Featured Items

Jefferson and Madison as Founding Fathers of Invention…and FDR as check mate
A superb offering of presidential material includes a patent signed by Jefferson and Madison; a very rare document signed by convicted Lincoln assassination conspirator Mary Surratt and her husband, John; an excellent John Quincy Adams letter on his religious beliefs; an important letter from Buchanan, written in the midst of the 1844 election, on his soon-to-be-boss, James Polk; a singularly historic treasure from FDR: his last check register, with dozens of checks, including the final check he ever signed; a handsome Truman proclamation announcing the Allied victory over Germany and calling for a day of prayer; and a scarce JFK appointment for a member of the committee that organized what became the Kennedy Center.

Booth takes aim at history…and Capone’s heart belongs to Mother
The pageant of historical figures both famous and infamous is highlighted by a remarkable rarity: a book on Rifles and Rifle Practice signed by Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth. Other standouts include a 1527 document signed by the original conquistador, Hernando Cortes; a letter from Peter the Great ordering an autopsy; a pay order signed by Marie Antoinette; a land grant signed by Benjamin Franklin; a Patrick Henry letter declining legal work; a Charles Darwin letter on microbiology; a Thomas Edison letter on his boyhood ambition; a Pancho Villa letter vowing to overthrow the dictatorship of Venustiano Carranza; an unusual hunting photo signed by “Red Baron” Manfred von Richthofen; a selection of interesting letters from Albert Einstein, one with a handwritten equation; a poignant letter written by Annie Oakley during her final illness; a rare photo inscribed by Al Capone to his mother; and a choice group of Apollo 11 items, including an insurance cover signed by all three crew members.

Happy holidays from Hemingway…and an American (Sleeping) Beauty from Disney
Among the gems in the art and literature category are letters from early American masters John Trumbull and John Singleton Copley; a scarce letter from Herman Melville to his publisher; handwritten Christmas greetings from Ernest Hemingway to his mother; a book signed with an original sketch by Dali; an original Picasso drawing of a female nude; and a fine gathering of Disney items, including an impressive signed photo and a print from Sleeping Beauty.

Elvis signs a King-sized photo…and Hollywood takes a shine to the Shriners
High notes in music and entertainment include a gripping letter in which Billie Holiday parts ways with her last husband; a superlative oversize photo of Elvis inscribed to the producer of Kissin’ Cousins and Harum Scarum; an early concert program signed by all four Beatles; a revealing Woody Guthrie manuscript on his military service; a Survival album signed by Bob Marley and the Wailers; a unique 1934 invitation to the Hollywood Mystic Shrine signed by more than 50 vintage stars, including Cooper, Gable and Lombard, and future “Wizard” Frank Morgan; a very early Rita Hayworth photo signed as “Rita Cansino”; a stunning oversized photo signed by Dorothy Dandridge; a pristine Jun Fan Gung Fu membership card signed by Bruce Lee; and an Animal House book signed by John Belushi as “Bluto.”

Jones hits an eagle as author…and Gehrig knocks out the son of a boxing champ
Top picks in sports include a beautiful, twice-signed copy of Bobby Jones’ first book on golf; a Lou Gehrig signature for the son of a former lightweight boxing champ; checks signed by Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali; and a limited-edition set of three basketball jerseys, each signed by Michael Jordan.