38 minute read
Notables
Declaration of Independence
144. Samuel Chase Letter Signed. Signer of the Declara-
tion of Independence from Maryland (1741–1811) and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1796 until his death. Revolutionary War-dated LS signed “Sam’l Chase,” one page, 7.25 x 9, 1780. Letter to “His Excellency the Governor & the Council,” in part: “I will furnish a proper Vessel well fitted and navigated to carry to New York, with a Flag, 100 or 125 Barrels of Flour, 100 Bushels of Corn…Bacon…Pork…Peas, and 30 ton of Bar Iron for the freight of one fourth of the value of the Cargo in York currency at its arrival in New York…I will bring back a load of Salt, if permitted.” In fine condition, with a stain affecting a few words of text. Starting Bid $200
Revolutionary War pay order to a private in the illustrious 6th Massachusetts
145. John Hancock Document Signed. Revolutionary
War-dated partly-printed DS, one page, 6.5 x 8.25, January 16, 1781. Governor Hancock issues a pay order for “Francis Greene a private in Colo. Nixon’s Regt the sum of Ten hundred fifty six pounds five shillings to make good the Depreciation of his wages to the 31st Decr 1779 inclusive agreeable to the annexed certificate for which this shall be your warrant.” Signed at the conclusion by John Hancock, and countersigned by John Avery as secretary. Affixed to the reverse of the order is a handwritten notice, dated January 16, 1781. In fine condition. Accompanied by an engraved portrait bearing a facsimile signature. Starting Bid $500
Bold handwritten letter by John Hancock about a prize stolen on the high seas during the Revolution
146. John Hancock Autograph Letter Signed. Revolutionary War-dated ALS signed “JH,” one page both sides, 7 x 9, October 2, 1780. Lengthy handwritten letter from Boston, concerning a lost prize taken amidst the Revolution. In part: “I this day Rec’d a Letter from the late Col. Wm. Richardson…ordering into my hands for Condemnation & Sales a Prize taken by the Brig. Talbot & Nesbit bound from Lisbon to New York, her cargo & every circumstance relative to her capture you will have in the Copy herewith. Capt. Batfield in whose charge the prize was had the misfortune to be taken by the Delaware Frigate when within a few house sail of this place & carried to Halifax, he arriv’d here from thence in a cartel on Saturday Even’g & proposes to morrow to set out on his journey to the Southward to whom I refer you for further particulars. It is very unfortunate that the Prize did not arrive, as her cargo would have net a very fine Market.” In fine condition. A fascinating, boldly penned letter as Hancock capably navigates a problem with political and mercantile repercussions. Starting Bid $500
147. William Hooper Document Signed. Partly-printed DS, signed
“Wm. Hooper Atto.,” one page, 7.5 x 6.5, March 22, 1767. Document commanding the sheriff of the county of Rowan, North Carolina, to “cause to be made of the Personal Estate of Agulla Campble in your Bailiwick (Slaves excepted) if the same be Sufficient, and if not, then of the Personal Estate of the said Agulla Campble, including Slaves, and if the same be insufficient, then of the Personal Estate, Lands, Tenement, Hereditaments, and other Real Estate of the said Agulla Campble the Sum of One Hundred and Ten Pounds.” Signed on the reverse by Hooper as an attorney. In very good condition, with toning, some light staining, and complete separation along two folds, repaired with archival tape. Starting Bid $200
American Politicians and Leaders
148. Aaron Burr Signed Check. Bank check,
6 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Burr, “Aaron Burr,” payable to “A.B.” for “two pounds four shillings,” July 16, 1788. In fine condition, with some staining that impinges on, but doesn’t touch, the signature. Starting Bid $200
Free-franked letter signed by Hamilton as the US Army’s second-in-command
151. 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. Starting Bid $500
Alexander Hamilton supports the expansion of American textile manufacturing in a rare twice-signed promissory note
150. Alexander Hamilton Autograph Document
Signed. ADS, signed twice, “Alexander Hamilton” and “A. Hamilton,” one page, 8 x 9.25, March 19, 1784. Document featuring a handwritten pledge by Hamilton to guarantee funds lent to John Campbell, a merchant and weaver who was engaged in smuggling British textile manufacturing machinery to the United States. At the top, Campbell endorses a manuscript promissory note: “I promise to pay to Mess. Reilly & Tronson or order in six months from the date hereof fourteen pounds, eighteen shillings and eight pence. Dated this eighteenth day of March in the year one thousand seven hundred eighty four.” At center, Hamilton pens his personal guarantee, in full: “I engage in case Mr. Campbell does not pay the above sum of fourteen pounds, eighteen shillings and eight pence within the time mentioned in the above promissory note to pay it for him. Alexander Hamilton, New York, March 19th, 1784.” Below is a handwritten note by prominent attorney William S. Livingston, asking Hamilton to repay the debt, in part: “I am sorry to call upon you for money on account of a person for whom you have done so much and who deserves so little favor. But Mr. Nicklin [merchant Philip Nicklin] of Philadelphia has drawn upon for seventeen pounds due him from Messrs. Reilly & Tronson, and if you can let me have the amount of this note, Mr. Lyons my clerk will give you a receipt for it.”
The reverse is docketed “John Campbell to Terrance Reilly, Note of Hand,” under which Hamilton himself has written, “Taken up by A. Hamilton.” Beautifully double-matted and framed with a color copy of the docketing panel and a portrait of Hamilton to an overall size of 24.5 x 19. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, and overall light creasing. From The Michael Allen Collection. Starting Bid $2500
DS, signed “P. Henry,” one page, 15 x 13, August 20, 1786. As governor of Virginia, Henry grants “unto David Shotton a certain Tract or Parcel of Land, containing One Thousand Acres…being in the County of Fayette.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Patrick Henry. The white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains intact. In fine condition, with scattered light toning and tiny areas of loss at fold intersections. Accompanied by an engraved portrait bearing a facsimile signature. Starting Bid $200
Activists and Social Leaders
Less than a year before his death, Biko is refused an application to visit East London
153. 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, 6 x 8.5, personal letterhead, December 4, 1976. Letter to the Principal Magistrate of King William’s Town, in part: “I would like to make an application to be allowed to visit East London on Friday the 10th of December...The appointment is in connection with an application that I have made to the firm to do articles with them next year. They require to interview all applicants for this purpose and have thus invited me for that purpose.” Biko makes a correction in his own hand, with a secretarial hand adding in red ballpoint, “Application refused. Applicant informed personally.” In fine condition, with a light vertical bend, and two file holes to the left edge. Starting Bid $300
154. Helen Keller Typed Letter Signed to FDR.
Exceptional TLS signed in pencil, one page both sides, 7.25 x 10.5, Forest Hills, New York letterhead, July 15, 1938. Letter addressed to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in part: “Your telegram offering to appoint me as a Civilian Member of Committee to make prices for products by the blind is an honor which I greatly appreciate, and I cannot express the genuine regret with which I must decline it...I have learned that it would mean attending countless meetings, constant travel, detailed routine for which I have neither the professional experience or the comprehensive knowledge required...I bless you for considering the blind in these desperate days.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Dr. King’s collected sermons, presented to a family “whose Christian commitment is inspiring to all”
155. Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed Book.
Signed book: Strength to Love. First edition. NY: Harper & Row, 1963. Hardcover with dust jacket, 5.75 x 8.75, 146 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page in blue ballpoint, “To the Kilgore Family, Whose friendship I cherish so dearly and whose Christian commitment is inspiring to all, Martin Luther King.” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/VG, with moderate rubbing and a few edge nicks to jacket.
Published in 1963, Strength to Love is a collection of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s sermons on the topic of racial segregation in the United States and religious values. Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for being the ‘first person in the Western world to have shown us that a struggle can be waged without violence.’ A handsomely signed compilation of King’s addresses, with a great inscription evoking his Christian ideals as a Baptist minister. Starting Bid $500
Malcolm X establishes Muslim Mosque Inc. after leaving the Nation of Islam
156. Malcolm X Typed Letter Signed. TLS, one page, 8.5
x 11, The Muslim Mosque, Inc. letterhead, May 25, 1964. Letter to Robert Franke, in part: “Thank you very much for your letter of May 15, 1964. Your request for literature on the Muslim Mosque, Inc. will be filled as soon as the material which is now in preparation, is available.” In fine condition, with light show-through from PSA/DNA and Global authentication labels affixed to the reverse.
After completing his pilgrimage to Mecca in April 1964 and spending significant time in Africa, where he met with nearly all of the continent’s prominent leaders, Malcolm X’s philosophy on the white presence in Muslim culture began to evolve, causing confusion with many of his followers in the states. Signed during this critical period of enlightenment and transformation—just nine months before his assassination—this is an exceedingly rare letter from one of history’s most divisive and important civil rights leaders. Starting Bid $500
Nightingale provides for a terminal cancer patient: “I should like to lend him through you a bottle of Brandy”
157. Florence Nightingale Autograph Letter Signed. ALS in pencil, one page
both sides, 7 x 9, October 7, 1876. Handwritten letter to William Yeomans, in part: “I am much obliged to you for your information about poor Samuel Wheeldon of Wheatcroft. I should like, if you will kindly convey it to him weekly, to give him 31/ (enclosed) for the next month at the rate of 1/ a day...I should like to lend him through you a bottle of Brandy…Let him have a kind message from me, please, as from Mr. Nightingale: I say that I hope they will meet one another in the Kingdom of God, & that God may give him strength to bear his sufferings patiently. I should be anxious to know whether he is confined to bed; & whether he suffers much; & whether he has been given Opiates to take, which are generally in Cancer unavoidable.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Argentinean wire transfer with full Schindler autograph
158. Oskar Schindler Document Signed. Rare DS
in Spanish, one page both sides, 8 x 4.75, December 13, 1952. A wire transfer for the sum of 2600 Argentinean pesos to be sent from Oskar Schindler to Gertrude Tutsuth, with Schindler authorizing and signing the transfer on the reverse in fountain pen. The front bears an “Italo Argentina of International Transport, Travel and Tourism Section” stamp. In fine condition.
Oskar and Emilie had exhausted their savings in their work to save 1,200 Jews via their enamelware factory during World War II, and in 1949, with financial help from a Jewish organization, moved to Argentina to begin farming. By 1957, however, Oskar Schindler had become bankrupt and returned to West Germany alone—he never saw his wife again, although they remained married. His heroics during World War II were immortalized in the famous 1993 film Schindler’s List. Starting Bid $500
159. John T. Scopes Signed Photograph. American educator (1900–
1970) who defied state law in Tennessee by teaching the theory of evolution, precipitating the famous ‘Monkey Trial’ trial in 1925. He was convicted and received a nominal fine, but the decision was ultimately reversed on a technicality. Sharp vintage glossy 9 x 7 photo of the scholarly Scopes in a suit and tie, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “John T. Scopes, to Richard.” Affixed to a same-size sheet and in fine condition, with a few light stains. Scopes is scarce in signed photographs. Starting Bid $200
Alcoholics Anonymous— Bill W.’s ‘Big Book’ signed by him and 20 supporters
160. Bill Wilson Signed Book. Signed
book: Alcoholics Anonymous. Tenth printing. NY: Works Publishing, 1946. Hardcover with reproduction dust jacket, 6 x 8.5, 400 pages. Signed in blue ink on the first free end page, “Affectionately, Bill, Mar/48,” and also signed on the same page and front pastedown by 20 others involved in the program. Autographic condition: very good, with toning and light staining to the signed page, not detracting from Wilson’s large signature. Book condition: G+/VG (reproduction jacket), with edge wear and the front board and endpapers cleanly, almost entirely separated at the joint. A presentable copy of a title uncommon in signed examples and undoubtedly belonging to an AA member. Starting Bid $200
Living with an Alcoholic, signed by the founders of AA and Al-Anon
161. Bill and Lois Wilson Signed Book.
Rare signed book: Living with an Alcoholic, with the Help of Al-Anon. Later printing. NY: Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters Inc., 1964. Hardcover with dust jacket, 5.5 x 8.25, 139 pages. Signed on the first free end page, “From Lois B. Wilson, all good wishes,” and “Yours, Bill.” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG+/VG-, with edge wear and light soiling to dust jacket, and heavy sunning to its spine. Starting Bid $200
Businessmen
162. P. T. Barnum Signed Photograph. Seldom-seen
4.25 x 6.5 cabinet card portrait of Barnum in later age, signed in the lower border in black ink, “P. T. Barnum, Born July 5th 1810, Bridgeport, Ct, June 6th 1888.” Archivally suede-matted and framed to an overall size of 13 x 15.25. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
163. Harvey S. Firestone Signed Photograph.
Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10.5 Underwood & Underwood portrait of Harvey Firestone, signed in the lower border in fountain pen, “H. S. Firestone.” The lower border is also signed by the photography studio. In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
164. Henry Ford Signed Photograph. Scarce vintage matte-finish 7
x 9.25 studio portrait of Henry Ford, signed neatly in fountain pen. In fine condition, with a box of toning and just a hint of faint silvering. Starting Bid $300
165. J. Pierpont Morgan Letter Signed. LS, one page, 5.5 x 8.5, Hotel
Bristol of Paris letterhead, May 27, 1909. Letter to George T. Lambert, in full: “I have received your letter with the print of the picture of Queen Elizabeth at Hatfield. I am deeply indebted to you for it. If there is any expense in connection with it, I should be glad to pay it.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Scientists and Inventors
vintage matte-finish 7 x 9.5 photo of George Washington Carver in a handsome bust-length pose, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To my friend, Mr. W. D. Moss, Jr., G. W. Carver, 1929.” In very good to fine condition, with trimmed edges, light silvering to the darker areas of the image, and a crease to the upper right corner. Carver is decidedly scarce in signed photographs, with this being the first we have ever offered. Starting Bid $200
Rare signed portrait of Einstein taken in Havana, Cuba in December 1930 while en route to Caltech
167. Albert Einstein Signed
Photograph. Rare vintage mattefinish 5.75 x 10 photo of Einstein taken in Havana, Cuba, in December 1930, signed in the upper border in fountain pen, “Albert Einstein, Pasadena, 1931.” Marked “El Encanto” in the lower border, the name of the department store where the portrait was captured. In fine condition, with trimmed edges, and light silvering to the perimeter of the image.
In late 1930, Einstein visited Cuba for a day-and-a-half—a jaunt made while en route to San Diego aboard the Belgenland, which stopped in Havana before passing through the Panama Canal. There he received a hero’s welcome from the leaders of the Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Havana, the Geographical Society of Cuba, and the local Jewish community. Before attending any of these festivities, however, he mentioned that he wanted to buy a hat, since it was going to be a hot, sunny day. His Cuban hosts whisked him away to El Encanto, Havana’s most fashionable outlet, where the owners presented their illustrious visitor with their best and most expensive Panama hat as a gift. When Einstein insisted on paying, they offered a trade instead—the hat for a souvenir photograph from El Encanto, taken by one of Cuba’s best portraitists, Gonzalo Lobo. Einstein agreed, and the photographer placed him against a stark black background, highlighting his messy hair and perceptive gaze. In addition to presenting Einstein with prints, Lobo made a huge enlargement to display in El Encanto’s shop window. The next day, Einstein continued his journey to California, where he would take his place as a visiting professor at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. Starting Bid $1000
Invoking the writings of Gandhi, Albert Einstein comments on his “contempt for marching and the military attitude” while advocating for education towards peace
“A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, blindstamped personal Princeton letterhead, December 15, 1950. Insightful letter to Pvt. Jerry Gold, commenting on the military and society. In part: “My remarks about my contempt for marching and the military attitude in general refers, of course, to those who take this attitude spontaneously...The second question is: what can be done against the military evil in general. The isolated individual is so hopelessly dependent from state and society that individual rebellion is in most cases ineffective and suicidal. But there is enough occasion to fight the evil by the use of the customary political means and by educating others to reasonable thought by not hiding your conviction and by employing reasonable discussion to convince. This can easily be done in such a way that one avoids conflict with the law. To educate people to the right mentality the writings of Gandhi and about Gandhi are very effective. If there is enough education about the subject the evil will be eliminated.” In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, light creasing, and portions of the text underlined in an unknown hand. Starting Bid $1000
169. Alexander von Humboldt Autograph Letter
Signed. German naturalist and explorer (1769–1859) who wrote Kosmos, a massive five-volume study which attempted to unify the various branches of man’s knowledge. ALS in French, signed “Humboldt,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 9, April 6, 1819. Untranslated handwritten letter by Humboldt, referring to “sciences naturelles.” The integral leaf has been professionally inlaid into a slightly larger sheet. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Rare photo of the Russian Nobel-winner
171. Ivan Pavlov Signed Photograph.
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. Highly sought-after matte-finish 4.75 x 6.5 candid photo of Ivan Pavlov in a lab coat, signed in fountain pen, “I. Pavlov.” Affixed to a samesize mount. In fine condition, with a small surface bump to the right of Pavlov’s image. An exceedingly scarce format. Provenance: Christie’s, 2007. Starting Bid $500
Immensely rare signed photo of ‘the Father of Modern Medicine’
170. William Osler Signed Photograph. Exceptional
vintage matte-finish 4 x 5.5 photo of William Osler in a relaxed seated pose, affixed to the original 6.75 x 9 studio mount, signed neatly on the mount in black ink, “Sincerely yours, Wm. Osler.” Published by Hills & Saunders of Oxford. In fine condition, with toning to the edges, and a small ding to the right edge. Our first signed portrait of the trailblazing Canadian physician. Starting Bid $200
Tesla sends a handwritten invitation to meet “at my laboratory 35 South Fifth Ave”
172. Nikola Tesla Autograph Note Signed. ALS signed “N. Tesla,” one page both sides, 4 x 2.5, no date but circa 1892–1895. Handwritten letter to a gentleman, in full: “I have an engagement this morning and regret my inability to meet you this morning. I am here every evening at about 9 o’clock during the day at my laboratory 35 South Fifth Ave. You may meet me there from 11-12 AM or here in the evening.” In fine condition, with clipped corners, and a small rusty paperclip impression to the top edge. Starting Bid $300
173. 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,” one page, 4.5 x 7, December 29, 1889. Handwritten letter to English botanist and taxonomist Maxwell T. Masters, in part: “I have obtained the catalogues you named & others, & I find that Mssr. Cutbrush have the largest collection of Gricas & will be able to supply me with a good assortment of species to try out of doors. I shall also try many other half-hardy plants but my space is limited.” In fine condition, with scattered light foxing. Starting Bid $200
Intellectuals
174. Carl Jung Signed Photograph. Vintage glossy 5 x 7
silver gelatin photo of Carl Jung seated and writing at his desk, affixed to its original 8 x 9.75 mount, signed on the mount in fountain pen, “C. G. Jung.” In fine condition. A superb signed portrait of the esteemed Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst at work in his study. Starting Bid $200
175. Mother Teresa Signed
Photograph. Glossy 8 x 10 photo of the elderly Mother Teresa, signed in the lower border in blue ballpoint, “God bless you, M. Teresa mc.” In very good to fine condition, with pen scratches under the signature from multiple failed attempts with a faulty pen. Starting Bid $200
Religious Figures
176. Pope Benedict XV Signed Photograph.
Pope (1854–1922) who reigned from 1914 until his death. Benedict’s pontificate was dominated by World War I, which he termed ‘the suicide of Europe.’ Maintaining strict neutrality, he advanced several peace proposals and did much to aid war victims. Outstanding matte-finish 4 x 5.5 photo of the pope, affixed to its original 7 x 10.5 photographer’s mount, lengthily inscribed in black ink in Italian and signed below, “Benedictus PP XV, 15 Nov. 1918.” In very good to fine condition, with light silvering and adhesive residue to the image, and light soiling and a chip to the mount. Starting Bid $200
177. Pope Pius X Signed Photograph. Born Giuseppe Melchiorre
Sarto in 1835, Pius X served as pope from 1903 until his death in 1914. Known for his conservative, anti-modernist philosophies, he became, in 1954, the first pope to be elevated to sainthood since Pius V in 1712. Vintage matte-finish 7.75 x 8.5 full-length photo by d’Alessandri of Rome, affixed to a slightly larger mount, signed on the mount in fountain pen, “Pius PP. X,” with a sentiment in Latin written above the signature in another hand and a photographer’s stamp to left side of image. In very good to fine condition, with trimmed edges, and silvering to the darker areas of the photo. Starting Bid $200
World Leaders and Politicians
The sought-after ‘Father of the Turks’
178. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Signature. Turkish army officer, statesman, and writer (1881–1938) credited as the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Rare and bold fountain pen signature, “Gazi M. Kemal,” on an off-white 6 x 9.5 sheet hand-embellished with a calligraphic title and postage stamp of the Turkish leader. In fine condition. Ataturk was given the title of “Gazi” by the Grand National Assembly following his defeat of the Greeks in the Greco-Turkish War, which secured the independence of Turkey. He soon became the nation’s first president and embarked on a series of tremendously influential reforms, producing the modern nation that continues to exist today. Starting Bid $200
179. Otto von Bismarck Signed Photograph. Prus-
sian statesman and First Chancellor of the German Empire (1815–1898). Vintage matte-finish 3.75 x 5.5 full-length photo of Otto von Bismarck seated in his uniform, affixed to the original 5 x 7 mount, signed on the mount in bold ink, “v. Bismarck.” In fine condition, with toning from prior display. Starting Bid $200 180. Chiang Kai-shek Signed Photograph. Exceptional
vintage matte-finish 8.75 x 10.75 photo of Chiang Kai-shek in uniform, affixed to its original 12 x 15 mount, boldly signed and inscribed on the mount in ink in Chinese. Blindstamped in the lower right corner by the Omea photography studio. Framed and in very good to fine condition, with some creasing to the mount, a few small creases to the image, and light silvering along its perimeter. Starting Bid $200
181. Clementine Churchill Signed Photograph and Signed Christmas Card. Two items: a vintage matte-finish
photo of Clementine Churchill, affixed to the original 4 x 4.75 studio mount, signed on the mount in fountain pen, “Christmas wishes & many thanks for your kindness, Clementine S. Churchill”; and a vintage Christmas card with printed text on front, 4.5 x 6.25, signed on the front in fountain pen, “Clementine S. Churchill,” with interior featuring a splendid full-length photo of Winston Churchill with warm coat, cigar, and cane. In overall very good to fine condition, with soiling to the photo, and scattered light foxing to the card. Starting Bid $200
Queen Elizabeth approves Churchill’s recommendation for Lord Advocate
182. Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II Typed
Letter Signed. TLS signed “Winston S. Churchill” and “App’d, ER,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, 10 Downing Street letterhead, December 28, 1954. Official recommendation submitted by Prime Minister Churchill to Queen Elizabeth II, in full: “Sir Winston Churchill, with his humble duty to The Queen, has the honour to recommend that William Rankine Milligan, Esquire, Q.C., be sworn of Your Majesty’s most honourable Privy Council on his appointment as Lord Advocate.” Signed at the conclusion by Churchill, and endorsed at the head by Queen Elizabeth II. In fine condition, with a file hole in the upper left corner. Milligan would serve as Lord Advocate from 1955 until 1960. A fantastic piece of British political correspondence. Starting Bid $500
183. Giuseppe Garibaldi Signed Photograph. Italian patriot and soldier
(1807–1882) best known for leading the attack of the ‘Red Shirts’ on Sicily in 1860. Scarce 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet portrait of Giuseppe Garibaldi, signed in black ink, “G. Garibaldi.” Published by Fratelli Alinari of Florence, Italy. In very good to fine condition, with some light soiling and staining. Starting Bid $200
Exceedingly rare portrait of the Vietnamese revolutionary
184. Ho Chi Minh Signed Photograph. Vintage
glossy 6.25 x 9.25 photo of Ho Chi Minh crouched down among numerous children during his visit to Germany in July 1957, signed in black ink. In fine condition. Our first signed portrait of Ho Chi Minh in 12 years. Starting Bid $500
185. Nikita Khrushchev Signed Photograph. Scarce
glossy 9.25 x 7.25 photo of Nikita Khrushchev smiling from behind his desk, signed in blue ink, “N. Khrushchev.” In fine condition, with scattered light creasing. Starting Bid $200
Rare guestbook from the British embassy in China, signed three times by Li Peng
186. Li Peng and Notables Signed Guestbook. Political
leader (1928–2019) who served as premier of the People’s Republic of China from 1987 through 1998, best known for declaring martial law and backing the use of force to quell the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Leatherbound guestbook from the British embassy in China, circa 1982–83, 10.25 x 8.25, containing more than 300 signatures by relevant figures in politics, science, and culture, highlighted by three signatures of former Chinese Premier Li Peng. In fine condition. Consignor notes that other notable signers include Vice Premiers Huang Hua and Chen Muhua, Li Changchun (former member of Politburo Standing Committee of PRC), Muhammad Yunus (Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, banker, economist, and civil society leader), Peng Shilu (Chinese nuclear engineer known as ‘the father of China’s nuclear submarines’), Lu Jiaxi (Chinese physical chemist), Tang Dingyuan (Chinese physicist and writer), and Wu Jieping (Chinese medical scientist), among myriad ambassadors and diplomatic figures from around the globe. Originally from the collection of Sir Percy Cradock, who served as British Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China from 1978 to 1983. Starting Bid $500
187. Nelson Mandela Signed Photograph. Appeal-
ing glossy 4 x 5.75 silver gelatin photo of Nelson Mandela, signed in black ink, “N. Mandela, 9-12-96.” In fine condition, with a few small creases, and a paperclip impression to the top edge. Starting Bid $200
4 x 5.75 signed German postcard photo of the Indian prime minister, signed in the lower border in black felt tip, “Jawaharlal Nehru.” fine condition. Starting Bid $200 189. Haile Selassie Signed Photograph. Vintage glossy
6.25 x 8 photo of the Ethiopian emperor clad in his decorated military uniform and seated atop a white horse, signed in ink by Haile Selassie, “H. R. R. 1936.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light creasing, and a light paperclip impression to the top edge. Starting Bid $200
190. Syngman Rhee Signed Photograph. Uncommon
glossy 8 x 10 official Korean Air Force photo of Rhee greeting General Nathan Twining, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To General Nathan F. Twining, with sincere personal regards, Syngman Rhee, Nov. 15, 1955.” Reverse bears a Korean Air Force ink stamp. In fine condition, with scattered light creasing. Starting Bid $200
191. Toussaint Louverture Document Signed. Military and political leader of the
Haitian Revolution, born a slave, who delivered both emancipation and independence to his people (1743–1803). Manuscript DS in French, signed “Toussaint Louverture,” one page, 7.75 x 12.5, January 18, 1802. Untranslated military document from SaintDomingue, signed at the conclusion by Louverture as governor-general. In fine condition, with an irregularly trimmed right edge. Starting Bid $200
The rare general of the Mexican Revolution— our first signed portrait of Pancho Villa
193. Francisco ‘Pancho’ Villa Signed Photograph.
Extremely rare matte-finish 6.75 x 10.75 photo of Villa in full uniform, prominently signed in ink, “Francisco Villa.” Reverse bears a collector’s notation in pencil, “Given to Maj. Aultman by Villa-1915. They had met while then Maj. Aultman was at Fort Bliss, Texas.” In very good condition, with trimmed edges, clipped corner tips, a small repaired tear to top edge, and a fleck of surface loss to the left of the signature. This portrait shows Villa during the Mexican Revolution around the time he was making the autobiographical film The Life of General Villa with D. W. Griffith. The unusual film incorporated authentic footage from actual battles and staged scenes and starred Pancho Villa himself. Extremely rare in this format, this is the first signed photograph of the revolutionary we have offered. Starting Bid $500
The exiled Marxist in Mexico
Royalty
192. Leon Trotsky Signed
Photograph. Exceptional matte-finish 7.25 x 9.5 photo of Trotsky conversing with Communist artist Diego Rivera, signed and inscribed on the reverse in fountain pen, “To Comrade Ben Lieberman, Leon Trotsky, 20/I 1937, Mexico.” In very good condition, with two tears to lower edge, a crease to the lower right corner, missing lower left corner, and soiling to the signed side not adversely affecting Trotsky’s large, bold handwriting. Trotsky is rare in signed photos, particularly of this larger size. Starting Bid $300
194. Franz Ferdinand Signed Photograph. Archduke of Austria
(1863–1914) whose assassination precipitated the start of World War I. Rare 5.25 x 8.5 Boudoir cabinet card photo of Franz Ferdinand in his military uniform, prominently signed in black ink and dated 1899. Published by Carl Pietzner of Vienna. In very good condition, with scuffing, soiling, and scratching (a vertical scratch passes through the left side of Ferdinand’s face). A highly sought-after icon of world history. Starting Bid $300
196. King George V and Mary of Teck Signed Over-
sized Photograph. Vintage oversized matte-finish 11.5 x 14.75 photo of King George V and Mary of Teck posing together in their royal attire, affixed to the original mount, signed in the lower border in ink, “George R. I., Delhi, Dec’br, 12th, 1911” and “Mary.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 15 x 18.25, with reverse bearing a Herzog & Higgins label. In fine condition, with light silvering to the perimeter of the image. Starting Bid $200
As Lord High Admiral of England, James directs Lord Townshend to impress seamen for His Majesty’s Service
197. King James II Letter Signed. The last Catholic monarch (1633–1701) to reign over the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, crowned in 1685. LS signed “Your affectionate friend, James,” one page, 8 x 12, October 18, 1664. Letter to Lord Townshend, authorizing the impressment of seamen for service in the Dutch War of 1665. In part: “Haveing by my Warrant dated the first of this instant October directed you to imprest Seamen for his Majs. Service; and observing that small returns are made of Menn in the Corporations where the Magistrates only are empowered to presse I therefore desire that you will not wholly rely on the Magistrates of the Corporations within your Jurisdiction for the impresting of the Menn, but at least that you appoint some discreete person to joyne with them therein that his Majs. service may be more effectually executed.” Signed at the conclusion by James as Duke of York and Albany, in his capacity as Lord High Admiral of England. In fine condition. Accompanied by an ALS by James’s secretary, Sir William Coventry, enclosing the letter to Lord Townshend. Starting Bid $200
198. King William III Autograph Letter Signed. Sovereign
Prince of Orange (1650–1702) who served as King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1689 until his death. ALS in French, signed “Prince d’Orange,” one page, 6.75 x 9, April 1647. Untranslated handwritten letter by William as Prince of Orange. In fine condition, with a small light stain. Starting Bid $200
199. Cosimo III de Medici Letter Signed. Grand Duke of Tus-
cany (1642–1723) whose 53-year reign saw the decline of his nation’s wealth and power. LS in Italian, one page, 5.75 x 8, January 12, 1692. Rare letter with the last four lines in Medici’s own hand, mentioning the Grand Duchess and making reference to the war. In part (translated): “I notice the nation is spending fabulous sums for the continuation of the war…How much better it would be to have peace…I am happy to tell your excellency that your pictures are finished and have been forwarded to Dusseldorf, where they await your further orders.” Inlaid into a larger sheet and in fine condition, with a small area of repaired paper loss to the middle of the bottom edge. Starting Bid $200
200. Queen Elizabeth II Document Signed. Partly-
printed DS, signed “Elizabeth R.,” one page, 21 x 16.5, May 27, 1953. Queen Elizabeth II appoints Peter Murray as a “Consul for the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, to reside at Sofia,” for the encouragement of trade with said country. Signed prominently in the upper right by the Queen, and countersigned below by David Maxwell Fyfe. In fine condition, with light creasing to the upper left corner. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Starting Bid $200 201. Queen Victoria Signed Photograph. Vintage sepia
pearl-finish 7.25 x 11 three-quarter length portrait of Queen Victoria, signed in the upper left in fountain pen, “Victoria RI, 1887.” In fine condition, with some small blemishes to the emulsion, visible only at an angle. A rare portrait with a distinctly regal presentation. Starting Bid $200
Explorers and Archeologists
204. Howard Carter Document Signed. British archae-
ologist and Egyptologist (1874-1939) whose discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt’s ‘Valley of the Kings’ proved to be one of the signal events in the history of archaeology. Manuscript DS in Arabic, signed “Howard Carter,” one page, 8.25 x 7.75, October 4, 1901. Untranslated document concerning the Inspector of Dendera. In very good to fine condition, with light soiling, two file holes, and two tiny pin holes. Accompanied by an original press photo of Carter, stamp-dated 1924 on the reverse. Starting Bid $200
Fully signed photo of the conquerors of Everest
205. Everest: Hillary, Hunt, and Tenzing Signed
Photograph. Spectacular vintage glossy 10 x 8 photo of Edmund Hillary, John Hunt, and Tenzing Norgay posing with a scale model of Mount Everest during their press conference at the Royal Geographical Society, signed in various inks by all three. In very good to fine condition, with scattered creases, one of which touches Hunt’s face, and Tenzing Norgay’s ink stamp to lower right corner. Starting Bid $200
Nototious Figures
Exquisite portrait of the exotic dancer-turned-spy
206. Mata Hari Signed Photograph. Exceedingly rare 5.25 x 8.5 Boudoir cabinet card portrait of Mata Hari wearing a lovely flowing lace gown and seated in a large ornate chair, signed and inscribed in French on the reverse in fountain pen to prominent Dutch lawyer J. Kappeyne van de Coppello, “Souvent c’est le tempete qui nous conduit au port [often it is the storm that leads us to the port], Souvenir de Mata Hari, a Mr. Kappeyne, Berlin, 26 Avril 1907.” Published by C. Pietzner of Vienna. In fine condition. A sensational full-length portrait of Mata Hari, only the second we have ever offered. Starting Bid $500
Rare letter by Mary Jo Kopechne on RFK’s United States Senate letterhead
207. Mary Jo Kopechne Typed Letter Signed. Secretary and campaign worker
for Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s 1968 presidential campaign, who died in a car accident on Chappaquiddick Island while being driven by Senator Ted Kennedy. TLS signed “xxx, Mary Jo,” one page, 6 x 9, United States Senate letterhead, August 14, 1967. Letter to Capitol Hill intern Dorothea Megna, in full: “We miss you and I have tried to call several times to tell you so. Evidently, you are often out, and I hope that you are gadding about and enjoying the summer. Perhaps I can still reach you, and I shall continue to try, but I would love to know if you will be able to come back to us in the fall. We have had a few interesting changes around here, and even if you have no interest in returning, I’d love to see you for lunch someday soon.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope and a photocopy of Dorothy’s invitation to a “Summer Swim Party” hosted by Senators Edward and Robert Kennedy in Virginia on August 9, 1966. Starting Bid $200
208. Meyer Lansky Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed
“Meyer,” two pages, 7.5 x 10.5, September 9, 1977. Handwritten letter to his Israeli confidante, Joseph “Yushki” Sheiner. In part: “You may wonder why I did request at this troublesome time in Israel...My Rabbi went to Israel he asked me if I want to send regards to David Landau of I. P. My Rabbi carried on with him about not being permitted to visit Israel…I never made an official request...I truthfully didn’t expect any different. Very few politicians have the courage to face up to the truth. Many people here resent the decision. They feel what was done to me can be done to them at some time.” In fine condition, with two file holes to the right edge. Starting Bid $200
