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Presidents and First Ladies
President George Washington cashes in on frontier lands, selling property to patriot and Valley Forge veteran Col. Israel Shreve
1. George Washington Document Signed as President for a Land Deal with Valley Forge Veteran Col. Israel Shreve. Manuscript DS as president, endorsed and signed “And by him paid over to me, Go: Washington,” one page both sides, 9.25 x 15, July 31, 1795. Articles of agreement concluded “between General George Washington of Mount Vernon in Virginia…and Colonel Israel Shreve of Fayette County in Pennsylvania,” by which “George, for and in consideration of the sum of four thousand pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania to be paid and secured to him by the said Israel…doth agree and engage to sell and convey to the said Israel in fee simple one thousand six hundred and forty four acres and a quarter of Land.” Below, James Ross affirms receipt of the sum of £1,000 from Israel Shreve; Washington signs below to confirm receipt of his payment. Matted and framed with a portrait and nameplate to an overall size of 25 x 21; a glass backing allows the entire reverse of the document to be viewed. In very good to fine condition, with some expert professional repairs, and a fold split passing between the capital letters of the signature.
This document pertains to a complicated land transaction made between President George Washington and Colonel Israel Shreve, a veteran of the Revolutionary War who fought alongside Washington at the Battle of Brandywine and Battle of Germantown, and wintered at Valley Forge. A surveyor by trade, Washington had acquired vast land holdings through inheritance and purchase—in addition to large properties in his native Virginia, he owned about 58,000 acres of western lands in Pennsylvania and what is now West Virginia. His first purchase west of the Allegheny Mountains was a 1,644–acre tract of land, called Washington’s Bottom, on the Youghiogheny River in western Pennsylvania.
In the fall of 1789, Col. Shreve leased a 600-acre section of the Washington’s Bottom property for a term of five years. When the lease was up, Shreve approached Washington about purchasing that tract, offering ‘any Sum per acre your Excellency may please to fix not Exceeding Six Dollars.’ Washington replied by offering him the entire tract for £4,000 Pennsylvania currency, one-fourth to be paid upfront and the remainder payable in five yearly installments, every June 1st, at an interest rate of six-percent. In this transaction, Washington acted through his agent, James Ross.
Shreve struggled to pay his debt on time, falling delinquent in spite of Washington’s repeated requests and warnings. Although he threatened to foreclose, Washington could not bring himself to sue a fellow Continental Army officer. The History of Fayette Country (1882) reports: ‘At one time, not long before the death of Washington and Shreve, the former, notwithstanding his great wealth, having become somewhat straitened for money, pressed Shreve hard for payment on the lands, and caused an execution to be issued against him, at the same time writing him a severe letter in reference to his delinquency; but at its close he relented, and said to his old comrade of Trenton and Monmouth, ‘not withstanding what has been done, and in consideration of our ancient friendship I give you further indulgence. Take this letter to Col. Thomas Collins, sheriff of Fayette County, and it will operate as a stay of execution.’ Col. Shreve took the letter to the sheriff as directed; further time was given, the payments were met (though with great difficulty) by Shreve, but both he and his great creditor passed from earth, leaving the transaction uncompleted and the lands still unconveyed.’ Ultimately, Washington’s executors conveyed the property to Col. Shreve’s heirs in 1802. Starting Bid $1000
2. George Washington Signature. Highly desirable ink signature, “George Washington,” on an off-white 5 x 1 slip clipped from a larger third-person autograph document. The front reads, in full: “er in the State of Virginia of the / Excellency George Washington Esq’r / in the same state of the other part.” The opposite side, also in Washington’s hand, reads: “River where the line divid / and Greenbrier crosses / ters of the said river twelve.” In fine condition. A crisp, neatly handwritten piece by the founding father, desirably boasting a full “George Washington” autograph—a rarity, as it was his practice to sign letters and documents as ‘Go: Washington.’ Starting Bid $500
Months before the Boston Tea Party, Adams mounts his defense of local merchants in a plea of debt
3. John Adams Twice-Signed Legal Document. Partly-printed DS, signed twice, “John Adams,” one page both sides, 8.25 x 12.75, August 13, 1773. Legal writ issued by King George III to the sheriff of Suffolk County, summoning Briggs Hallowell to the Court of Common Pleas at Boston to answer to a plea of debt in the amount of £3,000 by William Reeve of Bristol. On the reverse, Adams writes: “and the said Briggs, Benja. and Robert, come and defend and reserving Liberty of pleading anew at the Supreme Court, say they never promised. John Adams.” Additional docketing, in another hand, beneath this statement claims that the Hallowell’s claim is “bad & insufficient in law,” and that “the sd Briggs, Benja. & Robert say their plea is good.” Adams certifies the statement below, signing again, “John Adams.” In fine condition, with light toning along the intersecting folds.
At this time, Adams was one of Boston’s leading attorneys. In 1768, he had undertaken the defense of prominent merchant John Hancock, who was charged with smuggling wine. The highly publicized trial in British admiralty court dragged on for nearly five months, when the proceedings against Hancock were dropped without explanation.
While that case aided greatly in the advancement of Adams’s legal career, it paled in contrast to his controversial defense of the British soldiers who perpetrated the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. Though he feared it would hurt his reputation, Adams believed that all men were entitled to a fair trial and deserved equal justice. His success in the trials—Adams secured the acquittal of Captain Thomas Preston and six British soldiers, with the remaining two convicted only of manslaughter rather than murder—elevated his reputation even further. Adams’s notoriety made his law practice prosperous, earning him perhaps the largest caseload of any attorney in Boston. Starting Bid $300
Thomas Jefferson writes to Pennsylvania President Thomas Mifflin in May 1790, forwarding legislation on the Southwest Ordinance, an act that affected the statehood of Tennessee and
granted the continuation of slavery in the territory
4. Thomas Jefferson Letter
Signed as Secretary of State, Addressed from New York to Thomas Mifflin, President of Pennsylvania (May 1790). LS as secretary of state, signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 8 x 10, May 28, 1790. Addressed from New York, a letter to Thomas Mifflin, “The President of Pennsylvania,” in full: “I have the honor to send you herein inclosed, two copies duly authenticated of the Act for the Government of the territory of the United States south of the River Ohio; also of the Act to continue in force the Act passed at the last session of Congress entitled ‘An Act to Regulate Processes in the Courts of the United States;’ Also of the act to provide for mitigating or remitting the forfeitures and penalties accruing under the revenue Laws in certain cases therein mentioned; also of the Act to prescribe the mode in which the public Acts, Records, and Judicial proceedings in each state shall be authenticated, so as to take effect in every other state; and of being with sentiments of the most perfect respect.” In fine condition, with a few small expert professional repairs.
A historically fascinating letter from Jefferson two months into his role as the nation’s original secretary of state. Sent from New York City, then the U.S. capital, the letter forwards four pieces of legislation, the first of which mentions “Territory of the United States South of the Ohio River,” a region that would ultimately become the state of Tennessee (1796). Passed by Congress two days earlier on May 26, 1790, the Southwest Ordinance provided a government framework for the territory south of the Ohio River, which included present-day Tennessee. Similar to that of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the act created a territorial governor, a secretary, and three judges to administer the territory, and it laid out a process for the eventual admission of new states from the territory. Unlike the Northwest Ordinance, the Southwest Ordinance allowed slavery to continue in the territory. Starting Bid $2500
As Secretary of State,
Thomas
Jefferson
promotes an innovative means for “obtaining fresh, from salt water”
5. Thomas Jefferson Document Signed as Secretary of State, Promoting Desalination of Sea Water for American Ships. DS, signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 9.5 x 15, May 8, 1792. Official printing of a resolution passed by the Second Congress of the United States during its First Session, in full: “Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Treasury cause to be provided, for the use of several collectors in the United States, printed clearances, on the back whereof shall be printed an account of the methods, which have been found to answer for obtaining fresh, from salt water, and of constructing extempore stills, of such implements, as are generally on board of every vessel, with a recommendation, in all cases, where they shall have occasion to resort to this expedient for obtaining water, to publish the result of their trial in some gazette, on their return to the United States, or to communicate it for publication, to the office of the Secretary of State, in order that others may, by their success, be encouraged to make similar trials, and be benefitted by any improvements or new ideas, which may occur to them in practice.” Imprinted at the conclusion with the names of Speaker Jonathan Trumbull, President Pro Tempore Richard Henry Lee, and President George Washington, and prominently signed below in ink by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. In fine condition, with some faint foxing, a minor fold split, and slight haloing to the signature due to the nature of the paper.
This interesting document relates to Rhode Island resident Jacob Isaacs’ efforts to interest Congress in a formula he had developed to obtain fresh water from salt water in a way that was practical, simple, and apparently inexpensive. At the time, Jefferson was promoting a bill for a national patent law, and because of his interest in the legislation and his scientific knowledge, Congress asked him to supervise tests based on this proposal. His subsequent ‘Report on Desalination of Sea Water’ mirrors the text of this resolution, most notably in the virtually identical concluding sentences. About a month after Jefferson affixed his signature to this Act of Congress, research shows that Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton wrote to ask him for a copy of his full report. Strangely, although this resolution was passed by the Second Congress and signed into law by President Washington, it appears to have not been acted upon. Starting Bid $1000
Land grant from President Jefferson and Secretary Madison from December 7, 1808,
the same day the electoral college voted Madison to be the next president of the
United States
7. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Document Signed as President and Secretary of State - On the Very Day Madison Was Voted as the Next U.S. President. Partly-printed vellum DS, signed “Th: Jefferson” as president and “James Madison” as secretary of state, one page, 15 x 8.75, December 7, 1808. President Jefferson confirms that “Benjamin Hanna, of Columbiana County, Ohio” made full payment for a parcel of land “to be sold at Steubenville by the act of Congress, entitled ‘An act providing for the sale of the Lands of the United States in the Territory north-west of the Ohio, and above the mouth of Kentucky river.’” Signed at the conclusion by Thomas Jefferson and countersigned by James Madison. The original embossed beige seal remains affixed to the lower left corner. In very good condition, with light staining and soiling, multiple intersecting folds, and fading to all of the handwritten portions, including both signatures. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA.
On the very day this land grant was executed, the 1808 United States presidential election concluded with James Madison being voted to succeed Jefferson as president of the United States. Jefferson, despite his far-reaching influence as a Founding Father, had become the target of various political attacks and had rejected seeking another term in office. Until taking the reins of the presidency the following March, Madison continued to serve as Secretary of State under Jefferson, which included authorizing documents such as this to Hanna. Benjamin Hanna became an integral part of Ohio business, opening a general store in New Lisbon in 1814 and later serving as president of the Sandy & Beaver Canal Company, which connected the Ohio River with the Ohio Erie Canal. His grandson, U.S. Senator Marcus Alonzo ‘Mark’ Hanna, would later successfully manage William McKinley’s presidential campaigns. Starting Bid $500
6. Thomas Jefferson Signature as President. Bold and crisp ink signature as president, “Th: Jefferson,” on an off-white 5.5 x 2.5 slip clipped from a four-language ship’s passport issued on September 28, 1801. In fine condition, with a small area of restored paper loss to the top edge, and the “By the President” portion clipped and affixed beside Jefferson’s signature. Starting Bid $300
8. James Madison Signed Check as President. Office of Pay and Deposit of the Bank of Columbia check, 7 x 2.5, filled out and signed by Madison as president, “James Madison,” payable to “A. R. or bearer” for $360, June 5, 1813. In fine condition, with a few areas of trivial paper loss. Starting Bid $200
Important Madison-Monroe appointment for peace commissioners following the Second Barbary War
9. James Madison and James Monroe Document Signed, Appointing Peace Commissioners after the Second Barbary War. Manuscript DS, signed “James Madison” as president and “Jas. Monroe” as secretary of state, one page, 10.25 x 16.25, August 4, 1816. Appointment for William Shaler and Isaac Chauncey to participate in peace negotiations with the Dey of Algiers in the aftermath of the Second Barbary War, naming them “Commissioners of the United States of America, with authority to meet a Commissioner or Commissioners having like authority from the Dey and Regency of Algiers, and with him or them to negotiate and conclude a settlement of the subsisting differences.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by President Madison and countersigned by Secretary of State Monroe. The embossed white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains fully intact. In fine condition, with professional repairs and reinforcements to small areas of paper loss and intersecting folds.
William Shaler and Stephen Decatur had negotiated an end to the Second Barbary War in a peace treaty signed on June 30, 1815. However, Dey Omar Agha of Algeria repudiated the agreement, refused to accept the terms of peace that had been ratified by the Congress of Vienna, and threatened the lives of all Christian inhabitants of Algiers. By this appointment, Shaler and Isaac Chauncey were named as commissioners to settle the dispute. Starting Bid $1000
Handwritten political letter by James Monroe, evaluating his presidential candidacy:
“My public life ought to speak for itself”
10. James Monroe Autograph Letter Signed, Remarking on His Presidential Qualifications: “My public life ought to speak for itself”. ALS signed “Jas. Monroe,” three pages both sides, 8 x 10, December 16, 1815. Handwritten letter to his neighbor, friend, and family physician, Charles Everett, discussing his candidacy for the presidency and the likelihood of his being elected. At the time of his election, Monroe was serving as Secretary of State in President James Madison’s administration, and he felt that his public service ought to speak for itself. He writes, in part: “My public life ought to speak for itself, and for the last five or 6 years, if the war thru which the country has passed, and the burdens I have borne, are not sufficient proofs, in connection with all that preceded, of my claim to public confidence, nothing will be.”
Monroe goes on to express his doubts about the quality of character of the members of the New York coalition, but indicates that their underhandedness may lend an advantage toward securing the presidential nomination: “After the election of the present Executive Incumbent [Tompkins], there was no remedy but in public opinion, and that was sure to be more effectual, in the case that my nearest friends manifested no sensibility to it. An attack on him by them, would give consequence to which neither his talents or any other circumstance in his favor, merited. His re-election according to the mass of the state, followed of course, if by some overt act, he did not bring public indignation on him, which his silent, underhand, night-moving practice render’d improbable...Mr. [Henry] Taze-
well [Senator from Virginia and friend of Monroe] was in New York this summer, and held a congress, which comprised some of my friends there. He said that he was personally friendly to me, had always been, &c…I have always confided in him, and shd. be very sorry to suspect that his projected trip was to promote unfriendly purposes to me. Yet it may be. The danger is of making enemies, of friends, or affording, under public patronage, opportunities to enemies to do harm.”
Monroe closes with a restatement of his opinion that he should be elected by his obvious public merits or not at all: “Dr. Bible of Georgia assur’d me that Georgia has long since made up her mind in my favor...the same is stated of Kentucky & Tennessee, in relation to persons of merit in each. I take no part, nor will I, as is well known, being resolv’d, if the nation does elect me, that the election shall be due to it, without the slightest movement of my own. Others here can give you better intelligence than I can, of the general sentiment. My opinion is that Virga. ought to take no prominent part in the business...If for example the whole assembly met, & declared in my favor, it would give offence to & alienate other states. If a small vote was given, much noise took place, & confusion, it would operate against me by showing that my support in Virga. was futile. Virga. had therefore better do nothing of the kind, but act after others, & according to her judgment and interest.” Expertly silked and in fine condition. Accompanied by an engraved portrait and a handsome custom-made finely bound quarter-leather case. Starting Bid $1000
“Department of State, J. Q. Adams”—1820 franking signature from Adams as secretary of state, penned on a handwritten letter from diplomat John Graham discussing the “rejection of the Florida Treaty by the King of Spain”
11. John Quincy Adams Franking Signature as Secretary of State. Franking signature, “Department of State, J. Q. Adams,” on the address panel inherent to the reverse of an ALS from American diplomat John Graham, the United States Minister to Portugal, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 9.5, March 1, 1820. Addressed from Rio de Janeiro, Graham’s handwritten letter was sent to General Henry Lee of Mason County, Kentucky, and discusses his poor health, his inability to get in touch with friends or his brother, George Graham, the former secretary of war under President Madison and Monroe, and King Ferdinand VII of Spain’s initial rejection of the AdamsOnís Treaty, which the Senate had ratified in February 1819. The letter, in part: “My Health continues to decline so that I apprehend I shall not be able to remain long in this Count’y…I have letters from Washington but none since Oct’r from my Friends there & none from Mr. Geo. Graham since he went to Kentucky so that I am quite uninformed what has been done with his affairs & mine in that Country…You did not I presume see the President when he was in Kentucky as I see by the Papers that he did not pass by Washington. The rejection of the Florida Treaty by the King of Spain has I presume excited a good deal of sensation in the Western country. The plan recommended by the President in his message to Congress will I think settle the affair without a war, which we ought not now to wish.” In very good to fine condition, with partial repairs to splitting along the folds. Read more online at www.RRAuction.com. Starting Bid $200
“I cannot pass over the occasion of your Election as Governor of your native state, without offering you my hearty congratulations”— Quincy commends his former Secretary of the Navy
12. John Quincy Adams Autograph Letter Signed as a Massachusetts Congressman. ALS as a Massachusetts congressman, one page, 8 x 10, November 7, 1832. Addressed from Quincy, a handwritten letter to Samuel L. Southard, Adams’s former Secretary of the Navy and the new governor of New Jersey, in full: “I cannot pass over the occasion of your Election as Governor of your native state, without offering you my hearty congratulations; which are due still more to the state, and the country than to yourself. I take the same opportunity to ask your acceptance of a Moral and Historical Tale upon the Conquest of Ireland by Henry the Second.” The reverse is docketed by an unknown hand. In very good to fine condition, with short fold splits, and a stain to the upper right edge. Read more online at. www.RRAuction.com. Starting Bid $200
Jackson vexes over the slave debate in Congress—“the Misouri question has
occupied all their attention”
14. Andrew Jackson Autograph Letter Signed on the Missouri Compromise. ALS, one page, 7.5 x 11.5, February 23, 1820. Sent from Hermitage, a handwritten letter to General John Coffee, in part: “I have recd a letter from Mr. James Jackson advising me that you had been very much indisposed but had recovered your health, you must be more carefull than heretofore, your constitution, much like mine…exposure - we must content ourselves with things as they are, wind up our worldly concerns, & take care of our health.
I have heard nothing from Congress…the Misouri [sic] question has occupied all their attention, of late, at length is determined in the Senate by a great majority against the instructions. Congress may soon begin to do something for the national benefit, as yet they have done nothing, but spend the public money in useless debate. In passing from Franklin court I called at Judge Overtons, when he presented me with the enclosed papers & a warrant to transfer, as these papers may be of use to you I enclose them, that you may either file or destroy them.”
At the bottom, Jackson adds a brief postscript, “P.S. I have endeavored to see Joe Smith but as yet am disappointed. Mr. Washington has not returned. A. J.” Reverse of second integral page bears an address panel in another hand and is docketed by Coffee, “The enclosed business has all been settled long since and the parties concerned all satisfied.” Double-suede-matted to an overall size of 19.5 x 16. In good to very good condition, with clear tape repairs to the integral address leaf, old tape stains and repairs to the main body of the letter, and areas of paper loss affecting some of the text, as well as the signature. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
Jackson expresses disdain for the protracted congressional negotiations that would result in the Missouri Compromise, an agreement between pro- and anti-slavery lawmakers limiting the expansion of slavery in new states admitted to the Union. The agreement admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as free, but would exacerbate the growing North-South tensions that led to the Civil War. Both Coffee and Jackson owned slaves, and as president from 1829 to 1837, Jackson showed no interest in abolishing or reforming the peculiar institution.
John Coffee (1772-1833) was a fellow Tennessean who became Jackson’s business partner, military associate, confidant, adviser, and fearless friend. Coffee served under Jackson during the Creek War, during which he was promoted to brigadier general, and at the Battle of New Orleans. When Jackson wrote this letter, Coffee was serving as surveyor general of public lands in Alabama. Jackson alludes to his own frequently poor health; on at least one occasion during his presidency, his family questioned whether he would survive a bout of illness. Jackson also mentions John Overton, a Tennessee judge and friend who later became an important advisor to Jackson as president. An exceptionally frank letter in which the future president airs his views on the most contentious issue in nineteenth-century American politics. Starting Bid $300
Six-page handwritten letter by Andrew Jackson— his opening salvo in the prelude to a duel:
“It is difficult to find an appropriate epithet for a character who descents to stoke falsehoods in a situation, where the honour of a man is at stake”
13. Andrew Jackson Autograph Letter Signed, Preceding a Duel: “It is difficult to find an appropriate epithet for a character who descents to stoke falsehoods in a situation, where the honour of a man is at stake”. ALS, six pages on three sheets (including two adjoining), 8 x 13.25, February 6, 1806. Lengthy handwritten to newspaper editor Thomas Eastin, regarding the dispute over a gambling debt that led to Jackson’s infamous duel with Charles Dickinson—in which Jackson took a bullet to the chest, and Dickinson was killed. Jackson responds to a letter published by Thomas Swann, who had intervened on behalf of Dickinson in the matter. Jackson had set up a horse race with Dickinson’s father-in-law, Captain Joseph Erwin, on the grounds that a forfeit fee of $800 would be paid to the injured party if a horse had to withdraw. When Erwin’s horse had to drop out, a quarrel ensued over how the debt was to be repaid and a flurry of insults were exchanged back and forth. At one point, Swann confronted Jackson, who struck him with his cane and called him a ‘stupid meddler.’ In this lengthy letter, Jackson questions Swann’s honesty while offering his own views on the controversy; enclosed statements, certificates, and witness affidavits (not present), which Jackson refers to throughout, provided further evidence for Jackson’s point.
In small part: “To impose upon the public attention, through the medium of your usefull paper, is not my wish, but as Mr. Swan[n] has endeavoured to exhibit to the public eye, a statement of his case, and character, and impartial public, will indulge such supplementary remarks, as may be necessary to complete the caricature…Let it briefly be premised, that a course race was made between Captain Erwin, and myself… This race was afterwards drawn, on account of the indisposition of Capt. Erwin’s horse, upon an agreement to pay $800 as a forfeit...Mr. Samuel Jackson is next referred to…Mr. Jackson flatly calls Mr. Swann a rascal...This young man has industriously acquired such a reputation as to make it an arduous task to add to it….This hopeful youth, who forgets to-day what
he has uttered yesterday, thinks himself secure…This young man has either a vicious habit of deviating from the truth, or a natural weakness of memory, either of which is equally pernicious to society, and renders him a fit compeer for his friend. It is difficult to find an appropriate epithet for a character who descents to stoke falsehoods in a situation, where the honour of a man is at stake; where truth and justice ought to be the order of the day, with a person chosen to accompany another on the field of honor; and, in many cases, where integrity is the only shield of innocence.” In very good to fine condition, with professional repairs and reinforcements to areas of paper loss. Accompanied by a handsome custom-made finely bound full morocco leather case.
A slightly revised version of this letter, dated February 10th, is what was ultimately published in the Impartial Review and Cumberland Repository. Dickinson, returning from New Orleans, would respond in kind in May, publishing a letter that called Jackson ‘a poltroon and a coward.’ After reading the article, Jackson sent Dickinson a letter requesting ‘satisfaction due me for the insults offered’—and a duel was scheduled for May 30, 1806. Dickinson fired first, hitting Jackson in the chest—by a stroke of luck, and perhaps influenced by Jackson’s stance and heavy coat, he was merely wounded. Under the rules of dueling, Dickinson had to remain still as Jackson took his shot. Jackson’s pistol stopped at half cock, so he drew back the hammer and aimed again, this time hitting Dickinson in the chest. Dickinson bled to death on the spot.
Doctors determined that the bullet lodged in Jackson’s chest was too close to his heart to operate; Jackson carried it for the rest of his life, suffering much pain from the wound. His reputation also suffered, as some locals questioned the application of the rules of dueling as well as his honor in shooting to kill. A fascinating and important early Jacksonian letter. Starting Bid $1000
President
Jackson grants a patent for “a machine for propelling timepieces by the Expansion & contraction of Atmospheric Air”
15. Andrew Jackson Document Signed as President, Issuing a Patent for “a machine for propelling timepieces by the Expansion & contraction of Atmospheric Air”. Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 11 x 15, September 18, 1835. President Jackson issues a patent to “Andrew Morse Junior, a citizen of the United States, [who] hath alleged that he has invented a new and useful improvement in a machine for propelling timepieces by the Expansion & contraction of Atmospheric Air.” Signed at the conclusion in ink by President Andrew Jackson, and countersigned by Secretary of State John Forsyth and Attorney General Benjamin F. Butler. The document retains its pink ribbon with affixed white paper seal, with the threepage manuscript describing the invention also attached; in it, Morse describes in detail the workings of his innovative machinery. In fine condition, with an old tape stain to the right edge of the first sheet.
This type of mechanism would later be popularized by Swiss clockmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre in their innovative ‘Atmos’ line, which boasts a mainspring wound by slight changes in temperature—an ingenious device that allows the clock to run for an unlimited period of time without the slightest human intervention. Starting Bid $200
17. William Henry Harrison Signed Check. Miami Exporting Company check, 6.5 x 2.25, filled out and signed by Harrison, “Will’m Henry Harrison,” payable to Major Foner for $12, January 4, 1815. Affixed by its top edge to a slightly larger page and in fine condition. The Miami Exporting Company, located in Cincinnati, was the first bank chartered in Ohio by the state legislature in 1803. Starting Bid $200
Harrison recalls his heroic War of 1812 offensive:
“Upon my passing Detroit in pursuit of the enemy I was there about half an hour”
16. William Henry Harrison Autograph Letter Signed on the Recapture of Detroit in the War of 1812. ALS signed “W. H. Harrison,” one page both sides, 8 x 9.75, February 1, 1820. Handwritten letter to Congressman William Woodbridge, recalling the battle for Detroit during the War of 1812. In part: “I am really much astonished that the Judge should have referred me for evidence of the loss he sustained in his forces…he ought to have had recourse to someone else. Upon my passing Detroit in pursuit of the enemy I was there about half an hour. Genl. MacArthur was left there in command with his Brigade & upon my return he continued in command (in immediate command I mean) during the few days I remained there, at the end of which Genl. Cass with his Brigade succeeded him—where he remained during the winter. Now it is very extraordinary that the depredations complained of took place the few days that I was there. I certainly recollect nothing of it, but if it had been mentioned to me I should have immediately referred it to the Commanding officer of the Post…Why did not Mr. May apply one of the Brigadiers who commanded alternately & who ought to be supposed to know
what happened within the immediate sphere of their command much better than the commanding general could.” Addressed on the integral leaf in Harrison’s hand to “Hon’ble William Woodbridge Esqr., H. Representatives, U.S., Washington City,” and endorsed below by Woodbridge. In fine condition, with a strip of wide reinforcement tape along the edge of the integral address leaf.
During the War of 1812, Harrison, who had been governor of Indiana since 1800, was commissioned as a major general and ordered to retake Detroit, which had been lost in an earlier siege by the allied British-Shawnee forces. He began the offensive after receiving reinforcements in 1813, leading his troops north to battle. He won victories in the Indiana Territory as well as Ohio and recaptured Detroit before invading Ontario. Harrison’s army defeated the British, and Shawnee leader Tecumseh was killed, on October 5, 1813, at the Battle of the Thames. This was considered to be one of the great American victories in the war and cemented Harrison’s reputation as a national hero. Starting Bid $300
18. William Henry Harrison Autograph Letter Signed. War-dated ALS signed “Will’m Henry Harrison,” one page, 7.5 x 9, December 22, 1813. Handwritten letter of recommendation to John Armstrong, written during the War of 1812, offering praise for a Colonel Shaunsburgh. In part: “I have been intimately acquainted for many years having served with him for upwards of seven in the 1st U. States Reg’t. I know him to be an Honest man & there is none better acquainted with military duty.” In very good to fine condition, with two areas of thin paper to the right edge, one of which barely impinges on the end of the signature. Accompanied by an engraving bearing a preprinted signature. Starting Bid $200
19. William Henry Harrison Document Signed for Whiskey Rations. Manuscript DS, signed “Wm. H. Harrison, A.D.C.,” one page, 7 x 2.25, May 23, 1794. Document issued from headquarters at Greenville, Ohio, for the requisition of “rations of Whiskey.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Harrison as aide-de-camp. In fine condition, with a couple of small holes and areas of ink erosion.
Harrison was just 21 years old and serving as aide-de-camp to General ‘Mad’ Anthony Wayne in the Ohio Indian Wars. Fourteen months later, he would be a signatory to the Treaty of Greenville, which ended the Northwest Indian War. In the treaty a coalition of Native American tribes, including the Ottawa, Potawatomi, Chippewa, Miami, and Shawnee, ceded a large area of midwestern land to the United States in exchange for goods valued at $20,000. Harrison would come to national fame nearly two decades later when he again fought the Native Americans, most prominently in a victorious effort over Tecumseh at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. Starting Bid $200
Three important documents in which New York’s electors certify their votes for the Harrison-Tyler ticket in 1840
20. William Henry Harrison and John Tyler (3) New York Electoral College Certification Documents. Three important electoral college documents certifying the votes of New York’s electors for the William Henry Harrison–John Tyler ticket in the 1840 presidential election, all dated December 2, 1840. First is a 22.25 x 17.25 document signed by New York state’s 42 electors—including Pierre Van Cortlandt Jr., Peter Buell Porter, John L. Lawrence, Elisha Jenkins, and Gideon Lee—in part: “We the Subscribers, Electors appointed by the State of New York, in the manner directed by the Legislature thereof…formed a College of Electors and voted by ballot for President and Vice President of the United States…And we further Certify that the following is a correct list of all persons so voted for by us as President, and of the number of votes for each, wiz: For William Henry Harrison, of the State of Ohio, Forty-Two votes were given which were all the votes given by said Electors for President.”
Second is a similar document, measuring 21 x 17.25, signed by the same 42 electors, certifying that “the following is a correct list of all persons so voted for by us as Vice President, and of the number of votes for each, viz: For John Tyler, of the State of Virginia, Forty-Two votes were given.”
Third is a document signed by William Seward as governor of New York, 10.75 x 17.75, certifying the list of the state’s 42 electors as accurate, with the “Great Seal” of the State of New York applied to the lower left corner; countersigned by New York Secretary of State John C. Spencer. All three are affixed to same-side cardstock mounts. In overall very good condition, with soiling and staining to documents, as well as chipping and wear to edges, the heaviest of which is present to the Harrison document, which includes a tear to the right side, and a missing mount section to the lower right corner.
In the 1840 United States presidential election, Whig candidate William Henry Harrison narrowly won New York State over incumbent Democrat Martin Van Buren, who was a New York native. Harrison secured 51.18% of the state’s popular vote (226,001 votes), while Van Buren received 48.18% (212,733 votes), resulting in a narrow margin of approximately 3%. This victory awarded Harrison all 42 of New York’s electoral votes, significantly contributing to his success in the election. The vice presidential pick proved to be as important as the presidential one, as Tyler took office upon Harrison’s death just 31 days into his term. John Canfield Spencer, who here signs as New York’s Secretary of State, would be promoted to Tyler’s cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury in 1843; and Governor Seward would go on to become Lincoln’s Secretary of State. Notably, New York was among the nine states that shifted from supporting the Democratic candidate in 1836 to the Whig candidate in 1840, reflecting a broader national trend. An intriguing and historically significant set of electoral documents. Provenance: The Forbes Collection. Starting Bid $200
Tyler drafts an 1820 Congressional speech in the “Debate on the Tariff Bill,” arguing: “Who will have to pay it? Inasmuch as the agricultural class is the most numerous they will have to pay the greater portion of it. Sir, it operates as a direct tax on them”
21. John Tyler Autograph Manuscript Speech“Debate on the Tariff Bill”. Autograph manuscript speech, signed in the third person, “Mr. Tyler,” totaling 20 pages on 10 leaves, 8 x 9.75, docketed on the reverse in another hand, “Congress, June 10, 1820.” Tyler drafts a speech, headed “Debate on the Tariff Bill,” arguing against the adoption of a protective tariff. In the lengthy and eloquent speech, Tyler aims to protect farmers and poorer classes from the harms of the proposed tariff—rightly arguing that it operates as a “direct tax” on the American people. Largely opposed by Southern planters—Tyler’s key constituency—the bill did not pass, failing in the Senate by a single vote.
The draft begins with an apology: “Mr. Tyler said that he sincerely mingled his regrets with those which had been repeatedly expressed by others, that this all important subject should be urg’d to a decision at this late period. The langour attendant on a long session rarely fails to produce a restlessness and impatience adverse to a full and free investigation. If we arrive, said he, to a precipitate conclusion, one adverse to the best interests of this nation he meant not that any share of the responsibility should devolve on him. He considered that he had a high duty to discharge and trusted the house would bear with him while he discharg’d it.”
He goes on to caution against taking rash measures, citing potentially destructive consequences for the nation: “Some gentlemen have been pleas’d to consider the Bill on the table as a mere experiment. We should be cautions, Mr. Chairman how we adopt experiments of a vague and uncertain character—but more especially ought we to be so when the two great branches of national industry commerce and agriculture are materially interested in that experiment. Shall we make an hasty experiment on our best interests? Shall we precipitately adopt a system from which the most serious and destructive results may arise? I repeat that great deliberation and reflection are required of us. And Sir what is the character of the experiment which is about to be made? One which is to give a new direction to the capital and labour of the country. The clamour which has been rais’d in support of what is call’d national industry has this for its object and nothing else. This is the inevitable consequence of the Bill on your table should you adopt it.”
He then outlines some predicted effects of the proposed tariff: “By such a measure the other interests of the community are thrown prostrate at the feet of the manufacturers. The dread of competition from abroad will no longer afford a check to
unreasonable demands. It would be idle to expect that they would be satisfied with moderate profits—such is not in the nature of man…Immense fortunes will be realized before such further investment of capital shall take place as to destroy the monopoly. But sir, such investments will in time take place… We shall then have become a manufacturing nation and fabricks to a greater amount than will be requir’d for home consumption will be produc’d. Again then you will have to resort to expedients—let us not disguise the fact—By the time you have reach’d this stage, that class of society will be too numerous to supplicate…They will tell you that the home market is overstocked with their fabricks—that their surplus products are rotting on their lands, and that ruin awaits unless you extend further protection. They will enter no foreign markets without your aid for they will come in competition with the artisans of other nations. What then could you do?”
He continues, pointing out that the tariff is effectively a tax on the poorer class: “On sugar, coffee, molasses and salt a large revenue is propos’d to be rais’d. Who will have to pay it? Inasmuch as the agricultural class is the most numerous they will have to pay the greater portion of it. Sir, it operates as a direct tax on them…Altho’ these articles enter into the general consumption of the country yet an increase of price will have the effect of diminishing their consumption. The poorer classes will be forc’d to resort to cheap substitutes. It is not a time to be loading the country with additional burthens…I have render’d in some measure the effects which will flow from this Bill, manifest. It will diminish the value of our land, it will shut us out from the foreign market, it cannot substitute a home market as it erroneously contended, and finally it subjects us to a heavy burthen of taxation.”
Concluding, Tyler elevates his oratory: “Man is never satisfied from his cradle to his grave. When in his infancy he sighs to attain the years of manhood—and when old age overtakes him, he takes ‘a long, lingering look behind him and weeps for the return of the days of his youth. So is it too with nations—wisdom would admonish them of the folly attendant on their wishes…Let us learn contentment and not rudely and heedlessly throw from us the rich blessing which providence has bestowed upon is. Let other nations press on if they please to that point when they will lose their agricultural and assume a manufacturing character—so much the better for us. Our market will thus be increased for the products of our soil and wealth and happiness will await us.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered stains and smudges, and a large tear to the last page. Starting Bid $300
“If Pennsylvania and Ohio go for Taylor he is elected beyond a doubt, but notwithstanding your confident prediction of the vote of Pennsylvania, you may be disappointed if the barnburners adhere to Van Buren”—
Tyler writes to his son days before the 1848 United States presidential election
22. John Tyler Autograph Letter Signed Twice on the 1848 Presidential Election. ALS signed twice as “J. Tyler,” one page, both sides, 8 x 10, October 27, 1848. Addressed from his home in Sherwood Forest, a handwritten letter to his son, Robert Tyler of Philadelphia. Three years after leaving office, Tyler writes about the upcoming presidential election, an apologetic letter from James Buchanan, and the Free Soil Party. In full: “Your last letter is received. If Pennsylvania and Ohio go for Taylor he is elected beyond a doubt, but notwithstanding your confident prediction of the vote of Pennsylvania, you may be disappointed if the barnburners adhere to Van Buren, and if they voted for Johnson in the late election I feel confident that all depends on that. But I have taken my pen principally to say that the last mail brought me a letter from Buchanan expressive of great regret that any indignity should have been offer’d me from his office – threatening a reproof of his clerk and declaring the highest respect. His letter has my proper address – so much for that – I have received an earnest request from the Democracy of Norfolk asking me to address a mass meeting today. I have declined in a written response, giving a shot at Van Buren and defined my position on the Free Soil question. I hope that my letter may be published. I am still seeding wheat. Miss Philips and Alice are as happy as the day is long. O’Harra is here and Edmonia, Martha and Molly Christian are here on a visit, so that you see we have a house full. Julia is still in New York, her return depending on Mrs. Beekman. I hope to see yourself and Dr. Philips at some time during the winter. Yesterday I had a fine haunch of venison which a neighbor sent me and wish’d for you. With love to Pris and children.” On the adjacent integral page, Tyler has hand-addressed the mailing panel and signed with his franking signature in the upper right. In fine condition. Tyler had purchased a plantation in Virginia in 1842, naming it
Sherwood Forest to signify his status as an ‘outlaw’ from the Whig Party. He retired to the estate after leaving the White House in March 1845, remaining there for the rest of his life.
In the 1848 presidential election, the Whig Party nominated Mexican-American war veteran General Zachary Taylor, passing over party stalwarts Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. Taylor’s running mate was Millard Fillmore, who was from Buffalo and was known for his moderate views on slavery. Martin Van Buren had expected to be nominated by the Democratic Party, but when he was passed over for Lewis Clay, he broke from the party and led the ticket of the Free Soil Party, which opposed the extension of slavery into the territories. Barnburners and Hunkers (the former mentioned by Tyler) were two opposing factions of the New York State Democratic Party. Barnburners were a radical anti-slavery and anti-banks and corporations faction, while Hunkers were relatively pro-government. Although this specific division was contained to the borders of New York, it reflected the national divide in the U.S. in the years leading up to the American Civil War. Starting Bid $300
President Polk authorizes ratification of an extradition treaty with France, providing “for the surrender of criminals”
23. James K. Polk Document Signed as President, Ratifying an Extradition Treaty with France. Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, May 6, 1845. President Polk authorizes and directs “the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to a full power authorizing William R. King to exchange the ratifications of an additional article to the recent convention between the U. States and France, for the surrender of criminals.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Rare
naval commission
from President Zachary
Taylor, signed only 12 days after entering office
24. Zachary Taylor Naval Document
Signed as President. Partly-printed vellum DS as president, signed “Z. Taylor,” one page, 15.25 x 17.75, March 16, 1849. President Taylor appoints Theodorus Bailey as a “Commander in the Navy, from the 6th day of March 1849, in the service of the United States.” Signed boldly at the conclusion by Zachary Taylor, and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy William B. Preston. The white Navy Department remains affixed to lower vignette. In fine condition, with light creasing to the right edge. Given his short 16-month tenure in the White House, presidential autographs by Taylor are especially scarce, with this early example signed only 12 days after entering office. Starting Bid $500
“Stand by the country and the constitution. Preserve the Union, regardless of the mad denunciations of fanatics, or the reckless cry of demagogues”
26. Millard Fillmore
Autograph Letter Signed on Franklin Pierce’s Government and an Audience with Pope Pius IX. ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 8.5 x 10.75, January 22, 1856. Handwritten letter to his friend and law partner Solomon G. Haven, written from Hotel de Lourdes in Rome, Italy, during his post-presidential travels abroad. Fillmore appraises President Franklin Pierce’s government, discusses the numerous stops on his travel itinerary, and remarks on his audience with Pope Pius IX.
First, he weighs in on political matters at home: “We were all surprised this morning by reading in Galignani, that the President had sent his Annual Message to Congress without the House being organized. This certainly looks as though the government was about to fall to pieces. As though anarchy and discord reigned between the several departments. While I regret exceedingly that you have not been able to elect a speaker, I can not but approve of the independence of the House in refusing to permit such an untimely communication to be read. We know nothing here of the circumstances, as the American papers have not come to hand, and I fear will not…But all I can say is, stand by the country and the constitution. Preserve the Union, regardless of the mad denunciations of fanatics, or the reckless cry of demagogues, and you will be sure to have the approval of your own conscience now, and eventually the approbation of all honest and intelligent men; and no true statesman should seek for more.”
He moves on to his busy travel schedule, writing: “We left Paris, Nov. 14th and arrived here on the 29th of Dec., stopping at Lyons, Avignon, Nimes, Arles, Marseilles, Nice, Genoa, Turin, Leghorn, Pisa, Florence, and Siena, long enough to see the objects of interest in each place, and performing the whole journey without accident or any material discomfort. We have now been here long enough to have become somewhat familiar with the topography of Rome, ancient and modern, and have seen the lions of the Eternal City, or at least as many of them as I shall be able to remember…I may remark that I am astonished at the number of Americans traveling in Europe. They swarm in every city. The English language is heard at every turn.”
Finally, he discusses his meeting with the Pope: “As in duty bound I was presented to His Holiness the Pope. He granted me a private audience, but the day before I was to be presented I was told that the etiquette of the court required all who were presented to kneel and kiss the hand of the Pope, if not his foot. This took me by surprise and when Mr. Cass called to accompany me to the Vatican, I informed what I had heard, and said if this was the case I must decline the honor of a presentation. That I could only consent to be presented to the Pope, as the Sovereign of a State, not as high Priest of a religious sect or denomination. He assured me that I had been misinformed, and I consented to accompany him. I was accordingly presented. His Holiness received me sitting, not very graciously, neither offering hand or foot for salutation; and to my surprise, asked me to take a seat, and entered very finely & familiarly into conversation for some 10 or 15 minutes. He has a very benevolent face, and I doubt not is a very good man. From all I can learn here, he was really desirous of benefitting those whom he governs, and especially of ameliorating the condition of common people. But the system which he administers is so bad, and is entrenched so strongly in the political and ecclesiastical despotism of ages…that he found it impossible.” In very good to fine condition, with light toning to the folds, and minor paper loss to the edges. Starting Bid $200
“The Republican House and Republican Senate have seemed to me to be as weak and blind & destitute...Even if there be no purpose to bring on civil war, will not halting, blundering, arrogant imbecility stumble on it?”
27. Franklin Pierce Autograph Letter Signed, Two Weeks Before the Outbreak of Civil War. ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.5, March 27, 1861. Handwritten letter to his former private White House secretary Sidney Webster, in full: “I received your letter of the 14th inst. some days since, and wrote to Mr. Merritt, our consul, particularly with reference to Mr. Neilson. Mr. M. is an intelligent kindhearted man—has seen a great deal of the world and is a thorough Gentleman. I feel quite sure, that Mr. Neilson & his sick sister w’d receive every attention from him without any suggestion from me, but Mr. N. ought not to come to the States before the June steamer, and my letter may be useful. I’m tired of reading the contradictory newspaper accounts with regard to the purposes and policy of this administration. Pray can you tell me in what condition Dr. Fox or Mr. Lamon found the supplies in Ft. Sumpter [sic]? If there were two dozens of candles instead of one and four barrels of beef instead of two I do not think the fortress will be evacuated just at present. The question seems to turn solely upon supplies & upon the ability to hold the place. That is, if the thing is to be done at all, the Adm’n seems chiefly solicitous, that there shall be no doubt about the fact that it is done from the lowest possible motives. In this at least I think the public judgment is already prepared to give them the credit of success—on the other hand with how much breadth and sagacity the affairs of the new confederation have been and are apparently conducted—The Republican House and Republican Senate have seemed to me to be as weak and blind & destitute of any well defined purpose as the Republican Executive. That we of the North are to be humiliated in this unequal match of statesmanship, is to me clear enough. The folly of the new tariff considering the condition of the country & the circumstances of its enactment is amazing, but it does not stand alone, it is a part of the whole. Chas. Sumner Ch’r of the Committee on Foreign relations, Henry Wilson on that of war, etc. etc.—what can
we reasonably expect. Even if there be no purpose to bring on civil war, will not halting, blundering, arrogant imbecility stumble on it? I hope not but under the guidance of present counsels, if the word in this connection be not a solecism, no man can tell what a week may bring forth. Fort Pickins [sic] as well as Ft. Sumpter must be evacuated—The idea of collecting revenue in the ports or harbors of the Gulf States must be distinctly abandoned or collision is unavoidable. Mrs. Pierce is pretty well for her and my health is perfectly restored. Give my love to Sarah and kindest regards to Gov. Fish and family—In this Mrs. P. would heartily unite if she were sitting by me—.” In fine condition.
Shortly after leaving the White House in 1857, Pierce returned to his native New Hampshire and then embarked on a threeyear tour of Europe and the Bahamas. During his time abroad Pierce maintained correspondence with Webster, the son-inlaw of Senator Hamilton Fish and a brilliant Manhattan lawyer who, in 1892, published Franklin Pierce and His Administration. The election of Abraham Lincoln as the “Republican Executive” compelled South Carolina to secede from the Union on December 20, 1860, a decision that placed the still-underconstruction Union garrison of Fort Sumter directly within enemy territory. Confederate demands to surrender the fort were ignored and President Buchanan’s attempts to transport troops and provisions to the Charleston sea fort were repulsed on January 9, 1861, when cadets from the Citadel fired upon the merchant steamer Star of the West. The resupply of Fort Sumter became the first major crisis for President Lincoln, and three months later, on April 12, the fortress served as the site of the first battle of the Civil War. Handwritten letters by Pierce remain scarce and highly sought-after, with this example all the more remarkable given Pierce’s commentary on a pivotal event that led to the outbreak of the Civil War just sixteen days later. Starting Bid $1000
Exceptional, lengthy autograph letter by Franklin Pierce to his former White House secretary, with references to Nathaniel Hawthorne and Jefferson Davis
28. Franklin Pierce Autograph Letter Signed to His Former White House Secretary, Referring to Nathaniel Hawthorne and Jefferson Davis. ALS, twelve pages on three sets of adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, June 25, 1858. Letter to Sidney Webster, his former private White House secretary, written from Lisbon, Portugal. Pierce discusses his past and future travels throughout Europe, and makes reference to several notable figures of the day, including writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, Jefferson Davis, columnist John L. O’Sullivan, and naval officer Charles Stewart McCauley. In small part: “After leaving Gibraltar we shall proceed almost directly to Vevey and remain there perhaps till October. I believe that [Nathaniel] Hawthorne is to pass the summer at Pisa and hence we shall probably not meet until he returns to Rome next winter. I think there is little doubt that we shall meet Gov. Fish an family somewhere this summer. I received a letter from Genl. Davis three weeks since but it was dated in April & in the hand of his wife. It was a warm, interesting letter and altho’ written by another hand than his own could have been dictated by nobody else.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
“If Douglas is defeated and the party overthrown in Illinois,” writes Pierce from Geneva, “I do not see how we are to retain a northwestern state”
29. Franklin Pierce Autograph Letter Signed, Alluding to the Lincoln-Douglas Debates: “If Douglas is defeated and the party overthrown in Illinois I do not see how we are to retain a northwestern state”. Lengthy ALS, twelve pages, 5.25 x 8.25, September 8 and 11, 1858. Handwritten letter from Geneva, Switzerland, to his former private White House secretary Sidney Webster, discussing legal cases back in Boston, the local scenery, his study of French, his health and that of his wife’s, the success of the Transatlantic telegraph cable, and the status of incumbent Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas, whose debates with Abraham Lincoln had begun the month prior: “if Douglas is defeated and the party overthrown in Illinois I do not see how we are to retain a northwestern state.” Pierce follows with another message on September 11th, mentioning the visits of “Mr. & Mrs. Riggs,” “Gov. Aiken,” and “a Miss Hepburn.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Amidst the Crimean War, President Pierce concludes a “convention between the United States and Russia, concerning the rights of neutrals”
30. Franklin Pierce Document
Signed as President for a Treaty with Russia, Related to US Neutrality in the Crimean War. Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 10.25, August 12, 1854. President Pierce authorizes and directs “the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to the ratification of the exchange copy of a convention between the United States and Russia, concerning the rights of neutrals, concluded and signed in this city on the 22d ultimo.” Crisply and prominently signed at the conclusion in ink by President Franklin Pierce. In very good to fine condition, with light show-through at the edges from old tape on the back, and creasing to the lower left corner.
On July 22, 1854, the United States and Russia signed a convention in Washington, D.C., establishing principles regarding neutral rights during wartime. This agreement affirmed that ‘free ships make free goods,’ meaning that neutral vessels could carry goods belonging to belligerent nations without risk of capture, provided the goods were not contraband of war. The convention also stipulated that neutral goods, except those considered contraband, were not subject to confiscation even when found on enemy ships. These principles were important to the United States relative to its neutral stance in the Crimean War, which had begun in March 1854. President Pierce would go on to refer to the treaty in his third annual message to Congress, delivered December 31, 1855, noting that the Kingdom of Hawaii and the State of Nicaragua had also agreed to the principles outlined in the treaty. Starting Bid $200
Buchanan comments on Pierce’s record in the Senate:
“I recollect him as a radical & inflexible Democrat in all his votes”
32. James Buchanan Autograph Letter Signed on Franklin Pierce: “I recollect him as a radical & inflexible Democrat in all his votes”. ALS, one page, 8 x 10, June 11, 1852. Handwritten letter to Isaac G. McKinley, editor of the Harrisburg Democratic Union, commending his editorials and offering some commentary on Franklin Pierce, who had just been nominated for president at the 1852 Democratic National Convention. In part: “The editorials of the last Union are admirable & I could wish them to be in the hands of every Democrat in the Union. You, with Mr. Parke & other friends, can best decide whether in view of the terrible & doubtful conflict before us in Pennsylvania, the circulation of these articles & the capital address in the form you suggest would injure the cause…I served in the Senate with General Pierce all the time he was a member of that Body, though we were never on terms of special intimacy. I recollect him as a radical & inflexible Democrat in all his votes, sometimes going beyond Silas Wright & myself. He was modest, amiable & gentlemanly in his manners. The Whigs can make nothing out of any of his votes, nor of any thing else unless they may possibly endeavor to attack him, though unjustly, about the Cilley duel. General Pierce is a gentleman of fair intellect & excellent education; though he never took a prominent part in the debates or proceedings of the Senate…Judging from Pierce’s old associations, I should infer that the Barnburning wing (Van Buren’s) of the New York Democracy would have much influence over him.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a handsome custom-made finely bound quarter-leather case. Starting Bid $500
31. Franklin Pierce Naval Document Signed as President. Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 12.5 x 15, May 4, 1855. President Pierce appoints William D. Whiting as “a Master (in the line of promotion) in the Navy of the United States.” Signed prominently at the conclusion by Franklin Pierce and countersigned by Acting Secretary of the Navy Charles W. Welsh. The bright orange Navy Department seal remains affixed to the lower vignette. In fine condition, with trimmed edges, and a thin strip of archival tape along the back top edge.
William D. Whiting was a Civil War Union Naval officer (18231894) who, after being appointed lieutenant, began serving on the steam frigate Niagara when the first Atlantic cable was laid in 1857. After the outbreak of the Civil War, he served as the executive officer of the sloop USS Vandalia at the capture of Port Royal in 1861 and commanded the steamer USS Wyandotte on the South Atlantic blockade and in the Potomac flotilla. He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in July 1862 and participated in the attacks on the defenses of Charleston while aboard the gunboat USS Ottawa. From 1864 to 1865 he commanded the USS Savannah in the Eastern Gulf station. Starting Bid $200
President Buchanan instigates and ratifies a “Treaty between the United States and China”
33. James Buchanan (2) Documents Signed for the Treaty of Tientsin, Negotiated with China. Significant pairing of two presidential documents: a DS as president, signed “James Buchanan,” one page, 8 x 10.5, April 22, 1857, directing the Secretary of State to “affix the Seal of the United States to a full power to William B. Reed to treat with China”; and a DS as president, signed “James Buchanan,” one page, 8 x 10.5, December 21, 1858, directing the Secretary of State to “affix the Seal of the United States to my ratification of the Treaty between the United States and China, of the 18th of June last.” In overall fine to very fine condition.
The Treaty of Tientsin, signed on June 18, 1858, was a set of treaties between the United States, China, and other countries that opened Chinese ports to foreign trade. The treaty also allowed for the establishment of foreign legations in Beijing, the freedom of Christian missionaries, and the legalization of opium imports. Negotiated simultaneously were treaties between China and Russia, France, and Great Britain, which, together, ended the first phase of the Second Opium War. Starting Bid $200
President Lincoln appoints Eli Whitney III as “Commissioner to represent the interests of such American Citizens as may desire to become exhibitors at the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations, to be held in the City of London”
35. Abraham Lincoln Document Signed as President, Appointing Eli Whitney III as American Commissioner to the 1862 London Exhibition of Industry. Manuscript DS as president, one page, 10.5 x 17, September 24, 1861. President Lincoln appoints Eli Whitney III, son of cotton gin inventor and firearm manufacturer Eli Whitney, as an American commissioner for the 1862 International Exhibition in London, in part: “Reposing special trust and confidence in your Integrity, Ability and Discretion, I do appoint you a Commissioner to represent the interests of such American Citizens as may desire to become exhibitors at the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations, to be held in the City of London, in the year 1862.” Boldly and prominently signed at the conclusion in ink by President Abraham Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of State William H. Seward. The crisply embossed white paper seal affixed at the lower left remains fully intact. In fine condition, with a few small stains near the top edge.
Additionally includes Seward’s transmittal letter to Whitney: LS signed “William H. Seward,” one page both sides, 8 x 9.75, September 24, 1861, in part: “The President having appointed you a Commissioner to represent the interests of such American Citizens as may desire to become exhibitors at the Exhibition of Industry of all Nations…I herewith enclose your Commission. You will be pleased to inform this Department of the receipt of it, and, should it be accepted, of the name of the State or Country in which you were born. I also include the oath of allegiance which, in the event of your acceptance, you will be pleased to execute and return to this Department.” Includes its original mailing envelope, as well as Whitney’s
reply to Seward: an ALS acknowledging the receipt of the present commission and accepting the appointment, October 1, 1861, in part: “I hereby accept the appointment with thanks to President Lincoln & yourself and will serve in the capacity allotted to me to the best of my ability & with a strict regard to the interest of American citizens.”
The International Exhibition of 1862, officially the London International Exhibition of Industry and Art, was held from May 1–November 1, 1862, in South Kensington, London, England. The exhibition showcased recent advances made in the industrial revolution, with numerous inventions and innovations on display: among these were the electric telegraph, submarine cables, the first plastic, looms, Charles Babbage’s analytical engine, maritime engines, and a demonstration of the manufacture of ice by an early refrigerator.
Eli Whitney III, the son of inventor Eli Whitney, carried on his family’s legacy of innovation and business acumen in 19th-century America. He was a prominent manufacturer and entrepreneur, particularly known for his advancements in firearms and the mass production techniques pioneered at the Whitney Armory. He upgraded the factory with the latest technological advances—replacing waterwheels with hydraulic turbines—and took the dominant role in developing the city of New Haven’s water system. Through his work, he contributed to the rapid industrialization of the United States, building on his father’s revolutionary impact on manufacturing. Starting Bid $1000
Early Civil War-dated appointment from President Lincoln, dated 10 days after the historic Battle of Fort Sumter
34. Abraham Lincoln Document Signed as President - Ten Days After the Battle of Fort Sumter. Civil Wardated partly-printed DS as president, one page, 14.5 x 9, April 23, 1861. President Lincoln appoints William H. Blair as “Deputy Postmaster, at Hamilton, in the State of Ohio.” Signed crisply at the conclusion by Abraham Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of State William H. Seward. An embossed seal is present to the lower left. Archivally matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 29.5 x 17.25. In very good to fine condition, with a thin crack to middle of the seal, and slightly irregular toning (a bit heavier to the top edge).
Ten days before Lincoln signed this document, the American
Civil War commenced with the Battle of Fort Sumter on April 12–13, 1861. Following the fort’s surrender, Northerners rallied behind President Lincoln’s call for all states to send troops to recapture the forts and preserve the Union. Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers for 90 days, with some Northern states filling their quotas quickly. There were so many volunteers in Ohio that within 16 days they could have met the full call for 75,000 men by themselves. While Union support was strong, the Southern reaction proved equal to the task. The call for 75,000 troops triggered four additional slave states to declare their secession from the Union and join the Confederacy. An appreciably early Civil War-dated document signed by President Lincoln. Starting Bid $1000
“I am a democrat in the enlarged and proper sense of the term and have devoted the best efforts of my life to ameliorate the condition of the laboring man”
37. Andrew Johnson Autograph Letter Signed on His Campaign for Congress and a Potential Vice Presidency: “I am a democrat in the enlarged and proper sense of the term”. ALS, one page both sides, 7.75 x 9.75, May 15, 1851. Handwritten letter to John H. Keyser, in part: “Your letter of the 6th ult. was received by this days mail. In reply I have last time to say, [struck through: that I am no candidate for the Vice Presidency]. At present I am a candidate for reelection to the congress of the U.S. with the hope of success, which will enable me I trust to accomplish an object that I have had at heart, that is to see every man who desires it domiciliated. I am now in the midst of the canvass and have not the time to write you a long letter on the Subject… Enclosed you will find a copy of a…Speech made some time since in congress which will give you the bones of my views on the ‘Homestead.’ I am a democrat in the enlarged and proper
sense of the term and have devoted the best efforts of my life to ameliorate the condition of the laboring man. The time has arrived when…thousands in the U.S. should be honored with a laboring man for the Presidency—A man who in fact has been a laboring man, one whose sympathies are with the mass. There is too much talk about this thing of labor and too little practice. If the work was commenced in good earnest the people, the real people I mean, would respond to it…You will please accept of my sincere thanks for your friendly feelings… and also the profoundest feeling of my heart for the success of any scheme that will elevate the oppressed condition of my kind.” He adds a handwritten postscript, struck through: “I repeat that I am no candidate for the Vice Presidency.” In very good to fine condition, with splitting to the ends of the horizontal folds. Accompanied by a handsome custom-made leather presentation folder. Starting Bid $1000
From president to king— Andrew Johnson sends a letter to George I of Greece
38. Andrew Johnson Document Signed as PresidentSending a Letter to the King of Greece, George I. Partlyprinted DS as president, one page, 8.5 x 10.75, November 21, 1868. President Johnson directs the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to “the envelope of my Letter to the King of the Hellenes (complimentary).” Signed neatly at the conclusion by Andrew Johnson. In very good to fine condition, with faint edge toning, and a stain to the left side. George I (1845-1913) ruled as King of Greece from 1863 to 1913 when he was elected as ‘King of the Hellenes’ in 1863 at the age of 17. This interesting document might relate to one of two significant events: the 1868 establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Greece; or, the birth of George’s first son, Constantine I. In June 1868, Johnson appointed Charles K. Tuckerman as the first Minister to Greece and opened a legation in Athens; at the same time, Constantine I was born on July 21, 1868. Starting Bid $200
“The dead who lost their lives in their country’s cause, and those who have died since exposing their lives in the same cause, should be ever held in grateful remembrance”
40. U. S. Grant Autograph Letter Signed as President, Honoring the Union’s War Dead While Declining to Attend an Army of the Cumberland Reunion. ALS as president, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, Executive Mansion letterhead, November 17, 1870. Handwritten letter graciously declining an invitation to a Civil War soldiers’ reunion, in part: “It would afford me great pleasure to be with you on the occasion of the meeting of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland, on the 24th & 25th inst. if it were possible. The time however is so near the beginning of the next session of Congress, for which I have to propose, that it will be impossible. I very much appreciate these Army Society reunions, and hope they may long be kept up. The dead who lost their lives in their country’s cause, and those who have died since exposing their lives in the same cause, should be ever held in grateful remembrance.” In fine condition, with light soiling only to the first page. Starting Bid $200
“Whatever is agreed upon I shall always believe is at least intended for the best”—
General Grant offers his thoughts to Henry Halleck for a “Campaign in NC with Raleigh & Wilmington for objective points”
39. U. S. Grant Civil War-Dated Handwritten Statement Directed to Henry Halleck for a Potential North Carolina Campaign. Civil War-dated manuscript document headed “Memorandum of a Campaign in NC with Raleigh & Wilmington for objective points,” containing a seven-line handwritten statement from General U. S. Grant, six pages, 8 x 9.75, no date [January, 1864]. Penned in a secretarial hand and addressed to General Henry Halleck, then Grant’s superior, this memorandum comprises an authentic rough draft of an ambitious proposal about the taking of North Carolina that would eventually be sent to Halleck on January 19, 1864. Grant’s response, penned on the reverse of the third page, reads: “I have written this in accordance with what I understood to be an invitation from you to express my views about operations, and not to insist that any plan of mine should be carried out. Whatever is agreed upon I shall always believe is at least intended for the best, and, until tried will hope for the best.” A secretarial hand has added Grant’s name below.
In a letter penned on January 8, 1864, Henry Halleck invited Grant to share his views for the upcoming campaign in the Military Division of the Mississippi. Halleck, a military scholar and theoretician, desired to hear suggestions from his generals, but often left them to the actual decision-making on the field of battle. It comes as no surprise, then, that he would ask of Grant a strategy for the upcoming campaign. Grant initially demurred, stating that he heretofore had abstained from offering suggestions about what might be done in campaigns other than his own, but agreed to write Halleck again in a few days. In his work, ‘The Rise of U.S. Grant,’ A. L. Conger states on p. 310: ‘On January 19, 1864, Grant presented his first proposal to Halleck, in response to Halleck’s invitation.’ A comparison with the subsequent printed text of the letter shows our manuscript herein to be the true rough draft. Affixed to a backing sheet and in fine condition. Starting Bid $200
President Grant cuts a $500 check to the first lady
41. U. S. Grant Signed Check as President to “Mrs. U. S. Grant,” Endorsed by First Lady Julia Dent Grant. First National Bank check, 8 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Grant as president, “U. S. Grant,” payable to “Mrs. U. S. Grant” for $500, November 30, 1869, and endorsed on the reverse by his wife, First Lady Julia Dent Grant, “Mrs. U. S. Grant.” In fine condition. A remarkable combination of signatures on a scarce presidential check—a superlative, highly desirable piece. Starting Bid $200
President Grant congratulates Mariano Ignacio Prado on his “inauguration as President of the Republic of Peru, to which post you had been called by the free choice of your fellow citizens”
42. U. S. Grant Letter Signed as President to the Newly Elected President of Peru. LS as president, one page both sides, 10.5 x 15.5, November 14, 1876. Official letter of state to “His Excellency Mariano Ignacio Prado, Constitutional President of the Republic of Peru,” in part: “I have received the letter which Your Excellency addressed to me…announcing your inauguration as President of the Republic of Peru, to which post you had been called by the free choice of your fellow citizens. I congratulate Your Excellency… The purpose which you express of doing everything which may be practicable towards improving the existing friendly relations between Peru and the United States is cordially reciprocated by me.” Neatly signed at the conclusion in ink by President Ulysses S. Grant and countersigned by Secretary of State Hamilton Fish. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
“We do not treat any other people as we do the Chinese”
43. Benjamin Harrison Letter Signed as President on Immigration: “We do not treat any other people as we do the Chinese”. LS as president, signed “Benj. Harrison,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 10.5, Executive Mansion letterhead, May 12, 1892. Letter to Rev. S. L. Baldwin of New York on the subject of Chinese immigration. In part: “I do not know that there was any objection to the use you made of my previous letter. The correspondent of the Herald called upon me for an authorization to you to give it to the public, but I declined. You readily understand that any public expression by me upon the question should be official if any is made and that, therefore, my letter to you was marked ‘Personal’ as this one is. Of course you are right in saying that we do not treat any other people as we do the Chinese. That was equally true of the treaty as of the law. The treaty proceeded upon the ground that the conditions were peculiar to the Chinese population; and I think we must all admit that. I cannot believe, with a friendly administration of the law, that many, if any, Chinamen who have been here long enough to be entitled to remain will have difficulty establishing that fact.” In a handwritten postscript Harrison adds, “P.S. Your hand letter received. I adhere with view that the letter should remain private. If any statement is to be published I would prepare it more carefully.” In fine condition, with the second integral page professionally inlaid into a slightly larger sheet.
As a senator, Harrison had gone against his party and opposed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 as he believed it violated existing treaties with China. He maintained this position at the beginning of his presidential campaign but was soon swayed by advisors who warned that it could cost him the nomination. This letter dates to one week after President Harrison signed the Geary Act into law, which renewed and expanded the policies of Chinese exclusion and required Chinese immigrants to register for certificates proving their legal entry and residency. Considering the immigration controversies that continue to exist in today’s United States, this is an insightful and surprisingly relevant letter. Starting Bid $200
President Harrison assembles a committee to raise “subscriptions for the relief of the Johnstown sufferers”
44. Benjamin Harrison Document Signed as President for Johnstown Flood Relief. Partly-printed DS as president, signed “Benj. Harrison,” one page, 8.5 x 7, June 4, 1889. As chairman of the Johnstown Relief Committee, President Harrison certifies A. P. Britton as a fundraiser for the cause. In full: “Mr. A. P. Britton has been appointed to receive subscriptions for the relief of the Johnstown sufferers. He will turn over all funds received by him to the Treasurer, E. Kurtz Johnson, appointed at the general meeting of citizens this afternoon, and will announce the several amounts given and names of the contributors in the daily newspapers.” Signed at the conclusion in ink by President Benjamin Harrison. The subscription form below has been left blank. In very good to fine condition, with some faint toning and small stains.
The result of a catastrophic dam failure, the Johnstown Flood occurred on Friday, May 31, 1889, killing over 2,200 people. Four days later, President Harrison called a gathering of 300 in Willard’s Hall to devise measures of relief. His appeal for assistance was so eloquent that nearly $10,000 was raised in the hour and a half that the meeting was in session. Starting Bid $200
“The Benjamin Harrison to whom you refer was the nephew of my grandfather, President William Henry Harrison, and I think was the proprietor of the family estate at Berkeley, on the James River”
45. Benjamin Harrison Typed Letter Signed: “The Benjamin Harrison to whom you refer was the nephew of my grandfather, President William Henry Harrison”. TLS signed “Benj. Harrison,” one page, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, March 24, 1898. Letter to a gentleman in Bangor, Maine, regarding his genealogy. In full: “I have your letter of the 19th. The Benjamin Harrison to whom you refer was the nephew of my grandfather, President William Henry Harrison, and I think was the proprietor of the family estate at Berkeley, on the James River. I have a number of letters written by my grandfather to him. I cannot give you the name of the father of this Benjamin Harrison just now, nor can I give you any sketch of him.” Affixed to a slightly larger card and in very good to fine condition, with light wrinkling from mounting, and the recipient’s name blacked out. Starting Bid $200
From the White House, President Roosevelt transmits a “letter of felicitations to His Majesty Edward VII”
46. Theodore Roosevelt Document Signed as President, Sending a “letter of felicitations to His Majesty Edward VII”. Partly-printed DS as president, signed “T. Roosevelt,” one page, 8 x 10, March 18, 1902. Unusual official White House document, in full: “I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to cause the Seal of the United States to be affixed to the envelope containing my letter of felicitations to His Majesty Edward VII.” In fine condition.
King Edward VII’s reign began on January 21, 1901, with his coronation held August 9, 1902. President Roosevelt’s letter most probably congratulated Edward on his recent rise to power. The unlikely friendship between President Roosevelt and Edward VII has been chronicled in The King and the Cowboy: Theodore Roosevelt and Edward the Seventh by David Fromkin. Starting Bid $200
“I confidently expect the people of the country to return to the duties of international cooperation and resume the leadership in the affairs of the world which was lost by our fatuous refusal to enter the League of Nations”
47. Woodrow Wilson Typed Letter Signed on the United States’ “fatuous refusal to enter the League of Nations”. TLS, one page, 7 x 8.75, personal letterhead, January 1, 1922. Letter to Jason Rogers, in part: “I need hardly say that the support of men like yourself has kept me in heart. With cooperation I confidently expect the people of the country to return to the duties of international cooperation and resume the leadership in the affairs of the world which was lost by our fatuous refusal to enter the League of Nations.” In fine condition.
The Covenant of the League of Nations was drafted by a special commission, and the League was established by Part I of the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed on June 28, 1919. Initially, the Charter was signed by forty-four countries, including thirty-one which had taken part in the war on the side of the Triple Entente or joined it during the conflict. Despite Wilson’s efforts to establish and promote the League, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919, the United States neither ratified the Charter nor joined the League due to opposition in the U.S. Senate, especially influential Republicans Henry Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts and William E. Borah of Idaho, together with Wilson’s refusal to compromise. Starting Bid $200
Ike writes home to Mamie from liberated France—
“Some of the roads I travel are the ones we rode over 15 years ago”
48. Dwight D. Eisenhower War-Dated Autograph Letter Signed to Mamie. World War II-dated ALS signed “Ike,” two pages, 8 x 10.5, November 26, [1944]. Written from Gueux, France, a letter to his wife, Mamie D. Eisenhower, in full: “I’ve just arrived at forward hq after several days with Devers’ Army Group. Weather is so miserable that all my travel is by auto—which takes lots of time. This is late Sun. afternoon—I start out again early Tues. morn. I have just one day to ‘catch up’ on lots of things. Sometimes I think I’m just waking up to the extent that I miss you. On most of these trips the driver and the M.A. sit in the front (the latter to read the maps), and I have the whole back to myself. I have hours to think, and since the staff is not there to plague me, I think of you a lot. Some of the roads I travel are the ones we rode over 15 years ago, and I always wish you were along to see them, with me, again.
A teletype from Stack today says you are fine. I always enjoy some message. It’s nice to be reassured concerning your health. Lately I’ve heard nothing from Johnny. I know how busy he is; but I sometimes wonder whether he can possibly know how much his letters mean to me. Within the past two weeks or so I think I’ve seen most of our old friends in this theater. All seem fine.
Last week l appeared (by recording) on 2 radio programs at home. One about munitions—the other, War Bonds. Wonder whether you heard either. The newsmen told me that the first one caused a big furor. Sorry I had to ask you to try to find an Xmas present for John from me. I was just at my wit’s end. Hope it didn‘t put too much of a burden on you. Well, the real purpose of this note is just to say ‘I love you’—By this time I know that you know it—but it’s fun to say—anyway. Lots & lots of love.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
President Eisenhower appoints former Massachusetts Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations
49. President Dwight D. Eisenhower Appoints Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Important partly-printed DS as president, one page, 22.25 x 19, January 23, 1953. President Eisenhower appoints Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., of Massachusetts as “the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and the Representative of the United States of America in the Security Council of the United Nations.” Signed at the conclusion by Dwight D. Eisenhower and countersigned by Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, whose signature is uniformly faded. The lower left retains the original beige wafer seal. In fine condition, with two trivial tears to the right edge.
Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. (1902-1985) was an American diplomat and politician who represented Massachusetts in the United States Senate and managed Eisenhower’s successful campaign for the Republican presidential nomination at the 1952 Republican National Convention. After losing his own re-election campaign to then-Congressman John F. Kennedy, Lodge was named as ambassador to the United Nations in 1953 and became a member of Eisenhower’s cabinet. Vice President Nixon would later choose Lodge as his running mate in the 1960 presidential election. After losing once again to the now-President Kennedy, Lodge was appointed Ambassador to South Vietnam in 1963. He would go on to represent the United States in various countries under Presidents Johnson, Nixon, and Ford, and he led the U.S. delegation that signed the Paris Peace Accords with North Vietnam, leading to the end of the Vietnam War. Starting Bid $200
Sheet
of sketches by Senator John F. Kennedy,
with reference to “NATO” and a wonderful depiction of his beloved sailboat, Victura
50. John F. Kennedy Original Sketches as a Massachusetts Senator. Original ink sketches of Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy on an off-white 8 x 10.5 sheet of his personal United States Senate stationery, unsigned, no date. The doodles consist of a small sailboat with the number “6” on its sail; a box with the acronym “NATO” [North Atlantic Treaty Organization]; a circle with his first initial “J” in the middle, surrounded by arrows pointing outwards; an apparent dollar bill with the word “money”; a diamond with crosshatched interior; and a small three-dimensional trapezoid that resembles a gold bar. In fine condition.
The most prolific doodler of all U.S. presidents, Kennedy was known to cover entire sheets of paper with stacked boxes, repeated words, and small drawings—most frequently of sailboats. This wonderful example appears to depict Kennedy’s beloved Victura, a 25-foot Wianno Senior sloop that he received as a gift from his parents as a teenager.
Dave Powers, a longtime friend of President Kennedy and founding curator of the Kennedy Library, wrote: ‘Victura was among the President’s most prized possessions. A gift on his fifteenth birthday, he sailed it as a young man, Navy hero, Congressman, Senator, and finally as President. It was on the Victura that he began winning races at the age of 15, and on which he taught his wife Jacqueline how to sail. If the President wasn’t sailing on Victura, he was thinking about it as evidenced by his many doodles of the sailboat…When the President visited Hyannis Port, he was never happier than when he was at the helm of Victura.’
The ‘Victura’ remains an enduring symbol of JFK’s passion for the sea. Since 1980, the sailboat has been exhibited from May to November on the grounds of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, overlooking the Dorchester Bay section of Boston Harbor. Starting Bid $500
President-elect Kennedy thanks a Catholic newspaper exec for his helpful advice—
“For James Darcey – who told me how to do it”
51. John F. Kennedy Signed Photograph as PresidentElect. Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kennedy leaning down to hear James H. Darcey, the general manager of The Waterbury Republican-American newspaper, signed and inscribed in fountain pen as president-elect, “For James Darcey – who told me how to do it, with best regards, John F Kennedy.” The reverse bears a credit stamp for photographer Don A. Coviello, who ostensibly took this photo during Kennedy’s visit to Waterbury, Connecticut, on November 6, 1960. Kennedy so valued the support of the heavily Democratic and Catholic Waterbury that he visited the Brass City just two days before he won the general election. In fine condition, with light edge rippling. Accompanied by a handwritten description providing some background information about the piece.
Kennedy arrived at the Roger Smith Hotel in downtown Waterbury on November 6th around 3 am. Prominent Connecticut politicians like Governor Abe Ribicoff joined a rain-soaked crowd of around 40,000 well-wishers and the Mattatuck Drum Band to await Kennedy’s arrival. Shocked at the scope of such an enthusiastic nocturnal rally, Kennedy delivered an impromptu and rousing speech from the hotel’s second-floor balcony, in which he praised Connecticut for its early support of his political career, and mocked ‘Dick Nixon [for having] been in bed for 4 hours [already].’ Kennedy carried the state of Connecticut two days later, the first time in 20 years. Kennedy returned to Waterbury in mid-October 1962, when it is believed that he signed and dedicated this photograph to Darcey. Kennedy promised to visit the industrial capital of the Connecticut River Valley again in 1964, but he was assassinated before he could return.
James H. Darcey served as the longtime general manager, president, and treasurer of The Waterbury Republican-American. The newspaper was the result of a merger between a Waterbury weekly called The Waterbury American and a Waterbury daily called The Waterbury Republican; still published today, it is now known as the Republican-American. In addition to being a newspaper executive, Darcey was also a banker and philanthropist. As a Democrat and Catholic, Darcey championed numerous civic, community, and religious causes, such as the construction of St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, and the development of Connecticut State Route 8, which is also known as the James H. Darcey Memorial Highway. Starting Bid $300
“The Nation expects your unflagging dedication and untiring efforts will continue to produce miracles—the kind of miracles necessary to guarantee our freedom”
52. John F. Kennedy Typed Letter
Signed as President - Congratulating Members of the Polaris Missile Program. TLS as president, one page, 6.75 x 9.75, April 10, 1963, White House letterhead. Group letter sent to “The Membership of the Third Navy-Industry Polaris Team Conference,” in full: “The Navy and the Polaris Industrial Team have served the Nation well in developing, producing, and deploying effectively the pivotal Polaris system on a most demanding schedule. The task of completing this potent force and of supporting its operations around the world is still to be accomplished. The sustained dedication and effort of the Polaris crews, of the Polaris management team, and of the many thousands of people in plants across our land who manufacture, equip and man this vitally important weapon system are more urgently required now than ever before. I commend you as you meet in Annapolis to assess the job remaining before you, and remind you that from those who achieve much, much is expected. The Nation expects your unflagging dedication and untiring efforts will continue to produce miracles—the kind of miracles necessary to guarantee our freedom.” The letter is mounted and lacquered on a wooden 9 x 12 presentation mount. In fine condition, with light scratching to the lacquer.
Initiated in the late 1950s, the United States Polaris missile program was a Cold War-era program to develop and deploy submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) armed with nuclear warheads. As evinced in this letter, President Kennedy held the Polaris missile program in high regard and considered it a cornerstone of the United States’ nuclear deterrent strategy during his administration. This letter dates four days after the Polaris Sales Agreement, a treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom, which formally arranged the terms and conditions under which the Polaris missile system was provided to the United Kingdom. Starting Bid $300
President Kennedy sends his condolences to the widow of a submariner aboard the USS Thresher, the first nuclear submarine lost at sea
53. John F. Kennedy Typed Letter Signed as President - PSA MINT 9. TLS as president signed “John Kennedy,” one page, 6.75 x 7.5, White House letterhead, April 19, 1963. Letter of condolence to the widow of Donald Emery Nault, a Commissaryman First Class who was aboard the tragic voyage of the Naval submarine the USS Thresher, in full: “Mrs. Kennedy and I want to express our very deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your husband aboard the USS THRESHER. The loss of THRESHER was a great shock to freedom-loving people around the world. The American people feel deeply this tragic loss. It is a sad fact of history that this price of freedom must be paid again and again, by our best young men in each generation. Your husband has joined the other defenders of this Nation who have given their lives for their country. I want you to know of my personal feeling of loss and to wish for you God’s blessing in this time of sorrow.” In fine condition, with a trimmed bottom edge. Encapsulated and graded by PSA/DNA as “MINT 9.” Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
Nault was one of 129 crew and shipyard personnel who lost their lives when the USS Thresher, a nuclear-powered attack submarine in the United States Navy, sank during deep-diving tests about 220 miles east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on April 10, 1963. The loss of the Thresher, the first nuclear submarine lost at sea, was a watershed for the U.S. Navy that led to the implementation of a rigorous submarine safety program known as SUBSAFE. Starting Bid $300
Remarkable 1960 DNC archive, highlighted by autographs of the three leading candidates: Kennedy, Johnson, and Symington
54. John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson Signatures, in an Archive of 1960 Democratic National Convention Ephemera. Remarkable archive of ephemera from the 1960 Democratic National Convention held in Los Angeles from July 11–15, 1960, highlighted by three ink signatures of leading candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination—”Best wishes, John Kennedy,” “Lyndon B. Johnson,” and “Stuart Symington”—on individual 2.5 x 3.75 cards, each annotated on the first day of the convention, “7-11-60.” All are encapsulated in Beckett authentication holders.
Includes several pieces of ephemera from the DNC: ticket stubs for the First Session, Second Session, and Third Session; a “Distinguished Guest” ticket stub for the acceptance speech rally on July 15th; a Democratic National Convention acceptance speech program voucher, stamped “Young Democratic Clubs of America”; a ticket stub from the Democratic National Convention Dinner at the Beverly Hilton on July 10th; a 1960 Democratic National Convention directory; a 1960 Democratic National Convention “Demonstration” badge; a “Kennedy/Johnson” pin; and a detached “Delegate” ribbon. Also accompanied by a 10K gold-filled pendant from the 1961 inaugural ball, housed in its original box. In overall fine condition, with creasing to the wrappers of the directory.
Consignor notes that these items originate from the collection of his great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Bernard Sklar, a cofounder of the Young Democrats of Allegheny County in the 1930s. He became a powerful behind-the-scenes man in the Democratic Party, familiar with everyone from local council members to presidents, and was invited to be a special guest at the 1960 Democratic National Convention.
Three signers in this lot were leading candidates heading into the 1960 DNC: the young, upstart John F. Kennedy, who had emerged as a strong candidate in the Democratic primaries; Lyndon B. Johnson, the seasoned Senate Majority Leader; and Senator Stuart Symington, a Truman acolyte and former Secretary of the Air Force. On July 13, 1960, the third day of the convention, Kennedy gained a narrow majority on the first ballot, with campaign manager Robert F. Kennedy securing critical delegates at the last minute. The final tally had Kennedy with 52.99% of the vote, Johnson with 26.89%, and Symington with 5.65%, with nine other vote-getters filling out the remaining 15%. Kennedy reportedly preferred Symington as his vice president, but offered the position to LBJ as a courtesy; surprisingly, he accepted.
In JFK’s acceptance speech, delivered on July 15th, he outlined his vision for America and ‘The New Frontier,’ remarking: ‘We stand today on the edge of a New Frontier—the frontier of the 1960s—a frontier of unknown opportunities and perils—a frontier of unfulfilled hopes and threats…The New Frontier of which I speak is not a set of promises—it is a set of challenges. It sums up not what I intend to offer the American people, but what I intend to ask of them.’ He would mirror this sentiment in his inaugural address five months later, famously saying: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’ Starting Bid $200
“It is important that we keep in close contact in order that we might most effectively concert our actions in the days ahead”—rare, important correspondence between President Nixon and Khmer Republic leader Lon Nol on American support during the Cambodian Civil War
55. Richard Nixon Historical (3) Typed Letters Signed to Khmer Republic President Lon Nol - A Diplomatic Detail of American Support of Cambodia During the Vietnam War. Historically significant set of three TLSs from President Richard Nixon to Khmer Republic President Lon Nol, five total pages, 7 x 10.5, White House letterhead, dated between May 1970 and July 1973, an era of high-level diplomacy between the United States and Cambodia and their joint commitment to confront and defeat North Vietnamese aggression.
The first letter, May 19, 1970, in part: “In order that we may better appreciate the situation in Cambodia and that you may understand more fully my views I have asked Brigadier General Alexander Haig of my staff to meet with you and review our respective appraisals. General Haig is fully familiar with my views and with the kinds of steps which the United States is in a position to take to be of assistance to you. He has my full confidence. It is important that we keep in close contact in order that we might most effectively concert our actions in the days ahead.”
The second, written three years later on June 2, 1973, in part: “I have followed with great care developments in the Khmer Republic over the past months. I commend you on the wisdom of your decisions to broaden your government and to allow a group of able men to assist you in guiding the destiny of your people. In this, you have again displayed the selflessness and sense of duty which marks you as the Republic’s foremost patriot I am fully confident that the new foundation you have established will bring about further improvement in administrative and military performance…Let me again express my respect for your leadership in the past, most difficult months and my deep hope that a lasting peace can soon be attained in your country.”
The third letter, written a month later on July 2, 1973, in part: “You can be sure that the United States will continue to give the fullest support to the Khmer Republic concerning its standing at the United Nations…You and your colleagues on the Council have my continuing respect for your fortitude in this difficult period and my deep hope that peace soon can be restored to your country.” In overall very fine condition. Accompanied by two original White House mailing envelopes.Starting Bid $1000
Rare
uncashed “Christmas” check from Ford’s first months as president
56. Gerald Ford Signed Check as President. Rare uncashed personal check as President, 6 x 2.75, filled out in type and signed by Ford, “Gerald R. Ford,” payable to his niece, Laurie Ford, for $10.00, December 17, 1974. The memo notes “Christmas.” In very fine condition. A supreme rarity, this is the only Ford presidential check we’ve ever seen. Starting Bid $300
Rarely encountered Reagan presidential commission for a “Deputy Assistant to the President for Administration”
57. Ronald Reagan Rare Signed Presidential Appointment. Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 23 x 19, February 3, 1985. President Reagan appoints Christopher Hicks of Texas as “Deputy Assistant to the President for Administration.” Signed at the conclusion by President Reagan; also signed by autopen for Secretary of State George P. Shultz. The white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains fully intact. In fine condition, with fading to Reagan’s signature, which remains fully legible. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. Reagan is excessively rare in signed presidential appointments, with this example dating shortly after the start of his second term. Starting Bid $300
Beautiful hand-painted 19th-century
Japanese
lacquer ‘melon box’ from the collection of Ronald and Nancy Reagan
58. Ronald Reagan White House 19th Century Japanese Lacquered Box. Lovely late 19th-century Japanese lacquered box from the personal collection of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, used by the couple while they resided at the White House and then at their home in Bel Air, California. Designed in a fluted ‘melon’ shape, the box is topped with a close-fitting upper lid to complete the inspired form and approximately measures 9.5˝ in diameter and 8.5˝ in height (with lid). The box is coated in a traditional cinnabar glaze and features a carved botanical design of trailing vines and fruit, and the interior bears a glossy black lacquer finish. In fine condition. Provenance: Christie’s, ‘The Private Collection of President and Mrs. Reagan,’ September 2016. Starting Bid $200
“I was in Phoenix on a chore for G.E. I was doing their TV show at the time”
59. Ronald Reagan Autograph Letter Signed as President. ALS as president, one page on a 6.5 x 4.25 engraved White House correspondence card, July 20, 1987. Handwritten letter to Hy Platt, in full: “Thanks very much for the photo. It brings back home memories. I was in Phoenix on a chore for G.E. I was doing their TV show at the time. It was good to hear from you and to stroll down memory lane again.” In very fine condition.
Ronald Reagan had a significant connection with General Electric early in his career, serving as the host of the television program ‘General Electric Theater’ from 1954 to 1962. As part of his role, he toured G.E. plants across the country, giving speeches that shaped his political philosophy, emphasizing free enterprise and limited government. This experience laid the groundwork for his transition from actor to politician, ultimately influencing his conservative stance as the 40th president of the United States. Starting Bid $200
President Reagan confirms his vow of becoming an eye donor—“It is appropriate to keep the pledge & yes they may use that in their publicity — that goes for Nancy too — we both made the pledge”
60. Ronald Reagan Autograph Note Signed on His Eye Donor Pledge. ANS as president, signed “RR,” penned in black ink at the bottom of a White House memorandum sheet dated February 24, 1981, one page, 8.5 x 11, sent to White House secretary Lindy St. Cyr by White House staffer John D. Fitzsimmons, with the subject: “President Reagan’s Eye-Bank Pledge.” Reagan’s handwritten note reads: “It is appropriate to keep the pledge & yes they may use that in their publicity — that goes for Nancy too — we both made the pledge.” Reagan apparently also circles a section of the Fitzsimmons memorandum, which reads: “Attached please find the correspondence to Mr. William Wilson from the Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration, Inc. Mr. Wilson confirms that the President made an eye-donor pledge some years ago, either towards the end of, or just after, his term of office as Governor. In order to respond to the letter from The Eye-Bank, we must ascertain (i) whether the President in fact made an eye-donor pledge, (11) whether in light of his new office it is appropriate for the President to keep that pledge, (iii) if the pledge is to be kept, whether The Eye-Bank should be authorized to make the pledge public or otherwise utilize it in their publicity activities and (iv) irrespective of the pledge, whether the President wishes to publicly endorse The Eye-Bank’s activities. I would be most appreciate of your assistance in this matter.”
Stapled to a photocopy of a letter dated January 30, 1981, sent by Mary Jane O’Neill, executive director of The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration, Inc., to William A. Wilson (1914-2009), Reagan’s close friend, which reads, in part: “This little note, I hope, will serve to remind you of our conversation regarding President Reagan and his eye-donor pledge made some years ago. Since March is National Eye-Donor Month, it would be a tremendous boost to the drive for eye donors if we could use the President’s endorsement of the program in our publicity.” In fine condition.
President Reagan’s endorsement confirmed that both he and First Lady Nancy Reagan had pledged to become eye donors. The Reagan administration had been contacted by The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration, Inc., the first eye bank in the world established in New York City in 1944. The non-profit organization — still operating today through a national network of eye banks — is committed to collecting, storing, and distributing donated eyes and eye parts to patients with damaged or diseased eyes; and conducting important ophthalmological research. Over the organization’s 80-year-long history, it’s estimated that over 70,000 people have had their vision restored through the donation of transplanted ocular tissue.
Reagan would do much to promote awareness of eye donation in the early 1980s. In this way, he continued a legacy of presidential involvement with The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration; Herbert Hoover, as well as five former First Ladies, had either served on the organization council or personally signed the pledge. On February 25, 1982, President Reagan signed Proclamation 4902, ‘Save Your Vision Week,’ in which he stressed the importance of eye donation. This was followed by two other important presidential proclamations, dated March 21, 1983, and March 31, 198,4 respectively, which declared March ‘National Eye Donor Month.’ In these back-to-back proclamations, Reagan stated: ‘One of the most magnificent presents that one human being can bestow upon another is the gift of sight.’ Many modern-day eye banks cite Reagan’s proclamation of National Eye Donor Month in the early 1980s as a watershed moment in raising awareness about postmortem eye donation. Starting Bid $200
61. Ronald Reagan Signed Check. Bank of America counter check, 5.75 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Reagan, “Ronald Reagan,” payable to Cash for $100, May 5, 1948. In fine condition. A choice check from Reagan’s glamorous days in Hollywood, drawn on the bank’s “Sunset-Clark Branch.” Starting Bid $200
62. Barack Obama Signed Check - PSA GEM MT 10. Friends of Barack Obama check, 8.25 x 3, filled out in another hand and signed by Obama, “Barack Obama,” payable to noted civil rights activist and union leader Saul Mendelson for $20, June 3, 1997. In very fine condition. Encapsulated and graded by PSA/DNA as “GEM MT 10.” Friends of Barack Obama was his official campaign committee; at the time he signed this check, Obama was roughly six months into his first term as an Illinois senator. Obama remains rare in signed checks.
The recipient, Saul Mendelson, was a noted Chicago-area Democratic Socialist, political organizer, civil rights activist, and union leader. He was also a friend of Obama, who spoke at Mendelson’s memorial service in 1998. His words: ‘I didn’t have the good fortune to know Saul Mendelson as long as did many of those offering testimonials. But in the few years that I did know him, he was able to touch my life as he did so many others. Much of our relationship was built around a shared love of politics. His ability to organize a precinct was legendary, his advice on issues always sound.
But what became apparent to me as I got to know Saul was that for him, politics wasn’t an academic exercise. Nor was it a mere pursuit of ambition or vanity. Saul’s commitment to politics expressed his commitment to life: his abiding belief that we could make a better world for ourselves; his faith that words like freedom and equality and democracy were empty slogans unless people breathed life into them through collective action; his confidence that if people were informed and encouraged to participate in public life, they could be counted on to do the right thing.
It was those core beliefs that gave Saul that special air that he had, of a man unafraid to speak his mind, a man comfortable in his own skin. And by living out those beliefs, Saul imparted them to all of us. And so we salute Saul today, as an activist, scholar, union leader, loving husband and father; someone who, in his quiet, determined, diligent way, expressed the best values that our country has to offer, and made those communities that he touched better than they otherwise would have been.’ Starting Bid $200
63. Four Presidents Signed Photograph - Reagan, Nixon, Carter, and Ford. Color satin-finish 8 x 10 photo of Presidents Nixon through Reagan gathered at the White House prior to departing for Anwar Sadat’s funeral in 1981, signed in the lower border in black felt tip, “Ronald Reagan,” “Jimmy Carter,” and “Richard Nixon,” and in blue felt tip, “Gerald Ford.” The upper left bears the calligraphic inscription: “To Jesse Bell, with best wishes.” In fine condition, with a few tiny creases to the lower left corner. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA, and by a letter from the original recipient, affirming that all of the autographs were obtained in person. Starting Bid $300
Notables
Declaration of Independece
Amidst the Revolutionary War in 1777, Hancock promotes Alexander Murray—a future distinguished Navy officer— as captain in the 1st Maryland Regiment
206. John Hancock Revolutionary War-Dated Document Signed as President of Congress (1777).
Revolutionary War–dated partly-printed DS, one page, 13 x 8.5, April 10, 1777. As president of the Continental Congress, Hancock appoints Alexander Murray “to be Captain of the seventh Company in the first Maryland Regiment.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by John Hancock, and countersigned by Charles Thomson as secretary. Mounted and archivally framed and matted under museum-quality glass with a portrait to an overall size of 27 x 16.75. In very good to fine condition, with minor paper loss to the edges, apparently reinforced by complete backing.
A distinguished American naval officer, Alexander Murray (1755–1821) served in the Revolutionary War, the QuasiWar with France, and the First Barbary War in North Africa. In 1776, soon after the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the 21-year-old Murray was appointed a lieutenant in the Continental Navy. With no posts available, Murray declined the offer of a letter of marque and instead gained a commission as a lieutenant in the 1st Maryland Regiment under the command of Colonel William Smallwood. He saw action at the Battle of White Plains in October 1776—after which he was promoted to captain—as was his friend and fellow lieutenant of the Maryland Line, James Monroe. Starting Bid $500
American Politicians and Leaders
207. Journal of Congress: First Edition of the Proceedings of the First and Second Continental Congress (Sept. 5, 1774 to Jan. 1, 1776). Scarce book: Journals of Congress, Vol. I: containing the proceedings from Sept. 5, 1774 to Jan. 1, 1776. First edition. Philadelphia: Published by Order of Congress, Printed and Sold by R. Aitken, 1778. Hardcover rebound in full calf, 5.75 x 9, 310 pages. This volume, part of an eleven-volume set, is the first printing of the records of the First Continental Congress and the start of the Second Continental Congress. It follows the early and influential legislative actions of America’s founding fathers, with highlights include the “Declaration and Resolves” of October 14, 1774, outlining colonial objections to the British Intolerable Acts; the creation of the “American Continental Army” on June 14, 1775; and George Washington’s appointment as “General and Commander in Chief, of the Army of the United Colonies” on June 19, 1775. In very good to fine condition, with scattered foxing and dampstaining throughout, contemporary ownership inscriptions to first free end page and title page. Starting Bid $200
Supreme Court
North Carolina legal document with a rare 1785 handwritten endorsement from James Iredell, one of America’s original Supreme Court justices
208. James Iredell Autograph Endorsement Signed - Rare Document from an Original Supreme Court Justice. American jurist (1751–1799) who was one of the first justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was appointed by President George Washington and served from 1790 until his death in 1799. Prior to the Revolution, his treatise ‘Principles of an American Whig’ predated and echoed themes and ideas of the Declaration of Independence. Rare string-bound AES, signed “Jas. Iredell,” penned at the conclusion of the legal document, five pages, 7.5 x 12.25, May 9, 1785. Iredell’s handwritten endorsement reads: “The Words, to wit, ‘and the said surviving copartners the last’ being first interlined, the above was sealed and delivered in the presence of, Jas. Iredell.” The document, issued in Perquimans County, North Carolina, concerns “…the Copartnership in Trade and Commerce between John Alston, James Young, James Morton and Alexander Grindlay, Merchants in Glasgow, and Andrew Miller, William Littlejohn, and George Alston, Merchants in North Carolina.” In fine condition, with the document’s pair of adjoining pages disbound. Starting Bid $200
World Leaders
209. Chiang Kai-shek Signature. Bold ink signature of Chiang Kai-shek in Chinese on an off-white 3 x 4.5 card. In fine condition. Accompanied by a 1956 transmittal letter (with envelope) from Sampson C. Shen, the secretary to the president, forwarding “the card, which has been autographed by President Chiang Kai-shek,” as well as an export license from Arts Council England.
Provenance: The Autograph Collection of Peter Bland (1928-2003). Starting Bid $200
213. Winston Churchill Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed “Yours sincerely, Winston S. Churchill,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, 28 Hyde Park Gate letterhead, September 13, 1946. Sent from Villa Choisi in Switzerland, a letter to J. H. H. Gaute of publishers George G. Harrap and Co., in full: “Thank you very much indeed for your letter of September 11 and its good news. I am so much obliged to you for the assistance you have given me. When are the new volumes coming out? I am looking forward so much to seeing them.” Churchill adds the salutation in his own hand. In fine condition. Churchill and his wife left Chartwell in late August 1946 for three weeks in Switzerland, staying first at the Villa Choisi, on the shore of Lake Geneva. The press and public were carefully kept at bay while he painted and worked on his war memoirs. Starting Bid $200
Spectacular Stoneman portrait of Prime Minister Churchill, signed during World War II
210. Winston Churchill Signed War-Dated Photograph (1942). World War II-dated matte-finish 5.5 x 7.25 threequarter-length portrait of Prime Minister Churchill in formal attire, affixed to its original 7 x 10 mount, signed on the mount in fountain pen, “Winston S. Churchill, 1942.” Reverse bears the credit stamp of Walter Stoneman of J. Russell & Sons. In fine condition, with light silvering to the edges of the image, and a few tiny scratches to its upper background area. An esteemed portrait signed during the Second World War amidst Churchill’s greatest challenge as Prime Minister.
Working for J. Russell & Sons, Walter Stoneman took numerous photographs of royalty, aristocracy, members of high society, and other prominent individuals from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to photography and was a fellow of both the Royal Photographic Society and the Royal Geographical Society. Starting Bid $500
“War is the most difficult of all the Arts and Sciences, and that it is not usually practiced by the cleverest men, especially after a prolonged peace”
211. Winston Churchill Early Typed Letter Signed on the Art of War and His Book, London to Ladysmith via Pretoria. Early TLS signed “Winston S. Churchill,” two pages, 8 x 10, 105 Mount Street, W. letterhead, November 29, 1900. Letter to Stella Scott, in full: “I fear I am unable to enter into the numerous questions you raise in your letter of the 23rd. inst. You must remember in criticising, as you apparently do unsparingly, the operations conducted by military officers in the field that War is the most difficult of all the Arts and Sciences, and that it is not usually practiced by the cleverest men, especially after a prolonged peace. The letters, of which my book ‘London to Ladysmith’ is composed, were written in the field during the time when it was above all things desirable that every man should preserve the utmost confidence in the General, and looking at them in the light of after reflection, do not desire to alter very much. They are not history and they do not pretend to be history, but they do give a true picture of the feelings and the spirit which animated the army in Natal, without which, in spite of all the valuable criticism and advice which was lavished on us from at home, I am very doubtful whether Ladysmith would have been relieved.” In fine condition.
The work referenced by Churchill is London to Ladysmith via Pretoria, a personal record of Churchill’s impressions during the first five months of the Second Boer War. Published in 1900 and dedicated to the staff of the Natal Government railway,
the book features an account of the Relief of Ladysmith, as well as the story of Churchill’s capture and dramatic escape from the Boers.
In 1899, a 24-year-old Churchill, who had left his regiment, the 4th Hussars, earlier that March, remained determined to stay near the front line of battle. He secured a position as a war correspondent for The Morning Post, departed from Southampton aboard the Dumottar Castle on October 14th, and arrived in Cape Town on October 31st. During his assignment as a military reporter, Churchill was captured but ultimately made a daring escape from a prison camp. The escape, comprised of a 300-mile journey to Mozambique, briefly elevated him to the status of a national hero in Britain.
However, rather than returning home, Churchill joined General Redvers Buller’s army on its mission to relieve the British forces at the Siege of Ladysmith and capture Pretoria. While continuing his role as a war correspondent, Churchill also received a commission in the South African Light Horse Regiment. He was among the first British troops to enter both Ladysmith and Pretoria. Remarkably, Churchill and his cousin, the Duke of Marlborough, managed to get ahead of the advancing troops in Pretoria, where they secured the surrender of 52 Boer guards at the prison camp. Starting Bid $500
In 1939, Churchill recognizes the “plight of the ninety-seven Germans and Austrians now held captive by the Spanish government”
212. Winston Churchill Typed Letter Signed on Francisco Franco’s Spanish Civil War Hostages. TLS signed “W. Churchill,” one page, 5 x 8, Chartwell letterhead, June 25, 1939. Letter to J. D. Mowat, in full: “I thank you for your letter of June 22, and have noted what you say about the plight of the ninety-seven Germans and Austrians now held captive by the Spanish government.” He adds a handwritten postscript: “I regret that I do not know of any action I can take.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original recipient. Read more online at www.RRAuction.com. Starting Bid $200
Days before the liberation of Rome, General de Gaulle restricts General Juin, the future Marshal of France, from accepting any foreign decorations without his approval
214. Charles de Gaulle War-Dated Autograph Letter Signed Twice. Interesting World War II-dated ALS in French, signed twice as “G’l de Gaulle,” one page, 8 x 10.75, [May 24, 1944]. Handwritten letter to General Alphonse Juin, future Marshal of France, forbidding him from accepting any decoration from foreign countries before his approval, in full (translated): “I remind you that you cannot accept any foreign decoration without the authorization of the government. You will give this answer to General Alexander. You will add that the representatives of the British government in Alger must ask for my approval. I will certainly not refuse it. But, until I give my authorization, you must not accept this foreign award.” De Gaulle signs at the conclusion and incorporates his signature in the salutation: “To General Juin (personal, from G’l de Gaulle).” In fine condition. The referenced award is ostensibly related to the heroic action of General Juin in Roma in May and June 1944. Together, with British General Sir Harold Alexander, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Armies in Italy, they opened the Nazi line of defense, which led to the liberation of Rome. When de Gaulle was officially asked, he issued his approval, and Marechal Juin was awarded the Order of the Bath shortly thereafter. Starting Bid $200
Royalty
“I do hope you survived yet another experience in a very long line of such travels?”—Prince Charles thanks his trusted Royal Protection Officer for his efforts on a trip to Central Asia
215. King Charles III Autograph Letter Signed to His Royal Protection Officer. ALS signed “Charles,” one page, both sides, 4.75 x 7.25, Highgrove House letterhead, November 13, 1996. Handwritten letter from the Prince of Wales, expressing gratitude to his Royal Protection Officer, Sergeant Lewis, for his work on their latest overseas trip, in full: “I missed seeing you last night, sadly. You were off that aeroplane in a flash and I never had a chance to thank you for keeping an eye on everything in your usual, wonderful way! I do hope you survived yet another experience in a very long line of such travels? You must have by far the biggest collection of tour photographs of anyone! A million thanks for ensuring that all the baggage & paraphernalia returned safely — and I pray a rest is possible for you.” In fine condition. The future king thanking Sergeant Lewis for his work on an overseas trip from November 4–12, 1996, where they visited Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Starting Bid $200
217. Marie Antoinette (13) Period Engraved Portraits from the 18th and 19th Centuries. Attractive collection of 13 period engraved portraits of Marie Antoinette, ranging in size from 4.25 x 6.25 to 9 x 13.5, dated to the 18th and 19th centuries, with three examples color-tinted. Publishers and engravers include: Cadell & Davies (Strand, London), 1797; Esnauts and Rapilly (Paris) circa. 1775–1811; I. W. H. Payne (Warwick Square, London), 1815; John Sewell (Cornhill, London), 1786; J. F. Tomkins (New Bond Street, London), 1790; J. Parsons (Paternoster Row, London), 1793; G. B. Bosio & G. A. Sasso; Martin Engelbrecht; and Johann Esaias Nilso & Johann Michel Militz. In overall fine condition, with some light foxing and toning, and edgewear. Starting Bid $200
“I kiss you from the bottom of my heart”—warm handwritten letter from King Louis XV to his 10-year-old grandson, the future Duke of Parma
216. King Louis XV Autograph Letter Signed to His Favorite Grandson, Ferdinand I. ALS in French, signed “Louis,” one page, 5.5 x 7.25, January 4, 1762. Addressed from Versailles, a tender handwritten letter from the King of France, penned as a grandfather to his 10-yearold grandson, Ferdinand I, the future Duke of Parma. In full (translated): “I am much pleased, my very dear grandson, that you reminded me of you on the occasion of the New Year. I am upset that my present from last year was too large for your apartments, and that a new one had to be done on purpose. This year’s present will not be in the same case, I hope. Be sure, please, that I tenderly love you. I kiss you from the bottom of my heart, my dear grandson.” The reverse bears the original red wax seal. In fine condition, with scattered light foxing.
In this letter, King Louis XV refers to a 3D map that he presented to Ferdinand to educate him on the art of war. The map was too large for his grandson’s quarters, but, with Ferdinand’s birthday just days away, the king promises not to repeat the same mistake. Considered the favorite grandson of King Louis XV, Ferdinand was the son of Louise Elisabeth, Louis XV’s eldest daughter, and Philip, Duke of Parma, the son of Philip V of Spain. Owing to the early deaths of his mother and father, Ferdinand became an orphan at the age of 14 but quickly benefited from the invaluable sagacity of his grandfather. Starting Bid $200
218. Princess Diana and King Charles III Signed Christmas Card (1986). Appealing 1986 Christmas card embossed on the front with the Prince of Wales’s feathers and Order of the Garter motto and the Spencer family arms, measuring 10.25 x 7.25 open, featuring an affixed color photo of the royal couple posing with their young sons Prince William and Prince Harry, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To you both, from Charles and” and “Diana.” In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
220. Queen Elizabeth II Document Signed on the Recall of a Canadian Diplomat. DS, signed “Elizabeth R.,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 12.75, April 22, 1972. Official letter to Rafael Caldera, “the President of the Republic of Venezuela,” announcing the recall of Donald Sutherland McPhail, Canada’s Ambassador to Venezuela, in part: “The mission of Our Trusty and Well-beloved Donald Sutherland McPhail, Esquire, who has for some time been accredited to You in the character of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada, having ended, We have thought fit to notify You of his Recall. We are Ourselves so satisfied with the zeal, ability and fidelity with which Mr. McPhail has executed Our orders on all occasions during his mission that We trust his conduct will also have merited Your approbation, and in this pleasing confidence We avail Ourselves of the opportunity to renew to You the assurances of Our constant friendship, and of Our earnest wishes for the welfare and prosperity of the Republic of Venezuela.” Signed prominently at the conclusion in fountain pen by Queen Elizabeth II. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Regal portrait of Queen Elizabeth in her crown jewels, signed in 1969
221. Queen Elizabeth II Oversized Signed Photograph (1969). Marvelous color semi-glossy 13 x 18 photo of Queen Elizabeth II standing in a full-length pose, wearing her crown jewels and Order of the Garter riband, affixed to its original 14.5 x 20.5 mount, nicely signed on the mount in bold fountain pen, “Elizabeth R, 1969.” Reverse bears the photographer’s credit stamp: “Anthony Buckley, 81, Grosvenor Street, London, W.1.” In very fine condition. In fine condition, with some faint scratches to the image. Starting Bid $200
222. Queen Elizabeth II Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “Elizabeth R,” one page, 4.75 x 7.5, Windsor Castle letterhead, April 25, 1960. Handwritten letter to “Mrs. Tannar” at Rose Cottage, in full: “Very many thanks for remembering me on my birthday with such a very useful present, for which I am most grateful. I hope you are keeping quite well.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Queen Elizabeth’s hand and initialed in the lower left, “ER.” Starting Bid $200
Rare letter by ‘Bloody Mary’ to the Duke of Savoy, a one-time suitor to Lady Elizabeth Tudor
223. Queen Mary I Rare Letter Signed (1556). Queen of England and Ireland from 1553 until her death, whose brutal persecution of Protestants earned her the nickname ‘Bloody Mary’ (1516–1558). Rare LS in French, signed “votre bonne cousine, Marye,” one page, 15.25 x 10.75, November 16, 1556. Letter to her cousin, the Duke of Savoy, relaying news and making a recommendation. In very good to fine condition, with light soiling, toning from prior display, and professional repairs to several small tears.
Mary writes to Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, the cousin of her husband, King Philip II of Spain. Philip had ascended to the Spanish throne at the beginning of 1556, making Mary queen consort of Habsburg Spain in addition to her position as Queen of England and Ireland. At one time, Queen Mary and King Philip had schemed to have Elizabeth Tudor marry the Duke of Savoy, thereby securing Catholic succession and preserving the Habsburg interest in England. However, Elizabeth refused to comply and parliamentary consent was unlikely. After Mary’s death in 1558, her re-establishment of Roman Catholicism was reversed by her younger half-sister and successor, the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I. Starting Bid $1000
Activists and Social Leaders
The nine-year-old Helen Keller writes to her cousin:
“Mr. Anagnos has gone to Boston to take care [of] sixty little blind girls and seventy little boys”
225. Helen Keller Autograph
Letter Signed (Early, c. 1890). ALS in pencil, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, March 31, no year (circa 1890). Addressed from her hometown of Tuscumbia, Alabama, a handwritten letter from Helen Keller to her cousin, Anna S. Keller Turner, in full: “I am glad [to] write to you this morning. I was happy to see Cousin George yesterday. Teacher and I took Mildred to ride in little carriage. She cried to go to mother. Cousin George brought me bananas and oranges and apples. Mr. Anagnos has gone to Boston to take care [of] sixty little blind girls and seventy little boys. I love them. I went to ride on Tennessee River with Mr. Wilson and James.” In fine condition, with a crease touching the end of the signature.
Michael Anagnos was the director of the Perkins Institute for the Blind in South Boston, Massachusetts, and it was he who asked Anne Sullivan, a 20-year-old alumna of the school who was visually impaired, to become Keller’s instructor. Several of Keller’s early letters are documented by Anagnos in ‘Helen Keller: A Second Laura Bridgman,’ which was published in FiftySixth Annual Report of the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind (1888). In that report, Anagnos praises Keller’s fast progress under Sullivan’s tutelage: ‘In the course of four months Helen mastered more than four hundred and fifty common words—nouns, verbs transitive and intransitive, adjectives and prepositions—which she could use correctly and spell with perfect accuracy. At the same time she learned to read raised characters with the tips of her fingers almost spontaneously and with very little effort on the part of her instructress, to converse freely by means of the manual alphabet, to cipher, to write a neat ‘square hand,’ and to express her elementary ideas in correct composition.’
Keller’s improvement is again addressed in the 1890 Perkins report: ‘Helen is virtually one of our pupils, as her teacher is one of our graduates, and has done her work under the inspiration and with the warm sympathy of Mr. Anagnos; and arrangements are now made by which this wonderful child will become a resident pupil. She has kept up her communication with her Boston friends since her last year’s visit, in letters far superior in thought and in expression to such letters as the most intelligent seeing children of her years are wont to write.’
Keller would go on to become the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating cum laude from Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. One of the world’s foremost disability rights advocates, she traveled to over 40 countries advocating for the blind and those with other disabilities and met every president from Grover Cleveland to LBJ, who awarded her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964. Her life was most famously chronicled in the Oscar-winning film The Miracle Worker in 1962. Her Tuscumbia home is a National Historic Landmark. Such early handwritten letters by Helen Keller are extremely scarce in the market. These early letters to her family members reside almost exclusively at the Perkins Institute, The American Foundation for the Blind, and other institutions. Starting Bid $200
Superb autograph of Rev. King, dated to his 1966 speech at the Stockholm Opera House
226. Martin Luther King, Jr
Signature. Choice ballpoint signature, “Best wishes, Martin Luther King,” on an off-white 5 x 3 card with a collector’s notation below dating the autograph to March 31, 1966. In very fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
On March 31, 1966, King visited Sweden and spoke to a packed house of civil rights advocates at the Beneficiary Concert in the Stockholm Opera House. King’s oration was televised live across all Scandinavian countries, and a recording of the speech was produced in support of the Martin Luther King Fund. Starting Bid $500
227. Nelson Mandela Signed Lithograph - ‘The Courtyard’ (Ltd. Ed. #1/10). Limited edition color 41.5 x 16.5 lithograph of a Nelson Mandela drawing entitled ‘The Courtyard,’ numbered 1/10, featuring Mandela’s drawing of the courtyard at Robben Island Prison on the left and the right bearing a photographic image from a similar angle, signed below in pencil, “N. Mandela.” Rolled and in very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
228. Nelson Mandela Signed Baseball. Official Rawlings American League 1996 Championship Series (Budig) baseball signed in black felt tip on the sweet spot by Nelson Mandela. In fine condition. An unusual, highly displayable format for Mandela’s sought-after autograph. Starting Bid $200
Buisnessmen
Rockefeller transfers 1130 shares of stock in the Wagner Palace Car Company to his private secretary
229. John D. Rockefeller Signed Stock Transfer Document to His Private Secretary. Partly-printed DS, one page, 8.5 x 7.25, September 16, 1890. State of New York irrevocable stock power document, which confirms Rockefeller’s transfer of 1130 shares of stock in the Wagner Palace Car Company to George D. Rogers. Signed crisply at the conclusion in black ink by Rockefeller. In very good to fine condition, with cancellation punch holes, and some minor paper loss, to the left side. Starting Bid $200
Stock certificate issued to a Standard Oil vice president, signed by Rockefeller, Flager, and Bostwick
230. John D. Rockefeller, Henry Flagler, and Jabez A. Bostwick Document Signed. Partly-printed DS, one page, 11.5 x 7.75, November 11, 1883. Stock certificate for 500 shares in Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Trust issued to J. J. Vandergrift, signed at the conclusion by John D. Rockefeller as president, Henry M. Flagler as secretary, and Jabez A. Bostwick as treasurer; endorsed on the reverse by Vandergrift to transfer the shares to John D. Rockefeller’s private secretary, William H. Beardsley. The original receipt, also signed by Vandergrift, remains affixed at the left edge. In fine condition, with the signatures lightly canceled. John D. Rockefeller (18391937) was a business magnate and philanthropist whose Standard Oil empire made him the wealthiest man in the world. Henry Flagler (1830-1913) was a real estate and railroad entrepreneur who also co-founded Standard Oil, remembered for his efforts to make Florida the ‘Newport of the South’ by providing extensive rail access and grand hotels to lure wealthy vacationers. Jabez Abel Bostwick (1830-1892) was a founding partner of Standard Oil, serving as the company’s first treasurer. Jacob J. Vandergrift (1827–1899) was a transportation pioneer and oil industrialist who served as a vice president of Standard Oil. An important stock certificate that boasts a multitude of significant Standard Oil associations. Starting Bid $200
Scientists and Inventors
Rare scientific pamphlets from Marie Curie’s personal library, both with her “Madame Curie” stamp
231. Marie Curie’s Scientific Pamphlets - ‘Fundamental Properties of the Elements’ and ‘Etude des Trajectoires des Rayons’. Two scientific pamphlets from the personal library of Marie Curie, both with her “Madame Curie” rubber stamp to the front wrapper or title-page. Includes: “(Faraday Lecture), The Fundamental Properties of the Elements” by Theodore William Richards, published in Washington, D.C., by the U.S. Government Printing Office in 1912, 6.25 x 9.5, 20 pages; and “Etude des Trajectoires des Rayons ? dans l’Argon par la Methode de D.T.R. Wilson,” by Francis Perrin, published in Paris by Les Presses Universitaires de France in 1922, 6.25 x 9.5, eight pages, stamped “Madame Curie” on the title page. Housed together in a handsome custom-made half morocco presentation folder with marbled slipcase. In very good to fine condition, with some light dampstaining to the bottom of the pages of the Perrin booklet.
Provenance: Lot 34, PBA Galleries, May 23, 2002. Starting Bid $300
Weeks before receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics, Curie responds to an inquiry about radium
232. Pierre Curie Autograph Letter Signed, Replying to a Bacteriologist’s Inquiry on Radium. 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,” one page, 5.5 x 3.5, postcard letterhead, November 15, 1903. Untranslated handwritten letter to Professor Carl Julius Salomonsen, known as the ‘father of bacteriology in Denmark,’ written just a few weeks before Curie was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. Curie replies to Salomonsen’s inquiry about radium. In fine condition. On December 10, 1903, shortly after writing this letter, Pierre and his wife, Marie Curie, were awarded the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics in Stockholm, Sweden, ‘in recognition of the extraordinary services they have rendered by their joint researches on the radiation phenomena discovered by Professor Henri Becquerel.’ Starting Bid $500
Darwin appeals to a member of the Athenaeum Club to vote for his nephew, Henry Parker, “a fitting man for election”
233. Charles Darwin Autograph Letter
Signed to an Athenaeum Club Member. ALS signed “Ch. Darwin,” one page, 5 x 8, Down, Beckenham, Kent letterhead, February 1 [1874]; another hand has struck through Darwin’s date and added “March 9th”). Handwritten letter to leading ophthalmic surgeon William Bowman, asking him to give his vote for Darwin’s nephew, Henry Parker, at the next balloting at the Athenaeum. In full: “If you ever attend the Ballotting at the Athenaeum Club, will you give your vote & exert any influence which you properly can in favor of my nephew, Henry Parker. He will be balloted for at the first meeting early in current month.” Another hand has struck through two words of Darwin’s handwriting and added “on the 16th of the.” Darwin continues: “He is a fellow of Oriel College, & I can assure you that he is a fitting man for election from his abilities & in every other respect.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing, and two stains to the top.
Darwin originally dated this letter February 1st, evidently thinking that Parker’s ballot might take place early that month; the date on the letter was changed to March 9th when Parker’s ballot was scheduled for March 16, 1874; elections at the Athenaeum Club took place on Mondays from February to the end of July, with all ballots invalid unless twenty members took part. To Darwin’s delight, Henry Parker was elected a member of the Athenaeum Club on the scheduled election day of March 16th, news confirmed in a letter from Darwin’s brother, Erasmus, dated March 17, 1874: ‘The Ballot has gone off all right 206 to 5. A great many of your friends put down their names on his card.’ Per the Darwin Correspondence Project, Darwin sent nearly identical letters to several Athenaeum Club members, including botanist George Bentham, chemist Edward Frankland, poet and sculptor Thomas Woolner, physicist John Tyndall, and zoologist Alfred Newton on the same date as the offered letter.
Sir William Bowman, 1st Baronet (1816–1892) was an English surgeon, histologist and anatomist. He is best known for his research using microscopes to study various human organs, though during his lifetime he pursued a successful career as an ophthalmologist. Starting Bid $1000
“Thomas A. Edison” approves the transfer of 1,404 shares of capital stock in The Edison Portland Cement Company
234. Thomas Edison Signed Stock Certificate for the ‘Edison Manufacturing Company,’ with Scarce Full Signature. Partly-printed DS, one page, 15.75 x 8, December 1, 1905. Stock certificate issued to the “Edison Manufacturing Company” for 1,404 shares of capital stock in The Edison Portland Cement Company, the top of which features a fabulous engraved portrait of the inventor, who has signed neatly on the reverse in ink to approve the transfer of the stock, “Thomas A. Edison.” The document is signed at the conclusion by two company executives and the receipt affixed along the left edge remains intact. In fine condition.
In addition to his more famous ventures, Edison was a pioneer in the use and manufacture of cement. After devising a method of using waste sand from his Edison Ore-Milling Company as the basis for quality cement, he established the Edison Portland Cement Company in 1899. He experimented with many applications of his creation and believed it to be the stuff of the future, envisioning a world of concrete houses filled with concrete furniture, refrigerators, and even pianos. In 1922, the company was responsible for building the original Yankee Stadium. Representing this little-known aspect of Edison’s history and featuring a very scarce full signature, this is a superlative piece. Starting Bid $300
235. Thomas Edison Signed Check. Edison Botanic Research Company business check, 8.5 x 3, filled out in another hand and signed by Edison, “Thos. A. Edison,” payable to Elmer & Amend for $263.99, stamp-dated July 23, 1929. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
“Among the tested substances, Thiamine is the easiest to reduce, and Thianol is the hardest to reduce”
236. Paul Ehrlich Autograph Letter Signed. German scientist and pioneer of chemotherapy (1854–1915) who was coawarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine with Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov in 1908. ALS in German signed “P. Ehrlich,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, personal letterhead, no date. Handwritten letter of thanks, in part: “Excuse me for only now getting around to expressing my most heartfelt thanks for your precious shipment. You can surely imagine the joy and excitement with which I received it; I remain and always feel deeply indebted to you. Naturally, I am considering the material according to the following scale: Thiamine / Methylene Azure / Methylene Blue / Thianaline/ Methylene Violet Thianol. Thus, among the tested substances, Thiamine is the easiest to reduce, and Thianol is the hardest to reduce.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
241. Alfred Nobel Personal Calling Card. Swedish chemist, engineer, inventor, businessman, and philanthropist (1833–1896) known for inventing dynamite and for bequeathing his fortune for the establishment of the Nobel Prize. Alfred Nobel’s personal calling card, 3.75 x 2.25, elegantly engraved with his name in a simple, cursive script: “Mr. Alfred Nobel.” Annotated in pencil in another hand with his address, “53 Avenue Malakoff, Paris,” and a note in French (translated): “Met in Helsingborg in Sept. 1882.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Exceptional Fleischmann
photograph of Einstein with his ‘smokeless’ pipe, signed and presented to prominent poet and anti-nuclear activist Lenore Marshall
237. Albert Einstein Signed Photograph to a Noted Peace Activist. Marvelous vintage mattefinish 8 x 10 portrait photo of Albert Einstein by Trude Fleischmann, picturing Einstein in profile holding a pipe to his mouth, neatly signed and inscribed in the lower border in black ink, “To Mrs Lenore Marshall, A. Einstein 54.” In fine condition, with a tiny tack hole to the top border, and light silvering to the darker areas of the image.
The photographer, Trude Fleischmann, had a studio in Vienna before moving to the United States— also under pressure from world affairs—to open a studio in New York City. Her work spanned celebrity portraits and fashion photography (most notably for Vogue), with some of her famous subjects including Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Oskar Kokoschka, and Arturo Toscanini.
Einstein was well-known for his pipe smoking—other than his messy hair, there may be no more characteristic element of his image than his pipe. Even in later years when he curbed his tobacco use on doctor’s orders, he could not bear to give up the tactile experience—he would smokelessly cradle the bowl in hand or clench the stem between his teeth while he did
his deepest thinking. Upon joining the Montreal Pipe Smokers Club in 1950, he reportedly said: ‘I believe that pipe smoking contributes to a somewhat calm and objective judgment in all human affairs.’
Lenore Guinzberg Marshall was an American author and anti-nuclear activist (1899-1971) who was a member and director of PEN, the Poetry Society of America, Pen and Brush, the Authors’ League, and the MacDowell Colony in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Marshall’s political activism was as important to her career as her literary accomplishments. A member of the Post-War World Council from 1940 to 1962, Marshall expressed profound concerns for the fate of humanity in the wake of world war. Marshall co-founded the Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy in 1956 and was the founding co-director of the Committee for Nuclear Responsibility in 1971. Her papers are housed at the Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Columbia University. Starting Bid $1000
“The disastrous effect of our penal system does not lie in the punishment itself, but in the subsequent destiny of the punished”
238. Albert Einstein Autograph Draft Signed on Prison Reform: “The disastrous effect of our penal system does not lie in the punishment itself, but in the subsequent destiny of the punished”. Autograph draft in German, one page both sides, 8.25 x 10.75, signed and dated at the conclusion in ink, “Albert Einstein, 1930.” Einstein’s handwritten draft of an article on prison reform, offering unique, early insight into his moral and social views. In a commentary that often touches on some astonishingly contemporary trains of thought regarding the penal system, Einstein writes, in full (translated): “Many of the people who populate the state prisons are affected by congenital psychic disorders. We must pity them, protect society from those who society is unable to normalize. Many, however, find their way into prison despite a normal disposition. Chance, need, unfavorable influences, sometimes even noble motives cause a conflict with the law. They are the victims of the inadequacies of our society’s structure; to a degree, also, the lack of effective laws. Those who do not understand what I mean can, for example, look this up in Dornela’s(?) memoirs. But the most disastrous part of the effect of our penal system does not lie in the punishment itself, but in the subsequent destiny of the punished. Harsh condemnation, exploitation, insults of all kinds await those who have been released from detention, which often even send them back on the road to crime, to become cursed, and to cause severe injury to society. To intercede and alleviate this situation is one of the most important and truly neglected social tasks.
Driven by a consciousness to social duty in a great and pure form, Frau Hedwig Wangel, in addition to a highly strenuous artistic career, has engaged all of her working power, her financial resources, and her knowledge of the soul, in the service of caring for released female convicts. I have never witnessed such a degree of voluntary devotion for other than personal gain. Yet it is shameful to see how little support has been allotted to her aspirations. It must not come to pass that she collapses from exhaustion and her work collapses due to shortage of money. Ways and means must be found to relieve her from financial and administrative worries, so that she can devote herself to that work for which she was created—the care, the education and the professional training of her charges. Whoever can and wants to contribute something so that this goal can be attained, I ask him to get in touch with Frau Wangel.” In fine condition, with light overall creasing, and a few very faint small stains.
Hedwig Wangel, a German actress, had dedicated herself to supporting women prisoners through her ‘Gates of Hope’ foundation. She approached much of Berlin’s intelligentsia to support her work, and asked Einstein to write a preface to a book. A superb association piece that displays Einstein’s social conscience, as well as his forward-thinking philosophies that resonate to this day. Starting Bid $1000
At the peak of his popularity in 1921, Einstein declines to comment on
“those who write about the Theory of Relativity”
239. Albert Einstein Typed Letter Signed, Declining to Comment on “those who write about the Theory of Relativity”. TLS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.25 x 9.75, November 29, 1921. Letter to the publisher Ulrico Hoepli declining a request for an endorsement of a publication on the Theory of Relativity. In part (translated): “To those who write about the Theory of Relativity…for years I have had to avoid giving recommendations on individual publications on this particular subject so as not to give the impression of partiality. You will therefore certainly understand that…your case is no exception.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, several noticeable stray ink marks, and a large block of toning over most of the letter. A summary of this letter appears in the twelfth volume of The Collected Papers of Albert Einstein, published by Princeton University.
Einstein had introduced his final version of the general theory of relativity to the world in 1916 with the publication of his paper ‘The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity,’ but it did not become well known until British astronomers offered experimental proof of the concept in 1919. Recognized as a monumental discovery, these findings made front-page news everywhere and turned Einstein into a celebrity overnight. Even so, the exact nature of Einstein’s theory took some time to make its way around the world because it needed complicated translation from his original German; these direct translations were the only publications Einstein did authorize.
By the time of this letter he was at the height of his fame, receiving the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics and beginning his first world tour. The enormous popularity of his theory led to dozens of outside works that aimed to explain, interpret, or dispute his premise. Here he probably refers to a book entitled [translated] ‘The First Knowledge of Relativity: Einstein Accessible to All’ by Harry Schmidt, which was published by Hoepli in 1922 and discussed the theory and its implications in a ‘leisurely and colloquial’ manner. Around this same time Einstein was compiling a work that did just the opposite, The Meaning of Relativity, which was also published in 1922 and provided complex mathematical and technical details. Letters from Einstein discussing the Theory of Relativity are rare, with this being an exceedingly desirable example from the early period of its international dissemination. Starting Bid $1000
Scarce 1799 handwritten letter from Fulton to his business partner and future rival, Nathaniel Cutting
240. Robert Fulton Autograph Letter
Signed to His Future Rival, Nathaniel Cutting. American inventor, engineer, and entrepreneur (1765–1815) best known for designing the first commercially successful steamboat. His other endeavors included a commission from Napoleon that resulted in the first practical submarine, the Nautilus. Rare ALS signed “Rob’t Fulton,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, 8 Thermidor an 7 [July 26, 1799]. Handwritten letter to Nathaniel Cutting in Paris, setting up a meeting with Joel Barlow and Richard Codman for the following day, presumably to discuss their rope cordage machinery. In full: “Yesterday I met Mr. Codman, he has fixed tomorrow evening the 9 of Thermidor to determine our business, the plan is to assemble to tea at our house about 6 or 7 o’clock, you will be so good as to come, he and Mr. Barlow will hear each of us and then decide.” The reverse of the second integral page is hand-addressed by Fulton. Affixed by its left edge to a slightly larger sheet and in fine condition, with a stain to the top blank area, and some seal-related paper loss to the integral address leaf.
Fulton had lived abroad in Europe since 1786, and in 1797, he went to Paris to study math, chemistry, and modern foreign languages. While in France, he presumably met Nathaniel Cutting, his soon-to-be business partner, and much later, his rival and nemesis. Cutting was a merchant from Cambridge, Massachusetts, who lived at Le Havre and was appointed U.S. Consul at Le Havre by George Washington in 1793. Cutting was also an investor and speculator with a particular interest in rope-making.
Robert Fulton delved into various areas of design and engineering besides steamships, including rope-making. The world’s navies, merchants marine, and private merchants depended on untold miles of rope for ship’s rigging, and in France, unlike in England, rope was laboriously hand-twisted. Seeing a business opportunity, Fulton and Cutting filed a 15-year-long joint patent in France on May 18, 1799, for ‘machines à fabriquer toutes espèces de cordes, cables et cordages en général’ [‘machines to make all types of cords, cables and rigging in general.’] Fulton later sold a share of his rope-making technology to Cutting, and the two co-patented a ‘mode of manufacturing cordage’ in the United States on March 4, 1808.
However, by 1815 the Fulton and Cutting rope-making partnership had deteriorated for reasons still unclear. Cutting evidently felt that he had been cheated in their business dealings, and thereafter, he began spreading rumors that Fulton’s designs were poached from other successful inventors like John Fitch and Edmund Cartwright. In a letter to Cutting on January 28, 1815, Fulton passionately defended himself against the former’s allegations of intellectual theft, declaring: ‘I accept the war. I defy you or any living being to stain my character with one unfair, ungenerous or illiberal act…and I will not lose an instant, in making you answerable for a libel on my character as a man of honor.’ Fulton died from tuberculosis at the age of 49 less than one month later. Starting Bid $300
Intellectuals
Freud on the condition of his son’s recent broken leg—“He’s cooped up in the sanatorium, all wrapped up in plaster and unable to move a muscle”
242. Sigmund Freud Autograph Letter Signed, Sending an Update on His Injured Son. ALS in German, signed “Sigm,” one page, 4.75 x 7, personal letterhead. February 5, 1911. Handwritten letter to Moritz Freud, his cousin and brother-in-law, regarding his son Martin’s recent injury, in part (translated): “The boy is still having a rough time, I’m afraid. He’s cooped up in the sanatorium, all wrapped up in plaster and unable to move a muscle. On top of that, he’s battling a fever and sore throat now, which really shouldn’t be happening. Fingers crossed it clears up soon. The doctors do seem optimistic about his leg, so there’s some good news. He truly treasured your letter—it brought him a lot of joy.” Mounted and framed with a matted portrait of Freud to an overall size of 17.25 x 13.75. In very good condition, with moderately heavy overall creasing. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA.
(Jean) Martin Freud (1889-1967) was the eldest son of Sigmund Freud, described by his father as ‘a strange bird; sensitive and good-natured in his personal relationships, completely wrapped up in a humorous phantasy world of his own.’ In 1910, Martin joined the Imperial Horse Artillery as a so-called one-year volunteer. In January 1911, he broke his leg in a skiing accident, thus bringing his service to a halt. Nevertheless, when World War I broke out in 1915, Martin reenrolled in the artillery service and served in Galicia.
In addition to worrying after his son, in January-February 1911 Freud finished his paper based on the seminal case of Judge Daniel Schreber, a highly intelligent and cultured man. Freud produced a vivid account of his nervous illness, one dominated by the desire to become a woman, terrifying delusions about his doctor, and a belief in his special relationship with God. Despite this crushing mental illness, Schreber published his own case history as ‘Memoirs of My Nervous Illness,’ which would become an influential and durable text in the field of psychology. In his paper, entitled ‘Formulations on the Two Principles of Mental Functioning,’ Freud suggests that there might be a correlational and/or developmental relationship between systems, layers, structures, levels of consciousness, and Freud’s model of the mind. Freud would expand on the Schreber case later in 1911, publishing ‘Psycho-Analytic Notes on an Autobiographical Account of a Case of Paranoia (Dementia Paranoides).’
Moritz Freud (1857-1922) was the husband and cousin of Freud’s daughter, Marie ‘Mitzi’ Freud. Among other things, Moritz was the source of the famous Persian rugs on which Freud’s patients would lie. Starting Bid $1000
Explorers and Archeologists
“There are more churches and fewer illiterates in the United States than in any other country, yet with all its education and Christianity we have this mad fury as the result”
243. Henry M. Stanley Autograph Letter Signed on American Interloping with the 1895 Venezuela Crisis. ALS, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 10, March 23, 1896. Addressed from his home at “2 Richmond Terrace, Whitehall, London,” an unusually lengthy and fascinating handwritten letter from Stanley to Boston-based magazine and newspaper editor, William V. Alexander, which reads in part: “Josephus records in his History that the Romans once collected a number of wild beasts for exhibition, and from each country where they had been captured they had brought a sackful of earth. This earth was deposited in separate heaps around the circus, and when the wild beasts were let into the arena, each animal sought and knew instinctively its own natal soil.
I have been reminded of this by the extraordinary conduct of Americans during the late warm controversy upon the Venezuelan question. I have not yet recovered from the effects of that blast of rage which came from America…I knew there was a moral disagreement about the limits of British Guiana which had lasted for about 250 years. The question had been transmitted to England and Venezuela from Spain & Holland, the original possessors of the country in dispute. But why America should lash herself into a fury and talk about conquering Canada & thrashing England, because of this prehistoric and miserable squabble is more than I can understand…
There are more churches and fewer illiterates in the United States than in any other country, yet with all its education and Christianity we have this mad fury as the result. An American General – General Longstreet 76 years old praying in public for a war with Great Britain can find applause from his countrymen, because it is patriotic! Well if American soil had been trespassed upon, or anything American had been violated, njured, or insulted I could understand why resentment should have been shown, but why anything connected with Venezuela should be so dear to the American heart as to make Americans hate a sister country passes my comprehension.” In fine condition.
This letter regards the Venezuelan Crisis of 1895, a territorial dispute between Britain and Venezuela over Essequibo and Guayana Esequiba, which Britain claimed were part of British Guiana. The dispute dated back to the time of Spanish colonization but became a diplomatic crisis in 1895, when America’s ambassador to Venezuela argued that Britain’s claims and, in particular, its occupation of Nicaragua’s port of Corinto on April 22, 1895, violated the 1823 Monroe Doctrine. American President Grover Cleveland demanded international arbitration which led to a conference in Paris in 1898 and a settlement in 1899 that determined the bulk of the disputed territory to belong to British Guiana. Starting Bid $300
American West Extraordinarily rare signed cabinet portrait of legendary Lakota warchief Rain in the Face, signed at the 1893 World’s Fair
245. Rain in the Face Incredibly Rare Signed Cabinet Photograph - Signed at the 1893 World’s Fair. Incredibly rare 4.25 x 6.5 half-length cabinet photo of Chief Rain In The Face in a jacket and tie, signed on the reverse in pencil, “Rain in the Face,” with two pencil notations in an unknown hand: “Worlds Fair July 1893,” along the top, and “Written by himself, WGL,” under the chief’s signature. The cabinet card mount is imprinted in the lower border with a caption, “Chief Rain in the Face,” and photographer’s credit, “Geo. E. Spencer, U.S. Army Photo, 7420 Ellis Ave. Chicago.” The top border is imprinted: “Sitting Bull’s Log Cabin now on Exhibition at World’s Fair, Chicago, 1893, owned by Sitting Bull Log Cabin Co., Mandan, North Dakota.” In very good condition, with scattered surface marks and rubbing to image, scattered light soiling to borders, and scattered soiling to reverse.
Rain in the Face signed this rare cabinet photograph at the 1893 Columbian Exposition (World’s Fair) in Chicago, Illinois. The Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux chief was a participant in one of the cultural villages on exhibition at the fair meant to represent peoples from around the world. The Indian exhibit included ‘Sitting Bull’s Cabin,’ the actual cabin in which the Sioux chief died. A contemporary description of the Exposition said of the scene: ‘Sitting Bull’s Cabin was filled with a number of Indians, including Rain-in-the-Face. War dances were given daily.’ Acknowledged as the grandest exhibition of its time, the 1893 World’s Fair was attended by 27 million people, nearly half of the U.S. population.
Rain in the Face and his band had surrendered in 1880, after which he lived on the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. Shortly before his death, he allegedly stated: ‘When we were conquered I remained silent, as a warrior should. Rain-in-theFace was killed when he put down his weapons before the Great Father. His spirit was gone, then; only this poor body lived on.’ He died in 1905 on the reservation after a protracted illness. An extremely rare signed photograph, one of fewer than two dozen known examples.
One of the most feared and respected Native American warriors of the late 19th century, Hunkpapa Lakota warchief Rain-inthe-Face was born in about 1835. His name is thought to have come from an incident when, as a young brave, he was fighting with another boy. The fight was fierce and his face became spattered with blood so badly, it looked like rain on his face, or Itonagaju. He has often been linked to the death of General George Custer, the United States Cavalry hero, at his defeat at the Battle of Little Bighorn in Montana in 1876. There is much argument about who actually killed Custer, known to the Lakota as the Long-Haired Chief. The general’s wife believed that Rain in the Face dealt the death blow and the American poet Longfellow wrote about his deeds in ‘The Revenge of Rain in the Face.’ Starting Bid $500
Incredibly rare autograph of Red Cloud, the great Sioux warrior chief
246. Red Cloud Signature and Photograph. Important chief (1822–1909) of the Oglala Lakota, famous for opposing U.S. Army forces during ‘Red Cloud’s War’ from 1866–1868, when he conducted raids against troops and outposts along the Bozeman Trail. The conflict came to an end with the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, which established the Great Sioux Reservation and ceded the Black Hills to their control; this treaty made Red Cloud the only chief to get the US to sign a surrender document. The treaty would be violated just seven years later after the Black Hills Gold Rush and Custer’s expeditions into the territory, prompting the Great Sioux War of 1876–1877, led by Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. Red Cloud did not take part, instead hoping to find a peaceful solution, and he became a crucial leader of the Lakota as they transitioned from the freedom of the plains to the confinement of the reservation system. In 1877, the Red Cloud Agency moved to the upper Missouri River. The following year it was moved to the forks of the White River, in present-day South Dakota, where it was renamed the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Never wavering from his steadfast devotion to his people, Red Cloud would die there in 1909. Extraordinarily rare guided ink signature, “Red Cloud,” as well as his freehand mark, “X,” on an off-white 8 x 10.5 sheet, inscribed and annotated below in another hand, “To John C. Pearson…I hereby certify that the
above is the signature of Chief Red Cloud, and mark, F. C. Goings, Gov. Interpreter, June 26, 1906” and “This is in answer to your letter of the 13th inst. The signature of Red Cloud is genuine, he held the pen in his hand while the hand was being guided. John R. Brennan, U.S. Indian Agent.” Also includes an original 3.5 x 4.5 photograph of Red Cloud holding his pipe and wearing his peace medal, annotated on the reverse in ink in an unknown hand, “Old Chief Red Cloud, Pine Ridge, S.D., Sept. 1909.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds.
John R. Brennan was an important figure at Pine Ridge, appointed as United States Indian agent, superintendent, and disbursing agent for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1901. Known as a fair and competent administrator, he aimed to enact the policies desired by the federal government while allowing the Sioux to retain their traditional culture whenever possible. Frank C. Goings, an Oglala, at various times served as both agency interpreter and chief of agency police at Pine Ridge; he also worked as a recruiting agent for Buffalo Bill and other Wild West shows on the reservation. An amazing autograph virtually nonexistent in provably authentic examples, witnessed by notable representatives of the United States government at the Pine Ridge reservation in 1906. Starting Bid $500
Notrious Figures
A Ruby bullet—fired from the gun that shot Lee Harvey Oswald
Image shown larger than actual size.
249. Jack Ruby: Bullet Fired From the Gun that Shot Oswald. Limited edition bullet shot by the actual .38 caliber Colt Cobra revolver, Serial #2744 LW, used by Jack Ruby to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald on November 24, 1963, in the basement at Dallas Police Headquarters, along with its spent cartridge case. The bullet and casing, both impressed with “Al Pugliese III, 1992, O.P.” and the edition number 182/5000, are housed in a window-topped wooden case, 6˝ x 6˝ x 1.5˝, with an engraved edition plate. In fine condition. Accompanied by two photos of the original Jack Ruby gun, a certificate of authenticity signed by Anthony V. Pugliese III of the National Historical Mint, a copy of a 1992 notarized statement from Earl Ruby, and a copy of a Dallas Police Department inventory sheet that lists the gun and ammunition. A unique relic fired from ‘The Most Famous Gun in the World.’ Starting Bid $200
Military
322. Ambrose P. Hill Signed Treasury Department Circular. Confederate general who gained early fame as commander of the ‘Light Division’ under Stonewall Jackson and was killed during the Third Battle of Petersburg (1825-1865). Scarce DS, signed “A. P. Hill,” one page, 5 x 8, March 15, 1861. Treasury Department Coast Survey Office circular, free franked on the address panel by A. P. Hill. The circular, issued by W. R. Palmer, pertains to the 1859 Report of the Superintendent of the Coast Survey and reads, in part: “As there are frequent complaints of failure to receive documents entrusted to the mail, I take this means to advise you of the book being forwarded; so that, if not received in due time, by inquiring at the Post Office, ensure its reception.” In fine condition, with a partial edge split to one fold. Hill evidently signed this document prior to his resignation on March 1st to join the Confederate Army, making it a particularly interesting specimen. Starting Bid $200
McClellan on the “matter of arming the Berdan Sharp Shooters”—“I have now no doubt that these troops thus armed will prove a very valuable addition to our force”
323. George McClellan War-Dated Autograph Letter Signed on the Berdan Sharp Shooters. Civil War-dated ALS, signed “Geo. B. McClellan, Maj. Gnl, Comg. USA,” one page, both sides, 7.75 x 9.75, January 27, 1862. Addressed from “Hd Qtrs of the Army,” a handwritten letter to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, in full: “The matter of arming the Berdan Sharp Shooters seems to require an immediate decision. It is a corps composed of picked material, most of the men have been here for a long time & are still unarmed. Without going through a long story it may suffice to say that the men are raised under the promise of being provided with some superior breech loading arm & that they are fully competent to use & take care of such a weapon. From many causes they have not yet been provided with these or any other arms. There are now in Washington 1000 Colts rifles which can be purchased by the Gvt for $45 each (usual price $52.50), there are one thousand more on hand at Hartford which can be had at once on the same terms. I understand that the Sharp Manufacturing can furnish 1000 rifles about the 4th of the next month. I would recommend that the 1000 Colts rifles now in this city be purchased & that the 1000 Sharps rifles which will probably be ready next week be also purchased & that all the arms be issued to Berdan’s Sharp Shooters. I have now no doubt that these troops thus armed will prove a very valuable addition to our force. The men are much disheartened by repeated disappointments.” Includes the letters’s detached second integral page, which bears a signed handwritten endorsement from Stanton, which reads: “The Chief of Ordinance will forthwith carry into effect the written recommendation if practicable – & if there be any objection or difficulty in doing so report to me immediately, Edwin M. Stanton, Sec. of War, Jany 28, 1862.” In fine condition. Read more online at www.RRAuction.com. Starting Bid $200
Rare Greensboro parole slip signed by the Confederacy’s prolific naval raider, affirming the “solemn obligation not to take up arms against the Government of the United States”
325. Raphael Semmes Civil War-Dated Document Signed - Greensboro Parole, Citing the Johnston-Sherman Surrender. Confederate naval commander (1809-1877) who was captain of the famous commerce raider CSS Alabama, taking a record 69 prizes. Civil War-dated partly-printed DS, signed “R. Semmes, R. Admiral & Brigr. Genl.,” one page, 7.5 x 4, May 1, 1865. Parole slip issued at Greensboro, North Carolina, as the Civil War came to a close. In full: “In accordance with the terms of the Military Convention, entered into on the twenty-sixth day of April, 1865, between General Joseph E. Johnston, Commanding the Confederate Army, and Major-General W. T. Sherman, Commanding the United States Army in North Carolina, I. K. Harwood, Majr. Quartermaster has given his solemn obligation not to take up arms against the Government of the United States until properly released from this obligation; and is permitted to return to his home, not to be disturbed by the United States authorities so long as he observe this obligation and obey the laws in force where he may reside.” Signed at the conclusion in ink by Semmes as commanding officer, and countersigned by “Wm. Hartsuff Brv. Brig. Gen. and A.I.G.” as special commissioner. In fine condition.
By the convention concluded between William T. Sherman and Joseph E. Johnston on April 26, 1865, Confederate soldiers would lay down their arms, be paroled, and allowed to return home with their personal belongings, provided they pledged not to take up arms against the United States again. A superb document from the close of the Civil War. Starting Bid $500
Seeking a position in the Subsistence Department, J. E. B. Stuart writes his own letter of recommendation—“It gives me much pleasure to say that Lieut. Stuart has been in every respect a most attentive and industrious officer, and I have never heard any one say a word to the contrary”
326. J. E. B. Stuart Triple-Signed Handwritten Letter of Recommendation for Himself. Third-person ALS by J. E. B. Stuart, signed three times within the text as “Lieutenant J. E. B. Stuart” and “Lieut. Stuart,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, March 18, 1857. Marked “Copy” and addressed from “Head Quarters Dept. of the West, Fort Leavenworth [Kansas],” a handwritten letter of recommendation written on behalf of J. E. B. Stuart for himself. This retained true copy highlights Stuart’s qualities as a top candidate for a position in the Subsistence Department and was sent on his behalf by George Deas, Major and Asst. Adjt. Gen. (later a Confederate Lt. Col.). It reads, in full: “Lieutenant J. E. B. Stuart of the 1st Regt. of Cavalry has informed me that he is to be an applicant for appointment in the Subsistence Department. Lieut. Stuart has been the Regimental Quartermaster since July 1855 and has by virtue of that office also done the duties of the Commissariat at Fort Leavenworth, I believe to the Satisfaction of every one. So far as my own observation extends since the Head Quarters of this Dept. have been at Fort Leavenworth, that is, since Aug. last, it gives me much pleasure to say that Lieut. Stuart has been in every respect a most attentive and industrious officer, and I have never heard any one say a word to the contrary. From the size of the garrison he must necessarily have had much to demand his attention, besides which he has been charged with the duties of Supply to the force in the interior, in the field, and at fixed Stations, which responsibilities have been fully met to the satisfaction of the General in command of the Department.” The lower left bears an attestation by “Ch’s. Brewer, Asst. Surg. U.S.A.” that this letter is “a true copy,” with Stuart signing Deas’s name in the lower right. In fine condition.
Accompanied by copies of letters from future Union General Edwin Vose Sumner (March 22, 1857) and Virginia Congressman Thomas S. Bocock (April 17, 1857), both proffering hearty letters of recommendation for Stuart’s placement in the department of Commissary General George Gibson, a post he failed to obtain. The mention of July 1855 refers to the creation of the 1st Cavalry at Fort Leavenworth. At the time of writing, Stuart was serving as a Union officer and was regularly skirmishing with Indians and riding the delicate line between anti- and pro-slavery guerrillas in Bleeding Kansas. The letter showcases his ambition as he sought advancement to the Subsistence Department and highlights the meteoric rise of one of the military heroes of the South, whose life would be cut short at the age of 31. Starting Bid $1000
Fascinating 7th Cavalry circular from Lt. Col. Custer to his line officers at Camp Sturgis, directing them
to refer to their “U.S. Cavalry Tactics” manual
327. George A. Custer Document Signed as Lieutenant Colonel (1873) - Providing New Formation Orders for the 7th Cavalry. Extremely rare manuscript DS signed “G. A. Custer, Lt. Col. 7th Cav. & Bt. Mg. Genl,” one page, 8 x 12.5, April 26, 1873. Sent from “Headquarters Detach’t 7th Cav’y, Cam[p] Sturgis,” a document entitled “Circular No. 24” and addressed to the officers of Custer’s 7th Calvary, providing new orders on proper formation tactics. In full: “The attention of line officers is called to the printed instructions found on page 12, U.S. Cavalry Tactics, 1841, immediately following the words ‘Compliments by Cavalry under review,’ for information as to posts of troop officers & when the battalion formation is observed. When a troop forms singly the posts of officers will be in accordance with the rules laid down on page 4 of same volume. At the command of ‘Prepare to dismount’ given by the battalion commander, the Chief of squadrons, or if the formation is by troop, the Captains of troops and the Chiefs of platoons, will come forward paces, turn their horses to the right about and superintend the execution of the order by their respective commands. In the execution of the commands ‘Prepare to mount’ and ‘Mount’ similar rules will govern; officers will resume their proper front in each case immediately after the execution of the command ‘Form ranks.’ The same rule will govern in the squadron and troop acting singly.” Signed prominently at the conclusion by George A. Custer. In fine condition, with file holes to the left edge, and toning and an old repair the lower horizontal fold. Accompanied by a handsome engraved portrait of Custer bearing a facsimile signature. Anything signed by Custer during his leadership of the 7th Cavalry remains rare and highly sought, with this unusual document, detailing the precise reorganization of cavalry formations, offering unique insight into Custer’s meticulous mindset as commander.
The famed 7th U.S. Cavalry was formed in 1866, with its first lieutenant colonel being the storied cavalryman George A. Custer, who had been one of General Philip Sheridan’s most trusted division commanders during the Civil War. In the spring of 1873, 10 companies of the 7th Cavalry under Custer’s command headed by steamboat up to Cairo, Illinois, and then took the trains to their first stop in their new department, Yankton, Dakota Territory [now South Dakota], arriving on April 9th. Custer in turn selected a campsite for the unit just east of the Rhine Creek along the railroad tracks, and a tent city known as Camp Sturgis sprang up on the flatland beyond the town.
On April 13th, the mild springtime weather suddenly changed, and for two days intermittent sleet and snow made camp life miserable. On the 15th a spitting rain turned to powdery, windblown snow, and as the blinding blizzard mounted, the precisely organized military cantonment became a frenzied arena of confusion. As tents were blown down, Custer gave the order for the men to take individual initiative—to try to lead their horses to shelter in Yankton’s warehouses, stables, and livery barns. When the storm abated Custer looked around and determined he needed to reorganize his regiment. He would do so utilizing the U.S. Cavalry’s rule book. Starting Bid $1000
Rare Fort Lincoln equipment inventory, signed by George A. Custer and his brother Thomas— both of whom would die at Little Bighorn
328. George A. Custer and Thomas W. Custer Document Signed - 7th Cavalry Inventory Report at Fort Abraham Lincoln. Rare partly-printed DS, signed “G. A. Custer” and “T. W. Custer,” one page, 24 x 15.75, February 6, 1875. An “Inventory and Inspection Report of Clothing, Camp & Garrison Equipage…inspected and reported on by Lieut. Colonel G. A. Custer,” completed at Fort Abraham Lincoln in the Dakota Territory. The report lists a large amount of equipment including “Crossed sabres,” “Bed sacks,” “Mess pans,” “Axes,” “Spades,” “Shovels,” “Pickaxes,” “Trumpets,” “Shelter tents,” “Guidon,” and “Hatchets,” much of which is designated as “Worn out, broken, worthless,” with allusions to their service in the field: “Broken & worn out on expeditions to Black Hills, etc.” Only the shelter tents were deemed worth saving, and recommended “to be used for Horse covers.” Signed at the conclusion in ink by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer (“G. A. Custer”), and countersigned by his younger brother, First Lieutenant Thomas W. Custer (“T. W. Custer”)—both of whom would perish at Little Bighorn. In very good condition, with full separations along folds. An outstanding report from the last frontier post Custer and his immediate command were stationed, one year before marching to the Little Bighorn. Starting Bid $300
“Above all things I hate cowardice in a man, and this is such a painful evidence of just that. He shows in a flash all the shortcomings of the old West Point training”—MacArthur to his fiancée on the true character of his romantic rival, General John J. Pershing
329. Douglas MacArthur 11-Page Autograph Letter
Signed to His Fiancée on the Jealous Advances of General John J. Pershing. Lengthy ALS as Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, signed “Douglas,” 11 pages, 5.25 x 8.5, personal United States Military Academy (West Point) letterhead, postmarked November 15, 1921. Fascinating letter to his fiancée, Louise Cromwell Brooks, handwritten two months before the official announcement of their engagement, in which MacArthur advises Brooks on how to cope with unwanted advances and threats of blackmail by General John ‘Black Jack’ Pershing. In part: “As I write my hand with its rings fascinates me…I have watched it as it fought for me on many a bloody field…I have felt it drive the steel home, – and I have grinned at its cool readiness and skill as a killer…But today its sight thrills me…it seems to point no longer pistol or dirk but towards the immortal road to Paradise, its flash sweeps like a flush through my veins, and I laugh with the Gods in rapturous glee at the wonder forging of those brilliant circlets that bind us together.” MacArthur on the Pershing dilemma: “I am sorry the C.I.C. is worrying you. Sorry he is such a bully – such a blackguard as to try and blackmail you. His actions make me feel ashamed of the Army…Above all things I hate cowardice in a man, and this is such a painful evidence of just that. He shows in a flash all the shortcomings of the old West Point training. In his own person he now becomes the best illustration of the necessity for the www type I stand for. He is trying to break your spirit. Don’t let him…Ignore him, do not let him come to your house, do not let him telephone you, do not dance with him, do not let him speak to you except when unavoidable. Such treat-
ment will kill him. See the Secretary of War [John W. Weeks] yourself and tell him the entire story. Omit no detail. He will be shocked beyond words…The C.I.C. misrepresents to you when he criticizes my regime. It is universally regarded as successful. He has said so himself on numerous occasions. He is taking the other line only after knowing of our engagement… Maintain an inflexible poise, an invincible composure, and trust our destiny. The situation worries me not in the slightest except as it may affect you. With you beside me I am above the shafts of Fate and feel that I am at the top of the world. Love me, laugh at his vulgar villainy, and all will be well.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope hand-addressed by MacArthur, who notes the mail as being “Special Delivery.”
An American socialite ‘considered one of Washington’s most beautiful and attractive young women,’ Louise Cromwell (1890-1965) met MacArthur in late 1921, having been recently divorced and already the mother of two young children. Pershing was a rival of MacArthur’s for the affections of Cromwell, his biographer mentions: ‘an unfortunate public episodenot a private one - connecting Pershing to Louise Cromwell Brooks, MacArthur’s first wife. Pershing knew and liked her immensely, and she him…One rumor had it that Pershing sent MacArthur to the Philippines in a kind of banishment as soon as he married Louise.” (F. E. Vandiver, Black Jack: The Life and Times of John J. Pershing, p. 1091) MacArthur and Brooks announced their engagement in January 1922 and were married that Valentine’s Day. The marriage, however, ended in divorce seven years later. Starting Bid $500
The men who helped end World War II—impressive signature archive featuring 35 notable members of the Manhattan Project and the Enola Gay and Bockscar bombing crews
331. World War II: Atomic Bomb and Manhattan Project Signature (35) Archive.
Unique archive honoring the historic creation and use of the atomic bomb during World War II, containing over 35 signatures of notable figures from the top-secret Manhattan Project development program, and the 509th Composite Group, the special U.S. Air Force unit that conducted the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in August 1945. The archive includes a custom-made wooden display box, 13˝ x 22˝ x 3˝, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first atomic bombardment by the 509th Composite Group, which contains two very rare covers, one of which is signed by all 12 crew members of the Enola Gay, and the other is signed by 12 out of the 13 crewmembers of Bockscar (Philip M. Barnes, the missing 13th, is reflected elsewhere in the lot). Included with the display box is an album featuring an additional 10 signed items, including five covers and five photographs, representing notable members of the Manhattan Project, including Leslie R. Groves, Arthur H. Compton, Ernest Lawrence, Hans A. Bethe, Luis W. Alvarez, Lawrence H. Johnston, Harold M. Agnew, Norman F. Ramsey, Jr., and Klaus Fuchs.
The 509th Composite Group signatures include:
Enola Gay: Paul Tibbets; Robert A. Lewis; Jacob Beser; Wyatt E. Duzenbury; Dutch van Kirk; Joseph Stiborik; Robert R. Shumard; George Caran; Richard H. Nelson; William S. Parsons; Tom Ferebee; Morris Jeppson
Bockscar: Kermit K. Beahan; Abe M. Spitzer; Frederick L. Ashworth; Albert T. Dehart; John D. Kuharek; E. Kenneth Buckley; James Van Pelt; Jacob Beser; Fred J. Olivi; Charles W. Sweeney; Charles D. Albury; Ray Gallagher; Philip M. Barnes (signed separately, located in black binder)
In overall very good to fine condition, with varying degrees of toning, handling marks, and minor creasing. Starting Bid $1000
Napoleon expands his empire: “I have the project to reunite Venice to my kingdom of Italy”
332. Napoleon Historic Letter Signed to Eugene de Beauharnais: “I have the project to reunite Venice to my kingdom of Italy”. Historic LS in French, signed “Napoleon,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, December 23, 1805. Letter to his stepson, Eugène de Beauharnais, dealing with the incorporation of Venice into his Italian Kingdom, sent from Schönbrunn Palace at the beginning of French occupation of Vienna. In part (translated): “I have the project to reunite Venice to my kingdom of Italy. It is necessary that you prepare a work on this subject. I approve everything you propose in your letter of December 5th for the contributions; you must consider the decree as signed.” He goes on to discuss the necessity of raising funds to support that effort. In fine condition, with areas of slight dampstaining to the margins; Napoleon’s
autograph is a superlative example, especially bold and clear.
In 1805, following victory in the Battle of Austerlitz and triumph over Austria in the War of the Third Coalition, Napoleon Bonaparte gained control of the Venetian Province through the Treaty of Pressburg. By a decree of March 30, 1806, he incorporated the region into his Kingdom of Italy, a Napoleonic client state that symbolized his ambitions for Italian unity under French influence. Eugène de Beauharnais was invested with the title of ‘Prince of Venice,’ ruler of the new political entity. This unification brought significant administrative and legal reforms, aligning the region with the Napoleonic Code and modernizing governance. Starting Bid $300
Napoleon Bonaparte approves the import of exotic goods “from French, American, and Asian colonies”— including fish oils, cocoas, indigos, and mahogany
333. Napoleon Signed Maritime Passport for Exotic Trading Voyages. Partly-printed DS in French, signed “Nap,” one page both sides, 13.5 x 19.25, April 14, 1813. Maritime passport granted to a ship of the trading house ‘Paul Nairac,’ departing from the port of Bordeaux, “to introduce, at its choice, into one of the ports of France, cotton, fish oils, dye woods, salted fish, and cod; coffees and sugars from French, American, and Asian colonies; cocoas, groceries of all kinds from former Dutch islands; indigos, mahogany, and cabinet woods.” Prominently signed at center by Napoleon Bonaparte, and countersigned by the Minister of Manufactures and Commerce Jean-Baptiste Henry Collin, Count of Sussy; Minister Secretary of State Jean-Baptiste Nompère de Champagny, duc de Cadore; Minister of the Navy and Colonies Denis, Duc de Decrès; and the Director General of Customs François Ferrier. In fine condition, with light toning to the intersecting folds. Starting Bid $200
As Emperor of the French and King of Italy, Napoleon nominates a financial commissioner to manage the national accounts
334. Napoleon Document Signed, Appointing a Finance Commissioner. Manuscript DS in French, signed “Napoleon,” one page, 7.75 x 12.5, February 11, 1806. An untranslated decree for the nomination of Mr. Buffi as Royal Commissioner for the National Accounts Department, beautifully signed at the conclusion in ink by Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of the French and King of Italy. In fine, bright condition. An exceptionally nice example, adorned with Napoleon’s lesser-seen full signature. Starting Bid $300
While leading the blockade of Toulon aboard HMS Victory, Nelson thanks
an officer for
“a real act of charity to a clergy man’s Widow and son”
336. Horatio Nelson Autograph Letter Signed from HMS Victory, Sent While Conducting the Blockade of Toulon. ALS signed “Nelson & Bronte,” one page, 7.25 x 9, October 18, 1803. Handwritten letter of thanks to Sir William Fawcett, penned while aboard HMS Victory “off Toulon.” In part: “I have to return you many thanks for the fulfillment of your kind promise in giving your vote for the… Scholarship to my relation. Nelson it was I can assure you a real act of charity to a clergy man’s Widow and son, and I feel truly sensible of your goodness on the occasion and I hope someday soon I shall be able to return you my personal thanks (in peace) and be able to show to you how much I am Desr Sir William your obd svt.” Affixed to a same-size sheet and in very good to fine condition, with scattered light staining, and repairs to complete separations along intersecting folds.
Sir William Fawcett (17271804) was a longtime soldier who eventually served as Adjutant-General to the Forces. At the time he received this letter, he was serving as Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Several months earlier, Britain had declared war on France, and Nelson was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet and became captain of the HMS Victory. His flagship and fleet were then responsible for the blockade of the French fleet at Toulon, a crucial naval operation during the early stages of the Napoleonic Wars. Its primary aim was to confine the French fleet in Toulon, preventing it from joining other French or Spanish forces to disrupt British interests. Despite facing challenges such as maintaining the blockade over an extended period and adverse weather, the operation demonstrated the British Navy’s strategic resolve and foreshadowed Nelson’s eventual triumph at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Starting Bid $1000
On the brink of the Napoleonic Wars, Nelson tests his brother-in-law’s revolutionary deep-water salvage equipment
337. Horatio Nelson Autograph Free Frank Signed, with Letter on a Deep-Water Invention. Full handaddressed free frank, measuring 12.5 x 8, with the address panel measuring 5.75 x 3, addressed in Nelson’s hand, “London, February Nineteenth 1803, George Matcham Esq., 19 Kensington Place, Bath,” and franked in the lower left of the panel, “Nelson & Bronte.”
The frank appears on the reverse of the second integral page of a letter written on Nelson’s behalf to his brother-in-law George Matcham by his secretary, F. Oliver, Nelson’s librarian. The letter, three sides on the two adjoining pages reads, in part: “I have been every day once or twice with Sir George Shee. Yesterday morn he gave me a copy of part of yr. patent to Ct. Starhemberg. His Excy tho very busy received me & took the paper told me that he had scarce time to finish his own dispatches…that he had much to say in justice to Yr. invention…Sir George told me what the Engineer said to yr invention & am happy tis no more than what I myself remarked to you…He says he will have a long leather made of 20ft & we are to try it in deep water…My Lord could hardly see to frank this which is the reason he don’t write to you this paper.” In fine condition, with some seal-related paper loss to the blank areas. Lord Nelson used his librarian to convey written news
to his esteemed brother-in-law, who had married his beloved sister Kitty in 1787.
On January 20, 1803, Nelson’s brother-in-law, George Matham, received a patent for a ‘mechanical power for raising weights’ that prevented ships from sinking or raised them after they had been grounded or sunk; the machine also made it possible for rendering ships capable of entering rivers and moving in shallow water. In this letter, the enthusiastic Nelson reports to Matham that he has contacted Sir George Shee, a rich Indian nabob and the pro-British ambassador Court Starhemberg, for feedback on the salvage equipment, and based on positive feedback decided to have his engineer build Matcham’s machine to field test in deep water in England.
At this time, tensions in France were rising and Napoleon would send a menacing message to the British legislative body on February 20, opening the doors for war; two days later Minto confidentially revealed, ‘One measure in contemplation has been to send him [Nelson] to the Mediterranean, by way of watching the armament and being ready if wanted.’ On May 6, Nelson received his orders for departure on the H.M.S. Victory and sailed for France fourteen days later as England declared war on France. Starting Bid $300
338. Indian Wars-Era War Department and Army Special Orders (c. 1872-1880). Four bound volumes of special orders issued by the United States War Department and Department of the Army, for the years 1872, 1973, 1875, and 1880. All hardcovers in quarter-leather bindings with marbled boards, 7.5 x 10, primarily comprised of printed orders but also including several signed examples, with signers including Adjutant General Edward D. Townsend, John M. Bacon, Joseph C. Audenried, and William D. Whipple. Some of the more interesting orders relate to George Custer and the 7th Cavalry. For example, the War Department’s Special Orders No. 155 of July 31, 1873, in part: “The sum of twenty-three dollars and fifty-seven cents, ($23.57,) being an amount reimbursed to Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer, 7th Cavalry, for expenses paid in transmitting and receiving certain telegraph dispatches…will be stopped from the pay of Lieutenant Colonel Custer, it appearing that the dispatches were either on private business or on public business not requiring the use of the telegraph.” In overall very good to fine condition, with edgewear and various marginal notations. Starting Bid $200
339. West Point: 1884 Yearbook Photo Album. Exquisite original leatherbound “West Point ‘84” yearbook belonging to graduate David du Bose Gaillard, a U.S. Army engineer who would be instrumental in the construction of the Panama Canal. The large leatherbound book measures 13.5˝ x 10˝ x 4˝ and features gilt-edged pages which contain original cabinet photos of West Point leaders and graduates (mostly by Pach Bros.), plus larger photographs (approx. 9˝ x 7˝) of groups and the West Point grounds. In all, the album contains nearly 100 photographs. Among the subjects depicted are several Civil war heroes, as well as and United States Military Academy leaders and professors, including: William T. Sherman, P. H. Sheridan, John M. Schofield, Wesley Merritt, Junius B. Wheeler, Charles W. Larned, Samuel Tillman, and Edgar W. Bass.
Of the approximately 40 graduates portrayed, many sign below their image; in addition to Gaillard, the more notable graduates include Harry Taylor, who served as Chief of Engineers from 1924–1926; David C. Shanks, a veteran of the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, and World War I who attained the rank of Major General; Samuel D. Sturgis, Jr., who would command the the 87th and 80th divisions during World War I; DeRosey Cabell, who would be Chief of Staff for the Pancho Villa Expedition into Mexico in 1915–1916; Powhatan Henry Clarke, a recipient of the Medal of Honor during the Geronimo Campaign in Sonora, Mexico; and Wilds P. Richardson, who led the Polar Bear Expedition, part of the Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War. In very good to fine condition, with heavy wear to the covers and some splits to the interior mounts. Starting Bid $200
Aviation
363. Charles Lindbergh Signed Book - We (Ltd. Ed. #815/1000). Signed book: We. Special author’s autograph edition, limited issue, numbered 815/1000. NY: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1927. Hardcover, 6.75 x 10, 308 pages. Signed on the colophon in fountain pen, “Charles A. Lindbergh.” Autographic condition: very fine. Book condition: VG-/None, with a cracked front hinge, foxing to extremities, and a couple small tears to spine paper. Accompanied by a handsome custom-made full morocco clamshell case. Starting Bid $200
“How fast will we be traveling in the next decade?”—Lindbergh weighs in on advances in aviation for the New York Times
362. Charles Lindbergh Handwritten New York Times Manuscript on Advances in Air Travel: “The entire history of passenger transportation has evolved around the desire of mankind first, to reach distant places”. Unsigned handwritten draft by Charles Lindbergh, three pages, 8 x 12.5, no date but published in the New York Times on February 3, 1929, as part of the exclusive ‘Lindbergh on Flying’ weekly series. Lindbergh’s draft for an article entitled ‘Air Speed Limited Only by Power and Streamline,’ commenting on the economies of speed offered by the advent of aircraft. In part: “The entire history of passenger transportation has evolved around the desire of mankind first, to reach distant places; second, to go there in comfort and safety; and third to lose as little time as possible en route. For centuries it was thought that there was a limit to the speed a human being could stand, and that if a man fell off of the top of a cliff or high building he would become unconscious from the rapidity of descent long before striking the ground. This theory has been conclusively disproved in the last few years by actual test…
Racing records stand at around 100 miles an hour on the water; 200 miles an hour on the land and 300 an hour in the air. Commercial speeds, of course, are considerably less…
Speed on the ground is limited by the smoothness of the road, by the necessity of quick turns, and by stopping for cross traffic. A second or two of inattention at any time while driving at high speed is sufficient to cause an accident. In the air, on the other hand, it is limited only by horse power and streamline. Except in taking off, land, and watching for other planes there is no immediate danger if something distracts the attention of the pilot. Once at flying altitude he might walk back into the cabin and ride with his passengers without fear of having the plane do more than veer off of its course slightly…
How fast will we be traveling in the next decade?…The faster transports will undoubtedly be cruising at well over 150 miles per hour while pursuit planes will be capable of developing close to three hundred if necessary. Racing planes will push on toward the 400 mark and possibly go higher...Another feature which may be incorporated in fast planes, especially of the low wing type is the folding landing gear. As speeds increase the value of streamlining the wheels into the wings will become much greater.” In fine condition, with a few edge nicks and minor losses to corners. A remarkable handwritten piece by Lindbergh, penned as he promoted new advances in powered flight. Starting Bid $300
Space Exploration
371. Cosmonauts Multi-Signed (6)
Photograph. Vintage circa 1964 color glossy 11.5 x 9 photo of the legendary original six cosmonauts to reach space, shown standing together in their military uniforms, signed by each in the lower border in black ink: Yuri Gagarin, Gherman Titov, Andriyan Nikolayev, Pavel Popovich, Valery Bykovsky, and Valentina Tereshkova. Reverse bears a Moscow photography studio stamp. In very good to fine condition, with fading to the image, brushing to some of the signatures, and a stain to the left edge. Starting Bid $200
Superlative portrait signed by the first nine Soviet cosmonauts
372. Cosmonauts (9) Signed Photograph with Gagarin, Komarov, and Tereshkova. Outstanding vintage glossy 8.75 x 6.5 photo of the first nine Soviet cosmonauts, signed in ink by Valery Bykovsky, Gherman Titov, Yuri Gagarin, Konstantin Feoktistov, Andriyan Nikolayev, Valentina Tereshkova, Pavel Popovich, Vladimir Komarov, and Boris Yegorov. In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from Zarelli Space Authentication. Komarov’s autograph is especially scarce as he was the first human to die during a space mission. On his second flight, Soyuz 1, he was killed during the descent when the spacecraft crashed due to failure of the parachute. Starting Bid $200
Choice example of a crew-signed ‘Type 3’ insurance cover from the historic Apollo 11 mission
373. Apollo 11 ‘Type 3’ Insurance Cover. Sought-after Apollo 11 ‘Type 3’ insurance cover, 6.5 x 3.5, with a color cachet of the mission insignia and a July 16, 1969, Kennedy Space Center launch date postmark, signed in blue felt tip by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. In very fine condition. The ‘Type 3’ cover rates as the least common of the three Apollo 11 insurance covers. Produced and signed just prior to space missions to provide financial security for astronauts’ families in case of disaster, insurance covers are the ultimate space-related philatelic item and one of the most sought-after formats for astronaut autographs. Starting Bid $1000
374. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin (2) Signed Photographs. Desirable pairing of iconic Apollo 11 white space suit lithos: an official color 8 x 10 NASA lithograph of Neil Armstrong in his white space suit against a lunar backdrop, signed and inscribed in blue felt tip, “To Vincent Miscione, Best Wishes, Neil Armstrong”; and an official color 8 x 10 NASA lithograph of Buzz Aldrin in his white space suit against a lunar backdrop, signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “To Vincent Miscione, With Best Wishes, Buzz Aldrin.” In overall fine condition, with minor corner tip creases and a light paperclip impression to the top edge of the Aldrin portrait. Starting Bid $200
Art, Architecture, and Design
Bartholdi offers a viewing invitation to his still-under-construction Statue of Liberty, which would be completed one year later
399. Frederic Auguste Bartholdi Autograph Letter Signed on the Statue of Liberty. ALS in French, signed “Bartholdi,” one page both sides, 5.25 x 8, July 19, 1883. Addressed from Paris, a handwritten letter to French politician and historian Henri Martin from Auguste Bartholdi, fully immersed in the final construction and promotional stages of the Statue of Liberty, in part (translated): “There are too many things that require my presence and I find it impossible to leave! I would have been very happy to be able to travel with you and see with you the beautiful things of the past that you know how to bring back to life before our eyes. Alas, necessity rules and I must stay on shore. I recently saw that you were in touch with the Hungarian Travelers’ Society. If you wanted to send them to see the Statue of Liberty, I am sending you an invitation card attached that you could send to them, if necessary I will go and receive them, if I am informed of the day and time. This would perhaps not be a bad thing to do for the moral character of our work.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Gorgeous and rare original watercolor painting by revered Romantic artist Eugene Delacroix, who supplies three handwritten pages on human musculature and anatomy
400. Eugene Delacroix (2) Handwritten Manuscripts with Original Watercolor Painting. Two autograph manuscripts on anatomy by French Romantic artist Eugene Delacroix, one of which features a lovely original watercolor landscape on the reverse, both undated and unsigned. The first manuscript, two pages on two adjoining sheets, measuring 19.75 x 15 open, comprises notes on the muscles of human legs and arms and includes a few interlinear corrections. These resemble class notes and may date from Delacroix’s student years at the École des BeauxArts, although they also may represent Delacroix’s personal reference sheets, as the artist was known for his lifelong commitment to scrupulous study and draughtsmanship. The painting on the reverse consists of a delicate watercolor that depicts a few stone buildings in a landscape of rolling hills and trees. The second manuscript, one page, both sides, 8 x 10.25, also focuses on anatomy. In overall very good to fine condition, with wear and tears to the edges, somewhat affecting the text but not the artwork. Accompanied by two 1963 certificates of authenticity from expert Paule Cailac. Provenance: Hotel Drouot auction on June 10, 1974, lot 22; Christie’s, October 5, 2021. Starting Bid $300
America’s premiere neoclassical architect
writes
to Italy, seeking “one or two good Sculptors” to assist in building the
401. Benjamin Latrobe Autograph Letter Signed, Seeking Italian Sculptors for the U.S. Capitol. British-American neoclassical architect (1764–1820) who was one of the first formally trained, professional architects in the new United States; he is best known as the designer of the United States Capitol. ALS signed “B. Henry Latrobe, Surveyor of the Public Buildings of the United States,” one page both sides, 8 x 9.75, March 6, 1805. Handwritten letter to Thomas Appleton, consul in Italy, in part: “The enclosed letter to Mr. Philip Mazzei contains a request that he will endeavor to procure for the service of the United States, in the erection of the public buildings in this City, especially of the Capitol, one or two good Sculptors,—with whom he will make the proper agreements…At the last Session of Congress, a considerable Sum was appropriated to the use of the public buildings, and there is therefore an ample fund out of which to pay any draft which may be made upon us.” In very good to fine condition, with splitting, and a small area of paper loss, along the intersecting folds.
In March 1803, Thomas Jefferson appointed Benjamin Henry Latrobe to the position of ‘Surveyor of Public Buildings,’ with the principal task of completing construction of the Capitol’s
United States Capitol
south and north wings—these included the Supreme Court and Senate chambers. In that capacity, he solicited aid from the best European sculptors to assist in executing his neoclassical vision. Writing to the U.S. consul at Livorno, he requests that a letter asking for aid be forwarded to Philip Mazzei, an Italian physician, philosopher, merchant, and longtime friend of Thomas Jefferson.
Mazzei later wrote to Jefferson: ‘I have received Latrobe’s letter. I thank you for it with all my heart, for I know that it is through you that I have the honor and privilege of being placed in a position to do something for my dear adopted country. He asks for a first rate Sculptor in the particular branch of Architectural decoration, able to model, and with him another good, though inferior, workman as his assistant…To make a good choice, I must go to Rome and pass through Florence.’
Mazzei evidently delivered on his quest, as two young Italian sculptors—Giuseppe Franzoni and Giovanni Andrei—arrived in the United States in 1806 to begin work on the Capitol. Latrobe would excitedly write: ‘Franzoni and Andrei have arrived… Mazzei says that Franzoni is the most excellent sculptor… and that Andrei excels more in decoration.’ Starting Bid $300
“I’m sending you four letters from collectors”— Picasso to his friend and financial advisor
402. Pablo Picasso Autograph Letter Signed to His Financial Advisor. Attractive ALS in red pencil, in French, signed “Picasso,” one page, 8.25 x 10.5, September 30, 1953. Addressed from Vallauris, a handwritten letter to his friend and financial advisor Max Pellequer, in full (translated): “I shall return to Paris on Saturday, probably. I’ll come and see you immediately. I’m sending you four letters from collectors. See you soon my friend, and all the best.” In fine condition.
Banker and collector Max Pellequer was introduced to Picasso in 1914 by his uncle by marriage André Level. He quickly became one of Picasso’s most important collectors and his financial advisor for over 30 years. Pellequer’s interest in his art began as early as the 1910s when he purchased a Picasso bronze from the art dealer Ambroise Vollard. During the 1930s and 1940s, as Picasso’s personal banker, he secured and enhanced the painter’s wealth and allowed him to settle comfortably in the South of France. Picasso created a superb ex-libris on copper for him, bought him paintings including La Mer à L’Estaque by Cézanne (now in the Picasso museum), and offered him a few other works. Pellequer assembled a vast collection of paintings by the great masters of modern art: Degas, Raoul Dufy, Paul Gauguin, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Modigliani, and Maurice Utrillo, which are today preserved in the most important international museums. Starting Bid $200
403. Pablo Picasso Signed Limitation Page from Lysistrata (Ltd. Ed. 772/1500). Limitation page from the limited first edition book Lysistrata, published by the Limited Editions Club of New York in 1934, 9 x 11, numbered 772/1500, signed prominently in pencil, “Picasso.” The colophon reads, in part: “Fifteen hundred copies were printed for members of The Limited Editions Club from the etchings and drawings made exclusively for this edition by Pablo Picasso.” Impressively and archivally matted and framed under museum-quality glass to an overall size of 23.5 x 26. In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Rockwell sells his Vermont farmhouse, where he painted the iconic ‘Four Freedoms’ series
404. Norman Rockwell (2) Documents Signed for the Sale of His Vermont Farmhouse. Two documents pertaining to the sale of Norman Rockwell’s farm and studio property in Arlington, Vermont, where he painted his famed ‘Four Freedoms’ series: a DS signed “Norman Rockwell” and “Mary Rockwell,” one page, 8.5 x 11, September 18, 1943, agreeing to sell to Frederick A. Bonsal real property “being the home farm of the seller, located approximately one mile west of the village of Arlington, and containing 60 acres of land,…together with all improvements thereon,” for the sum of $7250; and a DS signed “Norman Rockwell” and “Mary Rockwell,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8.5 x 14, October 14, 1943, being the deed for said property. In overall fine condition. Accompanied by four original photographs of the house, ranging in size from 4 x 3.75 to 7 x 5.
Norman Rockwell moved to Arlington, Vermont, in 1939, where the small-town charm and tight-knit community greatly influenced his artwork. At his Arlington house in 1943, Rockwell painted his beloved ‘Four Freedoms’ series—’Freedom of Speech,’ ‘Freedom of Worship,’ ‘Freedom from Want,’ and ‘Freedom from Fear’—capturing the essence of American ideals with warmth and authenticity. For these paintings, Rockwell used his Arlington friends and neighbors as models: ‘Freedom of Speech’ portrays a dissenter at a 1942 Arlington town meeting, modeled by Rockwell’s neighbor Carl Hess; ‘Freedom of Worship’ features several people from town, including Rockwell’s carpenter Walter Squires; ‘Freedom from Want’ depicts Rockwell’s local friends around his Thanksgiving table; and ‘Freedom from Fear’ shows neighbors Jim Martin and Dorothy Lawrence tucking the two Squires children into bed.
In May 1943, a disastrous fire destroyed Rockwell’s studio and many of his works, as well as valuable props. Blaming the extent of the loss on his home’s distance from a fire station, Rockwell resolved to resettle closer to town. He sold the property to Frederick Bonsal and moved to a picturesque house that had once been a tavern and tourist home. Starting Bid $300
Profoundly rare signed photograph of
Rodin’s
timeless sculpture, ‘The Thinker’
405. Auguste Rodin Signed Photograph of ‘The Thinker’Extremely Rare Signed Image. Hugely desirable vintage matte-finish 8.5 x 11 photo of Auguste Rodin’s timeless bronze sculpture, ‘The Thinker (Le Penseur),’ pictured outside of the Pantheon in the Latin Quarter of Paris, signed over the engraved plinth in crisp black ink, “Aug. Rodin.” The reverse bears a photography credit stamp and pencil notations. In very good to fine condition, with a short tear to the right edge, and mottled silvering to darker areas of the image. Signed images of Rodin’s ‘The Thinker’ are virtually unobtainable and immensely coveted by collectors. A magnificently rare signed photograph of Rodin’s most famous and enduring masterpiece. Starting Bid $300
The Philosophy of Andy Warhol with large “Campbell’s, Tomato Soup” can sketch
406. Andy Warhol Signed Book with Sketch of Campbell’s “Tomato Soup” Can. Signed book: The Philosophy of Andy Warhol (From A to B & Back Again). NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1975. Hardcover with dust jacket, 5.75 x 8.5, 241 pages. Signed and inscribed on the halftitle page in black felt tip, “To Daniel, Andy Warhol,” who adds a sketch of his classic Campbell’s soup can, with Warhol writing out the label, “Campbell’s, Tomato Soup.” In fine condition, with a small area of dampstaining to the lower left corner. Starting Bid $200
407. Andy Warhol Twice-Signed Book - Exposures. Twice-signed book: Andy Warhol’s Exposures. First edition. NY: Andy Warhol Books/Grosset & Dunlap, 1979. Hardcover with dust jacket, 9.5 x 11.5, 255 pages. Signed vertically on the front cover in black felt tip, “Andy Warhol,” who signs again with an inscription on the half-title page, “To Alan, love, Andy W.,” who draws a large sketch of a woman’s lips below and adds his initials, “AW.” In fine condition, with light wear to the dust jacket. Starting Bid $200
Comic Art and Animation
415. Walt Disney (2) Early Film Reels of Disneyland (1957-1959) with Footage of Disney, Richard Nixon, and the Opening of the Disneyland Monorail. Rare one-of-a-kind pairing of film reels containing neverbefore-seen footage of Walt Disney at his Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California, in the late 1950s. The earlier and smaller of the two reels measures 3˝ in diameter and contains a home video recording of Disney inspecting the construction of the 110-foot-long Sailing Ship Columbia, a full-scale replica of Columbia Rediviva, the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe, which takes passengers on a 12-minute trip around the Rivers of America in Frontierland. Although undated, the Columbia officially launched on June 14, 1958, indicating that this footage dates to either late 1957 or early 1958.
The second reel, 7˝ in length, is housed in its original plastic storage holder, the top of which is marked in black felt tip, “Disneyland with Walt and Monorail,” and in gold ink, “Amateur Home 8mm, Walt Disney / celebrates etc., June 14, 1959, Open of: Monorail; submarine; Bobsleds, Richfield Autopia.” The reel contains approximately 9 ½ minutes of footage directly related to the park on June 14, 1959. It begins with exterior shots of the entrance sign before entering the park for the day’s array of exciting and historic events, all captured from the perspective of a lucky Disneyland guest.
The reel shows Walt Disney overseeing preliminary ceremony work in preparation for the debut of the Disneyland Alweg Monorail System (or Disneyland Monorail). Other Monorial footage includes ABC TV crews in cherry pickers; a steady flow of VIP guests that includes Richard Nixon and his family, Hedda Hopper, and Fred MacMurray; the ribbon cutting ceremony from the park guest level; video of Art Linkletter’s coverage and TV cameras; boarding of the ride’s first-ever passengers; the departure of the first official Monorail ride; and footage of Disney waving to the camera after taking a break with Nixon and Linkletter.
The Monorail’s debut was in time for the re-dedication of Tomorrowland and a broader expansion of Disneyland, which included the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Submarine Voyage, the expanded version of Autopia, and the Motor Boat Cruise. These rides are all captured on the reel, as is as a Frontierland parade and various behind-the-scenes video of the Skyway gondola and the Jungle River Cruise, amongst other attractions and events. In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $200
414. Walt Disney Original Signed Dye Transfer Print - ‘Song of the South’. Original color 10 x 8 dye transfer print of Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear from the 1946 Disney film Song of the South, displayed in its original 16 x 15 mat, prominently signed and inscribed on the mat in red artist’s crayon, “To Bill, Walt Disney.” In very good to fine condition, with some staple holes, light stains, and corner creases to the mat, none of which affect the choice signature. Accompanied by a certificate of opinion of authenticity from Phil Sears Collectibles, in which the expert notes that the signature is “consistent in my opinion with Walt Disney’s authentic cursive autograph circa 1950s/1960s.” An ideal, large autograph from the animation pioneer. Starting Bid $300
416. Charles Schulz Original Sketch of Snoopy. Original sketch of Snoopy by Charles Schulz, depicting the beloved Peanuts canine wearing a hat in a cheerful full-length pose, accomplished in blue ballpoint on a pink 5.25 x 5.5 book page removed from Love Is Walking Hand in Hand, signed and inscribed, “For Blaine – Schulz.” In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
“Here’s the rest of that letter, Millet”— Clemens forwards the first page of a misplaced letter to his friend, noted artist and eventual Titanic casualty, Francis Davis Millet
421. Samuel L. Clemens Autograph Letter Signed to Artist Francis Davis Millet. ALS in pencil, signed “S. L. Clemens,” who writes on the reverse of the first page of a handwritten he sent to his friend, the artist Francis Davis Millet, who later died in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Clemens writes: “Here’s the rest of that letter, Millet. It got into a letter to Frank Bliss, & has been to Hartford & back. With our love to the Millets.” The front, which contains the first page of Clemens’ original letter for Millet, one page, 5 x 8, April 19 [1879], sent by Clemens from the Hotel Normandie in Paris, reads, in full: “I’m abed again. I’ve spent the most of my time on my back since I got to Paris. But I’m going to write a line, anyway, to say how glad we are to hear of the happy life you are leading — it’s the twin of our own. I think you didn’t get the letter I wrote you – for you didn’t answer my question. Send a postal to the General Post Office for it. It was addressed to No.” Included with the Clemens letter(s) is an original sketch believed to be in the hand of Millet, accomplished in ink on an off-white 5.5 x 8.25, numbered “3” at the top and depicting an old woman carrying a basket, with handwriting to top and bottom indicating as this also being part of a longer letter, conceivably to Clemens. It reads: “…dragged his long gown woefully. Today has been market day and I cannot better describe the market than by introducing a bit of a sketch which I ‘raised’ for you. It will give you a good idea of the old women here I think and save me filling up this page with writing. Aint I sharo? You’ll notice the delicate wooden shoe, the intellectual cast of countenance and the neat appearance.” In very good to fine condition, with some light creasing and edge wear, and a faint dampstain affecting nothing.
Millet had painted Clemens’ portrait in 1876 and was promptly ‘adopted’ by the Clemens family. Living in Paris since January 1877, Millet had a studio in Montmartre, an art colony in Paris, that would become a hideout for Clemens and his wife, Olivia, when they felt the pressure of too many visitors. A month before the intended first letter, Clemens attended Millet’s wedding to Elizabeth Greeley Merrill in Montmartre, which was also attended by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. After the wedding, the newlyweds traveled to London where Millet had a first showing at The Royal Academy. Starting Bid $200
Content-rich letter from Dickens on Hard Times, Little Dorrit, Household Words, and the meaning behind his work— “All that I could say of my books, I have said in them. They originate in my own reflections and fancies, and in my observation of the world around me”
422. Charles Dickens Autograph Letter Signed“All that I could say of my books, I have said in them”. ALS, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, Gad’s Hill Place letterhead, July 12, 1858. Handwritten letter to French journalist Octave Lacroix, in full: “I feel exceedingly obliged to you for your flattering and interesting letter. I have a great ambition to be extensively read and well understood, in France; and you give me the liveliest and most cordial pleasure when you predict that I shall become widely known among the great French people. I owe you many apologies for not having answered your letter sooner. But I have been constantly occupied, and it was unfortunately mislaid, and has but this day been recovered.
It would gratify me very much if I could give you any details that would be useful to you, or interesting to your readers. But all that I could say of my books, I have said in them. They originate in my own reflections and fancies, and in my observation of the world around me. Little Dorrit is my last published work. It was published monthly (de mois en mois) and completed in 20
parts (livraisons). Hard Times was originally published week to week (de semaine en semaine), in my own literary Journal, ‘Household Words.’ I have no dates, here, in the country, to refer to; but I think Hard Times was completed about 4 years ago. Little Dorrit was completed and published entire, in May 1857. Accept the assurance of my great regard and esteem, and Believe me always.” In fine condition. Accompanied by an export certificate from the French Ministry of Culture.
Dated to the prime of Dickens’s professional career, this marvelous letter not only boasts references to three of his published works—the novels Little Dorrit and Hard Times, and the weekly magazine Household Words—but it also offers insight into the author’s philosophy on his own work, namely, that it speaks for itself: “…all that I could say of my books, I have said in them.” A desirable literary letter from one of the 19th century’s foremost authors, one which reflects his modesty and the belief that his books are the best representation of his ideas and artistry. Starting Bid $300
Dickens tends to the gardens at Gad’s Hill Place: “The lime trees will probably be planted about a month hence”
423. Charles Dickens Autograph Letter Signed. ALS, one page, 4.5 x 7, Gad’s Hill Place letterhead, September 6, 1866. Handwritten letter to Messrs. Essell Knight and Arnold. In full: “Allow me to thank you for your letter of yesterday’s date. The lime trees will probably be planted about a month hence. I will take care that Mr. Langford has good notice of my gardener’s being ready for the work.” In fine condition.
This letter does not appear in the Pilgrim Edition of The Letters of Charles Dickens. However, two letters by Dickens written on the September 4, 1866, are recorded, the first also to Messrs. Essell Knight and Arnold, Solicitors and Clerks to the Rochester Magistrates, forwarding a letter to be laid before the Board at their meeting at Gravesend on 5th September, and the second being the letter to the Board of Commissioners or Trustees of Roads. In that letter, Dickens requests permission to plant a row of lime trees on the side of the high road along the whole wall frontage of his property at Gad’s Hill, stating: ‘I trust you may be of opinion that the road could sustain no damage from being so ornamented, and that the appearance of the trees would be refreshing and pleasant to passers by.’ Evidently, this request by Dickens was approved. Starting Bid $200
“I will see to it that James Bond eats the right kind of butter in future”—rare Fleming letter boasting two direct “James Bond” references— “I send you my and James Bond’s wishes for an early recovery”—the first double-Bond example that we have ever offered
424. Ian Fleming Typed Letter Signed with TWO Rare Full “James Bond” Mentions (Uncommon ‘Old Mitre Court’ Letterhead). Rare TLS, one page, 5 x 8, personal ‘4 Old Mitre Court’ letterhead, September 10, 1963. Letter to Dr. Mary K. Williams, in full: “Thank you very much for your cautionary letter of September 3rd and I will see to it that James Bond eats the right kind of butter in future. But I am terribly sorry to hear of your misfortune, and I send you my and James Bond’s wishes for an early recovery.” In very fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. A desirable letter from the revered British novelist that contains the seldom-seen presence of two “James Bond” references; direct mentions by Fleming of special agent 007 are extremely scarce and highly sought-after.
Fleming took rooms in Mitre Court Chambers to use as a writing office during his final years when the success of the Bond series allowed him to stop working for Kemsley at The Sunday Times. The rooms were just off Fleet Street in an area of London mostly populated by journalists and the legal profession. Fleming’s friend Rennie Hoare, of the banking dynasty, found him the rooms: Mitre Court was at the back of Hoare’s Bank and was owned by the bank. Fleming died the following year from a heart attack at the age of 56. Starting Bid $500
“One day James Bond must emulate that exploit”— Fleming thanks a fellow author for his “bed of roses story,” later featured in From A View To A Kill
425. Ian Fleming
Typed Letter Signed - “James Bond must emulate that exploit”. TLS signed “Yours ever, Ian,” one page, 8 x 10, Kemsley House letterhead, May 2, 1957. Letter to fellow author R. W. Thompson, in part: “What an extraordinary kind thought to have written such a warm and splendid letter…it was intoxicating stuff to find on my same old desk in W.C.l. on a dull Thursday morning. I do hope all goes well with you and that being a writer in your own time and not a hireling has proved the right choice. I am sure it was. Your wine is far too new for the aged fiascos of Fleet Street. I shall never forget that bed of roses story about you — in Belgium I think it was — at the end of the war. One day James Bond must emulate that exploit.” Fleming adds the salutation in his own hand: “My dear Tommy.” In very good to fine condition, with a short tear, and paper loss, to the upper right corner.
A particularly warm letter of reply from Fleming, who, true to his word, would revisit “that bed of roses story” in From A View To A Kill, one of five short stories published in the 1960 book For Your Eyes Only. Fleming letters referencing his iconic James Bond character are especially scarce, with this particular example all the more desirable given its creative connection to a well-known 007 short story. Starting Bid $500
426. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Autograph Note
Signed. Celebrated German writer, scientist, and philosopher (17491832) who takes a place among the central intellectual and artistic figures of his day. His poetry and dramatic works provided source material for Beethoven, Schubert, and Berlioz, among others. ANS in German, signed “Goethe,” one page, 6.25 x 3.5, Weimar, November 23, 1813. Untranslated handwritten note dedicated to opera singer “Carolina Wolf,” with Goethe writing her name in the center of a colorful wreath. Affixed to a slightly larger card and in very good to fine condition, with scattered light stains. Maria Carolina Wolf (1742–1820), the daughter of composer Franz Benda, was a German pianist, singer, and composer; she was a member of the ‘Liebhabertheater,’ an amateur theater at the court of the Duchess of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, which was directed by Goethe. Starting Bid $500
427. Ernest Hemingway Signature. Ink signature and inscription, “To Richard Ehru, with all good wishes, Ernest Hemingway,” on an off-white 7 x 10.75 sheet bearing an affixed portrait of Hemingway. Adhered to a slightly larger cardstock mount and in fine condition. The mounted portrait comes from the Life Magazine issue of November 8, 1954, which dedicated eight pages to the newly crowned Nobel Prize winner in Literature of that year. The iconic photo was taken by Leonard McCombe at Hemingway’s Cuban residence. Starting Bid $300
“Love! My enemy! / Bite your bitter root!”— exceptionally rare handwritten letter from the
beloved Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca
428. Federico Garcia Lorca Extremely Rare Handwritten Poem - ‘The Bitter Root’. Rare handwritten poem by Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca entitled “La raiz amarga [The Bitter Root],” penned in black ink on an off-white 6.5 x 7.25 sheet, which is signed below by Garcia Lorca, who adds the place and date, “Madrid, 1933.” The poem, which is inscribed to Uruguayan poet Julio Casal, reads (translated): “There is a bitter root and a world of a thousand windows. / Not even the smallest hand can break the water’s door. / Where are you going? Where to? Where? / There is a sky of a thousand windows / – a battle of livid bees – / and there is a bitter root. / Bitter. / It hurts in the sole of the foot, / the inside of the face, / and it hurts in the fresh trunk of a newly cut night. / Love! My enemy! / Bite your bitter root!” The reverse bears pencil notation in another hand. In very good condition, with heavy creasing, folds, and two pieces of old clear tape. The present poem was originally published under the title ‘Gacela de la Raiz Amarga’ (1936), with the title of the offered manuscript poem a truncated version. Given his murder at the age of 38, autographic material from the Spanish Poet is extremely rare across all formats.
The Uruguayan poet Julio Jose Casal, founder of the magazine Alfar, was friends with Garcia Lorca; the two met, among other occasions, in the autumn of 1933 during Garcia Lorca’s stay in Argentina and Uruguay. Starting Bid $500
“I have never made talks, even of an informal nature, except brief remarks on the occasion of the premiere of ‘Gone With the Wind’”
429. Margaret Mitchell Typed Letter Signed on ‘Gone With the Wind’ and Speaking Engagements. World War II-dated TLS signed “Margaret Mitchell Marsh,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, April 16, 1941. Letter to Miss Woodall, referencing the screen version of her best-seller, in full: “I am sorry that I was not at home when you telephoned. As I am expecting momentarily to go out of town on business, I thought perhaps it would be best to write you instead of phoning you, because I might not find you at home, just as you found me away. I think you and the other girls are very sweet to want me to act as one of your sponsors. I feel sincerely flattered by this invitation, for such things mean more to me than you girls can ever know.
I am very sorry I cannot be your sponsor. If my situation were different, nothing could give me more pleasure. But my mail is heavy, my business affairs keep me constantly occupied and I am never certain when I will be in town. More than that, I have never made talks, even of an informal nature, except brief remarks on the occasion of the premiere of ‘Gone With the Wind.’ I must speak frankly, and I hope you girls will understand. I have been so busy in the past five years that I have been unable to accept any invitations to sponsor various classes in Atlanta schools. In some of these classes there were my own relatives, in others the children of my good friends. Of course I wanted to accept these invitations, but the pressure has been so heavy upon me that it was impossible. Now, having refused a number of invitations of this nature from friends, I cannot accept any, for I would not have those I had refused think I was slighting them. It was good of you to ask me and I thank you.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Starting Bid $200
Puzo declines an interview, citing discomfort
and his being
“tired
of the Goddamn Godfather”
430. Mario Puzo Autograph Letter
Signed - “I’m tired of the Goddamn Godfather”. ALS, one page, 8.5 x 10.75, no date. Handwritten letter to “Gene,” in full: “Sorry I can’t make the interview but I really get uncomfortable and I’m tired of the Goddamn Godfather. Thanks anyway.” In fine condition.
Puzo published his novel The Godfather in 1969 and it became a bestseller, remaining on the New York Times Best Seller list for sixty-seven weeks. Despite rumors that Puzo, the son of Italian immigrants, wrote the story based on personal experiences, he always asserted that it developed out of research into organized crime. Before the book’s release, Puzo had already signed a deal with Paramount Pictures to option the work. Throughout the 1970s, Puzo collaborated closely with Francis Ford Coppola to produce The Godfather (1972), The Godfather Part II (1974), and The Godfather Part III (1990). He was often forced to abandon other projects due to his commitments to Coppola. These inconveniences and Puzo’s constant creative straight-jacketing are undoubtedly reflected here in this candid letter. Starting Bid $500
431. Eben E. Rexford Autograph Lyrics Signed - “Silver Threads Among the Gold”. American writer and poet (1848–1916) known for authoring the lyrics to several popular and gospel songs. Autograph lyrics signed “Very respectfully yours, Eben E. Rexford,” three pages on two sheets, 5.75 x 9, May 13, 1886. Handwritten lyrics to his popular song “Silver Threads Among the Gold,” beginning: “Darling, I am growing old, / Silver threads among the gold / Shine upon my brow today— / Life is fading fast away. / But, my darling, you will be, will be / Always young and fair to me.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered stains, a tack hole to the upper left corner, and chip to the lower right corner. Starting Bid $200
432. Dr. Seuss Signed Book with Sketch - The King’s Stilts. Signed book: The King’s Stilts. First edition, later printing (yellow boards with red lettering). NY: Random House, 1939. Hardcover with dust jacket, 9.25 x 12, 44 pages. Signed adjacent to the title page black ink, “With best wishes from Dr. Seuss,” who has added a sketch of one of his classic characters holding a sign with inscription, “For Janice & Michael Copley!” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/G+, with some light stains to boards and a few chips and tears to the jacket. Starting Bid $200
“We
leave Monday for Uncle Joe’s Cabin”—
John Steinbeck to Burgess Meredith on his
Soviet Union trip with photographer Robert Capa
433. John Steinbeck Autograph Letter
Signed - Mere Days Before His Trip to the Soviet Union. ALS signed “John,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, Hotel Plaza, Stockholm letterhead, July 25, 1947. Handwritten letter to his friend, actor Burgess Meredith, in full: “Your letters were received just before I left Paris. The french are a very immoral people. But Honest Jake Pfaff made Gwyn a very beautiful dress—walk upstairs and save $5. Stockholm is a fine town. There is a report here that you are going to play Winterset here. Is this true? We leave Monday for Uncle Joe’s [Joseph Stalin] Cabin. Have no idea what we will find there but I hope it is all right. Capa is in good shape. Now he is in the country photographing farmers and farmers’ daughters I guess. I hope your opening is triumphant and it is bound to be. I wish it were my play. For two days I have been out amongst the archipelago sporting about in a boat and i feel very good. Boats are fine things. If you need to get word to me it can be ? Joe Newman, Herald Tribune Bureau, Moscow. Try it! It will be interesting to see whether it gets through. Good luck and love to Paulette.” In very good to fine condition, with some light creasing.
Steinbeck and photographer Robert Capa flew from Paris to Stockholm on July 21st, with Steinbeck remaining in the country until joining his friend in Moscow at month’s end. Determined to produce an eyewitness account of everyday life in Stalin’s Soviet Union, the pair journeyed along the so-called Vodka Circuit—Moscow, Kiev, Stalingrad, and Georgia—for 40 days between July 31 and mid-September 1947, documenting the people and landscapes they encountered. Neither Capa nor Steinbeck naturally gravitated towards collaborative endeavors. The affinity between their creative approaches, however, resulted in what was both of their most successful collaborations. Capa returned from the trip with almost four thousand negatives, and Steinbeck with several hundred pages of notes. Their efforts resulted in the 1948 book A Russian Journal, which, according to Steinbeck, attempted ‘honest reporting, to set down what we saw and heard with editorial comment, without drawing conclusions about things we didn’t know sufficiently.’ Starting Bid $200
“I do wish you well, but I do not think that it would really do you much good to have special good wishes from me”—polite letter of decline from Tolkien, with included handsome original sketch of the Middle-earth creator used for a Rally magazine article
434. J. R. R. Tolkien Typed Letter Signed with Original Rally Magazine Sketch. TLS, one page, 5.25 x 7, personal embossed letterhead, January 10, 1966. Letter to Timothy J. Wheeler, founding publisher of Rally magazine declining an invitation to be a contributing writer, in full: “Thank you for your letter. I hope you will not think that I am ungrateful for your attention and good wishes if I say that I do not feel able to write anything such as you wish. I do wish you well, but I do not think that it would really do you much good to have special good wishes from me.” Wheeler had written to Tolkien in hopes of retaining him to write for the magazine or doing an interview, both of which Tolkien declined. To show no hard feelings, Wheeler commissioned writer Jared Lobdell to a profile of Tolkien, with a focus on The Lord of the Rings, for the August 1966 issue of Rally, a copy of which is included, as is an original portrait sketch of Tolkien, accomplished in graphite and charcoal on 11 x 16.25 illustration board, which was used as the Rally article’s lead image. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, a retained typed carbon of a letter from Wheeler sending Tolkien a copy of the magazine, and a typed letter from Tolkien thanking Wheeler for the magazine, the latter of which is signed in type and initialed by his secretary. Starting Bid $1000
Sought-after Russian Revolution-era portrait, boldly signed by Leo Tolstoy
435. Leo Tolstoy Signed Photograph. Exquisite matte-finish 3.5 x 5.5 photo of the celebrated Russian writer in a nice half-length pose, boldly signed in at the bottom of the image in ink, “Leo Tolstoy, 1907. 7. December.” In fine condition.
An impressive portrait of the esteemed Russian author that dates to the aftermath of the First Russian Revolution. During this period, Tolstoy played a significant role as a moral and intellectual critic, whose advocacy for non-violent resistance and his critique of the Russian Orthodox Church and the state resonated with those disillusioned with the existing order. Starting Bid $500
“Yesterday the inauguration of the Theatre Lyrique took place – and Mme Viardot sang the fourth act of Orpheus – admirably well”— not long after the release of Fathers and Sons, Turgenev writes a ‘musical’ letter to the student of his muse, Pauline Viardot
436. Ivan Turgenev Autograph Letter Signed, Months After the Publication of Fathers and Sons (1862). ALS in French, signed “I. Tourgueneff,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, October 31, 1862. Addressed from his Parisian apartment at “rue de Rivoli, 210,” where the writer lived between 1860-1864, a handwritten letter to operatic soprano Julienne Flinsch-Orwil, the student of Turgenev’s muse, the celebrated French opera singer Pauline Viardot. The letter, in full (translated): “You see that I am not such a poor prophet! You have found the happiness that you so well deserve – and we will see each other soon – because I hope that you will come spend at least a part of your honeymoon in Paris. You don’t doubt, I am sure, the joy which this good news brought me – and you will believe in the cordial sincerity of the congratulations that I address to you and of my [good] wishes for your future.
Now that the thing is done, I shall tell you that I don’t much regret that you did not go to [St.] Petersburg: the climate can be punishing to your health, which is not made of bronze –and then the air of the courts, taken even in small quantities – always has something harmful. The [alternative] is much better – isn’t it? All the more that you will not abandon music – and if the public, who gave you such a warm welcome, will no longer enjoy your talents, your friends would lose nothing of them – because your future husband doesn’t have the exclusive monopoly – what do you say? It would be too cruel for us others, the former ones.
I have been here for five days – and all the Viardot Family
has just arrived. Yesterday the inauguration of the Theatre Lyrique took place – and Mme Viardot sang the fourth act of Orpheus – admirably well. The hall is very beautiful but – I fear it is – a little muffled.
On my return here I found Paulinette [possibly Turgenev’s illegitimate daughter] rather plumper – and delighted with her trip. She wants to tell you a thousand things. Louise [possibly Pauline Viardot’s oldest daughter] is very well…Ontis – has – I believe – disappeared from the horizon. I am not otherwise angry about that. I have the intention of throwing splendid balls this year…there must be weddings – everywhere…and especially at my house. Adieu, dear Mademoiselle Julienneor rather au revoir. Recommend me to your tutor, who I would be very happy to know – and receive the expression of my most devoted sentiments.” In fine condition.
An exceptional letter from the great Russian novelist, whose seminal novel Fathers and Sons was published six months earlier in February 1862. Considered one of the best novels in Russian literature, Fathers and Sons explores as its central theme the glaring intellectual, social, and political differences found between generations in mid-nineteenth-century Russian society. Also of interest is the letter’s excellent musical content. Among his support for his young recipient, Turgenev remarks on the recent opening of the new location of the Theatre Lyrique in Paris and praises Viardot’s performance of the title role of Orpheus in Hector Berlioz’s rearrangement of Christoph Willibald Gluck’s 1762 opera Orfeo ed Euridice, known under its 1859 French revival title of Orphee. Starting Bid $500
Entertainment
470. Gone with the Wind: Handwritten Score for the 1937 Radio Program. Original score for a “Gone With the Wind” orchestral adaptation, presented by CBS Radio in 1937— a full two years before Gone With the Wind was filmed and released—as part of David O. Selznick’s continuing PR blitz to keep the project ever in the minds of the American public.
Composed by Ernest Kosting and Helmy Kresa, the score includes individual parts for the conductor, piano, trombone, drums, first violin, second and third violins, viola, cello, string bass, guitar, tenor sax, alto sax, second alto sax, and first and second trumpets, all penned on 9.25 x 12.5 musically lined paper, each part being two to five pages in length. All are stamped “Ernest Kosting, Local 802” and “Gogo de Lys,” the name of a radio singer of the 1920s and 1930s. Also includes a 15-page score in pencil for the full ensemble, stamped: “Property of Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc.” This piece, the opening theme for the dramatic program, aired over the CBS Radio Network on June 23, 1937. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Hitchcock writes to his assistant director:
“The comfortable conditions I had in making ‘Rebecca’ were in a large measure responsible for its success”
471. Alfred Hitchcock Typed Letter Signed on “making ‘Rebecca’”. TLS signed “Hitch,” one page, 6.75 x 10.25, personal letterhead, July 31, 1940. Letter to Edmond F. Bernoudy, who was assistant director on Hitchcock’s 1940 thriller Rebecca. In part: “It looks as though we aren’t going to be able to be together on the next picture…I found that RKO have allocated an assistant to me called Dewey Starkey…It looks to me, Eddie, as though this first picture here will have to be a miss as far as we are concerned, but nevertheless I’m going to try and make arrangements for you to come on the next one…I want to thank you very much, Eddie, for all you’ve done to help me…I would almost go so far as to say that the comfortable conditions I had in making ‘Rebecca’ were in a large measure responsible for its success as far as I am concerned.” In fine condition, with light staining along a vertical fold. Starting Bid $200
472. Laurel and Hardy (2) Signed Photographs. Attractive pair of vintage matte-finish photographs signed by legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy: a 7.75 x 9.75 photo of Laurel smiling and wearing a bow tie and bowler hat, signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen, “To Miss Clara Smallwood, with very best wishes, Stan Laurel, 1928”; and a 6.75 x 9 photo of Hardy smiling and wearing a necktie and flat cap, signed and inscribed in black ink, “For Clara Smallwood, We hope to have you in California soon, Oliver Hardy, 1928.” Double-matted and framed together to an overall size of 22 x 15.5. In overall fine to very fine condition, with a small area of paper loss to the bottom edge of the Laurel photo. Starting Bid $200
“I hope you will send me the ‘quality’ stuff”—Bruce Lee writes to his dealer and Fist of Fury co-star
473. Bruce Lee Autograph Letter Signed to Drug Dealer and Fist of Fury Co-Star Robert Baker: “I hope you will send me the ‘quality’ stuff”. ALS signed “Bruce,” one page both sides, 6.5 x 11, no date. Handwritten letter to friend and actor Robert Baker, in full: “Been resting and reading your book that you’ve sent. By now you should have received my money order. Though I feel that it might be a slight delay because of your friend’s situation, I hope you will send me the ‘quality’ stuff you said you will send (‘it has never been from the street’). In the meantime, I’m getting a ‘quality’ spoon and a Quadrabeam scale. Do send it ‘Air-Mail’ like yesterday (HA! HA!). Take good care, my friend.” On the reverse, he adds a postscript: “Bob, deep regrets for your friend being busted—I’ve received your book and know more about it and come to respect it—you know what I can do and
what I won’t do. Friend, rush the sparkle ‘quality’ lots!” In fine condition.
Robert Baker is best known for portraying the Russian villain Petrov in the 1972 movie Fist of Fury, a role he landed thanks to Lee, his Jeet Kune Do instructor, who hand-picked Baker to play the character due to his height and ‘tough guy’ appearance. In addition to being his pupil and confidant, Baker, for a time, also served as Lee’s personal drug dealer. While some in Hollywood suspected Lee of using drugs, his correspondence with Baker during this time period all but confirms it, with Lee sending this thinly veiled request for ‘quality stuff’—before proceeding to comment candidly on the acquisition of related paraphernalia. These secret habits may have contributed to Lee’s early death at the age of 32. Starting Bid $1000
Gorgeous signed portrait of Marilyn Monroe from All About Eve—
one of her earliest dramatic roles
474. Marilyn Monroe Signed Photograph. Elegant vintage glossy 3.5 x 5.5 British postcard photo of Marilyn holding a bouquet of roses as she appeared in the 1950 20th Century-Fox drama All About Eve, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Len, Love & kisses, Marilyn Monroe.” In very good to fine condition, with an old repair on the back of a short tear to the right edge. A gorgeous pose of Marilyn Monroe in one of her earliest dramatic roles; she won the part after a lobbying campaign by her agent, despite producer Daryl Zanuck’s initial antipathy and belief that she was better suited to comedy. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder. The Marc and Mary Perkins Collection. Starting Bid $1000
Sports Capablanca writes to his fiance—
“The political and economic crises in Cuba has grown worse”
510. Jose Raul Capablanca Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “Raul,” one page, both sides, 5.5 x 8.5, Hotel Packard (Havana, Cuba), September 17, 1938. Handwritten letter to his fiance, Olga Evgenyevna Choubaroff, to whom he addresses as “Ma chere Kikiriki,” in part: “Since I wrote you last, I have been very busy. The political and economic crises in Cuba has grown worse and yesterday I was told there was great [chance] of having my post eliminated in a new readjustment of the Foreign Service. I believe, however that the danger has been averted, and in a day or two I shall know, definitely, what to do. On Monday I expect to see the President and shall try to obtain his good wishes so as to have all my affairs settled promptly. Thus next Tuesday I shall be able to write to you what is to be done & all my other affairs have been completely adjusted. Take good care of yourself and see that the boy goes back to school with all his belongings as soon as school opens.” Capablanca adds a postscript in French. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed by Capablanca, who incorporates his signature into the return address field, “J. R. Capablanca.” Olga Evgenyevna Choubaroff (1898–1994) was a socialite and self-proclaimed princess from Russia who spent most of her life in the United States. She was married four times, a group that included Admiral Joseph J. Clark and world chess champion Capablanca, whom she wed a month later on October 20, 1938. Starting Bid $200
511. Enzo Ferrari Typed Note
Signed. TNS in Italian, signed “Ferrari,” one page, 4.5 x 3, Goodyear and Ferrari (Gilles Villeneuve) stationery, May 10, 1982. Sent from Modena, a quick typed note of thanks from Enzo Ferrari (translated): “Thanks for the affectionate memory.” Double-matted with a large photo of Ferrari to an overall size of 11.75 x 18.25. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
512. Jack Johnson Signature. Bold vintage fountain pen signature and inscription, “To My Friend Arthur, with best wishes & good luck from Jack Johnson, Former Heavyweight Champ,” on an offwhite 5.5 x 3.25 government postcard, postmarked at Los Angeles, July 5, 1943. In fine condition, with light toning from prior display. Starting Bid $200
Bob Dylan Bob Dylan’s first demo tape— the original master recording made by his first manager at NYC’s Gaslight Cafe in September 1961
544. Bob Dylan’s First Demo Tape - Original Master
Recorded at The Gaslight, NYC, September 6, 1961.
Bob Dylan’s first demo tape—a remarkable original master recording made by his first manager, Terri Thal, at the Gaslight Café in New York City on September 6, 1961, historic as the earliest known recording of Bob Dylan at the iconic Greenwich Village coffeehouse, central to the 1960s NYC folk scene. The tape was specifically made as a tool to book the then-unknown Dylan gigs outside of New York City. In conversations with Thal, she emphasizes that the tape was a practical necessity: “I didn’t have video… I didn’t have a record. I needed something to show, to play for people to give them an idea of what the guy sounded like.”
This is the original 1/4-inch Reeves Soundcraft Plus-100 reel-to-reel audio tape recorded at the Gaslight on September 6, 1961, boasting clear, high-quality recordings of six early tracks: ‘Man on the Street,’ ‘He Was a Friend of Mine,’ ‘Talkin’ Bear Mountain Picnic Massacre Blues,’ ‘Song to Woody,’ ‘Pretty Polly,’ and ‘Car, Car.’ The first four, all original Dylan compositions, demonstrate the range of his incredible songwriting talent—his early brilliance is especially evident in the witty ‘Bear Mountain’ talking blues and in his thoughtful tribute to Woody Guthrie, which have been recognized Dylan biographer Clinton Heylin and music journalist Paul Williams as the first compositions to gain Dylan notice as a songwriter. His influences are made plain in the final two songs, with a great bluegrass version of the traditional ‘Pretty Polly’ and a playful rendition of Woody Guthrie’s ‘Car, Car,’ supported by Dave Van Ronk’s humorous duet on the ‘engine noises.’ Van Ronk, the husband of Terri Thal, was one of Dylan’s friends and mentors in the Greenwich Village folk scene.
In Chronicles: Volume One, Dylan reflects on their influence: “I felt different towards Van Ronk than anyone else on the scene because it was him who brought me into the fold and I was happy to be playing alongside him night after night at the Gaslight. It was a real stage with a real audience and it was where the real action was…Van Ronk’s wife, Terri, definitely not a minor character, took care of Dave’s bookings, especially out of town, and she began trying to help me out. She was just as outspoken and opinionated as Dave was, especially about politics—not so much the political issues but rather the highfalutin’ theological ideas behind political systems...Politics with a hanging heaviness. Intellectually it would be hard to keep up.”
Dylan continues: “Terri had managed to get Dave booked in places like Boston and Philly…even as far away as St. Louis at a folk club called Laughing Buddha. For me, those gigs were out of the question. You needed at least one record out even if it was on a small label to get work in any of those clubs. She did manage to come up with a few things in places like Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Hartford—once
at a folk club in Pittsburgh, another in Montreal. Scattered things. Mostly I stayed around in New York City. I didn’t really want to go out of town. If I wanted to be out of town, I wouldn’t have come to New York City in the first place. I was fortunate to have the regular gig at the Gaslight and wasn’t on any wild goose chase to go anywhere.”
In her own book, My Greenwich Village: Dave, Bob and Me, Thal remembers: “One day in spring 1961, Bob asked, ‘Would you get me gigs?’ Of course I said, ‘I’ll try.’ I didn’t think of asking him to sign a management contract…Bob and I agreed that I would be his manager and would get fifteen percent of any job I got for him, but that I wouldn’t take a commission until he was earning enough to pay me…Getting Bob Dylan work was difficult. Folk singers in New York started to agree with Dave and me that Bob was distinctive and remarkable, and that he had great promise. But he didn’t yet have any other audience. Other folk singers went to hear him, but musicians couldn’t constitute enough of an audience to support the cost to a club owner of bringing in a performer.”
Thal recalls making a trip to Massachusetts in an effort to find work for Dylan: “In Springfield, the manager wasn’t interested in a new, unknown performer. He wanted Dave, which was fine, but I had gone there primarily to try to get a booking for Bob. I could have booked Dave just by calling, but I had known that I’d have to generate interest in Bob, and had brought a tape to play. The Club 47 in Cambridge, where there was a flourishing folk music scene, wouldn’t hire Bob. ‘He’s too freaky for a folk music audience,’ the manager told me…The audition tape Bob made before I went to Massachusetts was recorded in the Gaslight. It’s a quarter-track, reel-to-reel tape made on the Ampex I had bought for Dave. I had a studio make a vinyl recording of the tape, and insisted that the studio promise not to make any others… Years later, a pirated copy was used to produce a bootlegged album.”
She goes on to discuss her rediscovery of this tape while working on her memoir: “I had not played the original tape since 1961, when it was made, and didn’t know whether there was still any sound on it. In early 2023, writer Richard Barone introduced me to Steve Addabbo, owner of Shelter Island Sound, a studio that has worked on Bob Dylan recordings. Steve played the tape in his studio. Not only was there still sound on it, the sound is clear and stunning. It’s a wonderful sample of Bob’s early music.” The tape is accompanied by Addabbo’s digital transfer; the sound quality is clear and stunning, far superior to any bootlegged examples of the Gaslight set.
The tape has been rehoused in an Ampex box, but the original Soundcraft Plus-100 box cover panels are included, boasting a handwritten track list. Starting Bid $1000
Unique coloring book page doodled on and signed by Bob Dylan in New York City, 1961
545. Bob Dylan Signed Coloring Book Page with Doodles. Vintage circa 1961 coloring book page from the collection of Bob Dylan’s first manager, Terri Thal, 7.25 x 10.5, doodled on and signed by Bob Dylan, “All mine love, Bob Dylan.” Rather than coloring in the outline of a boy viewing a rocket ship, Dylan has used the page to create a remarkable piece of original artwork: sketching a beanie, lit cigarette, bushy eyebrows, sideburns, and a stubbly beard to humorously transform the boy’s appearance. Written below in another hand is: “To my forever fluent floored flora Terry, This day now 1st of August.” In good to very good condition, with overall toning and significant chipping to the brittle edges.
This piece dates to around Terri Thal and Dave Van Ronk’s wedding period, August 1961, when she bought a coloring book for friends to embellish as a personal memento; recalling those days, she says that “being invited to color in my coloring book was a compliment.” Dylan embellished this page during a typical afternoon visit with then-girlfriend Suze Rotolo—leisurely time spent at Van Ronk’s apartment, listening to records, playing penny-ante poker, eating dinner, and socializing. A remarkable piece that represents a casual, intimate moment during Dylan’s early New York period. Starting Bid $200
546.Bob Dylan Archive of (65) Sheet Music Lead Sheets with ‘The Times They Are a-Changin’, ‘Maggie’s Farm,’ and ‘Girl of the North Country’ - From the Collection of Dave Van Ronk. Significant archive of over 65 mid-1960s original M. Witmark & Sons lead sheets for songs by Bob Dylan, originating from the collection of Greenwich Village folk icon Dave Van Ronk. Van Ronk had taken Dylan under his wing upon the young folk singer’s arrival in New York City, letting him crash on his couch while helping him to secure gigs at The Gaslight and introducing him to jazz at clubs like Trudy Heller’s, the Vanguard, the Village Gate, and the Blue Note. In Chronicles: Volume One, Dylan remembers: “I was greatly influenced by Dave. Later, when I would record my first album, half the cuts on it were renditions of songs that Van Ronk did. It’s not like I planned that, it just happened. Unconsciously I trusted his stuff more than I did mine.”
As Dylan’s star power grew, he came to earn a considerable income as other artists covered his hits. This collection of rare, official Witmark lead sheets was compiled as part of a potential effort to have Van Ronk record Dylan’s songs, with copyright dates ranging from 1963 to 1965. Titles aviailble online at www. RRAuction.com. In overall very good to fine condition, with overall toning and dampstaining to a few of the sheets. Starting Bid $200
547. Bob Dylan (5) Sheet Music Booklets with ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ and ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ - From the Collection of Dave Van Ronk. Five mid-1960s original M. Witmark & Sons sheet music booklets for songs by Bob Dylan, originating from the collection of Greenwich Village folk icon Dave Van Ronk. Van Ronk had taken Dylan under his wing upon the young folk singer’s arrival in New York City, letting him crash on his couch while helping him to secure gigs at The Gaslight and introducing him to jazz at clubs like Trudy Heller’s, the Vanguard, the Village Gate, and the Blue Note. In Chronicles: Volume One, Dylan remembers: “I was greatly influenced by Dave. Later, when I would record my first album, half the cuts on it were renditions of songs that Van Ronk did. It’s not like I planned that, it just happened. Unconsciously I trusted his stuff more than I did mine.” In overall very good to fine condition, with dampstaining to the edges of ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ and ‘Don’t Think Twice,’ and foxing to the covers of The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. Read more online at www.RRAuction. com. Starting Bid $200
Magnificent Martin D-41 played on stage during the Rolling Thunder Revue— a gift from Bob Dylan to Bob Neuwirth
550. Bob
Neuwirth’s
1975 Martin D-41 Acoustic
Guitar - Gifted by Bob Dylan and Used on the Rolling Thunder Revue. Bob Neuwirth’s personally-owned and -played 1975 Martin D-41 acoustic guitar, serial no. 360767, featuring a rare ‘shade top’ sunburst finish and stunning abalone inlay around the soundhole and top, as well as hexagonal inlay fret markers. Per guitar expert Fredric H. Walecki: “This was one the most expensive guitars made by the Martin company, elegantly detailed with abalone heart marquetry and very unusual sunburst finish. Bobby Neuwirth accompanied Bob Dylan into Manny’s Music and Dylan chose two D-41 guitars. While looking at and playing these instruments Dylan asked Bobby’s opinion as to which one he liked best. One of the D-41 Martin’s had the normal plain top and the other, a sunburst top which really emphasized the mother of pearl binding along the edges and top of the sound hole. When Dylan asked Bobby which he preferred, Bobby immediately advised him to buy the sunburst. Dylan bought both the sunburst and the plain top and handed the sunburst to Bobby, saying ‘I’d like to give this to you, we’ll use it on the Rolling Thunder Tour.’”
Neuwirth indeed played it frequently on stage while touring with the Rolling Thunder Revue, as captured in photographs by Ken Regan and Joel Bernstein. The guitar is also seen in the ‘Hard Rain’ concert film and in documentary footage released as part of ‘Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese.’ The best shots of Neuwirth playing this guitar may be in concert footage from ‘Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You,’ recorded at the Montreal Forum on December 4, 1975. According to guitar tech Arthur Rosato, who managed the 36 guitars brought on the tour, it is likely that Bob Dylan played this Martin: “In those days if a guitar was laying around anyone could pick it up and play. Being that Bob and Bobby were tighter than most they probably swapped guitars on numerous occasions.”
Accompanied by its brown hardshell travel case, with remnants of dozens of luggage tags tied to the handle; the case is decorated with a few luggage labels, stickers from the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, “JIMMY’Z,” and Mountain Stage, and guest passes for Willie Nelson’s 1987 tour and “Art Project ‘92.”
Bob Neuwirth was a key figure in Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue, serving as a musician, collaborator, and behind-thescenes organizer. A longtime friend of Dylan, Neuwirth helped shape the freewheeling, theatrical nature of the 1975-76 tour. He performed onstage, often alongside Joan Baez and Roger McGuinn, and contributed to the spontaneous, carnival-like atmosphere. His influence extended beyond music, as he helped bring together the eclectic mix of artists, poets, and performers that defined the revue’s legendary status.Starting Bid $2500
Bob Neuwirth’s well-traveled 1961 Gibson Hummingbird, received
as a gift in the year he met Bob Dylan
551. Bob Neuwirth’s 1961 Gibson Hummingbird Acoustic Guitar. Bob Neuwirth’s personally-owned and -played 1961 Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar, serial no. 30697, featuring the trademark Hummingbird cherryburst finish and pickguard engraved with a hummingbird-butterfly trumpet-flower motif. The original inner label reads: “Style: Guitar, Gibson Hummingbird Number 30697 is hereby guaranteed against faulty workmanship and materials. Gibson, Inc., Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.A.” Stamped with matching serial “30697” on the back of the headstock. Accompanied by its well-worn hardshell travel case, with remnants of dozens of travel tags tied to the handle; the edges of the case have been repaired with duct tape, and it has been decorated with stickers for the Cornell Hurd Band, KLBJ 93.7 FM, and Northwest Orient Airlines.
This guitar was a gift to Neuwirth in about 1961 by Betty Stoneman, a known figure in the Boston folk music scene. During this period, Neuwirth had dropped out of Tufts University, briefly relocated to Paris, took up the harmonica, and returned to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he became engrossed in the folk revival. Most importantly, it was in 1961 that he met then-unknown Bob Dylan.
The New York Times reports: “Mr. Neuwirth said he first encountered Mr. Dylan at the Indian Neck Folk Festival in Connecticut in 1961. Mr. Dylan was still largely unknown then, but, Mr. Neuwirth said years later, he caught his eye ‘because he was the only other guy with a harmonica holder around his neck.’ The two hit it off, and Mr. Neuwirth became a central figure in the circle that coalesced around Mr. Dylan as his fame grew. When Mr. Dylan held court at the Kettle of Fish bar in Greenwich Village in the early 1960s, Mr. Neuwirth was there. When Mr. Dylan toured England in 1965, Mr. Neuwirth went along. A decade later, when Mr. Dylan embarked on his Rolling Thunder Revue tour, Mr. Neuwirth was instrumental in putting the band together.”
One would imagine that this Gibson Hummingbird— clearly well-traveled and played often—went along for the ride. Starting Bid $1000
Bob Neuwirth’s souvenir mirror from the Rolling Thunder Revue, presented by tour promoter Barry Imhoff
552. Bob Dylan: Rolling Thunder Revue Mirror - From the Collection of Bob Neuwirth. Bob Neuwirth’s incredibly rare original mirror as given to participants in Bob Dylan’s 1975–76 Rolling Thunder Revue, 18 x 26, featuring portraits of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Bob Neuwirth at the center of the tour’s emblem, reading: “Rolling Thunder Revue, Starring Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Bob Neuwirth, Roger McGuinn, Kinky Friedman.” In a box below, further participants are named, including many of those that Neuwirth recruited to fill out the large backing band—such as TBone Burnett, David Mansfield, Scarlet Rivera, Mick Ronson, Steven Soles, Rob Stoner, and Howie Wyeth—plus dozens more attached to the tour. At the very bottom is a facsimile message from tour promoter Barry Imhoff: “Thank you all… Barry S. Imhoff.” Complete with its original shipping crate, addressed to “Mr. Bobby Neuwirth, 2395 Kensington Road, Akron, OH 44313.” In very good to fine condition, with a small crack to the extreme upper left corner. Presented exclusively to members of the historic tour—presumably only to those listed—this is an exceedingly rare souvenir from a legendary concert series. Starting Bid $500
Rare unused tickets and backstage buttons from 1975 leg of the Rolling Thunder Review from co-headliner Bob Neuwirth
553. Bob Dylan: Rolling Thunder Revue Backstage Pass, Map, Buttons, and Tickets - From the Collection of Bob Neuwirth. Unique, incredibly rare display of Bob Neuwirth’s ephemera and memorabilia from the first leg of the 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour with Bob Dylan, highlighted by Neuwirth’s backstage tour pass, numerous original full tickets (plus one reproduction), and a colorful assortment of 25 “Rolling Thunder Revue” backstage pass buttons, and a green “Night of the Hurricane!” button depicting the wrongfully convicted Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter. These framed displays were presented to the performers at the end of the tour by the tour promoter.
These items are thoughtfully arranged around a “Trail Map of the Rolling Thunder Revue” and a “Rolling Thunder Revue” brass luggage tag, and framed to an overall size of 21 x 28.5. Of particular note are the following:
- Bob Neuwirth’s Rolling Thunder Revue backstage tour laminate, which boasts his ID-style photograph and identifies him as “Bob Neuwirth #3.” Neuwirth helped to recruit and assemble the tour’s large backing band—dubbed ‘Guam’—and served as its bandleader.
- rare full tickets, evidently representing most of the dates and venues for the 30 shows played throughout the Rolling Thunder Revue’s first leg. The tour of the northeast began at Plymouth, Massachusetts on October 30th and ended at Madison Square Garden in New York on December 8th; the ticket for the “Night of the Hurricane!” at Madison Square Garden is a photocopy, but all others appear to be original. Many have faded over the years, but easily legible are full tickets for: Memorial Hall, Plymouth, MA, October 31, 1975; Providence Civic Center, RI, November 4, 1975; Springfield Civic Center, MA, November 6, 1975; Veterans Memorial Coliseum, New Haven, CT, November
13, 1975; Niagara Falls Convention Center, NY, November 15, 1975; Community War Memorial, Rochester, NY, November 17, 1975; Boston Music Hall, MA, November 21, 1975; Hartford Civic Center, CT, November 24, 1975; Colisée de Québec, November 29, 1975; Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, December 1, 1975; and the Montreal Forum, December 4, 1975. Tickets from the first leg of the tour are particularly rare.
- the border of 25 rare, colorful “Rolling Thunder Revue” buttons which served as color-coded backstage guest passes for varying stops on the tour.
- the green “Night of the Hurricane!” button from the final show of the tour’s first leg, held as a benefit for the wrongfully imprisoned Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter at Madison Square Garden, New York City, December 8, 1975.
In overall very good to fine condition, with the frame somewhat loose and one ticket displaced from its spot in the display. Starting Bid $500
554. Bob Dylan: Rolling Thunder Revue Pillowcase - From the Collection of Bob Neuwirth. Bob Neuwirth’s exceedingly rare white pillowcase from the 1975–76 Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour with Bob Dylan, imprinted with the tour’s circular emblem in dark brown, “Rolling Thunder Revue, Starring Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Jack Elliott, Bob Neuwirth,” with portraits of the four stars at center. The opposite side is imprinted with a “Rolling Thunder Revue” stage design. This pillowcase is identified as originating from the first leg of the Rolling Thunder Revue, as Ramblin’ Jack Elliott was a featured performer; the 30-show autumn tour of the northeast began in Plymouth, Massachusetts on October 30, 1975, and ended at NYC’s Madison Square Garden on December 8, 1975. In fine to very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
556. Bob Neuwirth’s Ostrich Cowboy Boots by Larry Mahan of Nocona. Bob Neuwirth’s personallyowned and -worn short black leather cowboy boots by Larry Mahan of Nocona, Texas, with the maker’s tags sewn inside the pull straps, stamped inside as size “11D,” with date or style codes, “L M12380 10201.” The simple, short black boots feature ostrich feet with full grain leather shafts, and lack elaborate ornamentation—the boots rely on the organic ostrich quill pattern for their principal decorative effect. The boots exhibit moderate wear from use. Starting Bid $200
557. Bob Dylan Rolling Thunder Revue: Bob Neuwirth’s Wooden Name Plaque. Bob Neuwirth’s wooden name plaque from the 1975–76 Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour with Bob Dylan, measuring 20.75˝ x 3.5˝, featuring his name elegantly carved in an Olde English script: “Bob Neuwirth.” The plaque was presumably used to identify his dressing room during the second segment of the tour, which was split into two legs: the autumn tour of the northeast, which began in Plymouth, Massachusetts on October 30, 1975, and ended at NYC’s Madison Square Garden on December 8, 1975; and the spring leg, which kicked off in Lakeland, Florida on April 18, 1976, and concluded in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 25, 1976. Bridging the two legs was a benefit show for Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter at the Houston Astrodome on January 25, 1976. In very good to fine condition. Starting Bid $200
558. Bob Dylan Rolling Thunder Revue: Bob Neuwirth’s Wooden Name Plaque. Bob Neuwirth’s wooden name plaque from the 1975–76 Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour with Bob Dylan, measuring 30˝ x 6˝, featuring his name neatly carved in an italicized script: “Bob Neuwirth.” Reverse bears the maker’s label: “Ol’ Salty’s Quarterboards…Barnstable (Cape Cod), Massachusetts.” The plaque was presumably used to identify his dressing room during the first segment of the tour, which was split into two legs: the autumn tour of the northeast kicked off on Cape Cod, with Dylan and his band rehearsing at the Seacrest Motel in Falmouth on October 29, 1975. They played their first show in Plymouth, Massachusetts on October 30th, and ended the concert series at NYC’s Madison Square Garden on December 8, 1975. The spring leg started in Lakeland, Florida on April 18, 1976, and concluded in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 25, 1976. Bridging the two legs was a benefit show for Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter at the Houston Astrodome on January 25, 1976. In very good to fine condition, with its four eyelet mounting points intact. Starting Bid $200
559. Bob Neuwirth Original Print by John Byrne Cooke. Original 11 x 8.5 print of a 1964 photograph of the paisley-clad folk singer/visual artist Bob Neuwirth surrounded by abstract art, captioned and signed on the reverse in pencil by the photographer: “Bob Neuwirth w. tricycle & paintings, Cambridge, Mass., Nov. 1964 - Print E1-2, 10/24/05, John Byrne Cooke.” Cooke sent this print to Neuwirth’s partner, Paula Batson, in 2006, along with a handwritten note: “Hi, Paula—Just something you mentioned a while ago. Sorry it’s so long in arriving. Best, John.” Includes the original mailing envelope. In fine condition.
The photographer, John Byrne Cooke (1940–2017), was an author, musician, and photographer who worked as Janis Joplin’s road manager from 1967 until her death in 1970. Starting Bid $200
1964 Important Early Work: Original Abstract Drawing from Neuwirth
570. Bob Neuwirth Original Abstract Artwork. Untitled Circa 1964 Ink on paper 8 1/2 x 11 inches
Unsigned original abstract artwork accomplished by Bob Neuwirth on an off-white 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of notebook paper. Neuwirth fills the page with a bold black-and-white composition replete with organic shapes, symbols, and figures that interlock and overlap—the imagery includes abstract animal and humanoid outlines, suggesting a dreamlike narrative or a primitive symbolic language. The high-contrast style and fluid linework evoke a sense of energetic movement and spontaneity, fusing surrealism and tribal art. In fine condition.
In an article entitled ‘Variations on a Theme: The Improvisational Art of Bob Neuwirth’ in Whitehot Magazine, Eric La Prade notes: ‘Neuwirth’s first love was always painting: he painted steadily throughout his lifetime, experimenting with different artistic styles, using different media and producing a substantial body of work. Yet, his musical career overshadowed his painting interests; hence, his work as a painter is hardly known outside of the circle of friends and/or the collectors who bought his pictures… In Boston, Neuwirth had a painting studio on the top floor of an old warehouse, probably above the Unicorn Coffeehouse at 825 Boylston Street. Neuwirth’s styles at that time featured black and white stylized figures in a flat plane—stylistically reminiscent of Picasso’s monumental and hugely influential 1937 painting, Guernica—as well as figurative expressionist works.’ Starting Bid $1500
560. Bob Dylan and Bob Neuwirth Original Photograph, London 1965. Original vintage glossy 9.25 x 7 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan and Bob Neuwirth striking a pose at a London party in 1965, with Animals keyboardist Alan Price on the left. Captioned in the lower border with their names and a humorous caption: “’I think I can hear the sea,’ London 65.” In fine condition. From the estate of 16 Magazine editor Gloria Stavers; this was likely published in 16. Starting Bid $200
Bob
Neuwirth’s stage-worn ‘Nudie’ suit
from
the ‘Night of the Hurricane II’ benefit concert at the Houston Astrodome, purchased for him by Bob Dylan
563. Bob Dylan Rolling Thunder Revue: Bob Neuwirth’s Stage-Worn Hurricane Carter Benefit ‘Nudie Suit’. Bob Neuwirth’s personallyowned custom outfit by Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors of North Hollywood, California, worn on stage for the ‘Night of the Hurricane II’ benefit concert at the Houston Astrodome on January 25, 1976, bridging the two legs of Bob Dylan’s iconic Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour. Dylan purchased these unique suits for his band prior to the show; a 1977 Rolling Stone article remarked: ‘The revue got outfitted in country-glitter suits at Nudie’s; Dylan picked up that $15,000 bill.’
The dazzling all-black suit features a jacket with a rhinestone-studded collar, rhinestone-lined silverembroidered horseshoes on the front, and shimmering gold-embroidered horse designs on the back, front, and sleeves, their eyes and nostrils dotted with red rhinestones. The sleeves boast further rhinestone designs, with the outline of a house on each wrist. The jacket is lined in colorful psychedelic paisley-patterned silk, with the “Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors” label sewn to an inner pocket. The matching bootcut pants are similarly decorated, with decorative rhinestones on each belt loop and the same golden horse motif embroidered at the ankles. The handsome suit remains in fine to very fine condition.
Night of the Hurricane II was a benefit concert held on January 25, 1976, at the Houston Astrodome, organized by Bob Dylan to support the legal defense of boxer Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter. The event came in between legs of Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue tour and featured performances by Dylan with his Rolling Thunder band—including Bob Neuwirth, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Roger McGuinn, and Mick Ronson—plus special guests including Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes, Ringo Starr, Stephen Stills, Richie Havens, and Carlos Santana. It followed a similar concert at Madison Square Garden the previous month, both aimed at raising awareness of Carter’s wrongful conviction. Despite a lower turnout than expected, the concert was a powerful statement against racial injustice and wrongful imprisonment, raising further awareness for Hurricane Carter’s cause on the national stage. Starting Bid $1000
564. Bob Dylan: Rolling Thunder Revue Blue Tour T-Shirt - From the Collection of Bob Neuwirth. Bob Neuwirth’s blue tie-dye short-sleeve T-shirt from the 1975–76 Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour with Bob Dylan, size XL, imprinted on front with the iconic tour’s name in dark brown stylized block letters: “Rolling Thunder Revue.” In good to very good condition, with a few stains and holes to the chest and shoulders. Starting Bid $200
565. Bob Dylan: Rolling Thunder Revue Brown Henley Tour Shirt - From the Collection of Bob Neuwirth. Bob Neuwirth’s brown tie-dye Henleystyle long-sleeve shirt from the 1975–76 Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour with Bob Dylan, size large, imprinted on the back with the tour’s circular emblem in dark brown: “Rolling Thunder Revue, Starring Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Jack Elliott, Bob Neuwirth.” This shirt is identified as originating from the first leg of the tour, as Ramblin’ Jack Elliott was a featured performer; the 30-show autumn tour of the northeast began in Plymouth, Massachusetts on October 30, 1975, and ended at NYC’s Madison Square Garden on December 8, 1975. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Collection
Neuwirth’s tan tie-dye short-sleeve T-shirt from the 1975–76 Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour with Bob Dylan, size M, imprinted on front with a “Rolling Thunder Revue” stage design. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
- From the Collection of Bob Neuwirth. Bob Neuwirth’s brown tie-dye short-sleeve T-shirt from the 1975–76 Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour with Bob Dylan, size S, imprinted on front with the iconic tour’s name in dark brown stylized block letters: “Rolling Thunder Revue.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
567. Bob Dylan: Rolling Thunder Revue Brown Tour T-Shirt
566. Bob Dylan: Rolling Thunder Revue Tan Tour T-Shirt - From the
of Bob Neuwirth. Bob
568. Bob Dylan: Rolling Thunder Revue Brown Tour T-Shirt - From the Collection of Bob Neuwirth. Bob Neuwirth’s brown tie-dye short-sleeve T-shirt from the 1975–76 Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour with Bob Dylan, size M, imprinted on front with the iconic tour’s name in dark brown stylized block letters: “Rolling Thunder Revue.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
569. Bob Dylan: Rolling Thunder Revue Tan ‘Cast and Crew’ Tour T-Shirt - From the Collection of Bob Neuwirth. Bob Neuwirth’s tan tie-dye short-sleeve T-shirt from the 1975–76 Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour with Bob Dylan, size M, imprinted on front with a dark brown image of the ‘cast and crew’ of the touring party, with Dylan holding a dog at center. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Exceedingly rare poster for Bob Dylan’s first show in San Francisco, November 27, 1964
575. Bob Dylan Extremely Rare 1964 San Francisco Concert Poster. Extremely rare and highly desirable 17 x 11 poster for Bob Dylan’s first-ever concert in San Francisco, held at the Masonic Temple (1111 California St.) on November 27, 1964, presented by Mary Ann Pollar and produced by Ashes and Sand (Dylan and manager Albert Grossman’s production company). The poster features the iconic portrait seen on his ‘The Times They are A-Changin’ album cover, and lists ticketing information. In very fine condition.
This show took place at a critical time in Dylan’s career: in July, he’d been a headliner at the Newport Folk Festival, and on August 8 he released his fourth album, Another Side of Bob Dylan. On August 28, he famously met The Beatles at New York’s Delmonico Hotel, turning them on to marijuana for the first time. On September 8, he began his fall tour, and on September 20th he attended The Beatles concert at New
York’s Paramount Theater, spending time with them afterward. On October 31, Dylan played New York’s Philharmonic Hall, bringing on Joan Baez as a special guest (the ‘Halloween Concert’ was later released as Vol. 6 in Dylan’s Bootleg Series). Baez again joined Dylan on stage during his November 25 San Jose show, and two days later at the concert this poster advertises. The tour ended on December 7 in Santa Barbara, and after taking the rest of the month off, he entered the studio on January 13, 1965 to begin recording his next album, Bringing It All Back Home.
A partial recording of the San Francisco concert can be heard on Youtube: Dylan plays ‘Gates of Eden’, ‘If You Gotta Go, Go Now’, ‘It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)’, ‘Talkin’ World War III Blues’, ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,’ and ‘Mama, You Been On My Mind’ (with Baez). Starting Bid $1000
Rare ‘tour blank’ poster from Bob Dylan’s legendary Rolling Thunder Revue
576. Bob Dylan Rare 1976 Rolling Thunder Revue Concert Poster with Joan Baez and Roger McGuinn. Rare original 14 x 22.5 concert poster from the spring 1976 leg of Bob Dylan’s legendary Rolling Thunder Revue tour, listing the supporting acts as Joan Baez, Bob Neuwirth, Roger McGuinn, and Kinky Friedman. Two nearly identical versions of this poster were produced; this is identified as coming from the second leg as it adds McGuinn and Friedman to the lineup, deleting Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. Both posters were ‘tour blanks,’ with an area at the bottom for specific venue information to be written in. At the bottom is a credit for Dylan’s Zebra Concerts, Inc. Professionally flattened and in fine condition, with a professional restoration to a small area at the top center edge.
The Rolling Thunder Revue was a 1975–1976 concert tour by Bob Dylan, joined at various points by Joan Baez, Roger McGuinn, Joni Mitchell, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Allen Ginsberg, Bob Neuwirth, and a band featuring musicians from the Desire sessions, including Scarlett Rivera, Rob Stoner, Howie Wyeth plus Mick Ronson on guitar.
The 57-date tour was composed of two legs—the first, in fall 1975, focused on the Northeastern United States and Canada, and the second, in spring 1976, covered the South and Southwestern states.
In contrast to Dylan’s massive 1974 tour with The Band, the first Rolling Thunder leg was mostly smaller, more intimate venues, most of which were promoted primarily via word of mouth and last-minute announcements. The tour generated tremendous interest, as Dylan was premiering new material and appearing on the same bill with Joan Baez for the first time in 10 years.
In On the Road with Bob Dylan (1978), Larry Sloman writes: ‘Onstage it was like a carnival. Bobby Neuwirth and the back-up band [dubbed ‘Guam’] warmed up the audience. Next, Dylan ambled on to do about five songs. After intermission, the curtain rose to an incredible sight, Bob and Joan, together again after all these years.’ Dylan and Baez usually began the second segment in the dark, duetting on ‘Blowin’ in the Wind.’ Guest artists would perform at various points, with Baez usually performing six or so songs solo, followed by Dylan, first acoustic, then joined by the band. The all-hands-on-deck finale was usually Woody Guthrie’s ‘This Land is Your Land.’ The 30-show first leg began October 30, 1975 at the Memorial Hall in Plymouth, Mass, and ended December 8 at Madison Square Garden. The 22-show second leg started April 18, 1976 at the Lakeland, Florida Civic Center. Most of the same musicians returned, with Kinky Friedman added to the lineup; the final show took place on May 25, 1976 at Salt Lake City’s Salt Palace. The May 23 Colorado show was filmed and recorded for a September 1976 NBC television special and live album, both titled Hard Rain. Dylan’s film Renaldo and Clara, including footage from the tour, was released in 1978. The tour was further documented with the album The Bootleg Series Vol. 5: Bob Dylan Live 1975, The Rolling Thunder Review, and more recently in the 2019 pseudo-documentary Rolling Thunder Review: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese. Starting Bid $300
Dylan goes electric—a classic shot from a 1965 Bringing It All Back Home session
578. Bob Dylan Original Photograph by Don Hunstein - 1965 ‘Bringing It All Back Home’ Session . Original vintage glossy 7 x 9 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan singing and playing electric guitar during a Bringing It All Back Home recording session in New York City in January 1965, taken by photographer Don Hunstein. Reverse is stamped: “16 Magazine, 745 Fifth Avenue, New York 22, N.Y.” In fine condition.
In 1965, Bob Dylan famously ‘went electric,’ marking a bold departure from his acoustic folk roots and sparking controversy among his fans and the folk music community. His album Bringing It All Back Home was a groundbreaking fusion of electric rock and poetic lyrics, with Side A featuring electrified tracks like “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and Side B showcasing his traditional acoustic style. This pivotal moment in Dylan’s career cemented his status as a transformative artist, redefining the boundaries of contemporary music and storytelling. Starting Bid $200
577. Bob Dylan and George Harrison Original Photograph. Original vintage glossy 10 x 8 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan and George Harrison performing together on stage at the Concert for Bangladesh in New York City on August 1, 1971, both strumming their acoustic guitars. In fine condition, with editorial crop marks to the lower border.
The Concert for Bangladesh, a pair of benefit concerts organized by Harrison and sitar master Ravi Shankar, were held at NYC’s Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971. They were attended by over 40,000 people and raised close to $250,000 for Bangladesh relief, funds designed to assist refugees from East Pakistan following the Bangladesh Liberation War-related genocide. Although Ringo Starr was the only other Beatle to attend, the concerts included many willing and legendary musicians, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, and Badfinger. Starting Bid $200
579. Bob Dylan and the Band 1974 Tour Patch. Original, unsewn vintage round brown leather patch from the Bob Dylan and the Band 1974 Tour, measuring 3.75˝ in diameter, with text in the border reading: “Bob Dylan/The Band, Tour ‘74.” In fine condition, with wear to the lettering.
“Tour ‘74” represented Bob Dylan’s return to the stage after an eight-year hiatus, backed by his old friends in The Band. Running from January 3 to February 14th, the tour included 40 performances across North America, with many shows selling out within hours. The reunion tour was highlighted by powerful reinterpretations of classic Dylan tracks and culminated in the release of the live double album Before the Flood, which Creem reviewer Robert Christgau praised as ‘the craziest and strongest rock and roll ever recorded.’ Starting Bid $200
Barry Feinstein Collection
Bob Dylan’s mid-1970s black Stetson western hat, given to famed rock photographer Barry Feinstein
581. Bob Dylan’s Black Stetson Western Hat - From the Collection of Photographer Barry Feinstein. Bob Dylan’s personally-owned Stetson black fur felt western hat, size 7, with brown tooled leather decorative band, purchased from Fast Eddie’s of Aspen, Colorado, in the mid-1970s. Eddie Golub founded Fast Eddie’s in the early 1970s and swiftly became a legendary maker and seller of high-quality widebrimmed cowboy hats. The hat is gilt-stamped on the inner hatband: “Fast Eddie’s / Aspen, Colo.” and “Stetson.” In fine condition. Dylan acquired this hat in the wake of his debut in
the Western movie Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973) or while on tour with The Band in 1974. Barry Feinstein was invited by Dylan to serve as the official photographer for the tour, both on stage and behind the scenes, and was, like Dylan, a hat wearer. Dylan gave him this hat during the tour, and Feinstein kept it in his studio until his death in 2011—next to Steve McQueen’s cowboy hat and gunbelt with holster from ‘Wanted Dead Or Alive’ (1958). Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Estate of Barry Feinstein / Barry Feinstein Photography. Starting Bid $300
Stage-used Hohner harmonica from the European leg of Bob Dylan’s iconic ‘electric’ 1966 World Tour
582. Bob Dylan’s Stage-Used Hohner Marine Band Harmonica (European Leg, World Tour 1966) - From the Collection of Barry Feinstein. Bob Dylan’s stage-used Hohner Marine Band harmonica, key of G, tuned to A446, from the European leg of Dylan’s 1966 world tour with his electric backing band The Hawks (later The Band): Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson, and Sandy Konikoff/Mickey Jones on drums.
Barry Feinstein joined the tour in May 1966 for dates in England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Dylan’s birthday in Paris. This stage-used harmonica from the tour, designed and tuned for Dylan’s strong breath pressure, is a souvenir that Feinstein brought back home after the tour ended on May 27, 1966. He kept it in the studio of his residence in Woodstock from then until his death in 2011. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Estate of Barry Feinstein / Barry Feinstein Photography.
This leg of the tour included the famous May 17, 1966 concert at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, England—widely known as the ‘Royal Albert Hall’ show due to an inaccurately attributed bootleg. The concert is famed as a transitional moment in Dylan’s career, opening with a typical solo acoustic set before launching into an ‘electric’ act with Dylan backed by the Hawks. The ‘electric’ Dylan was met with uproar from the folksy audience, sparking a legendary confrontation between Dylan and a heckler who yelled out ‘Judas!’ Dylan turned to his band, told them to ‘play it fuckin’ loud,’ and ripped into ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ to end the show. Starting Bid $300
583. Bob Dylan and Joan Baez
Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein - ‘Dressing Room’ (Ltd. Ed. #5/18). From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—a spectacular semiglossy 20 x 16 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan sitting with Joan Baez in her dressing room, listening intently as she picks her acoustic guitar. Blindstamped in the lower left with the “Barry Feinstein Photography” stamp, and titled and numbered on the reverse in pencil, “Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, 1966, 5/18.” In fine condition. From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
584. Bob Dylan Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein - ‘Contemplation’. From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—an original semi-glossy 16 x 20 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan in an ultra close-up pose, his hand thoughtfully placed on his cheek. Signed and titled on the reverse in pencil by the photographer, “Barry Feinstein, Bob Dylan, ‘Contemplation,’ Ireland, 1966,” beneath Feinstein’s copyright stamp. In very fine condition. From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
Magnificent limited edition signed print of Bob Dylan at the Royal Albert Hall, 1966
586. Bob Dylan Oversized Signed Photograph (Ltd. Ed. #IV/IV) - Royal Albert Hall, 1966, by Barry Feinstein. Fantastic original limited edition semi-glossy 24.75 x 18.25 photo of Bob Dylan at the piano in his houndstooth suit, taken by Barry Feinstein at the Royal Albert Hall in 1966, numbered IV/IV, signed in the lower border in black felt tip, “Bob Dylan.” The Caravaggio lighting on his face and microphone are a characteristic Feinstein capture. Matted to an overall size of 22 x 30. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Genesis Publications (publisher of the ‘Behind the Picture Frame’ series), and a certificate of authenticity from the Estate of Barry Feinstein. Starting Bid $300
588. Bob Dylan Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein‘LSD Partners, Nottingham, 1966’ (Ltd. Ed. #3/50). From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—a famous original semiglossy 20 x 16 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan standing in the doorway of the “L-S-D Partners Betting Office” in Nottingham, England. Blindstamped in the lower right with the “Barry Feinstein Photography” stamp, and titled and numbered on the reverse in pencil, “Bob Dylan ‘LSD’ 1966, 3/50,” beneath Feinstein’s copyright stamp. In fine condition.
While romping in the streets of Nottingham on the way from Leicester to Sheffield on May 16, 1966, Dylan and his friends and film crew found this establishment on Castle Boulevard. Feinstein shot this image of him in the doorway and thereby led to much speculation about the use of hallucinogenic drugs by rock and rollers. From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
589. Bob Dylan Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein - ‘LSD Partners/Pickfords, Nottingham, 1966’. From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—a marvelous original semi-glossy 20 x 16 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan standing in the doorway of the “L-S-D Partners Betting Office” in Nottingham, England. Signed and titled on the reverse in pencil, “Barry Feinstein, Bob Dylan (In front of betting office), Sheffield, England, 1966,” beneath Feinstein’s copyright stamp. In fine condition.
While romping in the streets of Nottingham on the way from Leicester to Sheffield on May 16, 1966, Dylan and his friends and film crew found the ‘LSD Partners’ betting establishment on Castle Boulevard. Feinstein famously shot an image of him in the doorway, thereby leading to much speculation about the use of hallucinogenic drugs by rock and rollers. The camera angles of Dylan’s face, the Mercedes behind him, and the row of shops, including the betting shop and Pickfords Movers, make this a more visually interesting image than the better-known ‘LSD Partners’ portrait. From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
590. Bob Dylan Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein - ‘Bowling for Dollars, Liverpool, 1966’. From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—a great original semi-glossy 20 x 16 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan energetically playing with bricks in a Liverpool rubble field. Signed and titled on the reverse in pencil, “Barry Feinstein, Bob Dylan, Liverpool, England, 1966,” beneath Feinstein’s copyright stamp. In fine condition.
Feinstein recalled taking this shot on the day of the Football Association Cup Final, May 14, 1966, which saw Dylan engage with a bunch of waifish Liverpudlian youth: ‘Bob felt great in Liverpool. The scenery, the houses, the open spaces were wonderful. He got all athletic throwing all these rocks around. I said, ‘It’s Bowling For Dollars!’ He loved these kids. He was compassionate to them.’ From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
591. Bob Dylan Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein - ‘Kids on Steps, Liverpool, 1966’ (Ltd. Ed. #3/25). From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—a great original semi-glossy 11 x 17 print of Bob Dylan posing with a group of children on the streets of Liverpool on May 14, 1966, numbered and signed in the lower border in black felt tip, “3/25, Barry Feinstein.” Reverse bears Feinstein’s copyright stamp. In fine condition.
Feinstein recalled taking this shot on the day of the Football Association Cup Final, May 14, 1966, which saw Dylan engage with a bunch of waifish Liverpudlian youth: ‘Bob felt great in Liverpool. The scenery, the houses, the open spaces were wonderful. He got all athletic throwing all these rocks around. I said, ‘It’s Bowling For Dollars!’ He loved these kids. He was compassionate to them. They were like waifs. It was the day of the FA Cup Final, 14 May (Everton v Sheffield Wednesday). I asked if he wanted a photo with them and he said sure, so we found a doorway of this old warehouse. The kids were just playing in the street; they just got in there wherever they could stand. They posed themselves and it became a famous picture.’ From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
592. Bob Dylan and Bob Neuwirth Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein - ‘Two Bobs Laughing, Birmingham, 1966’. From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—a fantastic original semi-glossy 20 x 16 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan and Bob Neuwirth having a laugh in a Birmingham hotel room during their 1966 tour of England. Signed and titled on the reverse in pencil, “Barry Feinstein, Bob Dylan & Bob Neuwirth, (Two Bobs Laughing), Birmingham, England, 1966,” beneath Feinstein’s copyright stamp. In fine condition.
From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Barry Feinstein passed away in 2011, and since then his estate has offered posthumous estate-stamped limited edition photographs from his archives; this example, printed and signed during his lifetime, and deriving from his personal collection, is superior to those gallery offerings. Starting Bid $300
Iconic oversized limited edition portrait of Bob Dylan,
as used on
The Times They Are a-Changin’ album cover
593. Bob Dylan Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein - ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’’ (Ltd. Ed. #4/40). From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—an excellent original semi-glossy 17 x 22 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan taken by Feinstein in late 1963 in New York City, as used on the cover of the iconic 1964 album The Times They Are a-Changin’. Blindstamped in the lower right with the “Barry Feinstein Photography” stamp, and titled and numbered on the reverse in pencil, “Bob Dylan, ‘The Times They Are A’ Changin’, 1964, 4/40.” In fine condition.
Feinstein and Dylan had recently returned from a road trip from Denver to NYC to deliver Albert Grossman’s Rolls-Royce to him, and had become friends on the trip. Feinstein did several photo shoots of Dylan in the city that autumn; this image comes from one and is remarkable in that it succeeds in making a 22-year-old Dylan look like he’s lived through many American centuries. From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
594. Bob Dylan Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein‘Train to Belfast’ (Ltd. Ed. #3/40).
From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—a superb original semi-glossy 22 x 17 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan taken by Feinstein in Ireland in early May 1966, showing the rock star peering out a train window while heading from Dublin to Belfast, having just played the Adelphi Theatre. Blindstamped in the lower right with the “Barry Feinstein Photography” stamp, and titled and numbered on the reverse in pencil, “Bob Dylan, ‘Train to Belfast,’ 1966, 3/40.” In fine condition. From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
595. Bob Dylan and Jimmy Carter Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein - ‘The Genius and the Saint, 1974’. From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—a classic original semi-glossy 20 x 16 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan visiting Governor Jimmy Carter in 1974. Signed and titled on the reverse in pencil, “Barry Feinstein, Bob Dylan & Governor Jimmy Carter (Governor’s Mansion), Atlanta, Georgia, 1974,” beneath Feinstein’s copyright stamp. In fine condition.
While on tour in 1974, Dylan and The Band visited Carter at the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta on January 21, 1974. They spent several hours at the house, and Rosalyn Carter made breakfast for them all before they left. Said Dylan of Carter in 2020: ‘He’s a kindred spirit to me of a rare kind. The kind of man you don’t meet every day, and you’re lucky to meet if you ever do.’ For his part, Carter called Dylan ‘one of my best friends.’ From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
596. Bob Dylan Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein‘Paranoia’ (Ltd. Ed. #3/18). From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—a wonderful original semi-glossy 20 x 16 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan taken by Feinstein at a Birmingham hotel in 1966, showing Dylan seated in front of a “Please Do Not Disturb” hotel room door while smoking and having a drink with friends. Blindstamped in the lower left with the “Barry Feinstein Photography” stamp, and titled and numbered on the reverse in pencil, “Bob Dylan, ‘Paranoia,’ 1966, 3/18.” In fine condition. From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
597. Bob Dylan Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein - ‘Aust Ferry, 1966’ (Ltd. Ed. #7/40). From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—an iconic original semi-glossy 22 x 17 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan at the Aust Ferry terminal near Bristol, showing the tousled-hair rock star standing in his sunglasses, the ferry ticket office to the right. Blindstamped in the lower left with the “Barry Feinstein Photography” stamp, and titled and numbered on the reverse in pencil, “Bob Dylan, ‘Aust Ferry,’ 1966, 7/40.” In fine condition.
Feinstein’s best-known portrait of Dylan, the photographer described the photo thus: ‘11 May, waiting at the Aust Ferry
Terminal near Bristol to go to Cardiff in Wales. They chose this shot for the cover of Scorsese’s No Direction Home CD and DVD. It’s one that Bob likes as it told it all. It has depth, he looked cool. I guess he felt it represented the moment to him. Just waiting for the ferry and it turned out to be a good picture.’ From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
598. Bob Dylan and The Hawks Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein‘Disembarking Starship, 1966’ (Ltd. Ed. #4/18). From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—a fabulous original semi-glossy 20 x 16 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan deplaning during his 1966 tour, followed by members of his backing band the Hawks (later The Band), including Richard Manuel and Rick Danko. Blindstamped in the lower left with the “Barry Feinstein Photography” stamp, and titled and numbered on the reverse in pencil, “Bob Dylan, ‘Disembarking Starship,’ 1966, 4/18.” In fine condition. From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
599. Bob Dylan and Bob Neuwirth Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein - ‘Two Bobs, Birmingham, 1966’ (Ltd. Ed. #3/18). FFrom the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—an impressive original semiglossy 16 x 20 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan and Bob Neuwirth in a Birmingham hotel room during their 1966 tour of England; a smoldering cigarette dangles from Neuwirth’s lips. Blindstamped in the lower left with the “Barry Feinstein Photography” stamp, and titled and numbered on the reverse in pencil, “Bob Dylan and Bob Neuwirth, ‘Two Bobs,’ 1966, 3/18.” In fine condition.
From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $300
600. Bob Dylan Oversized Original Photograph by Barry Feinstein - ‘Onstage at The Forum’. From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—an original semi-glossy 20 x 16 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan on stage with his Telecaster at the Los Angeles Forum in 1974. Signed and titled on the reverse in pencil by the photographer, “Barry Feinstein, Bob Dylan (Onstage at The Forum), Los Angeles, Ca., 1974,” beneath Feinstein’s copyright stamp. In fine condition, with a small corner crease.
From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his estate. Barry Feinstein passed away in 2011, and since then his estate has offered posthumous estate stamped limited edition photographs from his archives; this example, printed during his lifetime and deriving from his personal collection, is superior to those gallery offerings. Starting Bid $300
Vintage Photographs
Massive ‘Biograph’ artist’s proof portrait of Bob Dylan signed by photographer Daniel Kramer
606. Bob Dylan Huge Oversized Original Portrait Photograph by Daniel Kramer - ‘Biograph’ (Ltd. Ed. #AP1/3). Amazing, crystal-clear original 35 x 46.5 print of Daniel Kramer’s 1965 portrait of Bob Dylan, printed circa 1996, numbered and signed in the lower border in pencil by the photographer, “#AP1/3, D. Kramer.” Kramer’s portrait of Bob Dylan served as the basis for the cover of Biograph, a 1985 compilation box set of released and unreleased material spanning Dylan’s career from 1961 to 1981. In fine condition. An absolutely breathtaking, marvelous study of the great songwriter at the height of his mid-1960s powers. Starting Bid $1000
607. Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash Original Photograph by Daniel Kramer, New Jersey 1965. Fantastic original semi-glossy 14 x 11 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash backstage at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, taken by photographer Daniel Kramer on February 10, 1965, and printed circa 1990 from the original negative. Signed on the reverse in pencil by the photographer, “D. Kramer,” with his copyright stamp above. In very fine condition.
In his autobiography, Johnny Cash wrote of his the mutual admiration between himself and Bob Dylan: ‘I had a portable record player that I’d take along on the road, and I’d put on Freewheelin’ backstage, then go out and do my show, then listen again as soon as I came off. After a while at that, I wrote Bob a letter telling him how much of a fan I was. He wrote back almost immediately, saying he’d been following my music since I Walk the Line, and so we began a correspondence.’ Their correspondence and friendship during this period was recently immortalized on screen in the Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. Starting Bid $500
608. Bob Dylan and the Butterfield Blues Band Soundcheck Contact Sheet
Photograph by David Gahr, Newport 1965 - Dylan Goes Electric. Original vintage circa 1965 glossy 7.75 x 10 silver gelatin contact sheet photograph by David Gahr, featuring 34 images of Bob Dylan and the Butterfield Blues Band’s electric soundcheck at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival—the historic show that saw Dylan ‘go electric’ before an audience of folk fans. Every photo shows Dylan looking cool in shades and a polka-dot shirt, wielding his iconic Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. Also seen are Michael Bloomfield playing lead electric guitar, Sam Lay on drums, Jerome Arnold on bass, and Al Kooper on organ—
famed for his improvised Hammond B2 riff on ‘Like a Rolling Stone.’ Reverse bears “A Kodak Paper” watermarks, three David Gahr copyright stamps, and a handwritten caption. In fine condition, with a few frames highlighted in grease pencil.
Bob Dylan’s iconic and controversial ‘plugged in’ set at Newport on July 25th, 1965, was highlighted by loud, rousing renditions of ‘Maggie’s Farm’ and ‘Like a Rolling Stone.’ Received by the folk-loving audience with a mix of boos and cheers, Dylan was said to have ‘electrified one half of his audience, and electrocuted the other.’ This was a seminal moment in the history of modern music. Starting Bid $500
609. Bob Dylan and Joan Baez Oversized Original Photograph by Daniel Kramer, New Haven 1965. Stunning original vintage circa 1965 semi-glossy 20 x 16 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan and Joan Baez in crossed spotlights, taken at the New Haven Arena in Connecticut by photographer Daniel Kramer on March 6, 1965. The brilliant photograph captures the stage from behind, with Dylan standing silhouetted at the microphone as the forlorn Baez sits beside him—a haunting portrait that foreshadows the fate of their love affair and musical partnership. Signed on the reverse in pencil by the photographer, “D. Kramer,” with his copyright stamp above. In fine condition. Starting Bid $1000
610. Bob Dylan, Mary Travers, and Donovan Original Photograph by David Gahr, Newport 1965. Original semi-glossy 10 x 8 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan, Mary Travers, and Donovan hanging out at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, taken by photographer David Gahr and printed later from the original negative, signed in the lower border in black felt tip, “David Gahr.” The fabulous backstage shot shows the three popular musicians perched on the rear of a van as they smoke and drink in a moment of leisure. Stamped on the reverse with the photographer’s copyright, and captioned in his hand: “Bob Dylan Donovan & Mary, (Patrick Sky above), Newport Folk Festival, 1965.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
611. Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger Original Photograph by David Gahr, Newport 1963. Original semi-glossy 10 x 8 silver gelatin photograph of Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger performing together at the 1963 Newport Folk Festival, taken by photographer David Gahr and printed later from the original negative. The wonderful shot shows Dylan playing his standard acoustic guitar and Seeger picking an acoustic twelve-string, both folk icons singing into an array of microphones set up on the Newport stage. Stamped twice on the reverse with the photographer’s copyright, and captioned in his hand: “Dylan & Seeger 1963, Newport.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Dylan meets Cash—rare behind-thescene shots from the 1964 Newport Folk Festival
612. Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash Contact Sheet Photograph by David Gahr, Newport 1964. Original vintage circa 1964 glossy 7.75 x 10 silver gelatin contact sheet photograph by David Gahr, featuring 35 images captured on stage and behind the scenes at the historic 1964 Newport Folk Festival. A series of early images show the great Johnny Cash flanked by Bob Dylan and Frank Wakefield of The Greenbriar Boys; in one of the candid shots, a bewildered Dylan clenches a cigarette in his mouth. Three other images show festival co-founder Theodore Bikel performing on stage, followed by a dozen images of Johnny Cash performing his acoustic set, including a few great close-ups of the country legend with his guitar and microphone. Signed on the reverse in black felt tip by the photographer, “David Gahr,” and stamped twice with the photographer’s copyright. In fine condition, with one frame circled in yellow grease pencil.
Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash met each other for the first time at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival, having previously exchanged letters and expressed mutual admiration. Cash, already a star, supported the young Dylan, giving him a Martin guitar as a gift and encouraging his songwriting—paying him the greatest compliment by covering ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’ during his Newport set. Their friendship would later lead to collaborations, including their famous Nashville duet sessions in 1969.
Starting Bid $300
613. Bob Dylan 1961 Carnegie Chapter Hall Concert Program. Original program for Bob Dylan’s first major concert at Carnegie Chapter Hall in New York on November 4, 1961, four pages, 5.5 x 8.5, depicting the 20-year-old folk singer playing his harmonica on the front cover. Inside is an interesting, unreliable biography of the young artist, in part: “Bob Dylan was born in Duluth, Minnesota in 1941. He was raised in Gallup, N.M., and before he came to New York earlier this year, he lived in Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and Kansas. He started playing Carnivals at the age of fourteen, accompanying himself on guitar and piano. He picked up the harmonica about two years ago.
The University of Minnesota gave him a scholarship. He went there for some five months, attended some dozen lectures and left. He learned many blues songs from a Chicago street singer named Arvella Gray. He also met a singer, Mance Lipscomb, from the Brazos River country of Texas, through a grandson that sang rock and roll. He listened a lot to Lipscomb. He heard Woody Guthrie’s album of Dust Bowl Ballads in South Dakota. In fact, Bob Dylan has sung old jazz songs, sentimental cowboy songs, top forty Hit Parade stuff. He was always interested in singers and didn’t know the term ‘folk music’ until he came to New York.” In fine condition, with a light central vertical fold. Promoted and financed by Izzy Young, proprietor of the Folklore Center music store, the show was a financial failure—only 53 people attended. Starting Bid $200
614. Bob Dylan 1963 NYC Town Hall Concert Handbill.
Original handbill for Bob Dylan’s large-concert debut at the Town Hall at 123 W. 43rd St., New York City, one page, 7.75 x 10, presented by Harold Leventhal on April 12, 1963. The singlesided handbill features a great image of the young folk singer with his harmonica and acoustic guitar, with five reviewers’ blurbs in support of his craft: the New York Times reported that the “21-year-old ragamuffin minstrel’s sons continue to captivate,” while Sing Out said, “He’s so goddam real, it’s unbelievable.” In very good to fine condition, with overall creasing, and toning along the right edge. Starting Bid $200
615. Bob Dylan 1963 NYC Town Hall Concert Program. Original program for Bob Dylan’s large-concert debut at the Town Hall at 123 W. 43rd St., New York City, four pages, 7 x 10, presented by Harold Leventhal on April 12, 1963. The program features an image of the venue on the front, with an interesting autobiographical poem, “My Life in a Stolen Minute,” printed inside. In it, Dylan summarizes his life experiences and perspectives in a concise, impactful, and often apocryphal manner, reflective of his early life and artistic journey as a folk singer. Following the poem, it notes: “Mr. Dylan’s program will consist of songs of his own composition unless otherwise announced from the stage.” In very good to fine condition, with creasing in the margins, and a faint paperclip impression to the left edge. Starting Bid $200
616. Bob Dylan 1963 Carnegie Hall Concert Ticket Order Form. Original ticket order form for the Peter, Paul and Mary (September 28th) and Bob Dylan (October 26th) concerts at Carnegie Hall in 1963, one page, 9 x 5.5, presented by Harold Leventhal. The order form features portraits of the artists, with ticket prices for Dylan ranging from $2.00 (balcony) to $3.50 (parquet); the Peter, Paul and Mary tickets came at a premium, with costs ranging from $2.75 to $4.50. In fine condition.
Recorded by CBS Records for a proposed live LP tentatively entitled ‘In Concert,’ Dylan’s 19-song performance at Carnegie Hall on October 26, 1963, was all but forgotten following the assassination of President Kennedy. In 1991, two songs emerged on ‘The Bootleg Series, Vols. 1-3’; then two more on ‘The Bootleg Series Vol. 7’ in 2005. Another six—including ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’’—appeared on the 2005 release ‘Live at Carnegie Hall 1963.’ The remaining nine songs—highlighted by ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ and ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’—were released in 2013 on the ultra-limited vinyl box set ‘The 50th Anniversary Collection 1963.’ Starting Bid $200
617. Bob Dylan by Daniel Kramer (1967) - Book Signed by the Author/ Photographer. Signed book: Bob Dylan by Daniel Kramer. First edition. NY: The Citadel Press, 1967. Hardcover with dust jacket, 8.75 x 11, 159 pages. Neatly signed on a prefatory page in black felt tip by the author/photographer, “D. Kramer.” In fine condition, with a tiny tear to the top edge of the dust jacket.
From the front flap: “Daniel Kramer worked closely with Bob Dylan from August, 1964, to the end of 1965, photographing the great folk music artist at work and at rest. This book is the product of that association, and it depicts Dylan from a point just before he became king of the folk world through the time when his creation of ‘folk rock’ shook the world of popular music.”
Daniel Kramer’s iconic Bob Dylan portfolio documents the artist’s pivotal year of transformation in 1964-65. Kramer’s extraordinary access to Bob Dylan on tour, in concert, and backstage, resulted in a mesmerizing collection that showcases his rise to superstardom. Starting Bid $200
618. Bob Dylan 1963 Promo Booklet: “My Life in a Stolen Minute”. Original 1963 promo booklet for Bob Dylan featuring a close-up portrait on the cover, eight pages, 4 x 9.25, containing one page of critical reviews (“’…a giant in the world of folk song…he is an artist, possibly he’s a genius’—San Francisco Examiner, May 1963”) followed by his famous autobiographical poem, “My Life in a Stolen Minute,” which summarizes his life experiences and perspectives in a concise, impactful, and often apocryphal manner, reflective of his early life and artistic journey as a folk singer. The pamphlet also features several great, early images of Dylan by legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein. The rear cover notes his agency as International Talent Associates, Inc., and manager as Albert B. Grossman. In fine condition, with a light paperclip impression across the bridge of Dylan’s nose. Starting Bid $200
620. Bob Dylan: ‘A Year and a Day’ XXL Artist’s Proof Art Book by Daniel Kramer (Ltd. Ed. #AP0056/240).
Signed art book: Bob Dylan: A Year and a Day by Daniel Kramer. Published by Taschen as a limited edition of 1,965, plus 240 artist’s proofs. Hardcover in a clamshell box, letterpress-printed chapter openers with tipped-in photographs, two different paper stocks, and three fold-outs, 12.3 x 17.3, 288 pages. Numbered and signed by the photographer, Daniel Kramer. Sealed in its original packaging and in very fine condition. Read more online at www.RRAuction.com. Starting Bid $300
Massive limited edition print of Dylan and the Rolling Thunder Revue at Fort Collins, signed by photographer Joel Bernstein
621. Bob Dylan and the Rolling Thunder Revue Oversized Photograph
Signed by Photographer Joel Bernstein (Ltd. Ed. #1/25). Amazing limited edition oversized satin-finish 40 x 30 fine art giclée print of a photograph taken by Joel Bernstein, showing Bob Dylan and the Rolling Thunder Revue performing ‘Idiot Wind’ during their concert at Hughes Stadium, Ft. Collins, Colorado, on May 23, 1976, numbered and signed in the lower right corner in black felt tip by the photographer, “Joel Bernstein, 1976, 1/25.” Also titled, signed, and numbered on the reverse in black felt tip by Bernstein, and stamped with his copyright. In very fine condition. Starting Bid $300
Dylan
writes out his most-performed song:
“All along the watchtower princes kept the view / All the women came and went barefoot servants too”
622. Bob Dylan Handwritten and Signed Lyrics for ‘All Along the Watchtower’. Amazing handwritten lyrics by Bob Dylan for his brilliant song, “All Along the Watchtower,” one page, 8.25 x 11.75, written in black ink and signed neatly at the conclusion, “Bob Dylan, 2013.” The lyrics, in full:
“There must be some of way out of here said the Joker to the Thief There’s too much confusion and I can’t get no relief
Businessmen they drink my wine and ploughmen dig my earth
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth
No reason to get excited the thief he kindly spoke
There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke
But you and I we’ve been through that and this is not our fate
Let us not talk falsely now the hour is getting late
All along the watchtower princes kept the view
All the women came and went barefoot servants too
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching and the wind began to howl”
In very fine condition. Accompanied by a 2014 letter of authenticity from Jeff Rosen, president of the Bob Dylan Music Company, in full: “This letter certifies that the handwritten lyrics to All Along the Watchtower on Holmkollon Park Hotel Rita stationery is an authentic Bob Dylan manuscript. The document, one of one, was written, signed and dated 2013, in his own hand.” Starting Bid $5000
Gold RIAA sales award for the bootlegged Bob Dylan ‘Royal Albert Hall’ Concert, presented to legendary Dylan photographer Barry Feinstein
623. Bob Dylan RIAA Gold Sales Award for ‘Bob Dylan Live 1966, The ‘Royal Albert Hall’ Concert’ - From the Collection of Photographer Barry Feinstein. Official serial number hologram-style RIAA gold sales award presented to “Barry Feinstein to commemorate RIAA Certified Gold Sales of more than 250,000 copies of the Columbia Records/ Legacy Recordings double compact disc ‘The Bootleg Series Vol. 4, Bob Dylan Live 1966, The ‘Royal Albert Hall’ Concert.’” Impressively framed with its CDs, plate, and album image over an in-concert image to an overall size of 21.25 x 17.25. Award retains its original backing with Ill-Eagle Enterprises label intact. In fine condition. Read more online at www.RRAuction. com. From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his estate. Starting Bid $200
624. Bob Dylan Signed Book - Letras Completas, 1962-2012. Signed Spanish-language book: Bob Dylan: Letras Completas, 1962-2012. First edition. Barcelona, Spain: Malpaso Editorial, November 2016. Pictorial hardcover, 7.25 x 9.5, 1297 pages. Signed on the half-title page in black ink by Bob Dylan. Includes its original bookmark and belly band that reads (translated): “Nobel Prize For Literature 2016, Complete lyrical works, 19622016 / All songs in bilingual edition / Expanded and revised edition by Bob Dylan.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Bob Dylan paints ‘Cassandra’—a remarkable nude portrait from the iconic ‘Drawn Blank Series’
625.Bob Dylan Original Mixed Media Painting - ‘Cassandra’. Original artwork by Bob Dylan entitled ‘Cassandra,’ created in 2008 as part of his celebrated ‘Drawn Blank Series,’ accomplished in gouache and mixed media on 24 x 30 artist paper, signed at the bottom in paint by Dylan. Dylan’s vivid artwork portrays the topless, ample-bosomed, red-haired ‘Cassandra’ against a bright purple background. Executed in a dramatic style, Dylan’s bold and expressive gestural brushstrokes give the piece a sense of movement and emotion.
Notably, the composition brings to mind lyrics from some of Dylan’s iconic songs, namely ‘Girl from the North Country’ (‘Please see for me if her hair hangs long, / If it rolls and flows all down her breast / Please see for me if her hair hangs long, / That’s the way I remember her best’) and ‘Tangled Up In Blue’ (‘Early one mornin’ the sun was shinin’ / I was layin’ in bed / Wond’rin’ if she’d changed at all / If her hair was still red’). Professionally mounted and framed to museum standards by John Jones of London to an overall size of 31 x 37.5; the reverse bears the framer’s labels and the label of Halcyon Gallery, London. In very fine condition.Starting Bid $5000
The evocative ‘View from Porthole’—original artwork from Bob Dylan’s ‘Drawn Blank Series’
626.Bob Dylan Original Mixed Media Painting - ‘View from Porthole’. Original artwork by Bob Dylan entitled ‘View from Porthole,’ created in 2008 as part of his acclaimed ‘Drawn Blank Series,’ accomplished in gouache and mixed media on 16 x 20 artist paper, signed below in pencil by Dylan. Dylan’s artwork shows a city street viewed through a circular window, showing a woman with golden hair and two cars in a blue-toned outdoor setting, with trees and a small house in the background; a reddish interior surrounds the porthole, with the tops of two bottles inn the foreground.
Dylan’s brushwork is loose and expressive, utilizing a color palette that blends deep reds, blues, and blacks with some greens and yellows. The overall composition suggests a sense of nostalgia, evoking the opening lines to Dylan’s classic ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’: ‘Go away from my window / Leave at your own chosen speed / I’m not the one you want, babe / I’m not the one you need.’
ProfessionallymountedandframedtomuseumstandardsbyJohnJonesofLondontoanoverallsizeof20x24;thereversebearstheframer’s label and the label of Halcyon Gallery, London, where this painting was exhibited in June 2008. In very fine condition. Starting Bid $1000
The Times They Are A-Changin’—a colossal Bob Dylan portrait by Giovanni DeCunto
627. Bob Dylan Painting by Giovanni DeCunto: ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’’ (Acrylic on Canvas, 48˝ x 50˝). ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’’ Acrylic on canvas, 48˝ x 50˝.
Giovanni DeCunto’s painting ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’’ captures the enigmatic presence of Bob Dylan with a powerful blend of texture and emotion. Known for his unique expressionist style, DeCunto uses thick, layered strokes and a dark, dynamic background to create a striking visual that feels both timeless and raw.
The painting portrays Dylan with an intense, contemplative expression, his face illuminated against a richly textured, atmospheric backdrop. The interplay of light and shadow suggests depth and complexity, drawing the viewer into Dylan’s presence. The contrast of tones conveys a sense of evolution and resilience, aligning with the transformative spirit reflected in the painting’s title.
DeCunto’s decision to portray Dylan in this way reflects his ability to capture not just the physical likeness of a figure but the deeper, intangible essence of his impact. The painting evokes a sense of cultural and artistic significance, drawing viewers into the emotional and symbolic depth of Bob Dylan.
This work stands as a testament to DeCunto’s mastery in bringing his subjects to life through his signature technique, blending emotion, texture, and color to create a piece that feels both modern and timeless. ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’’ communicates a compelling story of transformation and artistic legacy.
DeCunto’s artist statement: ‘My paintings are my palette for chaos and order to collide. I take the high art and the low art, which is commonplace, and let them battle it out on the canvas. The contemporary issues confronted in the work provoke a response, both emotional and intellectual, and symbolize the struggle towards birth that our society now faces. We are at the beginning. Painting, to me, is the great equalizer. I paint for humanity. I call to arms; the eternal spirit of man, the builder, the organizer and the evolutionary spirit that creates civilizations. I am speaking of that common, human thread that the great thinkers of the past continue to teach to us; the common link which triumphs over adversity, poverty and injustice.’ Starting Bid $5000
Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper, and Waylon Jennings sign just five days before ‘The Day the Music Died’ Music
645. The Day the Music Died: Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper Signatures. Vintage pencil signatures, “Big Bopper” and “Ritchie Valens,” on an off-white 3 x 6 slip, also signed by members of Buddy Holly’s Crickets—”Waylon [Jennings], Crickets” and “Carl Bunch, Drums, Crickets”—plus Frankie Sardo. In very good condition, with creasing, light irregular toning, and minor separation to the central horizontal fold. Accompanied by a photocopied letter of provenance, in part: “My wife…got to go backstage on January 29, 1959, at the Capitol Theatre in Davenport, Iowa, and got autographs [of] Ritchie Valens…the Big Bopper…5 days later they were killed in the charter plane north west of Mason City, Iowa.”
Rock ‘n’ roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper (J. P. Richardson) headlined the 1959 Winter Dance Party Tour, playing dates throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. On January 29th, they played at the Capitol Theater in Davenport, Iowa—the only seated auditorium on the tour, leading it to be termed a ‘Concert of Stars,’ rather than a ‘Dance Party’ as at the other ballroom venues.
Two days later they played in Duluth, where a young Bob Dylan was in attendance. In his Nobel Prize acceptance speech in June 2017, Dylan recalled witnessing Buddy Holly and the Crickets as a transformative experience: ‘If I was to go back to the dawning of it all, I guess I’d have to start with Buddy Holly. Buddy died when I was about 18 and he was 22. From the moment I first heard him, I felt akin…Buddy played the music that I loved, the music I grew up on—country western, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues. Three separate strands of music that he intertwined and infused into one genre. One brand. And Buddy wrote songs, songs that had beautiful melodies and imaginative verses. And he sang great, sang in more than a few voices. He was the archetype, everything I wasn’t and wanted to be. I saw him only but once, and that was a few days before he was gone. I had to travel a hundred miles to get to see him play, and I wasn’t disappointed.’
Crisscrossing the midwest in mid-winter resulted in a number of logistical issues for the touring party: the unheated tour buses twice broke down in freezing weather, resulting in drummer Carl Bunch’s hospitalization to treat frostbitten toes. Fed up with freezing, Buddy Holly chartered a small plane—a four-seater Beechcraft Bonanza—for his band to leave after their show at the Surf Ballroom in Cedar Lake, Iowa, on February 2, 1959. With takeoff imminent, the seating plan needed to be set: Holly was in, as was the flu-ridden Richardson (bassist Waylon Jennings offered up his seat); the third seat was taken by Valens, who won it on a coin flip with guitarist Tommy Allsup.
Shortly after embarking from the Mason City Municipal Airport just shy of 1 a.m., the Bonanza disappeared. Its wreckage and the bodies of its passengers were found the next morning, less than six miles from the airstrip. The tragedy left a void in world of popular music and inspired countless tributes, including Don McLean’s iconic song ‘American Pie,’ which immortalized the moment in cultural memory. Starting Bid $200
647. Johnny Cash at San Quentin Oversized ‘Middle Finger’ Photograph Signed by Jim Marshall - From the Collection of Photographer Barry Feinstein. From the personal collection of legendary rock photographer Barry Feinstein—an iconic oversized original 17.75 x 11.75 silver gelatin photograph of Johnny Cash gesturing with his middle finger during his performance at San Quentin Prison in 1969, matted to an overall size of 24 x 20, titled and signed on the mat in pencil by the photographer, “Johnny Cash—1969—Jim Marshall.” Framed and in very fine condition.
From Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar aflame at Monterey to Johnny Cash flipping the bird at San Quentin, rock photographer Jim Marshall captured many of rock’s most iconic moments. In an interview with the San Francisco Art Exchange, Marshall recalled the circumstances of this photo: ‘I said, ‘John, let’s do a shot for the warden,’’ before the country legend flipped the camera the bird,’ adding that the image was ‘probably the most ripped off photograph in the history of the world.’
From the personal collection of Barry Feinstein and accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his estate. Barry Feinstein: A Brief Biography Starting Bid $1,000
657. Beatles Signatures. Sought-after vintage ink signatures, “John Lennon,” “Paul McCartney,” “George Harrison,” and “Ringo Starr,” on an off-white 5 x 3.75 album page, handsomely double-matted and framed with an enlarged color film frame photograph of the Beatles to an overall size of 22.75 x 28.25. In fine condition, with a faint block of toning, and a thin strip of old tape along the left edge. A highly desirable full set of Beatles autographs. Starting Bid $1000
Bold full cast of Beatles signatures from late 1963-early 1964
658. Beatles Signatures - Bold Examples from Late 1963–Early 1964. Vintage ballpoint signatures of the Beatles, with George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr signing on a light blue 5 x 3 album page, and John Lennon signing on a pink 5 x 3 album page. The consignor notes that the signatures date to late 1963–early 1964. In overall very fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $1000
Beautifully autographed mono pressing of Please Please Me, fully signed by the Beatles circa 1963
659. Beatles Signed Album - Please Please Me - Large, Bold Autographs. Amazing Parlophone UK mono pressing of the Beatles’ debut album, Please Please Me, stunningly signed on the reverse in bold black felt tip by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Points of issue identifying this as a third pressing album cover include a “Printed and Made by Ernest Day & Co.” credit on the rear, large “Mono” on the front, and “Photo: Angus McBean” credit to the lower right corner. The third pressing record features the standard black-and-yellow ‘block letter’ Parlophone label with silver text, “The Parlophone Co. Ltd” to start the perimeter print, and matrix numbers “XEX 421-1N” and “XEX 422-1N”; complete with its polythene-lined “Use Emitex” die-cut inner sleeve. In fine condition, with light surface, edgewear, and dings to the album’s upper seam. Accompanied by certificates of authenticity from Tracks and Fab Four Memorabilia Ltd, noting that the autographs date to circa 1963, and observing: “The autographs are extremely large and wellspaced making this one of the finest examples of the album in existence.”
Released on March 22nd, 1963, Please Please Me marked the beginning of Beatlemania and set a new standard for pop music with its fresh, energetic sound. With originals like ‘Love Me Do’ and ‘I Saw Her Standing There,’ it showcased the band’s exceptional songwriting and harmonies, influencing countless artists and shaping the future of rock and roll. A superior fully signed example of the Beatles’ first LP, boasting four huge, boldly penned autographs. Starting Bid $5000
660. Beatles: George Harrison Signed ‘Apple Records’ Check - Two Weeks Before the Beatles Breakup. Apple Records, Inc. business check, 7.75 x 3.5, filled out in another hand and signed in bold black ink by George Harrison, payable to Elliott & Co., for £12.11, March 25, 1970. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. The check was signed by Harrison just 15 days before Paul McCartney announced his departure from the Beatles on April 10, 1970. Although the Beatles were over, Harrison’s success continued with the release of his third album, All Things Must Pass, in November 1970. Starting Bid $200
John and Yoko sign on St. Thomas in 1971
661. Beatles: John Lennon and Yoko Ono Signed Postcard. Vintage ballpoint signatures, “John Lennon” and “Yoko Ono Lennon,” on the reverse of a 5.5 x 3.5 postcard depicting St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. In fine condition. Accompanied by a brief handwritten provenance note, in part: “Bob & I were in the Islands & John Lennon & wife were sitting at a table. I asked John for his autograph and his wife asked if I wanted hers & I said yes.” Also includes a clipped newspaper photo of John and Yoko heading to the U.S. District Court in St. Thomas in July 1971, where Yoko was seeking custody of her 7-yearold daughter Kyoko. Starting Bid $300
Huge Led Zeppelin portrait signed by Bonham, Plant, and Page to their American attorney
690. Led Zeppelin Oversized Signed Photograph to the Band’s Attorney. Massive vintage circa 1969 mattefinish 19.5 x 23.5 photo of Led Zeppelin, lovingly signed and inscribed by three in red felt tip to the band’s management attorney Steve Weiss, “Thanks for making it all possible Steve, John Bonham,” “To Steve, Thanks for everything, Jimmy Page,” and “To you, the biggest thank you in all the U.S.A., Robert Plant.” Nicely matted and framed to an overall size of 26 x 29.5. In fine condition, with fading to Page’s signature, and poor contrast to Plant’s signature.
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Marie Weiss, in part: “This was a special gift to the band’s management attorney, Stevens ‘Steve’ Weiss, who helped manager Peter
Grant obtain a fabulous deal with Atlantic Records.” Led Zeppelin signed with Atlantic Records in 1968, securing one of the most lucrative recording contracts for a new band at the time. The deal granted the band unprecedented creative freedom, allowing them control over the production of their albums. Led Zeppelin’s eponymous debut was released on Atlantic Records in mid-January of 1969, roughly four months after the band played their first official concert together. By all accounts, the speed in which the group achieved success remains an unprecedented feat, with Page, then the only highprofile member of the group, footing the bill for the debut’s entire recording and mixing costs, a process that took a mere nine days. A remarkable, oversized portrait of the band with an outstanding association. Starting Bid $500
663. Beatles: Paul McCartney Signed Photograph.
Color glossy 8 x 10.75 photo of Paul McCartney posing with his Epiphone Texan acoustic guitar, signed in black felt tip. A note affixed to the reverse indicates that the autograph was obtained in person at Hotel Bristol, Paris, in December 2009. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
“In case you are ever worried about anything at Apple...please feel free to write me a letter”
664. Beatles: Paul McCartney Typed Letter Signed with ‘Apple’ Sketch. TLS signed “Paul,” who adds an apple sketch, one page, 8.25 x 11.75, Apple Corps Ltd. letterhead, no date. Letter to an Apple employee named “Dee,” in full: “In case you are ever worried about anything at Apple—something which you don’t feel able to sort out yourself, or maybe something you can’t get answered—please feel free to write me a letter at 7 Cavendish Avenue telling me about the problem. There is no need to be formal about it—just say it. The main thing is to keep the lines of communication open. Incidentally, things are going well; so thanks.” The consignor notes that these typed letters were signed by McCartney and then sent to each member of the Apple staff during a period in 1968 when he was at his most enthusiastic about the company’s future. In fine condition, with light toning from prior display. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $500
Early letter by Janis Joplin to her boyfriend, describing school and her latest art project—
“I’m going to do a thing for HELP!, the Beatle movie. I’m turning into a Big Beat enthusiast. Turning? Well, I already was”
689. Janis Joplin Early Autograph Letter Signed on Her Latest Art Project - “I’m going to do a thing for HELP!, the Beatle movie”. ALS from Janis Joplin signed “J,” six pages, 6 x 8, September 17 [1965]. Content-rich handwritten letter to her boyfriend, Peter de Blanc, covering several topics, such as requesting more on his medical condition, describing her teachers, reuniting with an old friend, explaining her choice of a Beatles-themed illustration for art class, and approving his decision to ask her father for her hand in marriage. In part: “I was really glad to hear something about your condition, even if it was only a hypothesis…So…they need little pieces of the spleen, liver & marrow…they won’t have to operate, will they?…
“I’m really gassed — I like every one of my teachers…My sociology teacher is named Drenan…He’s very ugly, but sounds like a pretty good teacher in a hungover fashion…And my English teacher is the type…that I have always secretly adored. She’s about 55, tall w/ gray hair in a bun & very old-fashioned. Not out of touch w/ the times, mind you, but…constantly asks questions, smilingly…& sprinkles her lectures with quotations from authors…My history teacher…I picked him because I liked him. He’s…tall, young, suspenderwearing, kind of gawky, sloppily dressed…And my French teacher is a beautiful young woman w/ a very quiet voice & a pleasant manner. She has very long curly hair all piles loosely up on top of her head & a lovely smile…
“One girl that I spoke w/ today at lunch is an old friend who used to be married to Bob Clark. Yes, he was married. But it just didn’t make it — only a few months. But Frances is very nice, probably the closest Beaumont [TX, where her school is located] has to a sophisticated independent type. Y’know, very theatery & intelligent. She’s all right…
“In Art, we’ve been assigned three illustrations to do…I’m going to do a thing for HELP!, the Beatle movie. I’m turning into a Big Beat enthusiast. Turning? Well, I already was. And I think the helter-skelter atmosphere ought to be a good thing to do…I think it was lovely of you to write & ask my father for me [for her hand in marriage]. Wow, you’re so sweet.” In fine condition.
Before her rise as the lead of Big Brother & the Holding Company in the summer of 1966, Janis Joplin had taken a break from her life in San Francisco, leaving behind a lover in the process: Peter De Blanc. De Blanc supported Joplin’s decision to sober up by moving to her hometown of Port Arthur, Texas, where the latter attended Lamar University. Their plan to marry was broken off when she learned that De Blanc was expecting a child with another woman. Joplin returned to San Francisco in June 1966 and joined Big Brother & the Holding Company to launch her legendary career. Starting Bid $1000
Prince prepares his ‘Lovesexy’ piano medley encore—handwritten rehearsal notes with lyrical cues for his Milan concert, July 17, 1988
703. Prince Handwritten Piano Medley Rehearsal
Notes from the 1988 Lovesexy Tour - From the Collection of Prince’s Former Guitar Tech. Exceptionally rare handwritten rehearsal notes by Prince from his 1988 Lovesexy Tour, used for his performance at the Palatrussardi in Milan, Italy, on July 17, 1988. The notes, signed “Prince” within the text and penned in blue ballpoint on an off-white 5.75 x 8.25 sheet of Hilton International Milano guest stationery, provide detailed stage production and musical arrangements for the piano medley portion of the show, with lyrical cues noted.
This would be the first time on the Lovesexy Tour that Prince would perform the piano medley. This intimate portion of the show, typically performed as the first encore, would become a highlight of the tour. The medley, composed of six songs, would span five of Prince’s most popular albums from the 1980s: “Starfish & Coffee” (Sign O’ The Times), “Raspberry Beret” (Around the World in a Day), “Do Me Baby” (Controversy), “International Lover” (1999), “Condition of the Heart” (Around the World in a Day), and “When 2 R in Love” (Lovesexy).
Prince has provided several lyrical cues for direction. On “Raspberry Beret,” he references, “on ‘love’ hold note with:.” On “International Lover,” he has noted, “(one verse, 2 ‘Qualified’).” Most remarkably, on “When 2 R in Love,” he has penned the entire lyric fragment, “falling leaves will appear 2 them like slow motion rain,” followed by “Slow motion, Slow motion” and “Nothing’s forbidden.” Prince adds an edit to the end section of the medley, where he writes “get 2 Atlanta and Eric’s walking line quicker”—referring to trumpet player Atlanta Bliss and saxophonist Eric Leeds. He closes, by namechecking himself with, “4 end Piano lowers when Prince leaves it.” In
fine condition, with a short tear to the top edge.
This document provides an extraordinary window into Prince’s artistry and meticulous hands-on style as a live performer. Today, the 1988-1989 Lovesexy Tour is widely considered a creative highpoint for Prince.
These notes come directly from Joel Bernstein, Prince’s former personal guitar technician, who explains in his accompanying letter of authenticity: “This letter is to authenticate Prince’s handwritten rehearsal notes for his show at the Pala Trussardi in Milan, Italy, on July 17, 1988. On stationary from the Hilton International Milano hotel, Prince has noted the detailed changes he wanted to make on the arrangements & choreography for six songs: ‘Starfish & Coffee,’ ‘Raspberry Beret,’ ‘Do Me Baby,’ ‘International Lover,’ ‘Condition of the Heart,’ and ‘When 2 R in Love.’ Prince played all of these songs in this order during this show, which was the only time he played these songs in this sequence. I worked with Prince from 1987 through 1991, as his personal guitar technician for concerts and recording, and occasionally as his photographer. This period included, Sign O’ The Times, Lovesexy, the Batman soundtrack, and My Name Is Prince. This is from my personal collection.”
Also accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from REAL, and a letter of authenticity from Jeff Gold, the owner of Recordmecca and a former executive vice president/general manager of Warner Bros. Records, who worked closely with Prince during the 1990s and art directed numerous album covers for him, including Diamonds & Pearls, Love Symbol, and The Hits/The B-Sides. Starting Bid $1000
702. Elvis Presley Signed ‘Tour Photo Album’ Program (1972). Vintage circa 1972 Elvis Presley ‘Tour Photo Album’ program released by RCA Records, 16 pages, 8.5 x 11, signed and inscribed on the first page in blue felt tip, “To Mictihell [sic], from Elvis Presley.” In fine condition, with light handling wear.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the aunt of the original recipient: “In the early 1970’s I was married to the son of Dr. Benjamin Blank and living in Beverly Hills, California. At that time, Ben was the doctor looking after Elvis Presley at MGM Studios. My father-in-law had been the doctor at MGM throughout the 50s and 60s and also looked after Judy Garland, Richard Chamberlain, and other stars of that period. At Christmas time, I recall Ben receiving watches and pre-Castro Cuban cigars from Elvis, who was extremely generous to those around him. I met Elvis on one occasion at the salon of the iconic tailor Dougie Heyward who was making a suit for my husband, he was very polite and addressed me as ‘ma’am’! During this time, my younger brother in London (Mitchell) had his thirteenth birthday and Ben had arranged for two signed catalogs from Elvis (both signed to Mitch) but one being for me, which I have kept for all these years.” Starting Bid $200
705. Queen Signed Photograph by George Hurrell. Glossy 6.25 x 4.75
EMI Records publicity photo of Queen by photographer George Hurrell, signed in black felt tip by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. Double-matted to an overall size of 13 x 11. In fine condition. A bold, uninscribed set of Queen signatures set against a classic Hurrell band portrait. Starting Bid $200
Fully signed program from Queen’s epic 1975 ‘A Night at the Opera Tour’
704. Queen Signed Program: ‘A Night at the Opera’. Scarce original program for the UK leg of Queen’s 1975 ‘A Night at the Opera Tour,’ 16 pages, 10.5 x 8.25, signed and inscribed on their respective musician pages in ballpoint, “Freddie Mercury,” “Brian May, to Kim” “To Kim with love, John Deacon, x,” and “Love to Kim, Roger Taylor.” The front cover is also signed by Elton John drummer Roger Pope and manager John Reid, and the last page of the program is signed by members of the supporting act, Mr Big. In very good to fine condition, with creasing and handling wear to the covers.
To support their landmark fourth studio album, A Night at the Opera, Queen embarked on a massive 78-show world tour that began on November 14, 1975, and concluded on April 22, 1976. The tour, which marked the debut of the classic Queen rock epic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ included a total of 26 shows in the United Kingdom that ran from mid-November to late December. Starting Bid $300
Desirable fully signed and uninscribed
Hot Space promotional album by Queen— “Factory
Sample, Not for Sale”
706. Queen Signed Album - Hot Space (Promotional). UK promotional vinyl pressing of the 1982 Queen album Hot Space, signed on the front cover in black ballpoint by Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, Brian May, and John Deacon, who adds “83.” The back cover bears an affixed EMI Records “Promotional Copy, Not for Sale” label, and both sides of the included record feature affixed “Factory Sample, Not for Sale” labels. In fine condition. Accompanied by an EMI compliments sheet transmitting the “signed copy of Hot Space.” Starting Bid $500
Late 1970s birthday card signed in full by Queen
707. Queen Signed Birthday Card (Late 1970s). Scarce late 1970s birthday card with the front featuring seagulls hovering near a fishing vessel named ‘Girl Norma,’ measures 8.5 x 7.25 open, signed inside in black ink by Freddie Mercury, and in blue ink by Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. The consignor notes that the signatures date to the late 1970s. The inscription above is an unknown hand. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $500
Bridges to Babylon World Tour
signed by the Rolling Stones and six members of their backing band
710. Rolling Stones Signed Bridges to Babylon World Tour Program. Original program for the Rolling Stones’ Bridges to Babylon World Tour of 1997-1998, 9.25 x 11.75, signed on the front cover in black felt tip, “Mick Jagger” and “Love, Keith Richards, ‘97,” and inside the program on their respective musician pages, “Love, Charlie Boy, 97” and “Ronnie Wood, 97,” who adds a heart. The program is also signed by six members of the backing group: Chuck Leavell, Lisa Fischer, Bernard Fowler, Blondie Chaplin, Darryl Jones, and Bobby Keys. The consignor notes that this signed program was originally obtained from Keith Richards’ daughter, Angela. In very fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $300
Sought-after baseball fully signed by the modern Stones lineup
Starting Bid $300
711. Rolling Stones Signed Baseball. Official Rawlings Major League (Selig) baseball signed in blue ballpoint on the sweet spot and side panels by Mick Jagger (ss), Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts. In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from REAL. An uncommon and desirable format for the Stones.
Huge original painting of the Stones’ iconic logo, rendered by its designer
712. Rolling Stones: John Pasche Original Artwork. British art designer (born 1945) best known for designing the Rolling Stones’ logo as a student in 1970. Original artwork of the iconic Rolling Stones ‘tongue and lips’ logo accomplished in gouache and pencil by John Pasche on a 31.5 x 31.5 sheet, signed below in pencil by the artist, “John Pasche.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/ DNA and a signed certificate of authenticity from Pasche. An exceptional, oversized painting of one of the most iconic, instantly recognizable pop artworks of the modern era. Starting Bid $200
“When you let Rush ‘n’ Roulette spin there’s an equal chance that any of the six featured Rush songs will be heard”—rare fully signed promotional Rush album released in a “Very, Very Limited Edition”
714. Rush Signed Ltd. Edition Album - Rush ‘N’ Roulette (Promotional). Rare limited edition Mercury Records promotional Rush ‘N’ Roulette album by Rush, signed on the front cover in black ballpoint by Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, and Alex Lifeson, with one of the members adding an extra “Very” to the lower caption: ‘Very Limited Edition Collector’s Record: Why Rush ‘n’ Roulette? Simply place your tone arm on the edge of this record as you would normally do, and when you let Rush ‘n’ Roulette spin there’s an equal chance that any of the six featured Rush songs will be heard. This is a unique mastering process causing a completely random song occurence [sic]. In other words, ‘We have assumed control.’ Let it spin and enjoy the music.’ In fine condition, with a trivial bit of surface loss to the upper left corner. The record is included. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. An unusual, seemingly unique Rush album that features six (randomly played) tracks taken from the band’s live album Exit… Stage Left: ‘Tom Sawyer,’ ‘Closer to the Heart,’ ‘A Passage to Bangkok,’ ‘Spirit of Radio,’ ‘Red Barchetta,’ and ‘The Trees.’ The same tracks are featured on both sides. Starting Bid $200
Stunning signed portrait of ‘Lady Day’
755. Billie Holiday Signed Photograph. Fantastic vintage glossy 7.5 x 9.5 head-and-shoulders portrait of the legendary jazz singer, neatly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Best always to Paul from Billie Holiday.” Handsomely cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 14.5 x 16.5; a photocopy of the photo’s Music Corporation of America label, concealed by the frame’s backing, is affixed to the reverse. In very good to fine condition, with two small edge tears, and scattered creasing, primarily to the right side. Starting Bid $200
757. Chauncey Olcott Autograph Lyrics Signed“My Wild Irish Rose”. IrishAmerican stage actor, songwriter, and singer (1858-1932) best known for penning the lyrics to ‘When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.’ He was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970. Autograph lyrics signed “Chauncey Olcott,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, no date. Handwritten lyrics to his song “My Wild Irish Rose,” highlighted by its famous refrain: “My wild Irish Rose, / The sweetest flower that grows, / You may search everywhere, but none can compare / With my wild Irish Rose.” In fine condition, with a few light stains and small edge separations to folds. Starting Bid $200
Brahms writes his publisher about “the proof-reading of the Violin Sonata”
761. Johannes Brahms Autograph Letter Signed on “the proof-reading of the Violin Sonata”. ALS in German, signed “J.B.,” one page on a 5.5 x 3.5 postcard, postmarked at Vienna, May 1, 1895. Handwritten letter to Fritz Simrock, Brahms’s Berlin-based music publisher. In full: “You forgot—but for the proof-reading of the Violin Sonata I asked for a proof (in a form resembling) a final copy I can play it together (with a violist?)! If it isn’t any particular trouble I ask for this once again. For you there is no hurry in the matter, of course, but I am thinking about leaving very soon, but will have to do it here—so please send it at once, if you can. N.B. Asking for a grand (=1000) when you can send it.” Addressed on the reverse in Brahms’s own hand. In fine condition, with a few words underlined in blue crayon. Johannes Brahms was one of the leading composers of the Romantic Period, producing dozens of works for voice, chorus, orchestra, chamber ensemble, organ, and piano during his 50-year-long career. It is unknown what “Violin Sonata” Brahms is referring to in this postcard, since his own three Violin Sonatas were published in 1878-79, 1886, and 1888 respectively, and were well past the proofing stage in 1905. Starting Bid $200
762. Charles Gounod Autograph Autobiography Signed Twice. French composer (1818-1893) best remembered for his composition of ‘Ave Maria.’ Autograph autobiography in French, signed twice within the text, “Charles Francois Gounod” and “Charles Gounod,” one page both sides, 5.5 x 8.5, no date. Gounod writes out some autobiographical information, listing his date of birth as June 17, 1818 and his father as painter Francois Louis Gounod, along with some related data. On the following page, he lists seven works composed between 1851 and 1860, including “Sapho,” “La Nonne sanglante,” “Le Médecin malgré lui,” “Faust,” and “Philémon et Baucis.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing. Starting Bid $200
765. Sergei Rachmaninoff Signed Photograph. Vintage pearl-finish 8 x 10 portrait photo of the great Russian composer by New York photographer Herman Mishkin, signed and inscribed on his collar in black ink, “To Mr. Minami, from Sergei Rachmaninoff, April 7, 1921.” In very good to fine condition, with a rusty paperclip impression to the top edge, several light creases, and silvering to the darker areas of the image. Accompanied by the front panel of the original mailing envelope, which is addressed in another hand. Starting Bid $200
Elusive signed portrait of the composer of The Moldau
767. Bedrich Smetana Signed Carte-de-Visite Photograph. Distinguished Czech composer (1824–1884) best known for his colorful symphonic poem The Moldau and the opera The Bartered Bride. Rare 2.5 x 4.25 cartede-visite photo of Smetana in a full-length pose, wearing a warm winter coat, by J. Mulac of Prague, signed on the mount in ink, “Bedrich Smetana.” In fine condition, with light scuffing to the image. This is reportedly the last photograph taken of the composer, taken in December 1881 and printed in the spring of 1882, and signed at the end of his life, when he was enfeebled, deaf, and nearly blind—lending to the extreme rarity of signed photographs from this period. Smetana is extremely scarce in signed photographs, this being just the third we have offered. Starting Bid $200
25. Millard Fillmore Letter Signed as President on His Last Day in Of... Starting Bid $200
66. John Quincy Adams Document Signed as President Starting Bid $200
70. Chester A. Arthur Signed White House Card Starting Bid $200
36. Abraham Lincoln: The Civil War Scrapbook of Abraham Jonas, State ... Starting Bid $300
756. Joseph Meyer Autograph Letter Signed: "I have been trying to have... Starting Bid $200
768. Bruno Walter (3) Signed Items - Musical Quote, Photograph, and Ha... Starting Bid $200
752. Duke Ellington Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
763. Enrique Granados Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $200
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Section 1
The Parties1.1 RR Auction and Auction
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Section 2
Bidding Privileges
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Section 3
Buyer’s Premium
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Section 4
Bidding
4.1 Each Bidder’s determination of its bid should be based upon its own examination of the item(s) and independent investigation, rather than the any reliance as to what is represented in the Catalog, online or elsewhere. Bidder affirms that it regards any statements made by RR Auction concerning the item as solely opinion and that Bidder is making its own inspection and independent evaluation of the goods, and is not relying upon any description or statements by RR Auction (including as to quality, authenticity, provenance, ownership, liens existing, on goods legality, or value) in making its determination to bid on or purchase an item. In any purchase or sale, the value of the item(s) is determined by the price. THE BIDDER HEREBY ASSUMES ALL RISKS CONCERNING ANY AND ALL PURCHASES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.
4.2 RR AUCTION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ERRORS IN BIDDING. A Bidder should make certain to bid on the correct lot and that the bid is the maximum (plus the Buyer’s Premium) that the Bidder is willing and able to pay. Since other Bidders (by mail, facsimile, online, and in person) will be present, and since a re-offering could damage the momentum of the sale, once the hammer has fallen and RR Auction has announced the winning Bidder, such Bidder is unconditionally bound to pay for the lot,
even if the Bidder has made a mistake.
4.3 All prospective Bidders who examine lots in person prior to the sale shall personally assume all responsibility for any damage they cause in so doing. RR Auction shall have sole discretion in determining the value of the damage caused, which shall be promptly paid by the prospective Bidder.
4.4 Title to any lot remains with Consignor, any secured party of the Consignor, or assignee of Consignor, as the case may be, until the lot is paid for in full by Bidder and Bidder has fully satisfied any outstanding financial obligations to RR Auction (including as it concerns aby other lots). RR Auction reserves the right to require payment in full before delivering any lot to the successful Bidder.
4.5 It is the Bidder’s responsibility and obligation to have the lots fully insured while in their possession. Bidder assumes any and all risk of loss upon the earlier of shipment to Bidder or in Bidder’s possession.
4.6 Bidder grants to RR Auction or its assigns the right to offset any sums due, or found to be due by RR Auction, and to make such offset from any past, subsequent or future consignment, or items acquired by Bidder in possession or control of RR Auction or from any sums due to Bidder by RR Auction. Bidder further grants RR Auction a lien consisting of a senior security interest (or purchase money security interest to the extent applicable) in such sums or items to the fullest extent applicable, authorizes RR Auction to file documents concerning the interest, and Bidder agrees to execute any further documents as may be reasonably necessary to grant RR Auction such security interest. Bidder agrees that RR Auction and its assigns shall be a secured party with respect to items bought by Bidder and in the possession of RR Auction, to the extent of the maximum indebtedness, plus all accrued fees and expenses, until the indebtedness is paid.
4.7 By bidding in this sale, Bidder personally and unconditionally guarantees payment. The authorized representative of any corporate Bidder who is present at the sale shall provide RR Auction or its agent, prior to the commencement of the bidding (or at the time of registration), with a statement signed by a principal, director or officer that they he or she personally and unconditionally guarantees any payment due RR Auction.
4.8 RR Auction may at its sole and absolute discretion, make loans or advances to Consignors and/or prospective Bidders.
Section 5
Bidding Options
5.1 Non-Internet bids (including but not limited to in-person, facsimile, phone and mail bids) are treated similarly to floor bids in that they must be on-increment. Any in-person, facsimile, phone, or mail bids that do not conform to a full increment will be rounded up or down to the nearest full increment and this revised amount will be considered Bidder’s high bid.
5.2 When identical bids are submitted, preference is given to the first received. To ensure the greatest accuracy, written bids should be entered on the standard printed bid sheet and be received at RR Auction’s place of business at least twenty-four (24) hours before the Auction start. RR Auction is not responsible for executing mail bids or facsimile bids received on or after the day the first lot is sold, nor Internet bids submitted after the published closing time; nor is RR Auction responsible for proper execution of bids submitted by telephone, mail, facsimile, e-mail, Internet, or in person once the Auction begins.
5.3 In all Auctions, bids on an item must raise the current high bid by at least 10%, or as specified on a per-Auction basis. Bids will be accepted in whole dollar amounts only. No “buy” or “unlimited” bids will be accepted. In a live sale, bids on an item can change at the discretion of RR Auction.
5.4 RR Auction reserves the right to accept or decline any bid. Bids must be for an entire lot and each lot constitutes a separate sale. All bids are per lot unless otherwise announced. Live auction lots will be sold in their numbered sequence unless RR Auction directs otherwise. It is unlawful and illegal for Bidders to collude, pool, or agree with another Bidder to pay less than the fair value for lot(s). For live auctions, RR Auction will have final discretion in the event that any dispute should arise between Bidders. RR Auction will determine the successful Bidder, cancel the sale,
or re-offer and resell the lot or lots in dispute. RR Auction will have final discretion to resolve any disputes arising after the sale and in online auctions. If any dispute arises, RR Auction’s sale record is conclusive.
Section 6 Payment
6.1 Subject to fulfillment of all of the Conditions of Sale set forth herein, upon the sooner of (1) the passing of title to the offered lot pursuant to these Conditions of Sale, or (2) possession of the offered lot by the Bidder, Bidder thereupon (a) assumes full risk and responsibility (including without limitation, liability for or damage to frames or glass covering prints, paintings, photos, or other works), and (b) will immediately pay the full purchase price or such part as RR Auction may require. In addition to other remedies available to RR Auction by law, RR Auction reserves the right to impose from the date of sale a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price if payment is not made in accordance with the conditions set forth herein. All property must be removed from RR Auction’s premises by the Bidder at his/her expense not later than sixty (60) business days following its sale and, if it is not so removed, RR Auction may send the purchased property to a public warehouse for the account, at the risk and expense of the Bidder.
6.2 Payment is due upon closing of the Auction session, or upon presentment of an invoice. RR Auction reserves the right to void an invoice if payment in full is not received within thirteen (13) calendar days of the Auction or within twelve (12) calendar days of the invoice date. In cases of nonpayment, RR Auction’s election to void a sale does not relieve the Bidder from their obligation to pay RR Auction its fees (seller’s and Buyer’s Premium) on the lot and any other damages pertaining to the lot.
6.3 All sales for total invoices greater than $1,000 are strictly for cash in United States dollars (including U.S. currency, bank wire, cashier checks, eChecks, and bank money orders), and are subject to all reporting requirements.
6.4 All deliveries are subject to good funds; funds being received in RR Auction’s account before delivery of the Purchases; and all payments are subject to a clearing period. RR Auction reserves the right to determine if a check constitutes “good funds”: checks drawn on a U.S. bank are subject to a ten (10) calendar day hold, and ten (10) business days when drawn on an international bank. Clients with pre-arranged credit status may receive immediate credit for payments via e-Check, personal or corporate checks.
6.5 In the event that a Bidder’s payment is dishonored upon presentment(s), Bidder shall pay the maximum statutory processing fee set by applicable state law. If Bidder attempts to pay via check and the financial institution denies the transfer from Bidder’s bank account, or the payment cannot be completed using the selected funding source, Bidder agrees to complete payment.
6.7 If RR Auction refers any unpaid invoice to an attorney for collection, the Bidder agrees to pay and shall be liable for RR Auction’s attorney’s fees, court costs, and other collection costs incurred by RR Auction in addition to the invoice amount and interest the greater of 1.5% per month or at the maximum legally allowable rate from date of invoice to collection. If RR Auction assigns collection to its house counsel, such attorney’s time expended on the matter shall be compensated at a rate comparable to the hourly rate of independent attorneys.
6.8 RR Auction shall have a lien against the merchandise purchased by the Bidder (as well as to the extent it is a consignor any other monies owed or due to Bidder) to secure payment of the Auction invoice. RR Auction is further granted a lien and the right to retain possession of any other property of the Bidder then held by RR Auction or its affiliates to secure payment of any Auction invoice or any other amounts due RR Auction or affiliates from the Bidder. With respect to these lien rights, RR Auction shall have all the rights of a secured creditor, including but not limited to the right of sale. In addition, with respect to payment of the Auction invoice(s), the Bidder waives any and all rights of offset he might otherwise have against RR Auction and the consignor of the merchandise included on the invoice (the Consignor”). If a Bidder owes RR Auction or its affiliates on any account, RR Auction and its affiliates shall have the right to offset such unpaid account by any credit balance due Bidder, and it may secure by possessory lien any unpaid amount by any of the Bid-
der’s property in their possession.
6.9 All checks, cashiers checks, bank checks, or money orders are payable to R&R Auction Company of Massachusetts, LLC. RR Auction clients with an invoice totaling $1,000 or under will have the option to pay by VISA, Mastercard, Discover or Paypal. All Paypal payments must be sent to FinanceDepartment@rrauction.com. Authorize.net, a third-party service provider contracted by RR Auction for processing on-line payments, charges a nonrefundable service fee of 3%, which will be added to your final invoice should you pay by credit/debit card.
Section 7 Sales Tax
RR Auction is a remote seller and we are now required to collect Sales/ Use Tax from our bidders. The states that we have nexus in we will be required to collect and remit sales tax on your behalf. Each state has different requirements to meet nexus. When RR Auction has achieved a certain monetary and/or invoice threshold in each state we will apply sales tax to your total invoice. The states that are affected are: ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH CAROLINA, OHIO, OKLAHOMA, PENNSYLVANIA,RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WISCONSIN
If we have not achieved nexus in a particular state it is still your responsibility to pay sales tax on your purchases.
The sales tax rate is determined by the State, Country, and City where purchases are shipped to. If you decide to pick up your purchases at our New Hampshire location you will not be required to pay sales tax. The State of New Hampshire does not have a general sales and use tax. All purchases picked up at our Massachusetts location will be taxed at the current rate of 6.25%.
If you have a resale number please email Sue@RRAuction.com or fax to (603) 732-4288 a copy of your state resale certificate and you will be exempt from paying sales tax.
Section 8
Delivery; Shipping; and Handling Charges
Bidder is liable for shipping and handling and providing accurate information as to shipping or delivery locations and arranging for such. RR Auction is unable to combine purchases from other auctions or affiliates into one package for shipping purposes. Lots won will be shipped in a commercially reasonable time after payment in good funds for the merchandise and the shipping fees is received or credit extended, except when third-party shipment occurs. Bidder agrees that service and handling charges related to shipping items which are not pre-paid may be charged to a credit card on file with RR Auction.
Successful international Bidders shall provide written shipping instructions, including specified Customs declarations, to RR Auction for any lots to be delivered outside of the United States. NOTE: Declaration value shall be the item’(s) hammer price and RR Auction shall use the correct harmonized code for the lot. Domestic Bidders on lots designated for third-party shipment must designate the common carrier, accept risk of loss, and prepay shipping costs.
All duties, customs, and any other import charges are the responsibility of the bidder.
Section 9
Title
Title shall not pass to the successful Bidder until all invoices of Bidder (including those pertaining to the item(s) at issue) and amounts owed to RR Auction are paid in full. It is the responsibility of the Bidder to provide adequate insurance coverage for the items once they have been delivered to a common carrier or third-party shipper.
Section 10
Rights Reserved
RR Auction reserves the right, at any time before, during or after an auction has ended to: withdraw any lot before or at the time of the Auction, cancel any bid, and/or to postpone the Auction of all or any lots or parts thereof, for any reason. RR Auction shall not be liable to any Bidder in the event of such withdrawal, cancellation, or postponement under any circumstances. RR Auction reserves the right to refuse to accept bids from anyone at any time.
Section 11
Conducting the Auction
11.1 RR Auction reserves the right to postpone the Auction or any session thereof for a reasonable period of time for any reason whatsoever, and no Bidder or prospective Bidder shall have any claim as a result thereof, including consequential damages.
11.2 RR Auction’s Discretion: RR Auction shall determine opening bids and bidding increments. RR Auction has the right in its absolute discretion to reject any bid in the event of dispute between Bidders or if RR Auction has doubt as to the validity of any bid, to advance the bidding at its absolute discretion and to determine the successful Bidder in the event of a dispute between Bidders, to continue the bidding or to reoffer and resell the lot in question. In the event of a dispute after the sale, RR Auctions record of final sale shall be conclusive. RR Auction also may reject any bid if RR Auction decides either that any bid is below the reserve of the lot or article or that an advance is insufficient. Unless otherwise announced by RR Auction at the time of sale, no lots may be divided for the purpose of sale.
11.3 Reserves
Lots may be subject to a reserve which is the confidential minimum price below which the lot will not be sold. Consignors may not bid on their own lots or property. RR Auction may, from time to time, bid on items that it does not own. RR Auction may execute bids consecutively or otherwise up to one bid increment below the reserve.
11.4 Off-Site Bidding
Bidding by telephone, facsimile, online, or absentee bidding (advance written bids submitted by mail) are offered solely as a convenience and permitted subject to advance arrangements, availability, and RR Auction’s approval which shall be exercised at RR Auction’s sole discretion. Neither RR Auction nor its agents or employees shall be held liable for the failure to execute bids or for errors relating to any transmission or execution thereof. In order to be considered for off-site bidding in any manner, Bidders must comply with all of these Conditions of Sale and the terms contained on the Registration Form.
11.5 Estimate Prices:
In addition to descriptive information, each item in the Catalog sometimes includes a price range which reflects opinion as to the price expected at auction (the “Estimate Prices”). In other instances, Estimate Prices can be obtained by calling RR Auction at (603) 732-4280. The Estimate Prices are based upon various factors including prices recently paid at auction for comparable property, condition, rarity, quality, history and provenance. Estimate Prices are prepared well in advance of the sale and subject to revision. Estimates do not include the Buyer’s Premium or sales tax (see under separate heading).
11.6 Owned or Guaranteed Property:
RR Auction generally offers property consigned by others for sale at public auction; in very limited occasion, lots are offered that are the property of RR Auction.
11.7 Before the Auction:
Bidder may attend pre-sale viewing for all of RR Auction’s auctions at no charge. All property to be auctioned is usually on view for several days prior to the sale. Bidder is encouraged to examine lots thoroughly. Bidder may also request condition reports (see below). RR Auction’s staff are available at viewings and by appointment.
11.8 Maximum Bids In All Auctions:
To maximize Bidder’s chance of winning, RR Auction strongly encourages
the use of maximum bids. RR Auction will then bid for Bidder until the lot reaches Bidder’s specified maximum. Maximum bids are strictly confidential. Placing arbitrary, non-incremental bids on lots with prior maximum bids may result in these lots being sold for less than 10% above the under Bidder’s bid.
11.9 Successful Bids:
The fall of RR Auction’s hammer indicates the final bid. RR Auction will record the paddle number of the Bidder. If Bidder’s salesroom or absentee bid is successful, Bidder will be notified after the sale by mailed or emailed invoice.
11.10
Unsold Lots:
If a lot does not reach the reserve, it is bought-in. In other words, it remains unsold and is returned to the Consignor. RR Auction has the right to sell certain unsold items after the close of the Auction. Such lots shall be considered sold during the Auction and all these Terms and Conditions shall apply to such sales including but not limited to the Buyer’s Premium, return rights, and disclaimers.
11.11 Bidding in Timed Auction:
Bidder may open, monitor, and/or raise bids at any time before the close of a lot through www.rrauction.com. RR Auction offers a callback service the day of the Auction, but Bidder is responsible for supplying a correct telephone number(s) where Bidder can be reached until the Auction closes. Bidder must request this service in writing. RR Auction will make reasonable efforts to ensure that Bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, RR Auction does not guarantee this service and it is merely a courtesy and not an enforceable right. The auctioneer may also execute a bid on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve.
To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids.
Any Bidder may bid on any lot prior to 6 pm EST/EDT. At that time, an extended bidding period goes into effect. If Bidder has not bid on a lot before 6 pm EST/EDT, Bidder may not bid on that lot after 6 pm EST/EDT. Only those Bidders who have placed bids on a lot before 6 pm EST/EDT will be allowed to bid on that lot after 6 pm EST/EDT. If Bidder is the only Bidder on a lot at 6 pm EST/EDT, that lot is awarded to Bidder. During the extended bidding period, a lot will remain open only to those who bid on that lot prior to 6 pm EST/EDT. All lots WITHOUT an opening bid at 6 pm EST/EDT will remain OPEN to ALL Bidders until 7 pm EST/EDT or until they receive their first bid. These lots will close immediately upon receipt of a bid or at 7 pm EST/EDT, whichever comes first. For all lots that are active after 7 pm EST/EDT, bidding will remain open until 30 minutes pass without a bid being placed on THAT lot (the “30 Minute Rule”). The 30 Minute Rule is applied on a PER LOT BASIS; each lot in the Auction closes individually based on bidding activity after 7 pm EST/EDT. On a PER LOT BASIS, the 30 minute timer will reset each time a bid is placed after 7 pm EST/EDT. If Bidder is the high Bidder, raising Bidder’s maximum bid will NOT reset the timer. RR Auction reserves the right to close the Auction at any time at its sole discretion.
11.12 Bidding - Internet Live
Auction:
Bidder may open, monitor, and/or raise bids at any time before the close of a lot through www.rrauction.com. RR Auction offers a callback service the day of the Auction, but Bidder is responsible for supplying a correct telephone number(s) where Bidder can be reached until the Auction closes. Bidder must request this service in writing. RR Auction will make reasonable efforts to ensure that Bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, RR Auction does not guarantee this service and it is merely a courtesy and not an enforceable right.
To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays,
or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids.
During live internet or live auction, property is auctioned in consecutive numerical order, as it appears in the catalog. The auctioneer will accept bids from those present in the salesroom or absentee bidders participating by telephone, internet or by written bid left with RR Auction in advance of the auction. The auctioneer may also execute a bid or bids (successively or otherwise) on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve. All auctions for lots are with reserve unless specifically stated otherwise.
During live Auctions, internet bids can be placed in real time through one or more of the following Third Party services: www.liveauctioneers.com, www.invaluable.com and www.icollector.com. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids. RR Auction treats any third-party site bids as floor or telephone bids. Floor bids and telephone bids are always considered first over third party sites bids, and floor bids are considered earlier than telephone bids. All RR Auction lots purchased through the third-party sites carry an additional Buyer’s Premium.
11.13 Miscellaneous:
Agreements between Bidders and Consignors to effectuate a non-sale of an item at Auction, inhibit bidding on a consigned item to enter into a private sale agreement for said item, or to utilize RR Auction’s Auction to obtain sales for non-selling consigned items subsequent to the Auction, are strictly prohibited. If a subsequent sale of a previously consigned item occurs in violation of this provision, RR Auction reserves the right to charge Bidder the applicable Buyer’s Premium and Consignor a Seller’s Commission as determined for each auction venue and by the terms of the seller’s agreement.
Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions qualifies Bidder as a client who has consented to be contacted by RR Auction in the future. In conformity with ”do-not-call” regulations promulgated by the Federal or State regulatory agencies, participation by the Bidder is affirmative consent to being contacted at the phone number shown in his application and this consent shall remain in effect until it is revoked in writing. RR Auction may from time to time contact Bidder concerning sale, purchase, and auction opportunities available.
11.14 Rules of Construction: RR Auction presents properties in a number of collectible fields, and as such, specific venues have promulgated supplemental Terms and Conditions. Nothing herein shall be construed to waive the general Conditions of Sale by these additional rules and shall be construed to give force and effect to the rules in their entirety.
Section 12
RR Auction’s Remedies
Failure of the Bidder to comply with any of these Conditions of Sale or the terms of the Registration Form is an event of material breach or default. In such event, RR Auction may, in addition to any other available remedies specifically including the right to hold the defaulting Bidder liable for the Purchase Price or to charge and collect from the defaulting Bidder’s credit or debit accounts as provided for elsewhere herein: (a) cancel the sale, retaining any payment made by the Bidder as damages (the Bidder understands and acknowledges that RR Auction will be substantially damaged should such default occur, and that damages under sub-part (a) are necessary to compensate RR Auction for such damages); (b) resell the property without reserve at public auction or privately; (c) charge the Bidder interest on the Purchase Price at the rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month or the highest allowable interest rate; (d) take any other action that RR Auction, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or appropriate to preserve and protect RR Auction’s rights and remedies. Should RR Auction resell the property, the original defaulting Bidder shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency in the purchase price and all costs and expenses associated there with, including but not limited
to warehousing, sales-related expenses, reasonable attorney fees and court costs, commissions, incidental damages and any other charges due hereunder which were not collected or collectable. In the event that such Bidder is the successful Bidder on more than one lot and pays less than the purchase price for the total lots purchased, RR Auction shall apply the payment received to such lot or lots that RR Auction, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. If RR Auction does not exercise such discretion, the lots to which the payment shall be applied will be in descending order from the highest purchase price to the lowest. Any Bidder failing to comply with these Conditions of Sale shall be deemed to have granted RR Auction a security interest in, and RR Auction may retain as collateral such security for such Bidder’s obligations to RR Auction, any Bidder’s property in RR Auction’s possession or to which title has not yet passed to Bidder. RR Auction shall have the benefit of all rights of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C.) as adopted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Section 13 Warranties
13.1 RR Auction does not provide any warranties to Bidders, whether expressed or implied, beyond those expressly provided in these Conditions of Sale. All property and lots are sold ”as is” and “where is”. By way of illustration rather than limitation, neither RR Auction nor the Consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to merchantability or fitness for intended use, condition of the property (including any condition report), correctness of description, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, importance, exhibition, relevance, attribution, source, provenance, date, authorship, condition, culture, genuineness, value, or period of the property. Additionally, neither RR Auction nor the Consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to whether the Bidder acquires rights in copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property (including exhibition or reproduction rights) related to the item, or whether the property is subject to any limitations or other rights. RR Auction does not make any representation or warranty as to title.
13.2 All descriptions, photographs, illustrations, and terminology including but not limited to words describing condition (including any condition reports requested by Bidder, see also Terminology), authorship, period, culture, source, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, provenance, importance, exhibition, and relevance, used in the Catalog, bill of sale, invoice, or anywhere else, represent a good faith effort made by RR Auction to fairly represent the lots and property offered for sale as to origin, date, condition, and other information contained therein; they are statements of opinion only. They are not representations or warranties and Bidder agrees and acknowledges that he or she shall not rely on them in determining whether or not to bid or for what price. Price estimates (which are determined well in advance of the Auction and are therefore subject to revision) and condition reports are provided solely as a convenience to Bidders and are not intended nor shall they be relied on by Bidders as statements, representations or warranties of actual value or predictions of final bid prices.
13.3 Bidders are accorded the opportunity to inspect the lots and to otherwise satisfy themselves as to the nature and sufficiency of each lot prior to bidding, and RR Auction urges Bidders to avail themselves accordingly.
13.4 All lots sold by RR Auction are accompanied by an Auction Certificate (“AC”). On any lot presented with an AC issued by RR Auction, the certification is only as to its attribution to the person or entity described or to the lot’s usage and only as explicitly stated therein (the “AC”), to the exclusion of any other warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to those pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code. The AC inures only to the original Bidder (as shown in RR Auction’s records). Bidder may not transfer, assign, or otherwise convey the AC and such purported transfer, assignment, or conveyance shall be null and void.
Section 14 Firearms
RR Auction complies with all Federal and State rules and regulations relating to the purchasing, registration and shipping of firearms. A Bidder is required to provide appropriate documents and the payment of associated fees, if any. Bidder is responsible for providing a shipping address that is suitable for the receipt of a firearm.
Section 15 Unauthorized Statements
Under no circumstances is any employee, agent or representative of RR Auction authorized by RR Auction to modify, amend, waive or contradict any of these Conditions of Sale, any term or condition set forth on a registration form, any warranty or limitation or exclusion of warranty, any term or condition in either the Registration Form or these Terms and Conditions regarding payment requirements, including but not limited to due date, manner of payment, and what constitutes payment in full, or any other term or condition contained in any documents issued by RR Auction unless such modification, amendment, waiver or contradiction is contained in a writing signed by all parties. Any statements, oral or written, made by employees, agents or representatives of RR Auction to Bidder, including statements regarding specific lots, even if such employee, agent or representative represents that such statement is authorized, unless reduced to a writing signed Bidder and by an authorized officer of RR Auction by all parties, are statements of personal opinion only and are not binding on RR Auction, and under no circumstances shall be relied upon by Bidder as a statement, representation or warranty of RR Auction.
Section 16
Bidder’s Remedies
16.1 Except as stated expressly herein, Bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy related to or pertaining to items it bids upon, views, or purchases from RR Auction, and any claims by Bidder related to authenticity, ownership, condition, title or value, shall be against Consignor only.
16.2 This section sets forth the sole and exclusive remedies of Bidder as against RR Auction (inclusive of its affiliates, officers, managers, employees or agents), or in any way arising out of, related to, or in connection with these Conditions of Sale, , and is expressly in lieu of any other rights or remedies which might be available to Bidder by law. Time is of the essence with respect to these procedures.
16.3 Title to Items
The Bidder hereby accepts the benefit of the Consignor’s warranty of title and any other representations and warranties made by the Consignor for the Bidder’s benefit. In the event that Bidder demonstrates in writing, satisfactory to the sole discretion of RR Auction, that there was a breach of the Consignor’s warranty of title concerning a lot purchased by Bidder, RR Auction may make demand upon the Consignor to pay to Bidder the Purchase Price (including any premiums, taxes, or other amounts paid or due to RR Auction). Should the Consignor not pay the Purchase Price to Bidder within thirty days after such demand (if any made), RR Auction may disclose the identity of the Consignor to Bidder and may assign to Bidder all or some of RR Auction’s rights against the Consignor with respect to such lot or property. Upon such disclosure and/or assignment, all responsibility and liability of RR Auction, if any, with respect to said lot or item shall automatically terminate related to or arising from these Conditions of Sale or such transaction operating as a complete waiver and general release by Bidder as to RR Auction and its agents, contractors, and affiliates, as to any and all claims concerning or related to the item, if any . RR Auction shall be entitled to retain the premiums and other amounts paid to RR Auction by Consignor only. The rights and remedies provided herein are for the original Bidder only and they may not be assigned or relied upon by any transferee or assignee under any circumstances.
16.4 Authenticity Challenge Process
(1) If Bidder wishes to dispute or challenge the Authenticity of the lot or item (including asserting that it is incorrect), Bidder must adhere to the following procedure: Within 30 days of the Auction Date, Bidder must present written evidence to RR Auction, that the lot is not authentic as determined by a known expert in the field (and one recognized by RR Auction within its discretion) and send the physical item or lot at issue to RR Auction along with all evidence relied upon by Bidder for contesting the Authenticity. (“Authenticity Challenge Process”) “Authenticity” shall mean a gross discrepancy in the between the description, genuiness, or attribution of the item as represented by RR Auction in the Catalog or at the auction, and the item. If RR Auction concurs that the lot is not Authentic as was represented (it is sole discretion), Bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy
as against RR Auction (inclusive of its affiliates, agents, employees, and contractors) shall be a refund of the purchase price of the subject item paid by Bidder, with no other costs, liabilities or amounts recoverable by Bidder. If RR Auction does not agree with the assertion by Bidder, then the Parties shall follow the dispute resolution procedures of these Conditions of Sale. Strict adherence to the Authenticity Challenge Process is a condition of standing for Bidder to initiate suit or claim.
(2) So long as Bidder has complied with the Authenticity Challenge Process, any claim, suit or action, by Bidder concerning an AC or Certification of Authenticity, or related to the authenticity of the item must, without any exception, be brought within one (1) year of Auction Date and is subject to the other limitations and conditions stated in the Conditions of Sale.
16.5 Other Issues. Any dispute or claim by Bidder against RR Auction (or its affiliates, directors, employees, officers, agents, or contractors)) other than Authenticity, concerning any item or lot bid upon, or purchased, including value, title, condition, bidding process, or description must be asserted (if at all) in the following manner:
(1) If the description of any lot in the Catalog is materially or grossly incorrect (e.g., gross cataloging error), or there is any other gross material issue pertaining to the item or lot, the item or lot may be returned if returned within five (5) calendar days of receipt, and received by RR Auction no later than twenty-one (21) calendar days after the Auction Date with explanation in writing.. If there is any discrepancy between the description in the Catalog and a certificate of auction, then the description in the certificate of auction (“Lot Challenge Process”). This paragraph shall constitute Bidder’s sole right with respect to the return of items, and no refunds shall be given for any items not returned to and received by RR Auction within the period of time stated herein or not materially or grossly in deviation from the description. Such a refund is subject to RR Auction’s sole discretionary review, and any request for refund must be made concurrently with returning the physical item or lot to RR Auction. Any item not returned within said frame will constitute acceptance of the item and a waiver and release of any and all claims by Bidder pertaining to the item other than with respect to authenticity; and
(2) Provided that the Bidder has engaged in the Lot Challenge Process, any claim concerning such must be brought no later than one (1) year of the Auction Date for the item or lot at issue and is subject to the other limitations and conditions stated in the Conditions of Sale.
NO RETURN OR REFUND OF ANY AUCTION LOT WILL BE CONSIDERED OR PROVIDED EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THESE CONDITIONS OF SALE AND BIDDERS OR AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY LAW. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SUCH SHALL BE A COMPLETE DEFENSE TO ANY CLAIMS BY BIDDER RELATED TO THE CONDITIONS OF SALE, ANY AUCTION OR BID.
16.6 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. For any and all claims by Bidder arising out of or related to this Agreement, Bidder’s viewing, bid, or purchase of items, or any agreement between the Parties, or otherwise, Bidder agrees that to the fullest extent such can be limited under the law, Bidder shall have no right to recover and hereby waives any and all rights to recover from against RR Auction or its affiliates, directors, employees, officers, agents, or contractors, consequential or indirect damages, lost profits damages, punitive, exemplary, statutory (or multiplier damages), physical or emotional distress damages, general or special damages of any kind (beyond amounts actually paid by Bidder for item(s) at issue), and in the event of recovery of any damages whatsoever, such shall be limited by the amounts actually paid by Bidder to RR Auction for the item(s) at issue in such claim, or if no money was paid to RR Auction by Bidder for items at issue, or there items are at issue, the amount of $150.00.
Section 17
RR Auction’s Additional Services
For Bidders who do not remove purchased property from RR Auction’s premises, RR Auction, in its sole discretion and solely as a service and accommodation to Bidders, may arrange to have purchased lots packed, insured and forwarded at the sole request, expense, and risk of Bidder.
RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for acts or omissions in such packing or shipping by RR Auction or other packers and carriers, whether or not recommended by RR Auction. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for damage to frames, glass or other breakable items. Where RR Auction arranges and bills for such services via invoice, RR Auction will include an administration charge.
Section 18
Headings
Headings are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret the substantive sections to which they refer.
Section 19 Entire Agreement
Except to the extent Bidder is also a consignor (in which case the terms of the consignment agreement shall also govern), these Conditions of Sale constitute the entire agreement between the Parties together with the terms and conditions contained in the auction Registration Form. They may not be amended, modified or superseded except in a signed writing executed by all parties. No oral or written statement by anyone employed by RR Auction or acting as agent or representative of RR Auction may amend, modify, waive or supersede the terms herein unless such amendment, waiver or modification is contained in a writing signed by all parties.
If any section of these Conditions of Sale or any term or provision of any section is held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction, the remaining parts of the agreement and remainder of the sections or terms and provisions of the section and all sections shall continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
Section 20 Governing Law and Enforcement
20.1 The Parties agree that all agreements between the Parties including but not limited to these Conditions of Sale are entered into in Boston, Massachusetts, no matter where Bidder is situated and no matter by what means or where Bidder was informed of the Auction and regardless of whether catalogs, materials, or other communications were received by Bidder in another location.
20.2 The Parties agree that these Conditions of Sale, any other related agreement(s), along with all claims between the Parties, including those arising out of or related to such are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard for its conflict of laws principles. The Parties agree that any dispute between the Parties, including but not limited to those related to or arising out of these Conditions of Sale, or related to or arising out of any other related agreement(s) shall be submitted to confidential binding arbitration (the ”Arbitration”) before a single Arbitrator of the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) The Parties agree that the Arbitration shall be conducted pursuant to the commercial rules of the AAA in Boston, Massachusetts, unless the Consumer Arbitration Rules apply, in which case, such rules and venue will govern. In the event that the Parties cannot agree on the selection of the Arbitrator, then the Arbitrator shall be selected by the AAA. The prevailing Party in the Arbitration shall also recover all of its related fees and costs, whether before or after the formal institution of the Arbitration, including but not limited to its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, if RR Auction prevails, such recovery, in addition to all remedies available at agreement or law, shall include the Buyer’s Premium as defined in these Conditions of Sale. Federal arbitration law, including the Federal Arbitration Act apply to this agreement to arbitrate and its related provisions. The arbitration and all related proceedings shall be held strictly confidential and all documents and discovery shall be held confidential and not used, published or disclosed publically or to anyone outside the Parties or expert consultants or counsel who shall agree to hold such confidential.
20.3 The Parties consent to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as exclusive jurisdiction and venue for all claims between the Parties except as provided specifically herein and may seek confirmation of the decision in the Arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act in any Court
of competent jurisdiction, including the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. To the extent such is necessary under the law, RR Auction may enforce the Arbitration award against Bidder and any related Party in any court of competent jurisdiction. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as RR Auction consenting to jurisdiction or venue in any location outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
THE PARTIES MAY NOT BRING CLAIMS AGAINST EACH OTHER AS A CLASS OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY CLAIMED CLASS, OR IN A REPRESENTATIVE ACTION UNLESS OTHERWISE AGREED. UNLESS OTHERWISE AGREED, THE CLAIMS AGAINST EACH OF THE OTHER CANNOT BE CONSOLIDATED OR JOINED WITH MORE THAN ONE ADDITIONAL PERSON OR ENTITIES’ CLAIMS. NO INJUNCTIVE OR DECLATORY RELIEF SOUGHT BY BIDDER IF ANY, CAN AFFECT OR BE ORDERED TO AFFECT ANY OTHER BIDDERS OR PERSONS.
20.4 Except as provided specifically in these Conditions of Sale in Bidder’s Remedies against RR Auction (along with its affiliates, directors, agents, officers, employees, and contractors) for any dispute, claim, cause of action related to or arising out of these Conditions of Sale or any other related agreement(s), brought by Bidder must be brought within the earlier of the Auction Date as it pertains to the item(s) at issue or no later than one (1) year of the acts, omissions or circumstances occurred giving rise to the alleged claim, without exception. This provision is intended as a full, complete and absolute bar to and release of any claims by Bidder initiated after one (1) year of such acts, omissions or circumstances. The Parties agree further that these waiver provisions are intended to be binding in the event of any dispute, specifically including but not limited to third party claims and cross-actions brought by Bidder. These provisions are consideration for the execution of these Conditions of Sale.
20.5 To the fullest extent under applicable law and except as specifically stated herein Bidder hereby holds harmless, releases and discharges RR Auction and its agents, officer’s directors, affiliates, successors, and assigns from any and all claims, liabilities, obligations, promises, agreements, damages, causes of action, suits, demands, losses, debts, and expenses of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected existing prior to these Conditions of Sale. Bidder agrees to the Conditions of Sale and upon each instance that Bidder participates in any auction, bids, or otherwise agrees to such terms and reaffirms this release as of the date of so participating or agreeing unless Bidder otherwise provides clear written notice to RR Auction prior to so bidding.
20.6 The Bidder hereby agrees that RR Auction shall be entitled to present these Conditions of Sale to a court in any jurisdiction other than set forth in this paragraph as conclusive evidence of the Parties agreement, and the Parties further agree that the court shall immediately dismiss any action filed in such jurisdiction.
20.7
Liquidated Damages for Specific Breaches
In the event that Bidder provides false information in connection with registering for bidding, fails to correct or update information or breaches the Conditions of Sale by failing to pay the purchase price when due after becoming the winning bidder, as liquidated damages associated with such breaches, R&R may obtain from Bidder the greater of (1) 150% the reserve of the item (if any); (2) the amount bidder bid; or (3), the full amount that bidder would have otherwise paid. Bidder will also be liable for an additional 20% of such amount to account for additional administrative costs, shipping, additional advertising, and other damages and liabilities fees that are difficult to calculate on an item-by-item basis.
20.8 Indemnity. Bidder agrees to defend, indemnify, hold harmless RR Auction (along with its officers, directors, agents, contractors, and affiliates) from and against any and all claims, costs, fees, damages, and liabilities arising out of or related to these Conditions of Sale, view of items, or lots, bidding, or participation in any auction by RR Auction, and/or or in any way connected to any item you viewed, bid upon or purchased through RR Auction.
Section 21: State-by-State Law Issues
This Auction is being conducted in and the sale shall take place in the State of Massachusetts. Notwithstanding, the foregoing, should these
terms and conditions violate the law of any State should that state’s law be found to govern, or any provision herein determined to be invalid, the clause itself and the remainder of the Agreement shall be valid to the fullest extent allowed. Also, to the extent other states law apply to any transaction arising out of the Agreement (without admitting such), RR Auction states:
For Residents of California:
SALE OF AUTOGRAPHED COLLECTIBLES: AS REQUIRED BY LAW, A DEALER WHO SELLS TO A CONSUMER ANY COLLECTIBLE DESCRIBED AS BEING AUTOGRAPHED MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN EXPRESS WARRANTY AT THE TIME OF SALE. THIS DEALER MAY BE SURETY BONDED OR OTHERWISE INSURED TO ENSURE THE AUTHENTICITY OF ANY AUTOGRAPHED COLLECTIBLE SOLD BY THIS DEALER.
A written express warranty is provided with each autographed collectible, as required by law. This dealer may be surety bonded or otherwise insured to ensure the authenticity of any autographed collectible sold by this dealer.
Section 22
Glossary of Condition terms
Information provided to prospective Bidders with respect of any lot, including any pre-sale estimate, whether written or oral, and information in any catalogue, condition or other report, commentary or valuation, is not a representation of fact but rather a statement of opinion held by RR Auction.
Use of the following terms constitutes an opinion as follows:
VERY FINE describes an item believed to be in virtually flawless condition, and is used sparingly for items of exceptionally attractive appearance.
FINE is the most common statement of condition, and applies to most items that we offer. It describes items that we believe to show expected handling wear, generally acceptable random flaws (such as light creases, small bends, etc.), and an overall appearance that is pleasing to the majority of collectors.
VERY GOOD describes an item that we believe exhibits more moderate flaws (such as toning, light staining, professional reinforcements or repairs, etc.). Most collectors would be comfortable with items in very good condition, and this would be the expected condition for many formats (early presidential documents, for example).
GOOD describes an item which we believe to have obvious visible flaws, including heavy wear, missing portions, or repairs that affect appearance; generally items in this condition are offered only if an item is otherwise believed to be exceedingly rare or important.
Bidder may call and request further details and information about RR Auction’s opinions concerning any item via phone or email which shall provided in RR Auction’s discretion.
Certificate of Auction, Certificate of Authenticity and Goods Acquired:
Bidder warrants that Bidder (and its agents, assigns, successors, and affiliates) shall not purposely deface, destroy, dismember, cut-up into parts the item or Lot purchased at auction from RR Auction and in the event such shall occur whether purposefully or accidently, Bidder (and its agents, assigns, successors, and affiliates) shall refrain from advertising, promoting, or marketing the item as having been purchased from RR Auction and shall in no event display, expressly claim, or imply that the item was certified or auctioned in such state by RR Auction. As liquidated damages for such breach, Bidder agrees to be liable to RR Auction for the greater of the amount of three (3) times the hammer price of the item along with all other fees and costs as otherwise provided in this Terms of Sale.
