Sale 779 — Civil War Postal History and Autographs
Sale Date — Wednesday, 10 July, 1996
Category — Autographs
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
1°
Ansel Adams. Signature on title page of THE CAMERA (1980, New York Graphic Society), 1st edition, with dust jacket, Very Fine
E. 100-150
120
2°
John Adams. Large bold frank "Free John Adams" on undated folded cover to the Rev. J. Belknap in Boston, partial New York straightline and matching "FREE", Very Fine, choice signature
E. 3,000-4,000
3,250
Back to Top3
John Quincy Adams. Bold free frank ("J.Q. Adams") on Dept. of State cover to Maj. John Myers in Baltimore, contents are 1818 letter from a Richard Forrest, cover aged, with some separations not affecting signature, still Fine
E. 300-400
260
Back to Top4
P.T. Barnum. ALS ("P.T.B.") 1 page, with last two lines and signature on reverse, dated Oct. 25, 1864, minor edge toning, Fine
E. 100-150
110
Back to Top5
Edwin Booth. AL, dated Feb. 19, 1889, signed in the third person on "The Players" letterhead, declining invitation to the Clover Club, Very Fine
E. 100-150
50
Back to Top6
Benjamin Franklin Butler. Attorney General under Jackson and Van Buren, ALS, 2pp, dated Aug. 6, 1838, to President Van Buren, extolling the virtues of Cary Harris, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and recommending him for a territorial judgeship, includes 1 page letter from Butler to Harris explaining his intentions, with outer lettersheet showing Butler's free frank; second letter with some wear, Fine lot
E. 200-250
80
Back to Top9
Marc Chagall. Signature in blue pencil on France 1963 Chagall stamp First Day cover, Very Fine
E. 100-150
230
Back to Top10
Frederick S. Church. ALS ("Cousin Fred"), to his cousin Margaret Vogelson, and which he has included a pen and pastel sketch of banjo-strumming bear and small tipped photo of the artist, Very Fine
E. 500-600
325
Back to Top11
Winston S. Churchill. Signature on blank side of playing card (King of Clubs), light soiling, Fine
E. 200-250
0
Back to Top12
Salvador Dali. Four signatures, on Spain Quevedo First Day, in margins of France 1979 Dali stamp (in pair and block of four), also signature on First Day cover of the same stamp, Very FIne
E. 200-250
325
Back to Top13
Benjamin Disraeli. Free frank on 1868 cover to Isle of Wight, addressed entirely in his hand, Fine
E. 200-250
350
Back to Top14
James A. Doolittle, Eddie Rickenbacker. Signatures on unused airmail envelope and 1929 airport dedication cover respectively, last dated 1966, Very Fine
E. 75-100
90
Back to Top15°
Amelia Earhart. ALS ("Amelia"), in pencil, one page, 8-1/2 x 11 in., dated May 10, 1921 on her father's law office stationery, to her close friend Lloyd Royer: "Dear Lloyd - I don't know what message Dad wanted Neta to transmit to you about your coming over to inspect his latest acquirement of a sort but in any case Peter Barnes passed on it and there is nothing to be done with the facilities at hand so please do not bother to come. I think Dad imagines all mechanically inclined gentlemen like to play with broken down automobiles. I didn't know Neta had left and I am afraid the neighbor is shocked at my writing to you. Amelia." This letter is quoted in Doris Rich's biography of Earhart (p. 37). Letter silked and encapsulated, Fine early signature
E. 1,000-1,500
750
Back to Top16°
Amelia Earhart. ALS ("A.E."), on greeting card stock to close friend Lloyd Royer, dated Oct. 22, 1924: "Please excuse the long silence I suppose from your also long silence that the truck deal feel through and that California is going to the dogs in the dump truck! What do you think of this? Kinner wrote me after I had written him (as you suggested) and said that he didn't notice this would give $500 in credit when he was `under production of 6 ships and 26 motors.' Shall I do that? I fancy o'd better. I do not like the looks of the monoplane, why has Doug's monoplane `got Erie's goat.' Write me soon, best wishes and cherrio, old deah. A.E." Very Fine, accompanied by original mailing envelope addressed entirely in her hand
E. 1,000-1,500
0
Back to Top17°
Amelia Earhart. ALS ("Am.E.", 1-1/2pp, dated November 22, 1924, to close friend Lloyd Royer: "Dear Lloyd - Our letters crossed again. If the offer for $1500 cash is real I think we'd better take it. You have the necessary papers. From the face that the trucking season is due for its stark time soon and from what I gather of conditions in building in Calif. I should imagine this is a good time to sell. The last letter was mailed before I put the [?] in so you may not get it promptly. I am writing in much haste. Adios A.M.E." Accompanied by original envelope addressed entirely in her hand and franked with 8c Green, 1923 Air Post (C4) strip of three. In an effort to raise money to buy a plane built by Bert Kinner, she went into the photography business with another young woman, Jean Brandreth. When this proved unprofitable, she bought an old Moreland truck and hauled gravel for a construction company. Included is a small snapshot of Lloyd Royer with this truck, and penciled caption in his hand, on back "Amelia's Moreland - 1923". Very Fine lot
E. 1,000-1,500
950
Back to Top18°
Amelia Earhart. ALS ("A.E.") on small greeting card stock, to her close friend Lloyd Royer, dated Nov. 8, 1924: "Thank you for contents of last letter, I feel quite worthy. I wrote Mr. Kinner and told him I would accept his offer. Don't forget to keep a design for a nice little plane in mind, for I shall want one sometime, L. Royer builder and designer. I think Kinner is becoming careless, Pud always thought he was and it always distressed him. Tell Harry's wife that she better stay out there as living is high in the east and it is so crowded. A.E." Accompanied by original mailing envelope addressed entirely in her hand and endorsed "Air Mail". Very Fine
E. 1,000-1,500
0
Back to Top19
Amelia Earhart. Signature in blue, on unusual flight cover, "AMELIA EARHART BRINGS THE AUTOGIRO TO RALEIGH NOV. 5-6-7. 1931" with handstamped illustration in purple, Very Fine
E. 500-600
800
Back to Top20
Thomas A. Edison. Signature in margin of photo of Edison portrait, "To John Dustin Howe/Thos A Edison" in characteristic bold hand, two small creases far from signature, otherwise Very Fine
E. 500-750
1,000
Back to Top
22
Edward, Duke of Windsor; Wallis Simpson. Signed full-length photo (9-1/2 x 13 in.) of the couple in a broadcast studio, with signatures in bottom margin: "Wallis Windsor" and "Edward Duke of Windsor - October 1941", faint toned spot in Edward's signature, attractively framed, Fine
E. 500-750
400
Back to Top23
Dwight Eisenhower. Bold signature as President, on 1960 document appointing Hendrick van Oss Consul General at Uganda, with seal, very tiny foxing not affecting signature, Fine, in frame
E. 300-400
0
Back to Top24
Elizabeth II. Large bold signature on 1961 document, recognizing and approving the U.S. appointment of Hendrick van Oss as U.S. Consul-General at Uganda, framed, fresh and Very Fine
E. 500-750
240
Back to Top25
Sam J. Ervin. N.C. senator and chairman of the Senate Watergate hearings. 12 signed checks (1950s), also many hundreds of covers (no contents) addressed to Erwin and/or his wife (1940s until his death) - unsorted, possibly some famous names among the return addresses, Fine lot
E. 150-200
95
Back to Top26
Edward Everett. Principal orator at Gettysburg, ALS, 2pp, dated Sept. 11, 1854, declining an invitation to lecture because of poor health, Fine, accompanied by immaculate envelope with his free frank and addressed in his hand, Very Fine
E. 150-200
80
Back to Top27
Philip Evergood. Two books, THE GRAPHIC WORK OF PHILIP EVERGOOD by Lucy R. Lippard, proem by James Michener (1966) with warm inscription: "To dearest Ann Feinberg great friend of my youthful struggles right on into to-day. With deep affection & love Philip Evergood Feb. 24, 1967" (a 1928 drawing of the recipient is reproduced in the book), also an earlier book 20 EVERGOOD YEARS (1946) with inscription, "To Anne Williams Friend of my youth & always Philip Evergood Apr. 21st 1946"; also included are two autographed notes, one signed, inviting Anne and her husband to exhibits at the Whitney and the A.C.A. Gallery, Fne
E. 150-200
150
Back to Top28
Ham Fisher. Large pencil sketch of Joe Polooka on brown paper, "C'mon Bob Hurry Up and Get Well All the best to Bob Simpson. Joe Palooka & Ham Fisher", Fine
E. 100-125
50
Back to Top29
Albert Gallatin. LS, 1 page, dated May, 31, 1808, regarding problems in the use of embargo bonds in Mass. ports, with outer address leaf with Gallatin's free frank, Fine
E. 100-125
110
Back to Top30
James A. Garfield. ALS, 2-1/2pp, dated Mar. 6, 1868, on illustrated House of Representatives stationery, to his friend Wallace J. Ford. He writes (in part): "I am glad to hear of your good fortune, and hope all your golden visions of happiness will be abundantly realized. I returned from the trial at Wellsburg...I shall do all I can for Hiram, but as I suggested...we had beter not attack Everett or Alliance," etc. The trial referred to is probably Garfield's defense of his childhood idol, Brother Alexander Campbell, the founder of the disciples of Christ. Campbell's children had contested his will on the grounds that their father was mentally incompetent. Garfield thought otherwise and was successful in vidicating Campbell's reputation, Very Fine
E. 600-800
450
Back to Top31
[Generals and Admirals of World War II]. Mounted collection of 26 first day covers (various 1945 U.S. WWII issues), each signed by a different military figure, and in addition each cover has a skillfully hand-painted cachet. Names include Omar Bradley, Mark Clark, J.H. Doolittle, Dwight Eisenhower, W.F. Halsey, Douglas MacArthur, George Marshall, Chester Nimitz, Joseph Stilwell and others, virtually all bold signatures, Very Fine, an exceptionally attractive collection
E. 1,500-2,000
2,600
Back to Top32
David Lloyd George. British Prime Minister, signature on card with embossed oval, "House of Commons" in corner, Fine
E. 100-150
0
Back to Top33
Horace Greeley. Cover addressed entirely in his hand to Richmond Va. and signed in corner, "H.G., 3c Rose (65) with quartered cork cancel and New York cds, flap with blind embossed c.c."AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK", Fine, unusual
E. 100-150
0
Back to Top34
William Gropper. American social protest cartoonist, ANS ("Bill"), Apr. 17, 1955 note on back of postal card to friend, with amusing sketch of sun & moon, some creasing, Fine
E. 200-250
0
Back to Top35
Jack H. Haverly. Theatrical manager, ALS, 2pp., dated June 11, 1892, with illustrated letterhead with his portrait, "Haverly's Original Mastodon Minstrels, Fine
E. 75-100
0
Back to Top36
Felix Herrmann. Magician, bold signature on card with printed Christmas & New Years greetings for the 1920-21 Season, and illustrations of the famed Herrmanns in addition to ms. deletions in the text, presumably by Herrmann, mailed from Fort Wayne, Ind., Fine
E. 75-100
35
Back to Top37°
Oliver Wendell Holmes. ALS ("O.W. Holmes"), 1 page, dated Mar. 12, 1883, to a Philadelphia dentist thanking him for comments "with reference to my books and myself," etc. With original envelope postmarked Boston, Very Fine
E. 200-250
120
Back to Top38
Langston Hughes. Two books, first is SELECTED POEMS (1959, first edition) with inscription in green ink: "Enscribed espcially for the Finebergs - who make living poems out of gracious living - Sincerely, Langston New York, January, 1961", also FIGHT FOR FREEDOM (1962, first edition?) with Christmas greetings and signed "Sincerely, Langston New York, 1963", Fine lot
E. 200-250
230
Back to Top39°
Andrew Jackson. Free frank as ex-President "-Free- Andrew Jackson -" on undated folded cover to Francis P. Blair in Washington, clear blue "Nashville Te. Feb. 10" cds and matching "FREE" hs, Very Fine, excellent example of Jackson's frank while in retirement at the Hermitage
E. 1,500-2,000
1,350
Back to Top40
Andrew Jackson. DS as President, dated Oct. 23, 1835, appointing C.A. Harris Acting Secretary of War, accompanying this is a 1836 9-line letter entirely in Jackson's hand (unsigned) to Harris regarding "the Choctaw Treaty", with outer address sheet, first with small separation closed with archival tape, bold signature, Fine
E. 1,000-1,500
1,700
Back to Top41
Andrew Jackson. AL as President, 1 page, dated Mar. 30, 1836, to the Secretary of War: "The president with his respects to the secetary of war understands that there are several of the companies in the United States army wihose captains are not with them & have not been for years, and that some of those companies are now in Florida commmanded by Lts. If this be so, it is highly improper - you will please...have every captain ordered to join his company & report for duty." Outer address sheet also in his hand "The secretary of War", some separations at folds, Fine
E. 750-1,000
1,200
Back to Top42
Andrew Jackson. AL, 1-1/2pp, dated Oct. 15, 1836, to Acting Secretary of War C.A. Harris, outer address sheet in his hand, Very Fine
E. 600-800
850
Back to Top43°
Andrew Jackson. ANS ("A.J.") on undated slip of paper and which reads (in full): "confidential letter enclosed to Col. Polk, and after reading them observed to me, I understand all that - and you may rest assured that he will not be governed by any clique, nor any favours bestowed upon relations A.J." Fine
E. 500-600
400
Back to Top44°
Thomas Jefferson. Free frank as President ("free/Th:Jeffeson Pr. U.S.") on folded cover addressed in his hand to James Dinsmore at Monticello, red "Washn. City Jun 26" cds and matching "FREE" hs, few scattered toned spots far from signature, still Very Fine, the most desirable form of Jefferson's frank
E. 5,000-6,000
3,500
Back to Top45°
Andrew Johnson. Free frank as senator on cover to Robert Johnson in Greenville, Tenn., Washington cds at left with not-quite readable year date, Very Fine
E. 300-400
1,600
Back to Top46
Andrew Johnson. Large bold signature as member of Congress on large orange with "Free" on cover addressed in his hand to the Commissioner of Pensions, pencil docketing at left can and should be erased, slightly reduced at R., far from signature, Very Fine
E. 400-500
260
Back to Top47°
Andrew Johnson. Scarce free frank "From/Andrew Johnson/Ex Pres. U.S." in pencil, on large cover addressed in his hand to Brooklyn, N.Y., sealed tear just into "w" of "Andrew" and two pen marks at far left, otherwise Fine
E. 500-600
525
Back to Top48
Tobias Lear. Large bold frank on undated Dept. of War Acct. Office cover to New York and forwarded to Reading Pa., Washington & New York postmarks, Fine
E. 100-125
110
Back to Top49°
Charles Lindbergh. DS, 8 x 6-3/8 in., in pencil, as an Army Air Mail pilot on "Contract Air Mail Service" form for 73 lbs. of mail delivered from Chicago to St. Louis in airship #109, July 19, 1926, accompanied by photo showing Lindbergh and Robert Green (who also signed form) loading mail in the very same airship #109, Very Fine
E. 2,000-2,500
1,500
Back to Top50
Charles Lindbergh. Signature ("Chas. A. Lindbergh") on 1927 First Day cover of the Lindbergh stamp (Washington pmk.), Very Fine
E. 400-500
625
Back to Top51
Charles Lindbergh. Signature ("C.A. Lindbergh") on 1928 flight cover with horseshoe cachet, "LINDBERGH AGAIN FLIES THE AIRMAIL", Very Fine
E. 400-500
500
Back to Top52
Franz Liszt. ALS written on page of 1861 music program which included Liszt's "Prometheus" and "Faust" symphony, accompanying this is a handkerchief embroidered with the initials F.L., Fine lot
E. 600-800
1,000
Back to Top53
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. ALS, 3pp, dated Mar. 31, 1874, to a fellow poet, unnamed: "Many thanks for your beautiful poem - beautiful notwithstanding its subject, for which I have no sympathy. I am so little of a sportsman, that I rank Fox-Hunting with Bull-Fighting, and I think them equally detestable. You will perhaps smile at that, but I never lose an opportunity of entering my protest against all pleasures that spring from the pain of dumb animals. But I meant to thank you, not to preach to you; and again beg you to accept my thanks for your kindness in sending me your book." Fine content
E. 400-500
550
Back to Top54
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Three pieces, all in his hand, includes four lines from "Light of the Stars" written out and signed (1851), four lines from "Excelsior" written out and signed (1854), and "Under a spreading chestnut tree/The village smithy stands/H.W.L. 1880" with a sketch of tree in the same ink - quite possibly by Longfellow; accompanying this are an engraving and biographical entry removed from Appleton's, Fine lot
E. 300-400
900
Back to Top55
Connie Mack. Signature in pencil on unused Postal Telegraph answer blank, Fine
E. 100-150
80
Back to Top56
William McKinley. TNS, 1 page, dated June 25, 1896, small faults, still Fine
E. 150-200
160
Back to Top57
Joan Miro. Autograph ("Miro!") on cacheted First Day cover of France 1974 Miro stamp, Very Fine
E. 150-200
240
Back to Top58
Grandma Moses. Large signature on card illustrating her painting, "Black Horses" along with a note by a Mrs. F. Moses stating that the card, "was about the last she signed," Fine
E. 150-200
250
Back to Top59
Nadar. French photographer. ALS, 3pp, dated 1858, with his letterhead reproducing his signature with title, PHOTOGRAPHIE ARTISTIQUE/PORTRAITS, REPRODUCTIONS, to a Monsiour Boule, regarding an account he had received from the photographer. The letter shows something of the irresponsible con man in Nadar, as he employs here a great deal of wit and charm to avoid discussing financial matters with his friend, "clinging," as he says, "to the happy situation I have created for myself," and leaving the question of money to his partners; in French, with translation, Fine and desirable
E. 400-500
325
Back to Top60
Samuel Nelson. Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court, ALS ("S. Nelson"), 2pp, on stationery of Glen House in the White Mountains with illustration of hotel, to E.W. Stoughton, noted N.Y. attorney, regarding court papers left at his house, Very Fine
E. 200-250
90
Back to Top61
Michel Ney. Marshal of France under Napoleon, ANS, undated, in French, Fine
E. 250-350
210
Back to Top62
Richard Nixon. TLS ("Dick"), 1 page, dated Aug. 8, 1955, on Office of the Vice President stationery, to Virgil Pinkley, a newspaper editor, Very Fine
E. 150-200
85
Back to Top63
[Nathaniel Brown Palmer]. American explorer, envelope addressed to "Capt. N.B. Palmer" at Stonington Ct., Palmer discovered the mainland of Antarctica during a sealing expedition in 1820; Boston cds and uncommon "U.S./SHIP." hs, edge wear, still Fine
E. 100-150
130
Back to Top64°
John J. Pershing. TLS, 1 page, dated June 27, 1918, from France, on A.E.F. Office of the Commander-in-Chief letterhead, to Mrs. J. H. Burrows expressing his sympathy on the death of her husband. Pershing credited Burrows, a Baptist Minister and Missouri Congressman, with starting him on his army career, bold signature, with original envelope, Fine
E. 250-350
200
Back to Top65°
James K. Polk. ALS and ANS ("J.K.P."), 1847, each written to the Secretary of War, on face of folded letter addressed to Polk as president, each being recommendations for promotion of soldiers who fought in the Mexican War, Fine pair
E. 500-600
500
Back to Top66
Theodore Roosevelt. ANS, dated Apr. 7, 1908, large bold signaure on narrow card, Fine
E. 300-400
0
Back to Top67
Franklin D. Roosevelt. TLS, 1 page, dated Sep. 14, 1937, on White House stationery, to Governor Clyde Hoey of North Carolina, regarding Hoey's endorsement of a W.S. Creighton for appointment to the Interstate Commerce Comm., bold signature, Extremely Fine
E. 200-250
325
Back to Top68
Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor. Bold signature ("Wallis Windsor") on 9 x 11-1/2 in. full-length photo of her and her husband Edward (see previous lot), signed at bottom of image in blue ink which shows up well, corner crease at T.R. almost entirely in border, otherwise Very Fine
E. 150-200
120
Back to Top69
Sixtus V. Pope, LS, 1 page, dated 1585, to his treasurer, Monsignor Gnali, to settle a claim made by the illegitimate son of the nobleman Gregorio Peruschi against the estate of Camillo Persuchi, which had been left to the Apostolic See, in Italian, Fine
E. 400-500
1,000
Back to Top70
Roger B. Taney. American jurist (his most famous decision was in the Dred Scott case), ALS ("R.B. Taney"), 1 page, dated Aug. 16, 1836, to the Secretary of War, being a letter of introduction for David A. Barry, Fine
E. 200-250
135
Back to Top72
William Makepeace Thackeray. ALS, 1 page, undated, apologizing for not noticing a RSVP at the top of a note, adding, "You know when the note came that I was in my agonies, with the Doctor in the house." etc., ending the letter with pseudo-light verse disguised as prose: "Shall I take the train at 1 from Waterloo, and may I come & dine and sleep with - no no, what was I going to say? - at Hamble cliff on that day?" accompanied by CDV of the author; both pieces taped to matting by masking tape by a misguided framer, otherwise Fine
E. 400-500
260
Back to Top73°
Harry Truman. TNS, dated Jan. 16, 1970, on his stationery, with original transmittal envelope with printed free frank, Very Fine
E. 150-200
150
Back to Top74
Dwight William Tryon. American landscape painter, ALS ("D.W. Tryon"), 1 page, dated Feb. 16, 1920, answering a request for an autograph, "I hope you may be successful in making a good collection," and adding at bottom a small pen & ink sketch of a landscape, Very Fine
E. 200-250
200
Back to Top75
Gene Tunney. Large bold signature on full length photo of the boxer in suit & tie, relaxing in a chair, corner crease at top ending in small tear (virtually all in margin), far from signature, Fine
E. 100-150
70
Back to Top76
[William Marcy Tweed]. 1852 letter from the Committee of the Common Council inviting Rev. Benjamin Haight to officiate at obsequies for the late Henry Clay, with secretarial signature of "Boss" Tweed - at this time an alderman on his climb to absolute power in New York City politics, Very Fine
E. 75-100
0
Back to Top77°
John Tyler. Free frank ("J. Tyler") on undated folded cover addressed entirely in his hand to the editior of Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond, magenta ms. "Way", bold signature, Very Fine and attractive
E. 250-350
220
Back to Top78
John Tyler. Virginia Governor and father of the President, printed letter signed, dated Feb. 3, 1810 at Richmond, originally accompanying the "Proceedings of the Legislature of this State on a proposed Amendment of the Constitution of the United States" etc., to the Governor of South Carolina, Very Fine
E. 75-100
80
Back to Top79°
[Victoria]. Envelope addressed "To Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria" from Verajendra Bahadur, ruler of a province of Southern India, with magnificent enclosure, 11 x 17-3/8 in., showing gold crest letterhead and matching border, text in bold blue ink, requesting that the Queen take his son - who had recently adopted the Christian faith - into her care, Very Fine and choice, a beautiful piece, suitable for framing
E. 750-1,000
750
Back to Top80
Booker T. Washington. TLS, 1 page, 8-1/2 x 7-3/8 in., dated Jan. 27, 1915, with Institute letterhead, accompanied by small photo and Artcraft FDC of the 1940 stamp, Fine
E. 150-200
135
Back to Top82
Woodrow Wilson. TLS, 1 page, dated Nov. 24, 1916 on White House stationery, to Governor Arthur Yager of Puerto Rico (who was a college classmate of Wilson): "I thank you warmly for your kind message. A duty becomes a privilege when it is so generously rewarded with the confidence of the people." In 1919 Yager inscribed and signed this letter for his secretary, Richard Van Deusen, Fine
E. 250-350
325
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