Framed Autographs and Historical Documents
Raptis Rare Books maintains an extensive selection of framed autographs, manuscripts, signed and inscribed photographs, and historical documents.
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THE MOST IMPORTANT GEORGE WASHINGTON DOCUMENT IN PRIVATE HANDS; GEORGE WASHINGTON'S COMMISSION AS COMMANDER IN CHIEF, 1775, ONE OF ONLY TWO ORIGINALS
THOMSON, Charles. [George Washington].
George Washington’s Commission as General and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United Colonies.
Philadelphia: June 19, 1775.
One of only two originals of George Washington's Commission as General and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United Colonies; the Ahlstrom discovery, the only duplicate of Washington's own document now in the Library of Congress. One-page, oblong folio on sheepskin vellum, autograph document signed, entirely in the hand of Charles Thomson Secretary of the Continental Congress (including the signature of John Hancock which Thomson copied from the original document), appointing George Washington as General and Commander in Chief of the army of the United Colonies, Philadelphia, 19 June 1775. The document reads in full, "In Congress The…
Price: $975,000.00 Item Number: 145372
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"This is what I gave voluntarily at the risk of my life to keep my promise to the Government": Exceptionally rare document containing the fingerprints of Mohandas K. Gandhi; signed and inscribed by him
GANDHI, Mohandas K.
Mohandas K. Gandhi Signed Document.
1909.
Early 20th century South African government document containing the fingerprints of Mohandas K. Gandhi, signed and inscribed by him, "This is what I gave voluntarily at the risk of my life to keep my promise to the Government. Phoenix, Natal, 15th February 1909, M.K. Gandhi." In April 1893, Gandhi aged 23, set sail for South Africa to practice law in the colony of Natal, which, like India was part of the British Empire. The racial discrimination he experienced in his first year of residence inspired him to found the Natal Indian Congress which opposed several proposed discriminatory legislations and molded the Indian…
Price: $650,000.00 Item Number: 132138
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR-DATE LETTER FROM WASHINGTON TO ROCHAMBEAU ON A PROPOSED EXPEDITION TO PENOBSCOT
WASHINGTON, George.
George Washington Letter Signed.
April 10, 1781.
Highly important letter signed (“Go: Washington”), as Commander-in-Chief, 2 pages folio, “Head Quarters New Windsor April 10 [17]81”, to his French ally Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, the body of the letter in the hand of his trusted aide-de-camp, Alexander Hamilton; horizontal fold separation repaired, minor tears and chips along margins. In the spring of 1781, officials from Massachusetts approached Rochambeau with a proposal to attack the British post at the mouth of the Penobscot river— established in June 1779 to secure timber for shipyards in Halifax and to protect Nova Scotia from any American advance. On 6…
Price: $175,000.00 Item Number: 125872
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"You are one of the most special people to me, and you have meant so much to my life": Exceptionally Rare collection of original Harper Lee drawings, a painting, and letters with a first edition of To Kill A Mockingbird in the scarce first issue dust jacket; inscribed by Lee to close colleague and friend Charles Weldon Carruth
LEE, Harper.
To Kill a Mockingbird. Original Harper Lee Drawing, Painting and Letter Collection.
Philadelphia & New York: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1960.
First edition of perhaps the most important American novel of the 20th century, inscribed by Harper Lee to a close college friend and with a scarce archive of drawings and letters exchanged between the two. Octavo, original green cloth backed brown boards, titles to spine in gilt. Association copy, inscribed by Harper Lee to close University of Alabama college friend, Charles Weldon Carruth, "To my dear friend Charles, with love always — Harper Lee." In the fall term of 1945, Lee and Carruth both enrolled in a Shakespeare course taught by one of the University of Alabama's most famous faculty…
Price: $125,000.00 Item Number: 1115260
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Exceptionally rare autograph album containing the autographs of 24 American Presidents in addition to numerous autographs of Cabinet Members, vice presidents and several rare carte-de-visites
WASHINGTON, George; John Adams; Thomas Jefferson; James Madison; Andrew Jackson; Martin Van Buren; William Henry Harrison; James Tyler; James H. Polk; James Buchanan; Zachary Taylor; Millard Fillmore; James Buchanan; Franklin Pierce; Abraham Lincoln; William Seward; Andrew Johnson; Ulysses S. Grant; James Garfield; Chester A. Arthur; Grover Cleveland; Benjamin Harrison; Grover Cleveland; William McKinley; Alexander Hamilton.
Autograph Album of the Presidents and Cabinet Officials of the United States of America.
Rare late 19th century folio album containing an extensive collection of Presidential autographs, letters, carte-de-visites, and portraits in addition to those of each Cabinet. Folio, bound in three quarter morocco with five raised bands and gilt titles to the spine. The album contains: a clipped signature of President George Washington with a four-page letter of provenance dated July 13 1948, several portraits of him including two rare carte-de-visites as well as a carte-de-visite of Martha Washington; and autograph letter signed by John Adams as President to Benjamin Lincoln, Quincy, July 23, 1799; a clipped document signed by Thomas Jefferson as…
Price: $82,000.00 Item Number: 129509
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Three exceptionally rare Abraham Lincoln Pieces; An autograph Pardon of December 8, 1863 Signed by him; pristine original carte-de-visite; and exceedingly rare contemporary printing of the Proclamation of Amnesty
LINCOLN, Abraham.
Abraham Lincoln Amnesty Proclamation and Signed Pardon of December 8, 1863.
Washington, D.C.: War Department, Adjutant General's Office, 1864-1869.
Rare autograph Oath of December 8 endorsement signed and entirely in the hand of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln with an exceedingly rare contemporary printing of Lincoln's Amnesty Proclamation which includes the wording of the oath itself and a rare carte-de-visite of Lincoln [Providence, RI: Salisbury, Bro. & Co., n.d.]. One page, the endorsement is signed and inscribed by Lincoln, “Let these men take the oath of Dec. 8, 1863 & be discharged – A. Lincoln Dec. 30, 1863.” One page, disbound, the contemporary printing of the Amnesty Proclamation consists of 6 pages printed by order…
Price: $75,000.00 Item Number: 132045
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RARE PORTRAIT OF THE FATHER OF SOVIET RUSSIA: VLADIMIR LENIN; SIGNED BY HIM
LENIN. [ULYANOV, Vladimir Ilyich].
Vladimir Lenin Signed Portrait.
1922.
Rare printed portrait signed by the father of Soviet Russia, Vladimir Lenin. One page, printed with a horizontal crease, inscribed by Lenin in the lower portion of the portrait, "VI Ulyanov (Lenin) 28.IV.1922." In very good condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 17 inches by 31.75 inches.
Price: $75,000.00 Item Number: 132168
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RARE AND UNRECORDED LAND INDENTURE SIGNED TWICE BY SIR ISAAC NEWTON
NEWTON, Isaac.
Isaac Newton Manuscript Land Indenture Signed.
November 11, 1719.
Rare and unrecorded 18th century legal document signed twice at the conclusion by Sir Isaac Newton as a witness to a land indenture. Manuscript document signed twice on the verso "Isaac Newton", one vellum membrane, dated 11 November 1719, signed by Thomas Sturgess and with his seal, witnessed twice on the dorse (the sealing of the document and the payment of the PS270 witnessed separately) by Newton and also by Richard Cox and James Weston, and also signed again by Sturgess. The document records an indenture by which Thomas Sturgess of the parish of St Martin's in the Fields sells…
Price: $65,000.00 Item Number: 146958
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Signed Photograph of Albert Einstein in Jerusalem; The Only One Known to Exist
EINSTEIN, Albert.
Albert Einstein Signed Photograph.
1923.
Extremely rare original photograph boldly signed "Albert Einstein Jersusalem 1923" during his only trip to Palestine in 1923. Einstein's return voyage from his tour of Japan and China took him via the Red Sea and Suez Canal which allowed him to accept the invitation of Arthur Ruppin, the director of the Palestine office of the Zionist Organization in Jaffa to visit the region for twelve days. Einstein arrived in Port Said on February 1, 1923, and from there he traveled to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Jaffa and Haifa. The photographer, Zvi Oron, began his career in Warsaw and the United States…
Price: $60,000.00 Item Number: 141301
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"God is Truth": Exceptionally rare Etching Signed by Gandhi and Illustrator Fritz Eichenberg
GANDHI, Mohandas K. [Mahatma].
Mohandas K. Gandhi Signed Engraving Portrait.
Wood engraving of a bust-length portrait of one of the most famous graphic images of Gandhi by illustrator Fritz Eichenberg; signed by Gandhi, "God is Truth MK Gandhi." Below Gandhi's inscription in a pencil inscription by Fritz Eichenberg, "To Eva Aug. 16th, 1948 with love from Fritz" and additionally signed "Fritz Eichenberg." The engraving is a proof impression on Japanese paper. The portrait by Eichenberg was originally created for The Catholic Worker, a newspaper in the cause of social justice, and was subsequently used in multiple other publications. "The word satya (Truth) is derived from Sat which means 'being'. Nothing…
Price: $50,000.00 Item Number: 103540
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"captured the hopes and dreams of the people and acted as a blueprint for the liberation struggle and the future of the nation": Rare broadside of The Freedom Charter of South Africa; signed by by the five adoptive Chairmen
[LUTHULI, Albert; Leon Levy; Monty Naiker; Jimmy Laguma; Pieter Beyleveld.
The Freedom Charter of South Africa Signed Broadside.
Rare printed broadside of The Freedom Charter which Nelson Mandela stated "captured the hopes and dreams of the people and acted as a blueprint for the liberation struggle and the future of the nation"; signed by the five adoptive Chairmen. One page, typescript, the broadside is signed by Albert Luthuli (President of the African National Congress), Leon Levy (President of the South African Congress of Trades Unions), Dr. Monty Naiker (President of the National Indian Congress), Jimmy Laguma (President of the South African Coloured Peoples Congress), and Pieter Beyleveld (President of the South African Congress of Democrats). In near fine…
Price: $45,000.00 Item Number: 131339
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Rare Letter signed by George Washington regarding his various land holdings in Virginia
WASHINGTON, George.
George Washington Letter Signed.
Mount Vernon: July 28, 1785.
Rare letter signed by George Washington to his land agent in Virginia, Battaile Muse. Quarto, three pages on a single folded leaf, the letter is addressed to Mr. Battaile Muse. The body of the letter, in a secretarial hand, reads in full: "Mount Vernon, July 28, 1785 Sir: A few days ago by a Mr. Hickman, who either is, or wants to be a tenant of mine in Frederick County. I sent you a Dozen Blank leases. The Tract on which he says he is fixed, is part of two lots which I purchased at the sale of Colo. George…
Price: $40,000.00 Item Number: 139571
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Rare large format photograph of American cultural icon James Dean; inscribed by him to his photographer Sanford H. Roth
DEAN, James. [Sanford H. Roth].
James Dean Signed Photograph.
Rare large format Sanford H. Roth photograph of cultural icon James dean playing table tennis. Inscribed beneath his image, "To Mr. Roth best wishes James Dean." The recipient, renowned American photographer Sanford H. Roth, was a close friend of Dean's and photographed him frequently. Dean visited Roth's home in California frequently and treated him and his wife Beulah almost as adoptive parents. Poignantly, Roth was in Dean's Ford station wagon driving behind Dean's new Porsche Spyder on the way to the Salinas Road Races on September 30, 1955, when Dean was killed in a late afternoon traffic accident. Roth took…
Price: $35,000.00 Item Number: 124398
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"unscrew the locks from the doors! Unscrew the doors themselves from their jambs!": Rare Mimeographed Sheets of The Howl Produced for its First Reading. Preceding the First Edition and signed by Ginsberg and five others present at the Six Gallery in October of 1955
GINSBERG, Allen.
Howl, for Carl Solomon. Mimeographed for the Six Gallery Reading.
Two sheets from an exceptionally rare privately produced mimeographed printing of Howl, preceding the first edition. One of 25 copies printed on rectos only in purple ink typed by the poet Robert Creeley and printed by Marthe Rexroth at S.F State, where she was a secretary, for the famous Six Gallery reading (also known as Six Angels in the Same Performance). This event, which took place at 3110 Fillmore Street in San Francisco on October 7, 1955 was the first important public poetry exhibition heralding the West Coast literary revolution of the Beat Generation. At the reading, five talented young poets—Allen…
Price: $35,000.00 Item Number: 40140
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"Truman hasn't found it out": Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper "Dewey Defeats Truman": Signed by Harry S. Truman and Thomas Dewey
TRUMAN, Harry S.
Dewey Defeats Truman Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper.
1948.
Signed Chicago Daily Tribune with the headline "Dewey Defeats Truman, signed by both Truman and Dewey as follows, "Truman hasn't found it out, Harry S. Truman" and "Thomas E. Dewey." It was an incorrect banner headline on the front page of the Chicago Daily Tribune on November 3, 1948, the day after incumbent United States President, Harry S. Truman, won an upset victory over Republican challenger and Governor of New York, Thomas E. Dewey, in the 1948 presidential election. It was famously held up by Truman at a public appearance following his successful election, smiling triumphantly at the error. The erroneous headline of the…
Price: $30,000.00 Item Number: 141484
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FINE PAIR OF RARE EARLY 19TH CENTURY Josiah Loring CELESTIAL AND TERRESTRIAL TABLE GLOBES
LORING, Josiah.
Loring’s Terrestrial and Celestial Table Globes.
Boston: Josiah Loring, c. 1833.
Fine pair of rare early 19th century American celestial and terrestrial table globes published by Josiah Loring. Both the celestial and terrestrial globe measure 17 inches in diameter with a calibrated brass meridian ring and 17 inch mahogany horizon ring decorated with mounted hand colored decorations. Mounted on ebonized oak stands. Each globe is comprised of 12 richly detailed hand-colored gores with polar calottes, the terrestrial globe detailing the earth’s landmasses, major countries and cities and the celestial showing the major stars in various sizes related to their brightness. Major constellations and all twelve zodiac signs are illustrated with detailed…
Price: $30,000.00 Item Number: 132508
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Exceptionally rare second edition of Ye Zipei’s complete map of the world, one of only two known copies produced by terrestrial globe expert Liu Yan
YAN, Liu (Liu Dezhi). [Ye Zipei].
Complete Map of the World with All Nations.
China: Wanguo Dadi Quantu, 1851 [Xianfeng period].
Exceptionally rare second edition of Ye Zipei’s complete map of the world, one of only two known copies produced by terrestrial globe expert Liu Yan. The terrestrial map is comprised of six accordion-style albums bound in handmade paper with white titular labels lettered in hand to each front panel. A woodblock print in red and black ink, the map features two hemispheres defined by straight meridian and circular parallel lines and a ground of red grids. The left hemisphere centers on the south pole, while the right one on the north pole; both are bordered by the equator, adopting the…
Price: $30,000.00 Item Number: 131424
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WASHINGTON APPOINTS FIRST SURVEYOR GENERAL: Rare manuscript document appointing Simeon De Witt as the first surveyor general; signed by President George Washington
WASHINGTON, George.
George Washington Signed Appointment of the First Surveyor General.
Philadelphia: May 13, 1796.
Rare manuscript document boldly signed by George Washington as the first President of the United States of American appointing the first Surveyor General of the United States. One page, oblong quarto, manuscript document in a secretarial hand on vellum, Philadelphia, 13 May 1796, signed at the conclusion, "G. Washington" and countersigned by Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State. With paper presidential seal, docketed on verso, creased from folding. Trained in surveying as a youth, Simeon De Witt (1756-1834) gained early distinction making maps for George Washington during the Revolution, ultimately becoming Geographer and Surveyor of the Continental Army. After the war,…
Price: $30,000.00 Item Number: 145490
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"direct observational evidence of the validity of the Big Bang theory": rare silver gelatin galaxy spectra annotated by influential American astronomer Edwin Hubble
[HUBBLE, Edwin].
Edwin Hubble Annotated Virgo and Ursa Major Cluster Spectra.
Two rare silver gelatin galaxy spectra annotated by influential American astronomer Edwin Hubble, offering proof of Hubble's law and direct observational evidence of the validity of the Big Bang theory. Mounted on cardboard, one spectrum reveals the recessional velocity of the Virgo Cluster with Hubble's pencil annotations on the verso, "NGC 4473 Virgo Cluster Velocity = 2,000 kilometers per second." The second shows the recessional velocity of Ursa Major with Hubble's annotations, "Ursa Major Cluster velocity = 15,000 kilometers per second." In showing that the Ursa Major Galaxy Cluster (located at a distance of about 78 million light years away…
Price: $28,500.00 Item Number: 126281
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Rare partial document signed by George Washington in 1799 regarding the sale of land; signed by him eleven months before his death on December 14, 1799
WASHINGTON, George.
George Washington Signed Partial Document.
January 21, 1799.
Rare partial document signed by George Washington on January 21, 1799, eleven months before his death on December 14, 1799. Octavo, the partial manuscript document reads, "I do acknowledge that this is the Platt referred to in the Deeds made for the Lands of George Mercer." Signed by Washington, "Go. Washington" and countersigned by three witnesses. Accompanied by a typed letter signed by Dorothy Twohig, editor-in-chief of the The Papers of George Washington which reads in part, "The note on Mercer explains Washington's involvement in the whole affair which started before the Revolution. After the war Washington tried to extricate himself from…
Price: $27,000.00 Item Number: 142623
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Scarce Original Photograph of a Lion on Safari; taken and signed by Ernest Hemingway
HEMINGWAY, Ernest.
Ernest Hemingway Original African Safari Photograph Signed.
Original glossy black and white photograph of a lion in the distance of the African savanna, taken by Ernest Hemingway and signed by him on the verso, "Copyright by Ernest Hemingway No. 5." In fine condition. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 15.5 inches by 18.1 inches. Exceptionally rare and desirable.
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 145731
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Peter Force's 1833 printing of the Declaration of Independence, from Walter J. Stone's 1823 plate
The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. [The Force Declaration of Independence].
Washington, D.C.: Engraved by William J. Stone for Peter Force, [1833].
Rare engraved copy of Peter Force's 1833 printing of the Declaration of Independence, from William J. Stone's 1823 plate. One page, folio broadside. In 1823, with the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaching, Congress commissioned Stone to produce a high-quality, actual-size replica of the original engrossed Declaration. The signatures of the 56 delegates were to be carefully copied. Stone spent two years perfecting the plate and after he had printed the 200 copies ordered, his original engraved plate remained with the Department of State. A decade later, Peter Force (1790-1868), historian, publisher and mayor of Washington D.C., conceived…
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 143242
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Rare Original Goldfinger Dust Jacket Design Printing Proof; signed by Dust Jacket Designer Richard Chopping and from his personal collection
CHOPPING, Richard. [Ian Fleming].
Goldfinger. [Original Richard Chopping Signed Printing Proof].
Rare original progressive color printing proof for the iconic dust jacket design of Ian Fleming's Goldfinger, designed by Richard Chopping. Chopping's copy, retained for his personal collection and signed by him in the lower right corner. One page on archival printer's paper, this is a yellow and magenta ink progressive plate proof (printed using two of four plates combined to create the final full color image). The seventh novel in Fleming's bond series, Goldfinger was the second book with a dust jacket designed by Richard Chopping, the first being From Russia, With Love. Chopping would design all subsequent James Bond…
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 124288
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Complete Collection of 12 Photographs of the Apollo Moonwalkers Each Signed
ARMSTRONG, Neil; Buzz Aldrin; Charles Conrad.
Apollo Moonwalkers Complete Collection of Signed Photographs.
Complete set of 12 photographs of the Apollo Moonwalkers. Set of 12 photographs, all of which are official NASA lithographs with the exception of the Alan Shepard photo. Each is individually signed in ink or felt tip as follows, "Neil Armstrong," "We Came in Peace, Buzz Aldrin, Apollo XI," "Charles Conrad, Jr.," "Alan L. Bean," "Alan Shepard," "Best wishes, Edgar Mitchell, Apollo 14" "Dave Scott," "Jim Irwin," "John Young," "Charlie Duke, Apollo 16," "Jack Schmitt," and "Gene Cernan, Apollo XVII." In overall near fine to fine condition with a PSA label affixed to the Shepard photo, light bumping to the…
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 145375
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"Members of the general public, such as myself, have a right to form and express their own opinions on the relationship between science and society": Rare typed letter signed by George Orwell regarding his views on science, scientists, and society
ORWELL, George.
George Orwell Typed Letter Signed.
January 9, 1946.
Rare typed letter signed by the acclaimed author of Nineteen-Eighty Four, George Orwell; part of a long correspondence with scientist Edward R. Ward regarding his views on science. One page, typescript, the letter reads: '9th January 1946 Dear Mr. Ward, Your letter has been passed on to be by "Tribune". I am sorry that in their correspondence columns I should have answered what was really an abridgement of your original letter; but I had not seen the latter, and I did not know that what was printed was a shortened version. I cannot enter into what might become a prolonged…
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 133445
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Rare Original Goldfinger Dust Jacket Design Printing Proof; signed by Dust Jacket Designer Richard Chopping and from his personal collection
CHOPPING, Richard. [Ian Fleming].
Goldfinger. [Original Richard Chopping Signed Printing Proof].
Rare original progressive color printing proof for the iconic dust jacket design of Ian Fleming's Goldfinger, designed by Richard Chopping. Chopping's copy, retained for his personal collection and signed by him in the lower right corner. One page on archival printer's paper, this is the magenta ink progressive plate proof (printed using one of four plates combined to create the final full color image). The seventh novel in Fleming's bond series, Goldfinger was the second book with a dust jacket designed by Richard Chopping, the first being From Russia, With Love. Chopping would design all subsequent James Bond dust jackets…
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 124559
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“I’ve just had the happiest day of my life": Royal Companion of Honour Appointment: Presented to Friedrich von Hayek by Queen Elizabeth II and signed by her
HAYEK, Friedrich von [F.A.]. [Queen Elizabeth II].
Royal Companion of Honour Appointment: Presented to Friedrich von Hayek by Queen Elizabeth II.
Original Royal Companion of Honour Appointment presented to Friedrich von Hayek by Queen Elizabeth II. One page, with the Royal Companion of Honour Seal stamped in the upper right corner. Signed by Queen Elizabeth II at the head of the appointment, "Elizabeth R." In fine condition.
Price: $25,000.00 Item Number: 100139
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"Every strike brings me closer to the next home run": Rare black and white Photograph signed by babe ruth
RUTH, Babe [George Herman].
George Herman ‘Babe’ Ruth Signed Photograph.
c. 1930s.
Photograph of George Herman 'Babe' Ruth, boldly signed by him. Sepia-toned glossy photograph of George Herman 'Babe' Ruth. Signed by Babe Ruth near the bottom of the photograph. Matted and framed with a plaque describing Ruth's claim to fame which reads, "George Herman 'Babe' Ruth 1895-1948 'Babe' Ruth won fame as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His record of 714 home runs stood for 39 years until Hank Aaron beat the record in 1974. In 1914, Ruth joined the Boston Red Sox and became a successful pitcher. In 1920, he was traded to the New York…
Price: $22,500.00 Item Number: 145338
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Rare collection of four original photographs of Rollie Free before and during his record-breaking 1948 motorcycle ride on the Bonneville Salt Flats; each inscribed by him
FREE, Rollie.
Rollie Free Signed Motorcycle Racing Photograph Collection.
1948.
Rare collection of original photographs inscribed by motorcycle racing legend Rollie Free. The collection includes 4 photographs, all of which are inscribed by Rollie Free to close personal friend and business partner Ted Peaso. Free and Peaso co-owned a Service Station on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California at the time of Free's record-breaking ride. Peaso also fabricated the leg support for the Vincent HRD Free broke the American motorcycle land speed record with. The photographs include an image of Free during his record-breaking ride, inscribed by him, "To Ted actual photo South near fastest 23.90 seconds. North near 24 seconds…
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 119311
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rare autograph letter signed by American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton
HAMILTON, Alexander.
Alexander Hamilton Autograph Letter Signed.
New York: 2 April 1799.
Rare autograph letter signed by Alexander Hamilton to the trustees of Isaac Riley, notifying them of the manner in which he will submit a mortgage payment despite Riley's imprisonment. One page, folio, dated 2 April 1799, the letter reads, "I am informed that You are Assignees of Isaac Riley under the Insolvent Act. Some time since I purchased of Isaac Riley Eight lots in the Outward upon which as he then informed me there was a mortgage to Ebenezer Young for Two hundred & forty pounds which was deducted out of the purchase money & left to be paid by…
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 120624
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"You've lots of friends, let me be among them": Rare original sketch signed and inscribed by American painter Franz Kline
KLINE, Franz.
Franz Kline “The Boy Friend” Original Signed Sketch.
Rare original sketch signed and inscribed by American painter Franz Kline. One page, with pen and ink caricature sketches on both the recto and verso. Kline has drawn five caricatures on the recto which he has signed and titled "The Boyfriend". On the verso, he has drawn a single figure and inscribed the work, "You've lots of friends let me be among them. Franz Kline." In near fine condition. A rare and desirable piece exhibiting Kline's early style. Framed.
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 123539
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One of the Earliest Calligraphic Works by Thomas Merton
MERTON, Thomas.
Thomas Merton Original Calligraphic Artwork.
Original signed artwork from Thomas Merton. In the last decade of his life, while living as a hermit-monk in dialogue with the world, Thomas Merton created a body of visual art, drawing from the Zen Buddhist tradition. When he was a student at Columbia University, Merton sought out a Hindu monk named Bramachari for counsel. The monk advised Merton to follow his own Christian tradition to find what he was most deeply looking for. A strong admirer of Gandhi, Merton also noted how Gandhi, a Hindu, had found a congenial ' second home' of sorts in the Christian Sermon on…
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 17032
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"A LANDMARK TREATY WHICH FORGED PERMANENT FRIENDLY RELATIONS BETWEEN BRITAIN, THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA AND PAVED THE WAY FOR THE FORMATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS": RARE COLLECTION OF DOCUMENTS related to the 1871 Treaty of Washington; signed by all of the key figures involved in its signing including President Ulysses S. Grant
[GRANT, Ulysses S.; Hamilton Fish; William Tecumseh Sherman; et al].
Ulysses S. Grant Treaty of Washington Signed Document Collection.
Rare collection of documents related to the 1871 Treaty of Washington including signatures of all of the key figures involved in its signing including President Ulysses S. Grant, his Secretary of State Hamilton Fish and the British delegation led by George Robinson, Earl de Grey and Ripon. The collection was assembled by Frederic Daustini Cremer who acted as secretary to de Grey and travelled with him and his son Viscount Goderich to Washington for the proceedings, where he also obtained letters by William Sherman amongst others for his collection and contains: Two lined folio pages containing the signatures of the British and American signatories…
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 143272
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"Though Keynes was a great thinker, his interest in theory was not for its own sake but 'as a base' for designing policy": One page signed and hand-corrected manuscript entirely in the hand of Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman
FRIEDMAN, Milton.
Milton Friedman Manuscript on J.M. Keynes’ The General Theory.
One page signed and hand-corrected manuscript entirely in the hand of Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman discussing Keynes' The General Theory. Inscribed in the top right corner, "For Mark Gruber, Milton Friedman", the manuscript reads, "Inflation, not unemployment, continued to be the major economic problem after the war, as it was during the war. Keynes'...flexibility would have led him to turn his attention increasingly to the themes of Monetary Reform which were far more relevant to the post-war decades than those of The General Theory and remain so today...Though Keynes was a great thinker, his interest in theory was not for its…
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 88180
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"My dear Johnnie": Rare typed letter signed by Winston S. Churchill to his brother Major John Churchill; framed with an original duotone print of Yousuf Karsh's iconic portrait of Churchill “The Roaring Lion”
CHURCHILL, Winston S. [Yousuf Karsh].
Winston S. Churchill Typed Letter Signed.
London: December 9, 1955.
Rare typed letter signed by Winston S. Churchill to his brother and only sibling, Major John Churchill, framed with an original duotone print of Yousuf Karsh's famed portrait of Churchill “The Roaring Lion” which, in May 1941, was featured on the cover of Life magazine and brought Karsh international fame. One page, on Churchill's 21 Hyde Park Gate, London letterhead, the letter is addressed to Major John Churchill and reads in full, "9" December, 1955. "My dear Johnnie," I am indeed obliged to you and Kitty for your birthday token and good wishes. The portraits are beautifully done and I…
Price: $18,000.00 Item Number: 139273
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Rare Original Goldfinger Dust Jacket Design Printing Proof; signed by Dust Jacket Designer Richard Chopping and from his personal collection
CHOPPING, Richard. [Ian Fleming].
Goldfinger. [Original Richard Chopping Signed Printing Proof].
Rare original progressive color printing proof for the iconic dust jacket design of Ian Fleming's Goldfinger, designed by Richard Chopping. Chopping's copy, retained for his personal collection and signed by him in the lower right corner. One page on archival printer's paper, this is the black ink progressive plate proof (one of four plates combined to create the final full color image). The seventh novel in Fleming's bond series, Goldfinger was the second book with a dust jacket designed by Richard Chopping, the first being From Russia, With Love. Chopping would design all subsequent James Bond dust jackets (with the…
Price: $18,000.00 Item Number: 124391
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Rare autograph letter signed by Herman Melville to his publishers Harper & Brothers
MELVILLE, Herman.
Herman Melville Autograph Letter Signed.
Rare autograph letter signed and entirely in the hand of Herman Melville to his publisher, Harper & Brothers. One page, the letter reads in full, "Harper & Brothers New York. Pittsfield Oct. 8th Gentlemen: Herewith is an article, which, if it suit, will you, according to what you have said to me, send me the money for, without further trouble to yourselves or me. Very truly yours H. Melville." The letter likely dates from 1885 when Melville's financial circumstances were becoming dire. The article he references, The Apple-Tree Table, first appeared in serial form in 1850 and was later published…
Price: $17,500.00 Item Number: 139021
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Rare original Bag One lithograph; signed by John Lennon
LENNON, John. [The Beatles].
John Lennon Signed “Bag One” Lithograph.
New York: Cinnamon Press, 1970.
Rare Bag One lithograph signed by Beatles icon John Lennon. One page, the title page from Lennon's Bag One Portfolio. Signed by him beneath the image. One of 300 numbered copies, this is number 172. In near fine condition. Matted and framed. Rare and desirable.
Price: $17,500.00 Item Number: 123601
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"What threatens us today is fear": The original typed manuscript of Faulkner's important public address to his daughter Jill's graduating class at University High School in Oxford Mississippi; with autograph corrections and deletions in his hand
FAULKNER, William.
Address to the Graduating Class of 1951 of University High School, Oxford, Mississippi.
The original typed manuscript of Faulkner's important public address to his daughter Jill's graduating class at University High School in Oxford Mississippi with autograph corrections and deletions in his hand. Three pages, carbon typescript, the text contains 8 strikethroughs and 6 autograph corrections in Faulkner's hand in ink. In this important public address, Faulkner clarifies for a young audience the terms for survival and optimism in the Cold War era, ideas which he first expressed publicly five months earlier in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech. In the spring of 1951, Faulkner was in Paris, New York, and Lexington, Kentucky, where…
Price: $17,500.00 Item Number: 135874
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Rare Civil War Era Naval Commission Signed by Abraham Lincoln as President
LINCOLN, Abraham; Gideon Welles.
Abraham Lincoln Signed Naval Commission.
April 21, 1864.
American naval commission signed by Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States and Gideon Welles as Secretary of the Navy. Folio, partially engraved on vellum the document is dated April 21, 1864 and promotes Charles W. Tracy to the rank of Lieutenant. In near fine condition. Matted and framed with a portrait of Lincoln and engraved plate. The Commission measures 19 inches by 16 inches. The entire piece measures 34 inches by 29.5 inches.
Price: $17,000.00 Item Number: 132067
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Official White House photograph of the young Kennedy family after Easter Mass in Palm Beach, Florida, 1963; inscribed by John F. Kennedy
KENNEDY, John F. [Jacqueline Kennedy].
Official White House Kennedy Family Easter 1963 Signed Photograph.
1963.
Official White House photograph of the young Kennedy family in front of their family home in Palm Beach, Florida on Easter Sunday in 1963. Glossy color photograph featuring an image of President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy with their two young children Caroline and John, Jr. Inscribed by John F. Kennedy in the lower left portion of the photograph, "For Violet ... with best wishes John F. Kennedy." Dated beneath the inscription in another hand, "9/22/63." In very good condition. Matted and framed. The photograph measures 8 inches by 10 inches. The entire piece measures 15 inches…
Price: $16,000.00 Item Number: 146994
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Rare Stock Certificate for the New York and Harlem Rail Road Company; Signed by Railroad Magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt
VANDERBILT, Cornelius.
Cornelius Vanderbilt Signed New York and Harlem Rail Road Company Stock Certificate.
New York: American Bank Note Co, 1864.
Rare New York and Harlem Rail Road Company stock certificate signed by one of the wealthiest Americans in history, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Oblong octavo, one page partially printed and accomplished in manuscript, the certificate is dated April 12, 1864 and grants John M. Dobin 500 shares in the New York and Harlem Railroad Company. Signed by Cornelius Vanderbilt on the verso. In near fine condition. Matted and framed with a portrait of Vanderbilt and an informational placard. The piece measures 17.6 inches by 28 inches.
Price: $16,000.00 Item Number: 146773
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"I share entirely your view that it is vitally necessary for everyone in the Middle East to live in peace": Autograph Letter Signed by David Ben-Gurion
BEN-GURION, David.
David Ben-Gurion Autographed Letter Signed.
1970.
Autograph letter signed by the founder of modern day Israel and first prime minister David Ben-Gurion. It reads, "Sdeh. Boker, 28. 2. 70 Dear Mr. George P. Viegelmann, Jr. I share entirely your view that it is vitally necessary for everyone in the Middle East to live in peace. I am expressing a private view: I would be ready to give up a great Part of the areas which we hold since the six day war, if this would bring peace; by peace I mean friendship with our Arab neighbors and cooperation politically, economically and culturally, but perhaps only Russia…
Price: $16,000.00 Item Number: 82248
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Rare original Bag One lithograph; signed by John Lennon; Presented by him to Jonathan Cott, who was the conducted the final solo interview with Lennon
LENNON, John. [The Beatles].
John Lennon Signed “Bag One” Lithograph.
New York: Cinnamon Press, 1970.
Rare Bag One lithograph signed by Beatles icon John Lennon. One page, the title page from Lennon's Bag One Portfolio. Signed by him beneath the image. From the collection of Jonathan Cott, author and editor of numerous books, predominately focusing on music and who has written articles for varied publications such as Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Los Angeles Times, The Village Voice, Vogue, Esquire and The Wall Street Journal. This was presented by John Lennon to Jonathan Cott, who interviewed Lennon and Yoko Ono several times, and whose December 5, 1980 interview with Lennon was the final solo interview conducted…
Price: $16,000.00 Item Number: 144022
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Etching of Albert Einstein by Hermann Struck; Signed by Both Struck and Einstein
EINSTEIN, Albert; Hermann Struck.
Albert Einstein Signed Etching.
1923.
Lithograph portrait of "the father of modern physics", Albert Einstein by well-known artist Hermann Struck. Signed by Einstein, "Albert Einstein 1923" and Struck, "Herman Struck 138/150". In fine condition. Matted and framed, the entire piece measures 19.75 inches by 15.5 inches. An exceptional piece.
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 127204
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Rare original sketch for the ball gown worn by Audrey Hepburn in her breakout role as Princess Anne in Roman Holiday; signed by Academy Award-winning costume designer Edith Head
HEAD, Edith. [Audrey Hepburn].
“Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.” [Original Edith Head Signed Costume Sketch].
c. 1953.
Rare original sketch by Academy Award-winning costume designer Edith Head for the ball gown worn by Audrey Hepburn in her breakout role as Princess Ann in William Wyler's classic 1953 comedy, Roman Holiday. Design for Paramount Pictures, circa 1953. Gouache sketch on paper with added white. Signed and annotated by the designer, "Audrey Hepburn in 'Roman Holiday' Edith Head." The dress appears in the opening scene of the film, when the Princess is shown in newsreels greeting and dancing with dignitaries at an official reception. According to an interview with Head broadcast just after the film's release, she made two regal…
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 145841
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Fine pair of rare early 19th century of Regency Twelve-Inch Terrestrial and Celestial Library Globes
CARY, George; John and William Cary.
Pair of Regency Terrestrial and Celestial Library Globes
London: George and John Cary and by John and William Cary, c. 1816 and 1821.
Fine pair of rare early 19th century celestial and terrestrial table globes the cartouche of the terrestrial globe reads Cary's New Terrestrial Globe Delineated From the best Authorities extant Exhibiting the late discoveries towards the North Pole and every improvement in Geography to the present Time London Made & Sold by G & J Cary, 86 S. James's St. March 15th 1821; the cartouche of the celestial globe reads Cary's New Celestial Globe on white are correctly laid down upwards of 3500 stars Selected from the most accurate observations and calculated for the year 1800. With the extent of each…
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 141475
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Rare Presidential Commission appointing Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Dimaggio as a member of the Conference on Physical Fitness and Sports; signed by President Richard Nixon
NIXON, Richard; Joe DiMaggio.
Joe DiMaggio Presidential Commission Signed by Richard Nixon.
Washington, D.C: 1970.
Rare Richard Nixon Presidential Commission appointing Baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio as a "Member of the Conference on Physical Fitness and Sports." Dated September 25th, 1970 the appointment is signed by President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers with the Presidential seal. Double matted and framed. In fine condition. From the personal collection of Joe DiMaggio. Included is letter of provenance from DiMaggio's estate signed by his two granddaughters. An exceptional association linking two American icons. Double matted and framed.
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 95202
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Etching of Albert Einstein by Hermann Struck; Signed by Both Struck and Einstein
EINSTEIN, Albert; Hermann Struck.
Albert Einstein Signed Etching.
1923.
Etch bust of Albert Einstein done by well-known artist Hermann Struck. Signed by both Einstein and Struck, numbered 49/150. In fine condition. Double matted and framed, the entire piece measures 12.25 inches by 15 inches. An exceptional piece.
Price: $14,000.00 Item Number: 95890
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"Humanity is the same the world over in whatever garb or colour she may be clothed": Signed Photograph of Mahatma Gandhi
GANDHI, Mohandas K. (M.K.).
Mohandas K. Gandhi Signed Photograph.
Rare signed photograph depicting Mohandas K. Gandhi in profile with his palms pressed together, inscribed in Gujarati ("[Truth at all costs]") and signed in English M.K. Gandhi on the image in blue ink. With an autographed letter signed from Amrit Kaur, the secretary to Gandhi and later Health Minister of India, to Sgt. John McAleer, written on Gandhi's behalf, enclosing the signed photograph and responding to his letter ("...Humanity is the same the world over in whatever garb or colour she may be clothed..."), 2 pages, Poona, 5 March 1946, with envelope; photograph of Gandhi and another in rickshaws being…
Price: $13,500.00 Item Number: 100048
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"Never give in - never, never, never, never": Photograph of Churchill Signed by Him; with three signed letters by Clementine Churchill and other Ephemera
CHURCHILL, Winston S. and Clementine [Edward Steichen].
Winston S. Churchill Signed Photograph with Autographed Notes.
1941.
Portrait photograph of Winston Churchill, taken by Edward Steichen, signed as prime minister, "Winston S. Churchill November 1940." With two portrait photographs of Churchill and a telegram from Churchill to Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie, 23 November 1961 "Thank you dearest Audrey for the luscious caviar love Winston." With three autographed letters from Clementine Churchill and one autograph Christmas card signed to Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie, 7 June 1956, 1 January 1959, 31 December 1965 and n.d., in 1956 enquiring after her recovery from an operation, otherwise sending thanks (including for an 'original and amusing cigar lighter') and greetings and mentioning Winston; with two envelopes.…
Price: $12,800.00 Item Number: 142492
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"I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands": Large Signed Photograph of Nelson Mandela upon his return to Robben Island; Signed by Him and Jurgen Schadeberg
MANDELA, Nelson; Photograph by Jurgen Schadeberg.
Nelson Mandela Silver Gelatin Print.
Silver Gelatin Print of Nelson Mandela's 1994 return to Robben Island with Mandela looking through the bars in deep contemplation. Boldly signed by both Nelson Mandela and the photographer, Jurgen Schadeberg, who has signed on the bottom right panel and signed and stamped the verso. Schadeberg's image was voted as one of the 50 most memorable images of the 20th century by The Photographers Gallery in London. The image measures 11 inches by 14 inches. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 17.5 inches by 21.5 inches. This photograph has been used numerous times in publicity; providing the cover image…
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 979
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Rare collection of Rough Riders Photographs and Documents; Twice signed and inscribed by Theodore Roosevelt
ROOSEVELT, Theodore.
Theodore Roosevelt Rough Riders Era Document Collection.
c. 1898.
Rare collection of original signed documents and photographs taken during President Theodore Roosevelt's days as Colonel of the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, or Rough Riders. The collection includes an original mounted photograph of Roosevelt in full uniform with his campaign hat; two cabinet card photographs of Albert S. Johnson, a member of the Cavalry; an endorsement dated September 7, 1998 which reads in part, "This officer did not serve in Cuba but remained in Florida with the squadron left behind" signed, "T. Roosevelt" which is affixed to the verso of of Albert S. Johnson's 5 September 1898 application for 60-days leave;…
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 95371
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Rare black-and-white photograph of Lieutenant General George S. Patton; inscribed by him to General Royal B. Lord
PATTON, George S.
George S. Patton Signed Photograph.
Rare black-and-white photograph of Lieutenant General George S. Patton, inscribed by him to General Royal B. Lord. Black-and-white matte-finish photograph of Lieutenant General Patton in his military uniform. Inscribed by Patton on the lower portion of the photograph, "To Gen. R.B. Lord, with warm thanks for much valuable assistance. G. S. Patton, Jr., Lt. Gen." The recipient, General Royal B. Lord was appointed Chief of Staff of S.O.S 'Service of Supply' and Communications following the invasion of Normandy. Headquartered in Paris, his duty was to procure and distribute supplies, equipment, and armament for the European Theater. As the war progressed,…
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 145055
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Rare Signed Photograph of Queen Elizabeth II as Princess of York
ADAMS, Marcus; [Queen Elizabeth II].
Young Queen Elizabeth Signed Photograph.
1935.
Queen Elizabeth II childhood portrait photograph print. Rare signed photographic print of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of nine, before the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936, when her father was still the Duke of York, photographed by Marcus Adams, the first to ever take official photographs of Princess Elizabeth and her mother the Duchess of York and who photographed the royal family for thirty years. Signed by Queen Elizabeth, "Elizabeth of York." Additionally signed and dated by the photographer, "Marcus Adams 1935." The print measures 11 inches by 8 inches. Triple matted and framed. Together with letter…
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 145479
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"Go win another one for the Gipper" Signed Print of President Reagan; From the library of Nancy Reagan's Brother
REAGAN, Ronald.
Ronald Reagan Signed Portrait.
1988.
Signed print of Ronald Reagan in one of his most famous roles, George Gipp in the film Knute Rockne, All American, signed on the matt below in Reagan's hand, "Go win another one for the Gipper Ronald Reagan." Reagan's character was based on the true life of a college football player who died at the tender age of 25 from a streptococcal throat infection and pneumonia just two weeks after being elected Notre Dame's first All-American by Walter Camp. In the movie, the legendary coach Knute Rockne tells his team, "The last thing George said to me, 'Rock,' he said,…
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 132431
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Yousuf Karsh Photograph of the First Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru; Signed by Both Nehru and Karsh
NEHRU, Jawaharlal; Yousuf Karsh.
Jawaharlal Nehru and Yousuf Karsh Signed Photograph.
Black and white photograph of the first prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru. Signed Jawaharlal Nehru March 1951 and also signed by the photographer Yousuf Karsh. Karsh was one of the most notable photographers of the 20th century. His work included portraits of celebrities, military and political figures, such as Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Martin Luther King. Jr., Audrey Hepburn, and many others. The photograph measures 10 inches by 12.75 inches. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 17 inches by 19.5 inches. Rare and desirable signed by both Nehru and Karsh.
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 67092
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Rare Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company Stock Certificate; Signed by the Queen of Wall Street Hetty H. R. Green
GREEN, Hetty.
Hetty Green Signed Stock Certificate for Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway Company.
New York: American Bank Note Co., 1902.
Rare Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway Company stock certificate signed by the 'Queen of Wall Street.' Octavo, one page, the certificate is dated October 6, 1902 and grants Hetty H. R. Green 4 shares in the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company. Signed by Green on the verso, "Hetty H. R. Green." In near fine condition with light diagonal creasing to the lower right corner and signature cancellation hole punches to the left and bottom edges. Matted and framed with a portrait of Green and an informational placard. The piece measures 16 inches by 26.7 inches. Exceptionally rare…
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 146770