Civil War
CLARA BARTON (1821-1912). American nurse and humanitarian who tended the wounded in the Civil War, earning her the sobriquet "Angel of the Battlefield"; founder of American National Red Cross; awarded the Iron Cross of Germany for her efforts during the Franco-Prussian War. TLS, 1p, 8"x101/2", Glen Echo, MD, May 15, 1901. To Katherine Thomas acknowledging request for "a good picture of me with the syndicate article. I have no good picture never had and I suppose never can have. I have nothing new and do not expect to have. Please don't place too much reliance upon me for anything. You see that report stands directly in my way and I shall probably be absent for the next two or three weeks. I want to do what you want me to do. I am not sure that I can..." Darkly signed in black ink. Accompanied by original imprinted American National Red cross transmittal cover with her imprinted name. Partial fold separations with no paper loss tape reinforced on verso; three edge nicks with very small paper loss; else VG. Barton was referencing her report to the US Congress relating to Red Cross relief efforts after the 1900 Galveston hurricane. She and six Red Cross workers had traveled by train to the devastation on Galveston Island where over 6,000 people had lost their lives. The 78-year-old nurse and her team provided shelter, dispensed food, clothing and bandages, and tended to the sick. It was the last disaster relief effort she would personally oversee.
Heads of State & Royalty
MIKHAIL GORBACHEV (b. 1931). President of USSR (1985-91) who introduced reforms in Soviet Union and was awarded the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in helping to end cold war. SP, color, 14"x11" half-length portrait of the famous image of Gorbachev embracing President Ronald Reagan. Signed in blue felt tip above his image. Fine example. COA Score Board Inc. for whom the Soviet leader penned his autograph on a number of such photographs in a private signing.
PHILIP II OF SPAIN (1527-1598). King of Spain (1556-1598), of Naples and Sicily (1554-1598), and of Portugal (1580-1598) as Philip I. He suppressed the revolt of the Moors, instituted the Inquisition and launched the Spanish Armada in an unsuccessful attempt to invade England (1598). LS "Yo el Ray" in Spanish, 1p, 12"x16, Madrid, Aug 25, 1569. In the hand of his secretary Francisco de deCasso. Royal seal and signatures of appropriate officials on verso. Official legitimization granted for inheritance given to Pedro Muņoz, Catalina Musa and Ysabel Muņoz, that one Huvo Pedro Muņoz of Caravaca is their father, having married in Murcia. Clearly and elegantly penned. Boldly signed by the King Philip beneath text. Irregular 13/4" tear at top left portion of text affecting only a few words; couple minor areas of ink erosion; else in excellent condition. Archivally contained within custom gilt wood frame beside 43/4"x6" b/w image of Philip II. Overall 241/2"x22".
WILHELM II (1859-1941). Emperor of Germany and king of Prussia (1888-1918). Grandson of Queen Victoria, his rather confused policies were instrumental in bringing about World War I. Postcard TLS, Doorn, Netherlands, Dec 24, 1940. From exile, the former emperor writes to correspondent in Germany thanking her "for the detailed and poetic letter " extending Christmas and New Year good wishes. He returns warmest greetings on behalf of himself and the empress. Boldly signed in purple indelible pencil six months before his death. On verso is a b/w photograph of the elder Wilhelm and his wife standing outside their castle in the Netherlands. Fine.
Jurists, Cabinet Members & Politicians
[19TH CENTURY POLITICIANS] Canadian MARSHALL S. BIDWELL (1798-1872) was leader of the Liberal Party during the rebellion of 1837 for which he was ordered to leave Canada. Arriving in NY City, he became a leading attorney, practicing law in the higher courts, and later became appraisement of the oldest savings bank in NY City. ALS, 2pp, 73/4"x10", New York, Mar 23, 1838. To bank president Thomas Olcott. Nice content regarding his desire to settle in Albany and form a partnership with a Mr. Jenkins which he would like Mr. Olcott to facilitate. Present also is an ALS by attorney and Nebraska politician and orator JOHN M. THURSTON (1847-1916), 1p, 81/2"x10", n.p., Dec 9, 1895. Having been born in Vermont, he writes poetically to M. E. Wheeler in Rutland, in part, "I love my native state...Four generations of my ancestors conjured a frugal subsistence form her rugged hills. Two of them fought upon her soil for independence; and...my father proved the ardor of his inherited patriotism, and gave his life for the preservation of the Union. One of her loveliest daughters crowned my life with love, and blessed my western home with priceless jewels...So let me live, so let me die, that dear Vermont, my mother, may be glad to write above my dust, 'this was my son'..." Both letters are darkly penned and signed. Both evidence general light toning; else Fine.
FREDERICK M. VINSON (1890-1953). Chief Justice of US Supreme Court appointed by Harry Truman in 1946 generally supporting his "Fair Deal" policies. Three partly printed DsS, personal bank checks drawn on his account at The First National Bank, Louisa, KY, January & April 1949. Made payable to The National Press Club for $12; Lansburgh & Bros. for $32.01; and Dr. Howard R. Lady for $162. All are boldly signed and completed in type. Some show-through of clerking stamps on verso, one moderate, and two others on face of checks close to but not touching signature. Generally VG.
Aviators & Explorers
CHARLES A. LINDBERGH COLLECTION (1902-1974). American aviator, the first to fly nonstop in a solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927. A national hero, he was dubbed "Lucky Lindy" by an adoring public and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his autobiography, The Spirit of St. Louis, (1953). Collection recounting the Lindberghs' trip from New York to Tokyo where they were assisted by Ladonace "Don" Hilles, an American pilot and engineer born in Japan who assisted the Lindberghs'' in Tokyo during their trip to Japan. SP "C.A. Lindbergh" and "Anne Lindbergh" over light area at bottom of a 53/4"4" sepia image of the Lindberghs at a dinner event in Japan. Ink a bit uneven in Charles signature; Anne's somewhat light but fully legible. Charles sits at center, with his wife seated three places to the right, wearing traditional Japanese dress. Their friend Don Hilles is second from the left. Surrounded by their hosts, included are five unidentified Japanese men in naval dress uniforms, probably officers connected to naval aviation. Image attributed to H. Ishitsuka on photographer's mount. Laid to black mat backing beside a newspaper clipping with map of the "Lindberghs' 7,132 Mile Trip" from New York to Tokyo by way of Canada and Siberia and stops along the way. Accompanied by a second unsigned candid outdoor photograph of the Lindberghs and Mr. Hilles with their hosts, who are in the midst of a toast honoring their guests. 43/4"x31/2". Mounted. Plus a TLS "C. A. Lindbergh," 1p, 81/2"x11", New York, Jan 18, 1933. On his personal letterhead to Ladonace "Don" Hilles, in full: "I will be very glad to talk to the Pan American officers in regard to the experience you have had in the Orient. At the present time I do not believe their plans are definite enough to contemplate adding any personnel. If in the future they need men with your background, I will be more than glad to let you know. I am turning your letter over to the company for record. I am sorry that I missed you in New York. I have been extremely busy lately and, I am afraid I have neglected some of my friends in consequence..." Darkly signed. Laid to mat backing, which had been originally framed [could be professionally removed]. Original transmittal envelope mounted to bottom blank margin of letter. At the time the Lindberghs were preparing a trip to northern Europe to scout commercial flight routes for Pan American. Hilles' request was premature, as commercial flights to Japan were not instituted until after World War II. Mounted also is an American Mail Line note paper with logo signed as "C.A. Lindbergh" with a Room number at 25 Broadway, NY penciled beneath in another hand; and a card, 31/2"x2", with ANS "Charles A. Lindbergh", in full: "Please permit Mr. Hilles to inspect our plane and to make any repairs he considers necessary. Thank you..." Lindbergh directs the note beneath to Jaher [?] Sasaki, Osaka Airport." Additionally present are three 16mm Motion Picture Reels, each 400 ft, of the Hilles family in Japan and the US. The type of film (Eastman Plus-X Reversal 7276) would seem to indicate that these are either from a later date than the Lindbergh trip or were transferred from earlier film. Among Hilles' personal items is his Pilots Log Book, 1929 - 34, contained within metal portfolio with notarized flight listings, mostly in the Eastern United States region. Fitted within custom brown cloth case. Plus a smaller logbook with dates 1935 - 41 and picking up again in 1962 - 68. Also his 1938 and 1941 Connecticut Aircraft Pilot's Licenses. Additionally, there is a sheaf of 14 Simsbury Flying Service vouchers, 1961 - 62.
Presidents
[1864 ELECTION TICKET] A Miami County, Ohio Union Presidential Ticket for the 1864 election listing Abraham Lincoln for President and Andrew Johnson for Vice President together with 21 state electors, 3"x8". Patriotic motif at center depicts Columbia with a sword labeled "Union." Imprinted "Greene" County has been stricken and "Miami Co." penciled above. Light stain at right margin; else near Fine.
[1884 ELECTION TICKET] Democratic Presidential election ticket for 1884, 31/4"x71/2", promoting Cleveland for President and Thomas A. Hendricks for Vice President plus full slate of electors, gubernatorial, congressional and county nominees. Attractive patriotic woodcut engraving at top center captioned on shield "Constitution and Union." Fine example.
EDITH KERMIT ROOSEVELT (1861-1948). Second wife of Theodore Roosevelt and First Lady during his administration (1901-09). While guarding the large family's privacy, her management and hostess skills were highlighted during the many White House social occasions. Interestingly, she came out of retirement in 1932 to make a seconding speech on behalf of Herbert Hoover's bid for a second term rather than supporting her nephew by marriage, Franklin Roosevelt. ALS, 31/2pp, 41/2"x7", [Oyster Bay], Jun 29, [n.y.]. To a friend with social content. In part: "It is very good of you to want me to spend the sixth with you, but I cannot decide to leave home for the preset. You can't think how glad I am to go to bed quietly in my own room night after night, and then Archie goes [?] early in August and I don't have to lose a single day of him. Thank you also for the invitation to Ethel...I shall be very glad to have her go. Josephine is so sweet and the two girls seem always happy together - just the kind of companionship one would choose for girls of their age..." Boldly penned and signed in full. Light mailing fold; else Fine.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (1882-1945). Thirty-second President of the United States (1933-45) who led the nation through most of World War II; architect of New Deal legislation and social security system; Assistant secretary of the Navy during WW I; governor of New York. Embossed White House card signed in blue fountain pen. Minor toning from previous display; else a Fine clean example.
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT (1857-1930). Twenty-seventh President of the United States (1909-13); chief justice of US Supreme Court (1921-30). He was Theodore Roosevelt's secretary of war, succeeding him in the White House. Brief TLS as President, 1p, 7"x83/4", Washington, DC, Feb 19, 1912. On White House letterhead to Texas Governor Oscar B. Colquitt. In full: "I have yours of February 16th and have invited the comment of the Attorney General, as you suggest..." Boldly signed n black ink. Signature rests on horizontal center mailing fold; ink slightly faded; light check mark at bottom margin barely touching last letter of signature; else Fine. Loosely mounted and contained within frame. Overall 91/2"x111/2.
Literature
JULIA WARD HOWE (1819-1910). Author, fervent abolitionist and suffragette best remembered as author of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" (1862), inspired by a visit to a Union army camp. Howe was the first woman elected to American Academy of Arts and Letters. ALS, 4pp with integral leaf, 5"x73/4", Boston, Jun 14, 1895. On her return home from a trip to Baltimore, Howe extends her appreciation and thanks to a doctor for his and his wife's gracious hospitality. In very small part: "Here I am, safe and sound, after a comfortable journey. Miss Gilman proved a very pleasant travelling companion...Your cheque for ten dollars arrived this morning...I shall always remember my visit...with sincere pleasure..." Darkly penned and signed. Light general toning; quarter folds; couple lines of text from last page penned at left edge on recto; some wear at bottom of last page with some unevenness of ink; else VG.
Entertainment
ASTAIRE & ROGERS FILM TEAM American choregrapher and dancer FRED ASTAIRE (1899-1987), known for his graceful, sophisticated style and sense of humor he brought to film roles, together with actress/dancer partner GINGER ROGERS (1911-1995) of '30s musicals fame. Very nice SPs, b/w, 8"x10" bust portrait of the older actor in formal attire; and a half-length portrait of the young actress, with minor wrinkling. Boldly signed. Generally Fine.
BEN TURPIN (1874-1940). Cross-eyed silent comedian popular in short slapstick skits of the '20s. He starred in such films as Show of Shows (1929) and The Love Parade (1930). Darkly signed album leaf in black fountain pen, 61/4"x33/4". He adds beneath, "1-7-37." Fine example. Accompanied by very nice reproduced b/w 8"x10" Mack Sennet Comedies profile promotional portrait and a quarter-length portrait in costume with clock on 63/4"x5" unused correspondence card, both unsigned. Great ensemble for framing.
BOB HOPE (1903-2003). Wisecracking comedian of stage and screen in a career that spanned vaudeville, radio, television and around 60 films. ISP, b/w, 5"x71/4" half-length standing portrait in his library. Boldly inscribed and signed in black felt tip, adding "'Thanks for the Memory'..." Fine example.
[BYE BYE BIRDIE] The 1963 film adaptation of the stage musical inspired by teen idol Elvis Presley starred DICK VAN DYKE who reprised his stage role, plus ANNE MARGARET; JANET LEIGH; and BOBBY RYDELL. Two SPs, b/w, 10"x8" casual portrait in later years penned by three of the stars: Van Dyke, Margaret, and Leigh. Plus a publicity photo of Margaret and Rydell signed by the singer and one-time teen favorite. All are signed in felt tip. Rydell's last name evidences slight ink brushing; else Fine with noted exception.
[GET SMART] Popular sitcom satirizing the secret agent drama which garnered seven Emmys during its run 1965-70. It starred DON ADAMS (1923-2005); and BARBARA FELDON (b. 1923). ISP, b/w, 8"x10" publicity portrait of the two, Feldon adding inscription and sentiment above '99' in black felt tip. Fine.
GINGER ROGERS (1911-1995). Actress and dancer of 30's musicals fame with Fred Astaire, winning an Academy Award for her performance in Kitty Foil (1940). ISP with sentiment, b/w, 8"x10" promotional portrait of the young star. Darkly inscribed and signed adding "1982." Bottom edge nick with no paper loss; occasional light wrinkling and bumps; stray ink marks near image; else Good/VG with strong signature area.
GREGORY PECK (1916-2003). Durable stage and screen leading man; recipient of Academy Award for his performance in To Kill a Mockingbird. Two ISPs, b/w, three-quarter length standing portraits in later years. Duplicate images separately inscribed to two different collectors and boldly signed in black felt tip. Fine.
[GRUMPIER OLD MEN] The 1995 sequel to Grumpy Old Men reuniting WALTER MATTHAU and Jack Lemmon; and costarring SOPHIA LOREN. SP, color, 10"x8" film still featuring Matthau and Loren. Each has signed in felt tip. Fine.
JANE RUSSELL (b. 1921). Voluptuous American leading lady who came to Hollywood when an agent sent her photo to producer Howard Hughes. Starring her in The Outlaw (1943), his publicity campaign led to problems with censorship for three years. Reproduced SP, color, 10"x8" famous publicity portrait for The Outlaw. Darkly signed beneath sentiment "Wow I'm tired..." Fine.
NELSON EDDY (1901-1967). Romantic actor with operatic background fondly remembered for his film operettas opposite Jeannette MacDonald such as Rose Marie (1936). Vintage ISP, b/w, 8"x10" half-length portrait leaning on a piano. Boldly isgned in lavender ink above his image. Light border wear; ink only a little uneven yet remains strong; else near Fine.
ONA MUNSON (1907-1955). Character actress and former dancer who played prostitute "Belle Watling" in Gone With The Wind. Darkly penned Fine signature in black ink on light green paper, 33/4"x11/4", loosely matted with color printed film still in a scene from GWTW, 61/2"x81/2". Overall 8"x10". Attractive.
STAN KENTON (1911-1979). Pianist and progressive jazz orchestra leader and arranger earning Grammy for Adventures in Jazz and West Side Story (1963). Vintage ISP with sentiment, b/w, 71/2"x9" bust portrait. Darkly penned in blue fountain pen. Borders trimmed; ink slightly uneven; mounting traces on verso; else near Fine.
[STEVE ALLEN SHOW] Pioneering television variety show (1956-61) hosted by Allen at the same time he was hosting the still popular Tonight Show. The exposure as regulars on the series launched the careers of comedians LOUIS NYE (1913-2005), TOM POSTON (1921-2007) among others. Signed cards, approx 4"x21/4", individually signed by host STEVE ALLEN (1921-2000); Nye, inscribed; and Poston with sentiment. All are attractively matted with small b/w printed portraits beside a large b/w 91/4"x101/4" magazine portrait of Allen interacting with audience captioned "The Golden Age." Overall 151/4"x181/2". Fine display.
WILLIAM C. HANDY (1873-1958). American composer and musician known as the "Father of the Blues," he published the first blues composition, "Memphis Blues" in 1911. Among his best known songs are "Beale Street Blues" and "Yellow Dog Blues." Signed paper slip in blue ink, 41/2"x33/4". Fine example.
Sports
BILL RUSSELL (b.1934). Five time NBA MVP whose shot blocking skills were a cornerstone in the Boston Celtic franchise, leading them to eleven NBA championships. SP, color, 10"x8" action still in Celtics uniform. Darkly signed in blue felt tip, adding his "#6." Accompanied by his signed COA, Nov 4, 2000, for Hollywood Collectibles. Darkly penned in blue ink. Fine examples. Both are matted under plexiglass within simple frame. Overall 141/2"x211/4".
[BROOKLYN DODGERS] Beloved NY team that was moved to Los Angeles in 1958. Printed SP, b/w, 14"x11" vintage aerial view of Ebbets Field and environs. Signed by 14 team members of the '40s and '50s including GEORGE 'SHOTGUN' SHUBA; ELMER VALO; BILLY HERMAN; CAL ABRAMS; JOHNNY RIZZO; DIXIE HOWELL; COOKIE LAVAGETTO; CLYDE KING; SPIDER JORGENSON; BOBBY BRAGAN; CLEM LABINE; RUSS MEYER; BUDDY HASSETT; and WALT MORYN. All boldly penned in blue ink. Fine. Attractively double matted to overall 20"x16".
CARL HUBBELL (1903-1988). HOF pitcher known as the NY Giants "Meal Ticket." Gold Hall of Fame plaque boldly signed at top margin. Ink slightly faded; stray ink mark; else near Fine.
HAROLD "RED" GRANGE (1903-1991). Football's "Galloping Ghost." After an extraordinary college career, he played most of his professional career with the Chicago Bears. He was a charter member of both the College and Pro Hall of Fame. Typed statement of his Football Record, 1p, 81/2"x11", n.p., n.d. Summary of his football statistics from Wheaton Illinois High School through his college years, plus listings of the years played with Chicago Bears, including years as assistant coach. Large, boldly signed signature in black felt tip at bottom margin, adding his jersey number "77." Fine.
JIM PALMER (b. 1945). Hall Of Fame All-Star and Cy Young Award wining pitcher during the glory years of the Baltimore Orioles, 1966-1983. Boldly signed Rawlings Official Major League Selig baseball. Darkly penned in blue ink on the sweet spot, adding "HOF 90." Fine example.
MARILYNN SMITH (b. 1929). One of the thirteen founders of the LPGA, winning two championship tours; member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. ALS, 1p, 81/2"x11", Jupiter, FL, Dec 23, 1968. On her personal Spalding Sales Corporation letterhead as supervising director of Women's Golf Promotion to an admirer graciously responding to his autograph request explaining that she had just found it while preparing for a "71/2 month 'Round-the-World' trip...." Darkly penned and signed. Couple light wrinkles; else Fine.
[VINTAGE FOOTBALL IMMORTALS] Collection of five signed Fleer The Immortal Roll trading cards. Each features a b/w portrait or action still of the player with biographical information on verso. Included are NY Giants halfback KEN STRONG (1906-1979) in blue ink; Cleveland Browns quarterback OTTO GRAHAM (1921-1982), blue ink a little faded but entirely legible; Chicago Bears tackle and linebacker GEORGE CONNOR (1925-2003); Philadelphia Eagles center, linebacker CHUCK BEDNARIK (b. 1925) in green ink, slightly faded; and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle ERNIE STAUTNER (1925-2006) in red ink, minor soiling. Excellent assortment of very desirable autographs in excellent condition with noted exceptions.
[VINTAGE FOOTBALL STARS] Very nice collection of seven 1977 Touchdown trading cards featuring photos of football stars of the '40s and '50s with their career highlights on verso. Darkly signed by the oldtime players and coaches, including five Hall of Fame members. Included are HOF player/coach RAY FLAHERTY; HOF tackle/linebacker GEORGE "MOOSE" CONNOR; HOF Guard BILL WILLIS; HOF halfback GEORGE MCAFEE; tackle PAUL STENN; HOF quarterback ACE PARKER; and quarterback/coach BUDDY PARKER, inscribed. Fine examples.