Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 35

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

Revolutionary War

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 295		1774 Receipt From Anthony Wayne. Document written as attorney for Neil Wayne, a family relation, and possibly in Anthony Wayne's hand. "Recd. the 15th day of Jany 1774 from Ant Wayne (atty) of Neil Wayne" the sum of ten pounds as part of a legacy from Francis Wayne to his daughter Esther, 3pp, 6¼x4'. A number of other cash allotments and recipients are listed. Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $192
Lot 296		1776 Tailor's Bill For a Colonel In Col. Anthony Wayne's Regiment. March 14, 1776 bill headed "Col. Johnson to John Stille," for making a vest and breeches, listing yards of white corduroy, for silk thread, stays, lace and button for a hat, etc., 4½x6½". Fine. Col. Johnson was a member of "Mad Anthony's" first regiment (4th Pennsylvania Battalion), which set out in mid April to reinforce Benedict Arnold's expedition to Canada. Estimated Value $300 - 400. Ridgway-Wayne estate. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $834
Lot 297		1776 Taylor's Bill For A Captain In Col. Anthony Wayne's Regiment. March 3, 1776 bill headed "Capn. Noarth to John Stille," for making a complete "uniform suit" and a "blue Uniform Coat," 4x6½". Fine. All of the fabric, buttons, garters, thread, etc. needed are detailed. On January 3, 1776 Anthony Wayne was commissioned colonel in command of the 4th Pennsyvania Battalion in the Continental Army. Col. Johnson was a captain in this regiment. Estimated Value $400 - 600. Ridgway-Wayne estate. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $748
Lot 298		1778 Payment Receipt For British Troops Stationed In New York City. Partly-printed Document Signed by "Will: Erskine Qrtr Ms Genl," 6½x8" (New York), 30 Nov 1778. Erskine signs in receipt of "115,417 Dollars, and 28/56 Parts of a Dollar, which, at the Rate of 4s. 8d. per Dollar, Amounts to the Sum of Twenty six Thoudand Nine Hundred and Thirty Pounds Fifteen shillings sterlg without Deduction being 165 days Baggage Batt. and Forage money paid to the staff and army at New york in 1777 and 200 days in 1778 Pursuant to General Clintons Warrent Dated Sept 15 1778.…" Fine; small closed tear at top edge; printed on laid, watermarked paper. Brig. Gen. Erskine commanded a brigade at the Battle of Long Island (2 Aug. 1776); he was Tyron's second in command during the Connecticut coast raid (April 1777), and he led troops during the Monmouth campaign during the winter of 1778 and 1779. He commanded the entire Eastern district of Long Island. A rare record of the British occupation of New York City and Long Island. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 299		1780 Petition For Prize Money From Taking A British Sloop. Partly-printed Document signed by John Gilliland, the surgeon of the privateer sloop "LeGerard," giving power of attorney to Doctor Joseph Gardner to recover and receive several shares of prize money arising from the taking of a British sloop "Active" and another unnamed brig, 1p, 13¾x8½" (Philadelphia), 28 Mar. 1780. Very good; toning and some edge chips. A rare document naming claimants of an American privateer for prize money, made even rarer by the Supreme Court case involving the "Active's" seizure and possession. In May 1778, an American seamean from Connecticut named Gideon Olmstead and three others were taken prisoner by the British. After being confined in Montego Bay, Jamaica, they were put aboard the British sloop "Active" bound for New York with a cargo of arms and supplies for the British army of occupation. On September 6, the four American men mutinied and took control of the ship. They were bringting the ship into Little Egg Harbor (near Cape May, NJ) when the "Active" was recaptured by the American brigs "Convention" and "LeGerard" even though Olmstead told Captain Thomas Houston of the "Convention" that no help was needed or wanted. The "Active" was conveyed to Philadelphia and Capt. Thomas filed a suit claiming the "Active" as the prize of the two American privateers. Seaman Olmstead promptly filed his own suit and there ensued a 30-year lawsuit which was finally settled by the Supreme Court in Olmstead's favor. Accompanied by a photocopy of American Revolution Naval records that list the ship "LeGerard" and a 1976 article published by the Supreme Court Historical Society entitled "The Case of the Mutinous Mariner" that describes in detail this case. Estimated Value $800 - 1,200. Mary Gardner estate. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,035
Lot 300		A 1776 Act Affirming New Jersey's Independence. Manuscript Document titled "An Act to obviate Doubts with Respect to the Authority of Councellors in New Jersey," 1p, on laid paper with a large watermark of the king holding a scepter, within a circle, topped by a crown, 10x8¼" (New Jersey), n.d. (docket on verso states "first read Novr. 18, 1776"). Fine; normal age toning; boldly penned. The Act reads, in part: "For obviating of Doubts which may arise concerning the authority or Powers vested in Councellors under the present Government of New Jersey Be it enacted By the Council and General Assembly of this State …That the Councell Members of the State of New Jersey…are hereby declared to be fully vested, ex Officio, with all the Powers and Authority of Conservators ["Justices" is marked out] of the Peace throughout the State and likewise with full Power and Authority to take Acknowledgments of Deeds and other Writings & generally with all the Powers, Priviledges, Authorities and Immunities which any counsellor possessed or could of Right claim under the former Establishment." In June 1776, New Jersey's Provincial Congress had thrown out royalist governor William Temple Franklin, adopted a constitution and declared New Jersey a state. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,530
Lot 301		(Declaration of Independence). Hand-engraved exact facsimile of the original Declaration, from a steel plate ordered by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in 1936. Engraver Edward M. Weeks spent 1,318½ hours engraving the 26x31" steel plate that was finished in 1939. At lower left of the document is printed: "Facsimile of the Original / Engraved on Steel at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing by E.M. Weeks, Sc / 1939." The model for this intaglio print was from a photograph of the original Declaration of Independence taken by Levin C. Handy in 1903. In pristine condition. Estimated Value $900 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,150
Lot 302		Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790) One of America's leading founding fathers, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, inventor, politician and diplomat. Autograph Letter Signed twice in the text, once as "Mr. Franklin" and once as "Mr. F.," 1p, 9¼x7½", Passy (France), 2 Mar. 1785. Fine; boldly written, with minor toning and light creasing at lower right. In full: "Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr. Partridge, & begs his Care of the enclos'd Letter to Govr. Pownall now at Marseilles, it relating to the Affairs of Mr. Barry. Mr. F. takes the Liberty Mr. Partridge was so good as to allow him of sending a packet tohis Care for Mr. Barry; and he heartily wishes Mr. & Miss Partridge a prosperous Journey. Passy, March 2, 1785." This letter was written from Franklin's home outside of Paris, six months before he returned to the United States, after spending nine years in France. He was sent by Congress in 1776, as one of a committee of three, to negotiate a treaty with France. In September 1778, he was appointed sole plenipotentiary to France, and in 1781, he was appointed commissioner, along with John Jay and John Adams, to negotiate peace with Great Britain. The final peace was signed September 3, 1783. After returning to Philadelphia, Franklin was president of the Pennsylvlania executive council (1785-87), and was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. John Barry (1745-1803) whose affairs Franklin mentions, was a naval officer during the American Revolution; his fame was second only to that of John Paul Jones. In 1776, he was appointed to command the brig Lexington and captured the British tender Edward, which was the first ship ever taken by a commissioned officer of the U.S. Navy. In 1778, Barry became commander of the Raleigh, which was pursued and driven ashore by a British man-of-war. In 1781, as commander of the Alliance, he captured the British ships Trepassy and Atlanta. As a result of his outstanding record, Barry was named senior captain, the highest post in the Navy at that time, and was given the courtesy title of commodore. In 1794, he was made commodore of the United States, one of the Navy's new flagships. From 1798 to 1801, he directed American naval operations in the West Indies. Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $11,500
Lot 303		Franklin, Benjamin. The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, 22 volumes, published by Yale University Press between 1959 and 1982. Covering the period of time from January 6, 1706 to October 27, 1776. The 22 volumes contain over 13,000 letters and correspondence of our most famous American statesman, inventor and pholosopher. All 22 volumes have original dust jackets and are in mint condition. Originally around $45 per volume, in limited edition. A desirable and rare Franklin library collection. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $380
Lot 304		(Franklin, Benjamin). Late 18th century French engraved portrait of Franklin in a fur hat, 9x6¼". Very good; heavy horizontal crease apparent at both margins; aged paper with slight scuffing. Franklin was a favorite of French society; many homes had a portrait of him. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $345
Lot 305		(Hancock, John). A secretarial letter containing partial content of a letter he had written for Governor Hancock during Hancock's final illness to the Lieut. Governor of Massachusetts (Hancock was in his ninth term as Governor), 3pp, 9x7", Concord, 31 August 1793. Good; some paper loss from multiple margin tears and chipping. Hancock had given instructions that the original letter be burned as soon as the Lt. Gov. read it. Hancock died soon after (8 Oct.), and the secretary offered some of the contents of the letter to his friends because "it breathes the pure spirit of patriotism…as I set by his side when he deliver'd these sentiments …." The letter, which is partially quoted, implies strong opposition to Washington's federal goverment's position of neutrality concerning the war between France and England and alludes to Citizen Genet's ill treatment by being denied a direct communication to the President. He states, "I love my country, but will not give up its liberties to the last drop of my blood." The secretary quotes Hancock as often saying "Rebellion to tyrants is perfect Obedience to God" and ends with a poem to the deceased Hancock. Rare and possibly unique. Matted with an engraving of Hancock. Estimated Value $500 - 750. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $299
Lot 306		(Lafayette, Marquis de). Seven items related to Lafayette. Five are shrink-wrapped together on a 21½x19½" backboard: an 1834 $5 bank note from Rhode Island with his image; an early steel-point triptych engraving to celebrate Lafayette's 1824 visit to the U.S.; a marble bust portrait representation; an 1874 engraving from Chappel's painting; and a medallion-style engraving in uniform. Separately: a steel-point portrait of the Marquis as a youth; and a 13x19" color print of a reception given by the Society of the Cincinnati in 1824 in honor of Gen. Lafayette; many dignitaries are pictured, as is the young Robert E. Lee. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 307		(Lee, Charles). Late 18th century engraved portrait of Major General Lee, the only British-trained officer to fight for the Revolutionary Army. 7½x5¼" (plate size) on 11¾x8½" cream white paper. Published in Paris by Esnauts et Rapilly. The legend, in French, says that Lee is "presently a prisoner at New York " On December 13, 1776, Lee was captured by the British; he was later exchanged for Gen. Prescott. Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $374
Lot 308		Martin, Luther (1748-1826) Revolutionary War patriot; member of federal Constitutional Convention; one of Aaron Burr's defense lawyers during his 1807 treason trial. Autograph Document Signed, 1p, 13¼x8", Baltimore, 20 Oct. 1817. Very good. Acting as bail for "Henry Lee…formerly of Virginia" (probably Light Horse Harry) for a twelve hundred pound debt. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $345
Lot 309		Muhlenberg, Peter (1746-1807) Major general in Revolutionary War; led an all-German-American regiment of the Eighth Virginia. Document Signed "P Muhlenberg" at upper left under seal, as Vice President of Pennsylvania, vellum, 13x15" (Philadelphia), 24 Nov. 1787. Fine; paper seal missing part of three points. Granting to John Schaffer a tract of land called "What you please" on the west branch of Broadhead Creek in Northampton Creek. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $368
Lot 310		Petition Signed By Nine Revolutionary War Officers of the Pennsylvania Line. Petition "To the Hon.ble The Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," datelined Philadelphia, 28 April 1786 and signed by the following Revolutionary War officers: Isaac B. Dunn, Richard Humpton, James Shortworth, Richard Fullerton, Francis Johnston, Mat. McConnell, William Rogers, A[braham] G[eorge] Claypoole, and Robert Patton. One page, 13" x 8¼"; in clear two-sided frame. Fine condition; written on laid, watermarked paper; some toning and edge chips. The document says, in part: "We the subscribers late Officers of the Pennsylvania Line, Understanding that the surveyor appointed to district No. 9 of the Donation Lands is about Receiving his Instructions in order to set out on that Business beg leave to represent that…large bodies of Excellent lands, remain yet unsurveyed on the water of Beaver River in the Donation Country very far superior in value, quality and situation, to the lands in No. 9. We therefore Humbly request that the number of Lotts designed for the 9th Ddistrict may be surveyed on the aforesaid waters. Knowing the disposition of your Hon.ble body, and also the Surveyor Genls, to serve the Interest of the Army…we Concieve it to be perfectly Consistant with the Letter and Intention of the Law…we hope your Hon.ble Body will…grant our Request…." The docket, by "James Trimble for John Armstrong" (another officer), notes that the request was referred to the Surveyor General "who is directed to Comply with the prayer thereof." Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,530
Lot 311		Ramsay, David (1749-1815) Surgeon in the Revolutionary War; member of the Continental Congress. Autograph Letter Signed, 2pp, 8x6½", Charleston, 28 Apr. 1814. Very good; toning and part of address leaf replaced. To Miss M.E.L. Pinckney, whom he addresses as "Miss Moll Pitcher," and upbraids for leaving hurriedly and depriving him "of my parting kiss…four kisses for one on your return. This is the Jewish law.". Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $300
Lot 312		Schuyler, Philip John (1733-1804) Wealthy American patriot; member of Continental Congress; one of four major generals in the Continental Army; New York state senator; U.S. senator. Autograph Letter Signed "Ph. Schuyler," 2pp, Albany, 3 Mar. 1785. Very good; light toning and foxing; repairs to seal affect nothing. To "My Dear child," his daughter Elizabeth, who was married to Alexander Hamilton, with family news: of his and her mother's health, complaining that "Johnny" (Elizabeth's brother John Bradstreet Schuyler, 1765-95) has not answered his letters, etc. With holograph address leaf to "Mrs. Hamilton,Wall Street / New York." Estimated Value $700 - 900. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,035
Lot 313		Sherman, Roger (1721-93) The only person to sign all four documents of American sovereignty: the Continental Association of 1774, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. Holograph clip from Sherman's account book, "Roger Sherman's Book of accounts June 1766," 1¼x3¾", laid to a small piece of paper. Very good. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 314		Steuben, Friedrich von (1730-94) Prussian officer; successfully reorganized and trained the Continental Army. Partly-printed Check Signed "Steuben," and accomplished in Steuben's hand, 3¼x6", New York, 12 Aug. 1791. Very good; large cancellation affects part of the text and the signature, which is bold. Ordering the Cashier of the Bank to pay Thomas Dass or bearer thirty-four dollars. Estimated Value $650 - 850. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 315		Trumbull, Jonathan Jr (1740-1809) 1st Comptroller of the U.S. Treasury; military secretary to George Washington during the Revolutionary War; U.S. representative and senator; governor of Connecticut. Partly-printed Document Signed "Jona. Trumbull" as Governor of Connecticut, 7¾x12¾", Hartford, 19 May 1806. Very good; overall toning and wear. Appointing Bela Clark as "Captain of the tenth Company in the 7th Regiment of Militia in this State…." Estimated Value $100 - 200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $252
Lot 316		(Wayne, Anthony). Manuscript document addressed to the Senate and the House of Representatives by Isaac Wayne, son and executor of the estate of General "Mad Anthony" Wayne, who died December 15, 1796 at Fort Erie after a severe attack of gout, 6½pp, 16x10", n.p., n.d. Isaac has been asked by the Comptroller of the U.S. Treasury to pay an apparent balance. He refutes, point by point, the claims, one involving Capt. Zebulon Pike and an appointment made "when the army was about to march into the Indian country upon the Great Service of that year." Another claim involves "…rations, drawn from the Commissary Genl at Greenville, Miami and Detroit…."by Gen. Wayne, who was "sururounded by crowds of starving & necessitous Indians…." Isaac reminds the Congress that his father was appointed "as sole Commissioner…for negotiating a treaty, with the Western Indians…[that he] was ordered upon Services of a Secret and critical nature, and that he never afterward returned to his family, dying in the Western Wilderness…." The first 3 pages are fine; the 4th has some edge darkening in one area and a fold split that affects a couple of words. The last 2 pages and docket leaf are stained and ragged at righ margin, affecting several words, and some lighter fold stains. An eloquent document with a great deal of detail about the last months of General Wayne's life. With an engraving. Estimated Value $700 - 900. Ridgway-Wayne estate. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 317		Wayne, Anthony. Revolutionary War-date Receipt Endorsed "Ant.Wayne" on the verso, 3½x6". Fine; uneven upper edge and one file fold between the first and last names in the signature. The receipt is dated 28 April 1780 and signed by Benjamin Bioren, acknowledging receipt of £22.10 from Robert Patterson for two bushels of corn "for General Waynes' Cattle." Wayne was the most colorful general of the Revolutionary War. Estimated Value $600 - 900. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $372
Lot 318		(Wayne, Anthony). A doctor's bill from Dr. John Jones to "General Wayne," 4¾x7¼", n.p., 14 Aug. 1783. Fine. "To advice I attend once on himself from August 14th to the 24th. the charge is 7 shillings, 15 pence. Boldly written on laid paper. From the Ridgway-Wayne estate. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $156
Lot 319		(Wayne, Anthony). 1783 bill to "Major General Wane" from Dr. John Baker, for services rendered and goods supplied form November 24, 1783 to February 4, 1786, 1p, 6½x7¼". Fine. Among the pots of dentifrice and bottles of Albion Spence is a listing for Wayne's only daughter, Margaret (born 1770), "To Services render'd yr Daughter." Margaret's grandson, William Evans, would take "Wayne" as his family name to carry on the line. He inherited Waynesborough and many of Wayne'e relics. Estimated Value $200 - 250. Ridgway-Wayne estate. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $156
Lot 320		(Wayne, General "Mad Anthony"). A letter from Colonel Isaac Wayne, son of "Mad Anthony," 1p, Waynesborough farm, 21 Sept. 1831, to the director of West Chester Science Institute regarding donating the telescope his father used in the Revolutionary War. The telescope "is not among the least of the highly prized mementos of the General" and he appreciates the Institute's desire to possess and display this rare relic. Fine. Estimated Value $150 - 200. Ridgway-Wayne estate. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $150
Lot 321		Williams, William (1731-1811) Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Autograph Document Signed "Wm Williams," 3½x6½", Lebanon, Connecticut, 30 April 1782. Very good; toning and staining but boldly penned and signed; a cancellation slash affects one letter of Williams' name. Being an order to Col David Lothrop to pay James Thomas 3 pounds and 18 shillings, "& charge to Acct…." Williams was the clerk of Lebanon, as well as a selectman. Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 322		(André, John). One of only 35 copies of an unfinished miniature of André by himself from 1776. Published by Albert Rosenthal, 1898. 6¾x4¾" (plate size) on a n 11¼x8½" cream-colored sheet. The facsimile signature was taken from André's 1776 parole. Fine. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 323		(André, John). Signed, titled, private plate of Major André "from an original drawing by Sir Joshua Reynolds," signed and inscribed by the artist, "Hoffman" to "Mr. Horace W. Smith with compliments." Image is 4x3¾"; 15¾x12½" overall. Fine; minor foxing to outer edges of plate. Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 324		(André, John). Plate proof of Major John André, 9¼x6" on 11½x8¾" mount. André was the British spy who was Benedict Arnold's liaison in his plan to hand over West Point to the British. André was captured by the Americans and hanged October 2, 1780. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $431
Lot 325		Collection of 27 British Newspapers On The American Revolution. There are 22 issues of The Bristol Journal from 1776 and 1777, 4pp each, approximately 18x12". Includes King George III's speech on the rebellion of the American colonies; the burning of New York and its occupation by British troops; an offer of a pardon to British deserters serving with American troops; the recapture of Montreal by British troops, with full text of Guy Carleton's speech; news of Benjamin Franklin's arrival in Paris; publication of a letter from Generals Richard and William Howe promising "a free and general pardon" to his subjects in the Colonies "speedily returning to their just allegiance"; a story on an Englishman who participated in the Boston Tea Party; the destruction of much of Charles-Town and the recall of Gen Gage; Benedict Arnold's letter from the camp before Quebec; Sir William Howe's preparations for the assault on New York and his report on destroying provisions at Danbury, CT; a dispatch from Gen. Burgoyne near Saratoga; the battles of Brandywine and Germanstown; the recapture of Rhode Island by the British, and much more. Also,one 1775 issue of the Newcastle Journal and two 1780 issues of Berrow's Worcester Journal with a report from Gen. Sir Henry Clinton from Charleston and a dispatch from Cornwallis' on victory over the Southern Army; a 1775 issue of an Irish paper, The Public Register: Or, Freeman's Journal (rare); and a 1787 issue of The Morning Chronicle, and London Advertiser on the debate in the American House of Representatives on whether to ratify the new system of Federal government. Expected age wear and toning; some edge soiling; some have red tax stamps. Overall very good. With an engraving of John Paul Jones by J. Chapman. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,553
Lot 326		Original Art For Commemorative Revolutionary War Carpets. Two original gouache designs, one of a statue of Paul Revere and the other of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, created for the Crossley Carpet Factory, Kidderminster, c. 1976, for rugs commemorating the American Revolution. 12x8", matted to 18x14¼". Matts have penciled notes at top and some marginal soiling, not affecting the gouaches. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 327		Society of the Cincinnati Die Pattern. Pattern piece, struck on copper, for the 1902 eagle made by Philadelphia jewelers Bailey, Banks & Biddle, 45x38mm. The oval center is sunken for enamel inset (blue); enamel was also added to the head (white), eye (red), 8 tail feathers (white-with gold median lines addes), the wreath above the head (green) and the branches at the feet (green). The wings were gold and the motto "Omnis: Relinquit: Servare: Rempublicam" was engraved in gold letters around the outer edge of the oval. This piece was obtained in the 1940s from a sale of old dies by the company. Estimated Value $500 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $3,105