Goldberg Coins and Collectibles



Sale 118

The Nov 14-15, 2020 Collectibles Auction


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Lot Photo Description Realized
Lot 105
Six Signed Editions: Mary McCarthy (x2), Lawrence Durrell, Allen Drury, Irwin Shaw and J.P Donleavy + Classics, Deluxe Leather Bound Editions. Beautiful leather bound deluxe editions from the Franklin Mint rivaling the deluxe editions by The Easton Press. Four signed editions: Two by Mary McCarthy; "The Group" and "Birds of America", Allen Drury has signed his "A God Against the Gods" and Lawrence Durrell has signed his copy of "Justine". J.P Donleavy "The Ginger Man" and finally Irwin Shaw has signed "The Young Lions". Also included in limited edition printings: "Invisisble Man" by Ralph Ellison, "These Thirteen" and "Absalom Absalom" both by the great William Faulkner. Near to mint to mint condition. Estimated Value $600 - UP
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Realized
$720
Lot 106
Ten Deluxe Editions of Classic Works: Signed Edition of "Five Plays" by Jean-Paul Sarte, from the Franklin Mint, Leather Bound w/ Gilt Pages. Rivaling the Easton Press, The Franklin Mint issued an enormous collection of deluxe and limited edition books bound in premium leather with gold gilt details. Offered are ten volumes. "Five Plays" signed by the playwright Jean-Paul Sarte (the plays being "No Exit" "The Flies" "Dirty Hands" "The Respectful Prostitute" and "The Condemned of Altona". Also included in deluxe limited editions: Volume 1-III "Essays" by Michel Montaigne, Henry James "Selected Tales" which include "Daisy Miller", "The Turn of the Screw" and "The Beast in the Jungle". Justin Kaplan First Edition of "Walt Whitman" as part of the Mint's First Edition Society, Plutarch "Twelve Illustrious Lives", Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass", W. Somerset Maugham "14 Selected Stories" and Dylan Thomas "25 Stories". All the volumes in near to mint to mint condition. Henry James volume has a ½" rub on top gilt pages and Montaigne has a few dings on side of gilt pages. Estimated Value $500 - UP
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Unsold
Lot 107
36 Signed Book Jackets/Title Pages by Popular/Acclaimed Authors Including: Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Ben Hecht, Sophie Tucker. A collection of autographs by authors some dated in the 1930s and 40s. This particular collector would carefully remove a title page from a book, affix to the original dust jacket and have the author sign the page. These include a superb Helen Keller, inscribed and signed in her usual stencil "To Lady Paula Jones, In deep appreciation for her kindness, Helen Keller September 17, 1932, an autograph of Eleanor Roosevelt, "This I Remember", two by Alex Haley, "Roots", Herman Wouk, "War and Remembrance", two by Norman Vincent Peale "Stay Alive All Your Life" and "The Tough Minded Optimist" Twice signed Irving Stone on two pages of "The Origin", Sir Thomas Beecham, legendary orchestra conductor's autobiography. "A Mingled Chime", Francis Parkinson Keys "Fielding's Folly". Three books by entertainers and screenwriters, one of the greatest writers for decades in Hollywood, Ben Hecht signing "Collected Stories of Ben Hecht" dating it Feb., 1950, Sophie Tucker "Some of these Days" and Joan Bennett's "How to be Attractive. Other writers include Lloyd C. Douglas, Christopher Morley, Howard Jarvis, Stanley Marcus x 2 for "Minding the Store" and Lawrence Welk and I.B. Melchior. Estimated Value $350 - UP
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Realized
$360
Lot 108
Collection of Autographs/Letters by Notables, Authors, Poets: Henry W. Longfellow, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Grace Coolidge, Edward Bok + 10 more. From the collection of a one Fairfax M. Berkley Esq, at William & Mary College whose correspondence to notables of the early 20th century is represented here. It is a unique collection of sophisticates of the time. 1.) Two signatures by poets Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (clipped signature off a personal letter on card stock 2 x 5") and Edna St. Vincent Millay on a leaf from an autograph book. 2.) Grace Coolidge autograph dated 1940 but is with a letter to Berkley on White House letterhead dated July 28, 1924 from an assistant thanking for his condolences on behalf of John Coolidge. 3.) Edward Bok, Pulitzer Prize winning author and for 30 years editor of Laides Home Journal. Signed 3.5 notecard. 4.) Nancy Astor Viscountess Astor large signed note card London, 1924. She notorious for telling Churchill to "come sober" when he asked her what he should come as to a costume party. Also her portrait by John Singer Sargent is one of his most famous. 5.) Edwina Mountbatten, heiress, socialite and relief worker. 6.) Alice Hagan Rice, acclaimed author signing beautifully a note card. 7.) Mary Newton Stanard, American historian of considerable note and in her possession released a cache of never before seen letter by Edgar Allen Poe in the 20s. 8.) Nora Archibald Smith, children's author. Finally there are letters by Rosita Forbes, Julia Wise, Irving Bachellor, Elizabeth Bibesco and Annie Fellows Johnston. All in very fine to excellent condition.


4.) Irving Bacheller, author an note signed "With best wishes". Estimated Value $300 - UP
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Realized
$252
Lot 109
Bierce, Ambrose -- ALS Naming Some of the Civil War Battles He Fought In (1842-circa 1914) American journalist, short story writer, poet, literary critic, and Union Civil War veteran. He wrote in numerous genres and was known for his biting satire and social criticism. In December 1913, he traveled to Chihuahua, Mexico to observe the Mexican Revolution first hand. He was never seen again. Autograph letter signed in full on page 4 and with initials after postscript, 4pp, 4to, The Army & Navy Club, Washington, D.C., Oct. 26, 1907. To Col. H.H. Sargent, at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. Bierce first notes that he had read about "the dispatch of two troops of the Second Cavalry from Fort Des Moines to quell the Ute outbreak and [was] wondering if yours was one of them," then he expresses his enjoyment of Sargent's book, "Campaign of Santiago," which "was read to the last line, appendices and all, almost at a sitting…It is a worthy successor to your other books….My paragraph on it…was omitted from the November number of 'The Cosmopolitan'…for lack of room, I hope…It has been rewritten and sent back for the January number…." He discusses a mutual friend, Col. Pearson, whom he likes and has not seen for a while, and talks of a trip "to take in some of my old battlefields, which I've not seen since the civil war--Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Nashville and perhaps Shiloh. Well, I hope something may bring you to Washington before I lay my bones in the Arlington campo santo…." In a postscript, he remarks on an article and says, "I've been a free thinker ever since I began to think. A.B." With original, holograph envelope. Boldly penned and signed. Fine condition. Estimated Value $500 - UP
The W. R. Holman Collection, Pacific Grove, CA.

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Realized
$456
Lot 110
Bierce, Ambrose -- ALS Written in June 1913: "I meant the books to represent me, not at my best. but as I really am…" (1842-circa 1914) American journalist, short story writer, poet, literary critic, and Union Civil War veteran. He wrote in numerous genres and was known for his biting satire and social criticism. In December 1913, he traveled to Chihuahua, Mexico to observe the Mexican Revolution first hand. He was never seen again. Autogrqph letter signed, 4 pp, small 4to, Army and Navy Club, Washington, D.C. June 7, 1913. To Col. H. H. Sargent, a career army officer and author of books on military history and textbooks on military strategy whom Bierce greatly admired.
After explaining his delay in responding and the reason for his change of travel plans, Bierce writes, in part: "I'm glad if anything in the books has given you even a little pleasure. There is much that I put in, not because I particularly liked it myself, but because it had become well known, and was bound to be republished some day by somebody, probably imperfectly. Besides I meant the books to represent me, not at my best. but as I really am, with all my sins, inconsistencies, heedlessness, and other human qualities. I don't want to be anybody's 'good boy'." He asks Sargent's opinion of the new cavalry sword and its thurst, "…I've been in a good deal of cavalry fighting, and I don't believe that men can be taught to thrust instead of strike, nor that they could do much damage if they did. But I understand that 'the French do it.' I wonder why our military experts do not sometimes study what Americans do--or did in the days of Stuart, Sheridan, and Wilson…." Boldly and clearly penned and signed, with original, holograph envelope. Estimated Value $600 - UP
The W. R. Holman Collection, Pacific Grove, CA.

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Realized
$408
Lot 111
Bierce, Ambrose -- Three Autograph Letters Signed (1842-circa 1914) American journalist, short story writer, poet, literary critic, and Union Civil War veteran. He wrote in numerous genres and was known for his biting satire and social criticism. In December 1913, he traveled to Chihuahua, Mexico to observe the Mexican Revolution first hand. He was never seen again. Three autograph letters signed, total of 8 pp, small 4to, Washington, D.C., dated April 8, 1903, Dec. 27, 1907, and July 10,1911, all addressed to his friend Col. (then Major) H.H. Sargent. The first discusses Bierce's efforts and considerable influence in obtaining for Sargent the place Sargent wants in the War College, "I think you are the best man in the army for the place." He is talking to his friends, including Gen. Ainsworth, at the War Dept. He adds, "So you are studying the Santiago campaign. This is good news to those who love to 'sit at your feet' as students of strategy--of whom I am the devoutest disciple. Pray let us have a book about it." During the Spanish American War, Sargent had commanded the 5th U.S. Regiment, which was sent to Santiago de Cuba. Approximate 1" splits at top and bottom edges of the conjoined pages do not affect the bold penmanship or signature. Transmittal envelope not present.
The letter dated Dec. 27, 1907 writes of Bierce's disgust "by the suppression of my paragraph…about your book," the result of advertising "crowding out reading matter…Usually I don't mind….In this case I do mind, as the editor shall hear. And…he will do as he pleases….I have too easy a 'job' to go on strike for any but the greatest grievance…." Bierce was a columnist and editorialist for William Randolph Hearst's newspaper, The San Francisco Examiner, at the time. With holograph transmittal envelope. Boldly penned and signed.
The letter dated July 10. 1911, asks to borrow from Sargent the review that Bierce had written on Sargent's book on Bonaparte's first Italian campaign, and congratulates Sargent on "the prospect of a civilian's life; and…that you are to live it in God's country…." With holograph transmittal envelope. Fine condition. Estimated Value $800 - UP
The W. R. Holman Collection, Pacific Grove, CA.

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Realized
$660
Lot 112
Bradbury, Ray and Douglas Adams -- Three Signed Books. Ray Bradbury (1920-2012) was an American author and screenwriter best known for Fahrenheit 451. Two books signed on the first endpage. The books are The Illustrated Man, and Dandelion Wine, reprinted by William Morrow in 2001 and 2006 respectively. Book covers are present; fine condition. The consignor attended a speech by Bradbury at the Los Angeles Public Library in Woodland Hills, California, a couple of years before Bradbury's death. He bought these two books from Bradbury and Bradbury signed them in black marker. With Douglas Adams (1952-2001) English author, screenwriter, essayist, humorist, satirist and dramatist, best known for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Book signed with sentiment ("Best wishes"), on the half title page, being Life, The Universe and Everything, "The Cosmic Conclusion to the Hitchhiker's Trilogy." Small tear to top of dust jacket, else fine. Estimated Value $200 - UP
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Realized
$160
Lot 113
Hawthorne, Nathaniel -- Custom's Document Signed for the Port of Salem (1804-1864) American novelist and short story writer; among his works are The Scarlet Letter (1850) and The House of the Seven Gables (1851). Partly-printed document signed "Nath. Hawthorne," as Surveyor for the District of Salem & Beverly, one page, 6½x7¼", Salem, Mass, Apri. 8, 1848. Certifying that S. Nelson, master of the schooner Martha Ann, "has secured the Duties on Merchandize…which…was imported…from Maitland." Permission is given to land the 95 tons of plaster which the schooner carries. Signed in red ink. Hawthorn was a Democrat and would lose this job after the presidential election of 1848, but in 1850, because of his friendship with Franklin Pierce, he was appointed consul at Liverpool. The Scarlet Letter was published the same year. Estimated Value $800 - UP
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Realized
$1,020
Lot 114
Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth -- ALS, Photo, & Engraving (1807-1882) American poet. Autograph letter signed "Henry W. Longfellow," 3 pages (2 conjoined sheets), 5 x 4", Rosemont, May 25, 1876. With holograph envelope addressed to Mr. J. G. Rosengarten, Penn Club, Philadelphia, regretting that he is unable to accept Rosengarten's invitation to the Penn Club and asking if articles Rosengarten wrote on Mr. Greene and Mr. Appleton appeared in the newspaper (Ledger). "I read them in ms. and was very much pleased with them." Very good; small paper loss at top of page 3 and mounting remnants at top of blank page 4. Boldly penned and signed. Accompanied by a 4¼ x 2½" photo of Longfellow from Warren's Photographic Studio in Boston, and a full-length engraving by Alonzo Chappel. Estimated Value $300 - UP
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Unsold
Lot 115
Tolkien, John Ronald Reuel -- ALS Referencing The Lord of the Rings (1892-1973) English writer, poet, philologist, and academic; best known for writing The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Autograph letter signed, "J.R.R. Tolkien," on the first page and with his initials on the second page (1 sheet front and back), 7x4½", Oxford, Dec. 19, 1957. To "Dear Patricia," in part: "Yes, I have been and am rather harassed all this year! Domestic, literary, & academic affairs have combined to overwhelm me…I simply cannot cope with the mounting correspondence. All the same it is very comforting to be remembered by those I neglect….I send you best wishes, especially for Christmas. God bless you…" On the back he continues, " I seldom go away from home, unless on urgent business which is mainly due to my wife's health and our living alone in the sad modern way in a small house. " He gives his daughter's living arrangement and address, then adds, " I am on leave now for two terms, and am invited to various parts of the world; but I do not think it likely that I shall be able to go. The L. of the R gives me a lot to do especially in trying to keep track of translations. I seem never to get a moment to give to the next 'great work.' As I said before news is always welcome." Beautifully penned and signed.
The Fellowship of the Ring was published on July 29, 1954; The Two Towers on Nov. 11, 1954; and The Return of the King on Oct. 20, 1955. A three-film series, based on the trilogy and directed and produced by Peter Jackson in New Zealand, was released in 2001, 2002, and 2003. It is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential film series of all time, as well as among the highest-grossing film series of all time. The series won 17 of the 30 Academy Awards for which it was nominated.
Letter of Authenticity by James Spence Authentication. Estimated Value $2,500 - UP
The Richard A. Basler Collection.

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Realized
$4,800
Lot 116
Truman Capote, Herman Wouk and Irving Stone. Other Voices Other Rooms, Marjorie Morningstar and Lust for Life (Signed). From the Franklin Mint limited editions of "Great Works", deluxe editions signed. "Other Voices Other Rooms" signed by Truman Capote, his first published novel and was a semi-autobiographical work written in Southern Gothic style. "Marjorie Morningstar", signed by Herman Wouk which proved a huge bestseller in the 1950s and now considered "a proto-feminist classic" (Vulture Magazine). "Lust for Life" signed by Irving Stone proved a very successful biography of Vincent Van Gogh which was made into an Academy Award winning film in 1956 starring Kirk Douglas. All three volumes have been beautifully bound in leather and gilt gold details rivaling Easton Press and in near to mint to mint condition. Estimated Value $500 - UP
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Realized
$295
Lot 117
Voltaire. (Nom de plume of French Enlightenment Author and Satirist François-Marie Arouet) Autograph Document Signed (1694-1778) French writer, historian, and satirist; known for advocating freedom of speech and religion and separation of church and state. Among his best-known works are Lettres philosophiques (1734) and Candide (1759). Autograph document signed "Voltaire," in French, 1p, Les Délices [Geneva, Switzerland], May 11, 1764. Regarding a debt due him: I have received from Mr. de la Marche the sum of eight hundred sixty four pounds for the arrears of the one thousand pound annuity of the year that fell due on March first 1764 which principal of twenty thousand pounds lent to him under contract was received at Armat notary in Paris on March 1, 1763. Deduction made from the said 1000 pounds of 136 for the vingtièmes…" Docket on verso. Boldly penned and signed. Excellent condition. Accompanied by a complete English translation.

Voltaire lived at Les Délices, in Geneva, from 1755-1760 and the Institut et Musée Voltaire is located there. His liberal ideas often necessitated a prompt departure from France and, consequently, he spent a considerable amount of time across the border in Switzerland, as well as in England (1726-28); he also spent time at the court of Frederick the Great, who much admired him, and was a frequent correspondent with Catherine the Great of Russia. Estimated Value $1,500 - UP
University Archives, John Reznikoff August, 1997.

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Realized
$2,214
Lot 118
Wharton, Edith -- TLS by the First Woman to Win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1862-1938) American author who wrote about the upper-class New York society from which she came in books such as The Age of Innocence, House of Mirth, and Ethan Frome. Typed letter signed "E Wharton," one page, 8x8¼", St. Brice Sous Forêt, France, Oct. 17, 1928. To Mr. Viereck, thanking him for sending his novel and explaining her rule of saying nothing for publication regarding the work of contemporary authors: "…it has been necessitated by the continuous and insistent demands of publishers. Refusal becomes embarrassing if one makes exceptions, and so I find myself forced to make none." One holograph correction, else fine. Estimated Value $600 - UP
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Realized
$1,080






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