At 6 p.m. on Wed. May 14th t he one-hour extended bidding period begins followed immediately by the 30 Minute Rule. All times in RR Auction guidelines and instructions are stated according to the Eastern (U.S.) time zone.
Bob Eaton CEO, Acquisitions bob.eaton@rrauction.com
Joe Boucher Production Assistant joe.boucher@rrauction.com
Robert S. Eaton Sr. 1940–2001
Presidents and First Ladies
Three months after America’s fight for independence, General George Washington attests to the valor of an officer who “behaved himself with great bravery...before the Enemy”
1. George Washington Document
Signed as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, Three Months After the American Revolutionary War (December 1783). Manuscript DS, signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 8 x 12, December 1783. Document certifying that John Sharp served with “Major Ottendorf’s independent Corps until May 1778, when he was transferred to the Legion commanded by Brig. General Armand and in January 1778 he was promoted to the rank of Captain in that Corps. From the testimony of the General under whom he immediately served, it appears that Captain Sharp has behaved himself with great bravery and propriety before the Enemy and on every other occasion has conducted himself as an active and good officer.” Double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait of Washington and a name plaque to an overall size of 29.25 x 22.5. Professionally back and repaired to very good condition, with scattered paper loss along folds and right edge, a few stains, and light mirroring of wax seal to bottom. The signature is strong, and the document retains a nearly fully intact red wax seal of Washington’s crest.
This document spotlights the cooperation between French and American forces during the Revolutionary War. The units with which Sharp served were led by French ‘soldiers of fortune’ who joined the rebellion before a formal Franco-American alliance was forged. The units were present at such historic fronts as Brandywine, Valley Forge, and Yorktown, earning the respect of Washington. Armand, the general referenced here, was a Frenchman who planned to return to his homeland around this same period. He requested a testimonial from Washington, who obliged, and later signed this similar endorsement for Sharp, who likely had plans to join his former commanding officer in France. A desirable Washington-signed document dated shortly after the American Revolutionary War. Starting Bid $1000
2. John Adams Autograph Endorsement Signed. Autograph endorsement signed “J. Adams,” penned on the reverse of a partly printed legal document issued by King George III to the sheriff of Suffolk County, one page, both sides, 7.25 x 4, no date [circa 1767]. Adams’s handwritten endorsement reads: “And the Pl’ts [plaintiffs] consenting to the Liberty reserved in the Def’t’s plea afor’d say the same is an insufficient answer & that They are not by Law held to reply thereto wherefore They pay Judgment for the Damages afor’d & Costs.” The writ is for a summons for William Bowes of Boston related to a plea of trespass. The document is also by Samuel Quincy (1735-1789), a British Loyalist who served as Solicitor General of Massachusetts and as special prosecutor at the Boston Massacre Trials. Matted and framed to an overall size of 14.75 x 11.25; window to frame backing reveals the first page of the document. In very good condition, with light toning to vertical folds, trimming to bottom edge, light show-through of ink, and a few smudges to Adams’s handwritten text. The writing is dark and clear throughout.
At this time, Adams was one of Boston’s leading attorneys. In 1768, he had undertaken the defense of prominent merchant John Hancock, who was charged with smuggling wine. The highly publicized trial in British admiralty court dragged on for nearly five months, when the proceedings against Hancock were dropped without explanation.
While that case aided greatly in the advancement of Adams’s legal career, it paled in contrast to his controversial defense of the British soldiers who perpetrated the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. Though he feared it would hurt his reputation, Adams believed that all men were entitled to a fair trial and deserved equal justice. His success in the trials—Adams secured the acquittal of Captain Thomas Preston and six British soldiers, with the remaining two convicted only of manslaughter rather than murder—elevated his reputation even further. Adams’s notoriety made his law practice prosperous, earning him perhaps the largest caseload of any attorney in Boston. Starting Bid $200
4. James Madison Signed Check as President. Office of Pay and Deposit of the Bank of Columbia check, 6.75 x 2.75, filled out and signed by President Madison, “James Madison,” payable to “A. B. or bearer” for $100, June 7, 1813, drawn on the president’s “Private Account.” Archivally mounted, double-matted, and framed under museum glass with a portrait, plaque, and caption to an overall size of 18.5 x 15.5. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Jefferson and Madison
dual-signed 1803 land document dated to one of America’s most formative periods of expansion
3. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Document
Signed as President and Secretary of State. Partly printed vellum DS, signed “Th: Jefferson” as president and “James Madison,” as secretary of state, one page, 11.75 x 14.25, January 24, 1803. President Jefferson issues a grant for a 1000-acre parcel of land, issued to “John White (a Lieutenant for three years),” under the provisions of “An Act to enable the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment, to obtain titles to certain lands lying north-west of the River Ohio, between the Little Miami and Sciota.” Signed at the conclusion by Thomas Jefferson and countersigned by James Madison. The original embossed white seal remains affixed to the lower left corner. Archivally matted and framed with two small portraits and a small typed description to an overall size of 24.5 x 32.5. In very good condition, with all writing, including signatures, light but legible, scattered toning and staining, and minor separation to edges and intersections.
A notable dual-signed land document dated to the period when expansion was of the utmost importance to the Jefferson administration. On January 18, 1803, President Jefferson sent a confidential message to Congress asking for $2,500 to explore the West, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Congress agreed to fund the expedition that would be led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Jefferson was also busy with negotiations related to the acquisition of Louisiana Territory from the French, who agreed to the historic land agreement for the sum of 15 million dollars in April 1803. Starting Bid $200
5. Andrew Jackson Signed Check. Scarce Bank of Tennessee check, 7 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Jackson, “Andrew Jackson,” payable to Felix Rains for $300, March 1, 1844. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light stains, and minor loss to the upper right corner tip. Starting Bid $200
President Pierce signs a treaty to guarantee “the Free Navigation of the Rivers Parana and Uruguay Between the United States and Argentina”
6. President Franklin Pierce Ratifies a Treaty of Free Navigation with Uruguay. Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 10.5, July 5, 1854. President Pierce authorizes and directs the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to “my ratification of the Treaty between the United States and Uruguay.” Crisply and prominently signed at the conclusion in ink by President Franklin Pierce. In fine condition, with light creasing and edge wear.
This document relates to the ‘Treaty for the Free Navigation of the Rivers Parana and Uruguay Between the United States and Argentina’ from July 10, 1853, which was ratified by President Pierce on July 5, 1854. Part of broader 19th-century diplomatic efforts to promote free trade and navigation globally, the treaty guaranteed U.S. commercial access to the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers, key South American waterways and trade routes connecting Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. Starting Bid $200
President Pierce assigns James Buchanan, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, to exchange the ratifications of an extradition convention between America and Bavaria
7. President Franklin Pierce Sends James Buchanan to Sign an Extradition Convention with Bavaria. Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, July 26, 1854. President Pierce authorizes and directs the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to “a Power to James Buchanan to exchange the ratifications of the Convention between the U. States & Bavaria, concluded at London the 12th September, 1853.” Crisply and prominently signed at the conclusion in ink by President Franklin Pierce. The left edge is affixed to a slightly larger backing sheet. In fine condition, with faint toning to the edges and folds. An Extradition Convention was signed between the Kingdom of Bavaria and the United States on September 12, 1853, in London by the U.S. Minister to Britain James Buchanan and Augustus Baron de Cetto, the Bavarian Envoy to London. Starting Bid $200
President Lincoln transmits
“a letter of ceremony addressed to His Majesty Christian IX, King of Denmark”
8. Abraham Lincoln
Document Signed as President, Congratulating Christian IX on His Ascension to the Danish Throne. Partlyprinted DS as president, signed “Abraham Lincoln,” one page, 8 x 10, January 6, 1864. President Lincoln directs the Secretary of State “to affix the Seal of the United States to the envelope of a letter of ceremony addressed to His Majesty Christian IX, King of Denmark.” Nicely signed at the conclusion “Abraham Lincoln.” In very good to fine condition, with light toning and several old tape stains, none affecting Lincoln’s bold signature.
A bloody Civil War did not mean that political protocol had to be abandoned, as evidenced by Lincoln’s sending a congratulatory message to Christian IX on his accession to the throne of Denmark. Albeit nearly two months after the fact—Christian took the throne on November 16, 1863 and reigned until his death in 1906—Lincoln’s ceremonial pronouncement here was undoubtedly a welcome respite from the dogs of war the president faced daily. President Lincoln, at his own expense, also sent Denmark’s ruler a pair of Colt revolvers.
As the Civil War continued in America, Lincoln used his favorable relationship with Denmark to try to persuade European nations to side with his administration after the spread of anti-Union feelings in Northern Europe—shrewdly waging a media war at home and abroad. During his decades on the throne, Christian became known as ‘the father-in-law of Europe’ as his six children married into other royal houses—with most current European monarchs his descendants. Starting Bid $1000
Signatures of Abraham Lincoln and William Seward—both targets of Booth’s assassination conspiracy
9. Abraham Lincoln Signature as President. Crisp ink signature as president, “Abraham Lincoln,” on an off-white 5.5 x 1.75 slip clipped from an official document, also signed by Secretary of State William H. Seward. In fine condition, with light show at the left edge from the contemporary notation on the back, which reads: “Presented me by my friend Wm. Mathews of the Office of the Sec’y of the Treasury, S. C. Roberts, May 1, 1865.” A desirable piece signed by two casualties of the Lincoln assassination conspiracy: while John Wilkes Booth succeeded in killing President Lincoln, his associate Lewis Powell seriously wounded Secretary of State Seward in a stabbing at his home in Washington, D.C. Starting Bid $1000
With his focus on reconstruction and westward expansion, President Grant proclaims American
“Neutrality in the war between France and the North German Confederation”—the devastating Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871
10. President U. S. Grants Proclaims American Neutrality Toward the Franco-Prussian War. Significant partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, August 22, 1870. President Grant directs the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to “my Proclamation of Neutrality in the war between France and the North German Confederation.” Signed crisply at the conclusion by U. S. Grant. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing and toning. Accompanied by a printed four-page booklet of Grant’s proclamation—“Franco-Prussian War–Neutrality.” On the date of this document, President Grant proclaimed America’s position of neutrality toward the ongoing Franco-Prussian War between the Second French Empire and the North German Confederation led by the Kingdom of Prussia, which lasted from July 19, 1870, to January 28, 1871. America’s decision to stay neutral was an obvious choice. The U.S. held historical ties with France, dating back to the American Revolution, and the country sought good relations with Prussia, which was emerging as a powerful German state. Moreover, the U.S. Civil War had ended just a few years earlier, and the country was still undergoing Reconstruction. The government prioritized rebuilding the South, dealing with economic recovery, and continued westward expansion, not the loss of more American life and resources. Starting Bid $200
11. U. S. Grant Document Signed as President. Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8.5 x 11, March 31, 1871. President Grant directs the “Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to a Warrant for the pardon of John Brown.” Crisply signed at the conclusion in ink by President Ulysses S. Grant. In fine condition, with trivial edge chipping. Starting Bid $200
President Cleveland advances legislation “concerning the killing of fur-seals in Bering Sea”
12. President Grover Cleveland Prohibits the Hunting of Fur Seals in the Bering Sea. Partlyprinted DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, Executive Mansion letterhead, April 14, 1896. President Cleveland directs the Secretary of State to cause the Seal of the United States to be affixed to “my proclamation declaring operative the Act of Congress of February 21, 1893, concerning the killing of fur-seals in Bering Sea.” Signed neatly at the conclusion by Grover Cleveland. In fine condition. Accompanied by a printed copy of Cleveland’s proclamation.
This document relates to Cleveland’s signing of Proclamation 385—Inclusion of the Bering Sea in Prohibition of Killing Fur-Bearing Animals in Alaska, an act designed to drastically limit the hunting of fur seals by both the United States and Great Britain in and around the Bering Sea. While the U.S. sought to employ a more sustainable sealharvesting method that was akin to the Russians before them, seal vessels from Great Britain and Ireland opposed and/or ignored these measures, which resulted in the United States Revenue Cutter Service, today known as the United States Coast Guard, capturing several Canadian sealer vessels throughout the conflict. This led to The Bering Sea Arbitration of 1893 and, for a little while, a potential war between the United States and Great Britain was in the balance.
The North Pacific Fur Seal Convention of 1911 did much to curtail the seal industry. Signed on July 7, 1911, the treaty was designed to manage the commercial harvest of fur-bearing mammals (such as Northern fur seals and sea otters) in the Pribilof Islands of the Bering Sea. The treaty, signed by the United States, Great Britain (also representing Canada), Japan, and Russia, outlawed open-water seal hunting and acknowledged the United States’ jurisdiction in managing the on-shore hunting of seals for commercial purposes. It was the first international treaty to address wildlife preservation issues. Starting Bid $200
On the same day Spain declares war against the United States, President William McKinley signs a “proclamation calling for 125,000 volunteers”
13. President William McKinley Calls for 125,000 Volunteers for the Spanish-American War. Historic DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, Executive Mansion letterhead, April 23, 1898. President McKinley directs the Secretary of State to cause the Seal of the United States to be affixed to “my proclamation calling for 125,000 volunteers.” Signed beautifully at the conclusion by William McKinley. In fine condition, with light edge toning, and a paperclip impression to the top edge.
On April 11, 1898, President William McKinley asked Congress for authorization to end the fighting in Cuba between the rebels and Spanish forces, and to establish a ‘stable government’ that would ‘maintain order’ and ensure the ‘peace and tranquility and the security’ of Cuban and U.S. citizens on the island. On April 20th, Congress passed a joint resolution that acknowledged Cuban independence, demanded that the Spanish government give up control of the island, foreswore any intention on the part of the United States to annex Cuba, and authorized McKinley to use whatever military measures he deemed necessary to guarantee Cuba’s independence.
The Spanish government rejected the U.S. ultimatum and immediately severed diplomatic relations with America. As this document demonstrates, McKinley responded by implementing a naval blockade of Cuba on April 22nd and issued a call for 125,000 military volunteers the following day, a critical executive decision represented by this very document. That same day, Spain declared war on the United States, and Congress voted to go to war against Spain on April 25th.
After isolating and defeating the Spanish army garrisons in Cuba, the U.S. Navy destroyed the Spanish Caribbean squadron on July 3rd as it attempted to escape the U.S. naval blockade of Santiago. On July 26th, at the behest of the Spanish government, the French ambassador in Washington, Jules Cambon, approached the McKinley Administration to discuss peace terms, and a cease-fire was signed on August 12th. The war officially ended four months later, when the U.S. and Spanish governments signed the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. Starting Bid $200
Presidential signature of Theodore Roosevelt, dated a week before leaving office, joined by an amazing ‘Teddy Bear’ sketch by cartoonist Clifford K. Berryman
14. Theodore Roosevelt Signature as President with Original ‘Teddy Bear’ Sketch by Cartoonist Clifford K. Berryman. Early 20th-century autograph album, 7.5 x 4.75, containing a large ink signature as president, “Theodore Roosevelt, Feb. 25th 1909,” which dates a week before he departed the White House. Also featured in the album is a wonderful Roosevelt-inspired ink sketch by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Clifford K. Berryman, who has drawn a large Teddy bear presenting a doll of Rough Rider Theodore Roosevelt to two children, with a quote next to the bear reading: “Aint it cute?” Signed in the lower right corner, “C. K. Berryman, 1908.” Damage to the spine and partially detached covers; interior pages are all clean, fine, and unaffected. Berryman, a legendary cartoonist for The Washington Post (1891 to 1907) and The Washington Star (1907 to 1949), drew thousands of cartoons commenting on American presidents and politics, lampooning former Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman. His cartoons can be found at the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and George Washington University. Starting Bid $200
“It is too ticklish a thing to take chances on”— President Roosevelt cautions against a Republican businessman’s proposed parade
15. Theodore Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed on a Proposed Parade: “It is too ticklish a thing to take chances on”. TLS as president, one page, 6.5 x 8.25, White House letterhead, October 1, 1908. Letter to E. A. Drake, president of the “Business Men’s Republican Association,” in part: “About the parade, I certainly would not advise you to undertake it unless you are sure you can make a great success of it, and with the Chairman of the County Committee and others against it. I should feel very doubtful about it despite my confidence in Mr. Sherrill. Do not under any circumstances go into it unless you are positive you can make it a great success. Otherwise very real damage might be done. Personally, I should very gravely doubt the wisdom of your undertaking it unless you can convince Herbert Parsons and some of the others in authority of the wisdom of your action. It is too ticklish a thing to take chances on.” Archivally double-matted and framed under museum glass with a portrait, plaque, and dollar coin to an overall size of 18.5 x 14.5. In fine condition, with the coin loose within the mat. Starting Bid $200
Dual-signed 1941 Christmas portrait from the Roosevelts—a sought-after official White House gift from the president and first lady
16. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Signed Photograph. Scarce vintage matte-finish 9 x 7.25 photo of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt relaxing at a patio table, an image originally taken on the south porch at Hyde Park on July 4, 1941, signed in fountain pen as president, “Franklin D. Roosevelt,” and as first lady, “Eleanor Roosevelt,” with “Christmas 1941” added in calligraphy below. Framed to an overall size of 11.5 x 9.5. In fine condition, with trimmed edges; Eleanor’s autograph remains much bolder than typically seen on these Christmas gifts. Consignor notes that this originates from the estate of Donald T. Birdzell, one of three White House police officers shot by Puerto Rican nationalists at Blair House in 1950 during an attempt on the life of President Harry S. Truman. Birdzell worked as a guard at the White House from 1939 to 1959.
This scarce format, highlighted in Mary Evans Seeley’s book Season’s Greetings from the White House, represents the first time a president and first lady personally hand-signed official White House Christmas gifts for the executive staff. Their historic gesture took place during the 1941 holiday season, just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor and America’s entry into World War II. Notably, most surviving examples of these signed presidential Christmas gift prints exhibit a severely faded, nearly illegible signature from Eleanor Roosevelt, as the ink she used did not withstand the test of time. This particular example stands out as one of the finest known dual-signed pieces extant. Starting Bid $200
Writing
to the president of Colombia, FDR calls for “an extraordinary inter-American conference” on the maintenance of world peace in 1936
17. Franklin D. Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed as President to Alfonso Lopez, President of Colombia, Suggesting an Inter-American Conference on the Maintenance of World Peace. TLS as president, four pages, 8 x 10.5, White House letterhead, January 31, 1936. Letter to “His Excellency Alfonso Lopez, President of the Republic of Colombia,” showcasing FDR’s ‘Good Neighbor’ policy toward Latin America in action. Roosevelt sent copies of this letter to all Latin American heads of state, beginning with a reference to the recent end of the Bolivian-Paraguayan war over the Gran Chaco region. Roosevelt had declared an embargo on arms to both sides of the war in 1934, and the United States participated in the League of Nations commission which finally ended the war and brought an armistice in June 1935, followed by the exchange of peace protocols.
Roosevelt evokes these events to advocate for broader Pan-American action: “I cherish the sincere conviction that the moment has now arrived when the American Republics, through their designated representatives seated at a common council table, should seize this altogether favorable opportunity to consider their joint responsibility and their common need of rendering less likely in the future the outbreak or the continuation of hostilities between them, and by so doing, serve in
an eminently practical manner the cause of permanent peace on this Western Continent. If the tragedy of the Chaco can be considered as having served any useful end, I believe such end will lie in our joint willingness to profit from the experience learned and to exert our common endeavors in guarding against the repetition of such American disasters.
It has seemed to me that the American Governments might for these reasons view favorably the suggestion that an extraordinary inter-American conference be summoned to assemble...to determine how the maintenance of peace among the American Republics may best be safeguarded whether, perhaps, through the prompt ratification of all of the inter-American peace instruments already negotiated; whether through the amendment of existing peace instruments in such manner as experience has demonstrated to be most necessary; or perhaps through the creation by common accord of new instruments of peace... These steps, furthermore, would advance the cause of world peace, inasmuch as the agreements which might be reached would supplement and reinforce the efforts of the League of Nations and of all other existing or future peace agencies in seeking to prevent war.” In fine condition, with marginal staple and file holes. Starting Bid $500
“Government is theoretically the servant of the people. But the people are not the masters unless they know what their tax money is being spent for”
19. Franklin D. Roosevelt Hand-Annotated Speech Draft on Taxes: “Government is theoretically the servant of the people. But the people are not the masters unless they know what their tax money is being spent for”. Uncommon hand-annotated typed and autograph manuscript draft by Franklin D. Roosevelt, unsigned, one page both sides, 8.25 x 11, no date but presumably circa 1928–1932, drafted when he was either running for governor of New York or while holding that office. The front is typed, with extensive corrections made in pencil by Roosevelt, beginning: “Government is theoretically the servant of the people. But the people are not the masters unless they know what their tax money is being spent for…Our state government has not lagged in its duty toward the individual man and woman as that duty was conceived by the individuals who originally created these United States.” He continues in pencil, in part: “We spend 300,000,000 a year of which over 1/3 goes straight back to local education and another 1/3 into public works—roads, hospitals, prisons and park systems. We can economize chiefly by cutting down on these, but such economy will only lower our state taxes a small amount.” In very good to fine condition, with some creasing and minor edge chipping. Starting Bid $200
FDR sails the Panama
Canal in 1934— a scarce signed photo of USS Houston passing through the ‘Culebra Cut’
20. Franklin D. Roosevelt Signed Photograph of USS Houston. Vintage glossy 10 x 8 photo of the USS Houston sailing through the Panama Canal with FDR on board, captioned in the lower left, “U.S.S. Houston, ‘President Roosevelt Aboard,’ Culebra Cut, July 11th 1934,” neatly signed at the top in fountain pen, “Franklin D. Roosevelt.” Annotated on the reverse with interesting provenance information, describing it as a gift to Charles T. Putnam, a machinist mate in the US Navy. In very good condition, with creasing, a repaired edge tear, and heavy surface impressions from the copious notes on the reverse.
In July 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt traveled aboard the USS Houston as it passed through the Panama Canal, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president made the transit. The voyage was part of Roosevelt’s larger tour of the Caribbean and Central America, emphasizing his ‘Good Neighbor Policy’ toward Latin America. During the journey, he took the opportunity to observe canal operations firsthand and reinforce diplomatic ties in the region. Starting Bid $200
22. Franklin D. Roosevelt Oversized Signed Photograph. Rare, marvelous matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 silver gelatin photograph of Franklin D. Roosevelt seated at his desk, neatly signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen, “For Dan Driscoll from his old friend, Franklin D. Roosevelt.” Also signed in the lower right corner by the photographer, “Hessler.” Archivally suede-matted and framed to an overall size of 18.75 x 21.5 In fine condition, with light silvering along the left edge. Starting Bid $200
21. Franklin D. Roosevelt Signed Photograph. Fantastic matte-finish 6.75 x 8.75 photo of President Roosevelt at his desk by Harris & Ewing, signed in the lower border in fountain pen, “Franklin D. Roosevelt.” In very good to fine condition, with moderately heavy silvering to the perimeter of the image. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder. Starting Bid $200
“Feeling among American Communists that they must defend Russia, in order to defend Communism - Wrong!”—John F. Kennedy’s thricesigned copy of Challenge to Karl Marx, with several handwritten comments on the communist threat
26. John F. Kennedy’s Triple-Signed Book with Ample Handwritten Notations on Communism - Challenge to Karl Marx. John F. Kennedy’s personally-owned first edition of Challenge to Karl Marx by John Kenneth Turner, published by Reynal & Hitchcock of New York in 1941, hardcover, 6 x 8.75, 455 pages, signed three times on the first free end page in black ink, “John F. Kennedy, 1941” and “John F. Kennedy, 1949,” and in blue ink, “John F. Kennedy, 50,” who has added handwritten pencil notations to the margin of five pages, with Kennedy underlining or bracketing select passages to a total of 20 pages. Both the front pastedown and the signed first page bear Kennedy’s ownership stamp.
Kennedy’s handwritten notes read: “Similarly, feeling among American Communists that they must defend Russia, in order to defend Communism - Wrong!” (page 6); “Theory that middle class would disappear seems disproved - increase in their numbers” (page 29); “How about the small farms, very small percentage of the total, farm revenue?” (page 38); “After this war, America, if victorious, will be faced with the problem of trying to compete for markets where the buying power is low, and still keeping standards high at home,” (page 41); and “Seems a little weak here” (page 43). Autographic condition: fine, with some scattered staining to the signed page. Book condition: VG-/None, with edgewear, a stain at the head of the spine, and toning to endpapers.
Accompanied by a second printing of the 128-page paperback booklet entitled “100 Things You Should Know About Communism,” dated August 15, 1949, prepared and released by the Committee on Un-American Activities, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. A desirable triple-signed book held by Kennedy on three separate occasions, including twice as a Massachusetts congressman. The first time Kennedy signed this book, and ostensibly added all of these annotations, was prior to his joining of the United States Naval Reserve on September 24, 1941. That the book is about communism is all the more pertinent given JFK’s vocal opposition to its ideology, which was no louder than during his presidency when tensions with communist states were at an all-time high. A marvelous Kennedy keepsake of considerable autographic and historical interest. Starting Bid $300
“I love a loner with a touch of sadness”— exceptional pairing of handwritten letters from Jackie to her Grey Gardens cousin, Edith ‘Little Edie’ Beale, discussing her husband, family, and a new tell-all book on the Bouviers
24. Jacqueline Kennedy (2) Autograph Letters
Signed to Grey Gardens Cousin Edith Beale. Two ALSs from Jacqueline Kennedy, both signed “Jackie,” sent to her famous first cousin, Edith ‘Little Edie’ Bouvier Beale, dated May 28, 1965, and April 16, 1969, consisting of pleasantries and Jackie’s thoughts on the publication of a new book about the Bouvier family, written by her cousin John H. Davis. The earlier handwritten letter, one black-bordered page, 6.25 x 9.25, Kennedy coat of arms letterhead, in full: “Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness in sending the children the prayer books and me the cologne. They took the books with them to England. They are their greatest treasures—next only to the religious pictures you sent me once—that belonged to Daddy & you—which each one has by his bedside. I send you all my love and I think of you so often.”
The second letter, five pages, 5.25 x 7.75, personal 1040 Fifth Avenue letterhead, in full: “I was so touched by your letter. You and Aunt Edie have always been so special to me—my favorites ever since I was a little girl—and even though we didn’t see each other much in the last years—I always felt so close to you—and you always kept in touch—in the happy times and the sad ones. Thank you for all your wishes about Ari—you must meet him some day. He is so wise and kind— and I think he is so much like the Bouviers, I love a loner with a touch of sadness.
You mustn’t worry about Jack Davis’ book. At first I was so angry—I read the excerpts of it that he sold to magazines, then I read the book. And what comes out if it is just the opposite of the impression he was trying to create.
The sensitive Bouviers—Aunt Edie, Daddy, Uncle Bud— you—are the ones who touch the heart. And the prissy ones—the twins—who obviously dictated all the parts about their generation to him—they come out as such petty, spoiled, life-diminishing people—attaching importance to all the wrong things in life—vain and selfish—putting ceremony & position and status above all the deep things in life—and still mooning
over the days when they were the lovely red headed twins.
And that’s what people who read it will think. I was so dumbfounded by the description of your mother’s wedding—then I was amused—as they were so stupid to dictate that to dumb old Jack Davis—Cordons of screaming admirers fainting over the little twins. You wouldn’t have guessed there was a bride at the wedding.
You know what people will always think of Jack Davis as now? As a boy who did nothing who traded on President Kennedy’s life & death to peddle a book about his relatives—& was disloyal to his family. This is what was written about him in Europe—& that is what I get lots of mail about. I’m glad he wrote the book now—because there is a poetry about the wonderful Bouviers in it that is beautiful—& when all the flap has died down—that is what will endure. Please give so much love to Aunt Edie. If you ever come to NY let me know—& I hope I come back to Easthampton sometime. You two are the only people I care about there.” In overall fine condition. Both letters are accompanied by their original mailing envelopes hand-addressed by Jackie, who incorporates her surname, “Onassis,” in the return address on the reverse of the later envelope. The earlier envelope bears her preprinted franking signature.
The longer letter is related to the recent publication of the biographical book The Bouviers: Portrait of an American Family, which was written by Jackie’s first cousin, John ‘Jack’ Davis, who authored several books on the Italian Mafia and notable American families like the Guggenheims and the Kennedys. Evident is Jackie and Edie’s disappointment with their cousin’s new book, which, given the long and fascinating history of the Bouvier clan, was rife with private family anecdotes. Edie and her mother, Edith ‘Big Edie’ Bouvier Beale, were not greatly affected by the exposé, as they were later famously the subjects of the acclaimed 1975 film Grey Gardens, widely considered to be one of the greatest documentary films of all time. Starting Bid $200
“It is most important that this special campaign for private Negro colleges, on which the nation leans so heavily for leadership, be led by a distinguished American”—President Kennedy tabs General Foods CEO Charles Mortimer as chairman for the launch of the United Negro College Development Campaign— “a capital fund drive to help the Fund colleges meet their most urgent and critical needs for improvement in the quality of education and capital outlays”
25. President John F. Kennedy (2) Typed Letters Signed on an Historic Fundraising Campaign for the United Negro College Fund. Two TLSs as president signed “John Kennedy,” both sent to Charles G. Mortimer, the chairman and CEO of the General Foods Corporation, who acquiesced to the president’s request that he become the chairman of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, which provides scholarships for black students and general scholarship funds for 37 private historically black colleges and universities. The letters, three total pages, 7 x 10.25 and 6.75 x 8.75, typed on White House letterhead, read, in part:
April 19, 1963: “As a long time friend of the United Negro College Fund, you will be pleased to know that I am giving full support to the current efforts to launch a capital fund drive to help the Fund colleges meet their most urgent and critical needs for improvement in the quality of education and capital outlays…It is most important that this special campaign for private Negro colleges, on which the nation leans so heavily for leadership, be led by a distinguished American. I am, therefore, asking you to become the national chairman of this drive. Your leadership…will provide the kind of endorsement required to enlist the enthusiastic support of the American people.”
May 20, 1963: “I was very pleased to have your letter of May 3rd accepting the chairmanship of the United Negro College Fund. I am certain that this is going to be a success and I know that I do not need to point out again how important I think this effort is…I want you to know that I stand ready to be of assistance in any way that I can in making this drive a success.” Kennedy signs with his initials, “JK,” after a handwritten postscript: “This has become even more important because of recent events.” Kennedy is assuredly referencing the Birmingham campaign, a movement led and organized in early 1963 by Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to bring attention to the integration efforts of African Americans in Birmingham, Alabama. Includes a copy of Mortimer’s acceptance letter to Kennedy from May 3, 1963. In overall fine condition.
Accompanied by supporting documentation, both visual and printed, related to Mortimer’s acceptance of the position and the historic launch of the United Negro College Development Campaign, and Mortimer’s personal leather-bound retirement scrapbook, which contains copious photographs, articles, and keepsakes related to his prodigious career with General Foods and his lifelong support of education, youth and public service activities, American free trade, and the Civil Rights movement; among them are front covers from Time magazine (December 7, 1959) and Forbes magazine (August 1, 1962), which both depict Mortimer as the chairman of General Foods. Starting Bid $1000
JFK presents a photograph
to Eleanor Roosevelt’s cook and maintenance man
27. John F. Kennedy Signed Photograph to Eleanor Roosevelt’s Cook and Maintenance Man. Desirable glossy 7.5 x 9.5 photo of John F. Kennedy visiting with Eleanor Roosevelt in an effort to earn her endorsement for his presidential candidacy, signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen, “For Marge and Lester Entrup, with best wishes, John F. Kennedy.” Nicely matted and framed to an overall size of 13 x 15. In fine condition, with a few small creases and a bit of brushing to the autograph. Marge and Lester Entrup were household employees at Eleanor Roosevelt s home at Val-Kill, providing cooking and property maintenance services. Starting Bid $200
A 1962 Christmas engraving from President Kennedy to his official letter writer, the future first female mayor of Princeton, New Jersey
28. John F. Kennedy Signed White House Engraving as President - “Christmas 1962”. Vintage engraving of the North Portico of the White House, 6 x 4, matted and framed to an overall size of 12 x 10.25, signed and inscribed on the mat in black ink as president, “Barbara Boggs – with warm personal regards, John Kennedy, Christmas 1962.” In fine condition, with somewhat irregular light toning to the mat. The recipient is ostensibly Barbara Boggs Sigmund (1939–1990) who worked as a letter writer for President John F. Kennedy. The daughter of Hale Boggs and Lindy Boggs, who both represented Louisiana in the United States House of Representatives, Boggs was a noted Democratic politician and civic leader who served as the first female mayor of Princeton, New Jersey. Starting Bid $200
“The picture he sent was very good”— bold handwritten note from President-elect Kennedy to noted photographer Dave Iwerks two weeks after the 1960 United States presidential election
29. John F. Kennedy Handwritten Note as President-Elect. Handwritten note from President-elect John F. Kennedy, unsigned, written in black felt tip at the bottom of a letter from photographer Dave Iwerks, dated November 22, 1960, roughly two weeks after the 1960 United States presidential election. Kennedy’s note reads: “Tell him that this must be a decision for each cabinet member individually – also that the picture he sent was very good.” Iwerks’s letter, one page, 8.5 x 11, reads, in part: “I had the privilege to do some formal portraits of you at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, of which you received a copy some time ago. I have also photographed Lyndon Johnson and the Republican candidates during the campaign months. As soon as your cabinet is chosen, I would like to do some formal portrait studies on each.” In fine condition, with some old adhesive residue to the top edge. Accompanied by a modern print portrait photo of Kennedy by Iwerks, a noted photographer and son of legendary Walt Disney animator Ub Iwerks. Starting Bid $200
Chinaware from the JFK’s presidential yacht, the ‘Honey Fitz’
30. John F. Kennedy: Presidential China from the ‘Honey Fitz’ (4-Piece Tea Cup and Saucer Set). Exquisite tea cup and saucer set from the chinaware used by President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy aboard the presidential yacht, the ‘Honey Fitz,’ which was named in honor of JFK’s maternal grandfather, John Francis ‘Honey Fitz’ Fitzgerald. Includes a standard teacup (2.5˝ tall, 2.5˝ diameter), a double-handled teacup (2.25˝ tall, 3.5˝ diameter), and two matching saucers (5˝ diameter), all designed and manufactured by Shenango China in New Castle, Pennsylvania.
The elegant set boasts subtle gilt embellishments including golden-striped rims and handles, with central presidential seals flanked by single stars. All are marked on the bottom with Shenango China maker’s marks in green. In overall fine condition, with light overall wear.
Consignor notes: “These pieces were from my father who worked on the Special Support Staff in the White House starting with the Johnson administration, then the Nixon administration and the Ford administration. He retired when President Ford was in office. He worked closely with the first family in the Johnson, Nixon and Ford administrations.”
Notably, the Honey Fitz remained in use as a presidential yacht during the administrations of Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon. While Johnson retained its name as the ‘Honey Fitz’ to honor JFK’s memory, Nixon had it refurbished and renamed to honor his daughter, Patricia. The yacht was retired from official service in the early 1970s, then decommissioned and sold at auction in 1971. Starting Bid $200
31. John F. Kennedy: 1962 Madison Square Garden Birthday (5) Items - Program, Ticket Stub, Posters, and Mail Form. Desirable lot of five items from President John F. Kennedy’s famous birthday celebration held at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962, including: a rare original 13 x 9.5 poster for “New York’s Birthday Salute to President Kennedy,” featuring an image of Kennedy, a list of scheduled performers, and a printed mailing form, marked at the bottom, “New York Post, Wednesday, May 2, 1962”; an 8.5 x 11.25 handbill and a blank 6 x 9 ticket order form for the event, both with matching design and information as the poster; an original ticket stub for “President Kennedy’s Birthday Party and Gala All Star Show,” 6.25 x 3.75, featuring his portrait on the left side and stamped “Pres[s]”; and the original program from the event, entitled ‘Happy Birthday, Mr. President’ on the front cover, two pages, 8.25 x 10.5, listing the performers inside, including Ella Fitzgerald, Maria Callas, Peter Lawford, and Marilyn Monroe—whose sultry rendition of ‘Happy Birthday, Mr. President’ is remembered even today. Includes an original ticket stub for “President Kennedy’s Birthday Dinner” from 1961, 5 x 3.75, which was held at the National Guard Armory in Washington, DC, on May 27, 1961. In overall fine condition, with light stains to the program, and two vertical, unobtrusive tears to the poster’s horizontal fold.
On the evening of May 19, 1962, 17,000 people filled Madison Square Garden to celebrate the birthday of President John F. Kennedy. The star-studded gala featured appearances and musical numbers by many noted celebrities, including Maria Callas, Peggy Lee, and Diahann Carroll. The song that stole the show, however, was Marilyn Monroe’s now-infamous, sultry rendition of ‘Happy Birthday, Mr. President.’ Wearing a dazzling, skintight dress, the spotlight was on Monroe as she delivered the breathy number to the thrilled crowd. President Kennedy was then presented with a massive birthday cake, and he humorously remarked: ‘I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way.’ Starting Bid $200
33. John F. Kennedy Signed Sheet (c. 1946), Printed to Resemble a ‘Member of Congress’ Business Card - PSA MINT 9. Vintage circa mid-1946 fountain pen signature, “John F. Kennedy,” on a 3 x 1.75 slip, later trimmed and printed to resemble a ‘Member of Congress’ business card. In fine condition, with a light central horizontal fold. Encapsulated and graded by PSA/DNA as “MINT 9.” Starting Bid $200
JFK thanks a volunteer for efforts at ‘Kennedy Teas’ during his 1952 campaign for the Senate: “Mr. Lodge was drowned in 500 gallons of tea— which you had poured”
34. John F. Kennedy Typed Letter Signed with Autograph Postscript on the 1952 Senate Campaign: “Mr. Lodge was drowned in 500 gallons of tea—which you had poured”. TLS signed “Jack,” one page, 8 x 10.5, House of Representatives letterhead, no date but circa 1952–1953. Letter to constituent Helen Keyes of Dorchester, Massachusetts, in part: “Since I just returned from Europe, I have been delayed in telling you how grateful I am for your wonderful efforts during the past months of the campaign. The tremendous enthusiasm for the Teas was certainly a tribute to the interest and hard work of you and your group, and I know that they proved to be of great importance in our ultimate victory. I am deeply grateful to you for the time and energy you gave so unselfishly.” He adds a handwritten postscript: “This expresses very inadequately my thanks for all that you did. As Neal O’Hara said at the Cloves Club dinner Mr. Lodge was drowned in 500 gallons of tea—which you had poured.” In very good to fine condition, with slightly irregular overall toning.
An astute political observer, John F. Kennedy understood the power of the women’s vote and visited local women’s clubs during his early Congressional campaigns. Later on, ‘Kennedy Teas’—meet and greets which allowed women voters to meet the candidate and his family in a relaxed, elegant setting—became a hallmark of his 1952 campaign for the Senate. An estimated 70,000 voters attended these events, which was nearly JFK’s exact margin of victory over incumbent Republican Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr.—who subsequently blamed ‘those damn Kennedy Teas’ for his loss. Starting Bid $200
President Kennedy drafts memos to the Civil Aeronautics Board, addressing a dispute over international airfare
35. John F. Kennedy Hand-Corrected Draft Memos as President to the Civil Aeronautics Board. Two hand-corrected draft memos by President John F. Kennedy, each one page, 7 x 10.25, White House letterhead, May 15, 1963. Addressing the “Chairman, Civil Aeronautics Board,” President Kennedy iterates two drafts of a memo requesting “an accounting of the strategy of the CAB in the recent international dispute. As the press made clear this morning this matter not only involved the CAB, but also the reputation of this administration and government at home and abroad.” On the first draft, Kennedy corrects “tragedy” to “strategy”; asks “what weapons did we have to compel a compromise”; changes “support” to “oppose” and writes out the concluding statement: “In the future I wish the White House to be kept informed in advance of actions which may later involve it.” On the second draft, which incorporates his changes, Kennedy changes “were” to “would be” and “obtain” to “oppose the.” In fine condition, with light paperclip impressions to the left edges.
Kennedy’s memo came amidst an international economic squabble over airline fares. On May 15, 1963, the New York Times reported: ‘The United States bowed to British demands today and directed United States airlines to conform to the schedule of higher fares charged on Atlantic routes by European carriers. The sudden reversal of policy came a few hours before President Kennedy called on Congress for passage of legislation giving the Civil Aeronautics Board authority over rates and practices of American airlines and over rates charged by foreign lines for flights to and from the United States.’ Starting Bid $200
36. John F. Kennedy: 8mm Home Movie of a Marine Corps Inspection (June 1963). Firstgeneration color 8mm home movie film reel containing footage of President John F. Kennedy inspecting a formation of Marine Corps in June 1963. The film starts with President Kennedy passing by the front of the formation, then the backside, as captured by a civilian onlooker. Kennedy is seen in full stride from ten or fifteen feet away, with little to no obstruction. When JFK spots the camera, he looks directly at it and smiles. The camera pans to follow him and the footage continues as he walks away. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
37. John F. Kennedy Signature. Choice fountain pen signature, “John Kennedy,” on an off-white 2.75 x 1 slip, beautifully triple-matted and framed with a portrait, presidential patch, and plaque to an overall size of 16.5 x 27.5. In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA and a photocopy of the letter from which the signature derives: a typed letter on House of Representatives letterhead, September 19, 1950, intervening in a constituent’s efforts to secure an appointment in the civil service as a research psychologist. Starting Bid $200
38. John F. Kennedy 1962 White House Christmas Gift Print - ‘Red Room’. Beautiful color 15.5 x 13 lithograph print produced by Hallmark from Edward Lehman’s Red Room painting, with “With our appreciation and best wishes for a happy Christmas, 1962, John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy,” printed in facsimile below. Handsomely matted and framed to an overall size of 21 x 18.5. In very fine condition. The official Kennedy White House Christmas gifts are discussed in detail in Mary Evans Seeley’s Season’s Greetings from the White House (pp. 87-95). Regarding the 1962 card, Seeley notes that ‘[only] 2000 [of these] mementos were handed out at the annual staff Christmas party on December 12.’ Starting Bid $200
39. John F. Kennedy 1961 Sterling Silver Inaugural Cigarette Box - From the Estate of Tony Curtis. Handsome sterling silver cigarette box featuring an engraving on the lid replicating the invitation to the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy on January 20, 1961, 6˝ x 3˝ 1.5˝, marked on the bottom edge: “Sterling by Poole.” The interior of the box is lined in wood. In very good to fine condition, with scattered spots of tarnishing.
Provenance: originally sold in the Julien’s Auctions sale ‘Property From The Estate of Tony Curtis,’ lot 420, September 17, 2011.
President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in January 1961 was marked by a star-studded inaugural gala organized by Frank Sinatra, featuring performances by Hollywood and music legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Kelly, Nat King Cole, and Ethel Merman. Tony Curtis, along with his wife Janet Leigh, were both in attendance. This event underscored the Kennedy administration’s commitment to integrating arts and culture into American political life, signaling a new era of cultural prominence in the White House. Starting Bid $200
Unique piece connecting JFK’s grandfathers— an elegy for P. J. Kennedy,
signed by ‘Honey Fitz’
40. Patrick J. Kennedy: Hand-Illuminated Mourning Poem, Signed by Boston Democratic Leaders including John ‘Honey Fitz’ Fitzgerald. Hand-illuminated mourning poem honoring the memory of Patrick J. Kennedy, the paternal grandfather of President John F. Kennedy, one page, 14 x 20.5, no date but circa 1929. Commissioned by leaders of the Democratic Party in Boston, the poem is headed: “In wholehearted desire to memorialize East Boston’s native son, our late, love associate and cherished friend, Patrick J. Kennedy, who truly lived for men in emulation of the Gentle Nazarene, whose teachings our deceased comrade unfailingly followed.” The first verse reads: “Great Heart and Noblest Roman of them all, / in tender fragrant memory we recall / that gentle voice and smiling mien / pulsating sympathy so keen / that those distressed were wont to lean / on Kennedy.” Signed at the conclusion in ink by eight prominent Boston Democrats, including John F. ‘Honey Fitz’ Fitzgerald, the maternal grandfather of President John F. Kennedy. Archivally double-matted and framed to an overall size of 20 x 26.5. In fine condition, with a bit of scattered foxing. Starting Bid $200
President Kennedy presents his portrait to White House muralist Bernard Lamotte
42.John F. Kennedy Signed Photograph as President to Bernard Lamotte, Painter of a White House Mural. Fantastic color matte-finish 7.5 x 9.5 photo of President John F. Kennedy seated at the Resolute Desk inside the Oval Office, affixed to its original 9.5 x 12.5 mount, signed and inscribed on the mount in fountain pen to the painter of a White House mural, “For Bernard Lamotte—with high esteem and best personal regards—John Kennedy.” Displayed in a handsome Gorham sterling silver presentation frame to an overall size of 11 x 14. In very good to fine condition, with light wear to the frame, slight fading to the image, and uniform toning to the mount.
Paris-born artist, illustrator, painter, and muralist Bernard Lamotte (1903–1983), a friend of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, moved to New York City in 1935. In 1962, he created a mural of Christiansted Harbor on St. Croix in the Virgin Islands for the White House pool for President John F. Kennedy. Today, the mural is preserved in the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, Boston. Starting Bid $300
Sought-after pair of JFK and LBJ autographs on a United States Senate Restaurant menu
41. John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson Signed Menu from the United States Senate Restaurant. Fantastic menu from the United States Senate Restaurant, two pages, 7 x 8.5, signed on the front cover in blue ballpoint by John F. Kennedy and in fountain pen by Lyndon B. Johnson. Inside, the menu lists a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, grilled fare, deserts, and beverages; on the reverse is a recipe for the “Famous Senate Restaurant Bean Soup.” In fine condition, with an old mounting strip on the reverse. A unique piece boasting a most desirable combination of signatures, capturing the connection between two pivotal figures in American history—one a charismatic president whose leadership defined an era, and the other his successor who carried forward his legacy. This autographed menu not only reflects the time that Kennedy and Johnson shared together in the Senate but also symbolizes the transition of power and the political dynamics that shaped the 1960s. Starting Bid $200
Oversized swearing-in portrait of LBJ after JFK’s assassination, from the collection of Robert L. White
43. Lyndon B. Johnson Oversized Swearing-In Photograph. Magnificent oversized semi-glossy 23.5 x 19.5 photograph of Lyndon B. Johnson taking the oath of office aboard Air Force One following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, taken by official White House photographer Cecil W. Stoughton. The most notable figures in the image are Judge Sarah T. Hughes, administering the oath in the lower left; the new first lady, Lady Bird Johnson; the new president, Lyndon B. Johnson, with his right hand raised during the swearing-in ceremony; and the mourning former first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy. Handsomely matted and framed to an overall size of 31 x 27. In fine condition. Originates from the collection of noted JFK collector Robert L. White, and accompanied by a color glossy 8 x 6 photo of White and Cecil Stoughton posing with the framed photograph, signed and inscribed in black felt tip by the former White House photographer, “To Robert—you and I with my most famous picture aboard AF-1 on 11/22/63, Cecil W. Stoughton.” Cecil W. Stoughton (1920–2008) served as the first Chief Official White House Photographer, assigned to cover the Kennedy administration. Stoughton’s behind-the-scenes pictures of John and Jacqueline and their children in their public and private lives were pivotal in shaping the public’s view of the first family. He took more than 8,000 pictures of the Kennedy family, spanning the 34-month period beginning with Kennedy’s inauguration and ending with his assassination. His most iconic photograph, however, is indeed that of Lyndon B. Johnson’s swearing-in on Air Force One as the stunned, blood-spattered Jackie Kennedy stands beside him. Starting Bid $200
“I am going to announce my candidacy for President at noon”—impressive collection of 24 TLSs from Jimmy Carter, with 18 as president, each sent to a fellow Georgia politician and longtime Congressman
46. Jimmy Carter Collection of (24) Typed Letters
Signed with (18) as President. Collection of 24 TLSs from Jimmy Carter to fellow Georgia politician and longtime Congressman Jack Brinkley, which contains 18 letters as president, the majority of which are signed “Jimmy.” Of the remaining six letters, one is signed as the governor of Georgia, four are signed as the President-elect, and one is signed shortly after leaving the White House. The letters, each one page, ranging in size from 5.25 x 8.25 to 8 x 10.5, dated between 1974 and 1981, consist of political announcements, casual pleasantries, and reactions to legislative business. Highlights are as follows (in chronological order):
November 22, 1974: “I am going to announce my candidacy for President at noon on December 12 at the National Press Club in Washington.”
November 26, 1976: “I appreciate your congratulations upon my election as President. Your expression of support is most gratifying…PS. Congratulations again on your victory!”
June 2, 1977: “Thanks for letting me know of your support for the voter registration bill, even though some of your constituents oppose it.”
February 20, 1978: “I have studied the B-1 issue extensively since taking office and have concluded that the cruise missile wil be a more effective option, as well as less expensive…Aiurcraft 5 and 6 are not necessary for the research…it just doesn’t make sense to waste approximately three quarters of a billion dollars to complete and test these two aircraft.”
June 2, 1978: “I appreciate your recent expression of support for Civil Service reform. This early endorsement by you and your colleagues confirms my belief that the time is right for this historic effort to improve government efficiency and productivity.”
August 18, 1978: “On August 15, 1978, it was my privilege and pleasant duty to sign into law H.R. 8336, to authorize the establishment of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.”
October 11, 1978: “Of the tasks remaining for the 95th Congress, none is more important than enactment of a national energy plan. Adoption of the full package, which includes provisions on conservation, coal conversion, utility rate reform, energy taxes and credits, and natural gas pricing, is essential to our economic health and future security. The bill establishes a responsible, balanced and fair framework for
meeting our energy needs. It will give us the tools to save about 2.5 million barrels of oil per day by 1985, with a reduction of more than $12 billion in our trade deficit. It will demonstrate that as a Nation we have the courage and strength to face up to our energy problem. This in turn will help strengthen the U.S. dollar, whose decline over the last year has added a full 1% to the Consumer Price Index…The Congress has done a good job of bringing this difficult task to a final stage after eighteen months of dedicated work. Delay on energy legislation can no longer be an acceptable choice for us. With the eyes of our citizens and the world upon us, we must not fail this test of our national will. I urge you to give your full support to the energy package.”
November 8, 1978: “Congratulations on your victory in yesterday’s election. Your fellow citizens chose wisely, and I know you will continue to merit their support.”
May 8, 1979: “Thanks for your recent letter bringing to my attention the problems associated with HEW’s proposed system for Hospital Uniform Reporting. As you know, one of my strongest commitments is to work toward the elimination of waste and inefficiency in government.”
September 27, 1979: “I would like to express to you my appreciation for your wisdom and courage in voting to approve the Conference Report of the Panama Canal Act on Wednesday. I know very well that this was not an easy vote for you — that it would have been politically expedient to continue to oppose this legislation. Regardless of what one may think of the Treaties (and I am as firmly convinced as ever of the necessity for them), it is now time to look ahead to promoting the interests of the American people in a time when the Treaties are the law of the land. I believe that in supporting the Conference Report you protected those interests by voting to keep the Canal open without interruption.”
October 12, 1979: “As we enter the final phase of the first session of the 9th Congress, we will continue to be faced with controversial challenges. I am confident you will continue to keep the best interests of our country uppermost in your mind.”
November 16, 1979: “I am grateful for your endorsement of my reelection as President. The October 24th dinner is one I will always remember, and its significance will be treasured.” In overall fine to very fine condition. Accompanied by a printed copy of a presentation sheet from the Georgia Delegation in the Congress, which is signed in blue ballpoint by Carter, a TLS from Rosalyn Carter from May 6, 1981, and 14 original mailing envelopes. Starting Bid $500
“Ronnie” pretends to be Nancy, writes a draft letter to his California successor on his appointment of a controversial Vietnam P.O.W. who “collaborated with the enemy and betrayed his comrades”
47. Ronald Reagan Handwritten Draft Letter Under the Guise of Nancy Reagan - Critiquing Governor Jerry Brown’s Appointment of a Vietnam P.O.W.. Unfinished draft of a letter handwritten by Ronald Reagan under the guise of his wife, Nancy Reagan, to be sent to California Governor Jerry Brown on his controversial appointment of Edison Miller, a former P.O.W. in Vietnam, to the Orange County board of supervisors. The letter, which finds Reagan incorporating his first name, “Ronnie,” within the text, no date (July 1979), two pages, 8.5 x 13, reads, in part: “I’ve debated for some time whether to write this letter and came to the conclusion I must. I have just watched on TV your appointee to the Orange Co. board of supervisors take his oath of office. It was an oath not too dissimilar to the one he had taken as an officer in the Marine Corps – an oath he violated when as a prisoner of war in Vietnam he collaborated with the enemy and betrayed his comrades. This letter is prompted by my own memories of those tragic war years. Memories of calls to mothers after I had visited their sons in our hospitals. Memories of those sons, their bodies shattered, some were double & even triple amputees, but they had a gallantry that tore your
heart in two…Very much in my memory are the Prisoners of War who were finally returned to us after years of torture –torture beyond anything one could imagine. Ronnie & I were privileged to have some 200 of those gallant & heroic men in our home over a period of several weeks. They were the P.O.W.s who claimed Calif. As their home. Some were from Orange County.” In fine condition.
In July 1979, Governor Brown named Edison Miller, a former P.O.W. in Vietnam, to the Orange County board of supervisors. Miller had been formally censured by the Navy Department after an investigation into charges that he had collaborated with the North Vietnamese. The California Democratic establishment was livid over Brown’s choice, with State Assemblyman Richard Robinson describing Miller as ‘Hanoi’s answer to Tokyo Rose.’ Nancy Reagan publicly released ‘her’ letter on July 24, 1979. A fascinating draft letter from California’s ex-governor to his successor, cleverly using his wife’s name and public image to convey his own dislike for Brown’s political appointments. Starting Bid $200
“Forgive me for taking so long to acknowledge your ‘Defense of Government’ memo – It is very insightful – I’ll try it”
48. Bill Clinton Autograph Letter Signed as President. ALS as president signed “Bill,” one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, May 23 (no year). Handwritten letter to “Jack,” author Jacob Weisberg, in full: “Forgive me for taking so long to acknowledge your ‘Defense of Government’ memo – It is very insightful – I’ll try it.” In fine condition, with light edge toning from prior display.
Jacob Weisberg (born 1964) is an American political journalist, who served as editor-in-chief of The Slate Group, a division of Graham Holdings Company. In September 2018, he left Slate to co-found Pushkin Industries, an audio content company, with Malcolm Gladwell. Weisberg was also a Newsweek columnist. Starting Bid $200
49. Four Presidents Signed Photograph - Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Carter. Fantastic color satin-finish 10 x 8 photo of Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan laughing together during a White House toast on October 8, 1981, signed in the lower border in black felt tip by all four. In fine condition, with scattered light surface creases. A desirable, jovial image of the four presidents together, less commonly seen than the more formal standing pose. Starting Bid $200
Notables
American Politicians and
Leaders
200. Kennedy Family Signed Book - Profiles in Courage, with RFK, RFK Jr., JFK Jr., and Caroline Kennedy. Signed book: Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy. Later printing, ‘Memorial Edition.’ NY: Harper & Row, 1964. Hardcover with dust jacket, 6.25 x 9, 287 pages. Signed on the first free end page in ballpoint by Robert F. Kennedy (with inscription, “For Marlene”), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., John F. Kennedy, Jr., Caroline Kennedy, Ethel Kennedy, and Rory Kennedy. Also signed by Irish politician Gerry Adams and one other. Notably, the autographs are annotated with dates of acquisition between 1964 and 2008—making this unique compilation of signatures the result of a remarkable, five-decade project. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/G, with creasing and rippling to the dust jacket. Accompanied by an original transmittal letter from James J. Haggerty, returning the book signed by RFK in March 1964. Starting Bid $200
King Charles II proclaims the Treaty of Westminster, marking the return of New York to British control
201. King Charles II: Broadside Proclaiming the 1674 Treaty of Westminster, Which Returned New York to Great Britain. Broadside proclamation by King Charles II, one page, 11.5 x 14.75, February 27, 1674. Significant broadside issued by King Charles II, proclaiming the Treaty of Westminster, headed: “By the King. A Proclamation For Publishing the Peace between His Majesty and the States General of the United Netherlands.” The text begins: “Whereas a Peace hath been Created and Concluded at Westminster, betwixt His Majesty, and the States General of the United Netherlands, and the Ratifications thereof exchanged, and Publication thereof made at the Hague…In conformity thereunto His Majesty hath thought fit hereby to Command, That the same be Published throughout His Majesties Dominions.” The king’s name, “Charles R,” is imprinted at the top, and the proclamation concludes, “God save the King.” Printed in London by John Bill and Christopher Barker. Tipped into a quarter-morocco binding. In fine condition. This broadside proclaims the Treaty of Westminster, which ended the Third Anglo-Dutch War in February 1674. Most significantly, the treaty provided for the return of the colony of New Netherland (now New York) to England, it having been seized by the Dutch fleet a year earlier. Interestingly, as news of the peace could not be communicated quickly to all parts of the world, different dates had been determined upon which legal hostilities would end. Starting Bid $500
World Leaders and Politicians
Stoneman portrait of Prime Minister Churchill
206. Winston Churchill Signed Photograph by Walter Stoneman. Marvelous vintage matte-finish 6.25 x 8 portrait photo of Prime Minister Churchill striking a serious pose, affixed to its original 7.25 x 9.75 mount, which is signed below in fountain pen, “Winston S. Churchill, 1946.” Reverse bears the credit stamp of Walter Stoneman of J. Russell & Sons. In fine condition, with thin silvering along the edges of the image. An enduring portrait of Churchill captured by Walter Stoneman at 10 Downing Street on April 1, 1941, the day Churchill was awaiting word on Germany’s fateful invasion of Yugoslavia.
Working for J. Russell & Sons, Walter Stoneman took numerous photographs of royalty, aristocracy, members of high society, and other prominent individuals from the late 19th century to the mid 20th-century. He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to photography and was a fellow of both the Royal Photographic Society and the Royal Geographical Society. Starting Bid $500
Castro’s panoramic perspective on the Bay of Pigs—an
extraordinary hand-annotated oversized map of Cuba, marked up during a 1977 interview with Bill Moyers
205. Fidel Castro Signed and Annotated Bay of Pigs Map - Created During a 1977 Interview with Bill Moyers. Historically significant 35 x 13 map of Cuba, hand-annotated in blue ballpoint by Fidel Castro to represent the Bay of Pigs operation, signed below, “Fidel Castro, Enero 30, 76.” The map, which is intended to provide information on daily rainfall, has been copiously annotated by Castro to show the Bay of Pigs invasion from his perspective: at the top, he writes dates from April 14–17, with brief notes on what happened each day in 1961; at the bottom, he draws a diagram of the US fleet off the Cuban coast; and at the “Bahia de Cochinos [Bay of Pigs]” he sketches the route of the invasion force. Nicely double-matted and framed with the passport page that allowed the recipient (William C. Moyers) to travel from the United States to Cuba in 1977, as well as an image of Castro being interviewed, to an overall size of 51 x 21. In fine condition, with scattered light creasing and light overall wrinkling.
Accompanied by a notarized letter of provenance from William C. Moyers, the son of noted journalist and political commentator Bill Moyers, who traveled to Cuba in January 1977 as part of the crew shooting a documentary on relations between Cuba
and the United States, during which time the team secured interviews with Fidel Castro. In part: “In January of 1977 I traveled with my father, Bill Moyers, to Cuba. He was shooting a documentary for CBS News called ‘The CIA’s Secret Army.’ It was about U.S. efforts to overthrow Fidel Castro. We spent several days in Cuba shooting at the Bay of Pigs site and other locations. At the same time, dad was seeking an interview with President Castro. However, nothing came of those efforts until late one evening, when we were suddenly summoned to the presidential palace in Havana.
There we met Fidel Castro. He spoke to us for several hours, and then met with us over the course of the next few days. At one point dad asked him about the Bay of Pigs operation. Castro turned to an aide and asked for a map. The only map the aide could find was used to measure rainfall on the island nation. For the next hour or so, Castro sketched the invasion from his perspective. The lines at the bottom of the map, furthest from shore, he drew to depict the U.S. Fleet. The lines along the shore he drew to depict the invasion force coming ashore. At the top of the map is the day-by-day listing, in his hand, of what transpired.
Finally, after Castro was done with his detailed description of the invasion, I asked him to sign the document. He did. But when he dated the signature he slipped and wrote the wrong date (‘76). We were there in January of 1977. Goes to show that even communist dictators make mistakes! Apparently his internal clock had not yet caught up with the new year. One more thing: getting the document back into the United States was not easy, as the INS agents at the airport in Miami were Cuban exiles and did not take kindly to the fact that we had been in Cuba (this was many years before travel back and forth became commonplace again). Our backs were checked thoroughly and the agents went so far as to expose several rolls of film that I had taken of the people and countryside. But the autographed map was tucked in a very private place and the immigration agents missed it.”
Additionally includes a notarized letter signed by Bill Moyers, attesting to the accuracy of his son’s story and offering further background on the Bay of Pigs fiasco and his work for CBS. Moyers recalls the moment that Castro marked up this map, in small part: “Late one evening, as we returned to the hotel from a long day of filming in the countryside, there was a knock on the door. A Castro courier was waiting to tell us El Jefe would see us: Get dressed and bring your camera crew. We hastened to the palace. Castro took a particular interest in William Cope, getting down on the floor with him to draw a map of how his forces were deployed to meet the invaders and demolish them.” Interestingly enough, Moyers was reportedly being considered by the newly inaugurated Jimmy Carter to fill the vacant CIA director position at the time he was in Cuba, meeting in person with one of the agency’s prime targets for assassination. Of course, Moyers would remain with CBS News, and Castro would die of natural causes at age 90.
Conceived by Eisenhower and executed by Kennedy, the Bay of Pigs invasion was designed to covertly and quickly displace Fidel Castro and his communistic government from power. The secret offensive was in response to Castro’s overthrow of Cuba’s former US-backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista, and his ever-increasing diplomatic ties with the Soviet Union, America’s principal Cold War opponent.
The first of two planned airstrikes occurred on April 15, 1961, but with news breaking that Cuban bases were under attack by disguised American planes, President Kennedy called off the second air assault in an attempt to deny US involvement. Two days later, over 1,400 CIA-trained Cuban exiles traveled on a seaborne force from Guatemala to the Bay of Pigs on the south coast of Cuba. The exiles, known as Brigade 2506, were met with heavy fire and then badly outnumbered, with Castro advancing 20,000 troops to the beachhead. The US-sponsored forces retreated within 24 hours, with over 1,200 exiles captured and nearly 500 either wounded or killed. The botched invasion at the Bay of Pigs embarrassed President Kennedy on the international stage, and uplifted Castro as a national hero in Cuba while bolstering Cuban-Soviet relations. A large, remarkable document offering Castro’s personal perspective on a major event of the Cold War and Kennedy administration, bolstered by its rock-solid provenance and amazing backstory. Starting Bid $5000
Emperor Hirohito sends congratulations to the “Provisional President of the Republic of El Salvador”
208. Emperor Hirohito Letter Signed, Congratulating El Salvador’s Provisional President on His Rise to Power. LS in Japanese, boldly signed in black ink by Emperor Hirohito, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 9 x 12, giltembossed chrysanthemum letterhead letterhead, April 3, 1962. Congratulatory letter to El Salvador’s provisional president, Eusebio Rodolfo Cordon Cea, in full (translated): “It is with great pleasure that I have received Your Excellency’s letter dated January 25, 1962, by which He was kind enough to let Me know that He had taken possession of the office of Provisional President of the Republic of El Salvador. I am particularly happy to address to Your Excellency all My Congratulations on His taking up of a high office, and to learn that all His efforts will aim at maintaining and strengthening the friendly relations which so fortunately exist between Japan and El Salvador. I also want to assure Him that I will not spare giving My assistance for the consolidation and tightening of the bonds of friendship that so happily always unite Our two Countries. I take this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of My high esteem and My unalterable attachment.” Includes an official French translation on the emperor’s gilt-embossed chrysanthemum letterhead. Mounted and framed together to an overall size of 31 x 15. In very good to fine condition, with some creasing in the wide borders.
Eusebio Rodolfo Cordón Cea briefly rose to power in El Salvador as the provisional president from January to July 1962 after a military-civilian junta ousted President José María Lemus. His appointment was largely facilitated by military influence and political maneuvering during a transitional period of instability. Hirohito’s letter came as Japan aimed to cultivate economic ties with countries in Central America; trade between the two countries grew after concluding a 1963 commerce agreement, with Japan importing coffee and other agricultural products from El Salvador. A scarce, interesting diplomatic piece. Starting Bid $300
207. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko Signed Photograph. Outstanding color textured satin-finish 6 x 8.5 photo of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko standing side by side, boldly signed in black ink by both. Beautifully displayed in its original 8 x 10.5 silver presentation frame with a golden chrysanthemum at the top. In fine condition, with some light scratching to the frame. Starting Bid $200
209. Benito Mussolini Signed Oversized Photograph. Vintage matte-finish 15.75 x 11.75 photo of Benito Mussolini seated at his desk by the Luce photography studio, signed prominently in the lower border in fountain pen, “Mussolini.” In fine condition, with some minor spotting in the wide border. Starting Bid $200
Royalty
Rare fully signed photograph of the British royal children circa 1909, highlighted by two future Kings of England
212. King George V’s Children Signed Photograph. Exceedingly rare vintage circa 1909 sepia 4.5 x 3.75 photo of all six children of King George V and Queen Mary, depicting the siblings standing and seated together in full length poses, most in formal attire and Princes Henry and George both wearing sailor’s uniforms, boldly signed in ink by Prince Edward of Wales (1894-1972, later King Edward VIII and afterwards Duke of Windsor), Prince Albert of Wales (1895-1952, later King George VI), Princess Mary of Wales (1897-1965, later Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood), Prince Henry of Wales (1900-1974, later Duke of Gloucester), Prince George of Wales (1902-1942, later Duke of Kent) and Prince John of Wales (1905-1919), all signing with their first names only. Affixed to a slightly larger mount and in fine condition. Signed photographs by all six children of King George V and Queen Mary are extremely rare owing to Prince John’s tragically early death from an epileptic seizure at the age of 13. Starting Bid $300
Religious Figures
Martin Luther explains a religious principle to a noble follower: “Even if someone comes into such guilt willfully or through carelessness, or inherits it with innocence, it is still decreed by God”
215. Martin Luther Partial Autograph Letter Signed on Religion: “It is still decreed by God...Amen”. German priest and theologian (1483–1546) who became the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation. Extremely rare partial ALS in German, signed as part of the Latin date, “Martin,” one page, 7.5 x 4.5, March 12, 1530 [“12 Martin 1530”]. Fragment of a handwritten letter on religion to his follower Joseph Levin Metzsch, Lord of the Castle of Mylau, on the question of whether debt inherited from the parents is an act of God’s will and punishment.
In part (translated, with bracketed sections sourced from the Weimar edition of Luther’s works): “[Because guilt, thirst, or poverty are no small punishment for those who do not know how to bear them, it is without doubt a noticeable particle of the Holy Cross for children of God] who can bear and use it. [However], like all other punishments from the dear Father, it should not frighten the [conscience] as a serious disgrace, but rather [comfort] and strengthen it as a fatherly rod of the fox[tail]. For even if someone comes into such guilt willfully or through carelessness, or inherits it with innocence, it is still decreed by God, and such a rod is bound by the same carelessness and willfulness. Hereby commended to God, Amen.” Addressed on the reverse by Luther to “The punctilious and steadfast Joseph Levin Metzsch zu Mylau, my favorable good Lord and friend.” Laid down to a slightly larger sheet, with openings cut to reveal the address panel and small seal. Though the bottom of the letter has been cut off, the top of the “M” from his Latin signature (“M[artinus]”) is preserved along the lower edge. In very good condition, with paper loss to the left side (affecting portions of the text), toning and soiling, and two vertical folds.
The complete text of Luther’s letter is recorded in the Weimar Edition of his works (Vol. V, No. 1537), with minor deviations from the original. The recipient, Joseph Levin Metzsch (1507–1571), was a nobleman and early follower of Luther who provided protection and political backing, allowing Luther’s ideas to spread more freely. Metzsch had participated in the disputation between Martin Luther and Johann Eck in Leipzig in 1519, and was responsible for introducing the Reformation into the Dominion Mylau-Reichenbach in 1526–27. A remarkable letter fragment by the celebrated leader of the Protestant Reformation, explaining some of his religious principles. Starting Bid $2500
Incredibly rare baseball signed by Pope Francis, originating from a famous collection
216. Pope Francis Signed Baseball. Official Rawlings Major League (Manfred) baseball signed in black felt tip on a side panel by Pope Francis, “Francisco.” In very fine condition.
Provenance: The Randy L. Kaplan Collection of Signed Baseballs from World Leaders and Heads of State. Kaplan started collecting baseballs signed by world leaders beginning in the 1990s, and has assembled a unique collection of over 450 examples. Over the years he has sought out such autographs through in-person meetings, book signings, and via diplomatic avenues. The collection has been exhibited at several presidential libraries across the nation, including those of Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, Lyndon B. Johnson, Herbert Hoover, and Richard Nixon. The collection was also featured on HBO’s Vice News and hundreds of other media outlets across the globe, including the New York Times. His goal is to someday have it exhibited at the United Nations, the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Accompanied by the black box in which the baseball was shipped from the Vatican to the United States, address labels clipped from the package, two sets of rosary beads that were included, a Vatican coin sent to Kaplan in his quest to obtain the pope’s autograph, and four small glossy photos of Pope Francis with printed signatures. Also includes a packet of correspondence between Kaplan and Vatican offices regarding his efforts to obtain baseballs signed by Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI, including a 2017 letter from Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson, in part: “Regretfully, I opened the boxes with the baseballs before reading your message. Not knowing they were from you, I signed them before reading your letter with instructions to have the Popes sign the two baseballs. Sorry about the oversight, If you have other baseballs, kindly send them.” Starting Bid $1000
Historic Salt Lake City deed to Brigham Young for the Pioneer Square site, where the Mormons first settled in Utah
218. Brigham Young: Original Land Deed for Pioneer Square, Where Mormons First Settled in Salt Lake City. DS signed by the mayor of Salt Lake City, “Daniel H. Wells,” one page, 9.5 x 15, January 10, 1873. Deed of conveyance issued to Brigham Young, in part: “In consideration of the sum of Thirty two 50/100 ($32.50) Dollars, paid by Brigham Young, Sen., of Salt Lake City, County of Salt Lake, Territory of Utah, the receipt whereof is acknowledged, the said Brigham Young, Sen., having been adjudged by the Probate Court of Salt Lake County, Territory aforesaid, to be the rightful owner and possessor of the following described piece or parcel of land, viz: All of Block Forty eight (48), containing Ten (10) acres, as plotted in Plot A, Salt Lake City Survey.” Signed at the conclusion in ink by Mayor Daniel Wells, and countersigned by Notary Public James Jack. The two embossed gold foil seals affixed at the lower left remain intact. In fine condition.
Led by Brigham Young, the Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in July 1847 after a long and arduous journey westward seeking religious freedom. Young set forth a plan to map the city, requesting that it be surveyed and drawn according to Joseph Smith’s vision established in the ‘Plat of the City of Zion.’ Young selected a 40-acre site for the temple, and the rest of the city was divided into 135 ten-acre blocks.
Young added his own touches to Smith’s plan, including four public squares featuring ‘playgrounds and walks,’ as well as ‘promenades, with fountains of the purest water, and each square, ornamented with everything delightful.’ The four public squares would ultimately become Pioneer Square (Block 48), Temple Square (Block 87), Washington Square (Block 38), and Union Square (Block 102).
They soon commenced the construction of a fort on Block 48, which became a focal point of early Mormon activity. The Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) writes: ‘What Plymouth is to New England, the Old Fort is to the Great West.’ Designed for selfprotection, the fort had nine-foot adobe walls on three sides, with the fourth side composed of log cabins. It became a bastion for Mormon settlers as they sought respite after weeks of difficult travel. The fort was completed in November 1847, and but by the fall of 1848 had expanded to 450 log cabins, including two additional ten-acre blocks, all enclosed by a strong adobe wall.
The signer of this document, Daniel Wells, was baptized into the LDS Church on August 9, 1846, and emigrated to the Salt Lake Valley with the Mormon pioneers in 1848; later serving as the city’s mayor from 1866 to 1876. James Jack, a Scottish immigrant who initially traveled to the Salt Lake Valley in the Appleton M. Harmon Company in 1853, had participated as one of the rescuers sent out in the winter of 1856 to assist the members of the Mormon Church stranded in Wyoming.
A remarkable document concerning a Mormon landmark: dedicated as a public park on July 24, 1898, today the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the ‘Old Pioneer Fort Site.’ Several plaques and markers displayed in the park recognize the location’s importance in Mormon history. Starting Bid $500
Activists and Social Leaders
Rare 1944 Swedish Embassy document
signed twice by Raoul Wallenberg, certifying a heroic Hungarian Jew as a legation official
221. Raoul Wallenberg Twice-Signed Passport for Jewish Colleague. Partly-printed DS in Hungarian and German, signed twice by Wallenberg with his scarce full signature, “R. W—g,” two pages, 4 x 5.5, November 25, 1944. Passport-type document by which the Royal Swedish Embassy at Budapest, Hungary, confirms Gergely Odon/Edmund Gergely as a legation official. The left side features an affixed photograph of Gergely with his signature below; the right side features the bilingual certification of his diplomatic position, signed in both sections by Raoul Wallenberg as the embassy’s secretary. Additionally includes Gergely Odon’s official Kingdom of Hungary passport with expiration date of January 23, 1939, containing a listing of personal data that identifies his Jewish religion (“Israelite”). The well-traveled passport features visa stamps from a variety of locales, dated throughout 1938. In overall fine condition.
Wallenberg arrived in Hungary in July 1944 as the country’s Jewish population was under siege. Nearly every other major Jewish community in Europe had already been decimated, and the Nazis were dispatching more than 10,000 Hungarian Jews to the gas chambers daily. With time of the essence, he devised and distributed thousands of ‘Schutz-Passes’—official-looking, but essentially invalid, Swedish passports granting the Hungarian bearer immunity from deportation. Wallenberg signed these quickly and by the dozen—generally no more than a quick scribble—and Nazi officials readily accepted the paperwork.
Gergely was a Jewish Hungarian who volunteered to help Wallenberg in his project to provide false documentation to Jews in order to save their lives, and so was a hero in his own right. In late 1944, as Eichmann began to deport more and more Hungarian Jews from Budapest, Wallenberg must have made the rushed decision to produce this document for his co-worker—the photograph inside was clearly removed from a different official document, possibly as it was the only one handy. It features incomplete official stamps in the corners and was applied in a hasty manner using three staples. Gergely survived the war, perhaps thanks to Wallenberg’s protection, and was reportedly one of the last people to see Wallenberg alive prior to his disappearance on January 17, 1945. A remarkable and compelling pair of Gergely’s personal documents, highlighted by the dual examples of the neater variant of Wallenberg’s sought-after autograph. Starting Bid $1000
Tesla Model S quick guide signed in person by Elon Musk in 2013
225. Elon Musk Signed Tesla Model S Quick Guide. Rare “Quick Guide for Owners” of the Tesla Model S, 8.5 x 5.5, 36 pages, signed on the front cover in black felt tip by Elon Musk. In very good to fine condition, with the textblock intact but neatly detached from the covers, and a small stain to the back cover.
The consignor notes: “We were one of the first orders for the Tesla Model S in 2012. When our car was ready, Tesla offered a free tour of their Fremont manufacturing plant if we picked it up in person. During the tour we noticed a man sitting by himself working on his laptop in the middle of the warehouse. Next to him was the Motor Trend 2013 Car of the Year Trophy. Moving closer, we couldn’t believe our eyes—it was Elon himself! Upon signing paperwork back in the showroom, Elon came in and took photos with us. We asked Elon to sign our sun visor which pleasantly surprised him and he graciously autographed it. He also signed our operating manual which was fantastic. Back in 2013, Elon was near bankruptcy and is another great example of an American success story.” Starting Bid $500
Important archive of Bugatti materials on his giant 500 horsepower, 16 cylinder engine—licensed to Duesenberg for American production
224. Ettore Bugatti Archive: Typed Letter Signed on 500-HP, 16-Cylinder Engine, with Photographs and Supplements. Italian-born French automobile designer and manufacturer (1881–1947) celebrated as the founder of Automobiles E. Bugatti. Archive of material by and related to Ettore Bugatti, highlighted by a four-page TLS in French to the director of Duesenberg in Elizabeth, New Jersey: TLS signed twice by Ettore Bugatti, and also initialed by him at the foot of the first two pages, four pages, 8 x 10.5, personal stationery, April 11, 1918, in part: “As regards the changes made to my engine, I regret that these were made without prior notice. I have no intention of calling into question the ability of the engineers who carried out these transformations, and I simply limit myself to giving my opinion....The mixed lubrication under pressure and by centrifugal force of my engine has been eliminated by a lubrication under pressure. It is possible that you have a satisfactory result, but I consider my device as being more certain...The upper part of the cylinder, cast with the cylinder itself, is part of my construction of series cars, which I have been manufacturing for about ten years... The modified water circulation device: in fact, the water enters from the propeller side into the cylinders; after cooling the first group of cylinders, it passes into the 2nd group and exits at the rear, on the water pump side. When the engine is put into the up position, you will have pockets of vapor that will form and that will completely disturb the water circulation, compromising the efficiency of the cooling. To avoid this disadvantage, you could have the water enter the cylinders on the water pump side and leave it in the cylinders on the propeller side, because the front cylinders cool more than the rear cylinders in the machine…
The exhaust and intake sections are rounded. You must have seen that, for the same passage, you were obliged to raise the cylinder. As a result, an increase in weight. I am against the theory which admits that a gas passage must be round instead of being square. It is simply a matter of its opening being proportionate to the work that the engine must do, to have no difference in efficiency. I add, in parentheses, that the efficiency that I obtained with this engine is superior to anything that has been obtained, even with racing car engines, considering the number of revolutions, and the volume of the cylinders...For the crankshaft, the rounding that you have done is a completely natural thing, but it was not done in Europe, because we are not able, here, during the war, to forge the parts as you forge in your factories. This rounding would have required an additional machining operation... The carburetor piping heated by the water circulation will certainly give you trouble. The seal between the cylinder and the pipe is difficult to obtain, and it will happen, as a result, a suction of water into the intake valves. Which will cause you serious inconvenience...The transformation that you were able to make to the piston must be considered as
a very delicate thing, because the aluminum piston is unergonomic very difficult, and it was in my construction the object of long tests….
In principle, it is always possible to change, especially in its appearance, an engine, but it should not be overlooked that these engines, in 8 and 16 cylinders, have carried out their official 50-hour test, the results of which have been most satisfactory, and it is certainly imprudent to make changes, before having tried these modifications, on engines of the same type, built after the original.
The tests must be made with a propeller, and the power curve with a four-bladed reel. This reel must be made of several thicknesses of glued wood, to avoid unbalancing due to the difference in density of the wood used…A motor should never be tested with an electric brake; this would be to sacrifice this motor to a breakage, by making it support a work which is not appropriate for it, given that it must have a mass which serves as a flywheel identical to that which is mounted in an airplane, by the fact of its propeller. No test has ever been successful on an electric brake or on a hydraulic brake, unless proceeding with cooling of the crankcase and of all the artificial parts.” He goes on to define his engine’s power curve, which tops out at 527 horsepower. Additionally includes two related unsigned pages on Bugatti’s personal stationery, conveying some information about his engine with details on its cylinders, exhaust pipe, spark plugs, fuel lines, and oil circulation; the second page boasts original hand-drawn sketches of setups for the gasoline and oil filters.
Further accompaniments are a manuscript page in French on Duesenberg Motors Corp. letterhead pertaining to the “moteur 500 HP,” a letter regarding the manufacture of the King-Bugatti engine, and eight original vintage glossy photographs, all about 2.5 x 4, one showing Ettore Bugatti as part of a group, and the others showing his 500 horsepower, 16 cylinder aviation engine. In overall fine condition.
These materials pertain to Bugatti’s powerful piston aircraft engine, the Bugatti U-16, and its American-made successor. The Bugatti U-16 was a 16-cylinder water-cooled double-8 vertical in-line ‘U engine’ designed by Ettore Bugatti in 1915 to 1916 and built in France in small numbers. The Bolling Commission bought a license to build a version of the engine in the United States, with modifications made by Signal Corps aeronautical mechanical engineer Colonel Charles Brady King. Small numbers of this slightly revised version—approximately 40 engines—were built by the Duesenberg Motor Corporation as the King-Bugatti. About 40 of these King-Bugatti engines were made before the end of World War I caused building contracts to be canceled. Starting Bid $1000
Scientists and Inventors
Edison graciously writes to the Prince of Wales—future King Edward VII— to accept the Albert Medal in 1892
228. Thomas Edison Autograph Letter Signed to the Prince of Wales: “I have received the Albert Medal which was awarded to me by the Council of the Society of Arts”. ALS signed “Thomas A. Edison,” one page, 8.5 x 11, From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison letterhead, November 28, 1892. Handwritten letter to “His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, President, Society of Arts, London, England,” in full: “I have received the Albert Medal which was awarded to me by the Council of the Society of Arts, also the communication with relation thereto that you did me the honor to address to me, and for which I beg you to accept my sincere thanks. The honor conferred upon me by the Society of Arts, has caused me much gratification and I appreciate it very highly. I am availing myself of the good offices of the British Minister at Washington to transmit this note to you.” In fine condition.
The Albert Medal of the Royal Society of Arts was instituted in 1864 as a memorial to the late Prince Albert, who had been President of the Society for 18 years. In 1892, the Society awarded American inventor Thomas Edison the medal ‘in recognition of the merits of his numerous and valuable inventions, especially his improvements in telegraphy, in telephony, and in electric lighting, and for his discovery of a means of reproducing vocal sounds by the phonograph.’ A remarkable, neatly penned letter from the pioneering inventor to an English royal, graciously accepting his well-deserved award. Starting Bid $500
As death looms, Einstein recalls his youth with nostalgia: “Much time has gone by since we were squatting in that marvelous crate at the Munich courtyard and played ship”
230. Albert Einstein Autograph Letter Signed to His Cousin, Recalling His Youth with Nostalgia. ALS in German, signed “Albert,” one page, 8.5 x 11, August 11, 1952. Handwritten letter to his cousin Alfred, in full (translated): “Thank you for relaying the sad news, we had already heard it from Alice. Even though, is it really so sad? We too are ready for departure without passports and without any luggage. And once departed, everything will fall into place all by itself. Much time has gone by since we were squatting in that marvelous crate at the Munich courtyard and played ship. You were a splendid captain, I can vouch to that. Later on, fate led me to cross my path again in Arau with Robert and we both fell in love with Maja’s future sister-inlaw. All of that is over and done with, seems as if it never had happened. I am feeling very sorry for Alice. She is suffering greatly and from afar her condition does not look very promising. At any rate it is fortunate that you are still there for her. I suppose too that Ogden is the personification of the ideal divorced gentleman.” Also bears a two-line postscript written by “Margaret” at the bottom of the page: “Cordial greetings! (Do you still remember who I am?).” In fine condition, with intersecting folds and a trivial chip to one edge.
Writing that he has heard “the sad news”—seemingly of his cousin Robert Koch’s death—from his other cousin Alice, Einstein recalls their early boyhood days together in Munich. Born in 1879, Albert and Robert were the same age and thus spent a good deal of time together, from playing on a pretend boat as children to rooming together with Jost and Pauline Winteler during their adolescence in Arau while attending the Aargau Cantonal School. Einstein fell in love with the Wintelers’ eighteen-year-old daughter Marie, who he mentions as his sister Maja’s “future sister-in-law.” Following in Albert’s footsteps, Maja also went to school in Arau and fell for the Winteler’s son, eventually marrying him. Between his poetic memories of past relationships and his peaceful concept of death as a trip without luggage or passports, this is a positively remarkable and intimately personal letter. Starting Bid $1000
Edison dispatches his photographer to far-off lands: “I am sending my representative, Mr. James Ricalton to your part of the world to secure photographically characteristic scenes, life, and industries along your lines”
229. Thomas Edison Typed Letter Signed to a World Leader: “I am sending my representative, Mr. James Ricalton to your part of the world to secure photographically characteristic scenes, life, and industries along your lines”. TLS signed “Thomas A. Edison,” one page, 8.5 x 11, From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison letterhead, July 1, 1911. Letter to “The President of The [Blank],” to be filled out later and carried by famed traveler and photographer James Ricalton. In full: “I am sending my representative, Mr. James Ricalton to your part of the world to secure photographically characteristic scenes, life, and industries along your lines; any consideration you may be able to extend to him in the way of transportation will be a personal kindness to me.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope from the “Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison, Orange, N.J.” James Ricalton (1844–1929) was an American teacher, traveler, and photographer known for his work with Thomas Edison. He traveled extensively to capture images for Edison’s stereoscopic photography and film projects, circumnavigating the world seven times. Ricalton also played a key role in sourcing materials, such as bamboo from China, for Edison’s light bulb filament experiments. Their collaboration contributed to advancements in early photography and electric lighting technology, as well as the widespread dissemination of exotic images from around the world. Starting Bid $200
232. Albert Einstein Autograph Letter Signed (1943). World War II-dated ANS signed “A. Einstein,” untranslated, penned on the second integral page of a handwritten letter sent by Einstein’s stepdaughter, Margot, to her art teacher Elsa Schmid, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 3.5 x 5.5, December 27, 1943. In fine condition, with a vertical fold to the signed page.
Elsa Schmid (1897-1970) was an accomplished German artist of many mediums, best known for her mosaic and glass work. In her youth, she spent many summers at an artists’ colony in the Italian hill town of Anticoli Corrado, learning mosaics, painting, and art history. After immigrating to the United States in the 1920s, Schmid’s experimental mosaic technique, laying stones in the sand ground face-up, caught the attention of the art world and beyond.
In the 1940s, she began teaching the craft to Albert Einstein’s stepdaughter, Margot, and soon became close friends with the famed physicist. In a letter thanking Schmid for a portrait she created of him in 1952, Einstein praised her artistic skill: ‘You were able to capture my innermost spirit.’ Schmid’s work is held in several prominent collections, including those of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge. Starting Bid $300
231. Albert Einstein Signature. Highly desirable vintage ink signature, “Albert Einstein,” on an off-white 3 x 2.25 slip bearing an affixed postage stamp from Israel. A partial note on the reverse, written by collector James A. Bowman, states that Einstein signed the slip before the stamp was affixed. In fine condition, with light rippling, thin tape to the side edges, and light show-through from a notation on the back. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Starting Bid $300
Season’s greetings from Albert Einstein, his sister, and his stepdaughter
233. Albert Einstein Signed Holiday Card - Co-Signed by His Sister and Stepdaughter. Scarce original holiday card with printed ‘Reunion’ drawing by Josef Scharl, measures 8.5 x 6.25 open, signed inside in black ink by Albert Einstein, “A. E.,” his sister, “Maja Winteler,” and his stepdaughter, “Margot,” with the latter adding an inscription below. In fine condition. An uncommon signed format from the revered theoretical physicist. Starting Bid $200
The smallpox vaccine pioneer hunts for fossils:
“I hope Miss Knapp has found the old Rock as rich as I describ’d it. She is scientific in mineralogy; my knowledge may be improved”
234. Edward Jenner Autograph
Letter Signed on Fossil Hunting: “I hope Miss Knapp has found the old Rock as rich as I describ’d it. She is scientific in mineralogy; my knowledge may be improved”. English physician and scientist (1749–1823) often called the ‘father of immunology,’ who successfully tested his smallpox inoculation in 1796. ALS signed “Edw’d Jenner,” one page both sides, 4.25 x 5, May 21, 1813. Handwritten letter to a lady, possibly a fellow fossil hunter and member of the Barrow Hill Club. In part: “The turbulent state of the weather has prevented me from taking a walk over to Stowe in the course of the week. I hope Miss Knapp has found the old Rock as rich as I describ’d it. She is scientific in mineralogy; my knowledge may be improved. Accept the best Compliments of my family.” Beautifully double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 16 x 11.75, with a window in the rear for viewing the front of the letter. In fine condition.
Jenner is renowned for his discovery of the smallpox vaccine. A lesser known fact about the English physician, however, is that long before he began his legendary work in medicine, before the age of nine, he developed a love of nature, which remained with him throughout his life. Growing up in the rural town of Berkeley in Gloucestershire, the young Jenner frequently explored the local geology—the oolite and lias rocks—searching for fossils along the banks of the nearby River Severn. When at school at Cirencester he also searched for fossils, which abound in that neighborhood. It was one of his favorite boyhood activities. In his adult years, Jenner became a skilled geologist. Sarah Parker, director of the Jenner Museum in Berkeley explains that he kept abreast of the latest geologic theories of his time, reading the works of people such as William Smith, the geologist who developed the concept of stratigraphy and designed the famous ‘map that changed the world,’ the first geological map. Jenner was ‘an astute observer’ who noted that the ‘oolists’ that made up some of the local limestone beds were formed by calcium crystals layered around sand grains or shell fragments. He also protested the quarrying of an outcrop of columnar rock near Berkeley, recognizing it as a rare geological wonder, and saying it was even more impressive than the Giant’s Causeway, the famous outcrop of polygonal basalt columns in Northern Island. In 1809, Jenner was elected an honorary member of the Geological Society of London, and from about 1812 to 1814, he belonged to the Barrow Hill Club, a group of friends that met regularly to collect fossils. Some of Jenner’s finds include a fern imprinted on coal, a clam shell, and a shoulder bone from a whale. But his most significant paleontological find came in 1819, when he discovered the remains of a ‘sea monster’—a plesiosaur—at the base of Stinchcombe Hill near Berkeley. The find was one of the earliest in Britain and occurred several years before the plesiosaur was officially recognized as a species distinct from the better-known ichthyosaur. According to Roger Clark, curator of geology at the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery in England, Jenner gave his plesiosaur specimen to the Bristol Institution, forerunner of the museum, in 1823, but it has since disappeared—most likely a casualty of the World War II bombing of Bristol. In 1816 Jenner wrote, ‘Fossils are monuments…to departed worlds.’ His statement was contrary to the perception at the time that fossils were either ordinary rocks that somehow mimicked living things, or were the remains of contemporary animals. Starting Bid $200
Notorious Figures
Rare ‘assassination witness’ relics from Ford’s Theatre—a nail, roof board, and velour fabric swatch preserved
during renovations
243. Lincoln Assassination: Ford’s Theatre Nail, Roof Board, and Velour Relics. Desirable 19th-century 5.75˝-long square-cut handmade nail recovered during the restoration of Ford’s Theatre in the 1960s, mounted against a swatch of the theatre’s red velour and displayed on a 7.5˝ x 9˝ plaque crafted from an original Ford’s Theatre roof board. An engraved plate below identifies each piece: “Memorabilia: Restoration of Ford’s Theatre, Originally built 1863, Restored 1965 to 1967 by Coe Construction, Inc. Handmade nail removed from original roof truss framing. Board removed from original roof. Velour covering removed from box and balcony rails and stainless steel wire used in ceiling construction during restoration.” Impressively mounted, matted, and framed with an image of a ticket stub from the performance of ‘Our American Cousin’ on April 14, 1865, to an overall size of 14.75 x 24. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
246. Kennedy Assassination: James Leavelle and Bob Jackson Oversized Signed Photograph, with Dallas Morning News Newspaper. Historic glossy 14 x 11 silver gelatin photograph of James Leavelle escorting Lee Harvey Oswald at the moment of Jack Ruby’s attack, signed in the lower border in black felt tip by Leavelle, “James R. Leavelle,” and by the photographer, “Bob Jackson.” In fine condition. Consignor notes that this photograph was obtained directly from the photographer, Robert Jackson, who stated that it was printed from the original negative. Additionally includes an original issue of the Dallas Morning News from November 25, 1963, covering the killing of Lee Harvey Oswald and featuring a photo by staff photographer Jack Beers on the front page, showing the scene just before Ruby pulled the trigger. The large headline reads: “Club Owner Kills Oswald.” The newspaper is incomplete (missing the third section, dedicated to Thanksgiving cooking) and in very good condition, with toning and some chipping to the brittle edges. Starting Bid $200
“John
Fitzgerald
Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was shot and killed today in Dallas by a snipers bullet”
245. Kennedy Assassination: United Press International Teletype Rolls - “John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was shot and killed today in Dallas by a snipers bullet”. Two original United Press International teletype rolls reporting the breaking news of the death of President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. The first, measuring approximately 8.5 x 49.5, consists of bulletins UPR79 through UPR94, offering accounts of the shooting in Dallas and immediate reactions and aftermath, during a period of time where President Kennedy’s ultimate fate was uncertain. The second, measuring approximately 8.5 x 29, carries UPR 171 and UPR172, documenting world leaders’ reactions to Kennedy’s death and offering a summary of the day’s events, culminating in the arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald. Highlights are as follows:
UPR82: “President Kennedy has been shot. He is perhaps fatal. The President and Texas Governor John Connally were cut down by assassin’s bullets as they toured downtown Dallas in an open car. The President’s body was limp…cradled in the arms of his wife. He was rushed to Parkland Hospital…Congressman Jim Wright of Fort Worth said both the President and Connally were seriously wounded but were still alive. Blood was spattered over the White House car.”
UPR91: “A Father Huber, of Holy Trinity Church in Dallas administered the last sacrament of the Church to the President. The sacrament was administered shortly before 2 P.M. EST. Another priest, who declined to give his name, said the chief executive was still alive at the time. Sheriff’s officers took a young man into custody at the scene and questioned him behind closed doors.”
UPR172: “John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was shot and killed today in Dallas by a snipers bullet. Police have arrested 24-year-old Lee H. Oswald as a prime suspect...Mr. Kennedy was mortally wounded at about 12:31 P.M…He died at Parkland Hospital about one-half hour later. His wife, Jacqueline, cradled the blood head of her husband in her arms during the frantic but futile dash to the hospital.”
Folded and in fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Lee Harvey Oswald—then with the Marines as
“Pvt. L. H. Oswald”—writes home to his brother while stationed in California
249. Lee Harvey Oswald Hand-Addressed and Signed Envelope from Marine Corps Air Station, Santa Ana (1958). Scarce hand-addressed airmail envelope, 7 x 3.75, addressed by Lee Harvey Oswald to his brother, “Robert Oswald, 7313 Davanport St., Fort Worth, Texas,” and signed as part of the return address: “Pvt. L. H. Oswald, MACS-9, MWHG, MCAF, Santa Anna, Calif.” Postmarked at Santa Ana on December 23, 19[58]. In fine condition. Oswald mailed this envelope the day after he was assigned to Marine Air Control Squadron No. 9 (MACS9). Less than a year later, he received a hardship discharge from active service and defected to the Soviet Union.
From the Warren Commission Report: ‘On December 22, [1958], Oswald was assigned to Marine Air Control Squadron No. 9 (MACS-9) at the Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro, where he had been briefly before he went overseas. He was one of about seven enlisted men and three officers who formed a ‘radar crew,’ engaged primarily in aircraft surveillance. This work probably gave him access to certain kinds of classified material, some of which, such as aircraft call signs and radio frequencies, was changed after his defection to Russia. For part of his time at El Toro, Oswald may have been assigned to clerical or janitorial tasks on the base…The officer in command of the radar crew, Lt. John E. Donovan, found him ‘competent in all functions,’ and observed that he handled himself calmly and well in emergency situations…He had a pronounced interest in world affairs, in which he appears to have been better informed than some of the officers, whose lack of knowledge amused and sometimes irritated him; he evidently enjoyed drawing others, especially officers, into conversations in which he could display his own superior knowledge.
It seems clear from the various recollections of those who knew him at El Toro that by the time Oswald returned to the United States, he no longer had any spirit for the Marines; the attitudes which had prompted his enlistment as soon as he was eligible were entirely gone, and his attention had turned away from the Marines to what he might do after his discharge. While no one was able to predict his attempt to defect to Russia within a month after he left the Marines, the testimony of those who knew him at El Toro in contrast to that of his associates in Japan, leaves no doubt that his thoughts were occupied increasingly with Russia and the Russian way of life.’ Starting Bid $300
A Ruby bullet—fired from the gun that shot Lee Harvey Oswald
250. Jack Ruby: Bullet Fired From the Gun that Shot Oswald. A bullet shot by the actual .38 caliber Colt Cobra revolver, Serial #2744 LW, used by Jack Ruby to shoot Lee Harvey Oswald on November 24, 1963, in the basement at Dallas Police Headquarters, along with its spent cartridge case. The bullet and casing, identified as part of the ‘Owner’s Proof Edition,’ are mounted in a display with an engraved plaque, certificate of authenticity from Anthony V. Pugliese III of the National Historical Mint, and a photograph of Ruby shooting Oswald in the basement of the Dallas Police Headquarters, signed in black felt tip by Pugliese, Oswald escorts Detective Jim Leavelle and L. C. Graves, and Earl Ruby, the brother of Jack Ruby. Doublematted and framed to an overall size of 18 x 24. In fine condition.
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Anthony V. Pugliese III of the National Historical Mint, a copy of a 1992 notarized statement from Earl Ruby, and a copy of a Dallas Police Department inventory sheet that lists the gun and ammunition. A unique relic fired from ‘The Most Famous Gun in the World.’ Starting Bid $200
Secretary of War Jefferson Davis promotes a West Point graduate:
“The President of the United States has appointed you
Brevet Second Lieutenant of Artillery”
361. Jefferson Davis Letter Signed as Secretary of War, Promoting a West Point Graduate. Partly-printed LS signed “Jeffer. Davis,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, War Department letterhead, July 3, 1855. Letter to “Samuel Breck, Jr., First Regiment of Artillery, Bridgewater, Massachusetts,” in part: “You are hereby informed that the President of the United States has appointed you Brevet Second Lieutenant of Artillery in the service of the United States, to rank as such from the first day of July, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.” Neatly signed at the conclusion in ink by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis. In very good to fine condition, with dampstaining touching, but not adversely affecting, the signature.
Samuel Breck, Jr., (1834–1918), graduated seventh in his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1855 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant of artillery. During the Civil War, Breck held various staff positions, including assistant adjutant general of the Army of the Potomac and the Department of the Rappahannock. He continued his service in the Adjutant General’s Department after the war, achieving the rank of brigadier general before retiring in 1898. Starting Bid $200
“Few except yourself, have realized the trying times through which I passed. From May 1 to Aug. 13, the least trying of which was the two engagements”— historic letter from Rear Admiral Dewey clearing the air on the 1898 Battles of Manila and Manila Bay
362. George Dewey Historic Letter Signed on ‘Trying Times’ and the 1898 Battles of Manila and Manila Bay - “From May 1 to Aug. 13, the least trying of which was the two engagements”. Extraordinary, historic LS from Rear Admiral George Dewey, three pages on two adjoining sheets, measures 9 x 7 open, September 1, 1898. Addressed from aboard his legendary flagship, the USS Olympia, while harbored in the waters of “Manila, P.I.,” sent to M. A. Jones of the Syracuse Post, thanking him for a favorable editorial and a copy of a march composed in his honor. Dewey then delved into the difficulties he encountered since the successful Battles of Manila and Manila Bay. The letter, in full: “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of of [sic] July 12, in which you advise me that the Syracuse Post had published a march dedicated to me, a copy of which was enclosed in separate cover, and also an editorial. I shall have the march arranged at once and played by the band of the flagship.
I can hardly express to you my thanks for, and appreciation of, the editorial. I have had no form of praise that has given me as much pleasure. Few except yourself, have realized the trying times through which I passed. From May 1 to Aug. 13, the least trying of which was the two engagements. I am not a trained diplomat or lawyer, and many nights I slept not at all, trying to solve some knotty question of international law. Thanking you most heartily for your appreciation.” In very good condition, with old tape along the hinge, and several unobtrusive tears to the fragile paper, which would benefit from a professional conservator. Accompanied by a beautiful vintage color 6.75 x 9.25 engraved lithograph of Admiral Dewey, entitled “Commodore Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay.”
A fantastic and crucial letter that mentions “the two engagements” he fought to secure the Philippines: Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, plus the capture of the city of Manila on August 13th, the latter having occurred just 18 days prior. Moreover, Dewey provided key personal views about his growing frustration with managing the occupation of the former Spanish possession.
American diplomats in Asia, hoping that Philippine insurgents could assist the United States in their capture of the Spanish possession, assured the exiled insurrectionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo that the United States would support his country’s independence. Several days following the Battle of Manila Bay, Dewey ordered that Aguinaldo be brought from Hong Kong to the Philippines, where he promptly took command of native forces besieging Manila.
At first, the relationship between Dewey and Aguinaldo was agreeable due to their shared common enemy in Spain. However, when the Americans secretly agreed to allow Spanish forces in Manila to surrender to them, rather than to those commanded by Aguinaldo, a rift developed between the erstwhile allies. As it turned out, Washington had no intention of recognizing Philippine independence, nor did the American diplomats, who assured Aguinaldo otherwise, have any such authority to do so. Aguinaldo felt betrayed by Dewey, whom he accused of making similar promises, though Dewey denied this.
Later that year, after American and Filipino forces had completely eradicated the Spanish presence on the islands, President William McKinley issued a proclamation declaring the Philippines ceded to the United States. Aguinaldo considered the document tantamount to a declaration of war, and on January 1, 1899, he declared the Philippines an independent Republic. On February 4th, the first shots were fired against American troops in the Battle of Manila, the first and largest battle of the Philippine–American War.
Fortunately for Dewey, he was able to return to the United States, where he received a hero’s welcome, including a twoday parade in New York City. He may very well have heard the march ‘Admiral Dewey,’ composed by Helen Frances Philips, which is believed to have been written only four days after the Battle of Manila Bay on May 5, 1898. A peerless, one-of-a-kind letter from the revered Admiral of the Navy, whose signature whilst commanding the United States Asiatic Squadron remains of the utmost desirability and rarity. Starting Bid $1000
Bonaparte reaffirms his decision “to forward 25,000 rifles to the Army of Italy”
363. Napoleon Letter Signed, Directing 25,000 Rifles to the Army of Italy. LS in French, signed “Bonaparte,” one page, 6.5 x 8.25, engraved ‘Bonaparte I Consul of the Republic’ letterhead, December 20, 1800. Letter to Minister of War Louis-Alexandre Berthier, in part (translated): “You asked me yesterday, Citizen Minister, if it was necessary to forward 25,000 rifles to the Army of Italy. I believe it would be good to send them to Briançon from whence they would be transported… and leave for Turin only according to the means available.” Archivally suede-matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 19 x 15. In fine condition. A superb military letter by Napoleon Bonaparte, boasting a bold, legible signature. Starting Bid $300
“Leave at once, incognito, as much to avoid danger as to avoid delays”—Napoleon stresses haste to his stepson, the new Viceroy of Italy, and soon-to-be husband of Princess Augusta of Bavaria
364. Napoleon Letter Signed to His Adoptive Son, Eugene de Beauharnais - Urging Haste in His Marriage to Princess Augusta of Bavaria. Noteworthy LS in French, one page, 6.5 x 8.5, January 3 [1806] Letter to his stepson Eugène de Beauharnais, in full (translated): “Twelve hours at latest after the receipt of this letter you will set off for Munich in all possible haste. Take care to arrive as soon as possible, then you may still find us there. Leave your command with whichever of your divisional generals you consider most capable and honest. It will be useless for you to bring a large suite. Leave at once, incognito, as much to avoid danger as to avoid delays. Send me a courier to announce to me that you will be arriving twenty four hours after him.” The short postscript reads “One hour after you get this send me a courier with the day of your arrival.” In fine condition. Accompanied by several supporting documents, including a translation of the letter in the book entitled The Princess Auguste, Napoleon’s Viceroy, a page from Napoleon and Josephine stating “Eugene was to leave Italy within twelve hours of receiving Napoleon’s letter and to travel to Munich with all possible speed,” and a 1975 letter from Conway Barker, authenticating the signature. Read more online at www.RRAuction.com. Starting Bid $200
Space Exploration
405. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin Signed Photographs. Two items: a satin-finish 7.25 x 9.25 photo of Neil Armstrong wearing a tuxedo at a ‘President’s Dinner’ event, with his chest bearing a ‘Society of Experimental Test Pilots’ name tag, signed in red felt tip; and an official color 7.25 x 9.25 NASA lithograph of Buzz Aldrin posing in his white space suit against a lunar backdrop, signed in black ballpoint. The photos, which both feature JSA labels affixed to the lower right corner, are attractively matted and framed together with two embroidered patches and a panoramic photo of a lunar EVA to an overall size of 36 x 27.25. In overall very fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA for Armstrong’s autograph. Starting Bid $200
Art, Architecture, and Design
Rare signed exhibition catalog from Basquiat’s first one-artist show, held at Zurich’s Bischofberger Gallery in 1985
471. Jean-Michel Basquiat Signed ‘Bischofberger Gallery’ Exhibition Catalog (1985). Signed exhibition catalog: Jean-Michel Basquiat. Limited first edition, an unnumbered example of 1000 issued copies. Zurich, Switzerland: Edition Gallery Bruo Bischofberger, 1985. Red clothbound hardcover with dust jacket, 10.5 x 12, 24 pages with 12 full-page color plates. Signed on the reverse of the title page in blue ballpoint by Basquiat, whose wonderful portrait by Jeannette Montgomery is present on the adjacent page. In fine condition, with trivial wear to the dust jacket. This impressively bound catalog was published to accompany the exhibition of Basquiat’s first one-artist show, which was held at the Bischofberger Gallery in Zurich from January 19th to February 16, 1985. Given his premature death at the age of 27, Jean-Michel Basquiat remains rare and highly coveted across all signed formats. Starting Bid $500
Cassatt informs her niece of Edouard Manet’s upcoming American showcase —“There will be an exhibition of works by your uncle at the Metropolitan Museum in New York in January”
472. Mary Cassatt Autograph Letter Signed. ALS in French, one page, both sides, 5.5 x 3.5, personal 10 Rue de Marignan stationery card, December 23 (no year, but after 1902). Handwritten letter to her niece, Jeanne Pontillon, the daughter of Edma Morisot, Impressionist Berthe Morisot’s older sister, and the wife of Edouard Manet’ brother, Eugene Manet. In part (translated): “As you can see, I am no longer in Grasse [in the Cotes-d’Azur region of France], and I do not know if will stay here…I am sorry that you have been sick…I saw [Parisian founder and gallerist] M. Hebrard and I have some news for Mme. Havemeyer, there will be an exhibition of works by your uncle [Edouard Manet] at the Metropolitan Museum in New York in January…I will send you the files [?] of an ancient sculpture from the Carnegie Museum.” In very fine conditionThe date of the Manet exhibit mentioned is not known, however, the esteemed artist debuted his works in New York in 1879 with the controversial painting ‘The Execution of Emperor Maximilien III’ and showed frequently in New York thereafter. The mention of Adrien Aurelian Hebrard (1865-1937) dates the letter to post-1902, as the latter launched a foundry and art gallery in 1902 and made bronzes of some of the most important sculptures of the period. Jeanne Pontillon is perhaps best remembered as the subject of her aunt Berthe Morisot’s acclaimed 1894 painting ‘Portrait of Jeanne Pontillon.’ Starting Bid $200
473. Ernst Ludwig Kirchner Autograph Letter Signed. German painter and printmaker (1880–1938) who was instrumental in creating the style that defined ‘Expressionism’ in 20th-century German art. ALS in German, signed “E. L. Kirchner,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 10.75, June 19, 1935. Untranslated handwritten letter about the end of an exhibition in Basel and the exchange of a watercolor from that exposition. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Kirchner’s hand. Starting Bid $200
Presenting an original etching, Rodin refers to his monumental “Porte de l’Enfer”— the source of his most famous works
475. Auguste Rodin Signed Drypoint Etching - ‘La Ronde’ - Referring to His Monumental ‘Gates of Hell’. Original drypoint etching by Auguste Rodin entitled ‘La Ronde,’ showing a group of idealized nude men dancing in a circle, 8 x 8, signed and inscribed in ink, “Pour M. Jacques Renaud, qui a violé les Porte de l’Enfer! Aug. Rodin.” Handsomely archivally matted and framed to an overall size of 14.25 x 14.75. In fine condition.
Rodin refers to his monumental sculptural work ‘Porte de l’Enfer,’ or ‘Gates of Hell’—originally conceived as an entrance to a planned decorative arts museum, inspired by Dante Alighieri’s ‘Inferno.’ Several of Rodin’s most famous sculptures—including ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Kiss’—were first developed as part of the ‘Porte de l’Enfer,’ then enlarged to become works of art of their own. Starting Bid $300
“Good for one portrait in pastel”
474. Edouard Manet Autograph
Note Signed on His Personal Visiting Card - “Good for one portrait in pastel”. Wonderful ANS signed “Ed. Manet,” penned on his personal 4 x 2.5 visiting card, October 26, 1879. Edouard Manet adds a handwritten note in French above (translated), “Good for one portrait in pastel,” and then writes the date below his signature. In fine condition, with some light toning and soiling. A desirable and uncommon signed format from the esteemed modernist painter. Starting Bid $300
476. Andy Warhol Signed Photograph - Campbell’s Soup. Outstanding matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of one of Warhol’s iconic artworks portraying three cans of Campbell’s Soup, vertically signed in black felt tip by Andy Warhol. In very fine condition. An uncommon image signed by the legendary pop artist. Starting Bid $200
Blair captures Cinderella’s midnight flight from the castle Comic Art and Animation
509. Mary Blair concept painting for Cinderella. (Walt Disney Studios, 1950) Exquisite original concept painting by Mary Blair for Cinderella, showing the title character fleeing from the castle in her white ball gown, leaving a single glass slipper glowing on the winding staircase. An impressive rendering of the stark interior castle just moments before midnight, Blair employs shades of white, gray, and black to cast a nervous atmosphere to the painting; Blair’s decision to remove the background color not only places all focus on Cinderella and her abandoned glass slipper, but it likewise adds a greater sense of urgency and anxiety as Cinderella makes her last-second escape. Accomplished in tempera on 9.75 x 9 artist’s board. In fine condition, with tack holes to borders.
Blair was a concept artist for Disney during the 1940s and early 1950s, working on designs for such films as Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland. She also created designs for several Disney attractions (including It’s a Small World), and her largest work, the multistory mosaic in Disney World’s Contemporary Hotel concourse. Starting Bid $1000
Cinderella presentation beautifully signed by animation icon Walt Disney
511. Walt Disney Signed ‘Cinderella’ Presentation Mat. Fantastic off-white presentation mat originally prepared to hold an animation cel from the classic 1950 film Cinderella, 14.5 x 13.25, nicely signed in the lower right in blue artist’s crayon, “Walt Disney.” The mat bears the original caption below the opening, “From ‘Cinderella,’” and displays a modern color glossy print of a scene film, showing Cinderella in her ball gown at the fountain. Framed to an overall size of 15.5 x 14.25. In fine condition. Starting Bid $500
512. Tinker Bell production cel from the Disneyland television show. (Walt Disney Studios, 1954) Original production cels of Tinker Bell and pixie dust from the Disneyland television show, which depicts the Neverland pixie waving her wand as she soars in a nearly full-figure pose, the night sky speckled with shimmering pixie dust. The cels are placed on a color copy background of a magical forest night. The Tink image measures 4 x 4, with overall dimensions of 17.25 x 12.5. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Awesome Fantasia concept piece of a wave-riding Mickey surfing on Yen Sid’s spellbook
514. Mickey Mouse concept painting from Fantasia. (Walt Disney Studios, 1940) Sensational original concept painting of Mickey Mouse from the ‘Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ segment of Fantasia, which shows the young wizard-to-be wearing Yen Sid’s hat and using the sorcerer’s magical spell book to ride a massive wave. Accomplished in gouache on black 9 x 8 artist’s board. In fine condition, with tack holes to corners. An exciting scene from an iconic Disney film. Starting Bid $300
Large original Mary Blair concept artwork of South Pacific children with Easter Island moai sculpture for Disneyland’s iconic ‘It’s a Small World’ ride
515. Mary Blair concept painting for the South Pacific exhibit from the It’s a Small World ride. (Walt Disney Studios, circa 1963) Original concept painting by Mary Blair for the ‘It’s a Small World’ exhibit and ride created by WED Enterprises for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Created for the ride’s South Pacific section, the work depicts two native children from Easter Island seated atop an immense moai head sculpture. Framing the scene are drooping vines and pointed ferns, with the whole of the jungle painted lush with green, brown, and turquoise colors. Accomplished in tempera on 14 x 12.75 artist’s board. In fine condition, with tack holes to corners.
Mary Blair, who had been an art director on several Disney animated features, including Cinderella, Alice In Wonderland, and Peter Pan, developed the ‘It’s a Small World’ attraction’s whimsical design and color styling. A wonderful piece of concept art for a popular Disney attraction, and one of the largest pieces of Blair artwork that we have offered. Starting Bid $1000
A trip to the North Pole—marvelous original Mary Blair concept artwork of polar bear and Inuit children for Disneyland’s iconic ‘It’s a Small World’ ride
516. Mary Blair concept painting of the North Pole exhibit from It’s a Small World ride. (Walt Disney Studios, circa 1963) Original concept painting by Mary Blair for the ‘It’s a Small World’ exhibit and ride created by WED Enterprises for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Created for the ride’s North Pole or arctic section, the work depicts two Inuit children seated atop a friendly polar bear as they float on a small ice platform during a nocturnal fishing trip. Blair paints the background black to emphasize the bright whites of the sea’s craggy icebergs, their cold blue edges, and the yellow glow of a full moon. Accomplished in tempera on 14.25 x 11 artist’s board. In fine condition, with tack holes to corners.
Mary Blair, who had been an art director on several Disney animated features, including Cinderella, Alice In Wonderland, and Peter Pan, developed the ‘It’s a Small World’ attraction’s whimsical design and color styling. A wonderful piece of concept art for a popular Disney attraction, and one of the largest pieces of Blair artwork that we have offered. Starting Bid $1000
Late 1950s ‘Welcome to Disneyland’ brochure signed by Walt Disney
517. Walt Disney Signed ‘Welcome to Disneyland’ Brochure. Vintage accordion-fold ‘Welcome to Disneyland’ brochure from circa 1958, measures 12 x 8.5 open, signed upside down on the back page in ballpoint, “Walt Disney.” This rare brochure retains great color and bold text, and boasts a variety of vintage Disney designs related to rides and attractions like Tomorrowland, Main Street, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Adventureland. When unfolded, the brochure reveals a wonderful map of ‘Disneyland’s Five Lands,’ the lower left of which bears a small ‘welcome’ box from Walt Disney. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Phil Sears Collectibles, which notes that the signature is consistent with examples from the 1950s. Starting Bid $1000
“Here is news of our effort to back you up”— original WW2 ‘Dispatch from Disney’s’ booklet sent to employees serving in the war effort, coupled with its rare ‘Pin-Ups for Service Men’ mini poster
518. Dispatch from Disney’s World War II Employee Serviceman Booklet with Rare ‘Pin-Ups’ Poster (1943). Rare World War IIdated original ‘Dispatch from Disney’s’ booklet printed by Walt Disney Productions in 1943 and distributed to Disney employees who were serving in the war effort, which includes its rare original ‘Pin-Ups for Service Men’ mini poster. The softcover booklet, Vol. 1, No.1, 32 pages, 5.5 x 8, features a color image of Donald Duck hitting Adolf Hitler in the eye with a tomato, and the back cover bears seven color military insignias with Disney characters like Pluto, Donald Duck, and Jiminy Cricket. The opening page, which notes that the booklet was “Published for employees in the services by employees at Walt Disney Productions, Burbank, California,” contains an introduction from Walt Disney (with facsimile signature), which reads, in part: “Here is news of our effort to back you up, along with glimpses of familiar faces and happenings. We hope this will make you feel like grabbing pencil, brush or camera and sending us news of yourself. Your contributions are welcome—the magazine will be the medium through which every employee can learn what you are doing and thinking.”
Other sections of the booklet include: an article by Major Alexander P. de Seversky (author of Victory Through Air Power) on the power of animation to educate; a fold-out cartoon by Roy Williams entitled ‘A Day with Walt’; an article by Oliver Wallace entitled “How I Wrote der Fuhrer’s Face”; info on Disney artists T. Hee, Freddie Moore, Frank Thomas, and Woolie Reitherman; a feature on the Disney Studio exercise coach Carl Johnson; news on the South American tour; and detailed information on the Disney wartime training films.
The color ‘Pin-Ups for Service Men’ mini poster, 10.5 x 15.5, features images of five tastefully drawn nude sketches by Disney artists Fred Moore, Bill Justice, and Milt Neil, and the reverse contains a full roster of the Disney employees serving in the war effort, among them are famous names like Xavier Atencio, Lee Blair, Del Connell, Van Kaufman, Martin Provenson, Wolfgang Reitherman, and Frank Thomas. A caption to the upper left reads: “This magazine is a letter to you fellows in the services, to let you know what’s going on at the studio. Now let us know what you’re doing. Keep us in touch with your correct address— and send us any address we don’t have.” In overall fine condition, with some toning to the booklet’s covers. Starting Bid $300
Literature
Casanova receives fakes news of Mirabeau’s death in a duel: “This death distresses me because I had the hope of meeting him somewhere, kill him and watch him die”
543. Giacomo Casanova Autograph Letter Signed, Expressing Contempt for Mirabeau: “I had the hope of meeting him somewhere, kill him and watch him die”. Italian adventurer (1725-1798) who spent most of his life traveling through Europe meeting the famous men and women of his time; he is probably best known for his ‘Memoirs,’ which concerned his many love affairs. ALS in Italian, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.5 x 9, January 11, 1790. Handwritten letter to Count Antonio Collalto (‘Your Excellency, my Beloved Patron’), thanking him for a recent letter and commenting on his interest in “the election of Counselor to your Excellency of Count Odoardo, your dignified son. An appointment which grants a noble and wise member to the senate.” He then refers to Prince Ruspoli and makes an amusing comment, “considering that Bacchus and Mars have never been my favorite divinities.”
Casanova then expresses contempt for the French writer Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau, referring to false news of his death: “I have received today the news that the bestial Mirabeau, chief of the rebels assassins who dethroned the Christian King, is dead as a result of the wounds received on a duel. This death distresses me because I had the hope of meeting him somewhere, kill him and watch him die. He is an infamous writer who has dishonoured crowned heads and famous writers, and among them our illustrious Abbot Boskovitch who he treats as an ignorant.” Before concluding, Casanova comments on the Emperor’s health: “I wish that His Majesty the Emperor and King will recover his lost health and that he will enjoy it for long without having any further troubles, surrounded by his loyal servants, listening to the good advices he receives from the wise people who abound in his court.” In fine condition, with some minor edge staining. Starting Bid $1000
Extraordinary, comprehensive Charles Bukowski literary archive, boasting more than 60 autographs— highlighted by rare unpublished manuscripts and related correspondence, limited edition signed books and broadsides, and much more!
542. Charles Bukowski Archive of (60+) Autographs, with Letters, Manuscripts, Signed Books, and Rare Ephemera. Incredible archive of rare Charles Bukowski autographs, books, and ephemera, highlighted by a total of 61 items signed by Bukowski—including 23 signed books and publications, 24 signed photographs, seven TLSs with writing (and drinking!) content, one ALS, and an early, hand-drawn poster for a poetry reading.
Highlights include:
- an early TLS by Bukowski, signed “Hank,” with large handdrawn sketch of a dog, signed “Buk,” one page, 8.5 x 11, December 8, [no year, c. 1969]. In part: “Dear Frank or whoever is in charge—As you must guess by now, we have gotten our dates mixed-up and the Dec. 18th and 19th poster now hanging in your window isn’t any good...so will you please take the old one down and put up one or two of these new ones?...I will arrive around 9:15 p.m. each night whether there’s anybody there or not.” Includes a colorfully hand-drawn poster accomplished in Bukowski’s hand on a 9 x 12 sheet: “Bukowski will give his First Public Demolition Poetry Readings here Dec’s 19 + 20 9:30 P.M.—Different Rantings Each Nite! One $!” Also includes a 14.5 x 11.25 manila envelope addressed in Bukowski’s hand: “From Bukowski, To The Bridge—Urgent, Open Immediately!”
- an early handwritten poem on both sides of a torn section of manila envelope, in full: “The Peter, / O, the Peter, / My Peter, Bonnie’s / Peter, Our Peter, / Glorious, Forever, / Ours, Our Love, Our / Laughter, Our Good and / Bad Times, / Together, / Love, / Charles Bukowski, 12-26-70.”
- six TLSs and one ALS, all signed “Hank,” dated 1982–1983, all to his publisher, John Martin of the Black Sparrow Press, enclosing partial drafts of his manuscripts for the unpublished novels Streetwalker and The Fool. In one letter, Bukowski writes: “I’ve been ill 3 or 4 days with either the flu or a bad cold. So, I haven’t been drinking—or writing. And the liver got a
test. So, here’s chapter II of the proposed novel Streetwalker.” In another, he relates: “I thought I was over my cold, went on a bindge, it came back and I was laid low for some days. I think I’m over it now… Here’s more on Streetwalker. I’ll keep it going as long as it interests me. And like I said, also hope to write some poems and stories at the same time.” In a third, he writes: “A few pages on the novel…. I have no idea what the hell I am trying to write, but then I usually don’t.”
- scarce, limited edition broadsides for Ham on Rye (numbered 46/100) and the story “20 Tanks From Kasseldown” (numbered 18/25), both signed in black felt tip by Charles Bukowski.
- a scarce limited edition slipcased portfolio entitled “The Cruelty of Loveless Love,” published by Kunst Editions New York in 2001, numbered 3/35, consisting of 18 paper folders, each containing a mounted monochrome photograph with a letterpress poem on the facing page. Loosely laid in is an original photostat manuscript for Bukowski’s poem “American Literature II,” one of the works reproduced in the folio, signed at the conclusion in black felt tip, “Charles Bukowski, 7-28-80.”
- an incredible collection of promotional materials for the semiautobiographical 1987 movie Barfly, with 26 items signed by Bukowski. Includes: a copy of the Barfly script, signed on the title page in black felt tip by Bukowski; a Cannon Films, Inc. press folder signed on the front in black felt tip by Bukowski; and a fantastic grouping of 24 color glossy stills from the film, 8 x 10 and 10 x 8, each signed in black felt tip by Bukowski.
- signed books including Women, Play the Piano Drunk, War All the Time, Hollywood, Septuagenarian Stew, Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame, The Last Night of the Earth Poems, Run with the Hunted, and more.
In overall very good to fine condition. A more comprehensive description is available online at RRAuction.com.Starting Bid $1000
Appreciably rare document signed by revered English playwright William Congreve
544. William Congreve Rare Document Signed. Manuscript DS, signed “Wm. Congreve,” one page, 8 x 3.25, October 14, 1723. William Congreve acknowledges the receipt of £125 from Thomas Snow & John Paltock, “wch they rec[eive]d of Paunceford Miller…14 Aug last for my Use.” Signed boldly at the conclusion by Congreve. The reverse bears a ‘Bishop Mark,’ presumably indicating that the receipt was part of a letter from Snow & Paltock. Bishop Marks were the first postmarks, introduced by the Postmaster General Henry Bishop in 1661. The mark showed only the day and month of posting, and its purpose was to ensure that the letter carriers did not delay the mail. In very good to fine condition, with a diagonal crease, and trivial paper loss to the bottom edge. Congreve is exceedingly rare across all autographic material, with this representing our debut example. Two of Congreve’s more enduring phrases originate from his 1697 play, The Mourning Bride: ‘Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast’ and ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.’ Congreve’s last major work, The Way of the World, was first performed in 1700. As well as earning income from his writings, Congreve held various government posts, culminating in the lucrative position of Secretary of Jamaica, which brought him about £700 a year. The £125 of this document may well have been for part of his salary or expenses. 1723 was a significant year for Congreve personally, as in November his only child Mary was born, the offspring of his liaison with Henrietta Godolphin, Duchess of Marlborough. Starting Bid $200
“The foundation of my argument was really the feeling that there is more than one kind of utility, whether in the moral or in the material sphere”
545. Joseph Conrad Hand-Annotated Typed Letter Signed on Philosophy and Individual Liberty. TLS signed “Believe me, sincerely yours, Joseph Conrad,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, Capel House letterhead, May 3, 1919. Letter to “Mr. Adams,” with several corrections in Conrad’s own hand. In part: “It was very pleasant to hear from you again. I will tell you at once that our boy has come through this war alive and is now with us, having been discharged out of the army about a month ago. We are touched by your remembering that we had a son out there and by your feeling reference to it. Your letter has made me real ashamed again after the lapse of years for the utterly unnecessary heat in argument which I displayed that afternoon when you and I went for a drive in the Ford and discussed the question of individual liberty. I remember when I confessed it to my wife afterwards with much compunction how shocked she was, but you have been extremely good about it. Your candid letter was very pleasant reading for me, mainly because my point of view has become practically demonstrated to you. Pray do not believe that I am triumphing, for there is much to say for the other—I may call it the ethically utilitarian attitude. In fact it is the undeniable strength of that attitude that makes it so exasperating to the objectors of my sort. The foundation of my argument was really the feeling that there is more than one kind of utility, whether in the moral or in the material sphere. Thank you very much for your friendly invitation, which I prize immensely, but I am afraid that my travelling days are over. My health has been rather bad for the last two years and shows no signs of improvement. Still, one never knows!” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light soiling and staining. Starting Bid $200
Using his fraternity’s Syracuse University letterhead, Crane proposes a double date—
“If you will give me the pleasure of attending with me the rendition of the ‘Stabat Mater’ at the musical festival next Wednesday evening”
546. Stephen Crane Autograph Letter Signed on ‘Delta Upsilon House’ Letterhead - Dating to His Brief Time at Syracuse University. Rare ALS, two pages, 5.25 x 8.5 (and 7.25), Delta Upsilon House (Syracuse, NY), March 7th (circa 1891). Handwritten letter from Stephen Crane to Miss Yates, to whom he proposes join him on a double date, in full: “I hope you will pardon this superlative amount of assurance I seem to possess, in thus venturing with pen and ink; but finding myself unable to call in season before Wednesday next, I trusted that you would not feel offended at ‘these few lines.’ If you will give me the pleasure of attending with me the rendition of the ‘Stabat Mater’ at the musical festival next Wednesday evening in company with Miss Taylor and Mr. Goodwin I will be grateful. Hoping that I may have the honor.” Both pages are individually affixed to slightly larger cardstock mounts. In very good condition, with irregular toning and staining. Given that he died at the very
young age of 29, Crane remains extremely rare across all signed formats, with this being our first example penned on his fraternity letterhead.
After one semester at Lafayette College, Stephen Crane transferred to Syracuse University in 1890, where he enrolled as a non-degree candidate in the College of Liberal Arts. He attended just one class (English Literature) during the middle trimester and remained in residence at the Delta Upsilon fraternity house while taking no courses in the third. Crane concentrated primarily on his writing, experimenting with tone and style. Shortly after publishing a piece of short fiction, ‘Great Bugs of Onondaga,’ simultaneously in the Syracuse Daily Standard and the New York Tribune in 1891, he declared college a ‘waste of time’ and left for good to work as a reporter and writer. Starting Bid $300
“A rule of the Boy Scouts is every day to do some one a good turn”
547. Richard Harding Davis Autograph Manuscript Signed - Draft for ‘The Boy Scout’. Influential journalist and writer of fiction and drama (1864–1916), remembered as an ally of Theodore Roosevelt and for his work as a war correspondent covering the Spanish–American War, the Second Boer War, and World War I. AMS signed “Richard Harding Davis, Mt. Kisco, N.Y.,” 75 pages, 5.75 x 4.75, no date but published in 1914. Davis’s handwritten draft for his story “The Boy Scout,” the first tale in his 1914 short story collection The Boy Scout and Other Stories for Boys. Writing on bright yellow notebook paper, Davis begins: “A rule of the Boy Scouts is every day to do some one a good turn. Not because the copy-books tell you it deserves another, but in spite of that pleasing possibility. If you are a true scout, until you have performed your act of kindness your day is dark. You are as unhappy as is the grown up who has begun his day without shaving, or reading the New York Sun. But as soon as you have proved yourself you may, with a clear conscience, look the world in the face and untie the knot in your kerchief.” Davis makes numerous emendations throughout, striking through and replacing numerous words. The manuscript is in fine condition: each page has been professionally inlaid into a larger 6.75 x 8.75 sheet, and custom-bound together in half-morocco; however, the front board is neatly detached at the joint. Starting Bid $200
Fresh from his 1842 tour of North America, Charles Dickens sends
a proof to his publisher
550. Charles Dickens Autograph Letter Signed. ALS, one page, 4.25 x 6.5, July 7, 1842. Addressed from Devonshire Terrace, a short handwritten letter to his publisher, “William Hall Esquire,” in part: “I inclose you the proof, to which I have added the name, as it will save a great deal of trouble to have it printed, and (perhaps) look finer.” This letter may refer to ‘American Notes for General Circulation,’ a travelogue by detailing his trip to North America from January to June 1842, which was published by Chapman and Hall in October of that year. In fine condition, with light soiling and trimmed edges. Penned in the summer of 1842, this letter dates shortly after Dickens returned from his United States trip, where he spent time with many notables from Boston to New York (and Niagara Falls) to Washington D.C. (visiting President Tyler) to Baltimore, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Canada. Starting Bid $200
“Venerables Writing Box and Pen Holder”— the travel desk of Charles Dickens
548. Charles Dickens’s Travel Writing Desk. Charles Dickens’s traveling writing desk, measuring 13.75˝ x 9.5˝ x 3.5˝ closed, featuring a fruitwood exterior with carved mother-of-pearl inlay (marked with the monogram “CD”) and silver banding, with two top flaps opening to reveal an angled leather-covered writing slope with wood-lined compartment beneath and a fitted mahogany interior tray for writing equipment, including two glass ink bottles, a letter opener, and a cased silver porte-crayon fitted with a quill nib. Inside is a handsome silver plaque, engraved: “Venerables Writing Box and Pen Holder, Presented to Evelyn by Your Mama, on the occasion of being appointed Schoolmistress.” Notably, ‘Venerables’ was the family’s pet-name for the novelist, as is recalled in the Strand Magazine article entitled ‘A Child’s Memories of Gad’s Hill’ by his granddaughter, Mary Angela Dickens, a copy of which is included. Also includes an ink signature, “5 Hyde Park Place W, Tuesday, First March 1870, Faithfully yours, Charles Dickens,” on a slip of Gad’s Hill Place stationery, clipped in two and joined at the center. In very good to fine condition, with loose screws securing the upper flap (one missing), some cracking to the veneer on the top, and general wear from age and use. Accompanied by a small plaque portrait of Charles Dickens, displayed in a period 7 x 7 wooden frame. Starting Bid $2500
Set of silverware used by Charles Dickens at Gad’s Hill Place, elegantly engraved with his “CD” monogram
549. Charles Dickens’s Personally-Owned Silverware
Set from Gad’s Hill Place. Fantastic set of 32 silver-plated spoons and forks personally owned and used by Charles Dickens at Gad’s Hill Place, all elegantly engraved with his monogram in fancy script, “CD.” Includes ten dessert spoons, ten forks, ten tea spoons, and two tiny salt spoons, all of a matching fiddle leaf thread pattern, with manufacturer’s stamps of Martin, Hall & Co. of Sheffield, circa 1860. In overall very good to fine condition, with light wear from use.
Provenance: Lot 227, English Literature and History including The Charles Dickens Archive, Sotheby’s, July 15, 1999. Accompanied by a photocopy of the Sotheby’s catalog page, which depicts all 32 pieces and notes that two of the novelist’s children, Henry Fielding Dickens and Kate Perugini, attested to Dickens’s ownership and use of the silverware set. Unfortunately, those letters have been lost, as has later correspondence documenting their ownership by actor Bransby Williams, and the purchase of the silverware for the Bleak House Collection in 1962. Starting Bid $2500
Thomas Hardy authorizes a stage production of Tess of the d’Urbervilles
552. Thomas Hardy Document Signed for Tess of the d’Urbervilles. DS, four pages, 8 x 13, December 7, 1925. Agreement by which Thomas Hardy grants Philip Ridgeway, manager of the Barnes Theatre, permission to perform “a play in four (4) acts entitled ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles.” The contract stipulates that the manager “shall produce the said play for a run in the evening bill in a first class theatre with a first class cast,” and “agrees to announce the name of Thomas Hardy as author of the said play on all programmes posters and all other advertising matter.” Signed at the conclusion in ink by Thomas Hardy, over a six-pence revenue stamp. Stapled into its original paper folder and in fine condition. Accompanied by two programs and a handbill for Ridgeway’s production of Tess of the d’Urbervilles, including a run at the Barnes Theatre (commencing September 7, 1925, with Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies as the leading lady) and at the Duke of York’s Theatre (opening July 23, 1929, with Gertrude Bugler as the lead). Starting Bid $500
The James Bond author declines to buy antique brass: “I am sure it would be wise for you to have a word with the Victoria and Albert”
551. Ian Fleming Typed Letter Signed, Declining to Buy Antique Brass: “I am sure it would be wise for you to have a word with the Victoria and Albert”. TLS signed “Yours sincerely, Ian Fleming,” one page, 8 x 10, 4 Old Mitre Court letterhead, April 22, 1964. Letter to “Mrs. Yoxall” in London, in part: “It was very nice meeting you last week and seeing your collection of brass pieces, but, on reflection and since they are so very different from the brass pictures which I collect, I have decided with regret that, attractive though they are, I do not wish to purchase them. My reasons are three-fold. First of all they do not fit in with my collection; secondly, I would have difficulty in finding house space for them and, above all, thirdly, I am very doubtful if the price we discussed is a fair one from your point of view. I am sure it would be wise for you to have a word with the Victoria and Albert and then perhaps advertise them or put them up for sale at one of the smaller auctioneers.” In very good to fine condition, with a small stain, and diagonal crease, to the upper left blank area. Starting Bid $200
554. Ernest Hemingway Signed Check. First National Bank of Boston check, 6.5 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Hemingway, “Ernest M. Hemingway,” payable to Portador [Bearer] for $50, August 14, 1947. Endorsed on the reverse in fountain pen by Roberto Herrera. In fine condition. Herrera was Hemingway’s close friend, part-time secretary, and brother of his Cuban doctor; he frequently accompanied the writer on his exploits aboard the famous fishing boat Pilar. Starting Bid $200
Washington
Irving pens a lengthy draft of his unpublished “Legend of the House of Omeya,” later abridged for the Knickerbocker
555. Washington Irving Handwritten Manuscript for “Legend of the House of Omeya”. Significant unsigned handwritten manuscript by Washington Irving for “Legend of the House of Omeya,” totaling 90 pages, 5 x 7.75, no place or date but presumably written while in Spain, circa 1827. The make-up of the manuscript is very idiosyncratic, clearly assembled by Irving from cut portions of folio sheets, folded into quires, and irregularly paginated in the upper right. The manuscript begins, in small part: “’Blessed be God!’ exclaims the Arabian historian; ‘In his hands alone is power and prosperity…it was written in the eternal decrees that… the illustrious family of the Omeyas should not be destroyed. One fruitful branch of that royal stock was preserved to flourish with future glory and greatness in another land.’” A number of corrections and revisions have been made by Irving, some in a darker ink than the body of the text; interpolated passages occur in a number of places, most written in the wide inner margins. A number of penciled notes, referring to textual variants, appear in a modern hand.
Magazine
Irving’s retelling of the eighth-century founding of the Omeyad dynasty by Abderahman ben Omeya almost certainly dates from Irving’s first residence in Spain. The lengthy narrative is unpublished in this form, but an abridged version was later prepared by the author, published in the Knickerbocker Magazine in May 1840, and collected in his Spanish Papers under the title ‘Abderahman’ in 1866. In fine condition. Housed in a custom-made slipcase with chemise, featuring a red morocco spine lettered in gilt. Starting Bid $1000
Writer-turned-diplomat Washington Irving’s lengthy personal handwritten notebook on Spanish politics
556. Washington Irving Handwritten Notebook on Politics in Spain, Where He Served as United States Ambassador. Handwritten notebook by Washington Irving, 118 pages, 3.75 x 5.75, labeled on the front cover in Irving’s hand: “Notes on Spanish Politics, 1842-3.” The notebook is composed of paragraphs of varying length and comprises notes written by Irving, as well as quotations from books and newspapers, some written in French. Many of the notes concern Spanish history; sections are included under such headings as “Product of Land in Spain,” “Mendizabal’s Ministry,” “Vote of Confidence, 24 Dec. 1835,” “Ministry of Mr. Isturiz,” “Parties in Spain, 1843,” and “Objections to the Constitution of 1812 by Marquis Miraflores.”
A typical passage reads, in part: “With all that could...be said agst. the monks, they had made friends among the peasantry. Easy landlords. They had no families to provide for. They laid
up nothing for the future, and as soon as they had provided for their immediate wants they were easy about the rest. The sudden destruction of the monks aroused the selfish ways... among the peasantry. They knew the govt. of new proprietors could exact more than a corporation of ideas without interests either of family or duty. The beggars who swarmed about the convent gates no longer received the remains of their lazy repasts.”
Inscribed inside the front cover in another hand: “Notes on Spanish politics in the handwriting of Washington Irving of Sunnyside. George Irving, January 1885.” Also bears the exlibris bookplates of Rev. Anson Phelps Stokes and Dr. Noel J. Cortes affixed to endpapers. A couple of contemporary newspaper clippings are laid in. In fine condition. Housed in a custom-made slipcase with gilt-stamped brown morocco spine. Starting Bid $1000
557. Guy de Maupassant Handwritten Poem - ‘Promenade à seize ans’. French naturalist writer (1850-1893) considered the greatest French author of short stories. Unsigned handwritten poem by Guy de Maupassant, one page, 7.5 x 8, no date. Maupassant pens the first part of his poem ‘Promenade à seize ans [Walking at Sixteen Years Old,’ beginning: “La terre souriait au ciel bleu, l’herbe verte / de gouttes de rosée était encor couverte. / Tout chantait par le monde ainsi que dans mon coeur. / Caché dans un buisson, quelque merle moqueur sifflait. Me raillait-il? Moi, je n’y songeais guère [The earth smiled at the blue sky, the green grass / With drops of dew was still covered. / Everything sang in the world as well as in my heart. / Hidden in a bush, some mockingbird / Was whistling. Was it mocking me? I hardly thought about it].” Annotated at the head in another hand: “Manuscript of Guy de Maupassant attested by his Mother.” Includes a handwritten note by his mother, signed “Laure de Maupassant,” on one of her personal calling cards, certifying that the manuscript is in her son’s hand. Both are tipped into a handsome custom hardcover binding, featuring a maroon morocco gilt-stamped spine. In fine condition, with scattered light foxing. Starting Bid $200
A gallant scene from Baroness Orczy’s draft for her influential novel The Scarlet Pimpernel: “He bowed very low and kissed her hand; she felt the burning kiss and her heart thrilled with joy and hope”
558. Baroness Emma Orczy Handwritten Manuscript
Page from The Scarlet Pimpernel. British writer and artist (1865–1947) best known for her series of novels featuring the Scarlet Pimpernel. Handwritten page from Baroness Emma Orczy’s draft for her popular novel The Scarlet Pimpernel, one page, 8 x 10.25, sent by the baroness to her publisher, Greening, to pass on to Newman Flower for use in connection with her article ‘How I Wrote The Scarlet Pimpernel,’ a contribution to The Story-Teller. The page , numbered “248,” depicts a characteristic scene of gallantry in which Sir Percy Blakeney offers his service to a lady. In part: “He bowed very low and kissed her hand; she felt the burning kiss and her heart thrilled with joy and hope. ‘You will come back?’ she said tenderly. ‘Very soon!’ he replied, looking longingly into her blue eyes. ‘And… you will remember?—’ she asked, as her eyes, in response to his look, gave him an infinity of promise.” Includes two TLSs signed “Emmuska Orczy,” each one page, 8 x 10, Cleve Court letterhead, January 12 and 17, 1909, both to Mr. Flower. The first, in part: “You will have by now received my little article on ‘How I wrote the Scarlet Pimpernel.’ I have also sent Mr. Greening a page of MS. which I see you propose using in ‘The Story-teller.’” The second, in part: “As I have not heard from you again I take it that you have obtained the leaf of the ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’ MS all right. I am afraid it was my mistake sending it to Mr. Greening in Cornwall.” In overall fine condition, with intersecting folds. Housed in a custom-made navy blue presentation folder with gilt-stamped morocco spine. Starting Bid $300
“Down with Gail Wynand!”—Ayn Rand amends three pages of her The Fountainhead screenplay
559. Ayn Rand HandAnnotated Pages (3) from Her Screenplay for ‘The Fountainhead’. Three handannotated pages from Ayn Rand’s personal copy of the screenplay for The Fountainhead, 8.5 x 11, each amended in pencil by Rand. Includes: page 119, scene 192A, in which the public demands that Roark be punished for dynamiting Cortlandt Homes, with some dialogue added by Rand: “’We don’t read Wynand!’ ‘Down with Gail Wynand!’”; page 124, scene 205, in which Wynand falters under pressure from his board of directors, with Rand adding a line for the “Second Director”—”We can’t permit this to go on. After all, we are your board of directors—we have something to say”—and for the “First Director,” “We’ve lost all our advertisers—we’ve lost”; and page 128, scene 217, in which Dominique confesses that she has always loved Roark, with Rand amending a prosecutor’s line to read “Cortlandt Homes” instead of “the future home of the poor,” with some further erased pencil notations at the bottom. In overall fine condition.
Provenance: from the estate of Ayn Rand, auctioned as part of a larger lot by the Ayn Rand Institute in 1993 and accompanied by a photocopy of their letter; then sold by Bonhams, October 22, 2007. Starting Bid $500
“The opponents of Socialism are clamorous and insistent; and the shouting of one man goes further than the silence of ten thousand”
561. George Bernard Shaw Autograph Manuscript
Signed on International Socialism in WWI: “The opponents of Socialism are clamorous and insistent; and the shouting of one man goes further than the silence of ten thousand”. AMS in pencil, signed “G. Bernard Shaw,” five pages, 8 x 10.5, August 25, 1915. Shaw pens an open letter to the chairman of the “International Socialist Bureau,” commenting on the international situation amidst World War I. In part: “Dear Comrade, At the forthcoming meeting of the British Section on the 3rd prox., the Manifesto dated June 23rd, issued by the National Executive of the German Social-Democratic Party, will come under consideration; and the question of a British reply to it will arise. A Representative Peace Conference, convened by the Society of Friends on the 24th June last, appointed an executive committee to draft a reply. The draft has been submitted to me, and doubtless to other Socialists, by our comrade Clifford Allen, with a request for my signature. As it consists of amiable generalities to which, in the abstract, no humane person can refuse assent, it is possible that it may be extensively signed, and may, in the absence of any more authoritative and definite document, be accepted as the best reply British Socialists can make to their
German comrades. I have refused to sign it on the ground that it says nothing that might not be said by Admirals Fisher and Von Tirpitz, and that it conveys a misleading impression that British Socialists believe that the war can be stopped quite simply at any moment on general Pacifist principles.
But I do not consider it sufficient to refuse to sign and to remain silent. All of us who mean anything definite should now utter it; for the opponents of Socialism are clamorous and insistent; and the shouting of one man goes further than the silence of ten thousand. I therefore suggest that the British Section should issue a reply to the German Manifesto…I have returned to draft the sort of reply that, in my opinion, we owe to our German comrades, in order that they may not be led to deceive themselves as to the real facts of the situation, and the extent to which we are bound by these facts in spite of the general moral considerations dwelt on by the Society of Friends and the extreme Pacifists in our own ranks.” He goes on to outline the key points of his proposed draft, with commentary on his process. In very good to fine condition, with some light creasing and toning, and rusty paperclip impressions to the upper left corners. Starting Bid $200
“Chopin was dangerously ill while I was stuck here”—remarkable handwritten letter by George Sand on her virtuoso lover
560. George Sand Autograph Letter Signed on Frederic Chopin’s Health: “Chopin was dangerously ill while I was stuck here”. ALS in French, seven pages on two sets of adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, May 1847. Lengthy handwritten letter to Gabriel Falampin, highlighted by a rare reference to her lover, the celebrated composer Frederic Chopin, in part (translated): “Forgive me for not having had a quarter of an hour free in the last two months for this article. You will have to wait a few more days for me, because it is not an ordinary situation in which I find myself, and I do not have a moment to myself. Moreover, Chopin has been dangerously ill while I have been stuck here, unable to leave my family for an instant, and all that has disturbed and grieved me beyond reason. Now, look, he is safe once again, and as my daughter’s marriage is also according to my wishes and desires, I am starting to be reborn. Consequently, I will not make you wait long. I have been forced to manage this matter very secretly, for reasons that I would tell you in person but that would be too long for a letter. So do not hold it against me that I did not give you the news myself. I have had to act the same way with all my friends, even the closest ones.”
Sand further explains in detail her decisions related to properties and legacies, commenting that she donates the hotel at Narbonne to Solange, making inquiries regarding her financial affairs, and referring to the rental of an apartment belonging to M. Larac in Paris: “In any event, I am giving the Narbonne house to Solange in her marriage contract, so put in order all the papers and accounts and documents you can put your hands on concerning that property, so that in two weeks’ time, when my son-in-law has arrived in Paris, I can bring him up to date on those affairs at your office. At the moment, you need to send me the most recent accounts immediately, along with something summarizing the situation with regard to the small debts I have left, separately from the mortgage debts and interest. It falls to me to take care of those last small debts, and I would like to have the latest information in order to settle the matter definitively. Therefore reply to me by every mail, I ask you.
I also ask you to pay my rent for the square to Monsieur Larac on May 15. I am expecting a payment any day now that will be partially turned over to you before May 15, but since publishers are never as rigorously punctual as I am, I ask you to advance me that amount if you have not received 1000 francs on my behalf or from me. It will only be an advance for a few days.
With regard to that rent, here are some questions and explanations that I also ask you to reply to quickly.
1) When I moved into that apartment with a rental agreement, I paid a quarter in advance, as is customary. Three years later, I do not remember whether I paid the last quarter. I do not think so. But as I then took the apartment for another year, it may be that we maintained our regular payments as if there were no balance. This is something to verify with Monsieur de Larac, so that I do not have to pay the last quarter twice from when we moved in. I should have paid him a quarter’s rent last month. He gave me an extension until May 15, and that is what I am asking you to take care of in full, in recognition of his kindness.
2) I have rented an apartment in the square for 1500 francs for the quarter starting in July, but in all probability I will not live there. Once my daughter is married, I will rarely return to Paris, and I will have a room in her house. I am sending you the rental agreement that I entered into with Monsieur de Larac for that apartment, at no. 3. If I do not want to take it, do I owe him a quarter’s rent once I give him the right to rent it starting immediately, and he always has possibilities? If so, do not tell him anything. I will tell him myself in Paris, where I will be in two weeks’ time. If by telling him now, I am not obligated to anything with regard to him, tell him immediately, but ask him not to say anything about it to Chopin, who is ill and for whom the idea of displacing the family could cause a relapse right now.” In fine condition. Falampin was the artistic director of ‘L’Illustration’ and manager of the financial affairs of George Sand. Starting Bid $300
Brilliant signed portrait of the Bengali poet during his historic Japanese visit in 1916
562. Rabindranath Tagore Signed Photograph - Pictured During His 1916 Visit to Japan . Bengali poet, playwright, philosopher, and author (1861–1941) who became the first non-European to win a Nobel Prize (Literature) in 1913. Magnificent vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 8.25 full-length portrait photo of Rabindranath Tagore during his visit to Japan in 1916, depicting the beloved Bengali scribe posing in the corner of a tiled veranda overlooking the ocean, affixed to its original 15.5 x 12.5 studio mount, which is signed below in bold ink by Tagore. Produced by K. Maekawa of Yokohama and presented within its original presentation folder. Also included is the address panel from the original mailing envelope, 14 x 10.5, postmarked October 27, 1919, the front of which is hand-addressed by Tagore, “Photograph, Mr. Y. Minami, Okura & Company, 30 Church Street, New York, U.S.A.,” with Tagore incorporating his signature in the return address field to the lower left, “From R. Tagore, Santiniketan, Bengal.” In fine condition, with some light staining to the background of the image. Starting Bid $300
563. Ivan Turgenev Autograph Letter Signed. Highly influential Russian author (1818–1883) whose 1862 novel Fathers and Sons remains one of the pillars of 19th-century literature. ALS in French, signed “Iv. Tourgueneff,” one page, 5 x 8, January 29 [no year]. Untranslated handwritten letter addressed from Paris. In very good to fine condition, with a slice in the left margin, affecting none of the handwriting. From 1871 until his death in 1883, Turgenev lived with the Viardot family at 48 Rue de Douai in Paris. Starting Bid $200
564. Jules Verne Autograph Letter Signed. ALS in French, one page, 5.25 x 8.25, Societe Industrielle d’Amiens letterhead, March 22, 1891. An untranslated handwritten letter to a gentleman that references a “Tour de Monde,” ostensibly his beloved 1872 novel Around the World in Eighty Days. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
“My book business, & a little writing & reading give me three hours or so occupation (lazily) every day when I am not too ill”— Whitman writes from his brothers’
Camden residence during hard times
565. Walt Whitman Autograph Letter Signed on Writing, Reading, and His Book Business (1876). Sought-after ALS, one page both sides, 7.5 x 9.25, May 5th [1876]. Addressed from his brother’s residence at “431 Stevens Street, Camden, N. Jersey,” a boldly penned handwritten letter from Walt Whitman to John Swinton, managing editor of the New York Times and the scribe’s close friend, in full: “Nothing very notable to write about, but I thought I would send you a line – This is one of my comfortable days – good nights’ sleep last night – breakfast & dinner today with appetite – still get out a little most every day as formerly – my book business, & a little writing & reading give me three hours or so occupation (lazily) every day when I am not too ill – and then the baby, my brother’s 6 mo’s infant boy, very fine & bright (of course) is an unfailing delight & diversion to me, the young one knows me so well, & is never so happy as when I am tending him. I adopted your suggestion of 3 or 4 weeks since – wrote with result as follows to Wm. Swinton – no answer / to E. C. Stedman, sent an order at once enc’g $30 / ˝ J. Q. A. Ward, kind answer, will order presently / ˝ Dr. Seeger, answer, order 1 set & money enc / ˝ Joaquin Miller, ordered a copy set & sent the money / Mr. Jardine, answered a few days ago / I did not write either to G. A. Townsend or to W. C. Church – have not sent the set to J. Russell Young, nor yours, as in your last requested – but will do so forthwith – rec’d the slip from Cincinnati Com. (Conway’s letter) you sent – Don’t know what ‘vile’ paragraph in the Graphic you allude to in your letter of April
7 – Best remembrances to Mrs. Smith – Are you coming on to the Exposition opening next Wednesday?” In very good to fine condition, with toning, a small edge chip, and a repair to the central horizontal fold split.
After suffering a paralytic stroke in early 1873, Whitman was induced to move from Washington to the home of his brother— George Washington Whitman, an engineer—at 431 Stevens Street in Camden, New Jersey, where he resided for 11 years (1873-1884). During this period he published several of his collections of prose and poetry, which included three editions of Leaves of Grass (1876, 1881-1882, and 1882), Memoranda During the War (1875), Two Rivulets (1878), and Specimen Days and Collect (1882-1883).
Although Whitman continued to observe and comment on American life, in addition to entertaining noted guests and friends like Oscar Wilde and Thomas Eakins, Whitman’s time on Stevens Street was met with consistent struggle, a situation exacerbated by the death of his mother. ‘His illness and his bereavement were two blows from which he never recovered, and henceforth his life ran gradually downhill… (he was) dependent for his living upon his brother, upon friends, and upon the sale of his books, which he conducted partly from his own quarters, receiving orders and filling them with his own hand.’ (DAB X, 150). Starting Bid $500
Boldly signed proof of Walt Whitman’s poem “Of that Blithe Throat of Thine”
566. Walt Whitman Signed Poem Proof - ‘Of that Blithe Throat of Thine’. Printed poem proof entitled “Of that Blithe Throat of Thine,” one page, 5.25 x 4, no date but circa 1884–1885, boldly signed at the conclusion in ink, “Walt Whitman.” After a brief statement setting the scene— approaching the North Pole, “the song of a single snow-bird merrily sounding over the desolation”—the poem begins: “Of that blithe throat of thine from artic bleak and blank, / I’ll mind the lesson, solitary bird: let me too welcome chilling drifts, / E’en the profoundest chill, as now—a torpid pulse, a brain unnerv’d, / Old age land-lock’d within its Winter bay—(cold, cold, O cold!) / These snowy hairs, my feeble arm, my frozen feet, / For them thy faith, thy rule I take, and grave it to the last; / Not summer’s zones alone—not chants of youth, or south’s warm tides alone, / But held by sluggish floes, pack’d in the northern ice, the cumulus of years— / These with gay heart I also sing.” Attractively double-matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 17.25 x 11.5. In fine condition, small stains from prior mounting at the top.
The 1955 Detroit Public Library catalog, entitled ‘Walt Whitman, A Selection of Manuscripts, Books and Association Items
gathered by Charles E. Feinberg,’ states that this proof of the poem “Of that Blithe Throat of Thine,” was one of the series sent to various publishers and friends. Whitman’s instructions to the printer, written on one of the copies in the Detroit collection, were to ‘Correct carefully then take 50 impressions on paper like this (so as to write on) ab’t this size 20 as here with the name then take out the name (Walt Whitman) & print the other 30 - (try to give good impressions a good clean job).’
The twenty with the printed signature were sent to magazines and newspapers, while the thirty autographed copies of which this is one were distributed by Whitman personally. The first magazine to use the poem was Harper’s Monthly, which ran it in the January 1885 issue. This proof, then, may date from the latter part of 1884. The poet was at this time suffering from illness and was unable to produce more than a few new pieces.
In 1888, after not publishing a book for seven years, he came out with November Boughs. This collection included “Of that Blithe Throat of Thine,” which was subsequently reprinted in the ‘Sands at Seventy’ portion of the 1889 Leaves of Grass. Starting Bid $300
Wilde pitches his first play, Vera; or, The Nihilists—”a new and original drama on Russia: the note through which the passion of the play is expressed is democratic—and for that reason it is impossible to act it in London— yet the tragedy, the essence of the play, is human”
567. Oscar Wilde Autograph Letter Signed on ‘Vera; or, The Nihilists’: “The tragedy, the essence of the play, is human”. ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 6.25, no date but circa September 1882. Handwritten letter pitching his new play, Vera; or, The Nihilists, in full: “At the suggestion of my friend Mr. Dion Boucicault I beg to forward you a copy of a new and original drama on Russia: the note through which the passion of the play is expressed is democratic—and for that reason it is impossible to act it in London—yet the tragedy, the essence of the play, is human. There are two fine men’s parts for character acting—an old Prince Metternich sort of statesman full of epigram and unscrupulousness, and the Czar. The hero is a young enthusiast; and the heroine who gives the name to the play is conceived in all the varying moods of passion that a study of Sarah Bernhardt
could suggest. I shall be very happy, if you approve of the play, to correspond on the subject of its production.” In very good to fine condition, with some surface loss to edges of the last page from prior mounting.
Vera; or, The Nihilists, the first play written by Oscar Wilde and first performed in 1883, inspired by the Russian revolutionary movement. The story follows Vera, a passionate young woman who joins a group of nihilists plotting to overthrow the oppressive Russian regime. She ultimately discovers that the target of their assassination plot is the man she loves, leading to a tragic moral dilemma. The play explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the conflict between personal love and political ideals. A fabulous autograph letter by Wilde on one of his early works. Starting Bid $500
Music
Britten quotes from his Op. 62,
“Carmen Basiliense, (Cantata Academica),” composed for the 500th anniversary of the University of Basel
603. Benjamin Britten Autograph Musical Quotation Signed - ‘Cantata academica, Carmen basiliense, Op. 62’. Superb, extensive AMQS on an off-white 10 x 7.25 musically lined sheet, boldly titled and signed at the conclusion in ink, “Carmen Basiliense, (Cantata Academica), Benjamin Britten.” Britten pens six full bars from the 1959 work, identifying the dual lines as “Soprano solo” and “Coro (Ten Bass).” In fine condition.
Cantata academica, Carmen basiliense, Op. 62, is a 1959 cantata composed by Benjamin Britten to a Latin text, commissioned for the 500th anniversary of the University of Basel. The text, compiled by Bernhard Wyss, is based on the charter of the university as well as older Latin orations praising Basel; writing to Wyss, Britten noted that it was his intention to be deliberately ‘clever’ with the piece, filling it with ‘academic devices for the edification of the performers.’ A long and magnificent autograph musical quote by Britten—one of the finest we have offered. Starting Bid $300
Chopin sells foreign publishing rights to some of his most famous piano pieces: Polonaise in A-flat major, Ballade No. 4, and Nocturnes
604. Frederic Chopin (2) Documents
Signed, Selling Copyright to Five Famous Piano Compositions - Including Polonaise in A-flat major, Ballade No. 4, and Nocturnes. Two rare partly-printed self-contained DSs in French, each signed, “Frederic Chopin,” two pages, 9.75 x 10 and 9.75 x 6.5, August 1843. An assignment of copyright for five of his significant works, plus the receipt confirming payment. In part: “I have this day sold to Messrs. Christian Rudolph Wessel & Frederic Stapleton, Importers and Publishers of Foreign Music…at the price or sum of Forty Nine Pounds, Nineteen Shillings sterling, all my Copyright and Interest, present and future…for the Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, of and in the following works for the pianoforte: Op. 52 Quatrieme Ballade, Op. 53 8eme Polonaise, Op. 54 Quatrieme Scherzo, Op. 55 Deux Nocturnes, Op. 56 Quatre Mazurkas.” Next to each title is a brief musical quote from the beginning of the piece, penned by an amanuensis. By the second document, apparently cut from the conclusion of the above, Chopin acknowledges his receipt of £49.19.0 for the sale of the publishing rights to these works. On both, Chopin signs in ink over a still-visible pencil guideline. In very good condition, with edge staining touching the tail end of each signature, and professional archival backing to reinforce paper loss to the edges.
This document concerns some of Chopin’s most famous and best-loved works, particularly his Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53, which is one of Chopin’s most widely admired compositions. It has long been a favorite of the romantic piano repertoire, and is a piece that requires great virtuosity to be interpreted at a high degree of proficiency; the legendary pianist Arthur Rubinstein, one of the greatest Chopin interpreters of his time, calling it ‘the composition which is the closest to my heart.’ Chopin also sells the publishing rights to the Fourth Ballade (Op. 52) and the Nocturne (Op. 55, No. 1), both works in F minor. The Ballade is considered one of the masterpieces of 19th-century piano music, and the Nocturne remains a staple of the piano repertoire: the piece was performed by Vladimir Horowitz in his television debut concert at Carnegie Hall in 1968, which was broadcast nationwide by CBS. Starting Bid $2500
Mendelssohn prepares a festival program:
“I would very much like to see a Bach composition on the program (no matter how short it is)—some quite forceful double-chorale or a cantata...Has Beethoven’s Eroica been performed recently?”
606. Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Autograph Letter Signed on Performing Bach, Beethoven, and Handel, with AMQ and Partial ALS (Lot of 3): “It seems to be so timely to at last use one of Bach’s great chorales besides Handel’s music”. Prodigiously gifted German Romantic composer (1809–1847) whose musical output represents virtually every form and genre of the era. ALS in German, signed “Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 9.5, January 18, 1838. Handwritten letter to the president of the Lower Rhenish Music Festival, in part (translated): “You will have heard that the Committee has asked me to go to Cologne and to conduct at this year’s Music Festival during the weekend of Pentecost. And therefore you also know that, since receiving that letter, I think of you and your family with redoubled intensity, wishing to hear from you personally, longing to ask you several questions: this is the purpose of my letter now. Regarding your previous Music Festivals, I know that, long before the actual performance, you had involved yourself with the selection of the musical offerings and with other important matters, and that many of your quietly thought-out ideas benefitted the other people engaged in this undertaking. No doubt you prepared things in the same way this time also and, if I am not wrong in this supposition, I would like to ask for your opinion.
On the one hand, you are so well informed about musical matters, but you are also intimately acquainted with the circumstances there, so that your views are very important for me to learn. Through one of its members, the Committee has sent me some suggestions which I liked, but which seemed to me not progressive enough for a Music Festival that had previously distinguished itself by performing original Handel music on the organ. It seems to me that such a development is extremely important, even though it might not have been noticed at the time. In any case, my main interest points in that direction. I would very much like to see a Bach composition on the program (no matter how short it is)—some quite forceful double-chorale or a cantata with some lively chorales (I own several of these) and I feel if something like that is played on the first day, before the Handel Oratorio, which should be one of the shorter ones, the Festival could only profit from such a performance. But I think the Committee will be fearful of such a step. And yet, it seems to be so timely to at last use one of Bach’s great chorales besides Handel’s music, and I feel that it would be of considerable merit to set the pace with something like this. What is your opinion?
I would also like to know if Haydn’s Four Seasons has been performed yet at one of the Music Festivals? The Creation? Handel’s Saul? A symphony by Haydn and which one? Has Beethoven’s Eroica been performed recently? You alone can answer these questions satisfactorily for me and, above all, give me your views about the approaching festival.
Thank God my wife and I are, so far, well. My wife expects her confinement any day now, and I pray that everything will go well at the moment I can hardly think of anything else. My mother-in-law and my sister-in-law, whom you have met, have arrived from Frankfurt, and they will remain with us for the next month.” In fine condition, with small mounting strips to edges and the seal clipped off.
Among the works featured at Cologne’s 1838 Lower Rhenish Music Festival were Ries’s ‘Symphony in C minor,’ Handel’s ‘Joshua,’ Mozart’s ‘Prague’ Symphony, and compositions by Luigi Cherubini and Ludwig van Beethoven. Ries, Beethoven’s pupil, had died on January 13th, just five days before these lines were penned, and the performance of his symphony was considered a ‘memorial offering.’ Mendelssohn himself performed Handel’s oratorio with the organ accompaniment intended by its composer. Haydn’s oratorios, ‘The Creation’ and ‘The Seasons’ are still frequently performed, and Beethoven’s Eroica symphony was offered at Dusseldorf’s Lower Rhenish Festival that same summer. However, Mendelssohn’s reference to Johann Sebastian Bach is, perhaps, of greatest importance, given his devotion to the master’s music. It was Bach’s Himmelfahrts-Kantate that was offered in July 1838, the first Bach cantata to be performed at a music festival.
Additionally includes:
- a scarce autograph musical quotation in pencil by Mendelssohn on an off-white 4.25 x 3.25 album page, identified along the bottom in another hand, “Napoli, Mendelssohn-Bartholdy,” perhaps a recording of a piece that he heard played by street musicians while staying in Naples in April–June 1831. In fine condition, with scattered light foxing.
- a partial ALS signed “Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy,” one page, 7.5 x 2.25, no date, containing four lines from an untranslated handwritten letter sent to a gentleman in Bonn. In fine condition, with trimmed edges.
Accompanied by a carte-de-visite portrait of Mendelssohn, as well as an engraved portrait featuring his facsimile signature. Starting Bid $1000
605. Franz Liszt Signed Photograph. Uncommon 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo of Franz Liszt by Louis Held, Weimar, signed and inscribed in ink, “Meiner lieben Pauline von der Altenburg bis zur Hofgaertnerei (also 30 Jahre!). Stets dankend und wohlwollend, F. Liszt, August 80, Weimar [To my dear Pauline from the Altenburg up to the Court Nursery (that is 30 years!). Always thankful and favorably inclined, F. Liszt].” In good to very good condition, with light surface scuffing, toning and dampstaining, loss to the corner tips, and all of the handwriting quite light but mostly legible. Starting Bid $200
Verdi boldly pens a quote from his late masterpiece, “Falstaff”
607. Giuseppe Verdi Autograph
Musical Quotation Signed from “Falstaff”. Italian composer (1813-1901) who was one of the most influential figures in the history of opera. Outstanding AMQS on an off-white 7 x 4.75 album page, boldly signed and dated below in ink, “G. Verdi, Paris, 12 Avril 1894.” Verdi quotes from the second act of his great comic opera, “Falstaff,” penning three bars of music and lyrics in Italian: “Quand’ero paggio del Duca di Norfolk [When I was a page to the Duke of Norfolk].” In fine condition, with a trivial light stain to the bottom edge.
Giuseppe Verdi’s Falstaff is significant as his final opera and only mature comedy, showcasing his mastery of orchestration, wit, and character development. Unlike his earlier tragedies, Falstaff demonstrates Verdi’s ability to blend Shakespearean humor with intricate musical structures, highlighting his evolution as a composer. The opera’s lively, fast-paced ensemble writing and innovative harmonic language influenced later composers, cementing its place as a masterpiece of comic opera. Starting Bid $1000
Bold “Beatles” signatures from their 1963 Roy Orbison tour, obtained in Manchester for their show at the Odeon Cinema
609. Beatles Signatures - Odeon Cinema, Manchester (May 30, 1963). Vintage ballpoint signatures — “Beatles, love, Paul McCartney, xxx,” “George Harrison, xxx,” “John Lennon, xx,” and “Ringo Starr, xx” — on a peach-tone 4.75 x 4 album page. The consignor notes that the autographs were obtained at the Odeon Cinema in Manchester on May 30, 1963, a date that is annotated in the upper right corner. The Odeon Cinema concert was part of the Beatles’ UK tour with Roy Orbison, which took place between May 18 and June 9, 1963. The referenced show was reviewed in the Daily Express by the northern show business correspondent, Derek Taylor, who would subsequently become Brian Epstein’s personal assistant and later the Apple press officer. In very good to fine condition, with old tape stains to the side edges. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks and by a letter from the son of the original recipient.
These autographs date to just two months before the release of Please Please Me on March 22, 1963, which also coincided with the Beatles’ breakout tour with chart-topper Roy Orbison. Although Orbison was originally scheduled to serve as the tour’s headline act, the public’s reaction to the Beatles resulted in them becoming co-headliners, with the Fab Four ultimately closing the set in the traditional headlining spot. Starting Bid $1000
610. Beatles: Paul McCartney Signed Photograph. Glossy 10 x 8 promotional photo of Paul McCartney posing with a Rickenbacker bass guitar, an image used for the cover of McCartney’s 1987 compilation album All The Best! signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “To Eric, All the best! Paul McCartney.” The consignor notes that the signature dates to around the time the album was released. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light creasing. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $200
611. Beatles: Ringo Starr and Neil Aspinall Signed Document. DS signed “R. Starkey,” one page, 8.5 x 13, early 1969. Python Music Limited contract that approves for Moor House Secretaries Limited to be appointed secretary of the company from December 13, 1968. Signed below in black ballpoint by Ringo Starr and in blue ballpoint by Neil Aspinall. Python Music Ltd. was a subsidiary of Apple Corps Ltd., which also had a 20% beneficiary interest in Maclen (Music) Ltd. and a 23.9% beneficiary interest in Subafilms Ltd. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks and a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Perry Cox, who deems the autograph as ‘ultra rare’ and notes that this document is “one of the only contracts I’ve seen with Ringo and Neil together.” Starting Bid $200
613. Bob Dylan Signature. Bold, highly sought-after ballpoint signature, “Bob Dylan,” on an off-white 3.75 x 2.25 slip. In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from REAL. Starting Bid $200
612. Bob Dylan Signed Photograph. Very desirable 3.25 x 4.5 magazine photo of a young Bob Dylan, signed in black ballpoint. Affixed to a same-size backing sheet. In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from REAL. Starting Bid $200
614. Rolling Stones Signatures. Four vintage multicolored album pages, each 4.75 x 3, signed and inscribed in ballpoint by members of the Rolling Stones—“To Lorraine, Mick Jagger,” “Love to Lorraine, Keith Richard,” “With love, Brian Jones,” “Love to Laraine, Bill Wyman, xxx,” and “To Lorraine, love from, Charlie Boy, xxx,” with Wyman and Watts signing on the same page. Each page is dated to January 12, 1964, which is when the Stones played two shows at the Granada Theatre in Tooting, South London, England, during their first British tour. In overall fine condition, with a light corner stain to the Jagger page. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from REAL. Starting Bid $200
Entertainment
686. Marlon Brando Signed Photograph. Scarce, early vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Brando in a handsome head-and-shoulders pose, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Geraldine, With sincere appreciation for your interest, Marlon Brando.” In fine condition, with slight edge rippling. Starting Bid $200
688. Judy Garland Oversized Signed Photograph. Magnificent vintage matte-finish 10.25 x 13.25 photo of Judy Garland in a striped blouse, neatly signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To my dear Gundy—a friend indeed—and a friend that I deeply need—cause you’re my gal! Always, Judy.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 19 x 22. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Browning assigns the rights of ‘Shadow of the Thin Man’ to MGM
687. Tod Browning Document Signed for ‘Shadow of the Thin Man’. Director, actor, and screenwriter (1880-1962) best known as the director of Dracula in 1931 and the cult classic Freaks in 1932. DS, one page, 8.5 x 11, March 28, 1941. Assignment of rights document by which Tod Browning sells “that certain adaptation…entitled ‘Shadow of the Thin Man’” to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, warranting that he is the sole author and owner of the work. Neatly signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Browning. In fine condition.
Shadow of the Thin Man (1941) is a classic American murder mystery comedy film directed by W. S. Van Dyke. It stars William Powell and Myrna Loy as the beloved detective duo Nick and Nora Charles, who find themselves entangled in a murder investigation at a racetrack. The film is the fourth installment in the Thin Man series, based on the characters created by Dashiell Hammett. Starting Bid $300
689. Alfred Hitchcock Signed Photograph. Superb vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 studio photo of Hitchcock leaning on his director’s chair below a large VistaVision camera setup, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Best wishes to Jack Perfect, from, Alfred Hitchcock.” Reverse bears a Bud Fraker / Paramount photo stamp. In fine condition, with a light paperclip impression to the top edge. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services. Starting Bid $200
690. Alfred Hitchcock Signed Self-Portrait Sketch. Original sketch by Alfred Hitchcock of the director’s ever-recognizable self-portrait, accomplished in black ink on an off-white 7 x 8.25 sheet, which is signed and inscribed, “To Robert, from, Alfred J. Hitchcock.” In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
“With best wishes, Harry Houdini”—handsome portrait of the great magician, presented to the illustrator of his 1906 book The Right Way to Do Wrong: An Exposé of Successful Criminals
691. Harry Houdini Signed Photograph to the Illustrator of The Right Way to Do Wrong. Circa 1915 vintage matte-finish 7 x 9 portrait photo of Houdini by the LaPine Studios of Seattle, Washington, showing the master magician with folded arms in a confident half-length pose, signed and inscribed in blue fountain pen, “To my good friend Henry Crossman Grover, with best wishes, Harry Houdini, March 2/17.” Professionally cleaned and restored to near-fine condition. An exceptional signed photo of Houdini in his prime, presented to Henry Crossman Grover, the illustrator of Houdini’s 1906 book The Right Way to Do Wrong: An Exposé of Successful Criminals. Starting Bid $300
Beautiful early signed Bill Burnside portrait of Marilyn Monroe from circa 1949
692. Marilyn Monroe Signed Photograph (Ca. 1949). Stunning circa 1949 vintage matte-finish 10 x 8 photo of a young Marilyn Monroe by photographer Bill Burnside, depicting the glamorous starlet reposed and resting her iconic blonde hair on a seat covered with soft fur, signed and inscribed in crisp black ink, “With lots of love to Bob and Gerry, Marilyn Monroe.” In fine to very fine condition. A gorgeous and uncommon pose signed early in the actress’s legendary career. Starting Bid $1000
Marilyn Monroe pays her psychoanalyst, writes the address of her favorite apartment, “882 N. Doheny Drive”
693. Marilyn Monroe Filled Out and Signed Check (1953). Bank check, 5.75 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Marilyn Monroe, payable to psychoanalyst Dr. Abraham Gottesman for $200, September 23, 1953. Below her signature, Monroe adds her address, “882 N. Doheny Drive.” In fine condition. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder.
Monroe first moved into the Doheny Drive apartment building, which had been constructed just one year prior, in 1953, and lived there for about a year before marrying baseball legend Joe DiMaggio on January 14, 1954. The actress, who was already wildly popular at the time thanks to starring roles in both Niagara and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, lived in Unit #3 of the building, a one-bedroom, one-bathroom dwelling that measured a scant 648 square feet. Despite its size, Monroe must have enjoyed the apartment, because in April 1961, after her divorce from playwright Arthur Miller was finalized, the actress left New York and once again leased the very same unit in the very same building. She stayed there until March of 1962, at which point she moved into the Brentwood-area home she had purchased a few months prior, the same home in which she would sadly pass away on the night of August 4, 1962. The Marc and Mary Perkins Collection. Starting Bid $500
“Lovingly, Norma Jeane”—rare circa 1946 pre-fame publicity of the future Marilyn Monroe
694. Marilyn Monroe Signed Photograph as “Norma Jeane” (Ca. 1946). Beautiful vintage circa 1946 matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of a young Marilyn Monroe from an early publicity shoot, signed and inscribed in black ink in her uncommon noncursive hand, “To Lottie and Bryan, lovingly, Norma Jeane.” In fine condition, with a trivially small tear to the top border, and poor signature contrast.
When she signed this photo, “Norma Jeane” was in the early stages of becoming ‘Marilyn Monroe.’ In August 1946, she had signed a half-year, $125-a-month contract with Twentieth Century-Fox. Shortly after signing, the starlet met with Fox executive Ben Lyon, who loathed the young actress’s name and suggested ‘Marilyn’—after 1920s performer Marilyn Miller—as a new moniker. For her part, Norma Jeane suggested her mother’s family name, Monroe. Lyon liked the alliteration of Marilyn Monroe, and an immortal legend was born. Starting Bid $1000
Original sketchbook with eight drawings by Edie Sedgwick, filled with her typical ‘art therapy’ subjects
695. Edie Sedgwick Original Sketchbook with (8) Drawings - Horses, Humans, and Dogs. American actress, model, and socialite (1943–1971) known as one of Andy Warhol’s superstars. Edie Sedgwick’s spiral-bound 12.75 x 9.5 ‘Studie Aquarel Bloc’ sketch pad, containing eight original unsigned drawings in graphite (several back-to-back on a single leaf). Subjects are: a trotting horse, shown from the side; a trio of horse sketches, including a detailed, close-up portrait and two rough full-body sketches; a dove and a ballerina; five rough sketches of a small dog lying down; a detailed portrait of a girl and the dog; the same dog in five poses, rolling over and sitting up; a profile portrait of a young woman; and a rough side-view sketch of a horse. On one page, Sedgwick jots an address: “Lyden, 2 & 3 o’clock, Chopin St. No. 5, before Amsterdam, (020 712772).” On the front cover, she writes “beleive,” “Budha,” and “arose, arrose.” In fine condition, with some damage only to the covers; interior pages are clean and unaffected.
Sedgwick left the St. Timothy’s School boarding school in 1959 and returned to her family’s La Laguna ranch in California, where she remained until the fall of 1962 when her family forced her to confront her eating disorder. At the age of 19, she was sent to the private Silver Hill psychiatric hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, before eventually being moved to Bloomingdale, the Westchester Division of New York Hospital, residencies that allowed her to focus on artwork during occupational therapy sessions. These drawings portray Sedgwick’s typical subject matter, including human figures and animals. She was especially fond of horses—an early love cultivated in her youth on the ranch—and often returned to them in her artwork. Starting Bid $1000
Desirable drawing of a lion by the teenage Edie Sedgwick
696. Edie Sedgwick Signed Original Drawing - Lion. American actress, model, and socialite (1943–1971) known as one of Andy Warhol’s superstars. Exquisite original pen-and-ink drawing of a lion yawning, accomplished by Edie Sedgwick on a white 9 x 7.5 sheet, trimmed and applied to a gray 12 x 9 mount, signed on the mount in ink, “Edith Sedgwick, ‘60.” The detailed drawing showcases Sedgwick’s deft linework and her keen ability to capture an animal in motion. Mounted and framed to an overall size of 15 x 12.75. In fine condition, with light staining to the wide borders.
Sedgwick left the St. Timothy’s School boarding school in 1959 and returned to her family’s La Laguna ranch in California. She remained there until she was sent to the private Silver Hill psychiatric hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, in the fall of 1962. Her date notation of 1960 places her at the age of either 16 or 17 when this work was created. Sedgwick’s childhood on the ranch instilled in her a great love for animals of all sizes, from majestic horses and lions to the smallest of woodland creatures. Starting Bid $500
Beautiful, early portrait of an Arabian horse by Edie Sedgwick
697. Edie Sedgwick Signed Original Painting - Arabian Horse. American actress, model, and socialite (1943–1971) known as one of Andy Warhol’s superstars. Magnificent original watercolor painting of a white Arabian horse, accomplished by Edie Sedgwick on a white 7 x 8 sheet, trimmed and applied to a brown 9 x 9 mount, signed on the mount in ballpoint, “Edith Sedgwick, 1959.” The gorgeous painting perfectly captures the beauty and elegance of the horse, exquisitely done by the teenage Sedgwick. Mounted and framed to an overall size of 13.75 x 17.75. In fine condition.
Sedgwick left the St. Timothy’s School boarding school in 1959 and returned to her family’s La Laguna ranch in California. She remained there until she was sent to the private Silver Hill psychiatric hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, in the fall of 1962. Her date notation of 1959 places her at the age of either 15 or 16 when this work was created. Sedgwick’s childhood on the ranch instilled in her a great love for animals of all sizes, from majestic horses to the smallest of woodland creatures.
Horses, as much of her artwork reveals, served as a creative anchoring point for Sedgwick throughout her life, a go-to subject from a childhood spent on California ranches. As a youth, she topped broomsticks with hand-made animal heads and she often enjoyed ‘playing horse,’ which her sister Suky described as: ‘You had to look at a picture and you would choose what you wanted to look like. Edie used to make me stare at the picture of a goddamn horse’s face for hours…She inevitably chose something that was very delicate and very Arab…always a beautiful prancing princess-type horse.’
According to her brother Jonathan Sedgwick: ‘When it came to real horses, Edie would always get the best-looking one. She could get anything she wanted. Spoiled. Even if I had the best-looking horse, it became her horse because she convinced everyone that I was too heavy for him and that he’d get tired under my weight. That was cool; it didn’t bother me. We were on top of horses at fourteen months. They’d prop us up on them for a picture to be taken, and then you’d keep wanting a horse. Everybody rode, and you just started riding the first thing you could…Edie and Suky rode at night, through the moonlight.’ Starting Bid $500
698. Edie Sedgwick Signed Original Painting - Squirrel on Wooden Box Lid. American actress, model, and socialite (1943–1971) known as one of Andy Warhol’s superstars. Adorable original painting of a squirrel climbing a tree, accomplished in acrylic by Edie Sedgwick on the lid of a handsome round wooden box, measuring 2.5˝ in diameter and 2˝ tall, signed on the rim in white, “ES - 62.” Sedgwick’s careful rendering captures the squirrel in a lifelike pose as it clings to the trunk of a tree, with excellent detail in its fur, eyes, and feet. In fine condition.
Sedgwick left the St. Timothy’s School boarding school in 1959 and returned to her family’s La Laguna ranch in California, where she remained until she was sent to the private Silver Hill psychiatric hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, in the fall of 1962. Her date notation of 1962 places her at the age of either 18 or 19 when this work was created. Sedgwick’s childhood on the ranch instilled in her a great love for animals of all sizes, from majestic horses to squirrels and rodents.
In Jean Stein’s book Edie: An American Biography, Alice ‘Saucie’ Sedgwick mentions her younger sister’s artwork while at Silver Hill: ‘Edie made good use of the facilities, particularly the OT, occupational therapy. She made lots of objects—a cheeseboard over there on the table. The design’s faded, but there were five mice on it, very deftly drawn.’ Starting Bid $200
699. Frank Sinatra Signed Album - Swing Along with Me. Swing Along with Me album by Frank Sinatra, who has signed the front cover in black felt tip. Handsomely matted and framed to an overall size of 17 x 17. In fine condition. The consignor notes that the signature was obtained at a special in-person VIP event at the Golden Nugget in Dallas, Texas, in August 1983. Accompanied by a commemorative keychain from the event with its original case, and a ticket stub for a Frank Sinatra concert at Dallas’ Reunion Arena on January 12, 1984.
Starting Bid $200
Sports
864. Roberto Clemente Signed Photograph. Uncommon color 7.75 x 10.5 magazine photo of Clemente in his Pittsburgh Pirates hat, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To Dick, Best Wishes, Roberto Clemente.” In very good condition, with noticeable intersecting folds (a vertical fold passing through inscription and signature), tape remnants to the right edge, and a couple small edge tears. A classic image of the great right fielder in a scarce format, accompanied by a desirable trio of vintage Roberto Clemente baseball cards in excellent condition: 1958 Topps #52, 1961 Topps #388, and 1962 Topps #10. Starting Bid $200
Gracious letter from Enzo Ferrari forwarding “a copy of my book ‘Piloti che gente’”
865. Enzo Ferrari Typed Letter Signed, Sending His 1983 Book, Piloti, che gente.... TLS in Italian, signed “Ferrari,” one page, 6.25 x 4, Ferrari letterhead, February 14, 1984. Letter to Alvaro Moretti, in full: “Thank you for your birthday wishes. Aside, I sent you a copy of my book ‘Piloti che gente.’” Includes a handwritten personal 5.25 x 3.25 compliment card from Ferrari, who writes: “Con cordiali saluti,” and the referenced book: an Italian-language first edition of Piloti, che gente…, limited edition hardcover (one of 2,500 copies printed), published by Arbe Modena Graphic Industries in 1983, which includes its original cardboard shipping box. In overall fine condition, with light wear to the book’s spine, and various wear and ink notations to the cardboard box. Accompanied by the letter’s original mailing envelope. Published in 1983, piloti, che gente… is Enzo’s personal assessment of each of the Grand Prix drivers who drove for Ferrari. Starting Bid $200
Vintage Ruth-signed baseball program from 1930— the Babe doubles and scores three runs in the Yanks’ 10-9 win over Bucky Harris’ Tigers
866. Babe Ruth Signed 1930 MLB Game Program - NY Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers. Original vintage program for a Major League Baseball game between the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers played at Navin Field in Detroit, Michigan, on June 13, 1930, measuring 9 x 12 open, signed vertically next to the inner Yankees scorecard roster in ink by Babe Ruth. The lower Tigers scorecard section is similarly signed by famed Tigers Hall of Fame manager Bucky Harris. The scorecard has been filled out in pencil by a spectator. In very good condition, with the program coves detached, light soiling and staining, and a heavy central fold, none of which affects Ruth’s signature. The Yankees won the contest 10 to 9 with Ruth recording three runs on three walks and one double. The Yankees finished the 1930 season with an 86–68 record, finishing 16 games behind the Philadelphia Athletics, but set a team record by recording a .309 batting average during this season. Starting Bid $300
44. Lyndon B. Johnson and Robert F. Kennedy Signed 1961 JFK Birthday ... Starting Bid $200
54. President Chester A. Arthur Congratulates Alexander III of Russia... Starting Bid $200
45. Richard Nixon Collection of (9) Typed Letters Signed as President... Starting Bid $200
55. Chester A. Arthur Letter Signed as President on Rare 'Executive M... Starting Bid $200
59. George Bush Autograph Letter Signed as Vice President Starting Bid $200
52. John Quincy Adams Document Signed as President Starting Bid $200
56. Chester A. Arthur Signed White House Card Starting Bid $200
60. George Bush Signed 'Country Music Month' Proclamation to Kenny Ro... Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
57. President James Buchanan Signed Document for a Free Navigation Tr... Starting Bid $200
53. Chester A. Arthur Document Signed as President
58. George Bush Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
61. George Bush Signed Inaugural Address Pamphlet Starting Bid $200
62. George Bush Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
63. George and Barbara Bush Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
64. George W. Bush (5) Signed Items Starting Bid $200
65. George W. Bush (2) Signed Books - Decision Points and Out of Many... Starting Bid $200
66.
Starting Bid $200
68.
Starting
Starting Bid $200
Starting
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Starting
George Bush and Bill Clinton Signed Baseball
67. George Bush, Jimmy Carter, and Gerald Ford Signed White House Pho...
Jimmy Carter Typed Letter Signed as President
Bid $200
69. Jimmy Carter Typed Letter Signed as President
70. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter (3) Signed Photographs Starting Bid $200
71. Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford Signed Photograph
Bid $200
72. Grover Cleveland Signature
73. Bill Clinton Typed Letter Signed
Bid $200
74. Bill Clinton Signed Mock Impeachment Report Cover and Impeachment...
75. Bill and Hillary Clinton (2) Signed Books - My Life and Living Hi... Starting Bid $200
76. Hillary Clinton Signed DVD Starting Bid $100
77. Bill Clinton and Al Gore Signatures Starting Bid $100
78. Calvin Coolidge Signed Check Starting Bid $100
80. Dwight D. Eisenhower Oversized Signed Photograph to a Nuremberg P... Starting Bid $200
81. Dwight D. Eisenhower Typed Letter Signed to Actor Robert Montgome... Starting Bid $200
82. Dwight D. Eisenhower Signed FDC Starting Bid $200
83. Dwight D. Eisenhower Signed FDC Starting Bid $200
87. Gerald Ford Signed Book - Assassination Report of the Warren Comm... Starting Bid $200
91. Gerald Ford Signed Book - A Vision for America (Ltd. Ed. #80/100) Starting Bid $200
95. President Benjamin Harrison Seeks to End a Violent Miner Strike i... Starting Bid $200
775. Grace Kelly Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
776. Don Knotts Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
777. Ernie Kovacs Signed Book - Zoomar Starting Bid $100
778. Charles Laughton Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
779. Vivien Leigh Signature Starting Bid $200
780. Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier Signed Playbill Starting Bid $200
781. Jerry Lewis Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
782. Tilly Losch Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
783. David Lynch Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
784. Dorothy Malone Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
785. Jayne Mansfield Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
786. Fredric March Signed Photograph as Mark Twain Starting Bid $100
790. Steve McQueen
Oversized Original Photograph by Roy Schatt Starting Bid $200
794.
Oversized Original Photograph by Roy Schatt Starting Bid $200
787. Steve Martin Signed Sketch Starting Bid $200
791. Steve McQueen Oversized Original Photograph by Roy Schatt Starting Bid $200
795. Marilyn Monroe Oversized Original Photograph by Roy Schatt Starting Bid $200
788. Louis B. Mayer Signed Movie Contract - Loaning Leila Hyams to Fir... Starting Bid $200
792. Robert Mitchum Signed Book - A Biography Starting Bid $200
796. Robert Montgomery Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
789. Steve McQueen Typed Letter Signed on Production of The Great Esca... Starting Bid $200
793.
Starting Bid $100
797.
Starting Bid $100
Tom Mix Signature
Marilyn Monroe
Colleen Moore Oversized Signed Photograph
798. Dudley Moore Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
799. Dudley Moore Signature Starting Bid $200
800. Dudley Moore Typed Letter Signed to Liza Minnelli Starting Bid $200
801. Paul Muni Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
802. Audie Murphy Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
806. Paul Newman and A. E. Hotchner Signed BookShameless Exploitati... Starting Bid $200
810. Kim Novak Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
814. S. J. Perelman Typed Letter Signed Starting Bid $100
803. Bill Murray Signed Caricature Print Starting Bid $200
807. Haing S. Ngor Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
811. Gregory Peck Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
815. Anthony Perkins Signed Photograph from Psycho: "Norman on a bad d... Starting Bid $200
804. The Nelsons (3) Signatures Starting Bid $200
808. Haing S. Ngor Signed Book - A Cambodian Odyssey Starting Bid $100
812. Gregory Peck Typed Letter Signed Starting Bid $200
816. Richard Pryor Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
805. Evelyn Nesbit Signature Starting Bid $100
809. Jack Nicholson Signed Publicity Photograph for Chinatown Starting Bid $200
813. Gregory Peck Signed Book - The Films of Gregory Peck Starting Bid $100
817. Psycho (8) Signatures Starting Bid $200
818. Basil Rathbone Autograph Letter Signed: "Negotiations are progres... Starting Bid $200
822. Fred Rogers Signed Photograph and Typed Letter Signed Starting Bid $200
819. Donna Reed Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $100
823.
Starting Bid $100
820. Jean Renoir Signed Book - The Notebooks of Captain Georges Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
821. Fred Rogers Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
Fred Rogers Signed Photograph
824. Ginger Rogers (2) Signed Photographs Starting Bid $200
825. Will Rogers Signature Starting Bid $100
826. Robert Ryan Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
827. George Sanders Signed Book - Memoirs of a Professional Cad
828. Peter Sellers and Goldie Hawn Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
829. Mack Sennett Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
830. Alexis Smith Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
831. The Sound of Music Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
832. Steven Spielberg Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
833. Star Wars 1981 'ReRelease' One Sheet Movie Poster Starting Bid $200
834. Star Wars: Peter Mayhew Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
838. James Stewart Signed Check Starting Bid $100
842. Elizabeth Taylor Document Signed Starting Bid $200
835. Star Wars: John Williams Autograph Musical Quotation Signed Starting Bid $200
839. Gloria Stuart Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
843. Robert Taylor Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
836. James Stewart Signed Book with 'Harvey' SketchJimmy Stewart an... Starting Bid $200
840. Gloria Swanson Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
844.
and Louis
Document Signed Starting Bid $200
837. James Stewart Signed Sketch of 'Harvey' Starting Bid $200
841. Gloria
Signed Photographs Starting Bid $200
845. Henry
Signature Starting Bid $200
Swanson (2)
Dimitri Tiomkin
B. Mayer
Travers
846. Lana Turner Signed Book - Lana Starting Bid $100
847. Rudy Vallee Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
848. Johnny Weissmuller Signed Book - Water, World & Weissmuller Starting Bid $200
849. Orson Welles Signed Photograph as Macbeth Starting Bid $200
850. Mae West (2) Signed Items - Book and Oversized Photograph Starting Bid $200
854. John Williams Autograph Musical Quotation Signed - Jurassic Park ... Starting Bid $200
851. Mae West Signed Photograph Starting Bid $100
855. John Williams Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
852. Mae West Signed Book - Goodness Had Nothing to Do With It Starting Bid $100
856. Robin Williams Signature Starting Bid $200
860.
Starting Bid $100
853. Gene Wilder Signature Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
857. Wizard of Oz: Jack Haley Signed Photograph
858. King Kong: Fay Wray Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
859. King Kong: Fay Wray Signed Photograph
Ed Wynn Oversized Signed Photograph
861. Darryl F. Zanuck Signed Book to Playwright Moss Hart - Tunis Expe... Starting Bid $200
869. Hank Aaron Signed Baseball Starting Bid $200
870. Muhammad Ali Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
871. Muhammad Ali Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
872. Muhammad Ali Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
873. Muhammad Ali Signed First Day Cover Starting Bid $200
877. Wilt Chamberlain Signed Book - Wilt Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $100
874. Muhammad
Signature Starting Bid $100
878. Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell Signed Photographic Print Starting Bid $200
882.
Signature Starting Bid $100
875. Tom
and
Manning Signed Oversized Photograph Starting Bid $200
879. Jack
Signed Items - Photograph and Envelope Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
876.
Signature Starting Bid $200
880.
Starting Bid $100
Starting
Ali
Brady
Peyton
Wilt Chamberlain
Dempsey (2)
Jack Dempsey Signed Photograph
881. Jack Dempsey and Max Baer Dual-Signed Album Page
Joe DiMaggio
883. Roger Federer (4) Signed Promo Cards
884. Red Grange and Bob Zuppke Signed Photograph
Bid $100
885. Will Harridge Typed Letter Signed to Yankees VP George Weiss Starting Bid $200
886. NY Yankees: Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera Signed Oversized Photo... Starting Bid $200
887. Ted Lyons Autograph Letter Signed to Eddie Collins Starting Bid $200
888. Connie Mack Autograph Letter Signed Starting Bid $200
889.
Starting
890.
Starting
894.
Starting
Starting
891.
Starting
895.
Mickey Mantle Signed Book - My Favorite Summer 1956
Bid $200
NY Yankees: Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and Billy Martin Signed ...
Bid $200
Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, and Duke Snider Signed ...
Bid $200
892. Diego Maradona Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
893. Carlos Monzon and Nino Benvenuti Signed Photograph
Bid $100
NY Yankees: Joe Torre, Don Zimmer, and Mel Stottlemyre Signed Ove...
Bid $200
David Ortiz Signed Oversized Photograph Starting Bid $200
896. Mel Ott Signature Starting Bid $200
897. Jesse Owens Signed Book - Track and Field Starting Bid $200
898. Arnold Palmer Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
899. Pele Signed Promo Card Starting Bid $200
900. Carroll Shelby Signed Check Starting Bid $200
901. Mike Tyson Signed Boxing Glove Starting Bid $200
902. Tiger Woods Signed Golf Flag - Nissan Open (c. 1999) Starting Bid $200
Conditions of Sale
ANYONE EITHER REGISTERING TO BID OR PLACING A BID (“BIDDER”) ACCEPTS THESE CONDITIONS OF SALE AND ENTERS INTO A LEGALLY, BINDING, ENFORCEABLE AGREEMENT WITH R&R AUCTION COMPANY OF MASSACHUSETTS, LLC (“RR AUCTION”) TOGETHER WITH BIDDER, THE “PARTIES”).
This Agreement contains important provisions that control rights and liabilities, and specifically has provisions governing how disputes are handled as well as LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY that can be imposed upon RR Auction, WAIVER OF JURY and ARBITRATION PROVISIONS. This acknowledgement is a material term of these Conditions of Sale and of the consideration under which RR Auction agrees to these terms. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.
The following terms and conditions (“Conditions of Sale”) constitute the sole terms and conditions under which RR Auction will offer for sale and sell the property on its website, and/or described in the catalog of items for auction (the “Catalog”). These Conditions of Sale constitute a binding agreement between the Parties with respect to the auction in which Bidder participates (the “Auction”). By bidding at the Auction, whether in person, through an agent or representative, by telephone, facsimile, online, absentee bid, or by any other form of bid or by any other means, Bidder acknowledges the thorough reading and understanding of all of these Conditions of Sale, all descriptions of items in the Catalog, and all matters incorporated herein by reference, and agrees to be fully bound thereby.
Section 1
The Parties1.1 RR Auction and Auction
This Auction is presented by RR Auction, a d/b/a/ of R&R Auction Company of Massachusetts, LLC, as identified with the applicable licensing information on the title page of the Catalog or on the www.RRauction.com Internet site. The Auction is conducted under these Conditions of Sale. Announcements and corrections from the podium at live auctions and those made through the Conditions of Sale appearing on the Internet at RRauction.com supersede those in the printed Catalog.
1.2
Bidder
Bidder shall mean the original Bidder on the property offered for sale by RR Auction and not any subsequent owner or other person who may acquire or have acquired an interest therein. If Bidder is an agent, the agency must be disclosed in writing to RR Auction prior to the time of sale, otherwise the benefits of the warranty shall be limited to the agent and not transferable to the undisclosed principal.
The rights granted to Bidder under these Conditions of Sale are personal and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person or entity, whether by operation of law or otherwise without the express written assent of RR Auction. Bidder may not transfer, assign, or otherwise convey these Conditions of Sale or any of the rights herein, and such purported transfer, assignment, or conveyance shall be null and void. No third party may rely on any benefit or right conferred on any Bidder by these Conditions of Sale, and no third party is intended as a beneficiary of these Conditions of Sale.
Bids will not be accepted from minor persons under eighteen (18) years of age without a parent or legal guardian’s written consent containing an acknowledgment of the Conditions of Sale herein and indicating their agreement to be bound thereby on behalf of the Bidder.
All Bidders must meet RR Auction’s qualifications to bid. Any Bidder who is not a client in good standing of RR Auction may be disqualified at RR Auction’s sole option and will not be awarded lots. Such determination may be made by RR Auction in its sole and unlimited discretion, at any time prior to, during, or even after the close of the Auction. RR Auction reserves the right to exclude any person from the Auction.
If an entity places a bid, then the person executing the bid on behalf of the entity agrees to personally guarantee payment for any successful bid and agrees to be bound by these Conditions of Sale in addition to company for whom the Bidder is acting
By accepting the Conditions of Sale, Bidder personally and unconditionally guarantees payment.
Section 2 Bidding Privileges
2.1 In order to place bids, Bidders who have not established an account with RR Auction must either furnish satisfactory credit information (including two collectibles-related business references) or supply additional information if requested, well in advance of the Auction. Bidders who are not members of RRAuction.com should pre-register before the close of the Auction to allow adequate time to contact references. Privileges will be granted at the sole discretion of RR Auction. Additionally, Bidders who have not previously established credit or who wish to bid in excess of their established credit history may be required to provide a cash deposit prior to RR Auction’s acceptance of a bid. Check writing privileges and immediate delivery of merchandise may also be determined by pre-approval of credit based on a combination of criteria: RRAuction.com history, related industry references, bank verification, a credit bureau report and/or a personal guarantee for a corporate or partnership entity in advance of the Auction venue.
2.2 Bidder providing any false or misleading information provided in connection with the registration shall be a material breach of the Conditions of Sale and in addition to any other remedies at law shall excuse RR Auction from performance under these Conditions of Sale, including the right to any refund.
2.2 Bidding privileges may be revoked without notice, for any reason, at the sole discretion of RR Auction .
Section 3
Buyer’s Premium
3.1 The Bidder acknowledges and agrees that a 25% buyer’s premium will be added to the hammer price on all individual lots sold in timed and live Auctions. . For payment other than by cash, delivery will not be made unless and until full payment has been received by RR Auction, i.e., check or wired funds have fully cleared. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, signed by RR Auction, payment in full is due within thirteen (13) calendar days of the Auction or within twelve (12) calendar days of the invoice date, whichever is earlier. Bidder’s failure to pay any payment in full when due required shall constitute a material breach, and in addition to other damages available under contract or law, at RR Auction’s election, RR Auction may cancel the sale and require full premium still be due along with interest at 1.5% per month from the date of breach, or at the maximum legally allowable rate.
Section 4
Bidding
4.1 Each Bidder’s determination of its bid should be based upon its own examination of the item(s) and independent investigation, rather than the any reliance as to what is represented in the Catalog, online or elsewhere. Bidder affirms that it regards any statements made by RR Auction concerning the item as solely opinion and that Bidder is making its own inspection and independent evaluation of the goods, and is not relying upon any description or statements by RR Auction (including as to quality, authenticity, provenance, ownership, liens existing, on goods legality, or value) in making its determination to bid on or purchase an item. In any purchase or sale, the value of the item(s) is determined by the price. THE BIDDER HEREBY ASSUMES ALL RISKS CONCERNING ANY AND ALL PURCHASES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.
4.2 RR AUCTION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ERRORS IN BIDDING. A Bidder should make certain to bid on the correct lot and that the bid is the maximum (plus the Buyer’s Premium) that the Bidder is willing and able to pay. Since other Bidders (by mail, facsimile, online, and in person) will be present, and since a reoffering could damage the momentum of the sale, once the hammer has fallen and RR Auction has announced the winning Bidder, such Bidder is unconditionally bound to pay for the lot, even if the Bidder has made a mistake.
4.3 All prospective Bidders who examine lots in person prior to the sale shall personally assume all responsibility for any damage they cause in so doing. RR Auction shall have sole discretion in determining the value of the damage caused, which shall be promptly paid by the prospective Bidder.
4.4 Title to any lot remains with Consignor, any secured party of the Consignor, or assignee of Consignor, as the case may be, until the lot is paid for in full by Bidder and Bidder has fully satisfied any outstanding financial obligations to RR Auction (including as it concerns aby other lots). RR Auction reserves the right to require payment in full before delivering any lot to the successful Bidder.
4.5 It is the Bidder’s responsibility and obligation to have the lots fully insured while in their possession. Bidder assumes any and all risk of loss upon the earlier of shipment to Bidder or in Bidder’s possession.
4.6 Bidder grants to RR Auction or its assigns the right to offset any sums due, or found to be due by RR Auction, and to make such offset from any past, subsequent or future consignment, or items acquired by Bidder in possession or control of RR Auction or from any sums due to Bidder by RR Auction. Bidder fur-
ther grants RR Auction a lien consisting of a senior security interest (or purchase money security interest to the extent applicable) in such sums or items to the fullest extent applicable, authorizes RR Auction to file documents concerning the interest, and Bidder agrees to execute any further documents as may be reasonably necessary to grant RR Auction such security interest. Bidder agrees that RR Auction and its assigns shall be a secured party with respect to items bought by Bidder and in the possession of RR Auction, to the extent of the maximum indebtedness, plus all accrued fees and expenses, until the indebtedness is paid.
4.7 By bidding in this sale, Bidder personally and unconditionally guarantees payment. The authorized representative of any corporate Bidder who is present at the sale shall provide RR Auction or its agent, prior to the commencement of the bidding (or at the time of registration), with a statement signed by a principal, director or officer that they he or she personally and unconditionally guarantees any payment due RR Auction.
4.8 RR Auction may at its sole and absolute discretion, make loans or advances to Consignors and/or prospective Bidders.
Section 5 Bidding Options
5.1 Non-Internet bids (including but not limited to in-person, facsimile, phone and mail bids) are treated similarly to floor bids in that they must be on-increment. Any in-person, facsimile, phone, or mail bids that do not conform to a full increment will be rounded up or down to the nearest full increment and this revised amount will be considered Bidder’s high bid.
5.2 When identical bids are submitted, preference is given to the first received. To ensure the greatest accuracy, written bids should be entered on the standard printed bid sheet and be received at RR Auction’s place of business at least twenty-four (24) hours before the Auction start. RR Auction is not responsible for executing mail bids or facsimile bids received on or after the day the first lot is sold, nor Internet bids submitted after the published closing time; nor is RR Auction responsible for proper execution of bids submitted by telephone, mail, facsimile, e-mail, Internet, or in person once the Auction begins.
5.3 In all Auctions, bids on an item must raise the current high bid by at least 10%, or as specified on a per-Auction basis. Bids will be accepted in whole dollar amounts only. No “buy” or “unlimited” bids will be accepted. In a live sale, bids on an item can change at the discretion of RR Auction.
5.4 RR Auction reserves the right to accept or decline any bid. Bids must be for an entire lot and each lot constitutes a separate sale. All bids are per lot unless otherwise announced. Live auction lots will be sold in their numbered sequence unless RR Auction directs otherwise. It is unlawful and illegal for Bidders to collude, pool, or agree with another Bidder to pay less than the fair value for lot(s). For live auctions, RR Auction will have final discretion in the event that any dispute should arise between Bidders. RR Auction will determine the successful Bidder, cancel the sale, or re-offer and resell the lot or lots in dispute. RR Auction will have final discretion to resolve any disputes arising after the sale and in online auctions. If any dispute arises, RR Auction’s sale record is conclusive.
Section 6 Payment
6.1 Subject to fulfillment of all of the Conditions of Sale set forth herein, upon the sooner of (1) the passing of title to the offered lot pursuant to these Conditions of Sale, or (2) possession of the offered lot by the Bidder, Bidder thereupon (a) assumes full risk and responsibility (including without limitation, liability for or damage to frames or glass covering prints, paintings, photos, or other works), and (b) will immediately pay the full purchase price or such part as RR Auction may require. In addition to other remedies available to RR Auction by law, RR Auction reserves the right to impose from the date of sale a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price if payment is not made in accordance with the conditions set forth herein. All property must be removed from RR Auction’s premises by the Bidder at his/her expense not later than sixty (60) business days following its sale and, if it is not so removed, RR Auction may send the purchased property to a public warehouse for the account, at the risk and expense of the Bidder.
6.2 Payment is due upon closing of the Auction session, or upon presentment of an invoice. RR Auction reserves the right to void an invoice if payment in full is not received within thirteen (13) calendar days of the Auction or within twelve (12) calendar days of the invoice date. In cases of nonpayment, RR Auction’s election to void a sale does not relieve the Bidder from their obligation to pay RR Auction its fees (seller’s and Buyer’s Premium) on the lot and any other damages pertaining to the lot.
6.3 All sales for total invoices greater than $1,000 are strictly for cash in United States dollars (including U.S. currency, bank wire, cashier checks, eChecks, and bank money orders), and are subject to all reporting requirements.
6.4 All deliveries are subject to good funds; funds being received in RR Auction’s account before delivery of the Purchases; and all payments are subject to a clearing period. RR Auction reserves the right to determine if a check constitutes “good funds”: checks drawn on a U.S. bank are subject to a ten (10) calendar day hold, and ten (10) business days when drawn on an international bank. Clients with pre-arranged credit status may receive immediate credit for payments via e-Check, personal or corporate checks.
6.5 In the event that a Bidder’s payment is dishonored upon presentment(s), Bidder shall pay the maximum statutory processing fee set by applicable state law. If Bidder attempts to pay via check and the financial institution denies the transfer from Bidder’s bank account, or the payment cannot be completed using the selected funding source, Bidder agrees to complete payment.
6.7 If RR Auction refers any unpaid invoice to an attorney for collection, the Bidder agrees to pay and shall be liable for RR Auction’s attorney’s fees, court costs, and other collection costs incurred by RR Auction in addition to the invoice amount and interest the greater of 1.5% per month or at the maximum legally allowable rate from date of invoice to collection. If RR Auction assigns collection to its house counsel, such attorney’s time expended on the matter shall be compensated at a rate comparable to the hourly rate of independent attorneys.
6.8 RR Auction shall have a lien against the merchandise purchased by the Bidder (as well as to the extent it is a consignor any other monies owed or due to Bidder) to secure payment of the Auction invoice. RR Auction is further granted a lien and the right to retain possession of any other property of the Bidder then held by RR Auction or its affiliates to secure payment of any Auction invoice or any other amounts due RR Auction or affiliates from the Bidder. With respect to these lien rights, RR Auction shall have all the rights of a secured creditor, including but not limited to the right of sale. In addition, with respect to payment of the Auction invoice(s), the Bidder waives any and all rights of offset he might otherwise have against RR Auction and the consignor of the merchandise included on the invoice (the Consignor”). If a Bidder owes RR Auction or its affiliates on any account, RR Auction and its affiliates shall have the right to offset such unpaid account by any credit balance due Bidder, and it may secure by possessory lien any unpaid amount by any of the Bidder’s property in their possession.
6.9 All checks, cashiers checks, bank checks, or money orders are payable to R&R Auction Company of Massachusetts, LLC. RR Auction clients with an invoice totaling $1,000 or under will have the option to pay by VISA, Mastercard, Discover or Paypal. All Paypal payments must be sent to FinanceDepartment@ rrauction.com. Authorize.net, a third-party service provider contracted by RR Auction for processing on-line payments, charges a nonrefundable service fee of 3%, which will be added to your final invoice should you pay by credit/debit card.
Section 7 Sales Tax
RR Auction is a remote seller and we are now required to collect Sales/Use Tax from our bidders. The states that we have nexus in we will be required to collect and remit sales tax on your behalf. Each state has different requirements to meet nexus. When RR Auction has achieved a certain monetary and/or invoice threshold in each state we will apply sales tax to your total invoice. The states that are affected are: ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH CAROLINA, OHIO, OKLAHOMA, PENNSYLVANIA,RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WISCONSIN
If we have not achieved nexus in a particular state it is still your responsibility to pay sales tax on your purchases.
The sales tax rate is determined by the State, Country, and City where purchases are shipped to. If you decide to pick up your purchases at our New Hampshire location you will not be required to pay sales tax. The State of New Hampshire does not have a general sales and use tax. All purchases picked up at our Massachusetts location will be taxed at the current rate of 6.25%.
If you have a resale number please email Sue@RRAuction.com or fax to (603) 732-4288 a copy of your state resale certificate and you will be exempt from paying sales tax.
Section 8
Delivery; Shipping; and Handling Charges
Bidder is liable for shipping and handling and providing accurate information as to shipping or delivery locations and arranging for such. RR Auction is unable to combine purchases from other auctions or affiliates into one package for shipping purposes. Lots won will be shipped in a commercially reasonable time after payment in good funds for the merchandise and the shipping fees is received or credit extended, except when third-party shipment occurs. Bidder agrees that
service and handling charges related to shipping items which are not pre-paid may be charged to a credit card on file with RR Auction.
Successful international Bidders shall provide written shipping instructions, including specified Customs declarations, to RR Auction for any lots to be delivered outside of the United States. NOTE: Declaration value shall be the item’(s) hammer price and RR Auction shall use the correct harmonized code for the lot. Domestic Bidders on lots designated for third-party shipment must designate the common carrier, accept risk of loss, and prepay shipping costs.
All duties, customs, and any other import charges are the responsibility of the bidder.
Section 9
Title
Title shall not pass to the successful Bidder until all invoices of Bidder (including those pertaining to the item(s) at issue) and amounts owed to RR Auction are paid in full. It is the responsibility of the Bidder to provide adequate insurance coverage for the items once they have been delivered to a common carrier or third-party shipper.
Section 10
Rights Reserved
RR Auction reserves the right, at any time before, during or after an auction has ended to: withdraw any lot before or at the time of the Auction, cancel any bid, and/or to postpone the Auction of all or any lots or parts thereof, for any reason. RR Auction shall not be liable to any Bidder in the event of such withdrawal, cancellation, or postponement under any circumstances. RR Auction reserves the right to refuse to accept bids from anyone at any time.
Section 11
Conducting the Auction
11.1 RR Auction reserves the right to postpone the Auction or any session thereof for a reasonable period of time for any reason whatsoever, and no Bidder or prospective Bidder shall have any claim as a result thereof, including consequential damages.
11.2 RR Auction’s Discretion: RR Auction shall determine opening bids and bidding increments. RR Auction has the right in its absolute discretion to reject any bid in the event of dispute between Bidders or if RR Auction has doubt as to the validity of any bid, to advance the bidding at its absolute discretion and to determine the successful Bidder in the event of a dispute between Bidders, to continue the bidding or to reoffer and resell the lot in question. In the event of a dispute after the sale, RR Auctions record of final sale shall be conclusive. RR Auction also may reject any bid if RR Auction decides either that any bid is below the reserve of the lot or article or that an advance is insufficient. Unless otherwise announced by RR Auction at the time of sale, no lots may be divided for the purpose of sale.
11.3 Reserves
Lots may be subject to a reserve which is the confidential minimum price below which the lot will not be sold. Consignors may not bid on their own lots or property. RR Auction may, from time to time, bid on items that it does not own. RR Auction may execute bids consecutively or otherwise up to one bid increment below the reserve.
11.4 Off-Site Bidding
Bidding by telephone, facsimile, online, or absentee bidding (advance written bids submitted by mail) are offered solely as a convenience and permitted subject to advance arrangements, availability, and RR Auction’s approval which shall be exercised at RR Auction’s sole discretion. Neither RR Auction nor its agents or employees shall be held liable for the failure to execute bids or for errors relating to any transmission or execution thereof. In order to be considered for off-site bidding in any manner, Bidders must comply with all of these Conditions of Sale and the terms contained on the Registration Form.
11.5 Estimate Prices:
In addition to descriptive information, each item in the Catalog sometimes includes a price range which reflects opinion as to the price expected at auction (the “Estimate Prices”). In other instances, Estimate Prices can be obtained by calling RR Auction at (603) 732-4280. The Estimate Prices are based upon various factors including prices recently paid at auction for comparable property, condition, rarity, quality, history and provenance. Estimate Prices are prepared well in advance of the sale and subject to revision. Estimates do not include the Buyer’s Premium or sales tax (see under separate heading).
11.6 Owned or Guaranteed Property:
RR Auction generally offers property consigned by others for sale at public auction; in very limited occasion, lots are offered that are the property of RR Auction.
11.7 Before the Auction:
Bidder may attend pre-sale viewing for all of RR Auction’s auctions at no charge. All property to be auctioned is usually on view for several days prior to the sale. Bidder is encouraged to examine lots thoroughly. Bidder may also request condition reports (see below). RR Auction’s staff are available at viewings and by appointment.
11.8 Maximum Bids In All Auctions:
To maximize Bidder’s chance of winning, RR Auction strongly encourages the use of maximum bids. RR Auction will then bid for Bidder until the lot reaches Bidder’s specified maximum. Maximum bids are strictly confidential. Placing arbitrary, non-incremental bids on lots with prior maximum bids may result in these lots being sold for less than 10% above the under Bidder’s bid.
11.9 Successful Bids:
The fall of RR Auction’s hammer indicates the final bid. RR Auction will record the paddle number of the Bidder. If Bidder’s salesroom or absentee bid is successful, Bidder will be notified after the sale by mailed or emailed invoice.
11.10 Unsold Lots:
If a lot does not reach the reserve, it is bought-in. In other words, it remains unsold and is returned to the Consignor. RR Auction has the right to sell certain unsold items after the close of the Auction. Such lots shall be considered sold during the Auction and all these Terms and Conditions shall apply to such sales including but not limited to the Buyer’s Premium, return rights, and disclaimers.
11.11 Bidding in Timed Auction:
Bidder may open, monitor, and/or raise bids at any time before the close of a lot through www.rrauction.com. RR Auction offers a callback service the day of the Auction, but Bidder is responsible for supplying a correct telephone number(s) where Bidder can be reached until the Auction closes. Bidder must request this service in writing. RR Auction will make reasonable efforts to ensure that Bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, RR Auction does not guarantee this service and it is merely a courtesy and not an enforceable right. The auctioneer may also execute a bid on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve.
To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids.
Any Bidder may bid on any lot prior to 6 pm EST/EDT. At that time, an extended bidding period goes into effect. If Bidder has not bid on a lot before 6 pm EST/ EDT, Bidder may not bid on that lot after 6 pm EST/EDT. Only those Bidders who have placed bids on a lot before 6 pm EST/EDT will be allowed to bid on that lot after 6 pm EST/EDT. If Bidder is the only Bidder on a lot at 6 pm EST/ EDT, that lot is awarded to Bidder. During the extended bidding period, a lot will remain open only to those who bid on that lot prior to 6 pm EST/EDT. All lots WITHOUT an opening bid at 6 pm EST/EDT will remain OPEN to ALL Bidders until 7 pm EST/EDT or until they receive their first bid. These lots will close immediately upon receipt of a bid or at 7 pm EST/EDT, whichever comes first. For all lots that are active after 7 pm EST/EDT, bidding will remain open until 30 minutes pass without a bid being placed on THAT lot (the “30 Minute Rule”). The 30 Minute Rule is applied on a PER LOT BASIS; each lot in the Auction closes individually based on bidding activity after 7 pm EST/EDT. On a PER LOT BASIS, the 30 minute timer will reset each time a bid is placed after 7 pm EST/EDT. If Bidder is the high Bidder, raising Bidder’s maximum bid will NOT reset the timer. RR Auction reserves the right to close the Auction at any time at its sole discretion.
11.12 Bidding - Internet Live Auction:
Bidder may open, monitor, and/or raise bids at any time before the close of a lot through www.rrauction.com. RR Auction offers a callback service the day of the Auction, but Bidder is responsible for supplying a correct telephone number(s) where Bidder can be reached until the Auction closes. Bidder must request this service in writing. RR Auction will make reasonable efforts to ensure that Bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, RR Auction does not guarantee this service and it is merely a courtesy and not an enforceable right.
To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including
but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids.
During live internet or live auction, property is auctioned in consecutive numerical order, as it appears in the catalog. The auctioneer will accept bids from those present in the salesroom or absentee bidders participating by telephone, internet or by written bid left with RR Auction in advance of the auction. The auctioneer may also execute a bid or bids (successively or otherwise) on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve. All auctions for lots are with reserve unless specifically stated otherwise.
During live Auctions, internet bids can be placed in real time through one or more of the following Third Party services: www.liveauctioneers.com, www.invaluable. com and www.icollector.com. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids. RR Auction treats any third-party site bids as floor or telephone bids. Floor bids and telephone bids are always considered first over third party sites bids, and floor bids are considered earlier than telephone bids. All RR Auction lots purchased through the third-party sites carry an additional Buyer’s Premium.
11.13 Miscellaneous:
Agreements between Bidders and Consignors to effectuate a non-sale of an item at Auction, inhibit bidding on a consigned item to enter into a private sale agreement for said item, or to utilize RR Auction’s Auction to obtain sales for non-selling consigned items subsequent to the Auction, are strictly prohibited. If a subsequent sale of a previously consigned item occurs in violation of this provision, RR Auction reserves the right to charge Bidder the applicable Buyer’s Premium and Consignor a Seller’s Commission as determined for each auction venue and by the terms of the seller’s agreement.
Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions qualifies Bidder as a client who has consented to be contacted by RR Auction in the future. In conformity with ”donot-call” regulations promulgated by the Federal or State regulatory agencies, participation by the Bidder is affirmative consent to being contacted at the phone number shown in his application and this consent shall remain in effect until it is revoked in writing. RR Auction may from time to time contact Bidder concerning sale, purchase, and auction opportunities available.
11.14 Rules of Construction: RR Auction presents properties in a number of collectible fields, and as such, specific venues have promulgated supplemental Terms and Conditions. Nothing herein shall be construed to waive the general Conditions of Sale by these additional rules and shall be construed to give force and effect to the rules in their entirety.
Section 12
RR Auction’s Remedies
Failure of the Bidder to comply with any of these Conditions of Sale or the terms of the Registration Form is an event of material breach or default. In such event, RR Auction may, in addition to any other available remedies specifically including the right to hold the defaulting Bidder liable for the Purchase Price or to charge and collect from the defaulting Bidder’s credit or debit accounts as provided for elsewhere herein: (a) cancel the sale, retaining any payment made by the Bidder as damages (the Bidder understands and acknowledges that RR Auction will be substantially damaged should such default occur, and that damages under subpart (a) are necessary to compensate RR Auction for such damages); (b) resell the property without reserve at public auction or privately; (c) charge the Bidder interest on the Purchase Price at the rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month or the highest allowable interest rate; (d) take any other action that RR Auction, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or appropriate to preserve and protect RR Auction’s rights and remedies. Should RR Auction resell the property, the original defaulting Bidder shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency in the purchase price and all costs and expenses associated there with, including but not limited to warehousing, sales-related expenses, reasonable attorney fees and court costs, commissions, incidental damages and any other charges due hereunder which were not collected or collectable. In the event that such Bidder is the successful Bidder on more than one lot and pays less than the purchase price for the total lots purchased, RR Auction shall apply the payment received to such lot or lots that RR Auction, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. If RR Auction does not exercise such discretion, the lots to which the payment shall be applied will be in descending order from the highest purchase price to the lowest. Any Bidder failing to comply with these Conditions of Sale shall be deemed to have granted RR Auction a security interest in, and RR Auction may retain as collateral such security for such Bidder’s obligations to RR Auction, any Bidder’s property in RR Auction’s possession or to which title has not yet passed to Bidder. RR Auction shall have the benefit of all rights of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C.) as adopted by the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Section 13 Warranties
13.1 RR Auction does not provide any warranties to Bidders, whether expressed or implied, beyond those expressly provided in these Conditions of Sale. All property and lots are sold ”as is” and “where is”. By way of illustration rather than limitation, neither RR Auction nor the Consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to merchantability or fitness for intended use, condition of the property (including any condition report), correctness of description, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, importance, exhibition, relevance, attribution, source, provenance, date, authorship, condition, culture, genuineness, value, or period of the property. Additionally, neither RR Auction nor the Consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to whether the Bidder acquires rights in copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property (including exhibition or reproduction rights) related to the item, or whether the property is subject to any limitations or other rights. RR Auction does not make any representation or warranty as to title.
13.2 All descriptions, photographs, illustrations, and terminology including but not limited to words describing condition (including any condition reports requested by Bidder, see also Terminology), authorship, period, culture, source, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, provenance, importance, exhibition, and relevance, used in the Catalog, bill of sale, invoice, or anywhere else, represent a good faith effort made by RR Auction to fairly represent the lots and property offered for sale as to origin, date, condition, and other information contained therein; they are statements of opinion only. They are not representations or warranties and Bidder agrees and acknowledges that he or she shall not rely on them in determining whether or not to bid or for what price. Price estimates (which are determined well in advance of the Auction and are therefore subject to revision) and condition reports are provided solely as a convenience to Bidders and are not intended nor shall they be relied on by Bidders as statements, representations or warranties of actual value or predictions of final bid prices.
13.3 Bidders are accorded the opportunity to inspect the lots and to otherwise satisfy themselves as to the nature and sufficiency of each lot prior to bidding, and RR Auction urges Bidders to avail themselves accordingly.
13.4 All lots sold by RR Auction are accompanied by an Auction Certificate (“AC”). On any lot presented with an AC issued by RR Auction, the certification is only as to its attribution to the person or entity described or to the lot’s usage and only as explicitly stated therein (the “AC”), to the exclusion of any other warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to those pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code. The AC inures only to the original Bidder (as shown in RR Auction’s records). Bidder may not transfer, assign, or otherwise convey the AC and such purported transfer, assignment, or conveyance shall be null and void.
Section 14
Firearms
RR Auction complies with all Federal and State rules and regulations relating to the purchasing, registration and shipping of firearms. A Bidder is required to provide appropriate documents and the payment of associated fees, if any. Bidder is responsible for providing a shipping address that is suitable for the receipt of a firearm.
Section 15
Unauthorized Statements
Under no circumstances is any employee, agent or representative of RR Auction authorized by RR Auction to modify, amend, waive or contradict any of these Conditions of Sale, any term or condition set forth on a registration form, any warranty or limitation or exclusion of warranty, any term or condition in either the Registration Form or these Terms and Conditions regarding payment requirements, including but not limited to due date, manner of payment, and what constitutes payment in full, or any other term or condition contained in any documents issued by RR Auction unless such modification, amendment, waiver or contradiction is contained in a writing signed by all parties. Any statements, oral or written, made by employees, agents or representatives of RR Auction to Bidder, including statements regarding specific lots, even if such employee, agent or representative represents that such statement is authorized, unless reduced to a writing signed Bidder and by an authorized officer of RR Auction by all parties, are statements of personal opinion only and are not binding on RR Auction, and under no circumstances shall be relied upon by Bidder as a statement, representation or warranty of RR Auction.
Section 16
Bidder’s Remedies
16.1 Except as stated expressly herein, Bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy related to or pertaining to items it bids upon, views, or purchases from RR Auc-
tion, and any claims by Bidder related to authenticity, ownership, condition, title or value, shall be against Consignor only.
16.2 This section sets forth the sole and exclusive remedies of Bidder as against RR Auction (inclusive of its affiliates, officers, managers, employees or agents), or in any way arising out of, related to, or in connection with these Conditions of Sale, , and is expressly in lieu of any other rights or remedies which might be available to Bidder by law. Time is of the essence with respect to these procedures.
16.3
Title to Items
The Bidder hereby accepts the benefit of the Consignor’s warranty of title and any other representations and warranties made by the Consignor for the Bidder’s benefit. In the event that Bidder demonstrates in writing, satisfactory to the sole discretion of RR Auction, that there was a breach of the Consignor’s warranty of title concerning a lot purchased by Bidder, RR Auction may make demand upon the Consignor to pay to Bidder the Purchase Price (including any premiums, taxes, or other amounts paid or due to RR Auction). Should the Consignor not pay the Purchase Price to Bidder within thirty days after such demand (if any made), RR Auction may disclose the identity of the Consignor to Bidder and may assign to Bidder all or some of RR Auction’s rights against the Consignor with respect to such lot or property. Upon such disclosure and/or assignment, all responsibility and liability of RR Auction, if any, with respect to said lot or item shall automatically terminate related to or arising from these Conditions of Sale or such transaction operating as a complete waiver and general release by Bidder as to RR Auction and its agents, contractors, and affiliates, as to any and all claims concerning or related to the item, if any . RR Auction shall be entitled to retain the premiums and other amounts paid to RR Auction by Consignor only. The rights and remedies provided herein are for the original Bidder only and they may not be assigned or relied upon by any transferee or assignee under any circumstances.
16.4 Authenticity Challenge Process
(1) If Bidder wishes to dispute or challenge the Authenticity of the lot or item (including asserting that it is incorrect), Bidder must adhere to the following procedure: Within 30 days of the Auction Date, Bidder must present written evidence to RR Auction, that the lot is not authentic as determined by a known expert in the field (and one recognized by RR Auction within its discretion) and send the physical item or lot at issue to RR Auction along with all evidence relied upon by Bidder for contesting the Authenticity. (“Authenticity Challenge Process”) “Authenticity” shall mean a gross discrepancy in the between the description, genuiness, or attribution of the item as represented by RR Auction in the Catalog or at the auction, and the item. If RR Auction concurs that the lot is not Authentic as was represented (it is sole discretion), Bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy as against RR Auction (inclusive of its affiliates, agents, employees, and contractors) shall be a refund of the purchase price of the subject item paid by Bidder, with no other costs, liabilities or amounts recoverable by Bidder. If RR Auction does not agree with the assertion by Bidder, then the Parties shall follow the dispute resolution procedures of these Conditions of Sale. Strict adherence to the Authenticity Challenge Process is a condition of standing for Bidder to initiate suit or claim.
(2) So long as Bidder has complied with the Authenticity Challenge Process, any claim, suit or action, by Bidder concerning an AC or Certification of Authenticity, or related to the authenticity of the item must, without any exception, be brought within one (1) year of Auction Date and is subject to the other limitations and conditions stated in the Conditions of Sale.
16.5 Other Issues. Any dispute or claim by Bidder against RR Auction (or its affiliates, directors, employees, officers, agents, or contractors)) other than Authenticity, concerning any item or lot bid upon, or purchased, including value, title, condition, bidding process, or description must be asserted (if at all) in the following manner:
(1) If the description of any lot in the Catalog is materially or grossly incorrect (e.g., gross cataloging error), or there is any other gross material issue pertaining to the item or lot, the item or lot may be returned if returned within five (5) calendar days of receipt, and received by RR Auction no later than twenty-one (21) calendar days after the Auction Date with explanation in writing.. If there is any discrepancy between the description in the Catalog and a certificate of auction, then the description in the certificate of auction (“Lot Challenge Process”). This paragraph shall constitute Bidder’s sole right with respect to the return of items, and no refunds shall be given for any items not returned to and received by RR Auction within the period of time stated herein or not materially or grossly in deviation from the description. Such a refund is subject to RR Auction’s sole discretionary review, and any request for refund must be made concurrently with returning the physical item or lot to RR Auction. Any item not returned within said frame will constitute acceptance of the item and a waiver and release of
any and all claims by Bidder pertaining to the item other than with respect to authenticity; and
(2) Provided that the Bidder has engaged in the Lot Challenge Process, any claim concerning such must be brought no later than one (1) year of the Auction Date for the item or lot at issue and is subject to the other limitations and conditions stated in the Conditions of Sale.
NO RETURN OR REFUND OF ANY AUCTION LOT WILL BE CONSIDERED OR PROVIDED EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THESE CONDITIONS OF SALE AND BIDDERS OR AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY LAW. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SUCH SHALL BE A COMPLETE DEFENSE TO ANY CLAIMS BY BIDDER RELATED TO THE CONDITIONS OF SALE, ANY AUCTION OR BID.
16.6 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. For any and all claims by Bidder arising out of or related to this Agreement, Bidder’s viewing, bid, or purchase of items, or any agreement between the Parties, or otherwise, Bidder agrees that to the fullest extent such can be limited under the law, Bidder shall have no right to recover and hereby waives any and all rights to recover from against RR Auction or its affiliates, directors, employees, officers, agents, or contractors, consequential or indirect damages, lost profits damages, punitive, exemplary, statutory (or multiplier damages), physical or emotional distress damages, general or special damages of any kind (beyond amounts actually paid by Bidder for item(s) at issue), and in the event of recovery of any damages whatsoever, such shall be limited by the amounts actually paid by Bidder to RR Auction for the item(s) at issue in such claim, or if no money was paid to RR Auction by Bidder for items at issue, or there items are at issue, the amount of $150.00.
Section 17
RR Auction’s Additional Services
For Bidders who do not remove purchased property from RR Auction’s premises, RR Auction, in its sole discretion and solely as a service and accommodation to Bidders, may arrange to have purchased lots packed, insured and forwarded at the sole request, expense, and risk of Bidder. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for acts or omissions in such packing or shipping by RR Auction or other packers and carriers, whether or not recommended by RR Auction. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for damage to frames, glass or other breakable items. Where RR Auction arranges and bills for such services via invoice, RR Auction will include an administration charge.
Section 18
Headings
Headings are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret the substantive sections to which they refer.
Section 19
Entire Agreement
Except to the extent Bidder is also a consignor (in which case the terms of the consignment agreement shall also govern), these Conditions of Sale constitute the entire agreement between the Parties together with the terms and conditions contained in the auction Registration Form. They may not be amended, modified or superseded except in a signed writing executed by all parties. No oral or written statement by anyone employed by RR Auction or acting as agent or representative of RR Auction may amend, modify, waive or supersede the terms herein unless such amendment, waiver or modification is contained in a writing signed by all parties.
If any section of these Conditions of Sale or any term or provision of any section is held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction, the remaining parts of the agreement and remainder of the sections or terms and provisions of the section and all sections shall continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
Section 20
Governing Law and Enforcement
20.1 The Parties agree that all agreements between the Parties including but not limited to these Conditions of Sale are entered into in Boston, Massachusetts, no matter where Bidder is situated and no matter by what means or where Bidder was informed of the Auction and regardless of whether catalogs, materials, or other communications were received by Bidder in another location.
20.2 The Parties agree that these Conditions of Sale, any other related agreement(s), along with all claims between the Parties, including those arising out of or related to such are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Mas-
sachusetts, without regard for its conflict of laws principles. The Parties agree that any dispute between the Parties, including but not limited to those related to or arising out of these Conditions of Sale, or related to or arising out of any other related agreement(s) shall be submitted to confidential binding arbitration (the ”Arbitration”) before a single Arbitrator of the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) The Parties agree that the Arbitration shall be conducted pursuant to the commercial rules of the AAA in Boston, Massachusetts, unless the Consumer Arbitration Rules apply, in which case, such rules and venue will govern. In the event that the Parties cannot agree on the selection of the Arbitrator, then the Arbitrator shall be selected by the AAA. The prevailing Party in the Arbitration shall also recover all of its related fees and costs, whether before or after the formal institution of the Arbitration, including but not limited to its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, if RR Auction prevails, such recovery, in addition to all remedies available at agreement or law, shall include the Buyer’s Premium as defined in these Conditions of Sale. Federal arbitration law, including the Federal Arbitration Act apply to this agreement to arbitrate and its related provisions. The arbitration and all related proceedings shall be held strictly confidential and all documents and discovery shall be held confidential and not used, published or disclosed publically or to anyone outside the Parties or expert consultants or counsel who shall agree to hold such confidential.
20.3 The Parties consent to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as exclusive jurisdiction and venue for all claims between the Parties except as provided specifically herein and may seek confirmation of the decision in the Arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act in any Court of competent jurisdiction, including the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. To the extent such is necessary under the law, RR Auction may enforce the Arbitration award against Bidder and any related Party in any court of competent jurisdiction. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as RR Auction consenting to jurisdiction or venue in any location outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
THE PARTIES MAY NOT BRING CLAIMS AGAINST EACH OTHER AS A CLASS OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY CLAIMED CLASS, OR IN A REPRESENTATIVE ACTION UNLESS OTHERWISE AGREED. UNLESS OTHERWISE AGREED, THE CLAIMS AGAINST EACH OF THE OTHER CANNOT BE CONSOLIDATED OR JOINED WITH MORE THAN ONE ADDITIONAL PERSON OR ENTITIES’ CLAIMS. NO INJUNCTIVE OR DECLATORY RELIEF SOUGHT BY BIDDER IF ANY, CAN AFFECT OR BE ORDERED TO AFFECT ANY OTHER BIDDERS OR PERSONS.
20.4 Except as provided specifically in these Conditions of Sale in Bidder’s Remedies against RR Auction (along with its affiliates, directors, agents, officers, employees, and contractors) for any dispute, claim, cause of action related to or arising out of these Conditions of Sale or any other related agreement(s), brought by Bidder must be brought within the earlier of the Auction Date as it pertains to the item(s) at issue or no later than one (1) year of the acts, omissions or circumstances occurred giving rise to the alleged claim, without exception. This provision is intended as a full, complete and absolute bar to and release of any claims by Bidder initiated after one (1) year of such acts, omissions or circumstances. The Parties agree further that these waiver provisions are intended to be binding in the event of any dispute, specifically including but not limited to third party claims and cross-actions brought by Bidder. These provisions are consideration for the execution of these Conditions of Sale.
20.5 To the fullest extent under applicable law and except as specifically stated herein Bidder hereby holds harmless, releases and discharges RR Auction and its agents, officer’s directors, affiliates, successors, and assigns from any and all claims, liabilities, obligations, promises, agreements, damages, causes of action, suits, demands, losses, debts, and expenses of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected existing prior to these Conditions of Sale. Bidder agrees to the Conditions of Sale and upon each instance that Bidder participates in any auction, bids, or otherwise agrees to such terms and reaffirms this release as of the date of so participating or agreeing unless Bidder otherwise provides clear written notice to RR Auction prior to so bidding.
20.6 The Bidder hereby agrees that RR Auction shall be entitled to present these Conditions of Sale to a court in any jurisdiction other than set forth in this paragraph as conclusive evidence of the Parties agreement, and the Parties further agree that the court shall immediately dismiss any action filed in such jurisdiction.
20.7 Liquidated Damages for Specific Breaches
In the event that Bidder provides false information in connection with registering for bidding, fails to correct or update information or breaches the Conditions of Sale by failing to pay the purchase price when due after becoming the winning bidder, as liquidated damages associated with such breaches, R&R may obtain from Bidder the greater of (1) 150% the reserve of the item (if any); (2) the amount bidder bid; or (3), the full amount that bidder would have otherwise paid. Bidder will also be liable for an additional 20% of such amount to account for additional administrative costs, shipping, additional advertising, and other dam-
ages and liabilities fees that are difficult to calculate on an item-by-item basis.
20.8 Indemnity. Bidder agrees to defend, indemnify, hold harmless RR Auction (along with its officers, directors, agents, contractors, and affiliates) from and against any and all claims, costs, fees, damages, and liabilities arising out of or related to these Conditions of Sale, view of items, or lots, bidding, or participation in any auction by RR Auction, and/or or in any way connected to any item you viewed, bid upon or purchased through RR Auction.
Section 21: State-by-State Law Issues
This Auction is being conducted in and the sale shall take place in the State of Massachusetts. Notwithstanding, the foregoing, should these terms and conditions violate the law of any State should that state’s law be found to govern, or any provision herein determined to be invalid, the clause itself and the remainder of the Agreement shall be valid to the fullest extent allowed. Also, to the extent other states law apply to any transaction arising out of the Agreement (without admitting such), RR Auction states:
For Residents of California:
SALE OF AUTOGRAPHED COLLECTIBLES: AS REQUIRED BY LAW, A DEALER WHO SELLS TO A CONSUMER ANY COLLECTIBLE DESCRIBED AS BEING AUTOGRAPHED MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN EXPRESS WARRANTY AT THE TIME OF SALE. THIS DEALER MAY BE SURETY BONDED OR OTHERWISE INSURED TO ENSURE THE AUTHENTICITY OF ANY AUTOGRAPHED COLLECTIBLE SOLD BY THIS DEALER.
A written express warranty is provided with each autographed collectible, as required by law. This dealer may be surety bonded or otherwise insured to ensure the authenticity of any autographed collectible sold by this dealer.
Section 22
Glossary of Condition terms
Information provided to prospective Bidders with respect of any lot, including any pre-sale estimate, whether written or oral, and information in any catalogue, condition or other report, commentary or valuation, is not a representation of fact but rather a statement of opinion held by RR Auction.
Use of the following terms constitutes an opinion as follows:
VERY FINE describes an item believed to be in virtually flawless condition, and is used sparingly for items of exceptionally attractive appearance.
FINE is the most common statement of condition, and applies to most items that we offer. It describes items that we believe to show expected handling wear, generally acceptable random flaws (such as light creases, small bends, etc.), and an overall appearance that is pleasing to the majority of collectors.
VERY GOOD describes an item that we believe exhibits more moderate flaws (such as toning, light staining, professional reinforcements or repairs, etc.). Most collectors would be comfortable with items in very good condition, and this would be the expected condition for many formats (early presidential documents, for example).
GOOD describes an item which we believe to have obvious visible flaws, including heavy wear, missing portions, or repairs that affect appearance; generally items in this condition are offered only if an item is otherwise believed to be exceedingly rare or important.
Bidder may call and request further details and information about RR Auction’s opinions concerning any item via phone or email which shall provided in RR Auction’s discretion.
Certificate of Auction, Certificate of Authenticity and Goods Acquired:
Bidder warrants that Bidder (and its agents, assigns, successors, and affiliates) shall not purposely deface, destroy, dismember, cut-up into parts the item or Lot purchased at auction from RR Auction and in the event such shall occur whether purposefully or accidently, Bidder (and its agents, assigns, successors, and affiliates) shall refrain from advertising, promoting, or marketing the item as having been purchased from RR Auction and shall in no event display, expressly claim, or imply that the item was certified or auctioned in such state by RR Auction. As liquidated damages for such breach, Bidder agrees to be liable to RR Auction for the greater of the amount of three (3) times the hammer price of the item along with all other fees and costs as otherwise provided in this Terms of Sale.
