Autographs
Done
New York, NY, United States
Auction Details
Autographs
It is doubtful that anyone needs to be reminded that the names of Americans have a surprising way of turning up on the pages of history. Foremost among them are the names of U.S. presidents, and the fall autographs auction includes some remarkable illustrations of this, including an extraordinary album of autographs by presidents—a continuous run of autograph letters, many outstanding in content and condition, from George Washington to Harry Truman—one of only a handful of such albums ever offered at auction (pictured left). Other important Americans in the sale include a Revolutionary War–dated letter signed by Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben concerning Cornwallis’s abandonment of his own troops; and an endorsement from Major General George Custer, signed by him during the Civil War.
The world is wide and there are heroes everywhere, like Marie Curie, whose uncommon autograph note signed to a dancer wanting help making her costume glow is available; or Florence Nightingale, who, in an attractive autograph letter, thanks an engineer for supplying equipment to a girls’ school in Sarajevo; or Rabindranath Tagore, who stole a moment to sign a photographic portrait of himself.
In addition to yet more exceptional autographs—such as a copy of Black Muslims in America signed and inscribed by Malcolm X, and the autograph notes by John Ford for his 1939 film Stagecoach—there are also notable items by writers, artists, entertainers, astronauts, scientists, musicians, and others.
Auction Curator:

Marco Tomaschett
Specialist, AutographsSOLD
Est.
$800
-$1,200
SOLD
Est.
$700
-$1,000
SOLD
Est.
$800
-$1,200
Est.
$3,500
-$5,000
Lot Passed
Est.
$400
-$600
Lot Passed
SOLD
Est.
$1,500
-$2,500
SOLD
0053: Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. Letter Signed, "Steuben Maj: Genl," to Brigadier General George
Est.
$4,000
-$6,000
Est.
$600
-$900
Lot Passed
Est.
$600
-$900
Lot Passed
SOLD
Est.
$800
-$1,200
SOLD
Est.
$600
-$900
SOLD
Est.
$600
-$900
SOLD
Est.
$600
-$900
SOLD
Est.
$800
-$1,200
SOLD
Est.
$700
-$1,000
SOLD
Est.
$600
-$900
SOLD
Est.
$2,000
-$3,000
SOLD
Est.
$700
-$1,000
SOLD
Est.
$2,500
-$3,500
SOLD
Est.
$600
-$900
Est.
$600
-$900
Lot Passed
Est.
$2,000
-$3,000
Lot Passed
TOP



![Thomas McKean. Partly-printed vellum Document Signed. [Lancaster?], 6 May 1800.: Granted to Declaration of Independence signer and signed by engrosser of the Declaration Thomas McKean Partly-printed vellum Document Signed, "Tho McKean," as Governor, granting 988 acres to Charles](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/199/394464/218603442_1_x.jpg?height=310&quality=70&version=1761766804)



![Richard Rush. [Jeremy Bentham.] Turth Versus Ashhurst. Signed, "R. Rush," with his holograph note: Richard Rush. [Jeremy Bentham] Truth Versus Ashhurst. Signed, "R. Rush," with his holograph note [to himself], "from the Author," on front cover. A few passages are marked in pencil, in unknown](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/199/394464/218603446_1_x.jpg?height=310&quality=70&version=1761766804)







![Sarah Bernhardt. Two items, each Signed: Autograph Letter * Photograph. Np, 3[?] September 1902; nd.: Sarah Bernhardt Two items, each Signed: Autograph Letter * Photograph. The letter, to "My very dear Anton[?]," in French, a letter of introduction. 3 pages, 12mo, written on a folded sheet,](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/199/394464/218603454_1_x.jpg?height=310&quality=70&version=1761766804)
![Louis D. Brandeis; and Felix Frankfurter. Two Autograph Letters Signed, each by one. Washington, 21: Louis D. Brandeis; and Felix Frankfurter Two Autograph Letters Signed, each by one. Brandeis. To "Dear Louis Whicker[?]": "It was a great pleasure to get your birthday greeting with its reminder of](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/199/394464/218603455_1_x.jpg?height=310&quality=70&version=1761766804)




![Charles Cornwallis. Autograph Letter Signed, "Cornwallis," to "Dear Turner." "Chatham" [Kent?], 15: Charles Cornwallis Autograph Letter Signed, "Cornwallis," to "Dear Turner," encouraging him to stay through the end of the month or longer, thanking for £200 and requesting that a document](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/199/394464/218603460_1_x.jpg?height=310&quality=70&version=1761766804)


![Jack Dempsey. Photograph Signed. Additionally signed by many others. [New York, 1942].: Commander Dempsey Jack Dempsey Photograph Signed, full-length portrait by Apeda, showing him in boxing gloves, shorts and boots. Additionally signed by over 30 others, presumably graduates of the](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/199/394464/218603463_1_x.jpg?height=310&quality=70&version=1761766804)


