March 26, 1952, writing in a letter that has since been published: ‘I am really the last person who would excuse these abominable weapons, whether they are atomic bombs or biological means of destruction.’ Einstein went on to urge constructive supranational security action. Hadamard evidently asked to publish the letter, which Einstein here declines. A fascinating piece of correspondence between leading intellectuals on the topic of international peace. Starting Bid $2500
Einstein in the aftermath of WWII: “The British and the Americans are making the same mistakes as after the first world-war by not preventing Germany to get strong and dangerous again”
106. Albert Einstein Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed “A. Einstein,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 11, blindstamped Princeton letterhead, February 23, 1947. Letter to Commandant A. Bly in Belgium, in part: “I was very happy to receive your kind letter of January 1rst and to hear that you and your family have come well through those horrible years...It is strange to see, how little the people are learning even by the most painful experiences. It seems that the British and the Americans are making the same mistakes as after the first world-war by not preventing Germany to get strong and dangerous again. And they do it for very similar reasons. As soon as such a catastrophe is over—nobody is seriously striving to prevent the next one. I was deeply astonished by this fact already after 1919! I like very much life in America. I have my own little house with a pretty garden and I am working now with the same pleasure as I did in younger years.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $1000
“Overburdened with work,” Einstein declines an invitation from a B’nai B’rith lodge
108. Albert Einstein Typed Letter Signed. TLS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, February 4, 1934. Letter to the Pisgah Lodge B’nai B’rith in Detroit, in full (translated): “To my great regret I cannot comply with your kind request due to being overburdened with work.” In fine condition, with light fading, show-through from mounting remnants at the top corners, and faint toning from prior display. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. Starting Bid $1000
“A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, The Institute for Advanced Study letterhead, June 14, 1954. Interesting letter to a gentleman in Stockholm, Sweden, in full (translated): “I received your letter of April 24th. I think that such comparisons cannot challenge science. Relationships can only be seriously considered when solid reasons are presented.” Includes the original mailing envelope, noting Einstein’s office in “Room 115” at the Institute. In fine condition, with light toning long the side edges and the recipient’s name obliterated on both the letter and envelope. An intriguing, boldly signed letter by the celebrated physicist. Starting Bid $500
Uncommon signed portrait of the penicillin pioneer
110. Alexander Fleming Signed Photograph. Vintage
matte-finish 4.25 x 6.25 photo of an artist’s portrait of Alexander Fleming, nicely signed in fountain pen. Archivally mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 10.5 x 12.75. In fine condition, with a few faint surface creases and a trivial paperclip impression to top edge. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Starting Bid $200
Sintsov mediates a dispute between Russian mathematicians Markov and Nekrasov
Cyrillic, signed “D. Sintsov,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, no date. Handwritten letter to the Russian mathematician Pavel Nekrasov, who served as Rector of the Imperial University of Moscow. In part (translated): “I have received your letter and am somewhat at a loss as to whether I should report it to the Mathematical Society or whether I should take it into consideration in my activities…your advice and instructions are intended only for me personally on how to proceed in the future with regard to to A. A. Markov. The society itself has always been guided by quite definite principles…Turning to what has already happened, I must first of all confirm that the extract from the protocol of the Mat. Society is given correctly by A. A. Markov. As for the form and nature of his personal correspondence, moreover, of a private nature, he alone is responsible for it, and this side of the matter, I believe, cannot be the subject of our judgment.” He goes on to cite several of the back-and-forth papers by Markov and Nekrasov. In fine condition, with scattered dampstaining and adhesive residue to the upper half of the letter. Starting Bid $500
Tesla writes from his Fifth Ave laboratory
112. Nikola Tesla Autograph Letter Signed. ALS
signed “N. Tesla,” one page, 8 x 10.5, November 29, 1894. Handwritten letter to “Mrs. Johnson,” probably the wife of his close friend, the poet and diplomat Robert Underwood Johnson. In full: “Very sorry for missing the pleasure last night. I was unable to free myself from other obligations. Your letter was unanswered as I expected to call. Please express my thanks to Mrs. Anthony for her kind letter. There is a lady who can make nice compliments.” In fine condition, with a rusty circular paperclip impression to the top edge. In August 1892, Tesla moved his lab to 33-35 South Fifth Avenue where he took up the fourth floor; he remained there for two-and-a-half years before the building burnt down. The New York Times quoted Tesla when reporting on the fire: ‘I am in too much grief to talk. What can I say? The work of half my lifetime, very nearly all my mechanical instruments and scientific apparatus, that it has taken years to perfect, swept away in a fire that lasted only an hour or two. How can I estimate the loss in mere dollars and cents? Everything is gone. I must begin over again.’ Starting Bid $2500
Intellectuals
113. Max Horkheimer Typed Letter Signed. German philosopher
and sociologist (1895–1973) famed for his work in critical theory as a member of the Frankfurt School. TLS in German, one page, 8.25 x 11.75, personal letterhead, September 5, 1966. Untranslated letter signed by the important philosopher. In fine condition, with some light creasing, and two file holes to the left edge. Starting Bid $200
114. Félicité de La Mennais Autograph Letter Signed. French
Catholic priest, philosopher, and political theorist (1782–1854) who was one of the most influential liberal intellectuals of Restoration France ALS in French, signed “F. De La Mennais,” one page, 5 x 7.75, May 11, 1837. Untranslated handwritten letter by Lamennais. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Activists and Social Leaders
115. Mohandas Gandhi Signed Photograph. Vintage matte-finish 3.5 x 5.25 photo of Gandhi seated and spinning cotton, boldly signed in fountain pen, “M. K. Gandhi.” The reverse is annotated, “Through, Rajkumari Anmrit Kaur, 2-Aug-1935.” In fine condition.
After assuming control of the Indian National Congress in December 1921, Gandhi expanded his nonviolence program to include the swadeshi policy—the boycott of British goods. From this originated his spinning wheel, as he encouraged all Indians to wear khadi (homespun cloth) instead of British-made textiles. Thus, the picture of Gandhi at his spinning wheel has become one of the iconic images of the 20th century.
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was an important political and social activist who joined Gandhi as his secretary in 1929, and worked for him for 17 years. Of noble birth, the princess helped establish the AIWC in 1927 dedicated to women’s empowerment in India, and in 1947 Nehru called her into the first government of India as Minister of Health. Starting Bid $2500
Lifesaving ‘Schutz-Pass’ issued to a Budapest native by Raoul Wallenberg during World War II
116. Raoul Wallenberg Document Signed. DS in German and Hungar-
ian, quickly signed by Raoul Wallenberg with an ink scribble (as he commonly did on documents of this type), one page, 8.25 x 13.25, September 28, 1944. Blue and gold two-language Schutz-Pass issued to “Aurel Feld geb. Serena Sziklai” of Budapest. Upper left provides her personal information including her 1879 birth date, height, eye and hair color. Her passport-style photograph is affixed to the upper right, signed below in purple ink. Bottom portion bears printed statements in German and Hungarian, hastily signed in the lower left corner by Wallenberg, and countersigned by Swedish Minister to Budapest, Carl Ivan Danielsson. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, and wear and creasing the the edges.
Wallenberg arrived in Hungary in July 1944 as the country’s Jewish population was under siege. Nearly every other major Jewish community in Europe had already been decimated, and the Nazis were dispatching more than 10,000 Hungarian Jews to the gas chambers daily. With time of the essence, he devised and distributed thousands of these ‘Schutz-Passes’—official-looking, but essentially invalid, Swedish passports granting the Hungarian bearer immunity from deportation. Nazi officials readily accepted the paperwork. Thus, with his simple, nondescript scribble on this offered page, Wallenberg saved the life of Aurel Feld—just as he had done with tens of thousands of other Jews in Hungary. Starting Bid $500
Religious Figures
117. Mother Teresa Typed Letter Signed with Mi-
raculous Medal. TLS signed “God bless you, M Teresa mc,” one page, 5.75 x 7.75, stamped Missionaries of Charity letterhead, August 27, 1989. Letter to Eirene Mowji, in part: “God brings out good from every evil and so in god’s own time everything will be fine. As requested, I am attaching a miraculous medal. You too say: ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus, protect me.’ Mary never fails, for her Divine Son will do whatever she asks of Him. God love you and keep you for your great concern for Walter and his family. Keep the joy of loving God in your heart as your strength and share it with others.” Includes the miraculous medal discussed in the letter, as well as a Mother Teresa of Calcutta prayer card. In fine condition, with old tape to the lower left corner of the letter where the small medal was originally attached. Starting Bid $200
The future Pope Leo XI writes to Pope Clement VIII
World Leaders
118. Pope Leo XI Autograph Letter Signed. Born Ales-
sandro Ottaviano de Medici in 1535, he served as pope from April 1–27, 1605; his pontificate is one of the briefest in history, having lasted under a month. Incredibly rare ALS in Italian, signed “Il Card. di Firenz,” one page, 8 x 11, March 10, 1596. Untranslated handwritten letter to Pope Clement VIII, addressed to “Beat’mo Padre,” written by the future Pope Leo XI as Cardinal of Florence. In very good to fine condition, with partial separation along the hinge and some tiny losses to the signature area. An extraordinary piece of papal correspondence. Starting Bid $500
119. Winston Churchill Signed Photograph. Iconic vintage matte-
finish 3.5 x 5.5 portrait of Winston Churchill by Vivienne of London, signed in the lower border in fountain pen, “Winston S. Churchill.” Affixed to a 5 x 7 mount and in very good to fine condition, with light surface scuffing and slight fading to ink.
Vivienne (1889–1982) was a leading society portrait photographer who began as an assistant to her husband Ernest and their son, Antony. In 1949, Antony, by then making a career photographing actors in Hollywood, married Churchill’s daughter Sarah, an actress. Both families became friends and Vivienne made many portraits of Churchill. This is one of her most enduring images. Starting Bid $200
Preceding his defection to the Liberal Party, the Conservative Churchill frames his economic doctrine: “Whatever happens, I shall be perfectly true to the great principles on which the free trade policy of our country has been based”
120. Winston Churchill Letter Signed. Early LS signed
“Winston S. Churchill,” one page both sides, 5 x 8, personal letterhead, October 14, 1903. Significant political letter to Frank Hall, sent during his first term as a Member of Parliament. In part: “The political future is too obscure and uncertain for me to express any very definite opinion upon it. But you may be sure that whatever happens, I shall be perfectly true to the great principles on which the free trade policy of our country has been based.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA.
Churchill took his seat in the House of Commons in 1901, associating himself with a group of Conservatives known as the Hughligans. Though critical of his own party on a host of issues, first and foremost was his opposition of economic protectionism. As an ardent free trader—a position he steadfastly maintains in this letter—he ‘crossed the floor’ and defected to the Liberal Party in 1904. Starting Bid $200
matte-finish 5 x 7 portrait photo of Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini in uniform with his military helmet, signed in bold fountain pen, “Mussolini, Rome 21 aprile XXI.” In very good to fine condition, with a few small creases and some light rippling. Starting Bid $200
Exceedingly rare 1960 autograph of Chairman Mao, signed while advancing the Communist cause in Latin America
121. Mao Tse-tung Signed Invitation. Exceedingly rare
vintage ballpoint signature of Mao Tse-tung on the reverse of a 6.75 x 4.5 Chinese dinner invitation to a Buffet Party hosted by the China-Latin America Friendship Association at the Xinqiao Fandian (Hotel) on Thursday, 27 October 1960 at 6:30 pm, “in order to kindly see off the cultural friendship delegations of Latin American countries.” In fine condition, with minor soiling. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder and accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
In 1960, Mao was hard at work cultivating relationships with foreign nations as he planned to develop China from an agrarian economy to a socialist world power. Latin American nations leapt to the forefront of potential partners after the Cuban Communist revolution of 1959. The China-Latin America Friendship Association had been established in Beijing earlier that same year, in March 1960, and soon became the general fortress of cultural infiltration into Latin America. The U.S. diplomat Roy R. Rubottom Jr., who served as Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (1957-60), noted that, also in 1960, Mao Zedong appeared to have ‘gone out of his way’ to receive Latin American Communist leaders and to exhort them to give their full backing to the kind of revolution he favored.
Chairman Mao met with multiple Latin American delegations in May 1960, and would go on to host Che Guevara in November. These discussions frequently revolved around the shared struggle against American imperialism, as well as general Communist ideals. As a piece linking Mao to ideological revolutions abroad, this is an extremely desirable and exceptionally rare signature from one of the major political and cultural figures of the 20th century. Starting Bid $10000
123. Francisco de Paula Santander Autograph Letter
Signed. Colombian military and political leader (1792–1840) who fought alongside Simon Bolivar for the freedom of South America; he came to be known as ‘The Man of the Laws,’ and served as the first president of the Republic of New Granada, in present-day Colombia, from 1832 to 1837. ALS in Spanish, signed “Fr. P. Santander,” one page, 7.25 x 8.75, November 2, 1821. Untranslated handwritten letter from Bogota, sent to General Mariano Montilla, congratulating him on the liberation of Cartagena from the hands of Spain. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Royalty
The Queen Mother schedules a check-up for the four-year-old princess: “I would so like to know whether you are pleased with her feet etc. She is becoming almost brawny!”
124. Elizabeth, Queen Mother Autograph Letter
Signed. ALS signed “Elizabeth,” one page both sides, 5 x 8, personal letterhead, April 27, 1930. Handwritten letter to “Doctor Still,” asking to schedule a check-up for the four-year-old Princess Elizabeth. In part: “Elizabeth will be back in London tomorrow, and I wondered whether you would come in one day next week just to have a look at her? She is really in perfect health, but you have not seen her for over a year, and I would so like to know whether you are pleased with her feet etc. She is becoming almost brawny! Any time or day will suit me.” In fine condition. A model of ideal health throughout her whole life, Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-lived and longest-reigning British monarch. Starting Bid $200
Charles considers Windsor Castle’s landscape: “Apparently it used to be an orchard until some clot removed it”
125. King Charles III Autograph
Letter Signed. ALS signed “Charles,” one page both sides, 4.75 x 7.5, Windsor Castle letterhead, April 17, 1987. Letter to friend and landscape consultant Vernon Russell-Smith, in part: “I have been thinking about the present from the Game Conservancy that you told me about. It occurred to me that what would be most useful—and appropriate—would be apple trees to plant an orchard with the small field just beyond the kitchen garden. Apparently it used to be an orchard until some clot removed it. I feel it would make the whole difference.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in his own hand. Starting Bid $200
126. King Charles III Signed Christmas Card (1996). Christmas card from 1996 with the front bearing an embossed coat of arms, measuring 16 x 6 open, featuring an affixed color photo inside of Charles and his sons William and Harry leaning on shepherd crooks, signed and inscribed on the left side in fountain pen, “To you both—from Charles.” In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
127. King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort Signed Birthday Card. Appeal-
ing official 4.75 x 3.75 birthday card featuring an embossed coat of arms and printed birthday wish, signed and inscribed in black ink, “Dennis, from Charles and,” and, “Camilla.” In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
128. King Louis XV Document Signed. Ineffectual King of
France from 1715 to 1774 who was dominated by his strong-willed and unscrupulous mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Manuscript DS, signed “Louis,” one page, 9.5 x 14.25, October 1, 1762. Royal Treasury document granting a pension of 150 pounds to Anne Papel, a “new Catholic,” for one year. Signed on the left side by King Louis XV, with the “Louis” on the right side done in a secretarial hand. In fine condition, with a vertical tear to the bottom edge. A beautiful document authentically signed by the French king, which is quite rare. Starting Bid $200
Marvelous oversized signed portrait of the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II, captured by royal photographer Dorothy Wilding
129. Queen Elizabeth II Signed Photograph. Splendid oversized vintage matte-finish 15 x 19.5 portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing her glimmering crown jewels by Royal Court photographer Dorothy Wilding, affixed to its original 16.5 x 22.25 mount, signed on the mount in fountain pen in the year of her coronation, “Elizabeth R, 1953.” Beautifully archivally matted and framed to an overall size of 29.5 x 35.5; Dorothy Wilding’s studio label, numbered in pencil “015957 J,” remains affixed to the reverse of the mount, covered by the frame’s backing. In fine condition, with scattered small stains. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. An absolutely stunning, impressively large portrait of the queen in her regalia. Starting Bid $1000
Poignant mourning letter signed by Queen Elizabeth II, expressing thanks for attending “the Vigil over The late King, my Father, in Sandringham Church”
130. Queen Elizabeth II Typed Letter Signed on Death of King George VI. Important TLS signed “Elizabeth R,” one
page, 7.5 x 9.5, black-bordered Buckingham Palace mourning letterhead, no date but circa February 1952. Significant original hand-signed version of a letter regarding the death of her father, King George VI, used by Royal Printer Harrison and Sons to create facsimiles to be sent to mourners. In full: “I want to express to you my sincere thanks for the part which you took in the Vigil over The late King, my Father, in Sandringham Church from the 8th to the 11th February, 1952.” In fine condition, with a vertical fold to the right of the signature. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA.
King George VI died in his sleep at Sandringham House on February 6, 1952, after battling various ailments for several years. From February 8th to 11th, George VI’s coffin rested in St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham, before lying in state at Westminster Hall from February 11th to 15th. Following the state funeral at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, the king was interred in the royal vault. Creating this mourning message, expressing gratitude to those who kept vigil over the king at his first resting place, would have been one of Queen Elizabeth II’s first official acts as sovereign—a poignant and remarkably historic piece. Starting Bid $500
Marvelous royal portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, presented to a press liaison during their historic 1954 visit to Australia
131. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Signed Photographs. Exquisite pair of vintage matte-finish portraits of
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip: the Elizabeth photo by Dorothy Wilding shows the queen seated and wearing a strapless dress with the Riband and Star of the Order of the Garter, a Lesser George at the waist, and the Diamond Diadem crown, signed on the original 7 x 9.5 studio mount in fountain pen, “Elizabeth R, 1954”; the Philip photo by Baron Studios (Sterling Henry Nahum) portrays the prince in a handsome seated pose attired in his Admiral of the Fleet uniform, signed on the original 7 x 9.5 studio mount in fountain pen, “Philip, 1954.” Both are in their original leather presentation frames by H. H. Plante of London, with handsome gilt-stamped royal crests at the top; both backings are missing their easel-style stands, with one detached stand included. In fine condition, with some light silvering to the edges of the Philip image. Accompanied by a letter of provenance noting that these were presented to the official press officer for the royal couple’s first visit to Australia in 1954. Starting Bid $500
Remarkable family photo signed by the 5-year-old “Lilibet” and her parents—an incredible image of two British monarchs
132. Queen Elizabeth II, King George VI, and Elizabeth, Queen Mother Signed Photograph. Absolutely in-
credible vintage matte-finish 8 x 6.5 portrait of the royal family happily posing together in 1931, affixed to its original 8.5 x 7.5 mount, signed on the mount in pencil by the 5-year-old future Queen Elizabeth II, “Lilibet,” and in fountain pen by her parents, the future King George VI, “Bertie,” and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, “Elizabeth.” Handsomely archivally matted and framed under museum glass to an overall size of 13 x 12.25. In fine condition, with a small crease in the bottom border. A remarkable royal portrait and certainly one of the earliest known signed photographs of Queen Elizabeth II. Starting Bid $1000
Explorers and Archaeologists
The 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb
In November 1922, British Egyptologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings— the signal archaeological event of the 20th century. RR Auction is proud to recognize the 100th anniversary of his discovery with a fine selection of Carter’s papers and personal memorabilia, which descended in his family until their initial sale in 2012.
Howard Carter’s well-used leather-wrapped 100-foot tape measure—a handsome relic of the golden era of Egyptian excavation
133. Howard Carter’s Personally-Owned Tape
Measure. Howard Carter’s personally-owned 100-foot measuring tape by Chesterman of Sheffield, England, the fine leather-wrapped case measuring 6˝ in diameter and embossed with the maker’s name on both sides. At the side is a brass tag, which is used to draw the tape out; at the center is a brass catch used to wind the tape back in. The tape itself is rather toned, and has clearly been put to much use, with the first dozen numbers worn and reinforced in mapping ink—one can only imagine the journeys it undertook as part of Carter’s kit, and what treasures of Egyptian antiquity it might have measured. In overall very good to fine condition, with expected wear from heavy use and scuffing to leather.
Provenance: Estate of Howard Carter, Bonhams, June 12, 2012; accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Carter’s great-great nephew, Jonathan Carter, certifying the tape measure as part of the Howard Carter archive that he inherited. Starting Bid $1000
Carter writes of his days as Chief Inspector of the Upper Nile, where he tried to discourage “the cutting out of sculptures, reliefs and fresco-paintings from the walls of tomb-chapels to sell to the unsuspecting collector”
134. Howard Carter Handwritten Autobiographical Notes. Handwritten autobiographical notes in pencil by Howard Carter, unsigned, 16 pages (mostly single-sided), 4.5 x 6.25, no date. The account begins with episodes of his life as Chief Inspector of the Upper Nile, a post in which he served from 1899 to 1904, opening: “Perhaps the reader may not be displeased if I here attempt to acquaint him with something of the life during summer residence in Upper Egypt.” He writes of the oppressive heat in the summertime at Thebes and recalls encountering the “destruction of ancient monuments,” in particular “the cutting out of sculptures, reliefs and fresco-paintings from the walls of tomb-chapels to sell to the unsuspecting collector whose primary appeal was the acquisition of antiquities.”
He goes on to describe the excavation process, in part: “Clearing that shaft took the greater part of another two months. My description can give you no idea of the tediousness of the work: the fact, for instance, there was no means of arriving at any conclusion as to how deep we should have to go, nor the amount of material that would be required, made it all the more wearisome. However, at the end of November, the good news at last came. At the depth of more than 100 feet, the workmen reached the bottom, and revealed a doorway carefully sealed up with slabs of limestone. I examined it & found that the masonry by which it was closed had been built with due care. I said to the foreman ‘this, without doubt, is the entrance to the Tomb-chamber’ He nodded his assent, and muttered a prayer. My desire to remove a stone and peep through was almost irresistible. The foreman gave me a look of curiosity.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $1000
Howard Carter’s personally-owned Thermos flask set—handsomely housed in their original case!
135. Howard Carter’s Personally-Owned Thermos Set. Howard Carter’s personally-owned set of two Thermos Model No. 15Q flasks, housed in a handsome form-fitting brown leather carrying case. Each Thermos measures approximately 13.5˝ tall, 3.5˝ in diameter, and features a cork stopper with screw-on teacup-style lid. The leather case, with buckled closure strap/ carrying belt, measures 9˝ x 13.75˝ x 4.75˝. In overall fine condition, with expected wear from use, and some scuffing to the leather case. It is easy to envision the parched Egyptologist turning to these Thermoses for some relief from the desert heat.
Provenance: Estate of Howard Carter, Bonhams, June 12, 2012; accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Carter’s great-great nephew, Jonathan Carter, certifying the as part of the Howard Carter archive that he inherited. Also include a letter from Thermos Limited, dated August 30, 1979, replying to an inquiry J. E. Carter relative to the canteens: “Those shown in your photographs, coupled with the leather case, are certainly before 1927 since that is the oldest catalogue we have and the flasks, Model 15Q, are certainly pictured in that year’s publication. The retail price of the flask at that time was 15/6d.” Starting Bid $1000
Howard Carter’s hand-annotated lecture notes on the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb: “When Lord Carnarvon unable to stand the suspense any longer, inquired anxiously, ‘Can you see anything?’ It was all I could do to get out the words, ‘Yes wonderful things’”
Howard Carter’s hand-annotated typed notes for three lectures (two about his discovery of King Tut’s tomb, and one on the subject of color), totaling 36 pages housed in a leather binder, with his pencil annotations throughout. The first text relates to his discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun, beginning: “In nearing the tomb of Ramses VI, we found a very intriguing buried heap of flint boulders which suggested the proximity of a tomb. Our work progressed, and at the level of the twelfth step there was disclosed the upper part of a doorway, blocked, plastered and sealed…It was with reluctance that I reclosed the excavation…Little knowing that had I gone a few centimeters deeper in that excavation, the name of Tut.ankh.Amen upon the seals of that doorway would have told me the secret—that almost ephemeral king, Tut.ankh.Amen, in accordance with the religion he reverted to, and under the Theban traditions, had made his grave in the Valley of the Tombs of the Kings.” The text is interspersed with slide listings providing an outline for the lecture’s visuals—chronicling the Valley of the Kings, the excavation, the discovery of the tomb, and the antechamber and its precious objects, which have been annotated in pencil and red crayon in Howard Carter’s hand. An inserted page, employing a different typeface, provides his famous account of his first sight of the tomb’s interior: “As my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details of the room within emerged slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues and gold, everywhere the glint of gold…I was struck dumb with amazement, and when Lord Carnarvon unable to stand the suspense any longer, inquired anxiously, ‘Can you see anything?’ It was all I could do to get out the words, ‘Yes wonderful things.’” The second lecture “The Royal Burial and Innermost Treasury,” dated May 1930, offers biographical commentary on Tutankhamun and documents the excavation of the burial chamber. The third The third lecture, entitled “Colour,” hand-annotated in pencil, “Lecture Colour, V&A Oct. 17, 1934,” departs from his archaeological interests and provides an interesting discussion of color from artistic and scientific perspectives. In very good to fine condition, with several pages detached from the three-ring binder and some scattered staining throughout. An utterly fascinating compilation of Carter’s personal lecture notes, offering a first-person account of his historic discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Starting Bid $1000
Handwritten ledger by Howard Carter recording funds from the “Tut-ankh-Amen Discovery”
137. Howard Carter’s Handwritten Ledger Page. Significant handwritten ledger page by Howard Carter, one page, 8 x 13, no date but after April 1929. Headed “Excerpt from Ledger, Total Repts. Tut-ankh-Amen Discovery,” Carter records four series of payments: “Received of the Late Lord Carnarvon,” “Received of Messrs. Frere Cholmeley,” “Received of Lady Carnarvon,” and “By Sales.” The combined sums amount to £16416.842, annotated in the lower right in pencil. In fine condition. A remarkable accounting of the funds received by Carter in the course of the discovery and excavation of King Tut’s tomb. Starting Bid $1000
Carter insists he was present for the “discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen”
138. Howard Carter Autograph
Letter Signed. Rare ALS signed “H.C.,” one page both sides, 7 x 10.75, Curna, Luxor, Egypt letterhead, November 12, 1932. Handwritten letter to attorney Francis Franklin of Frere Cholmeley & Co., in relation to comments made by James Ogden, suggesting that Carter was not himself present at the discovery of Tutankhamen. In part: “I think a letter should be written to Mr. Ogden…requesting him to contradict publicly with an apology…the statement he made during his lecture at Cambridge, published in the Cambridge Evening News…In the par. referring to Mr. Ogden’s disclosure as to how the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen was made there is not one word of truth, and I think you will agree that it is detrimental to me. Apart from the fact that there is no truth in the statement, my absence during the progress of that excavation would have been a direct breach of contract, i.e. the concession granted by the Eg. Gov. to Lord Carnarvon and myself.” In fine condition, with some light creasing. It is decidedly rare to find letters by Carter that mention either Tutankhamen or Lord Carnarvon, who sponsored the excavation. Starting Bid $1000
Howard Carter’s address book, including Egyptologists, antiquities dealers, and his important benefactor
139. Howard Carter’s Handwritten Address
Book. Howard Carter’s personal leatherbound address book, 4.75 x 6.25, filled out in Carter’s hand in pencil on 29 pages, recording the names and addresses of various associates. Among the notable names in the book are the Earl of Carnarvon (sponsor of the excavation of King Tut’s tomb), William Carter (his brother), the Egyptian Embassy, the Egypt Exploration Society, Helen Ionides, the Illustrated London News, Otto Gutekunst (art dealer), Khawam Bros. (Egyptian antiquities dealers), Robert Mond (chemist and archaeologist), Percy Newberry (Egyptologist), Alexander Scott (chemist and director of scientific research at the British Museum), Spink & Son (auctioneers), and more. In fine condition, with some pages loose and the address label of his nephew, John E. Carter, affixed inside the front cover. Starting Bid $300
The Tut discoverer’s personal briefcase with interesting monogram: “ↃHC”
140. Howard Carter’s Personally-Owned Mono-
grammed Briefcase. Howard Carter’s personally-owned brown leather briefcase by Drew & Sons Ltd of Piccadilly Circus, boasting his initials monogrammed on top, “ƆHC,” so as to be read in both directions. Carter’s briefcase measures 16˝ x 11˝ x 5.75˝, and has a built-in file folder system inside. In good to very good condition, with moderate to heavy wear to leather, and clean splits along the bottom panel such that the case is separated into two parts; the piece could likely be restored by an expert craftsman. A rather compelling object, likely to have accompanied the Egyptologist on some interesting journeys.
Provenance: Estate of Howard Carter, Bonhams, June 12, 2012; accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Carter’s great-great nephew, Jonathan Carter, certifying the briefcase as part of the Howard Carter archive that he inherited. Starting Bid $300
141. Howard Carter: Amy Carter Walker Autograph Manuscript Signed. AMS
signed “A. Walker,” three pages, 6.25 x 8, no date. A handwritten list of “Egyptian Curios” made by Howard Carter’s sister, Amy Walker, naming valuable antiquities and photographs of Egyptian excavations. In part: “Fragment from the sculptured walls of the Temple of Queen Hatazu. 1500 B.C….Three rings taken off the fingers of mummies at Thebes by Mr. Howard Carter. The mummies were of the time of Amenhotep III. 1600. B.C….Four necklace ornaments, the large one represents the sacred asp…Piece of amber, discolored by age—also taken from a mummy by Mr. H. Carter…Pair of silver earrings (oxidized by age) which Mr. Carter took from the ears of a mummy at Thebes…Alabaster pot (semi-transparent) it originally contained a black substance like paint with which the ancient Egyptian belles used to touch up their eye-brows.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing and partial splits to folds. A fascinating manifest of ancient antiquities recovered by Carter during his years in Egypt. Starting Bid $200
“Have been most anxious to hear from you”—a worried mother writes to the famed Egyptologist
142. Howard Carter: Letter from Mother, Martha Joyce Carter. ALS
signed “Your loving & devoted Mother,” one page both sides, 8 x 9.75, July 26, 1917. Handwritten letter to Howard Carter (“My dearest boy Howard”) from his mother, Martha Joyce Carter, in part: “Your welcome letter received this morn, have been most anxious to hear from you by what you say I feel you do not receive my letters.” She updates him on forthcoming visitors and domestic life, and continues: “I so often wish I could have a talk with you as you are so good & sensible—about all things.” In fine condition.
In 1914, Lord Carnarvon received permission to dig in the Valley of the Kings. Carter led the work, undertaking a systematic search for any tombs missed by previous expeditions, in particular that of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun. However, excavations were soon interrupted and delayed by World War I. Carter spent the early war years working for the British government as a diplomatic courier and translator. He would enthusiastically resume his excavation work towards the end of 1917. Starting Bid $200
Carter receives a payout from Carnarvon’s estate for his distinguished service in “the Tut-ankh-Amen business”
143. Howard Carter: Letter from Solicitor on Carnarvon’s Payment.
TLS signed “Alfred W. Fryer,” two pages, 8 x 10, personal letterhead, September 22, 1930. Letter to Howard Carter, in part: “On Lady Carnarvon’s instructions I am sending you herewith my cheque for £8,012.0.0. As you know her Ladyship has recently received a sum of money from the Egyptian Government and she wishes to give to you one quarter of the net amount which will remain to her thereout after discharging the various expenses in connection therewith. Lady Carnarvon, as I think you know, greatly appreciates the distinguished service you have rendered in the cause of scientific research and has many gratifying memories of your association with her late husband.” He adds a handwritten postscript: “For your information the gross amount paid by Lady Carnarvon to the Trustees Solicitors is £2952 English money.” In fine condition, with rusty paperclip impressions to the top edges. Accompanied by Carter’s retained copy of his response, expressing his gratitude “for I had and have no legal claim upon her or upon the late Earl of Carnarvon’s estate in connection with the Tut-ankh-Amen business.” Starting Bid $200
