When the name Booth is mentioned today, the immediate thought is that of John Wilkes Booth (1839-1865), the infamous assassin who murdered President Abraham Lincoln while the President watched "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. in April 1865. RR Auction has had the privilege of offering, including in this auction, some of the rarest of items associated with that event, to include theater tickets, play program and a rare rewards poster seeking the capture of or death for the assassins.

But the infamous assassin was actually the lesser-known Booth at the time of the assassination. His family was known on both sides of the Atlantic for many years as one of the most theatrical of their time. John's older brother, Edwin Booth (1833-1893), in fact, is still regarded as one of - if not the - greatest Shakespearean actor the United States has ever seen. Of course, the theater is not the social force it once was prior to the advent of radio, film or television and the Booth acting name does not convey the power it once had. But the legacy of Edwin, through statutes, movies, the Player's Club in New York City and his memories, still abounds. 

While I have had the pleasure of serving as RR Auction's attorney for more than a decade, I have had the privilege of acting as legal counsel for Edwin's descendants for over three decades. Thus, it is an honor that I could bring the two together for this auction. Offered here direct from the closest living descendent - a great, great granddaughter - are unique items that have been passed down directly from Edwin and his immediate family, including beautiful 19th jewelry, a pipe, autographed documents, original photograph, a pair of silver chalices and a rare recording of the great Shakespearean actor reciting lines from Othello. This is a rare opportunity to own collectibles that have never been offered before to the public from one of the most prominent families and noted individual that ever graced the world stage.

-Mark Zaid