Showing posts with label rrauctions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rrauctions. Show all posts

Monday, November 3, 2014

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.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

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.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

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 

Friday, October 10, 2014

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.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

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.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

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.

Friday, September 12, 2014

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.    

Thursday, September 11, 2014

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.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Wooden Box Kept on his Bedside Table

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic quality personally-owned and -used wooden box, kept on his bedside table at the White House. Beautiful wood inlaid box measures 9.5 x 7 x 3.5, with the President’s initials, “FDR,” handsomely inlaid in ebony on the cover. The box’s lock has been disabled and has no key, but easily opens and closes. Accompanied by a detailed 1990 letter of provenance on White House letterhead from the wife of White House valet and steward Irineo Esperancilla. Letter reads, in part: “The lovely wood inlay box…was kept in the White House by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on his bedside table…In this box President Roosevelt kept his most personal correspondence. It was so personal that when the President passed away…my husband promptly picked up the locked box…and brought it home…The contents of FDR’s most personal correspondence was burned by my husband in our own kitchen sink—He did this act out of loyalty and respect for the President.” Also included is a second letter of provenance from Esperancilla’s wife on a White House card, a copy of a letter to Esperancilla from Naval Aide to the President Edward Leach, written on the occasion of Esperancilla’s retirement, thanking him for his loyal service to four presidents, as well as a photocopy of Esperancilla’s obituary. In very fine condition, with expected light wear, that does not detract from its aesthetic appeal. President Roosevelt once told his valets they were his ‘lifeline and keeper of his secrets,’ which was certainly the case with the disposition of the contents of this box. One could only wonder what secrets this box might have held at the time of Roosevelt’s death, with the truth known by only two men, the president and his loyal valet. An impressive FDR relic of the most personal order, deserving of a place in a distinguished collection.
Bidding for the Auction opens Sep 11, 2014 & ends Sep 17, 2014 

Monday, September 8, 2014

General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Four-Star A-2 Jacket

President Eisenhower's personally-owned and -worn dark brown Type A-2 leather flight jacket from World War II, size 42, featuring four-star epaulettes on the shoulders. The tag inside the neck area does not indicate a manufacturer, reading: "Type A-2 / Drawing No. 30-1415 / A. A. F. Contract / No. W535-AC-27753 / Property / Air Forces, U. S. Army." An inspection stamp to the right of the tags is faded but visible. All markings are of the appropriate manufacture dates or delivery timeframe. The jacket has a brass Conmar zipper, brown stitching for the jacket, and olive drab stitching for the four-star epaulette patches. The pockets feature rounded lower corners and an angular flap. 

Includes a detailed letter of significant provenance on White House letterhead signed by Delores Moaney, the Eisenhower family's cook and the widow of Sgt. John Moaney. Her husband had served as Dwight D. Eisenhower’s close personal valet from 1942 until the president's death in 1969. In part: "This World War II leather jacket was worn by General Eisenhower while he was a four-star General from early 1943 until December 1944…My husband, Sgt. John Moaney was Valet to the General and President from 1942 until Ike's death in 1969. He was with the General throughout the War years and traveled many miles with him…When the General no longer wanted this leather jacket, he gave it to my husband. After my husband's death, I kept it in my personal possession." Also includes additional pieces of important provenance consisting of a typed White House card signed by Mrs. Moaney, briefly outlining the same details, as well as four modern prints of photos showing John Moaney with Eisenhower, and nearly 100 very interesting and unique original black and white candid photos, mainly of workers at the White House, with several picturing Ike and Mamie Eisenhower, and a few picturing Sgt. John Moaney. 

The epaulettes decisively date the jacket to between February 11, 1943, and December 20, 1944, the period during which Eisenhower was considered a four-star general; it is most likely that this jacket was issued just a bit earlier, with new star patches sewn to the epaulettes as he advanced in rank. Most importantly, it was during this time that Eisenhower planned Operation Overlord, leading the Allied forces in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day—June 6, 1944. As an iconic World War II leather jacket owned and worn by General Eisenhower during the most crucial period of the war, still in excellent condition for its age, this is an artifact of ultimate historical interest and significance. A quintessential military and presidential relic to say the least.

Bidding for the Auction opens Sep 11, 2014 & ends Sep 17, 2014 

Friday, September 5, 2014

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 Inaugural Top Hat


President Roosevelt’s personally-owned and -worn top hat, size 7 3/8, worn for his first presidential inauguration on March 4, 1933. The impressive format top hat is made of high quality beaver fur with a white silk lining and leather inner band, with the president’s full name, “Franklin Delano Roosevelt,” embossed in gold lettering on the left side of the leather band and on the inner crown. Includes the original storage box, constructed of leather-wrapped wood with a dark green smooth satin lining, embossed on the front in gold lettering, “F. D. R.,” and stamped by the maker, “Cross.” Includes a detailed full-page letter of provenance on White House letterhead from Mildred Prettyman, a White House worker and the widow of Arthur S. Prettyman. Her husband had served as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s valet from 1939 until the president's death in 1945, and continued working for Harry S. Truman until he left office in 1953. Mrs. Prettyman describes the close relationship between her husband and FDR, in part: "President Roosevelt said of his Valets, 'You are my lifeline, the keeper of my keys.' The President did not mean real keys, but the keys to FDR's secrets." Discussing this specific piece, she writes: “It gives me pleasure to present to you a beautiful black Inaugural top hat, owned and used by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Inaugural top hat with the original box came to my husband, Arthur S. Prettyman, along with other important F. D. R. personal items…In addition to the President’s Inauguration, he would wear his top hat to various occasions, such as formal dinners and receptions.”

Roosevelt wore top hats to his 1933, 1937, and 1941 inauguration ceremonies; the latter two hats are accounted for in institutional collections. This 1933 Inauguration top hat is in absolutely splendid condition. Franklin Pierce began the tradition by wearing a top hat for his presidential inauguration in 1853, with nearly every president thereafter following suit through Nixon, with Eisenhower and Johnson being notable exceptions. This FDR 1933 formal hat topped off the stylish ensemble worn by Roosevelt for his 1933 inauguration, which included striped trousers, fur-trimmed morning coat, cane, and pince-nez spectacles. FDR rode to the ceremony in an open-topped car alongside President Hoover, and is seen in numerous pictures with the hat—wearing it and animatedly waving it to the crowd gathered along the street—as they made their way to the East Portico of the Capitol, where he would receive the oath of office from Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes. Once sworn in, President Roosevelt delivered a speech that remains one of the most well-known in American political history, opening with the strong and oft-quoted assertion 'that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.' With the nation embroiled in economic depression and the world facing the specter of fascism's rise, Roosevelt's inauguration marked a crucial turning point around the globe—and this iconic hat, FDR's most prominent article of clothing on that day, is a monumental relic of this critical moment in history
Bidding for the Auction opens Sep 11, 2014 & ends Sep 17, 2014 

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Bruce Springsteen 1982 AFTRA membership card


Springsteen’s AFTRA membership card, 3.75 x 2, for the period ending May 1, 1982. Front of card bears Springsteen’s typed name and Social Security number, with Springsteen printing his name on the reverse. In fine condition. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock Klingon disruptor rifle


A Klingon disruptor rifle used on-screen in the 1984 film Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. The cast resin rifle measures 26″ long, and is painted maroon, with a metallic gray barrel, and ergonomically-shaped grip and shoulder stock. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Prop Store which states this “Klingon Disruptor Rifle has been inspected and is guaranteed to have been used in the production of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.” In fine, intentionally distressed condition. A very rare opportunity to own this intimidating weapon, synonymous with the battle-hungry Klingons. RR Auction COA.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Claude Debussy Signed book Le Martyre de Saint-Sebastien First edition

Signed book: Le Martyre de Saint-Sebastien. First edition. Paris: Durand & Cie, 1911. Hardcover with slipcase, 9.75 x 12.5, 104 pages. Neatly signed and inscribed in fountain pen on the title page in French by Debussy, and dated 1911. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG+/None. This stunning book, beautifully bound in black leather with stamped gilt titles and decoration, gilt textblock edges, and stunning hand-painted endpapers, is a fine example inscribed to his own biographer and longtime friend, critic Emile Vuilleremoz. Contained within is the complete score to the five-act musical mystery play by Debussy in collaboration with Gabriele d'Annunzio, which premiered on May 22, 1911, starring Ida Rubinstein with sets and costumes designed by Leon Bakst. A superb book from the prominent composer.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Michael Jackson Thriller Album Signed


Thriller album beautifully signed on the gatefold in silver ink, “All my love, Michael Jackson.” In fine condition. The record is included. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

US Marked Colt Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver


Serial no. 16636, caliber .44. The 7.5″ part round/part octagonal barrel has a bore with strong rifling and even light pitting. This variation is one of the only 1200 to 1500 revolvers that have a frame cut for a shoulder stock and have the associated fourth frame screw. The top rear of the barrel is cut through the “NEW YORK” address for the installation of the factory folding leaf sight. All numbers match with the numbers on the cylinder and steel backstrap only partially legible, however, enough partial digits seem to be in the proper locations. The wedge is not numbered. The barrel address is good and the frame marking “COLT’S / PATENT / U.S.” is very clear. The steel surfaces have been cleaned and the metal has a light gray patina with minor fine pitting on the loading lever. The brass triggerguard retains strong traces of silver plating. The one piece walnut grip has been refinished and shows wear at the butt with a small chip at the toe and heel. The mechanism functions well. The end of the arbor has been remachined to tighten the barrel. This big Colt was made for the US Army in 1858. This is an antique revolver and transfers with no federal restrictions. RR Auction COA.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Very large section of the Titanic’s aft Grand Staircase


A very large section of the Titanic’s aft Grand Staircase, measuring 19 x 2.75, believed to have once been a part of a step, recovered by the Minia and turned by the ship’s carpenter William Parker into a picture frame which he crafted for the Minia’s Chief Officer, James Adams. Piece has six flathead screws around the edges and two small holes to left side. Section is beautifully archivally shadow-boxed and double-matted and framed with a portrait of the staircase and a descriptive plaque to an overall size of 23.5 x 27.5. For years following the disaster in 1912 and following the tragic death of Adams in a train/vehicle collision, this picture frame remained in the family eventually passing into the hands of Gerald T. Mullin, the grandson of James Adams. In the 1990’s the picture frame was publicly displayed as part of a special Titanic exhibition presented by the Vancouver Maritime Museum in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada. In August of 1998 the picture frame was dismantled by master woodworker William Ricks of Brandon, Manitoba. Included with this lot is a letter of provenance from noted Titanic collector, researcher, and historian Steve Santini outlining the history of the Parker/Adams picture frame, copies of photographs showing the frame in its original state as displayed at The Vancouver Maritime Museum and during the process of it being disassembled, a copy of the original 1998 artifact release document signed by Gerald T. Mullin and Steve Santini, and photocopies of a Minia crew sign-on sheet which Adams signed as well as a photo of James Adams and the cable ship Minia. Beautifully designed for the first-class passengers on board the Titanic, this preserved artifact is a magnificent reminder of the luxury afforded the wealthy on board. Oversized. RR Auction COA.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Thomas Edison signed postcard photo of Edison as a young man


Fantastic matte-finish 3.5 x 5.5 postcard photo of Edison as a young man in the 1870s, beautifully signed in bold black ink with his famous ‘umbrella’ signature, “Thomas A. Edison.” In fine condition, with light marks to corner tips and slight spreading to ink in the first couple letters of his signature. An infrequently seen image of Edison at the beginning of his long and illustrious career. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Figaro production cel from Pinocchio


(Walt Disney Studios, 1940) Original production cel featuring Figaro from Pinocchio, showing the kitten under a blanket and looking feisty. The cel has been trimmed and applied to a hand-painted background as prepared by the Disney Studio to be sold at the Courvoisier Galleries. Image measures 3.5 x 5.5, with a mat opening of 6.5 x 6.5. This piece is also framed to an overall size of 12 x 13. The piece has the original Disney Courvoisier Galleries label on the reverse. In fine condition, with scuffs and dings to the frame.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Peter Pan and Tiger Lily production cel from Peter Pan


(Walt Disney Studios, 1953) Original production cel featuring Peter Pan and Tiger Lily from Peter Pan, showing them dancing together during the scene where the Indian Chief and his chorus sing the song ‘What Makes the Red Man Red?’ The cel is placed on a matching copy background. Character images measure 5 x 5.5 and 2.5 x 5.75, with a mat opening of 9.75 x 7.5. This piece is also framed to an overall size of 19.25 x 17.25. In fine condition, with a bit of cracking to paint. A nice cel with great images of this pair of important characters.