Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 24

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

U.S. Presidential Memorabilia

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 93		Roosevelt, Franklin D. Iron dog, c. 1900, owned by President Roosevelt. It sat on his desk and appears to be an Irish Setter with its left front paw raised. From the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, it measures 7½ inches. From the bottom of the base, which is 5¾ inches long, to the top of the head is 4¾ inches. The weight is approximately 3½ pounds. Roosevelt kept a collection of dogs, pigs, and other knickknacks on his desk (see enclosed photo.) After the President's death, Mrs. Roosevelt allowed some of the White House staff to choose items that had belonged to him. Lillian Rogers Parks, the White House seamstress for 30 years, chose this iron dog as one of her mementoes. Accompanied by a detailed, historical letter of provenance from Mrs. Parks, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington," and dated July 14, 1982. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $920
Lot 94		Roosevelt, Franklin D. Exquisitely hand-embroidered silk table scarf and two cushion covers presented to President Roosevelt by Madame Chiang Kai-Shek when she visited the White House during World War II. The table scarf is peach colored and features a fire-breathing dragon at center and one in each corner, all in variegated colors of pink, rose, and purple; it is 36 inches square with a 5 inch fringe. The two cushion covers, each approximately 17½ square and trimmed with a braid, are made with the same fabric and colors and feature smaller dragons. After President Roosevelt's death, Mrs. Roosevelt allowed a few White House staff members to choose mementoes from his personal effects. These lovely items were among the items chosen by Lillian Rogers Parks, the White House seamstress, who appreciated the fine workmanship. With a letter of provenance from Mrs. Parks, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington," and dated April 12, 1983. Also in this lot is a 5 inch piece of pale pink, quilted and lined velvet from the sleeve of a jacket that belonged to Madame Chiang Kai-Shek; the sleeves were too long and when Mrs. Parks shortened the sleeves for her, she kept a memento for herself. With separate letter of provenance. Estimated Value $500 - 700. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $604
Lot 95		Roosevelt, Franklin D. Lovely handpainted Chinese porcelain bowl presented by Madame Chiang Kai-Shek to President Franklin Roosevelt when she visited the White House during World War II. The octagonal-shaped bowl is approximately 3½ inches in height, 7 inches in diameter at the top, and 4½ inches across the base. The bowl is primarily robin's egg blue, with a yellow base; the scenes are depicted in various colors: orange, purple, deeper blue, etc. The bottom is stamped "China" and has a separate Chinese marking. The bowl stands on a wooden stand, 3 inches high by 5 inches wide, also Chinese. The bowl was one of President Roosevelt's personal effects chosen by White House seamstress Lillian Rogers Parks after his death. In her letter of provenance, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington," and dated April 12, 1983, she notes, "The 'Madame' may have been the most difficult house guest in White House history." Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,093
Lot 96		Roosevelt, Franklin D. Brass eagle from an official flag that was used in President Roosevelt's Oval Office and Cabinet Room. The eagle is approximately 6 inches in height and has a wing span of approximately 10¾ inches. According to Lillian Rogers Parks, who received the eagle in April 1945, the flag did not appear in the President's office until after the start of World War II. It was given to the President's valet, Arthur Prettyman, who unscrewed the brass eagle atop the flag, keeping only the flag. Mrs. Parks chose the eagle as a memento after the President's death. Her detailed, historical letter of provenance, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington," is dated April 12, 1986. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $3,910
Lot 97		Roosevelt, Franklin D. An unusual etched metal engraving owned and used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the White House in 1934 and given to Lillian Rogers Parks, who worked backstairs at the White House for 30 years. The drawing is called "End of the Road" by W. Witzenbacher. It is done on a coated metal plate, the actual drawing being in bright metal, which has acquired wonderful shimmering colors over the years and has a three-dimensional effect. The scene is of a long road leading past fields and pastures to a small village with a church; storm clouds loom in the background. The colorful and evocative etching is set in the original 14 x 9 inch gold-leaf frame. In a historical note of provenance dated January 30, 1983 and typed on a card imprinted with the Presidential seal and "The White House / Washington," Mrs. Parks states. "It was on display in the upstairs living quarters. It was given to me by Pres. Roosevelt on March 13, 1934…." Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $920
Lot 98		Roosevelt, Franklin D. Box of Russian cigarettes given to President Roosevelt by Joseph Stalin when they met at Yalta with Winston Churchill. Arthur Prettyman, the President's valet, accompanied him to this famous meeting and was given the cigarettes sometime later during World War II. The box is 4 x 4¾ inches and holds thirteen cigarettes. The cover is blue with gold lettering; touches of red, white and yellow are added from the fireworks pictured going off over a city. The brand name, in Russian, seems to be Cavrom Podusor. The detailed, historical letter of provenance from Mrs. Prettyman, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington," and dated January 11, 1983, notes that the President's favorite brand was Camels but that he sometimes smoked cigarettes acquired during foreign trips; she says he almost always used a cigarette holder. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $834
Lot 99		Roosevelt, Theodore. Elegant mother of pearl and gilt brass opera glasses given by President Theodore Roosevelt to his wife Edith. They are engraved "T.R. to E.C.R. / 12-2-08." Made in Paris by Colmont Ft. and sold in Baltimore by F. Bucher & Sons, the glasses are still in very nice condition. They measure 2 5/8 inches in height and 3¾ inches in length. Edith Carrow Roosevelt was Teddy's second wife; his beloved first wife, Alice, died February 14, 1884, two days after the birth of their only child, Alice. Her death was caused by Bright's disease, a kidney disease that had been hidden by her pregnancy. Compounding the tragedy, Teddy's mother died the same day of typhoid fever. Teddy and Edith, who had been childhood playmates, married December 2, 1886. Alice, Teddy's daughter from his first marriage, gave these opera glasses to White House maid, Maggie Rogers. Maggie's daughter, Lillian Rogers Parks, wrote a typed, historical note of provenance dated October 27, 1986, on a white card imprinted with a blue Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington." Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,990
Lot 100		Taft, William Howard. Ornate, heavily gold-plated letter opener owned by President William Howard Taft, 10¼ inches long. Probably bronze, with Roman gold-toned finish. Part of the design shows an eagle perched atop a patriotic shield. Engraved on one side, "In honor of William Howard Taft / President-elect of the United States"; the other side is engraved, "23rd Annual Banquet of the Ohio Society of New York / Dec. 16th 1908." The letter opener was given to Maggie Rogers, First Maid at the White House, when the Tafts left the White House after losing the 1912 election to Woodrow Wilson. Maggie's daughter, Lillian Rogers Parks, provides a detailed, historical letter of provenance, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington," and dated July 14, 1982. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 101		Truman, Bess. Rose-colored purse owned by First Lady Bess Truman and given to White House seamstress Lillian Rogers Parks just after the 1948 election. The purse is 5¾ inches in height and 8¾ inches long. It is lined with a deep rose satin, has a curved loop handle and opens with a zipper from which hangs a tassle that matches the handle. Still in very nice condition. Mrs. Parks provides a detailed, historical letter of provenance, dated June 14, 1982, and typed on stationery imprinted with "The White House / Washington. In addition to writing that Mrs. Truman gave the purse to her, she describes the First Lady as being "warm, friendly in her talk, concerned in a personal way, and feeling more than she said. I thought, 'I can't help it, but Bess is Best.'". Estimated Value $150 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $207
Lot 102		Truman, Harry S. Brass shaving kit that was owned and used by President Truman. The 4 x 2½ x 1¼ inch case is engraved "Harry S. Truman." The inside lining is purple, the inside cover having the Gillette trademark, and the lower part holding a brass razor, engraved "H.S.T." and a brass holder for razor blades engraved "H.S.T." Accompanied by a white card imprinted with a blue Presidential Seal and imprinted in blue, "The White House / Washington," with typed provenance and addressed "For Raliegh [sic] May 8, 1983" and signed, "Lillian Rogers Parks / White House 1929-1960." Mrs. Parks notes, "The Trumans were fantastic people to work with for 7 plus years. After they left the White House, we kept in touch for many years. Mrs. Truman was especially kind to me." Mrs. Parks' book My Thirty Years Backstairs at the White House was made into a four-part NBC miniseries, starring Leslie Uggams; it aired in January 1979. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 103		Truman, Harry S. Desk set made from early 19th century wood that was removed from the White House during renovations that took place during President Truman's administration. The base is 12 x 5¼ inches; the bottom is covered in red felt with penciled "HST." A round glass ashtray sits in a depression atop a gold foil Presidential Seal (probably added later by M.O. Carter) between two black ball-point pens mounted into brass holders that swivel; the original pens still work. At front center is a 3 D brass plaque with a Presidential Seal; it reads: "Original White House Material / Removed In 1950." A detailed letter of provenance from Mrs. Melvon O. Carter, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C." and dated April 20, 1982, states, "The desk set was given to my husband, M.O., in 1952, by President Harry S Truman one day when they were eating bean soup in the White House Bouquet Room." Carter, who died in 1975, worked at the White House during the administrations of seven Presidents, from Hoover through Nixon; he was General Foreman of the White House maintenance crew. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 104		Truman, Harry S. Sterling-plate whiskey jigger with a mule kicking on the top, owned and used by the President and engraved "H.S.T. / 1948" on the side, approximately 3½ inches in height; the opening of the jigger is 2 inches in diameter. Probably a present to Truman when he defeated Dewey in the 1948 presidential election after being written off by many. Mrs. Truman gave the jigger to White House maid Lillian Rogers Parks in 1952, soon after the Trumans moved back into the White House from Blair House, where they lived while White House renovations were going on. Mrs. Truman said to Mrs. Parks, "Lillian, we though you might get a kick out of having our mule jigger." Mrs. Parks recounts this in a detailed, historical letter typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C." and dated July 4, 1982. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,438
Lot 105		Truman, Harry S. Ornate, handcarved hickory cane, approximately 36 inches in height. Under the worn rubber tip, the initials HST are penciled. President Truman gave the cane to White House Doorman Carl W. Ferguson, who has written a letter of provenance typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C." and hand-dated July 4, 1982. In part: "The walking cane was given to me by President Harry S Truman. I had always wanted a cane and I asked him for one that he had used on one of his famous morning walks. He gave me this at Christmas time in 1948….I was near the President on numerous occasions in my capacity as White House Doorman. On this day we were alone briefly in the Oval Office. After I asked the President for a cane he replied, 'Ferguson, you can have one but don't just toss it in the closet, make good use of it.' I replied, 'Yes sir, Mr. President.' But I did not use it much myself. It was hard to use President Truman's cane even though he wouldn't mind. I did not put it in the closet, but I kept it on my fireplace mantel…." Estimated Value $900 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,265
Lot 106		Truman, Harry S. Ronson 14 karat gold-filled "Penciliter"engraved "H.S.T. 1945," 5½ inches long. The mechanical pencil with lighter top belonged to President Harry Truman and was given to Carl W. Forman, White House doorman from 1939 to 1956, on May 8, 1945, the day the President signed the Proclamation calling for May 13, 1945 to be a Day of Prayer to celebrate the German surrender. Ferguson signs a letter of provenance typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C." It says, in part: "I was near the President on numerous occasions in my capacity as White House Doorman. On this day we were alone briefly in the Oval Office. President Truman said, 'Ferguson, this pencil doesn't write like it should but you may have it if you don't mind my name being on it.' It was an honor to be offered something personal, especially when he took it out of the inside of his suit pocket to give it to me. I really admired and respected President Truman….Even when a Doorman or Butler was present President Truman would introduce us to whomever happened to be in the room. If it was a King or Prime Minister he still introduced us. He is the only President I worked for or ever heard of that did this…." Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $834
Lot 107		Truman, Harry S. Brass bust of George Washington that was displayed at the White House before renovations made by the Trumans. It was given to White House maid Lillian Rogers Parks at that time. The bust is 6½ inces in height and 5¾ inches wide. Mrs. Parks, who worked at the White House from 1929 to 1960, worked for the Trumans while they were at the White House and at Blair House, where they stayed while White House renovations were being made. The provenance is typed on a 2½ x 4 in. card imprinted with a blue Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington," dated May 8, 1986, and signed by Mrs. Parks. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $776
Lot 108		Truman, Harry S. Silverplated gravy ladle used by Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S Truman when they traveled by rail. Approximately 7½ inches long and stamped with identifying marks, "V-9-40". The ladle is accompanied by a letter of provenance from White House Technical Service Representative F.V. Ferguson, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C." and hand-dated May 8, 1984. Ferguson writes, in part: "…This silverplated gravy ladle #V-9-40 was always in the personal railcar of the President. It was kept in a specially constructed highboy, with the other silver, in the Presidential car. The President's private dining room was in his car and would seat approximately 12 people. After the 1948 'whistle-stop campaign', the President's gravy ladle was given to me. / The President's Pullman railcar was called the 'Connieott'. It was ¼ inch armor-plated with cold-rolled steel. The one inch thick tinted glass was bullet proof. It was the last car on the train and had an observation platform on the back for public addresses. The Secret Service had a separate car attached to the President's car. It was half parlor and half sleeping compartments. Military Aids, the speech writer, as well as the Secret Service rode there day and night. After President Truman the railcar was no longer used because of the total use of air transport. / My career at the White House spanned a twenty year period. I was the Technical Service Representative in charge of the Presidential limousine. I had the opportunity of working for some great men. And, they did not come much greater than Harry S Truman…." Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 109		Truman, Harry S. Miniature 6¼ in. trowel that belonged to President Truman, engraved "Fraternal Greetings From East San Diego Lodge No. 561 F & A M / San Diego Cal / To Harry S. Truman / President of the U S A." A Masonic symbol is at the base; Truman was a Mason and devoted to Masonic principles. Shortly before he left office in 1953, the President gave the trowel to Melvon O. Carter, who worked at the White House from 1932 to 1972, primarily as the General Foreman of the White House maintenance crew. Included with the trowel is a detailed, historical letter of provenance, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C." and signed by Carter's widow, August 30, 1982. Estimated Value $450 - 550. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $575
Lot 110		Truman, Harry S. Small leather case 3¼ x ¾ in. containing five dice, portraying a Jack, Queen, King, 10 of Spades, and an Ace of Spades. The case is stamped "Rumpp." The President, who was an avid poker player, carried these in his pocket on his travels. One day he gave them to Melvon O. Carter, who worked at the White House for 40 years and was the General Foreman of the White House maintenance crew; he also picked up golf balls for Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, among other duties. Carter's wife signs a detailed, historical typed letter of provenance, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C.," March 9, 1972, explaining her deceased husband's work and how the President gave the dice to her husband. She also notes that the Washington Post wrote a long article about her husband on May 28, 1972. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $834
Lot 111		Truman, Harry S. Bottle of Ballantine's Burton Ale with label printed, "Brewed Especially For Harry S. Truman On May 12, 1934 / Bottled December 1949 / Christmas Greetings from Carla Badenhauser, President / Otta A. Badenhauser, Vice President." The bottle was given to Irineo Esperancilla, Chief Steward to President Truman aboard the USS Williamsburg from 1945 until 1953. Mrs. Esperancilla provides historical provenance on a 2½ x 4 in. card imprinted with a blue Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington," dated October 15, 1985. Included with the bottle and the provenance is a photocopy of the June 25, 1955 memo sent to Irineo Esperancilla by Edward L. Beach, Commander, U.S. Navy and Naval Aide to the President of the United States, upon Esperancilla's retirement from the Navy. It compliments Esperancilla on his "almost legendary service to Presidents Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman and finally President Eisenhower.…" Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $426
Lot 112		Truman, Harry S. Pillow cover removed from a pillow owned and used by President and Mrs. Truman. The cover is 17 x 17 inches, plus fringe, and is made from chenille and silk floss. The colors are green, light blue and rose. The pillow cover was given by Mrs. Truman to Lillian Rogers Parks, who was a seamstress at the White House for 30 years. Mrs. Parks wrote a detailed, historical letter of provenance to Raleigh DeGeer Amyx on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington," and dated October 17, 1983. Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $109
Lot 113		Truman, Harry S. Two washcloths used by President Truman at the White House swimming pool. White terry cloth with red stripe on either side, approximately 13 x 11 inches each. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from White House maid Lillian Rogers Parks, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C." and hand-dated July 14, 1982. In part: "This wash cloth was used by President Harry S Truman at the White House swimming pool. He gave it to me as a keepsake when I asked him for it. He said 'I don't know why you would want a stubborn old Missourian's wash cloth but it is fine with me, Lillian.' The wash cloth was different from those used in the rest of the White House which were all white. The Truman pool towels and cloths had two light red strips - one on each side….It was a wonder President Truman let me touch the wash cloth much less have it. The President believed that nobody should have to wash anybody else's socks or underwear, and he washed his own. I knew him for nearly eight years at the White House and Blair House. With all those problems he had…he still washed his own socks and underwear…." Estimated Value $50 - 75. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $69
Lot 114		(Truman, Harry S) Barkley, Alben. Charcoal-gray, felt fedora with a black grosgrain band, owned and worn by Vice President Alben W. Barkley (elected with Truman in 1948) together with his hat box and monogrammed white hankerchief. The fedora was made by Faqman, Inc., Chicago, whose name is on one side of the inside band; on the other side is a gold monogram, "A.W.B." and "Twenty." The hat comes with a mustard-colored hat box from Knox New York, with its colorful emblem on all sides and top; the bottom of the cardboard hat box is partially separated and the edges show wear. Barkley's handkerchief is monogrammed in one corner, "AWB" in light and dark blue. Two statements, notarized in 1986 by Alben W. Barkley II and others, certify that these items came from Barkley's estate. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $276
Lot 115		(Wilson, Woodrow) Wilson, Edith Galt. Royal purple and white, silk handmade handkerchief linen bag, 6 x 7 inches folded. Centered diagonally on the outer folded side is a 4¼ x 2¾ inch patch depicting an eagle in green thread carrying an American flag; to the right is one 5-point star in blue tread. Below the eagle are the words, "For Democracy," done in green embroidery, and below this are brass letters forming "U.S.A." The inside of the purse is lined with a 48-star, silk American flag, 5½ x 7 inches, forming a pocket. Edith Galt Wilson brought this bag with her to the White House after her marriage to President Wilson December 18, 1915. The First Lady's own bag was given to First Maid Maggie Rogers. Her daughter, Lillian Rogers Parks, in a detailed, historical letter of provenance dated July 4, 1982, and typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C.," says that the First Lady told her mother, "President Wilson prefers that I not keep this because someone might see me with it and not understand." This is probably a reference to the suffragettes who were demonstrating to get the vote for women; President Wilson had little interest in the rights of women. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 116		(Wilson, Wilson). Gold-leaf framed picture of a Swiss castle, "Chillon et la Dent du Midi," owned and displayed by President and Mrs. Wilson at the White House. The overall size of the framed print is 13½ x 16 inches. The picture depicts the Castle of Chillon in the Swiss Alps near Lausanne and is where English poet Lord Byron (1788-1824) wrote "The Prisoner of Chillon" in 1816. This lovely piece hung in the Wilson's private living quarters in the White House. It was given to Maggie Parks, who worked as a maid at the White House from 1909-1939. Her daughter, Lilliam Rogers Parks, who also worked at the White House for 30 years, gives the historical provenance of the picture on a white card imprinted with a blue Presidential Seal and imprinted in blue, "The White House / Washington." The provenance is also written on the back of the picture. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $575
Lot 117		Wilson, Woodrow. Pince-nez eyeglasses owned and worn by Woodrow Wilson, with leather-covered case, approximately 5 inches long by 1¾ inches wide, from Franklin & Co., Washington, D.C. Together with a 1909 cabinet photo by Pach Bros., N.Y. showing Wilson wearing a pince-nez. According to a historical note of provenance typed on a white card imprinted with a blue Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington," dated December 28, 1985 and signed by long-time White House seamstress Lillian Rogers Park, the glasses were given to her mother, Maggie Rogers, by the Wilsons. Maggie Rogers worked at the White House for 30 years; she started in 1909 and served as First Maid during the administrations of Presidents Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,093
Lot 118		Wilson, Woodrow. Finely cut crystal decanter, c.1860s or 1870s, that was owned and used by President and Mrs. Wilson. The decanter has an early and unique form of combination lock: three movable rows of the alphabet, from A through Y; a dog perches atop the lock. We have not seen this lock before. The decanter measures approximately 11½ inches in height; it has a slender neck and a rounded bottom with etched circles and stars. Sadly, there is a crack around the base, but this quality piece displays beautifully. When the Wilsons were moving out of the White House in 1921, the President gave the decanter to White House First Maid Maggie Rogers. Lillian Rogers Parks, her daughter, provides a historical note of provenance, dated February 1, 1986, typed on a white card imprinted with a blue Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington." Included is a photo of Mrs. Parks holding the decanter. Estimated Value $700 - 900. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $863

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