J.R.R. Tolkien Archives - Auction Central News

De Grisogono diamond snake necklace leads our top five lots to watch

Diamond snake necklace by De Grisogono, estimated at $90,000-$150,000 at J. Garrett Auctioneers.

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[av_heading heading=’De Grisogono Black and White Diamond Snake Necklace’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote elegant-quote elegant-centered’ subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=’22’ av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-loshg4v5′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_image src=’https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/J-Garrett-Aux-Nov-26-De-Grisogono-necklace.jpg’ attachment=’181098′ attachment_size=’full’ copyright=” caption=” image_size=’no scaling’ styling=” box_shadow=’none’ box_shadow_width=’10’ box_shadow_color=” align=’center’ font_size=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/164506590_rare-de-grisogono-diamond-snake-necklace’ target=’_blank’ animation=’no-animation’ animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ parallax_parallax=” parallax_parallax_speed=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-medium-parallax_parallax=” av-medium-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-small-parallax_parallax=” av-small-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-mini-parallax_parallax=” av-mini-parallax_parallax_speed=” hover=” blur_image=” grayscale_image=” fade_image=” appearance=” css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” transform_perspective=” transform_rotation=’,,,’ transform_scale=’,,’ transform_skew=’,’ transform_translate=’,,’ av-desktop-transform_perspective=” av-desktop-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-desktop-transform_scale=’,,’ av-desktop-transform_skew=’,’ av-desktop-transform_translate=’,,’ av-medium-transform_perspective=” av-medium-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-medium-transform_scale=’,,’ av-medium-transform_skew=’,’ av-medium-transform_translate=’,,’ av-small-transform_perspective=” av-small-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-small-transform_scale=’,,’ av-small-transform_skew=’,’ av-small-transform_translate=’,,’ av-mini-transform_perspective=” av-mini-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-mini-transform_scale=’,,’ av-mini-transform_skew=’,’ av-mini-transform_translate=’,,’ mask_overlay=” mask_overlay_shape=’blob’ mask_overlay_size=’contain’ mask_overlay_scale=’100%’ mask_overlay_position=’center center’ mask_overlay_repeat=’no-repeat’ mask_overlay_rotate=” mask_overlay_rad_shape=’circle’ mask_overlay_rad_position=’center center’ mask_overlay_opacity1=’0′ mask_overlay_opacity2=’1′ mask_overlay_opacity3=” title_attr=” alt_attr=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’disabled’ id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-loshha89′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
Warhol and Haring, signed two-dollar bills, sold for $4,500 at Wright.
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DALLAS – Founded in 1993, Swiss luxury jeweler De Grisogono has navigated choppy financial waters for years, at one time being owned by the daughter of Angola’s dictator after founder Fawaz Gruosi had lost majority control of the firm. Today the company is owned by a Dubai real estate trust looking to grow its luxury holdings in the same manner as the global luxury juggernaut LVMH.

A De Grisogono necklace designed by Gruosi featuring a 163.41-carat D flawless emerald-cut diamond set a world record at Christie’s in 2017, hitting CHF33.5 million (roughly $37.3 million). Numbers like this make De Grisogono items all the more appealing when they appear at auction.

This diamond snake necklace by De Grisogono is 20in in length and weighs 202.2 grams. Its snake-form body features 36.90 carats of white diamonds and 57.90 carats of black diamonds, and the entire piece is set in 18K white gold. The top-estimated lot at J. Garrett Auctioneers’ Designer Jewelry & Luxury Gifts sale on Sunday, November 26, the snake necklace is estimated at $90,000-$150,000.
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[av_heading heading=’1924 Pencil Portrait of J.R.R. Tolkien’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote elegant-quote elegant-centered’ subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=’22’ av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-3a2w3z1l’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_image src=’https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Eric-Valentine-Gordon-portrait-of-Tolkien-Forum-Aux-Nov-30.jpg’ attachment=’181099′ attachment_size=’full’ copyright=” caption=” image_size=’no scaling’ styling=” box_shadow=’none’ box_shadow_width=’10’ box_shadow_color=” align=’center’ font_size=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165118178_tolkien-jrr-gordon-eric-valentine-bust-portrait-of-jrr-tolkien-looking-to-his-left’ target=’_blank’ animation=’no-animation’ animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ parallax_parallax=” parallax_parallax_speed=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-medium-parallax_parallax=” av-medium-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-small-parallax_parallax=” av-small-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-mini-parallax_parallax=” av-mini-parallax_parallax_speed=” hover=” blur_image=” grayscale_image=” fade_image=” appearance=” css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” transform_perspective=” transform_rotation=’,,,’ transform_scale=’,,’ transform_skew=’,’ transform_translate=’,,’ av-desktop-transform_perspective=” av-desktop-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-desktop-transform_scale=’,,’ av-desktop-transform_skew=’,’ av-desktop-transform_translate=’,,’ av-medium-transform_perspective=” av-medium-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-medium-transform_scale=’,,’ av-medium-transform_skew=’,’ av-medium-transform_translate=’,,’ av-small-transform_perspective=” av-small-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-small-transform_scale=’,,’ av-small-transform_skew=’,’ av-small-transform_translate=’,,’ av-mini-transform_perspective=” av-mini-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-mini-transform_scale=’,,’ av-mini-transform_skew=’,’ av-mini-transform_translate=’,,’ mask_overlay=” mask_overlay_shape=’blob’ mask_overlay_size=’contain’ mask_overlay_scale=’100%’ mask_overlay_position=’center center’ mask_overlay_repeat=’no-repeat’ mask_overlay_rotate=” mask_overlay_rad_shape=’circle’ mask_overlay_rad_position=’center center’ mask_overlay_opacity1=’0′ mask_overlay_opacity2=’1′ mask_overlay_opacity3=” title_attr=” alt_attr=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’disabled’ id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-356qs2uh’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
Warhol and Haring, signed two-dollar bills, sold for $4,500 at Wright.
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LONDON – This is thought to be the only non-photographic portrait of J.R.R. Tolkien drawn in his lifetime. The pencil portrait of the Lord of the Rings author was rendered by Eric Valentine Gordon (1896-1938), a Canadian philologist, or historian of languages and their evolution, who worked alongside Tolkien during his early academic life. They met when Tolkien, discharged from military service in 1919 at the age of 28, took up the post as Reader in English Language at the University of Leeds.

He found friendship with the fellow enthusiast of medieval philology, writing in his diary, “Eric Valentine Gordon has come and got firmly established and is my devoted friend and pal.” The two men founded the Viking Club, which held meetings characterized by members drinking and singing songs they’d written in Old English and Norse.

The bust portrait, showing Tolkien looking to the left, is signed by Gordon and inscribed underneath ‘Professor John Ronald Tolkien/ Leeds University 1924.’ Offered in its original oak frame from a U.K. private collection, it is estimated at £15,000-£20,000 ($18,400-$24,500) at Forum Auctions’ Thursday, November 30 sale of Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper.
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[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=’av-align-top’ space=” row_boxshadow=” row_boxshadow_width=’10’ row_boxshadow_color=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ av-desktop-margin=” av-medium-margin=” av-small-margin=” av-mini-margin=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_column_order=” border=” border_style=’solid’ border_color=” radius=” min_col_height=” padding=” av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” svg_div_top=” svg_div_top_color=’#333333′ svg_div_top_width=’100′ svg_div_top_height=’50’ svg_div_top_max_height=’none’ svg_div_top_flip=” svg_div_top_invert=” svg_div_top_front=” svg_div_top_opacity=” svg_div_top_preview=” svg_div_bottom=” svg_div_bottom_color=’#333333′ svg_div_bottom_width=’100′ svg_div_bottom_height=’50’ svg_div_bottom_max_height=’none’ svg_div_bottom_flip=” svg_div_bottom_invert=” svg_div_bottom_front=” svg_div_bottom_opacity=” svg_div_bottom_preview=” fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” column_boxshadow=” column_boxshadow_width=’10’ column_boxshadow_color=” background=’bg_color’ background_color=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ background_gradient_color1=’#000000′ background_gradient_color2=’#ffffff’ background_gradient_color3=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ highlight=” highlight_size=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ parallax_parallax=” parallax_parallax_speed=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-medium-parallax_parallax=” av-medium-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-small-parallax_parallax=” av-small-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-mini-parallax_parallax=” av-mini-parallax_parallax_speed=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” css_position=” css_position_location=” css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=” av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=” av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=” av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=” av-mini-css_position_z_index=” link=” linktarget=” link_hover=” title_attr=” alt_attr=” mobile_display=” mobile_col_pos=’0′ id=” custom_class=” template_class=” aria_label=” av_uid=’av-2bpu4dnt’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_heading heading=’Keith Haring for Swatch Modele Avec Personnages Watch’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote elegant-quote elegant-centered’ subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=’22’ av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-29ob363t’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_image src=’https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Morphy-Nov-30-Keith-Haring-Swatch-515×1030.jpg’ attachment=’181100′ attachment_size=’large’ copyright=” caption=” image_size=’no scaling’ styling=” box_shadow=’none’ box_shadow_width=’10’ box_shadow_color=” align=’center’ font_size=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165055333_keith-haring-modele-avec-personnages-swatch’ target=’_blank’ animation=’no-animation’ animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ parallax_parallax=” parallax_parallax_speed=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-medium-parallax_parallax=” av-medium-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-small-parallax_parallax=” av-small-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-mini-parallax_parallax=” av-mini-parallax_parallax_speed=” hover=” blur_image=” grayscale_image=” fade_image=” appearance=” css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” transform_perspective=” transform_rotation=’,,,’ transform_scale=’,,’ transform_skew=’,’ transform_translate=’,,’ av-desktop-transform_perspective=” av-desktop-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-desktop-transform_scale=’,,’ av-desktop-transform_skew=’,’ av-desktop-transform_translate=’,,’ av-medium-transform_perspective=” av-medium-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-medium-transform_scale=’,,’ av-medium-transform_skew=’,’ av-medium-transform_translate=’,,’ av-small-transform_perspective=” av-small-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-small-transform_scale=’,,’ av-small-transform_skew=’,’ av-small-transform_translate=’,,’ av-mini-transform_perspective=” av-mini-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-mini-transform_scale=’,,’ av-mini-transform_skew=’,’ av-mini-transform_translate=’,,’ mask_overlay=” mask_overlay_shape=’blob’ mask_overlay_size=’contain’ mask_overlay_scale=’100%’ mask_overlay_position=’center center’ mask_overlay_repeat=’no-repeat’ mask_overlay_rotate=” mask_overlay_rad_shape=’circle’ mask_overlay_rad_position=’center center’ mask_overlay_opacity1=’0′ mask_overlay_opacity2=’1′ mask_overlay_opacity3=” title_attr=” alt_attr=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’disabled’ id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-24q8ozqh’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
Warhol and Haring, signed two-dollar bills, sold for $4,500 at Wright.
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Swatch, the Swiss pop timepiece manufacturer, was one of the most dominant and omnipresent brands of the 1980s, producing a dizzying array of product that was eagerly purchased by fans worldwide.

Swatch approached Pop Art icon Andy Warhol (1928-1987) in 1984, asking him to design a line of watches bearing his art and imprimatur.

As history would have it, Warhol declined due to “time constraints” (with possible translations to “not enough money” or “meh”). However, the Pop Art legend did a solid when he recommended his young protégé Keith Haring (1958-1990) for the job.

Warhol had only met Haring months earlier at an exhibition, but he recognized a future powerhouse in the making. Haring jumped at the Swatch opportunity and created numerous timepieces for the brand, most of which were available exclusively in the United States. Many, but not all the Haring Swatch pieces featured his cartoonish outlined figures in movement, a perfect symbol for mid-1980s Swatch.

Model no. GZ100, Modele Avec Personnages (Model with Characters), was released in 1986. Standing figures reside at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 positions on the dial, while kinetic ones occupying the intervening number locations. Estimated at $800-$1,500, it is one of the most anticipated lots in Morphy Auctions’ Vintage Swatch Watches sale on Thursday, November 30.
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[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=’av-align-top’ space=” row_boxshadow=” row_boxshadow_width=’10’ row_boxshadow_color=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ av-desktop-margin=” av-medium-margin=” av-small-margin=” av-mini-margin=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_column_order=” border=” border_style=’solid’ border_color=” radius=” min_col_height=” padding=” av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” svg_div_top=” svg_div_top_color=’#333333′ svg_div_top_width=’100′ svg_div_top_height=’50’ svg_div_top_max_height=’none’ svg_div_top_flip=” svg_div_top_invert=” svg_div_top_front=” svg_div_top_opacity=” svg_div_top_preview=” svg_div_bottom=” svg_div_bottom_color=’#333333′ svg_div_bottom_width=’100′ svg_div_bottom_height=’50’ svg_div_bottom_max_height=’none’ svg_div_bottom_flip=” svg_div_bottom_invert=” svg_div_bottom_front=” svg_div_bottom_opacity=” svg_div_bottom_preview=” fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” column_boxshadow=” column_boxshadow_width=’10’ column_boxshadow_color=” background=’bg_color’ background_color=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ background_gradient_color1=’#000000′ background_gradient_color2=’#ffffff’ background_gradient_color3=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ highlight=” highlight_size=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ parallax_parallax=” parallax_parallax_speed=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-medium-parallax_parallax=” av-medium-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-small-parallax_parallax=” av-small-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-mini-parallax_parallax=” av-mini-parallax_parallax_speed=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” css_position=” css_position_location=” css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=” av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=” av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=” av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=” av-mini-css_position_z_index=” link=” linktarget=” link_hover=” title_attr=” alt_attr=” mobile_display=” mobile_col_pos=’0′ id=” custom_class=” template_class=” aria_label=” av_uid=’av-1rgjwmp5′ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_heading heading=’Josep Cusachs y Cusachs Oil on Board of a Cavalry Soldier’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote elegant-quote elegant-centered’ subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=’22’ av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-1mxadeqx’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_image src=’https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Carstens-Nov-25-Josep-Cusachs-y-Cusachs.jpg’ attachment=’181101′ attachment_size=’full’ copyright=” caption=” image_size=’no scaling’ styling=” box_shadow=’none’ box_shadow_width=’10’ box_shadow_color=” align=’center’ font_size=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/164701646_jose-cusachs-y-cusachs-1904-oil-board-85-x-51-france’ target=’_blank’ animation=’no-animation’ animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ parallax_parallax=” parallax_parallax_speed=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-medium-parallax_parallax=” av-medium-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-small-parallax_parallax=” av-small-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-mini-parallax_parallax=” av-mini-parallax_parallax_speed=” hover=” blur_image=” grayscale_image=” fade_image=” appearance=” css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” transform_perspective=” transform_rotation=’,,,’ transform_scale=’,,’ transform_skew=’,’ transform_translate=’,,’ av-desktop-transform_perspective=” av-desktop-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-desktop-transform_scale=’,,’ av-desktop-transform_skew=’,’ av-desktop-transform_translate=’,,’ av-medium-transform_perspective=” av-medium-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-medium-transform_scale=’,,’ av-medium-transform_skew=’,’ av-medium-transform_translate=’,,’ av-small-transform_perspective=” av-small-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-small-transform_scale=’,,’ av-small-transform_skew=’,’ av-small-transform_translate=’,,’ av-mini-transform_perspective=” av-mini-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-mini-transform_scale=’,,’ av-mini-transform_skew=’,’ av-mini-transform_translate=’,,’ mask_overlay=” mask_overlay_shape=’blob’ mask_overlay_size=’contain’ mask_overlay_scale=’100%’ mask_overlay_position=’center center’ mask_overlay_repeat=’no-repeat’ mask_overlay_rotate=” mask_overlay_rad_shape=’circle’ mask_overlay_rad_position=’center center’ mask_overlay_opacity1=’0′ mask_overlay_opacity2=’1′ mask_overlay_opacity3=” title_attr=” alt_attr=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’disabled’ id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-1h5fpjvt’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
Warhol and Haring, signed two-dollar bills, sold for $4,500 at Wright.
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[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-1cmyr4yx’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Though he was born in France while his parents were traveling, Josep Cusachs y Cusachs (1851-1908) grew up to become a commander in the Spanish army and a veteran of the Third Carlist War, the final in a series of civil wars in 19th-century Spain between traditionalists and what today would be called “progressives.”

Upon retirement, Cusachs set about becoming a painter, a career he would continue until his death early in the 20th century. Like many artistic men with a military background, he selected painting as his medium, producing a body of work focused on military subjects, particularly the cavalry due to his love for horses.

Cusachs gained fame and fortune early in his post-military art career through numerous Spanish exhibitions where his art was displayed and sold. One of his works was purchased by Queen Maria Cristina in 1887, and in 1891, he would win a gold medal at the Berlin International Exposition.

This untitled work from 1904 features a Spanish cavalry officer atop his mount, surveying the field with mounted soldiers in his background. Measuring 8.5 by 5.1in, the oil on board is a featured item at Carstens Galleries as part of its Antiques, Paintings, Swords and Art Deco sale slated for Saturday, November 25. The small but important work carries a $4,500-$7,500 estimate.
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[av_heading heading=’Book on Christo, Wrapped By Christo in Canvas and Twine’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote elegant-quote elegant-centered’ subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=’22’ av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-10nqytt5′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_image src=’https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Akiba-Galleries-Nov-28-Christo-wrapped-book.jpg’ attachment=’181102′ attachment_size=’full’ copyright=” caption=” image_size=’no scaling’ styling=” box_shadow=’none’ box_shadow_width=’10’ box_shadow_color=” align=’center’ font_size=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/164749758_christo-bulgarian1935-2020-wrapped-book’ target=’_blank’ animation=’no-animation’ animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ parallax_parallax=” parallax_parallax_speed=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax=” av-desktop-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-medium-parallax_parallax=” av-medium-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-small-parallax_parallax=” av-small-parallax_parallax_speed=” av-mini-parallax_parallax=” av-mini-parallax_parallax_speed=” hover=” blur_image=” grayscale_image=” fade_image=” appearance=” css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” transform_perspective=” transform_rotation=’,,,’ transform_scale=’,,’ transform_skew=’,’ transform_translate=’,,’ av-desktop-transform_perspective=” av-desktop-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-desktop-transform_scale=’,,’ av-desktop-transform_skew=’,’ av-desktop-transform_translate=’,,’ av-medium-transform_perspective=” av-medium-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-medium-transform_scale=’,,’ av-medium-transform_skew=’,’ av-medium-transform_translate=’,,’ av-small-transform_perspective=” av-small-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-small-transform_scale=’,,’ av-small-transform_skew=’,’ av-small-transform_translate=’,,’ av-mini-transform_perspective=” av-mini-transform_rotation=’,,,’ av-mini-transform_scale=’,,’ av-mini-transform_skew=’,’ av-mini-transform_translate=’,,’ mask_overlay=” mask_overlay_shape=’blob’ mask_overlay_size=’contain’ mask_overlay_scale=’100%’ mask_overlay_position=’center center’ mask_overlay_repeat=’no-repeat’ mask_overlay_rotate=” mask_overlay_rad_shape=’circle’ mask_overlay_rad_position=’center center’ mask_overlay_opacity1=’0′ mask_overlay_opacity2=’1′ mask_overlay_opacity3=” title_attr=” alt_attr=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’disabled’ id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-uy1pbl5′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
Warhol and Haring, signed two-dollar bills, sold for $4,500 at Wright.
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DANIA BEACH, Fla. – Husband-and-wife duo Christo Vladimirov Javacheff and Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon, better known as Christo (1935-2020) and Jeanne-Claude (1935-2009), became well known later in life for wrapping landmarks and landscape elements in fabric. However, their first monumental project, the wrapping of the Chicago Museum of Art in 1969, was panned by the public and ordered to be undone by the city fire department.

The book Christo by David Bourdon, first published in 1970, was an early monograph on the artist and his ideas. Within a couple of years, the artists had decided to ‘wrap’ the book and in 1972, issued an edition of 100 books tied up in canvas and string. This one, signed and numbered 27/100 and now framed in a clear acrylic case, has an estimate of $5,000-$25,000 at Akiba Galleries’ Prime Time Auction on Tuesday, November 28.
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First among Firsts: The Smiley library of modern first editions wins $516K at Potter & Potter

First American edition, first state copy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit or There and Back Again,’ $20,000 ($25,000 including buyer’s premium) at Potter & Potter.

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CHICAGO – As co-publishers and editors of Firsts: The Book Collector’s Magazine, established in 1991, Robin and Kathryn Smiley’s bookshelves were brimming with choice first editions from across the broad span of British and American literature. The 382-lot sale of their library offered at Potter & Potter Auctions on August 17 totaled $516,000.

Among the earliest American firsts in the sale was an 1833 edition of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Described as “an exceptional copy complete and uncut in original boards,” it hammered for $16,000 ($20,000 including the buyer’s premium).

By the late 19th century, American editions could follow UK and European printings in a matter of months, but this Carey, Lea & Blanchard (Philadelphia) two-volume printing of Frankenstein came years after the first edition was published anonymously in London in January 1818. Shelley’s name first appeared in the second edition published in Paris in 1821, with the story’s first theatrical adaptation watched by the author in 1823. The first US edition features a misspelling of the author’s surname as Shelly on the title page.

Estimated at $10,000-$15,000 and sold at $20,000 ($25,000 including the buyer’s premium) was a first American edition, first state copy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit or There and Back Again in its original jacket. It was published by Houghton Mifflin in 1938, less than a year after it was issued by Allen & Unwin in the UK in September 1939. The story goes that Paul Brooks of Houghton Mifflin, later to be named editor-in-chief, “fell for Mr Bilbo Baggins and his crew” despite negative criticism from others he consulted. Anxious to “veto anything from or influenced by the Disney studios (for all whose work I have a heartfelt loathing),” Tolkien provided a series of new illustrations for the project, two of which were reproduced on the dust jacket. Today it is very rare: fewer have survived than the classic UK first edition jacket.

The first state of the US edition is distinctive for the image of what’s known as the ‘bowing hobbit’ on the title page (that was replaced by a publisher’s device in the second state) while the endpapers are bound opposite the List of Illustrations.

Easily earning top-lot status in the Smiley sale was an early copy of Mark Twain’s The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims’ Progress, from 1870 (it was first published in 1869). A good rather than pristine copy, it was elevated by a 1906 inscription from its pseudonymous author that included one of his famed aphorisms: ‘Do your duty to-day and repent tomorrow. Truly yours, Mark Twain.’ Estimated at $15,000-$20,000, it hammered for $50,000 ($62,500 including the buyer’s premium).

Sold for $12,000 ($15,000 including the buyer’s premium) was a 1960 first edition of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Not only did it include the first issue jacket, with the photo of Lee credited to Truman Capote, it was offered with a note from Harper Lee to the Smileys, dated January 1, 1997, thanking them for a complimentary copy of Firsts and including a check for a subscription. “I’m not a collector (of anything) but I have, as you may guess, great interest in books. Firsts is absolutely first-rate!” she wrote. The Smileys did not cash the check, signed with her full name Nelle Harper Lee, so that, too, was also included in the lot.

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Early edition of Mark Twain’s ‘The Innocents Abroad,’ inscribed by the author with one of his aphorisms, $50,000 ($62,500 including buyer’s premium) at Potter & Potter.
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First American edition, first state copy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit or There and Back Again,’ $20,000 ($25,000 including buyer’s premium) at Potter & Potter.
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First American edition of Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,’ $16,000 ($20,000 including buyer’s premium) at Potter & Potter.

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First edition of Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ in the first issue jacket offered with a note from Harper Lee dated January 1, 1997, $12,000 ($15,000 including buyer’s premium) at Potter & Potter.
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First edition of John Steinbeck’s ‘The Grapes of Wrath,’ described as ‘an exceptionally attractive copy,’ $4,200 ($5,250 including buyer’s premium) at Potter & Potter.
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First edition in Robin Macartney dust jacket of Agatha Christie’s ‘Death on the Nile,’ $3,800 ($4,750 plus buyer’s premium) at Potter & Potter.
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first editions Frankenstein Frankenstein; or Harper Lee J.R.R. Tolkien Mark Twain Mary Shelley modern first editions Potter & Potter Potter & Potter Auctions Samuel Clemens the Modern Prometheus To Kill a Mockingbird

A Charlotte Bronte letter and a Walt Whitman-signed photo lead the treasures at PBA Galleries, Sept. 7

Walt Whitman’s own copy of a famed 1860 portrait that he signed and dated in ink, offered with an 1855 first edition of ‘Leaves of Grass, together estimated at $120,000-$180,000 at PBA Galleries.

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BERKELEY, Calif. – A wistful and chatty letter from Charlotte Bronte to her editor headlines PBA Galleries’ next Rare Books & Manuscripts auction, which takes place Thursday, September 7. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Dated July 27, 1850, Bronte wrote the letter to the man whose firm, Smith, Elder, & Co., accepted the manuscripts for the debut novels of all three Bronte sisters, who had submitted them under the masculine pen names of Currer (Charlotte), Ellis (Emily) and Acton (Anne) Bell.

At the time she wrote the letter, Charlotte was the sole survivor of the three, having lost Emily and Anne to tuberculosis in 1848 and 1849, respectively, at the painfully young ages of 30 and 29. Also, by late July of 1850, the true identities of the Bronte sisters had been revealed.

Charlotte begins the three-page letter with a nod to the era when she and her sisters needed to masquerade in print as men, saying, “My dear Sir, The long and interesting letter you sent me reminded me of the old days – (they seem old days now) when you wrote to me as ‘Currer Bell Esq’…”

Within 54 lines, she speaks of a portrait she sat for and has yet to see, and shares an opinion on country living, stating, “where there is so little of human and social interest to give a lasting charm,” and goes on to say, “In Scotland, for instance, though the narrowness and prejudice of which you complain, may indeed be found, yet that stagnation of ideas, that insensibility to natural beauties, that extreme pettiness of feeling scarcely, I should think exist. I am bound, however, to confess that all these weeds grow rank enough in the cold, Moorish soil of the North of England….”

The letter, which is protected by a circa-1920s green leather folder that bears the armorial bookplate of Max Aitken, the first Lord Beaverbrook and publisher of the British tabloid The Daily Express, has an estimate of $40,000-$60,000.

Another standout lot in the September 7 sale lineup is an 1855 first edition, first issue of Walt Whitman’s immortal Leaves of Grass, offered with Whitman’s own copy of his famed 1860 photographic portrait, which he signed in ink. The lot carries an estimate of $120,000-$180,000.

Perhaps the prettiest author’s inscription to come to auction this year belongs to that on the first book in a complete set of first editions of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Estimated at $35,000-$45,000, Tolkien inscribed the book to Hal Coomer, with whom he had appeared on a radio program in 1958.

Also demanding mention is The Magic Volume! an 1840 book that might be unique. Dubbed a “blow book,” it features more than one hand-colored illustration of Queen Victoria as the Queen of Hearts. As the lot notes explain, “The book appears to change its contents depending on how the pages are flicked through, an effect achieved with different-sized tabs along the fore-edge.” Its estimate is $8,000-$12,000.

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Significant three-page autograph letter, in ink, from Charlotte Bronte to her editor, William S. Williams, dated July 27, 1850, presented in a circa-1920s green leather folder and estimated at $40,000-$60,000 at PBA Galleries.
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1855 first edition, first issue of Walt Whitman’s ‘Leaves of Grass,’ offered with the author’s own copy of a famed 1860 portrait, which he signed and dated in ink, estimated at $120,000-$180,000 at PBA Galleries.
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First edition, first printings of the Lord of the Rings trilogy with a beautifully lettered inscription by Tolkien at the front of the first book, estimated at $35,000-$45,000 at PBA Galleries.
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1840 magic book featuring a hand-colored illustration of Queen Victoria, possibly unique, estimated at $8,000-$12,000 at PBA Galleries.
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blow book Charlotte Bronte handwritten letter J.R.R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings trilogy PBA Galleries Queen Victoria signed photograph Walt Whitman

Coveted first editions dominate Potter & Potter’s Aug. 17 rare books sale

J.R.R. Tolkien, ‘The Hobbit or There and Back Again,’ estimated at $10,000-$15,000

CHICAGO – Potter & Potter Auctions will hold a 382-lot sale of the collection of Robin and Kathryn Smiley, the co-publishers and editors of Firsts: The Book Collector’s Magazine, on Thursday, August 17, starting at 10 am Central time. The Smiley collection features modern firsts of literature, mystery and detective fiction, and western literature, with a special emphasis on books into film. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

books and manuscripts E.B. White Ernest Hemingway Ernest Vincent Wright first edition Harper Lee Herman Melville J.R.R. Tolkien Potter & Potter Potter & Potter Auctions Sangorski & Sutcliffe the Kelmscott Press William Morris

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

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.

books and manuscripts first edition first edition presentation copy first editions Henry David Thoreau J.R.R. Tolkien Mark Twain original dust jacket Potter & Potter Potter & Potter Auctions Samuel Clemens The Journal of the Lewis & Clark Expedition The Lord of the Rings trilogy The Works of Mark Twain W.W. Jacobs Walden

Kelmscott Press Chaucer tops strong lineup at Potter & Potter, Feb. 16

Kelmscott Press 1896 limited edition of ‘The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted,’ estimated at $100,000-$125,000

CHICAGO – Potter & Potter Auctions will hold a Fine Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana Sale, its first in 2023, on Thursday, February 16, starting at 10 am Central time. The 531-lot auction will feature century-spanning works across all categories, as well as signed and presentation editions and maps. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Edgar Rice Burroughs Geoffrey Chaucer J.R.R. Tolkien Kelmscott Chaucer Kelmscott Press Kelmscott Press Chaucer Mark Twain Oscar Wilde Potter & Potter Potter & Potter Auctions Samuel Clemens The Lord of the Rings trilogy W.W. Jacobs Ward Greene William Morris

Rarities in Doyle’s Oct. 13 auction aim for top shelves of your library

Georges Rouault, ‘Cirque de l’etoile filante,’ estimated at $15,000-$25,000. Image courtesy of Doyle and LiveAuctioneers

NEW YORK – Doyle will hold an auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on Thursday, October 13 at 10 am Eastern time. The sale will showcase a wide variety of Americana, antiquarian books, first editions, maps and signed items in all fields. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

1620 English edition of Don Quixote Andrew Wyeth autographs books and manuscripts cartes-des-visite Cirque de l'etoile filante Don Quixote Doyle Doyle New York first edition first edition book first editions French Painters of the XVIIIth Century Georges Rouault Happy Birthday Mr President J.R.R. Tolkien Japan JFK Ludwig Bemelmans Ludwig Bemelmans Madeline Ludwig Bemelmans Madeline sketch maps Marilyn Monroe Miguel Cervantes Sigmund Freud signatures The Lord of the Rings trilogy

Literary lions promise roaring success at RR Auction June 16

F. Scott Fitzgerald signed book, The Beautiful and Damned, estimated at $35,000-$40,000

BOSTON – RR Auction‘s June Fine Autographs and Artifacts sale brings almost 900 lots to the auction block, featuring robust art and literature sections with online bidding through June 16. View the fully illustrated catalog on LiveAuctioneers.

Beatrix Potter Dr. Seuss F. Scott Fitzgerald Herman Melville J.R.R. Tolkien Jack Kerouac Oh pablo picasso Peter Rabbit RR Auction Salvador Dali The Beautiful and Damned the Places You'll Go! The Wizard of Oz

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