Books written and owned by Mark Twain brought top-shelf prices at Potter & Potter

First edition presentation copy of W.W. Jacobs’ ‘Salthaven,’ inscribed to and from Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, $31,250

 

First edition presentation copy of W.W. Jacobs’ ‘Salthaven,’ inscribed to and from Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, $31,250
First edition presentation copy of W.W. Jacobs’ ‘Salthaven,’ inscribed to and from Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, $31,250

CHICAGO – Potter & Potter Auctions held its first book sale of 2023, a 531-lot event, on February 16. At the end of a long day of spirited bidding, the auction realized more than $630,000 and had a 95% sell through rate.

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Beautiful birds lifted Freeman’s May 20 sale above $500K

Plate from John Gould’s ‘Monograph of the Ramphastidae, or Family of Toucans,’ which sold for $63,000
Plate from John Gould’s ‘Monograph of the Ramphastidae, or Family of Toucans,’ which sold for $63,000
Plate from John Gould’s ‘Monograph of the Ramphastidae, or Family of Toucans,’ which sold for $63,000

PHILADELPHIA – Freeman’s is pleased to announce the results of its May 20 Books and Manuscripts auction, which featured a 98% sell-through rate and impressive sales of Pennsylvania material, WWII posters, rare editions, and more. The 131-lot auction achieved $525,861 in total, surpassing its presale estimate.

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JFK letter to Churchill, toucan monograph lead Freeman’s May 20 sale

Lithographic plate from John Gould’s monograph on toucans, estimated at $20,000-$30,000
Lithographic plate from John Gould’s monograph on toucans, estimated at $20,000-$30,000
Lithographic plate from John Gould’s monograph on toucans, estimated at $20,000-$30,000

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — On May 20, Freeman’s presents a Books and Manuscripts auction beginning at noon Eastern time. The 131-lot auction will showcase a number of historically and culturally significant books, posters, prints, and letters, including an annotated draft of a missive from President John F. Kennedy to former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill; a selection of important World War II posters; many first and limited editions from such prominent authors as Henry David Thoreau, Charles Dickens, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Mark Twain, and T.S. Eliot; as well as significant scientific and medical texts. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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