William Butler Yeats Autograph Letter Signed

Highly regarded Irish poet and playwright (1865–1939) recognized as one of the key figures in 20th-century literature. ALS signed “W. B. Yeats,” one-page both sides, 4.25 x 6.75, September 20, no year but likely circa 1902. Letter to Elkin Mathews, in part: “I see by account sent you from A P Watt that you had only 98 copies of ‘The Wind Among the Reeds’ last March. You must therefore have about exhausted the edition. I think it will be better in future to print the design in gold on a few vellum copies & to bind the ordinary copies in plain boards with a paper label. People will be all the more glad to buy the vellum copies if the design is not made common by printing it on all copies in some poorer way.” Attractively double-matted and framed with a portrait of Yeats and the original mailing envelope to an overall size of 16.25 x 16.5, with a window on the reverse for viewing the signed side. In fine condition. Published in 1899, The Wind Among the Reeds was a stylized collection of 37 poems that made use of both theosophy and Irish folklore. Mathews, the letter’s recipient and a neighbor of Yeats, was an important British publisher in the late 19th and early 20th century, printing the works of Lionel Johnson, James Joyce, Ezra Pound, and Robert Bridges. His friendship with Yeats may have played a role in allowing the poet to have such liberal say during the design and marketing processes. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Absentee Bidding ends at 12 PM ET Wednesday Feb 18 - Live Bidding Begins at 1 PM ET Feb 19 

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=2113

Vo Nguyen Giap Signed Photograph

Viet Minh military leader (1911–2013) who served as a principal commander in the First Indochina War and Vietnam War. Glossy 7 x 9.5 photo of Vo Nguyen Giap in uniform as a young man, signed in black ink and dated Vietnam, December 19, 1990. In fine condition, with some light surface marks and bends. Giap retired from politics in August of 1991, less than a year after signing this photo. An ideal pose of this key figure in the military success of North Vietnam. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=2082

Chiang Kai-shek Signature

Chinese nationalist and military leader (1887–1975) who served the Republic of China between 1928 and 1975, including as its president for 26 years. Very early fountain pen signature, “Chiang Kai-Shek, Nanking, April 1932,” on an off-white 5.5 x 7 sheet. Expertly double-matted and framed with an image of the leader to an overall size of 16 x 13.5. In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold. After the death of Sun Yat-sen in 1925, Chiang Kai-shek became the de facto leader of the Kuomintang and launched the Northern Expedition, a military campaign designed to overthrow warlords in the north and unify China under a single party. Chiang's forces successfully captured Nanking in 1927, and he declared the city as the national capital and seat of his government. Despite the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931, most of Chiang's focus was on suppressing the Communists at the time he signed this in 1932. This example of Chiang Kai-shek's signature is extraordinary not only in its early date but in its composition, as it is the only 'Romanized' English example of his autograph we have ever offered. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=2007

Mary, Queen of Scots Letter Signed

Exemplary LS in Scots, signed “Marie R,” one page, 8.25 x 12, “Holyrood” (“At our abbey of Halirudehous”), March 23, 1566/7, written to William Keith, the 3rd Earl Marischal. Queen Mary summons the Earl Marischal to a significant parliamentary event in Edinburgh on April 14, strongly urging his attendance. In part (translated): “There are various matters to be discussed touching the welfare of our realm and…issues relating to the prosperity of our cousin the Earl of Huntly” [in Scots: “Thair is divers effaces to be intreated for the welffair of or. realme and…thingis concernyng the weill of our cousing the erle of hwntlie”]. The Queen adds that his “good counsel and advice” [in Scots: “guid counsall and adwyis”] would be very beneficial. With address, later docket to reverse, and very slight traces of a red wax seal. Eight neat slits from the original string closure, with only one affecting two words and not the signature, otherwise fine condition. Document is housed in a beautiful hunter green cloth display folder emblazoned with "Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots" on the front in gold. 

http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=2113

Orville Wright Signed cardstock photo Iconic image of man’s first flight

Exceptionally desirable 6.25 x 4.5 cardstock photo of the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk, boldly signed in the lower right in fountain pen. In very good condition, with a significant horizontal crease, a few lighter creases, and scattered soiling. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=357

Audrey Hepburn signed book photo

Gorgeous 8.25 x 11.75 book photo of Hepburn resting her chin on her hand, signed in purple felt tip. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=744

Confederate Navy Cutlass

Courtney and Tennant, Charleston SC. marked Confederate navy cutlass. This piece was built by Robert Mole in England and acquired for the Confederacy by George Tennant who was the agent for the Confederate Navy. This piece shows an 18.75″ excellent blade. There is one area of fine pitting on both sides of the blade and some staining. The original washer is in place. Mole is correctly stamped as is the Courtney and Tennant marking. The black checkered grips are original and rate very good to excellent. The black leather scabbard is complete and rates excellent with only some age and surface crazing. The seams are solid with unpolished brass fittings. The uppermost 2.5″ of the scabbard is in perfect condition, as it was protected by the frog. This piece is overall 24″ and is one of the scarcer cutlasses as fitted with the full iron guard. This piece is in its as found condition, it has not been cleaned or polished. An excellent example for the serious Confederate naval collector. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=311

Son House Signed Book Photo

Blues singer and guitarist (1902–1988) noted for his slide guitar playing. Rare book photo of House in a shirt and bow tie, trimmed to a size of 6 x 8.25, signed in black felt tip. In fine condition. Provenance: The Larry Rafferty Collection. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=203

John Lennon Complete limited edition set of Lennon’s ‘Bag One’ prints

Complete limited edition set of Lennon’s ‘Bag One’ prints, published by Laurens A. Danne of Amsterdam, Holland, in 1970. All 15 prints measure 14.5 x 20 or 20 x 14.5, each bearing a facsimile of Lennon’s signature. Prints are accompanied by their original envelope, numbered 000391. Scattered soiling and a few tears to envelope, otherwise fine condition. The Bag One’ series was first published and exhibited in January 1970 at the London Art Gallery. On the second day the exhibition was closed by Scotland Yard and the erotic lithographs confiscated. RR Auction COA.

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Beatles Choice set of signatures obtained on the way to Sweden

An Air France London Airport service card, 4 x 6, signed on the reverse in blue ballpoint, “Beatles, Paul McCartney,” “Ringo Starr,” “George Harrison,” and “John Lennon.” Front of the card is dated October 23, 1963, in another hand. In fine condition, with a few scattered light creases. All the signatures were obtained at London Airport on October 23, 1963, when the band was flying out to Stockholm, Sweden, for their first ever European tour. Earlier in the day the group was at EMI Studios, Abbey Road, London, and had made the final input into their second album With The Beatles, recording the 16th take of ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ and then watching as George Martin and Norman Smith mixed ‘Little Child’ and ‘Hold Me Tight’ into mono. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

Bidding for the Marvels of Modern Music Auction opens Oct 16, 2014 & ends Oct 23, 2014 

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1954 Gibson Les Paul Standard Gold Top Electric Guitar

Original 1954 Gibson Les Paul Standard Gold Top electric guitar, serial No. 40487. Guitar is 100% original including its P90 pickups. In very good condition, with some chipping to edges of body, expected wear to the fret board, pick marks to the body and a bit of light surface loss to top left of the headstock. Guitar comes in its original brown leather Gibson case. Musicians Robbie Krieger, Duane Allman, Dickey Betts, Buddy Holly, Stone Gossard, Gary Rossington, and Rich Robinson all used this style guitar as their main ‘axe.’ Gibson even made a reissue because the sound quality was so impressive. These early models have enjoyed a resurgence lately and are becoming increasingly more desirable. RR Auction COA.

Bidding for the Marvels of Modern Music Auction opens Oct 16, 2014 & ends Oct 23, 2014 

http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=348

Ernest Hemingway Bank Check

Bank check, 6.25 x 2.75, filled out in another hand and signed by Hemingway, payable to Portador for $170.00, May 29, 1950. Reverse is endorsed by Hemingway’s friend and fishing companion Roberto Herrera. In fine condition, with two light vertical folds, one through a single letter of signature, stamp to lower left, and cancellation holes lightly affecting first name of signature. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=615

John Wayne Vintage ballpoint signature and inscription

Vintage ballpoint signature and inscription, “Good luck Steve, John Wayne, 1963,” on an off-white 6 x 4 album page. In very good condition, with paper and surface loss to edges of central vertical fold, a few stains to lower left, a couple tack holes and spots of paper loss, and an old repair to reverse of fold. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=906

Barack Obama and Bill Clinton Signed 2012 Masters Tournament at Augusta

Rare bright yellow 17.5 x 13 golf flag for the 2012 Masters Tournament at Augusta, Georgia, boldly signed in black felt tip by Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, who adds the date of October 27, 2013. In fine condition, with a JSA label affixed to the lower right corner (certificate of authenticity not present). A rare, boldly signed item featuring the two most recent Democratic presidents of the United States, signed during Obama’s term in office. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=104

John and Jacqueline Kennedy Wedding photo negatives

Collection of 13 original and most likely unpublished negatives from the wedding of John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy. Each negative measures 3.75 x 5, four feature the newlywed couple, two show the entire wedding party, and the remainder show the cake, reception, and wedding attendees. Negatives are housed in their original folder, labeled in pencil, “Pres. Kennedy 1953.” These images were originally taken by a freelance photographer who had been asked to be a ‘back-up’ photographer for the wedding, and were discovered in his darkroom after his passing. Accompanied by 5 x 4 printouts of each negative, the very first prints that have been made from these negatives. In fine condition. John and Jacqueline Kennedy were married on September 12, 1953, in Newport, Rhode Island. The entire event was chronicled by Life magazine, which noted ‘their wedding turned out to be the most impressive the old society stronghold had seen in 30 years.’ RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=96

Queen A Night at the Opera album signed

A Night at the Opera album signed on the front cover in green felt tip by Freddie Mercury and in black felt tip by Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. In very good condition, with scattered light soiling and edge creases to front cover, and a ‘ring of wear’ and scattered soiling and staining to back cover. The record is not included. At the time of its release, A Night at the Opera was the most expensive album ever recorded. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from James Spence. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=732

John F. Kennedy’s Presidential Seal Cuff Links

President Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn gold-filled cufflinks featuring elegantly raised presidential seals, each engraved with his initials on the reverse, “J. F. K.” The swivel-bar type cufflinks also have the maker’s mark “R” and “10K” stamped into the reverse. Includes a letter of provenance on a White House card from Toi Bachelder, a very well-known White House secretary, from FDR to LBJ, and personal secretary to JFK’s own Ted Sorenson. In part: “These gold-filled cuff links with a raised Presidential Seal was [sic] owned & used by President John F. Kennedy. He personally gave them to me. I was honored to be among the staff who accompanied JFK on his last European trip in June 1963.” Ms. Bachelder was aboard the presidential Air Force One as her boss, speech writer Ted Sorenson, needed her close at hand. An amazing set of custom-engraved and personally-worn presidential pieces of jewelry, given to a member of his inner circle. This impressive presidential relic is worthy of the most advanced collector.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=218

Baseball World Series 1909 Program

Exceptionally rare program for the 1909 World Series, 10 x 6.5, featuring a cartoonish tiger on the front cover holding pennants for the American League Champion Detroit Tigers and National League Champion Pittsburgh Pirates. The program is scored in pencil for the third game of the series on October 11, 1909, in which the Pirates beat the Tigers 8–6, led by a three-hit performance from Honus Wagner. In very good condition, with three significant vertical folds, some slight chipping to edges, and pencil marks inside front and back covers.

Despite their prolific careers, this was the only time that Honus Wagner and Ty Cobb met in the Fall Classic. The series went the full seven games, and ultimately Pittsburgh triumphed over Detroit to win their first championship of the modern era. Contributing to the rarity of these programs was Detroit’s defeat—most Tigers fans threw away their programs in an effort to erase the memory of their third consecutive World Series loss. Also notable is that the iconic T206 baseball card set began to be distributed in 1909, which is famously known for its extremely valuable Honus Wagner card. This program represents an important year and match-up in baseball history, and only four examples have been offered at public auction in over two decades.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1076

Lake Placid Olympics 1980 Bronze Winners Medal

This 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice’ Winter Games bronze winners medal was presented to Swedish hockey player Bo Berglund. Medal is a very large 80 mm in diameter and weighs approximately 180 grams. The medal’s edge is stamped with “Tiffany & Co. Bronze ©1979.” One side of the medal features a raised image of a hand holding the Olympic torch against a mountain backdrop, with the Olympic rings and “XIII Olympic Winter Games,” in raised letters. Reverse bears a fir tree and pine cone design, with “Lake Placid 1980,” in raised letters, and engraved underneath, “Ice Hockey.” Medal retains its original blue and white ribbon. Condition is near mint.

Bo Berglund was a standout player in the Swedish League and won bronze medals in both the 1980 and 1988 Games, tallying one goal and three assists during the Games at Lake Placid. Originally drafted by the Boston Bruins, Berglund would spend parts of three seasons with Quebec, Minnesota, and Philadelphia. Medals from the 1980 Winter Olympic Games are quite rare, as only 73 bronze were presented, coupled with its relation to the ‘Miracle on Ice’ performance of the US Hockey Team, widely regarded as the greatest sports triumph of the 20th century, elevate this medal to an elite status for collectors. An ice hockey medal from the iconic 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice’ Olympiad is a prize any advanced Olympic collector would aspire to own.    

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=444

Sam Francis Signed book YEA First edition

Signed book: YEA. First edition. Culver City, CA: The Lapis Press, 1989. Hardcover, 5.25 x 8.25, 25 pages. Signed on the first free end page with an ownership signature in black felt tip by Cid Corman, and hand-painted on the front and back covers by Francis. An extremely limited issue, only 25 copies of this specially painted edition were released, and this example has a particularly remarkable association—YEA was written by Corman and published by Francis, who founded The Lapis Press. This particular book remained unsigned by Francis, who retained it for personal use and sent it as a gift to Corman prior to publication. Includes a letter penned by Corman’s wife, Konishi Shizumi, following his death, transmitting this book as a gift to a friend. In part (spelling and grammar retained): “I’d like I have a surpris for you it little too early to X’mas gift of you. I fond sam of book and franko of peace card. I can’t find out sam paint bout I look for cid and sam made book gift for X’mas from cid to you.” A remarkable association with regard to an already excessively rare book. Book is in VG+ condition, with rubbing along edges; slight yellowing; and light scattered foxing (mostly to exterior and first/last few pages). Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=611