‎Autographes‎

‎BELLAMY, Ralph (1904-91)‎

‎Photograph Signed‎

‎Mild-mannered leading man of countless films from the 1930s and '40s later a fine character actor active into the 1980s. PS 8½" X 6½" n.p. n.d. Near fine. Glossy scene from the 1960 film version of the 1958 play for which Bellamy won his only Tony "Sunrise at Campobello" showing him as FDR with Greer Garson as Eleanor and HUME CRONYN 1911-2003 as Louis Howe. Bellamy and Cronyn each sign beneath their likeness. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 15573

‎SLANIA, Czeslaw (1921-2005)‎

‎Signed First Day Cover‎

‎Possibly the most famous and certainly the most prolific postage stamp and banknote designer and engraver of all time with more than 1000 stamps to his credit this Polish-born Swedish artist accomplished his first postage stamp for Poland in 1951; in 1959 he began designing stamps for Sweden and numerous other countries. Signed First Day Cover 6½" X 3½" cancelled in Philadelphia Pennsylvania on 1983 March 24 and with "First Day of Issue" boldly stamped -- AND below this cancelled in Stockholm Sweden on the same date! Single 20-cent "Treaty of Amity and Commerce Between U.S. and Sweden 1783" at upper right and nearly-identical Swedish version of same stamp below. Fine. Cachet at left features a head-and-shoulders portrait of Slania with printed caption beneath which identifies this stamp as "His First U.S. Postal Issue." Just below his portrait Slania signs boldly in silver ink. Very uncommon. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 25309

‎BRITTON, John (1771-1857)‎

‎Autograph Letter Signed‎

‎One of England's most memorable antiquaries and its foremost architectural critic and historian who practically created the genre authoring and editing such large multi-volume works as "Architectural Antiquities of Great Britain" 1805-14 "Cathedral Antiquities of England" 1814-35 "Architectural Antiquities of Normandy" 1825-27 "Picturesque Antiquities of English Cities" 1830 and others. ALS 2pp recto and verso 4" X 6¼" n.p. n.y. "Wednesday Morning". Very good. Ever-so-slightly age toned and lightly soiled. Addressed to his old friend William Jerdan 1782-1869 Scottish author and journalist long-time editor of "The Literary Gazette" 1817-51. Certainly writing to Jerdan during his "Literary Gazette" editorship Britton notes in part: "I inclose the first copy of a pamphlet for your acceptance hope you will have an opportunity to read parts of it before your next publication. It is the first prose productions of a young Gentleman who has shewn first rate talents in composition & therefore owe you will be pleased to know more of & I shall have much pleasure to introduce him to you. I am persuaded you will approve of the tone and sentiments of this pamphlet." One wonders what the "prose productions" were and who this "young Gentleman" may have been. Accompanied by an outstanding steel-engraved portrait of Britton 4¼" X 6½" London England 1820. Published by J. Asperne for the 1 April 1820 edition of the "European Magazine" this heavy stock portrait depicts Britton seated at a desk drawing architectural plans with a quill pen as he gazes at the viewer; two volumes of his "Cathedral Antiquities of England" may be seen on the table and rows of books and literary busts fill the background. A nice example of this uncommon autograph and a superb portrait. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 28555

‎WHITMAN, Charles S. (1868-1947)‎

‎Photograph Signed‎

‎New York's Republican governor from 1915 to 1919 when defeated by Alfred E. Smith first gained fame in 1912 when as a Manhattan district attorney he prosecuted a New York City police lieutenant for the murder of a Times Square gambling house operator. PS 9" X 11½" n.p. 1914 November 30. Very good. Photographic image 6" X 9" shows minor silvering but is overall bold and quite striking; mild age toning. A dramatic head-and-shoulders portrait of a determined-looking Whitman taken by noted New York photographer Pirie MacDonald "Photographer of Men." Below his image on the mounting board Whitman signs large and bold "Yours Truly / Charles S. Whitman / Nov. 30 - 1914." in black fountain pen. Despite mild wear quite choice and attractive. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 21976

‎FFRANGCON-DAVIES, Gwen (1891-1992)‎

‎Photograph Signed‎

‎This British stage and film actress had a remarkable 80-year run famed not only for being Sir John Gielgud's first Juliet but also for her performances as Eliza Doolittle and Cleopatra. Beautiful sepia tone PS 3¼" X 5¼" n.p. n.d. ca. 1930. Fine. A stunning three-quarter length pose showing Ffrangcon-Davies seated in profile in an elaborate 19th century dress -- presumably a stage pose -- taken by renowned British photographer YVONNE GREGORY 1889-1970 wife of noted photographer Bertram Park. Boldly inscribed "Sincerely yours / Gwen Ffrangcon- / Davies" along the blank bottom margin. A superb vintage example. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 31162

‎SMITH, William A. (1918-89)‎

‎Autograph Note Signed / Unsigned Booklet‎

‎This American artist is often remembered for his friendship with Carl Sandburg which resulted in his striking 1968 U.S. postage stamp; other stamps include his award-winning 1972 "Sidney Lanier" and the 4-stamp 1973 series "Rise of the Spirit of Independence." ANS 1p 8¼" X 11" Pineville PA 1973 October 9. Addressed to Mr. Johnston. Near fine. Two horizontal mailing folds. Friendly "Thank you for your gratifying reaction and comment on my stamp designs." in Smith's handsome calligraphic hand. No doubt refers to his award-winning 4-stamp "Rise of the Spirit of Independence" stamps which had been released the previous month. Accompanied by a stunning 4pp heavy stock 8½" X 11" color leaflet issued in 1953. Near fine. Smith's 1978 centennial "Carl Sandburg" stamp which shows a left-facing Sandburg in profile was based on a charcoal portrait made much earlier showing a right-facing Sandburg published here for the first time in 1953 -- a full quarter century before its stamp appearance! The front cover of this glossy leaflet features this portrait which once open pages 2 and 3 shows on the lefthand side a manuscript fair copy of Sandburg's then-new poem "Names" in his distinctive script dated from Connemara Farm Flat Rock North Carolina 25 December 1952. The righthand side shows the same text beautifully typeset. Rear leaf page 4 indicates "First publication of CARL SANDBURG'S most recent poem" and "Some time ago we asked Mr. Sandburg for permission to print this poem as a keepsake for his seventy-fifth birthday party." Thus this booklet represents the true first appearance of this well-known poem which begins: "There is only one horse on the earth / and his name is All Horses. / There is only one bird in the air / and his name is All Wings. / There is only one fish in the sea / and his name is All fins." Though no publisher is cited on this bibliographically-challenged printed piece the publisher was perhaps Broadcast Music Inc. of New York -- whose president and founder Carl Haverlin was an old friend of Sandburg's and was instrumental in organizing the celebrations honoring his friend's 75th. Sandburg at that time was at the height of his fame and these fetes garnished much press coverage. It's not known how many of these booklets were produced but likely a modest number for private distribution to friends and colleagues. A superb letter and scarce printed keepsake. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 25860

‎COCO, James (1929-87)‎

‎Inscribed Photograph Signed‎

‎Chunky comic character actor of screen and stage nominated for an Oscar for "Only When I Laugh" 1981. IPS 3½" X 5½" n.p. n.d. Fine. Nice informal glossy portrait inscribed in bold red ink "Happy Birthday / Mrs Kocsett /Sincerely /James Coco. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 15591

‎GOODELL, Charles E. (1926-87)‎

‎Signature‎

‎Robert F. Kennedy's unexpired Senate term upon his assassination was completed by this New York Republican 1968-71 whose previous career in the House 1959-68 began with the death of an incumbent. Bold signature dated 1970 March 16 on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card n.p. Washington DC. Very good. Neatly tipped to the left of Goodell's signature is a 1" X 2¼" book portrait of him. With original envelope and Senate enclosure card. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 19854

‎RUGGLES, Charles (1892-1970)‎

‎Signature and Inscription‎

‎The great and prolific character actor and comedian appeared in hundreds of films such as "Charley's Aunt" 1915 and "Ruggles of Red Gap" 1916 between the teens and the 1960s. "Good luck always / Sincerely / Charlie Ruggles / to / Donald Burnell -- / 1961" on an irregularly-trimmed roughly rectangular 3" X 4½" slip n.p. Good plus. Tape stain at each corner touching upon several words but not Ruggles' signature. Accompanied by an 8" X 10" glossy black and white photograph of Ruggles a half-length pose showing Ruggles in later life leaning over a bench in workman's duds and apron clutching his glasses. Very good with slight tape stain at each corner. An interesting pair. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 17532

‎MANSHIP, Paul (1885-1966)‎

‎Autograph Letter Signed / Unsigned Photograph‎

‎The huge golden Prometheus figure in the fountain in front of Rockefeller Plaza in New York 1934 is one of this sculptor's best known works. ALS "Paul M" 1p 6" X 7" New York NY 1961 October 23. Addressed to Carl Haverlin president of music licensing giant Broadcast Music Inc. Fine. Regards the stir caused by the New York Civil War Centennial Commission's effort to have a casting of Manship's 1937 equestrian statue of General Ulysses S. Grant erected in front of Grant's Tomb: "Enclosed please find the letter I have just received from Mrs. Wm. Pigott Cronan Gen. U.S. Grant's Grandaughter." Boldly penned in blue ballpoint. Also present is a copy of Cronan's letter of support some newspaper clippings regarding the controversy and a few miscellaneous papers. Accompanied by a fine 10" X 8" glossy photograph showing Manship Haverlin and Bruce Catton examining a scale model of the Grant statue. Superb little collection regarding this controversial proposal. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 25567

‎BRUSSEL SMITH Bernard 1914 89‎

‎Signed First Day Cover‎

‎One of America's leading wood engravers known for his scenes of the urban working classes in the 1940s and '50s. Signed First Day Cover 6½" X 3½" cancelled in Buffalo New York on 1977 August 4 and with "First Day of Issue" boldly stamped. Single 13-cent "United States & Canada Peace Bridge 1927-77" stamp at upper right and handsome ArtCraft engraved cachet at left. Near the center in blck ballpoint Brussel-Smith signs. A classy example of this artist's virtuoso wood engraving technique -- and an uncommon autograph. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 25205

‎McCUTCHEON, John T. (1870-1949)‎

‎Signed Ink Drawing‎

‎Pulitzer prize-winning editorial cartoonist with the "Chicago Tribune" 1903-45. Signed ink drawing 14¼" X 17" n.p. n.y. Very good. Slightest bit of edgewear and mild soiling. Labeled "Look out for a flood of currency bills when Congress convenes" by McCutcheon along the lower margin this single-panel cartoon depicts a horde of twenty older gents -- smoky back room politicos no doubt -- hurrying from the right middle ground into the left foreground where a large finger-pointing shaped sign staked into the ground reads "To the Congress." Next to this sign stands a huddling child wrapped up from the cold and a seated dog observing the parade. The full-length figure in the lead likely represents a Western state representative wearing cowboy hat and bolo tie chomping a cigar and clutching a carpetbag in one hand and a rolled-up scroll labeled "Bill for Solution of the Currency" in the other. All of the other figures clutch similar rolls one identified as "Bill for Elastic Currency" and the others "Currency Bill." The other gents are obviously supposed to represent various types of politicians -- old-school types in top hats and formal dress Theodore Roosevelt types in more modern attire Buffalo Bill-type goateed old-timers etc. A fascinating and amusing commentary on the many currency reform measures that peppered Congressional debate in the early years of the 20th century. Signed simply "McCutcheon" at lower right as usual. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 18713

‎FRASER, Bill (1907-87)‎

‎Photograph Signed‎

‎Remembered by Brits as television's "Snudge" this character actor appeared in many stage productions and in the films "The Americanization of Emily" and "Masquerade." PS 3½" X 3½" archivally tipped to a larger acid-free art board n.p. n.d. Fine. Heavy book photograph showing Fraser with Katherine Hepburn in Victorian attire boldly signed with "Best Wishes." Uncommon. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 23019

‎CARLISLE, Kitty (1910-2007)‎

‎Inscribed Photograph Signed‎

‎The widow of playwright Moss Hart was an accomplished actress singer and long-time patron of the arts; her best-known film is the 1935 Marx Brothers vehicle "A Night at the Opera." IPS 8" X 10" n.p. n.y. Near fine. Attractive informal glossy head-and-shoulders portrait of a smiling Carlisle in later years handsomely inscribed and signed in blue fineline in a light area at lower left: "Dear Terry / warmest / greeting and / good wishes from / Kitty Carlisle." An excellent example. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 29601

‎TUCKER, Sophie (1884-1966)‎

‎Inscribed Photograph Signed‎

‎The last of the red-hot Mamas" a popular vaudeville singer and performer; also appeared in a handful of films such as "Broadway Melody" of 1937 and "Sensations of 1945." IPS heavy stock 3½" X 5½" n.p. n.d. ca. 1960. Very good. Tape stain at each corner and one at bottom edge close to but not touching signature. Postcard portrait though address and message side blank. Striking Maurice Seymour head-and-shoulders closeup of Tucker in later years dressed like a red-hot mama indeed in fur stole and sequined gown. Boldly inscribed in blue ballpoint near the bottom "to / Donald / Burnell / Best / wishes / Sophie / Tucker." Very striking. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 23030

‎SKELTON, Red (1913-97)‎

‎Inscribed Photograph Signed‎

‎Film and stage comedian who hosted his own television variety show for 20 years. Color IPS 5" X 7" n.p. n.d. Near fine. Handsome informal shot bearing a preprinted signature above which he adds "Eirene / Dear heart / Red Skelton. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 14945

‎BOURNE, Silvanus (1756-1817)‎

‎Autograph Letter Signed‎

‎This politico served as consul to Cap Francois Haiti from 1790 to 1791 vice consul of Amsterdam 1794-97 and consul general of Amsterdam 1797-1816. ALS 1p integral address leaf 7 3/4" X 9 3/4" Philadelphia PA 1794 December. Addressed to William Taylor a well-known Baltimore flour merchant. Excellent content from the just-appointed vice consul on the eve of his departure to this noted businessman who appears to be a close friend. In part: ".am happy to find your Activity in business & the Success attending it; and I flatter myself that my Son when of age at which time shou'd suppose you wou'd wish to Retire from the active part will be able to manage it with as much propriety & Care as 'tis now done provided you & he can agree on Terms mutually beneficial." Of his own rising fortunes Bourne notes: "I am well paid for my post & once are much beyond my expectation the money is Sure tho to be paid by installments my future prospects are beyond calculation this in the Strictest Confidence hope my Son will in future Support his present principal good Character both at home & abroad. I am Solicited much for him at Boston I tell them nay no such thing they offer money Cloathing & c. I refuse all & determine he shall Serve out with you." And cryptically: "I have heard nothing about Mr. Johnson if he resigns your way will be to procure the most Reputable merchants & others in Baltimore to Recommend your Brother for the office to the President of the United States who with the Consent of Senate appoints all officers foreign & Domestic -- depend I shall do all I can." Integral address leaf and free-franked signature accomplished in another hand. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 29938

‎NATWICK Mildred 1908 94‎

‎Photograph Signed‎

‎Fine character actress in numerous films among them "The Quiet Man" and "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon." PS 8" X 10" n.p. n.d. Fine. Glossy scene from "Barefoot in the Park" nicely signed. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 15653

‎DIETZEL, Louis H. (ca. 1896-?)‎

‎Signed Postal Cover‎

‎This American designer created the sketch from which the 1950 3-cent "Kansas City Missouri Centennial" stamp was made; he also designed that city's centennial seal and centennial flag. Signed Postal Cover 6½" X 3½" n.p. n.y. NOT a First Day Cover but a single mint example of the Dietzel-designed 3-cent "Kansas City Missouri Centennial" stamp has been affixed at upper right. Fine. At left center Dietzel signs large and bold in blue ballpoint. Small portion of original transmittal envelope also present. Quite attractive quite unusual. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 28155

‎NAGEL, Charles (1899-1992)‎

‎Signed First Day Cover‎

‎This architect art historian and museum director is best remembered as the National Portrait Gallery's first director 1964-69; he also served as director of St. Louis's City Art Museum 1942-46 1955-64 and the Brooklyn Museum 1946-55. Signed First Day Cover 6½" X 3½" cancelled in Washington DC on 4 November 1968 and with "First Day of Issue" stamped. Fine. Single 6-cent "Chief Joseph - National Portrait Gallery" stamp at upper right. No decorative cachet at left; no recipient's name/address. Near the center in black medium marker Nagel signs large and attractive. An uncommon signature on a relevant cover. With TLS on NPG letterhead dated 5 January 1971 from Curator of Education noting Nagel's dates in office. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 23049

‎PHIPPS, Constantine Henry (First Marquess of Normanby) (1797-1863)‎

‎Free-Franked Envelope‎

‎This British Whig politician was Viscount Normanby from 1812-31and rose to Earl of Mulgrave from 1831-38 when the Marquess of Normanby was created for him in 1838; he served as Governor of Jamaica 1832-34 Lord Lieutenant of Ireland 1835-39 Home Secretary 1839-41 British Ambassador to France 1846-52 and Minister to Tuscany 1854-58. Free-Franked Envelope 5" X 3½" n.p. London n.y. Very good. On a typical light grey envelope of the period bearing Normanby's black wax seal still present on the verso he signs a bold "Normanby" in brown ink at lower left addressing it to a "J. Horsley Pye / 10 Charlotte Street" in his usual challenging scrawl. Interesting piece. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 29321

‎HUME, Joseph (1777-1855)‎

‎Autograph Letter Signed‎

‎This Scottish-born physician was a long-time radical member of Parliament and achieved fame primarily for his numerous predictions of national disasters. ALS 2pp 4 3/4" X 7 3/4" n.p. 1832 November 21. Addressed to Thomas Fyfe. Very good. Recommends a fellow radical parliamentarian for an unnamed position: "I am much gratified by the prospect you hold out of Major Beauclerks success. I believe him to be sound in his principles sincere in his declarations and able to carry them into effect if placed in the Reformed Parliament. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 29340

‎WILDE, Cornel (1915-89)‎

‎Signature / Unsigned Photograph‎

‎This leading man reached the height of his popularity in the 1940s in films such as "A Song to Remember" for which he was nominated for best actor Oscar and "The Bandit of Sherwood Forest"; later he produced and directed films some of which he also acted in "The Naked Prey". Large bold signature in black fountain pen 3 3/4" X 1½" n.p. n.y. 1962. Near fine. Wilde's pen skipped initially with the capital "C" which he then wrote over boldly. A super example particularly choice as it was penned for a greeting card company California Artists for reproduction on a planned Christmas card featuring one of Wilde's oil paintings. Accompanied by a circa 1962 5" X 7" black-and-white head-and-shoulders portrait of a broody young Wilde. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 28854

‎HIRSCHFELD, Al (1903-2003)‎

‎Signed Book Illustration‎

‎Renowned and prolific caricaturist whose inimitable style captured hundreds of actors in the pages of the "New York Times" from 1929 until his death. PS 1p 4½" X 7½" n.p. n.d. ca. late 1980s. Near fine. Full-page illustration verso of text page 51 from John Mason Brown's "Insides Out: Being the Saga of a Drama Critic Who Attended His Own Opening" the London: Herbert Jenkins Limited edition ca. 1942 an operating room scene in which the patient looks backward up at the angled mirror on the wall and proclaims "Great God! Look at me up there on the wall!" Signed nicely by the artist simply "Hirschfeld" as usual at lower right in his usual black fineline. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 19421

‎HABSBURG, Felix von (?-?) and Otto von (?-?)‎

‎Signatures‎

‎Sons of King Charles VII of the Austro-Hungarian empire the last Austrian Kaiser forced to abdicate. Pair of choice signatures each on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card Mexico City for Felixís 1979 March 23 and 1979 March 16 respectively. Both fine and with original envelopes. Unusual. unknown‎

Référence libraire : 15023