Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 124

November 3-4 Winter Collectibles Auction

History Makers

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 33		*Dumas, Alexander fils: Autograph Letter Signed and an Inscribed and Signed Calling Card by Legendary Stage Actress Sarah Bernhardt* (1824-1895) Alexander Dumas fils., French author and playwright (and illegitimate son of Alexander Dumas of "Three Musketeers" fame and many other classics) best known for "La Dame Aux Camelias" later adapted by Verdi as "La Traviata" and memorably adapted on film by Greta Garbo in "Camille" Autograph letter signed 1½ pages 8vo with integral blank leaf, n.d. 6¾ x 4¼ folded, and in French. Dumas apologizes for not being at home when correspondent called, stating he usually is always home until midday but on this occasion he was at a wedding to which he adds "the young lady concerned is unlikely to marry again soon and upset his routine!" and signed "A. Dumas". Fine clean condition. Also included is an inscribed and signed calling card by legendary stage actress Sarah Bernhardt dated 1886. Bernhardt was mentored early in her career by the elder Dumas nd later performed in son Alexander Dumas' "La Dame Aux Camelias" to near unprecedented acclaim. Inscribed in French "May God Keep You, Sarah Bernhardt, 1886" and is in excellent condition 2¼ x 3¼". Estimated Value $400 - 600 View details and enlarged photo	Realized $120
Lot 34		Slave and Slave Related Documents: Five Original Handwritten Documents Including one from England in 1762 and one Broadside. Collection of historic manuscripts all part of a tragic and dark history of human kind. 1.) The oldest manuscript is a docket dated December 16th,18th and 21st 1762 of monies (pounds) received by three men. All are signed by representatives of Rich & Peter Footman the first for freight received on the Catherine from Liverpool and the third for balance of payment due. The second, dated on the 18th is for "35 pounds for a Negro Boy Named Cutgoe" 5 x 7" entries recto and verso on laid paper. Receipt is in excellent condition, paper is stout with only two light stains. Outstanding piece. 2.) Single page document signed (possibly partial) receipt for the settlement of an estate of William Hobbs in the amount of $488, "except for the Negro Man Frank March 8, 1834, W.H. Hobbs" 5½ x 6" fragile with a split held in check seamlessly with white archival tape on verso. 3.) Single page document trust for a John Mina dated April, 1875 state of Virginia leaving one farm "in the rich valley….one hundred and sixty three acres having……a log dwelling house and one male slave 12 & 50 years. 5 x 7½, single notch cut on left side otherwise fine condition. 4.) Single page hand written promissory note by a Noah Richardson for the payment of a negro in one years time (January 1, 1829) dated January 2,1828 by Noah Richardson then endorsed on back the amount of $45. Note is 7 x 8" fragile, intact with toning throughout but very legible. 5.) Broadside: "A Two Thousand Fold Agency" printed in Columbus, Ohio dated 1875 concerning "the return of the nearly two thousand persons who have arrived here within a short time, in the colonization ship "Golcanda" to a new land called Liberia. by B.F. Romaine. The society was formed in 1827 to encourage Black Ohioans to emigrate to Africa; for the purpose of evangelizing "the very heart of 'Ethiopia" 8¼ x 4¾" printed on one side, in excellent condition with age toning along left edge. 6.) Contrasting the above pieces is an autographed letter signed by Senator Charles Sumner, one of the most outspoken and respected abolitionists in American History, a moral passion that famously almost got him killed in 1856. Pro-Slavery and South Carolina Democratic congressman Preston Brooks violently beat him with a brass topped cane on the Senate floor after Sumner delivered an anti-slavery speech. The ALS is a request for copies of two bills on the confiscation of Rebel property, and while not exactly salvery, an important addition to any collection regarding slavery. 8 x 5" folded with Sumner smeaing slightly the C in Charles and light toning throughout. Estimated Value $800 - 1,200 View details and enlarged photo	Realized $900
Lot 35		Collection of Four Signed Photos, Golden Age of Hollywood. Marlene Dietrich, a Superb Bette Davis, Martha Raye and Ellen Drew. Fine collection of four Hollywood Actresses Bette Davis, an exceptional photo and signature. 5 x 7" in gilt frame Marlene Dietrich, from DEVIL IS A WOMAN signed is silver Flair 8 x 10" in 13 x 10" frame Martha Raye, young and beautiful, singed 5 x 7" in matching gilt frame as the Davis photo. Ellen Drew, color tinted black and white photo. 5 x 7" no frame, mounting residue on verso in no way affects image. Estimated Value $250 - 400 View details and enlarged photo	Realized $148
Lot 36		Barnum, Phineas T: ALS on Personally Stamped Note Paper Dated 1867 Written While Member of Connecticut State Legislature (1810-1891) Showman, politician and businessman and a major figure of the 19th Century. ALS by P.T. Barnum dated 1867 on 10 x 5" ruled paper with Barnum hand stamped at top. A quick note of thanks to J.B. Chittenden for alerting him to dividends due him that he was not aware and has ordered the bank to sell the bonds. Based on the date, this letter was written while he served in the Connecticut State Legislature (1866-1869) well after he began his Barnum's American Museum and touring Jenny Lind, both made famous in the musical THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. But this was certainly during his time touring "P. T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome" before ultimately partnering with James Bailey to form Barnum & Bailey Circus. Letter is in fine + condition the only issue being damage from an earlier mounting where the adhesive was so strong the paper tore along the edge of adhesive. Letter was professionally removed from backing, and the tear discretely repaired on verso with acid free tape leaving only a soft outline. No damage whatsoever on the Barnum stamp, the written text and signature which all remain in excellent condition. Estimated Value $800 - 1,200 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 37		Hughes, Howard; Rare Autograph Letter Signed ca. 1937 on Postal Telegraph Cablegram Forms. LOA by James Spence (1905-1976) One of the landmark figures of the 20th Century, Hughes' public persona was first as a film producer, studio head and director. His other business interest was in aviation as an engineer, celebrated speed flyer, construction and ultimately the owner of TWA, becoming one of the richest men in America, not only in his business endeavors but for his vast property holdings which eventually led him to Las Vegas. Notorious for the women he dated, his eccentric behavior and ultimately his slow decline into addiction and poor health, Hughes remained an iconic figure in American history for 50+ years as well as in pop-culture including his films HELL'S ANGELS and THE OUTLAW, his ownership of RKO Pictures, his near fearless acts as a test pilot, the Clifford Irving memoir scandal and eventual hoax, Melvin Dummar, gas station employee, and claimant to a portion of Hughes's will and many more examples. Offered is this 4 page ALS (6½ x 8½) addressed to Colonel R.C. Kuldell, President of Hughes Tool thanking him for a letter dated Oct. 19 expressing surprise that a generating plant was being built and his concern that Noah Dietrich (In the 2004 Scorsese film THE AVIATOR, John C. Reilly played Dietrich to DiCaprio's Howard Hughes) had not relayed a message regarding the construction. But Hughes expresses hopes even with the construction he continues to "keep hitting the ball while we have a golden opportunity and drive…(to create opportunity)….away from rock bit and tool business." Hughes continues complimenting Kuldell at the improvement in California. Then Hughes pivots his concern regarding his brewery but expresses confidence in Kuldell pulling it out of its slump. "The main reason I have been concerned is that it is such a business of the public's fickle fancy, that it should be a lot easier to whip the problem now than to try and regain our position after the public has fallen into the habit of drinking someone else's beer." Hughes closes, " My warmest personal regards to you and your family, Howard" Note: In 1933, Howard Hughes opened Gulf Brewing Company in Houston, Texas which bottled Grand Prize Beer hiring acclaimed Belgium brewmaster Frank Brogniez after prohibition to recreate his 1912 beer, Southern Select. For a time, Grand Prize was the #1 beer sold in Texas closing in 1963. R.C. retired/fired from Hughes Tool in 1939 after a corporate power play by Noah Dietrich. Letter of authenticity from James Spence Authentication certifying all pages in Hughes' handwriting. Intriguing item and in excellent condition. Estimated Value $3,500 - 5,000 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 38		Morgan, J.P. Jr. & Andrew Carnegie: Two Typed Letters Signed w/Carnegie's Having Extensive Endorsement Instructions in His Hand. J.P. Morgan, Jr. (1867-1943) Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) two of the most recognizable names of the early 20th Century one in banking, the other in steel, with both, most especially Carnegie, engaging in philanthropic measures that rarely happen in modern day. 1.) Andrew Carnegie double-signed this TLS on his letterhead "5 West 51st St. New York, City". 10 x 8", addressed to Alexander Halliday, enthusiastically sending him 100 pounds ($18,000 US today) to invest in Scotland. Carnegie was born in Scotland and not only proud of his heritage but extraordinarily generous in philanthropic efforts to his birthplace. Halliday was a successful attorney in Yonkers at the early turn of the century hey have been landowners of the same properties from 1500 to the present generations. Carnegie closes letter in his hand "'Scotland Forever', Andrew Carnegie". On verso Carnegie writes "Check No. 36 Jan. 1899, The Royal Bk Scotland Pay A.A. Halliday one hundred pounds Andrew Carnegie endorsed in form of and mailed". In superior condition, originally folded and with original envelope sent. 2.) J.P. Morgan, Jr. is writing H de B Parsons, an obviously close friend who he calls "Bonesey", hilariously confessing his worry of losing his temper with politicos in Washington, D.C. were it not for the advice of his life-long chauffer. The letter, 11 x 8½" was dated June 26, 1933 and obviously displayed with great pride by Parsons as mat lines present near borders. Unfortunately, the entire text of the letter has faded by 90% from sun exposure. What remains bold and legible are his signature, fortunately signed in black fountain pen ink and the letterhead, "23 Wall Street, New York". Estimated Value $800 - 1,200 View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,020
Lot 39		Criminals Robert Stroud (Birdman of Alcatraz) & James Earl Ray and Lawmen Melvin Purvis & J. Edgar Hoover Four Signed Letters. Criminals and lawmen: 1.) Handwritten letter by Robert Stroud convicted of two murders but commuted by Woodrow Wilson to life in solitary confinement known as "The Birdman of Alcatraz". He writes to Marie E. Stroud a relative, where he discusses the hot weather both are enduring, the status of a book another party is writing and the economy of the time and favorable comments about Senator Joe McCarthy. Two pages recto and verso on notepaper 10 x 8" dated June 25, 1954 Alcatraz, California and twice signed; "Robert Stroud" at top of letter and "Bob" and it end of letter. In excellent, very legible condition. 2.) Typed letter signed by James Earl Ray to a Pauline Valentine thanking for offer to send him clothes but references a newly acted law that wearing outside clothing not allowed. He updates her on a book in the works about him and filing a petition on the King case. He then discusses about a deal regarding his painting three works for her and answers questions about the incarcerations regarding the shooters of President Reagan and John Lennon. Dated 6, September 1986 typed on ruled paper 9½ x 8" and signs "J. Ray". In excellent condition. 3.) Handwritten letter by Melvin Purvis to his wife Rosanne. After falling out of favor with J. Edgar Hoover given the attention Purvis enjoyed after spearheading the killing of Public Enemy Number One, John Dillinger, he entered the US Army as a captain and later joined the provost marshal's office as a major. This letter is written during this time where he writes a very romantic letter to his wife, and proud of the creation of an Army unit after carefully selecting who he thinks are the best. Dated August 23, 1943, Fort Custer, Michigan. 2pp 10½ x 8", very legible and in excellent condition. Also included is a signed check by Purvis dated March 4, 1943 4.) Typed letter signed by notorious FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and ultimately a major antagonist of Melvin Purvis. Never mind Hoover forced Purvis out of the FBI, in 1940, Melvin was endorsed by a South Carolina congressman for a federal judgeship but did not get the post, as it was blocked by Hoover--the jealousy still raging after John Dillinger's death. In this letter dated September 28, 1951 Hoover writes to the son of a man he knows well on what it takes to be a "Good Citizen" without a hint of irony or self-awareness. "An individual must all times be respectful of the law. You can never start too early in life to be a fair, impartial and just citizen." Signed J. Edgar Hoover on Department of Justice letterhead. All items in excellent condition. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000 View details and enlarged photo	Realized $600
Lot 40		Webster, John White; American Murderer, Physician and Harvard Professor (1793-1850) Before O.J., before Leopold and Loeb, before Sacco & Vanzetti or even Harry K. Thaw and the murder of Stanford White, there was John White Webster. Principally remembered for the murder of Dr. George Parkman, uncle to acclaimed historian and author Francis Parkman. The grisly murder became a national sensation unlike anything prior to 1849 with well over a thousand journalists covering the trial in Boston, riveting readers with every detail. He was found guilty and hanged. Collection of three signed pieces of the three major players involved: 1.) Short A.D.S. by White on 1½ x 3" "Admit the Bearer Jany. 6. 1837 J.W.W" (John White Webster) 2.) Short A.D.S. signed receipt by victim George Parkman dated July 29, 1848 2¾ x 4" 3.) An ALS by the person who posted the reward for capturing the murderer of Parkman, Robert G. Shaw dated Boston, Sep 12, 1834 regarding a favor. All three pieces in excellent condition. Much information on this case is on the internet. Estimated Value $250 - 400 View details and enlarged photo	Realized $156
Lot 41		Collection of Letters to a French Composer: Nobel Peace Prize Winner Elie Wiesel, 6 French Politicians and Mgr Pedro López Quintana, Papal Diplomat. Jean FONTANILLE is a French guitar player and composer from Bordeaux. Charismatic, talented and savvy, he was the co-founder of the French online Music School BandNote and continues to play with a great number of pop singers. He has released three albums. He created compositions in honor of several men of note: 1.) 1986 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Elie Wiesel writing in French and signing on Boston University letterhead, dated Oct. 30, 1991. 2.) Pedro López Quintana, Spanish prelate of the Catholic Church who has worked in the diplomatic service of the Holy See since 1984 typed letter signed dated Oct. 15, 1998 on official Vatican Secrétairerie Détat letterhead. 3.) 6 French politicians all typed letters signed including Alain Juppé former PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jack Lang, Minister of Culture and René Monory President of the Senate. Estimated Value $200 - 400 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 42		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 43		7 Original 18th Century Acts During The Reign of George III Including "The Majesty To Charge Persons of Crimes and High Treason in the Colonies". Excellent collection of 18th Century Acts during the reign of King George III. The seven range from 1739-1778, the earlier acts printed by John Baskett, Printer to the King, the latter folios by Charles Eyre and William Strahan, Printers to the King. Acts involve a variety of laws and edicts from frauds and abuses to prorogations to the act mentioned in headline "To Impower His Majesty To Secure and Detain Persons Charged with the Crime of High Treason Committed in Any of His Majesty's Colonies in America or On the High Seas." Overall the seven folios are in outstanding condition, three beautifully archived with very little toning. 11 x 6½" pages range from 2 to 8 pages each. Estimated Value $300 - 500 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 44		Rare Aviation History: Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, Each Autographing a First Flight Cover 1926 and 1929. Likely the two most famous, early aviators in American History next to the Wright Brothers. Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart both cemented their names in history with their incredible accomplishments in flight. Two First Flight Covers that were piloted by these flyers and signed at destination. 1.) Charles Lindbergh has signed "C.A. Lindbergh Pilot" on his First Flight Air Mail Cover between Chicago and St. Louis, canceled April 15, 1926, 5:30 A.M. 2.) Amelia Earhart has signed her name on a First Flight Air Mail Cover from Miami to Puerto Rico dated Jan. 9, 1929 8:30 A.M. Both pieces are in excellent condition. Fantastic American history here. Estimated Value $1,200 - 2,000 View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,292
Lot 45		Scarce Crown Graphic 4x5 Large Format Camera with Two Lenses. Full Case of Flash Units, Filters, Film Plates. Reporter Lowell Thomas Photo. From Graflex, Inc., a scarce Pacemaker Crown Graphic 4 x 5", large format camera with excellent provenance (Serial Number 435095) and in working condition. This camera and all of its large case of gear have been stored carefully for decades by the photographer, Vincent Skelley and subsequently, his immediate family. Skelley was a WWII Army Air Corp pilot who served in the CBI (China, Burma and India) who would shoot photos of enemy areas in the morning in his P-38 and have them developed by noon using only a tent to develop, and then fly with other armed pilots to attack those photographed targets. Post-WWII his interest in photography found him taking portraits of notable and people he admired. One such friend was Lowell Thomas, writer, reporter, editor and traveler probably best known as the reporter who covered T.E. Lawrence and spokesperson for "Cinerama". The photographer and explorer became good friends and this collection includes a vintage original portrait photo by Skelley (14 x 11" signed lower right) of Thomas in his study that was eventually used for commercial uses per one of the two typed letters signed by Thomas to Skelley both dated 1948 that are included. Camera and gear include: 1.) Two lenses: The Ektar 4.7 127mm lens #ES17504 presently fitted on camera with Series V1 Kodak lens hood. Inside hardshell case, the Carl Zeiss Jena lens Tessar 4.5 #2417452. 2.) Hard case by Graflex with interior custom for camera and additional equipment. 3.) Original Warranty of Service, Instruction manual and original ad brochure promoting new features and ordering accessories and range finders. 4.) Remote shuttle cable. 5.) Primary camera-mounted flash unit. 6.) Secondary flash unit with clamp mount. 7.) Wide range of filters of color and haze filters. 8.) A number of adaptor rings. 9.) Film pack adapters and plate attachments. A fine camera for any level of collector that displays beautifully and conveys with a great number of original extras plus a peek into the friendship of the photographer with celebrated reporter and early media titan, Lowell Thomas. Estimated Value $700 - 1,000 View details and enlarged photo	Realized $576
Lot 46		Independence Hall: Important Document Signed for Repairs to Windows, Posts and Platforms Dated 1837 and Endorsed by James V. Eaton. Itemized document signed: Committee of Penns Hall", 1837,December 23rd. To James O. Eaton Granite work for Penn Hall according to contract, $2380 5 Window Sills 6ft 4in. long 20.75 4 Sills for Cellar Windows 4ft 8in. long 15 by 9 @ 7.50 31.00 5¼ x 7½" and in excellent condition with only small tape stain and a tiny strip of archival tape on verso. Document itemizes 5 window sills and cost by linear feet as well as for 4 sills of cellar windows. Evidently a credit due of $108 for posts and platforms for a total of $2325.75. Endorsed on verso "James V. Eaton, Bill for Granite Work for Penn Hall, 1837" Originally named "Pennsylvania State House" "State Hall" "Pennsa State House" but ultimately became known as "Indepence Hall". Estimated Value $400 - 600 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 47		Cody, Col. William Frederick "Buffalo Bill", Autographed Wild West Show Program While Touring Europe (1846-1917) Soldier, buffalo hunter, entertainer and Western Legend. Signed Wild West program while touring in Europe, very early 1900s. Inscribed and signed "Presented by Col. Cody to William Ga.(Indecipherable) May 27th /03" Examined in frame, this piece is in remarkable and quite excellent condition. Program printed by The Parington Advertising Company 171 Strand, London W.C. Copyright Entpat Stationers Hall. We are not sure if it is just the lithographic cover of the program, or the full copy. But it appears to be the full brochure This program for Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, likely produced to coincide with the show's 1903 tour of Europe. The price of the program is six pence. The show was performed at the Olympia Theatre and proved a massive hit. Program is 10 x 8" and framed handsomely to 16½ x 14¼". Estimated Value $1,200 - 2,000 View details and enlarged photo	Realized $738