Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 61

Manuscript, Collectibles and Aerospace Auction

Celebrity/Entertainment Memorabilia

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 499		Houdini, Harry (1874-1926) Born Ehrich Weisz. Hungarian-American escape artist, magician, and one of Hollywood's first action heroes. An outspoken critic of the Spiritualist movement which was sweeping America and Europe. He possessed the largest library in the world on magic and witchcraft. Never published, lengthy typescript dealing with witchcraft, a subject which had become an obsession for Houdini, with several hundred autograph corrections and additions throughout, 63 numbered pages on 11 x 8½ inch sheets, on rectos only, some sheets slightly larger after cutting and pasting, n.p., 1926. This important, typed manuscript from late in Houdini's career, gives a rough history of witchcraft as practiced through the ages and draws on many published sources, with an abundance of direct quotes from those sources. The manuscript ends with a description of the powers of the Witch of Endor, a figure of much interest to Houdini in his later years. The manuscript has never been published and is likely unfinished, awaiting additional chapters. The manuscript begins, "Why embarass the mind of the present generation with the superstitions and vagaries of past ages: The question might be asked with propriety; But the answer comes back with equal force: - Because, superstition with its baneful results are not altogether a thing of the past." He continues that superstition "not only enslaved the entire populous, but became, through a demoniacal mania, an epidemic which pervaded the old world and even merged over to the new…." The manuscript is very much a work in transition. It is certainly not a first draft. Some of the leaves are cut and pasted from earlier drafts. The clarity of the language throughout suggests that the piece was heavily edited by someone. There are several hundred inked corrections and additions throughout in Houdini's hand. The additions, in particular, are pure Houdini, with spelling errors and incorrect phrasing. The corrections to punctuation were likely suggested by someone else, but they are still in Houdini's hand. The piece was probably run through three times, while all the additions are in ink. Some of the corrections are in pencil, red pencil, or ink, but the thrust of the arguments throughout the piece are certainly those of Houdini. The dating of this important Houdini manuscript is derived from the text itself - Houdini noted several times that the present year was 1926. Lot is accompanied by a photocopy of an unsigned typed letter from Houdini to Mr. W.S. Davis in New York City, in which he mentions that he is working on a project dealing with the Witch of Endor and astrology and witchcraft. The letter is dated July 16, 1926 which makes it contemporary with the typescript described above. Accompanied by a sworn affidavit from the consignor, describing his purchase of the manuscript in 1976 and tracing it back to Dr. Edward Saint, Mrs. Houdini's manager and companion. Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 500		Stratton, Charles Sherwood ("Tom Thumb") (1838-1883) Dwarf who gained fame with P.T. Barnum. Carte-de-visite photo from a Brady negative, titled "The Fairy Wedding Group" signed on the verso by the wedding party: "Charles S. Stratton," his bride "Livinia Warren Stratton," "G.W. McNutt" ("Commodore" McNutt was another dwarf in Barnum's employ), and "Minnie Warren," Lavinia's even smaller sister. After the February 10, 1863 wedding, Stratton and his bride were received by President Lincoln at the White House. Imprint of E. & H.T. Anthony on verso. Very good. Estimated Value $200 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 501		[Disney] Unique Desert Battalion Collection - With 11 Original Disney Sketches, Military & Celebrity Memorabilia. The Desert Battalion was organized in late Spring 1942 by Gladys Lloyd "Robbie" Robinson, wife of actor Edward G. Robinson. This "feminine battalion," run by "brigadears," was recruited to entertain U.S. soldiers who were stationed in remote, desert locations over some 18,000 miles in Southern California. It was there that General George S. Patton trained his troops for the conditions they would face in the deserts of North Africa. Some 600 young women between the ages of 18 and 25 eventually took part in the Desert Battalion. During the week they worked in factories, offices, and war plants. On the weekends, the women paid their own bus fare to travel to camps in the middle of nowhere to dance nonstop for hours in the sweltering heat and to talk with the lonesome troops and generally cheer them up with some female companionship. The women were chaperoned and were not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages or "neck"; they also had to promise not to divulge military information. The Desert Battalion covered over 350,000 miles in the two years it entertained the troops. In 1944, Mrs. Robinson and Jack Preston published a soft cover book called "The Desert Battalion" (Hollywood: Murray & Gee, Inc.). To illustrate the book, Walt Disney contributed twelve original drawings made by his animators. It was decided that, to avoid legal problems, individual animators could not be named but that each Disney sketch could be marked "c W.D.P." The Acknowledgment in the front of the book states: "The Walt Disney drawings in this book were produced and contributed by the staff of Walt Disney Productions-supervised by Don Douglas. The jacket and other cartoons were donated by Milt Gross…." Eleven of the original Disney drawings are included in this collection; Mrs. Robinson never had the other drawing, for some reason, but it was used to advertise the book. The drawings are on 10 x 12" paper held loosely on 12½ x 14" mounts. Eight of the drawings are in 14 x 16" frames; spindle holes can be seen at the bottom edge of the three unframed drawings, so we assume that the other eight have them as well. Two drawings by Milt Gross are also present: a mock-up illustration of the group leaders, used in the book, and a charming ink and watercolor drawing of a large yellow dog reclining under a tree, signed "Milt" and inscribed "Hi Gladys" with a couple of musical notes, not used in the book. Thanks to Dave Smith, Chief Archivist at the Disney Archives, we have obtained copies of several letters (included with this collection) from the Disney file on the Desert Battalion: an inter-office memo noting that "Mrs. Edw. G. Robinson called Walt and asked him to supply a number of drawings for this book, 'Desert Battalion'…." and discussing how to attribute the Disney drawings while avoiding violating Disney's exclusive contract with their publisher, as well as a copy of Don Douglas' letter to Mrs. Robinson, a copy of Mrs. R's handwritten letter to Walt Disney, thanking him for his "outstanding contribution to our war work" and a copy of her letter to Don Douglas, describing the enthusiastic reception of the book and thanking Walt Disney, Roy Williams, [Fred] Moore, "and all the gang." This tells us that Williams and Moore, two Disney greats, were two of the animators who contributed to the book. The collection contains too many items to enumerate, but some of the highlights are: 11 original Disney drawings; 2 original Milt Gross drawings; an original letter from Walt Disney to Mrs. Robinson; 2 original copies of the book "The Desert Battalion"; a shadow box with insignia of the various armed forces the Battalion entertained: some 95 military patches, pins, ribbons, wings, etc.; 6 scrapbooks containing approximately 430 photographs of the various camp and entertainment activities, plus many newspaper clippings, invitations, advertisements of the Desert Battalion activities (photographs include celebrities such as Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Jack Benny, John Garfield, Edward G. Robinson, etc. who attended the "A Night to Remember" gala); over 350 letters from military officers, servicemen, parents and press; a Walt Disney ad for the book; and numerous other items. An original letter from Allied Supreme Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower expresses his appreciation for his copy of the book, and two original letters from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt are present. President Roosevelt's secretary, Grace Tully, expressed his thanks for the book. Among the military officers who wrote letters was Major General Ralph P. Cousins, aviation pioneer and developer of the radio beam, who wrote three letters. This fantastic, unique collection is a feast for anyone interested in Disneyana, World War II, or Hollywood celebrities. It truly should be seen in person to be appreciated. Estimated Value $8,000 - 12,000. From the estate of Gladys Lloyd "Robbie" Robinson, wife of actor Edward G. Robinson. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 502		Marilyn Monroe Calender. This famous 1952 Marilyn Monroe calender is in mint condition and includes all twelve months. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $969
Lot 503		Bolger, Ray and Jack Haley. Color 10 x 8 in. Photo Signed "Ray Bolger" and "Sincerely Jack Haley." Bolger, who played the Scarecrow and Haley, who played the Tin Man in the very popular 1939 movie based on L. Frank Baum's book, are pictured with Judy Garland as Dorothy, Frank Morgan as the Wizard of Oz, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, and Toto. Bolger and Haley both signed in black marker. Fine condition. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $228
Lot 504		[Entertainment Lot] The Honeymooners & Others (1) 8 x 10 in. photograph signed by the cast of The Honeymooners: "My Best Wishes--Jackie Gleason 'Ralph'"; "Best always Audrey Meadows 'Alice'"; "Art Carney 'Norton'"; and "Regards, Joyce Randolph 'Trixie'"; no place, no date.(2) 10 x 8 in. photo of the Everly Brothers, signed by Phil and Don. (3) Concert announcement for The Kingston Trio signed by members Bob Shane, George Grove, and Roger Gambill, 8¼ x 5¼, 1982 or 83. (4) original watercolor and ink caricatures of Laurel and Hardy 13¾ x 10¾ in., 1983, signed by the artist, Gary Smith. ((5) original watercolor and ink caricature of the Three Stooges, 13¾ x 10¾ in., 1983, signed by the artist, Gary Smith (6) 22 x 16 in. poster of Humphrey Bogart on "The African Queen" taking a bottle of Gordon's Gin out of a wooden crate; and (7) 6¾ x 4¾ publicity shot for Columbia Pictures' 1935 film "Gallant Defender," western actor Charles Starret and the popular singing group, Sons of the Pioneers. Member Leonard Slye, pictured at Starrett's right, would change his name to Roy Rogers in 1938. All in fine condition. Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $252
Lot 505		Garland, Judy (1922-1969) Actress and singer; most identified with the movie "The Wizard of Oz." 1951 Program for "Palace Two-A-Day" from the RKO Palace Theatre Signed "Sincerely / Judy Garland" in blue ink on the cover. Also signed by composer Hugh Martin and by Ricky Riccardi and Bert May; the latter two played boyfriends of Miss Garland's. Pages of the program are toned and separated but Miss Garland's signature is large and bold. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $480
Lot 506		Hepburn, Katharine (1907-2003) The only actress to receive four Oscar awards. Autograph Letter Signed "Kate,"on personal stationery, 2pp, 8 x 6 in., May 19, 1983. To "Mildred," replying to inquiries about her health following a rather serious injury: "…Live in N.Y. during the week & in Fenwick [Connecticut] on the weekends. The ankle improves daily -- I walk garden- bicycle- swim- it gets sore and a bit swollen by day's end but has good range & all in all I consider that I was lucky considering the seriousness of the injury -- Phyllis too is fine -- it's really the first vacation she's had in years…" Fine condition. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $156
Lot 507		Hepburn, Katharine. Brief Autograph Letter Signed "Katharine Hepburn" on her red-imprinted personal stationery, one page, 8½ x 5½ in. Written in her characteristic shaky hand, due to a chronic neurological condition. "Dear Joseph Parrante / What a lovely present - You are an angel to bother." A few ink specks, otherwise fine. Estimated Value $150 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 508		Leigh, Vivien. Photograph Signed "Vivien Leigh" in blue ink, on her chest, 6 x 4½ in. A bust portrait of the star of Gone With the Wind. Signature is a little light, else fine. Estimated Value $350 - 450. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 509		Presley, Elvis (1935-1977) The King of Rock and Roll. Sheet music for "Pocketful of Rainbows" from the movie "G.I. Blues" signed on the cover in black ink. Very fine; file holes at left margin. "G.I. Blues" was the first movie Elvis made after serving two years in the U.S. Army. Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $734
Lot 510		Presley, Elvis. Calendar page for January 7 and 8 (1958) signed "yours Elvis Presley"on the January 8th half, in blue ball point pen. A contemporary note at the top, written by Lenore Carlyle, who obtained the autograph, says, "in Beverly Wilshire Garage at 5:00 P.M…." In 1958 Lenore Carlyle was working in the executive offices of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. One day as she was leaving, she ran into Elvis in the garage as he returned from somewhere. She asked for his autograph and pulled out her calendar for him to sign. He told her he wanted to sign on the page for his birthday, which he did. On March 24, 1958, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $705
Lot 511		[Theater)]Julia Marlowe, Lady Cornwallis-West, & Maurice Barrymore. Two autograph letters signed, total of 4 pages, one on The Plaza letterhead, New York, Nov. 1908, the other from 498 West End Ave. (NY), n.d. Both are to Mrs. Riggs (Kate Douglas Wiggins, author of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm) about a possible visit, "grinding rehearsals," etc. With cabinet photos, 6½ x 4¼"20, of Lady Cornwallis-West, an English beauty and rival of Lily Langtry, and Maurice Barrymore (some edge damage). Estimated Value $100 - 150. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $660
Lot 513		Casablanca - 1943 Original Lobby Art Signed by Artist. Original tempera painting on board signed "Albert Carlo '43" at lower right, 24 x 36 in. Against an orange background, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman are shown cheek to cheek; their names are in large black letters.and "Casablanca" is painted in red outlined in white. "Fox Movietone" is in black letters at lower right (newsreels were shown before the start of the movie). Some changes are evident; "Starts Sunday" had been painted above the names but was painted out; likewise, "Plus Fox Movietone News" was changed to "Fox Movietone." There are some darker brugh strokes at right and left edges, and a red halo-effect around Bogart's and Bergman's heads. The sign was exhibited in the lobby of the Westwood Theater in Westwood (Los Angeles), California, for the theater's opening night of Casablanca. Rare original artwork. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $676
Lot 514		Charlie Chaplin in "The Great Dictator". Four Items: A 1940 Program and two ticket stubs from the November 15, 1940 showing of the film "The Great Dictator," at the Astor Theatre in New York. The film, first released on October 15, 1940, was directed by and starred Charlie Chaplin; it is a satire of Adolf Hitler and Nazism. With a 13½" x 13½" piece of original art by "G Angelo"; stamp on back says "Published Apr 20 1939 The Enquirer." This was Chaplin's first "talkie" and his most commercially successful film. Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $90