Kenneth W Rendell Gallery

Historical Documents and Autographs

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Adams, Ansel

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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

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  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

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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 ]

Astaire and Rogers

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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 ]

Baring-Gould, Sabine

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“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 ]

Bell, Alexander Graham

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    AMERICAN INVENTOR OF THE TELEPHONE  Letter Signed, two and one-half pages, quarto, Northampton, Massachusetts, March 15, 1906. To Dr. A. L. E. Crouter, president of the American Association to Promote the Teaching of Speech to the Deaf. Also signed by three witnesses. “As I am about to sail for Europe, and since I … [ Read More ]

Berlin, Irving

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IRVING BERLIN. American composer. Printed Sheet Music, to his 1913 song That International Rag, signed boldly by Irving Berlin on the front cover, five pages, 14 inches by 10 inches. The brightly colored cover is attractively illustrated with a scene showing Uncle Sam directing a chorus dressed in international costumes Fine condition, bound in a … [ Read More ]

Berlioz, Hector

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  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 ]

Borodin, Alexander Porfir’yevich

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  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 ]

Boyle, Robert

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  ANGLO-IRISH NATURAL PHILOSOPHER, CHEMIST, PHYSICIST, INVENTOR, AND GENTLEMAN SCIENTIST Autograph Document Signed, “Ro Boyle,” one page, oblong octavo, June 26, 1675. Also signed by E Anglesey (Arthur Annesley, 1st Earl of Anglesey). “We doe hereby acknowledge to have recd. of the Countess of Orrery our Severall propo[rt]ions of the ballance of this acco[un]t. Witnes our … [ Read More ]

Browning, Elizabeth and Robert

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  ENGLISH POETS ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING AND ROBERT BROWNING Autograph Note Signed Elizabeth and Robert Browning, one page, octavo, London, October 21, 1856. On card stock, to the Women’s Hospital in New York. Written in the hand of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Robert Browning adds the place and date, “London, October 21. ’56” beneath his signature. … [ Read More ]

Browning, Elizabeth Barrett

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  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

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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

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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

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  “A PETITION…ON THE AMERICAN AFFAIRS IS SENT TO ME TO BE PRESENTED TO THE KING I…AM…VERY UNFORTUNATELY, IGNORANT OF ALL OF ALL THE FORMS  OF COURT & OF OFFICE….” British statesman and orator; gained a high position among the Whigs through his eloquence on the American question and vigorous opposition to George III’s policy … [ Read More ]

Burke, Edmund

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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 ]

Byron, George Gordon

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GEORGE GORDON BYRON. English poet; wrote Childe Harold. Autograph Note Signed, initials, one page, oblong octavo, July 28, 1813. [To John Murray.] “The enclosed lines you will insert in paragraph named after the line ‘That wakes and wafts the fragrance there.’” The verse quoted by George Byron comes from his poem, The Giaour, which was … [ Read More ]

Carnegie, Andrew

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  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 ]

Cezanne, Paul

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French painter. Autograph Letter Signed, Paul Cezanne, November 30, 1896, two pages, octavo. In French. To Emile Solari. “I am so very sorry I was not at Rue des Dames when you came by. There’s only one way to make up for that, and that is to give me a rendezvous for tomorrow, for example. … [ Read More ]

Chagall, Marc

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  RUSSIAN PAINTER WRITING ABOUT BELLA HIS WIFE AND MUSE Autograph Letter Signed, one full page, quarto, New York, 1945. In Russian. “She always spoke of you with affection. I always feel your sincerity. I will be happy to see you. I sent you a book. Modesty prevented me from getting in touch with you … [ Read More ]

Chekhov, Anton

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Russian dramatist and novelist. “MY PETITION WAS JUST A CRY IN THE DESERT.  I AM NOT A FIGHTER, IT’S NOT IN MY NATURE.” Autograph Letter Signed, A. Chekhov, two and one-half pages, octavo, February 11, [no year, but after 1897]. In Russian. To Nikolai Nikolaevich. “Due to my sickness, I am a little delayed in … [ Read More ]

Chippendale, Thomas

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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

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  “….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 ]

Christie, Agatha

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  ENGLISH MYSTERY WRITER; CREATOR OF MISS MARPLE AND HERCULE POIROT Typewritten Letter Signed, Agatha Christie, two pages, quarto, Winterbrook House, Wallingford, Berkshire, October 23, 1972. To Michael Underwood, Esq., Riverbank, Datchet, Bucks. “I got your letter this morning. As far as my own personal feelings are concerned I have always enjoyed the private quality … [ Read More ]

Clemens, Samuel

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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 ]

Clemens, Samuel

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WRITING IN HIS HEAVENLY BED Mark Twain.  American author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Superb oversize photograph, Signed, “Mark Twain, Jan./06,” showing the author at work on a manuscript, wearing his pajamas and propped up in bed. The black and white photograph, by Underwood & Underwood, New York, is … [ Read More ]

Cohan, George M

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  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

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  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

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  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 ]

Cooper, James Fenimore

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American author of The Last of the Mohicans. Autograph Letter Signed, J. Fenimore Cooper, four full pages, legal folio, [May 20-27, 1848]. To Messrs Editors [George Pope Morris and Nathaniel Parker Willis] of The Home Journal. The Battle of Long Island that James Cooper discusses in the present letter took place on August 27, 1776. … [ Read More ]

Copley, John Singleton

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  American artist. Partly-printed Receipt Signed, J.C.Copley. one page, narrow oblong octavo, April, 2, 1787. Together with a printed prospectus of the subscription for the engraving of Copley’s painting, “The Siege and Relief of Gibraltar,” three and one half pages, large quarto, [London], undated. The receipt is from Mr. John Fornou Tuffen for “the Sum … [ Read More ]

Coward, Noel

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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

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“…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

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  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 ]

Cushing, Harvey

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American neurosurgeon and a pioneer of brain surgery. Typewritten Letter Signed, Harvey Cushing, quarto, one page, November 11, 1936, on his letterhead for The School of Medicine at Yale University. To Dr. Glanville Y. Rusk, Mount Zion Hospital, San Francisco, California. With two photographs of brain lesions, mounted on heavy card stock. “Dear Rusk / … [ Read More ]

Custer, George Armstrong

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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 ]

Donizetti, Gaetano

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“I SHALL SAY, AS DOES RODRIGO IN THE OPERA OTHELLO, ‘AN AWAITED PLEASURE IS ALL THE MORE SO,  WHEN IT IS EAGERLY DESIRED.” Autograph Letter Signed, Donizetti, Italian operatic composer, page, quarto, Monday, undated. “Last night, Mr. Scribe set the rehearsal of the production of my opera for tomorrow night; you find me thus forced … [ Read More ]

Edward VI

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  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

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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 ]

Faraday, Michael

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  ENGLISH INVENTOR AND SCIENTIST; NOTED FOR HIS EXPERIMENTS WITH ELECTRICITY.  MICHAEL FARADAY.  Autograph Letter Signed, M Faraday, one and two-third pages, octavo, Royal Institution, June 2, 1843. To John Hennell. “The water you describe must I conclude be very hard principally from Carbonate of lime. I do not remember what Lep[uan]tes Patent filter is … [ Read More ]

Faulkner, William

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American novelist Document Signed, two and a half pages, legal folio, April 9, 1936. An agreement between Faulkner and RKO Studios, Inc. in which RKO engages William Faulkner “…to write, compose, prepare and/or revise a treatment and/or adaptation and/or continuity, with dialogue, of a story presently entitled ‘Gungha Din,’ suitable for reproduction as a motion … [ Read More ]

Fielding, Henry

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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 ]

Fleming, Ian

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Creator of James Bond. “I BARELY BUDGE WHEN I AM WRITING.  OTHERWISE I JUST DON’T GET ON WITH IT.” Autograph Letter Signed, “Yours Ever, Ian,” one page, quarto, undated. On imprinted stationery, Goldeneye, Oracabessa, Jamaica, to “Dear Allou”. “A thousand thanks but I barely budge when I am writing. Otherwise I just don’t get on … [ Read More ]

Florida

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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

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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 ]

Frederick II

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  FREDERICK II the Great; King of Prussia. Letter Signed, Frederic, one quarter page, quarto, Potsdam, February 24, 1749. With the integral blank leaf attached. In French. “The King having received the presentation of the [Berlin] bookseller Neaulme of the 18th of this month regarding a bill for books he purports to have delivered to … [ Read More ]

Fulton, Robert

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American inventor and engineer; built the steamboat Clermont. Autograph Document Signed, one page, small octavo, Georgetown, August 15, 1808. Fulton orders The Bank of Columbia to “Pay the bearer six dollars.” A very fine example. Framed in beige, terra cotta and gilt, with an engraved portrait of Robert Fulton. Framed dimensions: 11 inches wide by … [ Read More ]

Gainsborough, Thomas

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English painter; excelled in portraits and landscapes; painted The Blue Boy. Autograph Document Signed, one page, 4 1/2 inches wide by 6 3/4 inches high, August 7, 1778. “Recd. of Sir Thomas Clarges sixty-five guineas in full for a portrait of Lady Clarges and a frame.” Blank upper corner is torn away, not affecting the … [ Read More ]

Garcia, Jerry

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American Rock ‘n Roll singer; leader of the Grateful Dead. Autograph Manuscript, one page, legal folio, [1992]. Garcia handwrites the lyrics to the song, The Maker, which he played in concert with the Jerry Garcia band from 1992. On a yellow-lined sheet of paper. “Oh deep water Black and cold like the nite I stand … [ Read More ]

Garrett, Patrick Floyd

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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

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  PAUL GAUGUIN. French painter. Autograph Letter Signed, full page, octavo, n.d. In French, to Monsieur Dolent. “…Naturally I am pleased by your choice of a sketch-maker. I am going to start reading the work in question, otherwise it would seem difficult for me to suggest an idea, knowing nothing about it. I hope I … [ Read More ]

Gauguin, Paul

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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

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GEORGE III PROVIDES FUNDS  TO SEND FREED BLACK SLAVES IN BRITAIN TO WEST AFRICA GEORGE III.  King of England. Document Signed, one page, oblong quarto, undated [between July and November 1791]. With two tax revenue stamps, in blind, in the left margin. The document, canceled with an “X,” is complete in its text and its … [ Read More ]

Gershwin, George

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American composer of Rhapsody in Blue. Sepia-tone Photograph of Gershwin in profile, playing the piano, Signed, Inscribed and Dated on the lower margin, “To Hyman Sandow – All good wishes / George Gershwin / Feb. ’28”. A slight defect in the photographic surface, in the center upper portion, not affecting the image of the composer … [ Read More ]

Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von

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German poet; wrote Faust. Autograph Note Signed, Goethe, three lines on a card in German, to the noted German-Jewish painter Moritz Oppenheim, Weimar, May 8, 1827. “Herr Oppenheim is courteously requested to have his painting of Felsner collected.” Oppenheim traveled to Weimar in 1827 where he painted Johann von Goethe’s portrait. That same year Goethe … [ Read More ]

Greeley, Horace

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“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

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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 ]

Grimm, Jacob

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German mythologist; with his brother wrote Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Autograph Note Signed, Jac. Gr., on an oblong small octavo sheet, n.d. “Please send me as much as has come out of Plautus by Ritchel, Bonn, care of Konig.” A fine example. Framed in tan, chocolate and antique gilt, with a formal bust-length portrait of Jacob … [ Read More ]

Guillotin, Joseph-Ignace

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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 ]

Hammett, Dashiell

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“…COULD I SAY ‘THAT MAN’ WITHOUT YOUR THINKING I MEAN ROOSEVELT?” DASHIELL HAMMETT. American writer; creator of ‘hard-boiled’ school of detective fiction, which included novels that were made into movies such as The Maltese Falcon and The Thin Man. Typewritten Letter Signed, Dash, one page, legal folio, [Aleutian Islands], Alaska, October 23, 1943. To Florence … [ Read More ]

Handy, W. C.

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African American blues composer. Autograph Musical Quotation Signed and Inscribed, “The Memphis Blues / to Lionel A Aucoin by W. C. Handy”, on a one-page sheet with three staves, narrow oblong quarto, February 13, 1946. Below his inscription, Handy has written two measures from his song with the lyrics, “They had a fiddler there who … [ Read More ]

Harte, Bret

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“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

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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

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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

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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 ]

Haydn, Franz Joseph

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Austrian composer. Printed musical score signed, Haydn [paraph manu propria], on the title page of Ariana a Naxos, Cantata a Voce Sola, first British edition, 18 pages, oblong folio. London: Published for Haydn by J. Bland. Rare. Franz Haydn gave the music publisher John Bland the copyright to Ariana when the two first met in … [ Read More ]

Herzl, Theodor

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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 ]

Houdon, Jean Antoine

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French sculptor. Document Signed, Houdon, one page, oblong octavo, Paris, May 26, 1800. The sculptor signs a receipt “attesting that I have received from Citizens Moliere, Contremoulin and Texier two hundred and sixty-seven francs, and thirty centimes, net total of the repayment of two-thirds of my annuity plus the interest for the first six months. … [ Read More ]

Hume, David

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Scottish empiricist philosopher historian, economist, and essayist; deeply influenced metaphysical thought. Autograph Check Signed, one page, narrow oblong octavo, Bath, June 8, 1776. Drawn on Thomas Coutts & Co., London and made out to dramatist John Home in the amount of fifty pounds. David Hume, the major figure of the Enlightenment, wrote this rare check … [ Read More ]

Isabella I

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Queen of Castile; joint sovereign with Ferdinand V; patron of Columbus. Document Signed, yo la Reyna, [I the Queen], one page, legal folio, May 17, 1501. The Queen orders her chamberlain, Sancho de Paredes, to pay the sum of 530 maravedis, or two florins, to a silversmith named Anton de Carrion for work on a … [ Read More ]

Ives, James Merritt

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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

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“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, Frank

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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

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AS CHIEF JUSTICE, BEGINNING HIS VOYAGE TO LONDON TO NEGOTIATE THE TREATY THAT SETTLED THE WESTERN ISSUES JOHN JAY.   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, May 13, 1794. To his wife Sally. … [ Read More ]

Jay, John

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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

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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 ]

Jenner, Edward

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English founder of immunology; discovered vaccination for smallpox. Autograph Letter Signed, Edwd. Jenner, one page, small octavo, Berkeley, May 21, 1813. To Dear Madam, possibly a fellow fossil hunter and member of the Barrow Hill Club. “The turbulent state of the weather has prevented me from taking a walk over to Stowe in the course … [ Read More ]

Joanna

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“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 ]

Kern, Jerome

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American composer. Autograph Musical Manuscript Signed Jerome Kern twice, on the title page and to the right of the song title on the first page, six pages, folio, October 1, 19[4]2. Entitled Look Who’s Here! This unpublished manuscript is the Opening Chorus Song, Miners, Girls and Band, from Act III of Look Who’s Here!, comprising … [ Read More ]

Kipling, Rudyard

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KIPLING’S PLAY-BY-PLAY OF AN ICE HOCKEY GAME “IT WAS GLORIOUS. PLAIN, STRAIGHT, HAMMER & TONGS, BELL FOR LEATHER – HOCKEY….” RUDYARD KIPLING.  English writer. Autograph Letter Signed, six and one-half pages, octavo, Engelberg, [Switzerland], June 14, 1911. On imprinted stationery of the Hotels Cattani, to [C. H. S.] Taylor. “Our honour has been saved! I … [ Read More ]

Koch, Robert

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  ROBERT KOCH.  German microbiologist. Signature, “Prof. R. Koch / Berlin,” in ink, on an off-white card measuring 3 inches wide by 1-1/2 inches high. Working with very limited resources, Robert Koch became one of the founders of bacteriology, the other major figure being Louis Pasteur. Koch’s work began during the Franco-Prussian War when he … [ Read More ]

Laurencin, Marie

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  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

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  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 ]

Lawrence, T. E.

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Lawrence of Arabia.  British archaeologist, soldier and writer. Document Signed, T.E. Shaw A/c, two pages, quarto, September 6, 1933. A Royal Air Force engine test form, recording data concerning oil pressure, water and oil temperature, and fuel consumption. The sheets were used in the testing of marine engines that powered dinghies used to shuttle air … [ Read More ]

Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm von

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German philosopher and mathematician. Autograph Document Signed, GWvLeibniz, one page, oblong octavo, Wolfenbüttel, November 13, 1709. Leibniz acknowledges his receipt of payment of 200 thalers, his salary as librarian to the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg for the half-year ending at Michaelmas. Matted in cream and dark brown, with a waist-length portrait engraving of Gottfried Wilhelm von … [ Read More ]

Leigh, Vivien

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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 ]

Lewis and Clark

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American explorers who led the Expedition (“Voyage of Discovery”) of 1804. A portion of an Autograph Letter written by Meriwether Lewis, Signed in the text, Capt Lewis, circa 1801, and an Autograph Document Signed by William Clark, 1815, framed together as an ensemble. During the late 1790’s Meriwether Lewis was in the Army and was … [ Read More ]

Linnaeus, Carolus

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Swedish botanist; founder of modern systematic botany. Signature, Carl. v. Linné, on a 1 by 6 1/2 inch paper. Fine condition. Framed in buff, coffee and antique gilt, with an engraved portrait of the botanist with a seedling. Framed measurements: 10 inches wide by 13 1/2 inches high. Price: $4,750 This item is associated with … [ Read More ]

Linnaeus, Carolus

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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 ]

Liszt, Franz

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  FRANZ LISZT.  Hungarian composer. Autograph Letter Signed, three pages, octavo, March 11, 1841. In French, to Monsieur Kuranda. “…I was wrong…to ask you to come to me on Saturday at 3 o’clock. My business manager, Monsieur Billon, will send you what we agreed on. If, however, you have a moment free on Saturday, I … [ Read More ]

Livingstone, David

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  DAVID LIVINGSTONE.  Scottish explorer in Africa. Autograph Document Signed, one page, quarto, Mosambique, March 7, 1864. “I hereby certify that Thomas Ward steward served in the Pioneer from the departure from England in 1860 to 15th February 1864 and during that time his conduct has been very good.”” Signed by David Livingstone during the … [ Read More ]

Loewe, Frederick

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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 ]

Louis XVI

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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 ]

Malthus, Thomas

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  THOMAS MALTHUS.  English economist and demographer; aroused controversy by his argument that population when unchecked tends to increase in a geometric ratio while means of subsistence tend to increase only in an arithmetic ratio and that preventative checks on increase of population are necessary, hence the Malthusian Theory. Signature with sentiment, “Believe with the … [ Read More ]

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