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Sale 61
Lot 77
Germany Litzmanstadt Ghetto, First and Second Issues, Specialized Collection, The definitive collection consisting of: First Issue (most signed) - TRIAL COLOR PROOFS (x5), TETE-BECHE PROOF PAIR of 5pf in unissued color, mint PAIR of the 10pf, VERT PAIR of the 10pf (Mi. Iibz) with partial diagonal impression of the 2nd issue. PAIR of the 10pf on white paper AND two COVERS including the 5pf franked by two singles and the 10pf franked by a vertical pair - each stamp with a rectangular favor cancel (5pf = 10 MARZ 1944 with 1974 Gryszewski m/s COA on reverse and 10pf = 11 MARZ 1944 with a similar 1974 Jungjohann m/s COA inside cover). Both covers with faults, but extremely rare.
Second issue: The SET in vertical pairs, 10pf perf B/3, 20pf B/4, 10pf imperf pair and B/4 TRIAL COLOR PROOFS, etc., complete sets of of three values of the rare "GETTO" ESSAY (x3 sets different sets of three.) as photographic proofs and similar 5pf and 10pf PERF "GETTO" photographic essays. ALSO included is the UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROOF of the UNISSUED "RUMKOWSKI" Ghetto leader stamp with 7-line inscription. Many pieces signed. ALSO included are COVERS including the set with each stamp tied by a red Magen David h/s and each signed by Rumkowski (the Jewish leader of the ghetto who was forced to make the first selection of those who were to be transported to their death in Auschwitz) on the reverse AND a 20pf red single tied by red crayon and GHETTO POST IV black 3-line h/s to an official censored cover (14-1-44) from Tschenstochau/Czenstochowa. Some faults throughout, but an extremely rare grouping that would be hard to duplicate.
NOTE: See Lots 297-303 for important Holocaust correspondence and artifacts. Ex. Rosedale collection (Feldman 2004 and 2009). Michel I-V, IIbz.
Estimated Value $7,500 - 10,000
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Lot 111
/o
Worldwide Airmail Collection, 1918-33, a marvelous old-time mainly mint collection hinged on French album pages from the 1930's (probably Yvert et Tellier) in a handsome Art Deco style half-leather binder. This wonderful collection is approximately 90% complete for the period.
Highlights include Albania 1929 overprinted set (Scott C22-28; $818); France 1927 First Airmails (Scott C1-2; $400); Germany 1930 South America Flight Zeppelins (Scott C35-37; $400) and 1931 Polar Flight Zeppelins (Scott C40-42; $670); Iceland complete 1928-31 including the 1931 Zeppelin overprints; Japan 1919 First Airmails (Scott C1-2; $710); New Guinea complete 1931-32 (Scott C1-43; $916); Newfoundland including 1932 Dornier DO-X Flight (Scott C12; $290) and 1933 Balbo Flight (Scott C18; $350); Philippines 1926 Madrid-Manila complete to the 2 peso (Scott C1-7, C9-13, C17; $4,598); Russia including the 1931 Dirigeable and Polar Flight sets; San Marino including the 1931 Landscapes set (Scott C1-10; $651); United States complete 1918-1930 (Scott C1-C15; $1,780) - yes, even including a Fine to Very Fine hinged set of Zeppelins; Italy and colonies nearly complete for the period, also extensive Latin America and French Mandates in the Middle East, indeed virtually every country that issued airmail stamps in this period.
Condition is mainly Fine to Very Fine, mint, hinged (or hinge remnants). There are a few used stamps (less than 5% by value or number). Most are in complete sets (perhaps 5% are part sets). A few stamps are lightly stuck down; this represents perhaps 5% of the total value (including some German Zeppelins). Close examination so far reveals few if any other flaws - the collector was very meticulous as to quality. Color and freshness is excellent - there is not the slightest hint of toning. Approximately 20% of the total catalog value is represented by overprinted issues which have not been expertized, although most appear to be entirely genuine (the Japan First Airmails for example are certainly OK).
An exceptional collection, chock full of items in the $50 and up range, and an outstanding lot for a dealer, small auctioneer or airmail collector. This is indeed one of the nicest intact collections to be offered in many years. The Scott 2011 catalog value is approximately $30,000.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000
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Lot 209
Apollo 17, 1972, "Too Beautiful to have Happened by Accident" Lithograph by Alan Bean (1983, Meredith Long Gallery, 26x35", No. 334/600). This multicolor lithograph was Alan Bean's very first print and is almost never available today (it sold out in 1995). The printed inscription on the bottom of the print reads: "Apollo 17 astronaut Eugene Cernan said, 'When I stood on the moon and looked up at the earth, I felt it was just too beautiful to have happened by accident. I could see all the elemts that made up Apollo - the moon, the planet and country from which the first explorers came, deep infinite space and man himself'." In addition, the artist has hand-inscribed this print in gold ink at top: "To the Hoffman's - A great adventure for all human beings. An impossible dream Americans made come true, Alan Bean, Apollo XII, 4th Man on the Moon." The original Bean printed COA is included. A rare piece of art in outstanding condition.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500.
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Lot 265
Aviation Parachute Model (1/12 scale, about 19x8") This handmade orange parachute model is a type of ring-slot parachute with a circular hole at the top of the canopy. These parachutes have been used for landing deceleration, cargo airdrop extraction and landing descent. (Hulsizer #177.8).
Estimated Value $350 - 500.
Ex. the Red Hulsizer collection of Experimental, prototype parachutes.
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Lot 347
[Jackson, Andrew]. Miniature Watercolor on Ivory Signed "H.Strong" at center left, 3¾ x 2½ inches. Antique frame is 5 3/8 x 4 inches; written on verso is, "Andrew Jackson, Prest. U.S.A., Hero of New Orleans, painted on Ivory by H. Strong." Very fine.
Howard Strong (1800-1850) was a mid-19th century artist from Illinois, best known for his portraiture. His portrait of Andrew Jackson is based on the work by James Barton Longacre, dated 1829. Longacre's portrait of Jackson first appeared in The National Portrait Gallery of Distinguished Americans (1834-1839), which he worked on with fellow artist James Herring, and which is Longacre's most well known work. The original watercolor of Andrew Jackson is now in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. Other notable contributions of Longacre can be found in his portrait engravings in Sanderson's Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence (1820). Reference: Barber, James G. Andrew Jackson: A Portrait Study. Pp. 106-109.
Estimated Value $9,000 - 12,000.
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Lot 395
Elizabeth I (1533-1603) Considered by many to be the greatest monarch in English history; her reign (1558-1603) is referred to as The Golden Age of England. Letter Signed "Elizabeth R" as Queen of England, one page, 12 1/8 x 8 1/8 in., June 20, 1566. Light toning, else fine. To Sir Henry Sydney (1529-1586), Knight and Lord Deputy of Ireland (1565-1571), recording the receipt of gifts from the Marquis de Soria (Fernando Alvarez de Toledo), a nobleman of Spain, in exchange for allegiance to the crown. Elizabeth notes that the Marquis of Soria had hitherto been the recipient of gifts including hawks and dogs from "our late father of famous memorie King Henry VIII." She acknowledges receipt of perfumed gloves from the Marquis and promises that he will, in turn, continue to receive such gifts from her. Letters by Elizabeth I mentioning her father, Henry VIII, by name are exceedingly rare.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 35,000.
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Lot 433
Capone, Al (1899-1947) Infamous Prohibition-era Chicago gangster named "Public Enemy Number One"; nicknamed "Scarface." Rare Typed Letter Signed "Alphonse Capone," one page, 11½x7¾ in. (Alcatraz Prison), July 3, 1936. To Sanford Bates, Federal Prisons Director in Washington, D.C., asking for a transfer from Alcatraz because he fears for his life. Capone attempts to sound learned, which only emphasizes his poor language skills. A contemporary ink smear affects the first four letters of "Alphonse," not affecting legibility.
In part: (mistakes are unchanged) "I the undersigned am aware that my brethren; namely Ralph Capone has called to your attention my pledge to be transfered from this here Alcatraz and to be placed in another state penitentiary….I firmly beleiveth that my transfer will have a great affirmative and positive impact on my health. The atmosphere in Alcatraz creates tension between many prisoners. I have been especially observant of prison rules and have continously conducted myself in a gentlemanly manner which is why I earnestly hope that you will find no ubiquity in transferring me to another penitentiary. My main reason for writing this pledge is because my life is in contant danger, I have in fact received over six threats in the last three months. My health is also impaired…the cell in itself is damp and a lack of air sometimes keeps me up during the nights. I would like…a privilege which is enjoyed by many inmates…physical exercise and contact with each other in the outdoor premisses and within the outdoor respectful boundaries. Recently a rumor has risen that I have bribed a prison guard into granting me time in one of the main halls…but I refuse to leave my cell at any given time due to fear of my safety or my person being harmed. I give my word of honor that I will assume any guilt and shame for any bribes of any officials or prisoners….It shall be my earnest hope that you deem my cause with neutrality and honesty, in so doing I thank you for even considering the latter request."
Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York, and early on joined street gangs, among whose members were Johnny Torrio and Lucky Luciano. In 1920, Capone went to Chicago to work for Torrio, who was a big shot in the Colosimo Mob. Torrio and Capone took over after Big Jim Colosimo was murdered and won control of bootlegging and vice in Chicago after battling the rival O'Banion gang. Torrio retired in 1925 after being seriously wounded and Capone became the boss. He controlled political campaigns and much of the police force and was ruthless in wiping out rivals; in 1929 he ordered the St. Valentine's Day Massacre of Bugs Moran's gang. Between 1925 and 1930 Capone's income was reported to be $100 million a year. Capone always managed to be out of town when murders were committed and so evaded prosecution, but by 1930 he had been named "Public Enemy Number One." In 1931 Capone was indicted on 23 counts of income tax evasion and convicted on five of the counts. He was sentenced to ten years in a federal prison and in May 1932 was sent to Atlanta State Prison, where he set himself up in style and took over as kingpin of the prison. Sanford Bates, to whom this letter is written, and Attorney General Homer Cummings decided to transfer Capone to Alcatraz, where he could wield no influence. Capone subsequently became a model prisoner in the hope of getting transferred. It was not until 1938 that Capone, who was showing syptoms of syphilis, was transferred to Terminal Island Prison in southern California to finish out his sentence. He was released in November of 1939 but was incapacitated by syphilis and died on January 25, 1947 from complications of the disease.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
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Lot 512
Wayne, John (1907-1979) American actor. Magnificent 10 x 8 in.vintage Photograph Signed and Inscribed "To Gene / Best Wishes John Wayne" on the mat, which is 14¾ x 10¾ in. The photo is in superb conditon. The mat is chipped and blank lower right corner is missing, but all blemishes can be matted out. A rare, early and exceptional photo of this American icon.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
Deaccessioned from the Museum of World Treasures, Wichita, Kansas.
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Lot 581
France - Pair of 19th Century Sèvres Amphoras. Monumental signed porcelain amphoras with bronze gilt handles and base. Cobalt blue and gold. Each with classical French and pastoral scenes. Each 23½ inches in height. In superb, unrepaired condition.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
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Lot 597
Diamond, 18K Yellow Gold Brooch & Earring Set. This custom 18k yellow gold floral design brooch & earrings set is enhanced by 46 round diamonds, all weighing a total of approximately 1.00 carats, gross weight 44.70 grams.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200.
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Lot 657
Scarce Sweet Home Rhodochrosite. Graham's Pocket, Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado
The Sweet Home Mine has produced the finest rhodochrosite on the planet, and since its closure nearly a decade ago, major pieces have been in high demand and are even scarcer on the market. This large specimen (850 grams) features a large and centrally-displayed single crystal measuring 5 x 4 cm (technically referred to as "dominant crystal aesthetics" in the field).
The color is characterized as a top cherry-red hue, as opposed to the more strawberry-colored crystals common in lower echelon specimens. This specimen's form dramatically emphasizes the sharp ridge of freestanding crystals atop the piece, accenting the large central crystal. There is no damage to any major crystal, and no repairs. The bright and lustrous rhodochrosites are accented by small crystals of fluorite, tetrahedrite, and quartz.
This piece is one of the few specimens recovered from "Graham's Pocket" in the late 1990s, regarded as one of the premier pockets at the mine because it produced large crystals with juicy color. Most known Graham's Pocket specimens are in private collections and inaccessible, making this a rarity in terms of the population available.
Measures 10 x 10 x 6 cm.
Weighs 850 grams.
A custom base for display is included.
Estimated Value $85,000 - 100,000.
Private Collection.
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Lot 704
Complete Dromaeosaur Dinosaur. Dromaeosaurs were the most bird-like of all theropod dinosaurs; their bodies were covered in feathers. Dromaeosaurs, such as the famous Veloceraptor, had a large skull with sharp serrated teeth, long arms and large hands with three long fingers, three toed feet and a long stiffened tail. At least some Dromaeosaurs had bird-like pennaceous feathers on their arms and tails and short down-like feathers covering their body. Most Dromaeosaurs were small to medium-sized dinosaurs 2-15 feet long. This rare, bird-like Dromaeosuar is 125 million years old and was found in a dry lake bed in Central Asia. It is 30 inches long on a 29 x 18 inch stone matrix. The body is 13 inches long and the long, stiffened tail is 17 inches long. Interestingly, the arms and legs are the same length--11 inches long-- which is much different from most dinosaurs which have much longer legs than arms. This Dromaeosaur appears to be a very primitive one in that the second claw on its feet is not much longer than the other two claws. With most Dromaeosaurs, the second toe had a larger killing claw and was held off of the ground. One of the feet has all three claws and the other foot has two claws. Both of the long arms have only one claw preserved. The all-important skull is quite large-- 3 x 2 inches--and virtually complete with 16 sharp teeth, some of which are disarticulated in the skull. This dinosaur is mostly complete and probably a composite of two or more partial dinosaurs that were put together to form one excellent complete specimen.
All of the dinosaurs found in the soft volcanic ash that turned to rock at the bottom of a lake bed are found disarticulated and in many dozens of pieces. It is somewhat like putting together a puzzle to get a complete dinosaur from all of the pieces. Dromaeosaurs had hollow light bones like birds, which can be seen from this specimen in that many of the bones have been cracked and compressed in the burial process. This is indeed a rare opportunity to own a very rare theropod dinosaur that has only about 10-15 percent restoration and whose looks confirm the theory that birds are dinosaur. This Dromaeosaur would have had feathers even though no feathers are preserved on this specimen. This dramatic fossil comes with a metal display stand to make it the featured fossil in any collection.
Add $100 for domestic shipping.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
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