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Sale 6
Manuscript and Collectibles Auction
| Autographs, Books and Manuscripts |
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| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 879 |
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Withdrawn
| Unsold |
Lot 880 |
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Victoria (1819-1901) Queen of England, 1837-1901.
Partially Printed Document Signed as Queen of England. One page, accomplished in manuscript, Elephant Folio on vellum, London, England, September 13, 1888. Consular appointment with a lengthy manuscript qualification:
"…The President of the United States of America has by a Commission bearing date the tenth date of May last constituted Mr. George F. Hollis to be Consul at Cape Town and for such other parts as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice Consul of the United States And we having thereupon approved of the said George F. Hollis as Consul for the said United States according to th Commission before mentioned, Our will and pleasure are…that you do receive, countenance, and as there may be occasion, favorably assist him…in the exercise of his office."
Boldly signed "Victoria," above; countersigned by the Marquis of Salisbury below the text. With a white wafer seal intact at upper left. Creamy age-toning throughout, otherwise fine. Framed with a color reproduction of the long-lasting monarch to an overall size of 32 x 23".
Estimated Value $450-UP.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
View details and enlarged photo
| Realized
$265 |
Lot 881 |
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Withdrawn
| Unsold |
Lot 882 |
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Extraordinary Pancho Villa Signed Letter. A letter of extraordinary content, showing only moderate wear. Villa's signature is unusually large, and ornamented with a elaborate paraph. (1877-1923) Mexican Revolutionary and General.
Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, in Spanish, written in purple ink, on imprinted personal letterhead, "Correspondencia Particular Del General Francisco Villa," Hacienda La Mimbrera, Durango, August 19, 1919. To Lawyer Don Ismael Palafox, of San Antonio, Texas. Extraordinary letter to a member of the Mexican intelligencia and proponent of the Mexican Republic in which Pancho Villa articulates his patriotic devotion to his people and the country of Mexico. Villa writes with self-conscious naivete, powerful and honest, humbled by his learned friend's eloquence. He expresses an awareness of his own inability to express his patriotism in words, but goes on to avow his willingness to prove himself with deeds:
"Dear Sir Lic. [Licensuria] :
In your pleasing letters that, in different periods, I have had the pleasure to receive, I have seen ideas that come from a patriotic heart. Deep in my soul, I regret that I have never met you, and much more than not knowing you, I do regret that I have never had the opportunity to talk to you in other periods of time, but the power of a sincere heart like yours tells me to treat you with respect and affection. Why do I refer myself to you as sincere, if I do not even know you, Sir? Because of your concepts in order to save our Republic, they have filled me with joy, and you can be sure that the advises you once gave me will never be erased from my memory, so that we Mexicans may have, from all civilized countries, the affection and respect that we duly deserve.
I am not an educated man, so as to have the facility to explain myself with the exact words and with that exquisite way in which my words should be poured upon you as you deserve, but the concepts I have used are those that have been dictated from the bottom of my conscience and, as Mr. Lic. [Lawyer] Diaz Lombardo put it, I only hope not to embarrass you, who are my intellectual friends, and that maybe tomorrow you will be the future of my Country; I say that I hope not to embarrass you before all the cultivated Nations, because, if at all necessary, I will sacrifice all the energies with which Nature invested me, as a patriotic heart has to think, primarily, in his own Country and, on the other hand, with what else are we to prove our own Race, Sir, the sincerity of our words? With deeds, and be aware of such deeds, because I will fulfill my duty.
Take me into account, as ever, within the number of your friends, that is all I can offer you [in return] now.
FRANCISCO VILLA." .
Fine.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000.
View details and enlarged photo
| Unsold |
Lot 883 |
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Wagner, Honus. American baseball player.
Signed Check. Partially Printed, 8¼ x 3" check drawn on the Worcester County Trust Company, Spencer, Mass., February 21, 1949. A check for "One dollar" from Aucoin Brothers Insurance, paid to the order of "Honus Wagner" who has endorsed the check on the back. With cancellation punch and docketing stamps, not affecting signature. Fine.
Estimated Value $250 - 350.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
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| Realized
$431 |
Lot 884 |
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Warner, Pop. Mr.Tomlin, the recipient of the letter, has underlined part of the text quoted above in red pencil. There is a very minor tear where the letter was once stapled at top left, otherwise fine condition. (1871-1954) Famous American football coach, founder of "Pop Warner" football league.
Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages, recto/verso, Quarto, on personal imprinted letterhead, Palo Alto, California, February 13, 1953. To Joseph Tomlin, founder of the kids sandlot football program which would grow into the "Pop Warner" football league. Interesting letter to the founder of the Pop Warner league, in which the famous football coach acknowledges Tomlin's pivotal role in launching the kids football league, and gives him carte blanche to go on developing and promoting the idea as he sees fit. Tomlin, who deferred to Warner's wishes at every crucial stage in the development of the league and its promotional events, often brought his plans to the coach who lent his name to the new league, and regularly sought his advice. Warner writes to him about plans concerning the "Pop Warner Foundation":
"…Regarding the location of the headquarters of the Pop Warner Foundation - I received a telegram a couple of months ago from Omaha asking if I would favor locating the headquarters at Lakeland Florida. I wired back that whatever you and the other officers and promotors of the Foundation decided would be all right with me. I expressed no opinion either way because I knew nothing about what was going on at all. The way I feel about matters in connection with the Foundation is that since you are the father and promoter of the kid football idea and the Pop Warner Foundation - you should have a lot to say about what should be done in all matters which come up for consideration, and therefore I authorize you to act in my name and behalf on any plans or business matters or matters of policy which may come up for consideration…"
Warner goes on to discuss the criticism to kids athletics that they have run into among certain school organizations:
"…I know that the N.E.A. and the parent teachers organization has criticized the idea of athletics for kids but I think they are dead wrong…I think you can put forth a very convincing argument in favor of sports for kids. You asked about my idea of having the head Foundation office out here [in California]. I do not think that would be a good idea - the headquarters in my opinion, should be right in Philadelphia where the Pop Warner Foundation was started and I think that you should have the say in such matters…Thank you again for everything you have been doing in behalf of the Foundation. I assure you that I feel very grateful for your giving the project my name…Sincerely, Pop." .
Fine.
Estimated Value $350 - 500.
View details and enlarged photo
| Realized
$345 |
Lot 885 |
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Warner, Pop. The ink is very slightly smeared in three places at verso, otherwise the letter is in fine condition. Autograph Letter Signed Twice. One page, Quarto, on personal imprinted letterhead, Palo Alto, California, February 19, 1954. To Joseph Tomlin, founder of the "Pop Warner" football league. Interesting lengthy letter concerning the genesis and final form of the "Pop Warner" football conference, which the two men have been working on since 1949, and is now nearing fruition. Warner writes, in part:
"Dear Joe, Answering your letter of the 15th, you were the originator of "The Pop Warner Football Conference" and with my approval, you honored me by giving the project my name. I assure you that I will never consent to any other person or group of persons using the name (The Pop Warner Football Conference) without your approval. Regarding your suggestion that I become Chairman of the Board of the Conference I do not think that would be advisable because I do not wish to have any active duties in behalf of the Conference - I believe the Chairman should be a man who is actively interested in the organization. I feel the same way regarding the selection of an All-American team of kid football, basketball and baseball players - There would be no objection to such a name as "The Pop Warner Conference" All American midget football, basketball or baseball team. I do not want to get mixed up in any controversy between your organization and the "Pop Warner - Connie Mack Foundation" - I think you will understand my position and will see that I am right about it…Sincerely, Glenn S. Warner."
Warner goes on to mention his deteriorating health, and adds, in a holograph postscript signed "Pop,":
"P.S. I would have no objection to being named Honorary Chairman of the Board. Pop."
Fine.
Estimated Value $350 - 500.
View details and enlarged photo
| Realized
$345 |
Lot 886 |
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Establishment of North Carolina as the 12th State in the Union. 1st President of the United States (1789-1797); 3rd President of the United States (1801-1809); Governor of Connecticut and Signer of the Declaration, respectively.
In 1585 and 1587, the first English settlers in America established colonies on Roanoke Island off the North Carolina coast. The first group returned to England, while the later group vanished from the island, leaving behind only the words "Cro" and "Croatoan" carved in the trunks of two trees. From this original settlement, known as The Lost Colony, came the first child born to English parents in America, Virginia Dare. The region which was to become North Carolina was first established as an English proprietary colony in 1663-65, and its early history was the scene of Culpepper's Rebellion (1677), the Quaker-led Cary Rebellion (1708), the Tuscarora Indian War (1711-13), and ongoing pirate raids. The colony sent delegates to Philadelphia to attend the First Continental Congress in 1774, and on April 12, 1776, North Carolina became the first colony to instruct its delegates to vote for independence. Later that year, North Carolina adopted its first constitution. During the American Revolution, there was relatively little fighting within the colony, but many North Carolinians fought elsewhere. North Carolinians delayed approving the United States Constitution because they opposed a strong federal government; at the Hillsboro Convention of 1788 they rejected the Constitution and suggested many amendments to it. The Bill of Rights, proposed by Congress in 1789, incorporated some of these suggestions, and North Carolina finally ratified the Constitution on November 21, 1789, becoming the twelfth state in the Union. Offered here are three letters concerning the establishment of North Carolina as the twelfth state.
A. WASHINGTON, GEORGE. Document Signed as President. One page, Quarto, "United States Feby 26th, 1790." Addressed to an unknown correspondent (one of the Governors of the twelve "United States"), President Washington's letter reads in full: "Sir, I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency an Act passed in the second Session of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States -- entitled 'an Act for giving effect to the several Acts therin mentioned, in respect to the State of North Carolina, and other purposes.' I have the honor to be, with due consideration your Excellency's Most Obedient Servant G:Washington." This letter of transmission accompanied copies of acts which had been passed by Congress some time previous, and which were now to be applied to North Carolina, following its November admission into the Union as a new State. Letter shows faint age-toning, with weakened folds (some minor fold strengthening on verso), else fine. Boldly penned in Washington's elegant hand.
B. JEFFERSON, THOMAS. Letter Signed as Secretary of State. Two pages (including docketed integral blank), Quarto, "Office of the Secretary of State -- April 6, 1790." Similar to the Washington letter above. Thomas Jefferson forwards to George Walton, Governor of Georgia (and presumably to all other Governors of the existing States) copies of acts which pertain to the newly-admitted State of North Carolina. The letter reads in full: " … Sir - I have the honor to send you herein inclosed two copies duly authenticated of the Act to accept a cession of the claims of the State of North Carolina to a certain district of western Territory; also of the Act to prevent the exportation of Goods not duly inspected according to the laws of the several States, and of being with sentiments of the most perfect respect, Your Excellency's Most Obedt & nost h'ble Servant Th: Jefferson." Moderate browning, but very boldly penned and legible.
C. HUNTINGTON, SAMUEL. Autograph Letter Signed as Governor. One page, Quarto, "Norwich, Feby 27th, 1790. To the President of the United States of America." By this letter, Governor Samuel Huntington acknowledged to President Washington the receipt of the copies of Acts now pertaining to the new State of North Carolina. In full the letter reads: "Sir I am honored with your letter of the 20th Instant covering an Act Entitled an Act for giving effect to several Acts therein mentioned in respect to the State of North Carolina, & other purposes. With the greatest Respect & Consideration I have the Honor to be your most obedient Servant S. Huntington."
The Huntington letter is moderately and unevenly browned, with expert repairs to two sections of paper loss at the upper edge, not affecting the text, and two separated folds. Ink has slightly feathered, but letter is perfectly legible.
Each letter is bound in a three-fold custom-made cloth-and-morocco binder identifying the contents in gold lettering on its spine. Each includes a matted, color-tinted steel engraving, and a mounted transcription of its contents, as described above. These three items in combination constitute a benchmark in the history of statehood for North Carolina.
Estimated Value $50,000-UP.
Ex Superior Galleries February 2, 1994 Auction, Lot # 343.
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| Unsold |
Lot 887 |
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Important Revolutionary War Letter. The timing of this letter is worth noting in that it occured on the heels of a defeat of the American forces by General Cornwallis and only a few weeks before British Major John Andre was captured carrying Benedict Arnold's plans for the surrender of West Point.
Letter shows moderate browning with a few dark stains, as well as weakened folds (some silked and/ or archivally strengthened). It has been very boldly signed by General Washington on the verso. (1732-1799) 1st President of the United States, 1789-1797.
Letter Signed. Two pages, recto/verso, Folio, "Head Quarters Orange Town August 12, 1780." By the time this letter was written in 1780, the Continental Army was in dire straits. However, it was beginning to meld into a well- trained fighting force thanks to the influence of European officers. As result of its French allies, it endured and marched to ultimate victory at Yorktown, Virginia one year after Washington wrote this letter to General Daniel Brodhead, who was then Commander of the Western Department of the Army.
In full (errors intact): "Dear Sir: I have recieved your favours of the 29th June and 21st July - Col. Bowmans apprehension of the force expected from Canada is cetainly groundless, as what men can be spared from the Garrisons of the upper Country - St. Johns, Montreal and Quebec are now acting in conjunction with the Indians upon the Mowhawk River where they have lately done considerable mischief. The distress on the store of provisions has not been confined to you alone, but has been severly experienced in every quarter and I think you will be very happy if you can adopt any expedient to supply yourself without depending wholly upon the Commissary in a regular way. I am pleased to hear of the success of the parties under Captain Brady and McIntire, to whom you will be pleased to express my thanks for their conduct. These affairs tho apparently small have a considerable influence upon Indians… The first division of the French Fleet, & Army consisting of 8 Ships of the line and 5000 men are yet at Rhode Island, waiting the arrival of the second division now hourly expected. We look for very important news from the West Indies, the whole combined force of France and Spain, in those Seas, having gone down it is said against Jamaica. I am Dear Sir with great esteem & regard, Your most Obedient Humble Servant George Washington".
Estimated Value $25,000-UP.
Ex Superior's Paul Richards Estate Sale, Feb 2, 1994, Lot 345.
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| Realized
$23,000 |
Lot 888 |
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Weiss, George M. American businessman and baseball entrepreneur.
Typed Document Signed. One page, Quarto, New York, NY, October 24, 1939. Being the typescript "Minutes of a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Baseball Club, Inc.," which records the following resolution:
"RESOLVED, that there be paid out of the funds of this corporation to George M. Weiss, a bonus of $5,000 for his accomplishments on behalf of the club and its minor league associates during the current season."
This intriguing document the goes on to explain:
"…The foregoing motion was made after Mr. Weiss had presented a statement showing the transactions which he had accomplished in the matter of disposing of baseball players and in the matter of realizing profits in the operation of the Club and its associate minor league clubs…"
Signed by Weiss himself as secretary of the special convocation, "George M. Weiss." .
Fine.
Estimated Value $125 - 200.
View details
| Realized
$115 |
Lot 889 |
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West, Benjamin. Traces of mounting gum and matte on verso, otherwise fine. Accompanied by a mezzotint engraving of the artist in his later years. (1738-1820) American portrait painter.
Admission Ticket to a Lecture at the Royal Academy Signed by Artist Benjamin West. Partially Printed Admission Ticket, approximately 2½ x 4", with the hand stamp of the "Royal Academy, London," n.d., circa 1813-1820. The ticket is for a lecture at the Royal Academy, and is signed by both Benjamin West and the sculptor William Theed. Benjamin West was the President of the Royal Academy (1792-1820), succeeding his friend Sir Joseph Reynolds to this post. An American-born, self taught painter, he established a studio in London after traveling abroad, and gained fame for his historical paintings, which led to his being appointed historical painter to the king (from 1772). West served as President of the Royal Academy for almost thirty years, until his death in 1820. Fine.
Estimated Value $750 - 850.
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| Unsold |
Lot 890 |
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West, Mae (1892-1980). Buxom American actress, famous for the line "come up and see me some time".
Personal Check Signed with Vintage Photograph. Approximately 8 x 3", Hollywood, March 17th, 1938. The check is drawn on California Bank in the amount of $100 and is made payable to "Frank Holiday." Description box in upper left reads, "Salary in full/ Wk End Mar 17-38/ Palace Theatre/ Columbus Ohio." Boldly signed in black ink. Double matted and ready for framing alongside a beautiful black and white, 8 x 10" photograph. Fine.
Estimated Value $100 - 150.
View details and enlarged photo
| Realized
$150 |
Lot 891 |
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William IV. Archivally framed with a steel engraving of King William to an overall size of 24¼ x 17¼". (1765-1837). King of England, 1820-1837.
Autograph Poem Signed. One page, Quarto, n.p., August 18, 1775. Being a five-line poem which the ten-year-old Prince has meticulously copied in a calligraphic hand in order to practice his penmanship. The poem reads:
"Let no example, let no soothing tongue,
Prevail upon thee with a Syren's song,
To do thy soul's immortal essence wrong,
Of good and ill, by words or deeds express,
Chuse for thyself, and always chuse the best…
August 18: 1775
William"
The boy-king has overestimated the amount of space available for each line, and the terminal words of the last two lines are hunched over and noticeably smaller than their predecessors.
Fine.
Estimated Value $400 - 500.
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| Unsold |
Lot 892 |
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Wilson, Woodrow. With its allusion to the financing of the "League of Nations," this letter has much better content than usual. Framed with two elegiac biographical statements signed by Theodore E Burton and George Wharton Pepper, incidental photographs of President Wilson and the crucial events of his administration, biographical information, and a steel engraving of the President, along with two plaques, one identifying a photograph of the Treaty of Versailles ending WWI, and another which reads: "Woodrow Wilson, 26th U.S. President, 1913-1921." Overall size 37 x 28." (1856-1924) 28th President of the United States, 1913-1921.
Typed Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, n.p., September 5, 1912. To the Hon. Wm. C. Liller. Interesting letter, written two months after being nominated to the presidency, and two months before winning the presidential election, regarding a number of speeches on the subject of the tariff. Wilson writes:
"Dear Mr. Liller: I read your letter of August 27th with a great deal of pleasure and regret that other matters of pressing importance prevented me from acknowledging it until this late date. I have directed Mr. Vick to send an ample supply of my speeches on the tariff. With reference to the financing of the league, I would be obliged if you would take up this matter with Mr. Mc Adoo direct. With warmest regards I am, Cordially yours, Woodrow Wilson."
Estimated Value $500 - 700.
View details and enlarged photo
| Unsold |
Lot 893 |
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Windsor, Edward Duke of (1894-1972) Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor.Once King of the United Kingdom, he succeeded his father, George V, to the throne, but abdicated in the face of opposition to his proposed marriage to Wallis Simpson, a commoner who had been twice divorced, after which he was given the title Duke of Windsor.
Autograph Letter Signed and First Day Cover Signed. Lot of two autograph items signed by the Duke of Windsor, including:
A. Autograph Letter Signed. Four pages, recto/verso, Quarto, on grey imprinted stationery, Moulin De La Tuilerie [France], January 9, 1961. To Mrs. Hugh Chisholm. A blithe, garrulous letter to a very close friend, bringing her up to date on all details of Windsor's personal life, including who he is entertaining, who he plans on entertaining, and where he will go in the Spring to entertain himself. He writes, in part: "…Dearest Rosie - Happy New Year to you and Hugh wherever you both are - you have deserted me - I am sure you are bursting with News that I should know! We are busy [ ? ] making changes as usual. I am re-doing the Chrisolm "Suite" entirely - Hugh's room is going from fraises to fentu - I am covering the walls in yellow felt which I think will be warmer and your room is going to have cretonne mat lasse on the walls also to make it warmer…downstairs where we do our drinking is going "all white" …Paris is full of farewell dinners …most of the gay young things have gone to hide their heads in the snow which is perfection this year - We were never able to go to Spain to shoot - it really was too complicated not flying - Perla and the Lopez engine left yesterday for a week in Madrid …We have [ ? ] here at last and now we are having difficulty getting the tan one out!…"
B. First Day Cover Signed. Postmarked Fulton, MO., May 13, 1965, commemorating Sir Winston Churchill, with a matching Churchill stamp. Boldly signed in black ink, "Edward, Duke of Windsor." Very Fine.
Estimated Value $300-UP.
View details and enlarged photo
| Realized
$460 |
Lot 894 |
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Young, Cy. American sports celebrity.
Signed Check. Partially Printed, 8¼ x 3" check drawn on the Worcester County Trust Company, Spencer, Mass., March 5, 1949. A check for "One dollar" from Aucoin Brothers Insurance, paid to the order of "Cy Young" who has endorsed the check on the back. Countersigned by Jane Benedum, with paid cancellation punch, not affecting signatures. Fine.
Estimated Value $250 - 350.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
View details and enlarged photo
| Realized
$483 |
Lot 895 |
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Zhukov, Georgi. Hole punches along left margin, otherwise fine. (1896-1974) Deputy Supreme Commander in Chief of the Red Army. Zhukov directed the defense of Moscow against the German Army in 1941, and in 1943 was instrumental in organizing the counter-offensive which ultimately led to the downfall of the Wehrmacht.
Printed Military Document Signed. Four pages, accomplished in typescript, Tall Quarto, on dark green government letterhead, Kiev, October 21, 1940. Being a lengthy Military Order, marked "SECRET" at top right of first page, appointing fourteen new officers to key military positions within the Kiev Military District. Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 300.
View details and enlarged photo
| Realized
$230 |
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