Lot 143
Hoover, J. Edgar and Clyde Tolson -- Collection of 20 Items. Group of twenty items, twelve of which were signed by FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and four signed by FBI Assoc. Dir. Clyde Tolson, who was Hoover's portégé, life partner, and heir (an estate worth $560,000). The items were inscribed and signed or addressed to George Zografos, who was the catering manager of the St. Moritz Hotel in New York, and his wife Marie. Hoover signed a 1948 signed guest book; two signed, inscribed photos, 1940 and 1946; four typed letters from 1951, 1952, and 1954, on FBI letterhead; two signed Christmas cards; a signed postcard; and two holograph telegrams, one signed with his full name. Tolson inscribed and signed separate photos to George and Marie in 1940; a 1951 TLS; and a 1955 TLS to Beulah Wagner on the death of Marie. Tolson also sent two printed Christmas cards and an autograph note on a postcard signed "J.E.H. & O.T." There is also a color cartoon featuring Hoover, Tolson, and Zografas, framed with a newspaper article. Condition is overall very good; photo borders are toned with some soiling.
The language in a 1951 letter in which Hoover says, "Clyde and I have been hoping to get to New York…we often think of you," is clearly written as a couple; and the 1945 postcard which says, "We are looking forward to seeing you….We will bring our own bourbon" is signed with the initials of both men. Hoover's powerful position and illegal secret files on presidents, government officials, and Civil Rights officials protected him from his own policy of outing gay men and women. As Hoover's abuse of his position has come to light over the years, his reputation has suffered. Estimate Value $600 - UP
|
| |
| Realized $528 |
