RR Auction Andy Warhol Semi-Abstract Portrait Signed

Color postcard of a semi-abstract portrait of Warhol, 4 x 6, signed in the lower border in thick black felt tip, “Andy.” In fine condition, with slight haloing to the signature. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=812

RR Auctions F. Scott Fitzgerald Vintage Ink Signature

Vintage ink signature, “Yrs. in Xt., F. Scott Fitzgerald,” on an off-white 4 x 3.25 slip affixed to a 6.75 x 3.75 album page. In very good condition, with scattered toning and soiling, some slight rippling due to adhesive, and a couple spots of adhesive remnants to surface. The sentiment, short for “Yours in Christ,” is unusual coming from the typically-secular Fitzgerald—however, it was a closing often used by H. L. Mencken and others in a mocking fashion. Nevertheless, Fitzgerald was the first author of Catholic descent to achieve canonical success in America, making this an interesting associative piece. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=702

RR Auction Jimi Hendrix Vintage Felt Tip Signature

Vintage felt tip signature, “Jimi Hendrix,” on an off-white 4.25 x 2 album page. Nicely quadruple-matted and framed with two photos of Hendrix to an overall size of 21.75 x 17.75. A uniform shade of toning and the signature a shade light, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=918

RR Auctions Beatles Signed Rare Invitation

An incredibly rare invitation extended to a young woman to appear on the July 11, 1964, ABC Television show Lucky Stars Summer Spin, one page, 7.75 x 10. Typed on ABC Television Limited letterhead, inviting the woman to the studio for noon, with a live broadcast scheduled at 5:50 pm. Signed on the reverse in blue ballpoint by John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, and in black ballpoint by Paul McCartney. Harrison has added a second signature in black felt tip. Reverse is also signed in pencil by Mike Pender and Paul of the Big 3. Intersecting folds, none affecting any of the Beatles’s signatures, scattered foxing over three of the signatures, a few pin-size areas of paper loss along folds, light wrinkling and handling wear, and Harrison’s felt tip signature fairly light, but still legible, otherwise very good condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the invitation’s recipient and a certificate of authenticity from Tracks.

Immediately following the Liverpool premier of A Hard Day’s Night, The Beatles headed back to London for their appearance on ABC’s Thank Your Lucky Stars special Summer Spin episode the next day. They arrived at ABC’s Teddington Studio Centre around 1:45 pm to rehearse for the 5:50-6:35 pm live transmission, in which they performed ‘A Hard Day’s Night,’ ‘Long Tall Sally,’ ‘Things We Said Today,’ and ‘You Can’t Do That.’ Customarily shot six days before airing, The Beatles appearance was one of only a handful of the show’s live episodes; when ITV technicians went on strike on July 5th, they were forced to change the original plans to pre-tape at the Alpha Studios in Aston, Birmingham. A fantastically rare item signed by all four members, this is a wonderful addition to any Beatles collection! Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=905

RR Auctions Pablo Picasso Signed Czech Postage Stamps

Two Czech postage stamps affixed to an off-white 3.75 x 2.5 card, signed at the bottom in blue ballpoint, “Picasso.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of transmittal from the Galerie Louise Leiris in Paris, dated April 23, 1969, in part: “We have now been with Picasso and he has signed on the two stamps.” Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=775

RR Auction Mickey Mantle Signed Limited-Edition Louisville Slugger

Official limited-edition Louisville Slugger Mickey Mantle–model baseball bat commemorating his career home run total, numbered 310/536, signed in blue felt tip on the barrel. In fine condition. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1571

RR Auctions Neil Armstrong Uninscribed Color NASA Photo

Exceptional and highly desirable uninscribed color 8 x 10 NASA photo of Armstrong posing in his white space suit, his helmet by his side, nicely signed in blue felt tip. In very fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope postmarked June 25, 1987. Uninscribed photos of Armstrong represent one of the most coveted prizes in the entire field of space collecting. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=550

RR Auction Civil War-Era Autograph Album

Vintage hardcover autograph album, 8 x 5, signed inside by 96 politicians and military officers, mostly on affixed clipped slips and cards, most pages having multiple signatures, and almost all pages being signed on a single side. Signers include: Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, William Seward, David G. Farragut, O. O. Howard, Ambrose Burnside, Edward Everett Hale, Charles Sumner, William T. Sherman, Lew Wallace, and Edwin Stanton. Scattered toning and soiling to most slips, several loose pages, fragile binding, and both covers detached and worn, otherwise very good condition. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=13

RR Auction Napoleon Handwritten Endorsement

Handwritten endorsement, “Appr, Bonaparte,” as First Consul, on the first page of a manuscript document, in French, one page, both sides, 8 x 12, dated April 7, 1801. The document, signed by Napoleon’s Minister of War reads, in part (translated): “In the artillery, there are 3 brigadier generals made generals of Division, 2 chefs of brigade made brigadier generals, 6 chefs of Battalion made chefs of brigade, 1 Captain made chef of brigade, 2 Captains made chefs of Battalion and of Squadron, 1 Second Lieutenant made chef of Battalion, 10 Lieutenants made Captains, 6 sub-officers made Lieutenants in all 31…This proposition is motivated…by the good service of the officers that have already merited the benevolence of the government.” Document is matted and framed, so both sides may be read, to an overall size of 11 x 15, and affixed by hinges on its left edge to a matted and framed display with an engraved translation of the document, a small name plaque, and a portrait of Napoleon, to an overall size of 39.25 x 22. Intersecting folds, red wax seal remnants to center of document, and some scattered light toning, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=324

RR Auctions Lou Gehrig Vintage Ink Signature and Inscription

Vintage ink signature and inscription, “To Winston, Best wishes, Lou Gehrig,” on an off-white 3.5 x 2 card. A trivial spot of toning to right edge, otherwise very fine condition. A superb example of one of baseball’s most desirable signatures. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1460

RR Auction Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Signature and Autograph Letter

Ink signature, “Henry W. Longfellow 1880,” affixed to the end of an autograph letter by Longfellow, three sides of two adjoining pages, 4.5 x 7, dated November 12, 1860. Letter, to noted illustrator and painter F. O. C. Darley reads, in part: “The main business has not been for a moment neglected. I have been twice to Whipple, and should have been again, but for the rainy week we have had. The report thus far is; body and books successful: face not satisfactory to Gods or men. Hawthorne and Emerson have already sat for you, but not with entire success. I told Mr. Whipple you were in haste. He is kind, but slow in the harness. Next time I will put a snapper on the whip. I expect to see Hawthorne and Emerson today: and will tell them how important it is.” In very good condition, with tape and toning to edges, signature affixed over clipped area, pencil notation to bottom of last page, a single tack hole, and scattered toning. Accompanied by an unsigned carte-de-visite of an artist’s portrait of Longfellow. Darley is well-known for his illustrations in works by well-known authors, including James Fenimore Cooper, Charles Dickens, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Washington Irving, and Longfellow. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=345

RR Auctions Lincoln Conspirators Trial Commission 1860s Albumen Carte-de-Visite Photo

Original 1860s albumen carte-de-visite by Brady, 4 x 2.25, showing the members of the military commission for the trial of Lincoln conspirators. Photo shows judges John A. Bingham, Joseph Hold and Colonel Henry Burnett. As mounted the photo shows only minor wear. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=50

RR Auctions Arturo Toscanini Original 8 x 10 Vogue Magazine Gelatin Silver Photograph

Exquisite and artful original 8 x 10 Vogue magazine gelatin silver photograph of Toscanini sitting at his desk with a musical manuscript. The reverse has the original stamp of Vogue’s French publisher, Conde Nast. Superb and stylish image with light wear. 

RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=425

RR Auction Queen Victoria Original 1800s Albumen Carte-de-Visite

Original 1800s albumen carte-de-visite of Queen Victoria, 2.5 x 4, by W. & D. Downey of London. Ink note to bottom of reverse, light edge and corner wear, otherwise clean. A sharp image of the queen. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=195

RR Auction Rutherford B. Hayes Signed Cabinet Photo

Nineteenth president of the United States, who oversaw the end of Reconstruction (1822–1893). Original 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo by Anderson of New York, signed in the lower border in black ink, “Rutherford B. Hayes,” and dated October 6, 1882, in an unknown hand. In fine condition, with light scattered toning and soiling. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=44

RR Auctions Franklin D. Roosevelt Signed Vintage Head-and-Shoulders Photo

Vintage glossy 7.75 x 10 double weight New York Times Studio head-and-shoulders photo, signed in fountain pen. In very good condition, with scattered creases and surface marks, a bit of light crazing to finish, and lightly trimmed vertical edges. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=77

RR Auctions Samuel L. Clemens Signed Carte-de-Visite Portrait

Original 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite portrait of Clemens by W. & A. H. Fry, circa 1872, signed below the image in black ink, “Yours truly, Mark Twain.” Printed text on the reverse reads: “W. & A. H. Fry, Art Photographers and Miniature Painters, 68, East Street, Brighton.” Scattered marks and speckling to the image, light silvering to darker areas of the image, and two small areas of surface loss and a pencil notation to the reverse, otherwise fine condition. Clemens began as a newspaper reporter, first writing under the “Twain” pseudonym in 1863. His first novel, The Gilded Age, was published in 1873, followed by his greatest works—The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—in 1876 and 1884, respectively. He made his first trip to England in 1872, and had his portrait taken at the W. and A. H. Fry studio on September 12, from which four poses are known to be extant. It is thought that Twain undertook the trip to do research for a work that lampooned English culture and society, but fell in love with the culture, causing him to abandon the idea. He later wrote of the proposed satire, “I could not leave out the manners & customs...yet I would shrink from deliberately describing them in a book, for I fear that such a course would be, after all, a violation of the courteous hospitality which furnished me the means of doing it.” A wonderful portrait of Clemens at a significant turning point in his life and career. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=308

RR Auction Young Norman Rockwell Signed Photo

Spectacular vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of a young Rockwell sketching outdoors, signed and inscribed in fountain pen “Best wishes to Harry Shirley from his faithful friend, Norman Rockwell,” with Rockwell adding an adorable full-length sketch of a puppy with a can tied around its tail. In fine condition, with some light adhesive remnants to edges and some slight rippling from mounting remnants on reverse. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=361

RR Auction Richard Wagner Signed Carte-de-Visite Profile Portrait

Original 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite profile portrait of Wagner by Elliott & Fry, circa 1877, signed below the image in purple ink, “Richard Wagner.” Printed text on the reverse reads: “Elliot & Fry, 55, Baker Street, Portman Square, London, W.” Light scattered foxing and soiling, mild silvering to darker areas of the image, and a light pencil notation to the reverse, otherwise fine condition. At the time of this portrait, Wagner was struggling financially and working on what would be his final opera, Parsifal. Exceptionally rare in this format, this is the first example of Wagner in this profile pose that we have offered. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=428

RR Auctions Johannes Brahms Signed Carte-de-Visite Portrait

Desirable original 2.5 x 4.25 carte-de-visite portrait of Brahms by Fritz Luckhardt, signed below the image in black ink, “J. Brahms.” Brahms also wrote a brief, untranslated ANS in German on the reverse, dating it 1879. In fine condition, with mild toning, light foxing to the image, and a trivial pencil notation to the reverse. At this point in his career, Brahms had achieved a reputation throughout Europe as the greatest composer since Beethoven, and was in the midst of his most prolific period, premiering all four of his symphonies between 1876 and 1885. In 1879 specifically, he conducted the premiere of his Violin Concerto, written for his friend, the virtuoso Joseph Joachim, and was honored by the University of Breslau, for whom he composed the Academic Festival Overture in appreciation. An outstanding portrait of the world-class composer. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=390

RR Auction Napoleon Eugene Bonaparte (Prince Imperial) Signed Photo

Prince Imperial of the French Bonaparte dynasty (1856–1879), and the only child of Napoleon III. His early death in Africa, at the hands of Zulu warriors, sent shock waves throughout Europe. Handsome original 4.25 x 6.5 full-length cabinet photo by Alexander Bassano of London, signed in the lower border in black ink, “Napoleon 28 Julliet 1877.” In fine condition, with some mild horizontal creasing to center portion, not affecting overall appearance. Just the third Bonaparte item we have ever offered, and the first signed photo. RR Auction COA.

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

RR Auctions William F. ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody Signed Gilt-Edged Cabinet Photo

Original 4.25 x 6.5 gilt-edged cabinet photo of Cody in his full Wild West outfit by Stacy of New York, signed below the image in black ink, “W. F. Cody.” Studio info at the bottom of the mount reads: “Stacy, Ivory Finish, 5th Ave. & 9th St., Brooklyn, N.Y.” In fine condition, with a few trivial surface marks, a slight ding to the top edge of the mount, and a light pencil notation to the reverse. An incredible image and a rare pose. RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=123

RR Auctions Gemini 11 Signed Launch Date Commemorative Cover

Launch date commemorative cover with a cachet honoring the Gemini 11 first orbit linkup, signed in blue ballpoint by Dick Gordon and in black felt tip by Charles Conrad. In fine condition. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=613

RR Auction Apollo 15 Signed Launch Day ‘Bishop’ Commemorative Cover

Launch day ‘Bishop’ commemorative cover with a cachet honoring Apollo 15, postmarked July 26, 1971, at the Kennedy Space Center, signed in black felt tip by Dave Scott, Al Worden, and Jim Irwin. In fine condition. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=583

RR Auction Alex Raymond Pencil Sketch of Pagan Lee

Esteemed American cartoonist (1909–1956) best known as the creator of the strips Flash Gordon, Jungle Jim, and Rip Kirby. Original vintage signed and inscribed pencil sketch of Pagan Lee on an off-white 4.75 x 7.5 sheet, inscribed “You’ve got what it takes, Tommy! Love Pagan Lee,” and signed under the image, “Alex Raymond.” In fine condition, with a bit of scattered light soiling. RRAuction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=905

RR Auctions Abraham Lincoln Unsigned original 2.5 x 4 Carte-de-Visite Bust Portrait

Unsigned original 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite bust portrait of Lincoln, by an anonymous studio. In very good condition, with scattered foxing and soiling, and clipped corners. The original photograph was taken by Henry F. Warren on the White House balcony on March 6, 1865, just a month before Lincoln’s assassination. While there has been some disagreement about which is the last photo ever taken of Lincoln, this image has recently emerged as the consensus choice among scholars and historians. RRAuction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=8

RR Auction Maurice de Vlaminck Fountain Pen Signature

French artist (1876–1958) and a member of the Fauvists, his work is typically marked by bold colors and eccentric brushwork. Fountain pen signature and inscription in French, “le peintre, Vlaminck,” on an off-white 5.25 x 8.25 sheet. In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold, a crease to the upper left corner, a few slight surface impressions, and a pencil notation to the bottom. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, in Vlaminck’s hand with another signature in the return address area, postmarked in 1957. RRAuction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=853

RR Auctions James Thurber sketch on New Yorker Stationery

American humorist and author (1894–1961) best known for such stories as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and for his distinctive, wittily captioned cartoon drawings published in the New Yorker. Original vintage signed and inscribed ink sketch of a Thurber dog on an off-white 7 x 6.25 sheet of New Yorker stationery. Signed and inscribed at the bottom, “For JAB, Feb 16, 1937, Sincerely, James Thurber.” In fine condition, with a horizontal fold touching top of sketch and a mild shade of overall toning. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=842

RR Auction Knute Rockne Vintage Fountain Pen Signature

Vintage fountain pen signature, “Yours sincerely, Knute Rockne,” on an off-white 3.25 x 2 card with a clipped December 8, 1925, South Bend, Indiana, postmark affixed to lower right. Nicely double-cloth-matted and framed with a photo of Rockne to an overall size of 13.5 x 20.75. In fine condition. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1425

RR Auctions James J. Jeffries Vintage Ink Signature

Vintage ink signature, “Jas. J. Jeffries, April 18, 1911,” on an off-white 4.5 x 2.75 card. In fine condition, with a few mild bends, light band of toning to the right border, and mounting remnants to reverse from previous display in a scrapbook. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1418

RR Auction Marlene Dietrich Signed Photo

Glossy 8 x 10 photo of Dietrich in a jacket and tie, signed in gold ink. In fine condition, with a few scattered light surface marks. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1291

RR Auctions Vintage Bing Crosby Photo Signed

Vintage sepia matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Crosby from very early in his career, signed in green fountain pen beneath a pre-printed signature and sentiment. In fine condition, with some scattered light spotting and foxing and a light vertical crease to right side. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1278

RR Auction Albert Einstein Signed Typed Letter in German

TLS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, blind-stamped personal letterhead, March 7, 1953. Letter to Dr. William Roth. In full (translated): “Thank you most kindly for your generous mailing that I have embraced as a friendly gesture of goodwill.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, repaired punch holes to left edge, and a block of toning over most of text and signature. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=298

RR Auctions Lee de Forest Vintage Bold Ink Signature

Prolific American inventor (1873–1961) often referred to as ‘the father of radio’ for his pioneering work in wireless telegraphy. Vintage bold ink signature, “Yours in Radio, Lee de Forest, July 11, ’29,” on an off-white 4.5 x 3 custom-made collector’s card with a clipped July 11, 1929, Grand Central Station, New York, postmark affixed to upper right corner. In fine condition, with a bit of scattered light soiling, mild haloing to the ink, and mounting remnants to reverse from previous display in a scrapbook. RRAuction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=284

RR Auction Emile Zola Autograph Manuscript

Autograph manuscript, in pencil, in French, untranslated, eighteen pages, 6.25 x 7.75, all tipped in to a larger leatherbound 7.25 x 9 hardcover book. In the manuscript, Zola writes of Les Halles et Marchés, the intricacies of la Bourse (stock market), how fortunes are made, feudalisrn, and the rise of the bourgeoisie. In all, over 2000 words in Zola’s hand presumably a draft for an article on production, money, commerce, and exchange. A central horizontal fold to each sheet, and scattered light toning and soiling, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=868

RR Auctions Pablo Picasso Signed Book The Recent Years 1939–1946

Signed book: Picasso: The Recent Years 1939–1946. Limited edition of 350 copies (this being No. 121). NY: Doubleday, 1947. Hardcover, 8.75 x 11, 211 pages. Signed in pencil on the colophon, “Picasso.” Autographic condition: Fine, with a bit of scattered light soiling. Book condition: VG-/None. Tan and black cloth-covered boards with stamped gilt lettering; moderate edgewear with small bumps and tears in cloth at corners and spine-ends; slightly shelf-cocked; spine slightly sunned; discoloration and foxing to exterior and about a dozen pages (with some light scattered spots throughout); previous owner’s name to upper corner of ffep; faint stain at upper edge of first 30 plates, two of which appear to have been pulled apart, with a strip of surface removed from one and attached to the other; text on title page offset onto facing page. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=793

RR Auction Lincoln Funeral Honor Guards Signed Photos

Four original carte-de-visite portraits by S. M. Fassett of Chicago, each 2.25 x 4, of honor guard members John G. Barnard, Amos Beebe Eaton, Daniel McCallum, and George D. Ramsey, each signed in the lower border in black ink. Light silvering to dark areas of the images, some scattered toning, and a trimmed top edge to the Barnard carte-de-visite, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by an original unsigned carte-de-visite portrait of Lincoln, by Ormsbee of New York. RRAuction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=110

RR Auctions Philip H. Sheridan Ink Signature

Ink signature, “P. H. Sheridan, Lieut. General, U. S. A.,” on an off-white 3.5 x 2 gilt-edged card. In very good condition, with a couple noticeable creases, scattered soiling, and mounting remnants to reverse from previous display in a scrapbook. RRAuction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=540

RR Auction Marilyn Monroe Bank Check

Bank check, 5.75 x 2.5, filled out and signed by Monroe, payable to Roy J. Goldenberg for $971.76, January 21, 1953. A vertical fold to left side, cancellation holes touching the beginning of signature, and show-through from stamps on reverse, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1244

RR Auctions Marx Brothers Signed Agreement Broadway Show

DS, signed with their legal names, “Leo Marx,” “Arthur Marx,” “Herbert Marx,” and “Julius H. Marx,” six pages, 9 x 11.25, September 23, 1927. A remarkable agreement between the Marx Brothers and their management company, Sam. H. Harris Theatrical Enterprises, Inc. regarding the theatrical production of ‘The Cocoanuts,’ in which the parties desire “to extend the period of this agreement for an additional theatrical season…of 1927–1928…and to continue for and during the life of the dramatico-musical season. That in lieu of the compensation provided for in the aforesaid agreement dated the 5th day of December, 1924, the Manager agrees to pay to the Marx Brothers and the Marx Brothers agree to accept the sum equivalent to fifteen perfect (15%) of the gross weekly box office receipts derived from the performance and representation of…’The Cocoanuts,’ accompanied by true and accurate statements showing the receipts of every performance given by said Marx Brothers” and “an amount equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the net profits derived from the business of performing and representing…’The Cocoanuts’ with the Marx Brothers rendering services in said play for and during the period of the theatrical season of 1927–1928…It is agreed that the compensation of the Marx Brothers, pursuant to this agreement, shall be subject to no minimum guarantee, and that in the event of Herbert Marx refusing to comply with this agreement, the compensation to be paid to the remaining Marx Brothers shall be reduced by $250.00, and, also, in the event of any of the other Marx Brothers shall be reduced by one-third of the difference between their compensation, as herein provided, and the sum of $250.00.” Contract is housed in the original blue legal folder. In fine condition, with a light central vertical fold, passing through the first letters of each signature, light creasing, and a pencil notation of their stage names on the front cover of the folder.

The Cocoanuts was an Irving Berlin musical written for the Marx Brothers following the Broadway success of their I’ll Say She Is. It takes place during the Florida land boom, with Groucho (Julius Marx) as the quintessential con-man assisted by Chico (Leo Marx), Harpo (Arthur Marx) and Zeppo (Herbert Marx). The Broadway run opened in 1925 at the Lyric Theater, after which the brothers took the show on tour during the summer of 1926. The musical closed in August, after which they signed this contract. A brief Broadway revival played at the Century Theater in May of 1927. In 1929, Paramount Pictures made The Cocoanuts into the Marx Brothers’ first film.

Negotiations didn’t always go smoothly between producer Sam Harris and the Marx brothers. Before The Cocoanuts opened on Broadway, Harris went into their dressing room for a discussion; a few minutes later, his clothes were thrown out the door, and Harris then emerged stark naked. “I guess you better handle it,” he said to the directors. A fantastic document pertaining to the show that would make the quartet national stars, signed with their seldom-seen real names. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1242

RR Auction James Lovell Signed Photo

Color satin-finish 8 x 10 photo of Lovell posing in his space suit, signed in blue felt tip, “Houston we have a problem, James Lovell, Apollo 13.” In very fine condition. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=623

RR Auctions Buzz Aldrin Signed Lunar Photo

Color satin-finish 8 x 10 photo of Aldrin standing on the lunar surface, signed in blue felt tip, “First lunar landing, Buzz Aldrin, Apollo XI.” In very fine condition. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=577

RR Auction Abraham Lincoln Assassination Handwritten Telegram

Manuscript handwritten telegram in blue pencil from US Ambassador to England Charles Francis Adams, Sr., to US Ambassador to Sweden James Campbell in Stockholm, 8.5 x 10.75, one page, April 26, 1865. In full: “I am directed to inform you that the President was assassinated whilst in his box at the theatre in Washington. Mr. Seward was also attacked in his chamber on the same evening and his recovery is doubtful the Vice President Mr. Johnson was at Washington and assumed the functions of President. Full particulars as sent to me from or Staunton [sic] will appear in evening paper.” Intersecting folds with separations to edges, central separated fold reinforced with tape on reverse, moderate dampstaining and a significant tear to the upper left, and show-through from docketing to reverse to the upper right, otherwise very good condition. The first transatlantic telegraph cable was successfully completed on July 18, 1866—until then, all news had to be carried by steamship, hence the late date of this telegram. Although it took over a week to hit Europe, the news of Lincoln’s assassination reverberated throughout the world, and many countries sent words of condolence. Johnson’s calm and undisturbed succession, touched upon in this telegram, reaffirmed the strength of America’s constitutional democracy at home and abroad. RRAuction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=109

RR Auctions Edwin M. Stanton Signed Carte de Visite Bust Portrait

American politician (1814–1869) who served as secretary of war in the cabinets of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. Original 2.25 x 4 carte-de-visite bust portrait of Stanton, by an anonymous studio, boldly signed at the bottom of the image in black ink, “Edwin M. Stanton.” Also signed and inscribed on the reverse “For Stanton Hutchison, from his uncle, Edwin M. Stanton.” Some toning and soiling to the reverse, trimmed edges, and clipped corners, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=95

RR Auction Elizabeth Queen Mother Signed Christmas Card

Christmas card bearing an embossed crown on the front and color photo of the Queen inside, 7.25 x 9.25 closed, signed and inscribed inside in black ink, “George & Dorothy, from Elizabeth.” Printed text opposite the photo reads: “With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, 1973.” Some mild toning and soiling, and adhesive remnants to reverse borders from previous display, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=303

RR Auctions Andrew Carnegie Ink Signature

Ink signature, “Andrew Carnegie, Jany 3d, 1911,” on an off-white 3.5 x 2.5 card. In very good condition, with light scattered creases and toning, and mounting remnants and slight surface loss to reverse from previous display in a scrapbook. RRAuction COA.

http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=264