Goldberg Coins and Collectibles



Sale 6

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction


Autographs, Books and Manuscripts
 
 
Lot Photo Description Realized
Lot 829
Roosevelt, Franklin D. Besides a very minor ink smudge affecting the "g" in "August " beneath FDR's signature, the portrait is fine. Archivally matted and framed to an overall size of 13½ x 16½". Inscribed Photograph Signed. A Fine Sepia-tone portrait of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, by Harris & Ewing studios. Being a printed photograph on matte portrait stock, approximately 8 x 10", n.p., dated August 9, 1933 in FDR's hand. Inscribed.

"Best wishes Megan [ ? ] FDR August 9, 1933."


Estimated Value $500 - 600.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 830
Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919) 26th President of the United States.

Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages, folded Octavo, on his green-imprinted Sagamore Hill stationery, September 1, 1913. To Constance von Strumm. Exuberant letter accepting a request to become Godfather to his friend's newly-born child. Roosevelt writes, in full:

"Three cheers for the second boy! Indeed I shall be very glad to be his godfather; we are sending him a trifling remembrance. Mrs. Roosevelt is as much pleased as I am. Ethel was as delighted with what she saw of you and your husband -- to whom pray give my warmest regards. I do hope you will both soon be in America. With hearty thanks, and many congratulations, I am faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt."

A few slight ink smudges made by Roosevelt as he boldly penned this letter; creamy age-toning, else fine.
Estimated Value $750 - 1,000.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$805
Lot 831
Roosevelt, Theodore. Typed Letter Signed as President. One page, small quarto, Washington, September 28, 1908, on White House letterhead. To Benj. I. Wheeler, President of the University of California, Berkeley. In full:

"My dear President Wheeler: / I have your letter of the 21st. My very slight knowledge of Captain Nance predisposes me in his favor, and of course so does your letter. But it is out of the question for me to say anything about the detail now. / With regard, believe me, Faithfully yours, / Theodore Roosevelt."

Very Fine.
Estimated Value $750 - 1,000.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$460
Lot 832
  Rosen, Baron. Minor stain at top left, with punched cancellation and docketing on verso. Russian Army General.

Signed Check. Approximately 7½ x 2 3/4" engraved printed check, Washington, DC, June 23, 1910. Drawn on The Riggs National Bank, paid to the order of Albert N. Conor, in the amount of $17.40. With an attractive vignette of the bank and ornate gothic lettering. Signed in dark ink on the face, "Baron Rosen."
Estimated Value $75-UP.
View details
Unsold
Lot 833
Ruth, Babe. Cover bears a few faint creases, but is still in Fine condition. Framed with incidental photographs, a biography of Ruth, and a plaque that reads: "Babe Ruth, 1895-1948, Great Baseball Legend." Overall size 20½ x 20½." A sports prize. (1895-1948) American Baseball Icon.

Signed Cover of Baseball Magazine. One page, Quarto, n.p., n.d., [circa 1935]. Front cover of Baseball Magazine, depicting "Babe Ruth, ready for work, reports to Manager McKechnie of the Braves." Both Babe Ruth and William McKechnie have signed their names next to their photographs.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$1,265
Lot 834
  Sagebrush Stars. Most of the photographs are inscribed as well as signed in full. Signed Photographs of Hollywood Cowboys. Nine Black & White, 8 x 10" photographs of famous western stars from television and the silver screen. Includes a photograph of John Hart as the "Lone Ranger," inscribed, "To my very nice friend Mary Bailey: Sincere best wishes John Hart 'The Lone Ranger.'"; an 8 x 10" printed montage of the principal cast of Television's The Lone Ranger, signed by Clayton Moore; a beaming headshot of Rex Allen; a portrait with horses of Monte Hall; a grizzly headshot of Jack Elam; a two-fisted TV still of character actor Pat Buttiam; a scowling headshot of Yakima Canutt; and two western images of actor Harry Carey, Jr. Fine.
Estimated Value $150 - 250.
View details
Realized
$173
Lot 835
Scarce Illustrated John Singer Sargent Letter. This letter has been published in Charles Hamilton's The Illustrated Letter, where it appears on page 93. (1856-1925) American artist.

Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages, Octavo, on imprinted addressed letterhead, Chelsea, London, n.d.
Rare illustrated letter from the important American painter John Singer Sargent, who writes on the first page:

"Here it is, my dear Duchess, the image of his father.
Yours to command,

John S. Sargent."


On the verso page the artist has sketched a comical image of a featureless Elizabethan page boy holding a train.

Fine.
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 836
  Withdrawn Unsold
Lot 837
  Screen Sirens. Five Signed Photographs of Celluloid Bombshells. Five Black & White, 8 x 10" Signed Photographs of the women we crane our necks at on screen, including Heddy Lamar, Greer Garson, Jane Wyman, Eleanor Holm, and Clare Luce (whose signature is matted and appears on a printed photograph). Each of the starlets has signed in full in indelible ink. Fine.
Estimated Value $125 - 250.
View details
Unsold
Lot 838
  Senators and Congressmen. All items are in fine condition, and on official imprinted letterhead. Lot of Nine Typed Letters Signed by US Senators and Political Leaders. Political group consisting of nine typed letters signed by Modern American political players, with dated ranging 1944 - 1979. Includes letters bottom right Governor Edmund Brown, Secretary of State Cordell Hull, Congressman Joseph Kimmit, Governor Dan Thornton, Senator George Murphy, State Senator David Roberti, Assemblyman Herschel Rosenthal, and a letter and inscribed Congressional Card from Congresswomen Charlette Reid. Also included is a US Senate Chamber Card signed by Henry M. Jackson, and a multiply signed US Senate Restaurant Menu signed by Senator J. Randolph and other government figures circa 1965. Fine.
Estimated Value $75 - 150.
View details
Realized
$46
Lot 839
Serling, Rod. Boldly signed in full, "Rod Serling.". (1924-1975) American entertainer, creator of The Twilight Zone.

Typed Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, on personal letterhead, Pacific Palisades, California, June 6, 1966. To Rabbi Maxwell Dubin. Interesting letter reneging on an invitation to speak on a forum, occasioned by last minute changes in the production of a play of Serling's that had been planned for New York but must be transplanted to London. Serling writes, in part:

" …Early this morning I received a call from New York indicative of some new planning on my play production. It appears now that its initial performance will be done in London and to that end I now have to make plans for a departure for Europe late in the Fall for an indeterminate period of time. I seriously doubt if it would be realistic for me to make the commitment to you for your forum when my own plans seem so totally up in the air. It would appear that there is every likelihood I would have to renege at a sufficiently late hour to both embarrass and inconvenience you …"

Very Fine.
Estimated Value $150 - 250.
From the Gerald Burg collection.

View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$230
Lot 840
George Bernard Shaw Signs an Agreement To Publish His Correspondence With Actress Ellen Terry (1856-1950) British novelist and playwright, awarded 1935 Nobel Prize for Literature.

Typed Document Signed Twice. Three pages, large legal Folio on heavy bond, London, February 28, 1931. Being a contract, entitled "Agreement - Terry Shaw Correspondence - Limited Edition," authorizing the publication of the letters between Shaw and the famous actress Ellen Terry. This contract, involving the publishing firm Fountain Press of New York, Elbridge Adams (the owner of the rights to Terry's letters), Shaw and the publishing firm of Constable and Co. of London, is a "Memorandum Agreement" appending two previous agreements assigning the copyrights involved in the publication of this volume. Both of these earlier agreements, signed by Terry's daughter Edith Craig, are also included in this lot. The first is a six page TDS dated April 23, 1930, the second a three page TDS dated February 28, 1931. Neither of theses earlier agreements are signed by Shaw.

The publication of the correspondence between Shaw and Eleanor Terry had a difficult birth, evidently due to the ownership of the copyrights to Ellen Terry's letters. When these wrinkles were ironed out, it was agreed that the book would be issued in a limited edition, partly at Shaw's own expense, with the type being destroyed after the manufacture of 3050 copies. Ellen Terry appeared in several of Shaw's plays and was one of his great loves, although the romance was conducted primarily through letters. Fine.
Estimated Value $750 - 1,000.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 841
  Withdrawn Unsold
Lot 842
Shostakovich, Dimitry (1906-1975) Russian composer of symphonies, ballets, operas, concertos, and choral works, whose work was initially successful, then denounced by the Soviet government for infidelity to Soviet "realism," and later embraced.

Typed Outline For a Film Score Signed. Two pages, Quarto, in Russian, n.p., January 13, 1960. Fascinating typed manuscript in which the composer discusses a proposed composition for a film score. He writes, in part:

"…The music for the film would be built around four themes…The first is the theme of the paintings. Second is the theme of the Soviet soldiers in their search to recover stolen cultural treasures. The third theme will deal with the role of the German painter Paul Nauman and his wife. The fourth theme will concern the role of German Communist Eric Braun. Combined these four themes provide enough depth for a satisfactory movie sound track. Composition will be difficult. The fourth theme should be a march close to themes of German revolutionary songs…"

Signed and dated in purple ink at bottom of second page. Right edges of both first and second page somewhat ragged, with a minor clip stain and small hole at top left. Still, a fascinating, valuable document in very good condition.


Estimated Value $300 - 500.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$661
Lot 843
  Show Business. Lot of Six Show Business Keepsakes .

A. Three Unusual George Gershwin First Day "Covers." Two large format, 8 x 10", first day issue mailers, both postmarked Beverly Hills, California, February 28, 1973, one being a single page color facsimile of the cover to the sheet music for Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess", the other being a Black & White photograph of the composer seated at the piano. Also includes a first day cover with the same postmark commemorating "George Gershwin, American Composer," signed by his lyricist brother, "Ira Gershwin." All three items bear commemorative George Gershwin postage stamps.

B. Annotated Script for an Episode of "Mork and Mindy" Signed. Multicopy Typed Manuscript Signed, nine pages, single-sided, titled "Revised Pages - 'Mindy and Mork,'" dated February 18, 1981. Pagination numbered 14 - 25. Being the heavily annotated revised script for Act One and Act Two of an episode of Mork & Mindy, with detailed notes introducing stage business and dialog changes, inscribed and signed on the front page by the shows two stars Robin Williams and Pam Dawber.

C. Inscribed Photograph Signed by Tommy Tune. Color, 5 x 8", n.d., on heavy cardstock, inscribed "Just for Doris Tommy Tune," with a flamboyant musical paraph. Slightly creased at bottom right, otherwise fine.

D. Autograph Album. Autograph book with cloth covers and a locking brass clasp, containing twenty-seven autographs and signed inscriptions, most from entertainers, including Lou Costello, Ann Blyth, Johnny Boyle, Lena Horne, Amos and Andy, Richard Lane Roy Hodsell Anita Louise, Joan Benny and many more. Though the album itself is somewhat worn, and has a small tear above its hasp, all of the signatures within are in fine condition. Fine.
Estimated Value $250 - 350.
View details
Realized
$184
Lot 844
Condition is Fine unless otherwise noted. [Show Biz!]. Two Typed Letters Signed by Eddie Cantor and One by Sammy Davis Jr.

A. Typed Letter Signed by Eddie Cantor. One page, Quarto, on imprinted personal letterhead, n.p., May 7, 1937. Jocose thank you letter to the rabbi who officiated at the wedding of one of Cantor's daughters. "…The ceremony as you performed it was again concrete evidence of your good judgement. As you know, there is still plenty of business for you to be had from the Cantor family. However, with four left, I think I am entitled to a rate…" Signed "Eddie."

B. Typed Letter Signed by Sammy Davis Jr. One page, Quarto, on imprinted personal letterhead, [Los Angeles, California], May 2, 1977. To Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, congratulating the mayor on his re-election to office. The entertainer regretfully refuses an invitation to serve on an unspecified committee but extends his heart-felt regards. Signed in full, "Sammy Davis Jr." Staple marks at upper left, else fine. Accompanied by original transmittal cover on matching stationery.

C. Typed Letter Signed by Eddie Cantor. One page, Quarto, on imprinted personal letterhead, n.p., January 25, 1949. Interesting letter to Rabbi E.F. Magnin of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple on the issue of Palestine and the State of Israel. Cantor writes, in part: "…You might have misinterpreted the paragraph in the letter which I wrote to you about Palestine. I could not tell how interested you were in the State of Israel because of what I heard you say at the Temple during the holidays. This is something I'd like to discuss with you, and as soon as it is convenient, by all means let's sit down and have lunch…Affectionately, Eddie." A few occasional stains in margins, not affecting text, else fine. Staple mark at upper left.
Estimated Value $250 - 350.
From the Gerald Burg collection.

View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$150
Lot 845
  Signed Film & Television Scripts. Five Original Signed Scripts from popular film and television productions of the early 1990s, including an original script for the Universal Pictures film, "Beethoven's 2nd," signed on the cover sheet by producer Ivan Reitman; a continuity script for an episode of the Emmy Award-winning television show "Jim Henson's Muppet Babies" in storyboard form, signed on the cover sheet by the entire cast of voice-over actors; two scripts from episodes of television's frothy mainstay, "General Hospital," signed on the cover sheet by the entire cast of principals; and a facsimile of script from an early "Our Gang" episode, "Football Romeo, " dated August 31, 1938, from the Golden Age of television. Signed on the Cover Sheet by one of the show's original members, Tommy Bond, the actor who portrayed Butch. The actor has inscribed: "To Gerry - You are a great human being! Your Pal Tommy 'Butch' Bond." . Fine.
Estimated Value $200-UP.
From the Gerald Burg collection.

View details
Realized
$121
Lot 846
Signed Photographs of World Leaders. All signatures are in full unless otherwise indicated, each boldly signed. Four Signed Color Photographs of World Political Leaders. Four color portraits, most 4 x 6" or 5 x 8", of World Leaders from the political stage, including Bishop Desmond Tutu, Israeli leader Yitzak Shamir("Shamir"), a festooned Prince Rainier of Monaco, and Nobel laureate Shimon Peres. Fine.
Estimated Value $175 - 250.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 847
Silverheels, Jay. American entertainer, best known for his role as "Tonto" on "The Lone Ranger".

Application Form To The American Federation of Television And Radio Artists Signed. Partially Printed Document Accomplished in Manuscript, Two pages, recto/verso, Los Angeles, California, January 31, 1964. An application to AFTRA, signed and completed by Jay Silverheels, who portrayed the laconic side kick "Tonto" in the popular series, "The Lone Ranger." Never at a loss for words, the unflappable professional lists his occupation as "Actor." Signed twice in full at the bottom of the first page. Fine.
Estimated Value $350 - 400.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$403
Lot 848
[Singer Sewing Machines]. Docketed in purple ink, with traces of mounting paper along the left verso edge, else fine. Printed Singer Company Bill Head Signed by Inventor James Bolton. One page, Octavo, with elaborate bill head, "The Singer Manufacturing Company, Broadway, New York," July 15, 1870. Being an order form for " 5 throats like sample enclosed," with two hand drawings of the sewing machine throats requested, signed by the inventor of the New Family Sewing Machine, James Bolton.
Estimated Value $125-UP.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 849
  Kelly, Gene and Donald O'Connor. The Kelly photograph bears some marginal soiling; otherwise the group is in fine condition. Three Inscribed Photographs Signed. Three Glossy Black & White Signed Photographs of all of the principal cast members of the glorious MGM Musical, "Singing in the Rain." Includes a 5 x 7" portrait of Gene Kelly, inscribed "Good Luck Gene Kelly" (with a cartoon bouquet sketched after the word "Luck"); an 8 x 10" studio portrait of funnyman Donald O'Connor, inscribed "To Evelyn - Always - Donald O'Connor 92"; and a glamorous headshot portrait of Debbie Reynolds in an evening gown, inscribed "Happiness Always Debbie Reynolds."
Estimated Value $75 - 150.
View details
Unsold
Lot 850
  Stanley, Sir Henry M. Light soiling throughout, otherwise fine. Accompanied by a steel engraving of the intrepid explorer. (1841-1904) British explorer and journalist.

Cut Signature. Pencil signature, approximately 2½ x 4½", mounted to a larger leaf removed from an Autograph album. Stanley has signed and dated the leaf.

"Henry M. Stanley
1/86 Dec. 4 N Y."



Estimated Value $150 - 200.
View details
Unsold
Lot 851
  Starter Kit. Large collection of Autograph and Manuscript material from Entertainers, Politicians, Athletes, as well as Ephemera from the Civil War era up to Modern Times. Over Forty items, including a cut signature of Admiral Dewey; a Ticket stub for a Bill Tilden tennis match signed by the famous athlete; a Signed Check from Harry Ritz, together with an 8 x 10 Black & White photograph of the Ritz Brothers; a printed General Order from the War Department creating a new "Military Department of the East," with autograph annotations in an unidentified hand; two ornate Dance Cards for Civil War era Balls, one held in honor of General Ulysses S Grant; a quaint printed advertisement for a demonstration by John Holtum, "The Police Gazette Champion Cannon Ball Catcher of the World"; Engraved Railroad Timetables; a Baseball contract securing Ralph Pinelli for the Detroit Baseball Company; a collection of baseball autographs signed in the 1930's on six multiply-signed octavo leaves; a program for the "Jeanette MacDonald International Fan Club" signed by Eleanor Powell, Virginia O'Brien, Robert Arthur, Leon Ames and others; an Autograph Letter Signed and Free Franked by Robert Wayne; Typed Letters Signed by Samuel Goldwyn, Jr, Sidney Reznick, Pete Rozelle, William S. Paley, Raymond Rubicam and others; a miscellany of First Day Covers and Postcards; a program for a Democratic Rally featuring an Address by Adelai Stevenson; a number of pages of blank Executive Mansion letterhead, and more.
Estimated Value $200-UP.
View details
Realized
$299
Lot 852
  Stein, Jules. Paper clip stain at top left, otherwise fine. American businessman and humanitarian, founder of MCA.

Typed Letter Signed with Lengthy Holograph Postscript. One page, Quarto, on imprinted personal letterhead, Universal City, California, April 16, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Knopf. Interesting letter concerning Stein's recent receipt of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. He writes, in part:

"…I am grateful for your generous compliments concerning my appearance on the television program of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and my receipt of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award…Since the television program appeared to be running too long, the producer decided to eliminate certain parts of the program, which included the first two paragraphs of Charles Heston's remarks concerning my fund raising efforts on behalf of the Motion Picture Relief Fund…I thought you might be interested in the complete statement which was to be made by Charlton Heston, as well as my remarks which followed. Therefore, I am enclosing a copy of the original approved presentation…"

In a holograph postscript, Stein has added another, more personal expression of thanks. Accompanied by the typescript text of Charlton Heston's speech before the Academy alluded to in Stein's letter, and some ancillary biographical material.


Estimated Value $150 - 200.
View details
Unsold
Lot 853
Stewart, Jimmy. Archivally framed to an overall size of 25½ x 19". (1908- 998) One of the most beloved American actors. Star of Mr. Smith goes to Washington, It's a Wonderful Life, High Noon, Rear Window and countless others.

Framed Suite of Jimmy Stewart Autograph Material Including a Signed Sketch of "Harvey." Attractive framed ensemble of material including one of Stewart's original sketches of the imaginary rabbit "Harvey" from the motion picture of the same name. The drawing is approximately 4 x 8", in dark black felt-tip ink, and represents a smiling bewhiskered rabbit in a striped bowtie. Stewart has signed in bright blue marker, executed in the presence of the consignor, who visited Mr. Stewart in person and brought the actor a fresh-baked pie. Stewart has titled and signed the drawing, "HARVEY Jimmy Stewart." Also included in the frame is an "prop" calling card for Elwood P. Dowd, the name of Stewart's character in film Harvey, being a Printed Calling Card, on cardstock, with the name and fictitious address of Stewart's character printed on the face. Stewart has inscribed the card on the verso, "Thank you for the pie. Hope you will drop by after. Jimmy." Also framed is a 4 x 6" Black & White Signed Photograph of the dapper actor in a suit and tie, and a printed sketch of Stewart by "Volpe," both signed in full, "Jimmy Stewart." There is also a facsimile of the fictitious Calling Card for Stewart's character Elmer Dowd, inscribed "To Gerald W. Burg - most sincerely James Stewart." . Fine.
Estimated Value $450 - 550.
From the Gerald Burg collection.

View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$575
Lot 854
  Withdrawn Unsold
Lot 855
Stewart, Jimmy. Two Signed Photographs of Jimmy Stewart. Two 8½ x 10," Black & White photographs of the actor, both undated, one dressed in cowboy togs, the other a studio portrait in suit and tie taken at the twilight of Mr. Stewart's career. Very Fine.
Estimated Value $100 - 150.
From the Gerald Burg collection.

View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$58
Lot 856
Stravinsky, Igor (1882-1971) Russian composer, he became famous with his music for the Diaghilev ballets The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and The Rite of Spring (1913), and went on to compose a body of highly regarded and influential work that helped define the modern idiom.

Form Letter/Document Signed. One page, Quarto, on W. W. Norton Letterhead, New York, NY, July 29, 1968. Letter from Candace Watt, managing editor of The Norton Library, requesting permission to reprint passages from Stravinsky's Autobiography for a paperback edition of The Essence of Opera, to be edited by Ulrich Weisstein and published by The Free Press of Glencoe in 1964. The letter, addressed to Arnold Weissberger, Stravinsky's attorney who controlled the rights to Stravinsky's autobiography, asks permission to reprint:

"…1000 words at the beginning of p.110 and 800 words in connection with "Oedipus Rex" from the 1963 edition of the Autobiography; reprinted by permission of the author and M. and J. Steuer… Permission to reprint this material was granted by you for the original clothbound edition of the book. May we ask you to extend the permission to cover the appearance of the book in the paperback reprint? If this is acceptable to you, please sign one of the two copies of this letter which are enclosed, and return it to me…"

The letter is then signed by Miss Candace Watt, and a line is reserved on the bottom for Stravinsky's authorization by signature. The composer signs his name in full, "Igor Stravinsky 8 August 1968."

Fine.
Estimated Value $250 - 350.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$276
Lot 857
  Street, St. Clair. Punched cancellation and docketing on verso, not affecting signature. American aviator, participated in Alaskan Air Expedition.

Signed Check. Approximately 8 x 3" printed engraved rose-toned check, Washington, DC, November [ 6 ], 1943. Drawn on The Riggs National Bank, with an attractive vignette and ornate gothic printed lettering. Made out to "Gish Garage," in the amount of $15.13. Boldly signed on the face, "St Clair Street." . Fine.
Estimated Value $75-UP.
View details
Unsold
Lot 858
Stroud, Robert (1890-1963) "The Bird Man of Alcatraz". American criminal, a convicted murderer who became a self-taught ornithologist during his 54 years in prison, 42 of them in solitary confinement, and made notable contributions to the study of birds. While living with a dance-hall girl in Juneau, Alaska, Stroud got into an argument with a man over the girl and subsequently killed him. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years in prison in Puget Sound (1909). After stabbing a fellow inmate and proving generally troublesome, Stroud was transferred to the infamous Leavenworth Prison in Kansas (1912). He continued his loner ways but began to educate himself through university extension courses. On March 26, 1916 he stabbed and killed a guard and was sentenced to be executed by hanging; but on April 15, 1920, President Woodrow Wilson commuted his sentence to life imprisonment in solitary confinement. It was during this time that Stroud began raising canaries and other birds, collecting laboratory equipment, and studying the diseases of birds and their breeding and care. Some of his research was smuggled out of prison and published. In 1943, Stroud's Digest on the Diseases of Birds was published and became an important work in the field of ornithology.

Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages, recto/verso, Quarto, Alcatraz, Ca. June 25, 1954. A personal letter written to Marie E. Stroud of Metropolis, Ill. In it, Stroud discusses the hot weather that both parties are experiencing, the status of a book that another party is writing, the economy and McCarthy. Fine.
Estimated Value $300 - 400.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 859
Stroud, Robert. Much more of Stroud's own political ideology; all from a man who was never allowed to vote in his life! Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages, recto/ verso, Quarto, Alcatraz, CA. August 11, 1952. Written to his half-sister Mamie, regarding his political beliefs. In part:

"… After 20 years of the worst misrule the country has ever known I can't see why any one devoted to the course of free government should vote for any democrat… For that matter, any Republican will be better for the country than the best Democrat. I would rather see Old Hoover again than see Stevenson… who is just another communist stooge… ".

Very Good.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$242
Lot 860
Thos. Sully Paints President Polk's Portrait. Each letter is moderately age-toned, otherwise fine. (1783-1872) American portrait painter.

Two Autograph Letters Signed. Lot of Two related Autograph Letters Signed, described as follows:

A. Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, Philadelphia, June 13, 1847. To J.Y.Mason. Businesslike letter concerning a Presidential portrait the artist has been commissioned to execute. He writes: "…I addressed a letter to you at Chapel Hill with particulars concerning the portrait which I am painting of the President and you. It would be well to have them framed here, and I should be glad to learn if that is resolved; and which of the three kinds of Frames which I sent a list of is chosen…" In a postscript Sully relates the costs for each of the three types of frame. The addressee, John Young Mason, had served in President Tyler's cabinet as Secretary of the Navy, and continued on in this position after being reappointed by President Polk.

B. Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, Philadelphia, June 18, 1847. This letter, also to Mason, gives a progress report on the status of Sully's Presidential portrait: "…I have finished the portraits of the President and Secretary Mason; and shall forward them to Chapel Hill next Monday. I would be much gratified to be enabled to address each portrait to the proper Society; and to know the best route for their conveyance to Chapel Hill. They will be sent without frames, as none were ordered. Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant Thos Sully." With a three line holograph postscript mentioning travel plans, initialed "TS." On the verso of this second letter, its recipient Secretary Mason has docketed the letter as follows: "Unofficial: Ans[wer] that the Societies prefer the 40 dollar frames - keep the portraits open, until the President visits Pha [Philadelphia] - then box them up, and send them to me with your bill. J.Y.M." . Fine.
Estimated Value $1,750-UP.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 861
Very Early Zachary Taylor Autograph Letter Signed. Age-toned throughout a creamy golden brown. The folds have been strengthened, and there are some minor chips along the right edge of the first page, not affecting text. The letter is still perfectly intact, and is very boldly written in an ink that is still dark. Taylor's letters from this early period in his military career rarely come to the market. 12th President of the United States, 1849-1850.

Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages, Quarto, with integral address leaf franked "On Service - Free," Louisville, Kentucky, July 6, 1825. To Brigadier General Thomas L. Jesup, Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army, Washington. Scarce, early military letter written as Lieutenant Colonel, in which Taylor writes:

"General, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th Inst. In reply to that part of it which relates to my having the clothing sent to Nachez for the reserve service removed to this place, I have only to state that previous to my doing so I received an order from the Adjt Genl to send Captain Young with all the recruits he had enlisted to Cantonment Jesup to order Lt Wash to this place & break up the rendezvous - knowing how liable public clothing left in charge of citizens was to be destroyed particularly in southern climates, & presuming from the order referred to that it was not probable a reverse rendezvous would be opened again at that place for at least some time I thought it most advisable to direct Lt Wash to bring with him the clothing remaining on hand to this place. With very great respect I remain Genl Your Obt Servant Z. Taylor Lt Col U.S. Army."


Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 862
  Television Scripts Signed. Three Original Signed Television Scripts for episodes of the popular shows Will & Grace ("Secrets and Lays"), Third Rock From The Sun ("Judgement Day"), and televisions long-lasting soap, All My Children (Show #7473). All date from 1998, and are Single-spaced Table drafts. Each is multiply signed on its Cover Sheet by all the principal cast members of each show. Very Fine.
Estimated Value $200-UP.
From the Gerald Burg collection.

View details
Realized
$121
Lot 863
Temple, Shirley (1927-) American entertainer, famous as a child star in the Depression era.

Inscribed Photograph Signed. Black and White (sepia-toned), 4 x 6." A lovely picture of the legendary child star as a young woman. Inscribed, "To Lora Lee, / Sincerely, / Shirley Temple". Fine.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$173
Lot 864
  Tereshkova, Valentina (1937-). Cosmonaut, the first woman to fly in space. When Tereshkova was selected for the Soviet space program in 1962, she became the first person to be recruited without experience as a test pilot. Her selection was based on her parachuting skills, which she had cultivated on her own as a hobby. She made more than 125 jumps before volunteering for space-flight training.

Picture Postcard Signed. Black & White, approximately 3-3/4 x 5 3/4 ". A becoming headshot of the first woman in space, boldly signed by the Soviet astronaut in the white margin below her image. Fine.
Estimated Value $100 - 200.
View details
Realized
$69
Lot 865
A Page From Thackeray's "Roundabout Papers" (1811-1863) British novelist, works include "Vanity Fair" (1847-8), "Pendennis" (1848), and "The Newcomes" (1853-5).

Autograph Manuscript Leaf from Thackeray's Roundabout Papers. One page, tall Octavo, on blue bond, n.d., n.p. Being a manuscript leaf in Thackeray's hand from "On a Joke Which I Once Heard From the Late Thomas Hood," which appeared in his "Roundabout Papers," the name given to a series of humorous essays published in Cornhill magazine, of which Thackeray was the editor. The page, which contains a complete narrative, relates a witty anecdote that lampoons the poverty of his greatest literary forbears, Jonathan Swift, Laurence Sterne, and Joseph Addison, to satirize English upper-class values. It begins :

"Sterne should make love to his neighbors' wives. Swift for a long time was as poor as any wag that ever laughed, but he owed no penny to his neighbors. Addison when he wore his most threadbare would hold his head up and maintain his dignity:and, I dare vouch, neither of those [two] gentlemen, when they were ever so poor, asked any man alive to pity their condition, and have a regard to the weaknesses incidental to the literary profession. Galley slave, forsooth! If you are sent to prision for some error for which the law awards that sort of laborious seclusion, so much the more [ ? ] for you. If you are chained to the oar a prisioner of war, like Cervantes, and you have the pain but not the [pleasure?], and the friendly companion of mankind to reward you. Galley slaves, indeed! What man has not his oar to pull? …Take the lawyer galley, and that dauntless octogenarian in command. When has he ever complained or repined about his slavery?There is the Priests galley - black and [ ? ] sails - see any mariners out of Thames work harder?…"

Approximately 300 words, with numerous corrections, in Thackeray's hand. A sardonic line on the verso of the manuscript leaf sums up the sentiment of Thackeray's tidy satire: "Think of these past worthies, friend, and let us be thankful that we live in our time."

The essay, of which this manuscript represents a first draft, was published in Thackeray's "Roundabout Papers" No. 9, December, 1860. In this year, Thackeray had already published Vanity Fair: he was at the height of his powers, and enjoyed a reputation as one of the greatest living English authors, the equal of Charles Dickens, with whom he was friends. Thackeray's" Roundabout Papers" were often autobiographical, and sometimes the author used them to respond to literary attacks.

Very Fine.
Estimated Value $650 - 800.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 866
The Birth Of A Nation. Large Format First Day of Issue Poster Signed by Mary Pickford And Buddy Rogers. One page, 8½ x 10", Postmarked Beverly Hills, CA, May 27, 1975. Printed poster with a montage of images celebrating D.W. Griffith's Birth of a Nation. With a pictorial stamp honoring the filmmaker. Boldly signed by Mary Pickford and Charles Buddy Rogers. Fine.
Estimated Value $75 - 150.
From the Gerald Burg collection.

View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$40
Lot 867
Monkey Business: a Marx Brother Patents an Invention. Each document is in Fine condition. Also included are Xerox copies of contracts and minutes relating to the "Lifeguard Watch" Corporation. (1901-1979) One of the Marx Brothers, the family of inventive film comedians who broke new ground beginning with the films Animal Crackers and Monkey Business (both 1932).

Invention Archive: Four Documents Patenting An Invention by Zeppo Marx. Fascinating lot of Four Documents Signed, each relating to an invention devised by Zeppo Marx to monitor blood pressure called the "Lifeguard Watch." Included are (1) the original Letters Patent, a Six page, Quarto, printed document from the US Patent Office, dated February 11, 1969, conferring a patent to Herbert Zeppo Marx for.

"Method and Watch Mechanism For Actuation By A Cardiac Pulse."

The Patent describes the invention as a "Means for driving a watch by means of a cardiac pulse at a rate that varies according to the frequency, strength and regularity of the pulse, and, by comparing the rate of operation thereof with a reference watch that operates at a constant and known rate, apprising the user by the deviant reading between the two watches of a corresponding variation in the functioning of the heart." The Letters Patent goes on to give an account of the Background of the Invention, calling attention to related prior patents, and a fascinating Summary of the Invention. Herbert Zeppo Marx is named with A.D. Herman as Inventors of the device. The document is bound by a purple ribbon and bears a pristine red seal of the US Patent Office.

Accompanying the Letters Patent are other related documents, the first (2) entitled "Abstract of the Disclosure," being a Twelve page, Legal Folio, with ornate printed diagrammatic illustrations on its Cover Page, Los Angeles, California, dated "1967," providing a detailed account of the invention. Signed on the last page, "Herbert Zeppo Marx." (3) The next document, entitled "Specifications," is Thirteen pages, Legal Folio, Los Angeles, California, September 1, 1966, and provides all the specifications for the invention prescribed by the Patent Office, and subsequently incorporated into its Letters Patent for the invention, signed on the last page by both inventors, Zeppo Marx and A.D. Herman. Finally (4) the By-Laws for the Company formed by Zeppo Marx to market and sell his invention, a corporation called "Lifeguard Watch." These By-Laws are a Multicopy Document Signed, Thirteen pages, Quarto, establishing the incorporation of Marx's company in eight brief Articles. The document is signed twice by Zeppo Marx on the last page.

Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000-UP.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$1,035
Lot 868
  [The Three Stooges]. Famous American comedy team.

Book Signed. Not Just A Stooge: The Autobiography of Hollywood's Most Prolific Third Stooge, by Joe Besser, Orange, California: Excelsior Books, 1984. 234 pages. Paperback copy inscribed, "Best Wishes Joe Besser" (the last Stooge) on the title page. Fine.
Estimated Value $75 - 125.
View details
Realized
$75
Lot 869
"Tiffany, darling!" Moderately worn, with a small area where the paper has been abraded at top, not affecting text. Still an eye-catching, attractive document perfect for framing. Flush mounted to heavier artists board. (1812-1902) Famous goldsmith and jeweller, founder of Tiffany & Co. By 1883, he was one of the largest manufacturers of silverware in the United States, having secured official appointments to twenty-three royal patrons including the Tsar of Russia, Queen Victoria, and the Shah of Persia. Partially Printed Document Signed. One Page, Elephant Folio, with Tiffany & Co. imprint, New York, NY, July 17, 1892. Attractive Certificate acknowledging the completion of a silversmith's apprenticeship. The document reads:

"This certifies that Maurice Ettinger has served and completed an apprenticeship of Six Years and ____Months in the Chasing department at our Factory, Prince Street. C L Tiffany, President".
Estimated Value $250 - 350.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$414
Lot 870
"They Are Doing Nothing" (1879-1940) Russian Communist Leader, Revolutionary, and author.

Typed Document Signed. Two pages, recto/verso, oblong Quarto, on letterhead of the Revolutionary Military Council, 14th Army of the Ukrainian Republic, August 8, 1919. Interesting request to disband an armored train, directed to Trotsky's attention, as People's Commissar of the Red Army and Navy. One side of the document requests permission to disband an armored train at Ekaterinoslav, under the command of Comrade Berg. "They are doing nothing," writes the Commissar of the 14th Army, Comrade Basov, "…their real place is in the Red Troops." Leon Trotsky has written his decision below in red pencil: "It is authorized. Trotsky." On the other side of the document, a contradictory request has been penned in ink, which challenges the "report" of the Commissar of the 14th Army, and requests another arrangement for these same troops. Trotsky has made a note below this verso request, "D/O. T," which translates as "F[or]/R[eport]. T[rotsky]." Evidently he desired to have the matter investigated more thoroughly.

Reinforced at right margin, where the page has been attached to a strip of heavier stock. Two minor areas of paper loss at right edge, not affecting Trotsky's signature, which is uncommonly large and bold. The entire page is heavily annotated, and visually quite appealing.
Estimated Value $600 - 900.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$690
Lot 871
Harry Truman ALS on "Poker". A light area and two tape marks where the card was attached to the letter appear at bottom right corner, not affecting text or signature, otherwise fine. Truman letters about poker are very scarce. (1884-1972) 33rd President of the United States,1945-1953.

Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, on imprinted personal letterhead, Federal Reserve Bank Building, Kansas City, Missouri, July 27, 1955. With the original transmittal envelope addressed in Truman's hand, also on his personal letterhead. To J. Frank Rope of Kansas City. In this curious missive, Truman is apparently writing about a card (not present but formerly attached), printed by the Union Pacific Railroad Company, which illustrated the eleven poker hands and listed their hierarchy. He writes:

"Dear Frank: Eddie told me you didn't believe this arrangement. It seems that Harriman & the UP are in favor of it. Suppose you bring this card to our next meeting and we'll pass it on. Maybe you'd better consult Eddie about it too. Sincerely, Harry Truman."

Truman was quite fond of poker, and Rope was one of his card-playing friends. There must have been some disagreement within their poker circle about the relative importance of the hands as given on the UP card.

Fine.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 872
Truman, Harry S. With pencil notations at top left, and an exceptionally bold signature. Typed Document Signed as President. One page, Quarto, on imprinted White House letterhead, Washington, DC, [April, 1946]. Document conferring the Citation for Legion of Merit - Degree of Legionnaire - on Lieutenant Colonel Igor Nikolaievich Smirnov, an officer of the Russian Red Army. Accompanied by the attractive Legion of Merit Certificate, One Page, Folio, Washington, DC, April 9, 1946, awarded to Smirnov, signed by Truman's Secretary of War.

The Citation document signed by President Truman reads as follows:

"CITATION FOR LEGION OF MERIT
Degree of Legionnaire

Lieutenant Colonel Igor Nikolaievich Smirnov,
while serving as Second in Command, 86th Guard Rifle
Division, Red Army, demonstrated exceptionally meri-
torious conduct in the performance of outstanding service,
and contributed materially to the success of combined
operations against the common enemy in Europe.

Harry Truman."

Very Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 873
Truman, Harry S. Both of the two documents are considerably soiled. Legion of Merit Document Signed as President. One page, Quarto, on White House letterhead, [April, 1946]. Typed document entitled, "Citation For The Legion Of Merit -- Degree of Officer," awarding the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Petra M. Bordekov, an officer of the Red Army who has:

"…performed outstanding services as commander of a tank brigade of the First White Army. His outstanding leadership inspired all ranks in the accomplishment of great battles against firmly entrenched enemy forces on the Oder River and in offensives west of Berlin. He materially contributed to the ultimate junction of the armed forces of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United States of America at the Elbe River in Germany. By his outstanding performance of duty over an extended period of time, Colonel Bordekov did much to bring about the defeat of the German Army and reflected great credit upon himself and the Soviet Union.
Harry Truman."


Accompanied by the original ornate Legion of Merit certificate conferring the award, One page, Folio, April 9, 1946, signed by Robert P. Patterson, Truman's Secretary of War.

Very Good.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 874
Scarce Turner Autograph Letter Signed. Lightly stained at bottom right, with mounting traces on verso, otherwise fine. (1775-1851) English painter and watercolorist, known for his brilliant atmospheric landscapes and innovative studies of light and sky.

Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Octavo, Athenaeum, Saturday Evening, n.d. Turner writes to a Miss Rogers, accepting an invitation which he has previously been compelled to decline:

"Dear Miss Rogers: Best regards to you and Miss Johnston and glad to say I am more fortunate this time and will have the greatest pleasure of being in Hanover Terrace on Thursday - the 11th…J M W Turner."

Turner led a secretive private life. He never married and when not staying with his patron Lord Egremont at Petworth, he lived in London taverns, dying in such an establishment where he was known by an assumed name. His revolution in art foreshadowed Impressionism and found a timely champion in John Ruskin.

Fine.
Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,750.
View details and enlarged photo
Realized
$920
Lot 875
  Turner, Lana. Two hole punches at top center; stapled at top left. (1920-1995) American actress, glamour star pin-up.

Typed Document Signed. Three pages, legal Folio, [New Mexico], July 1, 1976. Interesting legal instrument entitled "Amendment to Certificate of Limited Partnership" by which the Sundance Corporation, a Minerals concern, assigns all of interest in a General Partnership, to Murphy Minerals Corporation, of which Miss Lana Turner is a Limited Partner. Signed on the last page, along with twelve other signatories. Fine.
Estimated Value $125-UP.
View details
Unsold
Lot 876
  Withdrawn Unsold
Lot 877
President Tyler Ushers a Mint Report Before Congress. President Tyler's signature is remarkably bold. (1790-1862) 10th President of the United States, 1841-1845.

Letter Signed To Congress. One page, Octavo, with the superscript address "To the House of Representatives of the United States," Washington, DC, January 7, 1842. Transmittal letter to the 27th Congress of the United States, presenting a report from the Director of the Mint describing the operations of that institution for the year 1841. The letter, which was published as a preamble to "US Mint Document No.71," and read with the Mint report before the 27th Congress, Second Session, on February 8, 1842, reads:

"I transmit, herewith, to the House of Representatives, a report from the
Director of the Mint, showing the operations of that institution for the year
1941.
John Tyler
Washington, 31st. Jan. 1842. "
.

Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold
Lot 878
Rare and Intriguing Van Buren ALS (1782-1862) 8th President of the United States, 1837-1841.

Autograph Letter Signed as U.S. Senator. Two pages, recto/verso, Quarto, with integral address leaf, n.p., September 1, 1823. To a Judge Miller. Written two years into Van Buren's tenure as U.S. Senator from New York, this exceptional letter reveals the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and patronage of the "spoils system" that characterized the politics of New York that Van Buren came to control and dominate as leader of the "Albany Regency," a cabal of practiced politicians who combined their resources in office and jointly used their power to control state politics.

In 1821 Van Buren, the new Senator from New York, was made a member of the Congressional convention charged with revising the constitution of the state of New York. Because his party was not strong enough at this time to send him from his own district, he was sent to represent Otsego County. Senator Van Buren took an active part, advocating a moderate course of reform, the limited extension of suffrage, and legislative reforms that would take power away from the assembly and transfer it to the governor, giving that office the power of veto. This convention was instrumental in making Van Buren's reputation, but his activity was largely directed by party politics and alliances.

This letter, written in 1823, finds Van Buren using his ties and influence to secure an appointment in what is probably the State legislature. He writes:

"My dear Judge/ I have been disappointed in not hearing from you or any one else before on the subject of the Otsego [seat or suit]. I infer however that Mr. H. will be able to provide himself with other counsel and will be well pleased to find my influence counts. Our young Price from N[ew] York is waiting here to go out with me. I will thank you to drop me a line by return post that I may either retain or send him off with certainty. I sincerely pray that Mrs. Miller's health is restored or that she is at least out of danger. If she is well enough to [?] of it, be so good as to express my most affectionate regard for her. Your friend, MV Buren." Word from Judge Miller will decide Van Buren on what he is to do with Price, and he is clearly anxious about what is either a "seat" on the New York state legislature, or a law "suit" originating in Otsego County. Much depends upon this word, which is difficult to make out in the text.

A fascinating letter, full of political design, which seems to call forth the observation on Van Buren made by his political rival, John Quincy Adams: "There are many features in the character of Mr. Van Buren strongly resembling that of Mr. Madison - his calmness, his gentleness of manner, his discretion, his easy and conciliatory temper. But Madison had none of his obsequiousness, his sycophancy, his profound dissimulation and duplicity."

There is a very slight area of abraded paper, and a small tear on the right edge, neither affecting text, with some separation at fold of address leaf, which has been expertly repaired. The address leaf, which bears the word "An - ", has two small pieces of tape, and a minor area of paper loss at the extreme right verso corner.


Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
View details and enlarged photo
Unsold



Page 5 of 6
Previous Previous   1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6   Next Next
Go to page




home | current auction | events & catalogue orders | consign | bid | archives | about us | contact us

US Coins & Currency | World & Ancient Coins | Manuscripts & Collectibles | Bonded CA Auctioneers No. 3S9543300
350 South Beverly Drive, Ste. 350, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 | 310. 551.2646 ph | 310.551.2626 fx | 800.978.2646 toll free

© 1999-2010 Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, All Rights Reserved info@goldbergcoins.com