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Sale 27
Lot 4689
Extraordinary Wooden Anthropoid Coffin Lid (Suhet) of Ancient Egypt. Late XXV -Early Ptolemaic Times, c. 650-300. Made of several thick Lebanese cedar planks and covered with a fine linen, this outstanding encasement is extensively decorated and inscribed in polychrome. Quite realistically, it depicts the face in rich red-ochre tones; because of this coloration, we know this lid was created for a male (if female, the face would have been painted in pale yellow). Below the floral broad collar is an impressive winged scarab beetle, and still lower, we see a double row of vertical hieroglyphic text. The text on the right gives us the name of the deceased:"Neter Heneb". This row can be translated as: " A royal gift given in the land or realm of Osiris to Neter Heneb who gives many offerings in the temple of many oxen and many geese…" The foot-box of this sarcophagus lid rests on a white pedestal with a burgundy border. All in all, a visually stunning antiquity! Height: 68.5 inches. Accompanied by a full dossier supplemented with color photographs. This antiquity has been professionally restored to its original brillance, and internally is in remarkably excellent condition.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 35,000.
This piece is unusual in that it was not sawed into pieces and then reassembled. It formerly was part of an older collection; the consignor states probably from the world famous traveler and collector Lowell Thomas, who likely purchased it through the noted dealer R. Blanchard, of Cairo.
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Lot 4302
Reagan, Ronald (1911-2004) 40th President of the United States, 1981-1989. Autograph Note Signed ("Dad"), on card engraved "Ronald Reagan," with embossed presidential seal (Los Angeles), March 2, 1991, 4¼ x 6 3/8 in. A poignant note to his daughter Patti (Davis), attempting to heal the family rift. In full:
"Dear Patti / It was good to hear from you. As the song goes - 'the days dwindle down to a precious few.' In view of my recent birthday I find the song appropriate. Patti I think a talk between us is the answer to some of our differences. There are extremists on both sides of every issue. Reasonable people should look into both sides and see if every charge or countercharge is justified by the facts. Even if there are differences does this justify a family separation? We can disagree on things without abandoning our family relationship. I remember a little girl who sat on my lap and asked me to marry her. Love - Dad."
The President had just turned 80 on February 6th and realized that his days were numbered, even before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 1994. Patti was the first of Ronald and Nancy's two children and she aired her differences with her parents publicly. Patti sold this letter a couple of days after her father sent it to her, with the proviso that it not be resold until after her father's death. It was sold again, privately, with the same proviso, on March 27, 1991, and has not been offered for sale again until now. A Liz Smith column in August 1992, here included, refers to the letter, calling Patti "the perpetually estranged daughter of Ronald and Nancy Reagan." Patti admitted to Liz that she had sold the letter because she needed money but denied that it had any special sensitivity, and said that she was trying to buy it back. Patti recalled that it had been written during the time she was protesting her father's administration's policy regarding the killing of dolphins, but in March 1991, when her father wrote the note, he had not been President for two years. Patti made her peace, at least with her mother, at some point, because she was obviously a great comfort to Nancy during her father's funeral.
This is a beautiful, loving note from the late President, reaching out to his estranged daughter. It is accompanied by the transmittal envelope, addressed by Ronald Reagan, with a stamped free frank. The paperwork from the letter's March 27, 1991 sale is also enclosed.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
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Lot 4051
Declaration of Independence In Peter Force's American Archives. Rare complete set of the nine volumes of Peter Forces American Archives, published from 1837 to 1853, large quarto, one quarter morocco with green marbled boards. Designated Fourth (six volumes) and Fifth (three volumes) Series, covering the years 1774-76. Force projected a 20-volume series of primary sources of American history from the 17th century to 1789, and the work was begun under contract with the Department of State and by Act of Congress. Force stopped work on the project when further funding was not forthcoming. Howes F-245. Sabin 25053.
Volume I, Fifth Series contains a beautiful rice paper copy of the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. Unfolded, the Declaration measures 29 x 25½ inches. It has normal folds, some light age yellowing at two fold intersections, and very faint ink offset. Otherwise, it remains as printed by Peter Force in 1843. Most copies of the Declaration have been cut from the American Archives and sold individually, the last several copies having sold for over $30,000.
In 1823, William J. Stone was commissioned by Congress to create a copperplate from which facsimile copies of the Declaration could be made. He did this by wetting the original document and transferring some of the original ink to the copperplate. From this plate, Stone printed 201 copies on parchment, which were given to President James Monroe, original Signers, members of Congress, colleges and institutions, etc. Stone's personal copy is in the Smithsonian. Only 31 of Stone's original 201 copies are known to exist; nineteen of these reside in museums and examples are rarely offered for sale.
In 1843, Congress authorized Peter Force to make up to 1500 rice-paper copies of the Declaration from the original Stone copperplate, to be included in his American Archives. Subscriptions were fewer than expected, and the actual number of copies printed is unknown, ranging from 500 to around 1,000. It is not known how many of these copies have survived, but it is extremely rare to find a complete set with the Declaration of Independence intact.
Estimated Value $30,000 - 40,000.
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Lot 4330
Washington, George (1732-1799) 1st President of the United States, 1789-1797. Letter Signed ("G:o Washington") as Commander-in-Chief, Head Quarters, Middlebrook (New Jersey), February 26, 1779, one page, folio. To Col. (Edward) Wigglesworth, regarding Wigglesworth's request for leave to resign from the service. The letter is double matted with an engraving of Washington and a plaque with biographical information on Washington and Wigglesworth; the plaque also notes that this resignation request is specifically mentioned on page 501 of Appleton's Cyclopaedia of American Biography Volume VI (1889). Handsomely framed to an overall size of 28¾ x 32 inches and ready for display. An excellent letter, written at the height of the Revolution.
The letter is written in the hand of James McHenry, who became Washington's secretary in May 1778. It says, in full:
Sir I received your letter of the 11th Inst. yesterday.
Your former letter reached me in Philadelphia but as the arrangement had not come to my hand I delayed in returning you an answer. The arrangement is sent forward to Peeks Kill, at which place a deputation of officers from Genl. Glovers Brigade will be ordered to attend to prefer claims, and for its final revisal.
I have referred your letter for leave to resign to Congress, as soon as I receive their determination I shall transmit it (and should it be accepted) accompany it with testimonials of your services, however I may regret the loss of a valuable officer. I am Sir your very hble serv.t G:o Washington.
Colonel Edward Wigglesworth (1742-1826) took part in the operations of the American fleet on Lake Champlain under Generals Benedict Arnold and Horation Gates, being third in command. He took part in the battle of Monmouth and other engagements and, in 1778, was president of a court of inquiry to investigate the surrender of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton by New York Governor George Clinton. Wigglesworth was granted leave to resign in 1779 and, in an attempt to relieve the dire financial straits in which he found himself as a result of the Revolution, was appointed by General Washington collector for the port of Newburyport, Massachusetts. In 1818, he was granted an annual pension of $240 by Congress.
Estimated Value $18,000 - 22,000.
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Lot 4735
Pear Shaped Loose Diamond 3.11 Carats. Accompanied by a GIA diamond grading report #13160292, stating that the diamond is SI2 in clarity and F in color.
Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000.
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Lot 4304
Reagan, Ronald (1911-2004) 40th President of the United States (1981-1989). Autograph Letter Signed ("Ron"), on State of California / Governor's Office letterhead, no date (January 1974), one page, quarto. To Paul Keyes, a Hollywood producer and Republican campaigner, asking him to look over the draft of a speech Reagan had written on six yellow legal pages. In part: "Forgive me for subjecting you to my handwriting but I did this at home over the weekend….I'm most appreciative of your taking the time to read this. I'll call in a couple of days and please dont be kind hearted. If this is a bomb let me know…."
Accompanied by the handwritten speech given by Reagan January 26, 1974 in Washington, D.C. to the Alfafa Club, a group of political and other heavyweights who meet once a year to nominate their own candidate for President. The "nominee" gives a humorous speech to the leaders of both major parties. The guest list includes current and former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senators, Ambassadors, Governors, and other prominent people. Reagan pokes gentle fun at numerous people, including Democrats and Republicans, but most of all at himself. He notes, "…if Richard Nixon hadn't softened up Pat Brown for me I wouldn't be here tonite." He says that television will be important to his presidential campaign: "…We'll re-run 'Bedtime for Bonzo' & 'Knute Rockne All American….," thinks that John Wayne would be obvious for vice president, except that "I don't see this as an action role." There are many references to the names in politics at the time--to Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey, Henry Kissinger, Sargent Shriver, Ted Kennedy, Howard Hughes, George Wallace, and others. Reagan drew lines between thoughts, to pace himself. It is obvious that the future President was enjoying himself, by comments such as: "Staying in the White House won't be any hardship, we used to live above the store where my father worked." Both letter and speech are clean and very fine. Accompanied by a transcript of the actual proceedings of the Alfalfa Club Dinner, including the speech Reagan actually gave after Keyes' suggestions.
With these two Reagan items comes a typed, blind carbon copy to Paul Keyes of a letter Richard Nixon (signed "RN" in blue ink), sent to John Wayne on August 25, 1965. He explains to Wayne what the Alfalfa Club is and mentions that he gave the speech in January 1965.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
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Lot 4732
Emerald Cut Loose Diamond 4.16 Carats. Accompanied by a GIA diamond grading report #13158954, stating the diamond is SI2 in clarity and L in color.
Estimated Value $7,000 - 9,000.
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Lot 4667
Gold Cup From "American Derby of 1962." Wood-mounted, solid 14 Kt. gold, made by Shreve & Co., San Francisco, 38.90 oz. Engraved: "Washington Park / American Derby of 1962." Won by "Black Sheep." Owner - C.R. Mac Stabes. Trainer - Charles Willingham. Jockey - John Longden. August 4, 1962, one mile and a quarter, run at Arlington Park. A few nicks to the wood mount; the cup is in excellent condition.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000.
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Lot 4367
Patton, George (1885-1945) American general and tank commander; considered one of the greatest military leaders in history. Autograph Letter Signed ("G.S. Patton Jr."), n.p., November 15 (19)18, 1½ pp, quarto. Written to his mother, four days after the Allied armistice with Germany was signed.
"Dear Mama, Well it is over and I at least am not pleased. I had just perfected a new formation which I should have love to have tried also I would like to have rescued a man under fire so as to get the Medal of Honor. Also at my present rate I might have gotten a star for which I should now have to wait a long time. / But I have always looked at this war as a means for getting into position for the next one for I have no desire that Nita [his sister] should be the only four star member of the family [Nita was engaged to Pershing for about a year]. / So just as I braved at West Point the day I was turned back in order to be just Corporal next year I am on the job here just as if the war were still on. At least no one can ever say of me that I grudged working for interest I wanted nor that I hid behind my rank. As Gen R[achenbach] told men who joked him about my being hit in the but [sic], 'By God no one can make fun of Patton who was not in front of him and that limits it to the Boche. / Here is a poem [not present] I wrote on the death of one of my Captains he was truly a fine officer and died 300 m. ahead of his men. Further than I got. / I am feeling fine and got rid of my bandages on the 11th of the month to celebrate the victory…."
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000.
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Lot 4450
Steinbeck, John (1902-68) American author. Autograph Manuscript, unsigned and untitled, of the article "The Mail I've Seen," published in the Saturday Review (volume 39, number 31), 4+ pages, stapled together, written in ink on yellow legal paper, with numerous corrections. The humorous essay categorizes the mail he receives, including fan mail, denunciations, requests for autographs, for money, for collaborations, etc.
In part: "A writer's mail is very interesting. But gradually the letters fall into categories. The most common is the fan letter, written simply because the writer after reading something of mine has felt the urge to communicate. These letters usually begin - I have never written a fan letter before. Then there is the letter which starts out with praise and then gets to work on my morals and choice of subject….A third kind of letter is the honest out and out denunciation. A great many of these utilize four letter words….Then come the requests for autographs and pictures, some of them naive and some quite professional. These latter usually list signatures they already have, usually including Thomas Mann and G.B. Shaw. The implication is that I will be in good company if I send it and a schnook if I don't….The requests for money are fairly constant reaching their peak a few months after each book is published…. [A woman] who wrote often for a while said that Joan Crawford was her mother and Bing Crosby her father and they wouldn't give her any money so she appealed to me, her uncle, to ask them to send her 50,000 dollars. " One of Steinbeck's favorite offers was from a saloon owner who wrote that he had a million stories and that Steinbeck should come out and write them down. "I'll stake you to grub and liquor. If you have a wife, she can tend bar while we write. It was hard to refuse that one…."
Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500.
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