Catalogue 134 - Gary Combs Autographs

Charlie Chaplin
no. 17
Catalogue 134
Terms of Sale
GUARANTEE. The authenticity of all material offered for sale is guaranteed
genuine and this guarantee to refund the full purchase price is without time limit. Any item which is unsatisfactory for any other reason must be returned within
three (3) days after receipt. Exceptions must be made when placing an order.
PAYMENT. Payment may be made by check or money order and we will ship
your order upon receipt of same. We are also pleased to accept the Visa and
Mastercard. Installment payments may be arranged at the time of ordering if
satisfactory trade or bank references are provided. Sales tax and shipping and
handling fees are charged as applicable. Checks should be made out to: GARY
COMBS AUTOGRAPHS INC.
FRAMED MATERIAL. Framed material in this catalogue is designated by
the measurements at the conclusion of the description; horizontal is given first.
These items are easily shipped by us, well packed to ensure their safe delivery.
Illustrations in this catalogue, particulary of framed items, may be reduced in
size.
WANT LIST. We endeavor to maintain an accurate Want List of your collecting needs and urge you to advise us in as much detail as possible what your
collecting goals are. In this way we are able to offer you the finest and most
appropriate material for your collection.
WANTED. I am always interested in purchasing autographs, either individual
items or collections, and I will respond properly to your offers.
Prices in this catalogue supersede all previous listings.
Open by appointment only. TEL: (212) 242-7209; FAX: (212) 924-9006
e-mail: CombsAutographs@aol.com
website: www.combsautographs.com
Located at 3 Sheridan Square, Apt. 7-H, New York, NY 10014
(Seventh Avenue & West Fourth Street.)
Design and Layout by Peter Klarnet
Printed by Eagle Printing, Binding & Mailing, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
J.Q. Adams, No. 1
INVITATION TO FORMER PRESIDENT MONROE TO SLEEP
OVER AT THE PRESIDENT’S MANSION
1. J.Q. ADAMS. A scarce autograph letter signed Washington, June 1, 1828, as
President by Adams and addressed to James Monroe, his predecessor as Chief
Executive.
“Dear Sir, Learning from Mrs. Ringgold that you have the intention of passing
part of the day tomorrow in the City, Mrs. Ada[ms] joins me in soliciting the
favour of Mrs. Monroe’s and your company and that of Miss Hay to-morrow at
dinner and to pass the Evening and night with us. I shall have the pleasure of
calling upon you immediately after your arrival at Mrs. Ringgold’s and remain
ever faithfully yours.” 1 page, oblong 8vo. Two small detachments of paper at
upper right margin, imperceptibly reattached. A foxing mark impairs one word
of the text which is nonetheless legible.
Mrs. Ringgold, wife of Tench Ringgold; he was a Monroe appointee as U.S.
Marshal for the District of Columbia. He built the Dacor Bacon House on land
purchased from George Washington’s private secretary Tobias Lear. It is still in
existence; it served as a boarding room house for many prominent D.C. fixtures
including Justices John Marshall and Joseph Story. Ringgold himself was the
grandfather of Supreme Court Chief Justice Edward Douglass White.
The Miss Hay mentioned in this letter was most likely Hortensia Hay,
granddaughter of the Monroes.
Though autograph letters of Adams are available, Presidential autograph letters
are not.
$5,500
1
Fred Astaire, No. 2
2. FRED ASTAIRE. A 10 x 8 publicity photograph showing Astaire, an
unidentified actor and co-star Leslie Caron, in the 1955 musical Daddy Long
Legs; signed by Fred Astaire only.
$150
3. EMMANUEL AX. A high quality, original 14 x 11 color photograph signed
and dated 1982, by the Polish-born, American pianist, shown at rehearsal. $85
4. INGRID BERGMAN. A scarce, insightful autograph letter signed
November 20, 1970, by the Swedish-born actress. To American actress Blanche
Yurka,
“I have finally read your book and so much I recognize in myself. I didn’t know
we were so close to work together in For Whom the Bells Toll.”
“My husband [Lars Schmidt] is not a movie producer, he does theater in
Paris…I find it hard to see your book as a movie, as it is mostly your professional
life and the audience is more interested in private lives. Also stories about
actresses can become very dull for the ordinary public”
“My daughter now works on new hours, I hear and does CBS news at l o’clock
at night! If you’re awake at that hour, you can see her!!” 2 pages, large 8vo. With
original envelope. The two:
$395
5. SARAH BERNHARDT. A boldly penned with an apt autograph sentiment
signed by the legendary French actress 1913, on Winscombe, Devonshire Road
stationery. “He who gives to the poor, makes a loan to God.” $225
2
Leonard Bernstein, No. 6
6. LEONARD BERNSTEIN. An early autograph letter on personal letterhead
but written from the Carnegie Hall apartments and signed Leonard [ June,
1944]. Recovering from minor surgery, the American conductor and composer
writes to composer John Middleton, with whom Bernstein had had a brief fling.
“As you see, I have gotten myself involved in a hospital, an operation, a
complicating ear infection; and on top of that, involved in writing a musical
show for Broadway. All of which spells a dismal NO for the Laurentian
mountains, La Fongeraie, or whatever…Perhaps I can sneak a few days in July
after my concert in the Chalet.” In a brief postscript, “Shirley [his sister] sends
an incestuous kiss.”
Bernstein was frantically working on the completion of his work with Comden
and Green, the musical On the Town, which opened on December 28th. 1 page,
4to.$850
3
“For Our Country’s Prisoners”
7. MAUD BALLINGTON
BOOTH. An excellent 7 3/4 x
9 3/4 photograph of the Britishborn humanitarian, married
to Ballington Booth, and cofounder of the Volunteers of
America after splitting with
her father-in-law, General
William Booth’s organization
The Salvation Army. A tireless
reformer for prison conditions,
here Mrs. Booth writes on her
image:
“Yours very truly, for our
country’s prisoners, Maude B.
Booth.” $225
Maud Ballington Booth No. 7
8. NADIA BOULANGER. An Ecoles D’Art Americaines letterhead typed
letter signed with initials, Paris, June 18, 1974, by the French composer,
conductor, and teacher who taught many of the leading composers and musicians
of the 20th century. In need of a favor,
“May I ask you a service…I need the record of the Pendercki’s (sic) Opera, and
records which were published long ago:”
“1} PETIT CONCERt of French Vocal Music 12th to 20th centuries,
Conducted by Nadia Boulanger…and 2 records by DECCA, on Monteverdi and
I don’t remember what else, too under my direction…it is very urgent.” 1 page,
4to. Airmail stationery with some nicks to edges which affect nothing.
$75
9. BLANCHE KELSO BRUCE. A document signed B.K. Bruce, Washington,
D.C., September 30, 1890, as Recorder of Land Records for the District of
Columbia, by the first Black American politician to serve a full term in the U.S.
Senate (1875-1881) as Senator from Mississippi.
The document deals with a loan of $550 against a plot of land in the city of
Washington, the plot location being detailed. 4 pages, folio.
$100
4
10. DUDLEY BUCK. An autograph musical quote, the Symphonic Overture,
to the American composer and organist’s 1880 work Marmion. 1 page, 8 1/2 x 3
music paper. $100
11. [CIVIL WAR]. A. E. BURNSIDE. An autograph letter signed, on
black bordered stationery, Washington, May 15, 1880, by the Union General,
Governor of Rhode Island and railroad executive, who lent his name, sort of, to
the long extensions of hair he sported: “sideburns.” Here as U.S. Senator,
“Dear Sir-I have delayed answering your kind invitation to the ‘Commemoration
Dinner of the Union League Club’ on the 20th inst., in the hope that I might
accept it. Much to my regret, my public duties will deprive me of that pleasure.
I remember with great distinctness, and gratitude the visible, efficient aid your
members gave to us whilst we were in the field---To your aid, encouragement
and co-operation [?] success of the Union Army in suppressing the ‘Rebellion’
was largely due.”
“I trust and believe you will have a most joyous ‘Re-Union,’ and am more than
sorry that I can not be with you.” 3 pages, 8vo. 3rd page written vertically. $400
James Cagney & Henry Fonda, No. 12
12. JAMES CAGNEY-HENRY FONDA. A 10 x 8 still of the two stars in the
1955 film Mr. Roberts; signed by both men; a slight smudging to Fonda’s name.
$175
5
13. SAMMY CAHN. A 5 x 3 signed card bearing two typed quotes, the lyrics to
two of the American lyricist and song writer’s hits High Hopes and A Pocketful of
Miracles.$35
14. HOAGY CARMICHAEL. A 9 ½ X 8 photograph of the American
composer of popular music: Stardust, Heart and Soul, The Nearness of You and
Georgia on My Mind among others. Carmichael is shown in a relaxed pose and
$125
has simply signed his image “Sincerely, Hoagy Carmichael.” 15. ANDREW CARNEGIE. A typed letter signed by the Scottish-born
industrialist and philanthropist, March 6, 1914.
“...This is proof positive that you are becoming more useful as years roll by.
Faithful to the end!”
“I hear fine accounts of President Underwood. He must be an admirable man,
but I should think you would be able to interest many more of his kind.”
Possibly referring to John Thomas Underwood, President of the Underwood
Typewriter Co. One page, 4to. With a portrait of the philanthropist in his
library. The two:
$250
16. WILLA CATHER. A typed letter signed on “The Tuesday Nine O’Clocks”
Toronto letterhead, July 12 (n.y.) [1921?]. Written to Joan Hartley who had
praised the American author’s early work, the 1915 novel The Song of the Lark,
Cather writes a long reply, employing her very uncommon full signature “Willa
Sibert Cather.” In toto,
“I am glad that you at last followed inclination and wrote me. I am glad you like
the book and that it associates itself in your mind with the operatic performances
you mention. That book has grave structural faults, — I knew when I began it
that it must have. I knew, too, that an artist’s relation to his work is not proper
material, is not an adequate theme, for a novel. It has often been tried, and the
result has never been really first rate. So, thinking I might as well fail for a cow as
a calf, I permitted myself all sorts of liberty. It is a pleasure to be just as foolish as
you please—once. In spite of all its faults, I like the book, and am always pleased
to hear from other people who do. I liked writing it, and I still like certain
things about it; though it had to be a three volume novel, or done in two entirely
different and not harmonious methods,—as you doubtless know. Thank you
heartily for your letter.”
Cather adds her mailing address “5 Bank Street, New York.” There is unobtrusive
reinforcement to reverse of central horizontal fold with scattered soiling and
foxing, a couple staple holes, otherwise very good condition.
6
Willa Cather, No. 16
Cather’s letters are uncommon and often rather brief; letters of this length and
content, dealing with her work are rarely found. 1 page, large 8vo.
With the letter is Hartley’s copy of The Song of the Lark, with her name and
incorrect date penned on the inside front cover. Book is in poor condition. The
two:$5,000
17. CHARLIE CHAPLIN. A highly desirable, vintage 3 ½ x 5 ½ original
carte photograph signed “Faithfully,Charlie Chaplin,” by the comedic giant as
the Little Tramp in the 1928 film The Circus in which the British actor wrote,
produced, directed and starred. He also wrote the music. Effectively floated on
pumpkin matting with outer dark green matting all in a period gilt molding.
Overall framed size: 9 ½ x 11¾.
SEE FRONT COVER ILLUSTRATION$3,500
7
18. CHARLES I. A rare manuscript document signed, at the top margin,
Charles R., Court at Whitehall, May 28, 1625. Two months into his reign
the Stuart monarch, the son of James I, addresses a command to The Earl
of Mar, His Majesty’s Treasurer, his deputy Sir Archbald Naper and Sir
William Oliphant, Advocate for Charles in His Kingdom of Scotland.
The King urges these gentlemen to go to the county of Glenalmond to challenge
the claims of certain parties to Royal hunting forests and then appoint a Royal
forester with income to administer said lands and replenish them with deer and
other game “till our further pleasure be known.”
Regally framed in dark brown and garnet red, to show the integral address leaf
with Royal Seal, in a beaded wood and silver-tone molding, with a 17th century
engraved portrait after van Dyck of the Royal martyr, beheaded in 1649 at
White­hall, the very palace in which this document was signed. 27 3/4 x 15 3/4. $4,000
Prince Charles, No. 19
19. PRINCE CHARLES. A four-line autograph sentiment on a 4 ½ x 3 ½
correspondence card, headed by the gilted crest of the Prince of Wales. In toto:
“Angus, A very happy Xmas from Charles.” With portrait of the future King of
England. The two:
$450
8
20. SALMON P. CHASE. A brief autograph letter signed, as the sixth Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court, September 10, 1872, on a 4 ¼ x 2 ¾ portion of
lined stationery. The politician and abolitionist, Secretary of the Treasury under
Abraham Lincoln addresses an unidentified correspondent,
“Sir, Gen. Sherman will soon be at home & presumably will give you his
autograph, Respectfully, S.P. Chase, Sept. 10, 1872.”
With an engraved portrait of Chase, one of the founders of the Republican
Party, who as Chief Justice presided over the impeachment trial of President
$350
Andrew Johnson. The two:
General Claire Chennault, No. 21
21. GENERAL CLAIRE CHENNAULT. An excellent 9 ¾ x 7 ¾ original
photograph of the American military aviator best known for his leadership
of the “Flying Tigers” and the Republic of China’s Air Force in World War
II; boldly signed “ To Cpl. John J. Black with best wishes, C.L. Chennault.”
Chennault is shown in full military dress.
$ 750
9
Henry Clay, No. 22
REQUEST FOR A COPY OF
A SUPREME COURT OPINION ON SLAVERY
22. HENRY CLAY. An autograph letter signed H. Clay, New Orleans,
January 15, 1843, by the Southern statesman, orator and politician. To longtime
political friend and ally fellow Kentuckian, J. J. Crittenden in Washington, DC.
Crittenden, at this time, was a U.S. Senator for Kentucky having succeeded
Clay in that position. Here, Clay asks Crittenden to obtain a record of an 1841
Supreme Court decision on a case, Groves v. Slaughter.
“My dear Sir,
“I would be very much obliged to you, if you would obtain for me, with as little
delay as possible, and transmit it to me by mail to this place, a Copy of the
opinion of the Judges of the S. Court in the case of Slaughter (the Mississippi
Slave case) decided Term before the last, certified in the form to be used as
evidence in a Court of Justice. Our friend Peters perhaps could assist you in
procuring it, if the opinions are not recorded.”
Your friend, H. Clay.” 1 page, 4to. Integral attached leaf bears a three-line
autograph address from New Orleans and “Free” postal marks. There is minor
paper residue from previous framing, well away from text, signature and address.
Groves v. Slaughter dealt with the purchase of slaves in Mississippi. The
purchaser argued he did not owe the slave-trader for the transaction because
10
a State law passed in 1832 forbid the importation of slaves for in-state sale
after a certain date. The issue dealt with Federal rights to regulate interstate
commerce and states’ rights to constitutionally regulate the slave trade. In a
split opinion, the Court argued, in Serpentine fashion, that the individual
states held the power of regulation of such commerce.
Chief Justice Taney concurred in an opinion that foretold the arguments offered
in the notorious Dred Scott decision of 1857.
A Slave owner himself, Clay opposed the expansion of Slavery to the Federal
territories and new States that entered the Union. From the Compromise of
1820 to his magnificent speech to the Senate in 1850, he fought the losing fight
$4,000
to keep an impossible condition, Slavery, from rending the U.S.
23. GEORGE M. COHAN.
A magnificent White
Studio of NY 9 x 12 7/8
full length photograph from
his 1913 play Seven Keys
to Baldpate; boldly signed
and dated February 1, 1924
with a holograph greeting
by the legendary American
entertainer who wore all
the hats of Broadway: actor,
singer, composer, lyricist,
playwright and producer.
Mounted.
$500
24. JERRY COLONNA.
A vintage 8 x 10 signed and
inscribed photograph of
the comedian, Bob Hope’s
perennial sidekick on radio,
T.V. and U.S.O. shows. $35
George M. Cohan, No. 23
25. BARBARA COOK. An 8 x 10 early photograph of the Broadway and
cabaret star, holding a copy of the 1963 original cast recording of She Loves Me
co-starring Cook who also created major roles in Candide and The Music Man;
she is the leading interpreter of Sondheim’s music.
$100
11
Noel Coward, No. 26
26. NOEL COWARD. An autograph musical quote, with lyrics, from the
English writer, director, playwright and actor’s signature song Some Day I’ll
Find You which he wrote for his 1930 work Private Lives in which he starred
with Gertrude Lawrence; signed and inscribed by Coward on a 9 x 3 ¾ piece of
music stationery. Despite the bon vivant’s longevity in the theatre, this is the first
musical quote we’ve seen or offered.
$950
27. NOEL COWARD. An excellent , original 3 ½ x 5 photograph of the
English composer, actor and wit in character as Captain Kinross in the 1942
British propaganda film In Which We Serve, that Coward wrote, directed and in
which he starred and for which he received an honorary Academy Award; signed
by Coward who identifies the film and dates the image 1942.
$450
28. GEORGE CUKOR. A Western Union telegram dated February 27, 1965
from leading lady Audrey Hepburn to director George Cukor on his Oscar win
for My Fair Lady. Hepburn cables:
“Nothing can stop me from being proud thrilled and happy for you the picture
and Rex. Love and Kisses Audrey”
With this, Cukor’s retained copy of a March 1, 1965 cable-reply to her signed
George.
“Dearest Audrey youre a gent youre an angel All love, George.” l page, 4to.
My Fair Lady had won Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director Oscars. In a
patent snub to Audrey Hepburn, the Academy had not even nominated her; best
actress went to Julie Andrews for Mary Poppins. Many felt Andrews should have
played Eliza, the role she created on Broadway. The two:
$350
12
29. [SIGNED EDITION]. BETTE DAVIS. MOTHER GODDAM,
THE STORY OF THE CAREER OF BETTE DAVIS. WITH A RUNNING
COMMENTARY BY BETTE DAVIS. The in depth story of the actress’ rise
to fame, her running war with the studio system, her dealings with fellow
actors: Joan Crawford, Errol Flynn, Tallulah Bankhead, etc. Throughout the
book are Davis’ own take on her story written in red type. Copiously illustrated.
Filmography, index. Excellent dust wrapper, original cloth. 4to. Signed and
$125
inscribed by Bette Davis on the half title page. New York, 1974.
30. LEO DELIBES.
An excellent autograph
musical quote signed in
full February 1885, by
the French composer of
the ballet Coppelia; here,
from his opera Lakme,
Act I aria, Pourquoi dan les
Grand Bois. Small chip to
lower right corner. $600
Leo Delibes No. 30
31. DAVID DIAMOND. An excellent autograph musical quote signed,
inscribed and dated by the American composer from his 1945 art song Let
Nothing disturb thee based on a text by St. Teresa of Avila. Diamond pens
the lyrics: “Patient endurance attaineth to all things.” On a 5 x 3 card. $150
32. VINCENT d’INDY. An extensive autograph musical quote signed,
inscribed and dated by the French composer; from his Sonata for Violin and
Piano, opus 59. Written on an oblong 8vo album page and matted with an
original, unsigned 3 ¼ x 5 Henri Manuel carte photograph. The two: $350
13
Alexandre Dumas Pere, No. 33
33. ALEXANDRE DUMAS PERE. A scarce, near perfect, original A. Bernoud
2 ¼ x 4 carte de visite photograph of the French author of The Three Musketeers;
signed A. Dumas and inscribed to a lady beneath his image. Photographer’s logo
on the reverse as well on the face.
$2,000
34. IRENE DUNNE. A vintage Gaston Longet 8 x 10 photograph of the
American film star in the 1948 film I Remember Mama, signed and inscribed,
“To May and Morton with every good wish to you both, Irene Dunne.” $185
35. MARCEL DUPRE. An excellent 5 ½ x 3 ½ carte photograph of the great
Twentieth Century French organist , composer and teacher, shown performing
at the organ of St. Sulpice in Paris, where he resided as Chief Organist from
1934 until his death in 1971. Dupre has signed, inscribed and dated this image
on the bottom margin, in English: “To Mrs. McMillan, with kind regards,
Marcel Dupre, March 6, 1939.”
14
Marcel Dupre, No. 35
Taught by Diemer, Levy, Guilmant, Vierne and Widor and the teacher of
Alain, Cochereau, Langlais and Messiaen among others, Dupre expanded the
repertoire and technique for organ with his compositional output, known for its
$750
technical difficulty.
36. DWIGHT D.
EISENHOWER. A one-page
4to White House letter, marked
PERSONAL twice and signed by
the President, Washington, May 9,
1960. Eisenhower, near the end of
his second term, writes a Mrs. Bliss
Isely in El Dorado, Kansas,
“Thank you so much for sending
me the article that represented
part of the material contained
in your book about my mother,
and that has now been published.
I am deeply appreciative of
your courtesy, as I am also for
your more than kind personal
comments concerning what I have
been trying to do to advance the
cause of a just and durable peace.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower, No. 36
Bliss Isely and his wife Flora
published several memoirs of life in
early Kansas, where Eisenhower grew up. With a forthright 5 x 7 Pach Bros. of
New York photograph. The two: $500
15
Ella Fitzgerald, No. 37
37. ELLA FITZGERALD. An original 7 x 8 ½ black and white photograph of
the late beloved jazz singer, shown walking across a stage; signed and inscribed
“Best wishes to you, Sincerely, Ella Fitzgerald.” Some scrapes to the emulsion do
$300
not seriously affect the image.
38. ROBERTA FLACK. A dramatic 8 x 10 Atlantic Records publicity
photograph signed and inscribed by the American singing artist whose
renditions of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly are
haunting classics.
$150
“…it is probably safest to retreat slightly…”
39. FREDERICK THE GREAT OF PRUSSIA. A manuscript letter
signed Frederick, Breslau, January 23, 1779, by the Prussian ruler and preeminent military strategist of his time. Written during the War of the Bavarian
Succession, one of many wars and skirmishes that marked the Prussian ruler’s
reign; to Major General von Bosse, Chief of the Eleventh Regiment of
Dragoons,
“My dear Major General von Bosse, I received your report of the 22nd of this
month and wanted to thank you but also to express my appreciation, for it is very
16
Frederick the Great of Prussia, No. 39
good and indeed necessary, that you for your part take all precautions and see to
it that the officers think and are unfailingly alert and on their guard so as not to
be taken by surprise, and if the enemy is too strong, it is probably safest to retreat
slightly and then see how you may move from outside. So you now have your
rules on how to proceed with caution and to report to me without delay what is
going on.”
“I am your well disposed King, Frederick.” 1 page, 4to.
$2,500
40. CHRISTOPHER FRY. A typed letter signed May 30, 1950, by the British
dramatist, writer of The Lady’s Not for Burning. Fry declines to speak at a
college on the subject of Current Books and Writers. 1 page, 8vo. With original
envelope. The two:
$50
17
Clark Gable, No. 41
41. CLARK GABLE. An original Clarence Sinclair Bull 10 x 13 photograph
of the King of Hollywood, signed and inscribed by Gable, “Wilma, Best wishes
always, Clark Gable.” Photographer’s stamp on the verso. Light vertical crease in
upper area with some minor staining away from Gable’s image, do not materially
affect the overall presentation.
$900
42. CLARA CLEMENS GABRILOWITSCH. An excellent 9 x13
photograph of the American singer, daughter of Mark Twain; she was also the
wife of Russian-born pianist Ossip Gabrilowitsch. Signed “With sincere good
wishes, from, Clara Clemens Garbrilowitsch, 3 October, ’25.” $175
43. GEORGE III. A bold signature, “George R.,” on the 4 x 4 upper left
portion taken from a vellum document and retaining an excellent paper Royal
Seal. With an engraved portrait of the last King of the U.S. Colonies.
The two: $100
18
George IV, No. 43
44. GEORGE IV-THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON. A 15 ¼ x 11 ¾ vellum
document, the Commission of John Deschampes, Gentleman, to be “a Second
Lieutenant in Our Royal Regiment of Artillery.” Dated December 14, 1821,
“Our Court at Carlton Palace,” the document is signed by the colorful monarch
at the head “George R.” next to a blue revenue stamp and is additionally signed
“Wellington” at the bottom by the hero of Waterloo as Master General of
Ordnance. A nice combination of signatures. With an engraved portrait of
George IV. The two:
$550
The Voice of Sneezy the Dwarf in Snow White
45. BILLY GILBERT. An original, official Navy Department 8 x 10 full
length photograph [November 6, 1942] signed and inscribed by the comic
character actor, the voice of Sneezy in Snow White, who appeared in Laurel and
Hardy films and with Charlie Chaplin in The Great Dictator. Here Gilbert is
entertaining the troops. Three file holes at left margin. $100
19
46. JOHNNY GREEN. A typed letter signed Johnny, on Johnny Green’s World
of Music stationery, Beverly Hills, November 20, 1961, by the American song
writer, composer and conductor, best known for his classic jazz standard Body
and Soul.
“I am so very happy about your and Olive’s reaction to the program-and to our
erstwhile sponsor…the Ford people have decided that “JOHNNY GREEN’S
WORLD OF MUSIC” has done all for Thunderbird that it was possible to do…
Nevertheless, I love my Thunderbird…” Green appends a 6-line postscript to the
$65
letter. 1 page, 4to.
Zane Grey, No. 47
“Success…is impossible when you are starving.”
47. ZANE GREY. An autograph letter signed, on personal embossed letterhead,
by the great American writer of Western novels, Altadena, May 6, 1932. To a
Miss Genevieve Bratton, “I have your letter and am sending a book for Miss
Meadow. I would be pleased to have her dedicate a wild horse drawing to me.
I can offer no suggestion to you or Miss Meadow save hard work. What is the
secret of success? It is about impossible when you are starving. I know, but you
have to in spite of all. When I come out of this awful financial depression I
will help you help her.” One page, 4to. With the original holograph transmittal
The two: $750
envelope with stamp removed. 20
48. GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS OF SWEDEN. A manuscript document
signed Stockholm, June 17, 1626, by the great Swedish military king, a
contemporary of Peter the Great of Russia, who made his Realm a major power
during his hectic reign; he died in action at the Battle of Lutzen in 1632.
Here, loosely translated and headed by his titles “Gustavus Adolphus, by the
Grace of God, King of the Swedes, Goths, and Vandals, the Great Prince of
Finland, the Duke of Estonia and Karelia, and Lord of Ingria” the monarch
states that his beloved Lars Kagg, heading to foreign lands and in order to insure
and assist him on his journey, is to receive monies totaling Three hundred Thirty
and Four thalers, making them available immediately so that he is not delayed.
“If you wish to incur any thanks, you will do this.” 1 page, folio. Some irregularity
to top margin, otherwise very good.
Lars Kagg (1595-1661) was a Swedish soldier and politician. He was created
Privy Councilor in 1641, Field Marshal in 1648 and commanded troops at the
$1,700
Battle of Oldendorf in 1633.
A “Charming” Reminiscence of a Christmas Past
49. TYRONE GUTHRIE. A lengthy 3-page 4to autograph letter signed,
December 11, 1962, Annaghmakerrig, County Monaghan, Ireland, by the
English born theatrical director and founder of the Stratford Festival in Canada.
Re: Christmas memories,
“…My parents did the Arab Enchanter business once too, which I suppose was
where I got the idea. I don’t know quite why they did, because, being Irish &
Scots, we didn’t make nearly as much of Christmas as English families---no tree
& much less than English notions of “Christmas fare”. But we did all exchange
presents---I remember the excitement of keeping it all SECRET…Isn’t it
amusing, & rather sad, that these secrets are such fun for those who prepare & so
much less fun for the recipient.”
“Some American cousins of ours came to live in England being a tribe of
youngsters of about our age. They had parted with fearful pangs in Cincinnati
from their beloved retriever. As great cost…the parents arranged that Rover
should be secretly conveyed to London, & at the height of the Christmas feast
he was suddenly led into the dining room.”
“Instead of the planned enchantment, it was all far too much. The children,
one & all, burst into tears; Rover took hysterics; Mamma & Papa were also
uncomfortable…”
“We prissy self-righteous little Presbyterians thought it all a very excessive
$395
goings on & decided that Americans were altogether too shrill….” 21
50. SIGNED BOOK. LYRICS BY OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN. The lyrics
of songs by the American Broadway legend who, in collaboration with Richard
Rodgers and Jerome Kern, produced many of the classics in the show tune
repertoire. Signed and inscribed by Hammerstein on the first free endpaper: “For
Janet Schadit, with my good wishes, Oscar Hammerstein, 2nd.” Original boards,
$100
8vo. New York, 1949.
Warren G. Harding, No. 51
TO CO-FOUNDER OF THE WHITE HOUSE NEWS
PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION
51. WARREN G. HARDING. An original 6 ½ x 9 ½ Harris & Ewing of
Washington photograph of the President posed in front of an unidentified
building (the White House?) dressed in summer whites; signed by Harding, “To
Joe Seligman, with good wishes, Sincerely yours, Warren G. Harding.”
Joe Seligman (1888-1939) worked for the photographic studios of Harris
& Ewing and on June 13, 1921 was elected secretary-treasurer of the newly
founded White House News Photographers Association. Warren Harding was
the first President to invite press photographers inside the White House and
$600
designated a room, however small, for their use.
22
52. VAN HEFLIN. A scarce 8 X 10 signed and inscribed publicity photograph
of the actor in the 1951 Joseph Losey film The Prowler, which co-starred Evelyn
Keyes.$150
53. BERNARD HERRMANN. A scarce Columbia Broadcasting System
document dated February 14, 1951 and signed as accepted by the Academy
Award winning American film score composer, creator of the music to some of
such classic movies as Citizen Kane, Hitchcock’s Psycho and Vertigo as well as
Taxi Driver. Herrmann requests and gets an extension of a leave of absence.
“We refer to the contract between us dated September 9, 1949, relating to your
services as orchestra conductor and to the amendment thereof dated August 30,
1950, under which we granted you a leave of absence through April 22, 1951.”
“At your request it is hereby mutually agreed that such leave of absence shall be
extended…” 1 page, 4to.
Herrmann had been Chief Conductor of the CBS Symphony Orchestra; he
now was concentrating on other scores and his opera Wuthering Heights with
a libretto by his first wife Lucille Fletcher. With a portrait of Herrmann in a
$500
conducting pose. The two:
54. WINSLOW HOMER. An informative autograph letter signed by the
American New England painter, no place, April 24, 1897. To his friend and
patron Thomas B. Clarke,
“My dear Mr. Clarke, I wish to tell you how I have arranged the delivery of the
two pictures giving the Century people photographs of them. They are to be sent
by The Jones’s Society to Whitteman Brothers 12=18.”
“Then on by my own conveyance to the Gallery of Kurtz.”
“Directly I hear that they have been delivered to Kurtz I will send to you an
order to deliver to bearer---after they have made their negative.” 2 full pages,
large 8vo.
Century Magazine was a periodical to which Homer made regular contributions,
often the cover image.
Kurtz Brothers, the photography studio.
$1,500
55. LENA HORNE. An 8 x 10 signed photograph of the late legendary
entertainer; a promotion for an April 28, 1971 KRAFT MUSIC HALL special
$50
‘Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.’
23
56. SIGNED SCORE. ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK. DER STERN
VON BETHLEHEM. The piano and vocal score for this Christmas song, the
music by the German composer, lyrics by his wife Hedwig. Decorative front
cover with a large gold star with gold rays. Signed and inscribed in German at
the bottom of the title page “Julius Hess with friendly remembrance of E. and
H. Humperdinck.” 8 pages, folio. Minor foxing with some indications that the
$250
score was actually used for performance. Leipzig, [1900].
57. ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK. An autograph letter, on Hotel
Bellevue, Boppard a Rhein, March 19, 1897, signed by the German composer
of Hansel and Gretel. To an opera manager, “…As I leave Frankfurt, I feel an
urgent need to express to you, esteemed Mr. Director, my delight & satisfaction
with the tremendously successful performance, both scenically & musically of
Konigskinder at the Frankfurt Opera House & to ask you kindly to convey my
warmest thanks to everyone involved in it, & especially to the two excellent
portrayers of the title roles for their artistic achievement…” Originally a music
drama, Konigskinder was made into an opera in 1907. 1 page, large 4to. Minor
$375
tape stain along upper blank margin. 58. WALTER HUSTON. A vintage 7 ¼ x 7 ¾ photograph of the Canadianborn, American actor, father of director John and grandfather of actress
Angelica; signed and inscribed “To Henry, Here’s Huston in Houston, sincerely,
Walter Huston,” by the actor best known for his roles in The Maltese Falcon and
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.$150
Maurice Jarre, No. 59
59. MAURICE JARRE. Two autograph musical quotes from the French
composer: one a quote from an early score for the documentary Hotel des
Invalides and the other from the score for the 1970 David Lean film Ryan’s
Daughter; signed at the bottom of an 8 x 3 ½ piece of music paper.
$350
24
Pope John-Paul II, No. 60
60. POPE JOHN-PAUL II. A rare 4 x 6 color photograph of the beloved
Pontiff signed in Polish “Jan Pavel II” by the His Holiness, now a saint as of
April of 2014; the first non-Italian Pope in over 450 years, until his elevation.
This original photo was taken presumably during one of his nine trips to his
homeland of Poland.
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Renato Saggiori, leading
expert on papal manuscripts and author of The Popes, Five Centuries of
Signatures.$3,750
25
Andrew Johnson, No. 61
61. ANDREW JOHNSON. An 8-line manuscript endorsement signed in full
as President. A 3 ¼ x 4 portion of a larger document, the piece reads in toto:
“Executive Office, Washngton, D.C., July 17, 1865, Repectfully referred to the
Hon. Secy. Of War, Andrew Johnson, President, US.” $1,250
62. RICHARD KILEY. An 8 x 10 signed photograph of the American actor,
winner of numerous Emmys and Tonys, one of which for the creation of Don
Quixote in Man of La Mancha.$35
“Music is our most useful ‘right arm’”
63. ZOLTAN KODALY. A letter, in Hungarian, signed Dembovat, December
28, 1945, by the Hungarian composer; an impassioned plea for the strengthening
of the quality of music and musicians in Post World War II Hungary.
“The Executive Committee held its nomination meeting without the musician
subcommittee’s input…for the yet unfilled positions in Czechoslovakia,
Yugoslavia, Poland and Bulgaria…It is my opinion that the subcommittee
should not accept this. I suggest we should ask the EC to alter the above
decision. The reason: until now music was the area that we could most of all
stand up to competition abroad, and it was the most convenient way to establish
communication with our neighbors…music was always the ‘Stepchild” of the
26
scholarship advisory committee. The most worthy did not receive them every
time, and the advice of the subcommittee went unheeded…Looking at the
scholarship committee’s report…I get the feeling that the money is being wasted
and our work is all for nothing…Music is our most useful ‘Right Arm’ with
which we can reach abroad…The quality of our musicians was dangerously
lowered due to the horrific conditions the last few years brought…We must
provide the opportunity to our talented ones to grow without any unnecessary
disturbances, otherwise in one or two decades we’ll lose out…We never had so
many applications. The explanation partly lies in that last year we didn’t have an
opportunity for them, and also many didn’t think they had a chance due to their
ethnicity.”
In conclusion: “Looking ahead, I propose…two separate groups of scholarships,
one for the Arts and the other for the Sciences…” He then lists an extensive
number of names for his “A” and “B” groups of applicants.
This year, Kodaly became the president of the Hungarian Arts Council. 2 pages,
folio.$1200
64. ERICH WOLFGANG KORNGOLD. A 4 ¾ x 3 ½ portion of a stamped
envelope signed in the return address
“E. W. Korngold, Wien 18, [street name?], 35,” by the Austrian classical music
prodigy and later Academy Award winning film score composer. The envelope
bears the date received at a law firm as December 21, 1928.
$75
65. NORA KAYE-HUGH LAING. An original Saul Hurok-Ballet Theatre
8 x 10 black and white photograph of the two dance legends, performing in
Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet; signed by both stars.
$85
66. ANDREW LANG. A 4-line autograph quote (poem?) signed by the
Scottish poet, historian and scholar.
“Queen, when the clay is my coverlet
When I am dead and when you are gray,
Vow where the grass on the grave is wet,
‘I shall never forget till my dying day’.”
One page 8vo mounted to 4to vellum album page.
$85
67. SIGNED SHEET MUSIC. MAME. IF HE WALKED INTO MY LIFE.
ANGELA LANSBURY ET AL. The folio sheet music for the song If He
Walked Into My Life signed on the colorful front cover by Angela Lansbury
and others who essayed the role or were connected to the Broadway musical:
composer Jerry Herman, director Gene Saks as well as Celeste Holmes, Jane
Connell, Judy Canova and Ann Miller.
$100
27
68. CHARLES LAUGHTON. A typed letter-of-agreement on MetroGoldwyn-Mayer Pictures stationery, dated December 17, 1942 and addressed to
the English-born Academy Award winning actor.
“This shall constitute our agreement that we grant you permission to appear
on the Command Performance radio program on Thursday evening, December
24, 1942…such services shall not be deemed to be rendered by you under our
contract…and no compensation shall be payable to you by us…” Signed in full
at the bottom by Laughton as approved and accepted. 1 page, 4to. File holes at
$125
uppermost margin affect nothing.
69. MARY CUSTIS LEE. A scarce autograph letter signed M. C. Lee, no date,
by the great granddaughter of Martha Washington, the wife of General Robert
E. Lee. An early letter in which Mrs. Lee deals with finances and mentions her
husband 3 times. To a John Lloyd Esq. of Alexandria,
“As I may not be in town for several days & Robert is anxious to have this
money at once will you be so kind as to go to the Bank for me on Monday
morning & if you can get a check on some Baltimore Bank for $50.00 payable
only to Robert’s order… make the whole up in a small sealed package & give to
our servant. You need not tell him what it is, but tell him to be very careful…
I do not know whether Robert wishes to pay any discount for a check on
Baltimore as he does not say anything about it.” On a more personal note Mrs.
Lee concludes,
“Tell cousin Harriet & Nannie I congratulate them upon the arrival of the young
stranger to whom I hope soon to pay my respects.” 1 page, large 8vo. Integral
address leaf attached. Small loss of corner margin mended with no loss to text.
With the reply from John Lloyd dated May 7, 1849. The two:
$1,100
70. ROBERT E. LEE. An attractive and informative full page autograph letter
signed R.E. Lee, Lexington, Va., May 11, 1867, as President of Washington
College. Lee apprises the father of two students on their tuition status.
“In compliance with your request of the 4th inst. I enclose the Treasurer’s
statement of the accounts of your Sons, in support of which he refers to the
vouchers in his possession & his checks in payment of same on the Bank of
Lexington. He informs me that he gave Mr. Eskridge a receipt for the money
he deposited with him, & upon the reception of the $100 from yourself, he
deposited it to the credit of your sons…”
“The payments made to Mr. Ruff & Bouyer are for travel, to Campbell & Leech
for books & the smaller amounts to them for incidental expenses.”
“I regret that your Sons have suffered so much from chills & fever. Leroy has
been interrupted very much thereby in his studies, & his brother discouraged.
28
They have been however gradually improving, & I presume this mountain
climate will in time eradicate the disease.” 1 page, 4to. With the original
autograph addressed, postmarked and stamped envelope. Included is a fair
copy of the accounts for the two boys’ expenses and perhaps most interesting,
a brochure for Washington College giving insight into higher education in
$6,500
post Civil War America. The group:
71. VIVIEN LEIGH. An
original 3 ½ x 5 ½ photograph
of the British actress in the
1963 Broadway musical
Tovarich for which she won
the Tony Award; signed and
inscribed with first name only,
“Arch, With love, Vivien.” $385
72. ERICH LEINSDORF.
A 9 ½ x 12 color photograph
signed by the Austrian-born
American conductor, who is
shown conducting a rehearsal.
$100
73. C.S. LEWIS. A scarce
autograph letter signed,
Magdalene College,
Cambridge, February 7,
1955, by the Irish novelist,
author of The Chronicles of
Narnia. Lewis addresses C.
Talbot D’Allesandro, Oxford
Vivien Leigh, No. 71
Professor and authority on the
works of Lewis’ friend and fellow author J.R.R. Tolkien.
“I remembered you (as distinct from your name) very well and wondered if you
might be my mysterious correspondent; but the only clue (your mention of
poor martyred Miss Radcliffe) was too slight! I am sure we both shall miss Fr.
Adams.”
Father Walter Adams, a member of the Cowley Fathers and Lewis’ confessor
until the priest’s death. One page, 8vo.
$1,500
29
C.S. Lewis, No. 73
Frederick Loewe, No. 74
30
74. FREDERICK LOEWE. A desirable and scarce autograph musical quote,
On the Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady, signed and inscribed on Air
France note paper “To my dear friend Edwin from Frederick Loewe,” by the
American Broadway composer.
$850
75. NIKOLAI LOPATNIKOFF. An autograph letter, in English, signed Chase
Farm, New Hampshire, July 11, 1944, by the Russian-born American composer.
To Hungarian composer and pianist Erno Balogh,
“It has been now 3 weeks that we are up here. First we came into a monsoon
period of steady rains and then we hit a very formidable heat wave…although
we are in the country we think with envy of your air conditioned apartment…”
“You will be please to know that both business transactions which you so kindly
sponsored are brought to a successful end. Both little pieces went to DELKAS
and I went to ASCAP. Besides, I am engaged on my latest business, the
concertino, which is progressing slowly but steadily…Will you be somewhere
$150
here in the neighborhood?” 2 separate pages, 4to.
76. WITOLD LUTOSLAWSKI.
An original Morten Krogvold of
Oslo 5 3/4 X 4 3/4 image-size
photograph. On the generous 3 1/2
lower margin, the Polish musician
has added a 6-line inscription
capped off by an autograph
musical quote for cello, possibly
his 1970 Cello Concerto written for
Rostropovich. Very nice.
$300
Witold Lutoslawski, No. 76
31
Douglas MacArthur, No. 77
77. DOUGLAS MacARTHUR. A full length, original 10 ¾ x 10 ¾ Weldon
& Burnham photograph of the American military leader , General and leader
of the armies in the Philippines during World War II as well as Commander of
the UN troops at the onset of the Korean War; signed with autograph greetings
“Best wishes, Douglas Mac Arthur.” $750
78. JOHN McCORMACK. A Washington Auditorium, January 23, [1926]
program for a New York concert featuring the Irish tenor who has signed the
front first page. Program complete but several pages detached. With portrait. The
two:$75
79. WILLIAM McKINLEY. An excellent 7 ¾ x 5 ½ original Imperial cabinet
photograph boldly signed on the 10 x 7 mount by the newly elected President.
Photograph has “Copyright Dec. ‘96…Courtney Canton O.” in lower left
edge of plate. Photographer’s imprint is on the lower edge of the mount. An
impressive photograph of McKinley. Minor mounting residue on reverse. $1,250
80. JAMES MADISON. An autograph letter signed in full, [Washington],
August 17, 1812, as President. To builder and architect James Dinsmore, who
32
William McKinley, No. 79
was master carpenter at Jefferson’s Monticello and, at this date, was renovating
and expanding Madison’s home at Montpelier. Dinsmore later worked with
Benjamin Latrobe on restoring the Capitol Building after the British sacked
Washington. In full,
“Sir, I rec’d your letter of the 9th & remitted $407 to Mr. Warnock for which he
has sent me a receipt. I can not positively say when I shall be at Montpelier, but
hope it will be soon. Accept my respects, James Madison. Aug. 17, 1812.”
On the integral address leaf, a four-line autograph address free franked by
Madison with another full signature and postmarked Washington, August 17.
Lightly silked on verso for preservation and bearing two holes, well away from
the text, which are archivally repaired. Autograph letters of Madison while
in office are surprisingly rare. With an engraved portrait of the Father of the
Constitution and a co-author of the Federalist Essays. The two:
$12,000
33
81. GUGLIELMO MARCONI. An uncommon 17 x 8 ½ partly printed
telegram headed “Societa Italiana Radio Marittima” and dated October 13,
1934. Filled in and signed in full as well as initialed, by the Italian inventor,
businessman and electrical engineer who takes advantage of his own invention
by sending a telegram to His Excellency Mariant Damelio, President of the
Italian Society for the Advancement of Science in Naples.
“Grateful to your Excellency and Italian scientists for the kind, flattering
telegram, but extremely sorry to not be able to be present at the very important
meeting.”
With an original 8 x 10 Pach Bros. of NY photograph. The two:
$750
Queen Mary of England, No. 82
82. QUEEN MARY OF ENGLAND. An uncommon 8 x 6 photograph signed
Mary R., 1945 by the formidable Queen Consort of George V who is shown
visiting a wounded soldier at a hospital. Tipped onto the original 11 x 8 ½
photographer’s mount.
$300
83. JULES MASSENET. An early work by the French opera composer, an
extensive autograph music quote, with lyrics, to his song Serenade aux Maries,
opus 12 no. 2 written in 1868 with words by Jules Ruelle. One page, oblong 4to.
Boldly signed J. Massenet, by the creator of operas such as Thais, Manon, Werther
and Sapho. With an excellent 5 x 7 photograph of the musician. The two: $400
34
84. UNA MERKEL. An autograph letter signed by the American comedic
actress and Tony Award winner. A Birthday greeting to radio host and writer
Mary Margaret McBride,
“...I have been working in a picture at M.G.M. that I love — ‘The Mating
Game’ playing Debbie Reynold’s mother — & expect to be back in N.Y. early in
Dec. to start rehearsing in ‘Listen To the Mocking Bird’.” On a four-sided 8vo
$65
Hallmark card. Original autograph addressed envelope. The two:
85. CARMEN MIRANDA. A wonderful 8 x 10 full length photograph of the
Portuguese-Brazilian entertainer, the star of many popular 1940 films. Shown
in her signature elaborate headdress, the “Brazilian Bombshell” has signed,
inscribed and dated the image 1942. Several imperceptible vertical creases do not
$385
deter this piece from being one of the nicest photos of Miranda.
To Giulio Gatti-Cassaza
86. GRACE MOORE. An ingratiating autograph letter signed by the
American soprano, Casa Lauretta, July 16, 1928, to the manager of the
Metropolitan Opera, Giulio Gatti-Cassaza. Written in school girl French,
Moore states,
“I am here in my little villa where I work and dream and think of the next
season. It is hot, but in my house, the air is fresh…I am preparing [the roles of ]
Manon, Juliet and Pagliacci. You talked about Manon in our last conversation in
New York, and I have arranged several performances in France and Belgium…I
hope I will also sing Juliette in Paris. I want to be ready for New York and if
possible, make the suffering critics take notice…I hope you will give me the
chance to sing in America if I have been a success here.”
“I will be very grateful if you will tell me when you are here or in Bella Italia…I
often think of you, dear Monsieur Gatti, and your kindness and consideration
during the most difficult hours of my life at the Metropolitan this past winter…”
$350
3 pages, small 4to.
87. CHRISTOPHER MORLEY. An original A. B. Bogart 6 x 9 photograph
of a statue entitled Genius of Electricity, noted on reverse as originally at 195
Broadway. A land­mark building, the statue had crowned the cupola at the top of
the building which originally housed A. T. & T.
The American writer and editor, inspired by the photograph has penned an
autograph poem signed.
“Above one huge precipice stood a gilded statue-a boy with wings, burning in the
noon. Brilliance flamed between the vanes of his pinions: the intangible thrust
of that pouring light seemed about to hover him off into blue air. Christopher
$250
Morley.” 35
88. DENNIS MORGAN. An 8 x 10 signed photograph of the American actor
and singer, a leading man in the 1940’s in such films as God Is My Co-Pilot and
Kitty Foyle.$35
89. LORD NELSON. A lengthy letter signed Nelson & Bronte, the title “Bronte”
having been given to the English Admiral for his support in maintaining King
Ferdinand III, King of the Two Sicilies, on his throne during the 1799 revolutionary
riots in Naples. Written aboard his legendary Flagship Victory, at sea, near Antiqua,
June 11, 1805. Just four months before his heroic death at the Battle of Trafalgar,
Nelson addresses Rear Admiral Alexander Cochrane, commander of the British fleet
in the Caribbean, on board his flagship Northumberland,
“Having ordered Captain Tobin to receive the black General and Servant named
in the margin [ Joseph Chretien and Petit Desiree] onboard the Northumberland
and victual them the same as his ship’s company ‘till an opportunity offers of
sending them to Jamaica, I am to request you will be so good as to order the said
Men a passage to Jamaica in the very first Vessel of War going there, and to be
borne as Supernumeraries for Victuals only as above.”
“I have given the said black General a Letter for Rear Admiral Davies which he
is directed to deliver to him personally, in order that himself and servant may be
sent to St. Domingo as early after their arrival at Jamaica as possible.” 1 ½ pages,
folio. Integral leaf bearing a docket in an unknown hand.
The item was written during the period of endless naval war between Napoleonic
France and England. Nelson pursued the French fleet back and forth across the
Atlantic. The French colony of Santo Domingo was an English objective for its
strategic location and its wealth
of sugar; it had been in rebellion
since 1791. The black General was
most probably from the elite of that
island, the British hoping for more
unrest on that unhappy island.
In the meantime, the cat and mouse
chase of the naval forces of England
and France, ended four months
after this letter with the epic battle
at Trafalgar which made England
master of the seas and, with his
$7,500
death, Nelson a legend.
90. BIRGIT NILSSON. An
uncommon signed image of the
Swedish soprano in Puccini’s
Turandot.
$225
Birgit Nilsson, No. 90
36
91. ALEX NORTH. A 10 x 8 movie still from the 1963 epic Cleopatra, signed
and inscribed by the multi-nominated Oscar American film composer, “To Jim,
Alex North.” He had also scored such films as Viva Zapata, Spartacus, The Misfits
and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. $150
Dr. Barry O’Meara, No. 92
NAPOLEON’S SURGEON AT ST. HELENA;
TO NAPOLEON’S BROTHER JOSEPH
92. DR. BARRY O’MEARA. An autograph letter signed Barry E. O’Meara,
Cambridge Terrace, April 9th, no year [circa 1832-33], by the Irish surgeon who
attended to Napoleon in exile on St. Helena and treated him during his lifetime.
His 1822 book, Napoleon in Exile, shed light on the former Emperor’s state of
mind and health. Here O’Meara writes, in French, to Napoleon’s eldest brother,
Joseph Bonaparte, at one time King of Naples, and then King of Spain. A letter
of introduction for Cyril Corbett, a Royal Navy Lieutenant,
“Permit me to present to Your Majesty Mr. Corbett, lieutenant in the Royal
Marines and my friend for several years”
37
Continued on next page
O’MEARA, Continued
“He has been to St. Helena where he has offered services to your brother, for
which he has been offered remuneration but refused it. He desires to have the
opportunity of greeting Your Majesty before leaving for Holland where he is
going to live.” 1 page, 8vo. Rare and with some content.
$2,500
93. PATTI PAGE. An 8 x 10 vintage photograph signed by the American pop
singer, forever identified with the song The Tennessee Waltz.
$75
94. LUCIANO PAVAROTTI. An uncommon, original Teatro alla Scala 4 x 6
photograph of the Italian tenor in front of a mirror checking out his costume as
the Duke in Verdi’s Rigoletto. Signed on the generous lower margin in Italian,
$250
“In fond memory of Luciano Pavarotti, 1970.” Excellent.
Commodore Mathew C. Perry, No. 95
95. COMMODORE MATHEW C. PERRY. An autograph letter signed, M.
C. Perry, Tarrytown, May 24, 1845, by the American naval officer who opened
up trade with Japan in 1854. Mathew, the brother of the War of 1812 naval hero
Oliver Hazard Perry, writes a recommendation for a John Clapham, gunner.
“I have great pleasure in stating that your conduct as Gunner of the Frigate
Macedonia during her late cruise upon the Coast of Africa was in all respects
correct and I consider you perfectly qualified for the station then and now held
by you.” 1 page, 4to.
$1,200
38
96. EZRA POUND. An unusually
legible, but no less chaotic, autograph
letter signed with initials, [Washington,
December 21, 1954], by the American
expatriate poet and critic, influential
in the discovery and promotion of
other writers such as Eliot, Joyce and
Hemingway. To Caedmon Records,
who did a series of recordings of major
literary figures reading their works,
Pound being one of them.
“IF the Caedmon are curious & IF they
were alluding to the Winterbottom
story-perhaps they also know the
American classic? endling ‘ & the fuzzy
one was DEElicious’”
“In any case the condition was ‘may I
compare thee to a summer’s day’ poifik
or E.P.” 1 page, 4to. With the original
autograph addressed envelope.
Ezra Pound, No. 96
At the time of this letter, Pound was held at St. Elizabeth’s Mental Hospital
where he remained for 12 years. In 1958, he was released, thanks to his literary
supporters, and because it was felt his mental state could not be cured or
ameliorated.
Accompanying this is a second sheet of 4to pink paper, not signed, but
undoubtedly typed by Pound. Cryptic but interesting:
“…would Caedmon be interested in filling up discs of troubadour E.P. reading
with some Villon/That is to say if Raymonde Collingnon** cd/hh tape record
in London some of the E.P. Villon, and perhaps some of the Yvette Guilbert
collection of old French songs, with our without translations…I don’t know that
The lot: $750
the big firms have done much in this line.”
97. RENOIR. An attractive, scarce item: a 6 X 7 image-size photograph of
a Renoir painting of one of his typical young girls, this example, a young lady
in profile. On the generous lower margin, the French artist has signed and his
signature has been notarized as authentic by the Mayor of Cagnes who dates it
January 10, 1911. Overall size 6 ½ X 10 ¾. Mounted to a 9 X 12 board.
In an attempt to discourage forgeries of Renoir’s paintings, his art agent,
Ambroise Vollard, resorted to photographic authentications, with the
cooperation of Renoir, to stop fraud.
$6,500
39
Renoir, No. 97
98. JOAQUIN RODRIGO. An excellent, original Gyenes of Madrid 3 ½ x 5
½ photograph of the blind Spanish composer, known for raising the level of the
classical guitar repertoire; signed J. Rodrigo, and inscribed and dated October
1989 on the generous lower margin. Photographer’s stamp on the verso.
$500
40
99. THEODORE ROOSEVELT. A highly biographically informative White
House letter signed, Washington, November 23, 1908. To Lord Cromer of the
Foreign Service in London,
“This is to introduce Mr. W. Cameron Forbes. He is a Harvard man and an
old friend of mine. Incidentally he is a grand-son of Emerson, but the reason
I am giving him this note to you is that at present he is Vice-Governor of
the Philippines and will ultimately undoubtedly be Governor. He has been
four years a member of the Commission in the Philippines, and has been a
particularly valuable man there.”
“I do hope you will be in England in May, 1910, when I shall be there to deliver
the Romanes Lecture at Oxford. As I have not been fortunate enough to get you
to visit America while I have been President, at least I hope to see you while I
am in England.”
Then follows an amazingly fact-filled 7-line autograph post script, “Mr. Forbes’
father’s father was a representative in London for President Lincoln, in the effort
to stop the sailing of certain Confederate Ironclads; and was then thrown closely
into contact with the then head of the Baring House, Mr. Thomas Baring.” 1
page, 4to. Integral blank sheet attached.
W. Cameron Forbes, whose letter of introduction this is, did become Governor
General of the Philippines under President Taft. His mother was the daughter of
poet Ralph Waldo Emerson and his father, scion of the Boston Brahmin family
of Forbes, his father William Hathaway Cameron, was an investment banker
who was an early backer of inventor Alexander Graham Bell and was president
of the Bell Telephone Company. Presumably W. Cameron Forbes’ grandfather
was John Murray Forbes (lineage and names become unclear); he made his
initial fortune in the opium trade with China and became an American railroad
magnate and active abolitionist. As Roosevelt notes, J.M. Forbes was sent to
London by the Lincoln Administration to convince the British not to assist the
Confederate Navy.
The Romanes Lecture is a prestigious free public lecture given annually at
the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, England. The lecture series was founded by, and
named after, the biologist George Romanes, and has been in existence since 1892. The
lecture can be on any subject in science, art or literature. Roosevelt did indeed deliver a
lecture on June 7, 1910 on the subject “Biological Analogies in History.”
LASTLY, this letter is addressed to Evelyn Baring, lst Earl of Cromer, British
statesman in Egypt whose family founded Baring Bank, the head of which
institution T.R. alludes to in his postscript. It was Baring Bank that facilitated
the Louisiana Purchase. A fascinating fact: the U.S. government bought the land
mass from Baring’s, not Napoleon.
Overall, an extraordinary letter from the U.S. President.
SEE BACK COVER ILLUSTRATION$7,500
41
100. THEODORE ROOSEVELT. An unusual offering, a montage of three
items: one, a 4 x 3 image-size original photograph with a typed description
“Colonel Roosevelt with American missionaries on the Sobet [a tributary of the
Nile in the Sudan], Eland trip,” two, a 5 ¼ x 3 ½ specimen envelope, specially
made for Roosevelt’s 1909-1910 African safari, partially torn open but still
bearing the words Bwana Tumbo (literally Portly Master) but an honorific title
given to the former President by the natives and three, a card measuring 3 ¼ x
5 ¼ to which a botanic specimen is affixed beneath which Teddy has written,
“Greetings from Theodore Roosevelt and H. K. D.” It is unclear who that might
be.
The whole ensemble is floated on felt and encased is a leatherette frame. Overall
$2,500
size: 8 ¼ x 12 ¼. Quite unique.
101. LEONIE RYSANEK. An 8 x 10 Metropolitan Opera photograph of
the Austrian soprano in the role of the Marchallin in Richard Strauss’ Der
Rosenkavalier; signed, inscribed and dated Vienna, 1997. Signed and inscribed
$75
again on the reverse.
102. MARTIN SCORCESE. A 14 x 11 color lobby card for the American
director’s 1972 breakout film Mean Streets starring Robert De Niro.
$275
SIGNED BY SENDAK
103. [SIGNED FIRST EDITION]. THE CUNNING LITTLE VIXEN. BY
RUDOLF TESNOHLIDER. ILLUSTRATED BY MAURICE SENDAK.
First edition in English translated from Czech by Tatiana Firkusny et al. Signed
by illustrator Maurice Sendak on the first illustrated page of this classic children’s
story. Original green cloth boards, 4to. Good dust wrapper. New York, 1985.$100
104. DAVID SHIRE. An 8 x 10 photograph of the American composer of film,
stage and TV scores; signed, inscribed and dated with an autograph musical
quote from his Academy Award winning theme song It Goes as It Goes for the
1979 film Norma Rae.$175
105. WM. H. TAFT. An original Harris & Ewing 6 x 9 image-size photograph
signed as President by Taft to his fellow Yale Class of 1878 alumnus William
Everett Waters, who became a distinguished Professor of Greek at N.Y.U.
“For my friend and classmate Wm. E. Waters, with regard and best wishes Wm.
H. Taft, November 24, 1910.” In the original photographer’s presentation folder.
$600
42
106. MIKIS THEODORAKIS. An unidentified musical quote signed by
the Greek composer who has composed many songs and scores but none more
memorable than the score for the 1964 film Zorba the Greek starring Anthony
Quinn. On a 4 ½ x 3 ½ card.
$250
107. [SIGNED EDITION]. HARRY S. TRUMAN. MEMOIRS BY
HARRY S. TRUMAN. YEARS OF TRIAL AND HOPE. 1946-1952. The
Book Club edition of the second volume of Truman’s autobiography of his
Presidency. Signed and inscribed on the half-title page by the former President
to Democratic politico J. Jim Exon, Governor and then Senator from Nebraska.
$185
Index. Original cloth, 4to. Good dust wrapper. New York, 1956.
108. HARRY S. TRUMAN. A very scarce White House autograph letter boldly
signed by Truman, May 13, 1948 and addressed to White House stenographer
Mrs. Lauretta Young, wife of E. Merl Young, an official of the Reconstruction
Finance Corporation and a Missouri crony of Truman’s.
“Dear Lauretta, Thanks a lot for the nice birthday present. I’m sure that those
cards will bring me luck.”
“It was thoughtful of you and Rose [Rose Conway, Truman’s personal
stenographer] to remember the day.” 1 page, 4to. With the original White House
envelope addressed in Truman’s hand.
Several years later in 1951, Mr. and Mrs. Young were involved in a scandal
involving perjury when Mrs. Young accepted a $9,500 mink coat from an
attorney representing clients seeking loans from the RFC. Mr. Young was found
guilty in 1954.
The sad truth is that this affair wouldn’t merit a line of print or a minute of TV
reporting today, except perhaps for the awful crime of wearing fur. The two:
$4,500
109. JOHN TYLER. A very scarce and clean 11 x 8 vellum Naval document,
boldly signed J. Tyler by the President, Washington, May 3, 1843. Tyler appoints
S. Chas P. De Krafft to be a Midshipman in the Navy of the United States. Also
signed by Secretary of the Navy A. P. Upshur, who was killed the next year in a
gunnery mishap on board the ship Princeton. With an engraved portrait of the
Virginian, first Vice-President to succeed to the Presidency upon the death of
William Henry Harrison. The two:
$1,000
110. SARAH VAUGHAN. An 8 x 10 signed and inscribed photograph of
the American jazz singer, known as The Divine One. Beautifully framed in
contrasting gray mattings in a wood-paneled, silver tone molding. Overall size:
15 ½ x 18.
$250
43
Harry S. Truman, No. 108
111. [SIR] WILLIAM WALTON. An excellent autograph musical quote
signed; from the British composer’s 1922 work Façade, a work written to text by
Edith Sitwell and which Walton revised constantly until the definitive version of
1942. On a 9 x 3 formatted sheet of music paper.
$375
44
John Tyler, No. 109
A Polite Refusal of a Naval Appointment to U.S. Grant
112. GIDEON WELLES. A Navy Department manuscript letter signed
Washington, December 9, 1864, as Secretary of the Navy. Welles, a founder
of the Republican Party from Connecticut, addresses Lieutenant General U.S.
Grant, Civil War general and future U.S. President, at City Point, Virginia.
“Your letter of the 5th instant recommending De Hart Goldsborough Quinby for
appointment to the Naval Academy, is received.”
“In reply I have to state that the appointments are all made for the present
Academic year, which commenced on the 1st of October. Master Quinby’s name
will be entered in the list of applicants, however, and the application will be
considered when appointments for the next year are to be made.”
To effectively supply his army and to bring an end to the Civil War, General
Grant strategically set up his headquarters next to the James River in City Point,
Virginia. (The town of City Point is now known as Hopewell).
De Hart Quimby was the son of Civil War Union Brigadier General Isaac
Quinby.$595
45
IN SEARCH OF JENNY LIND
113. THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON. An autograph letter, signed in the
third person with an unusually full name and title: “Field Marshal the Duke
of Wellington,” from his country home seat of Sheffield Saye in Hartfordshire,
December 23, 1848, by the British military man, successful against the Emperor
Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. To British opera manager Benjamin
Lumley, who was responsible for the introduction of The Swedish Nightingale,
soprano Jenny Lind to British society in 1847.
“Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his compliments to Mr.
Lumley.”
“He returned here from Hatfield House on the 11th instant. But being aware that
Mlle. Jenny Lind was engaged in one of her benevolent professional advocations
at Exeter Hall on the 15th; and that she must as usual desire to attend the
rehearsals of the performance, he did not propose to her to visit here at this
place.”
“He [the Duke] then heard of a similar professional avocation at Leeds for the
22nd and one of a third benevolent professional avocation at Birmingham on the
28th. But it does not appear whether she returns from thence to London, or at
what period of time or by what route.”
“In this state of uncertainty The Duke writes this communication for a statement
of circumstances which have induced him to refrain from writing to Mr. Lumley
till this moment, and he requests Mr. Lumley will let him know what her
movements are likely to be after quitting Birmingham?” 2 pages, 8vo.
$1,000
Postponing a German Translation of Our Town
due to the Hostilities in Europe
114. THORNTON WILDER. An autograph letter signed Amherst, Mass.
August [1940?] by the Pulitzer Prize winning American playwright and novelist
of Our Town, The Skin of Our Teeth and The Bridge of San Luis Rey. Crammed
onto 3 ½ x 5 ½ postcard, on the reverse of which is a winter scene of Amherst,
Wilder discusses the prospects of a German translation of his play Our Town
with Lucy Tal, a frequent correspondent and the widow of Austrian publisher
Ernst Peter Tal.
“Yes, I certainly remember sending Rascher a contract and seeing their report on
it.”
“The German Translation of O.T. [Our Town] has been loaned to “another
theatre group” in N.Y…..when it comes back I could send it to Rascher for
46
Thornton Wilder, No. 114
publication but I think all that ought to be put aside until this terrible struggle
has reached some kind of suspension---and I feel very sure that I don’t want the
work done in any of the new or old German Borders.”
“ Signorina Valle writes the she is finding pupils.”
“She is so good a teacher that pupils bring in new pupils.”
“I have a new play begun…I hope it’s as good as it seems to be.”
The new play was The Skin of Our Teeth, which also proved successful.
$450
115. RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS. A scarce 7 ½ x 9 ½ original
photograph of the English composer, looking frazzled and exhausted, most likely
at a rehearsal; simply signed R. Vaughan Williams, by the creator of hauntingly
lush symphonies and smaller works that evoke the England of old.
$1,250
47
116. HERMAN WOUK. A typed letter, on Doubleday & Company stationery,
signed, New York, September 27, 1955, by the American author of The Cain
Mutiny and The Winds of War. Here, the acknowledgement of an oversight in
another of his novels, Marjorie Morningstar,
“Thank you for taking the trouble to write me about MARJORIE
MORNINGSTAR, and to point out a technical oversight.”
“I thought I had checked everything, but there are always loose ends.” 1 page,
$135
8vo. With the original envelope. The two:
117. ANDREW WYETH. SIGNED FIRST EDITION. AN AMERICAN
VISION. THREE GENERATIONS OF WYETH ART. A comprehensive
retrospective of the works of the Wyeth family with essays of appreciation by
James H. Duff, Andrew Wyeth, Thomas Hoving and Lincoln Kirstein. 130 full
page color plate illustrations and an additional 54 black and whites. Signed and
inscribed on the full title page by Andrew Wyeth: “For Betty who also posed for
me-Andrew Wyeth.” Original boards, 11 x 9 ½ format. Excellent dust wrapper.
$600
Boston, 1987.
RATING THE BEAUTY OF WOMEN FROM A PHOTO: “IT IS
ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO JUDGE THEM.”
118. FLORENZ ZIEGFELD. A typed letter, on Ziegfeld Theatre stationery,
signed F. Ziegfeld, New York, March 27, 1931. The man synonymous with
extravaganzas and the showcasing of American beauties is asked by a college
magazine’s editor to rate the looks of the women in photographs [not present],
sent to him.
“I am returning herewith the photographs sent to me to be judged. I have
numbered my selections from one to six on the backs of the pictures.”
“Please understand that I have chosen what I consider the best looking ‘pictures’
of the young ladies, as it is a very hard matter to be certain from a photograph as
to just exactly what a girl is like, even when the photograph is a good one, and
in this instance the photos sent to me were very poor. They did not show the
figure and most of them are so small…I have done the best I could under the
circumstances and I trust my selection will meet with your approval.” 1 page, 4to.
$600
48
Ralph Vaughan Williams, No. 115
GARY COMBS AUTOGRAPHS, INC.
TELEPHONE: (212) 242-7209 FAX (212) 924-9006
E-MAIL: CombsAutographs@aol.com
Website: www.combsautographs.com
49
Theodore Roosevelt
no. 99
Catalogue 134
50