Latest Arrivals
Kennedy, John F. (1917-1963)
Rare autograph letter signed
35. President of the United States. Autograph letter signed “John Kennedy”. 2 pages, recto and verso, 6.25 x 9.25 inch, n.p. (Washington), no date. On his John F. Kennedy Massachusetts - United States Senate Washington, D.C. stationery, written in green ballpoint pen. To a Mr. Walsh where he appears to be responding to a job inquiry. In full: “Dear Mr. Walsh, Many thanks for your letter in regard to your boy - as you may know the job in housing comes under the city I have therefore written today to Mr. Fleming in the mayor‘s office to see if anything could be done. Would you let me know what happens. I hope it can be done. Sincerely yours John Kennedy”. Mailing folds, else fine condition. Kennedy is rare in handwritten letters. Comes together with my book “John F. Kennedy - autograph study” - about 90 pages with hundreds of signatures (authentic, secretary, Autopen, stamps, facsimile etc.).
Price: $ 4,950 / € 4.500
Trotsky, Leon (1879-1940)
Typed letter signed regarding the Paris conference in 1933
Soviet politician, revolutionary, and political theorist. He was a central figure in the 1905 Revolution, October Revolution of 1917, Russian Civil War, and establishment of the Soviet Union. Typed letter signed “L. Trotsky”. 1p., 7.75 x 8.5 inch, n.p., 1933 September 25. To Comrade John Paton in Herts, England. In English, in full: “Thank you very much for your attention to my articles. Sorry that I cannot avail myself of your kind offer as from the very beginning I assigned my articles for the disposition of the British group of the Left Opposition, and trust that these comrades will find a way of bringing them to the attention of the members of the I.L.P. (Independent Labour Party). Also, prior to the receipt of your letter I already agreed to that suggestion of comrade Fenner Brockway regarding the discussion organ. Two days ago I received your beautifully compiled report on the Paris conference. For the first time now I get a clear picture of what took place there. Unfortunately, however, my copy contains a technical defect: page #18 is not printed at all. If you have an extra page 17-18 I would be very thankful for sending it to me. I would very much like to a complete copy of this important historic document in my files”. Some creases, handling wear, probably slightly trimmed, else good condition. The Paris conference referred to took place on 27-28 August 1933. It was held of the Left Socialists Communist Oppositional organisations with fourteen groupings represented on the grounds of degeneration of the Third International, (an international organisation founded in 1919 that advocated world communism), the Trotskyist sections declared for a Fourth International. This was founded by Trotsky and other communists in 1938 as an oppositional alternative to the Stalin-dominated Comintern. A fine historic letter!
Price: $ 3,135 / € 2.850
Laurel, Stan (1890-1965) & Hardy, Oliver (1892-1957)
Excellent signatures matted with photograph
A comedy double of the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema. Perfect signatures matted with photograph. Album page signed “Stan Laurel” in blue ink and “Oliver Hardy” in blue ballpoint pen. 3.25 x 3.75 inch (visible), n.p., n.d. Handsomely matted in grey with a black and white photograph, overall 7.75 x 11.75 inch. Excellent condition, perfect signatures and a beautiful display item.
Price: $ 1.045 / € 950
Stein, Heinrich Friedrich Karl Reichsfreiherr vom und zum (1757-1831)
Letter signed
Known as Baron vom Stein, a Prussian statesman who introduced the Prussian reforms that paved the way for the unification of Germany. Letter signed “Stein“. 1p., 7.25 x 9.0 inch, bifolium, Berlin 1806 June 1, address and red wax seal on verso. To George Tönniges in Paris. In German, in full: „Euer Hochwohlgeboren danke ich vielmals für die gefällige Mittheilung des mit ihrem Schreiben vom 21.ten April d.J. erhaltenen interessanten … über die Pariser Bank, auch für die bei der Gelegenheit mir gegebenen Nachrichten, und werde Ihnen sehr verbunden seyn, wenn sie fortfahren wollen, mir dergleichen Nachrichten über die dortige interessantesten Finanz und … zu ertheilen. Es freut mich übrigens, Euer Hochwohlgeboren benachrichtigen zu können, daß die Angelegenheit wegen Ihrer Ernennung zum königlich preussischen Consul nach dem mir nun des Grafen von Haugwitz Excellenz gegebene Versicherungen reashumirt ist, und sie können darauf rechnen, daß ich die Sache unterstützen werde“. Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition. Stein is rare in any form!
Price: $ 1,375 / € 1.250
Eisenhower, Dwight D. (1890-1969)
Signed photograph
34. President of the United States. Supreme Commander of Allied forces in Europe during World War II. and largely responsible for the successful invasion on D-Day. Fine matte-finish signed and inscribed photograph. 8.0 x 10.0 inch, black and white, n.p., n.d. A classic image of Eisenhower in uniform at his desk, inscribed and signed in blue ink at blank lower margin to George Schultz, a corporal who was a member of Ike's train staff during the war: “To Corp. George Schultz with best wishes Dwight D. Eisenhower”. Top and bottom left corners bear folds, slight soiling and wear to blank margins, otherwise very good. A fine and rather uncommon signed photograph.
Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.200
Clinton, Bill (1946)
Signed photograph shaking hands with John F. Kennedy
42. President of the United States. Signed photograph “Bill Clinton 5-6-19”. Photograph 10.0 x 8.0 inch, n.p., May 6, 2019. Excellent signed and dated with a felt tip pen. Famous photo of Bill Clinton shaking hands with JFK. Heritage authentication sticker lower right corner, mint condition. A small card - Heritage Certificate of Authenticity - is included. On July 24, 1963, a young Bill Clinton met President John F. Kennedy while attending Boys Nation. This meeting inspired the future president to pursue a life in public service. Clinton later recalled the moment, saying: “I was about the third or fourth person in, and…I sort of muscled my way up (to the front).” Their interaction was brief, a firm handshake before Kennedy moved on to the next student. But video and photos capturing the event show Clinton’s admiration and near disbelief that he was meeting one of his political idols. Excellent signed historical photograph.
Price: $ 825 / € 750
Frederick II. (The Great), King (1712-1786)
Letter signed with seven-line handwritten addition
Monarch of Prussia from 1740 until his death in 1786. He was the last Hohenzollern monarch titled King in Prussia, declaring himself King of Prussia after annexing Royal Prussia from the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1772. He became known as Frederick “The Great” (German: Friedrich der Große) and was nicknamed "Old Fritz". Historical letter regarding the construction of a factory for clock springs and chains. Letter signed with seven-line handwritten addition. 1p., 8.0 x 13.25 inch, bifolium, Berlin, 1780 August 24. Countersigned at the top. In German, in full: „Ein hiesiger sehr geschickter Uhrmacher, Nahmens Buschberg, ist willens, eine Fabrique von Uhr-Federn und Ketten, die er nach der vorangestelleten Probe so gut und besser wie die auswärtigen zu machen verstehet, abhier auf eigene Kosten anzulegen, wenn Euer Königliche Majestät ihm dazu 1.) eine privative Concession auf 10 Jahre, gratis, 2.) die Anwartschaft auf eine (?) Manufaktur-Fonds zunächst vacant werdende jährliche Land-Miethe von = 100, 3.) so bald er sich in Vorrath gesetzet, eine höhere Importierung, oder das Verboth der fremden Uhr-Federn und Ketten, und 4.) die Actise und Zoll-Freiheit, sowohl auf die zu dieser Fabrique erforderliche rohe Materialien, als die von ihm zu erfordernde Fabric-Waaren, zu verfügen geruhen wollen. Bis jetzt sind alle Uhr-Federn und Ketten aus Frankreich und der Schweitz eingebracht, und noch von niemanden in Euer Königlichen Majestät Landen verfertiget worden. Da nun durch diese Entreprise (Unternehmung) dem Lande ein nicht gantz unerheblicher neuer Nahrungs-Zweig zuwachsen kann; so stelle ich allerunterthänigst anheim: Ob Eure Königliche Majestät, dem Supplicanten die erbetene gantz billige Bedingungen zu accordiren, und das endend die darauf ausgefertigte hinbringehnde Concession zu vollziehen geruhen wolle“. Handwritten addition in Frederick’s hand: „Die Arbeiters müssen auf die Dörfer gesatzet werden sonst wirdt es zu teüer, wie in Neufchatel als bei Oranienburg bei Nauen etz. und ich könnte ihnen daher in die Dörfer Haüsser bauen lassen“. Slightly discolored, handling wear, else good condition. The name Carl Ludwig Buschberg appeared in Berlin in the early 1770s with the reference that he came from Breslau. In 1780 he is mentioned as a city clockmaker in Berlin, in 1794 he was an old master in the guild, in 1797 he was a clock appraiser, and he died in 1805. In 1765, the watchmaker Abraham-Louis Huguenin, born in 1733 in La Chaux-de-Fonds (in the Swiss Jura), was appointed inspector general and director of the Royal Watch Manufactory in Berlin. This was the result of Friedrich's long-term efforts to attract watch experts from Switzerland to Berlin, who were supposed to build up an industry here in order to become independent of foreign imports. The king provided 28,000 Reichstaler to purchase a house with a factory. Huguenin was a specialist but not a good businessman. There were soon major financial problems, and instead of the expected 200 Swiss experts, only 22 arrived in Berlin. The hoped-for sales for the luxury watches and musical mechanisms did not materialize, so that Huguenin applied to the king for the factory to be liquidated at the end of 1769. In 1782, a supplier factory was founded in Friedrichsthal near Oranienburg. Apparently Buschberg's proposal is a first attempt at this. Frederick II. actually had a factory building and 5 double colonist houses built for 20 Geneva families in Friedrichsthal based on the Neuchâtel model. They manufactured dials, mainsprings, winding chains and wheels - just like the rural population in the Swiss Jura did. Letters with a handwritten addition from Frederick the Great are rare and this one has a fine historical content.
Price: $ 1,980 / € 1.800
Pasternak, Boris (1890-1960)
Fine autograph letter signed in English
Russian poet, novelist, composer, and literary translator. Pasternak was the author of Doctor Zhivago (1957) a novel that takes place between the Russian Revolution of 1905 and the Second World War. He awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958. Fine autograph letter signed “B Pasternak”. 1p., 8.0 x 11.0 inch, 1959 July 12. Written in his characteristic purple ink. To “Dear and reverend Sir”. In English, in full: “I was unfeignedly sorry to learn (of) our mutual unsuccess. Please kindly accept this little reparation. I thankfully return you the cheque (I’ve torn the precedent), since it is unrealisable in our conditions and of no use for me. Pray believe in my profound and illimitated esteem”. Mailing folds, handling wear, else fine condition. Beautiful signature.
Price: $ 4,950 / € 4.500
Hindenburg, Paul von (1847-1934)
Great patriotic content autograph statement signed
Prussian-German field marshal, statesman, and politician, he served as the second President of Germany from 1925 to 1934. Autograph statement signed “von Hindenburg”. 1p., bifolium, 7.0 x 9.0 inch, n.p., (19)23 March 1. Hindenburg has penned seven lines of stirring and patriotic text, in full, in German: “Wir wollen nie vergessen, daß wir Deutsche sind, und überall unsere Pflicht und Schuldigkeit thun und, wenn nöthig, kämpfen bis die letzte Fahne zerfetzt und die letzte Klinge gesplittert ist. Besser in Ehren untergehen, als in Schand leben!“ Translated: “Let us never forget that we are Germans and do our duty wherever we may be and, of necessity, will fight until the last flag is torn to shreds and the last blade has been broken. Better to perish honourably than to live in disgrace!” Fine condition. One of a kind statement!
Price: $ 1,045 / € 950
Kennedy, Jacqueline (1929-1994)
Beautiful signed photograph
First Lady and wife of John F. Kennedy. In 1968, she married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Beautiful signed and inscribed photograph “For Anthony F Janak with best wishes Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis”. 8.0 x 10.0 inch, n.p., n.d., fine signed in black ink. Mounted on cardboard to an overall size of 9.25 x 12.0 inch. Minor handling wear and stains on the mount, photograph in excellent condition.
Price: $ 1,650 / € 1.500
Elizabeth II., Queen (1926-2022) & Philip, Prince (1921-2021)
Signed photograph by Baron studios
Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. Signed photograph “Elizabeth R 1955” in the hand of Queen Elizabeth and “Philip” in the hand of Prince Philip. 7.25 x 9.5 inch black and white photograph on the original 8.25 x 11.25 inch photographers mount and affixed on thin cardboard of the same size, n.p. (London), 1955. Excellent signed in dark ink. The photograph by the Baron studios shows the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace, 12th March 1953. The Queen is wearing the Diamond Diadem, the sash, badge and star of the Order of the Garter, and the Greville Chandelier earrings. Slightly discolored and faded, some stains, else good condition.
Price: $ 2,640 / € 2.400
Grimm, Jacob (1785-1863) & Grimm, Wilhelm (1786-1859)
Rare document signed by both
The Brothers Grimm were German academics who together collected and published folklore. The brothers are among the best-known storytellers of folktales, popularizing stories such as "Cinderella", "The Frog Prince”, "Hansel and Gretel", "Town Musicians of Bremen", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Rumpelstiltskin", "Sleeping Beauty" and "Snow White". Their first collection of folktales, Children's and Household Tales was first published in 1812. Rare document signed by both “Jac. Grimm” and “Wilh. Grimm”. 1p., 8.0 x 12.75 inch, (Göttingen), 1837 October 20. Endorsement under an academic circular of F. Ch. Bergman (1785-1845). Additional signed by Friedrich Christoph Dahlman, Wilhelm Eduard Albrecht, Georg Gottfried Gervinus, Wilhelm Eduard Weber and Heinrich Georg August Ewald (“The Göttinger Seven”). And signed by 43 other professors. Mailing fold, minor handling wear, else good condition. The Göttingen Seven (German: Göttinger Sieben) were a group of seven liberal professors at University of Göttingen. In 1837, they protested against the annulment of the constitution of the Kingdom of Hanover by its new ruler, King Ernest Augustus, and refused to swear an oath to the king. The company of seven was led by historian Friedrich Christoph Dahlmann, who himself was one of the key advocates of the previous constitution. The other six were the Germanist brothers Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm, jurist Wilhelm Eduard Albrecht, historian Georg Gottfried Gervinus, physicist Wilhelm Eduard Weber, and theologian and orientalist Heinrich Georg August Ewald. Rare document signed by the brothers Grimm and The Göttinger Seven.
Price: $ 5,225 / € 4.750
Kandinsky, Wassily (1866-1944)
Fine art content autograph letter signed
Russian painter and art theorist. Kandinsky is generally credited as one of the pioneers of abstraction in western art. Autograph letter signed “Kandinsky”. 1p., bifolium, recto and verso of the first page, 4.25 x 6.75 inch, Neuilly-sur-Seine, December 10, 1943. “KANDINSKY” at the top. Autograph letter to a "cher Maître" whom Kandinsky asks on behalf of the famous Parisian galeriste Jeanne Bucher to provide an expertise for a Henri Rousseau painting. Kandinsky was an admirer and connaisseur of the work of Rousseau since 1908, and for example used several of his paintings to illustrate his text about form in art in the "Almanac of the Blue Rider” 1912. In French: “Cher Maître, je vous prie de vouloir bien excuser le dérangement! Je m'adresse à vous de la part de Mme. Bucher à propos d'un certificat d'une toile de Henri Rousseau. Vous avez eu la grand amiabilité d'avoir dit à Mr Pougni que vous voiule le faire volontiers. Voulez-vous être si aimable de me donne un coup de téléphone pour fiter un rendez-vous, si possible après-demain lundi … Je vous demande encore une fois pardon, je vous dit mille fois merci à l'avance…" Apparently Kandinsky had offered the Paris gallery owner Jeanne Bucher (1872-1946) his help for the appraisal she wanted for a painting by Henri Rousseau (1844-1910). Kandinsky appreciate Rousseau's work and acquired two of his paintings, one of which he had printed on the poster for the first exhibition of the Blue Rider in the winter of 1911. He also illustrated his treatise “On the Question of Form in the Almanac of the Blue Rider 1912” with seven pictures by Rousseau. Kandinsky had a friendship with Jeanne Bucher. Her famous gallery on Rue du Cherche-Midi was an important meeting point for the avant-garde from 1925 to 1946. Kandinsky also exhibited his works there between 1936 and 1944. Slightly discolored, minor folds breaks, handling wear, else good condition. Ivan Albertovich Puni (1890-1956) was a Russian avant-garde artist. In France he became "Jean Pougny" and in 1947 obtained French citizenship.
Price: $ 4,950 / € 4.500
Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924)
Autograph musical quotation signed “La Bohème”
Italian composer whose operas are among the important operas played as standards. Excellent autograph musical quotation signed “Giacomo Puccini”. And additional in Puccini’s hand “mi chiamano Mimi" and inscribed to “Areste Lo Valvo”. Music paper, 7.0 x 3.25 inch, n.p., n.d. (about 1896/ 1897). The three opening bars of the aria "Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì" (“Yes they call me Mimi”) from his famous opera "La Boheme". Fine condition, uncommon large and with a full signature. Oreste Lo Valvo (1868-1947) was an Italian lawyer, publicist and essayist. Wikipedia about Oreste Lo Valvo in Italian and translated: “Giacomo Puccini dedicates one of his photographs to him for his contribution to the success of the first performance of La Bohème at the Bellini theater in Palermo on 8 April 1896”. Later Puccini renews his esteem and dedicates this musical quotation to Lo Valvo. The world premiere of La Bohème was in Turin on 1 February 1896 at the Teatro Regio conducted by the 28-year-old Arturo Toscanini. Since then, La Bohème has become part of the standard Italian opera repertory and is one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide. Excellent provenance!
Price: $ 3,025 / € 2.750
Beuys, Joseph (1921-1986)
Everything Is Art: Hygiene Bag signed
German artist, teacher, performance artist, and art theorist whose work reflected concepts of humanism, sociology. Hygiene bag signed “Joseph Beuys”. 3.5 x 10.0 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in pencil. Stamp “Hauptstrom”. Catalog of works: Schellmann 466: “Androgyn”. Fine condition.
Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.200
Dali, Salvador (1904-1989)
Postcard signed
Prominent Spanish surrealist. Postcard signed “Mes amities Dali 1962”. Postcard, 4.0 x 6.0 inch, Paris 1962 August 12. Postcard addressed and signed by Giuseppe (Beppe) and Mara Albaretto during a trip to Paris. Additional signed by Dali in dark black ink. Front of the card shows a color photo of Sacre-Coer in Paris. Handling wear, else fine condition. In the mid-1950s, Dalí met Giuseppe and Mara Albaretto, a wealthy couple who later became Dalí’s close friends and patrons. More information about the friendship available online.
Price: $ 880 / € 800
Roosevelt, Franklin D. (1882-1945)
Engraving signed AS PRESIDENT
32. President of the United States. Signed and inscribed engraving “For Oscar Wintraub from Franklin D. Roosevelt”. 6.25 x 7.25 inch, n.p., n.d. A signed engraving with the same image of Roosevelt was sold with a White House letter dated 1937. I think this item was signed about the same time and is surely signed AS PRESIDENT. Slightly trimmed, lower left edge expertly repaired, else good condition and dark signed with his usual Jet Black India Ink. Comes with a copy of my Franklin D. Roosevelt autograph study. Excellent display item.
Price: $ 880 / € 800
Matisse, Henri (1869-1954)
Fine art content autograph letter signed
French artist, known for both his use of colour and his fluid and original draughtsmanship. Autograph letter signed in full “Henri Matisse”. 1p., 8.25 x 10.0 inch, written and signed in blue ink, Nice, 1920 November 4. Letter to Paul Colin of L'Art Libre, written from the Hotel Mediterranée. In French, in full: “Je ne puis vous répondre au sujet de votre exposition quant á mes oeuvres, veuillez vous addresser à Mme Bernheim ou Georges Bernheim, mes marchands. Quant au pastel de Redon, je ne puis vous satisfaire, car il n’est àmoi que la moitié. Or mon parent pour il est pour l’autre moitié, craintles risqué du voyage - mais, cependant desire le vendre – le pastel est visible 19 quai St. Michel, chez moi. Avec mes regrets de ne pouvoir vous satisfaire, je vous prie d’agréer, Monsieur, mes sincères salutations.” Translated: "I cannot give you any answer regarding your exhibit; as far as my works are concerned, please contact Messrs. Bernheim or Mr. Georges Bernheim, my dealers. As for the pastel by Redon, I will not be able to satisfy you because I own only half of it and my relative who owns the other half fears the risks of a trip but still wants to sell it. The pastel can be seen at 19 quai St. Michel, at my place." In very good to fine condition, with creasing, and short tears, to the edges. A fantastic letter referencing Odilon Redon, an artist whom Matisse greatly admired. He had purchased some of Redon's paintings for his father, and acknowledged the influence of Redon's pastels on his own colorful Fauvist palette.
Price: $ 1,760 / € 1.600
Guevara, Ernesto "Che" (1928-1967)
Typed letter signed Investigating Political Murders
Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, guerrilla leader, diplomat, military theorist and a major figure of the Cuban Revolution. Captured during a 1967 campaign in Bolivia, he was executed on the following day and instantly attained status as a martyr and one of the most revered and influential political revolutionaries of the 20th century. Rare typed letter signed “Che”. 1p., 8.5 x 11.0 inch, La cabana, 1959 January 4. On Republic of Cuba Minister of National Defense letterhead. The letter concerns an investigation into several political murders. Stamped No. 1202. Addressed to Dr. Teobaldo Castillo Cuervo and Lieutenant Chinea. In Spanish, in full: “A los militares Dr. Teobaldo Castillo Cuervo y teniente Chinea. Se les informa por este medio que el Dr. Miguel Angel Duque de Estarada Ramos, auditor de la columna 8 está prestando servicios especiales en la investigacion de asesinatos cometidos por antiguos miembros de las fuerzas armadas y está realizando la investigacion sobre el caso Caridad Fernandez.” Translated: "I would like to inform you by this letter that Dr. Miguel Duque de Estarada Ramos, Auditor of Column 8, is providing special services in the investigation of murders committed by senior members of the armed forces and he is in charge of the investigation about the case Caridad Fernandez”. Flattened folds and creasing to corners, light toning and soiling at the edges, else good condition and boldly signed. The Fort of Saint Charles, colloquially known as La Cabana, was a fortress in Havana used by Fidel Castro and Guevara as a prison. Castro named Guevara commander of the La Cabaña prison for a five-month tenure (January 2 till June 12, 1959) and Guevara was charged with purging the Batista army and exacting "revolutionary justice" against those regarded as traitors, informants and war criminals.
Price: $ 3,025 / € 2.750
Sibelius, Jean (1865-1957)
Photograph signed
Finnish composer and violinist of the late Romantic and early-modern periods. He is widely recognized as his country's greatest composer. Photograph signed “Jean Sibelius”. 3.5 x 4.75 inch photograph by Bonney of the composer at his piano. Affixed on cardstock, overall 6.0 x 8.75 inch. No place, no date. Bold and large ink signature below the photograph. Handling wear, else good condition. Sibelius is uncommon in signed photos.
Price: $ 1,150 / € 1.050
Byrd, Richard E. (1888-1957)
Typed letter signed
American naval officer, aviator and explorer. Typed letter signed “R.E. Byrd”. 1p., 8.5 x 11.0 inch, Boston, 1928 April 30. On his Byrd Antarctic Expedition letterhead. Letter to Rev. Leo Leonard Twinem. In full: “I want to thank you for the privilege you have extended to me in adding my name to your organization of boys in your church. I am glad to be one of them. Will you please tell the boys of this organization that I am pleased that they stand for such high things – courage, humility and devotion to purpose, and that I send each of them my best wishes. At your convenience I should like to have a list of the members of this organization and their addresses.” Mailing folds, handling wear and minor paper clip stain, else good condition.
Price: $ 190 / € 175
Dickens, Charles (1812-1870)
Excellent autograph letter signed
English writer and social critic. He created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. Autograph letter signed “Charles Dickens”. 2 pages, bifolium, written on first page and third page inside. On his embossed “Gads Hill Place, Higham by Rochester, Kent” stationery. Saturday, 13 (Thirteenth) December 1865. To C. R Smith Esquire. In full: “I have been absent for a day; otherwise I would have answered your letter immediately. I regret that I cannot enter into the merits of miss Waghorns’ case, or urge upon any member of the government her appeal for a pension. Apart from the fact that the services of her late brother (Lieutenant Thomas Waghorn) are upon record in public offices, and that I can add nothing to the general knowledge of them. I am withheld of the consideration that I have within this year signed two or three memorials for pensions in consideration of claims with which I am personally or professionally acquainted. Those cases are still pending, and while they remain so, I should not consider it reasonable to urge others. Even thought they came within the same category in which Miss Waghon’s does not. Some years ago, as conductor of Household Words I urged the services and claims attaching to Lieutenant Waghorn’s, as you remember”. Mailing folds, slightly discolored at the bottom of the first page, minor mounting residue on verso, else good condition.Thomas Fletcher Waghorn (1800-1850) was an English sailor, navy officer, and postal pioneer who promoted and claimed the idea of a new route from Great Britain to India overland through Egypt prior to the development of the Suez Canal. Household Words was an English weekly magazine edited by Charles Dickens in the 1850s. It took its name from the line in Shakespeare's Henry V: "Familiar in his mouth as household words."
Price: $ 3,080 / € 2.800
Mitchell, Margaret (1900-1949)
Handwritten return address
American author and journalist. Handwritten return address, part of an envelope “Mrs. John March 1268 Piedmont Ave. N.E. Atlanta Ga.” 4.25 x 2.0 inch, written by Mitchell in dark black ink. Margaret Mitchell Marsh moved to the Della Manta Apartments at Piedmont Ave. in 1939, shortly before the movie debut of "Gone With the Wind" and lived there until her death Aug. 16, 1949. Handsomely matted in gray with a photograph of M. Mitchell to an overall of 7.75 x 11.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. Fine condition.
Price: $ 385 / € 350
Magritte, René (1898-1967)
Autograph letter signed to poet Marcel Béalu
Belgian Surrealist artist. Autograph letter signed “Rene Magritte”. 1p., 5.25 x 8.25 inch, Brussels, n.d. A very nice handwritten and signed letter from Rene Magritte to the Belgian poet Marcel Béalu (1908-1993) in Paris. Hoping that "he has received the others and the 1st letter". Comes with the original mailing envelope, addressed in Magritte’s hand. Fine condition.
Price: $ 1,540 / € 1.400
Mussolini, Benito (1883-1945)
“Il Duce” signs a presentation photograph
Benito Mussolini was an Italian politician, journalist and leader of the National Fascist Party - known as Il Duce (“the leader”) ruling the country as Prime Minister 1922 to 1943. He ruled constitutionally until 1925, when he dropped all pretense of democracy and set up a dictatorship that ruled the country until 1943. Mussolini was one of the key figures in the creation of fascism. Signed and inscribed photograph, 10.25 x 13.25 inch, Roma, 1931 March 6. And also dated “IX” for year nine of the fascist calendar (1922 March on Rome). Head and shoulders portrait with a blind stamp “Instituto Nationale Luce Roma”. Signed and inscribed in Mussolini’s hand to the Persian Ambassador “… Fatoullah Khan Pakrevan, Roma 6 Marzo 1931 –IX”. Handling wear, some minor bends, else good condition and excellent signed and inscribed.
Price: $ 1,210 / € 1.100
Hancock, John (1736-1793)
Autograph letter signed to the Gentleman of Senate and House
American merchant, statesman, and prominent Patriot of the American Revolution. Autograph Letter Signed "JH". As Governor of Massachusetts, to the MA General Court ("Gentleman of the Senate & . . . House of Represent:"), promising to sign a bill altering shipping regulations should both houses support it. 1 page, 7.5 x 12.0 inch, Council Cham(ber), 1783, October 23. In full: “Gentleman of the Senate & Gentleman of the House of Represent: The Secretary has laid before me a Bill, intitled an Act for Altering & Amending one Clause or part of an Act made & passed the last Sitting of the General Court, intitled An Act for Regulating Pilotage in several Ports in this Common Wealth. It is my Duty to mention to you, Gentlemen, that the Governor & Council in the Establishments of the Fees of the Vinyard Pilots, were greatly influenc'd by the Additional Expences that would Arise to them from each one of them being obliged to keep a Deck'd Boat. This Bill relieves them from that Burden, & I should think the Navigation should meet a proportionable Relief. I shall be ready to Sign the Bill if the Two houses are pleas'd to accord in the Addition." Short separation at fold near left edge and expertly repaired with tissue on verso, faint dampstaining at folds near left edge, else good condition.
Price: $ 2,585 / € 2.350
Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)
Typed letter signed AS PRESIDENT
26. President of the United States. As president, Roosevelt emerged as a leader of the Republican Party and became a driving force for anti-trust and Progressive policies. His successful efforts to end the Russo-Japanese War won him the 1906 Nobel Peace Prize, the first American to win a Nobel Prize. Typed Letter Signed “Theodore Roosevelt”. 1p., 7.0 x 9.0 inch, embossed “White House, Washington” stationery, Oyster Bay, N.Y., 1904 September 7. Addressed to Mr. James Speyer in New York. In full: “Dear Mr. Speyer: Accept my hearty thanks for your telegram. I shall hope to see you Saturday afternoon at six, with the chemists”. Mailing folds, two stains, else good condition.
Price: $ 935 / € 850
Wright, Frank Lloyd (1867-1959)
Typed letter signed re: presentation of his work
American architect, designer, writer, and educator. He designed more than 1,000 structures over a creative period of 70 years. Wright played a key role in the architectural movements of the twentieth century, influencing architects worldwide through his works and mentoring hundreds of apprentices in his Taliesin Fellowship. Typed letter signed “Frank Lloyd Wright”. 1p, 11.0 x 8.5 inch, n.p., 1952 June 22. On his “Taliesin” stationery and signed in blue ink. Addressed to Mr. Edgar Ende in Munich. In full: “Dear Herr Ende: I too regret not being present at what they all tell me was a remarkably fine presentation of my work. Stonorov was an able representative and we did not want to tax you with more. My best to you, to Munich, and to your Germany”. Mailing folds, punch holes, slightly discolored, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,760 / € 1.600
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832)
Broadsheet of his poem signed
German writer, scientist, and philosopher who takes a place among the central intellectual and artistic figures of his day. "Man's days are intertwined" - a poem by Goethe. Broadsheet of his poem “Am Acht und zwanzigsten August 1826 (On the eight and twentieth of August, 1826)”. Exellent signed in black ink “Goethe” and additional the place in his hand “Weimar”. One page, Jena: Fromann 1826 bzw. „Weimar“. 5.75 x 8.5 inch, watermark “J Whatman”. There are two variants of this broadsheet known, one with a floral border as this one, the other has an arrow motif border, Hagen 456. Goethe used these sheets to thank his closest friends for their birthday wishes. Here on the occasion of his 77th birthday. The printed poem begins: "Des Menschen Tage sind verflochten (Man's days are intertwined). Minor mounting residue on two corners on verso, else fine condition. Goedeke IV/3, 518 (272). Hagen 456. Kippenberg I, 103. Wilpert/Gühring 141 bzw. 134.
Price: $ 8,250 / € 7.500
May, Karl (1842-1912)
Signed photograph
A popular German writer, noted mainly for adventure novels set in the American Old West. Best known for the characters of Winnetou and Old Shatterhand. Signed photograph “Karl May”. Postcard, 5.5 x 3.5 inch, Radebeul, 1905 March 6. (postmark on verso), dark black ink. Additional handwritten note by Karl May at the bottom, in German: “Herzlichen Dank für Ihre Glückwunschdepesche zum 25 Februar”. (May was born February 25, 1842). And at the top in Klara May’s hand: “Karl May am Zuge in Port Said (auf einer Sudanreise)”. Postcard is also addressed in Klara May’s hand on verso to “Herrn Ihringer in Karlsruhe Bad.” Handling wear, else good condition. Enclosed is a fine card of Klara May (1864-1944), second wife of Karl May and his estate administrator. Printed thank you card for congratulations on her 70th birthday, signed “Klara May”. Radebeul, July 1934. Handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.200
Dvořák, Antonín (1841-1904)
Charming autograph letter signed
Czech composer and one of the first to achieve worldwide recognition, most famous for his Symphony No. 9 - From the New World. Charming autograph letter signed in English, signed “A. Dvorak”. 1p., 4.5 x 6.75 inch, Vysoká, July 26, 1885. Handwritten letter to Henry Littleton of the music publisher Novello and Co. In full: "I have the pleasure to announce you my arrival (final on the 17th Aug: in the morning) (6.10 o'clock) & I hope to meet you at the station (Charing's Cross or Victoria); if you cannot be able to get up so early in the morning, I will find the way at Berners Street alone. Please, would you sent me a word? With many regards Yours sincerely". In fine condition, with faint staining along the left edge from an old mounting strip on the reverse. Dvorak took part in the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival in August 1885; the cantata “The Spectre's Bride” (Op. 69) was composed for the occasion and published by Novello. Henry Littleton was made a partner in Novello’s in 1861 and bought the business soon after. The village of Vysoká u Příbramě is located approximately 50 km south-west of Prague. It is a place which played a highly significant role in Dvořák’s private and professional life and can without exaggeration be described as his second home.
Price: $ 3,300 / € 3.000
Dior, Christian (1905-1957)
Signature matted with photograph
French fashion designer and founder of one of the world's top fashion houses, Christian Dior SE. Vintage album page signed “tian dior”. 6.5 x 4.5 inch., n.p., n.d. Signed in blue ballpoint pen. Handsomely matted in gray with a paper photograph of Dior to an overall of 7.75 x 11.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. Fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA.
Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.200
Pius X., Pope (1834-1914)
Signed photograph with autograph apostolic blessing
Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto served as pope from 1903 until his death in 1914. Known for his conservative, anti-modernist philosophies, he became, in 1954, the first pope to be elevated to sainthood since Pius V. in 1712. Attractive and uncommon signed photograph of the canonized Holy Father. Three-inch diameter circular photo by papal photographer G. Felici of Rome (stamp on verso), affixed to its original 6.25 x 10.25 inch mount. Inscribed by the Pope on the mount to Joanni Baptista Frauendorfer with an apostolic blessing in black ink and signed “Pius PP. X.” and dated “26 November 1912”. Probably slightly trimmed, else fine condition. Enclosed is a carbon copy of a letter with information about the provenance. According to this letter the photograph is probably from the estate of Heinrich von Frauendorfer (1855-1921), knight from 1901 and Bavaria's first transport minister from 1904 until his retirement in 1912.
Price: $ 1,100 / € 1.000
Document signed
King of Great Britain and Ireland 1727-1760. Born and brought up in northern Germany, George is the most recent British monarch born outside Great Britain. For two centuries after George II's death, historians tended to view him with disdain, concentrating on his mistresses, short temper, and boorishness. Document signed “George R”. 1p., bifolium, 8.75 x 12.75 inch, (London) St. James, 1760 March 30. With a fine paper seal and in German. Appointment for Hieronymus Gotthardt Kirchhoff as “Lieutenat und Regiments Quartier Meister beim Veltheimischen Regiment zu Pferde“. Countersigned by Gerlach Adolph von Münchhausen (1688-1770). Mailing folds, discolored, handling wear, else good condition. George II. died October 25, 1760 at Kensington Palace.
Price: $ 660 / € 600
George III., King (1738-1820)
Signed document by the last “King of the United States/ 1768”
King of Great Britain and Ireland who reigned from 1760 until his death. Document signed “George R”. 1p., bifolium, 8.5 x 12.75 inch, signed in dark ink. Court at Saint James, 1768 September 2. With a fine paper seal and in German. Appointment for Hieronymus Gotthard Kirchhoff as “Capitaine Lieutenant”. Expected folds, handling wear and slightly discolored. Rare and only the second George III. document I have for sale dated before the American Declaration of Independence.
Price: $ 770 / € 700
Grace of Monaco (1929-1982)
Signed photograph
Grace Kelly was an American film actress and Princess of Monaco as the wife of Prince Rainier III. Signed glossy postcard photograph ”Grace de Monaco”. Photograph, 4.0 x 6.0 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in blue ink. Fine condition.
Price: $ 550 / € 500
Chamberlain, Austen (1863-1937)
Excellent signed photograph
British statesman. He negotiated the Locarno Treaties (1925), aimed at preventing war between France and Germany, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Excellent vintage signed photograph “Austen Chamberlain”. Postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 inch, n.p., n.d., photo Bassano. Signed in dark black ink and in excellent condition. Chamberlain is uncommon in signed photographs.
Price: $ 660 / € 600