35 minute read
Notables
Declaration of Independence
Independence from Pennsylvania (1739–1813) who served as the first president of the Philadelphia Bank. ALS signed “Geo. Clymer,” one page, 8 x 9.75, November 4, 1803. Letter to banker and merchant Samuel Coates, in part: “I have waited a considerable time for the inclosed opinion of M. Thomas Gibson of the value of some lands which I would offer in security for my debt of 8000 to your bank. The tracts are ten, and contiguous, being 3050 acres, taken up about thirty years ago, and purchased by me twenty six or twenty seven.” In very good to fine condition, with toning to the left edge, minor loss along the vertical folds, and seal-related paper loss, and a tear, to the integral address leaf. Starting Bid $200
Franklin writes to America’s first great botanist: “I have sent over some Seed of Naked Oats, and some of Swiss Barley, 6 rows to an Ear”
171. Benjamin Franklin Partial Third-Person Autograph Letter
Signed. Partial third-person ALS, with his surname written within the text, “Franklin,” one page, 7.75 x 2, [January 1769]. The handwritten postscript of a letter from Ben Franklin to botanist John Bartram, in full: “P.S. Jan. 28. The Box is delivered according to Mr. Mich. Collinson’s Directions, at Lord Bute’s. Mr. Collinson takes it amiss that you did not write to him. I have sent over some Seed of Naked Oats, and some of Swiss Barley, 6 rows to an Ear. If you would choose to try some of it, call on Mrs. Franklin.” In very good to fine condition, with light staining to the left edge, and show-through from writing on the reverse (evidently a list of plants or crops, likely written by Bartram).
The complete text of this letter—concerning a ‘box directed to the King’ and a proposed ‘Natural History of our country’—is transcribed as part of Franklin’s collected papers. The recipient, John Bartram, was described by taxonomist Carl Linnaeus as the ‘greatest natural botanist in the world.’ He founded ‘Bartram’s Garden,’ considered to be the first botanic garden in the United States, at his Philadelphia home in 1728. A unique piece of correspondence, demonstrating Franklin’s scientific interests. Starting Bid $200
172. Elbridge Gerry Autograph Letter
Signed. Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts (1744-1814) who later served as vice president under James Madison. His name entered the language as a result of his support of politically advantageous redistricting, which became known as ‘gerrymandering.’ ALS as vice president, signed “E. Gerry,” one page, 7.25 x 9.5, December 9, 1813. Letter to President Madison’s brother-in-law, Richard Cutts, who had recently been named Superintendent General of Military Stores. In part: “I was informed yesterday by the Cashier of the State Bank, that he had transmitted to you my draft on the Treasury of the UStates for a quarter salary...I should have written to him before, but had intended to have been in Washington on or before the day of the Session of Congress; a measure in which I was defeated by the sudden sickness of several of my family... Present me in the most respectful & cordial terms to the President & his Lady.” Matted and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 15.75 x 13.75. In fine condition, with a few small stains. Starting Bid $300
Independence from Massachusetts (1744–1814) who later served as vice president under James Madison. His name entered the language as a result of his support of politically advantageous redistricting, which became known as ‘gerrymandering.’ ALS as vie president, signed “E. Gerry,” one page, 6.5 x 9.75, November 9, 1813. Letter to Samuel Bradley, in part: “I have received from Doctor Marney in London a package in regard to which he states, that ‘the large parcel addressed to you, contains books intended for sale by auction for improvements in Fryburg. I request you to retain them till M. Samuel Bradley & you communicate.’ I have also a magazine which he says his printer addresses for your acceptance. Enclosed is likewise a prospective transmitted to you agreeably to his request. Please to inform me by a line where to deposit the package & magazine; & if I should be absent, Ms. Gerry will order them to the place.” Gerry adds his franking signature, “free, E. Gerry,” on the reverse of the second integral page. In fine condition, with the letter and its integral address leaf affixed together. Starting Bid $200
Declaration of Independence from Rhode Island (1707-1785) who served as the colony’s governor in the 1750s and 1760s. Manuscript DS, signed “Step. Hopkins, Gov’r,” one page, 5.75 x 6.5, April–June 1759. Pay order for postage at the Newport Post Office, accounting for letters sent on April 4th and June 22nd, in part: “Please to pay Thomas Vernon or his order the above sum of nineteen pounds Old Tenor & charge the same to the colony.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
175. Francis Hopkinson Twice-Signed Document.
Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey (1737–1791) who is also known as the designer of the first official American flag. Partly-printed DS, signed “Fra’s Hopkinson, Clk. Dist. & Circt. Cts.,” one page, 7.75 x 3.25, April 17, 1834. Unusual financial document, in full: “I certify that there are no unsatisfied judgments remaining on record in my office against William B. Fling obtained since the first day of October 1831.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Hopkinson, and vertically endorsed by him: “None to this daye, November 15, 1834, Fra’s Hopkinson, Clk. Dist. & Circt. Cts.” In fine condition, with multiple vertical folds. Accompanied by an engraved portrait bearing a facsimile signature. Starting Bid $200
Declaration of Independence from New Jersey (1737–1791) who is also known as the designer of the first official American flag. Revolutionary War–dated partly-printed DS signed “Fr. Hopkinson,” one page, 8.25 x 4, May 30, 1780. Bill of exchange. In full: “At Thirty Days Sight of this Fourth Bill, First, Second and Third not paid, pay to Mr. Thomas Mumford or Order, Thirty Dollars, in One Hundred and Fifty Livres Tournois, for Interest due on Money borrowed by the United States.” In fine condition, with a small adhesive remnant to reverse. Starting Bid $200
As trustee for “a Lunatic,” Burr hopes to void a debt for him and fellow founder Lewis Morris
177. Lewis Morris and Aaron Burr Document Signed. Manuscript DS, signed
“A. Burr” and “Lewis Morris,” one page, 9 x 15, August 20, 1788. Rare legal document, in part: “Know all men by these presents that We Aaron Burr of the City of New York Esquire and Lewis Morris of Morrissania in the County of West Chester Esquire are held and firmly bound unto the people of the State of New York in the Sum of three thousand pounds Current Money…Whereas by an order of the honorable the Court of Chancery on the Seventh day of August instant John Jay the said Aaron Burr and John Watts Junior were appointed Trustees for the Estate of John Cox of the County of West Chester Gentleman a Lunatic, Now therefore the Condition of the above obligation is such that if the said Aaron Burr shall well and truly and faithfully perform and execute the said Trust and tender a true and perfect account thereof when thereunto required the above obligation to be void or else to be and remain in full face and virtue.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Aaron Burr and Lewis Morris, and countersigned by two witnesses. In very good to fine condition, with light toning along the intersecting folds, which are reinforced with archival tape on the reverse. An interesting and unusual document connecting three leaders of the patriot cause in New York—Aaron Burr, Lewis Morris, and John Jay. Starting Bid $200
American Politicians
178. Aaron Burr Autograph Check Signed. Autograph check, 8 x
3.5, written entirely in Burr’s hand and signed in full, “Aaron Burr,” payable to “Bearer James Dwight” for $75, August 4, 1784. Nicely matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 12.25 x 19.25. In fine condition, with the handwriting a few shades light but completely legible. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Starting Bid $200
statesman (1752–1816) and signer of the Constitution from Pennsylvania who authored several sections of that document, including the well-known preamble. ALS signed “Gouv. Morris,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, January 30, 1811. Letter to Jonathan Barrall, the cashier of the Branch Bank, in full: “You have enclosed a Bill for $1200 which you will have the Goodness to cash and pass to my Credit. I send the Letter annexed to it for want of another Endorsement.” In fine condition, with old paper tape to the perimeter. Accompanied by an engraving bearing a preprinted facsimile signature. Starting Bid $200
Activists and Leaders
Mounted photograph signed by the seldom-seen trio of Keller, Sullivan, and Thomson
180. Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan, and Polly Thomson. Rare
vintage matte-finish 8.5 x 6.5 photo of Keller and her assistant, Polly Thomson, seated in their home in Forest Hills, New York, with other guests, affixed to its original 12.5 x 14 mount, prominently signed on the mount in pencil, “Sincerely yours, Helen Keller,” and in ink, “Anne Sullivan Macy” and “Polly Thomson.” Also signed below the image by the photographer, “F. Garcia Monteiro.” In very good to fine condition, with creasing to the upper left corner, a short tear to middle of the top edge, a couple of tape repairs on the mount’s reverse, and the photo attached only by its bottom edge. Starting Bid $200
181. Martin Luther King, Jr. Typed
Letter Signed. TLS signed “Martin L. King, Jr.,” one page, 8.25 x 8.5, Southern Christian Leadership Conference letterhead, November 19, 1962. Letter to Dr. Med O. Gotte in Germany, in part: “Your encouraging words are of inestimable value for the continuance of our humble efforts. Our struggle is often difficult and the moments are often frustrating, but we gain new courage to carry on when we realize that persons of good will, such as you, are supporting us in the background. Although the days are now dark, I am convinced that we stand on the threshold of our world’s bright tomorrows.” A clipped magazine photo of King is affixed to the right side of the letter. In fine condition, with trimmed edges. Starting Bid $300
182. Bill Wilson Signed Photograph. Uncommon glossy 8 x 10 close-up
photo of the Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “Dear Chuck, With all affection, Ever, Bill 6/2/64.” In very good to fine condition, with a bit of light creasing, some surface impressions above Wilson’s right ear, and poor contrast to the inscription. Starting Bid $200
Businessmen
Barnum on his menagerie, a somersaulting pony, and New York’s Hippodrome
183. P. T. Barnum (5) Autograph Letters Signed and John Ringling Signed Check.
Group of six items, including five ALSs by P. T. Barnum and one check signed by John Ringling, chronicling the business dealings of ‘The Greatest Show on Earth.’ Highlights of the letters, dated between 1877 and 1888, include: “I hope you will see the monkey mother & her infant 5 weeks old in my menagerie 27th St. She is a pattern for many a human mother in America”; “...if the London show saw fit to abandon the plan of attacking us as they did early last year, we would not in any manner attack or stand in their way”; “I have consulted my managers about the Hippodrome building & find they feel as if this is our last visit here”; “...I am nearly 71 years old & have no ambition to embark in any enterprise”; “Forepaugh...says Adam is training a pony to turn a double back summersault. He has 2 double summersault dogs, who perform at same time in one ring.” Includes a color Barnum & Bailey business check, 8.5 x 3.25, filled out in another hand and signed by John Ringling, “Jno. Ringling,” payable to M. B. Butler for $125, April 29, 1911. In overall very good to fine condition. Starting Bid $300
Gilette sketches his famed razor logo: “No Stropping, No Honing”
184. King Gillette Signed Sketch. American businessman
(1855–1932) who invented a best-selling version of the safety razor and is widely credited with inventing the so-called razor and blades business model. Rare original vintage fountain pen sketch of the Gillette razor logo accomplished by company founder King Gillette on an off-white 4.75 x 2.25 slip, signed below, “King C. Gillette, Vienna, May 18th/27.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
185. Howard Hughes Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “Howard,” three pages, 8.5 x 13.25, date penned in another hand, “5/16-2:15 P.M.” Letter to his assistant, confidant, and former FBI agent, Robert “Bob” Maheu, in part: “Please tell me the details of the closing of the purchase of the Stardust Drive-In theater and the so-called ‘pie shaped piece of land.’ The only reason I ask for this is because, in the maps that Herb Nall sends me frequently to illustrate some piece of property, he has never shown this property as being owned.” In fine condition, with small area of staple-related paper loss to the upper left corner of each page. Starting Bid $200
Cushing seeks help in putting forward “a nomination of a candidate for the Nobel Prize for 1937”
186. Harvey Cushing Typed Letter Signed. Surgeon
(1869–1939) who pioneered many modern neurosurgical techniques and investigated the functions of the pituitary gland. TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, Yale University School of Medicine letterhead, September 26, 1936. Letter to Professor John A. Timm of the Yale Chemistry department, in full: “I have just received one of those requests from the Nobel Committee for Chemistry asking for a nomination of a candidate for the Nobel Prize for 1937. I suppose it’s proper to reply, but I know so little about what is going on in chemistry that I must turn to my friends for a suggestion. Can you help me out with one?” In fine condition, with faint toning and light edge creasing. Cushing would suggest Gilbert Lewis, who was nominated 41 times for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry—but never won it. Starting Bid $200
Scientists and Inventors
Rare Edison-signed limited edition of A Million and One Nights: The History of the Motion Picture
187. Thomas Edison Signed Book. Signed book: A Million and One Nights: The History of the Motion Picture, Vol. I and II by Terry Ramsaye. First edition, limited issue, numbered 32/1926. NY: Simon & Schuster, 1926. Hardcovers, 7.75 x 10.75, totaling 868 pages. A prefatory blurb is signed in fountain pen by Edison, “Thos. A. Edison,” in full: “This is, I believe, the first endeavor to set down the whole and true story of the motion picture. I have been in contact with the author’s researches throughout his years of preparation and I am aware of an unrelenting effort at exact fact. A high degree of accuracy has been attained. Ramsaye’s theories, opinions and deductions are his own.” Also signed on the colophon by the author, “Terry Ramsaye.” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: professionally restored to VG/None, with scuffing to boards and spine leather, spines hand-lettered, and restorations to spine leather and corners of cover paper. Housed in a handsome custom-made slipcase. A highly desirable example of this important early history of moving pictures, beginning prior to Edison’s Kinetoscope and concluding with the silent film era. Starting Bid $200
An Edison family heirloom, dedicated to their “darling daughter”
finish 7.5 x 7.25 photo of Thomas and Mina Edison together in his study, matted to an overall size of 12 x 13.5, boldly signed and inscribed on the mat in fountain pen by Thomas Edison, “To our darling daughter Madeleine, Father and Mother.” Also lightly signed in pencil by the photographer, “George Higgins.” The mat and photograph are detached from the backing due to dried adhesive, but could be easily repaired; otherwise in fine condition, with a small corner bump, and some trivial foxing, to the mat. Starting Bid $200
Einstein comments on his “theory of relativity” and “a formula informing us about the energy which can be freed by nuclear reactions”
189. Albert Einstein Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed
“A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, blindstamped personal Princeton letterhead, August 14, 1950. Letter to Dr. F. G. Garcia in Puerto Rico, in full: “To the theory of relativity is due a formula informing us about the energy which can be freed by nuclear reactions. If you are interested in this matter you may read the popular book ‘Explaining the Atom’ by Selig Hecht which is really excellent.” Mounted above the original mailing envelope and archivally matted and framed to an overall size of 15.25 x 22.25. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light creasing and staining.
Einstein’s theory of relativity—the foundation of modern physics—encompassed his pioneering concepts of special relativity and general relativity, respectively proposed and published in 1905 and 1915. With it came his famed equation, “E = mc2”—the mass-energy relationship— undoubtedly the most well-known equation ever set forth. In his later years, Einstein explained on-camera: ‘It followed from the special theory of relativity that mass and energy are but different manifestations of the same thing… Furthermore, the equation E is equal to m c-squared, in which energy is put equal to mass multiplied by the velocity of light squared, showed that a very small amount of mass may be converted into a very large amount of energy, and vice versa.’ The mass-energy relationship explained the source of the energy produced in the process of radioactive decay, which had been discovered at the turn of the century by Henri Becquerel. The mass defect—the difference in mass between the atom before emitting a particle, and the masses of that particle and the remaining atom—had been converted into energy. Unfortunately, the mass defect was much too small to be measured. Experimental verification of the relation would wait until 1932 when British physicists John Cockroft and Ernest Walton first ‘split the atom’ artificially, and with the 1938 discovery of nuclear fission by German chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann, and physicists Lise Meitner and Otto Frisch.
Nuclear physics had come to the forefront of the public’s attention with the advent of the atomic bomb in World War II, and coherent explanations for the layman were few and far between. Selig Hecht, an honorary vice-chairman of Einstein’s Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists, wrote Explaining the Atom in 1947 to educate the public on this new source of energy. Einstein had formed the committee in 1946 to warn the public of the dangers associated with the development of nuclear weapons, promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and work towards world peace. A unique and important letter by the great physicist. Starting Bid $2500
Einstein photograph by Lotte Jacobi, signed by the genius with two sun sketches
190. Albert Einstein Signed Photograph. Exquisite vintage matte-finish 6.75 x 9 photo of Einstein by Lotte Jacobi, signed and inscribed in fountain pen “Fur [Sun] und [sun], Albert Einstein, 1932.” Reverse bears a Foto-Jacobi Berlin copyright stamp. In fine condition, with a hint of subtle silvering, and some slight fading to the signature. This portrait was captured by influential German-American photographer Lotte Jacobi quite early in her esteemed career; she had joined the family’s photo agency in Berlin in 1927. She is remembered for her portraits of leading figures of the arts and sciences, which often captured them at ease in informal settings. That Einstein signed it with his full name, and added rare sketches of two suns—perhaps a dedication to a friend and his wife—makes it truly excellent. We have never seen another Einstein photo with a drawing on it—such autographs are virtually nonexistent. Starting Bid $2500
An exceptional uninscribed Einstein portrait
191. Albert Einstein Signed Photograph. Vintage circa 1930 matte-finish 5.25 x 7 photo of Albert Einstein in middle age, his mustache still dark and his hair showing slight signs of gray, signed neatly in the lower border in fountain pen. Archivally suede-matted and framed to an overall size of 13 x 15. In very fine condition. A pristine uninscribed portrait of one of history’s greatest minds. Starting Bid $1000
Fermi on a revised publication of his landmark ‘Experimental Production of a Divergent Chain Reaction’
192. Enrico Fermi Autograph Letter Signed. ALS, one page, 8.5 x 11,
August 27, 1952. Handwritten letter to Miss Young, in full: “I have your letter of August 25 concerning the publication of the paper ‘Experimental Production of a Divergent Chain Reaction.’ I do not plan to be back to Chicago before the 20th of September. Therefore it might save time if you were to send to me here the revised manuscript. I want to thank you very much for your help in this matter that I have greatly appreciated.” In fine to very fine condition. Starting Bid $300
Steam engine parts sketched by Robert Fulton, the pioneering developer of the steamboat
193. Robert Fulton Original
Drawings. Extremely rare original drawings of steam engine parts by Robert Fulton, accomplished in ink and graphite on both sides of two off-white sheets, 9.75 x 8 and 15.75 x 13, unsigned and undated. The larger sheet features a series of six graphite sketches to front side, with Fulton adding “Water Wheel” to right side, and the reverse featuring a pair of drawings with Fulton identifying “Cylinder,” “Condenser,” and “Air Flow,” to the upper drawing, and “Steam” and “Condensing” to the lower; the adjacent side is annotated in another hand, “Pictures of Fulton.” The smaller sheet, an unfolded mailing envelope, contains approximately nine ink drawings to front, with the reverse containing a single sketch; the mailing envelope is addressed to “Cadwaleder D. Colden, Esqr., Albany,” and postmarked at New York, March 7, no year, with notations to right side: “Pictures of Fulton, Scribled on my table at Albany.” In overall very good to fine condition, with professional overall silking to both items. Accompanied by a clothbound presentation folder. Starting Bid $300
Scarce letter by the steamboat inventor
Scarce letter by the creator of homeopathy
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. ALS signed “Rob. Fulton,” one page, 7 x 7.5, October 27, 1811. Handwritten letter to John Brohenbergh, in full: “I agree to the terms of your letter of 22 Inst. I will give my note for 30,000 dollars payable on 1 June 1816 with interest at 6 percent…That will on the first June 1816 make principal and Interest 33,600. You will please to have the writings made and forwarded for me to execute.” Affixed to a same-size sheet and in very good to fine condition, with trimmed edges, and light staining along the edges. Starting Bid $300
physician best known for creating a system of alternative medicine called homeopathy (1755-1843). ALS in French, signed “S. Hahnemann,” one page, 3.75 x 6, January 3, 1842. Untranslated handwritten letter to a lady. In fine condition. Starting Bid $300
ly influential French chemist (1743-1794) noted for his discovery of the role oxygen plays in combustion; he was executed by guillotine during the French Revolution due to his involvement with the deeply unpopular Ferme Générale. Rare ALS in French, signed “Lavoisier,” one page both sides, 6.75 x 8.5, February 13, 1792. An untranslated handwritten letter. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light staining. Starting Bid $200
Morse sends his cousin “to see the collection of models in the Institute”
197. Samuel F. B. Morse Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed
“Sam: F: B: Morse,” one page, 5 x 7.75, December 24, 1841. Letter to chemist James J. Mapes, in part: “My cousin Samuel Breese, Esq. the bearer of this is desirous with his friend to see the collection of models &c in the Institute. Can you put them in the way of being gratified?” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
French, signed “L. Pasteur,” one page, 5.25 x 8, March 27, 1876. Untranslated handwritten letter to “Maillol,” concerning the question of his advancement. In fine condition, with some light stains to the lower left edge. Accompanied by an unsigned albumen portrait of the revered scientist. Starting Bid $200 199. Max Planck Signed Photograph. Nobel Prize-
winning German physicist (1858-1947) who pioneered the understanding of quantum theory. Unusual 4.5 x 7 photo card bearing a printed message in German (translated), “For the kind congratulations on my eightieth birthday, I say my heartfelt thanks,” signed and inscribed below in fountain pen by Max Planck, who adds a date of May 3, 1938. In fine condition, with light wrinkling to the image, and old mounting remnants on the back. Accompanied by the front panel from the original mailing envelope (affixed to a slightly larger sheet), addressed in Planck’s own hand. Starting Bid $200
200. Henri Poincare Autograph Letter Signed.
French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher of science (1854-1912) who famously formulated the ‘Poincare Conjecture,’ which went unsolved for nearly a century. ALS in French, signed “Poincare,” one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, April 26, 1902. Interesting handwritten letter by Poincare. In fine condition, with light irregular toning to the signed side. Starting Bid $200
Intellectuals
Freud plunges into historical research for “a study on the great figure Moses”
201. Sigmund Freud Autograph Letter Signed. ALS in German, signed “Freud,” one page, 9 x 11.25, personal letterhead, June 22, 1938. Letter referencing his important 1939 book Moses and Monotheism, in full (translated): “Your intention of admitting me to honorary membership in your society has pleased me extremely. I will always feel I belong among you, even if I cannot attend your conferences as a result of my bodily ailments. As it so happens, I have just made an attempt to push my way into historical research with my latest work, a study on the great figure Moses. Of course, I am not sure that the content of this essay will meet your approval.” In fine condition. Freud’s last major work prior to his death, Moses and Monotheism, was published in 1939. In it, Freud hypothesized that Moses was not Hebrew but rather had been born into Ancient Egyptian nobility. Starting Bid $500
202. Sigmund Freud Hand-Addressed Envelope. Hand-addressed mailing envelope imprinted “Prof. Dr. Freud” on the flap, 6.25 x 5, addressed by Freud to “Mr. le Docteur T. Schnierer, Paris, 34 Avenue de Wagram.” Postmarked at Hampstead, August 16, 1938. In good to very good condition, with creasing, tears, paper loss, and a piece of clear tape touching the first letter of the addressee. Freud moved to England in the last years of his life, establishing a home and office at 20 Maresfield Gardens, Hampstead, North London; this envelope is dated only 70 days after his arrival in London on June 6th. Starting Bid $200
Religious Figures
203. Pope Pius XI Signed Photograph. Impressive matte-finish 8.25 x
11.25 photo of Pope Pius XI, affixed to its original 14 x 21 mount, signed below a calligraphic apostolic benediction in ink, “Pius P.P. XI.” The apostolic benediction reads: “Most Holy Father, Miss Catherine Theresa Marsett and family humbly prostrate at the feet of Your Holiness beg the Apostolic Benediction.” Framed to an overall size of 16 x 23. In fine condition, with a light stain to the bottom edge. Starting Bid $200
World Leaders
205. Benito Juarez Document Signed.
Indigenous Mexican statesman (1806–1872) who served as the country’s president from 1858 until his death. Manuscript DS in Spanish, one page, 10.5 x 17, April 13, 1860. Untranslated document on impressive engraved letterhead, signed at the conclusion by Juarez as president of Mexico. In very good condition, with splitting to the folds, small areas of paper loss, and partial losses to the paper seals. Starting Bid $200
206. Marie Louise of Parma Autograph
Letter Signed. Aus-
trian archduchess (1791–1847) who was Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife and, as such, Empress of the French from 1810 to 1814; she then reigned as Duchess of Parma from 1814 until her death. ALS in French, signed “Louise,” one page both sides, 4 x 6, April 9, 1816. Untranslated handwritten letter by the former Empress of the French. In fine condition, with a few small stains, and splitting to the top of the hinge. Starting Bid $200
207. Ercole Mattioli Autograph Let-
ter Signed. ALS in Italian, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 11.5, December 12, 1676. Handwritten letter to “Madama Reale” [Italian equivalent of the French madame royale; in this case, a title used by Marie Jeanne Baptiste of Savoy-Nemours, duchess and regent of Savoy], concerning political and military matters. In part (translated): “It may be that the disputes that arose this year between the House of Austria and this Republic on the subject of Trieste will end up being referred to the pope. The four ambassadors for the embassy of obedience may go to Rome if agreement is reached on their reception in the Sala Reggia of Saint Peter’s, as is being demanded here.
When the Morotini Sallo galley arrived in this port under the command of Cavaliere Vemeda, who was at Zakynthos as military commander [Governatore delle Armi] and engineer in charge of the maintenance of those fortifications, he said that the superintendent-general of Friuli [Proveditore Generale Friuli] was making an inspection tour of all the most important places and fortifying those closest to the Ottomans. The grapeshot in Poland has caused a great deal of fear among this public. In this connection, the report is that the illness of the first vizier has been acknowledged to be without remedy. A great subject, the recipient of no ordinary esteem both from the sultan and from the army, will be lost.” In fine condition, with a short tear to the bottom edge of the first page. Starting Bid $300
Royalty
Choice letter by the Renaissance king of France
208. Alexander II Signed Photograph. Emperor of Russia until his
assassination in 1881 (born 1818), who also served as the King of Poland and the Grand Duke of Finland; became known as Alexander the Liberator for his emancipation of Russia’s serfs in 1861. Rare 4 x 6.5 cabinet photo of the Russian emperor in uniform, nicely signed below the image in ink. A notation on the reverse reads: “Given us by the Emperor Alexander 2nd, 1879.” In fine condition, with a few small edge creases, and a small area of emulsion loss to the upper left corner tip. Starting Bid $300
209. King Francis I Letter Signed. King of France (born 1494)
who reigned from 1515 until his death in 1547. Known as the ‘Father and Restorer of Letters,’ the cultured and well-read Francis, himself a poet, ushered in the Renaissance in France with generous support for a number of writers and ambitious construction projects. LS in early French, signed “Francoys,” one page, 7.75 x 10, 1537. Untranslated letter concerning the administration of a pension for a member of the religious who had rendered the king good services. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
210. King Philip II Document Signed. King of Spain (born
1527) from 1556 until his death in 1598; his eventful reign included Spain’s conquest of the Philippines, the establishment of a colony in Florida, and the historic defeat of the Spanish Armada by the British in 1588. Manuscript DS in Spanish, signed “Yo El Rey,” one page, 8.25 x 12, October 10, 1576. Document apparently regarding instructions to royal officials in the new kingdom of Granada, prominently signed at the conclusion by King Philip II. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Signed. TLS signed “Charles” and “Yours most sincerely, and Diana,” one page, 8 x 13, Buckingham Palace letterhead, October 7, 1981. Letter to W. A. Suttill, in part: “We would both like to thank you very much indeed for your most kind contribution to the wedding present which the Duchy has given us.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. The fabled royal wedding took place at St. Paul’s Cathedral on July 29, 1981, before an invited congregation of 3,500 and an estimated worldwide television audience of 750 million. Starting Bid $200
mas Card. Fantastic 1981 royal 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 10.5 x 7.25 unfolded, featuring an affixed color photo of the newly wedded couple, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Denis and Mrs. S., from Charles,” and, “and Diana.” In very fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Starting Bid $200
Mammoth portraits of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the year of her Silver Jubilee
214. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Signed Photographs. Huge matching color satin-finish 19 x 23 photographs
of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, both presented in their original 23.5 x 28.5 mats, individually signed on the mats in fountain pen, “Elizabeth R, 1977” and “Philip, 1977.” Individually framed to 27.25 x 32.25. In fine condition. Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1977, marking her 25th year on the United Kingdom’s throne. An exceptionally impressive, desirable pairing of magnificent portraits. Starting Bid $200
Titanic
215. Titanic: Helene Baxter. Collection of three letters related to an insurance claim by Helene Baxter for losses in the Titanic disaster, consisting of a letter from her lawyer, a letter by the White Star Line, and a carbon copy of their law firm’s response, all dated to December 1913. The initial TLS is from her lawyer Donald Macmaster to the White Star Line, one page, December 4, 1913, in part: “I have received from Mrs. James Baxter and Mrs. Douglas, both of Montreal, Canada, claims for large amounts against your Company. Both of these claims are composed of personal effects, jewelry and other property owned by these ladies while passengers on your S.S. ‘Titanic’ at the time of the disaster.” In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Explorers and Archeologists
Immensely rare signed photo of the intrepid Richard Francis Burton
ingly rare 4.25 x 6.75 cabinet portrait of Richard Francis Burton in a half-length profile pose, signed neatly in ink, “Richard F. Burton.” Published by M. Manenizza of Trieste, Italy. In fine condition. Burton remains rare across all autograph formats, with this representing the first signed photograph we have ever offered. Starting Bid $300
217. Richard Francis Burton Autograph
Letter Signed. Rare ALS signed “R. F. Burton,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4 x 5, November 2, 1876. Letter to Edward Augustus Freeman, penned in his difficult-to-read hand, in part: “My authority M. Lombardich, who is the active member of the Slav Society here, has written for details touching the refugees and has not yet had time to receive an answer...We are now at the very crisis of the affair—armistice or war will probably have been decided upon before you receive these lines. Of course you note the Turkish ‘dodge’ of pushing on 70,000 men.” In fine condition, with scattered light foxing, and a rusty paperclip impression to the top edge of the first page. Starting Bid $300
218. Ernest Shackleton Autograph Letter Signed.
ALS, one page, 4.5 x 7, no date. A brief handwritten letter to a collector: “Herewith autograph as requested.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
American West
220. William F. ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody Signed Photograph.
Vintage matte-finish 3.75 x 5.5 photo of the legendary Wild West figure, signed in fountain pen, “W. F. Cody ‘Buffalo Bill.’” In fine condition, with a crease to each upper corner; the last letter in “Bill” is mostly missing because Cody didn’t leave himself enough space. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. A desirable uninscribed and crystal-clear portrait of Buffalo Bill. Starting Bid $200
219. Kit Carson Signature. American scout and soldier (1809–1868) who takes a place among the most colorful personalities in the Old West. Rare and sought-after Civil War–era ink signature, “C. Carson,” on an off-white 3.75 x 1.75 slip clipped from a letter, with his rank penned below in another hand: “Colonel 1st Cav. N.M. Vols., Comd’g Reg’t.” In fine condition, with slight show-through along the left edge from old mounting residue on the back. Starting Bid $200 221. Bob Younger Signature. American criminal and outlaw (1853–1889) who was a member of the James–Younger Gang; he was the younger brother of Cole, Jim and John Younger. Rare fountain pen signature and inscription, “To Mrs. A. R. McGill, with my great respect, Bob Younger, Easter 1887,” on an off-white 7.5 x 9 sheet. In fine condition, with light toning from prior display. Starting Bid $200
Notorious Figures
armed robber and contract killer during the Prohibition era (18931940) who is considered a prime suspect in the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929. ALS signed with his alias, “F. Dane,” one lightly lined page, both sides, 8.5 x 11, December 15, 1937. Written from Marquette State Prison, a letter to Charlotte Crossman, in part: “Xmas is so important to children. I think the one thing that has helped this Xmas is being able to send a few presents to the orphans home in Marquette. Through the Priest here I sent over 100 boys belts and 65 pairs of moccasins with several fur toy dogs and I’m sure those children will appreciate them.” In fine condition. We’ve offered Burke only a handful of times across all formats. Starting Bid $200
The gangster’s gray sport coat
223. Meyer Lansky’s Personally-Worn Gray
Sport Coat. Legendary organized crime leader (1902–1983) who headed the notorious ‘enforcement’ syndicate Murder, Inc., which emerged in the early 1930s as successor to the warring Prohibition gangs and the old-line Mafia, and continued to operate into the 1950s. Meyer Lansky’s personally-owned and -worn gray sport coat with white stitched accents, lined with drab purple silk. The front features two dark buttons, and three dark buttons are on each cuff. In very good condition, with scattered staining. Accompanied by modern print of a private family photograph showing Lansky wearing the jacket with his wife and friends, and a certificate of authenticity from the estate of his second wife, Thelma Lansky. Starting Bid $200
224. Jack Ruby Signed Check. Silver Spur business
check, 8.25 x 3, filled out in another hand and signed by Ruby, “Jack L. Ruby,” payable to Coca Cola, Co. for $12.94, May 18, 1950. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
