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Sale 45
Lot 939
Washington, George (1732-1799) Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army; 1st President of the United States (1789-1797). LS ("G: Washington") six months after he was sworn in as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, in the hand of Washington's personal secretary, Robert Hanson Harrison. (he resigned in March 1781 to become chief justice of the General Court of Maryland, and was one of Washington's first six appointees to the U.S. Supreme Court, which, although confirmed by the Senate, he was forced to decline because of ill health), 1½pp (recto/verso) with integral leaf, 12¼" x 7¾", Cambridge (Massachusetts), 1776 Jan. 10. Written to "My Lord," General William Alexander, better known as Lord Stirling, regarding British fleet movements and the necessity of protecting New York City and Long Island because of their strategic importance, and orders issued to General Charles Lee for the defense of New York. Fine condition with a beautiful, large signature. Housed in a custom-made navy case.
In full: "My Lord Having received undoubted Intelligence of the fitting out of a Fleet at Boston, & of the embarkation of Troops from thence, which from the Season of the year and other circumstanes must be destined for some Expedition South of this; and having such Information as I can rely on, that the Inhabitants of Long Island or a great part of them, are inimical to the rights & liberties of America, & by their conduct & professions have discovered an apparent inclination to assist in Subjugating their countrymen & fellow citizens to the System of tyranny, administration are attempting to establish; there is the greatest reason to apprehend, that this Armanent, If not immediately designed against the City of New York, is nevertheless Intended for Long Island.
Knowing it to be of the last importance to the Interest of America, to prevent the Enemy from getting possession of these places, and the North River, which would give them the command of the Country and a free communication with Canada, I have dispatched General Lee with Orders to repair to New York, with such Volunteers as he can raise on his way (having no Troops to spare from hence) to put the City & the Fortifications up the River in the best posture of defence, the season & situation of affairs will admit of, and for taking proper steps against such persons on Long Island & elsewhere, whose conduct hath rendered them suspected of designs, unfriendly to the views of Congress. I have directed him to apply to you for the Troops of New Jersey in the Continental pay or such of them as he may think necessary for effecting the purposes of his going, which are under your command. I beg and am assured that you will afford him every assistance in your power, for facilitating their business, as far as may be consistent, or not repugnant to the orders you shall have received from Congress, and with all possible expedition. I am my Lord with much esteem Your Obed. Servt. G: Washington."
General Charles Lee was given the task of fortifying and defending New York against the expected British invasion. In this letter, Washington commands Lord Stirling, colonel of the First New Jersey Battalion, to cooperate with Lee. Ironically, Stirling would preside over Lee's court martial after the battle of Monmouth.
Washington himself arrived in New York on April 13, 1776, and reinforced fortifications there; however, because of the deep, navigable water surrounding New York, defending the city was untenable without control of the sea. The British, who had sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia after evacuating Boston, did not make the expected attack on New York until the summer. They arrived at Staten Island, New York, on July 3, 1776, the day before the fledging United States declared their independence.
The battle of Long Island, also known as the battle of Brooklyn, was fought on August 27, 1776. Some 30,000 British troops and German mercenaries, faced an estimated 10,000 American troops. About half of Washington's army, led by Major General Israel Putnam, was deployed to defend Flatbush, while the rest held Manhattan. Sir William Howe landed at Gravesend while the British fleet under his brother, Admiral Richard Howe, shelled New York. Sir William's troops defeated American forces under John Sullivan and Lord Stirling and turned Putnam's left flank by using the lightly-defended Jamaica Pass. The 2,000 troops under Major Prescott's command sustained 90% casualties and the Americans were forced to withdraw to fortifications on Brooklyn Heights. Sir William, not wanting another Bunker Hill, decided to lay siege instead of storming Brooklyn Heights. During the night of August 29-August 30, 1776, aided by a fortuitous early-morning fog, more than 9,000 American troops evacuated Long Island for Manhattan, taking the British completely by surprise. The Americans retreated northward, fighting delaying actions at Harlem Heights, White Plains, and Fort Washington. Although the British captured New York City (holding it for the entire war) and went on to occupy Long Island, Washington saved his troops to fight again. He lost a battle but won the war.
This is a most historic letter presaging the first major battle in the American Revolutionary War after the Declaration of Independence, and the first battle in which an army of the United States ever engaged. Published in The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 3, pp 63-64, and owned by the consignor since 1972.
Estimated Value $40,000 - 60,000.
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Lot 577
Space Equipment, c1968, Krechet (Gyrfalcon) Lunar Spacesuit (about 60x18") Back in the 1960s, the culmination of the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States was a moon landing. To this end, the United States developed a space program that was open to public scrutiny. The Soviet Union, on the other hand went the clandestine route and never officially acknowledged developing a lunar program. This suit is proof that the Soviets did, indeed, attempt to develop a lunar space suit for a lunar landing. Unlike the US suit which is of soft construction, the Soviets decided to go with a semi-rigid suit. This was easier to develop, but presented problems of its own - one of which was how was the cosmonaut going to get into the suit. The solution was found in making the life support system, contained in a rigid metal backpack, hinged - so the cosmonaut could just open the back of the suit and slide into it. It is believed that only five or six suits were ever manufactured by Zvezda, the manufacturer.
This suit is obviously a work in progress. Although missing the exterior, soft-cloth suit cover, the removeable gloves, the "guts" of the survival backpack, the instrument panel and the Support Trolley, the suit clearly shows the semi-rigid basis of the suit itself. The integrated helmet, green interior pressure suit and the soft inner boots, plus some of the cables and the backpack safety opening/locking mechanism are all included. There is even a pressure gauge on the left forearm.
To this writer's knowledge, only one other example of this spacesuit has ever been up for public auction. It was consigned by Zvezda and included in the Sotheby Park Benet December 1993 auction where it was purchased for $189,000 plus commission (?) and given on loan by the buyer to the Smithsonian where it remains on exhibit to this day. That suit was complete in all respects. Shortly thereafter, this writer brokered a private sale of a suit, in somewhat similar condition to this one (but including the outer cloth suit cover) for a low, six-figure amount.
The suit offered here is believed to be the only one to come on the market since that time. The other examples are believed to be in Museums in Europe and Russia.
Given the rarity of this spacesuit, even finding an example of this suit is a major achievement. Despite its lack of refinement, acquisition of this suit, will be the highpoint of any collection.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 65,000.
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Lot 1346
Russian or Polish Artist -- T--chishvs--? Watercolor of Nude. Paris, 1937. Signed and dated at lower left. 20½" x 29¾", matted and ornately framed to 29¼" x 27¼". A nude woman sleeps on her left side amidst dishelveled bed covers. A striped pillow and blue coverlet add color to the pale figure and sheets.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
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Lot 1395
Italian Micro-Mosaic Table, c. Early 19th Century. The top artistically decorated with literally tens of thousands of miniscule mosaics, all fashioned of stone. The largest pieces are ½ mm! A masterwork, it meticulously depicts within eight ovals, architectural wonders of Rome including famous arches, temples, and the Colosseum -- all reminiscent of Piranesi's engravings. Each scene is framed in colored ovals of stone, the largest being of malachite. The central vignette is of four doves drinking from a golden bowl. The slate top is 31" in diameter and displays only minor edge chipping. Base is 34 1/4 inches in diameter; height, 26 1/4 inches. Painted a creamy white with some chipping and breaks, the supporting legs of the base are of the form of an ancient tripod-lebes.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 35,000.
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Lot 1015
1778 Orderly Book Documenting the Incarceration of Burgoyne's Troops At Boston. Manuscript Book titled on the cover, "Adjutant Adams's Orderly Book…August 22d 1778," 81pp, 12½" x 8", probably belonging to Josiah Adams, Paymaster of the 12th Continental Infantry in 1776, and most likely in his hand. The first page is headed "General Orders…Head Quarters Boston Aug:t 22d 1778. Parole Hollis C: Sign Harvard Officer for the day tomorrow Capt: Dodge." The last entry is dated 9 Dec. 1778; several pages after that date are torn out and were possibly unused. Paper covers are stained and back cover is torn at lower left corner, pages have toning and foxing and some edge wear, but the entries are boldly penned and easily read. Very good overall.
This astounding American Revolutionary War manuscript documents the incarceration at Cambridge of the remnants of General John Burgoyne's army of British regulars and German mercenaries defeated at Saratoga on September 17, 1777. This American victory, one of the most important of the War, induced the French to enter and help the Revolutionary cause. There were 3018 British troops and 2412 Germans, plus some 465 women and children (family members) taken at Saratoga. Initially, General Gates had declared in the Surrender documents that all British troops be sent home with the promise never to fight again in America. Congress decided to keep them in America, along with the Hessian mercenaries who had also been captured, probably because Burgoyne had abrogated the truce agreement. The German soldiers were commanded by General Von Riedesel, whose wife accompanied him with their children, writing a book about her experiences on her return to Germany. British soldiers at Saratoga were commanded by Major-General William Phillips. Generals Phillips and Von Riedesel accompanied their troops across Massachusetts, September 17th to November 7th, 1777 to imprisonment at Cambridge.
Some of the entries in this unpublished Revolutionary War manuscript are filled with intrigue and, at times, historical content unbeknownst to historians. The first entry describes the court martial for desertion of John Duest and Jno Claton of Capt.Gray's Company, Col. Craft's Regiment of State Artillery, and the harsh consequences: "one hunded lashes each on their Naked Backs…"
Some other significant and interesting entries are as follows:
August 22, 1778. "…The 21st Regiment British are to hold themselves in Readiness to march to Rutland, further Notice will be given as to the time when they are to march…"
Headquarters Boston Septr 1st 1778. "…The 21st Regiment British are to march for Rutland on Thursday Morning nesxt at 8 o'clock. The same mode of conduct is to be observed as with those Divisions which have march'd heretofore. Colo: Gerrish will Detach a Captain and fifty men properly officered as an escort who are to return and join their Regiment after they have perform'd the service assign'd them…"
Head Quarters Boston Septr 2nd 1778 Parole: Green C.Sign: Knox. "…The Major General Gives thanks to Major General Hancock for his Great Attention and Vigilance the last evening in so seasonably Mustering the Militia for the security of the Town….Adam Babcock and Perez Mortan, Esq Are Appointed Aid de Camps to Major General Hancock and they are to be obeyed and respected as Such…"
After Orders Octr.1st 1778. "…A Complaint having been lodged against Lieut Williams of ye 29th Regt. British for attacking and abusing ye Soldier of the Guards and Insulting an Inhabitant, Lieut Williams is to be immediately Confin'd to his quarters. Ye Court of Inquiry whereof Colo. Gerrish is president to sit tomorrow morning at nine o'clock at Bradish's Tavern at Cambridge to investigate ye above charges and report. The 24th Reg't British are to march for Rutland on Monday morning next at 8 o'clock…"
Head Quarters Boston Octr 5th 1778. Parole Exeter C.Sign Newmarket.
"Whereas on the 18th of June last Major General Philips Senior Officer of the Troops of the Convention of Saratoga then in the State of Massachusetts Bay- in Consequence of a letter wrote by him on ye Seventeenth of said Month, Couched in terms Indecent, Dishonorable, and highly Insulting to the honor & Dignity of the free Independent and Sovereign States of America - was restricted to the limits of his house Yards and gardens, and the most Senior Officer of ye Troops Notified of Such his Confinement, personal reguard to Major Generl Philips prevented at that Time a refusal to transact Publick Business with him but his conduct in Some Instances since that time and in Particular in a letter of ye first Inst. In which he has treated ye Major Genl in language ye most Indecent and Insolent renders it Impossible with propriety longer to transact Publick Business with him. The Major General does therefore Consider and declare Major General Philips under Close Confinement and Suspended from transacting Publick Business with him; all Applications therefore from the British officers of the Convention to ye Majr General are to be handed Up through Brigade General Hamilton, and those from the foreign Troops thro Major General Redesel. All Orders from the Major General to the troops of the Convention will be Communicated in the same Manner. The Major General on this Occasion assures ye Officers of the Convention that as he ever was so he will Continue to pay the Utmost attention to them Endeavoring to treat them with Civility politeness and Generosity and in every instance Compatable with his Duty to the homour and Safety of his Country take pleasure in Granting their Requests at the same time he will never allow his country nor himself to be Insulted by any that are placed under his Direction…"
Head Quarters Boston Octr 8 1778. Parole Durham C Sign: Oxford
" In case of an Alarm fire or Disturbance the Garrison is immediately to parade at their several Alarm Posts…the Guards are also to turn out under Arms at their respective Guard houses. No Officer is to presume to send a pary of men at his own Motion or at the request of any Inhabitant to Quell any Riot or Disturbance unless such Riot or Disturbance be occasioned by the Troops…"
Head Quarters Boston Octr 15 1778 Parole:Liberty C Sign :America
" Capt Titcombs Company is to mount the Necessary Guards at Charlestown, the General is under ye Necessity of once more desiring the officers to exert their utmost endeavours to prevent Damage being done to the Barracks and Guard houses. If any Soldier is found pulling down or conveying away any Barracks Timber or Nails the Officer who sees him will Immediately order him Confin'd in Ord'r for his being brought to trial…The Court of Inquiry whereof Colo Gerrish is president having considered the Complaint made against Lieut Williams of the Troops of Convention for Abusing a Soldier of Colo Gerrish's Regt. Of Guards and also an Inhabitant, Lieut Williams having Refused to attend the Court, alledging that he had made ye Matter up with ye persons Injured, ye Court are of Opinion ye Lieut Williams settling with private persons does not make atonement for the Abuse offered by him of ye Guard and ye Court and think he ought to be still Confin'd, the General Approves the Opinion of ye Court and orders that Lieut Williams be restricted to his quarters Untill further Orders…"
After Orders from Head Qrs Boston Octr. 23d 1778
" Colo: Gerish is to furnish as many men daily for fatique as the strength of this Department will Possibly admit, these are to assist Major Hopkins in removing timber and in taking up the platform Freses and Pallissades at Cambridge and Charlestown. The freses and Pallissades are to be sent to Bunkers Hill where they are to be cut to proper lengths, Split sharpened and planted on the Bevin of the fort…"
Head Quarters Boston Octr.29 (1778)
"In Consequence of a Resolution of the honble. Congress of ye 13 Instant the Troops of Convention are to be remov'd to Charlottesville in the State of Virginia and are to be put in motion for that purpose on Wednesday next, the British at Rutland are to march in three Divisions, the first to consist of ye Artillery Grenadiers and light Infantry including Lieut Nutt's detachment and ye Ninth Re't., the Second division ye 20th and 21st Regt. The third Division the 24th - 47th - and 62nd Regiment. These are to be escorted by the Detachment of Guards now at Rutland and the reinforcement which is ordered to join them. Colo: Gerrish will in season repair to Rutland and make ye proper arrangements. A small guard is to be left at the Barracks in Rutland, the German troops are to march in two divisions, the first to consist of the Draggoon Battalion of Grenadiers Regiment of Rhetz and Reg't Reidesel, the second division ye Reg't of Speckt Battallion of Barrser Reg't of Hannan and Hessian Artillery. These are to be escorted by the detachment of Guards now doing Duty at Cambridge. Major Goodwin will in Season Repair to Cambridge and make ye proper arrangements and is to take the command of the escort of the German Troops. The troops are to begin their March both from Cambridge and Rutland at the same Time, the Divisions to follow successively preserving one days March between each other …"
Head Quarters Boston Novr. 1st 1778 Parole Lynn C Sign Salem
" Sr. The honorable Congress by their resolve having been pleased to direct that the troops of the Convention Should be removed form this State to Charlottesville in ye State of Virginia, and his excellency General Washington having directed me to put them in motion for that purpose they are to begin their march on Wednesday morning Next, both from Rutland and from Cambridge the British in three Divisions, ye first to Consist of the Artillary and Advanc'd Corps, and Ninth Regiment, the second Division of ye 20th and 21st Regts., the third Diivision of the 24th, 47th, and 62nd Regts. The German troops are also to march in three Divisions, the first to consist of the Draggoons Grenadiers and Regt. Of Rhetz; the decond Division of the Regt. Of Reidesel and Speckt; the third Division of the light Infantry Regt. And Artillery of Hessehanan. The troops are to be escorted by the detachment of your Regt now doing duty at Rutland, which is to be Reinforced with two Captains four Subalterns & 140 men from Brigadr. Warners Brigade who are to be at Rutland on Wednesday Morning and the Detachment now doing duty at Cambridge.---The escort you will distribute to several divisions in Such manner as will best tend to preserve Regularity And good Order, on the March; you will Appoint Such officers to ye Respective Divisions as you may think best Qualified to conduct them; you will have with you your Lieut.Colo:, Major, and Adjutant Town Major…Much attention will be Necessary on the March to preserve Order and prevent Abuses to the persons or property of the Good People of the Several Towns thro which you March, and you will not allow either your own people or those of the Convention to commit any with impunity---The Divisions are to move Successively and preserve a days March Between each; wherever you halt, six Centries limits, beyond which you will not allow any of the troops to Strole and Constantly keep such Guards as will be Sufficient to Effect it; as you have long had the Charge of the troops, it is needless to observe to you ye propriety of treating the officers with Civility and Politeness, and preserving the Dignity of Command; you will make all possible expedition and pursue the rout given you. You will send orders to the Officers Commanding at the Magazines at Brookfield and Springfield to double their Guards and continue so to do until all the divisions are passed over Connecticut River. On the day you march the first divisions from Rutland, you will send notice of it to his excellency Governor Trumbull; on your arrival at Enfield you will deliver ye Troops to the Orders of Governor Trumbull, and take a Receipt from the officer to whom you Resign them; you will then Return with your escort with all possible dispatch, dismissing the detachment ordered from ye Militia of General Warners Brigade, at such places as shall be most Convenient for them to return home, drawing provisions for them Sufficient for that purpose; you will leave a small Guard Both at Rutland and Cambridge, for the Security of the Barracks during Your Absence, and on your Return you will have One Captain, two Subalterns, and 50 men at Rutland for the protection of the Barracks, and for performing other Necessary duty at that place; with the Remainder you will Return to Cambridge where you receive further orders----Well knowing your zeal and Ability I leave other matters to your own good Judgment. W: Heath / Major General. P.S. You will give Coppy of Such part of this as you may think necessary to the Officers Commanding Division for their Direction. To Colo: Jacob Gerrish"
Head Quarters Boston Nov.6 [1778]
"The Honble Congress having been pleased to Appoint then Honble Major General Gates to the Command of the Eastern District who will.ably this day take upon him the Command thereof- Majot General Heath takes this opportunity to Return his most hearty thanks to the officers and Soldiers of the Garrison for their Regular and Soldr like Behavior and ye great Cheerfullness with which they have discharged their duty. Since he has had ye honor to commd them of which the General will ever retain a Greatfull Remembrance, this State, town, and its present Garrison, being particularly dear to him, he shall ever think that a happy opportunity which will put it in his power to render either of them Service that may be acceptable, and with the most cordial affection bids them farewell."
Head Quarters Boston Novr. 8 1778 Parole: Knox C Sign: Stirling
"…Major Goodwin's Order to Capt Serjeants Commanding Officer at Winter Hill- You are directed to see that all former orders are Obey'd. Particularly that no damage be done to ye Barracks. No Inhabitants to be allowed to purchase or carry off Anything belonging to the Barracks without an express Ordr. Or leave in writing from the Commander of ye Garrison - The first Division ordered to escort ye Draggoons Regt. Rhetz and Grenadiers are to March tomorrow morning 8 o'clock; the second Division Consisting of Reidesel and Speckt to march on Tuesday Morning 8 o'clock; the third Division on Wednesday 8 o'clock to Consist of the Battallion of light Infantry Regt. And Artillery of Hessehanan.---Adjutant Adams is to see the Second Division March'd, and proceed with the Third Division Untill further Orders---Capt.Hunt is to repair to Boston with Caspt. Toby's Lieut: and take the Command of Capt. Washburn's Company-Capt. Toby to take the Command of Capt.Heaths Compy. In Boston and to take his Second Lieut. With him. They are to Obey…orders as they may receive from time to time from the Commanding Officer; Capt.Heath to take the Command of ye first Division with Lieut. Farmer and Lieut.Scotland with him Capt.Washburn of ye second with Lieut. Bartlett and Lieut. Welds with him. Capt.Barry to Command the third Division With Lieut. Choate and Lieut. Bacheller. The Commanding Officer of each Division to be Carefull to observe & obey all orders Issued for the Directions for ye march of the Troops of Convention to Enfield."
Head Quarters Novr 18 1778 "One Sergeant one Corporal and Nine privates to mount as a Guard upon the prisoners Exchang'd by the C (omte) D'Estaing. They are to March to the French, and receive his orders…
A Garrison Court Martial to Sit tomorrow morning ten o'clock at Colo: Cogsewells Qrs for the Triall of all prisoners brought before them- All evidences and persons concern'd to attend the Court. Colo: Cogswell, President."
Estimated Value $40,000 - 60,000.
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Lot 1155
Custom-Made Knife Collection. A group of 21 different custom-made knives, 19 of which are in matching custom leather holsters. Four are folding models. We note such makers as G. David Henriksen, R.W. Loveless, Gary Randall, Sid Jirik, Joseph Cordove, Ruffin Johnson, A.G. Russell, Precise Deerslayer, Cordova, Timberline, Schrade, Rick, B.J. Knives, Hoffritz, Browning, Sharade, Bertram and Gerber Co. Sizes range from blades a few inches in length to a giant Bowie model with a 12.75 inch blade. Condition as new, but with some easily removeable verdigris from the leather holsters. Inspection by specialists is highly recommended as there are likely some special knives in this lot. Three misc. modern blades also included. Total of 24 pieces.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 5,000.
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Lot 882
Einstein, Albert (1879-1955) Theoretical physicist best known for enunciating the theory of relativity; 1921 Nobel prize winner for physics; considered the greatest physicist of all time. TLS ("A. Einstein"), 2pp, 11" x 8½", on letterhead embossed "A. Einstein, 112 Mercer Street, Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.A.," 1946 Jun. 24. Addressed to Louis B. Mayer, head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, regarding a film which M-G-M intended to make on the history of the atomic bomb. Fine; a couple of file notes in red ink, staple marks and erased pencil notes at upper left.
In full: "My dear Mr. Mayer: I am writing to you to express why I am hesitating to give my consent to being represented in the picture which you are making on the history of the atomic bomb. Although I am not much of a movie-goer, I do know from the tenor of earlier pictures that have come out of your studio that you will apreciate my point of view.
Dr. Wigner showed me the script of the film and I talked about it also with others. I believe that no film on the atomic bomb can fail to exert a great influence on the thinking of our people and I consider it most important therefore that it should be truthful and should also at least touch upon the issues that we are facing. As to the truthfulness of the script which I have seen, I have very serious doubts. Certainly the scene in which I appear does not meet this requirement, since the people who approached me to contact the President were Szilard and Wigner. I am disturbed by a general tendency in the picture to minimize the role of those who throughout the history of the uranium project stood up for their convictions, and push into the foreground the role of those who had fewer controversies with the Army. Szilard and Urey are examples of those who incurred the disfavor of the Army.
Another point which concerns me is perhaps even more serious. I find that the picture represents very clearly the point of view of the army and the administrative leaders of the uranium project but does not give a clear picture of the point of view of most of the scientists who played a decisive role in this development. The picture gives too much the impression that most of the initiative had come from above. This is particularly marked in the scenes dealing with the role of the British scientists. The truth was just the reverse of this.
As you probably know, very many scientists, if not the majority, were greatly concerned with the influence which the new weapon will have on our future. While I would not expect the film to carry any kind of message, it should not be too difficult to convey some of the thought and feelings which were displayed by the scientists engaged in this work. I realize that it is very expensive to re-do scenes which have already been filmed, yet I wonder whether it would be worth attempting to rewrite some of the dialogue and insert a few appropriate scenes in order to improve the quality of othe picture, even at some financial sacrifice. I should be very glad if you would find it possible to improve the picture.
You will probably find that all scientists who study carefully the script, will find the same passages objectionable and will note the same conspicuous omissions. It is my hope that you will find it possible to remedy the situation in at least to such an extent as the fairly advanced stage of the picture may make possible. Very truly yours, A. Einstein."
A carbon copy of Mayer's reply to Einstein, dated July 18, 1946, is included, in which Mayer states that he had turned Einstein's letter over to the executive who is "chief editor on the Atomic Bomb picture, and has been especially handling the script for this film" and that he was enclosing "McGuinness' report" [not included]. The film, titled "The Beginning or the End," starred Brian Donlevy, Agnes Moorehead, Robert Walker, and others.
Also included here is a very interesting article by producer Sam Marx, published in the Beverly Hills Courier on September 25, 1979, regarding his experiences dealing with the scientists from Oak Ridge, Los Alamos and Hanford Laboratory, how "they hated the Army for cooping them up for the duration of the war, forbidding them to speak of their work even to their families. And then, after the bomb was dropped, they were warned not to speak out or be charged with violating the Anti-Sedition Act." He also writes of the awe with which Einstein and Oppenheimer were regarded by the other scientists on the project. A letter written Dec. 3, 1984 by Marx thanks "Mel" for a copy of the Einstein letter and remarks that the corrections Einstein wanted to make were impossible. "…the scientists he mentions, Szilard, etc., not only okayed the scenes we impersonated them in but in some cases wrote them themselves. Only Lisa Meitner refused (after we had shot the scene) and we cut her out. Agnes Moorehead played the part." He concludes that "the film…had almost no impact on the public. So much for the importance of movie messages."
Estimated Value $15,000 - 30,000.
The consignor has owned this letter since 1972.
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Lot 618
"GEMINI TITAN LAUNCH VEHICLE" MODEL. This clear lucite/aluminum Martin Marietta contractor's model is unlike anything we have seen before. The model is mounted on a two level blue painted metal heavy base (15.5x16.5x7") with descriptive nameplate that reads: "GEMINI / Martin Marietta / Denver Division". The model measures about 65" tall and consists of four clear lucite and/or intricately constructed machined aluminum sections culminating with a metal Gemini capsule at top. Some faults (mainly to the third section), but this model will occupy an important spot in any model collection. It is probably unique today.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 5,000.
Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate collection.
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Lot 1009
Penn, William (1644-1718) English Quaker, Proprietor and Colonial Governor of Pennsylvania. DS ("Wm Penn"), 1p, 9¾" x 7¼", Philadelphia, 1683 July 3 (the 3d of ye 5th mo.). During his first visit to Pennsylvania, William Penn appoints John Goodson as coroner of Philadelphia.
Addressed "To John Goodson Chirur[ge]on in Philadelphia, the documents reads: "William Penn Proprietary & Governr of ye Province of Pennsilvania & the Territories thereunto B[e]longing. Reposing confidence in thy sobriety & Integrity, I do authorise & appoint Thee to be Coroner of ye county of Philadelphia to inspect ye Bodies of those yt come untimely to their Deaths, & impannel Juries upon the same, & do what to ye Office of a Coroner belonges, & to receive ye Fees due for ye same, as by Law directed: Hereby requiring all Persons to give thee ye Respect due to thy Office…."
John Goodson (?-1727) was the first English physician to arrive in Pennsylvania under Penn's charter. Goodson was appointed "chirurgeon" to the Free Society of Traders and resided in Pennsylvania prior to Penn's first visit. Goodson was made a judge in 1685, and in November of 1694, Penn appointed him Deputy-Governor to Governor Markham; he was also an Elder of the Quakers.
The document is age-toned, with one stain in the upper portion of the first letter, a couple of small archival tape repairs on verso, and a few small edge chips, slightly affecting one letter of the text. Goodson's docket ("My Commission from Governor Penn To be Coroner") has been affixed to the verso (integral leaf not present); verso also has a penciled notation, "B.T. Mendenhall to J.T. Watson Oct. 1855." The document is boldly penned with a large, bold signature by Penn. Early land grants from Philadelphia are not uncommon, but documents this unusual and early are very rare. This is one of the earliest, if not the earliest, surviving medical appointments in America and is the first appointment of a coroner in the colony of Pennsylvania.
Estimated Value $18,000 - 22,000.
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Lot 374
Apollo 10, FLOWN Flag & Crew Patch (6x4" and 4") mounted on a presentation certificate to Deke Slayton that reads: "This flag and patch carried to the Moon on Apollo X 18-26 \May 1969 / With our Sincerest Thanks to Deke Slayton". It would appear that the astronauts have hand-signed at the bottom. A rare piece of memorabilia.
Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,500.
Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection.
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