Latest Arrivals
Queen (1970)
Fully signed program from Queen's epic 1975 “A Night at the Opera Tour”
British rock band formed in London in 1970 by Freddie Mercury (1946-1991/ lead vocals, piano), Brian May (1947/ guitar, vocals), and Roger Taylor (1949/ drums, vocals), later joined by John Deacon (1951/ bass). Their earliest works were influenced by progressive rock, hard rock and heavy metal, but the band gradually ventured into more conventional and radio-friendly works by incorporating further styles, such as arena rock and pop rock. Scarce original program for the UK leg of Queen’s 1975 “A Night at the Opera Tour”. 16 pages, 10.5 x 8.25 inch, signed and inscribed on their respective musician pages in ballpoint: “Freddie Mercury”, “Brian May, to Kim”, “To Kim with love, John Deacon, x,” and "Love to Kim, Roger Taylor.” The front cover is also signed by Elton John drummer Roger Pope and manager John Reid, and the last page of the program is signed by members of the supporting act, Mr Big. In very good to fine condition, with creasing and handling wear to the covers. To support their landmark fourth studio album, A Night at the Opera, Queen embarked on a massive 78-show world tour that began on November 14, 1975, and concluded on April 22, 1976. The tour, which marked the debut of the classic Queen rock epic “Bohemian Rhapsody” included a total of 26 shows in the United Kingdom that ran from mid-November to late December. A rare piece of music history.
Price: $ 5,500 / € 5.000
Liebig, Justus von (1803-1873)
Autograph letter signed
German scientist who made major contributions to the theory, practice, and pedagogy of chemistry, as well as to agricultural and biological chemistry; he is considered one of the principal founders of organic chemistry. Autograph letter signed “JvLiebig”. 1p., 5.5 x 8.75 inch, Munich, 1866 June 11. A nearly impossible to read handwritten letter. To Jos(eph) Bennert in Antwerpen. In German, in full: “beifolgend beehre ich mich Ihnen ein Schreiben von … (Max von) Pettenkofer zu übersenden, welches mich, in Beziehung mit … nur vom hiesigen Absatz nicht wenig beruhigt, es lag mir wie ein Stein auf der Brust aber die Berichte der .... waren offenbar übertrieben. Ich bitte vorläufig keine Änderungen zu treffen, bis die Zufuhren sich vergrößern. Mailing folds, handling wear, else god condition.
Price: $ 1,540 / € 1.400
Wilhelm I., Emperor (1797-1888)
Very rare imperial cabinet photograph signed
King of Prussia from 1861 and first Emperor of Germany from 1871 until his death in 1888. A member of the House of Hohenzollern, he was the first head of state of a united Germany. During the reign of his grandson Wilhelm II, he was known as Emperor William the Great. Very rare imperial cabinet photograph signed “Wilhelm Imp(erator) Rex”. 4.75 x 6.5 inch photograph on his original 8.25 x 11.0 inch photo mount, n.p, n.d. (about 1880). Signed in dark black ink. A fine bust portrait in uniform with rich decorations. No stamp of a photo studio. Discolored, corner wear, else good condition. Wilhelm I. is very rare in signed photographs, especially of this large size.
Price: $ 2,200 / € 2.000
Fleming, Alexander (1881-1955)
Autograph letter signed year he received the Nobel Prize
Scottish physician, microbiologist and pharmacologist. His best-known discoveries are the enzyme lysozyme in 1923 and the world's first antibiotic substance benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G) from the mould Penicillium notatum in 1928, for which he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 with Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain. Autograph letter signed “Alec. Fleming”. 1p., 7.25 x 10.5 inch, New York, 1945 August 2. On “Hotel Chatham” stationery, date stamp AUG 6 1945 at the top. Addressed to “My dear Ethel”. In full: “I have just been down to the office to settle my affairs prior to sailing and I received the package you so kindly sent. You have a pretty taste in ties. Perhaps I shall be allowed to wear them but I suspect that young Robert will want to wear them on every special occasion. We embark Sunday evening + leave early Monday morning. Now that my work is over I am looking forward to getting back home but again I want to thank you all for your kindness. Yours very sincerely.” Mailing folds, minor stains, else fine condition. Robert Fleming (1924-2015) was the only child of Alexander Fleming. Uncommon and rare letter from the year Fleming received the Nobel Prize.
Price: $ 1,980 / € 1.800
Richthofen, Manfred von (1892-1918)
Rare signed photograph
Known in English as Baron von Richthofen or the Red Baron, was a fighter pilot with the German Air Force during World War I. He is considered the ace-of-aces of the war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories. Very rare signed photograph “Frhr. v. Richthofen”. The famous W. Sanke 450 postcard, 3.25 x 5.25 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in black ink. Minor silvering, signature in small parts faded, else fine condition. The most sought after aviation autograph!
Price: $ 4,950 / € 4.500
Churchill, Winston S. (1874-1965)
Typed letter signed
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was a British politician, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. Widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century. Typed letter signed “Yours sincerely, Winston S. Churchill”. 1p., 7.5 x 9.5 inch, London, 1946 September 13, on his 28, Hyde Park Gate stationery. Sent from Villa Choisi in Switzerland, a letter to J. H. H. Gaute of publishers George G. Harrap and Co. In full: “Thank you very much indeed for your letter of September 11 and its good news. I am so much obliged to you for the assistance you have given me. When are the new volumes coming out? I am looking forward so much to seeing them.” Churchill adds the salutation in his own hand. Mailing folds, else fine condition. Churchill and his wife left Chartwell in late August 1946 for three weeks in Switzerland, staying first at the Villa Choisi, on the shore of Lake Geneva. The press and public were carefully kept at bay while he painted and worked on his war memoirs. In this letter Churchill may be referring to his book “The Secret Session Speeches” published on September 26.
Price: $ 3,190 / € 2.900
Elizabeth II., Queen (1926-2022)
Autograph letter signed
Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. Autograph letter signed “Elizabeth R”. 1p., 4.75 x 7.5 inch, red embossed Windsor castle letterhead, April 25,1960. Handwritten letter to "Mrs. Tannar". In full: "Very many thanks for remembering me on my birthday with such a very useful present, for which I am most grateful. I hope you are keeping quite well." Mailing fold, else fine condition. Mrs. Tannar was the widow of Hubert Tanner the headmaster of the Royal School, Great Park, Windsor who notably produced wartime pantomimes in which Elizabeth and Princess Margaret starred. Hubert Tannar wrote and directed all the shows. A fine handwritten letter with excellent provenace and in great condition.
Price: $ 2,475 / € 2.250
Uecker, Günther (1930)
Original nail drawing signed
German painter, sculptor, op artist and installation artist. He is best known for his signature use of nails arranged into sculptural paintings. Original nail drawing signed “Uecker 2023”. 8.25 x 11.75 inch, no place, thin drawing cardboard, drawn and signed in pencil. Fine condition and excellent for framing.
Price: $ 1,980 / € 1.800
May, Karl (1842-1912)
Rare cabinet card photograph signed
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. Cabinet card photograph signed “Dr. Karl May”. 8.5 x 5.25 inch, n.p., n.d., written in dark black ink. Vintage albumen print mounted on original studio's cardboard “Atelier Nunwarz Urfahr-Linz”. The photo shows May in his office in the Villa Shatterhand. Pictured is Winnetou's silver rifle, at the window the double-barreled bear killer, his chieftain's flag hangs down from his desk, below left a self-shot grizzly bear and so on. Two inch crease on the right edge between the studio name and studio logo, else fine condition. In April 1896, the amateur photographer Alois Schiesser in Radebeul took 101 pictures of Karl May in civilian clothes and in the costumes of Old Shatterhand and Kara Ben Nemsis. The photographer Adolf Nunwarz (1868-1931) from Linz later received the negative plates of these photos and took over the distribution. May and Nunwarz had an agreement that only photos personally signed by May could be sold, but this agreement was probably broken by Nunwarz. May is very common in signed postcard photographs, cabinet card photos of this quality rarely appear on the market.
Price: $ 1,760 / € 1.600
Picasso, Pablo (1881-1973)
Attractive autograph letter signed in red pencil
Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, stage designer, poet, playwright and one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century. "I’m sending you four letters from collectors" -Picasso to his friend and financial advisor. Attractive autograph letter signed in red pencil, in French, signed “Picasso”. 1p, 8.25 x 10.5 inch, Vallauris, September 30, 1953. A fine handwritten letter to his friend and financial advisor Max Pellequer. In full (translated): “I shall return to Paris on Saturday, probably. I’ll come and see you immediately. I’m sending you four letters from collectors. See you soon my friend, and all the best.” Mailing folds, handling wear, else fine condition. Banker and collector Max Pellequer was introduced to Picasso in 1914 by his uncle by marriage André Level. He quickly became one of Picasso's most important collectors and his financial advisor for over 30 years. Pellequer's interest in his art began as early as the 1910s when he purchased a Picasso bronze from the art dealer Ambroise Vollard. During the 1930s and 1940s, as Picasso's personal banker, he secured and enhanced the painter's wealth and allowed him to settle comfortably in the South of France. Picasso created a superb ex-libris on copper for him, bought him paintings including La Mer à L'Estaque by Cézanne (now in the Picasso museum), and offered him a few other works. Pellequer assembled a vast collection of paintings by the great masters of modern art: Degas, Raoul Dufy, Paul Gauguin, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Modigliani, and Maurice Utrillo, which are today preserved in the most important international museums.
Price: $ 6,050 / € 5.500
Laurel, Stan (1890-1965) & Hardy, Oliver (1892-1957)
Beautiful signed photograph
A comedy double of the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema. The team was composed of thin Englishman, Stan Laurel and heavyset American, Oliver Hardy. They became well known during the late 1920s through the mid-1940s for their slapstick comedy with Laurel playing the clumsy and childlike friend of the pompous Hardy. The classic beautiful vintage matte finish black and white photograph of the pair in their bowler hats. 7.0 x 5.0 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed and inscribed in dark blue fountain pen “HELLO MARGARET! Stan Laurel” and also in dark blue fountain pen “Oliver Hardy”. Minor corner wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,210 / € 1.100
Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) & Madison, James (1751-1836)
Document signed by both
3. President of the United States and 4. President of the United States. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Document signed “Th:Jefferson” as President and “James Madison” as Secretary of State. 1 page, partly printed, 15.75 x 9.5 inch, City of Washington, 1806 April 3. Large wax-based paper seal intact. Vellum document grants land to Henry Mayser of Northumberland County Pennsylvania at Steubenville. In parts: “...it appears that he has made full payment for the Lot on Section number Thirty Two of Township number Ten in Range number Three … of the lands directed to be sold at Steubenville by the act of congress…”. Folds, slightly discolored, else good condition. Fine signature combination!
Price: $ 9,900 / € 9.000
Behring, Emil von (1854-1917)
One of a kind autograph Schiller aphorism signed
German physiologist who received the 1901 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the first one awarded, for his discovery of a diphtheria antitoxin. One of a kind autograph Schiller aphorism signed “E vBehring “. 4.0 x 2.75 inch piece of paper, Marburg (19)03 December 29. Witten in dark black ink. In Behring’s hand: “Schiller sagt: ‘Vernünftig handelt die ganze Natur; des Menschen Prärogativ ist nur, daß er mit Bewußtsein und Willen vernünftig handelt.’ Schopenhauer behauptet genau das Gegentheil: Wie reimt sich das?” Translated: “Schiller says: ‘All of nature acts rationally; man’s prerogative is only that he acts rationally with consciousness and will.’ Schopenhauer claims exactly the opposite: How does that rhyme?” Fine condition. Remarkable Behring autograph and surely one of kind.
Price: $ 2,145 / € 1.950
Hesse, Hermann (1877-1962)
Original ink drawing with autograph poem signed
German-Swiss poet, novelist, and painter. His best-known works include Steppenwolf, Siddhartha, and The Glass Bead Game, each of which explores an individual's search for authenticity, self-knowledge and spirituality. In 1946, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature. Original black ink drawing signed “HHesse”. 8.75 x 11.0 inch, Montagnola, 1957 September 14 (postmark). Beautiful ink drawing on thin cardboard with a fine autograph poem in Hesse’s hand. The first part of his famous poem “Allein”. In German, in full: “Es führen über die Erde Strassen und Wege viel, aber alle haben Das selbe Ziel“. Excellent drawing done by a German artist/ collector. Hesse was very likely happy with the drawing, he signed it with the poem and sent it back to the collector. Part of the envelope is mounted on the drawing, also another stamp with an image of Hesse. The rest of the envelope, addressed by Hesse, is enclosed. Minor mounting residue on verso, handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,650 / € 1.500
Ramsay, William (1852-1916)
Important autograph letter signed “… argon passes through iron”
Scottish chemist who discovered the noble gases and received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1904. Autograph letter signed “W. Ramsay”. Written on a postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 inch, Paris, 1895 April 2. In full: “Dear Sir, Thanks for your letter. I have had my eye on Gratams observation for some time, but have had no time to repeat it. Your letter will bring me to this scratch; & it may prove a good means of separation. My impression is that argon passes through iron, but it is not proved. I think I lost a lot in using iron tubar; & I have always intended to repeat it & to use platinum, but I have not had time as yet. There is too much to do. Believe me.” Card is addressed on verso in Ramsay’s hand to “Anshby Esq. Grammar School”. Two folds, handling and corner wear, mounting residue on verso, else good condition. On the evening of 19 April 1894 Ramsay attended a lecture given by Lord Rayleigh. Rayleigh had noticed a discrepancy between the density of nitrogen made by chemical synthesis and nitrogen isolated from the air by removal of the other known components. After a short conversation he and Ramsay decided to investigate this. In August Ramsay told Rayleigh he had isolated a new, heavy component of air, which did not appear to have any chemical reactivity. He named this inert gas "argon". A handwritten letter mentioning argon is of great rarity.
Price: $ 990 / € 900
Menzel, Adolph (1815-1905)
Autograph letter signed
Adolph Friedrich Erdmann von Menzel was a German Realist artist noted for drawings, etchings, and paintings. Along with Caspar David Friedrich, he is considered one of the two most prominent German painters of the 19th century and was the most successful artist of his era in Germany. Autograph letter signed „A. Menzel”. 1p., 5.75 x 9.0 inch, Berlin, 1902 May 18. In pencil, in German, in full: “Ich erbitte mir höflichst aber bestimtest jede Zusendung oder Widmung - auch jede persönliche Vereinbarung“. Letter is written on a letter of a person with the name F. Menzel in Leipzig regarding a family relationship. The original mailing envelope (registered mail), addressed in Adolph Menzel’s hand, is included. Discolored, minor fold breaks, otherwise good condition.
Price: $ 550 / € 500
Buchanan, James (1791-1868)
Autograph letter signed (co-signed by Senator S. McKean)
15. President of the United States. Autograph letter signed recommending a Doctor for a Position in the Land Office. Autograph letter signed “James Buchanan”. 1p., bifolium, 8.0 x 9.75 inch, Washington, 1836 December 12, as U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania. Countersigned by Samuel McKean (1787-1841), Pennylvania's second senator. Addressed to Hon. James S. Whitcomb (1795-1852), U.S. senator from Indiana, who had been appointed by President Andrew Jackson as Land Commissioner (1836-41). Buchanan and McKean recommend Dr. William Wallace, whom they believe to be well qualified to be a clerk in the Land office. In full: “We take pleasure in recommending to you the appointment of Dr. William Wallace as a clerk in the Land Office. We believe him to be well qualified for the situations of which he applies. He is the son of a highly respectable citizen of Pennsylvania who has recently removed to this City: and is himself a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. His appointment would give satisfaction to many friends." Clearly written in Buchanan's neat hand. Small mounting remnants on integral address leaf, else fine condition.
Price: $ 770 / € 700
Schweitzer, Albert (1875-1965)
Original ink drawing signed
German theologian, musician, philosopher, physician, and medical missionary in Africa best known for his interpretive life of Jesus. He received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his philosophy of "Reverence for Life”. His philosophy was expressed in many ways, but most famously in founding and sustaining the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in Lambaréné, French Equatorial Africa (now Gabon). Original black ink drawing signed “Albert Schweitzer”. 8.75 x 11.0 inch, n.p., n.d. (about 1957). Beautiful ink drawing on thin cardboard. Three stamps of Albert Schweitzer mounted on the lower edge. Excellent drawing done by a German artist/ collector. Minor mounting residue on verso, handling wear, else fine condition. Uncommon autograph!
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Byron, George Gordon “Lord” (1788-1824)
Rare hand-addressed free frank
Highly influential British poet, politician, soldier, and adventurer, sexual and otherwise, who takes a place as the most colorful literary figure of the Romantic era. His works include such classics as Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage and Don Juan. Hand-addressed free frank, measuring 10.0 x 6.5 inch overall, with the address panel measuring 5.0 x 3.25 inch. Hand-addressed by Byron: “1813 London December eighteenth Dr. S. Butler Shrewsbury” and franked in the lower left “Byron”. Remains of red wax seal, red stamped “Free” in the upper right. On reverse a draft letter from Dr. Butler in the hand of his daughter Harriet. Scattered soiling to panel, minor folds and creases, else good condition. Also included is a fine condition engraving of Byron. Dedication and signature on the engraving is PRINTED. Samuel Butler (1774-1839) was an English classical scholar and schoolmaster of Shrewsbury School, and Bishop of Lichfield. His grandson was Samuel Butler, the author of the novel Erewhon. First mentioned relating to a correspondence between Byron and Dr. Butler, referring to Butler's translation of Lucien Bonaparte's, Charlemagne. A fine association and rare autograph.
Price: $ 2,750 / € 2.500
Monet, Claude (1840-1926)
Magnificent letter signed re: painting he sold at auction
French painter, a founder of French Impressionist painting and the most consistent and prolific practitioner of the movement's philosophy of expressing one's perceptions before nature, especially as applied to plein air landscape painting. Letter signed “Claude Monet”. 3 pages, 4.75 x 6.5 inch, bifolium, Giverny, 1926 August 4. On his Giverny par Vernon Eure stationery. Monet informs a champion of artist rights that he has sold a painting at auction - "Westminster effect of fog". A fine letter in French to Jacques-Louis Duchemin, a member of the International Literary and Artistic Association. In full (translated): "I hurry to reply to you regarding the reproductions of the book ‘A Giverny chez Claude Monet’, edited by the house of Bernheim Junior. I cannot give you the authorization, which you ask for, having left the liberty to the author and these Messieurs Bernheim Junior. I take this occasion to inform you that one of my paintings has been sold at the auction at the Hotel Drouot of April 26th made by Mr. Bellier and Expert Jon Hessel, catalogue number 72, Westminster effect of fog, which is said to have been sold for 72000 Francs, of which I haven’t received my author’s rights yet. Please receive my regards." Rusty paperclip impression to the left edge of the first page, else fine condition. For over approximately half a century, Jacques-Louis Duchemin (1895-1978), and his son Wladimir Duchemin (1941-2018), director of the Society of artistic property for drawings and models, fought to establish and protect the rights of artists relating to remuneration, forgery, distribution, and exploitation. During his stays in London in the fall of 1899 and the early months of 1900 and 1901, Monet painted a series of oil paintings of the Palace of Westminster, home of the British Parliament. The series of 19 paintings, or those of which have been accounted for, share the same viewpoint: a distant perspective from Monet's window or a terrace at St Thomas' Hospital that overlooks the Thames and the Houses of Parliament; the paintings differ in their times of day, weather conditions, and the presence of seagulls or boaters. A magnificent letter from the aging artist, concerned with the sale and reproduction of his life’s work, written a mere four months before he would succumb to lung cancer at the age of 86.
Price: $ 3,190 / € 2.900
Ludwig II., King (1845-1886)
Letter signed by the Fairy tale King (Neuschwanstein)
Ludwig II. was King of Bavaria from 1864 until his death. He is sometimes called the Swan King and “der Märchenkönig” - the Fairy tale King. He also held the titles of Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, Duke of Franconia, and Duke in Swabia. He succeeded to the throne aged only 18 and is famous for the construction of two lavish palaces and the fantastic Neuschwanstein Castle. Letter signed “Ludwig”, 1p., bifolium, 6.5 x 8.25 inch, Schloss Berg (Berg Palace), 1879 September 3. To count Ludwig Arco-Zinneberg (1840-1882). Signed in dark black ink. In German, in full: „Mein lieber Graf Arco-Zinneberg! Nach Einvernahme meines Ministeriums der Finanzen will ich auf die Details Ihres Bittgesuches vom 31. März laufenden Jahres nicht eingehen. Es wurde jedoch Vorsorge getroffen, daß dem Hauptsinne Ihrer Bitte entsprechend Ihnen das durch mein Signat vom 22. Mai 1869 eingeräumte und zugewiesene Jagdvergnügen im Revier Königssee mit Wartei Sct. Bartholomä vorbehaltlich meines Verfügungs-Rechtes und nach Maßgabe der bestehenden Vorschriften ungeschmälert verbleibe. Indem ich Sie hievon benachrichtige, verbleibe ich mit wohlwollenden Gesinnungen“. Translated: “My dear Count Arco-Zinneberg! After hearing from my Ministry of Finance, I do not want to go into the details of your request from March 31st of this year. However, precautions have been taken to ensure that, in accordance with the main spirit of your request, you are granted the hunting pleasure in the Königssee district with the area Sct. Bartholomä remains undiminished, subject to my right of disposal and in accordance with the existing regulations”. Mailing folds, else fine condition. Berg Palace (Schloss Berg) is a manor house situated on the east bank of Lake Starnberg in the village of Berg in Upper Bavaria. The site became widely known as the last residence of Ludwig II. and location of his disputed death.
Price: $ 2,145 / € 1.950
Andersen, Hans Christian (1805-1875)
Document signed matted with photograph
Danish author. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, he is best remembered for his literary fairy tales. His most famous fairy tales include "The Emperor's New Clothes", "The Princess and the Pea", "The Snow Queen” and so on. Document signed “H.C. Andersen”. 1p., 4.0 x 3.25 inch (visible), Copenhagen, 1847 January 16. In Andersen’s hand: „Oldenborg fra hans trofaste H. C. Andersen. Kjobenh: 16 Jan 1847”. Very likely a page from a book. Translated: “Oldenburg by his faithful H. C. Andersen, Copenhagen: 16 January 1847”. Handsomely matted in gray with a fine photograph of Andersen to an overall of 11.75 x 7.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. Autograph with handling wear, else fine condition. On January 16, 1847, Andersen sent out several dedicated copies of his newly published Collected Works. This is most likely one of those book pages. Excellent display item!
Price: $ 2,640 / € 2.400
Charles III., King (1948) & Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997)
Photograph signed
Charles III., King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms. He acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022 upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. Diana, Princess of Wales and first wife of Charles. From her engagement to the Prince of Wales in 1981 until her tragic death in 1997, Diana was a major presence on the world stage, often described as the "world's most photographed woman” or “The Queen of hearts”. Colour signed photograph “Diana” in Diana’s hand and “Charles 1985” in Charles hand. Photograph 9.5 x 6.0 inch on the original 10.75 x 7.5 inch mount, no place, 1985. Photograph of Charles as Prince of Wales and Princess Diana sitting with staff and crew on the deck of HM Yacht Britannia in 1985. Photograph discolored, signature and date of King Charles faded, slightly trimmed. Because of the condition issues price accordingly.
Price: $ 1,375 / € 1.250
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
Harding, Warren G. (1865-1923)
Typed letter signed AS PRESIDENT
29. President of the United States. Typed letter signed “Warren G. Harding”. 1p., 7.0 x 8.75 inch, bifolium, embossed “The White House Washington” stationery, 1922 September 14. A fine letter regarding the recovery of his wife Mrs. Harding (1860-1924). To Mr. Joe Mitchell Chapple in Boston, Mass. In full: “My dear Joe: I was more than grateful to have your letter of September 11th. You and Graybow are very good friends, and I should have known you were deeply concerned about Mrs. Harding even though you had not taken the time to express it. I have been going through a period of very great anxiety, but I think Mrs. Harding has passed over the critical period and is quite certain to make good recovery.” Folds breaks, some stains, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 880 / € 800
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
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
