43 minute read
Notables
American Politicians and Leaders
118. Aaron Burr Autograph Letter Signed with Franked Address Panel.
ALS signed “A. Burr,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, July 20, 1807. Addressed from New York, a handwritten letter to Ephraim Kirby of Litchfield, Connecticut, in part: “I am much rejoiced to find that you have at length received your commission. I wrote Edwards on the subject of the delegation, a letter which he will not understand until he shall hear of your appointment. Still I advised that the project be carried into execution & offered to contribute. In all my communications, I have bestowed as much attention to your State as to this—probably even more—I am always happy in being made the instrument to promote good principles or good measures.” Burr has addressed the adjacent mailing panel and added his franking signature to the upper right, “A. Burr.” Nicely matted and framed unfolded to an overall size of 21.25 x 15.25. In fine condition, with multiple intersecting folds, and a thin old mounting strip along the hinge. Starting Bid $200
Acitivists and Social Leaders
Extraordinary 1970s-1980s letter archive of primatologist Dian Fossey, with mountain gorilla vocalization tapes and a rare signed first edition of Gorillas in the Mist
119. Dian Fossey Archive of (19) Letters, (2) Mountain Gorilla Vocalization Tapes, a Signed Published Article, and a Signed First Edition of Gorillas in the
Mist. Archive of research material and signed correspondence from renowned primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey, composed of 19 letters, a signed first edition of Gorillas in the Mist, a rare signed published article, and two 7-inch reel-toreel tapes containing vocalizations of mountain gorillas, all of which were sent by Fossey to noted author and primatologist Dr. Don Cousins throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. The letters include nine postcard ALSs and 10 TLSs, signed early on as “Dian Fossey,” and then later, as their correspondence matured, simply as “Dian.” All of the postcards are addressed from the Karisoke Research Centre, in Ruhengeri, Rwanda, as are a few of the typed letters, which also contain letterhead from the University of Cambridge and Cornell University, institutions where Fossey obtained her Ph.D. and where she later lectured as a professor.
Each brief handwritten letter finds Fossey requesting reprints of articles by Cousins, with one, in particular, revealing the inherent danger of her work: “Things are going okay here for the moment, but rumor has it there might be more killings to capture young gorillas—the reason for the last horror. We live from day to day wondering who will be next.” The typed letters are far more involved and contain abundant information related to her fieldwork with gorillas in Rwanda, her team’s constant struggle against poaching, and the progress of her first book, a signed first edition of which is included. The archive as a whole is in overall fine condition; the book is in very good condition, with a bit of loss to the front endpaper, some adhesive remnants from prior items mounted inside, and aforementioned letters and news clippings affixed in rear.
A more detailed description of this incredible archive can be found on our website. Starting Bid $1000
Goodall writes from Tanzania, “trying to get over malaria!”
121. Jane Goodall Autograph Letter Signed. ALS, one page, 8.5 x 11,
July 11, 1991. Handwritten letter addressed from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, sent to Marilyn J. Davis, in part: “I have been traveling, non-stop, for months... One thing you could do is introduce ‘My Life with the Chimpanzees’ into your school…Also children are very good at ideas for raising bits of money. We need funds—we need children to be involved…We are just developing an exciting new children’s programme, ‘Roots & Shoots’…Must stop here...And am trying to get over malaria!” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Starting Bid $200
120. Mohandas Gandhi Signature. Beauti-
fully displayed ink signature, “M. K. Gandhi,” on an off-white 2.25 x 1 slip, double-matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 12.25 x 15.5. In very fine condition. Starting Bid $300
122. Helen Keller Typed Letter Signed. World War
II-dated TLS in pencil, two pages, 7.25 x 10.5, October 13, 1940. Letter to Jan Wasilewski, praising the strength of the Polish nation, in part: “Proudly I salute Poland as a symbol of faith in life and man’s inexhaustible capacity for turning disaster into achievement. Will you kindly convey to the group upholding the Polish Government my cordial thanks for their gallant thought of me—an honor I feel profoundly.” In fine condition, with some light soiling and a short fold split. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA, and by the original mailing envelope, addressed by Polly Thomson. Starting Bid $200
123. Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Signed
Photograph. Scarce oversized vintage matte-finish 10.25 x 13.25 photo of Helen Keller standing beside her famous teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy, signed and inscribed in pencil, “To Mr. Piazza, with cordial greetings, Helen Keller, April 1921,” and in fountain pen, “Anne Macy.” In very good to fine condition, with trimmed borders, small flecks of emulsion loss, thin lines of mounting residue along the edges, and a tear to the bottom slightly affecting both signatures. Starting Bid $200 124. Nelson Mandela Signed Photograph. Choice
glossy 8 x 10 half-length portrait of Mandela in a seated pose, nicely signed in blue felt tip, “N. Mandela.” In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
125. Raoul Wallenberg Document Signed. DS in Hungarian, signed “R. Wallenberg,” one page, 8.25 x 5.75, September 28, 1944. Document associated with the issuance of a Schutz-Pass, in part (translated): “To the National Central Authority Supervising Foreigners…We are pleased to inform you that the Royal Swedish Legation in Budapest has issued a protective passport to Miss Ernone Major according to which the above-named person must be considered a Swedish citizen. The Legation kindly requests that the above-named individual be exempt from wearing the distinguishing symbol. The Legation certifies that the reciprocity mentioned in the relevant regulation exists with Sweden.” While Wallenberg typically signed Schutz-Passes with quick scribbles, this associated issuing document boasts a more complete signature. In fine condition, with a rusty paperclip impression to the top edge. Starting Bid $1000
Washington summarizes self-help as “the foundation on which the race is to rise to independence”
Rare ALS signed “Booker T. Washington, Prin.,” one page, 8.25 x 10.75, Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute letterhead, March 13, 1897. Handwritten letter to Ella Kent of Cambridge Massachusetts, in part: “The greatest lesson I learned from that great man, Gen. S. C. Armstrong was the one of self help and it is the foundation of all our work at Tuskegee and is to be the foundation on which the race is to rise to independence.” Attractively double-matted and framed to an overall size of 20.5 x 17.5. In fine condition, with some light edge creasing. Handwritten letters from Washington remain quite rare—this being our first in nearly seven years. Starting Bid $200
Supreme Court
127. Burger Court Signed
Photograph. Official color matte-finish 13.75 x 8.75 photo of the Burger Court affixed to its original 17 x 12 mount, signed on the mount in ink by all nine Supreme Court justices: Byron White, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, Potter Stewart, Thurgood Marshall, William H. Rehnquist, Harry A. Blackmun, Lewis Powell, and William O. Douglas. Housed in its original Ackad of Washington presentation folder. In fine condition, with some faint toning and soiling to the mount. Starting Bid $300
Solemn signed portrait of the full Vinson Court
128. Vinson Court Signed Photograph. Fantastic vintage matte-finish 13.75 x 11 photo of the Vinson Supreme Court, circa 1946-1949, signed in the wide lower border in fountain pen by all nine Justices: Fred M. Vinson, Hugo L. Black, Stanley Reed, Felix Frankfurter, William O. Douglas, Frank Murphy, Robert H. Jackson, Wiley Rutledge, and Harold Burton. Affixed to a same-size mount. In fine condition, with some light corner creases. Starting Bid $200
129. Warren Court Signed
Photograph. Official matte-finish 16.5 x 11.75 photo of the Warren Court by the Ackad studio of Washington, D.C, signed in the lower border in various ink types by all nine Justices pictured: Earl Warren, Abe Fortas, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White, Tom C. Clark, John Harlan, Hugo Black, William O. Douglas, and William J. Brennan, Jr. Framed and in fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Businessmen
Rare oversized signed portrait of industrialist Andrew Carnegie
131. Andrew Carnegie Signed Photograph. Superb circa 1913
matte-finish 11 x 14 bust portrait of Carnegie in a handsome suit, signed in the lower border in crisp black ink, “Yours truly, Andrew Carnegie.” Blindstamped below the image by photographer Theodore C. Marceau of New York. A diagonal crease extending from the left border to Carnegie’s collar has been professionally softened, and overall professional cleaning has given the signature a subtle haloing effect, otherwise condition is fine. Carnegie is scarce in signed photos; this one, uninscribed and the largest we have seen, is a riveting pose of stately intensity. Starting Bid $200
Rare oversized dual-signed photo from the famed ‘handshake agreement’ meeting between Ford and Ferguson
132. Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson Signed Photograph.
Vintage matte-finish 13.75 x 11 photo of Henry Ford seated at a table across from British inventor Harry Ferguson in the former’s Dearborn garden in October 1938, a meeting that culminated in the famous ‘handshake agreement,’ whereby Ford, after being shown a series of impressive plowing demonstrations, offered to buy Ferguson’s tractor patents on the spot, nicely signed by both in fountain pen. In fine condition, with some light silvering to the bottom of the image. Only the second signed photo of Ford and Ferguson that we have ever offered. Starting Bid $300
“Howard,” one page, 8.5 x 13.25, no date. Handwritten letter to “Dick,” in part: “I leave it to you—whichever would be easiest, to form a corp...I expect every slightest detail of this purchase to be publicized till hell won’t have it. The mention of a dummy corporation—altho routine to you and me—is just another city-slicker trick-gimmick to the local residents. It is bound to arouse curiosity and create suspicion. Later, we could transfer these assetts to a corporation, and most likely nobody would even know about it. I think there is a lot of merit to keeping this transaction, which is so much in the publicity spotlight, as simple as humanly possible. So, to summarize, if I can borrow the money personally, then I am in favor of my taking these assets personally—exactly as I did in the case of the D. I. [Desert Inn]” In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from JSA Starting Bid $200
Dynamic signed photo display of the SpaceX and Tesla CEO
134. Elon Musk Signed Photograph
Display. Highly appealing color satinfinish 11 x 13 photo of Elon Musk posing with arms folded in front of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, signed in blue felt tip. Impressively presented within a 45.5 x 36 frame that contains images of Musk as he appeared on the covers of Time and Rolling Stone, three plates with quotes made by Musk, two images of the Tesla Roadster, and one image of the planned SpaceX Starship. In very fine condition. Accompanied by full letters of authenticity from JSA, PSA/DNA, and Beckett Authentication Services. A magnificent and visually engaging display totally befitting of its signee—Musk’s ideas and ambitions have done much to expedite the future of society, with his companies Tesla, SpaceX, and The Boring Company all geared to advancing the safety, efficiency, and limits of travel. Starting Bid $500
Standard Oil stock certificate signed by Rockefeller and Flagler
135. John D. Rockefeller and Henry M. Flagler Signed Stock Certificate. Partly-
printed DS, signed “J. D. Rockefeller” and “H. M. Flagler,” one page, 11.75 x 7.75, October 20, 1887. Stock certificate for 10 shares in Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Trust issued to Theodore Mallaby, signed at the conclusion by John D. Rockefeller as president, Henry M. Flagler as secretary, and Joel Francis Freeman as treasurer. In fine condition. An exceptionally nice example. Starting Bid $200
Hudson River Railroad stockholder list signed twice by Cornelius Vanderbilt
136. Cornelius Vanderbilt Twice-Signed Dividend Ledger. Twice-signed DS, signed “C. Vanderbilt,” on behalf of
William M. Parks, one page both sides, 11 x 17.25, October 15, 1866. Hudson River Railroad Company financial document listing stockholders’ receipts for dividends, signed in ink by Vanderbilt to confirm receipt of $20,520 as a dividend for 5400 shares held by Parks. Reverse is also signed by four members of the Schermerhorn family, as well as by James Roosevelt, the eldest son of Franklin D. Roosevelt. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Scientists and Inventors
Spectacular Harris & Ewing portrait of Alexander Graham Bell, presented to his niece—the subject of one of the 20th century’s sensational murder trials
137. Alexander Graham Bell Signed Photograph.
Vintage matte-finish 9.75 x 13.75 portrait of the inventor in profile by Harris & Ewing, boldly signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen, “To Mrs. Roland Granville Fortescue, with much love from her uncle, Alexander Graham Bell.” In very fine condition. An immaculate, neatly signed photo of the great inventor boasting an ideal familial association. Starting Bid $500
138. Alexander Graham Bell Signature. Ink signature, “Alexander
Graham Bell, 6. 1847 Mar. 3.,” on an off-white 4.75 x .5 slip. Double-matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 10.5 x 15.5. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
139. Alexander Graham Bell Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “A.
Graham Bell,” one page, 5.25 x 8.25, Clarke Institution for Deaf Mutes letterhead, March 6, 1872. Handwritten letter to Charles Perkins, secretary of the Social Science Association in Boston, Massachusetts, in full: “I shall be pleased to know what you decide upon concerning the illustration. I shall be happy to purchase two hundred copies of the article on Visible Speech—if you will kindly let me have them in a pamphlet form.” In 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 $200
Rare handwritten letter by Samuel Colt, asking for an update on “the Pistol Barrels” ordered from England
“Sam’l Colt,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, no date but annotated 1852. Handwritten letter from Hartford to Firth & Sons, regarding a shipment of pistol barrels. In part: “It is now about two months since I returned home & as of yet I here [sic] nothing from the Pistol Barrels I ordered from you before leaving England. Will you be kind enough to inform if the small number I wanted sent here have been shipping, & if not when may I expect them.” In fine condition.
Based in Sheffield, England, Thomas Firth & Sons were the steelmakers who supplied Samuel Colt with most of the iron and steel used at his firearms factory at Hartford, Connecticut, throughout the 1850s and 1860s. They also supplied Colt’s London plant, which operated only from 1853 to 1856. Colt’s pioneering efforts revolutionized not only firearms manufacture but industrial manufacturing as a whole, utilizing concepts such as the assembly line, interchangeable parts, and division of labor. Starting Bid $200
141. Thomas Edison Signed Photograph. Desirable vintage
matte-finish 7 x 8.5 photo of Thomas Edison seated serenely in profile, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To N. M. Rice, Thos. A. Edison,” who incorporates his trademark ‘umbrella’ flourish. Lower right bears the “TAE Inc.” copyright. Archivally, ornately double-matted and framed to an overall size of 17.5 x 19. In fine condition, with some light creasing along the top edge. Starting Bid $200
143. Albert Einstein Signed Envelope. Israeli airmail envelope, 7 x 4, postmarked at Tel Aviv on May 5, 1950, signed in ballpoint, “A. Einstein.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
Einstein writes to a Princeton grad on “developing the theory generally”
142. Albert Einstein Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed
“A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, The Institute for Advanced Study letterhead, October 1, 1952. Letter to mathematical physicist Daniel M. Lipkin, in full: “The possibility of this choice of coordinate system is quite obvious and generally known. It is, however, an incomplete determination fixing only 1 of the 4 arbitrary functions. For developing the theory generally it seems to me better not to specialize the coordinate system at all.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Daniel Lipkin first wrote to Einstein in 1944 and continued his correspondence with the physicist after completing his studies at Princeton (1946-1949) under Einstein’s friend David Bohm. Lipkin went on to work as an electrical engineer working for Sperry Univac designing early computers, and later at American Electronic Laboratories. Some of their correspondence in 1952 concerns the quantum theory and areas where it might be improved. Starting Bid $1000
Fulton offers a “comparative view of an engine and hand labour in making cables,” estimating cost savings for the French Navy
144. Robert Fulton Autograph Manuscript Signed. AMS signed “Rob-
ert Fulton,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8.25, March 7, 1799. Handwritten manuscript headed “Comparative view of an engine and hand labour in making cables,” estimating the amount of time and money saved by his technological innovations. In very good to fine condition, with a small clipped off area, and associated slice to the bottom of the hinge. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Though perhaps best known for his invention of the steamboat, Fulton also developed naval weaponry for several nations—namely France, England, and America. His contributions in this realm included some of the world’s earliest naval torpedoes for use by the British Royal Navy, and the Nautilus submarine under a grant from Napoleon. In this instance, he aims to use his engine to support cost savings for the French Navy. Starting Bid $300
Botanical letter by important astronomer John Herschel, sending thanks to Lindley for his “Theory of Horticulture”
145. John F. W. Herschel Autograph Letter
Signed. British mathematician, astronomer, and inventor (1792–1871) known for his discoveries related to the moons of Saturn and Uranus and for his pioneering work in early photographic processes, including coining the word ‘photography’ itself. ALS signed “J. F. W. Herschel,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 9, January 30, 1840. Handwritten letter to the distinguished botanist John Lindley, sending thanks for his “Theory of Horticulture,” and asking if he could recommend “some work of a merely practical nature which shall go into the actual culture and management of plants—especially bulbs—as I bring to the subject a plentiful stack of ignorance.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Scarce signature of vaccine pioneer Edward Jenner, considered the ‘the father of immunology’
146. Edward Jenner Signature. English physician and scientist (1749–1823) often called the ‘father of immunology,’ who successfully tested his smallpox inoculation in 1796. Ink signature, “Affectionately yours, E. Jenner, P.S. If your head gets better, the plan you are pursuing, go on with it,” on a white 4 x 2.75 slip clipped from an autograph letter; the reverse also bears writing in Jenner’s hand. In fine condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds. Accompanied by two unsigned engravings and a provenance note indicating that the autograph was obtained from one of Jenner’s family members. Starting Bid $200
147. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Hand-Addressed Envelope. Highly-renowned German mathematician
and philosopher (1646–1716). Incredibly rare unsigned hand-addressed envelope by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, 4 x 2.5, made out in French to his friend, the political philosopher Thomas Burnet de Kemney, in London, with a few autograph lines describing how to find his address. Reverse retains Leibniz’s black wax seal impressed with his coat of arms. In very good to fine condition. Burnet was a conspicuous member of the brilliant Court circle at Hanover, known as a confidante of the Electress Sophia. He maintained lengthy correspondences with several luminaries of the era, including Leibniz and John Locke. A significant specimen of Leibniz’s scarce handwriting, with an important association. Starting Bid $300
Three months after Morse’s first public demonstration of the electric telegraph
148. Samuel F. B. Morse Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “Sam. F. B. Morse,” one page, 7.75 x 7.75, March 7, 1838. Addressed from “N. Y. City University,” a handwritten letter to Joseph B. Boyd, in full: “Your request of the 15th Jany reached me on my return from Washington this day, and I presume this will be considered as a compliance with it. Col. Trumbull is at New Haven Conn.” Another hand has added to the top in pencil, “(only 1 sheet) of sketch,” which alludes to an accompanying sheet of graphite drawings that is attributed to Morse. Unsigned, the sheet contains sketches of the faces of two men in profile and a curved tool or blade. Both the letter and sketch sheet are archivally matted and framed with an engraved portrait (bearing a facsimile signature) to an overall size of 21.5 x 19.5. In fine condition. At the Speedwell Ironworks in Morristown, New Jersey on January 11, 1838, Morse made the first public demonstration of the electric telegraph, newly devised with a system of electromagnetic relays. Starting Bid $200
149. Wolfgang Pauli Signature. Pioneer of quantum physics (1900–1958) who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1945 after being nominated by Albert Einstein. Fountain pen signature, “W. Pauli,” on an off-white 2.5 x 3 slip from the Physics Institute at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. In fine condition. Pauli was Professor of Theoretical Physics at ETH Zurich from 1928 until his death in 1958. Starting Bid $200
Tesla replies regarding naval telegraphy amidst his attempts to “communicate with and possibly to transmit energy to Europe”
“N. Tesla,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.75 x 6.75, personal monogram letterhead, May 18, 1899. Handwritten letter to Rear Admiral Francis J. Higginson by Nikola Tesla, from the Alta Vista Hotel in Colorado Springs, in part: “My coming here was necessary because I wanted to obtain some data in high altitudes in view of my attempt to communicate with and possibly to transmit energy to Europe. These data though they are for a different purpose will also be useful in telegraphy. The work here will keep me working three to four weeks, but on my return I shall immediately devote as much of my time as possible to the task of establishing a thoroughly satisfactory and reliable communication with the lightship.” In very good to fine condition, with light staining to the right side.
In May, Higginson had written to Tesla on the subject of wireless telegraphy, asking if he would be able to develop a system to be deployed on Light-Vessel No. 66, Nantucket Shoals, Mass., lying about 60 miles south of Nantucket Island. At the time, Tesla had patents pending on basic radio technologies, which would be granted in 1900. In spite of Tesla’s initial interest, the plan would not come to fruition—the Navy refused to finance the project, and also found Tesla rather difficult to work with. Higginson continued to advocate for wireless communications technology within the government, and in 1901 Marconi wireless telegraph equipment was ‘temporarily and experimentally installed’ on the Nantucket lightship. In 1904, it would become the first US lightship to be permanently equipped with radio— though not of Tesla’s design.
Nikola Tesla had arrived in Colorado Springs earlier in May, and he spent the summer conducting experiments related to both wireless telegraphy and power transmission. It was during this period that he reported hearing unusual, rhythmic sounds from his receiver. In a letter to Julian Hawthorne, Tesla contended that these signals were evidence that ‘intelligent beings on a neighboring planet’ must be scientifically more advanced than Earthlings. It has since been hypothesized that Tesla may have intercepted Marconi’s European experiments in July 1899—Marconi may have transmitted the letter S (dot/ dot/dot) in a naval demonstration, the same three impulses that Tesla hinted at hearing in Colorado—or signals from another early experimenter in wireless transmission. In any event, this is a significant handwritten letter by Nikola Tesla, written during one of his most influential and productive periods of experimentation. Starting Bid $5000
Handwritten letter by Alfred Russel Wallace on the opening of Kew Gardens to the public: “Botanists are thoughtful of the public (who it must be remembered pay for the gardens) as well as of themselves”
151. Alfred Wallace Autograph Letter Signed. British naturalist,
explorer, and biologist (1823–1913) best known for proposing a theory of natural selection which prompted Charles Darwin to publish his own. ALS signed “Alfred R. Wallace,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, December 21, 1892. Handwritten letter to English botanist and taxonomist Maxwell T. Masters on a political matter concerning the opening of Kew Gardens to the public, in part: “A letter I wrote to Mr. Churchill on the subject was shown to Dyer, & by him shown to Shaw Lefevre,—in which, while stating reasons for not opening the Gardens earlier to the public I strongly urged the simultaneous opening of the Museums & North Gallery at noon, against which there can be no objections whatever but of the small extra cost of supervision. I wish that had also been included in the Memorial, as it would have shown that botanists are thoughtful of the public (who it must be remembered pay for the gardens) as well as of themselves. I told Mr. Churchill I would not sign the Memorial unless this was included, & I only do so now because I know my protest has come before the First Commissioner. It is simply a cruel piece of red-tapeism to shut up all the place of shelter in the Gardens during the first hour.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Eli Whitney sues a signer of the US Constitution
American inventor (1765–1825) remembered for developing the cotton gin. Scarce ALS signed “E. Whitney,” one page, 7.5 x 9.75, March 15, 1804. Letter to attorney Samuel M. Hopkins in New York, concerning a lawsuit against Georgia statesman William Few, a signer of the US Constitution. In part: “Herewith you will find inclosed a copy of the process which has heretofore been instituted against William Few (formerly of Georgia & now of N. York). I wish you to pay such attention to the subject as your leisure will permit. I will thank you to drop me a line informing me of the time within you deem it will be most proper to commence that suit which I proposed when I saw you last.” In fine condition, with some stains to the top of the first page, and an edge tear and minor seal-related paper loss to the integral address leaf. Starting Bid $300
Religious Figures
153. Pope Clement XI Document Signed. Italian pope (1649–1721), born Giovanni Francesco Albani, who ascended the papal throne in 1700 and served until his death. Vellum manuscript DS in Latin, signed “G. F. Cardle Albani,” one page, 14.5 x 6.25, August 29, 1694. Papal breve in the name of Pope Innocent XII, signed by Giovanni Francesco Albani on behalf of Pope Innocent XII while serving as Secretary of State. Albani served as Secretary of State for Pope Innocent XI, Pope Alexander VIII, and Pope Innocent XII. In fine condition, with three heavy vertical folds. Starting Bid $200
154. Pope Leo XI Letter Signed. Born Alessandro 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. Uncommon LS in Italian, signed “Il Card. di Firenz,” one page, 8.25 x 11.25, no date. Untranslated letter signed in the lower right corner as cardinal. The embossed paper seal affixed on the address leaf remains intact. In very good condition, with light scattered foxing and staining. Starting Bid $200
World Leaders
‘Profile for Victory,’ Cooper’s classic 1943 portrait of Winston Churchill
155. Winston Churchill Signed Print: ‘Profile For Victory’ by A. Egerton Cooper. Magnificent World War
II-dated color 19 x 24.25 print of an A. Egerton Cooper painting entitled ‘Profile for Victory,’ which depicts Prime Minister Winston Churchill seated in profile, a lit cigar in his hand and a folded newspaper on his lap, signed below in bold fountain pen, “Winston S. Churchill.” The print is also signed by its artist, “A. Egerton Cooper, 43.” Impressively gilt-framed to an overall size of 23 x 28. In fine condition. Starting Bid $500
Desirable wartime candid signed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill
156. Winston Churchill Signed Photograph.
Vintage glossy 6 x 4.5 photo of Churchill reviewing paperwork on a train, a cigar clenched in his teeth, neatly signed in fountain pen, “Winston S. Churchill.” Affixed to a larger mount and in fine condition. Accompanied by an original Official War Office photograph of Churchill firing a rifle, a photograph of the train’s crew, and a transmittal letter signed by Churchill’s secretary Mary Shearburn on 10 Downing Street letterhead, dated July 3, 1941. Also includes a souvenir card from the Atlantic Conference, August 9, 1941, imprinted: “The Commander-in-Chief, United States Navy, Sends his Compliments and Best Wishes, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States.” An attached note reads: “This card was included in a present of cigarettes and chocolate given by President Roosevelt to all members of the crew of H.M.S. King George V in mid-atlantic on August 9th 1941.” The Atlantic Conference, held from August 9–12, 1941, resulted in the ‘Atlantic Charter,’ which outlined the postwar goals of the United States and the United Kingdom. Starting Bid $500
Churchill biography signed for the steward of his historic flight
157. Winston Churchill Signed Book. Signed book:
Great Contemporaries: Winston S. Churchill. Later printing. London: Thornton Butterworth, 1940. Hardcover, 5.75 x 8.75, 387 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page in fountain pen, “To V. Partridge, from Winston S. Churchill, Jan. 1942.” Churchill signed the book during his historic transatlantic return flight to England on the RMA ‘Berwick’ after soliciting American support for World War II. The recipient, Victor Arthur Partridge, served as steward on the flight. Autographic condition: fine, with light staining to signed page. Book condition: G+/None, with edgewear, some minor staining to textblock, rubbing to boards, and a loose front hinge. Also includes an original British Airways newsletter from February 1942, telling the story of the flight, listing its crew, and publishing a few photos of its noteworthy passengers on board. Starting Bid $200
After reading Mein Kampf, de Gaulle warns against misunderstanding Hitler’s intentions: “The new Germany promised to the German people cannot exist if the powerful Russia remains in its eastern marches”
signed “Charles,” ten pages three sets of adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 7, December 3, 1939. Handwritten letter to a friend, commenting on his new understanding of Adolf Hitler’s designs following a reading of Mein Kampf, and anxiously observing the readiness of Russian forces to the east. In part (translated): “Will this war finally begin? I measure all your anguish, you two of whose sons are waiting for the moment to defend the fatherland, and as a father, I share it. I intend to say that the absence of a second front to the east will force us to contain the entire German army, that the French and the English will once again be faced with History and its recurrences. This is a point of view that I do not share, because it would be to misunderstand Hitler’s intentions.
You who, like me, have read his writings and his works [Mein Kampf], know that the new Germany promised to the German people cannot exist if the powerful Russia remains in its eastern marches. The maneuvers carried out by Stalin in Finland and the flaws in the command demonstrate the unpreparedness of the Russian soldiers and their structural weaknesses. By letting his ally wage his own war, the Chancellor and his generals have a remarkable vantage point. This war will be a long one, the time we waste today others are utilizing. History and future generations will never understand that such a large army, uniting the two most powerful countries in the world, preferred waiting to action, thus leaving the enemy the opportunity to organize the front at its sole convenience...
I come to wonder about the interest displayed for the President of the Council to see Colonel de Gaulle present to him in person his theories on the fair and proper use of modern weapons. Reynaud has done his best everywhere.” In very good to fine condition, with a partial split to the horizontal fold on the second sheet. Starting Bid $1000
Oversized signed portrait of de Gaulle in uniform
159. Charles de Gaulle Signed Photograph. Vintage glossy
10 x 11.75 half-length photo of Charles de Gaulle in uniform, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “C. de Gaulle.” Reverse bears an O.F.I.C. credit stamp. In very good condition, with trimmed edges, overall creasing, and short edge tears. Starting Bid $200
Rare portrait of Ho Chi Minh, signed at Hanoi in 1968
160. Ho Chi Minh Signed Photograph. Extremely
rare vintage matte-finish 5 x 7.25 head-and-shoulders portrait of Ho Chi Minh, signed in the lower border in black felt tip in Vietnamese with cordial greetings, and dated at Hanoi, April 1968. In fine condition.
The consignor notes that this signed photograph was presented by the North Vietnamese leader to East German statesman Kurt Hager, who led a delegation on a visit to Hanoi from April 4–10, 1968. Ho Chi Minh’s autograph is rare in any format, and this is a particularly fine example signed at the height of the Vietnam War. Starting Bid $1000
Royalty
The steamy love letters of Czar Alexander II and his mistress: “I have such a passion for making bingerle… I need to reimmerse myself in you”
162. Alexander II Archive of (5) Handwritten Love
Letters. Remarkable archive of love letters between Emperor Alexander II of Russia and his young mistress, Catherine ‘Katia’ Dolgorukova, totaling ten handwritten letters (five by Alexander and five by Katia) amounting to over forty pages, circa 1868-1871. Their torrid affair produced a massive, steamy correspondence—they often wrote back and forth multiple times a day, sometimes with commentary on their erotic exploits. They took some lengths to conceal the relationship, never signing their letters and using the code-word ‘bingerle’ to refer to the act of copulation.
The five handwritten letters from Alexander II total 21 pages, most on both sides of adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, dated from 1868–1869, and are mainly in French, with a few Russian phrases (usually in the Latin alphabet), plus instances of their code-language. The five handwritten letters from Katia total 20 pages, all on adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, dated from November–December 1871 (dates written in Alexander’s hand).
An excerpt from Alexander’s first letter, in small part: “I come home imbued like you, dear adored angel, with our good sunshine and we can ask each other the same question: what have we done with each other? ‘Cause we’re getting crazier about each other every day….Oh! my Angel, I have such a passion for making bingerle, since our meetings, that I do not know what to become and I felt that it was getting wet at my sleigh after we parted near the bridge.…I need to reimmerse myself in you.…Oh! thank you for telling me that you feel that it is you alone who connects me to life and that you feel loved with the same passion as you love me….Alas! we’ll have to wait until tomorrow night, but also I foresee how angrily we’ll rush at each other.” Starting Bid $1000
163. Ferdinand and Isabella Document Signed.
Manuscript DS in Spanish, signed by Ferdinand, “Yo el Rey,” and by Isabella, “Yo la Reyna,” one page, 12.25 x 13, April 6, 1476. Ferdinand and Isabella legitimize the cousin and sisterin-law of famed Spanish explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon, in a document issued to Rodrigo Ponce de Leon, regarding his daughter and heir Francisca de Leon. Signed at the conclusion by Ferdinand and Isabella, and countersigned: “I, Pedro Samanas, secretary of the King and the Queen of their Council, caused it to be written at their command.” Annotated at the bottom of the page: “Legitimation for Dona Francisca de Leon, daughter of the Marquis of Cadiz.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing, a few stains, and some tiny holes within the text; and red wax remnants where an embossed paper seal (present but detached), was affixed.
This unusual and early document pertains to the legitimacy of the daughter of a Castilian nobleman who was one of the military leaders in the War of Castilian Succession, an ongoing conflict at the time of our document that was decided in Isabella’s favor. Later, Rodrigo de Leon was considered a major factor in Granada’s [1491-1492] victory over the remaining Moors in the final years of the Reconquest. As a result, he was decorated by the Crown and given many titles and privileges, enhancing the Ponce de Leon family’s overall royal prestige. Rodrigo became Duke of Cadiz in 1484, and was briefly succeeded by his daughter, Francisca, the subject of our document.
Francisca was a second cousin of famed Spanish explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce De Leon and, after her marriage to his brother Luis, became his sister-in-law as well. Luis was the first marquis of Zahara and fifth lord of Villagarcia. Cadiz was an important port city from which Christopher Columbus launched his second (1493) and fourth (1502) voyages to the New World and, later, became home to the Spanish treasure fleet. Starting Bid $1000
Boldly endorsed 1786 pay order by the notorious Marie Antoinette
164. Marie Antoinette Document Signed. Manuscript
DS in French, signed “payez, Marie Antoinette,” one page, 9.5 x 14.5, July 1, 1786. An order to Treasurer General Randon de la Tour, directing him “to pay to Mr. Mollin, Maitre d’hotel de la table du Premier Maitre d’hotel, the sum of 200 livres which we granted him for the clothes of our office boys…during the first six months of the year…The present sum of two hundred pounds will be spent and allocated in the expenditure of your accounts by our dear and well beloved people of the accounts of the King, our very honored lord and husband in Paris.” Boldly endorsed at the conclusion by Marie Antoinette and countersigned by her secretary Nicolas-Joseph Beaugeard; in 1793, Beaugeard was a conspirator in the failed plot to rescue King Louis XIV from execution. In fine condition, with scattered light foxing.
Marie Antoinette’s expenditures to maintain her flamboyant lifestyle and lavish palace were enormous, and during this time she was growing increasingly unpopular among the French people. In 1785, her public image had been tarnished beyond repair with the ‘Diamond Necklace Affair,’ when she was implicated in a fraudulent scheme to purchase an expensive necklace. A wonderful example boasting the bold, crisp signature of the infamous queen. Starting Bid $1000
Striking oversized regal portrait signed by Queen Elizabeth II
Magnificent oversized vintage matte-finish 12 x 16 photogravure portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in her crown jewels at the start of her reign, signed in the lower border in fountain pen, “Elizabeth R, 1955.” The portrait was originally taken by Baron on March 12, 1953, and subsequently published in England by Raphael Tuck & Sons. In fine condition, with light skipping to ink. Starting Bid $500
165. Prince Philip Signed Photograph. Handsome
vintage matte-finish 6 x 8 photo of Prince Philip seated in a chair and staring warmly into the camera, affixed to the original 7 x 9.75 mount, which is signed in black ink, “Philip, 1959.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
167. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Signed Photographs. Exquisite pair of vintage matte-finish portraits of
Queen Elizabeth 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 8.5 x 11.25 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 8.25 x 11.25 studio mount in fountain pen, “Philip, 1954.” The backing of the Elizabeth photo features a Wilding studio stamp and is numbered in pencil, “015957-W, 6888” and the Philip back is numbered “53/1317/1092-1, 6888.” In overall very good to fine condition, with light staining to the bottom edge of the Elizabeth mount, and light silvering to the darker areas of both images. Accompanied by a copy of a transmittal letter from Private Secretary Martin Charteris, dated April 17, 1954. Starting Bid $200
Explorers and Archeologists
Incredibly rare payment for “rose sugar” by conquistador Cortes
168. Hernando Cortes Document Signed. Spanish con-
quistador (1485-1547) who initiated the conquest of the Aztec Empire on behalf of King of Castile and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and, in so doing, assumed an instrumental role in the first phase of the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Excessively rare manuscript DS in Spanish, signed “Hernando Cortes,” one page, 8.5 x 6, April 27, 1527. Document issued to his majordomo, Nicolas de Palacios Rubios, instructing him to give to Maestre Francisco twelve gold pesos for certain pink sugar that he is carrying for the pharmacy and to take note for his accounts. In full (translated): “Palacyos Rubyos: give Master Francisco twelve gold pesos, of the gold that is circulating, which are for a certain rose sugar for the apothecary that he keeps, and get a receipt for your discharge. Done on the 27th of April of the year 1527.”
The reverse bears a handwritten receipt acknowledging fulfillment of the request, in full (translated): “I, Master Francisco, received from you, Palasio Rubios, the twelve gold pesos referred to on the other side, and they are for the rose sugar. And I signed it with my name as the truth, today, the 13th of May of the year 1527.” Docketed along the edge and verified by Cortes’s ‘witness of assistance.’ In fine condition. Starting Bid $2500
American West
Earp sets the record straight on his relationship with Doc Holliday
171. Wyatt Earp-dictated Letter Handwritten by His
Wife, Josephine. Autograph letter, dictated by Earp and written by his wife Josie, three pages on two sheets, 8 x 10, no date but postmarked April 18, 1927. Letter to John H. Flood, Jr., in part: “I wonder is it a good idea to answer any of the questions from Tucson. Perhaps we will have trouble with Burns, on account of answering his questions...I think if you will just write him a few lines tell him his letter was forwarded here from Oakland to him...Tell him though Doc was not his pal, but just an acquaintance, but not a bad man at that, a certain kind of element were his enemies...Tell Mr. Walker to give Wyatt’s regards to Breckinridge.” A postscript reads, in part: “He seems like a sincere man. Write him a real nice letter. And tell him Wyatt sends regards to Breckinridge.” Central horizontal and vertical folds, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, signed and addressed in his wife’s hand, “W. Earp, Vidal, Calif.” Starting Bid $500
Massive Buffalo Bill portrait presented to a business partner and New York State senator
170. William F. ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody Signed Oversized
Photograph. Extraordinary matte-finish 13.25 x 16.25 photo of the legendary Wild West showman by the Gessford Studio of New York, signed and inscribed in bold fountain pen, “To—F. W. Kavanaugh, from his friend, W. F. Cody, ‘Buffalo Bill.’” The lower right corner of the mount is signed in pencil by the photography studio. Impressively matted and framed to an overall size of 25.25 x 29. In fine condition, with light stains along the top and bottom edge of the mount, in no way detracting from the magnificence of the image. A magnificent oversized portrait befitting the stature of the great Buffalo Bill—undoubtedly the largest example we have offered. Starting Bid $300
Notorious Figures
from American luminaries. Joseph Cosey forgery of a manuscript document signed “A. Lincoln,” two pages, 8.5 x 13.25, June 15, 1851. A forged petition for mandamus presented to the Supreme Court of Illinois by the law firm of William Herndon and Abraham Lincoln. In very good to fine condition, with chipping to the edges, and partially repaired fold splits and separations. Starting Bid $200
from American luminaries. Joseph Cosey forgery of a handwritten letter signed “A. Lincoln,” one page, 7.5 x 9.75, December 2, 1858. A forged letter to N. W. Edwards, in part: “Mr. Cuny of the Alton and Sangamon R. R. has sent me this map of a part of Nebraska through which the proposed Pony Express must pass—It is not of much help but it will show the hazards that such an enterprise will entail—Willaim Russell of Russell Majors and Waddell has made arrangements east of St. Joseph, Mo. The route is to be through Kansas, through a wild part of Nebraska, by Fort Kearney, along the Platte, by Fort Laramie, past the Butte, over the Rocky Mountains, through the Northern passes, and along the defiles of Utah, dangerous to any horseman, to Fort Bridger and Salt Lake, and across the Desert to the Sierra Nevadas, and into California.” In fine condition, with short fold splits. Starting Bid $200
174. Robert Spring: George Washington Forged Document. English-born forger (1813–1876) who forged letters
from luminaries and historical figures like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Horatio Nelson. Robert Spring forgery of a manuscript document signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 6 x 2.5, January 5, 1798. A forged pay order directed to the Office of Discount and Deposit in Baltimore, requesting that Harrey Gilbert be paid “the sum of one hundred & five dollars and chg my acct.” In fine condition, with complete separation along the central vertical fold repaired with archival tape on the reverse. Starting Bid $200
