AMERICAN NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER ANSEL ADAMS. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, February 6, 1960. On his name imprinted stationery, to “Dear Nick.” “It was good to talk with you the other day – although I must have sounded very dull indeed! This flu is bad stuff!! I am still in bed with it, and I … [ Read More ]
Addison, Joseph
ENGLISH ESSAYIST, POET AND STATESMAN; WITH RICHARD STEELE PRODUCED THE NON-POLITICAL SPECTATOR. Document Signed, one page, quarto, Whitehall, January 29, 1717/18. Addison, signing on the verso of an account of Henry Worsley’s extraordinary expenses on behalf of the King, makes a two-line statement authorizing payment. The lower left corner has been torn off, affecting … [ Read More ]
Alphonso XI
King Alphonso XI of Castile and Leon [1312-1350]. Royal Charter, one page, 32 inches by 24 inches, on vellum, Royal Chancery, Segovia, September 29, 1344. Written in Castilian vernacular with the royal names, the opening device and the King’s seal painted in red, green, blue and beige. Fine condition. An important and exceptionally attractive document … [ Read More ]
Anne, Queen of England
Queen of England. Letter Signed, Good cousin and friend / and good sister, cousin,/ and friend / AnnaR, two and two-thirds pages, tall quarto, Given at Our Palace at Windsor, July 3, 1709. Countersigned by H. Boyle. To Franz Ludwig, Count Palatine, Bishop of Worms, and Johann Wilhelm, Count Palatine on the Rhine, Elector of … [ Read More ]
Architecture
THE PINK AND GREEN OF THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL [ARCHITECTURE]. Norman Houston, Paul Williams, Walter Gordon. The first black architectural firm. Typewritten Letter Signed, Norman Houston, Paul R. Williams, Walter A. Gordon, one page, quarto, [1943]. On stationery with a colored illustration of a cameraman filming a residential lakefront neighborhood. Two tall palm trees … [ Read More ]
Astaire and Rogers
FRED ASTAIRE AND GINGER ROGERS. Legendary Hollywood dance team. Full-length Photograph of the duo, each posing with their right hand on their right knee and their left hand on their left hip, Signed by each in the light portion of their corresponding image. Astaire’s signature appears in red ink. The black and white photograph measures … [ Read More ]
Avery, Oswald T.
THE “GRANDFATHER OF MOLECULAR GENETICS” DNA pioneer. Typewritten carbon copy excerpt: “Part of a letter from Dr. O. T. Avery to his brother Roy C. Avery, dated May 13, 1945, just after his retirement from the Rockefeller Institute, when he was considering moving to Nashville, Tennessee. Original in the possession of R. C. Avery, … [ Read More ]
Aviation
COVER CARRIED BY FIRST PLANE TO CROSS THE ATLANTIC [AVIATION]. Cover Signed by the four crew members of the NC-4, bearing the imprint “Carried by U.S. Navy seaplane NC-4” with the post mark, November, 1919. Signed by Al Reed, M.S.N; James L. Breese U.S.N.R.F; E. S. Rhoades, U.S.N.; & Walter Hinton in the top … [ Read More ]
Baden-Powell, Robert
“…IF THE SCOUT SPIRIT PREVAILED AT CAPE Hd. Qrs. THEY WOULD AS MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM SINK THEIR OWN LOCAL PREJUDICES OR EVEN INTERESTS FOR THE GOOD OF THE WHOLE.” Founder of the Boy Scouts. Autograph Letter Signed, four pages, octavo, April 1, 1927. On imprinted stationery of the Union-Castle Line R•M•M•V “Carnarvon Castle,” to … [ Read More ]
Baring-Gould, Sabine
“ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS MARCHING AS TO WAR” SABINE BARING-GOULD. British author of the lyrics of the hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers” (the music was written by Arthur Sullivan of Gilbert & Sullivan fame). Autograph Manuscript Signed, S. Baring-Gould, full page, legal folio, undated. He has penned five stanzas of eight lines each, of one of the … [ Read More ]
Berlioz, Hector
FRENCH COMPOSER OF “SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE” Autograph Musical Quotation, written on the back flap of an envelop addressed to Monsieur Alizard. Together with an Autograph Inscription Signed, two lines on one page, octavo, [Paris], December 15, 1838, to the violinist Alexandre-Jean Boucher; with the integral address leaf attached. In his Autograph Musical Quotation, Hector Berlioz … [ Read More ]
Bernstein, Leonard
AMERICAN COMPOSER AND CONDUCTOR Half-length postcard Photograph of the maestro conducting, Signed across the light portion of his image. The black and white photograph of Leonard Bernstein measures 6 inches wide by 4 inches high. Price: $450
Blackstone, William
WILLIAM BLACKSTONE. English jurist. Partly printed Document Signed, one page, octavo, February 15, 1773. “Let the def[endant’]s attorney or agent attend me at my chambers in Sergeants Inn tomorrow morning at 9 of the clock in the forenoon to show cause why the def[endan]t should not have till ten o’clock same day to plead … [ Read More ]
Borodin, Alexander Porfir’yevich
RUSSIAN COMPOSER Autograph Letter Signed, A. Borodin, two and one-half pages, octavo, St. Petersburg, May 6, 1884. To My dear Monsieur Jadoul. “I have just received your letter accompanied by two programs at once. I thank you infinitely for the kindness of having performed my piece and having notified me of its success. I … [ Read More ]
Browning, Elizabeth Barrett
ENGLISH POET Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, octavo, 43 via Bocca di Leone [Rome], Friday, undated. To “My dear Reverend Hanna.” With the original black-bordered mourning envelope addressed in her hand. “Will you allow us to introduce to you Mrs. Hamilton and her daughter, country-women of your own, who will commend themselves to you, … [ Read More ]
Browning, Elizabeth Barrett
ROBERT BROWNING WROTE… “THE PORTRAIT IS…THE BEST IN EXISTENCE, PERHAPS” BROWNING, ELIZABETH BARRETT. A highly important photograph of her portrait painted in 1859 by Field Talfourd, now in the National Portrait Gallery in London, Signed by her on the mount below. Eleven inches by seven inches. Elizabeth Barrett Browning never owned the original of … [ Read More ]
Browning, Robert
ROBERT BROWNING. English poet. Autograph Letter Signed, three pages, octavo, London, February 14, 1882. To “My dear Leighton,” the British painter Sir Frederic Leighton. “I do more indeed than ‘care to have’ a copy of that address which I certainly had ‘interest enough in to listen to.’ I think, did the case relate to any … [ Read More ]
Burke, Edmund
EDMUND BURKE. British orator and statesman. Autograph Letter Signed, Edm. Burke, one page, quarto, April 24, 1796. To Stephen Thurston Ady, Burke’s friend and banker. Thurston was a partner in the banking house of Boldero, Kendal & Co. Fine condition. “I beg you to pay to a Mr. Chalkley, who will call on you for … [ Read More ]
California Gold Rush
CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH “SUNDRY AMUSEMENTS IN THE MINES” Group of four illustrations on an oblong quarto sheet, entitled Sundry Amusements in the Mines. Lithographed and published by Britton & Rey, San Francisco. Each image measures 3 3/8 by 4 3/4 inches; the sheet measuring by 8 3/8 by10 3/4 inches. The first image, A … [ Read More ]
California Gold Rush
CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH STOCK CERTIFICATE FOR THE TUOLUMNE COUNTY WATER COMPANY A stock certificate for the Tuolumne Country Water Company, 6 ¼ by 9 ¾ inches, Columbia, [California], September 26, 1862. With a fine vignette of miners working a sluice and a cradle, typical of the California Gold Rush. The one-share certificate is signed by … [ Read More ]
Carnegie, Andrew
CARNEGIE ON A LITERARY HONOR “…I WOULD NOT FORGO IT FOR MILLIONS.” Scottish-born American industrialist; merged Carnegie Steel Co. with United States Steel Corp. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, New York, January 24, 1913. On his name-imprinted stationery, to Duffield Osborne, a representative of the Authors Club. “I wish to put on record … [ Read More ]
Catholic Church
Document Signed, by Cardinal St. Praxedis, Antonio Ciocchi del Monte, one page, oblong folio, 330 by 470 mm. [13 by 18 inches], [ca. 1528]. On vellum. Two vertical folds damp-stained in the upper portion, affecting the illuminated border and two letters of the heading; some rubbing of the painted surfaces, otherwise in fine condition. This … [ Read More ]
Chinese Oracle Bone
EXTREMELY RARE CHINESE ORACLE BONE FROM XIAOTUN CHINESE ORACLE BONE, measuring 4 inches by 2 inches (120 mm by 55 mm), from Xiaotun, the site of nearly all known oracle bones, near the ancient capital of the Late Shang Dynasty of Anyang. The oracular use of bones involved the interpretation of the pattern of … [ Read More ]
Chippendale, Thomas
English cabinet-maker. Autograph Document Signed, Thos Chippendale Junr., one page, oblong quarto, June 4, 1766. A receipt for furnishings and services from Mr. Parran, made and done for Thomas Chippendale, Sr. “Feby 22 1766, To making a new Cloaths press shelf and putting edges round two other shelves and lining them with baize and baize … [ Read More ]
Christie, Agatha
“….THE WORLD IS ALREADY PARTIAL TO DETECTIVE FICTION AND HAS BEEN FOR SOME TIME. HAMLET COULD CERTAINLY QUALIFY AS A DETECTIVE DRAMA….” English mystery writer; creator of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Typewritten Letter Signed, Agatha Mallowan, one page, octavo, Churston Ferrers, near Brixham, South Devon, June 12, 1972. To Dear Mrs. Frink. “As … [ Read More ]
Clemens, Samuel
Mark Twain. American author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Autograph Quotation Signed, Truly yours Mark Twain, two lines on an oblong octavo sheet, dated “Dec./05.” “Taking the pledge will not make bad liquor good, but it will improve it.” Matted in beige and cocoa with a bust-length portrait photograph of Samuel … [ Read More ]
Cody, William F.
AMERICAN SHOWMAN CREATOR OF BUFFALO BILL’S WILD WEST SHOW William Cody, aka Buffalo Bill. Double Signature, “W.F. Cody, ‘Buffalo Bill’, 1898” on a sheet of paper measuring 6 3/8 inches wide by 3 ¼ inches high. Price: $1,750
Cohan, George M
AMERICAN COMPOSER AND LYRICIST OF POPULAR SONGS INCLUDING “I’M A YANKEE DOODLE DANDY”. American composer and lyricist of popular songs including I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy. Autograph Sentiment Signed, Yankee Doodlefully, Geo M Cohan, on the verso of his business card, 1-1/4 inches by 3-3/4 inches. Price: $975 This item is associated with the … [ Read More ]
Collins, Wilkie
ENGLISH NOVELIST; WROTE “THE WOMAN IN WHITE”. Autograph Quotation Signed, one page, octavo, London, February 17, 1883. From The Woman in White, Collins writes: “Women can resist a man’s love, a man’s fame, a man’s personal appearance, and a man’s money; but they cannot resist a man’s tongue when he knows how to talk … [ Read More ]
Cook, Frederick A
THE PERPETRATOR OF THE NORTH POLE HOAX PLEADS FROM PRISON FOR CLEMENCY American arctic explorer; he claimed to have reached the North Pole April 21, 1908 ahead of Peary; denounced by Peary and his claim rejected as fraudulent, on grounds of insufficient evidence, by scientists aT Copenhagen. Partly printed Typewritten Document Signed, seven pages, … [ Read More ]
Coward, Noel
English actor, playwright and composer. Autograph Musical Quotation Signed, one page, on a 3 by 8 inch sheet, undated. Noel Coward writes seven measures of his song, “I’ll Follow My Secret Heart,” with words to the refrain, “I’ll follow my secret heart my whole life through.” Inscribed to Lionel Aucoin. Noel Coward’s song, “I’ll Follow … [ Read More ]
Coward, Noel
“…THE BIGGEST SMASH HIT IN NEW YORK.” English actor, playwright, and composer best known for highly polished comedies of manners. Typewritten Letter Signed, May 21, 1958, octavo, on stationary with the address 404 East 55th Street, New York. To “My dear Bink” (Hugh Beaumont). “Thanks ever so for your letter. “Yes, I am very keen … [ Read More ]
Crawford, Joan
AMERICAN MOTION PICTURE ACTRESS Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, April 23, 1955. On her address-imprinted stationary, to Sally and Bob Roberts in Forest Hills, New York. With the original envelope. “Thank you so much for your lovely birthday card. I am so deeply grateful to each of you for remembering. “I did enjoy … [ Read More ]
Custer, George Armstrong
Union general in the Civil War and Indian fighter; killed at the battle of Little Big Horn. Autograph Document Signed, G.A. Custer, one page, oblong octavo, Boonsboro, Maryland, July 10, 1863. In pencil. “Recd from William Miller (2) two tons of hay for the war of the United States.” Appointed Brigadier General on June 29, … [ Read More ]
Dali, Salvador
Spanish painter; associated with the Ultra-Modern schools, notably Futurism, Constructivism, Cubism, Abstract Irrationalism, and Surrealism. Original pen and ink sketch, unsigned, full page, large quarto, n.d. Three abstract reclining forms, each propped up on a bent elbow and each extending a hand holding a bowl. A fine example. Framed in russet, caramel and antique gilt, … [ Read More ]
Davis, Martin
American mathematician. “The Theory of Recursive Unsolveability”. Typed dissertation accepted by Princeton in May 1950. 96 pps of text plus front matter, end notes, and bibliography. A carbon copy made along with the original typescript. Mathematical symbols not available on the typewriter were inserted by hand by Martin Davis. Price: $1,250 This item is … [ Read More ]
Durant, Henry Fowle
Founder of Wellesley College. Autograph Letter Signed, three pages, small octavo, Wellesley, Massachusetts, August 15, 1887. “I want for immediate use at College about 200 feet in length glazed drain pipes. I can use 9, 10, or 12 caliber – I prefer 10 inch. Have you got it on hand so that I can have … [ Read More ]
Edward VI
EDWARD VI. King of England. Signature and top portion of a document, 21-1/2 by 2 inches, on vellum. Edward VI, the long-awaited male heir of Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, was a delicate child who ascended the throne at the age of ten and ruled through a regency until his death … [ Read More ]
Einstein, Albert
EINSTEIN PATENT FOR “A LIGHT INTENSITY SELF-ADJUSTING CAMERA” ALBERT EINSTEIN. German-born theoretical physicist; enunciated the Theory of Relativity. Document Signed, Albert Einstein, two pages, quarto, New York, December 5, 1936. Also signed by Gustav Bucky. Together with a copy of the patent. Einstein signs a patent assignment for the only U.S. patent he ever received … [ Read More ]
Fielding, Henry
THE VERY RARE AUTOGRAPH OF THE AUTHOR OF “TOM JONES” HENRY FIELDING. English novelist and playwright. Document Signed, H Fielding, one page, oblong octavo, June 27, 1750. Fielding attests that “William Moncke late of Northend in the parish of Fulham and county of Middlesex Esq. maketh oath that his son John Moncke and his daughters … [ Read More ]
Florida
EARLY FLORIDA REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT [FLORIDA]. Henry O’Reilly, American author; prominent in early Rochester affairs, including the Anti-Masonic Excitement. Autograph Letter Signed, Henry O’Reilly, one and a quarter pages, legal folio, [Rochester, New York], August 5, 1836. To Moses King in Attica, New York. “…the plan adopted for our settlement in East Florida, is to … [ Read More ]
Fouquet, Nicolas
French finance minister; confidential agent of Cardinal Mazarin; the last surintendant whose career ended with his conviction for embezzlement. Document Signed, Foucquet N, one page, Paris, March 15, 1661. “Order is given to Mr. Nicolas, carpenter contractor of the Paris dams, to pay cash with the funds he was allocated for the year 1660, to … [ Read More ]
Garrett, Patrick Floyd
Frontier lawman; killed Billy the Kid. Arrest Warrant Signed, “Pat F Garrett / Sheriff of Lincoln County,” July 24, 1882, octavo. The warrant is for the arrest of Ed L. House who is accused of “willfully and maliciously” killing one Juan Chavis of Pino on July 20, 1882. The Warrant, written by Frank H. Sea, … [ Read More ]
Gauguin, Paul
French painter. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, small octavo, n.d. In bold pencil to the painter Camille Pissarro. “Upon receiving your letter I set off for the Grande Athenes, hoping to meet you. Since I am busy tomorrow until Wednesday, I will not be able to make a date with you. Anyhow, I’m not in … [ Read More ]
George III
King of England. Letter Signed, three-quarters page, quarto, Queens House March 24, 1783. To My Lord. Fine condition. “As I shall be extremely glad to see You this morning as early as it may Suit You, I shall not detain You now by a long Epistle. After every sort of Chicanery from the Coalition, to … [ Read More ]
Gone With the Wind
A copy of the final mimeographed shooting script, dated on the front cover, January 24, 1939, and stamped copy number 137. Starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland. Screenplay by Sidney Howard. Produced by David O. Selznick. Directed by Victor Fleming. 273 pages. Folio. Enclosed in a full blue morocco clamshell box. … [ Read More ]
Greeley, Horace
“THERE IS NO SAFETY, NO REAL PEACE BUT IN UNIVERSAL JUSTICE AND IMPARTIAL FREEDOM” HORACE GREELEY. American journalist and political leader. Autograph Quotation Signed, one page, octavo, Rochester [New York], October 15, 1866. “There is no safety, no real peace, but in universal justice and Impartial Freedom.” Fine condition. Price: $1,750 This item is associated … [ Read More ]
Greene, Graham
English writer. Collection of 8 Mimeograph Manuscripts for the motion picture, The Third Man, based on the novel by Graham Greene, comprising the Treatment, the Screenplay, the Second Draft Script, the Synopsis and Dialogue Screenplay, Dialogue Cutting Continuity Script, Release Script Reels 1 – 12, Narrator Portuguese Script, and Spanish Script. The 1949 London Film … [ Read More ]
Guillotin, Joseph-Ignace
French physician who invented the beheading machine which was employed during the French Revolution. Document Signed, Guillotin President, as President of the Committee of Health, full page, legal folio, Paris, November 23, 1790. Concerning a request that Dr. le Doyene be given an assistant. Fine condition. Matted in tan and maroon, with a bust-length engraving … [ Read More ]
Harte, Bret
“IT WAS A DAMNABLE BIT OF FEUDALISM WHICH OUGHT TO BE EXPRESSED TO A CIVILIZATION THAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE LEFT SUCH THINGS FAR BEHIND.” BRET HARTE. American short story writer. Autograph Letter Signed, one and one-half pages, octavo, [Scotland], July 14, 1880. To M. D. [Conory]. “Many thanks for your flattering and most kind … [ Read More ]
Hawthorne, Nathaniel
American novelist; author of The Scarlet Letter. Partly printed Document Signed, two pages, legal folio, Liverpool, November 22, 1853. “…I, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Consul to the United States of America, at the Port of Liverpool, do declare that the facts set forth in the preceding certificate subscribed by A.F.W. Maxwell…merchants, are in my opinion just and … [ Read More ]
Hawthorne, Nathaniel
American novelist; author of The Scarlet Letter. Autograph Letter Signed, Nathl. Hawthorne, one full page, octavo, Liverpool, October 17, 1853. To Thomas George Morton, in Philadelphia, sending his autograph. “Your note, addressed to me at Concord, has just reached me on this side of the Atlantic. I take pleasure in complying with your request.” Hawthorne … [ Read More ]
Haydn, Franz Joseph
FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN. Austrian composer. Signature, Haydn, with his paraph, on a 2 1/4 by 2 1/2 inch sheet. Matted in beige and brick with a vintage photograph of an oil portrait. Framed in decorative carved gilt measuring 9 1/2 inches wide by 15 1/2 inches high. Price: $7,500 This item is associated with the … [ Read More ]
Hepburn, Audrey
AN EXTRAORDINARILY INTIMATE INSIGHT INTO AUDREY HEPBURN’S LIFE. LETTERS TO HER FATHER Collection of 19 Autograph Letters Signed, 92 pages; octavo; Burgenstock and Tolochenaz in Switzerland, Madrid, and Rome; 1963 to 1980. Seventeen of the letters are written to her father Anthony Hepburn and two to Fidelma Hepburn, one just … [ Read More ]
Herzl, Theodor
Founder of Zionism. Autograph Letter Signed, Th. Herzl, one page, octavo, January 4, 1889. To Esteemed Doctor. “If it’s all right with you, I’ll come to you this afternoon at half past three, to work a little. If my messenger doesn’t find you at home, but hears that you are already in Vienna, I’ll come … [ Read More ]
Illuminated Manuscript
ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT. Page from a Bible, Italy, 15th Century, 9 inches wide by 12 inches high. Matted in cream; in an antiqued wooden frame measuring 15 inches wide by 18 1/2 inches high. Price: $1,500 This item is associated with the following category in our inventory: Religion
Ives, James Merritt
American lithographer. Currier & Ives. Autograph Document Signed by Ives as “Currier & Ives,” one page, quarto, April 9, 1859. Ives pens a bill for 16 of the firm’s lithographs, including “Am[erican]. Fireman” and “Mischief and 4th July.” Fine condition, framed in red, black and gilt, with a photograph of the lithograph “American Fireman.” Framed … [ Read More ]
Jackson, Andrew
“HOW IS IT TO BE LAMENTED THAT THE MORALS OF MEN RECENTLY ARE BECOME SO CORRUPT, THAT A MAN OF HIS WEALTH AND A HIGH STANDING… SHOULD BE GUILTY OF SUCH VILE CALUMNY FOR POLITICAL EFFECT.” ANDREW JACKSON. President. Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, quarto, Hermitage, November 30, 1844. To William Prescott, the American historian … [ Read More ]
James Younger
Western outlaw; together with his brothers committed numerous robberies and murders throughout the frontier. Autograph Note Signed, Jim, one page, octavo, Minnesota State Prison, [Oct. 1899], To Carano. “This might be of service to you some day – by way of identification in a strange place.” A fine example. Following the Civil War, Jim Younger … [ Read More ]
James, Frank
FRANK JAMES. Desperado; robbed banks and trains together with his brother Jesse. Letter Signed, Ben, one half page, at the conclusion of a five and a half page letter from his friend, Mrs. Sam Gilkey written to Mr. and Mrs. James, octavo, Gallatin, Missouri, July 7, [1883]. To his wife, Annie James. With original envelope. … [ Read More ]
Jay, John
President of the Continental Congress; first Chief Justice of the United States; first Minister of Foreign Affairs; negotiated the Jay Treaty of 1794. Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, quarto, New Haven, [Connecticut], April 24, 1792. To his wife Sally. “My last to you was written at Bedford; which place I left yesterday, and arrived here … [ Read More ]
Jay, John
President of the Continental Congress; first Chief Justice of the United States; first Minister of Foreign Affairs; negotiated with Franklin and Adams the Treaty of Paris which ended the American Revolution; co-authored the Federalist Papers; negotiated the Jay Treaty of 1794; governor of New York. Autograph Manuscript, one and a half pages, legal folio, undated. … [ Read More ]
Joanna
“TO PREVENT FOREIGN MOORS, ENEMIES OF THE FAITH, FROM CAUSING THE DAMAGE, LOSS AND ROBBERIES THEY HAVE BEEN ACCUSTOMED TO DO” JOANNA LA LOCA. Queen Joanna of Castile; daughter of Ferdinand V and Isabella I. An official royal document, signed in the name of the Queen by the Councillors of Castile, one page folio, (15 … [ Read More ]
Joe Louis and Max Schmeling
DEFENDER AND CONTESTANT OF THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING TITLE IN 1938 JOE LOUIS and MAX SCHMELING. Defender and contestant of the World Heavyweight Boxing title in 1938. Exceptionally fine and rare program for the Philadelphia Inquirer’s party to celebrate the “World’s Heavyweight Championship Match” signed by each boxer on the back cover, four pages, octavo, … [ Read More ]
Julien Dubuque
Canadian-born pioneer in Iowa. Negotiated agreement with Fox Indians for right to work lead mines in Iowa area; first white settler near what is now Dubuque, Iowa. Document Signed, two pages, legal folio, May 28, 1809. Dubuque signs an employment agreement with Patrice Roy, marked with Roy’s “X” in which Roy certifies that he has … [ Read More ]
Knights Templar
THE ‘DA VINCI CODE’ AND THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR FOURTEENTH CENTURY CONFIRMATION OF THE ROYAL CHARTERS TO THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS Confirmation of the Royal Charters to the Knights Templars by King Charles IV of France, July 1326, officially transcribed by the Garde de la Prevoste de Paris, Hugues Aubirot, February 20, 1372. On vellum, 17 by … [ Read More ]
Laurencin, Marie
MARIE LAURENCIN. French modernist painter. Autograph Letter Signed, one and a half pages, octavo, undated. To an unnamed lady, concerning her tapestry designs that the state manufacturer would surely reject, but when the tapestry again comes into vogue, she is certain they will be accepted. Price: $4,750 This item is associated with the following … [ Read More ]
Law, John
AN EXTREMELY RARE LETTER OF THE CREATOR OF THE “MISSISSIPPI SCHEME” FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE BUBBLE BURST JOHN LAW. Scottish financier and speculator; founded Banque Générale in 1716, the first bank of any kind in France which issued paper currency and prospered; created for the development and colonization of Louisiana in 1717 the Mississippi … [ Read More ]
Leigh, Vivien
VIVIEN LEIGH’S CONTRACT FOR ‘GONE WITH THE WIND’ VIVIEN LEIGH. Motion picture actress. Four Typewritten Documents, forty-two pages, legal folio, January 16 to November 8, 1939. Concerning Vivien Leigh’s role in the production of Gone With The Wind. Together with an Autograph Letter Signed. Typewritten Document, seventeen pages, legal folio, Culver City, California, January 16, … [ Read More ]
Linnaeus, Carolus
Swedish botanist; founder of modern systematic botany. Document Signed, Carl Linnaeus, with his red wax seal following, three full lines on a 3 1/4 by 8 inch sheet. In Swedish. As chair of botany at Uppsala University, Carolus Linnaeus certifies that “…for the year [17]56 I have received four hundred seventy-three dollars in silver coin … [ Read More ]
Loewe, Frederick
THE ONLY KNOWN MANUSCRIPT, RETAINED BY LOEWE HIMSELF, OF THIS FAMOUS AND POPULAR SONG FROM CAMELOT. FREDERICK LOEWE. Vienna-born American songwriter. Autograph Musical Manuscript of one of his most famous songs from Camelot, “Fie On Goodness,” three and one-quarter pages, large quarto, [1959]. Frederick Loewe writes thirty-nine lines of music and lyrics to the song, … [ Read More ]
Loewe, Frederick
FREDERICK LOEWE. Vienna-born American songwriter. Autograph Musical Manuscript of one of his most famous songs from Camelot, “Then you may take me to the Fair,” two pages, large quarto, [1959]. With the title page bearing the notation, “Guenevere, men”. THE ONLY KNOWN MANUSCRIPT, RETAINED BY LOEWE HIMSELF, OF THIS FAMOUS AND POPULAR SONG FROM CAMELOT. … [ Read More ]
London
THE DOCUMENT THAT CREATED BOND STREET [LONDON]. SIR THOMAS CLARGES. Justice of the Peace for Westminster. Document Signed, T Clarges, one page, quarto, April 18, 1720. With the integral docketed leaf attached. A “Certificate” for paving new streets in London. “…Pursuant to an Act of Parliam[en]t made in the second year of the Reigne of … [ Read More ]
Louis XVI
LOUIS XVI. King of France; executed during the Revolution. Document Signed, Louis, at the conclusion, forty-three pages, large folio, Versailles, November 19, 1782. The document is a record of the activities of the Royal Treasury as reported to the Royal Council. Deposits representing tax payments from the various French towns and provinces are listed, with … [ Read More ]
Maria Theresa
MARIA THERESA. Arch-Duchess of Austria; Queen of Hungary and Bohemia. Mother of Marie Antoinette. Document Signed Maria Theresa, one page, large folio, [171/2 by 21-3/4 inches], n.d. With the Queen’s large paper and wax seal. An ornate document commending Don Francesca de Magan “for his long-rendered service and steadiness and bravery in wartime,” and … [ Read More ]
Marks, Johnny
“YOU’LL GO DOWN IN HISTORY!” (AND HE DID!) JOHNNY MARKS. Composer of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Autograph Musical Quotation Signed, one page, quarto, undated. In red ink. Marks write the notes and lyrics (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”) of the first two measures of his hit song, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Rudolph (with his shiny nose) was … [ Read More ]
Marshall, John
JOHN MARSHALL. Chief Justice of the United States. Autograph Letter Signed, “J. Marshall,” one page, quarto, undated. To Walter L. Fontaine. “I have received your letter inclosing the half of a note of one hundred dollars and I now inclose one of the halves before sent.” In 1816, while Chief Justice, Marshall sold 421 acres … [ Read More ]
Millay, Edna St Vincent
EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY. American author. A Collection of twenty-eight Typewritten Manuscripts, twenty-eight pages, quarto, [ca. 1920 and earlier]. Three of the manuscripts are signed by Edna St Vincent Millay at the conclusion; one bears a holograph correction in the text; and in another she has changed the title. Accompanied by a typewritten letter … [ Read More ]
Millikan, Robert
THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT ON THE INVESTIGATION OF THE ORIGIN OF COSMIC RAYS ROBERT A. MILLIKAN. American physicist. Typewritten and Autograph Manuscript, thirteen pages, quarto and octavo, undated. Comprising a quarto page of five typewritten lines, with the title and corrections in Robert Millikan’s hand; the first page of the paper (quarto), consisting of nine typewritten … [ Read More ]
Mitchell, Margaret
THE PUBLIC REACTION TO “GONE WITH THE WIND” MARGARET MITCHELL. American author of Gone with the Wind. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, Atlanta, Georgia, January 7, 1936. On her name-imprinted stationery, to Dr. Mayos. “Thank you so much for your New Year’s note and all your good wishes. I had it on my mind … [ Read More ]
Morgan, J P
J. P. MORGAN. American financier. Document Signed, on the verso of a bond certificate for the New Jersey Junction Railroad Company, undated. A “Trustees Certificate” guaranteeing the bond in the name of the company. The engraved, brown and cream certificate is decorated with vignettes and scrolled borders, including a large scene of an industrial … [ Read More ]
Napoleon I
“…THE STEPS BEING TAKEN ARE WEAK…THE STUDENTS AND INHABITANTS OF UTRECHT WHO JEERED AT THE PATROLS BE ARRESTED AT ONCE AND TRIED BY A MILITARY COMMISSION.” NAPOLEON I. Emperor of France. Letter Signed, Np, one page, quarto, Paris, March 18, 1811. To the minister of war [General Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke], the Duke of Feltre. … [ Read More ]
Nast, Thomas
THOMAS NAST. American cartoonist whose work was largely responsible for the overthrow of the Tweed Ring in New York. Fourteen sketches and Autograph Manuscript Signed, Th: N, drawn and written on both sides of a dust wrapper for Society as I have found it by Ward McAllister, 8 by 20 inches, [1892]. Minor marginal … [ Read More ]
Neruda, Pablo
PABLO NERUDA. Chilean poet; winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. Autograph Manuscript Signed, six pages, quarto, Paris, February 1972. In Spanish. Written in green ink. “Volcanoes and blizzards of the great south of America-of South America-all have been good teachers for us, little guards born in that distant silence. I will never … [ Read More ]
New York
Document, issued in the name of Queen Anne, of England, one page, folio, [15 by 17 1/2 inches], on vellum, May 15, 1703. A land grant in favor of William Lawrents for a small island containing about eight acres, sitting at the mouth of Little Spillgate, and between great and Little Agazzi Islands in the … [ Read More ]
Oregon
A VERY EARLY AND IMPORTANT EFFORT TO ATTRACT AND ENCOURAGE THE SETTLEMENT OF OREGON The American Society for Encouraging the Settlement of Oregon Territory. Document Signed, by the president and secretary of the Society, two pages, large oblong quarto, with the paper and wax seal of the Society. The document is headed Oregon Settlement Stock, and bears … [ Read More ]
Osler, William
WILLIAM OSLER. Physician and professor of medicine who practiced and taught in Canada, the United States and Great Britain. Autograph Letter Signed, Wm. Osler, [September 22, 1909], on a postcard measuring 4 1/2 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches high. To Hampton L. Carson. “Many thanks — bon voyage. Greetings to the family. Tell the … [ Read More ]
Pavlov, Ivan
RUSSIAN PHYSIOLOGIST; CONDUCTED FAMOUS EXPERIMENT DEMONSTRATING CONDITIONED REFLEX IN DOGS. IVAN PAVLOV. Inscribed copy of Ivan Pavlov’s 1909 lecture at the 12th Congress of Russian natural Scientists and Physicians in Moscow entitled “Natural Science and the Brain” in which he discusses animal adaptation to its external environment and conditioned reflex. Ivan Pavlov has written, in … [ Read More ]
Perkins, Carl
CARL PERKINS. American singer, songwriter, and guitarist; wrote “Blue Suede Shoes.” Autograph Manuscript Signed, one page, quarto, 1991. On Perkins’ personal letterhead. Carl Perkins has transcribed six lines of lyrics from his 1956 hit “Blue Suede Shoes”. “‘Blue Suede Shoes’ / Well it’s one for the money / Two for the show / Three to get … [ Read More ]
Piaf, Edith
EDITH PIAF. French singer and actress whose interpretation of the Chanson, or French ballad, made her internationally famous. A close-up, head-shot Photograph of the legendary chanteuse in a wistful gaze, her hand on her cheek, Signed Edith Piaf and Inscribed in the dark upper portion, “Pour Monsieur Maurice Croifer / Sympathique… / Edith Piaf”. The black … [ Read More ]
Picasso, Pablo
SPANISH PAINTER AND ENGRAVER PABLO PICASSO. Signed Book. Le Phénix by Paul Éluard. Signed by Picasso, with a red colored pencil, on the front cover. Paris: GLM éditeurs, 1952. Quarto; 61 pages. Original tan paper covers. Contained in a handsome quarter leather red fall-back box. Éluard met and befriended Picasso in the early 1930’s when … [ Read More ]
Porter, Cole
COLE PORTER. American composer. Formal bust-length portrait photograph of the composer, sporting a polka dot tie and a carnation in his lapel, Signed in the light right portion above his shoulder. The sepia-toned photograph measures 4 1/2 inches wide by 6 3/4 inches high. Matted in cream and yellow, and framed in antiqued gilt. Framed … [ Read More ]
Porter, Katherine Anne
AN EXTRAORDINARY LITERARY LETTER ABOUT THE PROCESS OF WRITING “SHIP OF FOOLS” KATHERINE ANNE PORTER. American essayist, short story writer, novelist; wrote “Ship of Fools”. Typewritten Letter Signed, Katherine Anne Porter, three densely typed pages, on blue paper, quarto, August 18, 1958, Outpost Inn, Ridgefield, Connecticut. With corrections in her hand. To Mr. Clemons. “I … [ Read More ]
Redoute, Pierre-Joseph
PIERRE-JOSEPH REDOUTE. French painter of flowers (sometimes called the “Raphael of Flowers”) and lithographer. Autograph Letter Signed, full page, quarto, December 10, 1811. To Aimé Bonpland, Josephine’s botanist, enclosing a bill that you have been asking me for so long a time, but I dont at all remember what you spent yourself because I didn’t … [ Read More ]
Reed, James Frazier
JAMES FRAZIER REED. Co-leader of the ill-fated Donner Expedition to California in 1846. Autograph Document Signed, one page, oblong octavo, October 6, 1851. As Administrator, Reed writes, “The within claim allowed this Oct. 6th, 1851.” The same phrase is repeated below his signature, without the day of the month filled in. Large ink stain to … [ Read More ]
Richardson, Samuel
SAMUEL RICHARDSON. English novelist; author of Clarissa Harlowe. Partly printed Document Signed, one page, legal folio, January 2, 1743. Samuel Richardson signs a statement headed, “Tonnage, 1694 &c.”, saying that he has received six pounds from the Treasury, funds paid out to him as the assignee of George Churchill and Hugh Chudleigh and by virtue … [ Read More ]
Rittenhouse, David
DAVID RITTENHOUSE. American astronomer; first director of the U.S. Mint; built observatory and a telescope, believed to be the first made in America, to observe the transit of Venus; during American Revolution served in the Pennsylvania Assembly and as President of the Council of Safety. Autograph Document Signed, one page, octavo, Philadelphia, February 13, 1781. … [ Read More ]
Rodgers, Richard
RICHARD ROGERS. Composer and librettist of film and Broadway musicals. Mimeograph Document Signed in ink, 52 pages, quarto, May 4, 1940. The agreement between Rodgers and Hart and RKO Radio Pictures for exclusive motion picture rights to the musical comedy Too Many Girls. The agreement contains clauses regarding advertising, musical recording rights and distribution rights. … [ Read More ]
Rontgen, Wilhelm C.
WILHELM C. RONTGEN. German physicist; awarded first Nobel prize for physics in 1901 for his discovery of X-rays. Autograph Letter Signed, Dr. W.C. Röntgen, one page, Cadenabbia, March 30, 1909. In German. On his personally imprinted correspondence card to the Court Secretariat of his Royal Highness Prince Alfons of Bavaria. “Enclosed I am sending you … [ Read More ]
Roosevelt, Franklin D.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. President. Partly printed Document Signed, one page, narrow oblong quarto, November 4, 1932. Franklin D Roosevelt signs a “Return Receipt” acknowledging that the candidate’s name is correctly placed on the ballot: “To Burt E. Burnett, County Clerk for the County of Jackson / I hereby acknowledge receipt by registered mail, of proof … [ Read More ]