31 minute read
Notables
American Politicians and Leaders
166. Benjamin Rush Autograph Document Signed. Signer of the Declaration of Independence and surgeon general of the Continental Army (1746–1813). ADS signed “Benj’n Rush,” one page, 5.25 x 1.75, January 8, 1806. Handwritten receipt for an estate settlement, in part: “Rec’d…of Mr. D. Lenox Executor to said Maj’r Powell in full.” In fine condition, with a short tear to the end of one of the intersecting folds. Starting Bid $200
Boston’s controversial mayor to the famed lawyer of the Scopes Monkey Trial
167. James M. Curley Signed Book. Democratic politician
from Boston, Massachusetts (1874–1958) who served four terms as Mayor of Boston. He also served a single term as Governor of Massachusetts, which was characterized by one biographer as ‘a disaster mitigated only by moments of farce’ for its free spending and corruption. Signed book: Boston, 1822 to 1922: The Story of Its Government, and Principal Activities During One Hundred Years. Boston, Mass.: City of Boston Printing Department, 1923. Hardcover, 6.25 x 9.25, 214 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page to famed lawyer Clarence Darrow—”To Clarence Darrow, with very best wishes of James M. Curley, 1925.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Rare printing of Alexander Hamilton’s ‘Reynolds Pamphlet’—his admission of infidelity amidst corruption controversy
168. Alexander Hamilton: Rare Printing of the ‘Reynolds Pamphlet’. Rare book: Observations on Certain Docu-
ments Contained in No. V & VI of ‘The History of the United States for the Year 1796,’ in which the Charge of Speculation against Alexander Hamilton, Late Secretary of the Treasury, is Fully Refuted, Written by Himself. Philadelphia: Printed for John Bioren, by John Bioren, 1797 [but likely William Duane, 1800]. Rebound in modern calf with marbled boards, 5.25 x 8.25, 95 pages. In very good to fine condition, with staining, chipping, many ink notations, and professional restoration to paper loss to the title page; all other pages display scattered light foxing and staining.
Commonly known as the ‘Reynolds Pamphlet,’ this was Hamilton’s response to scandalmonger journalist James T. Callender’s exposé of the sexual relationship between Hamilton and a married woman, Maria Reynolds, as well as Hamilton’s alleged financial corruption. In this response, Hamilton denied being a party to any improper financial matter but confessed to the relationship, while proving that he had been victim of blackmail by James Reynolds over his adultery.
Mrs. Hamilton tried to purchase all copies of the 1797 pamphlet, partially because of the blunt frankness of her husband’s confession: “My real crime is an amorous connection with his [Reynolds’] wife for a considerable time, with his privity and connivance.” Thus, the original printing is incredibly rare. In 1800, amidst of the Jefferson-Burr election, anti-Federalists such as William Duane reprinted Hamilton’s admission of infidelity—the present copy would seem to be one of these later facsimiles, as it varies from the original of 1797 by having the correct numbering of Letters 18 and 20 on page xxiv-xxv and the Roman type “July” on Letter 33. However, it also doesn’t match exactly the 1800 edition, having a different typesetting on page xl. Bibliographical reference: Evans 37571; Howes H-120; Sabin 29970. Starting Bid $1000
Document Signed. Italian-American patriot and fur trader (1747–1836) who aided American forces during the Revolutionary War, most famously as an informant to George Rogers Clark. In addition to his services as a patriot and spy, Vigo was the foremost financier of the American Revolution in the Northwest. Manuscript DS, signed “Vigo,” one page both sides, 8 x 13, January 15, 1803. Document regarding the penal sum of $100 to be paid by Toussaunt Dubois, John Rice Jones, and Francis Vigo to probate judge Abaraham Westphall, in regards to “a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods chattels and credits” of the deceased Nicholas Perrott. Signed at the conclusion in bold black ink by Vigo, and countersigned by Rice and Dubois. In very good condition, with light stains, splitting to the ends of folds, and complete separation along the central horizontal fold repaired on the reverse with archival tape. Starting Bid $200
Pickering turns down a lobbyist and mentions Jefferson, Adams, Napoleon, and postage fees
170. Timothy Pickering Autograph Letter Signed. ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 9.75, September 1, 1824. Lengthy handwritten letter to James Causten, who lobbied Congress on behalf of merchants whose ships and cargo were seized by France during the Quasi-War of 1798-1800. In part: “I received...your letter...on the Subject of the claims of American merchants for French spoliations between and during the years 1793 & 1800...I presume that my Review exhibits satisfactory proofs, that is was the intrigue of democracy operating on the inordinate ambition of President Adams, which originated the mission to France in 1799.” In fine condition, with light staining along the left edge. Starting Bid $200
Over 230 autographs of Civil War-era political and military brass
171. 1863 Autograph Album with Over 200 U.S. Political and Military Signatures. Civil War-dated leather-bound
autograph album from circa 1863, 6 x 9, containing approximately 230 signatures of notable political and military figures of the era, which includes nearly 60 U.S. Senators and roughly 50 Congressmen, as well as a total of 15 Generals and two Admirals (William Mervine and John Lorimer Worden). Signatures include: Hannibal Hamlin, Edward Bates, William H. Seward, Edwin M. Stanton, Gideon Welles, Horace Greeley, Lyman Trumbull, Charles Sumner, Schuyler Colfax, George Meade, Robert Anderson, Henry Halleck, John Adams Dix, John Sedgwick, Randolph B. Marcy, Thomas Francis Meagher, David B. Birney, and many more. Numerous autographs are tipped in. In overall fine condition, with wear to the covers and spine; interior pages are fine. Starting Bid $200
Activists and Social Leaders
Autograph signed by Mohandas Gandhi while in London for the Second Round Table Conference
172. Mohandas Gandhi Signature. Vintage pencil sig-
nature, “M. K. Gandhi,” on a pink 6.75 x 4.75 album page, also signed in pencil by his close companion, Mirabehn (“Mira”), and in ink by a fellow social reformer, “Muriel Lester.” The opposite page is annotated in ink by the collector: “Gandhi was staying at Kingsley Hall, Bow when he was attending the ‘Round Table Conference.’” In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
A historical letter to Sammy Davis, Jr., praising the ground-breaking 1961 Carnegie Hall tribute show—punctuated with a handwritten postscript from King regarding a “letter to Frank Sinatra”
173. Martin Luther King, Jr Typed Letter Signed to
Sammy Davis, Jr. Historic TLS signed “Martin,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, March 28, 1961. Reverend King writes to legendary entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., thanking him for organizing the Carnegie Hall benefit concert ‘Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.,” in part: “The endless problems generated by our great FREEDOM MOVEMENT can only be compared to a river that never stops flowing. Fortunately, its progress too is like a river. Slowly—but surely and relentlessly—the Movement keeps pressing insistently forward, step by step. One such step, in my opinion, was the historic affair at Carnegie Hall on [January] 27, which you personally initiated and organized, then crowned with your astonishing artistry.
Not very long ago, it was customary for Negro artists to hold themselves aloof from the struggle for equality, in the belief that the example of their personal success was in itself a contribution in that it helped to disprove the myth of Negro inferiority—which indeed it did.
Today, however, our great Negro artists feel that this is an essentially defensive position which does not meet the needs of our time when the Negro people as a whole are vigorously striding towards freedom. Today greats like Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Mahalia Jackson and yourself, of course, are not content to merely identify with the struggle. They actively participate in it, as artists and as citizens, adding the weight of their enormous prestige and thus helping to move the struggle forward...With warm personal regards to you and your charming wife.” King adds a crisp handwritten postscript: “P.S. I’m sorry I had to leave Miami before I planned and therefore didn’t get to write the letter to Frank Sinatra. If you will send me his address I will write him immediately.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $5000
Significant American flag flown over the US Capitol on the day of MLK’s assassination
174. Martin Luther King, Jr. - US Capitol Flag Flown on Day of As-
sassination. Significant American flag flown over the United States Capitol on April 4, 1968—the day of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. The 100% cotton flag, manufactured by Annin & Company under the ‘Defiance’ brand name, measures 5´ x 8´, and is housed in its original box. Includes the original letter signed by Architect of the Capitol J. George Stewart, April 4, 1968, to New York Congressman Henry P. Smith III, in full: “This is to certify that the accompanying flag has flown over the United States Capitol. I understand that this flag is for the Pekin Cemetery, Pekin, New York.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Businessmen
175. John Jacob Astor Autograph Letter Signed. Business-
man who was the first prominent member of the Astor family and the first multimillionaire in the United States (1763–1848). ALS, one page both sides, 8 x 10, August 6, 1835. Letter to his granddaughter Emily Astor, in part: “I was much pleased to receive your good & pretty little letter…& that you made so good use of your time…Eliza & Louisa remained with me 14 days when they went home Mr. Irving came & he is now with me...I trust you will not forget your Promise to pass some weeks more with me before the summer is over.” In fine condition, with a repaired area of seal-related paper loss to the integral address leaf. Starting Bid $200
Rare letter on ornate Coca-Cola letterhead, handwritten by the company’s founder
176. Asa Griggs Candler Autograph Letter Signed. Very attractive ALS signed “Asa G. Candler,” two pages, 8.25 x 11, ornate Coca-Cola Company letterhead (a beautifully elaborate pictorial design occupying a third of the pages), May 5, 1909. Handwritten letter concerning financial and philanthropic matters, in part: “I have long ago determined to appropriate to the Cuban mission work, enough money to make the work down there permanent. To accomplish our purposes in Atlanta and Oxford, has required that I do much more than we thought would be required when we undertook the two works. I had hoped that the Cuban matter might without detriment wait a year or two. During the year 1909, I’ll have to furnish to Allen Memorial Church $5000, to Wesley Memorial $20,000 or more, Emory endowment will not get in shape this year.” In fine condition. An ideal letter on one of the world’s most famous and lasting brands.Starting Bid $200
Howard Hughes contract for the Technicolor noir crime film ‘A Bullet Is Waiting’
177. Howard Hughes Document Signed. DS, signed “Howard R.
Hughes,” one page, 8.5 x 11, December 30, 1954. Agreement between Welsch Productions and the Technicolor Motion Picture Corp. Laboratory concerning the terms and rights to “that certain motion picture entitled ‘A Bullet Is Waiting,’ including all negatives, lavendars, fine grain positives, sound tracks, all positive copies, and any and every property, right, and thing of value connected with said picture.” Nicely signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Hughes as the lender and countersigned by producer Howard Welsch. Stapled into its original blue paper folder. In fine condition, with a couple of rust stains near the top, and light toning to the edges. Directed by John Farrow, the film starred Rory Calhoun and Jean Simmons in a story about an obsessed lawman on the trail of a wanted killer. Although it was largely panned by the critics, the New York Times did note that the ‘Farrow’s Technicolor cameras have captured ruggedly beautiful scenic backgrounds’—a nice point in relation to this document. Starting Bid $200
Scientists and Inventors
The inventor of the telephone pays tribute to the inventor of flight, Wilbur Wright: “Few things in history are more remarkable than the resolution and self restraint with which he worked year after year perfecting his machine”
178. Alexander Graham Bell Typed Manuscript Signed. Typed manuscript, signed “Alexander Graham Bell,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, no date but circa June 1912. In full: “In the untimely death of Wilbur Wright the world loses a very remarkable man…He set before himself a certain goal; and he went towards it utterly unmoved by the adulation lavished upon him. Few things in history are more remarkable than the resolution and self restraint with which he worked year after year perfecting his machine, knowing that he could fly and that he had but to start his machine to concentrate the eyes of the world upon himself-and yet holding his peace until assured in his own mind beyond any question of doubt that he could not only fly, but fly for long distances and great lengths of time…Very beautiful was the bond that united the two brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright; and to the one who has been left behind the sincere sympathy of all the world goes forth.” In fine condition, with minor paper loss to the corners. A powerful manuscript connecting two of America’s most important inventors. Starting Bid $300
179. Xavier Bichat Autograph Letter Signed. French anatomist and patholo-
gist (1771–1802) known as the father of histology, who is respected as one of the greatest scientists in the area of medicine. Exceedingly rare ALS in French, signed “Xav. Bichat,” one page, 6.25 x 8.5, no date. Bichat thanks his correspondent for their kindness and states (translated): “It is with very great pleasure that I will give my name to your son…a thousand matters are overwhelming me on my return after a few days away, and only allow me to write a few words to you.” He refers to some government employment he will try and secure for his correspondent. In fine condition, with old mounting remnants at the corners of the integral address leaf. Starting Bid $200
Curie on a scientific experiment: “The gases we have extracted during the ebullition have been examined under radioactive point of view. They do not contain radium emanation”
180. Pierre Curie Autograph Letter Signed. French physicist (1859–1906) best known for his pioneering investigation of radioactivity, who shared the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics with his wife, Marie Curie. ALS in French, signed “P. Curie,” two pages, 5.25 x 8.25, Faculte des Sciences de Paris letterhead, April 1, 1906. Letter with important scientific content referring to radiation. In part (translated): “My collaborator Mr. Labarde boiled the water from the bottles you had the kindness to send us. The gases we have extracted during the ebullition have been examined under radioactive point of view. They do not contain radium emanation.” Curie further congratulates his correspondent for his clear-sightedness on a pathetic and revolting affair, before concluding, saying: “I am one of those who read the articles so clear and so precise.” In fine condition, with staining along the top edge. Pierre Curie’s letters are very rare, especially with such significant scientific content. Starting Bid $500
181. Charles Darwin Autograph Letter Signed. Crisply penned LS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, Down, Beckenham, Kent letterhead, November 5, 1876. Letter to British naturalist Henry Nottidge Moseley, in full: “I am very much obliged to you for your kind present of the Japanese book, with its curious & amusing drawings. As I am no believer in Physiognomy I will not trouble you to send me the other books. Many thanks also for the photograph (which however is not very clear) & for several of your papers on observations made during the voyage of the Challenger. It has been a grand thing for you to have taken part & done such capital work in the most memorable scientific expedition which ever left England. I have heard this morning from Ray Lankester, who tells me that you would like to pay me a visit. I can assure you that it will give me very great pleasure to make your acquaintance & to hear somewhat of what you have seen & done. But I must forewarn you that I am incapable of talking long with anyone, as my head suffers afterwards. If when you are next in London & can send me a line I shall be most happy if you will dine & sleep here. I can tell you the best route & time for this place when I hear from you.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $2500
Likely one-of-a-kind signed candid of Einstein at CalTech in 1932, chosen by Elsa for an admirer
Accompanied by a transmittal letter in German signed by his wife, “Elsa Einstein,” on California Institute of Technology letterhead, February 9, 1932, apologizing for a card lost amongst piles of paper, in part (translated): “Every day we receive stacks of letters and letters asking for autographs… As a small replacement, I hereby send you a picture with a signature, I think you have made a good exchange.
184. Albert Einstein Signed Photograph. Outstanding vintage matte-finish 4.5 x 6.75 photo of Einstein with a pipe in hand at CalTech, neatly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Miss Cecilia H. Walker, Albert Einstein, Pasadena 1932.” In very good to fine condition, with trimmed edges, and light silvering to the upper left background area. Starting Bid $500
Welcoming a genius to America—signed program honoring Einstein’s arrival in New Jersey
a dinner reception held in Einstein’s honor on March 25, 1934, to welcome him and his wife as residents of New Jersey, 6 x 9, signed along the top edge of the front cover in fountain pen, “A. Einstein.” A portrait of Einstein is affixed below. Handsomely matted and framed to an overall size of 11.5 x 14.25. In fine condition. Fleeing Nazi Germany, Einstein arrived in the United States in 1933 and settled in Princeton where he went to work at the Institute of Advanced Studies. Starting Bid $300
Admission pass to Einstein’s 1921 Princeton“Lectures on the Theory of Relativity”— our research has uncovered no other exemplars
186. Albert Einstein Original 1921 Princeton University ‘Theory of Relativity’ Lectures Admis-
sion Pass. Rare original and unused 5 x 3 admission pass for the Stafford Little Lectures delivered by Albert Einstein at Princeton University’s McCosh Hall between May 9 and 13, 1921. The card, which is headed, “Admit Bearer, To Professor Einstein’s Five Lectures on the Theory of Relativity—May 9-13 in Princeton University,” lists the dates and times of the four lecture topics. In fine condition. An exceptionally rare admission pass of great historical and scientific importance. Starting Bid $200
187. Albert Einstein Signed Etch-
ing. Exquisite and highly detailed limited edition etching of Einstein in near profile, 8.5 x 11, numbered 59/100, signed in the lower right in pencil, “Albert Einstein.” Also signed in the lower left by the artist, “Hermann Struck.” In fine condition, with light toning form prior display. Struck was a German Jewish artist and passionate Zionist known for his etchings; he created portraits of several distinguished subjects including Einstein, Freud, Nietzsche, and Ibsen. A superb autographed etching from the revered genius. Starting Bid $500
French civil engineer and physicist (1788–1827) whose research in optics led to the almost unanimous acceptance of the wave theory of light. Rare ALS in French, signed “Fresnel,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 10, January 15, 1827. Letter to the Prefect of the Vendée, concerning delays in the installation of a reflector and lighting rod for the lighthouse at Sables. In fine condition, with light creasing. Fresnel is known for inventing the compact Fresnel lens for lighthouses, which has been called ‘the invention that saved a million ships.’ Starting Bid $200
189. Joseph Henry Signed Photograph. Physicist (1797-1878) who
conducted experiments in the field of electromagnetism and served as the first secretary of the Smithsonian Institute. Scarce 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite portrait of Joseph Henry, signed below in bold black ink. Published by Brady’s National Photographic Portrait Galleries of New York and Washington, D.C. In very good to fine condition, with surface loss to the lower right corner tip, trivial loss to the upper corner tips, and scuffing to the image (visible at an angle). Starting Bid $200
190. Nobel: Nitroglycerin Aktiebolaget Stock Certificate. Stock certificate for shares in the explosives manufacturing firm founded by Alfred Nobel, Nitroglycerin Aktiebolaget, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 9 x 11.5, issued on April 7, 1915, to “Ivar Carlson.” The second page logs the transfer of ownership of the shares through 1946. In fine condition, with two punch holes at center. Starting Bid $200
Desirable handwritten letter from Pavlov, penned just days after becoming the first Russian to receive a Nobel Prize
191. Ivan Pavlov Autograph Letter Signed. Russian physiologist (1849–1936) best known for his investigation of conditioned reflex through the use of experiments involving salivating dogs. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1904. ALS in German, signed “I. Pawlow,” one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, December 21, 1904. Handwritten letter to a colleague, written from St. Petersburg just days after receiving the Nobel Prize in Stockholm. Having just returned home to Russia, Pavlov thanks his correspondent for a telegram of congratulations. He always remembers the addressee’s visit to St. Petersburg and he fervently wishes that he will get the independent position he has been aiming for a long time now. In very good to fine condition, with overall creasing.
Pavlov received the 1904 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine ‘in recognition of his work on the physiology of digestion, through which knowledge on vital aspects of the subject has been transformed and enlarged.’ He traveled to Stockholm and personally received the gold Nobel medal from King Oscar II on December 10, and then addressed the Swedish Academy of Science on December 12. He devoted two-thirds of his address to a review of the digestive system, followed by an intense account of his laboratory’s research on psychic secretion, which he famously termed a ‘conditioned reflex.’ Pavlov was the first Russian to win the Nobel Prize in any discipline, a triumph for himself and his country. Starting Bid $500
Intellectuals
Religious Figures
and political thinker (1812–1870) whose work holds an important place in the great Russian literary canon. Super rare ALS in French, signed “A. Herzen,” one page, 7.25 x 9, December 24, 1858. Letter with extremely interesting content, referring to Tsar Alexander II and to the emancipation of the serfs, Herzen’s greatest cause. In part (translated): “How can you ask which one is the relation between the ‘Bell’ and the Emperor Alex. and his ministers? Alex’s ministers are either idiots or thieves. They are enemies of the emancipation of peasants. Alex is better, but he is of such a feminine weakness…thus the necessity of chasing the rascals around him and urge the emancipation movement.” In fine condition, with a long diagonal crease. Starting Bid $500
Rare baseball autographed by Pope Francis, with photographic evidence of the pontiff’s signing!
193. Pope Francis Signed
Baseball. Remarkably rare official Rawlings Major League (Manfred) baseball signed in blue ballpoint on the sweet spot by Pope Francis, “Francis.” In very fine condition. Accompanied by a color satin-finish 12 x 8 photograph from The Vatican taken at the time of signing on September 23, 2020, a full letter of authenticity from JSA, and a letter of provenance from the current owner, stating that it was obtained from the European autograph collector pictured via a dealer in the USA. Baseballs are a highly desirable format for any autograph, and this papal treasure is unlike any we have previously seen. Starting Bid $1000
World Leaders
194. David Ben-Gurion Autograph Letter Signed. ALS in Hebrew, signed “D. Ben Gurion,” penned on the reverse of a 5.75 x 3.75 postcard, March 6, 1955. Handwritten letter to Israeli historian and politician Ben-Zion Dinur, in part (translated): “On the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the ‘Zionist Mule Corps’ by Joseph Trumpeldor and his friends, the youth should know more about the personal example set by the members of the Second Aliyah, whose actions and heroism have become the personal educator of the people…” Reverse bears a postal cancellation that commemorates the 40th anniversary of the formation of Trumpeldor’s famous Zionist Mule Corps. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
195. Winston Churchill Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed
“Your friend, Winston S. Churchill,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, Hyde Park Gate letterhead, May 4, 1950. Letter to editor and publisher Desmond Flower, in full: “Thank you for your letter of April 24. I am glad to know that the volumes are to be available to the Reprint Society. You do not state in paragraph 2 the price you are selling the book to them, or the price at which they are selling the book to their members.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
197. Ze’ev Jabotinsky Document
Signed. Russian Jewish Revisionist Zionist leader (1880–1940) who was also an author, poet, orator, soldier, and founder of the Jewish Self-Defense Organization in Odessa. With Joseph Trumpeldor, he co-founded the Jewish Legion of the British army in World War I, and later established several Jewish organizations in Palestine, including Betar, Hatzohar, and the Irgun. DS, signed “V. Jabotinsky,” one page, 9.5 x 8, no date. Handsomely engraved incomplete stock certificate for the Hebrew Publishing Company Ha-Sefer, Limited, issued as certificate No. 56, with the lower left printed with an embossed faux red seal. Signed neatly at the conclusion by Ze’ev Jabotinsky as a director. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
198. Pyotr Stolypin Document Signed. Russian politician (born 1862) who served as the third Prime Minister of Russia, and Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Empire from 1906 to his assassination in 1911. DS in Cyrillic, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 9 x 14.5, 1907. Untranslated document issued as No. 259, signed in bold ink by Pyotr Stolypin as Prime Minister of Russia. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, and small binding holes along the hinge. Starting Bid $200
Supremely rare appointment signed in Chinese by Sun Yat-sen
199. Sun Yat-sen Document Signed. Manuscript DS, one page, 19.75 x 16.75, October 15, 1917. An attractive and colorful document appointing Sun Guang Ming as a member of the fund raising committee in Hong Kong. Signed at center in Chinese by Sun Yat-sen in his capacity as Grand Admiral of the Navy armed forces. It bears the red ink seal of the Grand Admiral to the left border, and Sun Wen seal alongside the Grand Admiral seal. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, and some areas of staining. Documents signed by Sun Yat-sen in Chinese are of extraordinary rarity and seldom appear at auction; this is the first we have ever offered. Starting Bid $5000
Wilberforce, one of Britain’s leading abolitionists, muses hopefully on ending the evils of slavery— “I rejoice that our Country at least has abandoned the guilty Commerce in Flesh & Blood & that I look forward with confidence to its entire termination”
200. William Wilberforce Autograph Letter Signed. British politician, evangelist and philanthropist (1759–1833) who played an important role in the movement to abolish slavery. ALS signed “W. Wilberforce,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7.25, June 10, 1829. Written from Highwood Hill, a letter to fellow abolitionist Sir Harry Verney, 2nd Baronet, in part: “You have thought me tardy I fear in complying with your request of a few lines on the Subject of the Abolition of the Slave Trade... my only Objection would have been that I trusted it was needless and on the Abolition, what can I now say but that I rejoice that our Country at least has abandoned the guilty Commerce in Flesh & Blood & that I look forward with confidence to its entire termination. Assuredly, it becomes us who had been blessed with an Unequaled measure of National Liberty & Prosperity, to take the Lead, & set the Example. We had too long been foremost in the Crime; It was now right that we should be signal in our Repentance.” Reverse of second integral page is affixed to a slightly larger sheet. In very good to fine condition, with a split to the bottom of the hinge, and light staining to the last page from mounting. Starting Bid $500
Royalty
Extremely rare 1475 military document signed by King Edward IV while preparing an invasion of France, listing great guns, spears, and crossbows
201. King Edward IV Document Signed. Extremely rare manuscript document signed by Edward IV, one page, 6.25 x 5.5, circa 1475. During the summer of 1475, Edward IV approves a list of men and munitions required for his imminent invasion of France. In part: “ix Cartes wt greate Gonnes…x Masons, viii Carpenterys wt a cart wt the gyn [siege engine], iiii whelewryghtes wt theyre cart…Item myself a spere and x Archerys…Item a cart wt Crossebows.” On the reverse are twelve names, each followed by the notation “6s 8d,” likely the sum promised them for their upcoming military service; two “coler makeres” are also listed at a cost of “13s 4d” each. Signed at the head by King Edward IV with his distinctive monogram. Matted and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 19.75 x 14.25, with a window in the backing for viewing the reverse. In very good condition, with creasing, soiling, and extensively restored margins, affecting various words, but not impairing the sense of the text, or affecting the signature. Autograph material by Edward IV is extremely rare, this being the first we have ever offered. Starting Bid $5000
202. King George VI and Elizabeth, Queen Mother Signed Pho-
tograph. Brilliant early matte-finish 5 x 6.75 photo of the future King and Queen, Prince Albert and Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, posing together during a portrait shoot in 1923, affixed to the original 8.25 x 11.5 studio mount, which is signed in bold ink, “Albert” and “Elizabeth.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing, and toning to the perimeter of the mount (which could easily be matted out). A remarkably early portrait of the attractive young couple. Starting Bid $200
Queen Victoria thanks Tennyson for the “beautiful Epilogue” to “Idylls of the King”
206. Queen Victoria Autograph Letter
Signed. ALS signed “The Queen,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, black-bordered Windsor Castle letterhead letterhead, February 26, 1873. Handwritten letter to the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, Alfred Tennyson, thanking him for the dedicatory epilogue to ‘Idylls of the King.’ This is the first known letter from Victoria to Tennyson. In part: “Through Lady Augusta Stanley has already conveyed…the Queen’s warmest thanks for & high admiration of the beautiful Epilogue he has so kindly inscribed to herself, she wishes to repeat again herself to Mr. Tennyson these feelings on the occasion of the arrival of the Copy of the very fine new edition of the Idylls of the King…It would give the queen much pleasure could she, some day, when he is within reach of Windsor, show him the Mausoleum she has raised over the Earthly remains of her dear Husband whom he knew how to appreciate & so beautifully described.” Includes the original transmittal envelope addressed in Queen Victoria’s hand, “Alfred Tennyson, Esq., The Queen.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
204. King Louis XVI Document Signed. Manuscript DS in
French, signed “Louis,” one page, 8.5 x 13, January 9, 1786. Document that grants the sum of 16,000 livres to Sieur Bouillant, the VicarGeneral of the Religious Order of Fugitives, for the purchase of farm land for the Order. Signed prominently at the conclusion by King Louis XVI. In fine condition, with scattered light foxing. Starting Bid $200
American West
Pristine signature of legendary frontiersman Kit Carson
207. Kit Carson Signature. American scout and soldier (1809–1868) who takes a place among the most colorful personalities in the Old West. Choice ink signature, “C. Carson,” on an off-white 3.5 x 2 slip, affixed to a same-size card. In very fine condition. Accompanied by a small modern photograph of the great mountain man, who became a legendary symbol of America’s frontier experience. Starting Bid $500
Notorious Figures
208. Al Capone. Al Capone’s personally-owned black silk scarf with a silver stripe measures 56 x 19 totally unfolded, with fringed ends and is embroidered at either end, “AC.” The scarf is accompanied by several letters of provenance, including a color photocopy of a letter from Capone’s wife Mae, dated December 20, 1958, reading, in part (with grammar and spelling retained): “I am Mae Capone and because of ABC TV I am very much in need of money so I have to sell things that were my husbands. My husband was Alphonse Capone…I am selling his things becuse I need money now.” Starting Bid $200
209. Ralph Capone Signed Fingerprint Card. Older brother of Al Capone who was once named ‘Public Enemy Number Three’ and nicknamed ‘Bottles’ because he ran the Chicago bottling operation (1894–1974). Original Memphis Police Department identification card, one page both sides, 8 x 8, February 5, 1928, bearing Capone’s fingerprints individually as well as prints of all fingers simultaneously, signed at the bottom in black ink, “Ralph J. Capone.” Opposite side bears typed information about Capone, including name and aliases, height, weight, tattoos, and charges, as well as an affixed mug shot. In very good condition, with various edge chips and tears (one affecting the signature), and a few affixed pieces of toned tape. Accompanied by an unsigned 1950 press photo of Capone testifying before the Senate at the Kefauver Hearings, from the archives of the Chicago Tribune. Starting Bid $200
