Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 18

U.S. Presidential Autographs

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1275		Eisenhower, Dwight D. Typed Letter Signed, as President, 1 page, small quarto, Washington, February 7, 1958. On mint-green, White House letterhead, to Mr. and Mrs. Milton Berg, thanking them for "the little sea shell that you found on the beach at Sarasota. It proved a wonderful conversation piece for my fellow travelers on the Columbine…" Boldly signed in black ink. Minor soiling in blank lower portion, else fine. Accompanied by transmittal envelope. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $230
Lot 1276		Eisenhower, Dwight D. and Mamie (1890-1969) 34th President of the United States, 1953-1961. Typed Letter Signed, as President, 1 page, quarto, Washington, May 20, 1954. On personalized "D D E The White House" stationery, to Marty Snyder of New York, inviting him to "an informal stag dinner" at the White House, adding, "I shall probably wear a white dinner jacket, but business suit will be entirely appropriate." Overall toning and minor soiling in margins. With Typed Letter Signed ("Mamie Doud Eisenhower") as First Lady, 1 page, small quarto, Washington, September 22, 1956. On gilt-embossed "White House" stationery, to Mrs. Maud Daoud, expressing condolences for the death of Mrs. Daoud's husband. One small spot and light soiling. Both letters very good. Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $345
Lot 1277		Ford, Gerald R (1913-) 38th President of the United States,1974-1977. Color Photograph Signed ("Gerald R. Ford"), 8 x 10", no place or date. A ¾ seated portrait of Ford in the Oval Office, signed in the upper left background. Also, a First Day Cover Signed on the front, with cachet of Ford and date of his inauguration, August 9, 1974, as well as August 9 Washington postmark. Both items are signed in black, felt-tip pen and are extremely fine. Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $86
Lot 1278		Harding, Warren G (1865-1923) 29th President of the United States, 1921-1923. Rare Autograph Letter Signed "W G Harding" as a candidate for lieutenant governor of Ohio, 3 pp, Marion, Ohio, October 19, 1903. Written on the letterhead of The Marion Star, the newspaper Harding owned, to "My Dear Widenthall." Boldly penned and signed in dark brown ink, this letter bears witness to Harding's seldom-seen sense of humor. Fine except for minor soiling "I see very clearly you are still for Herrick & Niles. I have just read your Hiawatha story in the Press, and I will lose the whole brass band vote of Ohio. It was bad enough to lose my wager, through your conspiracy with Dover, but it is adding to injury to put me bad with all the bands in Ohio, playing Hiawatha for a favorite. Worse still, my musical taste is libeled, for I love Hiawatha, love it at breakfast time, am cheered by it when lunching, have better digestion at dinner when I hear its strains, and I love to lapse into dreams with Hiawatha floating in the ethereal night. And still worse, you ill repay me for my considerate yielding to your orders. I have kept that Hebrew story in cold storage to date, but henceforth I shall flaunt it and defy you. I am enclosing 10 cents. When the moral atmosphere of the car admits, please inveigle Dover in a 'matching' game. He will yield if you are persistent. Send me the 10 cents back and $3.30 of your winnings, and keep the other $9.70 which you won. I merely suggest this to kill you with kindness….your punishment will come. 'Harding hates Hiawatha!' Was ever libel so marked? Was ever a campaign lie cloaked in such innocent garb? Yours in grief / W G Harding." Harding did go on to win the election, but at the end of his term as lieutenant governor, he returned to his newspaper career until 1909, when he gained the Republican nomination for governor, but lost the election. In 1915, he won election as U.S. senator from Ohio and in 1920, he received the Republican nomination for President. His election was largely a repudiation of Wilson's international policies. The gambling mentioned in this letter foreshadows the poker games which took place at the White House, attended by many of Harding's dubious friends who would later be implicated in the scandals which rocked his administration, the most famous being the Teapot Dome scandal. Harding died in office in August 1923, perhaps mercifully so, because more corruption by his friends was uncovered, sending several of them to jail. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 1279		Harding, Warren G (1865-1923) 29th President of the United States, 1921-1923. Two partly-printed Documents Signed ("W.G. Harding") twice, and accomplished in Harding's hand, two pages, 4 x 7¾", Marion County, Ohio, August 11, 1894 and January 14, 1896. Each document is a "Proof of Publication," which Harding was obliged to sign as the publisher of the Marion Star, a floundering weekly newspaper which he purchased for $300 in 1884 and turned into a successful daily paper, aided by the business acumen of his wife. The actual notices which Harding swears that he published are attached at upper left. One document is in fair condition, with some scattered stains and edge tears away from the signatures; the other is lightly toned, with minor soiling, else fine. All four Harding signatures are signed in brown ink. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $230
Lot 1280		Hoover, Herbert. Typed Letter Signed, as a member of the "National Committee On Food For The Five Small Democracies," 1 page, quarto, New York, December 13, 1940. On official letterhead, to Bishop Herbert Welch of the Methodist Episcopal Church on Fifth Avenue in New York, thanking him for accepting membership on the committee. In part, "…I trust we may be of service in preventing a great tragedy…we must make every effort and we must express American concern with their plight…." Faint soiling, else fine. Hoover's heroic efforts during World War I, as head of the Commission for Relief in Belgium, succeeded in saving ten million people from starvation. As World War II engulfs Europe, Hoover reprises his efforts to save millions from starvation. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $115
Lot 1281		Hoover, Herbert C., and Curtis, Charles. 31st President and his Vice President. Document Signed on the front cover, being an octavo, 13-page booklet with Hoover's address to the 1948 Republican convention, "This Crisis In American Life." A second document, entited "Separate Statement By The Chairman," 1page, quarto, n.p., n.d. is unsigned but has three holograph corrections in Hoover's hand; written as head of the "Hoover Commission," mandated by President Truman to investigate government waste and inefficiency and recommend changes; some edge tears. Also, a Letter Signed ("Chas Curtis") as U.S. senator, 1 page, small quarto, Topeka, Kansas, June 30, 1913, to Carl Loeffler, Assistant Doorkeeper of the U.S. Senate, asking for copies of the Child Labor Law. Curtis would serve as Hoover's vice president, 1929-33. All items are fine. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $115
Lot 1282		Lincoln, Abraham. Meigs was a Union general from Georgia, who had graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1836 and served in various peace-time engineering assignments. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he was promoted to colonel in the 11th U.S. Infantry. On May 15, 1861 he was appointed Brigadier General USA and Quartermaster General. He served efficiently in that difficult position throughout the war. A choice condition letter with light toning and minor soiling at the edges; mounted on a heavier 8 x 6" sheet. 16th President of the United States, 1861-1865. Letter Signed As President. One page, Octavo, on Executive Mansion letterhead, Washington, DC, May 13, 1862. To General M(ontgomery) C(unningham) Meigs, U.S.A. In full: "General: Allow me to introduce Mr. Charles D. Chase and to commend his request to your favorable consideration. Your Obt. Servt. A. Lincoln." Fine. Estimated Value $7,500-UP. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $10,063
Lot 1283		(Lincoln, Abraham) John Hay (1838-1905) American diplomat and writer; Lincoln's private secretary. Autograph Letter Signed ("John Hay"), two pages, octavo, Washington, D.C., Nov. 18, n.y. On engraved stationery, to "Mrs. Price," regarding a Lincoln letter she has for sale. In part: "…I would like to have the letter and am willing to pay a good price for it…and yet the price you ask is greatly beyond its value. I have been buying all the letters of Mr. Lincoln I could find for sale for several years and have never paid more than Fifty Dollars…." A later penciled note at the top of the letter. Affixed to the inside of the integral leaf is a printed invitation from "The President & Mrs. Lincoln," requesting "the honor of Mr. Browning's company at dinner on Wednesday Dec 25th at 6 o'clock…." On the back of the integral is an engraved visiting card from Secretary of State Seward and his wife. Overall soiling and toning; staining down one margin. Although not pleasing to the eye, still quite legible. About fair. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $138
Lot 1284		Nixon, Richard M (1913-1994) 37th President of the United States, 1969-1974. Typed Letter Signed ("Dick Nixon,") one page, quarto, New York, June 1, 1968. On personal, engraved letterhead and written to Philip E. Spalding, Jr. in Honolulu, congratulating him on his election as alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in Miami Beach. He adds, "As one who has served as a delegate, I know that in the weeks before the convention you will probably be inundated by the mass of material you will receive from the prospective candidates and their supporters…I would like to take the liberty of sending you…come of the statements I have made on the major issues during the campaigns…." In Miami, Nixon would receive the presidential nomination on the first ballot. Extremely fine. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $173
Lot 1285		Calling Cards. A group of approximately 50 items, primarily calling cards, from Presidents, Vice Presidents, as well as a few others. Many cards are signed; others are not, or have printed signatures. These should be viewed in person. Included are: Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, Warren G. Harding, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Hannibal Hamlin, Schuyler Colfax (9- includes some cut signatures), Levi P. Morton (Mr. & Mrs.) Stephen A. Douglas, William A. Wheeler,Thomas R. Marshall (2), James G. Blaine (2), Charles W. Fairbanks (3), Charles F. Dawes, A. E. Stevenson (2), Charles Curtis, J.S. Sherman (2), Henry A. Wallace, Hubert H. Humphrey, Barry Goldwater (3), Sprio Agnew, Dan Quayle, and others. Condition ranges from fair to fine. Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,035
Lot 1286		Reagan, Ronald (1911-) 40th President of the United States, 1981-1989. Typed Letter Signed ("Ron") as Governor of California, on official letterhead, one page, small quarto, Sacramento, California, February 28, 1974. To Jesse Lasky, Jr., a screenwriter who lived in London: "Dear Jesse: I just received the enclosed reply [not present] from Major Bradley. Unfortunately, we didn't change the City's position…." File note at lower right. With envelope. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $100 - 150. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $138
Lot 1287		Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919) 26th President of the United States, 1901-1909. Autograph Album Signed, "Theodore Roosevelt April 15th 1902," as President, on the first page, oblong octavo. The album also contains 99 other signatures, which include most of the members of the U.S. Senate. Pages are signed recto and verso, most with one signature per page, but a few with two. Signers include Charles W. Fairbanks, Henry Cabot Lodge, S.B. Elkins, Chauncey Depeu, S.M. Cocknell, W.A. Clark, George Sutherland, W.A. Harris, John T. Morgan, Edmund W. Peters, L. Hasker Ball, John P. Jones, William M. Stewart, J.H. Gallinger, J.C. Pritchard, H. C. Hansbrough, W.A. Hanna, M.S. Quay, Boris Penrose, A.C. Latimer, Thomas S. Martin, and S. R. Mallory (son of the Confederate Secretary of the Navy), as well as many others. Album is loosening at spine and covers show moderate wear, but pages, which are lightly toned, are intact. Overall Fine. Autographs of Theodore Roosevelt as President are rare. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $633
Lot 1288		Washington, George (1732-1799) 1st President of the United States, 1789-1797. Autograph Letter Signed "Go: Washington" as President, 1-1/3 pages, recto and verso, small quarto, Mount Vernon, April 13, 1793. Addressed to James Keith, with over 350 words in Washington's hand, just over a month after his second inauguration. The President demonstrates his loyalty toward his troops as he seeks to collect French and Indian War claims for a deceased comrade more than three decades later. In full: "Dr Sir, Your letter of the 8th has been duly received. You, better than I, can acct. for the small judgment being for two hundred and odd pounds more than is due. Justice to all parties, & a speedy settlement of the whole, is all I aim at. The letter, as I have often repeated, I am extremely desirous to have accomplished. Was I to see Colo Hooe, which is not likely now to happen, as I am in the very act of setting off for Philadelphia, I should be at a loss to know what to say to him respecting the charge on acct. of Giles. By the papers alone I could be governed in any conversation held with him, and these you have. If my memory does not deceive me, however (but on it I never rely) there is a particular statement of this matter in the Will of Thomas Colvill. If it is justly due to the Tankervilles, it ought undoubtedly to be paid, if it is not, I as certainly ought not to allow it. I rely therefore on you to have the matter thoroughly investigated, either by yourself, or some other eminent in Law, that I may act safely; for I have had too much trouble in this business already, to lay the foundation for more, by allowing a claim if it requires authentication. Messrs. Wilson and Dunlap, on Tuesday the 2d inst. required only ten days to consider whether they would pay the Judgment on the Bond with, or without interest. This time is elapsed; & delay only can be their object if they have not announced to you (- to me they have not -) their determination thereupon. Of course no time should be lost in issuing the Execution. But who is it to be served upon? Cumberland Wilson they say, who has no interest at all in the business! -- As you are so much better acquainted with this business than I am & know my objects & wish, I shall, in one word as I shall be out of the State in a few hours - leave the accomplishment of them to you - being Sir Your most Obed. Humble Servant Go: Washington." Minor infill, affecting a few words, and three closed tears at right edge; otherwise Fine. Boldly written in dark brown ink. Accompanying this letter is an ornate 30" x 26" gilt frame containing a superb color photocopy of the letter, with a biographical plaque. A fantastic, lengthy Washington letter. Estimated Value $17,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1289		Attractive Painted Portrait of George Washington. United States, c. early 1920's. The painting, in the manner of the popular 18th century English and Continental miniatures painted on ivory. Here painted in what looks like oil on ivory-textured celluloid, America's first president is shown in middle age, perhaps a bit older than theWashington depicted in the famous John Trumbull painting, and also somewhat fleshier. His hair is medium gray, with hints of brown, and he wears a high-collared jacket in burgandy. The background in a neutral green. Signed by "Renny" in the lower right. Mounted on old red velvet and gold-toned frame. Visible size of image: 3-1/4" x 2-1/2". Estimated Value $500 - 750. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 1290		1799. 27" x 21" after Gilbert Stuart's "Athenaeum" portrait of George Washington. Stuart's portrait was never finished, which accounts for the white area at the bottom. Housed in an old wooden frame; the overall size is 30" x 24". Fine. Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold