Highlights of the Sale |
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| Lot 4051 |
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Declaration of Independence in Peter Force's American Archives, Rare complete set of the nine volumes of Peter Forces American Archives, published from 1837 to 1853, large quarto, one quarter morocco with green marbled boards. Designated Fourth (six volumes) and Fifth (three volumes) Series, covering the years 1774-76. Force projected a 20-volume series of primary sources of American history from the 17th century to 1789, and the work was begun under contract with the Department of State and by Act of Congress. Force stopped work on the project when further funding was not forthcoming. Howes F-245. Sabin 25053.
Volume I, Fifth Series contains a beautiful rice paper copy of the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. Unfolded, the Declaration measures 29 x 25½ inches. It has normal folds, some light age yellowing at two fold intersections, and very faint ink offset. Otherwise, it remains as printed by Peter Force in 1843. Most copies of the Declaration have been cut from the American Archives and sold individually, the last several copies having sold for over $30,000.
In 1823, William J. Stone was commissioned by Congress to create a copperplate from which facsimile copies of the Declaration could be made. He did this by wetting the original document and transferring some of the original ink to the copperplate. From this plate, Stone printed 201 copies on parchment, which were given to President James Monroe, original Signers, members of Congress, colleges and institutions, etc. Stone's personal copy is in the Smithsonian. Only 31 of Stone's original 201 copies are known to exist; nineteen of these reside in museums and examples are rarely offered for sale.
In 1843, Congress authorized Peter Force to make up to 1500 rice-paper copies of the Declaration from the original Stone copperplate, to be included in his American Archives. Subscriptions were fewer than expected, and the actual number of copies printed is unknown, ranging from 500 to around 1,000. It is not known how many of these copies have survived, but it is extremely rare to find a complete set with the Declaration of Independence intact.
Estimated Value $30,000-40,000
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Realized $28,000 |
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| Lot 4689 |
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Extraordinary Wooden Anthropoid Coffin Lid (Suhet) of Ancient Egypt. Late Xxv -Early Ptolemaic Times, C. 650-300, Made of several thick Lebanese cedar planks and covered with a fine linen, this outstanding encasement is extensively decorated and inscribed in polychrome. Quite realistically, it depicts the face in rich red-ochre tones; because of this coloration, we know this lid was created for a male (if female, the face would have been painted in pale yellow). Below the floral broad collar is an impressive winged scarab beetle, and still lower, we see a double row of vertical hieroglyphic text. The text on the right gives us the name of the deceased:"Neter Heneb". This row can be translated as: " A royal gift given in the land or realm of Osiris to Neter Heneb who gives many offerings in the temple of many oxen and many geese…" The foot-box of this sarcophagus lid rests on a white pedestal with a burgundy border. All in all, a visually stunning antiquity! Height: 68.5 inches. Accompanied by a full dossier supplemented with color photographs. This antiquity has been professionally restored to its original brillance, and internally is in remarkably excellent condition. This piece is unusual in that it was not sawed into pieces and then reassembled. It formerly was part of an older collection; the consignor states probably from the world famous traveler and collector Lowell Thomas, who likely purchased it through the noted dealer R. Blanchard, of Cairo.
Estimated Value $25,000-35,000
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Realized $34,000 |
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| Lot 4330 |
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Washington, George, (1732-1799) 1st President of the United States, 1789-1797. Letter Signed ("G:o Washington") as Commander-in-Chief, Head Quarters, Middlebrook (New Jersey), February 26, 1779, one page, folio. To Col (Edward) Wigglesworth, regarding Wigglesworth's request for leave to resign from the service. The letter is double matted with an engraving of Washington and a plaque with biographical information on Washington and Wigglesworth; the plaque also notes that this resignation request is specifically mentioned on page 501 of Appleton's Cyclopaedia of American Biography Volume VI (1889). Handsomely framed to an overall size of 28¾ x 32 inches and ready for display. An excellent letter, written at the height of the Revolution.
The letter is written in the hand of James McHenry, who became Washington's secretary in May 1778. It says, in full:
Sir I received your letter of the 11th Inst. yesterday.
Your former letter reached me in Philadelphia but as the arrangement had not come to my hand I delayed in returning you an answer. The arrangement is sent forward to Peeks Kill, at which place a deputation of officers from Genl. Glovers Brigade will be ordered to attend to prefer claims, and for its final revisal.
I have referred your letter for leave to resign to Congress, as soon as I receive their determination I shall transmit it (and should it be accepted) accompany it with testimonials of your services, however I may regret the loss of a valuable officer. I am Sir your very hble serv.t G:o Washington.
Colonel Edward Wigglesworth (1742-1826) took part in the operations of the American fleet on Lake Champlain under Generals Benedict Arnold and Horation Gates, being third in command. He took part in the battle of Monmouth and other engagements and, in 1778, was president of a court of inquiry to investigate the surrender of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton by New York Governor George Clinton. Wigglesworth was granted leave to resign in 1779 and, in an attempt to relieve the dire financial straits in which he found himself as a result of the Revolution, was appointed by General Washington collector for the port of Newburyport, Massachusetts. In 1818, he was granted an annual pension of $240 by Congress.
Estimated Value $18,000-22,000
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Realized $18,000 |
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| Lot 4265 |
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Lincoln, Abraham, (1809-1865) 16th President of the United States, 1861-1865. Five-line Autograph Endorsement Signed ("A. Lincoln") as President, as part of a complete and lengthy correspondence on four-page, lined, quarto stationery. Lincoln penned, "Submitted to the Sec. of War who is requested to see the bearer" at the end of the correspondence.
The first two pages are a petition "To the Honr. Abraham Lincoln. President of the United States" from the "Many Citizens of Loyalty" of Hickman, Kentucky, December 6, 1864. The border town begs the President for protection from Confederate marauders. "We after an interview with our mutual Friend Brig Genl. Meredith commanding the western district of Kentucky, have, concluded to commission and empower our friend and fellow citizen Parson H.H. Cowgills to represent our interest before your august presence! / We are suffering from the inovations of the Enemy upon us every day, and have no power to repell them, we ask of you to instruct our commander Brig Genl. Meredith to make a permanant military post at this place. / We dont ask it for our protection exclusively, but for the great benefit it will be to the Federal army. We have a district of…some 6 or 8 counties…about two hundred miles! it…offers every inducement to the Federal govement to have it protected, and let all of its resourses be brought forward to sustain our army….We would ask of you to extend our…Commander's district to the Hatchie River as this point is the natural outlet for all the cotton and tobacco raised in that section of the country! We trust in Divine Providence you may be awaken'ed to our great necessities…."
Following the petition is a lengthy, 51-line autograph recommendation, signed twice by Brigadier General Solomon Meredith ("S. Meredith"), Head Ars Dist of Westn Dv / Paducah, Ky. Dec 9th 1864. Meredith, who saw extensive action at Second Manassas, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, recommends that "Hickman be made a permanent military post….knowing as I do that it will be of great benefit to the union cause in this state. The citizens of Hickman and Fulton Co. gave a decided majority for the Union Ticket at the late election - which gives this a very powerful argument, if not a claim, for the protection of the Government they serve. The Government will be benefitted equally with the citizens by adopting the course proposed and the benefit both receive will be so much taken from the enemy who now occupy in little squads of guerrillas the whole country in that vicinity and run off every thing of value to this army which they can lay hands on." In a postscript, Meredith reiterates his recommendation that the Secretary of War establish a military post at Hickman, Kentucky. Below the postscript, President Lincoln writes his endorsement, requesting that the Secretary of War (Edwin Stanton) see the afore-mentioned Parson N.N. Cowgill. A yellowish stain at top left of page one does not affect the text and is not visible on the page Lincoln signed; otherwise, fine.
Estimated Value $15,000-17,500
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Realized $15,000 |
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| Lot 4735 |
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Pear Shaped Loose Diamond 3.11 Carats, Accompanied by a GIA diamond grading report #13160292, stating that the diamond is SI2 in clarity and F in color.
Estimated Value $13,000-15,000
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Realized $12,000 |
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| Lot 4302 |
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Reagan, Ronald, (1911-2004) 40th President of the United States, 1981-1989. Autograph Note Signed ("Dad"), on card engraved "Ronald Reagan," with embossed presidential seal (Los Angeles), March 2, 1991, 4¼ x 6 3/8 in. A poignant note to his daughter Patti (Davis), attempting to heal the family rift. In full:
"Dear Patti / It was good to hear from you. As the song goes - 'the days dwindle down to a precious few.' In view of my recent birthday I find the song appropriate. Patti I think a talk between us is the answer to some of our differences. There are extremists on both sides of every issue. Reasonable people should look into both sides and see if every charge or countercharge is justified by the facts. Even if there are differences does this justify a family separation? We can disagree on things without abandoning our family relationship. I remember a little girl who sat on my lap and asked me to marry her. Love - Dad."
The President had just turned 80 on February 6th and realized that his days were numbered, even before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 1994. Patti was the first of Ronald and Nancy's two children and she aired her differences with her parents publicly. Patti sold this letter a couple of days after her father sent it to her, with the proviso that it not be resold until after her father's death. It was sold again, privately, with the same proviso, on March 27, 1991, and has not been offered for sale again until now. A Liz Smith column in August 1992, here included, refers to the letter, calling Patti "the perpetually estranged daughter of Ronald and Nancy Reagan." Patti admitted to Liz that she had sold the letter because she needed money but denied that it had any special sensitivity, and said that she was trying to buy it back. Patti recalled that it had been written during the time she was protesting her father's administration's policy regarding the killing of dolphins, but in March 1991, when her father wrote the note, he had not been President for two years. Patti made her peace, at least with her mother, at some point, because she was obviously a great comfort to Nancy during her father's funeral.
This is a beautiful, loving note from the late President, reaching out to his estranged daughter. It is accompanied by the transmittal envelope, addressed by Ronald Reagan, with a stamped free frank. The paperwork from the letter's March 27, 1991 sale is also enclosed.
Estimated Value $10,000-15,000
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Realized $30,000 |
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| Lot 4303 |
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Reagan, Ronald, Unique Typed Foreword Signed as President, on White House stationery, Washington, December 13, 1984, 2½ pp quarto. Pages one and two are the same, except that one is dated; page three is signed. This foreword, the first ever written for a commercial book by a President in office, appeared in Norman Rockwell's Patriotic Times by George Mendoza, published by Viking, New York, 1985. President Reagan wrote, in part: "The America in which young Rockwelll grew up and launched his career was still mostly a Nation of small towns. Neighbor knew neighbor, farmers visited Main Street to swap tales at the barber shop, and Babe Ruth was just beginning to attract notice as a slugger. In far-off Europe, storm clouds were gathering, but in our country, these were days of sunshine. The American people had tamed a continent, achieved prosperity, and secured peace for our Nation. They were a hard-working, church-going people, filled with spirit and faith. / It was this America that Norman Rockwell so deeply loved. For decades, he shared that love with us all…./ Our Nation has changed profoundly since the days of the America that Norman Rockwell so skillfully portrayed. Yet the values that he cherished and celebrated -- love of God and country, hard work, neighborhood, and family -- still give us strength, and will shape our dreams for the decades to come. / I hope you will enjoy as much as Nancy and I have the poems and other patriotic selections assembled here by Mr. Mendoza, along with highlights of Norman Rockwell's illustrations. As we build America's future, we will do well to take inspiration from our Nation's past, and no one captured that past more lovingly than Norman Rockwell, artist and patriot."
The President also Signed and Inscribed a First Edition of Rockwell's book on the title page to author Mendoza: "To George Mendoza - With great appreciation, every good wish & Very Best Regards. Ronald Reagan / Sept. 26, 1986." The elegant volume is illustrated in full color with pictures by Rockwell, depicting the nostalgia of small-town America. The text is composed of speeches and essays by revered Americans such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, John Steinbeck, Robert Frost, and Walt Whitman. The book is dedicated to Nancy Reagan, whom Rockwell calls, "the spirit behind the flag." Unique and pristine.
Estimated Value $10,000-15,000
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Realized $7,500 |
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| Lot 4493 |
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James, Frank, (1843-1915) With his brother, Jesse James, and the Younger Brothers, he robbed a series of banks, stagecoaches, and trains from 1866 to 1879, killing and wounding many innocent people. He surrendered to Missouri governor Thomas Crittendon Oct. 4, 1882; he was released from prison in 1885. An unusually long and informative Autograph Letter Signed ("Ben" for his pseudonym Ben Chapman), Oct. 4, 1883, with the original envelope postmarked "Gallatin, MO", where he was in prison, and addressed in his hand to "Mrs. A[lexander] F[ranklin] James/ Independence/ Mo.," 7 full pages, octavo. A revealing, intimate letter to his wife (Annie Ralston, whom he married in 1876), whom he addresses as "My Dear Little Wife," on the one-year anniversary of his imprisonment.
In part: "I am still in trim. Don't you think I am a dandy? Ain't you glad your old 'hubby' thinks he has the best and truest 'little woman' in America!…but must you love he when he comes to you. I am not going to have any foolishness…I am going to have my way for the same length of time that you have had yours, that will be five years….If you don't write me word that I can do as I please, I am going to take a bee line for 'Salt Lake' when I get out….I had a letter from Marth and she tell me she and Buck was going out calling the other evening and a big black negro…snatched her pocket off her arm and made way with all her valuables….if that had been Mage and she had that little pistol Mr. Negro would of got a leaden missile in his back side when he went off….What would you of done Ma under those circumstances?…I had a letter from Allen…he told me he gave Col Philips $100.00 for me…kind of him…He also wrote me that he had heard John Kritzer had raised $700.00 for me….he also told me he was just ready to start with 3000 head of cattle for the Cimarone River…and that he couldn't possibly get back before the first of Nov. and told me I must have the case continued….Say nothing to no one of what I have told you about the expect money….I only caution in order you may not let anything escape your lips around home. You are the only confidant I have or ever expect to have. How is Mage getting on at school? And whats my little presious man doing every day? Does he ever talk about his old father ? I would like for him to learn his book a little bit so he can read to me when I get old and blind. And I would like to know what mamma is doing all the time too. I tell you when a poor fellow is locked up and his wife is sailing around it keeps him right uneasy….But I must try and not think about it for I don't want to loose my mind. I have to live to do some good in this world if only to raise boys. I want just about six darling shrewd ones when I get old….for heavens sakes, don't forget you poor old hen pecked husband…. All the good there is in me - if any - it has been brought by you. It is all with you so far as my future goodness is concerned.…"
Estimated Value $10,000-12,500
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| Lot 4487 |
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Jung, Carl Gustav, (1875-1961) Swiss-German psychoanalyst who, with Sigmund Freud, brought psychology into the 20th century. He broke with Freud over Freud's reductionist, psychosexual view of the unconscious. Typed Letter Signed ("C.G. Jung") on "Prof. Dr. C.G. Jung / Küsnacht-Zürich / /Seestrasse 228" stationery, March 2, 1957, 1½ pp, quarto. In German, with eight holograph corrections, to Prof. Dr. Ernst Hanhart. He writes, in part:
"My sincere thanks for your enlightening remarks. Allow me a few annotations to your manuscript. I would be pleased if you would treat my analysis of the Freudian character with discretion. I actually communicated my opinions to you sub secreto medici. Because my opinions stemmed from intimate acquaintanceship with him, and moreover they hint at certain backgrounds for the initiated….It is always taken for granted…that my critical dispute with Freud originated from a purely personal hostility on my part. Instead of using Freud and Adler as examples, you could use Nietsche and Wagner, the Dionysian and Apollonian example, or the Jordanian descriptions. It should also be noted, that I characterized neither Adler nor Freud personally as introverted or extraverted, but this classification would be received from your manner of expression. With this, the question of the actual personality type remains open. I knew Adler personally very slightly, and therefore I can say little about his actual personality. On the other hand, I knew Freud very well. He was without a doubt a neurotic. Now we know from experience that in the case of neurosis, it is often extraordinarily difficult to determine the actual type, because at first, and for a relatively long period thereafter, one does not know what one is observing, conscious or unconscious behaviour. Freud's range of ideas has indubitably an extraverted character, that is, pleasure and aversion to the object. Adler, on the other hand, shows an introverted character, insofar as he stressed the power of the ego as decisive…. " Jung goes on to discuss "the problem of the small but decisive chance incidents" that "form the quite special problem of acausal arrangements as significant coincidences….," as well as the need to divest "self-punishment" of its ego character. With English translation. A superb letter!
Estimated Value $8,000-10,000
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Realized $5,250 |
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| Lot 4732 |
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Emerald Cut Loose Diamond 4.16 Carats, Accompanied by a GIA diamond grading report #13158954, stating the diamond is SI2 in clarity and L in color.
Estimated Value $7,000-9,000
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Realized $6,750 |
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