Substantial archive of approximately 350 pages of manuscript and published sheet music and related documents from the estate of actor and singer Clifton Webb, highlighted by important material relating to legendary composer and lyricist Cole Porter. The archive includes manuscript music for several Porter compositions from *Wake Up and Dream* (1929) and *Let’s Face It!* (1941). The manuscripts are in an unidentified hand, though similarities to Porter’s handwriting have been noted. Most notably, the archive includes manuscript sheet music for Porter’s “Now or Never” from *Wake Up and Dream* (1929), signed by Cole Porter on the cover and accompanied by instrumental parts. Additional Porter manuscripts include “After All, I’m Only a School Girl,” “The Lady I Love,” and “Let’s Not Talk About Love,” along with separate “Jerry’s” and “Maggie’s” versions associated with the roles played by Danny Kaye and Eve Arden. Also included is published sheet music for “Thank You So Much, Missus Lowsborough-Goodby,” accompanied by a 1947 typed letter signed by Chappell & Co. stating that it was sent to Webb “upon the instructions of Mr. Cole Porter.” The archive also contains extensive manuscript and published music associated with Webb’s Broadway career, including works by Howard Dietz, Arthur Schwartz, Noel Coward, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Vernon Duke, Johnny Burke, and Jimmy Van Heusen. Material relates to productions including *The Little Show*, *Three’s a Crowd*, *Flying Colors*, *As Thousands Cheer*, *Blithe Spirit*, and *Oklahoma!* Also included are approximately 140 pages of documents relating to the administration of Webb’s estate, including copies of his birth certificate, death certificate, and will. Webb appeared in 23 Broadway productions between 1913 and 1947 and had a direct professional association with Porter, appearing in Porter’s *See America First* (1916) and *As You Were* (1920), before becoming a major Hollywood star and three-time Academy Award nominee. An extensive theatrical archive with exceptional Clifton Webb provenance, led by rare early Cole Porter manuscript material, a Porter-signed musical manuscript, and sheet music sent directly to Webb at Porter’s instruction.
Description
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30%
Estimate $6,000-$7,000
Starting Price
$3,000
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Aug 11, 2026, 8:00 PM EDTShelton, CT, United States






















