Remarkable Rarities Live Auction
Boston, MA | September 26, 2016 at 1 p.m. EST
www.RRAuction.com
How to participate Bid in person
Monday, September 26 Attend the auction and bid live. The auction will be held at the Royal Sonesta Boston, 40 Edwin Land Boulevard, Cambridge, MA 02142, and starts promptly at 1:00 pm EST.
Bid by internet
Thursday, September 15 - Sunday, September 25 Visit www.RRAuction.com to place bids on lots before the live auction begins. Pre-live auction bidding will close at 12:00 pm EST, September 25. Monday, September 26 Live bidding begins at www.RRAuction.com at 1:00 pm EST.
Bid by phone
Please call (603) 732-4280 today to schedule a live auction phone call. You may also call to leave absentee bids if unable to attend.
Bid by email
You can email your bids to Sue Recks (Sue@RRAuction.com). Please list lot numbers and maximum bids. Include your name, address, and phone number as well as a statement confirming that you accept the terms and conditions of the auction.
Auction Preview
Thursday, September 22 The Remarkable Rarities auction preview will be held at our RR Auction Gallery, 236 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02109, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm EST. We will be displaying a selection of the top pieces; additional items may be viewed, by appointment only, at our New Hampshire offices.
Remarkable Rarities Auction Live Auction will be at 1 p.m. EST on September 26, 2016 Royal Sonesta Boston, 40 Edwin Land Boulevard, Cambridge, MA 02142
Our third annual September Remarkable Rarities Auction showcases many of the most spectacular items encountered over the course of 2016. The breadth is vast and all-encompassing, spanning royalty, Civil War, aviation, entertainment, sports, and more. We cover everything from King Henry VIII to Albert Einstein, George Washington to Johnny Cash, and from NASA robots to notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde.
Highlights include Exceptional Lincoln-signed oversized albumen portrait with Tad Historic Bonnie and Clyde letter to gang member Ray Hamilton Jimi Hendrix Experience scarce band-signed publicity photo Revelatory archive of 450+ celebrity letters regarding thoughts on God Remarkable 1965 NASA robot built to test astronaut’s space suits
Bob Eaton CEO, Acquisitions bob.eaton@rrauction.com
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Bobby Livingston Executive Vice President, Public Relations bobby.livingston@rrauction.com Bobby Eaton Vice President of Operations Auctioneer, MA/Lic. #3214 bobby.eaton@rrauction.com
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Tricia Eaton Specialty Editor, Handwriting Expert tricia.eaton@rrauction.com
Elizebeth Otto Consignment Director elizebeth.otto@rrauction.com
Bill White Handwriting Expert bill.white@rrauction.com
Sue Recks Customer Service Executive sue.recks@rrauction.com Sarina Carlo Creative Director sarina.carlo@rrauction.com Cameron Johnson Photographer, Media Specialist cameron.johnson@rrauction.com Robert S. Eaton Sr. 1940–2001 MA/Lic. #3214
2 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Exceedingly rare Henry VIII document connected to Anne Boleyn’s treason 2001
King Henry VIII Signed Document Estimate $25,000+
Rare and early manuscript DS, signed “Henry R,” one page, 11.5 x 5, March 20, 1509/10. Petition to grant Bartholomew Brereton an extension of his appointment to the office of the Crier of the Exchequer of Chester, in part: “Whereas your humble subject Bartholomew Brereton hath hadde and occupied the rome and office of Crier of theschequer dore of Chester as well by the grannte of the late Prince Arthur your brother...as sith his deathe by the grannte of the late king your fadre...that this bill signed with your most gracious hande may be sufficient warrant to your Chamberlyn of your county of Chester to make hym sufficient letters patente thereof.” Attractively and archivally cloth-matted and framed with an engraving of King Henry to an overall size of 25 x 13. In very good condition, with a small hole to upper left blank area and overall light soiling and wrinkling.
HISTORY
Dating to the first year of King Henry’s reign, this outstanding document boasts a fascinating connection to the controversy with his second wife, Anne Boleyn, that would befall him later on. Bartholomew Brereton was the granduncle of William Brereton, a Groom of the Privy Chamber to Henry VIII. In May 1536, William was one of those tried and executed for treason after being accused of adultery with Anne Boleyn, who was also put to death. Henry VIII is rare in any sort of autographic material, particularly with such fascinating content from so early in his rule.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 3
Sought-after Queen Elizabeth from the year she imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots
2002
Queen Elizabeth I Signed Letter Estimate $25,000+ LS signed “Elizabeth I,” one page, 12.5 x 8.5, September 1, 1568. Letter to the Count of Winchester, Tresor of England, about payment of 1000 livres to her cousin, the Count of Sussex. Beautifully mounted, double-matted, and framed beside a detailed engraving of the queen to an overall size of 18 x 29. In very good condition, with intersecting folds and overall creasing, scattered soiling, dampstaining to the left side, and slight paper loss to edges; Elizabeth’s large, bold signature is largely unaffected. Oversized.
HISTORY
This comes from a time of great significance in Queen Elizabeth’s life and legacy, as 1568 was the year she famously imprisoned her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary was taken into custody in May and a commission of inquiry began in October, just a month after Elizabeth signed this document. During these proceedings, the Earl of Moray produced the ‘casket letters’ as evidence that implied her complicity in the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley. She was detained for the next nineteen years before being beheaded after accusations of concocting a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth. A rare and truly remarkable document from a crucial moment in European history. Provenance: Charavay sale, lot 64, May 14, 1873.
4 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
High-stakes 1779 negotiations with Marie Antoinette 2003
Marie Antoinette Signed Document Estimate $8,500+ Manuscript DS in French, signed “Antoinette,” one page, 7.5 x 10, July 1779. Marie Antoinette adjudicates a real estate agreement, penning her bold response in the left margin (translated): “Mr. Berthier will make the same arrangements and schedule as Mr. Giac with Mr. Chateaugiron. Antoinette.” The body of the document, in part (translated): “Price of the acquisition of M. Giac on M. Chateaugiron—290,000. Schedule of Payments: Before the end of January 1774, 6 months—90,000. During the year 1774—18 months—100,000. In the first 3 months 1779—21 months—100,000. Total: 290,000. M. Giac also promised half of the salary until the payment of the 90,000. That is to say, for 6 months this object is valued at 4,000. M. Bertier has offered the same arrangements. M. Giac deserves money (immediately available) which is indispensable to him to satisfy the arrangement. M. Bertier offered him some, while deducting the interest. The deduction of this interest would increase the price of the charge by 18,900. M. Bertier, little preoccupied with money matters asks no better to satisfy. M. Giac, not wanting to go against the outline which the Queen’s letter provides, has honored M. Seulray. Decision of July 1779. Her majesty is asked to decide if she will permit M. Bertier to give M. Giac 294,000 (immediately available) without deducting interest.” Attractively mounted, cloth-matted and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 22.5 x 18.5. In fine condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature), scattered creases, and a bit of light soiling.
“Mr. Berthier will make the same arrangements and schedule as Mr. Giac with Mr. Chateaugiron. Antoinette.”
HISTORY
During this period Marie Antoinette began instituting changes in the customs of the French court and would soon abandon her famous wide-hooped pannier dresses for a simpler fashion. Meanwhile, the nation continued to sink into debt. An exceedingly desirable document from one of Europe’s most infamous royals.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 5
Magnificent lady’s rifle made for the Holy Roman Empress
2004
Lady’s Hunting Rifle Made by Franz Wilhelm Weyer for Holy Roman Empress Elisabeth Christine Estimate $30,000+
Stunning circa 1720 ornate lady’s hunting rifle made by Franz Wilhelm Weyer for the Holy Roman Empress Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel, Queen of Bohemia and Hungary. A spectacular example of the gunmaker’s art, built in a typically Germanic style but in an elegantly diminutive size. The gun has a beautifully swamped, pin-fastened, octagonal barrel with a bright, .60 caliber bore and deeply grooved rifling. The barrel itself retains most of the original browned finish which has developed a subtle, speckled patina over the years, but retains its brilliant gold inlay embellishments—graceful geometric filigree surrounding the front sight and also adorning the breech, as well as the maker’s name along the top flat: “Franz Weier In Wien”; and an inset Royal Habsburg Double Eagle proof. The rear sight has both a fixed and flip-up leaf with deep relief scrollwork embellishments and also retains nearly all of the original gold finish. The lock has a bright gray patina with delicately rendered engraving depicting a hunter, accompanied by his dog and gamekeeper, taking aim at a stag. The maker’s name is repeated along the bottom border of the pan: “Wilhelm Weyer,” with “In Wien” behind the hammer. Oversized.
6 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
HISTORY The rifle was originally built as a flintlock, but was expertly converted to percussion sometime in the 19th century. The original swan-necked cock was retained, with the addition of a cupped metal hammer in place of the flint. The original frizzen was removed and replaced by a pivoting cover/safety that prevents the hammer from striking the nipple when deployed. The cover pivots on the original external frizzen spring, which was also retained, and the lock functions perfectly. The beautifully figured European walnut stock has a horn forend tip, relief carved borders running along the ramrod channel, relief carved foliate scrollwork surrounds at the trigger guard, and a sliding patchbox cover on the right side of the buttstock. The intricately pierced gold sideplate depicts a standing hunter and his horse, with cloud of smoke rising from the muzzle of his gun, and a rearing stag about to fall to the ground. The beautifully engraved, gold-finished trigger guard features a small oval vignette of a standing stag at the center of the trigger guard bow, and the equally embellished buttplate has a large central vignette of two deer, while the long tang has a small engraved portrait of a woman wearing a short-brimmed,
man’s hunting hat (presumably the Empress Elisabeth Christine herself). The top of the wrist has a royal coat of arms escutcheon which has been deliberately defaced (perhaps when the rifle left royal ownership), but the rear portion of the Bohemian Lion Rampant can just be made out. The original horn-tipped ramrod is still included, and is held by two gold-finished thimbles, and a gold tailpipe with deep relief engraved scrollwork design. The gunmaker Franz Wilhelm Weyer (also “Weier”) was born in Brannau am Inn, Austria, and began his gunmaker’s apprenticeship at Vienna in 1709. He became a Journeyman in 1715, and was elevated to Master Gunmaker in 1717, being named Royal Gunmaker to the Empress not long thereafter. He did not have a long career, and died circa 1723, which would date the
manufacture of this rifle to about 1720. Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel, Holy Roman Empress, Queen of Bohemia and Hungary (1691–1750), was the wife of Emperor Charles VI, mother of Maria Theresa, and grandmother of Marie Antoinette. She was introduced to shooting by her husband, and was an avid hunter and target shooter; indeed, the only active sport she allowed her daughters to participate in was target shooting. A letter written by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu in 1716, mentions a visit to the summer palace at Schonbrunn during which she observed the ladies at their favorite sport, target shooting with precision guns. Lady Montagu commented that it ‘might make as good a figure as the prize shooting in the Aeneid if I could write as well as Virgil.’
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 7
8 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Unpublished mystery work from Beethoven 2005
Ludwig van Beethoven Handwritten Musical Quote Estimate $40,000+
Remarkable unsigned AMQ on both sides of an off-white 5 x 2 leaf fragment, consisting of a previously unrecorded and unpublished work, inscribed below in French and Italian [translated], “Writing of Beethoven given to me by Proff. Fischoff of Vienna, 18/8/847, Catherine Watts.” The front features two measures of music in G minor marked “Adagio” and scored for piano keyboard in the character of a lament, and is highly expressive in the way in which the serious character of the first measure is heightened through the move to the augmented-sixth chord with motivic intensification in the second measure; the reverse is comprised of a double system, both in bass clef and in the key of E flat, showing two and half bars of an arpeggiated figure in E flat major, with a partial third stave of music above. Matted with a portrait of Beethoven to an overall size of 9 x 12; reverse of mat remains open for viewing of opposite side. In very good to fine condition. Accompanied by an engraving of Beethoven with a preprinted signature.
HISTORY
A former composition student under Ignaz von Seyfried, Joseph Fischof was a Czech-Austrian pianist and composer, who, in 1833, became professor of piano at the Vienna Conservatory of Music. Fischof amassed a number of literary works on music during his career, with his collection of Beethoven scores and manuscripts serving great purpose to biographers of the revered German composer. Although these figurations remain difficult to fully identify without proper context, the semblance in arpeggios gleaned from other works, namely the ‘Eroica’ Variations and Fugue for Piano, Op. 35, add significantly to the overall appeal and intrigue. This piece might be regarded as a kind of model harmonic/melodic idea, reflecting a slow sorrowful character.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 9
Franz Liszt
Gioachino Rossini
Gaspare Spontini
10 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Exquisite ‘album amicorum’ featuring lengthy passages from Liszt and Rossini 2006
Composers Autograph Book With Handwritten Musical Quotations Estimate $15,000+
Impressive red leather-bound autograph book owned by Sophie Hauman[n] (born Kann, 1815), sister-inlaw of the famous violinist Theodor Haumann (1808–1878), 12 x 8.75, signed by various friends and people of note during the mid-1800s. In very good to fine condition, with heavy wear to the covers; lighter wear and soiling to interior pages, most of which have separated from the binding (the three most significant pages are clean and fine). Highlights of the book are three lengthy AMQSs by the great composers Franz Liszt, Gioachino Rossini, and Gaspare Spontini. The Liszt is signed “F. Liszt,” June 21, 1844, and consists of nine bars of waltz-like music on a grand staff in 3/4 time. The Rossini is signed “Gioachino Rossini,” July 3, 1853, and similarly consists of ten bars of waltz-like music on a grand staff in 3/4 time. The Spontini is signed “Spontini,” January 8, 1842, and consists of twenty-five bars of the music and lyrics to “Priere de la Vestalle,” from his tragic opera La Vestale [The Vestal Virgin]. Other signers in the album include (some items affixed inside): Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna (ALS), Joseph Schad (AMQS), Henri Herz (ALS), Charles Gounod (ANS), painter Jean-Baptiste Madou (two ALSs), writer Frederic Soulie (two-page autograph poem), and various others. A remarkable compilation boasting large, bold musical quotations from Europe’s foremost composers.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 11
“juggling tricks of ye Devils”
12 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Religious tract by Sir Isaac Newton 2007
Isaac Newton Handwritten Manuscript Fragment Estimate $15,000+
Handwritten manuscript fragment, unsigned, one page, 7.5 x 2.25, no date but circa 1700. An eight-line fragment plus four marginal citations from an apparently unpublished theological work by Newton. In part: “Martyrs, saith he to Vigilantius, &…Eunomius the author of this heresy, frame a calumny against ye Church & are you not terrified wth such society that you should speak the same things against us wch he doth against ye Church? For all his followers enter not into ye Churches of the Apostles & Martyrs……Eunomius feigned that these were juggling tricks of ye Devils, & that ye Devils did not truly cry out but counterfeit their torments.” Affixed by two small pieces of archival tape to a piece of acid-free mat board, the fragile fragment is in very good condition, with a tear extending down from the top edge and staining over the left half not affecting readability whatsoever.
HISTORY
Newton, born into an Anglican family, wrote extensively on religion throughout his life and is often associated with Arianism, which opposed the concept of the Holy Trinity. Eunomianism, a 4th-century movement led by Eunomius of Cyzicus, was an extreme variety of Arianism and condemned as heresy at the Council of Constantinople. In this text, Newton seems to take a stand against Eunomius, distancing himself from the views frequently attributed to him. In addition to his scientific studies, Newton was well-learned in the history of the early Church and his personal religious views continue to be the subject of intensive study. A superb, insightful piece from the hand of one of science’s greatest names.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 13
Nearly 30 ADSs
14 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Extensive financial records for constructing “Professor Morse’s Telegraph” 2008
Samuel F. B. Morse Archive of Documents Estimate $5,000+ Extraordinary archive of documents related to the financing and construction of Morse’s telegraph, consisting primarily of third-person ADSs in the form of accounting records and payment receipts; in total, there are twenty-seven ADSs by Morse. The primary item is an ADS signed “Sam. F. B. Morse, Superintendent, Elec. Mag. Tel.,” one page, 8 x 13, March 20, 1845. Headed, “Copy. Abstract B. of Expenditures on act. of Contingencies for the Elec. Mag. Teleg. for the month ending Feby. 10th 1845….[and] March 20, 1845.” Penned entirely in Morse’s hand, the document breaks down expenses into accounting vouchers numbered between 811 and 832, with dates from January 17 through March 12. It is worth noting that two of these are payments to his assistant, Alfred Vail, who received Morse’s famous first telegraph message. Three of the vouchers listed are included, all of which are in Morse’s hand, as well as a series of subvouchers that itemize the individual expenses, the majority also in Morse’s hand. First is voucher “813,” a third-person ADS signed within the header, “Professor Samuel F. B. Morse for United States Telegraph, To David Burbank, Baltimore,” one page, 7.5 x 12, January 13, 1845. The document lists bills and receipts from various parties between December 7, 1844, and January 13, 1845, with labels “A” through “O” indicating their corresponding subvouchers. Twenty-one of the subvouchers are included, fifteen of which are accomplished in his own hand; fourteen of these contain his third-person signature within the body as the account holder, “Professor Morse’s Telegraph,” “Morse’s United States Telegraph,” “Prof. Morse’s Telegraph,” or some similar variation. An autograph receipt by Morse is also affixed to the main voucher, signed in the third person, “Professor Samuel F. B. Morse, Superintendent of Telegraph.” Second is voucher “821,” a third-person ADS signed within the header, “Professor Samuel F. B. Morse for ‘Morse Telegraph,’ To David Burbank, Baltimore,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, February 8, 1845. The document lists bills and receipts from various parties between January 18 and February 8, 1845, with labels
“A” through “L” indicating their corresponding subvouchers. Eleven of the subvouchers are included, eight of which are accomplished in Morse’s hand. These generally measure approximately 7.5 x 2.5 and have three lines written by Morse to indicate the date, amount, and payee, and all contain his third-person signature within the body as the account holder, “Professor Morse’s Telegraph” or “Morse’s Telegraph.” Third is voucher “829B,” a third-person ADS signed within the header, “Sales of copper wire, on a/c of Professor Samuel F. B. Morse per ‘Morse’s Telegraph.’” Also includes a few related documents and ephemera, including: an 1869 patent transfer document for the rights to an “Electro-magnetic Printing Telegraph,” assigning the rights from Henry N. Baker to Samuel S. Laws (Morse not mentioned); an original cabinet photo of Morse by Bogardus of New York; and a printed form letter by US Treasurer William Selden. In overall very good to fine condition, with repaired separations to horizontal folds of the first voucher. On March 3, 1843, Congress had passed an act appropriating $30,000 for construction of an experimental 38-mile telegraph line between Washington and Baltimore along the right-ofway of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, specifically naming Morse as the superintendent of the project. Construction of the telegraph finished in May of the following year, and it was officially opened on May 24, 1844, when Morse sent the now-famous words, ‘What hath God wrought,’ from the Supreme Court chamber in the Capitol to Mount Clare Station in Baltimore. This was the first long-distance telegraph system set up to run overland in the United States—the first step of a communications revolution.
HISTORY
The expenses meticulously recorded in these documents relate either to continued construction or maintenance of the new telegraph lines. Around this time, Morse was anxiously awaiting a decision from Congress regarding an extension of the line from Baltimore to New York—this project, however, never came to fruition. He soon went into business with Burbank, who is frequently mentioned throughout this archive, and together they founded the Magnetic Telegraph Company in Baltimore in May 1845.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 15
16 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Wittgenstein does not condone Carnap’s plagiarism of his ideas 2009
Ludwig Wittgenstein Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $7,500+
Important ALS in German, two pages on both sides of a single leaf, 7 x 9, postmarked June 12, 1932 at the top. In fine condition, with intersecting folds. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in his own hand. A significant letter to philosopher of science Moritz Schlick, relating to Wittgenstein’s plagiarism controversy with Rudolf Carnap. This intriguing letter connects three giants of 20th–century philosophy—Wittgenstein, Carnap, and Schlick. Schlick was the central figure of the Vienna Circle, a group of scientific philosophers who deemed Wittgenstein’s Tractatus the key text of modern philosophy. Wittgenstein accused Carnap, a major philosopher and himself a leading member of the Vienna Circle, of plagiarizing his ideas when Carnap’s 1932 article ’Physical Language as the Universal Language of Science’ essentially paraphrased (or ‘translated’) the Tractatus without acknowledging Wittgenstein as the original source of Carnap’s statements. In the immediate context of this letter, Carnap seems to have sent unsolicited copies of his writings to Wittgenstein, and Wittgenstein is conscious that in failing to respond to Carnap about their content, he will perhaps be viewed as seeming to condone Carnap’s plagiarism through his silence and non-action. A very desirable example of Wittgenstein’s autograph considering its multiple connections to Wittgenstein’s work and the philosophical community at large.
“Concerning Carnap: I made a mistake in that I did not return the copies of his writings” In full (translated): “I’m terribly sorry that you’re not well. In 8 to 24 days I hope to find you (if it [the visit] is still welcome) in a more bearable condition. Concerning Carnap: I made a mistake in that I did not return the copies of his writings, that he merely had sent, thus—if only indirectly!—seeming to condone his behavior. In the future I will handle it differently.—My work has made great progress in recent months. This past week, however, I felt rather overtaxed. Hopefully that will soon pass. I’m very excited to discuss my work with you. I am very much looking forward to our next meeting.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 17
18 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
The Special and the General Theory of Relativity 2010
Albert Einstein Signed Book Estimate $15,000+
Signed book: Uber die spezielle und die allgemeine Relativitatstheorie [The Special and the General Theory of Relativity]. Fourth edition. Braunschweig: Friedr. Vieweg & Sohn, 1919. Softcover, 5.75 x 9, 83 pages. Signed on the title page in fountain pen, “A. Einstein.” Also bears an ownership signature to the right of Einstein’s. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: G+/None, with detached front wrapper. Accompanied by a custom quarter-leather clamshell case.
HISTORY
This text was Einstein’s attempt to make his theories of relativity understandable for laymen, summarizing his Special Theory of Relativity of 1905 and General Theory of Relativity of 1916. It was in 1919 that Einstein achieved worldwide fame when Sir Arthur Eddington performed the first experimental test of Einstein’s general theory of relativity during an eclipse, proving it correct. A rarely seen and incredibly desirable signed title connected to Einstein’s most famous work.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 19
20 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Superb 1929 Portrait of Einstein at 50 2011
Albert Einstein Signed Photograph Estimate $10,000+
Exemplary matte-finish 4.5 x 6.5 portrait of Einstein affixed to a 7.25 x 10 mount, crisply signed on the mount in fountain pen, “A. Einstein, 1929.� In fine condition. By this time, Einstein had become globally recognized for his theory of relativity and was the recipient of the 1929 Max Planck Medal for his achievements. This crystal-clear silver print photograph boasts deep, rich tones and is an overall excellent portrayal of the great physicist.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 21
22 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Exceptional Einstein letter to the president of the United States 2012
Albert Einstein Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $45,000+
ALS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, May 6, 1929. Einstein’s 50th birthday was celebrated worldwide with an outpouring of praise by world leaders and the public media for the great scientist, whose Theory of Relativity and photon theory of light had revolutionized physics. In the United States, the event was marked by an ‘Einstein Jubilee Celebration’ at the Metropolitan Opera House—a charitable event—at which many people of high diplomatic rank and social standing made many expressions of tribute and homage. The President of the United States, Herbert Hoover, sent a congratulatory telegram endorsing the celebration which stated that ‘Professor Einstein ranks high among the foremost scientists of all time, who have enriched mankind by their invaluable contributions to thought and human progress.’
“I alone am but a grain-of-dust in the development of the human spirit” Einstein here acknowledges Hoover’s telegram with great humility—declaring that he himself is “but a grain of dust in the development of the human spirit” and magnanimously sharing the recognition bestowed upon him with the entirety of the world scientific community—writing in full (translated): “Very learned Mr. President, I have read the telegram with which you have honored me, and I was both profoundly humbled and elated. Humbled, because no person, I least of all, is worthy of such an honor; elated, because this is proof of how highly the powersthat-be of this earth esteem intellectual values in our time. I know that I am just one of the many who are so happy to use their energy in the service of the understanding of the Sciences. Your testimony of recognition and congeniality shall refer to all of us equally; because I alone am but a grain of dust in the development of the human spirit. With the expression of my respect and deeply felt thanks, Yours, A. Einstein” In fine condition, with two punch holes to left side, small tears along edges, and a crease in the lower blank area.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 23
24 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
“Do you believe in God?”— from Mother Teresa to Charles Schulz, nearly 500 responses
Example of a letter Rifkin sent out and his book published about the collection.
2013
Archive of Celebrity and Notables Letters Regarding God Estimate $30,000+
Remarkable collection of over 450 letters by celebrities and notable figures from a wide variety of fields, dated from 1976 to 1983, all written in response to the simple question: “Do you believe in God?” Represented within the collection are noteworthy actors, actresses, musicians, athletes, politicians, religious figures, scientists, businessmen, and more. The letters were compiled by Paul Rifkin, who wrote to prominent people posing as a fifth-grade student doing a school project. After receiving responses to his inquiry, he replied to reveal himself and ask for permission to publish their answers. With the approval of many respondents, Rifkin edited a compilation entitled The God Letters, published by Warner Books in 1986; a softcover copy of the book accompanies the collection. In overall very good to fine condition. Due to the large quantity a few other secretarial and/or printed signatures may be included. Interested parties are encouraged to view the collection in person at our offices or call us with specific inquiries, as this collection is sold as is and no returns will be accepted. Continued on page 26
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 25
Mother Teresa: “Faith is more important to me than life itself because without it there would be no fullness of life.”
Charles Schulz: “Your question is one that is most intriguing, but I am afraid is also much too profound to be answered in a simple manner.”
Jimmy Carter: “I have believed in God since I was a young man.”
Barbara Bush: “I feel God’s presence often but especially at the times of birth and death.”
26 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Allen Ginsberg: “God is a pickle… If pickle wants to be god, pickle will be god. He’ll be god maybe 10,000,000 years in the highest God Realms. But then he’ll get sick of being pickle. So then he’ll decide a permanent self is not necessary.”
James D. Watson: “I do not believe in God!!”
Francis Crick: “No, I do not believe in God.”
Ayn Rand: “No, I do not believe in God.”
Ab - Gr Ralph Abernathy Ansel Adams Sherman Adams Edward Albee Robert Altman Kenneth Anger Arthur Ashe Edward Asner (secretarial) Lew Ayres Charles Azavour Joan Baez Pearl Bailey (secretarial) Howard Baker (autopen) James A. Baker (autopen) Russell Baker Bob Barker Rona Barrett Anne Baxter Birch Bayh Peter Beard Ralph Bellamy Joan Bennett Robby Benson Thomas Berger Rudolph Bing Joey Bishop Mel Blanc Bill Blass Henry Bloch Erma Bombeck Julian Bond (secretarial) Simon Bond Victor Borge Frank Borman Bill Bradley (autopen) Oscar Brand George S. Brown H. Rap Brown Helen Gurley Brown
Phyllis George Brown Dave Brubeck Zbigniew Brzezinski Art Buchwald (secretarial) William F. Buckley, Jr. Ellsworth Bunker Anthony Burgess Gary Burghoff Ellen Burstyn (secretarial) Barbara Bush George Bush (autopen) Dick Butkus Earl Butz John Byner (secretarial) Patrick Caddell Herb Caen John Cage Mary Calderone Erskine Caldwell Joseph Califano Roy Campanella (stamped) Dyan Cannon Frank Capra Hoagy Carmichael Hodding Carter Jimmy Carter Lillian Carter Oleg Cassini Harry Chapin Cesar Chavez Paddy Chayefsky John Cheever Anna Chennault Noam Chomsky Julie Christie (secretarial) Michael Cimino Craig Claiborne Mark W. Clark Arthur C. Clarke
Bobby Clarke William Sloane Coffin (secretarial) Charles Collingwood Bob Considine Norman Cousins Jacques Cousteau Archibald Cox Harvey Cox (secretarial) Philip Crane Michael Crichton Francis Crick Judith Crist Bing Crosby Norm Crosby Bob Cummings Mario Cuomo (autopen) Samuel Dash Clive Davis Ossie Davis Rennie Davis Pam Dawber Michael DeBakey Olivia de Havilland Ronald Dellums James Dickey Bo Diddley Phyllis Diller Bob Dole James H. Doolittle Nelson Doubleday Hugh Downs Robert F. Drinan Michael Dukakis David Douglas Duncan Will Durant Douglas Edwards Ralph Edwards Paul Ehrlich Milton Eisenhower
Albert Ellis Werner Erhard Clifton Fadiman Mike Farrell Orval Faubus Gerry Faust Jules Feiffer Bob Feller Marshall Field James Fixx Rhonda Fleming Betty Ford (autopen) George Foreman Milos Forman Bob Fosse H. Bruce Franklin William Fugazy Martin Gabel Zsa Zsa Gabor Roman Gabriel William Gaines George Gallup Stephen Gaskin Larry Gatlin John Gavin Eugene Genovese Archimedes Giacomantonio Allen Ginsberg Ralph Ginzburg John Glenn (printed signature) Arthur Goldberg Harry Golden Barry Goldwater (autopen) Pancho Gonzalez Sandra Good Mark Goodson ‘Little Anthony’ Gourdine Katharine Graham Ella Grasso
Continued on page 28
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 27
Ted Kennedy: “The belief in a source of strength greater than our own can bring not only courage and comfort during difficult times, but also the humility to embrace the truly meaningful things in life.”
Muddy Waters: “I have always valued my religious beliefs as being extremely personal and therefore do not make public statements about my feelings.”
Gr - Pe Barry Gray Edith Green Bud Greenspan Wayne Gretzky Paul Grossinger Ron Guidry Janet Guthrie Monty Hall Marvin Hamlisch Billy James Hargis Tom Harmon Julie Harris Huntington Hartford Tom Hayden William Randolph Hearst, Jr. Henry Heimlich Nat Hentoff John Hersey Walter Hickel Al Hirt Ernest Hollings Celeste Holm (secretarial) Paul Horn Paul Hornung Ching-yu Hsu L. Ron Hubbard (stamped) William Bradford Huie E. Howard Hunt (unsigned) Kim Hunter Tab Hunter Lee Iacocca Janis Ian Marty Ingels (ANS on photo) Christopher Isherwood Burl Ives (by Mrs. Ives) Anne Jackson Keith Jarrett Robert Jastrow Jacob Javits (secretarial) Peter Jennings Hamilton Jordan
William Jovanovich Stacy Keach (secretarial) Clarence Kelley Kitty Kelley Jack Kemp Edward Kennedy Deborah Kerr Walter Kerr Ken Kesey Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan (stamp) Austin Kiplinger Charles Kirbo Eartha Kitt Calvin Klein Fletcher Knebel Edward Koch Christopher Kraft Stanley Kramer (unsigned) Paul Krassner Juanite Kreps Stanley Krippner Bowie Kuhn William Kunstler Bert Lance Walter Lantz (unsigned) J.H. Lartigue Tom Lasorda Paul Laxalt Norman Lear Brenda Lee Ursula LeGuin Janet Leigh Lennon Sisters George Leonard King Leopold (secretarial) Doris Lessing (secretary reply) Julius Lester Richard Lester Sam Levenson Claude Levi-Strauss Anthony Lewis
Art Linkletter Sol Linowitz Marty Liquori Russell Long Tina Louise Henry Luce Gisele MacKenzie Shirley MacLaine (secretarial) Robert MacNeil Karl Malden Terry Malick William Manchester Michael Manley Marcel Marceau Stanley Marcus Mary Martin Wink Martindale Johnny Mathis Walter Matthau Peter Matthiessen Rollo May Charles McCabe Mary McCarthy Paul McCloskey Roddy McDowall George McGovern Mary McGrory Dorothy McGuire Floyd McKissick Rod McKuen Ed McMahon Larry McMurtry Robert McNamara Margaret Mead Audrey Meadows (secretarial) Jayne Meadows George Meany David Meltzer Lorne Michaels (secretarial) Marvin Miller Wilbur Mills
28 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Ronnie Milsap Newton Minow Marvin Mitchelson Walter Mondale Carlos Montoya (wife’s reply) Dudley Moore Tad Mosel Robert Moses Stirling Moss Stewart Mott Bill Moyers Roger Mudd Iris Murdoch Bill Naughton Scott Nearing Jacob Needleman Hildegarde Neff Bob Newhart Julie Newmar Jack Nicklaus Paul Nitze Louis Nizer Conor Cruise O’Brien Merlin Olsen Peter O’Malley Milo O’Shea Buck Owens Arnold Palmer Joseph Papp Estelle Parsons Joe Paterno Floyd Patterson Pope Paul (secretarial) Jane Pauley Linus Pauling Tom Paxton Norman Vincent Peale Drew Pearson Sam Peckinpah Irving Penn Claude Pepper
Cat Stevens, signed “Yusuf Islam”: “I’m sure you will find that hidden inside my music was the soul of a seeker, and I am now happy to say that I have found what I was looking for… I decided to embrace Islam and worship Allah, Lord of the Universe, Creator of life and death, and to seek true knowledge of Him.”
George Foreman: “After my last boxing match on returning to the dressing room I lost my life yes, DIED…I said, I do not care if this is death I stell believe in God. When I spoke dose words there was once again life in my body.”
Pe - Zu Charles Percy (autopen) ‘Digger’ Phelps Marge Piercy George Plimpton Norman Podhoretz Eliot Porter Charlie Pride Nathan Pritikin William Proxmire Randy Quaid Ayn Rand A. Philip Randolph Maureen Reagan Ronald Reagan (secretarial) William Rehnquist (autopen) James Reston Frank Reynolds Malvina Reynolds Elliot Richardson David Riesman Cathy Rigby John Ritter Joan Rivers Lynds Johnson Robb Joseph Robbie Oral Roberts Sugar Ray Robinson Mrs. Norman Rockwell Bill Rodgers Peter Rodino Carl Rogers George Romney Andy Rooney Reginald Rose Elisabeth Kubler Ross Theodore Roszak (secretarial) James Rouse Darrell Royal Dean Rusk Jane Russell (secretarial) Mark Russell
Jim Ryun Carlos Santana (secretarial) Vincent Sardi Andrew Sarris Francesco Scavullo Dore Schary Chris Schenkel Murray Schisgal Phylis Schlafly Arthur Schlesinger Michael Schmidt Daniel Schorr Avery Schrieber Charles Schulz Richard Schweiker Rusty Schweickart Lizabeth Scott William Scranton Charles Scribner Vin Scully Pete Seeger Erich Segal Hubert Selby Forrest Shaklee Del Shannon Bill Sharman Fulton Sheen Martin Sheen Sargent Shriver Don Shula Jack Sikma Alan Sillitoe Georges Simenon William Simon B.F. Skinner Margaret Chase Smith William French Smith Paul Smucker Tom Sneva Hank Snow Jacki Sorenson
Ann Sothern David Soul Lawrence Spivak Benjamin Spock Robert Stack Ben Stahl Maurice Stans Bart Starr Kay Starr Harold Stassen Roger Staubach Mary Steenburgen William Steig Gloria Steinem (secretarial) Carl Stern Cat Stevens Susan Strasberg Gerry Studds Loretta Swit Barry Switzer Thomas Szasz Maxwell Taylor Edwin Teller (secretary reply) Mother Teresa Studs Terkel Robert Theobald Lowell Thomas, Jr. Hunter Thompson William Irwin Thompson Ingrid Thulin Strom Thurmond John Tower (autopen) Lee Trevino Bess Truman Barbara Tuchman Jerry Uelsmann John Updike Peter Ustinov Jack Valenti Richard Valeriani Charles Van Doren
Cyrus Vance Gwen Verdon Max Von Sydow B.J. Vorster (not signed) George Wallace (secretarial) Irving Wallace Joseph Wambaugh John Warner Lesley Ann Warren (secretarial) Muddy Waters James D. Watson Tom Watson Carl Weathers Jessamyn West Betty White Kevin White Tom Wicker Elie Wiesel (secretarial) Lenny Wilkens Fred Willard G. Mennen Williams Meredith Willson Paul Winchell William Winpisinger Joel-Peter Witkin John Wooden Keenan Wynn Sam Yorty Andrew Young (stamp) Burt Young Loretta Young Pia Zadora Efrem Zimbalist Stephanie Zimbalist Howard Zinn Fred Zinnemann Elmo Zumwalt A complete collection of images is available online at RRAuction.com.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 29
“God is Truth, M. K. Gandhi” 2014
Mohandas Gandhi Signed Woodcut Engraving Estimate $15,000+ Stunning 1942 woodcut engraving by Fritz Eichenberg, original proof impression in advance of letters, printed on India paper, 6 x 8.5, prominently signed in the lower border in fountain pen, “God is Truth, M. K. Gandhi.” Also signed and inscribed along the bottom in pencil by the artist, “To Eva, Aug. 16, 1948, with love from Fritz Eichenberg.” Matted and in fine condition.
HISTORY
Perhaps the most famous graphic image of Gandhi in the West, this image was originally created for ‘The Catholic Worker,’ a Christian newspaper in the cause of social justice, and was subsequently used in multiple other publications. It is interesting to note that Eichenberg’s inscription comes from just one day after the first anniversary of Indian independence. This woodcut is of great rarity signed by Gandhi. Gandhi has inscribed it with the core tenet of his philosophy—“God is truth”—a statement which is itself of exceptional rarity in Gandhi autograph.
30 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Rare signed photo of the Civil Rights leader 2015
Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed Photograph Estimate $6,000+ Scarce vintage glossy 6.5 x 8.25 photo of King seated below an umbrella, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To Henri Smith with best wishes, Martin Luther King, Jr.” A few very minor surface marks and impressions, small, light crease to top edge, and subtle rippling to edges, otherwise fine condition.
HISTORY
King remains highly sought-after across all formats, with signed photos becoming increasingly difficult to find—this is only the fifth signed MLK image we have offered in the past decade.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 31
32 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
King and his ‘Man of the Year’ cover 2016
Martin Luther King, Jr. Typed Letter Signed Estimate $10,000+
Magnificent TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, Southern Christian Leadership Conference letterhead, March 25, 1964. King writes to Jonathan Helfat, in full: “Please accept my deep appreciation for your kind letter in reference to my being chosen by TIME magazine as its Man of the Year. It was very thoughtful of you to take the time to write to me in this connection, and I am deeply grateful for this expression of support. I was pleased that TIME considered me for this traditional honor and was willing to make liberal use of its pages in an assessment of the Negro’s constant struggle for full equality and human dignity. However, I must say that I sincerely feel that this particular recognition is not an honor to be enjoyed by me personally, but rather a tribute to the entire civil rights struggle and the millions of gallant people all over the nation who are working so untiringly to bring the American dream into reality. The fact that time took such cognizance of the social revolution in which we are engaged is an indication that the conscience of America has been reached and that the old order which has embraced bigotry and discrimination must now yield to what we know to be right and just.” In fine condition.
“a tribute to the entire civil rights struggle and the millions of gallant people all over the nation” HISTORY
After being bestowed with Time’s top honor the preceding year, King enjoyed some of the greatest triumphs of his public career. On July 2, King stood with President Johnson as he signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, one of the most important acts of legislation in the history of American civil rights, and on December 8, King became the youngest person ever awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. An impassioned and highly desirable letter from the American Civil Rights leader.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 33
34 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
A sermon from the Montgomery Bus Boycott 2017
Martin Luther King, Jr. Autograph Quote Signed Estimate $30,000+
Highly desirable AQS on an off-white 8.5 x 5.5 sheet, neatly signed at the conclusion in black ballpoint, “Martin Luther King Jr.” King pens a segment from his sermon ‘On Being a Good Neighbor,” in full: “It is tragic indeed that we seldom see people in their true humaness [sic]. A spiritual myopia limits our vision to external accidents. We see men as Jews or Gentiles, Catholics or Protestants, Chinese or American, Negroes or whites. We fail to think of them as fellow human beings made from the same basic stuff as we, molded in the same divine image.” Removably corner-mounted and matted with a large photo of King to an overall size of 16 x 20. In fine condition.
“It is tragic indeed that we seldom see people in their true humanness”
HISTORY
Consignor notes that the quote was originally sent to a journalist at the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter during King’s visit to Sweden in late March 1966, during which he 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. Initially delivered during the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1956, King’s ‘On Being a Good Neighbor’ sermon explores the themes of universal brotherhood and sisterhood while offering a compelling take on altruism and the human condition. As president of the Montgomery Improvement Association, King’s diplomatic handling of the bus boycott cast him both as an international figure and a strong new voice in the civil rights movement. A wholly pertinent and inspiring quote from America’s great civil rights leader.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 35
36 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
To Elijah Muhammad 2018
Malcolm X Typed Letter Signed Estimate $20,000+ TLS, two pages, 8.5 x 11, January 25, 1955. Fascinating letter to his famous teacher, Elijah Muhammad, discussing the progress of spreading their beliefs, in part: “As—Salaam—Alaikum: In the name of ALLAH, the Beneficent, the most Merciful, the All-Wise One, to whom all praise is due: and in the name of His Last and Greatest Prophet, the Honorable ELIJAH MUHAMMAD…I went to #6 with Bro Isaiah Friday night, and think they are doing well there. They have a fine spirit, and the officials all seem to be working with him, and that is half the battle. I met Bro James (the former minister there). He seemed like a nice person. However, once a rooster has been allowed to crow, its hard for him not to do so, and two roosters in the same barnyard usually clash with each other without even realizing it. And since it is the nature of Roosters to Crow, and let the others know that the LIGHT IS HERE, we can’t reprimand them, but we can look ahead and never let two good roosters spend too much time in the same barnyard at the same time. That Bro Isaiah is a hard and tireless worker. He is one of the most co-operative Bros I’ve ever worked with, and is the most receptive to advice that is good for progress.
Then I had to start cracking my own whip to make sure I’d have some lostfounds, and thanks to ALLAH, there were some. But I do believe Bro Lucius could have been more cooperative….I think the only way we can really make any progress out here is to work TOGETHER, and for each other. Also, if I thought a person wasn’t working with me to the best of his ability, and I didn’t mention it, he’d never have a chance to justify himself. So I believe in putting things like this on the table, then If I’m wrong, the person can rectify the thing. The second Sunday (or the first Sunday, rather) in February I’m going to trade with Isaiah at #6. I want to see if I can get his flock to make it possible for him to stop working for the devil, for if that Bro can accomplish as much as he does for the nation while slaving for the devil, think what he could do were he free to devote all his time to the nation.” Intersecting folds passing through the signature, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
“the only way we can really make any progress out here is to work TOGETHER, and for each other”
At #4 Sunday we had 16 lostfounds. That Temple is also coming up. Bro Lucius is slow, but I can see the Fruit of his effort there; many young and new faces. The spirit there has really picked up. All praise is due to Allah…Bro Lucius had 29 lostfounds at #7 Sunday, and I think he continued on up to #13 and #11. I advertised his coming for two weeks so he should have good attendance in both places. Nothing beats correct ADVERTISEMENT. No one at #4 knew I was coming until I got there.
HISTORY
This letter comes just three years after Malcolm X became a devout follower of Elijah Muhammad. During this time, Malcolm X was able to spread the word and more than quadrupled the amount of followers. Here, he is informing his leader of the progress of all the temples he began or oversaw, which were numbered rather than named. Malcolm X’s demise would be a falling out with Muhammad when the former questioned his integrity and devotion after rumors swirled to Muhammad’s infidelity, a direct conflict with the teachings. Letters by Malcolm X are extremely rare, with this example being especially long and rife with excellent content and a beautiful, bold signature— not to mention its important recipient, Elijah Muhammad, the figurehead of the Nation of Islam movement.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 37
38 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Prized portrait of the barrier-breaking Robinson 2019
Jackie Robinson Signed Photograph Estimate $4,000+
Sought-after vintage glossy 7.75 x 10 half-length portrait of Robinson posing in his Dodgers uniform, attractively signed in blue ballpoint, “Best wishes, Jackie Robinson.” Reverse is stamp-dated May 21, 1950. In fine condition, with lightly trimmed borders and overall rippling and light creasing; the signature remains exceptionally bold against the light background.
HISTORY
A year after being awarded the National League MVP, Robinson became the highest paid Brooklyn Dodger in 1950, earning a salary of $35,000. Quickly earning a reputation as one of baseball’s most exciting and popular players, Robinson garnered even wider appeal when he starred as himself in the acclaimed biographical film, The Jackie Robinson Story. A scarce and handsome portrait of the baseball trailblazer, just three years after he broke the sport’s color barrier.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 39
40 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
From Eisenhower and the Kennedys, important civil rights letters to Jackie Robinson 2020
Jackie Robinson Letter Archive Estimate $25,000+
Historically interesting archive of six TLSs to Jackie Robinson, two by Dwight D. Eisenhower as president and four by Robert F. Kennedy as attorney general, totaling six pages, dated from 1957 to 1962. The first Eisenhower letter, October 7, 1957, in part: “Thank you for the note you sent me following the decision I had to make regarding the difficult situation in Little Rock. I greatly appreciated knowing of your prayer—which is also constantly mine.” Eisenhower’s second letter, written on January 18, 1961, just two days before leaving the White House, in part: “Before leaving this office, I wanted to thank you for the important contribution you made to a better understanding of our country by holding a reception for African delegates to the United Nations last fall. Your recent letter suggesting that this kind of informal people-to-people contacts, particularly between Americans of African descent and United Nations delegates, has great merit, and I hope that you will continue this actively in the future.” Robert F. Kennedy’s letters all boast significant civil rights content. The first, signed “Robert F. Kennedy” and “Many thanks, RFK,” May 11, 1961, in part: “We intend to follow through with vigorous enforcement of the civil rights laws and I believe we will make progress. However, the record will speak for itself three or four years from now. You will make a judgement and so will the people of the United States, a well as those overseas. You have made a great contribution in the civil rights field and you can be of considerable assistance in seeing that we keep moving ahead.” His second letter, signed “Bob Kennedy,” June 2, 1961, in part: “It is going to be a long struggle but I am certain we will make a good deal of progress.” In a letter signed “Bob,” November 13, 1962, Kennedy writes, “There is no question in my mind that the progress which was made in the last 22 months will be sustained and accelerated in the next two years. It is good to know that we have the support of men like yourself who are making such a positive contribution to the advancement of civil rights and human liberties.” His fourth letter thanks Robinson for his efforts in supporting the Prince Edward County Free School Association, developed to provide education to black students in Virginia in the wake of public school closures following the Brown v. Board decision. Also includes secretarially signed letters by Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Richard Nixon. The two-page secretarial Kennedy letter boasts excellent Civil Rights content defending his voting record, closing: “I agree with you that Negro voters, like any other citizens, should consider what is best for Americans. Foreign policy, farm policy, national defense, labor legislation, and other crucial problems must be weighed along with the stand of a candidate upon civil rights. This is the way to make democracy work.” In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a custom-made leatherbound case. In addition to Robinson’s importance in the integration of America’s national pastime, this fabulous group of letters reveals his considerable political influence and leadership in the Civil Rights Movement as a whole.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 41
“Colo. Hazen’s sending an officer under the capitulation of York Town for the purpose of retaliation, has distressed me exceedingly”
42 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
The only Washington letter which mentions The Yorktown Capitulation 2022
George Washington 1782 Yorktown Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $100,000+ Revolutionary War–dated George Washington ALS as Commander in Chief to Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln signed “G:o Washington,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 10.5, Newburgh, June 5, 1782. In the tense months following the British capitulation (conditional surrender) at Yorktown, Washington is faced with a dilemma testing his character and jeopardizing the temporary peace agreement with the British as the definitive Treaty of Paris would not be finalized until September 3, 1783. Washington write’s in full: “Colo. Hazen’s sending an officer under the capitulation of York Town for the purpose of retaliation, has distressed me exceedingly. Will you be so good as to give me your opinion of the propriety of doing this upon Captain Asgill should we be driven to it for want of an unconditional prisoner. Presuming that this matter has been a subject of much conversation, pray, with your own, let me know the opinions of the most sensible of those with whom you have conversed. Congress by their resolve have unanimously approved of my determination to retaliate—the Army have advised it—and the Country look for it—But how far it is justifiable upon an officer under the faith of a capitulation, if none other can be had, is the question? Hazen’s sending Captn Asgill on for this purpose makes the matter more distressing, as the whole business will have the appearance of a farce, if some person is not sacraficed [sic] to the Manes of poor Huddy; which will be the case, if an unconditional Prisoner cannot be found, and Asgill escapes. I write to you in exceeding great haste, but beg your sentiments may be transmitted as soon as possible (by Express) as I may be forced to a decision in the course of a few days.” In very good to fine condition, with archival repairs to separated horizontal folds and neatly trimmed edges. This historically significant GW letter reveals several of Washington’s remarkable character traits; his humane concern at the taking of an innocent human life, yet his steely resolve
to retaliate for a murdered American; his honor as a soldier, and ultimately his wisdom and humility as a commander. Following the Battle of Yorktown and the supposed laying down of arms by both sides, raids and counterattacks ran rampant along the New York border. Continental Army Captain Jack Huddy was executed by a company of New Jersey Loyalists in response to the death of a Tory officer. The enraged public and Congress called for revenge, and Washington agreed and ordered that a British officer of equal rank should be hanged in retribution. Selected for execution from thirteen prisoners was 19-year-old Capt. Charles Asgill. However, Washington soon found himself in a dilemma. Under Article 14 of the terms of capitulation at Yorktown, Asgill as an officer was protected from reprisals and not subject to hostage taking or retaliation. Now Washington’s character was really tested to find a proper solution and to get the final peace treaty negotiations back on track in Paris. Hence he reached out in this letter to his second in command Benjamin Lincoln for his advice. Ultimately Asgill’s mother (part French) appealed to the French foreign minister who was ordered by King Louis XVI to communicate to Gen. Washington that the King and Queen wished for Asgill’s life to be spared. Not wanting to jeopardize the new nation’s relationship with a critical European ally in France, by an Act of Congress on November 7, 1782 Washington, much to his relief, was directed to release Asgill. Thomas Paine included the “Asgill Affair” in his highly influential Revolutionary War pamphlet series “The American Crisis.” This incident created an international crisis (considered America’s first) involving the King of Great Britain, the King of France and the new government of the United States, and played out for over seven months, causing a halt in the negotiations on the Treaty of Paris. This extraordinary letter is not only remarkable as the only Washington letter mentioning the capitulation of Yorktown, but also deals specifically with Washington’s dilemma in honoring the terms of capitulation agreed to by both Washington and Cornwallis at Yorktown. No other Washington letter to appear at auction in the past 40 years refers to it. Published in Fitzpatrick 24:319-320
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 43
“The good sense of my Countrymen will always discern and can never be at a loss to choose, a fit character to administer the Executive Government of these United States�
44 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Washington’s farewell 2023
George Washington 1796 Sheperd’s Town Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $150,000+ ALS as president signed “G:o Washington,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 8.75, October 12, 1796. In response to praise and concerns from his historic Farewell Address, President George Washington expresses confidence that his fellow Americans will always choose a fitting and able Chief Executive to lead the country. Letter to “the Inhabitants of Shepards Town and its vicinity.” In full: “With great sensibility I receive your polite and affectionate address of the 6th instant. That Beneficial Providence which, hitherto, has preserved us in Peace, & increased our prosperity, will not, I trust, withdraw its protecting hand, while we, on our part, endeavor to merit a continuance of its favors. Equally persuaded am I, that no inconvenience will result from my retreat to the walks of private life. The good sense of my Countrymen will always discern and can never be at a loss to choose, a fit character to administer the Executive Government of these United States. If it has been my good fortune through the course of my Civil and Military employments, to have met the approbation of my Countrymen, my wishes will be consummated; and I shall have found the only reward I ever had in view. For the favorable sentiments you have expressed for me, and for your kind wishes, I sincerely thank you; and reciprocate with great cordiality my vows for your welfare.” Washington also notes “United States” as the location of this letter. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light staining and foxing, professional reinforcement to folds, and expert repairs to small areas of paper loss with portions of four words tastefully embellished in a restorer’s hand. Published in Fitzpatrick 35:242. An extraordinarily rare and moving expression of Washington’s trust and affection for the American people in this handwritten letter as Washington prepares to leave the Presidency and “retreat to the walks of private life.” Washington had only recently announced to his fellow citizens in his famous Farewell Address that was first printed on September 19, 1796 by the American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia) that he would not seek a third term as president, although the country overwhelmingly wanted him to do so. This was expressed to him in a letter from the people of Shepherds Town, Virginia (now West Virginia) on October 6, 1796, that Washington in this
letter responds to. He thanks the people for their “polite and affectionate address” of October 6th expressing their “grateful sense” of Washington’s “faithful and important services, both in the cabinet and in the field, which in the course of a long life, he has rendered to the country.” They also expressed some anxiety about Washington’s successor or of anyone replacing the first president. “A less skillful pilot,” they told him, ”may, perhaps, be equal to the task of navigating in less troubled waters.” This prospect filled them “with trembling anxiety.” Washington eloquently assures them there is no cause for fear. Washington delivered his famous Farewell Address in September 1796 in which he expressed his thoughts on such subjects as the inseparable union of states and a plea for true neutrality for the nation. It has become one of the cornerstones of American political prose. Of the effect his Farewell Address had on the American public, biographer Thomas Flexner wrote, “The Constitutional Convention had been unwilling to put any limit on how long the President might serve. Washington’s decision to retire at the end of his second term was so climatic an act that the precedent he thus established was not violated for more than a century and then restored by a Constitutional Amendment…He had gone against the precedents of history, which made his act the more remarkable, the more endearing.” This letter was Washington’s first written acknowledgment of the response to his Farewell Address, so it is proper to think of this letter as a continuation of his farewell dialogue with the American people. Fittingly and tellingly, Washington dates this letter not from some locale such as Philadelphia or Mt. Vernon, but from the “United States.” In that sense he was speaking both to, and for, the people of the United States. He reaffirms his confidence in the fundamental characteristic of American democracy: that the people can be trusted to choose their own leaders. Washington letters and manuscripts relating to his farewell from public life are extremely rare. Only two have sold at auction in the past 40 years. A recent comparable letter (albeit relating to his pre-presidential 1783 retirement from military service) is the December 10, 1783, ALS to James McHenry, expressing his eagerness to be “translated into a private citizen.” Doyle, November 5, 2012, Lot 1129, $362,500. This Washington letter is also the only known that has “United States” as the origination. One of the finest George Washington letters.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 45
46 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Remarkable ship’s pass signed twice by both Washington and Jefferson 2024
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson Signed Document Estimate $20,000+
Scarce and desirable partly-printed DS, signed twice as president, “Go: Washington,” and twice “Th: Jefferson” as secretary of state, one page both sides, 10.25 x 15.5, June 5, 1793. Three language ship’s paper, with Dutch and English on one side, and English and French on the other, issued to “Thomas Robinson master or commander of the Ship called Portland… lying at present in the port of Norfolk bound for Havre de Grace and laden with Flour, Pork, Beef, Sugar & Staves.” Both sides are boldly signed by President Washington and Secretary of State Jefferson, and both sides retain their embossed white paper seals. In very good to fine condition, with scattered wrinkling and creasing, tiny binding holes along one edge and three small holes to upper blank area, and a few short edge tears. All four signatures are bold and unaffected, and Jefferson’s signature is perhaps the largest we’ve ever seen.
HISTORY
The voyage of Robinson’s Portland is described at length by one of his crewmen, Edmund Fanning, in the 1833 book Voyages Round the World. While en route from Norfolk to Le Havre, France, the Portland was intercepted by a British privateer and taken back to England. Nearly the entire crew was impressed into the Royal Navy upon their arrival in London; however, Fanning successfully negotiated the return of the crew and the Portland soon returned to New York. The issues of privateering and impressment were growing points of contention between America and Great Britain, eventually culminating in the War of 1812. Between the large, bold signatures of two founding fathers and the historical significance of this maritime document, this is an extraordinarily desirable piece.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 47
48 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
A founding father examines the powers of the presidency 2025
John Adams Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $20,000+
Rare ALS as president, one page both sides, 8.25 x 10.25, March 29, 1799. Letter to Attorney General Charles Lee, regarding the fractured Federalist Party and the nomination of William Vans Murray as minister to France, in part: “The nomination of Murray has had one good effect at best. It has shewn to every observing and thinking Man, the real Strength, or Weakness of the Constitution and where one part of that Weakness resides. It has also produced a display of the real Spirit of the Parties in this country, and the object they have in view. To me, it has laid open Characters. Some of these will do well, to Study, a little more maturely the Spirit of their Stations. But Vanity has no Limits. Arrogance shall be made to feel a Curb. If any one entertains the Idea that, because I am a President of three votes only, I am in the Power of a Party, they shall find that I am no more so, than the Constitution forces upon me. If Combinations of Senators Generals and Heads of Departments, shall be formed such as I cannot resist, and Measures are demanded of me that I cannot adopt, my Remedy is plain and certain. I will try my own strength at Resistance first however. This is free and entre nous.” In very good to fine condition, with splits along folds resulting in a couple of areas of paper loss at left edge.
“It has shewn to every observing and thinking Man, the real Strength, or Weakness of the Constitution” HISTORY
Adams shocked the political establishment in February 1799 when he appointed William Vans Murray as a commissioner to negotiate peace with France without first consulting his cabinet. So frustrated by Alexander Hamilton’s overbearing influence and his disagreeable cabinet that he had threatened to resign, Adams decided to exclude them from the appointment process all together. This was a major political risk, as it split the Federalist Party and made Adams vulnerable in the upcoming 1800 election. Murray did find success in his peace mission and negotiated the end of the ‘Quasi War’ with France, which proved popular among the public; however, Federalist disunity stemming from this political infighting indeed contributed to Adams’s slim loss to Thomas Jefferson in the presidential election. Adams’s strength of character is demonstrated in his action: despite the political backlash, he made the decision he believed best for the nation. More importantly, this was one of the earliest tests of presidential authority under the Constitution and helped to define the role of the office.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 49
Remarkable and important collection of Abigail Adams’ sewing sundries
2026
Abigail Adams’s Sewing Kit and Lace Estimate $3,000+ Remarkable collection consisting of Abigail Adams’s personally-owned sewing needle case and two swatches of the dress Adams is seen wearing in her famous portrait by Gilbert Stuart. Her sewing kit needle case is an off-white silk with beautifully embroidered floral designs on both sides, opening to reveal slots for her sewing materials and implements, with two inner pocket flaps nicely embroidered with flower and bird designs. Also included are two generous dress fabric swatches, each measuring 3 x 8, and two different strands of delicate lace trim identifiable in the Gilbert Stuart portrait of the first lady now held by the National Gallery of Art. Includes a July 1876 handwritten letter of provenance from First Lady Abigail Adams’s own granddaughter, Elizabeth Coombs Adams, signed “E. C. A.,” in full: “A piece of Reps silk dress worn by Abigail Adams in London, wife of John Adams, Minister to the Court of St. James, Coming home to Quincy in 1787—& bought the home stead which has had five generations living in it. This dress & long train left to my mother in Abigail’s will. The Reps silk with the pink dots and garnet sattin dress that she is painted in Stuart’s portrait & now belongs to the Charles F. Adams’ & I have the old lace scarf back from the old State House in Philadelphia where we sent things for the Centennial.” The sewing kit is accompanied by a contemporary note in another hand, reading: “Needle case belonging to Abigail Adams.”
HISTORY
Material related to Abigail Adams is extremely rare—more so than Martha Washington—particularly with the superior provenance provided in the form of a 19th-century note by her granddaughter. Elizabeth Coombs Adams was related to President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams via her father, Thomas Boylston Adams, who was their son and the brother of John Quincy Adams. Like much of the family, Thomas Boylston struggled with alcoholism, and Elizabeth Coombs Adams moved to the family mansion in Quincy and lived there with her uncle and aunt, John Quincy and Louisa Adams, for a period of time. A marvelous grouping of important material from one of the nation’s preeminent ‘Founding Mothers.’ A truly epochal offering worthy of the most advanced collector or institution. The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
50 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Incredibly rare and majestic presidential bowl from Thomas Jefferson 2027
Thomas Jefferson White House China Soup Bowl Estimate $15,000+ Original Thomas Jefferson presidential china soup bowl. Beautiful china shallow soup bowl, circa 1790, is made of white Chinese porcelain, measures 9.5˝ in diameter (the same as the Jefferson dinner plate), and is painted blue with gilt fleur-de-lis edges. Center of the bowl bears an exceptional hand-painted design featuring Jefferson’s neoclassical shield studded with 13 gold stars which encloses the script initial “J,” surmounted by a plumed knight’s helmet. In fine condition, with a removable Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection label affixed to bottom of bowl.
HISTORY
This particular gilt “J” dinner service has long been linked to Thomas Jefferson, including being published in Official White House China (mentioning early Chinese export) by M.B. Klapthor, with examples at one time on display at Monticello, the US State Department Diplomatic Reception Rooms, and the White House (before at least 1908). Jefferson’s 19th century direct lineal descendants strongly believed in Jefferson’s ownership of the 1790s “J” service, sought to re-acquire it, and then gifted four “J” pieces to the White House in the early 1900’s—where each piece has remained for over 100 years. An incredibly rare opportunity to acquire such an attractive piece of US history, as most, if not all, of the other china from the first three presidents were destroyed when the British ransacked and burned the Executive Mansion during the War of 1812. The historical significance of such a rare piece of presidential porcelain from a well-known collection, in such truly superb condition, is not to be understated. The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 51
52 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Fundraising for Revolutionary War debt following the Compromise of 1790 2028
Thomas Jefferson Signed Document Estimate $9,000+
DS, signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 7.5 x 11.5, March 2, 1791. Congressional broadside publishing “An Act to explain and amend an Act, intituled ‘An Act making further Provision for the payment of the Debts of the United States.’” The law affirms that “the duty of one cent per pound…on barr and other lead, shall be deemed and taken to extend to all manufactures wholly of lead, or in which lead is the chief article, which shall hereafter be brought into the United States, from any foreign port or place.” Additionally, the law authorizes that “the duty of seven and a half per cent. ad valorem, laid by the act aforesaid on chintzes, and coloured calicoes, shall be deemed and taken to extend to all printed, stained, and coloured goods, or manufactures of cotton, or of linen, or of both, which shall hereafter be brought into the United States from any foreign port or place.” Boldly signed at the conclusion in ink by Jefferson as secretary of state. Double-matted and framed with an engraving to an overall size of 23.75 x 21.5. In fine condition, with three horizontal folds and lightly haloed appearance to the otherwise large, bold signature.
HISTORY
This act came in the wake of the famed Compromise of 1790, a pact made at an historic ‘dinner meeting’ between Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Jefferson’s main rival Alexander Hamilton. Seeking to place the fledgling nation on firm financial ground, they accepted Hamilton’s proposition that the federal government assume state debts accrued during the Revolutionary War. The Funding Act, officially entitled ‘An Act making provision for the [payment of the] Debt of the United States,’ was passed on August 4, 1790, and resulted in the complete assumption by the federal government of over $21 million in state debts. The present act concerns the means by which this newly assumed debt could be paid off. Tariffs were the federal government’s primary form of collecting revenue—the income tax did not exist until 1913—and had the dual purpose of raising funds to pay debtors while encouraging American economic self-sufficiency. A fascinating document related to the federal government’s first great compromise.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 53
Cabinet-size photograph on an original oversized mount
54 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Marvelous oversized 1864 signed portrait of Lincoln and Tad 2029
Abraham Lincoln Oversized Signed Albumen Photograph Estimate $100,000+
Immensely rare 3.75 x 5.25 mounted albumen photograph of Abraham Lincoln sharing a book with his 10-year-old son Tad, affixed to its original 7 3/8 x 10 mount, signed on the mount in black ink, “A. Lincoln.” Reverse of the mount bears a collector’s ink notation, “This autograph is genuine—It was procured by me at the White House in June 1864. F. W. Pitcher.” Matted and framed with 4.75 x 7.25 of the front visible, the presentation includes a viewing window on the reverse showing a larger portion of the full mount. In very good to fine condition, with a small bit of missing emulsion below the image, toning along the edges from prior display, and a torn area to the right blank area which has been repaired on the reverse; conservators have noted that the tear could be expertly restored.
HISTORY
On February 9, 1864, portrait painter Francis B. Carpenter arranged for President Lincoln to sit for a series of photographs at Matthew Brady’s Washington D.C. gallery. With the eyesight of Brady beginning to fade, the daguerreotype master tasked his superintendent, the 32-yearold German Anthony Berger, to photograph the country’s most beloved figure. Berger’s photos have since shaped the world’s perception of Lincoln and his legacy. In addition to the famed ‘penny profile’ and his ‘satisfactory likeness’ now immortalized on the five dollar note, Berger’s image of Lincoln and his fourth and youngest son, Tad, exists as perhaps the most enduring and endearing depiction of the Civil War president. Ultimately, the photograph’s lone critic was Lincoln himself, who worried that the book in the photo, a Brady Gallery album, would be misperceived as a Bible, a concern he deemed to be ‘a species of false pretense.’ This exceptionally large example, unlike the more common carte-de-visites, is one of only three known specimens of this particular size and pose. Of the other two, one is in an institution, and the other realized $325,000 when sold in 2002 as part of the Forbes Collection. Considering its atypically large size, impeccable provenance, and timeless imagery, this is simply one of the finest Lincoln signed photos in existence.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 55
56 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Lincoln’s birthday wish: a promotion for colonels of the Irish Brigade 2030
Abraham Lincoln Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $20,000+
ALS signed “A. Lincoln,” one page, 5 x 8, February 12, 1863. Letter to General Henry W. Halleck. In full: “Gen. Meagher, now with me, says the Irish Brigade has had no promotion; and that Col. Robert Nugent & Col. Patrick Kelly, both of that Brigade have fairly earned promotion. They both hold commissions as Captains in the regular Army. Please examine these records with reference to the question of promoting one or both of them.” Archivally double-matted and framed with a seated portrait of Lincoln to an overall size of 22.25 x 17. In very good to fine condition, with a mounting strip along the top edge, and a piece of tape removed from left margin resulting in slight surface paper loss, affecting no writing.
HISTORY
Lincoln, writing on his third-to-last birthday, discusses three soldiers of note in the famed Irish Brigade. Irish immigrant Thomas Francis Meagher began raising troops as soon as the war began, and soon found himself in charge of the ‘Irish Brigade’ that saw action at Bull Run, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. He resigned his commission shortly after meeting with Lincoln. Patrick Kelly replaced him as commander and led the depleted Irish troops at the Battle of Gettysburg in July; he was later killed in action during the Siege of Petersburg before ever officially being promoted. Nugent was the last commanding officer of the Irish Brigade, and was finally brevetted brigadier general until March 13, 1865. An excellent wartime letter by President Lincoln with a fine association to this well-known brigade. Ex. Sotheby’s, February 24, 1976; sale 3841, lot 278.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 57
58 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Just days away from his reelection, Lincoln appoints a consul to Siam 2031
Abraham Lincoln Signed Document Estimate $8,000+
Civil War-dated partly-printed DS as president, one page, 20 x 15.5, October 25, 1864. President Lincoln requests “His Majesty the King of Siam” to accept his appointment of Amzi Wood as “Consul of the United States of America at Bangkok.” Signed at the conclusion by President Lincoln and Secretary of State William H. Seward. Embossed in the lower left with the presidential seal. Framed and in very good to fine condition.
HISTORY
Allies since 1818, the US and Siam strengthened their relationship further in 1856 with the signing of the Harris Treaty, promoting free trade and imbuing both countries with favored nation status. His attention firmly focused on the Civil War and his own reelection campaign, Lincoln trusted Secretary of State Seward to handle nearly all appointments and foreign policy matters at this time. With the fall of Atlanta at the hands of Sherman in early September, and Grant’s victory at Cedar Creek on October 19th finally ending the Valley Campaigns, Lincoln earned a landslide victory in the presidential election only two weeks after signing this document. Ex. Scriptorium, August 15, 1988.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 59
60 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Supremely rare inaugural photograph signed March 11, 1881 2032
James A. Garfield Oversized Signed Photograph Estimate $6,000+
Magnificent 9.75 x 8.25 mounted albumen photograph of Garfield giving his inaugural address on the east portico of the US Capitol on March 4, 1881, affixed to a 14 x 12 mount, signed and inscribed on the mount in black ink as president, “To Alex Campbell, Jr., With the compliments of J. A. Garfield, Washington, DC, March 11, 1881.” In very good condition, with scattered light staining affecting appearance but not handwriting legibility, and some cracks to mount reinforced with archival tissue on reverse. Accompanied by a letter from Williams College, Garfield’s alma mater, noting that this photograph is reproduced in the biography The Garfield Orbit by Margaret Leech. As Garfield’s tenure in office was cut short by an assassin’s bullet in early July, his autographs signed as president are extremely rare. This extraordinary photograph of a historic moment—a rarity on its own given its large size—is absolutely remarkable and likely unique.
HISTORY
Garfield began preparing for his inaugural address in December, beginning by reading the speeches of his predecessors in chronological order. He found most of them—except Lincoln’s— to be ‘dreary reading,’ and expected his would be the same. After writing and revising over the course of months, he tore up the speech and rewrote it three days before the inauguration. Despite some of the soaring eloquence that made Garfield known as an inspiring speaker, his inaugural address was grounded in policy and focused on the nation’s issues in agriculture, commerce, currency, and civil service reform. Following the address, Chief Justice Morrison Waite administered the oath of office and Garfield was officially sworn in as the twentieth president of the United States. Ex. Charles Hamilton, March 1, 1979; sale 118, lot 107.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 61
62 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Executive Mansion Garfield letter to a delegate pivotal in his election 2033
James A. Garfield Letter Signed As President Estimate $20,000+
Exceedingly rare LS as president signed “J. A. Garfield,” two pages, 5.5 x 9, Executive Mansion letterhead, April 29, 1881. Letter to W. A. M. Grier of Pennsylvania, in part: “I regret that you have concluded to decline the position of Third Assistant Postmaster General. I was greatly desirous of having you in the public service, and shall be very glad if I find it possible in any other way to do so. Thanking you for your kind letter and regretting the embarrassments which the event has caused us both.” Mounted and matted. In fine condition, with scattered light soiling, and small archival mounting remnants to back top edges. Accompanied by a large engraved portrait bearing a facsimile signature.
“I regret that you have concluded to decline the position of Third Assistant Postmaster General” HISTORY
Grier, a delegate to the 1880 Republican National Convention, had been a pivotal figure in Garfield’s nomination. On the second ballot, Grier became the firstç to vote for him and remained steadfast throughout the balloting process, often as the lone Garfield voter. Garfield was hardly considered as a potential presidential candidate prior to the convention, and it was not until the 34th ballot that he drew a meaningful percentage. Soon after, however, he was settled upon as the Republican candidate. Once Garfield was in the White House, Grier asked to be named second assistant postmaster general. After initially promising him the job, Garfield withdrew the offer and granted him the lesser role, which the jilted Grier declined. Letters by Garfield as president are extremely rare and the significant association between this example and his unlikely presidential nomination is truly exceptional.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 63
64 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
The 31st president three months after leaving office 2034
Herbert Hoover Autograph Letter Signed
Rare ALS, one page, 6.5 x 7.75, personal letterhead, June 5, 1933. Letter to “My dear Mr. Pierce,” in full: “In this generation of typewriters I do not write an autograph letter once a year. But that the typewriter may not finally terminate your series I do add this to the collection.” In fine condition, with trimmed edges.
Estimate $7,500+
“I do not write an autograph letter once a year” HISTORY
Written just three months after leaving the presidency, this is an extremely rare autograph letter from this period—as Hoover himself here attests. According to the Shapell Foundation, Hoover wrote no more than six or seven handwritten letters as president. As these presidential letters are essentially unobtainable, this example serves as a fine substitute, especially considering its self-referential content.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 65
66 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Scarce review copy of FDR’s Looking Forward 2035
Franklin D. Roosevelt Signed Book Estimate $9,000+
Signed book: Looking Forward. First edition, first printing. NY: John Day Company, 1933. Softcover, 5 x 7.5, 279 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page, “Dear Fred—This advanced copy was changed to correct inaccuracies etc. And I am glad that the public did not see this original. Affectionately, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Fred B. Adams, Jr., Hyde Park & Rhinebeck, June 24, 1934.” Housed in a custom-made chemise and morocco-backed slipcase. A repaired tear and some wrinkling to front cover, light erased pencil notations at top of signed page, toning to covers and creasing to spine, as well as some scattered edge wear, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by two letters from the White House assistant secretary concerning the publication and a related article.
“I am glad that the public did not see this” HISTORY
This review copy of Looking Forward, one of only a few known to be both inscribed by Roosevelt and featuring the uncorrected text, was one of about 150 copies printed for reviewers. Less than a day after printing, White House officials requested that the handful of copies that made it out—most were still safely secured on a truck bound for the post office—be returned so that the FDR’s referenced “inaccuracies” could be corrected. Historians believe that about 10 copies were never recovered, with this example—a gift to FDR’s first cousin once removed—one of the few uncorrected copies known to exist.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 67
The 1941 Atlantic Charter of FDR and Churchill
2036
Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill Signed Photograph Estimate $10,000+ Extraordinary vintage pearl-finish 9.75 x 8 photo of President Franklin D. Roosevelt sitting next to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill on the deck of the USS Augusta during the Atlantic Conference in mid-April of 1941, signed in fountain pen by Roosevelt and Churchill, with the latter signing in the lower border. Also signed by Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King, Chief of Naval Operations Harold R. Stark, and General George Marshall. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light creasing and rippling, and a small tear and area of emulsion loss to the lower right border.
HISTORY
On August 9 and 10, 1941, Roosevelt and Churchill convened aboard the battleship Augusta to discuss the World War II agenda and to draft a policy of eight ‘common principles’ that would determine Allied goals in a postwar landscape. Issued on August 14th, the subsequent Atlantic Charter affirmed American support of Great Britain, while the various clauses contained therein addressed the preemptive steps to ensure peace ‘after the final destruction of the Nazi tyranny.’ Governments that endorsed the Atlantic Charter, and effectively declared war on the Axis, joined the Roosevelt-coined United Nations, forming the basis for the modern UN. Further augmented by its historical backdrop, the addition of three WWII military leaders, and the noticeable outline of Roosevelt’s knee braces—itself a rarity in FDR images—this item exists as the premiere instance in which we have offered a Roosevelt-Churchill signed photo.
68 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Truman’s influential ‘Four Point’ inaugural address 2037
Harry S. Truman Signed Inaugural Address Press Release Estimate $3,000+ Press release, five pages on four sheets, 8 x 14, January 19, 1949. Mimeographed press release of Truman’s inaugural address. In part: “Mr. Vice President, Mr. Chief Justice, and Fellow Citizens: I accept with humility the honor which the American people have conferred upon me. I accept it with a deep resolve to do all that I can for the welfare of this Nation and for the peace of the world. In performing the duties of my office, I need the help and prayers of every one of you. I ask for your encouragement and your support. The tasks we face are difficult, and we can accomplish them only if we work together…First, we will continue to give unfaltering support to the United Nations and related agencies, and we will continue to search for ways to strengthen their authority and increase their effectiveness…Second, we will continue our programs for world economic recovery…Third, we will strengthen freedom-loving nations against the dangers of aggression…Fourth, we must embark on a bold new program for making the benefits of our scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas…Events have brought our American democracy to new influence and new responsibilities. They will test our courage, our devotion to duty, and our concept of liberty. But I say to all men, what we have achieved in liberty, we will surpass in greater liberty. Steadfast in our faith in the Almighty, we will advance toward a world where man’s freedom is secure. To that end we will devote our strength, our resources, and our firmness of resolve. With God’s help, the future of mankind will be assured in a world of justice, harmony, and peace.” Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen. In fine condition.
HISTORY
Known as the ‘Four Point Speech,’ Truman outlines American values against the scourge of communism and calls for Democrats and Republicans alike to assist people around the world struggling for freedom and human rights. This speech is generally regarded as the beginning of international development policy in relation to the Third World.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 69
70 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Scarce edition of President Truman’s Japanese Peace Treaty address 2038
Harry S. Truman Signed Book Estimate $5,000+
Limited edition of Truman’s Address at the Conference on the Japanese Peace Treaty, which he delivered on September 4, 1951. Quarter leather-bound hardcover, 6.5 x 9.5, 12 pages, numbered 6/60. Signed and inscribed as president on the first free end page in black ink, “To Hon. John W. Snyder, with every good wish for a happy Christmas, Harry S. Truman, Dec 25, 1951.” In fine condition.
HISTORY
Truman’s ratification of the Japanese Peace Treaty in San Francisco concluded what the president called, “a bitter and costly war.” The historic event was commemorated via this seldom-encountered publication, with this example presented by Truman to Snyder, a longtime friend who served in the Army Reserve with the president during World War I, and then later as US Secretary of the Treasury during the Truman administration. In that position, Snyder was responsible for establishing a stable economy in the mid-1940s. A desirable World War II-related short-run book presented to one of the postwar architects.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 71
72 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Senator Kennedy and his pair of 1955 Swedish trysts 2040
John F. Kennedy Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $15,000+
Fascinating ALS signed “Jack Kennedy,” one page both sides, 5.25 x 8.25, Hotel du Cap d’Antibes letterhead, August 22, 1955. Letter to Elsa Fogelstrom, in full: “Before I left the U.S.—I called Anne-Marie and told her I was going to Sweden. She suggested I call you—I have just left there—but spent the entire time at Bastad—which I enjoyed tremendously but saw nobody as nice as I did on my first visit several years ago. I hope some time to return to Stockholm— and I shall then look forward to seeing you. I hope all goes well for you—with best wishes—.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Kennedy’s own hand, as well as a Christmas card bearing a preprinted signature, postmarked January 9, 1958. Also accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
“I hope some time to return to Stockholm— and I shall then look forward to seeing you” HISTORY
In 1948, Kennedy sparked a long-term liaison with Swedish flight attendant Anne-Marie Kinney, the best friend and co-worker of Elsa Fogelstrom. The 31-year-old Kennedy rendezvoused with Kinney the following year in Stockholm, and twice-visited Fogelstrom and her husband during his stay; the young congressman maintained contact with the couple over the next decade while nurturing his relationship with Kinney, who later moved to the US. During his 1955 trip to Sweden, Kennedy “spent the entire time at Bastad,” the hometown of Gunilla von Post, a Swedish aristocrat whom he had romanced two years prior, only weeks before his marriage to Jacqueline Bouvier. Additional research reveals that Kennedy wrote to von Post on the very same date as this missive, using both the same red ink and d’Antibes stationery, bringing further into light the secret and various profiles of JFK.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 73
74 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
One-of-a-kind engraving from the Kennedys to a prominent White House staff member 2042
John and Jacqueline Kennedy Signed Engraving
Exceptional engraved color portrait of a tranquil river scene entitled “The President’s House, from Washington” by William Radclyffe after William Henry Bartlett, 6 x 4.5, attractively displayed below the original 10.75 x 9.5 presentation mat, calligraphically inscribed in black ink, “For: Rex W. Scouten,” and signed in the lower border in black ballpoint, “John F. Kennedy” and “Christmas 1963. With our deepest appreciation, Jacqueline Kennedy.” Framed and in fine condition.
Estimate $7,500+
HISTORY
After years serving as an assistant, former Secret Service agent Rex Scouten became the White House Chief Usher in 1969, working for seventeen years under four presidential administrations before assuming the role of White House Curator from 1986 to 1997. Enhanced furthermore by its distinction of being a Kennedy-signed 1963 holiday present—the first couple signed these in advance of the holiday season and JFK’s tragic trip to Dallas—this uncommon engraving was personally gifted to the longtime head of White House staff and operations.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 75
76 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Jackie tenderly reveals her unique relationship with Jack 2043
Jacqueline Kennedy Handwritten Letter to Jack Estimate $30,000+
ALS signed “All my love, Jackie,” three pages on two sheets, 6.25 x 8, no date but circa 1957-58. Remarkable letter to her husband, then Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy, concerning their relationship and family. Away from Jack, Jackie writes that she is finding it hard to communicate and feels like being separate knocks a married couple off of the same wavelength. Still, she writes, “I think it is usually good when we go away from each other as we both realize so much. We are so different—but I was thinking this trip—that every other time I’ve been away, you would write ‘don’t ponder our relationship too much’ etc.” She inquires about how their new daughter Caroline is doing and expresses joy that they at last have “a baby we both love.” Closing the letter, Jacqueline writes, “You are an atypical husband—increasingly so in one way or another every year since we’ve been married—so you mustn’t be surprised to have an atypical wife—Each of us would have been so lonely with the normal kind. I can’t write down what I feel for you, but I will show you when I am with you—and I think you must know—.” In fine condition.
“You are an atypical husband— so you mustn’t be surprised to have an atypical wife” HISTORY
After a pair of unsuccessful pregnancies, John and Jackie welcomed Caroline Bouvier Kennedy into their family on November 27, 1957, whose arrival proved opportune for the incumbent Bay State senator as he used the optics of his new family to boost his reelection campaign. Away from the public eye, however, the Kennedy family was in disrepair, with John’s infidelities threatening to dissolve the couple’s five-year marriage. In defying JFK’s solution—encouraging her not to think too hard about it—Jackie writes this pensive letter evaluating their status together. Contextually, the letter paints Jackie as a torn matriarch, fatigued by her husband’s indiscretions, yet resolute in her conviction to save her family, perhaps going so far as convincing herself that John is merely “an atypical husband,” and she, “an atypical wife.” Our research indicates this is the only Jackie love letter to Jack ever offered at auction.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 77
78 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Reagan’s sad poignant ‘olive branch’ to his daughter 2044
Ronald Reagan Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $9,000+
ALS signed “Love, Dad,” one page both sides, 6.25 x 4.25, personal stationery, May 8, 1991. Letter to his daughter, Patti Davis, in full: “I hope you’ll understand that as an 80 yr. old I would like—in the time left me—to see if we might become something of a family. By this I don’t mean an invasion of your privacy. I’d appreciate it if you’d give me your phone number. My office number is area code 213 and 552–1980. Our home number is 213–478–4646. Patti between now and Sunday (if you get this in time), if not then later, I believe you should call your mother. After all Sunday is ‘Mothers Day.’ Your mother has been going through h—l and is really hurting over this Kitty Kelly garbage which is completely false. I’ve never seen her this low. Patti I recall happy days at Del Coronado every summer—then our vacations at Trancas. I also recall your wedding and how happy your mother was in arranging the ceremony. We won’t abuse your privacy but I’ll feel better if I know you can be reached by phone.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Reagan’s own hand and bearing a pre-printed free frank.
“I don’t mean an invasion of your privacy. I’d appreciate it if you’d give me your phone number” HISTORY
The eldest child of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Patti Davis became estranged from her family after years of political activism and public opposition against her father’s conservative policies, adding to the familial strife with a series of thinly veiled autobiographical novels. However, it was the release of Kitty Kelley’s unauthorized Nancy Reagan biography that proved the most affecting to the presidential couple. Published a month before this letter, the book featured sensational claims of infidelity and physical abuse towards the Reagan children, specifically Davis. After years of disaffection, Davis reconciled with her parents following the news of her father’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s. Written during a particularly taxing period, this tender and insightful letter from father to daughter solemnly captures Reagan reflecting on the state of his family as well as on his own mortality.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 79
80 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
President Clinton reflects on Goldwater’s impact—a rare handwritten letter as president 2045
Bill Clinton Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $5,000+
ALS as president, one page, 6.25 x 9.25, White House letterhead, June 2, 1998. Letter to the widow of Barry Goldwater, Susan Wechsler Goldwater, offering condolences on the death of the famed 1964 Republican presidential candidate. In full: “Hillary and I wish we could be with you, the rest of Barry’s family, and the legion of his friends from Arizona and the rest of America as you say farewell. Few Americans in our history have served the people with such a remarkable blend of conviction, integrity and basic decency. All of us who knew Barry were lifted by the sparkle in his eyes, the warmth of his heart, the depth of his humanity. He leaves us all the richer for his life, and keenly aware of a legacy of citizenship we must try to emulate. Now he has taken his best flight to a better place, which he so richly deserves.” In fine condition, with three unobtrusive faint stains to right edge, affecting nothing.
“Few Americans in our history have served the people with such a remarkable blend of conviction, integrity and basic decency” HISTORY
This remarkable letter not only recalls an era of common decency in American politics, but demonstrates the long-term impact of Goldwater’s unconventional methods on both sides of the aisle. The Clintons were more closely tied with Goldwater than it might appear on the surface, considering their political differences; Hillary had even been a ‘Goldwater Girl’ during his 1964 campaign before turning to more liberal tendencies shortly thereafter. Goldwater came to Bill Clinton’s defense—with typical candor—early on in Clinton’s presidency when Clinton was under severe media scrutiny, saying in a 1993 interview, ‘I wish somebody could tell me what the hell is wrong with the news media. It’s no good. When Bush and Clinton were running against each other, they tore Bush apart…Now they’re tearing the president apart…Why not help him? Here’s a young man that is the president of the United States, he was elected by a majority…I don’t think the media of this country are doing much of a job in promoting America.’ He supported Clinton again the following year when Clinton was under attack by Republicans on the Whitewater scandal, telling the party to ‘get off his back and let him be president.’ For his part, Bill Clinton once called Goldwater ‘a saint’ and visited him in Arizona in 1996 during the 87-year-old retired senator’s recovery from a stroke. Scarce in itself as an autograph letter signed as president, the exceptional content of this letter elevates it to a significant piece of American history.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 81
Exquisite signature of the fabled patriot
2046
Paul Revere Signature Estimate $10,000+
American patriot and silversmith (1735–1818) whose 1775 ‘midnight ride’ to warn of an impending British invasion later became one of the most celebrated incidents of the Revolutionary War. Highly sought-after choice ink signature, “Paul Revere,” on an off-white 4.75 x 1.75 slip. Gorgeously archivally matted with gold fillets, and framed with a color portrait of the Revere. In fine condition. A beautiful example of a truly rare early American autograph.
82 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Scarce 1787 autograph check by the brilliant founder
2047
Benjamin Franklin Handwritten and Signed Check Estimate $15,000+
Check, entirely completed by Franklin and signed “B. Franklin,” 5.75 x 2.5, February 16, 1787. In full: “Cashier of the Bank. Pay to Thomas Bradly or Bearer, Eighty Dollars on Account of B. Franklin.” Affixed to a same size cardstock sheet. Handsomely and archivally triple-matted, and framed with an engraving of Franklin to an overall size of 19.5 x 12.25. In very good condition, with cancellation cuts through portions of the body and signature.
HISTORY
Just a week before writing this check Franklin had established the Society for Political Enquiries in Philadelphia, an organization dedicated to studying the theory of government. The Constitutional Convention would begin in May, and several members of the society either served as delegates or hoped to influence the outcome through writing in pamphlets and newspapers. An uncommon format from an immensely important period.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 83
84 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
A present from Button Gwinnett— the rarest Declaration signer 2048
Button Gwinnett Presented Book Estimate $7,500+
Rare book: The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon by Henry Fielding. London: A. Millar, 1755. Hardcover (contemporary speckled calf, rebacked, new end leaves), 4 x 6.5, 228 pages. Inscribed on the reverse of the half-title page in a contemporary hand in bold ink, “Present from Buttn. Gwinnett Esq. of St. Catherine Island Georgia to William Lewis, Oct. 27th 1771.” Book condition: VG/None, with scattered light toning.
HISTORY
It seems likely that this volume, printed in London, was from Gwinnett’s library. One of two Declaration signers born in England, Gwinnett emigrated to the Savannah, Georgia, area of colonial America in 1765. He soon purchased St. Catherine’s Island, off of Georgia’s east coast, where he started a plantation. Considering the rarity of Gwinnett’s autograph— with barely over fifty known—any item associated with him is of the utmost desirability to collectors of early Americana and Declaration completists. This volume has been sold by several leading auction houses throughout the years, including Scott & O’Shaughnessy, 1915; Walpole Galleries, 1925; Parke-Bernet, 1967; Greg Manning Galleries, 1997; and Christie’s, 2015.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 85
86 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Congressional compendium featuring Davy Crockett and four American presidents 2049
Davy Crockett Signed Congressional Book Estimate $10,000+
Rare log book kept by House of Representatives Clerk Walter S. Franklin for the 23rd US Congress, which opened on December 2, 1833, signed inside by over 240 members of the House to certify the number of miles they traveled to attend, including “David Crockett,” “James K. Polk,” “J. Q. Adams,” “Frank’n Pierce,” and “M: Fillmore.” Other notable signers include Cave Johnson, Philemon Dickerson, Benjamin Hardin, John Bell, John Blair, Henry A. Muhlenberg, John Y. Mason, John M. Patton, Henry A. Wise, Henry L. Pinckney, Rufus Choate, Edward Everett, John Ewing, C. C. Clay, Levi Lincoln, Joseph Trumbull, Benjamin Gorham, John Reed, Jabez Huntington, and others. In fine condition.
HISTORY
These signatures were collected in order to reimburse the congressmen for their travel expenses, with most dated December 2, 1833. Crockett, representing Tennessee’s 12th district, traveled 1000 miles to get to Washington, where he found a divided and largely ineffective Congress. During his term Crockett spent much of his time collaborating with Kentucky Congressman Thomas Chilton to write his autobiography, A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett, Written by Himself, which was published in 1834. After barely losing a hotly contested reelection campaign, Crockett left Washington for Texas, where he took part in the Texas Revolution and was killed at the Battle of the Alamo. An extremely scarce autograph of a great American folk hero, enhanced by the presence of multiple presidents and scores of other politicians.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 87
88 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
The 19–year old Cadet Sherman’s progress report 2050
William T. Sherman’s West Point Report Card Estimate $5,000+
Partly-printed document, one page, 7.75 x 10, March 27, 1839. Report from the Engineering Department of the US Military Academy, headed, “Extract from the Class and Conduct Reports of the Military Academy, for the Month of February 1839, furnished for the information of Parents and Guardians.” The report card lists his class ranks as follows: “Second Class, composed of 49 Members, Cadet Sherman, In Natural Philosophy is 10, Chemistry is 4, Drawing is 7. His demerit for the Month is 4 and commencement of Academic year 33.” Signed at the conclusion by General Joseph Gilbert Totten. In fine condition, with a small split along one of the intersecting folds.
HISTORY
Although Sherman excelled academically, he held little regard for the Academy’s demerit system—both qualities displayed in this report on his progress. In his Memoirs, he reflected on his time at West Point: ‘In studies I always held a respectable reputation with the professors, and generally ranked among the best, especially in drawing, chemistry, mathematics, and natural philosophy. My average demerits, per annum, were about one hundred and fifty, which reduced my final class standing from number four to six.’ A decidedly unique piece from very early in Sherman’s military career.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 89
90 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Just days before Stuart’s mortal wound at Yellow Tavern 2051
J. E. B. Stuart Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $10,000+
Civil War–dated ALS signed “J. E. B.,” one page, 5 x 8, April 29, 1864. Letter home to his wife Flora Stuart. In full: “P. S. Here is the pincushion. Old Wessells (2d U. S. Infy) was the Brigadier captured at Plymouth. I see that old Leander Ker of Ft. Leavenworth repute is a chaplain to some Hospital in Richmond. Jno Esten went to the Horse Artillery the other day. ‘Sic itur ad astra.’ Ms. Scott’s glass delivered.” In very good to fine condition, with light creasing, and splits along edges of intersecting folds.
HISTORY
Only four years earlier Stuart had served side-by-side with Henry W. Wessells against the Kiowa and Comanche, and now they found themselves on opposing sides. On April 17th, Wessells had been forced to surrender the Union’s fortifications at Plymouth, North Carolina, and was captured and jailed in Libby Prison. Early in his career Stuart had been stationed at Fort Leavenworth, where Leander Ker was chaplain; the reverend had sided with the Confederacy, and authored a tract entitled ‘Slavery Consistent with Christianity.’ Stuart at last refers to John Esten Cooke, Flora’s cousin, who was a novelist and staff officer in Stuart’s command. Stuart was mortally wounded just twelve days after writing this letter, shot at the Battle of Yellow Tavern; Flora, in mourning, wore black for the rest of her life. Offering something of a nostalgic career retrospective, this is an ideal and interesting war-dated letter.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 91
92 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Rare Civil War double trigger Berdan Sharps 2052
Sharps New Model 1859 Military Rifle with Malcolm Scope in the Berdan Serial Number Range Estimate $15,000+
Civil War Sharps New Model 1859 Military Rifle with Malcolm Scope in the Berdan serial number range, serial #55159, .52 caliber, 29˝ barrel with a fine, bright bore having some very mild freckling within the grooves towards the breech. This double set trigger equipped rifle has an overall smooth, plum-brown patina with gray speckling evenly distributed around the receiver. The barrel is original, numbered to the gun under the forend, and was trimmed by 1˝ at the muzzle which removed the bayonet lug and front sight. Indeed, this may have been the reason for the modification. The action itself is tight and the trigger mechanism is fully functional with a crisp, light let off when set. The rifle is equipped with a Malcolm telescopic sight that measures 33 1/8˝ in length with a tube diameter of 3/4˝. The optics are slightly cloudy, but still perfectly serviceable, and the fine crosshair reticle, with four horizontal stadia for different ranges, is intact and in excellent condition. The top of the scope tube has a small maker’s plaque mounted towards the ocular eyepiece: “Wm. Malcolm, Syracuse, N.Y.” The walnut forend is held by three barrel bands and is in very good condition with numerous small handling marks and small blemishes along its length, as well as heavy wear to the wood surrounding the screw bolster on the underside. The wood was very lightly sanded at some point with a lightly hued oil finish added. The patchbox equipped buttstock has a matching oil finish with some further surface marks and minor bruises, although the US military inspector’s cartouche is still visible on the left side of the wrist. The rifle sits squarely within the accepted range for rifles issued to Hiram Berdan’s legendary US Sharpshooters (54374 to 57567), but is also only one number away from an identical double set trigger 1859 Sharps issued to the famous ‘Bucktails,’ Co. F, 42nd Pennsylvania Infantry, who were partially armed with rifles originally intended for the 1st and 2nd US Sharpshooters. Double trigger Sharps rifles are among the most desirable Civil War weapons and finding one with functional period optics is truly rare. This example is in very good condition and would make a stellar addition to any collection. Oversized. Additionally includes several related accompaniments, including: a framed black thermoplastic eagle coat button worn by many of the Berdan sharpshooters, which helped camouflage their positions rather than brass buttons which would glint in the sun; a pair of Civil War sharpshooter’s glasses with leather case; a carte-de-visite portrait of Private Richard L. Boyd of Co. H, 1st US Sharpshooters, identified on the reverse in period ink; a box of unfired Sharps ammunition; one fired bullet; and one unfired bullet.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 93
94 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
The Little Round Top veteran’s presentation sword 2053
Fred Mundy’s Little Round Top-Used Civil War Sword Estimate $15,000+
Private purchase US foot officers’ sword by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, presented to 1st Lieutenant/Quartermaster Fred R. Mundy of the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry, known as ’The Ellsworth Avengers.’ This is a handsome sword measuring 36 1/4˝ overall, with a 30 1/2˝ slightly curved, single-edged blade having single wide fullers. The steel retains a mostly bright polish with small spots of minor freckling scattered along both sides of the blade. The blade has extensively decorated, etched panels along the forte, repeated on both sides: laurel leaves, liberty cap, and American eagle, with “Stand by the Union” and crossed US flags just above the ricasso. The brass hilt has an overall dark, yellow-ochre patina with paler metal on the exposed areas, as well as on the pierced counterguard. The shagreen grip has light surface wear along the seam, and has an intact braided wire wrap. The sword is housed in its original brass and steel scabbard, which has an overall freckled gray patina on the body, and lightly cleaned brass on the throat, hanger band, and chape. The throat itself has a clear and legible presentation inscription: “Presented to Fred R. Mundy, Quarter Master, 44th Reg’t N.Y.S.V., as a mark of the Esteem & Confidence of his fellow townsmen, Seneca Falls, N.Y., Oct. 5th, 1861.” Accompanied by a large binder of research material including copies of Mundy’s war records. Oversized.
HISTORY
Fred R. Mundy was 22 years old when he was commissioned the regimental quartermaster for the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry (3 Year) from the unit’s inception in 1861 to its final mustering out in 1864. The regiment, known as “The Ellsworth Avengers” (after Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, a New Yorker, and the first Union officer killed in the war) was formed at Albany and formed part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps. The regiment faced combat at Gaines’ Mill, Malvern Hill, 2nd Bull Run, was held in reserve at Antietam, and fought at Fredericksburg, and the Chancellorsville Campaign. At Gettysburg, the regiment, was rushed to Little Round Top in order to counter Hood’s attack, and took part in the defense that culminated in Chamberlain’s legendary bayonet charge into the shocked remnants of Laws’ Texans and Alabamians. Mundy, as quartermaster, would’ve shuttled back and forth between the regimental staff commanding on the hill, and the supply train near the artillery park on the Spangler Farm behind and to the north of their position. Following Gettysburg, the regiment took part in the Wilderness Campaign and eventually made it back to Albany where the regiment was honorably discharged. Of the 1,061 men who marched off to war in 1861, only 184 returned. Mundy was fortunate to be one of them, and this sword had been with him throughout the years of hard service. After the war, Mundy went to work for the American Express Co. and was instrumental in the development of their Express Money Order system. He also instituted similar systems for the US Express Co., and the Pacific Express Co. He passed away in 1896 at New York City. This is an excellent presentation Union officer’s sword that was present at some of the greatest battles in American history and belonged to a capable, intelligent officer.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 95
96 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Field kit of a Union surgeon captured at Gettysburg 2054
Civil War Union Surgeon’s Field Kit Estimate $4,000+
Original Civil War surgeon’s amputation field kit attributed to Dr. Abraham Stout of the 153rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The kit consists of a handsome wooden 14.75 x 4.25 x 3 case with inlaid brass, containing seven instruments inside including an amputation saw, bone nippers, surgical scalpel, surgical tenaculum, and three different types of knives, plus a tourniquet. All instruments feature ebony handles and have maker’s marks from Gemrig of Philadelphia, a major supplier of surgical sets and instruments to the US Army during the Civil War. Also includes a Civil War bullet with teeth marks, as they were used when anesthesia was not available; hence the modern term ‘bite the bullet.’ In overall fine, well-used condition. Accompanied by a large packet of research material on Dr. Stout.
HISTORY
The kit was originally obtained from a Dr. Johnson of Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, who began practicing medicine in Pen Argyl in the 1870s and had then received the kit ‘from the doctor who served in our county Civil War regiment.’ The only all-Northampton County Civil War regiment was the 153rd PVI, a 9–month unit that fought at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Of the three surgeons that served in the regiment, Dr. Abraham Stout is apparently the only individual that could have given the kit to Johnson, as the other two died prior to 1870. Dr. Stout was taken prisoner by Confederate troops at Gettysburg and was put in charge of a makeshift battlefield hospital set up at the German Reformed Church, where he treated both Union and Confederate soldiers. There Dr. Stout witnessed the brutality of war first hand. Of this church a wounded man, Reuben Ruch, wrote, ‘I found the church full...I should call it a slaughter house. There must have been 10 to 12 amputation tables in one room...The doctors had their sleeves rolled up...and were covered with blood.’ Overall this is a superb example of a Civil War surgeon’s field kit considerably enhanced by its association with a significant Gettysburg doctor.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 97
98 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Awaiting trial for treason, Davis wonders whether “the oppressed South” will ever “have life to rise again” 2055
Jefferson Davis Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $6,000+
ALS signed “Jeff’n Davis,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, October 9, 1868. Written from Waterloo, a letter to former Assistant Secretary of State Ambrose Dudley Mann, in part: “It was my intention to leave France before this date but all of my plans have been disturbed for the causes already stated. The U. S. Court before which I am under bond to appear meets again on the 23rd of Nov. and unless notified that my presence is not required I shall have to be in Richmond, Va. at that time. My counsel expected to receive notice dispensing with my attendance because the case would not be tried in the absence of the circuit judge, the Chief Justice Chase, and it was well understood that he could not preside in the Circuit Court, because the term of the Supreme Court would commence in the ensuing week. Having however been compelled on the two former occasions to go to Richmond when it was known there would be no hearing, it may be that a like needless journey will again be necessary. As soon as the health of my family will permit it is our purpose to leave here…My object is to locate my family in some healthy place where they may live at such small expense as our circumstances will permit, and where the children may have good schools accessible from their Mother’s lodgings. We have looked to you for information and advice. I need not say that we prefer a quiet place, and it is perhaps superfluous to add that the lowest rates consistent with comfort will be essential. The American newspapers have not recently encouraged the hope of Seymour’s election, and I cannot bear to contemplate another four years of ‘Radical’ rule. Their crimes would probably lead to a terrible reaction and their punishment would be more full and therefore more beneficial to the oppressed South, if it were possible to wait so long and yet have life to rise again.” In fine condition.
HISTORY
After his capture on May 10, 1865, Davis was detained at Fort Monroe on charges of treason against the United States for nearly two years before his release on a $100,000 bond. Davis and his family spent time in New Orleans and Canada before moving to Europe to look for work, with the constant migrating and financial burdens affecting the health of the entire family. Meanwhile, Davis anxiously awaited a trial date of November 23, a matter delayed by the unavailability of Chief Justice Salmon Chase who was tasked with the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson; ultimately, however, the charges were dismissed under the 14th Amendment. With Republican candidate U. S. Grant poised to win the upcoming presidential election, the continuation of “‘Radical’ rule” leads Jefferson to query whether “the oppressed South” will ever “have life to rise again.” Chronicling his family life abroad and ongoing uncertainty of his indictment, this letter offers unique insight into Jefferson’s outlook on the future of national politics.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 99
50–page eyewitness account of Booth’s final days
2056
Handwritten Account of John Wilkes Booth’s Final Days Estimate $10,000+ Remarkable handwritten eyewitness account of Booth’s last days by Richard Baynham Garrett, who was a child living at his father Richard H. Garrett’s tobacco farm near Port Royal, Virginia, where the fugitive John Wilkes Booth and conspirator David Herold, under pseudonyms, hid out for two days before being discovered by Federal troops on April 26, 1865; while Herold surrendered himself, Booth was shot and killed. The lengthy 50–page manuscript is contained within a 6 x 8.75 ‘Signal Note Book,’ signed on the front cover in ink, “R. B. Garrett, Austin, Texas. July 16th 1892.” Referred to as ‘A Chapter of Unwritten History,’ Garrett delivered his account on the lecture circuit during the 1880s and 1890s. After setting the scene with some information about the end of the Civil War and Lincoln’s assassination, Garrett launches into his tale. In small part:
“Lincoln was dead!…It was a reckless, daring, desperate thing. The plot had been well laid, so far as immediate escape was concerned. An accomplice held a horse at the stage entrance in an alley back of the theatre…The story of the next ten days has never been told…All we know definitely is that Booth and Herold spent these ten days in the woods near the residence of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd…But this hiding in the pines became too dangerous after a time. The whole country was filled with detectives and troops searching for the conspirators… It was about three o’clock on the afternoon of Monday that I first saw the men who were destined to bring so much trouble upon us. When they rode up to the yard gate I went out with my father to meet them. The one dressed in the uniform of a Confederate captain said, ‘Mr. Garrett I suppose you hardly remember me.’ ‘No, sir, I believe not,’ said my father. ‘My name is Jett, I am the son of your old friend Jett of Westmoreland County.’ Then turning to the other men, he introduced Lieut. Ruggles and then said, ‘This is my friend Mr. Jas. W. Boyd a Confederate soldier who was wounded at the battle of Petersburg and is trying to get to his home in Maryland. Can you take care of him for a day or two until his wounds permit him to travel’…The next morning when I arose I noticed
100 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
for the first time hanging on the post of his bed in which Mr. Boyd slept, a belt which held two large revolvers and a pearl handled dagger, while laying on the mantle was a leather case containing a pair of opera glasses… That day at dinner my brother returned from a visit in the neighborhood…While absent that morning (the morning of Apr. 25th) my brother had heard for the first time the rumor of the death of President Lincoln…The neighbor present then said that he had heard it also, and in addition that $100,000 reward had been offered for the capture of the assassin…My brother laughingly remarked, ‘That man had better not come this way for I would like to make a hundred thousand dollars just now.’ Mr. Boyd turned to the speaker and asked, ‘Would you betray him for that.’ ‘He had better not tempt me,’ was the reply, ‘for I haven’t a dollar in the world.’ The conversation then turned upon the effect on the South if the news were true, and Mr. Boyd joined in the conversation as calmly as any of the rest, agreeing with my father in the belief that the report was false…
fire blazed to the ceiling of the building… At this moment the crack of a pistol was heard, and we who were watching saw him sink down where he stood. The fire was almost upon him. The soldiers still dared not enter the building. My brother, no longer able to bear the sight, threw open the door and running in dragged the dying man out of the reach of the hungry flames…The men said he shot himself, but too many were watching him at the time…Presently a sergeant was found who said that he had fired the fatal shot to save the life of his commander as Booth was just in the act of firing upon him. It was not true. He made no movement to fire upon anybody. It was a curious fact that this Sergeant, Boston Corbett, had been pardoned by President Lincoln while under sentence of death for desertion. He died in the Kansas Lunatic Asylum several years ago. As Booth laid upon the grass near the burning barn he said, ‘Captain, it is hard that this man’s property should be destroyed. He does not know who I am.’ These words perhaps saved my father’s and brother’s lives, as a proclamation had been issued authorizing the hanging of anyone without trial, found harboring the assassins of the President… He then called to the officer standing by him and said, ‘Tell my mother I died for my country, I did what I thought was best.’” In very good to fine condition, with some cracking to the notebook’s spine and repairs to the first few pages (nothing affecting most pages, all of which remain intact). The complete manuscript was published in a 1963 issue of The Virginia Magazine; accompanied by photocopies of that section. Also includes an original printing of the report by the House of Representatives on Richard H. Garrett’s petition for compensation for the property destroyed by the troops.
“As Booth laid upon the grass near the burning barn he said ‘Tell my mother I died for my country, I did what I thought was best’”
About two o’clock that night my father was awakened by a knock on the door. Thinking that some of the servants were sick he went to the door in his night clothes and when he opened it a man standing on the step thrust a pistol into his face and told him to open his mouth at his own peril…At this time some of the men came up and said, ‘Captain there is someone in the barn’… With the barn surrounded by the troops, the officer in charge called upon them to surrender. The man we knew only as Boyd replied, ’We don’t know who you are, whether friend or foe. Perhaps you are our friends and if so there is no need for us to surrender’…At last Boyd said, ‘Captain, there is a man in here who wants to surrender.’ ‘Let him hand out his arms then,’ was the reply. ‘He has no arms, they are all mine,’ said Boyd…when Herold thrust out his hands he was quickly handcuffed and dragged through the door… My brother was ordered to pile some dry brush against the side of the barn and the officers announced to Booth that they intended to burn the barn over him. He replied ‘All right, I will not surrender’…At last finding their effort to induce him to surrender vain, Col. Conger the officer in command went to a corner of the barn where a quantity of hay was stored, pulled a wisp of it through a crack and set it on fire. In an instant the
HISTORY
Richard B. Garrett would later write to Edwin Booth, relaying his brother’s dying words and sending a lock of his hair. As an adult, Garrett became a Baptist minister in addition to lecturing widely on the subject of Booth and the Lincoln assassination. His detailed manuscript is thoroughly entertaining as he presents the gripping tale of the demise of Lincoln’s assassin.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 101
View all pages online at RRAuction.com
102 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Guiteau’s declaration from jail: “Twelve men say I wickedly murdered James A. Garfield” 2057
Charles Guiteau’s Nine-Page Open Letter to the American People Estimate $6,000+
AMS signed “Charles Guiteau,” nine pages, 4 x 12, January 26, 1882. Guiteau’s open letter headed “To the American People,” written from jail on the day after his conviction. In part: “Twelve men say I wickedly murdered James A. Garfield. They did it on the false notion that I was a disappointed office seeker. My speech they say made no impression on them. I am not surprised at the verdict considering their class. They do not pretend to be Christian men & therefore, did not appreciate the idea of inspiration. They are men of the world & of moderate intelligence, & therefore, are not capable of appreciating the character of my defence. According to one of them, ‘We all had a grog at each meal & a cigar afterwards,’ which shows their style and habits. Men of this kind can not represent the great Christian Nation of America. Had they been high-toned Christian gentlemen their verdict would have been, ‘Not guilty, because of insanity’…I am God’s man in this matter just as truly as the ‘despised Galilean’ was God’s man…it seemed a small thing for his acquaintances to kill him but his death stirred the wrath of the Almighty, & he got even with them forty years later, at the destruction of Jerusalem AD 70, & He will get even with the American people if a hair of my head is harmed. God will vindicate me even if the nation rolls in blood! Mere physical death is nothing to me…I had rather be hung, so far as physical death is concerned, than die from a painful illness or meet with a railroad or steamboat accident. I hardly think I am destined to be hung, & therefore give myself no thought on that, but am anxious to have my character and inspiration vindicated. To that end I need help as herein mentioned. My friends need not be ashamed of me. Some people think I am the greatest man of his age, and that my name will go into history, as a patriot, by the side of Washington & Grant.” Each narrow page is affixed to a slightly larger card. In very good to fine condition. Accompanied by a large label apparently once used in an exhibition. Guiteau’s letter was published in several newspapers around the nation. A long, fascinating explanation and justification from the assassin himself. Ex. Charles Hamilton, June 29, 1981; sale 138, lot 97.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 103
“You couldn’t stand the rift of the outlaw life,” the gangsters write, “you were too yellow”
104 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Written by Bonnie and signed by Clyde— incredible letter to a hated ex-member of “the ruthless Barrow gang” 2058
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $40,000+ Phenomenal letter written in the hand of Bonnie Parker and signed at the conclusion by Clyde Barrow, four pages on three lightly-lined sheets, 8 x 10, no date but circa late April 1934 [arrived at Dallas County Jail on April 30]. Letter to ex-Barrow Gang member Raymond Hamilton at the Dallas County Jail. In full: “I’m very sorry to hear of your getting captured, but due to the fact that you offered no resistance sympathy is lacking. The most I can do is hope you miss the ‘chair.’ The purpose of this letter is to remind you of all the ‘dirty deals’ you have pulled. When I came to the farm after you I thought maybe the ‘joint’ had changed you from a boastful punk. However I learned too soon the mistake I had made. The first thing that aroused my suspicion was your suggestion of shooting Joe Palmer in the back while he was asleep. You soon learned how I felt about such ‘cat ideas.’ Since then I’ve found your reasons for wanting to do this was because Joe was on the farm with you and knew what kind of a guy you were. The next impression was when we got the road ‘blocked’ on us in the Ozarks and you were too ‘yellow’ to fight. You cowered in the floorboard, afraid of being shot. Now that you’re in the Dallas jail you have a tested pal, W. D. Jones, you might get a few pointers from him on how to impress the people you were an innocent, or possibly forced companion of the ruthless Barrow gang. You might be as lucky as he was in making them believe I kept you handcuffed or tied. When you wanted to get your Prostitute Sweetheart I thought it OK. But when you were so persistent about her going to town alone that idea wasn’t so ‘hot.’ I thought then and truthfully believe now that should she have gotten off without Bonnie she would have ‘spotted’ us all. She hails from a ‘rat’ family and you couldn’t expect better from her. You exposed your ‘hole card’ when you stole the money from us on the Lancaster ‘job.’ That’s what I have my rear vision mirror for to watch suspicious people. When I demanded a ‘shake down’ you offered such strange excuses for having the money on you. I should have killed you then I would have saved myself much bother and money looking for you. For after you writing that letter saying
you didn’t stoop so low as to rob filling stations I have done nothing but look for you. Should I have found you, you wouldn’t have had a chance to give up. You couldn’t stand the rift of the outlaw life. For one reason you were too yellow and knew you could never surrender with me and another reason you wanted to play ‘Big Shot,’ sleep in hotels and ride passenger trains. You weren’t intelligent enough to know that you couldn’t live like a king and stay out. I don’t claim to be too smart. I know that some day they will get me but it won’t be without resistance. You only carried your guns around to ‘show off’ or else kidnap women and children. I guess you find where your boastful long tongue has gotten you. Maybe you can talk yourself out of the ‘chair.’ Or maybe you can write a few more letters (try one to the governor) at least it will gain you some publicity.When you started the rumor about Bonnie wanting a ‘cut’ of the loot you sure messed your self up. I have always taken care of Bonnie and never asked any thief to help me.I hope this will serve the purpose of letting you know that you can never expect the least of sympathy or assistance from me. So long.” Signed at the conclusion, “Clyde Barrow.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, scattered creases, and pinholes to corners.
HISTORY
Brimming with remarkable content and cinematic gangster lingo, this is a one-of-a-kind letter from the famed outlaw couple written as they hurtled toward death—their spree came to a bullet-riddled end in a shootout with Frank Hamer’s posse less than a month later. They had freed Hamilton from the Eastham Prison Farm in a machine gun raid in January 1934, but Hamilton split from the gang after their bank robbery in Lancaster, Texas, following disagreements about splitting the “loot” and infighting about his “Sweetheart Prostitute,” Mary O’Dare. The law caught up to Hamilton first, arresting him on April 25, 1934, after which Bonnie and Clyde wrote him this letter; contrary to their suggestions, Hamilton was unable to avoid the “chair”—he was executed on May 10, 1935, eleven days before his 22nd birthday. Meanwhile, Bonnie and Clyde already knew their fate—“I know that some day they will get me”—and Hamer’s posse had been in pursuit since February. On May 23, 1934, the lawmen set an ambush and successfully struck down the outlaw couple in a hail of bullets. Surprised by the attack, Bonnie and Clyde offered no resistance.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 105
106 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Lengthy letter by notorious Alcatraz prisoner “Alphonse Capone” 2059
Al Capone Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $50,000+ Exceptionally rare ALS in pencil, signed “Love & Kisses, Your Dear Dad Alphonse Capone #85,” three pages, 8 x 10.5, January 16, no year [likely 1938]. A lengthy and affectionate letter to his son, written while imprisoned at Alcatraz. In part: “Well Son, here is your dear Dad, with a letter for you, and pray to God, it will find you, in perfect health…Junior keep up the way you are doing, and don’t let nothing get you down. When you get the blues, Sonny, put on one of the records with songs I wrote you about to Ma, to you, which I sure go to town playing them and about 500 more on my Mandola, I also have to transpose my music….now what I mean by transposing is the Song, Rainbow on the River, was in the Key of 3b, I have to transpose it down to 1b and Son of mine when I come home, I will play not only that song, but about 500 more, and all mostly Theme Songs from the best Shows. In other words Junior, there isn’t a Song written that I can’t play. You know my Mandola is got eight strings, and tuned exactly as the Tenor Banjo A-D-C-G. The only difference is the Mandola is played mostly for Solo work, but the Tenor Banjo plays Cords in the Orchestra, and I mean it too when I was playing in the band in here. First I learned a Tenor Guitar and then a Tenor Banjo, and now the Mandola, but for Solo work only.…I am sure happy, to hear about you and your pals, had nice holidays at Miami…sure hope things come our way for next year, then I’ll be there in your arms…Well Sonny keep up your chin, and don’t worry about your dear Dad, and when again you allowed a vacation, I want you and your dear Mother to come here together, as I sure would love to see you and Maggie…Now Son about me please do not worry, as when you see me again, you sure will be surprised, in fact Junior I
am 7 1/2 pounds under 200 Ha Ha, and in good shape, my routine here is Morning Yard, I mean the amusement Yard, Baseball, Horseshoes Courts, and Hand-ball courts, Checkers and Dominoes, I and a friend of mine keep all items in perfect shape, and work all morning, and afternoons yard if its sunny otherwise I play my music, until 3 P.M., and from 3 P.M. I write songs…Well Son, there isn’t much I can write, but chin up, always, and at any time, there is something you need or want, please don’t forget Son, that whatever you ask for, it will be done irregardless…I know Maggie gets out to your College suite often, as that sure breaks up the old Blues, and when you see her again give her a couple dozen kisses Capone style and a first class hug…God bless you my dear Son, and it’s short time Son, I will be with you in less than a year.” In very good to fine condition, with light wrinkling and intersecting folds (two trivial small holes at fold intersections on the final page).
“When you see her again give her a couple dozen kisses Capone style”
HISTORY
In this remarkable, intimate letter penned from prison, Capone reveals the particulars of his day-to-day life at Alcatraz and shares his enthusiasm for the mandola, which is similar to a mandolin. After being transferred to Alcatraz in 1934, Capone lobbied the warden for a year before prisoners were allowed musical instruments. Upon receiving permission, Capone had his family send top-of-the-line guitars, banjos, and music charts to the prison. He learned how to play the banjo and formed a prison band, The Rock Islanders, which included George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly on the drums. After a violent outburst between band members, Capone turned solo and other inmates took his place. At this time Capone’s son, Albert Francis ‘Sonny’ Capone, had begun college at the University of Miami; ‘Maggie’ is the elder Capone’s wife and Sonny’s mother. An exceedingly rare personal letter showing the softer side of the Chicago Outfit boss.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 107
108 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Plans for his Emalia stamping factory—the essence of Schindler’s ‘Factory of Life’ 2060
Oskar Schindler’s 1943 Factory Blueprints Estimate $8,000+
Historically important carbon or printed engineering plans in German that outline in great detail the specifics for Schindler’s stamping factory at Emalia, on a large 44.5 x 27 sheet, dated November 15, 1943. These construction schematics show various angles of the exterior sides of the building as well as the foundation, T-joints, and supports. Plans bear a stamp to the lower right that reads, “Siemens-Bauunion G.m.b.H., Konstructionburo Krakau,” endorsed below in an unknown hand. Framed to an overall size of 50 x 33. In well-preserved, fine condition, with intersecting storage folds and a few small chips and tears to the lower left (not affecting any diagrams). Oversized. Lot is accompanied by a detailed report by historian David Crowe.
HISTORY
Schindler’s enamelware manufacturing company had been operating at his Krakow plant, called ‘Emalia,’ for four years when he contracted with Siemens-Bauunion in the spring of 1943 to construct a large, hangar-style building to be used as a stamping facility—the building referenced and depicted in these plans. Constructing the stamping factory was part of Schindler’s larger idea to increase the size of his Jewish work force at Emalia, where he was also building a new sub-camp to house the growing number of Jewish workers. The stamping facility, which was the largest building at Emalia, became the centerpiece of the complex. Without the plans for it, Schindler would have been unable to convince Amon Goeth and the SS to allow him to continue building a separate sub-camp—Goeth, who ran the nearby Plaszow concentration camp, had an arrangement with Schindler that allowed him to employ the Jewish prisoners. While those detained at Plaszow were in constant fear for their lives under Goeth’s sadistic reign, Schindler’s complex offered a safe haven, where they had improved access to food and medicine, could worship freely, and did not need to live in terror. Consequently, if the famous Schindler’s lists of the fall of 1944 can be called ‘the lists of life,’ then the Siemens-Bauunion stamping factory can be called the ‘factory of life,’ since without it Schindler would not have been able to construct his sub-camp that ultimately housed 1000 Jewish workers. Most attention to the story of Oskar Schindler centers on the preparation of his lists in the fall of 1944, which paved the way for the transfer of 1000 Jews from Plaszow to Schindler’s new factory in what is now the Czech Republic—however, the real essence of the Schindler story centers around the construction of the Siemens-Bauunion stamping factory and sub-camp at Emalia, where he began in earnest his efforts to save hundreds of Jews from death during the Holocaust.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 109
Additional images available online and complete album available upon request
110 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
World War II photograph album including 24 images of Nagasaki, the day after the atomic bomb devastated the city 2062
Nagasaki Original First Generation Photograph Album Estimate $50,000+ Historically significant collection of photographs compiled in Japan by an American MP in the aftermath of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II, consisting of approximately 250 photographs ranging in size from 1.25 x 1.5 to 6.25 x 4.5, most affixed within a disbound hardcover album. Within the album are 24 photographs taken by Yosuke Yamahata, a Japanese military photographer, on August 10, 1945, a day after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki (twelve of which the MP has mistakenly identified as “Hiroshima”). At some point between the end of September 1945 and July 1946, these were probably seized by the unidentified American MP who was stationed in Osaka and included them in this album with hundreds of other photos of himself and other MPs training and carrying out their duties. There is a larger size photograph of this MP dated ‘Dec. 1945 Osaka,’ which would place him in Japan only four months after the bombings, and many of the other images show himself and other MPs training and carrying out their duties; a candid photograph of Gen. Eisenhower and Gen. MacArthur inspecting troops is also in this album. Others show the beauty of the Japanese landscape as well as scenes of everyday life. The photographs by Yamahata, which include twelve glossy and twelve matte-finish photos, show the immense destruction of buildings, vehicles, and the people of Nagasaki as a result of the atomic bomb. Two of the most famous images he took are present: one of a mother breastfeeding her child, which appeared in Life Magazine in 1952; and one of a young boy in a robe holding a rice ball, which was used as the cover image for the 1952 volume of Yamahata’s photographs entitled
Atomized Nagasaki. In overall very good to fine condition, with album disbound, some toned tape to corners of photographs, and a few areas of emulsion or surface loss. Due to the extreme and graphic content of some of these historic images we will not be posting these images either in this catalogue or on our website. However we will send all images to those interested in this lot. Yamahata’s photographs, of which he took a total of 119 on August 10, 1945, are the only extensive photographic record of the immediate aftermath of the atomic bombing of either Hiroshima or Nagasaki, and he had some of them published in the August 21, 1945, issue of Mainichi Shinbun. MacArthur and the American military soon occupied Japan, imposing strict censorship on any reporting or publishing of images of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, with orders to seize and destroy any evidence found, which would have included Yamahata’s photographs. After the occupation forces left Japan, Yamahata was able to publish Atomize Nagasaki and some of his photographs appeared in the September 29, 1952 issue of Life Magazine. However, soon after the publication of this book, Yamahata became disillusioned by the peace groups that were using his photographs for their own propaganda purposes and, for the most part, withdrew his images from circulation. It was not until 1995 that they reemerged when a controversial Smithsonian exhibition of the photographs was scheduled and subsequently cancelled. An exhibition of Yamahata’s prints from digitally remastered negatives supplied by Yamahata’s son then became the basis of the 1995 book ‘Nagasaki Journey’ which accompanies this lot; the examples of the photographs in this lot are just as they were originally taken from the original negatives and show detail not retouched as in ‘Nagasaki Journey.’ Yamahata’s photographs of Nagasaki remain the most complete record of the atomic bombing as seen immediately after the bombing, and the New York Times has called his photographs ‘some of the most powerful images ever made.’
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 111
112 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Seldom-seen 1946 letter organizing “transportation of supplies to the Communist Liberated Areas” 2063
Chou En-lai Typed Letter Signed Estimate $20,000+
Rare TLS in English, one page, 8 x 10.25, Communist Delegation Office letterhead, August 8, 1946. Letter to Mr. J. Franklin Ray, Jr., acting director of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration [UNRRA] in Shanghai. In part: “Your efforts towards overcoming difficulties in the way of the transportation of supplies to the Communist Liberated Areas are greatly appreciated. We associate ourselves fully with your view of the cancellation of passes system for shipment of supplies to the Liberated Areas. Certificates of UNRRA or CNRRA should be sufficient for obtaining free passage there. In light of this, we have already cabled to Yenan authorities asking them to give instructions to the local governments of various Communist Liberated Areas to this effect.” Light diagonal creases above the recipient’s address, trimming and show-through from mounting remnants to the top edge, and erased office notations to upper right, otherwise fine condition. Attractively and archivally double matted and framed with a photo to an overall size of 21.75 x 17.75.
HISTORY
The UNRRA was an international agency founded to organize the administration of relief measures such as food, fuel, clothing, and medical supplies to countries that had been hit especially hard during World War II. However, the end of WWII brought about the resumption of the Chinese Civil War in which the Nationalist and Communist factions battled for control. Although the UNRRA was supposed to be an apolitical humanitarian organization, it seemed that the vast majority of aid was falling into the hands of the Nationalists. Supply trucks bound for areas held by the Communists were also frequently intercepted by the Nationalists, who either seized the goods being transported or simply prevented them from reaching the Communist areas. According to Chou En-lai, the Communists controlled all or part of nineteen provinces yet received less than one percent of all UNRRA shipments into China. George C. Marshall spent the year of 1946 in China attempting to broker peace between the warring parties and reach a democratic resolution, but the relationship between the United States and the Communists had grown increasingly strained and by the time of this letter it seemed clear that these efforts were futile. By the end of the year it was clear that war was inevitable and President Truman called Marshall back to the US, where he began developing his next major project—the Marshall Plan. With fine content regarding the situation of China at the beginning of the Communist Revolution, this is an extremely rare and desirable letter.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 113
Oswald’s ‘Fair Play for Cuba Committee’ card recovered by the Dallas Police 2064
Lee Harvey Oswald’s ‘Fair Play for Cuba Committee’ Signed Card Estimate $15,000+ Lee Harvey Oswald’s ‘Fair Play for Cuba Committee’ membership card, 3 x 2.25, issued on May 28, 1963, signed in black ballpoint, “Lee H. Oswald.” Also signed by the executive secretary, “V. T. Lee.” The reverse is annotated in pencil, “DPD, Ex. 52. 1 of 2., 1 of 2, Search Warrant Property, 11/23/63,” endorsed in the lower left in red pencil, “‘Fritz,’ OK.” Captain J. Will Fritz was the Dallas Police Department officer who ordered the search warrant for Ruth Paine’s home after JFK was assassinated. In fine condition.
HISTORY
The Fair Play for Cuba Committee was first organized in April of 1960 to promote grassroots support for the Cuban Revolution and Fidel Castro’s communist government. On May 26, 1963, Oswald wrote to the Committee’s headquarters informing them that he wanted to organize a chapter in New Orleans. Despite being discouraged from doing so, Oswald became a member of the FPCC and opened a one-man chapter in anti-Castro New Orleans. He commenced a campaign advocating pro-Castro, pro-Cuba, and pro-Soviet views, engaging people in the streets and participating in a radio debate. Oswald’s end goal was to return to Russia via Cuba. Traveling to Mexico in September 1963 in hopes of getting travel visas for this journey, Oswald tried to use this membership card, as well as newspaper clippings about his activities, as proof of his allegiance to the Communist cause. Despite his best efforts at both the Russian and Cuban embassies, he found there was no way to easily obtain the requisite paperwork. He returned home to Dallas and stayed with his family at Ruth Paine’s home, which is where the Dallas Police recovered this Fair Play for Cuba Committee membership card. Oswald was carrying a second Fair Play for Cuba membership card in his wallet when he was apprehended on November 22, 1963, thus the “1 of 2” denotation on this card; the other is in the National Archives. An absolutely incredible and unique piece intimately connected with the Lee Harvey Oswald and the Kennedy assassination.
114 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
America’s premier author declares: “Let us save the tomorrows for work”
2065
Samuel L. Clemens Oversized Signed Photograph Estimate $4,000+ Exceptional matte-finish 10 x 13.5 half-length portrait of Clemens, signed above and below the image in black ink, “Let us save the tomorrows for work. Truly yours, Mark Twain, Nov. 15, 1906.” Also signed in pencil by the photography studio, Gessford, and blindstamped in the upper left. In fine condition, with some light rippling, primarily to the right border. An outstanding photograph enhanced by the addition of one of the great American humorist’s famous maxims.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 115
116 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Reflections on war, writing, and rivalry 2066
Ernest Hemingway Autograph Letter Signed Estimate $8,000+
ALS signed “Ernest,” three pages, 8.5 x 11, Finca Vigia letterhead, February 7, 1953. Letter to Charles Poore, a New York Times literary critic who wrote extensively on Hemingway and his work. In part: “Thanks very much for the two letters. I’m sorry I took up your time bitching about P[hilip] Young. It will be a long time before he puts me out of business, although I think he had high hopes when he sat down to the typewriter for the first time. It’s always funny when they write about something that you really know about...Thanks about the paragraph about chivalry. Do you remember: from The Twa Corbies? In behint you auld fail dyke I wot there lies a new-slain knight; and naebody kens that he lies there But his hawk, his hound and his lady fair. His hound is to the hunting game, His hawk to fetch the wild-fowl hame, His lady’s ta’en anither mate So we may make our dinner sweet. I’m going to use A New Slain Knight for the title of a novel sometime. Have always been saving it. May use it for the one after the next in the three I have done. Being three ahead makes you feel good. Christ I’ve worked hard though Charlie or anyway I did for 2 1/2 years... Sometime will you give me one paragraph of true gen I can operate on: subject: How intelligent is Wallace? I like him; know him in the office; trust him altogether. But I could use this paragraph of the true gen. We are going away for quite a while and I need any gen I can operate on with confidence. One time with Across the River he queried names and places I knew as well as I knew my own. I’d checked them, in case I’d forgotten, on a
1/5000 and he queries them from An Atlas. So I was worried. But he was sound and fast and wonderful on The Old Man and the Sea. Then I warned him that P. Young was no good and up to some. But Young made a good impression on him... But in this book let’s forget Young and all his kind. It is supposed to be a selection of books, stories and parts of books that you and I believe worth reading. If I did not think they were I would not publish them. If you did not think they were you would not write the introduction nor the prefaces.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in his own hand. Please visit www. RRAuction.com for a complete transcription.
HISTORY
This magnificent letter is rife with autobiographical details, discussion of writing, and thoughts on his ongoing safari in Africa. He starts off by mentioning Philip Young, a critic who he generally loathed because he attributed some of his writing to trauma suffered during the war. Hemingway goes on to quote a verse of the English folk ballad ‘Twa Corbies,’ and points out the ‘new slain knight’ line. He had been considering it as a potential title since the 1920s, when he wrote 50,000 words for a book under that title before abandoning the project; he again considered it for the title of Across the River and into the Trees. “True gen,” military slang meaning ‘true genuine information,’ was one of Hemingway’s favorite expressions. He also references the famous incident when he and Max Eastman got into a fist fight in Max Perkins’s office at Charles Scribner’s Sons in 1937. One of the longest, most interesting Hemingway letters we have encountered.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 117
118 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Surrealist sketch and full-page signature 2067
Salvador Dali Signed Book Estimate $6,000+ Signed book: Dali de Draeger. First edition, limited issue of 1500. France: Draeger, 1968. Hardcover with dust jacket, 11.5 x 12. Impressively signed and inscribed on the title page and its adjacent page in felt tip by Dali, and dated 1970. Dali adds sketches and embellishments around the inscription, with elements including: the landscape of his seaside home in Port Lligat, Catalonia, where he lived and worked from 1930 to 1982; ants; an explosion; and a crown. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/VG-. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation. A fabulous example of Dali’s typically whimsical work.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 119
The 11-year-old J. Paul Getty’s travelogue: from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair to California in 1905
2068
J. Paul Getty Childhood Journal Estimate $12,000+ One-of-a-kind red leatherbound travel diary kept by J. Paul Getty at age 11–12 in 1904–1905, 4.25 x 6.25, consisting of 57 full pages of diary entries entirely in his hand and nine pages recording his personal statistics such as height and weight, and measurements of his biceps, waist, thighs, chest, and neck. Getty’s journal entries are split into two sections: the first covers October 3–October 28, 1904, detailing his trip to the St. Louis World’s Fair, Oklahoma, and Minnesota; the second section is dated February 18–April 15, 1905, and records a trip to California. Offering extraordinary insight into his early life and development, these entries reveal several of the traits and characteristics associated with Getty, even at this young age. The first page reads, “Paul Getty, October 1904. Age Eleven.” On October 4, 1904, he writes: “We started for the World’s Fair about ten o’clock in the morning or rather got there at that time. The first things that met our gaze was the Intramural
rail-road seven miles for ten cents…We went in to the Varied Industries building one of the largest of the buildings. There was a little bit of everything in this building machines, jewelry, postal cards and souvenirs also shoes and cloth. While we were in there mama had a new pair of glasses and I bought a Eagle fountain pen, pen holder, and a box of pen points.” Getty’s interest in antiques is hinted at a few days later, when he writes: “In the morning we saw the Palace of Manufactures. I think it is one of the largest buildings on the grounds, if not the largest. The building contained all kinds of manufactures such as embroideries, silks, jewelry, cloth and dresses. There was one dress there that had been given to one of the ladies in court by Napoleon Bonaparte. It was valued at 12,000 dollars.” These last lines are especially interesting because Getty—as an 11-year-old-boy—shows interest in both the historical significance and the value of the dress. Later in life, Getty would assemble one of the world’s finest collections of 17th– and 18th–century French textiles and tapestries. On October 8th, Getty describes seeing the famous performing horse Beautiful Jim Key, one of the Fair’s greatest attractions, in part: “He is the most wonderful horse I have ever seen
120 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
he spelled Minneapolis, New York and many other citys. He changed money and did arithmetic examples up to 30.” After leaving the World’s Fair, the Getty family travels south to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the location of George Getty’s oil wells. On October 17th, the young J. Paul Getty and his dog Jip tag along with his father to visit the wells: “Fine day, in the morning we got up at six o’clock took breakfast and all started for the lease including Jip. We got there at ten o’clock and walked around to see the four oil wells all good No. 3 the poorest of the lot was shot last night at 10.15 with 100 qts. of nitro-glycerin we saw the column of oil from the drilling shoot 100 ft. in the air and keep it up 5 min.” Getty, of course, would go on to make his fortune in oil, and was a millionaire by 1916. The family then sets out again, traveling toward Minneapolis with stops along the way. On October 23rd, Getty writes: “In the afternoon I and Tom the boy I mentioned before sold bottles belonging to the hotel we each earned a dollar one hundred cents of good American money.” Getty’s miserly tendencies may be found in his precise attention to the costs and prices of things; when the family arrives in California, he notes, “I bought some oranges. 4 for 10 cents.”
In Chicago on October 26th, he writes: “Papa left us to attend to some business while mama and I went to Marshal, Field and Co. one of the largest stores in the world. We first went to the leather department where mama bought a shopping bag. I then went to the toy department where I saw a great assortment of the best and most costly toys. There was one toy railroad which was 30 ft. long…After I had seen the toy department I went to the book department where I got two books, Bound to Rise, and Risen from the Ranks, by Alger.” Although Getty’s biography does not quite follow the same ‘rags to riches’ narrative of Horatio Alger’s stories, the reading material he chooses here is especially noteworthy. He frequently mentions reading throughout this journal, and later writes that he has “finished Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens, whose works I like to read.” In very good to fine condition, with wear to the covers and spine; interior pages are generally clean, with toning to the edges of the first page (held in place by old tape), a tear to one inner page, and a couple of other pages detached but present. A marvelous piece from the formative years of a titan of American industry.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 121
Imaged Left: Shortened back legs to allow a comfortable seating angle
122 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Custom-made chair of the ‘Elephant Man’ 2069
Elephant Man’s Personally Owned and Used Chair Estimate $15,000+
Victorian light-and-dark green ebonised tub armchair personally-owned and -used by Joseph Merrick, ‘the Elephant Man.’ The custom-made armchair, measuring approximately 29.75˝ in width, sits on baluster turned front legs with brass cappings and ceramic castors, and slightly splayed square section back legs with replaced wheels. The reverse of the seat bears an attached strip of wood painted with the words: “The Elephant Man’s Chair.” Accompanied by four biographical books on the life of Joseph Merrick, with each depicting images of the famed Victorian chair. Also accompanied by a letter of provenance from a relative of the original recipient, in part: “William Taylor (1834–1911)—my great grandfather was engineer at London Hospital from 1876 until his retirement in January 1896. One of his sons, Edward Charles Taylor (1869–1951—my grandfather) lived with his father at 55 Lindley Street and at 66 Dempsey Street, both in Stepney until his marriage to my grandmother in 1896. It was he who used to play the violin in a private recital for Joseph’s entertainment. The special armchair was made for the Elephant Man consisting of a high seat, because of his hip, and large head pieces to the sides to support his massive head. After the Elephant Man’s death on 11th April 1890 this chair passed into the possession of my great-grandfather and came to me indirectly via my grandfather and father.” Oversized.
HISTORY
After years of penny gaff shows and exhibition touring as the ‘Elephant Man,’ Joseph Merrick lived the remainder of his life at London Hospital under the care of several house surgeons, a staff of nurses, and the beneficent Dr. Frederick Treves. Given the necessary privacy he had for so long craved, Merrick resided in a basement apartment below the ‘Bedstead Square’ courtyard in the hospital’s east wing. Designed by William Taylor, the hospital’s chief engineer, the quarters consisted of two small rooms—a modest bathroom and a sun-speckled bed-sitting room, the latter featuring a bed, a table and chairs, and a small fireplace with mantelpiece, before which Merrick’s tub armchair, also specially crafted by Taylor, was comfortably placed. Until only recently, the Merrick chair appeared as part of a display in the Medical Museum of the Royal London Hospital. With such close proximity to the tragic yet inspiring tale of the ‘Elephant Man,’ this poignant display piece exists as a unique and heartfelt examination of one man’s quest for normalcy.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 123
“My eldest son Percy Bailey 19 years of age was lost from the ‘Titanic’” 2070
Titanic Request for Restitution For Passenger Percy Bailey Estimate $1,500+ Collection of three pieces of correspondence related to a claim by the family of a young man lost in the Titanic disaster, consisting of a letter by his father, a letter by the White Star Line, and a retained carbon copy of their law firm’s response to the inquiry. The initial ALS signed “Joseph Bailey,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 7, January 25, 1916, to “The White Star Line,” in part: “I trust you will excuse me writing you but I have enclosed a cutting which I thought applied to me very strongly…My eldest son Percy Bailey 19 years of age was lost from the ‘Titanic.’ He was bound to New York. I am only a working man, (Butcher’s Assistant). I should like to state that I personally paid his passage for him, (Second Class) and entirely fitted him out with clothing, and all things that was necessary for him in starting life, including a sum of money. I might say that this left me entirely a poor man, as he had promised to return the same to me as soon as possible, so you can see that I not only lost my son which was a great blow I can assure you, but also all that I was possessed of. I have not at any time made any claim against your company but I trust you will see that my case is deserving, as I lost my all in that great disaster. I should be glad to get any information from any one which you should desire including your Penzance agent Messr’s Ludlow & Son with whom I booked the passage, trusting you will see your way [to] help me, the same as others in my great loss.” Includes the newspaper clipping referenced, with a piece headlined “£128,000 for ‘Titanic’ Victims” circled in ink. The White Star Line forwards the letter and clipping to their law firm, Hill Dickinson & Co., with a typed letter, January 27, 1916, headed, “Titanic,” requesting that they deal with Bailey. Last is the retained carbon copy of Hill Dickinson’s response to Bailey, January 28, stating that the newspaper referred to the American settlement which did not apply to Great Britain. In overall very good to fine condition, with toning and handling wear.
HISTORY
Bailey had lived in Penzance for his entire life and followed in his father’s footsteps as an assistant butcher. Having just turned 18, he decided to go to America and had been hired as a butcher’s apprentice in Cleveland. Though originally booked on the White Star Line’s RMS Oceanic, he transferred his reservation to the Titanic upon learning that friends of his would be traveling on the steamer. He planned to visit an uncle in the Bronx before going on to Cleveland to begin his apprenticeship, but was tragically lost in the disaster and his body was never recovered.
124 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Excessively rare portrait signed by both Wilbur and Orville 2071
Orville and Wilbur Wright Signed Photograph Estimate $20,000+ Exceptionally rare 3.5 x 5.5 real photo postcard of the Wright brothers standing side by side, boldly signed in the lower border in ink, “Orville Wright” and “Wilbur Wright.” Reverse bears an ANS in French by Rene Pellier, the vice-president of the Aero Club of Sarthe, dated May 1, 1909, in full (translated): “10:30 PM—We just offered, the bronze for which you have contributed, to the Wright brothers, and I make haste to send you this card signed by them.” In fine condition, with minor creasing and silvering to upper left corner, and a French postage stamp affixed to upper right. Accompanied by a photocopy of Rene Pellier sitting in the passenger seat of the Wright 1907 Model Flyer at Camp d’Auvours.
HISTORY
Wilbur had arrived in Le Mans, France, in 1908 to conduct a series of public demonstration flights in order to secure a contact, and found Pellier to be one of his greatest advocates. Securing the contract with ease, Wilbur’s flights captivated the public. At the beginning of 1909, Orville, who had been giving similar demonstrations in the US, arrived in France and the two traveled to Pau to train three selected French pilots. They then trained some military pilots in Rome before deciding to return to the United States, but first returned to Le Mans to say goodbye to their friends. At an honorary banquet on May 1, Leon Bollee presented them with an impressive bronze trophy symbolizing the Muse of Aviation on behalf of the Aero Club of Sarthe. This reception must have been where the famed brothers signed this postcard. An exceedingly rare example, this is the only signed portrait showing them together that we have encountered.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 125
Desirable portrait of the elder Wright brother 2072
Wilbur Wright Signed Photograph Estimate $14,000+
Vintage matte-finish 4.5 x 6.5 portrait of the elder Wright brother by New York’s White Studios, affixed to its original studio mount, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Col. Geo. S. Anderson, with my compliments, Wilbur Wright.” In very good to fine condition, with light scuffing near Wilbur’s ear and light silvering to the darker portions of the image; the mat has a few small stains and missing lower corner tips, which could be tastefully matted out to great advantage. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
HISTORY
Before attaining rank of brigadier general, New Jersey-born George S. Anderson served as a colonel on different occasions between 1899 and 1903, a time period which approximately places this inscription to the years the Wright brothers were making final adjustments in preparation of their inaugural flight on December 17, 1903. Given his early death from typhoid fever in 1912, signed photos of the elder Wright are extremely scarce.
126 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Stunning 1927 photo of the dashing aviator and his Spirit of St. Louis
2073
Charles Lindbergh Signed Photograph Estimate $3,000+ Superlative vintage sepia pearl-finish 10 x 8 photo of Lindbergh clad in a suit and tie and posing with the Spirit of St. Louis in a hangar at the Mexican military base Balbuena, signed in fountain pen, “C. A. Lindbergh, Dec. 23, 1927.” In very good to fine condition, with absent top left corner, a single tack hole to each remaining corner, and a diagonal crease to left border; perimeter flaws could be easily matted out, and the signature itself remains bold and unaffected.
HISTORY
Consignor notes that this photograph was signed for Rafael F. Altamirano, one of Mexico’s first military pilots. As part of a late 1927 goodwill air tour of Latin America following his triumphant transatlantic flight, Lindbergh flew the Spirit of St. Louis to Mexico, a nation to which his then-future father-inlaw, financier Dwight Morrow, had recently been appointed as ambassador by Calvin Coolidge. It was during this Mexican trip that Lindbergh met Morrow’s daughter, Anne, whom he would marry in 1929. During the tour Lindbergh also met with Mexican President Plutarco Elias Calles, an occasion that prompted Lindbergh to dress in a suit and tie, attire the aviator seldom chose to wear. A wonderfully appealing photo of the dapperly dressed Lindbergh posing with his world famous single-engine monoplane.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 127
128 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
The rocket scientist’s bold mission to Mars and back: “Maneuver 3 (departure from Mars orbit)” 2074
Wernher von Braun Handwritten Manuscript Estimate $12,000+
Von Braun’s handwritten notes in pencil on the requirements for a spacecraft destined for Mars, unsigned, four pages, no date. The first page is headed, “Main performance data of passenger ship,” and the notes consist of tables recording weights and weight reductions during various stages of flight. First is entitled “Maneuver 1 (Departure from 2 hr-orbit),” and records the weight for “Thrust (8 rigid, 4 hinged engines)” at 360 metric tons. Next is “Weight reduction prior to Maneuver 2,” and accounts for the loss of 7.4 tons from “Oxygen, food and water consumed by 6-man crew during 260-day unpowered flight,” and 10.5 tons for detached tanks and rocket engines. The second page begins with “Maneuver 2 (capture in Mars orbit),” followed by “Weight increase prior to Maneuver 3,” which accounts for a total of 12.4 tons added due to “Oxygen, food and water for 260-day return flight plus 20 day reserve (contact by relief ship) for 12-man crew transferred from cargo ship” and “4 more crew members taken aboard,” minus the weight of detached tanks. The final two pages anticipate weights during the return trip, including “Maneuver 3 (departure from Mars orbit),” “Weight reduction prior to Maneuver 4),” and “Maneuver 4 (return into hr-earth orbit).” In fine condition, with a tiny hole to upper left corner of the fist page.
HISTORY
Von Braun was fascinated by the idea of a manned mission to Mars and made the first engineering analysis of such an excursion in 1948, publishing his findings in 1952. The calculations offered here are certainly related to his extremely ambitious proposal, inspired by the Antarctic expeditions of the early 20th century. He envisioned a 70-member crew aboard a fleet of ten spacecraft, comprised of seven ‘passenger’ ships and three ‘cargo’ ships. The cargo ships would orbit the planet and dispatch groups of explorers to the Martian surface on the smaller passenger vessels. This mission, of course, never happened, and the concept of man’s journey to Mars continues to capture the public imagination.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 129
130 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Sought-after MA-1 panel fragment 2075
Mercury-Atlas 1 Space Capsule Panel Fragment Estimate $8,000+
Rare flown panel fragment from the Mercury-Atlas 1 space capsule. The ribbed exterior panel measures approximately 21.25 x 19.75. In expected condition. Oversized.
HISTORY
Less than a minute after the launch of Mercury-Atlas 1, both its rocket and capsule sank into the Atlantic ocean following a structural failure in the craft’s Atlas rocket on July 29, 1960. Successful recovery of the capsule and portions of the rocket showed that the vent valve and a still-attached segment of piping had noticeable fatigue cracks, leading engineers to conclude that reinforced skin structure and shallower launch trajectories need be implemented for future Mercury-Atlas launches. The capsule, including this piece, reached an apogee of 8.7 miles and flew almost six miles down range. The artifact’s deformation captures the violence of both a high-velocity airborne breakup and the craft’s subsequent impact with open ocean. A uniquely impressive display piece.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 131
132 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
NASA’s life-size mechanical man— a remarkable 1965 space suit test robot 2076
NASA 1965 Space Suit Test Robot Estimate $80,000+
An extraordinary hydraulically powered robot dummy designed for NASA to use in testing space suits, circa 1963–1965, produced by the IIT Research Institute. The life-size dummy could simulate 35 basic human motions and was equipped with torque sensors at each joint to gather data on forces imposed on the human body by a pressurized suit. While a person could qualitatively describe the comfort and restrictions of a certain suit, the articulated dummy could provide direct quantitative information for a more scientific method of refining the design. Weighing 230 pounds, the dummy was made height adjustable from 5´ 5˝ to 6´ 2˝ so that it could represent the average American male from the fifth to ninety-fifth percentile. The movements of the robot were enabled by hydraulic actuators powered by oil flowing through a nylon-tube circulatory system, and controlled by the operator from a separate console. The exterior is covered with a 1/32-inch thick aluminum skin with cutaways to allow freedom of motion, and the facial section of the fiberglass head is removable for access to the interior connections. The dummy is missing a forearm and hand, has various scuffs and dings to the body, and some of the wiring is frayed or damaged. Oversized. Considering the size and weight of this item, additional shipping charges will apply; please contact Bobby@RRAuction.com for more details.
HISTORY
Only two of these robot dummies were produced, and the other is owned by the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum; this one was purchased as surplus from the University of Maryland. The ‘Power Driven Articulated Dummy’ project was under Contract No. NAS 9-1370 and ran from May 22, 1963 through July 31, 1965, and is described at length in an official report dated December 14, 1965. The report covers, in great detail, the specifications of the dummy, its various systems, and technical hurdles encountered while creating it. Although the development team succeeded in creating this impressive android—it could swivel its hips, raise and lower its arms and legs, shrug its shoulders, clench its fists, and even shake hands—the robot was never deployed as intended. The hydraulic system could not handle the pressure needed to move the robot’s extremities without leaking, and despite some creative test solutions—including outfitting it with a scuba wetsuit—the problem was never solved. NASA ultimately dropped the project in order to direct its funding elsewhere. Nevertheless, this remarkable robot stands as a testament to the innovative creativity NASA inspired in its quest skyward.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 133
134 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Armstrong contemplates what he will say upon stepping onto the moon 2077
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin Typed Letter Signed Estimate $15,000+
TLS, one page, 8 x 10.5, NASA letterhead, stamp-dated June 23, 1969. Letter of thanks to a woman in Honolulu, Hawaii, written just three weeks before the launch of Apollo 11. In full: “Colonel Aldrin and I appreciate your taking the time to write us for your suggestion on a message from the lunar surface. We do not know at this time what our inclination will be should we be successful in our landing attempt. I certainly hope you will be pleased with whatever message we do have and the impressions that people on earth receive from our efforts.” In fine condition, with Armstrong’s flourish lightly affecting Aldrin’s signature, and the opening stroke of another Armstrong signature, inadvertently started in Aldrin’s space. Accompanied by a printed Apollo 11 mission information sheet from NASA, as well as the original mailing envelope, and a couple of news clippings mentioning Armstrong’s and Aldrin’s moonwalks and possible statements when touching the lunar surface.
HISTORY
This amazing letter pertains to one of the most historically significant broadcasts of all time—the first words sent to Earth from another world. Even before Armstrong, Aldrin, and Michael Collins would lift off for the moon on Apollo 11, people wondered what those words might be. With the danger and uncertainty that swirled around the historic NASA mission, its success was more important to Armstrong and the crew than what words would be uttered. As Armstrong noted here, “We do not know at this time what our inclination will be should we be successful in our landing attempt. I certainly hope you will be pleased with whatever message we do have.” The astronaut later explained that following a train of thought that he had had after launch and during six hours and 40 minute after landing, he developed the now famous line, “That’s one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind.” This is the only correspondence we have seen between Armstrong and Aldrin and someone outside of NASA regarding one of the most historic and familiar quotes of modern times.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 135
“Presented to the U. S. Army Topographic Command in appreciation for the outstanding support in providing lunar maps for Apollo 11” 2078
Apollo 11 Signed Lunar Map Estimate $15,000+ Magnificent lunar map of the Apollo 11 landing area near the southern edge of Mare Tranquillitatis, 9.75 x 12.5, inscribed in the lower left in printed text, “This map is presented to the U. S. Army Topographic Command in appreciation for the outstanding support in providing lunar maps for Apollo 11,” signed underneath in black ink, “Neil Armstrong,” “Buzz Aldrin,” and “Michael Collins.” The map is labeled “Landing Site 2” at the very top [partially obscured by mat], and depicts the landing area, Surveyor V location, and craters “Moltke,” “Maskelyne G,” “Sabine B,” and “Sabine E.” Following the Apollo 11 mission, the latter two craters were renamed ‘Aldrin’ and ‘Armstrong.’ The unlabeled ‘Sabine D’ crater renamed ‘Collins’ is visible on this map between the other two. Matted and framed to an overall size of 18 x 21. In fine condition, with a couple light surface creases and a light spot of soiling to the presentation area.
HISTORY
The United States Army Topographic Command produced specifically prepared maps for the first lunar landing based on information gathered by the Ranger and Surveyor spacecraft on the lunar surface and orbital photos taken on the Apollo 8 and Apollo 10 missions. In June 1969, the US Army delivered to NASA 116 charts and geologic maps, complete with NASA’s robotic images and the USGS’s geologic interpretations. An outstanding presentation to the department that made vital contributions to the Apollo 11 mission and a rare fully signed format depicting the site of mankind’s first lunar landing.
136 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Spectacular uninscribed Apollo 11 crew portrait
2079
Apollo 11 Signed Photograph Estimate $5,000+
Beautiful official color 10 x 8 NASA lithograph of the Apollo 11 prime crew in their white space suits, boldly signed in blue and black felt tip by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. In fine condition, with a light diagonal bend to upper right black background area. An impressive example of this sought-after format.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 137
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138 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Air Force One 1969-1970 guest book signed by LBJ, Armstrong, Aldrin, Collins, and other political and Apollo era figures 2080
Richard Nixon-Era Air Force One Flown Multi-Signed Guest Book Estimate $15,000+ Incredible leather-bound guest book flown aboard Richard Nixon’s Air Force One (Boeing VC-137C SAM 26000), 12 x 9, signed inside by a variety of politicians and Apollo astronauts between May 3, 1969, and April 18, 1970, with many signers adding the date, a home address or affiliation, and a brief remark on their flight in ink or felt tip. Notable dates and signers include: August 13, 1969—“Neil Armstrong, Seabrook, Texas, 8/13/69, A magnificent cross country experience,” “Michael Collins, Houston, Texas, 8/13/69, Superb!,” “Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., Houston, Texas, 8/13/69, Enjoyed every moment of the flt.” Also signed by the wives of the three astronauts and NASA administrator Thomas Paine. On this date, the crew of Apollo 11 embarked on their massive 45-day ‘Giant Leap’ tour, beginning the day with parades in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and then serving as the guest of honors at a dinner event hosted by President Nixon. These are arguably the first public signatures of the Apollo 11 crew post–lunar quarantine upon return from the moon. April 11, 1970— “Lyndon B. Johnson, Johnson City, Texas, 4/11/70.” On the day of the Apollo 13 launch, President Nixon flew Johnson back to his home state following the latter’s first visit to Washington after leaving office. Additionally, Johnson was sworn in as president on the same plane roughly six years prior following the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
April 18, 1970—“Bill Anders, NASA, DC, 4-18-70,” “M. Collins, Work, D.C., Apr 18,” “Frank Borman, Seabrook, Texas, 4/18/70, A fine ride—thank you,” and “Dr. J. Leonard Swigert, 1746 Kearney St., Denver, 4-18-70, What a beautiful ending.” Also signed by Paine, several media and United States secret service members, and the wives of the Apollo 13 crew. After a successful splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean, the crew of Apollo 13 was brought to Hawaii before ultimately heading to the Ellington Air Force Base. Upon word of their safety, President Nixon presented the entire manned spacecraft team with the Medal of Freedom, and then accompanied the wives of the astronauts to meet their newly earthbound husbands in Honolulu. May 18, 1969—“Baudouin, 18.V.69” and “Fabiola.” Also signed by several members of the Belgian royal counsel, as well as members of the US State Department. At approximately 2:49 pm on May 18, 1969, the Apollo 10 spacecraft launched from Complex 39 at the Kennedy Space Center. Among others observing from the VIP bleachers were the King and Queen of Belgium, Baudouin and Fabiola, who were flown to the liftoff ceremony under the executive request of President Nixon. Also signed by several of President Nixon’s guests who accompanied him to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 1969, including Betty Ford, Strom Thurmond, and several others. Includes an informative research folder housing numerous images and articles related to the various flights and events, as well as four copies of President Nixon’s daily itineraries. In fine condition. Highlighted by a full, rare cast of Apollo 11 signatures, this one-of-a-kind Air Force One guest book chronicles a uniquely influential chapter in the annals of space and political history.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 139
140 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Fresh from quarantine, the Apollo 11 crew is honored by President Nixon 2082
Michael Collins’s Apollo 11 Signed Replica Plaque Estimate $8,000+
Exceedingly rare metal replica of the first lunar plaque left on the moon by the Apollo 11 crew, 7.75 x 5.75, engraved in the lower border, “President’s Dinner Honoring Apollo 11 Astronauts, August 13, 1969,” and affixed to a slightly larger mount clipped from the original program. Signed in the lower border of the mount in blue ballpoint by Neil Armstrong, and in black felt tip by Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. Consignor notes that the plaque originates from the personal collection of Apollo 11 CMP Collins. In fine condition.
HISTORY
Four days after becoming the first astronauts to successfully land on the moon, the crew of Apollo 11 splashed down into the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. Recovered by aircraft carrier USS Hornet, the crew was promptly directed to the Mobile Quarantine facility, a converted Airstream trailer in which the three men would spend their 21-day quarantine. On August 13, just three days after their release, the prime crew of Apollo 11 was honored at a special dinner hosted by President Richard Nixon, embarking that very night on their famous 45-day ‘Giant Leap’ tour. This replica plaque was presented to the various guests in attendance, with only a select few having the fortune to receive autographs from Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins. A tremendous piece of space history.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 141
Flown medal #68, from the collection of CMP Michael Collins
2083
Michael Collins’s Flown Apollo 11 Robbins Medal Estimate $20,000+
Michael Collins’s flown sterling silver Apollo 11 Robbins Medal, approximately 1˝ in diameter, with a raised early design on the face of the iconic Apollo 11 mission insignia, with the eagle carrying the olive branch in its beak. The reverse of the sterling silver medal is engraved with the last names of astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, along with the July 16, 1969, launch date; July 20, 1969, moon landing date; and July 24, 1969, return date. Condition is mint state. The medal is serial numbered “68,” and encapsulated in a plastic NGC holder with a grade of MS65 and provenance certification, “Ex. Michael Collins.” Accompanied by a handwritten letter of provenance from Collins, in full: “I hereby certify that Apollo XI silver Robbins medallion #68 was flown aboard the first Lunar Landing flight, July 1969. It has been in my personal collection since then. Michael Collins, Apollo XI CMP, June 22, 2016.”
HISTORY
Remarkably scarce flown mementos such as this—particularly one from man’s first step into a brave new world—are highly prized by collectors, with this being an especially appealing example as it originates from the personal collection of the mission’s command module pilot and is of such an uncommonly low serial number.
142 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
The highest graded A17 flown Robbins ever offered
2084
Dave Scott’s Apollo 17 Flown Robbins Medal Estimate $60,000+
Dave Scott’s flown Apollo 17 Robbins medal, approximately 1.25˝ in diameter, with a raised design on the face featuring the mission insignia. The reverse is encircled with raised text, “America–Challenger, Apollo XVII, The Beginning,” and is engraved with the launch date of December 6, 1972, the moon landing date of December 11, 1972, and the reentry date of December 19, 1972. The medal is serial numbered “15” on the rim, and encapsulated in a plastic NGC holder and graded MS67, noting that it originates from the collection of David R. Scott. Condition is mint state. Accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Scott stating, in part, “I hereby certify that the Apollo 17 silver medallion ‘15’ included with this letter is from my personal collection and was flown aboard Apollo 17…the eleventh and final manned mission in the United States Apollo space program…Prior to the mission, 300 medallions were struck by Robbins, however due to weight limitations, only 80 medallions were flown. Serial numbers for these 80 medallions were engraved on the rims after the mission…I specifically requested the Apollo 17 number ‘15’ included with this letter.”
HISTORY
One of the most sought-after and difficult-to-obtain of all the Apollo flown medals, this example is further enhanced by its grade of MS67, the highest rating ever assigned.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 143
The finest 1951 Bowman Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen collection ever assembled
View additional images online at www.RRAuction.com 144 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2085
1951 Bowman Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen Original (108) Card Set and (20) Original Art Board Collection Estimate $100,000+ 1951 Bowman Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen original card set with 20 original one-of-a-kind artboards, two original one–cent wax packs (one GAI graded and one partially opened), and an original Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen uncut sheet of nine cards. Currently listed as ‘Bombaye—The Number One Finest Set of All Time’ on the PSA set registry, the set consists of 108 cards plus an incredible 20 of the original 4 x 6 one-of-a-kind gouache art boards created by artists from the famous George Moll Advertising Agency of New York used to print the cards in this set. This agency was also responsible for the artwork used for the most famous non-sport set of all time, Bowman’s classic 1938 ‘Horrors of War’ card set that our current consignor Ronnie Paloger also put together and which he sold several years ago for $700,000—a hallmark price establishing that certain unique non-sport card offerings can command similar dollars as sports cards, which are currently selling in a ‘red hot’ market. Recently a 1952 Topps rookie card of Mickey Mantle PSA 7—with 70 other known examples in the population base—sold for an incredible $215,000! This unique Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen set has a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 8.15 and is the only Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen set to ever grade 8.0 or higher, or near-mint condition. This particular set is so far ahead of its competition because there are an astounding 18 ‘POP 1’s’ (population meaning the total amount of cards in the same condition in a particular set) in this set. Last year PSA started adding bonus points to their grading system to acknowledge such superiority from one set to another. This set, now up for auction for the first time, has an overwhelming weighted GPA of 8.981 which is also the highest of all time. There have been a total of 3,738 Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen cards submitted to PSA for grading from its inception. From this number there have only been three cards ever rated ‘GEM MINT 10’ which is the highest possible grade for a card. This set has two of those three Gem Mint cards, #74 ‘Invention of the Zaratron’ and card #105 ‘Malpo the Mighty,’ as well as the original artwork for ‘Invention of the Zaratron.’ This set also received the 2010 PSA Set Registry Award for Best Non-Sports Vintage Set (1948–1959) and has for seven years in a row been the top rated Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen set on the PSA Registry and listed as the finest of all time. Currently 9,533 non-sport sets are registered on the PSA Set Registry. From this total
only eleven sets have been voted into the PSA Set Registry Hall of Fame, setting a very, very high standard for inclusion. In 2013 this Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen set became one of those eleven sets currently in the Non-Sport HOF, making our consignor the only collector to have two non-sport sets in the HOF (Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen and Horrors of War). Also included in this lot is a graded one-cent wax pack, and another wax pack partially opened exposing its card and its 65-year-old gum, with an extremely rare albeit poor condition nine-card uncut sheet of cards from this set. Also included is the November 2011 SMR feature cover story, ‘Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen—A profile of the 1951 Bowman Classic,’ with the entire cover artwork from card #30 ’Slaying Deimos Rock’ and a picture of card #30 printed from this artwork. Both of these items are included in our auction lot. Just about every card and art board for this story was supplied by our consignor from this set.
HISTORY
The 1951 Bowman Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen set is one of the greatest non-sport sets ever produced. A classic science fiction story manufactured by Bowman Gum, Inc., of Philadelphia in 1951 to take advantage of the incredible interest at the time in space and space travel to increase the sale of its product—gum—that was included with every package of cards. The cards depict the adventures of Dr. Zara, Captain Argo, and their crew on an exciting trek through space, and preceded the original ‘Star Trek’ television series by 15 years. While trekking between planets, our heroes deal with meteor showers, a giant space blob, space pirates, fire beetles, hypnotizing steam frogs, mantis men, saber-toothed tigers, and brain men, and the crew is shrunk into dwarfs and are menaced by vegetable men. These cards were a sensation amongst kids when initially released. Each card in this set is two and one sixteenth inches by three and one eighth inches. The original 108 card set was released both in one-cent wax packs that included one card and one stick of chewing gum and a five-cent pack with five cards and a stick of gum. The story was incredibly imaginative and the George Moll Advertising Agency artists were responsible for creating the incredibly detailed art boards, 20 of which are included in this lot. These one-of-a-kind little masterpieces were used to create the individual cards. This lot represents by far the largest amount of art boards (20) in one lot, as historically most have been offered individually which is how our consignor acquired them over the years. Twenty original Jets, Rockets, and Spacemen art boards in one lot by itself would represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors, but to acquire these art boards with the finest card set ever put together is really special and is perfect for our sale as a ‘remarkable rarity’ opportunity moment.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 145
View additional images online at www.RRAuction.com 146 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Enormous 1950s archive, including foundational Disneyland agreements 2086
One-of-a-kind archive of hundreds of documents and letters related to the finances of Walt Disney Productions and Disneyland, dated from 1946 to 1965, including one signed by both Walt Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney, and over thirty-five signed by Roy alone. The collection primarily consists of financial documents, including mortgages, lease agreements, and other loan paperwork.
Estimate $10,000+
The most important autographic document is signed “Walter E. Disney” and “Roy O. Disney,” one page, May 20, 1965, in which Walt Disney exercises an option for a ten-percent interest in the motion picture Follow Me, Boys. The majority of the documents signed by Roy O. Disney are chattel mortgage agreements secured with Disney short subjects and television cartoons, most of which are listed in attached exhibits. In one instance the list of “short subject motion pictures mortgaged, pledged and assigned” lists films dating back to 1928, including a number of Mickey Mouse cartoons. A multitude of similar chattel mortgage documents not signed by either Disney brother are present.
Disneyland Historical Documents Archive
The earliest document directly referencing Disneyland is signed by a Bank of America vice president, April 1, 1954, and reads, in part: “Please consider this letter our consent to the commitments obtained by you for the financing of Disneyland.” Disney had just made a deal with ABC to produce an hour-long weekly television show in exchange for guarantees against loans for the park’s construction. With this major commitment in place, Disney could secure the necessary loans and proceed with his plan. The very next day, April 2nd, Disney and ABC publicly announced their new partnership. The materials concerning the early days of Disneyland are extremely interesting and are mostly found within folders labeled “Walt Disney Productions: Disneyland collateral supporting advances of WDP of $500,000, due July 31, 1956,” “Disneyland, Inc., $1,500,000 Loan due September 30, 1957,” and “Disneyland, Inc., 1958–1959.” The first contains documents related to a lease between Disneyland, Inc., and Walt Disney Productions for “Moonride,” presumably referring to the ‘Rocket to the Moon’ show in the Tomorrowland area of Disneyland. The second folder contains additional loan agreements, as well as summaries of leases between Disneyland, Inc., and various vendors for space within the amusement park, with some of the more notable companies being American Motors Corporation, Coca-Cola, and Eastman Kodak. The third folder includes numerous documents related to loans and amendments to those loans. Additional letters and documents, mostly on Walt Disney Productions or Buena Vista Distribution Co. letterhead, concern the foreign distribution of Disney films, and refer to a wide array of animated and live-action films including such classics as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Sleeping Beauty, Bambi, and Old Yeller. In very good to fine condition.
HISTORY
Disneyland construction began in July 1954 and the park opened its gates a year later on July 17, 1955, in a special event televised on ABC. Featuring documentation related to both of Disney’s tremendously successful enterprises—motion pictures and amusement parks—this archive chronicles the history of Disney during an important transitional era.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 147
148 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Rare 1931 Mickey Mouse Christmas card sent by Walt himself 2087
Walt Disney Signed Christmas Card Estimate $15,000+
Beautiful and rarely seen Christmas card from 1931, measuring 5 x 7.5 closed, featuring a colorful print of Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Clarabelle Cow, and Horace Horsecollar serenading Minnie Mouse with Christmas carols, beautifully signed below the print in fountain pen by Walt Disney, “Lilly & Walt Disney.” A Star of Bethlehem image and the text “Yoo Hoo!” are printed on the front, and the left side of the card features a pre-printed sentiment offering seasonal good wishes, “A Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Disney’s own hand to a Miss Fischer of Kansas City, postmarked December 23, 1931.
HISTORY
This appealing and unusual greeting features two of Disney’s most famous creations—Mickey and Minnie—and holds the distinction of being just the second Christmas card issued by the Disney Studio. The following year on November 18, 1932, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented an Honorable Mention Oscar award to Walt Disney Productions for ‘Distinctive Achievement’ for the creation of Mickey Mouse, who had debuted just four years earlier. A tremendously desirable early Mickey Mouse piece signed by the character’s creator.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 149
150 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Seldom seen Disney-drawn Donald Duck 2088
Walt Disney Signed Sketch Estimate $15,000+
Incredibly rare original vintage pencil sketch of Donald Duck, complete with hat, bow tie, and collar on an unused beige 5 x 7.5 envelope, signed under the image in pencil, “Walt Disney.� In fine condition, with some scattered light creasing and wrinkles, and trivial spot of soiling near hat. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Phil Sears.
HISTORY
The animation genius behind an entire empire, Disney all but stopped drawing professionally after the 1920s. In the decades that followed his most famous creations, Disney occasionally offered quick sketches of Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck upon special request, most notably to children or studio big wigs. Given the scarcity of original Disney drawings, this example of Donald Duck, a particularly uncommon character, exists as a truly coveted piece of classic Disneyana.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 151
152 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Exceedingly early and rare Garbo portrait by Hollywood’s first female studio photographer 2089
Greta Garbo Oversized Signed Photograph Estimate $8,000+
Rare vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 portrait of a young Greta Garbo in lovely soft focus, resting her head and casting a delicate, daydreaming expression, signed and inscribed in heavy fountain pen, “To Mrs. Lilian, Greta Garbo.” Blindstamped in the lower border by the photographer, Ruth Harriet Louise, and stamped on the reverse, “Please credit, Ruth Harriet Louise, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Photographer.” In fine condition, with fair contrast to the signature against the dark background.
HISTORY
In the summer of 1925, a 22-year-old Ruth Harriet Louise became Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s chief portrait photographer, distinguishing herself as the first female studio photographer in Hollywood—and its youngest. Working alongside rival and fellow MGM cameramen Clarence Sinclair Bull, Louise captured many of film’s brightest stars, including Joan Crawford, Buster Keaton, Myrna Loy, and a young Greta Garbo. Two months after Louise joined MGM, she photographed the new Swedish actress for her first Hollywood portrait session. Garbo’s fondness and trust in Louise soon enabled the photographer to shape the young star’s now timeless visage. Given the sheer scarcity of Garbo signed photos—we have offered one other in the past decade—and the remarkable association between photographer and subject, this portrait exists as a tremendous piece of celluloid history, one which links two legitimate heroines and pioneers of vintage Hollywood.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 153
Rare and unique 1955 Marilyn candid 2090
Marilyn Monroe Signed Original Candid Photograph Estimate $2,000+ Desirable vintage glossy 3.5 x 2.5 candid deckle-edge photo of Monroe smiling from an automobile window, signed in the left border in black ink. Reverse bears a collector’s date notation of October 5, 1955. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing. Determined to control her own career, Monroe left Hollywood for New York and formed her own independent film production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions in 1955, with the smashing success of The Seven Year Itch earning Marilyn and her company a new measure of respectability. Monroe finalized her divorce from Joe DiMaggio in October of that year, and soon became an exclusive item with playwright Arthur Miller, marrying him in June of the following year. A notably playful shot of the vivacious leading lady. From the Harvey and Rhoda Kuflik Collection.
2091
Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer Signed Original Candid Photograph Estimate $400+ Wonderful vintage glossy 2.5 x 3.5 candid photo of husband-and-wife duo Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer, both signing in blue ink, with Hepburn signing in the upper border, and Ferrer in the lower border. Reverse bears a collector’s date notation of November 8, 1955. In very good to fine condition, with slight creasing. From the Harvey and Rhoda Kuflik Collection.
154 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
2092
2094
Estimate $400+
Estimate $600+
Gorgeous vintage glossy 2.5 x 3.5 candid photo of Kelly wearing a black coat and white gloves, signed in the upper border in blue ink. In very good condition, with scattered creasing and an area of irregularity to the emulsion. From the Harvey and Rhoda Kuflik Collection.
Brilliant vintage glossy 2.5 x 3.5 candid photo of Brando in a handsome suit and tie, signed in black ballpoint. Reverse bears a collector’s date notation of November 4, 1955. In very good to fine condition, with scattered overall creasing. From the Harvey and Rhoda Kuflik Collection.
Grace Kelly Signed Original Candid Photograph
Marlon Brando Signed Original Candid Photograph
Scarce candid from the 22-year-old Taylor’s busy 1954 2093
Elizabeth Taylor Signed Original Candid Photograph Estimate $400+ Appealing vintage glossy 2.5 x 3.5 candid photo of Taylor with a lovely barrette, signed in blue ink. Reverse bears a collector’s date notation of November 14, 1954. In very good to fine condition, with a few light creases. Taylor had one of her busiest years in 1954, attending premieres of Rhapsody, Elephant Walk, Beau Brummell, and The Last Time I Saw Paris, the latter of which compelled her to take on more challenging roles. Taylor’s next role would be as Leslie Benedict in the 1956 film Giant. A sought-after portrait of the silver screen legend. From the Harvey and Rhoda Kuflik Collection.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 155
View additional images online at www.RRAuction.com 156 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
James Dean and Marilyn Monroe headline an amazing Hollywood collection 2095
Collection of 1950s Hollywood Autograph Albums (43) Estimate $20,000+
Remarkable autograph collection containing approximately 1,700 signatures from Hollywood’s ‘Golden Age’ within 43 autograph albums. In overall fine condition. The major highlights include: James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, and Marlon Brando. Other especially notable signers include: Bud Abbott, Louis Armstrong, Hugh Beaumont, Ingrid Bergman, Madge Blake, Clara Bow, Richard Burton, Primo Carnera, Lon Chaney, Jr., Montgomery Clift, Nat King Cole, Lou Costello, Dorothy Dandridge, Sammy Davis, Jr., Duke Ellington, Frances Farmer, Errol Flynn, Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Jackie Gleason, Billy Graham, Cary Grant, John Hamilton, Susan Hayward, Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Alfred Hitchcock, Boris Karloff, Buster Keaton, Grace Kelly, Bert Lahr, Stan Laurel, Peter Lawford, Vivien Leigh, Jerry Lewis, Bela Lugosi, Anna Magnani, Jayne Mansfield, Rocky Marciano, Dean Martin, Chico Marx, Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Zeppo Marx, Paul Newman, Edith Piaf, Edward Platt, Ronald Reagan, George Reeves, Jackie Robinson, Igor Stravinsky, Elizabeth Taylor, Spencer Tracy, Henry Travers, Orson Welles, and Natalie Wood. A more comprehensive list is available online at RRAuction.com.
HISTORY
This collection was acquired in person by Ronnie Shedlo, who was born in the Hollywood area in 1940 and eventually became Errol Flynn’s personal assistant. Represented is an incredible cross-section of the biggest names in 1950s entertainment. Featuring an abundance of stars and rarities, this extensive collection is the finest of its type that we have ever encountered.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 157
158 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Monroe agrees to an amended 1950 contract with 20th Century Fox 2096
Marilyn Monroe Twice-Signed Document Estimate $6,000+
Twice-signed DS, sixteen pages, 8.75 x 11.5, May 12, 1950. Amended contract between Twentieth Century–Fox Film Corporation and Marilyn Monroe in which the latter agrees to render her services “for a term of one (1) year, commencing on the 11th day of May, 1950.” Signed at the conclusion in black ink by Monroe, who also signs at the conclusion of an attached supplementary letter confirming “mutual understanding and agreement relative to the amendment” of the original contract dated May 2, 1950. Housed and stapled within the folder for the original contract, listing two film titles in the upper left—As Young as You Feel and Love Nest. In fine condition.
HISTORY
The year 1950 was a momentous one for Monroe, whose briefly impressive turns in John Huston’s The Asphalt Jungle and Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s All About Eve caught the eye of numerous film executives. The 1951 films Love Nest and As Young as You Feel cast Monroe in supporting roles, with the latter serving as her first assignment under the newly amended Twentieth Century-Fox contract. An intriguing document signed by the fast emerging starlet.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 159
From the desk of the Little Dragon— Bruce Lee’s multi-signed handwritten essays from St. Francis Xavier’s College
View these images and additional images up-close at www.RRAuction.com 2097
Bruce Lee Handwritten Essays Estimate $30,000+ Bruce Lee’s multi-signed handwritten essays and vocabulary assignments removed from his high school dictation book, which Lee used while attending St. Francis Xavier’s College in Kowloon in the mid-to-late 1950s—some of the earliest known examples of Lee’s handwriting and signatures. The seven-page booklet consists of three essays and three vocabulary lessons penned on four lightly lined 6.5 x 8 sheets in blue ink by Lee, who signs his name in the upper left of each of the three essays, “Bruce Lee.” Each page also bears numerous pencil and red ink corrections and emendations from Lee’s teacher. The essays include a creative description of a rustic inn, an evaluation of British temperament, and a thoughtful critique on famine and land erosion; in addition to
the nearly 600 words Lee pens in the essays, the succeeding vocabulary lessons include a total of 100 words, with Lee’s teacher adding missed words in pencil or red ink. The first essay, in part [grammar and spelling corrected for readability]: “The little roadside inn snugly sheltered behind a great elm tree, with a rare seat for idlers curling its capacious bole, address a cheerful front towards the traveler as a house of entertainment odd, and tempted him with many mute but significant assurances of a comfortable welcome. The…signboard perched up in the tree with its golden letters winking in the sun…the passer-by and from among the green leaves like a jolly face, and promised good cheer…On the doorstep appeared the proper figure of a landlord too for though he was a short man, he was round and broad, and stood with his hands in his pockets, and his legs just wide enough apart to express a mind address upon the subject of the cellar, and an easy confidence—too calm, too virtuous…—in the easy
160 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
resources of the inn.” In spite of his attractive penmanship, Lee struggles throughout the first essay, with his teacher noting a total of 49 mistakes; he fares slightly better on the lesson’s adjoining negative prefix vocabulary quiz, amassing a total of 11 correct answers. The second essay, in full: “The endurance of the crowds lining the Coronation route was most commendable. Soaked, chilled, sleepless, they remained wonderfully good-tempered and when the procession finally appeared, they cheered wholeheartedly. The great merit of a British crowd is that its members remained individuals. In some parts of the world, people gathered together—especially under some emotional stimulus—tend to become mobs, prone to acts of cruelty and violence. It is perhaps characteristic of the British type of civilization that British people can collect in crowds which do not degenerate into mobs. This is partly because of their attitude to authority. They respect it whether it is represented by the police or by the military, because they do not fear it and they accept it because they do not feel it is remote or alien. The respect is mutual of course, and the good humour of the Coronation crowd owed much to the patience and paternal forbearance of the police.” Lee shows marked improvement in both the essay and subsequent vocabulary lesson, with his teacher noting a total of only 12 essay mistakes. The final essay, titled “The threat of world famine,” in part: “Where man has lived longest in organized societies, there, with few exceptions, the lands are in the worst conditions. England, with generally heavy soils and gentle rain is one of the few favourite spots little trouble with soil erosion. Egypt is another, but for a different reason. This soil erosion is a disease of the land that eats away the soil and eats fertility and leaves the fields unproductive and dry valleys beyond cultivation or use. This means that civilization is not yet a success in growing food enough from generation to generation… The saying, ‘Westward the course of Empire takes its way,’ only hides the tragic fact that men had worked out old lands
before he moved westward to new lands of abundance. But today there are no more continents to discover, to explore or to exploit, mankind has now occupied all the lands of the earth…We must therefore find a new way to produce food for increasing populations from the lands already occupied.” This final essay exists as Lee’s most polished piece, with only three main corrections to the text; likewise, Lee also performs well on the vocabulary portion, making a total of six misspellings. In fine condition. Accompanied by a copy of Lee’s original Dictation subject book, featuring these very essays as well as three others, and a Superior Galleries catalog from August 7, 1993, highlighting the Bruce Lee Collection, which includes Lee’s Dictation book as part of its auction; this was the first ever auction to be authorized by Linda Lee Cadwell, Bruce’s wife, and featured over 150 items from his estate. Additionally accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
HISTORY
In spite of his intelligence and an already dutiful work ethic, Lee often found himself distracted during his early education. His penchant for school yard brawls and an affiliation with the Junction Street Eight Tigers gang resulted in Lee being transferred from La Salle College to a new high school at St. Francis Xavier in 1956. As both a Yip Man student and a short-tempered child star, Lee entered St. Francis Xavier with a reputation as ‘king gorilla’—boss of the school. Given his celebrity and refusal to turn down a fight, Lee continued to take on all challengers. When a teacher interrupted one particular scrap in a bathroom stall, Lee was given the ultimatum to join the St. Francis Xavier boxing club. He accepted and soon after became the interschool boxing champion with a third-round knockout. Seen by many as a delinquent during his high school years, Lee was nevertheless cognizant of the role education would play in his career, noting in a diary entry from December 1, 1958: ‘Learn more mathematics. Learn more English (conversation).’ Written shortly before leaving for America, these incredible essays represent Lee during one of his most difficult yet formative periods, and exist as a genuine extension of Lee’s pathway to international stardom.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 161
Extremely rare 1947 Academy Award medal for still photography
2098
Academy Award 1947 Still Photography Medal Estimate $15,000+
Rare Academy Award medal, measuring 1.75″ in diameter, given to RKO photographer Ollie Sigurdson in 1947 for a still taken of child actress Sharyn Moffett and her dog in My Pal Wolf. Front features the words “Annual Still Photography Medal” and an Academy Award statuette in relief, with text to the reverse reading, “Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, First Award to Oliver Sigurdson For Outstanding Achievement, 1947, Class 3B.” In fine condition with some scattered tarnishing.
HISTORY
Sigurdson’s career in film spanned decades, ranging from the early 1920s through 1959, and focused especially on Westerns starting in the late 1940s. Official awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences are nearly impossible to obtain, making this handsome medal from Hollywood’s ‘Golden Age’ an exceedingly desirable piece.
162 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
1984 Tony Award for Best Musical, given to La Cage aux Folles
2099
La Cage aux Folles Tony Award Estimate $10,000+ Incredibly desirable American Theater Wing Antoinette Perry Award, commonly known as the ‘Tony,’ the medal measuring 3″ in diameter and held in its original 8.25˝ tall stand, engraved on the reverse: “The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc., and the American Theatre Wing, Inc., Present the American Theatre Wing’s Tony Award To Barry Brown, Best Musical—Producer, ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ 1983–84.” The front of the medal features the traditional symbolic dramatic masks raised in relief, encircled with the text, “Antoinette Perry Award.” The black base measures 3.75 x 3.75 and bears an affixed plaque engraved, “American Theatre Wing Tony Award.” In fine condition.
HISTORY
The beloved musical, with a book by Harvey Fierstein and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman, follows a gay couple who—with one of them in drag—attempt to appear straight when meeting their son’s fiancee’s ultra-conservative parents. It was a smash hit after premiering on Broadway in August 1983, running for 1,761 performances before closing four years later. The production was nominated for nine Tony Awards and took home six, including the highest prize, Best Musical, as represented here. La Cage aux Folles has since been revived on Broadway twice, each time winning multiple Tonys (including Best Revival of a Musical). As a decidedly rare Tony Award for Best Musical from the original production, this is an ideal example of one of entertainment’s most prestigious awards.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 163
Nearly 200 attendees of the legendary Night of 100 Stars 2100
Night of 100 Stars Celebrities Signed Poster Estimate $2,000+ Incredible color 20 x 29.25 poster for the Night of 100 Stars, an all-star variety TV special celebrating the centennial of the Actors’ Fund of America, was taped at Radio City Music Hall and broadcast by ABC on March 8, 1982. The poster is affixed to its original light-blue 32 x 48 mount, and signed on both the poster and mount in felt tip by nearly 200 entertainers, featuring highlights such as Lauren Bacall, Tony Bennett, Milton Berle, James Cagney, Joan Collins, Sammy Davis, Jr., Bette Davis, Robert De Niro, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Lillian Gish, Helen Hayes, Lena Horne, Gene Kelly, Grace Kelly, Deborah Kerr, Burt Lancaster, Janet Leigh, Jack Lemmon, Myrna Loy, Ann Miller, Liza Minnelli, Roger Moore, Paul Newman, Leonard Nimoy, Al Pacino, Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, Ginger Rogers, Mickey Rooney, Jane Russell, James Stewart, Elizabeth Taylor, Orson Welles, and Robin Williams. Framed and in fine condition. Accompanied by a smaller identical poster with pre-printed signatures, as well as two tickets and a playbill for Night of 100 Stars 2, held on February 17, 1985.
HISTORY
The father of the consignor owned the foreign rights to the broadcast and was one of a limited number of people—reportedly less than ten—who received these large event posters signed by each star in attendance. A phenomenal, highly displayable array of show-biz legends.
164 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Rare circa 1985 Saint Laurent design sketch 2102
Yves Saint Laurent Signed Sketch Estimate $14,000+ Original circa 1985 signed sketch of a large-format dressand-jacket design of a redheaded model wearing a long purple scarf and slim-fitting plaid outfit, accomplished in graphite, colored pencil, and colored felt tip on an off-white 17.25 x 21.25 sheet of artist’s paper, prominently signed in the lower right in purple felt tip by Saint Laurent. Framed and in fine condition. Consignor notes that the sketch originates from the collection of June Weir-Brown, a fashion historian and journalist who worked at several influential publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and The New York Times Sunday Magazine. A marvelous oversized sketch from the rarely encountered French fashion designer.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 165
Brilliant close-up shot of the sax legend 2103
Charlie Parker Signed Photograph Estimate $10,000+ Extremely rare vintage glossy 7.75 x 9.75 photo of Parker by James J. Kriegsmann of New York, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Kayo, Regards of Charlie Parker.” In fine condition, with trimmed borders, creasing to corners, and a light stain touching the saxophone. Accompanied by a letter of provenance, from renowned jazz collector Norman Saks, in part: “The signed photograph is reproduced on page 31 of the book ‘Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia: The Norman R. Saks Collection’ by Ken Vail. It comes from my personal collection.” The original recipient, “Kayo,” assembled a well-known in-person collection through his job as a train conductor, where he acquired celebrities’ autographs as they rode the train. Augmented by rock solid provenance, this is an exceptional signed photo of Bird, a revolutionary saxophonist who remains exceedingly scarce and hugely sought after across all formats.
166 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Crisp 1964 Beatles signatures with rare fill-in Jimmie Nicol
2104
Beatles Signed Postcard Estimate $10,000+
Vintage circa 1964 color postcard published by BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) depicting London’s famous Big Ben, 5.5 x 3.5, signed and inscribed on the reverse in crisp black ballpoint, “To Lynne, Best Wishes, Jimmie Nicol,” “Paul McCartney,” “John Lennon,” and “George Harrison.” In very good condition, with staple holes to one corner and moderately heavy overall creasing (the signed side displays quite cleanly nonetheless). Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, in part: “This is a rare set of Beatles signatures, with Jimmie Nicol, who was the drummer that filled in for Ringo...in June of 1964…Sets signed during this short period…are very, very rare.”
HISTORY
Nicol replaced Ringo Starr from June 3–15, 1964, at the start of the Beatles’ World Tour, while Ringo was suffering from tonsillitis and pharyngitis. An extremely rare piece, as Nicol was with the Beatles for under two weeks, playing a total of eight shows.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 167
168 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Beatles launch Hamburg’s Star Club in April 1962 2105
Beatles Signed Star Club Receipts: Harrison, Starr, and Best Estimate $20,000+
Exceedingly rare set of receipts for performances by The Beatles at Hamburg, Germany’s famed Star-Club in April and December of 1962, each measuring 5.75 x 4, individually signed in blue fountain pen, “George Harrison” and “Peter Best,” and in red ballpoint, “R. Starkey.” The Harrison and Best receipts, numbered “659” and “661,” refer to shows performed between April 13th and 19th, the Star-Club’s opening week, with each musician earning DM 425. The Starr bill, numbered “2989,” bears a total sum of DM 2550, and is dated December 31, 1962, the final date the band would perform at the venue. Also includes a Star-Club receipt for a November 24, 1962, performance by early Beatles collaborator Tony Sheridan, signed in blue ballpoint to certify a paid sum of DM 50. In overall very good to fine condition, with a light vertical crease to all but the Starr. Accompanied by an unsigned photo of Sheridan and a vintage Star-Club news program from August 1965, showing Sheridan on the front cover. Also accompanied by a certificate of authenticity for the Sheridan signature, as well as a full letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, in part: “Beatles signed pay receipts for any performances done by the band are extremely rare and highly desirable. These are fabulous examples of such wage receipts. I hereby guarantee the authenticity of the aforementioned 3 Star Club wage receipts which have been signed by George Harrison, Pete Best, and Ringo Starr.”
HISTORY
Only three days after the tragic death of their original bass player Stuart Sutcliffe, the Beatles, now well-versed in the German rock club scene, served as the opening act at the launch of the Star Club in Hamburg on April 13, 1962. The next time the Beatles played the Star Club in early November, Ringo Starr had replaced Pete Best as the band’s full-time drummer, forever solidifying the classic Fab Four lineup. Representing this major transition and related to a significant Hamburg venue, this is an extraordinary set of wage receipts from an historically important early chapter in Beatles history.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 169
170 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Custom-made John Lennon original D.A. Millings and Son suit from the Madame Tussauds Collection 2106
John Lennon’s Custom-Made Suit Estimate $65,000+
This is a custom-made, grey and black tweed hounds tooth two-piece suit created by noted Beatles tailor Douglas Millings. The jacket bears a black and silver embroidered D. A. Millings & Son logo label affixed to the interior lining of the jacket. The interior breast pocket contains a white D.A. Millings & Sons tag with “John” handwritten on the label. The trousers are finely finished with “John” handwritten twice on the interior lining below the zipper.
HISTORY
The Beatles manager, Brian Epstein, brought the group to London tailor Doug Millings in an effort to make them more visually palatable to the pop audience he felt they could reach. Millings created and crafted a majority of the Beatles stage clothing from 1962 through 1966, as well as numerous articles of clothing they wore off stage. In March 1964, Madame Tussauds debuted their first set of Beatles wax figures that were dressed in a set of specially commissioned collarless Millings-made suits. Lennon later provided this suit to Madame Tussauds in London for use in a future display the museum. A letter from Madam Tussauds accompanies the lot. Both the jacket and trousers are in very fine condition. This is a rare opportunity to own a full suit from one of the most important artists of all time.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 171
Images are larger than actual size
172 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Jim Morrison rocks the 1967 Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival 2107
Jim Morrison Signature Estimate $12,000+
Vintage ballpoint signature, “J. Morrison,” on the reverse of a light blue 4 x 2.5 discount pass to Marin Skateland in San Rafael, California, stamp-dated June 9, 1967. In fine condition, with some very light staining and a central vertical fold. Accompanied by the original and extremely rare KFRC Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain program map listing listing the artists appearing at the two day festival including The Doors and Jefferson Airplane, the Byrds, Dionne Warwick, Tim Buckley, the Steve Miller Blues Band, The Seeds, and Country Joe and the Fish, amongst others; two unsigned photos, one of Morrison and one of The Doors, are included as well. Also accompanied by a handwritten letter of provenance from the original recipient, in part: “I liked many bands but I was especially interested in the Doors. I could not stop listening to their first album. You can imagine how thrilled I was when I found out about this Magic Mountain festival...My friend, Kim, and I got tickets as soon as they were available…The Doors did a great set with all our favorites…As it was getting to the end of their set I decided to try and get close to the stage. By luck, I was right up front when Jim Morrison stopped playing and came over to the crowd. When he got to the edge of the stage I dug into my purse and came up with the only paper I had, a Marin Skateland pass. I waved it to him and he took it and signed it. He gave me a smile and I was in heaven.” What’s most unique about this autograph is that Morrison signed the pass just after The Doors had completed their set and he was still on stage. Morrison autographs are exceptionally scarce to begin with, and rarely have any direct music connection as this example does.
HISTORY
On June 10 and 11, 1967, the KFRC Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival hosted over 30 bands and 36,000 people at the Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre in Marin County, California. Although the Monterey International Pop Festival has long been deemed the seminal event of the 1967 Summer of Love, the KFRC Festival occurred one week before prior and is considered to have been America’s first rock festival. The Doors performed on the opening day with acts like Jefferson Airplane, the Charlatans, and Canned Heat. The band’s eponymous debut album had been released five months prior, but despite months of touring, this would be the first time many in the audience saw the band perform. It was The Doors’ first major live concert in front of a large audience, and Morrison’s performance left them mesmerized. On the strength of their hit single ‘Light My Fire,’ which would reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 the following month, this much talked about festival performance proved to be a pivotal moment in the band’s meteoric rise to stardom that summer.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 173
174 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
From the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1968 North American tour ‘The British Are Coming’ press conference 2108
Jimi Hendrix Experience Signed Photograph Estimate $25,000+
Brilliant vintage glossy 10 x 8 publicity photo of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, signed in the lower border in black ballpoint, “Be Groovy, Jimi Hendrix,” “Cheers, Noel Redding,” and “Mitch.” In very good to fine condition, with some very light scattered creasing and a moderate horizontal crease passing through Hendrix’s chin. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original owner, in part: “The Jimi Hendrix Experience was formally introduced to the American public at the...then, Pan Am building that sits atop Grand Central Station in New York City. As a high school senior, I did not follow such events but my step father was a waiter and was assigned to the press conference. After it ended, he and the other waiters were cleaning up and...my step father decided to keep one of the press packages after throwing the rest into the garbage. He came home that night and gave me the package saying there had been a meeting at the Club with 3 guys he thought were a band from England who were dressed like hippies and asked me if I knew them. Of course, I almost fell off my chair.” Also accompanied by four unsigned photos of the band during their American introduction.
HISTORY
On January 30, 1968, the Jimi Hendrix Experience arrived in New York City for a press conference the following day at the Pan Am Building’s famed Copter Club, joining four other British acts—Eric Burdon and the Animals, Soft Machine, The Alan Price Set, and Nova Express—for a series of interviews. In the wake of the band’s mythic performance at the Monterey Festival and the recent release of their second album, Axis: Bold as Love, the conference room was packed with reporters, agents, and TV cameras, each clamoring for a few words with Hendrix. A few days later, the Experience departed Manhattan and headed to the West coast to embark on a huge two-month North American tour. Fully signed publicity photos of the Experience rarely surface and are coveted by collectors, with this example being in highly desirable condition.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 175
176 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
‘The Man in Black’
2109
Johnny Cash’s Screen-Worn Outfit Estimate $25,000+
Johnny Cash’s screen-worn outfit and personally-owned ankle boots, including: a suit worn on a TV show consisting of a black Eaves Costume Co. jacket with a tag inside hand-labeled, “J. Cash, 4538”; a white shirt made by Turnbull & Asser, Bergdorf Goodman, London; and black pants made by Manuel. Cash’s black leather ankle boots, size 13D, have a fine embroidered Western-style design on top of the toe area. In fine condition. Accompanied by two June 2, 1999 certificates of authenticity from Odyssey Group, with descriptions issued and signed by then Odyssey manager and owner Bill Miller, author of the book, Cash, An American Man in 2004, and creator of the now famous Johnny Cash Museum which opened in 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee.
HISTORY
Famously known as ‘The Man in Black,’ Cash was known for performing in an all-black outfit and this screen-worn suit is a quintessential example of his outlaw style.
Live Auction | September 26, 2016 177
Gold Amex straight from Mantle’s wallet—‘don’t leave home without it’
2110
Mickey Mantle’s American Express and Admiral’s Club Signed Cards Estimate $10,000+
One-of-a-kind pair of Mickey Mantle’s personal credit and membership cards: his gold American Express credit card valid from 1985 to 1987, which is embossed with his name on the front and notes that he had been a member since 1969, signed on the reverse in blue ballpoint, “Mickey Mantle”; and his American Airlines Admirals Club membership card valid through June 1986, which is embossed with his name on the front and notes that he had been a member since 1959, signed on the front in blue felt tip, “Mickey Mantle.” In overall fine condition.
HISTORY
These cards originated from the Mantle family archives and were originally sold at the historic Mickey Mantle estate sale at Madison Square Garden in 2003. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Mantle’s widow and two sons, a PSA auction letter of authenticity, and a JSA auction letter of authenticity from Robert Edward Auctions. Also includes an attractive custom-made display case, allowing the two cards to be showcased with an attractive photograph of a young Mantle. An absolutely unique pairing of personal items from one of the most sought-after names in modern sports.
178 Remarkable Rarities | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
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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 property in RR Auction’s possession owned by such 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. Warranties: 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 or other intellectual property (including exhibition or reproduction rights) or whether the property is subject to any limitations or other rights. RR Auction does not make any representation or warranty as to title. 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. 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. 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 “Certification of Authenticity”), to the exclusion of any other warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to those pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code. The Certification of Authenticity inures only to the original Bidder (as shown in RR Auction’s records). Bidder may not transfer, assign, or otherwise convey the Certification of Authenticity, and such purported transfer, assignment, or conveyance shall be null and void. The Certification of Authenticity is valid from date of the Auction in which Bidder was awarded the lot (the “Auction Date”) until five (5) years after the Auction Date, without exception. 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. Limitation of Damages: In the event that RR Auction is prevented for any reason from delivering any property to Bidder, or Bidder is otherwise dissatisfied with the performance of RR Auction, the liability, if any, of RR Auction, shall be limited to, and shall not exceed, the amount actually paid for the property by Bidder. In no event shall RR Auction be liable for incidental, special, indirect, exemplary or consequential damages of any kind, including but not limited to loss of profits, value of investment or opportunity cost. 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 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. Bidder’s Remedies: Under no circumstance will RR Auction incur liability to a Bidder in excess of the purchase price actually paid. This section sets forth the sole and exclusive remedies of Bidder in conformity with the Warranties and Limitation of Damages provisions of these Conditions of Sale, and is expressly in lieu of any other rights or remedies which might be available to Bidder by law. 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, in 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 shall 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, RR Auction shall disclose the identity of the Consignor to Bidder and assign to Bidder all of RR Auction’s rights against the Consignor with respect to such lot or property. Upon such disclosure and assignment, all responsibility and liability, if any, of RR Auction with respect to said lot or property shall automatically terminate. RR Auction shall be entitled to retain the premiums and other amounts paid to RR Auction - this remedy is as to the 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. If Bidder wishes to challenge the AC within the period of the Certification of Authenticity, Bidder must present written evidence that the lot is not authentic as determined by a known expert in the field. If RR Auction agrees that the lot is not as represented, Bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be a refund of their purchase price, with no other costs, liabilities or amounts recoverable. If RR Auction does not agree with the claim by Bidder, then the Parties shall follow the dispute resolution procedures of these Conditions of Sale. Any such challenge concerning an AC or Certification of Authenticity must, without any exception, be brought within one (1) year of Bidder’s notice to RR Auction of Bidder’s contention that the lot was not authentic, or six (6) years from the Auction Date, whichever is sooner. If the description of any lot in the Catalog is materially incorrect (e.g., gross cataloging error), the lot is returnable 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. If there is any discrepancy between the description in the Catalog and the AC, then the description in the AC shall control. 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. NO RETURN OR REFUND OF ANY AUCTION LOT WILL BE CONSIDERED EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THESE CONDITIONS OF SALE. 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. Headings: Headings are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret the substantive sections to which they refer. Entire Agreement: These Conditions of Sale constitute the entire agreement between the parties together with the terms and conditions contained in the 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
of competent jurisdiction, the remaining sections or terms and provisions of a section shall continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way. Governing Law and Enforcement The Parties agree that any 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. The Parties agree that these Conditions of Sale, and any other related agreement(s) are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard for its conflict of laws principles. The Parties agree that any dispute 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 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 be entitled to recover all of its related costs, whether before or after the formal institution of the Arbitration, including but not limited to its reasonable attorneys’ fees and, if RR Auction prevails, the Buyer’s Premium as defined in these Conditions of Sale. The Parties agree that Bidder shall have no right to recover consequential or indirect damages, or lost profits damages. The Parties consent to the enforcement of the decision in the Arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act in either the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Except as provided in Bidder’s Remedies with regard to the Certification of Authenticity, any dispute, claim, cause of action related to or arising out of these Conditions of Sale or any other agreement(s) between the Parties must be brought within one (1) year of the acts, omissions or circumstances giving rise to the alleged claim, without exceptions. This provision is intended as a full, complete and absolute release of any claims after one (1) year of such acts, omissions or circumstances. The Parties agree further that these waiver provisions are intended to be binding on all parties in the event of any dispute, specifically including but not limited to third party claims and cross-actions brought by either RR Auction or Bidder. These provisions are consideration for the execution of these Conditions of Sale. 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, RR Auction may, in its sole discretion, enforce its rights pursuant to these Conditions of Sale in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts rather than in an Arbitration related to or arising out of any Auction of an item sold for less than $10,000. This right shall relate to the individual item price, such that RR Auction may, in its sole discretion, enforce its rights pursuant to these Conditions of Sale in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts rather than in an Arbitration for items that in the aggregate exceed $10,000. The prevailing Party in such a proceeding shall be entitled to recover all of its related costs, whether before or after the formal institution of the proceeding, including but not limited to its reasonable attorneys’ fees and, if RR Auction prevails, the Buyer’s Premium as defined in these Conditions of Sale. This right of enforcement is unique to RR Auction, and these Conditions of Sale are a waiver by the Bidder of any right to enforcement or adjudication outside of an Arbitration.
CONDUCT OF AUCTION 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) 7324280. 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). 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. 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. Maximum Bids – 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. 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. 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. Bidding—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. 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. 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 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. 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. Miscellaneous: Agreements between Bidders and Consignors to effectuate a nonsale 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. 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.
GLOSSARY OF CONDITION TERMS FOR DECADES, RR AUCTION HAS LED THE INDUSTRY IN PROVIDING AN ACCURATE AND DETAILED CONDITION STATEMENT FOR EACH ITEM THAT WE SELL. STARTING IN 2016 WE’VE DECIDED TO TAKE A FRESH APPROACH TO DESCRIBING EACH ITEM’S CONDITION. As our website and catalog images continually improve, and bidders can see obvious details from those excellent images, we’ve decided to simplify things, using the same terminology to describe an item’s overall condition (on an ascending scale of 1 to 4: good, very good, fine, very fine), but only adding specific details, if any, that would not be obvious from the illustration. VERY FINE describes an item 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 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 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 with 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 exceedingly rare or important. Of course we’re more than happy to provide more in-depth information about any item via phone or email. We hope this new system will make for easier reading and a more pleasant bidding experience.
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Tr i c i a @ R R Au c t i o n . c o m
Auction
DECEMBER 2016
THOMAS EDISON
EXPAND YOUR HORIZON $20 MILLION IN SPACE SALES OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS
10 MIL
5 MIL
TOTAL RR AUCTION SPACE SALES
15 MIL
1 MIL
YEARS 2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
CONSIGN YOUR SPACE ARTIFACTS FOR STELLAR RESULTS
Contact our Auction Director today at (603)732-4280