Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison vintage ballpoint signatures and inscriptions

Exceptionally bold vintage ballpoint signatures and inscriptions, “To Lesley love from George Harrison xxx,” and “Love to Leslie from John Lennon xxx,” on a light green 5.25 x 4 album page. In fine condition. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=902

Amelia Earhart Ink Signature

Ink signature, “Amelia Earhart,” on an off-white 3.5 x 2 card. Mounting remnants to edges, which could be matted out, and a uniform shade of light toning, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

 http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=556

John F. Kennedy Signed Program Nebraska Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner

Vintage program page, 7 x 9.75, for the Nebraska Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner held on May 17, 1957, at the Sheraton-Fontenelle Hotel in Omaha, where Kennedy gave an address, signed in blue ballpoint by Kennedy. Note that since the prime rib dinner was on a Friday, printed along the bottom is the disclaimer, “Dispensation from law of abstinence for Catholics has been granted.” In fine condition, with a couple small newspaper remnants to signed side, and some light adhesive remnants to reverse. Kennedy had just begun to campaign nationally for the 1960 presidential nomination after narrowly losing the vice presidential nomination in 1956. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=103

Star Trek Hand Phaser Screen-used prop

Screen-used prop hand phaser from the Star Trek television programs. Resin Type-2 ‘Boomerang’ hand phaser measures 8″ long with a contoured grip and three fake buttons on the top. In fine condition, with some light wear to grip. Arguably one of the most desirable of all Star Trek props. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=726

John F. Kennedy Motorcade Dallas Police Department Police Badge

Original Dallas Police Department police badge worn by Officer James M. Chaney during the tragic motorcade on November 22, 1963. Metal badge, measuring approximately 2 x 3, reading: “Police / Dallas Texas / 469 / Police Officer.” Reverse bears two screw posts with a metal plate fastener. In fine condition, with expected wear from use in service. Accompanied by a copy of a letter of provenance from Chaney’s daughter and a statement by noted Kennedy assassination expert Dave Perry. Assigned to the Traffic Division Solo Motorcycle and Special Enforcement Unit of the Dallas Police, Officer James M. Chaney remained within fifteen feet of the President as he rode through Dealey Plaza. In a televised interview the day of the assassination, Chaney retold the event as he witnessed it from the right rear fender of the president’s car: ‘We heard the first shot. I thought it was a motorcycle backfiring…I looked back over to my left and also President Kennedy looked back over his left shoulder. Then, the, uh, second shot came, well, then I looked back just in time to see the President struck in the face by the second bullet. He slumped forward into Mrs. Kennedy’s lap… it was apparent to me that we were being fired upon.’ Chaney sped up to inform Chief of Police Jesse Curry, and upon orders from him, began redirecting to Parkland Hospital. A one-of-a-kind item from a dedicated Dallas officer, regrettably placed beside Kennedy on November 22. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=112

Albert Einstein Handwritten Calculations

Detailed scientific and mathematical calculations on both sides of a 2.5 x 5.5 off-white slip. On one side Einstein writes nine lines of an intricate mathematical formula, with four additional lines of a longer equation on the reverse, along with a three-word German notation. Professional repair to paper loss of one corner (not affecting any of the writing), and a block of toning over portion of both formulas, otherwise fine condition. A fantastic, and complicated-looking, example of Einstein’s greatest working tool: mathematics. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=235

James Dean fountain pen signature and inscription

Beautiful vintage fountain pen signature and inscription, “To Alice, thanks alot! James Dean,” on an off-white 5.5 x 5.5 album page. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1200

Arthur Rackham Signed Book The Romance of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

British artist and illustrator (1867–1939) best known for his Art Nouveau–influenced illustrations. Signed book: The Romance of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Limited edition of 500 copies (this being No. 247). London: Macmillan and Co., 1917. Hardcover, 9.25 x 11.25, 509 pages. Signed and numbered on the colophon in black ink by Rackham. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/None. Beautifully bound in green leather with gilt titles and decoration, gilted upper textblock edge, five raised bands to spine, and green marbled end-papers; minimal rubbing to edges; light bumps at upper corners; spine very slightly sunned; minor rubbing and soiling, with one small scuff to front; textblock edges yellowed; mild foxing scattered throughout; tiny expected tears to deckled textblock edges. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=701

Robert E. Lee War-dated LS Signed

War-dated LS signed “R. E. Lee,” one page both sides, 4.75 x 8, October 14, 1862. Letter to Secretary of War George H. Randolph. In full: “Mr. Edenborough the English Naval officer concerning whom I received a letter from the Secretary of State yesterday, arrived at my Hd. Qrs. today. In a conversation with him, he admitted without hesitation that he belonged to the English East India Navy, and I suppose that his assertion that he was an officer of the Royal navy was made from a desire to increase his importance. There is nothing for him to do in this army, and my opinion of his honesty is not so much affected by his statement as to his position, as to cause me to detain him. I have accordingly given him a passport to return to Richmond where he may be able to find employment, should nothing be found to attach suspicion to his character.” Beautifully double-cloth-matted and framed with a copy of the front of the letter, a portrait of Lee, a small name plaque, and an engraved transcript of the letter to an overall size of 36.25 x 18. In fine condition, with some splitting along intersecting folds, some scattered mild toning, and show-through from writing on opposing sides.

By October of 1862, less then five months after taking command of the Army of Northern Virginia, Robert E. Lee had convinced a skeptical Confederacy of his exemplary leadership and strategic abilities, running McClellan off the Peninsula, defeating Pope at Second Manassas, and pushing the battle lines from just six miles outside Richmond to twenty miles outside Washington. Growing his army ranks, Lee was also aware of the burgeoning Confederate Navy’s situation; building itself from essentially nothing, struggling to finance new developments, and lacking skilled men, the CSN’s challenges were immense. With a new naval school at Richmond, Lee sent this letter to refer an “officer of the Royal navy,” who—assuming his character opens no cause for concern upon further scrutiny—may be better utilized there. With strong economic ties (England was a major buyer of American cotton), a large British population in New Orleans, and widespread sympathy for the South’s struggle for independence, many Englishmen played active roles in the Confederacy and remained loyal through the duration of the war. An interesting letter from the early years of the war, as the Confederacy worked to build itself both on land and at sea. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=491

Blues Brothers Signed Rare oversized poster

Color 20.5 x 20.5 heavyweight cardstock poster advertising the 1978 live album Briefcase Full of Blues, signed and inscribed in red ink, “Greetings from your colleague Elwood, Dan Aykroyd” and “Joel, you're the best, John Belushi, ‘Jake.’” Matted to an overall size of 26 x 26. In fine condition. An exceptionally scarce and desirable pairing made even more impressive by its large size. Oversized. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1099

Rolling Stones Wood-finish Fender Squier Tele ‘telecaster-style’ Electric Guitar

Wood-finish Fender Squier Tele ‘telecaster-style’ electric guitar, signed on the body in black felt tip by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, and on the white pickguard by Billy Wyman and Charlie Watts. In fine condition. Oversized. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=924

Queen Signed Box Set Entitled The Complete Works

Box set entitled The Complete Works, 12.5 x 12.5, featuring 14 albums that consist of the band’s original studio albums, live album, and non-album tracks, each in an individual white sleeve bearing a gold Roman numeral above the band's embossed crest, signed on album XIV in silver ink by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. Encased in a black box with gold lettering, the set also includes a color accompanying booklet, featuring full color images of the members and each album; an itinerary program for their 1971–1985 World Tour; and a fold-out map of the world, with the locations Queen had toured colored in red. In fine condition. Issued in 1985 after their astronomically successful performance at Live Aid, Parlophone Records compiled the bands studio albums, their Live Killers album, and a disc containing all the A-sides and B-sides that never made it onto the albums, aptly entitled Complete Vision. One of just 600 signed editions released, this complete box set is the definitive Queen collection. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=923

Elvis Presley Vintage ballpoint signature

Vintage ballpoint signature, “Elvis Presley,” on the reverse of a clipped 3 x 3.5 magazine or catalog page. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, several passing through signature, and some light wrinkling. Accompanied by two original unsigned vintage color satin-finish 5 x 7 photos of Presley being mobbed for his autograph outside, both dated on the reverse 1969. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=919

Charles Darwin Bold vintage ink signature

Bold vintage ink signature, “Charles Darwin, Down, Kent, May 20th 1877,” on an off-white 4.25 x 2.25 slip. Nicely triple-suede-matted and framed with an image and nameplate to an overall size of 23.5 x 19.5. In fine condition. Darwin moved to Down House in Kent in 1842, where he lived for the rest of his life; this sprawling 33-acre estate was where he began to develop the nuances of his theory of evolution, doing much of his most intense thinking while pacing up and down his favorite stretch of garden, ‘The Sand Walk.’ Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=180

Honus Wagner Official Spalding National League (Frick) baseball signed

Official Spalding National League (Frick) baseball signed and inscribed in black ink on the sweet spot, “To Lil, With Best Wishes, Honus Wagner.” Encapsulated in a plastic PSA/DNA authentication holder. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity and grading from PSA/DNA, evaluating the signature at ‘8’ and the ball at ‘6,’ for an overall grade of ‘7.’ One of the finest signed Wagner baseballs we have encountered. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1420

Sokol KM Rescue Suit

Sokol KM rescue suit. This design was a derivative of the Sokol-K suit, with this model having a transverse zipper at the waist to allow for easier on and off capabilities, as well as making it more customizable to individual cosmonaut’s sizes. Designed as a ‘rescue suit,’ it kept the astronaut alive in case of accidental depressurization of the spacecraft. Suit appears to be complete with helmet, boots, gloves, and cables. A manometer is attached to the upper arm, and several patches are sewn to the upper torso. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=83

NASA Street Sign Signed By 17 astronauts

Colorful metal NASA Space Center sign, 24 x 24, signed on the front in black felt tip by 17 astronauts, almost all of whom flew in the Apollo program. Signers are: Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, Gordon Cooper, Richard Gordon, Alan Bean, Charles Conrad, Gene Cernan, Jim McDivitt, Harrison Schmitt, Frank Borman, Walt Cunningham, Wally Schirra, Scott Carpenter, James Lovell, Edgar Mitchell, John Young, and Dave Scott. All but Carpenter have added their respective mission(s). In fine condition, with a bit of scattered light surface wear and two holes for attaching the sign to a pole. A unique assemblage and a visually-striking display. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=326

Alexi Leonov Original painting Salyut station

Retired Soviet/Russian cosmonaut and Air Force Major General who, in 1965, became the first human to conduct a space walk. Original painting by Leonov, 8 x 9, oil on cold press illustration board, entitled ‘Salyut 1,’ depicting the space station in orbit preparing to dock with a Soyuz space craft, signed in white paint in the lower right corner. Double-suede-matted and framed with a small plaque to an overall size of 18.5 x 22. In very fine condition. Leonov and Valery Kubasov were assigned to Salyut 1, but Kubasov fell ill, and the backup crew sent to Salyut died when an air valve failed in their spacecraft as they were returning to Earth. Leonov is an accomplished, award-winning space artist. A truly one-of-a-kind piece that illustrates the very beginning of long-duration space flight. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=107

Apollo 12 Flown emergency wrench Tool B

Flown emergency wrench (‘Tool B’) carried to the lunar surface on board the Apollo 12 Lunar Module Intrepid. L-shaped wrench measures 7″ long, with a circular ring on the bottom of the handle, with a 5″ arm extending from the handle to which different heads could be attached. Inside of the handle bears NASA parts and serial number. Wrench comes on a wooden 10.5 x 9 presentation plaque, with a small engraved plaque which reads, “Presented to / Maj. Alfred Worden, USAF / By the Crew of Apollo XII / A key to your own CSM, checked out aboard Intrepid, November 1969, on its voyage to the Ocean of Storms, Moon.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Worden, which reads, in part, “I hereby certify the emergency wrench…was flown to the moon onboard the Apollo 12 lunar module ‘Intrepid’ as part of its emergency tool kit. I served as the back CMP on that flight, and as such I helped insert the crew into the spacecraft before lunch. This key was a gift from the Apollo 12 crew to thank me and to commemorate their flight.” RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=538

Apollo 12 PLSS Dust Plug Cover

Flown Portable Life Support System (PLSS) dust plug carried to the lunar surface on board the Apollo 12 lunar module Intrepid. Metal cover measures 1.5″ in diameter, with a government inspection stamp on the rim as well as two serial numbers, “708365,” and “SV723763.” There are also remnants of another number along the rim. This cap protected a connector interface on the back of the PLSS. This cover would have been removed by astronauts Conrad or Bean prior to their EVA as the crew suited up for their moon walks. Accompanied by a handwritten letter of authenticity from Charles Conrad which reads, “This dust plug seal belonged to LM-6/Intrepid. Therefore, this dust plug seal flew from Earth and landed on the Ocean of Storms, Moon during the period of November 14–24, 1969. Charles Conrad, Jr., CDR, Apollo XII.”

This plug played a critical function on the PLSS during the mission. The PLSS, a component of the A7L space suit, provided breathing gasses, cooling, power, and communications to the astronauts while they were conducting their extra vehicular activities on the lunar surface. The plug protected a connector interface when not in use. The connector was designed for an umbilical which ran between the PLSS itself and a remote control unit which was mounted on the astronaut's chest. The cap was removed prior to EVA as the crew suited up, and would have been left in the lunar module during the moonwalks, making this plug one of the only pieces of a flown PLSS to return to Earth as the bulky 80 plus pound backpack were jettisoned to the lunar surface by the astronauts prior to lift off from the lunar surface. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=537

Jim Irwin Communication Carrier Electronic Module Apollo 15

Jim Irwin’s Communication Carrier Electronic Module (CCEM), part no. 16495G-02, serial number 257, manufactured by the David Clark Company, and worn by Jim Irwin during the Apollo 15 mission, including on the lunar surface. This module is the hardware component of the Communications Carrier Assembly, more commonly known as the ‘Snoopy Cap.’ It consists of earphones and microphones for both the right side and the left side. The two sides are joined with a 10.5? wiring harness. In addition the right side has a wiring harness with a connector at the end for connecting to the spacecraft umbilical cable. The electronics for the earphones and microphones are contained within blue molded rubber enclosures, with molded recesses for the earphones. These rubber enclosures would be held in place over the astronaut's ears while wearing the ‘Snoopy Cap’. The wire harnesses are covered with Teflon fabric, which is the same fabric used for the ‘Snoopy Cap.’ In fine condition, with the right earphone having been cut for a repair and then resealed. The module comes with its plastic storage bag, with a JSC Projects Parts tag stapled to the outside, dated March 6, 1996. Four other labels are affixed to the bag including a NASA Cleaned For Service tag dated March 9, 1995 (to prepare the module for long-term storage), and a Boeing FEPC Form 1106.

This particular lunar-worn item has taken a unique and interesting path from the lunar surface until now. First worn by Irwin during the Apollo 15 mission, including on the lunar surface during his three moonwalks. Shortly after his return to earth, his entire Communications Carrier Assembly (CCA) was inventoried and placed into NASA bonded storage. After receiving an internal request, NASA reissued this CCA in support of the Skylab to be used during astronaut training. At this point, an Apollo Spacecraft Hardware Utilization Request (ASHUR), dated August 12, 1971, was issued authorizing transfer and downgrading the unit from a Class I flight article to Class II. The form shows Irwin's headset overall part and serial number, “16536G-04 S/N 257”; while each individual part carried its own serial number as well. The document states, “These units are to be assigned as flight crew training units as required for remaining Apollo missions and Skylab missions…Upon completion of crew system training requirements, these communication carriers will be returned to MSC bonded storage for disposition as artifacts.” A number of years later, NASA decided the assembly was no longer needed and released it to GSA auctions for disposal as an artifact. Accompanying the module are copies of the ASHUR tag (the original being housed in the National Archives), as well as a copy of the 2010 receipt for the lot sold by GSA. Arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment necessary for space travel and EVAs, this particular piece is believed to be the first such complete module to become available for sale, and is sure to be a centerpiece of any space collection. RR Auction COA.

 http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=636

Samuel L. Clemens Handwritten Letter Signed

ALS, in pencil, signed “S. L. Clemens,” one page, 3.5 x 5.25, no date. Brief letter to Mr. Hutchins. In full: “This is to introduce my friends Paige and Davis who desire to see the type-setter at work as per my conversation with you.” On the adjacent page Clemens adds, “Office of the Post.” Nicely double-suede-matted and framed with a portrait of Clemens and a biographical plaque to an overall size of 18 x 30. In fine condition, with a thin strip of tape along hinge and some surface loss and rubbing along top edge.

Having spent a good deal of his teenage years setting type by hand as an apprentice printer, Clemens wholeheartedly believed that the Paige Compositor—a printing press that would use a mechanical arm to set the type—would be one of the greatest (and most lucrative) inventions of all time. It was thus that he assumed the major financial responsibility of the project in exchange for a percentage of anticipated profits. At the mercy of inventor James Paige and mechanical expert Charles Davis, introduced in this letter, Clemens’s investment slowly soured; as the project’s development moved at a snail’s pace, the new Linotype hit the market with great success, making Paige’s machine obsolete before it was even completed. Clemens lost not only the bulk of his book profits but also a substantial portion of his wife's inheritance, and in 1894, was forced to file for bankruptcy. An interesting document regarding the men and the invention that led to the financial unraveling of the entrepreneurial author. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

 http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=829

HMS Bounty Bronze Nail

Royal Navy vessel under the command of William Bligh sent to Tahiti in 1787 to acquire breadfruit plants; the ship’s master, Fletcher Christian, led a mutiny and seized command on April 28, 1789, after the mutineers attempted to build a colony on the island of Tubuai. Curved bronze sheathing nail recovered from the HMS Bounty, approximately 1″ long, attached to a burnt sienna cloth backing and framed to an overall size of 3.5 x 4. In fine condition. Luis Marden—writer, photographer, diver and explorer for the National Geographic Society—discovered the remains of HMS Bounty at the bottom of Bounty Bay at Pitcairn Island. This nail, recovered by Marden, is from those remains. Accompanied by a copy of the original transmittal letter from Marden, dated Ausut 2, 1971, in part: “This was recovered by me in 1957 from the bottom of Bounty Bay at Pitcairn Island, in some thirty feet of water...This nail is from the remains of the Bounty and was used to fasten the copper sheathing to the hull below the waterline.” The HMS Bounty vessel itself was built in 1784, purchased and refit by the Royal Navy in 1787, and burned and sunken on January 23, 1790—making this nail approximately 225 years old, recovered after spending 167 years at the bottom of the sea. RR Auction COA.

 http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=404

John F. Kennedy 1961 Signed Document

Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 19.75 x 16, October 27, 1961. President Kennedy appoints “Raymond G. Dwigans, of Texas…Collector of Customs for Customs Collection District No. 24.” Signed at the conclusion by Kennedy and countersigned by Secretary of the Treasury Douglas Dillon. In fine condition, with some slight skipping to last letter of signature, a bit of light soiling, and a couple of small vertical creases extending upwards from bottom edge. The gold foil seal is crisp and intact. Rolled. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=66

Michael Collins Original watercolor painting titled The Inspection

Original watercolor painting titled ‘The Inspection,’ 15 x 11, showing a NASA jet high above the Kennedy Space Center, with the Space Shuttle on the launch pad in the distance, signed in black ink, “Michael Collins V ’05.” Double–cloth-matted and framed with Apollo 11 and NASA patches to an overall size of 23 x 23. In very fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Novaspace. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=745

John F. Kennedy 1963 Signed Photograph Inscribed to Bachrach

Vintage matte-finish 7.25 x 9 bust portrait of Kennedy in a pinstriped suit affixed to its original 9.5 x 12.5 mount, signed and inscribed on the mount in fountain pen, “For Fabian Bachrach, With warm regards, John F. Kennedy.” The photo also features a gold embossed photographer’s stamp reading, “Fabian Bachrach” in the lower right corner. Gorgeously double-matted and framed with an engraved plaque to an overall size of 24 x 30.5. In fine condition.

According to Bachrach family legend, this portrait of Kennedy—the photographer’s most famous, among an astonishingly wide array of celebrity photos—almost failed to be. When Senator Kennedy sat for his photo in 1959, Bachrach returned to the studio to find that there were no useable images—all were either out of focus or showed Kennedy, suffering from chronic back pain, awkwardly standing. Desperate for a second chance, Bachrach phoned Kennedy’s office repeatedly, finally receiving an appointment for another session in the summer of 1960. With his subject detained by all-night Senate proceedings, the photographer was about to leave when Kennedy finally appeared. With time for only six shots, he worked quickly and expertly, capturing not only what would become the presidential portrait—the image offered here—but also the wildly popular image of Kennedy seated in his leather armchair with the American flag behind him. As the only known print of this portrait holding the gold embossed Bachrach stamp, inscribed to Fabian Bachrach himself, this is a one-of-a-kind example of the most iconic presidential photo in American history. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=64

Lee Harvey Oswald Vintage ballpoint signature

Vintage ballpoint signature, “Lee H. Oswald,” on an off-white slip clipped from a larger document. Matted with a color magazine image of Oswald’s mug shot and a small plaque to an overall size of 13 x 19.25. In fine condition. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=160

Albert Einstein Handwritten mathematical expressions

Extraordinary handwritten mathematical expressions and notes in Einstein’s hand on both sides of an off-white 8.5 x 11 sheet of New York’s Hotel Commodore letterhead, no date, but likely 1921. On the front of the sheet, side, he pens ten lines of notes in German regarding the purchase of a boat, listing five Berlin residents advertising boats for sale along with their prices, in full (translated): “Mrs. Lippert—German Workshop for Leather industry—Noll 1436. How much does the boat cost? Length, surface of the sail, how many sails? How many persons? Kurfürst 8143 Price? Amount of sails and surfaces. Name? Weight-bearing capacity? Kreutner, Hannoversche Strasse 2, Berlin N.W.O. Price 16500. Letter regarding inspection / Karl Weber, Price 15000, Grünstrasse 16, Berlin—letter regarding inspection / J. Padschadel, Jasmundstrasse 8—letter regarding inspection, price 15000, 22 square meters surface of sail.” On the reverse of the sheet, Einstein pens a series of seven mathematical expressions. Intersecting folds, light scattered creases, and slight foxing, otherwise fine condition; the mathematical side of the sheet also bears an ink notation in an unknown hand.

In 1921, Einstein received a celebrity’s welcome when he arrived in New York for his first visit to the United States. Staying at the Hotel Commodore, he gave three weeks of lectures and attended countless receptions in his honor before moving on in his travels. Passionate about sailing since his university days, embracing the solitude and simplicity of being at sea, the jet-setting physicist now had his sights set on buying a boat of his own upon his return to Germany; making a list of sellers in Berlin, he questions prices, sail sizes and numbers, weight-bearing capacities, etc. Eight years later, in honor of his 50th birthday, he was given a custom-made ship, which he held as one of his most prized possessions: when asked in 1933 if he would renounce other loyalties to be an American citizen (which he had just become), he cheerfully replied that he ‘would even renounce [his] cherished sailboat’ if necessary. With the wonderful sailing association on one side and always-sought-after equations on the other, this is a highly desirable piece from the legendary physicist. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

 http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=448

John F. Kennedy Black Necktie

One of John F. Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn neckties. Solid black tie bears a Wembley Priestly’s Nor-East maker’s label on the underside. Accompanied by a copy of a letter of authenticity from David J. Powers, the son of Kennedy’s special assistant David F. Powers, which states, “This solid black Wembley tie…was worn by JFK and subsequently ended up with my father…My father carefully separated this tie from others that were his alone and preserved it among his valuable memorabilia.” In fine condition. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=71

Lee Harvey Oswald 1953 Arrest Card

Original New York Police Department partly-printed arrest disposition card for Lee Oswald, one page, 6 x 4, April 16, 1953. Oswald, age 13 of 825 East 179 St. and student at “P.S. 44,” is arrested for “Juv. Del.” with a specific offense of “Warrant, Habitual Truant.” The arrest was made at the request of James Brennan, an attendance officer with the Board of Education. In very good condition, with overall creases and a punch hole to the lower left. Originally obtained by a longtime NYPD officer in charge of disposing of old records after they were committed to microfilm. In interviews with the police, Oswald said that he had better things to do than go to school, and disliked his teachers and classmates. Because his mother was ineffective in ensuring that Oswald went to school, he was remanded to Youth House for psychiatric observation. Here, a doctor determined that Oswald’s difficulties resulted from ‘emotional isolation and deprivation, lack of affection, absence of family life, and rejection by a self involved and conflicted mother,’ and recommended that he go to therapy with a male psychiatrist to help substitute for the lack of a father figure. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=172

John F. Kennedy Air Force One Passenger List

Original passenger manifest from Air Force One for Kennedy’s November 1963 trip to Texas, 8 x 10.5, 6 pages, November 21, 1963. The first page identifies the plane as “VC-137C - 26000,” is stamped twice, “For Official Use Only,” and bears a ballpoint notation, “AF #1, Guard.” First page consists of the passenger list for the flight from Andrews Air Force Base to San Antonio on November 21, with especially notable passengers including “The President,” “Mrs Kennedy,” “Mr. David F. Powers,” “Senator Ralph Yarborough,” “Mrs Evelyn Lincoln,” and “Mr. Clint Hill.” This list was evidently used as a checklist to make sure everyone made it aboard. Page two is for their next flight later that day, from San Antonio to Houston, with the notable additions of “Governor Connally” and “Mrs Connally.” Following this is the list of passengers flying from Houston to Fort Worth, set to take off at 10:30 p.m. and land 45 minutes later. The most historic page is the fourth, for the flight from Fort Worth to Dallas on the morning of November 22, taking off at 11:15 a.m. and landing 20 minutes later at Love Field. Despite two more scheduled flights, this was the last Kennedy would take—he was assassinated during the motorcade from Love Field to the Dallas Trade Mart. Had the trip gone as planned, Kennedy would have left Dallas for Austin at 2:35 p.m., stayed the night, and flown to Dulles International the following day at 2:15 p.m. Central vertical and horizontal folds and some soiling to the first page, otherwise fine condition. Originates from the estate of Sgt. Thomas Webb, the first crew chief of the Air Force One jet, a Boeing VC-137C, tail number 2600 (as indicated in this manifest). Also accompanied by two LBJ pins and gallery admission card. A remarkable official piece from what would become a national day of mourning. RR Auction COA.

 http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=125

John F. Kennedy Hotel Texas Presidential Phones

Pair of cream-colored rotary telephones from the presidential suite of the Hotel Texas in Fort Worth, used by the Kennedys on November 21, 1963, the night before traveling to Dallas. Both were manufactured by Western Electric, embellished with White House emblems in the center of the dials, and installed in the hotel specifically for the president’s visit. In overall very good condition, with general scattered surface spotting and soiling, and a hairline crack above the dial of one phone; one phone retains its original four-prong plug at the end of the cord, and end of the other cord has been severed and plug is absent. 

When President and Mrs. Kennedy arrived at the Hotel Texas in Fort Worth, on November 21, they found the Presidential Suite, #850, perfectly to their liking, from the priceless artwork adorning the walls to the two Southwestern Bell phones installed just for their brief stay. On the morning of the 22nd, Kennedy left his room to speak at a breakfast hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce before heading outside to address a crowd of thousands. After departing for Dallas, the room was cleared—the art returned to the museums and private collectors who donated it for the day, and the phones returned to the Southwestern Bell warehouse. It was from there that a district sales and service manager (and staunch Kennedy supporter) bought the pair as souvenirs, taking advantage of his company’s policy of allowing employees to buy directly from the warehouse. A charming memento from the site of Kennedy’s final speech. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=128

Lee Harvey Oswald 1962 Autograph Letter Signed

ALS signed “Lee & Marina,” three pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 5.5 x 8, January 30, 1962. Letter to his brother Robert. In full (spelling and grammar retained): “Well, I haven’t heard from you for quite a while either you’re not writing or your letters aren’t getting through to me. I told you in my last letter that we have finilly been granted exit visa’s for leaving the Soviet Union we’ll probably be in the states in the spring. You once said that you asked around about weather or not the U.S. goverment had any charges against me, you said at that time ‘no,’ maybe possible now that goverment knows I’m coming they’ll have something waiting. Mother wrote me a letter the other day in which she informed me that the Marine Corps had given me a dishonorable discharge in Nov. 1959. Did you know this? Of course, this is not too bad, since it relives me of reserve duty, but still I should take this into account

I wrote a letter to John B. Connally Secretary of the Navy who lives in Ft. Worth asking about my dishonorable discharge maybe you could ask him to look into the case since I don’t know whether the Russians will let that letter through. You said you were sending us something but be still having gotten anything don’t worry packages are very slow coming and going. The Embassy said they will see about a loan for us when we leave so it seems our money problem will not be too acute. Marina still has a month too go so by the time you get this letter you’ll be pretty close too being an uncle. March 1 is the big day. Marina sends her love to all, as I do hope to see you all soon. I really don’t know where we’ll settle I’d sort of like New Orleans. How’s the hunting out at the farm? How the weather and all? If you find out any information about me, please let me know, I’d like to be ready on the draw so to speak. We’ll keep writing until we get ready to leave so don’t quit writing.” In fine condition, with a couple unobtrusive stains, a slight vertical wrinkle passing between names in the signature (neither of which detract from the terrific overall appearance of the letter), and a trimmed top edge where Warren Commission label was once affixed; this was exhibit 314. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.

Concerned that his actions in the Soviet Union would make him a target upon his return to the States, Oswald sought his brother Robert’s help in gathering as much information as possible regarding any issues the government may have with him before he arrived. In the letter to John Connally referenced here, Oswald demanded that the then-secretary of the Navy ‘repair the damage done’ to him and his family with the dishonorable discharge, menacingly exclaiming, ‘I shall employ all means to right this gross mistake or injustice to a boni-fied U.S. citizen and ex-serviceman.’ By the time Connally received the letter, he was no longer with the Navy, having announced his retirement at the close of 1961 to run in the upcoming gubernatorial election, and happily passed it to his successor, washing his hands of Oswald until the two would meet again on that tragic day in November—the only other victim in the shooting that killed Kennedy, Connally was seriously injured while riding in the president’s car, suffering from major wounds in his chest, wrist and thigh. Combining pleasant personal conversation—“by the time you get this letter you’ll be pretty close too being an uncle”—with comments revealing his constant fear of persecution—“maybe possible now that goverment knows I’m coming they’ll have something waiting”—this is a fascinating letter offering a glimpse into Oswald’s thoughts just months before returning to Texas. RR Auction COA.

 http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=169

John F. Kennedy’s 18k Gold Presidential Ring

Elegant custom-made one-of-a-kind 18k gold handcrafted ring presented to President Kennedy by his wife Jacqueline in 1963. According to Kennedy’s secretary Evelyn Lincoln it was crafted by Cartier, though due to its being privately made, it bears no official maker’s mark. The 18 karat gold ring bears a detailed engraving of the presidential seal on the outside, and is hand-engraved on the inside, “J. B. K. to J. F. K.” Accompanied by a November 21, 1982 letter of provenance from Kennedy’s secretary Evelyn Lincoln, written on White House stationery, which reads, in part: “The 18K Gold Cartier handcrafted ring with the delicate and detailed Presidential Seal is a paramount example of a JFK personal item. After John F. Kennedy was inaugurated on January 20, 1961, it was approved for design by Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. Accordingly, she had it hand-engraved on the interior band with ‘JBK to JFK’ in an intricate script design. As I recall, it was meant to be worn by JFK on his left ring finger or the right pinkie. It was Mrs. Kennedy’s policy that some personal items could not be marked by the companies chosen by her, if she selected them to create special items or high quality gifts for JFK…When the President left his Oval Office for Dallas, I accompanied him. It was such a horrible time. Anyway, he left the ‘JBK to JFK’ ring in his desk drawer. I retrieved it upon my return.” A beautifully crafted and deeply personal gift from the First Lady. In fine, near mint condition. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection. RR Auction COA.

 http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=22

Norman Rockwell signed lithograph entitled Boy Gazing at Pictures of Glamorous Stars

Attractive color limited edition 20.5 x 25 lithograph entitled ‘Boy Gazing at Pictures of Glamorous Stars,’ artist’s proof, signed in the lower border in pencil by Rockwell. Matted and professionally framed with conservation glass to an overall size of 29.5 x 34.5. In fine condition. Oversized. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from Charles Flint Rockwell Museum authenticator.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=589

Laurel and Hardy signed and inscribed photo

Vintage matte-finish 10 x 8 photo of the comedic duo posing side-by-side in their bowler hats, signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen “Hello Minnie! Stan Laurel,” and “Oliver Hardy.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=976

Camille Pissarro Boldly-penned ALS in French

Highly regarded French painter (1830–1903), and one of the leading figures of the impressionist movement, best known for his distinctive pointillist style. Boldly-penned ALS in French, signed “C. Pissarro,” one page both sides, 4 x 6.25, September 23, 1896. Letter to his wife. In full (translated): “Enclosed is a letter from Georges which I received yesterday evening. This morning I received one from Lucien which I’ll send you after answering it. What weather! Impossible to open the windows yesterday. Nevertheless I was able to work a little, but just a little…Today I very nicely made up for that—and I’m really exhausted! It’s still very windy and I don’t dare go out. It’s been at least four days since I haven’t budged from my window. My studies are proceeding. Unfortunately the more I advance the less satisfied I am. If you could see the extraordinary changes in the (atmospheric) effects—and of such a rare beauty. What produces that character of beauty is all the activity in the port—from my window it’s much more beautiful than at the Hotel de Paris—with three points of view I can do a hundred paintings. In sum, I’m really giving it the gun and it’s going pretty well.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

 http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=584

Babe Ruth Personal Check

Personal check, 8 x 3, filled out and signed by Ruth, “G. H. Ruth,” payable to Cash for $150.00, October 18, 1940. Attractively matted and framed with a vintage hand-drawn portrait of Ruth on the dugout steps to an overall size of 18 x 22. In fine condition, with expected cancellation holes and bank notations (none affecting the choice signature). Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1314

Queen Victoria Original signed sketch of Italian opera singer Giulia Grissi

Original signed pencil sketch of Italian opera singer Giulia Grissi in character on an off-white 7 x 9 sheet, drawn by Princess Victoria at age 16. Signed and captioned at the bottom in pencil, “Victoria, del: Aug: 14th 1835, Mdme. G. Grissi as Elvira in I Puritani in her 1st dress.” Attractively cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 13.5 x 15.5. Subtle intersecting folds and overall foxing, otherwise fine condition. I Puritani is a three-act opera by Vincenzo Bellini, which first opened in Paris in January 1835 before making its British debut at King’s Theatre in London on May 21. I Puritani was known to be Victoria’s favorite opera and the first which she attended in the company of Prince Albert before their marriage. An immensely desirable, one-of-a-kind item due to its close association with her personal life and the scarcity of such a piece. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=267

Paul Newman Exceptionally Early Portrait

Scarce early vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 head-and-shoulders publicity photo of Newman, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Frank, Best Wishes, Paul Newman.” Subtle scattered foxing and some creases and adhesive remnants to borders, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.    

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=988

Charles Lindbergh Rare Bankers Trust Company uncancelled check

Rare Bankers Trust Company uncancelled check, 7.25 x 2.75, filled out in another hand and signed by Lindbergh, “$1.50 C. A. Lindbergh,” payable to Luttman’s Luggage Shop for $1.50, April 14, 1931. Several unobtrusive flattened vertical folds, a few creases, and overall toning, otherwise fine condition. It is interesting to note that Lindbergh’s payment is to a luggage store, since flight would go on to revolutionize travel in the ensuing years. While checks endorsed by Lindbergh occasionally enter the marketplace, ‘true’ checks signed on the front are few and far between—this is the first we have ever offered. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=461

Samuel Francis Smith Autograph Lyrics

Autograph lyrics, signed “S. F. Smith,” two pages, 5.25 x 5.5, no date. Smith pens all four stanzas of his famous hymn, “America.” In part: “My country, ’tis of thee, / Sweet land of liberty, / Of thee I sing; / Land where my fathers died, / Land of the pilgrims’ pride, / From every mountainside, / Let freedom ring.” Nicely matted and framed with an unsigned portrait of Smith to an overall size of 22 x 11.5. In fine condition, with a horizontal fold affecting one line of writing and a small crease/tear affecting Smith’s last name. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=598

Jim Morrison Handmade collage comic strip circa 1957

Handmade collage comic strip circa 1957, signed “Jim,” on an off-white 12 x 3.75 sheet. Comic features clipped cartoon characters affixed to the sheet, with speech bubbles written by Morrison beside each one. From left to right, the words read: “By Jove…By Jove men, look at that dog…Sniff Sniff…Piss on comic books…Potrezbie?…How the hell should we know…What the Hell am I doing in this furshluginner comic strip?” Nicely float-mounted and framed in a shadowbox to an overall size of 17.5 x 9. In fine condition. Provenance: Christie’s 1994, 2012. A one-of-a-kind piece of artwork that offers a unique perspective on Morrison’s thoughts and creativity as a young man. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=194

Grateful Dead Jerry Garcia Personal Check

Personal check, 6 x 2.75, filled out in another hand and signed by Garcia, “Jerry Garcia,” payable to Alan Trisk for $2000, April 30, 1982. The memo section notes: "Draw (Of Bonus & Beacon)." In fine condition, with expected bank stamps (not affecting the signature). Garcia, with John Kahn, had played at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, on April 21, 1982. An excessively rare item made even more desirable by its association with this concert venue. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=405

Michael Jackson Original signed felt tip sketch of Winnie the Pooh

Original signed felt tip sketch of Winnie the Pooh on an off-white 12 x 18 sheet, signed at the bottom by Jackson. In fine condition. Rolled. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=255

Paul McCartney and John Lennon Vintage Ballpoint Signatures

Vintage ballpoint signatures, “To Lynda love from John Lennon xxx,” and “Love to Lynda, Paul McCartney xxx,” on opposite sides of a 4.5 x 4 light green album page, with a small clipped photo of Lennon and McCartney affixed to each side. In very good condition, with skipping to portions of McCartney’s signature, resulting in part of the signature being fairly light, but still legible, and toning to both sides from adhesive under the photos, affecting just small portions of the signatures and sentiments. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

 http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=30

Stuart Sutcliffe Original unsigned ink sketches

Original unsigned ink sketches on an off-white 5.75 x 8 page from one of Sutcliffe’s art school sketchbooks. On one side he draws several ornately decorated geometric figures, slightly resembling chess pieces, with six lines of notes above the sketches, including “Electrik Jew,” “infirm the irremediable one,” and “biological wolf.” On the reverse, he writes 11 different notations, including, “examplifier—god of roc,” “pendulum—pentagon extenses,” and “discord for attension is an objective problem.” In fine condition, with some light ink transfer to one page from sketches on an adjacent page. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

 http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=38

The Bee Gees Signed Photo

Vintage ink signature, “Mickey Mantle,” on an off-white 4.5 x 2.5 page. In fine condition. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1102

Aaron Burr Bank Check April 8, 1788

Bank check, 6 x 3, filled out and signed by Burr, payable to himself “AB” for £7–10, April 8, 1788. A central vertical fold and an ink cancellation over first name of signature, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=190