RR Auctions Jefferson Davis

Partly-printed war-dated DS, signed “Jefferson Davis, Pres’t C. S. A.,” one page, 8 x 10, September 1, 1864. Warrant to the Treasury Department, with portions filled in by Davis, who has also crossed off the printed Department of State letterhead and written “Executive Office.” In full: “Please cause a warrant for the sum of one thousand dollars in gold, payable out of the Appropriation for ‘Secret Service’ (Act of Feb. 18, 1864) to be issued in favor of Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Secretary of State, and charged to him on the books of the Treasury.” In good condition, with paper loss to top left corner and left edge, intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered toning, some repaired tears to top edge, a couple other edge tears, mounting remnants to reverse, and a few other cracks to the fragile paper.

During the war, a number of secret operations were mounted with various degrees of official oversight. Many involved acts that were considered by the Union to go beyond the normal conduct of "civilized" warfare, and allegedly included setting fires in New York City hotels (Election Day plot of 1864), poisoning the New York City water supply, infecting Union soldiers and citizens with smallpox and yellow fever, kidnapping President Lincoln and holding him until Confederate soldiers were released, and blowing up the White House. By 1864, the Confederate government was attempting to gain control over these operations. Secret legislation was put before the Confederate Congress that year to create an official Special and Secret Bureau of the War Department, but the legislation was not enacted until 1865 and never implemented. In April of 1865, Confederate Secretary of State Judah P. Benjamin burned most of the official papers of the Secret Service just before the evacuation of Richmond, and the full story of Confederate secret operations was lost. A rare document demonstrating the endorsement of Secret Service activities at the highest level of the Confederacy. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

 http://rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1973

RR Auctions Civil War Bullets

Five Civil War-era bullets, one still housed in its jacket, all framed together to an overall size of 4.75 x 5. In very good overall condition. RRAuction COA.  

http://rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=2050

RR Auctions Abraham Lincoln’s eyeglasses

Present is a photocopy of an Affidavit and Deed of Gift signed in full and dated 16 August 1977 by Abraham Lincoln’s great grandson and last direct descendant, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith (1904-1985): In full, “I, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith of Washington, D.C., certify that among the contents of a trunk located and unopened until recently, and placed in the attic of Hildene, the estate of my grandfather Robert Todd Lincoln, Manchester, Vermont, by my grandmother Mary Harlan Lincoln (Mrs. Robert Todd Lincoln), and the said contents being awarded to me by the Estate of my sister Mary Lincoln Beckwith, were found two pair of eye glasses which had belonged to my great grandfather President Abraham Lincoln, and so marked by my grandmother Mary Harlan Lincoln. I further give one pair of these eye glasses to Margaret Fristoe of Chevy Chase, Maryland, and one pair to James T. Hickey of Elkhart, Illinois.” At the time, Hickey was the Curator of the Lincoln Collection of the Illinois State Historical Library, now the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. The pair given to Hickey is in the Library’s collection. Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, married Mary Harlan. Their daughter Jessie Lincoln married Warren Wallace Beckwith. Jessie and Warren’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, married Mrs. Margaret Fristoe (1921-2009) in 1979. Her sole heir was her daughter, Lenora Fristoe Hoverson, Robert Beckwith’s stepdaughter. Her affidavit is also present. Two pair of eyeglasses, both in the trunk at Hildene, among other artifacts, were consigned by Mrs. Hoverson to a reputable mid-west entity and were purchased by University Archives.

In 1937, a locked leather box containing the contents of Lincoln’s pockets the night of his assassination in 1865 was donated by the family to the Library of Congress. Included were two pairs of spectacles and their cases. In 1977, the prescriptions for both pairs were examined by the Chief Optician for the Veteran’s Administration. One pair was corrected to +1.75, the other +2.00. The photographs of Abraham Lincoln referred to below are identified by the numbers assigned to them by Lloyd Ostendorf in Lincoln in Photographs: An Album of Every Known Pose by Charles Hamilton and Lloyd Ostendorf (Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press, 1963). The gold colored pair here offered appear to be the spectacles Lincoln is holding in his hands in a photograph made by Alexander Gardner in Washington, D.C., between early February and April 10, 1865 (O-116D), one of a multi-image stereographic pose of four images. Charles Hamilton writes, ‘The President holds his spectacles and a pencil, both blurred, showing that he moved his fingers nervously during the exposure...When the camera failed to record some fascinating or intimate detail, the photographer often employed an artist to retouch or add to the scene. Here Lincoln’s spectacles and pencil, blurred in the original negative, are plainly outlined’ –undoubtedly using the spectacles worn by Lincoln as a model. Numerous books, including Mellon’s The Face of Lincoln reproduce this photograph clearly showing him holding his spectacles . The shape of the lenses of the gold colored pair are identical to those in the photograph (O-116D). The hinge connecting the lens to the temple which loops around the ear has a visible split in the photograph and in the gold colored spectacles. The thin wire temple loop of the gold colored spectacles are clearly visible in the photograph. The catalogue description of these spectacles stated that the gold colored pair (identified in the catalogue as “brass”) had ‘a prescription for +2.75’ and because this strength far exceed the strongest pair found in Lincoln’s pocket (+2.00), this pair could not have been worn by Lincoln. Because of the extraordinary similarity of the spectacles in Lincoln’s hands and the gold colored pair purchased by University Archives, these spectacles were brought to Frank Gyure, American Board of Opticianry Certified and Fellow, National Association of Opticians, who carefully inspected them. The result of his examination is present. In part, ‘The lenses were inspected by a device known simultaneously as a lensometer, focimeter, lensmeter. This device is used to measure the dioptric power of spectacle lenses. The dioptre is the most common unit of measurement of optical power. The device which was used to inspect the presented spectacles was made by the Marco Corporation, a leading manufacturer of optical instruments. It is in good working order to the best of my knowledge ... The spectacle labeled as gold in color had the following Power; +2.12 OD(Right Eye), +2.12 OS(Left Eye)...’ Lincoln had with him two pair of spectacles at the time of his death. One pair was a gift from a lawyer who rode the circuit with Lincoln and was appointed a Washington city marshal by President Lincoln. A temple is inscribed ‘A. Lincoln, presented by Ward H. Lamon.’ This pair was corrected to +2.00. The spectacles here offered is +2.12. It is reasonable to assume that these were not his only spectacles and that the President had others at the Executive Mansion. Ostensibly, Lincoln used different spectacles to read newspapers, books, and letters, so he carried with him more than one pair. Spectacles manufactured in the 19th century varied widely in workmanship, materials and design. In many cases, prescriptions were not made to order, such as the pair Lamon bought. Spectacles were sold by traveling peddlers, at the jewelry shops (where Lincoln bought his first pair), or in general stores. President Lincoln is wearing his spectacles in the famous photograph of Lincoln and his son Tad looking through a photograph album (O-93). It was taken by Anthony Berger at Mathew Brady’s Washington gallery on February 9, 1864. This is the only known close-up photograph of Lincoln wearing spectacles. On November 19, 2008, at Heritage Auctions, a pair of spectacles belonging to Abraham Lincoln sold for $179,250. Accompanying the spectacles were a letter from Mary Harlan Lincoln (Mrs. Robert Todd Lincoln) to Joseph Leisenring presenting him with a book owned by her late son, Abraham Lincoln II, saying, ‘You can put it away with the ‘A.L.’ spectacles which I gave you a long time ago & so have a little memento of the grand-son as well as the grand-father’ and a 1985 affidavit signed by David Rowland, Leisenring’s great-great grandson, setting out the chain of family ownership until their acquisition by Dr. Joseph Lattimer, the consignor of the spectacles. The strength of the lenses of these spectacles was not mentioned in the description suggesting the power was never determined. Those spectacles, as were the gold colored spectacles here offered, originated from Mrs. Robert Todd Lincoln. With President Lincoln’s daughter-in-law being the source of both pairs, the major difference between the Lattimer spectacles and these gold colored spectacles is that all evidence points to these gold colored spectacles being the ones President Lincoln is holding in the photograph taken in early 1865 by Alexander Gardner in Washington, D.C. (O-116D). RRAuction COA.  

http://rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=1582

RR Auctions Walt Disney Crisp and clear personal check

Crisp and clear personal check, 8.25 x 3, filled out in another hand and signed by Disney, “Walter E. Disney,” payable to Walt Disney—Special Account for $1100.00, stamp-dated September 11, 1952. Matted and framed with a beautiful image of Mickey and Minnie to an overall size of 19.25 x 21. Expected cancellation notation, stamps, and holes, the latter of which affect the first three letters of the signature, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA. http://rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=706

RR Auctions Signed Bill Clinton Baseball

Official Rawlings Major League baseball signed in black felt tip on the sweet spot. In very fine condition. Consignor notes that signature was obtained in June 2008 at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and is accompanied by a photo of the ball and recipient after signing. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.  


http://rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=34

RR Auctions Benedict Arnold

Arnold commiserates to his wife: "How uncertain is Life, how certain is Death, may, I hear loud & afflicting calls, awakening us to prepare for Our Own Exit"

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ALS signed “Your Loving Husband, Bened’t Arnold,” one page, 8 x 12.75, January 21, 1774. Letter to his wife Margaret Mansfield Arnold. In full: “Inclosed is Capt. Sages Receit for Ten joammes & Ten barrels which he is to Sell in the Turks Island & remit you the proceeds which I expect will be Joammes more, this is all I could probably send you at Present, I hope that people I owe will not rest easy untill I return. If not, you must get Mr Chauncy to put off Matters until I return, when they may all depend on being immediately paid.

So few days since heard of the death of Mr. Babisch & Polly Austin, which surprised me much they were in the prime of their Life & as likely to live as any of us, how uncertain is Life, how certain is Death, may, I hear loud & afflicting calls, awakening us to prepare for Our Own Exit, whenever it shall Happen—My Dear Life Pray by no means Neglect the Education of Our Dear Boys, it is of Infinite Concern what Habbits & principles they imbibe when young—I hope this will find you all well, & that, the Almighty may preserve you in health & Happiness is the Sincere Prayer of Dr. Peggy.” Reverse of letter bears an address panel in an unknown hand. Reverse has also been professionally silked.

Aforementioned silking, intersecting folds, lightly trimmed edges,and several seal-related tears (slightly affecting several words of text) repaired on the reverse, otherwise very good condition. Item comes in its original dealer folder from The American Art Association, stating the letter comes from the Collection of Rev. Dr. Roderick Terry, Catalogue Number 10.

Arnold established a drug and book store in New Haven, Connecticut in 1774, soon expanding his business interests to shipping goods to Canada and the West Indies, including Turks Island, a Bahamian slave trade center. Local businessman Charles Chauncey with whom the merchant conducted business once wrote of Arnold, ‘There are few or new men here that are thought more sufficient at present, as he has had great luck at sea of late.’ The entrepreneur also partnered with friends Adam Babcock and Captain Comfort Sage, wealthy merchants who also traded with the West Indies. In April 1775, Sage and his "Troop of the Light Horse" answered the Lexington alarm while Arnold marched to the Boston Siege. Ironically, the two friends became military opponents when Arnold sold out to the British, but Sage, appointed Brigadier General of the Connecticut militia, hid the traitor's children to protect them from an angry Middletown, Connecticut mob that torched an effigy of Arnold when his treachery was revealed. The once patriot and successful entrepreneur died a penniless, broken and bitter man, "bought by British gold." A highly desirable letter with pre-war association between two men who became Continental Army generals serving General Washington — one who stood by him and one who betrayed him. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA. 

http://rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=140

RR Auctions Albert Einstein

“The discerning reader can gain the information necessary to form an independent opinion on the practical problems of atomic energy”

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TLS signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists letterhead, April 29, 1947. Letter to Miss Fishel. In full: “I am glad to have the opportunity to send you the enclosed book, Explaining the Atom, by Selig Hecht, honorary vice-chairman of the Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists. Dr. Hecht has succeeded in giving, clearly and simply, an authoritative account of the scientific steps, both theoretical and experimental, that have lead to our present knowledge of nuclear fission. I believe also that from this book the discerning reader can gain the information necessary to form an independent opinion on the practical problems of atomic energy confronting the world today. Remembering your concern for these problems, and your interest in the work of our Committee, I hope that you may also share my admiration and respect for this distinguished book.” Simply framed to an overall size of 9.25 x 11.75. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and a bit of trivial soiling.

Einstein personally established the Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists to warn the public of the dangers associated with the development of nuclear weapons, promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and ultimately work towards world peace. Among the committee members was Hecht, who wrote the “authoritative account of the scientific steps, both theoretical and experimental, that have lead to our present knowledge of nuclear fission” that Einstein here states he was sending. At the time, the book had only recently been published and offered the reader a clear explanation of the atom—unique in that Hecht was the only member of the esteemed committee who was not a nuclear physicist, but rather a biophysicist. The work is still regarded as being unsurpassed as an exposition of the history and the theory of the atom. Einstein clearly admired his colleague and his contributions to help encourage and further the peaceful uses of atomic energy. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

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

RR Auctions Walt Disney Hollywood Bowl photo

Vintage 6 x 8.5 head-and-shoulders photo from the Hollywood Bowl magazine, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To The Lovely First Lady of California, Walt Disney.”Scattered light creasing, mild to moderate edge tears, top left and bottom right corner tips missing, and trimmed edges, otherwise very good condition. Accompanied by a photo of Disney and then California governor, Goodwin J. Knight, on stage at the Hollywood Bowl in July of 1955.

This special evening, attended by the governor and his wife, Virginia Knight, was a musical celebration of the phenomena that Walt Disney’s films had already become. A full orchestra was on hand to serenade attendees with the soundtracks that brought some of Disney’s most acclaimed films to life, including including Pinocchio, Lady and the Tramp, and Davy Crockett, which was slated to debut in theatre’s on July 20th. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA. 

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

RR Auctions Flown Apollo 14 Robbins Medal

Flown Apollo 14 Robbins Medal

Flown Apollo 14 Robbins Medal, approximately 1.5 diameter, with a raised design on the face of the Apollo 14 mission insignia. The reverse of the sterling silver medal is engraved with the full names of astronauts Alan B. Shepard, Stuart A. Roosa, and Edgar D. Mitchell, along with the January 31, 1971, launch date, February 5, 1971, moon landing date, and February 9, 1971 return date. This medal is serial numbered “220” along the rim. In normal condition, with a bit of light tarnishing around the rim. Accompanied by a 1996 letter of authenticity signed by Alan Shepard, which states: “This is to verify that the accompanying silver medal, the insignia of the flight of Apollo 14, was flown to the moon on board the spacecraft during the time period of January 31 until February 9, 1971. It bears the serial number of 220.” Also accompanied by a similar photocopied letter. Remarkably scarce flight-flown mementos such as this—particularly one flown to the moon and with astronaut certification, seldom find their way to the marketplace. 

http://rrauction.com/PreviewContent.cfm?Flown-Apollo-14-Robbins-Medal

RR Auctions Walt Disney Contract

In the contract that made Disneyland a reality, Disney “intends to open to the public a large exhibition park containing educational, scientific and amusement features"

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Remarkable DS, twice signed at the conclusion, “Walter E. Disney,” four onionskin pages, 8.5 x 13, March 24, 1954. A “television agreement” between Walt Disney Productions (hereinafter referred to as Productions) and the American Broadcasting Company “for the broadcasting of certain television programs.” The contract goes on to provide a description of the fledgling Disneyland as a “California corporation with an issued and outstanding capital stock of 2500 shares without par value, of which 2400 shares have been issued to Walter E. Disney and 100 shares have been issues to W. E. D. Enterprises,” which “intends to open to the public a large exhibition park containing educational, scientific and amusement features…Productions is entering into an agreement with Disneyland under which Productions will pay to Disneyland a sum equal to 10% of the program basic rate for the filmed television programs, to be furnished by Productions to ABC, as a royalty for the use of the copyrights and format of Disneyland. In addition, Productions will pay Disneyland a sum equal to 5% of such basic rate as a prepaid location charge…If under the television agreement Productions shall receive a price for its filmed television programs in excess of the amount referred to in said agreement, the excess over such minimum price may be paid by ABC delivering to Productions first mortgage bonds of Disneyland at par. The minimum price under the television agreement is $50,000 per program for the first year; $60,000 per program for the second year, and $70,000 per program for the third year.” Also signed at the conclusion by Roy Disney, Lloyd Wright, and the vice president of ABC. In very good condition, with the top left corner of the first page missing, a crease to the bottom left corner of the last page, and the expected document staple marks, creasing, pencil notations, and edge chips.

Disney dreamed about opening a theme park for years, but only secured the necessary capital by collaborating with the television network ABC in 1954. He had created WED Enterprises to undertake the planning and production of the park, but difficulty in raising the necessary funds for the project brought him to look toward television as a revenue source. ABC—the newest and weakest of the television networks—leaped at the opportunity. Leonard Goldenson, ABC’s chairman, was desperate to forge an alliance with Disney for programming. Goldenson championed the deal, and ABC traded a stake in Disneyland the park for the one-hour television series Disneyland. ABC and Walt Disney Productions announced the agreement in a joint press release on April 2, 1954, promising “an entirely new concept in television programming.” Disney would later joke, “ABC needed the television show so damned bad, they bought the amusement park.” Both the show and the park were tremendously successful. An extraordinary document that made Disneyland possible and Disney into a television icon. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA. 

http://rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=709

RR Auctions James A. Garfield

Extremely rare printed DS as president, one page, 17 x 14, May 16, 1881. President Garfield appoints Edwin F. Tomlinson “Postmaster at Plainville in the County of Hartford, State of Connecticut.” Signed at the conclusion by Garfield, and countersigned by Postmaster General Thomas James. In very good to fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, mild overall toning, just a bit heavier at edges, a few trivial bends and wrinkles, a couple minor spots to borders, and a bit of slight color transfer from ribbon. The gold foil seal is intact and just slightly worn, and retains its red ribbon. Interestingly enough, when Garfield took office, the Post Office Department was the largest department in the federal government—and highly prone to corruption—an embarrassment to both the president and his Republican Party. Documents signed by Garfield while in office are extremely rare, ranking second only to William Henry Harrison in scarcity, with this piece being of a particularly nicer quality than usually encountered. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.


http://www.rrauction.com

RR Auctions Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Extremely rare Tchaikovsky hand-penned musical quotation

Esteemed Russian composer (1840–1893) whose colorful, dramatic, and expressive works represent the epitome of the Russian Romantic tradition and take a place among the most beloved staples of the concert repertory. Rare and extremely desirable AMQS on a 5.5 x 3.75 light green album page. Tchaikovsky pens three bars of an unidentified work, adding “And non hype,” above the quote, and signing “P. Tchaikovsky, London, 19 Apr. 1889.” Matted and framed, with an engraved portrait of the composer, to an overall size of 11 x 16. In very good condition, with a central vertical fold, some mild toning to edges, and a few stray ink marks. Tchaikovsky had served as director of the Moscow branch of the Russian Musical Society during the 1889-1890 season, where he invited a number of international celebrities to conduct,  but he started the year with a European concert tour in January 1889. London was the tour's last stop where he appeared at the Philharmonic Society in Saint James' Hall on April 11, conducting Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat and Suite No. 1. He was also composing his second ballet, Sleeping Beauty, for which he had been commissioned the previous December, writing his brother Modeste that he felt it was one of the best compositions he had ever written. It was completed in 1890, but an unidentified, unused 14-bar Suite in D-minor was discovered among his sketches for the ballet with no other mentions in his notes or letters. The highly desirable unidentified 3-bar exemplar offered here, also written in D-minor, is an uncommon and beautifully well-preserved quote from one of the most important figures of Western music.

The March 2012 Auction closes on Wednesday March 14, 2012

RR Auctions Love Letters from Elizabeth Taylor

                            RR Auctions Love Letters from Elizabeth Taylor

Before Richard Burton, before Eddie Fisher, before any of her many other husbands, there was another dashing young man who was the secret love of Elizabeth Taylor's life. (rrauction.com)


She fell head-over-heels in love with William Pawley Jr., the 28-year-old son of a former U.S. Ambassador, during a family vacation in Florida.

Taylor's first love is now 90 years old and he's speaking for the first time about the screen goddess.

Pawley told INSIDE EDITION's Les Trent, "It was love at first sight, I'll tell you that."

Trent asked, "If you had married her, do you think your marriage would have lasted?"

"I do," replied Pawley.

They met in 1949. Taylor was just 17 years old and was already a breathtakingly beautiful movie star.

On pale blue stationary she wrote him: "I've never known this kind of love before. It's so perfect and complete."

She called him "Bill darling" and "My dearest baby," and told him, "You are my whole life."

She inscribed: "Bill, until tomorrow. Love, Elizabeth" on the back of one of her photos.

They broke up over 60 years ago, but Pawley told Trent he spoke to Taylor just last year.

"She didn't forget me completely, but she tried to, I think," said Pawley.

Now, Pawley has decided to sell the 66 unpublished love letters Taylor wrote him. They'll be auctioned online in May by RR Auctions of Amherst, New Hampshire.

Bobby Livingston of RR Auctions told INSIDE EDITION, "You can feel her emotion and attachment to this man and how much she wants to love somebody and be loved."

It was so serious, an engagement notice actually appeared in a Miami newspaper.

He gave her a white diamond ring—the first of many diamonds she'd be given by adoring lovers.

But studio bigwigs did their best to keep her relationship with Pawley under wraps. The studio wanted Taylor to date famous football player Glenn Davis.

An angry Taylor wrote: "I don't care what they say anymore. From now on, I'm going to live my life the way I want to."

Her letters to Pawley are filled with sweet moments like: "As I'm sitting here writing to you, I'm just stuffing myself on a box of candy. Honestly, I've got to stop eating so much."

She even offered to give up her career for him. Taylor wrote in one letter: "I'm only ready to say farewell to my career and everything connected to it."

In the end, Pawley was jealous of all the attention showered on his beautiful fiancée. Their engagement ended after six months and a heartbroken Taylor returned his ring.

In a letter to Pawley, Taylor wrote: "I know with all my heart and soul that this is not the end for us. It couldn't be. We love each other too much."

She married her first husband, Nicky Hilton, just eight months later.

Trent asked Pawley, "Were you heartbroken?"

"I was indeed. I didn't marry for 25 years," said Pawley.

"Did it take you that long to get over Elizabeth Taylor?" asked Trent.

"I haven't gotten over her yet," said Pawley.

RR Auctions Einstein print sells for $74G

One of the original signed prints of Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out at photographers has been sold by a New Hampshire auction house for $74,324.

“Every kid has it in their dorm room on the wall,” Bobby Livingston of RRAuction.com in Amherst said Saturday. “It’s such an iconic display of freedom of speech.”

The picture was taken in 1951 by UPI photographer Arthur Sasse after a 72nd birthday celebration for the physicist. As Sasse tried to coax a smile for the camera, Einstein stuck out his tongue.

Two years later, at the height of the McCarthy anti-Communist hearings, Einstein signed the photo and gave it to broadcaster Howard K. Smith as a gesture of his admiration of Smith’s work.

Translated from German, the inscription says: “This gesture you will like, because it is aimed at all of humanity. A civilian can afford to do what no diplomat would dare. Your loyal and grateful listener, A. Einstein ’53.”

By 1953, Einstein had begun speaking out against McCarthyism.

“Einstein, escaping Nazi Germany, fully understood what was happening in this country and was commenting on it,” Livingston said. “That’s what makes it so special, he wrote on it and explained his intentions.”

David Waxman of Great Neck, N.Y., is the new owner. He is a specialist in important scientific books and autographs.

Waxman said the image probably is the most well-known picture of Einstein, appearing on T-shirts and even currently on a New York City billboard.

He said Einstein’s inscription makes it even more valuable.

“It’s one of a kind, highly important, speaks to the culture, speaks to anybody who looks at it and thinks about it a bit,” Waxman said. “It’s a message of intelligent nonconformity.”

Waxman intends to put the photo up for sale, perhaps with other photos of famous scientists

http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2009/06/21/news/a7-albert.txt?viewmode=fullstory

RR Auctions Disney Signed Book

Signed book: Walt Disney’s Treasury. First edition. NY: Simon & Schuster, 1953. Hardcover, 10 x 13, 140 pages. Signed and inscribed in fountain pen on the title page, “To Dave & Jean, Best wishes, Walt Disney.” In very good condition, with weak, but intact spine, some mild toning to fore-edges, a few pencil notations to table of contents, missing spine, and some peeling and loss to protective outer coating. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA. 

http://rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=656

RR Auctions AC/DC For Those About to Rock

Color limited edition 22 x 27.5 lithograph entitled ‘For Those About to Rock’, numbered #AP21/50, signed in the lower border in black felt tip by Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Phil Rudd, and Cliff Williams. Rolled and in fine condition. Accompanied by a composite photo of all five members taken at time of signing. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auctions COA. 

http://rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=713

RR Auctions Franklin D. Roosevelt Rare oversized signed portrait of FDR’s unprecedented third inauguration

Historic vintage matte-finish 13 x 10 photo of Roosevelt being sworn in as president for the third time on the steps of the US Capitol, signed in fountain pen, as president “Franklin D. Roosevelt.” Also signed “Charles E. Hughes, Jan 20, 1941,” as chief justice, “Cordell Hull,” as Secretary of State “H. A. Wallace,” as Vice President, and “Charles Elmore Cropley, January 20, 1941,” as clerk of the Supreme Court, who held Roosevelt’s family bible as Hughes administered the oath of office. Matted and framed to an overall size of 17.5 x 15. Some light contrast and a bit of irregular ink adhesion to portions of Roosevelt’s signature, a few scattered light creases, and last letter of Wallace’s signature matted out, otherwise fine condition.

After serving eight years in the White House, FDR faced the difficult choice of running for office again, but worldwide events swayed him to run for an unprecedented third term. He must have felt the ominous tides of war after Hughes administered the oath and heard the thunder of guns when Supreme Court clerk Cropley dropped his family's Dutch bible so soon after he had touched it and sworn the oath. In his inauguration speech, he declared, "In this day the task of the people is to save that Nation and its institutions from disruption from without."

Isolationism in America was coming to an end and Roosevelt felt the pressure of unfolding world events as Winston Churchill on the day of his inauguration admonished neutral nations to support the Allied cause and Japan expanded in intelligence budget to $500,000 to spy on the United States. Surely as he delivered his speech, the president knew the threat as he spoke "In the face of great perils never before encountered, our strong purpose is to protect and to perpetuate the integrity of democracy. For this we muster the spirit of America, and the faith of America. We do not retreat. We are not content to stand still. As Americans, we go forward, in the service of our country, by the will of God." On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a devastating attack on Pearl Harbor and America finally entered World War II. A remarkable image from an unprecedented and historically-significant event. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA. 

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

RR Auctions Edgar Allan Poe’s only known check

Edgar Allan Poe’s only known check, Vladimir Lenin’s ultra-rare handwritten letter, and one of FDR’s only known inauguration photos are only a few of the notoriously scarce items being offered in RR Auction’s February collection.

Edgar Allan Poe gained instant notoriety after the 1845 publication of his poem, The Raven. He would go on to buy out the Broadway Journal, a move that would validate him in terms of becoming the professional writer he always wanted to be. This entirely handwritten check-the only known example in existence-dated May 14, 1846, was penned with instructions to his lawyer and owner and publisher of Godey’s Magazine and Lady’s Book, Louis A. Godey, to draw thirty dollars from his account to pay Harden & Co., the express mail service he utilized to deliver his articles for publication.

In January of 1917, Vladimir Lenin was waiting to seize his moment—the moment that would deliver him from exile in Zurich back into his native Russia. Postmarked on the 16^th of the month, Lenin penned a quick and urgent letter inviting a supporter to rendezvous with himself and Polish socialist leader, Mieczyslav Bronski. Within weeks of this meeting, Bronski would deliver the piece of news that delivered Lenin his big break: the Tsar of Nicholas II’s abdication of the throne. This event sent Lenin forging through a war-riddled Europe as he prepared to gain support for the October Revolution, an event through which Lenin would radically shift Russia’s ideology, giving way to the birth of the Soviet Union. Any written correspondence from Lenin is exceedingly scarce, especially those so floridly signed.

An exceptionally rare and oversized signed photo of FDR’s unprecedented third inauguration on January 20, 1941, the day he would become the only American president to serve three terms. This image marks the first time in the last 35 years that any images of Roosevelt’s ground-breaking inauguration have been offered in public auction.

Also included in this month’s robust auction are a fantastic oversized image of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, inscribed in 1969; a spectacular document signed by Henry VIII; an elusive Geronimo signature; a second generation Dezo Hoffmann photo of the Fab Four; and a magical gathering of artifacts from the original masters of the craft, including Houdini.  All of these coveted items and more will be available for auction on January 27.

For information, visit the RRAuction web site at

www.rrauction.com or contact 

Bobby Livingston at bl@rrauction.com

RR Auctions first American Patriots Auction

RR Auction is pleased to announce our first American Patriots auction on January 27. This stunning assemblage of letters and relics come straight from the very hands that birthed our nations’ freedom on August 2, 1776, as Hancock, Adams, and Franklin signed the formal copy of the Declaration of Independence. Boasting over 40 of the 56 signers, including three notoriously scarce individuals like George Taylor, Thomas Nelson, Jr., and the most obscure of all, Thomas Lynch, Jr., the American Patriots auction will breathe fresh life into the revolution, once again honoring the congressmen, delegates, generals, and soldiers who laid the foundation for our nation as we know it.

On March 1, 1776, Thomas Lynch, Jr. penned a florid letter on behalf of this father, Thomas Lynch, Sr., a South Carolinian delegate to the First Continental Congress. As a result a cerebral hemorrhage, Lynch’s father was rendered paralyzed; Lynch was forced to take leave of his post in the South Carolina militia, assuming his father’s place as the 52^nd declaration signer. Lynch’s overwhelming scarcity was made destiny by an ill-fated sea voyage he and his wife would embark on in 1779, never to be heard from again. His library and estate was scattered, destroyed, and lost, making this unlikely signer the most invaluable, even in comparison to Button Gwinnet; this 1776 handwritten letters represents only one of three known to exist.

Thomas Nelson, Jr., who has been categorized as “very rare” in Kenneth W. Rendell’s, History Comes to Life, provides a lengthy piece of correspondence, brimming with political opinion, penned on February 18, 1775, exactly two months before the British would unleash their fury upon the shores of Massachusetts.

Also falling under Rendell’s “very rare” category is last minute signer, George Taylor.  This war-dated letter, written on the 18^th of November, 1780, provides a first-hand look at Taylor’s ironwork business, a trade that won him a contract with the Pennsylvania’s Committee of Safety, making him the first ironmaster to provide cannon shot to the Continental Army. This letter is only the second letter known to ever appear in auction, qualifying its insurmountable scarcity.

An exceptionally uncommon letter from Thomas Jefferson to President George Washington dated February 17, 1791, concerning expansion of settlements northwest of the Ohio during the Northwest Indian Wars. Any correspondence between Jefferson and President, especially referencing the very fibers of the nation’s territorial acquisitions, is of the utmost rarity.

Other offerings of paramount rarity include General George Washington’s prized map, outlining the Theater of War northeast of the Delaware River, illustrating the critical victories at Trenton and Princeton from December 26, 1776 through January 3, 1777, remains in remarkably clear condition, as does his September 11, 1799 letter concerning the purchase of materials used for the construction of the nation’s capitol, Federal City. Martha Washington’s uncommon correspondence to her favorite niece, Fannie Bassett, dated October 18, 1794, provides a substantial example of the First Lady’s hand.

And last, but certainly not least, an impeccably-preserved and magnificently scarce set of six silver spoons, crafted by none other than the Midnight Rider himself, have stood the test of time and, after 220 years, remained steadfastly together. One of the most celebrated and sought-after silversmiths of his time, Revere personally crafted this set for the prominent Boston couple, Daniel and Mary Turner Sargent. This original set heralds from the prized collection of noted silversmith and Revere collector, George Gebelein, who first came into possession of the collection in 1938.

This specialized collection, also including an entirely handwritten financial account of New Hampshire delegate, Josiah Bartlett’s, compensation for signing the Declaration; an ironically hopeful letter from John Andre, penned just a month before his execution after being captured as a spy; a riveting letter from Colonel Azor Orne, and many, many more desirable signatures and relics, will be available for bidding January 27. For details, go to http://www.rrauction.com

RR Auctions is America’s Autograph Auction

Every month we offer collectors more than 1,250 quality, fully guaranteed signed items, including photos, documents, letters, and books from a variety of categories—just as we have for more than 30 years.
Each autographed item is accompanied by a full 100% lifetime guarantee of authenticity. We proudly employ not only well-respected, in-house experts to examine every item sent to us, but coordinate with third-party authenticators in various fields including Civil War-era notables, classical and contemporary music, historical figures, sports figures, and space explorers to confirm our opinions. Read more about them here.
Every month, all items are beautifully presented in a full-color catalog, with many full-page displays and numerous benefiting from detailed research descriptions. When you are an RRAuction registered bidder, you will also have access to our company’s auction archives.
You may rest assured that every consignment—and every consignor—is treated with ultimate respect. As soon as you ship us your item, that piece is covered by our own insurance, so there’s no need for you to worry about any extra cost. We offer competitive rates and fast consignor pay-offs.
When you’re an RRAuction client, you can always buy and sell with the confidence…a confidence that 30 years of experience and customer satisfaction brings with it. Entrust your autographs to professionals who have built a reputation to deliver consistently remarkable results!
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