40 minute read
Notables
Declaration of Independence
Desirable Franklin document signed three months before the start of the Constitutional Convention of 1787
DS, signed “B. Franklin, Presid’t,” one page, 6.25 x 3, March 2, 1787. An endorsement from Benjamin Franklin as the President of Pennsylvania, in full: “Let a Commission issue as prayed for the directed to Matthew Clarkson, Matthew Mease, Peter Baynton and Richard Bache Esquires, or any four of three of them.” Signed boldly at the conclusion by Franklin. Cloth-matted and framed with a portrait and engraved plaque to an overall size of 19.75 x 17.5. In fine condition.
Roughly three months after signing this endorsement, Franklin served as a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention, which was held from May 25 to September 17, 1787, in the old Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. A desirable document from Franklin, the only Founding Father who is a signatory of all four of the major documents of the founding of the United States: the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and the United States Constitution. Starting Bid $1000
Rare document from the North Carolina signer
165. Joseph Hewes Document Signed. Secretary of
the Naval Affairs Committee during the Revolutionary War (1730–1779) who signed the Declaration of Independence, one of only three Quakers to do so. Revolutionary War–dated manuscript DS, one page, 8 x 11.5, August 10, 1777. Document from Chowan County, North Carolina, in part: “Know all men by these presents that Benjamin Joy, Joseph Hewes, and Arch Corry all of the County and State afor’d are held and stand…bound unto Evan Skinner High Sheriff of the County afor’d in the full…sum of one thousand pounds.” In very good to fine condition, with some scattered stains, and professional repairs to areas of ink erosion. Hewes’s untimely death at 49 has made his autograph especially scarce, and he is considered among the ‘very rare’ signers of the Declaration. Starting Bid $300
The ‘Chancellor’ trades six lambs for a new dethatcher
166. Robert R. Livingston Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “Rob. R. Livingston,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 9, April 8, 1792. Letter to the Reverend Vanderkemp, in part: “I am much obliged by your offer to supply me with a scarificator having hitherto had very little confidence in the various new modelled instruments of husbandry, supposing that every thing useful might be effected by the plough, harrow, & roller. I have not furnished myself with a scarificator—if however you are satisfied that it is a useful implement I will with pleasure receive yours—in exchange for six Lambs but as they will not at the time you mention be fit to drive without their dams it will be best to let you take three ewes & three ewe Lambs. I have none that are black not of any better breed than that you already possess…Be pleased Sir to present Mrs. Livingston’s comps. & mine to Mrs. Vanderkemp.” Addressed on the integral leaf in Livingston’s hand, and retains his red wax seal. In fine condition, with some light staining, and seal-related paper loss to the integral address leaf. Starting Bid $200
American Politicians
167. Thomas Hart Benton Autograph
Letter Signed. ALS signed “Thomas H. Benton,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, December 30, 1846. Letter to a gentleman in Missouri, regarding his boundless ambitions and the leadership to which he aspired in the Mexican War. In part: “Some movement may be made among my friends in the General assembly to nominate me for the Presidency? It will be very unfortunate if they do...High appointments, both military and diplomatic, are intended to be offered me by the President, and which I shall accept if offered. For the first, an act of congress will be necessary, to create the rank of Lieutenant General: the President will ask it by special message: if created by Congress, I have agreed to take it.” In very good condition, with light staining and toning, small areas of paper loss, and splitting to the horizontal folds. Starting Bid $200
Clay on his ‘unexpected defeat’ by Polk in 1844
169. Henry Clay Autograph Letter
Signed. ALS signed “H. Clay,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, December 2, 1844. Handwritten letter to Dudley Selden, despairing over being “unexpectedly defeated” by James K. Polk in the 1844 presidential election. In part: “I am happy to receive a letter from you, conveying an assurance that, altho’ we have been most unexpectedly defeated, all our friends manifested solidarity to one cause. I had no reason to doubt that such was the fact…We have failed, in consequence of the most extraordinary of circumstances. I suppose that no alternative is left to us but that of submission as well as we can, adherence to our principles and to one organization, and to exert one utmost endeavor yet to save our country.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Significant handwritten letter from Burr to Monroe, rife with intriguing content
168. Aaron Burr Autograph Letter Signed to James Monroe. ALS, one
page both sides, 7.5 x 9, June 18, 1794. Handwritten letter to James Monroe, who was about to leave for France as US Minister to France, written at the height of Burr’s power as a Senator from New York. In part: “You must have rec’d Mr. Prevost’s final answer before you left Philad’a. He has the utmost sensibility to your goodness & politeness...If you should be at any time without a secretary and should choose to receive him as such, he will cheerfully obey your summons. You will find me a very punctual correspondent—and the more extensive the cypher is which you proposed to make, the more interesting may our letters be to each other—a name which will occur frequently, had best be designated by two or three different characters—I leave this wholly to you.” He adds a postscript, in part: “If you should find books cheap in Paris & bills on America can be sold, I shall trouble you or Mr. L. with large orders—Report says that Miss Woolstonecraft is married—if so, her credit on me ceases.” In fine condition, with slightly irregular toning. Starting Bid $200
On Whig election prospects in New York: “The Abolitionists, I observe are increasing in your quarter. Will they adhere to Binney, or finally go for M. V. Buren, if, as I now suppose to be certain, he should be nominated?”
170. Henry Clay Autograph Letter Signed with
Free Frank. ALS signed “H. Clay,” one page, 8 x 10, November 25, 1843. Letter to T. Childs in Rochester, marked “Confidential,” commenting on New York and the tariff prior to the key 1844 presidential election. In part: “It has been a long time since I heard directly from you, and I am desirous to know your opinion how the land lies in the Western part of N. York, after the late election. At my distance from you, it looks badly. What is the cause? I had hoped for better things, and especially was I disappointed in Munroe and Rochester. The Abolitionists, I observe are increasing in your quarter. Will they adhere to Binney, or finally go for M. V. Buren, if, as I now suppose to be certain, he should be nominated? How does it happen that, whilst the South & S. West appear to be coming round to the Tariff, the North, judging from elections, is receding form the protective policy? The South is in favor of so adjusting a Revenue Tariff as to discriminate in behalf of the manufacturing interest. I speak of the Whigs now, in that form, as much protection can be afforded as is needed or could be obtained in any other way.” Addressed on the integral leaf in Clay’s hand, and franked “Free, H. Clay” in the upper right corner. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Free-franked letter signed by Hamilton as the US Army’s second-incommand
171. Alexander Hamilton Letter Signed
with Free Frank. LS signed “A. Hamilton,” one page, 7.75 x 13, August 24, 1799. Letter to Major John Adlum in Reading, Pennsylvania, in full: “I enclose to you a letter which you will please deliver to Lieutenant Boote. Should Mr. Boote be willing to repair to this place, you will give him permission to do so. In such case you will annex his party of infantry to the other company of infantry which forms part of your detachment.” Addressed on the reverse in another hand, and franked in the upper right by Hamilton, “On public service, A. Hamilton.” In very good to fine condition, with slightly irregular light toning, small repairs to fold intersections, and a restored area of paper loss to the right of the signature.
In addition to distinguished service during the American Revolution and as a major in the 11th Regiment of Infantry of the Provisional Army, the recipient of this letter, John Adlum, was a pioneering viticulturist known for his cultivation of the Catawba grape. Hamilton, following his important and influential term as Secretary of the Treasury in Washington’s administration, returned to the US Army in 1798 as a major general. When Washington died on December 14, 1799, Hamilton assumed command of the Army as its senior officer. As a twice-signed military order from a historic early American period, this Hamilton letter is of the utmost desirability. Starting Bid $500
RFK denies his dad cut off JFK’s signing privileges— a story that “serves only to present Jack in a humiliating light as financially incompetent”
173. Robert F. Kennedy Typed Letter Signed. TLS twice signed “Bob,” with handwritten postscript, two pages, 8 x 10.5, United States Senate letterhead, April 18, 1957. A wonderful letter to journalist Jack Anderson, Washington Bureau Chief of Parade Magazine, considered by many to be the ‘father of modern investigative journalism.’ In part: “I enjoyed the article in the April 28 Parade very much, and appreciated the nice words it contained about my work as well as my brother...However, the article did contain three items which are inaccurate, and which I thought ought to be cleared for the record inasmuch as you may be writing or commenting on our family again at some future time. What bothers me about these items is not only what seems to be an attempt to weave a pattern indicating excessive parental control of otherwise helpless sons, but also because the inaccuracy of each of these items could have been determined with a minimum of checking.”
He goes on to debunk points about speechwriters allegedly hired for JFK’s 1952 Senate campaign, a curious real estate deal, and a “story about ‘an ultra-swank New York restaurant’ and Dad cutting off Jack’s signing privileges.” In fine condition, with staple hole to top left and mild creases to lower right corners. Accompanied by a photocopy of Anderson’s article on the Kennedy brothers from Parade magazine. A famously close-knit family with generations of notable politicians, the Kennedys—especially Bobby—had cultivated a mutually beneficial working relationship with the media, enabling them to effectively promote their ever-growing political ambitions. An outstanding letter from the ‘Brother Protector,’ defending his family’s name to an important media figure. Starting Bid $200
“He would not have wanted his death to be a cause for the taking of another life”—the Kennedy family position on the death sentence given to Sirhan Sirhan for his killing of RFK
174. Ted Kennedy’s Poignant 5-Page Autograph Letter Signed to Attorney Evelle Younger on RFK and Death Penalty for Sirhan Sirhan. Ted Kennedy 5-page
ALS May 18, 1969 to Mr. Evelle Younger District Attorney who prosecuted Sirhan Sirhan for the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, Remarks by District Attorney Evelle J. Younger May 21, 1969 Case of People v. Sirhan Bishara Sirhan.
After finding Sirhan Sirhan guilty of murder in the first degree, District Attorney Evelle J. Younger asked the Kennedy family if they had any comments or recommendations relative to the penalty in this case, which was death in the electric chair. At this time in California a judge could if he wanted to as a form of clemency reduce the punishment of death to life imprisonment. The following 5-page Ted Kennedy letter to the court represented the Kennedy family position in regards to the death penalty Sirhan Sirhan faced. It wasn’t until 1972 that the death sentence was eliminated as punishment in California for first degree murder and replaced by life imprisonment without the chance of parole. This also meant that all prisoners who were on death row at the time and waiting for execution had their sentences converted to life imprisonment which became the case for Sirhan Sirhan. In part: “My brother was a man of love and sentiment and compassion. He would not have wanted his death to be a cause for the taking of another life. You may recall his pleas when he learned of the death of Martin Luther King. He said that ‘what we need in the United States is not division. What we need in the United States is not hatred. What we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness, but love and wisdom and compassion towards one another.’ Moreover he was a young man totally committed to life and living. He stood against injustice, poverty, and discrimination for those evils lessened life. He grew to despise war for war denies the sacredness of life. And he had a special affection for children for they held the promise of life. We all realize that many other considerations fall within your responsibility and that of the court. But if the kind of man my brother was is pertinent we believe it should be weighed in the balance on the side of compassion, mercy and God’s gift of life itself.”
This five-page letter is one of the most powerful, moving, and emotional letters ever written. Starting Bid $500
Rare official photograph signed by JFK Jr. as a child and adult
175. John F. Kennedy, Jr. Signed Photograph and Iconic Wire Photo. Two
historic items: a Cecil Stoughton photograph of young John Jr. with a scribble signature of John Jr. as a 2 year old, later inscribed to Mr. Stoughton from John Kennedy Jr. as an adult, “To Mr. Stoughton, Now I can sign my name, Best, John Kennedy.” The charming portrait of young Kennedy showing his first tooth out smile playing with a toy helicopter and a picture of Marine One in the White House. Photo taken by first official White House photographer, Cecil W. Stoughton, who asked the boy to sign his name and hence the below scribble. Stoughton then helped the boy write “John.” Some time in the 1990s, Stoughton and John Jr. found themselves at the same table at a NASA event in Florida. Stoughton asked John Jr. to re-inscribe this photo which he graciously did: “To Mr. Stoughton, Now I can sign my name, Best, John Kennedy.” Stamped on back by Stoughton. Unique piece from John Jr. who tragically died a few years after signing this photograph. Also includes an original vintage glossy wire service photograph of John Jr. saluting his father during the funeral procession on November 25, 1963. Starting Bid $300
176. John F. Kennedy, Jr Signed Oversized Photograph Inscribed to a FBI Special Agent. Over-
sized color photograph of John Jr. on Martha’s Vineyard in 1995 taken by the FBI who were on a stakeout for Whitey Bulger and later inscribed by John Kennedy to FBI Special Agent William Rosenbaum, “Bill, thanks for your help, John Kennedy.” Provenance: letter of explanation about this photograph from Special Agent William Rosenbaum with his FBI card. Incredible one of a kind FBI surveillance photograph of John Kennedy Jr. Letter and FBI card from Special Agent William Rosenbaum is included and explains the unusual set of circumstances of how and why this photograph was taken in the summer of 1995. The FBI was following up on a tip that Whitey Bulger was meeting somebody of interest to the FBI at Martha’s Vineyard and from a distance the FBI spotted a man and a woman who they took pictures of that turned out to be John and his girlfriend and soon to be wife Carolyn Bessette having a picnic. Kennedy inscribed this framed oversized photograph (41” x 31”) to Agent Rosenbaum who helped Kennedy push his dory out to the water. Starting Bid $200
William Penn and Captain Kidd— an extraordinary seven-page ALS with a three-page inventory of Captain Kidd’s treasure
178. William Penn Autograph Letter Signed and Document Signed on Captain Kidd’s Treasure. ALS
signed “Wm. Penn,” seven pages on two sets of adjoining sheets, 7 x 9, December 30, 1700. Handwritten letter to Secretary of State James Vernon, written from Philadelphia, transmitting an account of goods received from on board Captain Kidd’s ship and referencing several figures central to Kidd’s saga. The letter chiefly concerns the suspicious Rev. Edward Portlock, who, as it turns out, agreed to hide some 600 pieces of gold handed to him by Dr. Robert Bradinham, physician to the famed Capt. Kidd. Portlock, who decried piracy from the pulpit, hid the pirate treasure beneath the church floor. When Bradinham was found out and apprehended, he agreed to testify against Kidd in return for a pardon; here, Penn has evidently received false news of Bradinham’s death. Penn also refers to “Gillams Confession,” presumably the memoir written in prison by a one-time pirate associate of Kidd, who went by both James Gilliam and James Kelly. Richard Coote, 1st Earl of Bellomont, also mentioned several times by Penn, was the colonial governor of Massachusetts and, initially, a major financial sponsor of William Kidd’s privateering efforts. After Kidd’s exploits devolved into piracy, Lord Bellomont engineered his capture at Boston, and returned Kidd to England, where he was tried, convicted, and hanged in 1701.
Penn writes, in part: “By my last of this instant, ye went by one Capt. Jeffreys, from New Yorke, I informed thee that I had been beforehand with Gillams Confession, and seiz’d wt. goods of his remain’d in the hands of Orr, Thomson & Lewis (for Birch, I cannot fine had any) and that I obliged them to give their Bonds for wt. they had disposed of; a coppy of which is atth. (of what is seiz’d or sold) I here inclose...
But this last post from York, bringing us the news of Doc. Bradenham’s death, with two more, unnamed, made some in this place a little uneasy, that had been too familiar with him; and in short, I finde, the Church of England Minister, one Portlock, was his repository of wt. treasure was not seiz’d by the Governm’t wch. I sent home with him...I shall dispatch today or tomorrow, letters to Govern’r Blakston & Gove. Nicolson, to apprehend the Parson & his mony, if they can ketch it...
I waved to write any thing to the discredit of ye Parson, when Bradenham went home, apprehending the disadvantage I lay under of being believe’d, or I could have related their intimacy, & how indecently I found ye Parson Plotting & Pipeing with him & ye other Pyrats, at ye time I went my selfe to see them in ye boat, in order to their transportation. But that the Gentleman should, not long after, inveigh agst. ye Quakers for their being too tame & easy to Pyrats, and yet in the pulpit, because they would not fitt forth vessels of warr to fight, persue & take them, while himselfe, at the same time, stood possest of a Pyrats treasure, gott by the worst of ways, needs no aggravation.” Penn adds a page-long handwritten postscript, initialed “W.P.,” pleading for a pardon for “a poor Sweedish woman that kill’d her basterd Childe.”
The enclosed manuscript document, headed “An Account of Goods recv’d from on board Capt. Kidd’s ship by George Thomson, William Orr and Peter Lewis of the Town of Lewis in the County of Sussex annexed to the Province of Pennsylvania,” is initialed by Penn on the second page, “W.P.,” and totals three pages, 7.5 x 12, documenting evidence seized from the three men “upon information given that they had traded with some of Kid’s Crew,” including fine textiles—”callicoe,” “muslin,” “flower’d silk,” and “coloured handkerchiefs”—sugar, and “Pieces of Eight.” It is likely that the bulk of these items originally came from Kidd’s principal prize, the Quedagh Merchant, which carried a cargo that included 130 bales of textiles and 70 to 80 tons of sugar. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing and small stains. A remarkable letter and document on the legendary pirate and his famous loot. Starting Bid $5000
Activists and Social Leaders
Rare letter from the Black Consciousness Movement activist on a suspicious death at the hands of police— a fate he would meet one year later
180. Steve Biko Typed Letter Signed. South
African anti-apartheid activist (1946–1977) at the forefront of the the Black Consciousness Movement during the late 1960s and 1970s, known for popularizing the slogan ‘Black Is Beautiful.’ He was severely beaten during an interrogation by police and died of his wounds while imprisoned. TLS signed “B. S. Biko,” one page, 5.75 x 8.5, personal letterhead, January 12, 1977. Letter on the death and inquest of fellow Black Consciousness Movement activist Mapetla Mohapi, who died while in police custody. At this time, Biko was prohibited from leaving King William’s Town due to his activities with the BCM. In full: “Re: Mapetla Mohapi. I have been asked by the attorney representing the Mohapi family in the above matter to make myself available for consultations on the 16th January with their counsel as well as attend the inquest which has been set down for the 17th and 18th January. Kindly grant me the necessary permission to enter the premises of the King William’s Town Magistrate’s Court on the relevant dates and to attend the consultation which will be held somewhere in King William’s Town. I do not as yet know where exactly Mr. Mxenge plans to have the consultation.” In fine condition.
Mapetla Mohapi (1947–1976) was the secretary of the South African Students’ Organisation and a member of the Black Consciousness Movement. On July 16, 1976, he was detained under Section 6 of the Terrorism Act—the first to be detained under that section—for allegedly transporting young men across the border to Botswana for military training. He was found dead in his cell on August 6th, with jeans wrapped around his neck in an apparent suicide; the police produced a suicide note, which was later shown to be a forgery, lending credibility to the idea that authorities staged his death. His wife sued the police minister, and hoped to involve Biko in the inquest. A year later, Biko would also be detained under Section 6, and ultimately met the same tragic fate. Starting Bid $500
King finds himself unable to help a woman pleading on behalf of a relative incarcerated in a Cuban prison
181. Martin Luther King, Jr. Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed “Martin L. King, Jr.,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Southern Christian Leadership Conference letterhead, January 14, 1966. Letter to Irmina H. Santaballa, in full: “I was sorry to learn of the plight of your relative, Senor Gregorio Pedro Garcia Y Garcia, in his incarceration in a Cuban prison, especially in light of his indicated poor health. I feel my capacity to assist him is limited by my lack of awareness of the particularities of his case and by the fact that I am not a citizen of Cuba. Have you contacted the United States State Department? It seems to me that that agency would be much better equipped to give you information as to how to proceed than I am, given my limitations in this area.” In very good to fine condition, with overall creasing, intersecting folds, and some light staining to the lower left corner. Starting Bid $500
182. Malcolm X Signed Typescript Page for Alex Haley’s 1963
Playboy Interview. Page 23 from the original typescript of Alex Haley’s 1963 interview of Malcolm X for Playboy magazine, one onionskin page, 8 x 10.75, signed “Malcolm X” in the bottom margin (with a marginal line indicating his approval of the contents). In part: “But I don’t want to use up all the time talking about the Jew calling the Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s followers anti-Semitic. But I want to tell you what I always think about every time I hear that. I think about the Jews changing their names—trying to become exactly what’s the worst anti-Semite there is, the Anglo-Saxon Christian. The Jew ought to stop wasting his time investigating the black man. We’re both threatened by the same enemy. The answer for the black man that the Honorable Elijah Muhammad is teaching is—separate! From everything white.” Malcolm signs his approval at the bottom of the page in pencil, making only one change: the deletion of the phrase “We’re both threatened by the same enemy.” Handsomely double-matted and framed with a portrait and an engraved plaque to an overall size of 25.25 x 23. In fine condition. Starting Bid $1000
Impressive oversized color portrait inscribed to his attorney
derful color semi-glossy 11.25 x 16.25 portrait of the revered South African president, signed and inscribed in silver ink, “To Priscilla Jana, Best wishes to a highly competent & impressive public figure. N. Mandela, 5. 12. 96.” In fine condition, with light scattered creasing. This photo was a birthday gift to Mandela’s lawyer, Priscilla Jana, his esteemed council who represented him in proceedings to gain an order of protection for Mandela’s children against harassment by the state. Jana also represented notable figures like Thabo Mbecki, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Walter Sisulu, and later served as South Africa’s ambassador to Ireland and the Netherlands. A superb portrait of the South African revolutionary in the midst of his tenure as president. This is the largest color photograph of Mandela that we have offered. Ex. Priscilla Jana, Clarkes Africana, South Africa. Starting Bid $200
184. Nelson Mandela Signed Inauguration
Cover. Commemorative cover with a cachet honoring the inauguration of Nelson Mandela on May 10, 1994, signed in black ballpoint, “N. Mandela, 7-102000.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200 185. Edward Snowden Signed Book. Signed book: Per-
manent Record. Later printing. NY: Henry Holt and Company, 2019. Softcover, 5.25 x 8.25, 339 pages. Signed on a bookplate affixed to the title page in black felt tip, “E. Snowden.” In very fine condition, with a PSA/DNA label affixed to the bookplate. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Starting Bid $200
Supreme Court
186. John Marshall Autograph Letter Signed. ALS
signed “J. Marshall,” one page both sides, 6.25 x 7.5, September 18, 1832. Letter to his son, James K. Marshall, concerning the sale of some bank stock. In part: “I requested Mr. Lynch, the broker, to sell two shares for the most he could get…The rise is to be ascribed to the opinion that the bank of The United States will not be rechartered, and gentlemen speculate on a great rise in state stock when the present charter shall expire.” Addressed on the integral leaf in Marshall’s hand. In very good to fine condition, with a tear to the left edge, scattered light stains, and damage to the integral address leaf, including a tear and the top third trimmed off and not present. Starting Bid $500
187. Supreme Court: Burger Court Signed Photo-
graph. Color matte-finish 14 x 9 formal official portrait of the Burger Court, signed on the mount in ink by all pictured: Byron R. White, William H. Rehnquist, William J. Brennan, Jr., Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Potter Stewart, John Paul Stevens, and Thurgood Marshall. Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 22.5 x 18.5. In fine condition, with faint toning around the perimeter of the image. Consignor notes that the photo was obtained from one of Justice Marshall’s clerks. Starting Bid $200
Scientists and Inventors
188. Thomas Edison Signature. Choice bold ink ‘umbrella’ signature, “Thomas A. Edison,” on an off-white 3.25 x 1.75 card. Mounted, matted, and framed with a photo and plaque to an overall size of 22 x 21.5. In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. Starting Bid $200
Incredible large signed photograph of chemotherapy pioneer Paul Ehrlich
189. Paul Ehrlich Signed Photograph. German scientist and
pioneer of chemotherapy (1854–1915) who was co-awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine with Elie Metchnikoff in 1906. Impressive vintage matte-finish 9.25 x 12.5 photo of Ehrlich in a seated pose, presented in its original 12.25 x 16.25 mat, signed on the mat in ink, “P. Ehrlich.” Framed and in very good to fine condition, with some staining to the mat, and staining and silvering to the image. Ehrlich’s autograph is scarce in any form, and this is just the second signed photograph we have offered; the other example, a postcard portrait sold nearly ten years ago, is no match for the extremely rare, imposing size of this example. From the estate of noted British scientist John Freeman (1877-1962) who worked with Ehrlich, Metchnikoff, Fleming, and others. Starting Bid $200
Einstein quote on ‘The Meaning of Life’
190. Albert Einstein Autograph Quotation Signed on ‘The Meaning of Life’. AQS in German at the bottom of a 4
x 7.5 bookplate belonging to Arthur Leonard Ross, affixed to the front pastedown of a first edition of About Zionism: Speeches and Letters by Professor Albert Einstein. In bold and clear fountain pen, Einstein writes, in full: “Den Sinn des Lebens kann man fühlen, aber nicht mit dem Verstand begreifen [One can feel the meaning of life, but not understand it with the mind]. Albert Einstein, 1932.” The book, published in New York by Macmillan in 1931, is a hardcover with dust jacket, 4.75 x 8, 94 pages. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/G+, with Einstein postage stamps affixed to the first free end page, the front panel of the jacket split along the spine, losses to edges of the jacket, and clipped corners to front flap. Starting Bid $5000
Handwritten response for life advice: “To save time is a wonderful quest if a person is able to make something wonderful out of it”
191. Albert Einstein Autograph Letter Signed. ALS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 5 x 6.75, March 26, 1923. Handwritten response to a solicitation for life advice from an American educator, in full (translated): “To save time is a wonderful quest if a person is able to make something wonderful out of it. Otherwise it’s better to sit back and live comfortably and to be sure not to pack it with too many things to do as you would overpack your briefcase.” In very good to fine condition, with light dampstaining and associated wrinkling to the top and bottom edges, not affecting the main body of text. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope and a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
Though Einstein packed his own life with many things to do—developing world-changing scientific theories, mentoring young physicists, and advocating for world peace—he also found time for leisure. Among his beloved hobbies were playing the violin, sailing, and reading. On the whole, Einstein’s life was well balanced yet extraordinarily productive. A wonderful letter from the genius. Starting Bid $2500
A 1945 study of spacetime curvature, handwritten by Einstein for his article ‘A Generalization of the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation’
192. Albert Einstein Handwritten Scientific Manuscript. Important scientific manuscript written in the hand of Albert Einstein in German, unsigned, one page, 8.5 x 11, no date circa 1945. A draft variant of page 9 of the manuscript of ‘Auf die Theorie metrischer komplexer Raume gegründete Feldtheorie’ (‘A Field Theory Based on the Theory of Complex Metric Spaces’), the initial version of the article ‘A Generalization of the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation,’ published in Annals of Mathematics, Vol. 46 (Oct. 1945), pp. 578-584. Headed “Krümmung [Curvature],” the piece concludes (translated): “This tensor seems to me to be excellent above all other tensors to be formed in S4. We want to take a closer look at it.” In differential geometry, the Einstein tensor, also known as the trace-reversed Ricci tensor, is used to express the curvature of a pseudo-Riemannian manifold. In general relativity, it occurs in the Einstein field equations for gravitation that describe spacetime curvature in a manner that is consistent with conservation of energy and momentum. In fine condition. Starting Bid $1000
To a Fordham chemistry professor: “Write me precisely in which form you want to do it so that no incorrect impression might be produced”
193. Albert Einstein Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, blindstamped Princeton letterhead, February 8, 1950. Letter to Dr. George Antonoff, Professor of Chemistry at Fordham University, in full: “I agree in principle that you use my letter in the way you propose. My condition is, however, that you write me precisely in which form you want to do it so that no incorrect impression might be produced.” In very good to fine condition, with light soiling and toning, a small stain, and a rusty paperclip impression to the upper left edge. Starting Bid $500
Crisp Einstein signature on Princeton stationery
194. Albert Einstein Signature. Ink signature, “Albert Einstein,” on an off-white 4 x 2.5 sheet of Princeton stationery. Attractively double-matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 9.75 x 14.75. In fine condition, with a faint diagonal bend to the right blank area. Starting Bid $300
195. Werner Heisenberg
Signed Photograph. German
theoretical physicist (1901–1976) awarded the 1932 Nobel Prize in physics for the creation of quantum mechanics. Scarce glossy 4 x 5.75 head-and-shoulders photo affixed to a 5.25 x 7.5 mount, signed on the mount in fountain pen by Werner Heisenberg. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Stunningly rare signed oversized portrait of Elie Metchnikoff—the first we’ve ever seen
196. Elie Metchnikoff Signed Photograph. Russian bi-
ologist and zoologist (1845-1916) best known for his pioneering research into the immune system for which he, with Paul Ehrlich, was awarded the 1908 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Rare and extraordinary vintage matte-finish 9.5 x 11.5 photo of the pioneering immunology researcher, affixed to its original 11 x 14 mount, crisply signed on the mount in ink, “Elie Metchnikoff.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 15 x 18.75. In very good to fine condition, with light toning to the mount, and light silvering to the darker areas of the image. Signed photographs of Metchnikoff are exceedingly rare—this is the first of any size we have ever encountered—and the large-format dimensions of this example make it particularly impressive. From the estate of noted British scientist John Freeman (1877-1962) who worked with Ehrlich, Metchnikoff, Fleming, and others. Starting Bid $200
197. Georgios Papanikolaou Archive (16 Letters). Greek physician (1883–1962) who was a pioneer in cytopathology and early cancer detection, known for his invention of the ‘Pap smear.’ Archive of sixteen letters from Dr. George Papanicolaou to veterinarian, dog breeder, and eugenicist Leon Whitney, comprising thirteen TLSs and three ALSs, most signed “George” or “Pap,” plus a telegram and Whitney’s retained carbon copies of his letters to Papanicolaou; in all, the archive represents 35 pieces of correspondence. This friendly correspondence covers a diverse variety of subjects, including diagnoses of cancer in humans and dogs, dog breeds, flowers, Turkish food, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. also includes an excellent copy of Papanicolaou’s 1954 work Atlas of Exfoliative Cytology in its original binder, with 38 plates of non-malignant and malignant cells. In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $500
Intellectuals
198. Karl Jaspers Typed Letter Signed. German psychiatrist and philosopher
(1883–1969) who attempted to develop an innovative philosophical system. TLS in German, one page, 8.25 x 11.75, stamped personal letterhead, December 21, 1951. Letter to Franz Wegwitz, sending thanks for a pleasing review and informing him of the demise of the magazine ‘Die Wandlung.’ He adds a brief handwritten note concerning radio lectures for an introduction to philosophy. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Religious Figures
Extremely rare autograph of the ‘Borgia’ pope
199. Pope Alexander VI Document Signed. Born into the prominent Borgia family as Rodrigo de Borja, he served as pope from August 11, 1492 until his death in 1503; his papal bulls of 1493 confirmed or reconfirmed the rights of the Spanish crown in the New World following the finds of Christopher Columbus. Rare manuscript DS, one page, 11 x 11.75, Rome, January 4, 1502. Significant ‘motu proprio,’ a type of document issued by the pope on his own initiative and personally signed by him, featuring two handwritten inscriptions signed with his initial. The first, “fiat ut petitur sine pregjudicio [be it as asked without prejudice],” is signed with his initial, “R”; the second, “fiat ut supra [be it as above],” is also signed with his initial, “R.” The document legitimizes the illegitimately born Julius des Mucciarelleis. In very good to fine condition, with scattered staining, and multiple vertical folds. A legendary figure as a controversial pope and head of the fascinating Borgia family, Pope Alexander VI was one of the most notorious characters of the Renaissance era. His autograph is virtually unobtainable, and this is the only example we have ever offered. Starting Bid $1000
World Leaders and Politicians
200. Francisco Franco Signed Photograph. Vintage matte-finish 5.75 x
8.25 photo of Francisco Franco in uniform, affixed to its original 9.5 x 12 mount, signed on the mount in fountain pen by Franco and inscribed in another hand in Spanish, with a date of December 12, 1938. Also signed on the mount in pencil by the photographer. Framed and in very good to fine condition, with light toning, and scattered small stains, to the borders. Franco is uncommon in larger signed photos. Starting Bid $200
201. Samuel Pepys Document Signed. British civil
servant (1633–1703) who was promoted to Secretary to the Admiralty in 1673. He is best remembered as the author of a nine-year, multi-volume diary, one of the essential documents of 17th century British history and literature. Manuscript DS, one page, 7.5 x 9, June 27, 1667. Document authorizing the payment of 504 pounds for cordage shipped to the Navy at Portsmouth, in part: “These are to certifie that there is due unto Thomas Pitt the sum of five hundred and four pounds seven shillings four pence for…cordage by him delivered into his Ma’ts stores at Portsmouth.” Signed in the lower border in ink by Samuel Pepys, and countersigned by Sir William Penn and Sir William Batten. In very good condition, with scattered light foxing and staining, minor paper loss, and splitting to the ends of the somewhat fragile folds.
Penn was an English admiral and politician (1621–1670) who was the father of the founder of Pennsylvania; Batten (c. 1600–1667) was an English naval officer and politician. Both are frequently mentioned throughout Pepys’ famous diaries. Starting Bid $200
Royalty
203. Elizabeth, Queen Mother Signed Oversized Photograph by
Cecil Beaton. Exquisite matte-finish 15 x 18 photo of the Queen Mother wearing a beautiful ball gown, the Greville Tiara, and the Riband and Star of the Order of the Garter, affixed to the original 20 x 25.25 studio mount, signed boldly on the mount in fountain pen, “Elizabeth R., 1960.” The mount is also signed in pencil by the photographer, Cecil Beaton, whose stamp is on the reverse with number, “464/44.” In fine condition, with a tear to the lower left edge, easily matted out. A gorgeous portrait of the Queen Mother in an elegant full-length pose that is made all the more desirable for its uncommon size and sublime visual appeal. Starting Bid $200
202. George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer 1801 Mezzotint
Engraving. Large 1801 mezzotint engraving of the “Right Honourable George John Spencer, Earl Spencer, Viscount Althorp, First Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty,” 21 x 29.75, which depicts Spencer in a standing full-length pose wearing Garter Robes and holding a plumed hat in his right hand, with a column and curtain to the left and a view of a tree and building to right background. Painted and published by John Singleton Copley, and engraved by Robert Dunkarton. In very good to fine condition, with foxing, staining, and chipping to the borders; the image itself is sharp and unaffected. Starting Bid $200
204. King Kamehameha IV and Queen
Emma of Hawaii Signatures. Rare ink signa-
tures, “Kamehameha” and “Emma,” on an off-white 4 x 6.5 sheet embossed in the upper left with a royal crest. In fine condition, with two horizontal folds. Kamehameha (1834–1863) reigned as the fourth monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1855 to 1863; his wife, Emma (1836–1885), was later a candidate for the throne but King Kalakaua was elected instead. Starting Bid $200
206. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Signed Oversized Photographs. Magnificent pair of oversized vintage
matte-finish portraits of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip from 1953: the Elizabeth photo by Dorothy Wilding measures 14 x 18, and 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 studio mount in fountain pen, “Elizabeth R, 1954”; the Philip photo by Baron Studios (Sterling Henry Nahum) measures 15 x 18, and portrays the prince in a handsome standing pose attired in his Admiral of the Fleet uniform, signed on the original studio mount in fountain pen, “Philip, 1954.” Both photos are individually mounted and framed to an approximate size of 22 x 29; lower board of both frames feature an engraved plaque that reads: “Presented by Coronation Chapter, Imperial Order, Daughters of the Empire, Dec. 1, 1954.” In overall fine condition, with light rippling to the side edges of the Elizabeth photo. A beautiful pair of oversized royal portraits of the world’s most recognized couple. Starting Bid $1000
Exceptionally attractive 1957 portrait of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip
207. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
Signed Photograph. Wonderful vintage mattefinish 7.25 x 9.5 portrait of the royal couple, signed on the original studio mount in fountain pen, “Elizabeth R., 1957” and “Philip.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 13 x 16.75. In fine condition, with the signatures a couple of shades light. Accompanied by a letter of provenance. A particularly desirable official royal photograph—Queen Elizabeth has perhaps never looked more radiant, nor has Prince Philip appeared quite so handsome. Starting Bid $500
American West
208. William F. ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody Signature. Vintage ink sig-
nature, “True to friend & foe, W. F. Cody, ‘Buffalo Bill,’ Born. Scott Co., Iowa, Feb. 26th, 1845, Rutland, N.Y., July 27th 1895,” on an off-white 7 x 4.5 sheet. Attractively double-matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 13.75 x 18.75. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Notorious Figures
Chess set belonging to the teenaged Oswald
209. Lee Harvey Oswald’s Chess Set. Vintage chess set given to Lee Harvey Oswald by his mother after the family had moved to New Orleans in 1954, consisting of 14 white plastic pieces and 14 red plastic pieces. Housed in the original burgundy leather box, 6.75 x 2.25 x 4, with an embossed gold image of a knight piece on the lid. In very good to fine condition, with moderate wear to the box and lid (which is detached but present); the chessmen themselves are in fine condition. When Marguerite Oswald was summoned to testify before the President’s Commission on the assassination of President Kennedy on February 12, 1964, a portion of her testimony noted chess as one of the childhood hobbies of her son. Starting Bid $500
210. Lee Harvey Oswald Hand-Addressed and Signed Envelope. Hand-addressed air mail envelope, 6.25 x 4.25,
addressed by Oswald to his brother Robert, “U.S.A., Fort Worth, Texas, 7313 Davenport St., R. Oswald,” adding his “U.S.S.R., Minsk” return address and name in Russian, “A. Oswald,” at the bottom. Annotated along the edge with the date of May 5, 1961. In fine condition. Accompanied by a color copy of the letter this envelope originally contained, in which Oswald offers updates on his life—newly married, he and his wife have taken up a small flat near the radio factory where he works.
Oswald’s use of “A. Oswald” is noteworthy, as the Warren Report said that Oswald went by the nickname ‘Alek’ while in Russia. He would also use the alias ‘Alek Hidell’ upon his return to the United States, and purchased the assassination weapon—a mail order 6.5*52mm Carcano Model 91/38 infantry rifle—under that name. A significant autograph from a definitive moment in Oswald’s life. Starting Bid $200
