Friday, March 28, 2014

Franklin D. Roosevelt Signed book Looking Forward

Signed book: Looking Forward. Later printing. NY: John Day Company, 1933. Hardcover with dust jacket, 5.5 x 7.5, 279 pages. Signed and inscribed as president on the first free end page, “To Dorothy M. Stanley with a Merry Christmas from Franklin D. Roosevelt 1933.” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG+/VG-.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Maine Built Ramsdell Percussion Target Rifle

This 20-pound percussion target/sharpshooter rifle was built by Charles V. Ramsdell, Bangor, Maine, circa 1861. Ramsdell was perhaps the best known and highest-quality gun maker in Maine before the Civil War, working from 1850 to around 1870. This rifle has a back action lock and appears to be a cross-over between the 2nd and 3rd variations of the Ramsdell built rifles. The bore rates as bright, excellent and is approximately 48 caliber. The barrel measures 33.75″ without the false muzzle. The front face of the nipple guard shows stylized serrations with a heart at the base. Both the barrel and lockplate show the maker's name and the Bangor address. The barrel retains most of its original finish turning to patina. The top shows two screw hole plugs which may well have been mounting bases for a full telescopic sight. The under side shows a similar plug which probably accommodates a barrel rest. All of the fittings show a strong case color. The stock is rather plain and may lead to speculation of military use. The tang wood shows a small crack behind the hammer and a wood repair on the right side. The piece is mounted with a tang lollypop rear adjustable sight and a tunnel target sight with a fold-down protector. This piece is an excellent example of one of the Ramsdell target/sharpshooter rifles. This is an antique and transfers with no federal restriction. RR Auction COA.


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Albert Einstein Autograph Equations

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.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Harper Lee Signed book To Kill a Mockingbird First edition

Signed book: To Kill a Mockingbird. First edition (stated explicitly on the copyright page). Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1960. Hardcover with dust jacket, 5.75 x 8.25, 296 pages. Signed and inscribed later on in black felt tip, “To Jean and Bill, With best wishes, Harper Lee, Christmas 1988” on a similarly-sized page which has been inserted and affixed into the front of the volume. Autographic condition: fine, with some light staining to edges of signed page and an authentication label affixed to the reverse. Book condition: VG-/VG-. A rare opportunity to acquire a scarce first edition of a modern classic.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Jimi Hendrix Vintage ballpoint signature and inscription

Vintage ballpoint signature and inscription, “To Gail, Love always, Jimi Hendrix,” on an off-white 4 x 2.25 lightly-lined slip. In fine condition, with a diagonal crease through a single letter of signature, vertical fold to left side, mild wrinkling, and a bit of scattered light soiling. Consignor notes that the signature was obtained in July of 1967 at a Monkees concert in Forest Hill, New York, where Hendrix was the opening act. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from Roger Epperson/REAL. RR Auction COA.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

George Harrison Signed Official Beatles Fan Club Photo

Glossy 8 x 10 official Beatles fan club photo of Harrison playing his guitar, signed in black felt tip. In fine condition. Signature was obtained in 1994 at the Los Angeles International Airport. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Jim Morrison Handwritten Essay

Handwritten essay about masturbation composed by Morrison at age 14, one page both sides, 8 x 10.5, no date but circa 1957. In full (spelling and grammar retained): “The following message is a recording. Do you masterbate? If your answer is yes you need our help. We are the Alameda Chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Masterbation among our American Youth. If you do masterbate and you want our help you may write, phone or come in person to our office in the basement of Stillmans Gym on Redcock Ave. Masterbation usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 13 although some continue past the age of 93. You may not realize the dangers of masterbation. Often a severe rash will develop around the outer skin of the penis delpisto which in extreme cases might call for amputation. Also, stridopsis of the papuntasistula gland may develop or in lay terms, you might find yourself with a big red prick. No one wants this to happen. But it will occur unless imediate help is obtained. WE are equipted with special water tested machines and our staff of trained nurses are always ready to pitch in and lend a willing hand when needed. Please help in our battle against masterbation and remember—everyone loves a fat man but no one likes a masterbator.” Cloth-matted and framed with an image of Morrison on stage and small plaque to an overall size of 29.5 x 23; the essay is framed on a hinge so that both sides can be seen. In very good condition, with overall toning and moderate dampstaining to the top (affecting appearance but not legibility). Morrison wrote this essay in collaboration with his high school friend, Fud Ford, and it was originally acquired through the Christie’s sale of Ford’s collection. A hilarious example of Morrison’s wit and affinity for controversy at an early age, and one of the only known surviving manuscripts from The Doors’ frontman from this early period. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Jerry Garcia and Sting signed wood-finish six-string harmony acoustic guitar

Natural wood-finish six-string Harmony acoustic guitar, signed on the body in black felt tip by Jerry Garcia and Sting. In fine condition. Signatures were originally obtained at the Grateful Dead/Sting shows in Las Vegas on May 14–16, 1993; a ticket stub from the show is present. In 1993, Sting opened for the Dead during an 11-stadium tour, a move that was questioned by some as he had only headlined previously. Instruments signed by Garcia are seldom-offered, particularly those obtained at a specific venue. A very scarce combination of two rock and roll heavyweights. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Grateful Dead Blues for Allah album signed by Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh

Blues for Allah album signed on the front cover in black felt tip by Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh. Some creasing to upper left and a clipped lower left corner, otherwise fine condition. The record is included. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Prince Signed Uncommon Photo

Very uncommon color glossy 8 x 10 head-and-shoulders photo, signed in blue felt tip, “Love God, Prince.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from Roger Epperson/REAL. RR Auction COA.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Jim Morrison Handwritten Poetry Verse

Handwritten poetry verse, unsigned, on a light yellow 8 x 2 slip clipped from a larger page. Verse reads, in full: “Camera, as all-seeing god, satisfies our longing for omniscience. To spy on others from this height and angle: pedestrians pass in and out of our lens like rare aquatic insects.” In fine condition, with a couple of light creases.

Although Morrison found fame as the lead singer of the Doors, his true passion was poetry. He famously regarded himself as a writer and poet as much as a singer, with an expressed desire to be taken seriously as a poet. He began writing poetry during his teenage years, and portions of his writings went on to inspire some of the Doors compositions, including ‘Moonlight Drive’ and ‘Love Street.’ This quote can be found in Morrison’s first of book of poetry, The Lords / Notes on Vision, published in 1969. This verse was recovered from the Jim Morrison ‘Fascination’ trunk that contained a large holding of his clothing, handwritten lyrics, and more. His former girlfriend, Pamela Courson, sold the trunk after Jim passed away over 30 years ago. Any handwritten material from Morrison is quite scarce, with this fascinating passage having tie-ins to Morrison’s lifetime interest in film making. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Queen Victoria personally owned and worn lace collar

Victoria’s personally-owned and -worn lace collar, circa 1890, measuring approximately 13″ in diameter, featuring an intricate floral patterned design. Mounted with a brass plaque against green cloth and framed to an overall size of 17 x 19. In fine condition, with soiling to frame. A one-of-a-kind piece from the iconic monarch, whose reign saw great cultural and industrial progress as well as vast expansion of the British empire. RR Auction COA.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Winston Churchill Superb ink signature


Superb ink signature, “Winston S. Churchill,” on an off-white 5 x 3.75 sheet of Treasury Chambers stationery. Archivally double-matted and framed with a photo of Churchill flashing the ‘V for victory’ sign to an overall size of 14 x 22. In very fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Jerry Garcia Original signed ink sketch lions head

Original signed ink sketch of what appears to be a large lion’s head, with “Hungry” written underneath on an off-white 5 x 8 sheet, signed “J. Garcia 92.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 12 x 16. In very fine condition. Sketch originates from the collection of record executive Michael Klenfner and his wife, Carol, a former publicist for such rock icons as the Rolling Stones, The Who, The Doors, and Aerosmith. An unusual and highly sought-after format, highlighting Garcia’s other creative talent. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

Monday, March 3, 2014

John Hancock Scarce hand-addressed free-franked panel

Scarce hand-addressed free-franked panel, 6.75 x 3.5, addressed by Hancock, “To the Honl the Assembly of the State of Virginia at Williamsburgh,” and franked in the lower left, “John Hancock,” adding, “On Publick’s Service,” to the upper right. Docketing by the recipient to the right side reads: “Referr'd to a Comm of the whole upon the State of the Country. Decr the 6 1776." Attractively double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 10.75 x 17.75. In very good condition, with two separated vertical folds (one passing through first letter of signature). Originally sold by Charles Hamilton, with his certificate of authenticity and wax seal affixed to reverse of frame. During this time, Hancock was in constant contact with state legislatures regarding preparations for defense and the movements of enemy troops—it was a critical time during the revolution, culminating in Washington’s crossing of the Delaware at the end of the month. Autographic material of Hancock from 1776—the same year in which he signed the Declaration of Independence—is exceptionally desirable and represents a cornerstone piece of any historical collection. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.