|
Unsold Lots - Sale 61
If interested, call 1-310-551-2646 or send email to info@goldbergcoins.com
|
Photo |
Description |
Asking |
Lot 426 |
 |
Twain, Mark (1835-1910) Nom de plume of humorist and author Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Autograph Manuscript Signed "Mark Twain," one page, Jan. 23, n.y. [c. mid 1880s]. Being the conclusion (page 4) of an article. Fine content. "shall have been established by using it in collecting a debt owed by the United States.This being merely a domestic measure with no improper intent, no purpose hostile to Christian Civilization, no office indeed, but to keep order & tranquility in our back yard, preserve our self-respect & discourage chartered piracy in our waters [in our waters is crossed out] & opera bouffe exhibitions of …dangerous old-world militarism in our waters, would meet with a ready & cordial welcome & acceptance at the hands of the honorable the Managers & Directors of the International Law Factory, I am sure." Some edge problems were stabilized by silking the verso. Boldly penned and signed with a paraph.
Twain is probably referring to literary piracy, which was an on-going problem. He, along with Louisa May Alcott and other authors, wrote letters to various journals requesting international copyright. Canada was a particular problem for Twain, to the extent that, to circumvent piracy, he would establish temporary residency in Canada on the date one of his works was published. The Berne Convention (1886) had helped simplify copyright issues among European nations, but the U.S. continued to sanction literary piracy. The International Copyright Act (the Chace Act) of 1891, which was passed on March 3, 1891, was the first U.S. congressional act to extend limited protection to foreign copyright holders from select nations. In 1896, the American Congress joined the international copyright union, after petitions (beginning as early as 1837) directed at it by British novelists such as Benjamin Disraeli, and Charles Dickens were joined by pleas from Twain and other American writers.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500.
| Asking Price
$3,000 |
Lot 427 |
 |
Twain, Mark - Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Autograph Letter Signed with a double signature, "Samuel L. Clemens / Mark Twain," 1 page, 7 x 4½ in., Buffalo, Feb 14, n.y. A charming letter with a play on his pen name, to an unknown correspondent. In full: "Dear Sir: I am only too proud of the chance to help, with this the only Valentine I venture to write this day--for although I am twain in my own person I am only half a person in my matrimonial form, & sometimes my wife shows that she is so much better & nobler than I am, that I seriously question if I am really any more than about a quarter!" Somewhat faded, a few ink smears, and mounting remnants on verso. Rare content.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
| Asking Price
$3,500 |
Lot 428 |
 |
Wallace, Lewis "Lew" (1827-1905). Union general in the Civil War, territorial governor of New Mexico, U.S. Minister to the Ottoman Empire, and author best remembered for his historical novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Autographed card, "Very respectfully/Lew. Wallace/(1894)," 2 x 4½ in., taped to the front flyleaf of Volume I of his first novel and first illustrated edition of The Fair God, a Tale of the Conquest of Mexico. Boston: Houghton Mifflin and Company, 1898. Two volumes, 8¼ x5½ in., illustrated handsomely in Art Nouveau by Eric Pape (1870-1938) with 41 black and white and sepia plates with title-printed tissue protectors bound in over the full page illustrations; red, black, and white ornate first letters of each chapter as part of the nearly 300 color illustrations. Half blue morocco over blue cloth boards, spine tooled and lettered in gilt, five raised bands. Former bookseller’s pencil notes on first blank page. A fine set enhanced by Wallace’s autograph. (In the first volume is an insert from Barnaby Rudge Booksellers -ABAA states that there were only 500 copies of this first illustrated edition and this bookseller was offering the set for $850.).
Estimated Value $300 - 500.
| Asking Price
$150 |
Lot 431 |
 |
Morgan, John Pierpont (1837-1913) American financier, banker, and art collector. Document Signed "J. Pierpont Morgan" as Trustee of the New Jersey Junction Railroad, June 30, 1886. A beautifully engraved $1,000 Bond Certificate issued in 1886 with coupons present from February 1887 to February 1986. Printed by the American Banknote Company. Ornate border with a vignette of a harbor scene with numerous ships and another showing rail and maritime traffic with a paddle wheeler sailing up the Hudson river. Signed by the company's officers, including Morgan and H.C. Fahnestock on the verso as Trustees. Fine.
Estimated Value $650 - 850.
| Asking Price
$650 |
Lot 437 |
 |
Edison, Thomas A (1847- 1931) Inventor and physicist. He developed the Edison Universal Stock Printer and manufactured telegraphs until 1876. He invented the phonograph (1877), the carbon-filament light bulb (1879) and motion picture equipment. Altogether he held patents for over 1000 inventions. Autograph Note Signed "Edison," 2pp, n.p., n.d. Written in pencil to "Moore" on the customary "penny-pad" lined paper. "Dalley using same mould got a Run Out on a record from this mould. He then had printed 6 from this mould from blanks varnished in factory 3 coats all had R Outs more or less. He then varnished 6 more with 3 coats….It would seem from this Rum Outs are not in the mould and not in the Blank but in the rotten Varnishing." Dark toning but boldly written and signed.
Estimated Value $550 - 750.
| Asking Price
$550 |
Lot 439 |
 |
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921) Italian tenor. Postcard Collage Photo showing Caruso in costume for famous roles in "Rigoletto" and "Marta" Signed "Enrico Caruso" on the picture side and Inscribed in Italian (Translation: "Sincere good wishes for my new friend.") Addressed in Caruso's hand on verso to "Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Ditson / City." With cancelled stamp and postal cachet: "Times Square Sta. NY / Dec. 30 1908." Gilt edged on all sides. Prominent music publisher Ditson and his wife Alice left large endowments for music education. Fine.
Estimated Value $700 - 900.
| Asking Price
$700 |
Lot 444 |
 |
[Bell, Alexander Graham] Alice C. Jennings. Autograph Letter Signed "Alice," 4 pp, 8 x 5 in. Riverbank, Oct. 16, 1934, The poet to whom Bell wrote in the previous lot writes to Nellie, "…I long ago ceased to feel any prejudice against Jews," discusses poetry and reminisces at length about Alexander Graham Bell, "…It was Dr. Bell who…accompanied me home to pour into my willing ears---or rather eyes--his plans and hopes and dreams about his great invention. He was then a poor and struggling young inventor of 24….I cannot see a telephone without recalling those talks." She also quotes Bell's reference to her as having genius. Fine.
Estimated Value $150 - 300.
| Asking Price
$150 |
Lot 445 |
 |
Carver, George Washington (1864-1943) Educator, scientist, and agricultural innovator. Autograph Letter Signed "G.W. Carver" on Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute letterhead, one page, 11 x 8½ in., Sept. 7, 1932. To Grady Porter of the Tom Huston Peanut Company. With original mailing envelope, addressed in Carver's hand. "Thank you so much for the interesting bunch of Spanish peanuts with the Diplodice. It is interesting to note that the disease attacks the central stem first, and seems to involve the top first. I wish you would examine the roots of a number of affected plants by splitting the top root and see if any of them are black inside. …." Fine.
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
| Asking Price
$600 |
Lot 446 |
 |
Carver, George Washington. Autograph Letter Signed "G.W. Carver," on Tuskegee Normal and Industrial letterhead, 3pp, 11 x 8½ in., Oct. 17, 1931. To "My Great Spiritual boy Mr. Hardwick". In part: "Your glorious letter…wonderful the message full of the real spirit….My precious boys seem to be developing into just what we want…beginning to see more clearly what God meant when He chose you as Trail Blazer…our little family of great spirits must grow until the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man is felt throughout the world….I can do my work better since you were here. God seems to bless everything I attempt to do…." Jim Hardwick was a young white man, the son of slave owners, who heard one of the speeches Carver gave to Atlanta groups on interracial cooperation and became one of the young men Carver mentored.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
| Asking Price
$500 |
Lot 447 |
 |
Carver, George Washington. Autograph Letter Signed "G.W. Carver" on "Tuskegee Normal And Industrial Institute" letterhead, one page, recto/verso, 11 x 8½ in., Tuskegee, Alabama, August 10, 1932. To "Mr. Davis." Filing holes at top and the ink is a little light, otherwise fine. A wonderfully personal letter, illustrating the warmth and dedication Carver felt towards the students he taught for so many years: "… I am thinking about you and am so happy over your progress. Yesterday… I went into a little copse of woods…and collected some wonderfully strange and beautiful things…When I returned I found sitting on the steps awaiting me a dear boy who I met at the Univ. of Miss. when I spoke there…He is especially interested in Geology and Biology. He too has a creative mind, not so fine and clear cut as yours, but very good indeed…".
Estimated Value $400 - 500.
| Asking Price
$200 |
Lot 448 |
 |
Davy, Sir Humphry (1778-1829) British chemist and inventor. Third person Autograph Letter Signed at the top of page one and "Davy" is written twice in the body of the letter, 2 pp plus integral leaf, 7¼ x 4½ in., n.p., n.d. "Sir H Davy returns his best thanks to Mad.lle Duvancel for the memoirs she had the goodness to bring him from M. le Baron Cuvier & the letter from M. Ampere. Sir Humphry has been absent from London and returned only yesterday. Lady Davy will call on Mad.lle Duvancel this morning and Sir Humphry hopes they may have the satisfaction of seeing her at dinner tomorrow." Georges Cuvier wrote a highly laudatory Biographical Memoir of Sir Humphry Davy. French naturalist A. Duvancel collaborated with Cuvier in studies of the flora, fauna and languages of the Indian sub-continent. Ampere was also a great admirer of Davy. Fine scientific associations.
Estimated Value $800 - 900.
| Asking Price
$800 |
Lot 450 |
 |
Faraday, Michael (1891-1867) English chemist and physicist, known for his discoveries of electromagnetic induction and of the laws of electrolysis; he invented the electric motor. Autograph Letter Signed "M. Faraday," 1½ pp, 10 x 7¾ in., Royal Institution, Dec. 28, 1846. With integral address leaf and intact black wax seal with initials "MF". To French chemist Pierre Hippolyte Boutigy (1798-1884). He thanks Boutigny heartily for a book and adds, "I always think of you and your experiments with great interest. Last June…I gave our members an experimental illustration of your beautiful subject and shewed them some of the results which you shewed me. I added one which I do not see in your book though it comes near that made by M. Dumas [French chemist Jean-Baptiste Dumas] and described p. 102; by virtue of your spheroidal state I was enabled to freeze mercury in the red hot crucible with the utmost facility. First the crucible was made (spheroidal) red hot - then some ether introduced, then solid carbonic acid - and lastly a metallic capsule holding about an ounce of mercury was dipped into the spheroidal mixture until the mercury was frozen which happened in two or three seconds. It seemed very strange to dip the liquid mercury into the red hot crucible and bring it out frozen. I am not in good condition being under the Surgeon's hands for an affection of the knee…." Fine.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200.
| Asking Price
$2,000 |
Lot 453 |
 |
Newton, Isaac (1643-1727) English mathematician, physicist, and natural philosopher. He laid the foundation for differential and integral calculus and his work on optics and gravitation make him one of the greatest scientists the world has known. Newton also wrote widely on religion, much of which was not accessible until after his death. Specifically, he believed that God was superior in nature and substance to Christ and criticized Trinitarian dogmas, stating that the Trinity was a corruption wrongly imposed on the Church by the first Council of Nicaea in the 4th century AD. Newton did not make his beliefs widely known during his lifetime as they would have been considered heresy by the Church and he would have lost his appointments at Cambridge and as Master of the Mint.
Autograph Manuscript unsigned, 2pp (one sheet recto/verso), in Latin, 7½ x 6 in., n.p., n.d. A few small holes from the iron gall ink, else fine. On these pages, Newton claims that the people have been "brainwashed" into believing false doctrines. He states that the priests are using false and tricky arguments to convince their followers and accuses the pope of similar wrong-doings. "O pietatis mysterium quod iam prope per orbem universum est propagatum!…Falsis et subdolis rationum."
Note: When this manuscript was acquired by the present consignor (over 30 years ago), he mentioned it to a local priest who was an expert in Latin. The priest said it would be a privilege to see the manuscript and translate it, but several days after receiving it, he called and angrily asked if the manuscript were a joke because of Newton's open criticism of the papacy. He should not have been surprised. In An Historical Account of Two Notable Corruptions of Scripture, a dissertation written by Newton and published in 1754, 27 years after his death, he blames "the Roman church" for many abuses in the world and accuses it of "pious frauds."
This manuscript is deserving of serious study by scholars.
Estimated Value $45,000 - 55,000.
| Asking Price
$45,000 |
Lot 454 |
 |
[Nobel Prize Winners in Medicine]. Ulf Svante von Euler. Seven page typescript in English of his "The Future of Pharmacology," with an ALS "USvEuler" in German, transmitting the typescript and saying his originals are lost. On letterhead of Stockholm's Physiological Institute with embossed seal showing caduceus and Asculepean symbols. Ragnar Granit. Three-page typescript in English of his Foreword to a festschrift for A.K. McIntyre. He summarizes and comments on the scientific content of the papers. He signs in full on p. 3 and writes on p. 1, "Published in 'Trends in Neurosciences. 1949'…." Karl v. Frisch. Holograph page 2 of a manuscript concerning "The Great Rose Aphid--And How it Succeeds in Reproducing Itself so Extensively." Signed Karl v. Frisch" at top of page. G.N. Hounsfield. Developed computer tomography. Holograph "Best Wishes" and signature, "Godfrey Hounsfield" on 7-page reprint of his article "Picture Quality of Computed Tomography," with illustrations of organs, and diagrams.
Estimated Value $450 - 650.
| Asking Price
$225 |
Lot 457 |
 |
[Gold Rush Letter - 1850]. Three-page letter, 10 x 8 in., written by G.W. Gale, Georgetown, 60 miles from Sacramento, Dec. 12, 1850. To his father, Ephraim Gale, in Guilford, Vt. With excellent content about gold mining and miners. Some excerpts: "…Once in a while one makes a pile in a short time & if he is smart soon parts for home….I can hear it almost every day--If I had money enough I would take the next boat for the Isthmus….There is a plenty of Gold here no mistake--but few get a very larg pile in one seasons opperation. all the big piles got back to the States & are trumpeted from pole to pole while the little piles are suffered to lay unmolested…luck is not in their favor in Gold hunting. There is thousands of people in the mines and the amount of money in circulation is enormous…. any man that will work, and be prudent - if he is clear of bad habits - can generally get enough to live on…."
He writes that he has been very ill and says many people have died. There is cholera in Francisco but Sacramento is healthy. "Francisco is the largest place in Callifornia and is said to be as well built as any of our Eastern cities --Some parts of the city has been burned out three times since last spring & now is built of Bricks…fire proof." He describes how the miners live in tents and often sleep on the ground, with no shelter "…we are now making preparations to go to mining again and now make calculations to follow it for a year….The mining is done mostly on the Rivers & small streams & Kanyons or Ravenes….many of which are very rich. The gold thus far has mostly been got by diging in the head of the stream and in the bank and in some places veins have been followed into the hillside and pay well. What a miner means by paying well is getting an ounce or more a day. Our company averaged six to seven oz. per week …Some days we would not get an oz. The best days work was ninety dollars apiece…." A few toned spots, else fine.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
| Asking Price
$1,500 |
Lot 461 |
 |
Denial of Religious Freedom to Quakers. The Principal Acts of the General Assembly, of the Church of Scotland; Convened At Edinburgh, December 17th, 1695. Printed by George Mosman, printer to the church, Edinburgh, 1696. 32 pages,11 x 6½ in. disbound. A collection of the acts passed by the Church of Scotland meeting in assembly. The most notable is the tenth act: "Act anent Quakers," in part, "The General Assembly of this National Church for prevention of the grouth of these abominable Heresies of the Quakers, do recommend…to use all proper means for Reclaiming them, and in the case of their Obstinancy to proceed against them with the Censures of the church, and specially against the Ring-Leaders, that are Traffiquers for seduceing of others." Very Good. A scarce imprint.
Estimated Value $200 - 300.
| Asking Price
$100 |
Lot 463 |
 |
Mompesson, Roger - 1706 Jurist Oath. Roger Mompesson (died 1715) was one of the most eminent jurists in early 18th century colonial America. He served as chief justice in Pennsylvania, New York, and was the first chief justice of New Jersey, serving on the provincial councils of all three colonies. Colonial manuscript qualification oath of jurist signed four times by Mompesson, 2½ pages with integral leaf, 12 x 7½ in., docketed "mo/2 [April] 1706 Philadelphia, April 2, 1706. Being a judge’s qualification oath which appears to be the one used at the Provincial council meeting of April 17, 1706, when he was confirmed as chief justice. Typical of such oaths in both England and America, it swears allegiance to Queen Anne; rejects the doctrine that subjects may depose Princes who have been excommunicated by the Pope, or that any foreign powers have any jurisdiction in England or her dominions; contains a rejection of the core beliefs of Roman Catholicism; and swears to undertake to administer justice equally to rich and poor. Mompesson has signed below each of the four assertions. One of the paragraphs that has been "deleted" interestingly states: "And We do Solemnly Promise and Swear that We will be Faithful to the Right Honorable William Penn Esq. And his heirs Proprietors of Pennsylvania and Counties of Newcastle Kent and Sussex on Delaware." It is known that the Quaker Assembly persisted in refusing to grant Mompesson a salary, complaining that he was "too well affected to Penn," and also "that he drank too much," though Penn deemed him "well grounded in the law and an honest and sober gentleman."
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
| Asking Price
$600 |
Lot 464 |
 |
[Franklin, Benjamin]. Experiences et observations sur l'electricité faites à Philadelphie en Amérique par M. Benjamin Franklin; & communiquées dans plusieurs lettres à M.P. Collinson de la Société Royale de Londres. Paris, Durand, 1752. Rare first French edition. Hardcover, 8vo. Contemporary binding, French marbled paper, showing considerable wear; spine well-worn with pieces of paper cover missing. Collates complete except for Qviii, probably a blank. Title page about 1/8" short. Light foxing. Sabine, 25505 (for the original English edition published in 1751). After a bad translation of Franklin's book came into the possession of the great French naturalist Buffon, he ordered Thomas-François d'Alibard to make a better translation. It became the reference book for those interested in electricity.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
| Asking Price
$1,250 |
Lot 465 |
 |
[American Revolution] Minutes of the Rhode Island General Assembly, December, 1776. 44-page Folio booklet of the "General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, begun and holden, by Adjournment, at Providence, within and for the said State, on Monday the Twenty-third Day of December, in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy-six."
This booklet contains the minutes and resolutions passed at the General Assembly. Entries include: "Officers Chosen for the Militia, Officers for the Brigade, Allowance of Provisions to the Troops in this State, Colonels of Militia, etc. empowered to hold Courts-Martial, Allowance to the Members of the Council of War, Regulation of Wages, etc. to the Militia when called on actual Duty," and much more. Light to moderate browning, minor foxing, disbound, a few areas of paper loss on covers. A very interesting and important document providing endless information about Rhode Island in the Revolutionary War!.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
Ex Paul Richards Estate Auction Part II, May 21, 1994 lot 237; Deaccessioned from the Museum of World Treasures, Wichita, Kansas.
| Asking Price
$500 |
Lot 466 |
 |
Pickering, Timothy (1745-1829) Quartermaster in the Revolutionary War; Postmaster Gerneral, Secretary of War, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator and Congressman. Autograph Document signed in the text, 5¾ x 8 in., Jan. 28, 1783. An attractive receipt in Pickering's hand "for pay as waggoner." Also included is a receipt for ten shillings received of Pickering for the making of a coffin. Two pieces.
Estimated Value $150 - 200.
| Asking Price
$100 |
Lot 467 |
 |
Decatur, Stephen (1779-1820) American naval officer; conspicuous for gallantry in the War with Tripoli and the War of 1812. After peace was declared with Great Britain, Decatur commanded the US Mediterranean Squadron and secured the final treaty of peace with the Barbary Powers. From 1816 to 1820 he was Navy Commissioner. He received the thanks of Congress and a sword for his service before Tripoli and a gold medal for distinguished service in the War of 1812. He was killed in a duel with Naval officer James Barron. Address panel of an integral leaf with an ncommon Free-Frank, "S Decatur" as Navy Commissioner. "Washington City" postmark; stamped FREE." Addressed to Thomas Willing (1731-1821), who was the first president of the Bank of America. With a Chappel engraving of Decatur. Fine.
Estimated Value $500 - 750.
| Asking Price
$500 |
Lot 468 |
 |
Confederate Congressional Act Prohibiting Trade With Occupied Confederate Ports. Manuscript Document Signed "Jasper S. Whiting Major & A.A.G," one page, approximately 10 x 8 in., April 19, 1862. In part: "… it shall be unlawful for any person either by himself or his agent, or in any manner whatever, to transport to any port or place in the Confederate States, which may be at the time in the possession of the enemy, or to sell therein, any cotton, tobacco, sugar, rice, molasses, syrup, or naval stores…. the party or parties offending shall forfeit and pay the Confederate States the value of the article sold or transported." Very Good.
Estimated Value $200 - 300.
| Asking Price
$100 |
Lot 469 |
 |
Farragut, David (1801-70) Rank of Admiral was created for him by the U.S. Congress to honor his achievements during the Civil War. Autograph Letter Signed "D.G. Farragut / Captain," 2pp (one page recto verso), 12 x 7¼ in., U.S. Steam Sloop Brooklyn, Norfolk Navy Yark, Aug. 6, 1860. To Isaac Toucey, Secretary of the Navy (1792-1869), asking for "…a favor of importance to me personally, as well as to the service…to withdraw my 1st Lieut. or exchange him, either will suit me, I have borne with, Lieut Doyle… longer than anyone else would have done….Lieut Doyle, does not possess the first requisite for an Executive office, he has neither the information or the industry necessary for the position, and at my time of life to have these duties forced upon me, is perhaps more than I am able to bear…." Much more content. Uneven right margin on verso affects several letters, including the "t" in "Farragut"; easily read and boldly signed.
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
| Asking Price
$350 |
Lot 470 |
 |
Kearny, Phillip (1815-1862) Union general killed when he inadvertently rode into enemy lines at Chantilly. War-date Autograph Letter Signed "Phill.," 4pp (2 sides on one folded sheet), 8 x 5 in. Harrison's Landing (Va.), July 29, 1862. To "My dear John," sharing his feelings about a mutual acquaintance named Watts. Signed vertically along the left margin of the first page, due to lack of space on the last page. The two halves of the folded sheet are separated; otherwise, very fine. This letter was written about a month before Kearny's death.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
| Asking Price
$2,000 |
Lot 473 |
 |
Photo Album of Captain Pierre Giraud, Commander of the USS Tennessee. Personal photo album of Captain Pierre Giraud, who became commander of the captured ironclad CSS Tennessee upon her capture at the Battle of Mobile Bay. The album ontains 42 CDV's, most of which are USN officers and the most important being a rare image (CDV of a drawing of a woodcut) of the CSS / USS Tennessee, taken by McPherson & Oliver, 132 Canal Street, New Orleans. There are many high-ranking US Navy officers, including Commodore Winslow USN, famous captain of the USS Kearsarge when it defeated the CSS Alabama off the coast of France in one of the most famous naval battles of the Civil War. Also of note is a CDV of Admiral Theodorus Bailey (by Moffat & Simpson). The back cover and spine of the album are separated and it is split in the middle, not affecting the CDV's. The front has a presentation that reads: "Capt. P. Giraud / A token of friendship and esteem from B.F.D.F." An accompanying notebook contains a list of the CDV's (several are of unidentified USN officers) and their imprints, as well as a great deal of research, such as biographies and copies of Official Records
Some of the other identified CDV's are: Commodore John Rodgers "Dictator," Capt. C.R.P. Rodgers, Lt. Commander Rogers, Lt. Commander Johnson, Capt. Fairfax, Capt. Eaton, C.H. Lockwood, Capt. E.R. Clarke, Lt. Nelson, Lt. Wood, Lt. Gerage, R.M. Hanson, Alexander Kimberly, Paymaster B.D. Fitch, Paymaster Kimberly, and Dr. Gayton.
Included with the album is one partly-printed Document Signed "Gideon Welles" as Secretary of the Navy, one page, 10 x 8 in., Navy Dept., Dec. 1, 1863. To Commodore H.H. Bell, appointing Henry E. Giraud Acting Master's Mate of the U.S.S. Tennessee. Document was forwarded to P. Giraud.
The Battle of Mobile Bay took place on August 5, 1864, between a Union fleet commanded by Rear Adm. David G. Farragut and a smaller Confederate fleet commanded by Admiral Franklin Buchanan. Frarragut daringly ran through a minefield and got beyond reach of the guns on the shore. The Confederate fleet was reduced to the ironclad CSS Tennessee, which eventually was surrendered by Admiral Buchanan. Captain Pierre Giraud led the boarding party and received Buchanan's sword for delivery to Rear Admiral Farragut. The capture of Mobile was an important Union victory, and along with the capture of Atlanta, contributed to Lincoln's re-election.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
| Asking Price
$4,000 |
Lot 475 |
 |
Scott, Winfield. Signature on a 1 x 6" slip of paper with "U.S. Army, Feb. 10, 1857," n.p. Fine. Matted with a portrait of Scott and framed to an overall size of 12 x 11¼".
Estimated Value $75 - 100.
| Asking Price
$38 |
Lot 476 |
 |
Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Union general; admired and hated for his military strategy, especially his "scorched earth" policy which deprived the enemy of resources. His Atlanta Campaign and March to the Sea split the Confederacy in two and deprived it of supplies, hastening its demise.
Autograph Letter Signed "W.T. Sherman / Lt. Genl.," 4 pp, 8 x 5 in. Headquarters Military Division of the Missouri, Saint Louis, July 8, 1868. Light toning, else fine. To a friend he refers to as "Dear General," who is in Atlanta to help members of a church which was burned during Sherman's occupation of the city (Sept. 1-Nov. 12, 1864). Sherman disavows knowledge of the burning of the church and suggests that it could have been the work of "vagabond whites & negroes."
In part: "I have just got back from the wedding in Cleveland, Ohio of General Miles with my niece Mary Sherman…I am glad you have been so successful in the matter of the church…. I was in hopes to find on my return something from the Revd. Mr. Schuyler Pastor of the richest congregation of the Episcopalians in St. Louis….I will make it my business to see him & ascertain if he got copies of your circular mailed to him. Of course it must be as you say. A church was burned in Atlanta. but I cannot recall the building to my memory though I daily visited every part of the place during September. More than a month before the great fire that occurred the day & night before I left viz. Nov. 12. All through the South they charged to me and my army acts that were committed by vagabond whites & negroes. And it was of this that I wanted to inquire. I had heard that after we had gone from Atlanta hundreds of people flocked in and plundered and destroyed much we had left. Still as you say that makes no difference in the charity of the case. And I am glad you have succeeded in providing a proper place for the congregation….General Grant & family are now out on the farm of the Grave's, 11 miles in the country. The Genl will in a few days go up to Leavenworth and out on the Plains. I will go with him a part of his wandering way. Democratic nomination not yet announced though it will be made today or tomorrow. I truly hope your task in Georgia will soon be so far concluded that you may rejoin your family and regain your appropriate command. Yr friend, W.T. Sherman."
Two months earlier, in Chicago, General Ulysses S. Grant had been nominated unanimously as the Republican presidential candidate for 1868. As Sherman wrote this letter, the Democratic convention was going on in New York. After 22 ballots, the reluctant Horatio Seymour was nominated, but he didn't stand a chance against the war hero, Grant. On March 4, 1869, the day of Grant's inauguration, Sherman succeeded him as general-in-chief of the armies of the United States, a command he held until his retirement on Feb. 8, 1884.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
| Asking Price
$6,000 |
Lot 477 |
 |
Smith, Charles F (1807-1862) Career Army officer who served in the Mexican and Civil Wars; during the latter, he injured his leg jumping into a rowboat, leading to an infection that claimed his life. He was an instructor of Grant's at West Point. Scarce Autograph Letter Signed, "C.F. Smith," one page, 9¾ x 7¾ in., West Point, N.Y., plus holograph address leaf with manuscript postage and circular red West Point cancellation. To Rev. Philip Lindsley in Nashville. In part: "Your letter…to Lieut. Col. DeRussy, requesting an extension of the leave of absence heretofore granted to your son, has been received….I am directed to say that…Cadet Lindsley is authorized to remain absent until the 28th….Will you please to communicate this to your son…." Folds and minor toning, else fine.
Estimated Value $400 - 500.
| Asking Price
$200 |
Lot 480 |
|
Civil War Era Tintype. Seated, three-quarter photo of two men, probably brothers. 2 x 2½ in. With decorative brass surround. Some spotting. Cheeks appear to be hand tinted.
Estimated Value $150 - 200.
| Asking Price
$75 |
Lot 484 |
 |
Receipt for the Purchase of A Slave in Puerto Rico, 1870. Partly-printed document headed "Registro de Esclavos," Department of Arecibo, City of Utuado, 6 x 8 in. Feb. 5, 1870. Registration of an 8-year-old mulatto boy owned by Dr. Colomer and son of Maria, in the Salto Arriba neighborhood. The receipt is signed by the owner and the commissioner. Slavery continued in Puerto Rico until March 22, 1873, when it was finally abolished by the Spanish National Assembly. Owners were compensated with 35 million pesetas per slave and slaves were required to work for three more years.
Estimated Value $250 - 350.
| Asking Price
$200 |
Lot 486 |
 |
Imperial Russian Dragoon Helmet. An enlisted man’s World War One era picklehaube style helmet of the Russian 20th Dragoon Regiment, made in 1910 by the K. Tils Company in Moscow in the style of the new uniform regulations for dragoon regiments from that date. The skull in black leather with round front peak with metal edging and a bear fur (or horse hair?) transverse crest instead of the usual picklehaube spike at the top. The crowned double headed eagle helmet plate, cambered metal chinscales tied in back and visor trim all in white metal, possibly cupro-nickel or plated. Black leather interior sweatband with white canvas liner, this along with the interior leather all maker marked in Cyrillic and dated. The leather skull and brims have only a few minor marks, but far above average for the type; the chinscales are complete and with full leather backing, the latter with moderate age wear. The stitching is intact and tight and the orange, black and white cockade shows only minor nicks and wear; the fur crest amazingly fresh and lustrous. An unusually choice specimen in Excellent overall condition and quite Rare in this lofty state of preservation.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
| Asking Price
$3,700 |
Lot 493 |
 |
WW2 British Royal Air Force Pilot's Group. Great Britain. Consisting of four medals: 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence and War Medals, awarded to Flight Sergeant John Cox, the group includes two Pilot’s Flying Log Books, a Sight Log Book, a color portrait of Cox in uniform wearing his pilot’s wings, a group course completion photo where he is identified and some post-war papers regarding service in the RAFVR and others from Kenya. Cox enlisted in the RAF in August 1940 and presumably served in North Africa before beginning his pilot training in 1943. The first log book covers his training in the United Kingdom and Canada from July 1943 until June 1945 and shows him flying De Havilland Tiger Moth, Fairchild PT-19 Cornell, and Airspeed Oxford aircraft. It also contains his Air Navigator’s Certificate and hand-written wartime record of service. His second log book covers his flights from June to December 1945, when he flew Oxfords and later C-47 Dakotas with No. 512 Squadron. During his time with 512, Cox was co-pilot on C-47 transports and flew throughout the Middle East, his log book showing flights between numerous locations in Egypt, Palestine, Libya, Bahrain, and Iraq. The medals are in Choice Extremely Fine condition and bar mounted as worn; the other materials with average wear typical for the period.
Estimated Value $300 - 400.
| Asking Price
$230 |
Lot 497 |
 |
Ortelius Map of Cuba and Western Mexico. Copper-engraved map by Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) with: Culiacanae, Americae Regionis, Descriptio and Hispaniolae, Cubae, Aliarumque Insularum Circumiacientium, Delineatio on the same sheet, uncolored, 14 x 19¼ in., c. 1600. From Ortelius' atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, first printed in 1579. The top half shows detail along the western coast of Mexico; the bottom half shows Cuba, Hispaniola, the Antilles, Bahamas, and the tip of Florida, and is apparently the first printed map to focus on the West Indies. Some dampstaining, primarily visible in margins; small crease at upper left. With three lovely decorative cartouches and two ships. Very good.
Estimated Value $900 - 1,200.
| Asking Price
$450 |
Lot 498 |
 |
Schubert, Otto. Bilderbüch fürTyll und Nele. Munich: Marees Gesellschaft, 1920, Number 6 of 235 copies on handmade rag paper. 20" x 14", vellum spine and tan boards with title in black and embossed vignette; string ties at spine are broken and boards are rubbed and worn. With 23 large, full-page color woodcuts of a variety of animals, both wild and domestic, by painter and graphic artist Otto Schubert (1872-1972). A vivid picture book for children with Expressionist influence, the illustrations include circus bears with their trainer, a lion attacking a zebra, a hunter mounted on an elephant about to spear a tiger; swans, a red fox, monkeys at play in the wild and behind bars, exotic birds, a rhino, flamingoes, camels, a giraffe, and numerous others. The rhymes appear in white German script--under, over and sometimes within the illustrations. Some scattered foxing in the margins, some of which have edge or corner tears, the first four illustrations being the most affected; none of these edge problems affect the wonderful images, which look as vivid as they did in 1920. One of the most original children's books of the 20th century.
Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000.
The property of a lady who received the book as a child in Vienna.
| Asking Price
$1,700 |
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.
| Asking Price
$5,000 |
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.
| Asking Price
$100 |
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.
| Asking Price
$4,000 |
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.
| Asking Price
$100 |
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.
| Asking Price
$350 |
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.
| Asking Price
$50 |
Lot 515 |
 |
Gould, Chester (1900-1985) Cartoonisht who created the Dick Tracy comic strip which he wrote and drew from 1931 to 1977. Original pencil sketch of Dick Tracy Signed "Chester Gould," on a 5 x 3 in slip. Fine.
Estimated Value $150 - 250.
| Asking Price
$150 |
Lot 518 |
 |
DiMaggio, Joe - Signed Plate. A collector's plate recreating artist Stephan Gardner's painting "The Streak" in which Joe DiMaggio achieved a record 56 game hitting streak. This plate was autographed in gold ink and has been beautifully shadow boxed in an oak frame.
The plate comes with a certificate of authorization from The Bradford Exchange--it measures 8" in diameter and the frame measures 12 3/4" x 12 3/4".
Estimated Value $250 - 400.
| Asking Price
$150 |
Lot 520 |
 |
Baseball Cards - Three Sets (1) Complete set of 1983 Topps baseball cards. (2) Set of 1983 Donruss baseball cards, missing eight cards: 105, 101, 159, 220, 282, 346, 443, and 556. (3) Set of 1992 Topps baseball cards, missing 24 cards: 5, 6, 79, 104, 219, 301, 318, 344, 372, 394, 451, 491, 516, 536, 558, 590, 591, 616, 639, 651, 685, 696, 716, and 766. All three sets are still in the original boxes.
Estimated Value $100 - 200.
| Asking Price
$50 |
Lot 522 |
 |
Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns - 1989. Sterling Limited Edition belt buckle with 24 karat gold plating, 80/250, made by the Las Vegas Mint. At the top is THE WAR"; at the bottom is "CAESARS PALACE"; the date "1989" is half on the left and half on the right. In the center is a medallion with profile portraits of Leonard and Hearns, inscribed: "The War. Super Middleweight Championship of the World. Las Vegas." Floral ornamentation is on each side of the medallion. The fight was scored a draw although most thought Hearns deserved a split decision.
Estimated Value $200 - 300.
| Asking Price
$100 |
Lot 524 |
 |
Brunotti, Silvana. Landscape. Oil on canvas, 7¼ x 9¼ in. (19 x 23½ mm), signed "Brunotti" at lower right. Double matted and framed to an overall size of 13¼ x 15¼ in.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000.
| Asking Price
$400 |
Lot 530 |
 |
Unknown. Miniature Wedding Portrait. Painting on ivory of an unidentified young woman, probably French, c. 1810. Indiscernible signature on edge of portrait at 4 o'clock. French text from Nicolas Gouin Dufief's Nature Displayed in Her Mode of Teaching Language to Man is pasted over the back of the black wooden oval frame, which is 77.91 x 67.23 mm. Ring at top for hanging. Comes with a small display stand.
Estimated Value $250 - 350.
From the collection of a Beverly Hills philatelist.
| Asking Price
$125 |
Lot 539 |
 |
1970//1981 Hunting Prints. Lot of nine different limited edition prints (most in editions of less than 1000) by noted artists such as Maynard Reese, LeBlanc, McDonald, Gromme, Gillies, Christie, etc. Each is professionally matted and framed in mostly large, wooden frames. An ideal lot for when you redecorate your hunding lodge. There are some great dog and bird prints here for the true afficionado. Most are in excellent condition.
Estimated Value $500 - 750.
| Asking Price
$250 |
Lot 540 |
 |
Frost, Arthur Burdett (1851-1928) Early American illustrator and painter. Well known for his dynamic representation of motion and sequence. Frost is considered one of the great illustrators in the "Golden Age of American Illustration." Frost illustrated over 90 books, and produced hundreds of paintings; in addition to his work in illustrations, he is renowned for realistic hunting and shooting prints.
Chromo lithograph, approximately 20" x 12½", matted and framed to an overall size of 29½" x 24". Archivally framed with UV plexiglass and burel wood. Bird hunting with Irish Setters in the woods. Superb condition.
Estimated Value $400 - 500.
| Asking Price
$325 |
Lot 541 |
 |
Frost, Arthur Burdett. Chromo lithograph, approximately 20" x 12½", matted and framed to an overall size of 29½" x 24". Archivally framed with UV plexiglass and burel wood. Shooting from a blind with decoys. Superb condition.
Estimated Value $400 - 500.
| Asking Price
$325 |
Lot 542 |
 |
Frost, Arthur Burdett. Chromo lithograph, approximately 20" x 12½", matted and framed to an overall size of 29½" x 24". Archivally framed with UV plexiglass and burel wood. Shooting in flight with a pair of pointers. Superb condition.
Estimated Value $400 - 500.
| Asking Price
$325 |
|
|
