#134: The Manuscript Society Auction: 2000+ historic dealer catalogs
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Fantastic Research Material
Lot #0001
Lot 1. Argosy Book Stores, Inc. 3 items. Catalogs 450, 453 and 476; undated. Titled “Autographs: Historical and Literary.” Founded in 1925, Argosy Book Store is located in midtown Manhattan and has a large warehouse in Brooklyn. It was a founding member of ABAA. Catalog 450 includes several interesting items including one signed by Abraham Lincoln on April 25, 1861, authorizing a pardon, being offered for $125. An internet search on November 6, 2021, showed that catalog no. 818 (issued in 1990) was then listed on Amazon for 20.00.
Lot 1. Argosy Book Stores, Inc. 3 items. Catalogs 450, 453 and 476; undated. Titled “Autographs: Historical and Literary.” Founded in 1925, Argosy Book Store is located in midtown Manhattan and has a large warehouse in Brooklyn. It was a founding member of ABAA. Catalog 450 includes several interesting items including one signed by Abraham Lincoln on April 25, 1861, authorizing a pardon, being offered for $125. An internet search on November 6, 2021, showed that catalog no. 818 (issued in 1990) was then listed on Amazon for 20.00.
Lot #0002
Lot 2. Autos & Autos. 26 items. The firm was owned and operated by the late B.C. West, Jr., Manuscript Society treasurer, trustee and noted dealer and collector. His name is well known for the 1976-1977 replevin case, The State of North Carolina vs. Dr. B.C. West, Jr., that he fought after the state seized documents from him. Less well known, perhaps, is the key role he played with the F.B.I. in apprehending a thief who stole an estimated $15,000,000 of manuscripts and artifacts from the Thomas Edison National Historic Site. West received the Conservation Service Award for his work on the case. Postmark dates for the catalogs range from 1975 to 1991
Lot 2. Autos & Autos. 26 items. The firm was owned and operated by the late B.C. West, Jr., Manuscript Society treasurer, trustee and noted dealer and collector. His name is well known for the 1976-1977 replevin case, The State of North Carolina vs. Dr. B.C. West, Jr., that he fought after the state seized documents from him. Less well known, perhaps, is the key role he played with the F.B.I. in apprehending a thief who stole an estimated $15,000,000 of manuscripts and artifacts from the Thomas Edison National Historic Site. West received the Conservation Service Award for his work on the case. Postmark dates for the catalogs range from 1975 to 1991
Lot #0003
Lot 3. Robert F. Batchelder. 44 items. The cover page has Autographs: Letters, Documents, Manuscripts. Catalogs 4-24, 26-37, 40-43, 46, 52, 54, 120-122. And 124. 1972-mid 1980s. Batchelder (1927-2007) operated out of Ambler, Pennsylvania, just north of Philadelphia. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he’s listed in the 1976 membership directory of The Manuscript Society and was vice president 1998-2001. His catalogs can be found on several internet sites, most going for $5.00 and up. An internet search on September 2, 2021, found that one dealer was offering catalogs 9, 13 and 14 for $75.00.
Lot 3. Robert F. Batchelder. 44 items. The cover page has Autographs: Letters, Documents, Manuscripts. Catalogs 4-24, 26-37, 40-43, 46, 52, 54, 120-122. And 124. 1972-mid 1980s. Batchelder (1927-2007) operated out of Ambler, Pennsylvania, just north of Philadelphia. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he’s listed in the 1976 membership directory of The Manuscript Society and was vice president 1998-2001. His catalogs can be found on several internet sites, most going for $5.00 and up. An internet search on September 2, 2021, found that one dealer was offering catalogs 9, 13 and 14 for $75.00.
Lot #0004
Lot 4. Cohasco, Inc. 12 items. Catalogs 23-27, 32, 51-52, 54, 58-59 and 61. 1982-2012. Founded in 1946, the company is run by Bob Snyder, a member of the Board of Trustees of The Manuscript Society. It is located in Yonkers, N.Y.
Lot 4. Cohasco, Inc. 12 items. Catalogs 23-27, 32, 51-52, 54, 58-59 and 61. 1982-2012. Founded in 1946, the company is run by Bob Snyder, a member of the Board of Trustees of The Manuscript Society. It is located in Yonkers, N.Y.
Lot #0005
Lot 5. The Collector: A Magazine for Autograph and Historical
Collectors. 334 items total, with 206 items bound into 6 volumes; 1887-1888 (one bound volume), 1946-1977 (five bound volumes), 100 loose issues (1968-1997) and 28 omnibus supplements (1962-1979). The earliest bound volume is a complete set of The Collector from September 15, 1887 to August 1888, edited by Walter R. Benjamin (1854-1943), whose New York company, Walter R. Benjamin Autographs, Inc., became renowned throughout the world of manuscripts collectors. He inscribes this first volume: “To Peter Gilsey With compliments of the Editor Walter Romeyn Benjamin Dec 7/88.” Gilsey may very well be the prominent real estate developer and collector of a wide variety of cultural heritage materials, who died on November 10, 1901. After his death, his collection was sold at auction. This volume came into the possession of the late David H. Coblentz, past president of The Manuscript Society.
Lot 5. The Collector: A Magazine for Autograph and Historical
Collectors. 334 items total, with 206 items bound into 6 volumes; 1887-1888 (one bound volume), 1946-1977 (five bound volumes), 100 loose issues (1968-1997) and 28 omnibus supplements (1962-1979). The earliest bound volume is a complete set of The Collector from September 15, 1887 to August 1888, edited by Walter R. Benjamin (1854-1943), whose New York company, Walter R. Benjamin Autographs, Inc., became renowned throughout the world of manuscripts collectors. He inscribes this first volume: “To Peter Gilsey With compliments of the Editor Walter Romeyn Benjamin Dec 7/88.” Gilsey may very well be the prominent real estate developer and collector of a wide variety of cultural heritage materials, who died on November 10, 1901. After his death, his collection was sold at auction. This volume came into the possession of the late David H. Coblentz, past president of The Manuscript Society.
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Lot #0006
Lot 6. Herman M. Darvick Autographs. 13 items. Catalogs 2-3, 17, 21, 31, 33-39, and 44. Circa 1976-1983. On the covers, the business identifies as a charter member of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club and a member of The Manuscript Society. The business was first located in Brooklyn and then relocated to Rockville Center, N.Y. Catalogs include a wide range of materials from political to sports.
Lot 6. Herman M. Darvick Autographs. 13 items. Catalogs 2-3, 17, 21, 31, 33-39, and 44. Circa 1976-1983. On the covers, the business identifies as a charter member of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club and a member of The Manuscript Society. The business was first located in Brooklyn and then relocated to Rockville Center, N.Y. Catalogs include a wide range of materials from political to sports.
Lot #0007
Lot 7. Emily Driscoll Catalogs. 18 items. Catalogs 15, 17-23, 26-28 and Supplementary Lists 2-4 and 7-10. December 1955-October 1970. Brooklyn born, Driscoll (1898-1992) operated her first shop in 1946, working from 115 East 40th Street and later 175 Fifth Avenue in New York. She was one of the few women of her era who operated her own business as a dealer. She worked with private collectors as well as institutions. An internet search on November 28, 2021 showed that copies of her catalogs were available for $10.00. Later in life, she resided in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Lot 7. Emily Driscoll Catalogs. 18 items. Catalogs 15, 17-23, 26-28 and Supplementary Lists 2-4 and 7-10. December 1955-October 1970. Brooklyn born, Driscoll (1898-1992) operated her first shop in 1946, working from 115 East 40th Street and later 175 Fifth Avenue in New York. She was one of the few women of her era who operated her own business as a dealer. She worked with private collectors as well as institutions. An internet search on November 28, 2021 showed that copies of her catalogs were available for $10.00. Later in life, she resided in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Lot #0008
Lot 8. Thomas M. Fassett, Inc. 5 items. Catalogs 8-12; 1970s. Catalog’s business address first from Rochester, N.Y. then Chantilly, Virginia. “Autographs, letters, documents, manuscripts” appears on the covers. Several of the catalogs include American Revolution items. The 1976 Manuscript Society membership directory includes a Rev. T. M. Fassett and the 2019 directory has a Thomas White Wolf Fassett from Hector, N.Y., who collects materials associated with Native Americans and also women. Unclear if they are the same.
Lot 8. Thomas M. Fassett, Inc. 5 items. Catalogs 8-12; 1970s. Catalog’s business address first from Rochester, N.Y. then Chantilly, Virginia. “Autographs, letters, documents, manuscripts” appears on the covers. Several of the catalogs include American Revolution items. The 1976 Manuscript Society membership directory includes a Rev. T. M. Fassett and the 2019 directory has a Thomas White Wolf Fassett from Hector, N.Y., who collects materials associated with Native Americans and also women. Unclear if they are the same.
Lot #0009
Lot 9. J. Fricelli Associates. 7 items. Catalogs 3, 7, 11, 13-14, 17-18; 1970s. Business address listed in catalogs is Brooklyn. On the covers the business identifies as a member of The Manuscript Society and the Universal Autograph Collectors Club. In addition to manuscripts, several of the catalogs offer a good number of First Day Covers. For example, catalog 3 includes “Cacheted FDC of the United Nations stamp picturing the Chagall window.” Boldly signed by Marc Chagall and listed for $45.
Lot 9. J. Fricelli Associates. 7 items. Catalogs 3, 7, 11, 13-14, 17-18; 1970s. Business address listed in catalogs is Brooklyn. On the covers the business identifies as a member of The Manuscript Society and the Universal Autograph Collectors Club. In addition to manuscripts, several of the catalogs offer a good number of First Day Covers. For example, catalog 3 includes “Cacheted FDC of the United Nations stamp picturing the Chagall window.” Boldly signed by Marc Chagall and listed for $45.
Lot #0010
Lot 10. Goodspeed’s. Much has been written about this company, founded in 1898 in the basement of the Joshua Quincy House on Park Street in Boston by Charles E. Goodspeed (1867-1950). It’s first catalog was issued in 1899 and the company quickly secured a place of prominence in the world of bookselling. It lived on under the management of a son, George (1903-1995), until 1995 when it closed. The company published catalogs, occasional lists, The Flying Quill, and The Month at Goodspeed’s. An internet search conducted on September 7, 2021 showed that individual catalogs and lists can be found online for anywhere from $5.00 to $40 or more. The majority of the Goodspeed’s items were once the property of the late David H. Coblentz, past president of The Manuscript Society and a devoted collector. His name is handwritten in many of the pieces. His underlining and notations, all in red pencil, show his keen interest in many items
Catalogs. 22 items. Nos. 369, 399, 461, 496, 510, 5
Lot 10. Goodspeed’s. Much has been written about this company, founded in 1898 in the basement of the Joshua Quincy House on Park Street in Boston by Charles E. Goodspeed (1867-1950). It’s first catalog was issued in 1899 and the company quickly secured a place of prominence in the world of bookselling. It lived on under the management of a son, George (1903-1995), until 1995 when it closed. The company published catalogs, occasional lists, The Flying Quill, and The Month at Goodspeed’s. An internet search conducted on September 7, 2021 showed that individual catalogs and lists can be found online for anywhere from $5.00 to $40 or more. The majority of the Goodspeed’s items were once the property of the late David H. Coblentz, past president of The Manuscript Society and a devoted collector. His name is handwritten in many of the pieces. His underlining and notations, all in red pencil, show his keen interest in many items
Catalogs. 22 items. Nos. 369, 399, 461, 496, 510, 5
Lot #0011
Lot 11. Charles Hamilton. 164 items. Auction catalogs 1-166, from May 16, 1963 to November 29, 1984 (missing nos. 69 and 158). Most include separate list of prices realized. The first auction was held at the Gotham Hotel, located on Fifth Avenue at 55th Street. Auction 166 was held at the Omni Park Central, Seventh Avenue at 56th Street.
Charles Hamilton Autographs. Catalogs. 43 items. In Catalog 25 is this information: “To avoid confusion in identifying our catalogs, we have decided to designate them all by number. Since we have issued ten large catalogs (1 to 10, inclusive), and fourteen Gray Octavos (A to O, inclusive, omitting the letter I), this catalog becomes Number 25. The next will be Number 26.” This group includes 1, 3, 4, 6-10, A, D, E, F, H, J, K, L, M, N, O, 25-46, 48, 49. Unfortunately, the catalogs are not dated. Internal evidence suggests they are from the late 1950s to 1965.
Charles Hamilton Galleries. 1 item. Catalog 1. Postmark of Nov. 5, 1984. Letter
Lot 11. Charles Hamilton. 164 items. Auction catalogs 1-166, from May 16, 1963 to November 29, 1984 (missing nos. 69 and 158). Most include separate list of prices realized. The first auction was held at the Gotham Hotel, located on Fifth Avenue at 55th Street. Auction 166 was held at the Omni Park Central, Seventh Avenue at 56th Street.
Charles Hamilton Autographs. Catalogs. 43 items. In Catalog 25 is this information: “To avoid confusion in identifying our catalogs, we have decided to designate them all by number. Since we have issued ten large catalogs (1 to 10, inclusive), and fourteen Gray Octavos (A to O, inclusive, omitting the letter I), this catalog becomes Number 25. The next will be Number 26.” This group includes 1, 3, 4, 6-10, A, D, E, F, H, J, K, L, M, N, O, 25-46, 48, 49. Unfortunately, the catalogs are not dated. Internal evidence suggests they are from the late 1950s to 1965.
Charles Hamilton Galleries. 1 item. Catalog 1. Postmark of Nov. 5, 1984. Letter
Lot #0012
Lot 12. Stan. V. Henkels. 6 items.
Catalogue 712; 58 pages. To be sold on December 14, 1893, Thos. Birch’s Sons, Philadelphia. Includes “Autograph Letters and Documents Mostly Relating To The Revolutionary War And War Of The Rebellion…Also Relics Of General Washington And A Variety Of Historical Chinaware.”
Catalogue 778; 99 pages, many uncut at top. The Col. John Trumbull Letters and Papers, also those of Prof. Benj. Silliman. To be sold on February 11, 1897, Thos. Birch’s Sons, Philadelphia. Includes “Fine Letters of General George and Martha Washington; Generals of the Revolution; Signers of the Declaration of Independence; Members of the Old Congress; Eminent Artists, Authors and Scientists” and much more.
Catalogue 1083; 87 pages. Valuable Autograph Letters and Historical Documents Being the Balance of the Chas. I. Turner Collection and The McKean, Mifflin and Miles Papers, &c. To be sold on April 15, 1913, at Samuel T. Freeman & Co., Philadelphia.
Catalogue 1
Lot 12. Stan. V. Henkels. 6 items.
Catalogue 712; 58 pages. To be sold on December 14, 1893, Thos. Birch’s Sons, Philadelphia. Includes “Autograph Letters and Documents Mostly Relating To The Revolutionary War And War Of The Rebellion…Also Relics Of General Washington And A Variety Of Historical Chinaware.”
Catalogue 778; 99 pages, many uncut at top. The Col. John Trumbull Letters and Papers, also those of Prof. Benj. Silliman. To be sold on February 11, 1897, Thos. Birch’s Sons, Philadelphia. Includes “Fine Letters of General George and Martha Washington; Generals of the Revolution; Signers of the Declaration of Independence; Members of the Old Congress; Eminent Artists, Authors and Scientists” and much more.
Catalogue 1083; 87 pages. Valuable Autograph Letters and Historical Documents Being the Balance of the Chas. I. Turner Collection and The McKean, Mifflin and Miles Papers, &c. To be sold on April 15, 1913, at Samuel T. Freeman & Co., Philadelphia.
Catalogue 1
Lot #0013
Lot 13. JFF Autographs, Inc. 14 items; 1981-1987. When these catalogs were issued the company had a P.O. box in Manhasset, N.Y. A catalog from 1981 lists items from several U.S. presidents including an LS with the full signature of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936, for $250.
Lot 13. JFF Autographs, Inc. 14 items; 1981-1987. When these catalogs were issued the company had a P.O. box in Manhasset, N.Y. A catalog from 1981 lists items from several U.S. presidents including an LS with the full signature of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936, for $250.
Lot #0014
Lot 14. The Jenkins Company. 3 items. Based in Austin, Texas, the late John H. Jenkins built his business with much bravado and no small amount of knowledge about rare materials. These three catalogs, numbers 25, 48 and 110 provide glimpses of what his company offered. The first two are not dated but item 110 is from 1977 and is titled Early American Imprints: A Collection of Works Printed in America between 1669 and 1800. Several later catalogs may be found for sale online but earlier ones are harder to locate.
Lot 14. The Jenkins Company. 3 items. Based in Austin, Texas, the late John H. Jenkins built his business with much bravado and no small amount of knowledge about rare materials. These three catalogs, numbers 25, 48 and 110 provide glimpses of what his company offered. The first two are not dated but item 110 is from 1977 and is titled Early American Imprints: A Collection of Works Printed in America between 1669 and 1800. Several later catalogs may be found for sale online but earlier ones are harder to locate.
Lot #0015
Lot 15. H. P. Kraus. 1 item. Catalogue 157. 15th – 19th Century Documents & Autographs relating to England, Scotland and Ireland, from the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps. In two parts: Part I. History, Part II. Heraldry. Includes name index. No date. 86 pages.
Lot 15. H. P. Kraus. 1 item. Catalogue 157. 15th – 19th Century Documents & Autographs relating to England, Scotland and Ireland, from the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps. In two parts: Part I. History, Part II. Heraldry. Includes name index. No date. 86 pages.
Lot #0016
Lot 16. Robert A. LeGresley. 6 items. Catalogs 5, 6, 7, 25, 27, 28. 1978- ?. LeGresley issued his first catalogs from Topeka, Kansas but catalog 25 shows him in Henderson, Kentucky. As noted in the catalogs, his areas of interest were autographs, books and original comic art. He identified as a member of The Manuscript Society and UACC. Catalog 5, from 1978, includes several animation drawings of Mickey Mouse by Iwerks, who was with Walt Disney from the early days.
Lot 16. Robert A. LeGresley. 6 items. Catalogs 5, 6, 7, 25, 27, 28. 1978- ?. LeGresley issued his first catalogs from Topeka, Kansas but catalog 25 shows him in Henderson, Kentucky. As noted in the catalogs, his areas of interest were autographs, books and original comic art. He identified as a member of The Manuscript Society and UACC. Catalog 5, from 1978, includes several animation drawings of Mickey Mouse by Iwerks, who was with Walt Disney from the early days.
Lot #0018
Lot 18. Lion Heart Autographs. 21 items. Catalogs 1-16, 39-40, 42-44; 1979-circa 1986 and early 2000s. The company has been in New York City, albeit different locations, since its beginning. David H. Lowenherz, president of the company, is a member of many book and manuscripts organizations. From the company’s website: “The 2018 feature film starring Melissa McCarthy, entitled “Can You Ever Forgive Me” is based on the forging career of Lee Israel who the FBI captured with David’s assistance and participation in a sting operation. Early catalogs were modest in size and appearance but the content revealed many choice items. More modern catalogs are larger in dimension and are lavishly illustrated, while still containing wonderful items.
Lot 18. Lion Heart Autographs. 21 items. Catalogs 1-16, 39-40, 42-44; 1979-circa 1986 and early 2000s. The company has been in New York City, albeit different locations, since its beginning. David H. Lowenherz, president of the company, is a member of many book and manuscripts organizations. From the company’s website: “The 2018 feature film starring Melissa McCarthy, entitled “Can You Ever Forgive Me” is based on the forging career of Lee Israel who the FBI captured with David’s assistance and participation in a sting operation. Early catalogs were modest in size and appearance but the content revealed many choice items. More modern catalogs are larger in dimension and are lavishly illustrated, while still containing wonderful items.
Lot #0019
Lot 19. Lone Star Autographs. 1 item, undated. Unnumbered and undated catalog. Entire catalog devoted to items from the estate of Jean Harlow and includes 16 images of photos being offered. The entire group 76 items in all, was being offered for $22,500. Lone Star operated out of Kaufman, Texas.
Lot 19. Lone Star Autographs. 1 item, undated. Unnumbered and undated catalog. Entire catalog devoted to items from the estate of Jean Harlow and includes 16 images of photos being offered. The entire group 76 items in all, was being offered for $22,500. Lone Star operated out of Kaufman, Texas.
Lot #0020
Lot 20. James Lowe. 24 items. Catalogs 4, 6, 17-28, 30-36; spring 1971 catalog; and two catalog supplements. 1970s-1980s. Operating out of New York, Lowe is listed in the 1976 Manuscript Society membership directory and in his catalog he notes that he is a member. There is a James Lowe, LTD autographs internet site. One internet site listed his spring 1971 catalog supplement and catalogs 3 and 18 for $75.
Lot 20. James Lowe. 24 items. Catalogs 4, 6, 17-28, 30-36; spring 1971 catalog; and two catalog supplements. 1970s-1980s. Operating out of New York, Lowe is listed in the 1976 Manuscript Society membership directory and in his catalog he notes that he is a member. There is a James Lowe, LTD autographs internet site. One internet site listed his spring 1971 catalog supplement and catalogs 3 and 18 for $75.
Lot #0021
Lot 21. Phillips (New York). 8 items. Auction catalogs, 1978-1981. Catalogs sometimes include price estimates and/or separate list of prices realized. The auction catalog for June 25, 1980 includes over fifty items associated with Andrew Jackson.
Lot 21. Phillips (New York). 8 items. Auction catalogs, 1978-1981. Catalogs sometimes include price estimates and/or separate list of prices realized. The auction catalog for June 25, 1980 includes over fifty items associated with Andrew Jackson.
Lot #0022
Lot 22. Profiles in History. 3 items. Catalogs 46, 48, and historical auction catalog 75, from June 11, 2015; 46 and 48 undated. Numbers 46 and 48 sold for $25 when first distributed; 48 sold for $35. Numerous copies of this company’s catalogs were available online during an internet search conducted on November 28, 2021, ranging in price from $5 to $50.
Lot 22. Profiles in History. 3 items. Catalogs 46, 48, and historical auction catalog 75, from June 11, 2015; 46 and 48 undated. Numbers 46 and 48 sold for $25 when first distributed; 48 sold for $35. Numerous copies of this company’s catalogs were available online during an internet search conducted on November 28, 2021, ranging in price from $5 to $50.
Lot #0023
Lot 23. Rains Galleries. 1 item. “First Editions, Autograph Letters and Manuscripts of Outstanding Importance including a Remarkable Collection of Letters & Manuscripts by Walt Whitman together with his Will, dated May 15, 1873.” Offered at public sale March 25 and 26, 1936, at Rains Auction Rooms, East 49th Street, New York.
Lot 23. Rains Galleries. 1 item. “First Editions, Autograph Letters and Manuscripts of Outstanding Importance including a Remarkable Collection of Letters & Manuscripts by Walt Whitman together with his Will, dated May 15, 1873.” Offered at public sale March 25 and 26, 1936, at Rains Auction Rooms, East 49th Street, New York.
Lot #0024
Lot 24. Diana J. Rendell, Inc. {Note: Additional photos were added to this Lot on 2-28-22 at 12:16pm ET}
Lists. 13 items. Numbers 1-7, 9-12, 14-15; 1985-1987. Typed sheets of 8.5” x 11” paper, folded in half as mailers sent first class. Catalogs. 6 items. Numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8. 1980s. Titled “Autograph Letters, Manuscripts, Documents.” More polished publication than the lists, produced by a print shop.
Lot 24. Diana J. Rendell, Inc. {Note: Additional photos were added to this Lot on 2-28-22 at 12:16pm ET}
Lists. 13 items. Numbers 1-7, 9-12, 14-15; 1985-1987. Typed sheets of 8.5” x 11” paper, folded in half as mailers sent first class. Catalogs. 6 items. Numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8. 1980s. Titled “Autograph Letters, Manuscripts, Documents.” More polished publication than the lists, produced by a print shop.
Lot #0025
Lot 25. The Rendells, Inc. and Kenneth Rendell Gallery
Lists. 15 items. Nos. 1, 3-10, 12-13, 15-18. Undated, likely 1970s. Consist of 8.5” x 14” sheets of paper stapled at upper left and folded in half.
Catalogs (numbered). 160 items. Nos. 1, 3, 4-10, 12, 14, 16-130, 132-156, 158-164, 169 and 197. Catalog 1 is from 1959 (according to his website) and catalog 197 from 1991 (from copyright designation in the catalog). Early catalogs are 8.5”x11” paper sheets stapled at upper left.
In 1981 two catalogs were issued, without catalog numbers, as two volumes with the same title, namely, “The American Frontier: From the Atlantic to the Pacific.” These can be found listed on Amazon, eBay and other sites for anywhere from $10 to $40.
In 1982 three catalogs were issued, without catalog numbers, in three volumes with the same title, namely, “The History of Mankind.”
Kenneth W. Rendell Gallery. 10 items. Nos. 300-305, 307-310. Catalogs are not dated. An internet search on August
Lot 25. The Rendells, Inc. and Kenneth Rendell Gallery
Lists. 15 items. Nos. 1, 3-10, 12-13, 15-18. Undated, likely 1970s. Consist of 8.5” x 14” sheets of paper stapled at upper left and folded in half.
Catalogs (numbered). 160 items. Nos. 1, 3, 4-10, 12, 14, 16-130, 132-156, 158-164, 169 and 197. Catalog 1 is from 1959 (according to his website) and catalog 197 from 1991 (from copyright designation in the catalog). Early catalogs are 8.5”x11” paper sheets stapled at upper left.
In 1981 two catalogs were issued, without catalog numbers, as two volumes with the same title, namely, “The American Frontier: From the Atlantic to the Pacific.” These can be found listed on Amazon, eBay and other sites for anywhere from $10 to $40.
In 1982 three catalogs were issued, without catalog numbers, in three volumes with the same title, namely, “The History of Mankind.”
Kenneth W. Rendell Gallery. 10 items. Nos. 300-305, 307-310. Catalogs are not dated. An internet search on August
Lot #0026
Lot 26. Paul C. Richards Catalogs. 170 items. Operating out of Brookline, Massachusetts, Richards (1938-1993) was widely known for his merchandise. In the spring 1993 issue of The Manuscript Society News, Mary Benjamin commented on his passing: “Paul Richards’ death is a true loss to those who loved history. He handled autographs in all fields, researched them thoroughly and priced them fairly. His catalogues were impressive in the variety of their contents.” Richards published 281 catalogs. This lot includes his first catalog; the last one in the lot is 203, so many are missing. P.C. Richards is listed in the 1976 Manuscript Society membership directory.
Lot 26. Paul C. Richards Catalogs. 170 items. Operating out of Brookline, Massachusetts, Richards (1938-1993) was widely known for his merchandise. In the spring 1993 issue of The Manuscript Society News, Mary Benjamin commented on his passing: “Paul Richards’ death is a true loss to those who loved history. He handled autographs in all fields, researched them thoroughly and priced them fairly. His catalogues were impressive in the variety of their contents.” Richards published 281 catalogs. This lot includes his first catalog; the last one in the lot is 203, so many are missing. P.C. Richards is listed in the 1976 Manuscript Society membership directory.
Lot #0027
Lot 27. Lester Roberts. 3 items. Catalogs 28, 31, 37. Undated and no internal evidence to suggest dates. Possibly 1970s. Antiquarian book dealer who operated out of San Rafael, California. Member of ABAA. Catalog 33 in name of Mrs. Roberts, perhaps after Mr. Roberts died. Catalog 31 includes a TLS by Graham Greene about his first book, published while an undergraduate, listed for $10. {Note: This description was altered on 2-28-22 @ 12:19pm ET}
Lot 27. Lester Roberts. 3 items. Catalogs 28, 31, 37. Undated and no internal evidence to suggest dates. Possibly 1970s. Antiquarian book dealer who operated out of San Rafael, California. Member of ABAA. Catalog 33 in name of Mrs. Roberts, perhaps after Mr. Roberts died. Catalog 31 includes a TLS by Graham Greene about his first book, published while an undergraduate, listed for $10. {Note: This description was altered on 2-28-22 @ 12:19pm ET}
Lot #0028
Lot 28. Joseph Rubinfine. 33 items. Lists 31-36, 45, 48, 50-53, 55, 56, 58-60, 62-65, 67, 69, 70-74, 76, 79-81, 84, 174, 178, 181, 183, 184; circa 1970-2018. Rubinfine (1938-2019) spent his early life on a farm in New Jersey and it’s from NJ that his first catalogs were issued. It was not until 1987 that he moved to Florida (the last five catalogs in this lot were issued there). He became very well known for his expertise with Americana, something that the entries in his catalogs reflect. Less obvious to many is that he was a long-distance runner for many years and competed in many marathons, including four Boston Marathons. He was named a Fellow of The Manuscript Society.
Lot 28. Joseph Rubinfine. 33 items. Lists 31-36, 45, 48, 50-53, 55, 56, 58-60, 62-65, 67, 69, 70-74, 76, 79-81, 84, 174, 178, 181, 183, 184; circa 1970-2018. Rubinfine (1938-2019) spent his early life on a farm in New Jersey and it’s from NJ that his first catalogs were issued. It was not until 1987 that he moved to Florida (the last five catalogs in this lot were issued there). He became very well known for his expertise with Americana, something that the entries in his catalogs reflect. Less obvious to many is that he was a long-distance runner for many years and competed in many marathons, including four Boston Marathons. He was named a Fellow of The Manuscript Society.
Lot #0029
Lot 29. Seaport Autographs. 49 items. Catalogs 1, 5-22, 24-27, 29-35, 102, 105-117; and 120-124; 1976-1987, 2006-2011. The first catalog is modestly titled “Autographs Spring-1976” and was issued by “N. F. Boas” from Wilton, Connecticut; the title changed with later catalogs, as did the location from Mystic to Stonington. Boas is none other than Dr. Norman F. Boas (1923-2016), Fellow of The Manuscript Society. With a medical degree from Harvard attained by the time he was 22, Boas was in public health service, including a stint with NIH, taught at Yale, and later was in private practice. After retiring from medicine, he was heavily involved with historical projects in his area and, of course, acquiring and selling manuscripts. His research and publishing interests included Abraham Lincoln, First Lady Jane Pierce, and the noted anthropologist Franz Boas, his grandfather.
Lot 29. Seaport Autographs. 49 items. Catalogs 1, 5-22, 24-27, 29-35, 102, 105-117; and 120-124; 1976-1987, 2006-2011. The first catalog is modestly titled “Autographs Spring-1976” and was issued by “N. F. Boas” from Wilton, Connecticut; the title changed with later catalogs, as did the location from Mystic to Stonington. Boas is none other than Dr. Norman F. Boas (1923-2016), Fellow of The Manuscript Society. With a medical degree from Harvard attained by the time he was 22, Boas was in public health service, including a stint with NIH, taught at Yale, and later was in private practice. After retiring from medicine, he was heavily involved with historical projects in his area and, of course, acquiring and selling manuscripts. His research and publishing interests included Abraham Lincoln, First Lady Jane Pierce, and the noted anthropologist Franz Boas, his grandfather.
Lot #0030
Lot 30. James Smalldon. Americana. 6 items. Catalogs 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17; 1980-1982. Smalldon (1925-2011) was born in Detroit, Mich. After serving in the Navy during WW II he resided in California where he received a master’s degree in history from the USC. He stayed in the state and made his name in the world of autographs, manuscripts and rare books for, among other things, his expertise in California Americana. The mailing address for the catalogs is Sutter Creek, Ca. Catalog 9, from 1980, includes many Civil War items including a muster roll for Co. C, 16th Louisiana, dated 1862. Several Caddo Native Americans, formerly from Louisiana, Arkansas and eastern Texas, are listed. The document listed for $20.
Lot 30. James Smalldon. Americana. 6 items. Catalogs 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17; 1980-1982. Smalldon (1925-2011) was born in Detroit, Mich. After serving in the Navy during WW II he resided in California where he received a master’s degree in history from the USC. He stayed in the state and made his name in the world of autographs, manuscripts and rare books for, among other things, his expertise in California Americana. The mailing address for the catalogs is Sutter Creek, Ca. Catalog 9, from 1980, includes many Civil War items including a muster roll for Co. C, 16th Louisiana, dated 1862. Several Caddo Native Americans, formerly from Louisiana, Arkansas and eastern Texas, are listed. The document listed for $20.
Lot #0031
Lot 31. R.M. Smythe & Co., Inc. 1 item. Catalogue No. 1, n.d. An ALS by Charles Lindbergh, dated February 24, 1936 and written from Wales where the Lindberghs sought seclusion, is addressed to the BBC declining an invitation to speak on BBC. It was offered for $1,350.
Lot 31. R.M. Smythe & Co., Inc. 1 item. Catalogue No. 1, n.d. An ALS by Charles Lindbergh, dated February 24, 1936 and written from Wales where the Lindberghs sought seclusion, is addressed to the BBC declining an invitation to speak on BBC. It was offered for $1,350.
Lot #0032
Lot 32. A Creative Century: Collections at the University of Texas. Austin: Humanities Research Center, 1970. Second printing. 71 pgs. Paperback. Catalog of an exhibit held in November 1964 at the Academic Center and Undergraduate Library. Comprises selections from the university’s twentieth century literary manuscript collections. Includes 100 selections, especially useful for autograph examples.
Lot 32. A Creative Century: Collections at the University of Texas. Austin: Humanities Research Center, 1970. Second printing. 71 pgs. Paperback. Catalog of an exhibit held in November 1964 at the Academic Center and Undergraduate Library. Comprises selections from the university’s twentieth century literary manuscript collections. Includes 100 selections, especially useful for autograph examples.
Lot #0033
Lot 33. Golden Cockerel Private Press. 1965-1966. British Handmade Books. Great Britain: Golden Cockerel Press, 1955. 48 pgs. Paperback.
Lot 33. Golden Cockerel Private Press. 1965-1966. British Handmade Books. Great Britain: Golden Cockerel Press, 1955. 48 pgs. Paperback.
Lot #0034
Lot 34. William Blades. The Enemies of Books. London: Elliot Stock, 1902. Hardback. The author was a 19th-century bibliophile and book collector. First published in 1880, the book was republished in other editions in 1881, 1888, 1896 and 1902 in a popular edition. He worked with many notable collectors as well as printers, including William Claxton. Shelf wear, and boards are heavily worn at corners.
Lot 34. William Blades. The Enemies of Books. London: Elliot Stock, 1902. Hardback. The author was a 19th-century bibliophile and book collector. First published in 1880, the book was republished in other editions in 1881, 1888, 1896 and 1902 in a popular edition. He worked with many notable collectors as well as printers, including William Claxton. Shelf wear, and boards are heavily worn at corners.
Lot #0035
Lot 35. Charles Hamilton. The Book of Autographs. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1978. Hardback, with dustjacket.
Lot 35. Charles Hamilton. The Book of Autographs. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1978. Hardback, with dustjacket.
Lot #0036
Lot 36. Charles Hamilton. The Signature of America: A Fresh Look at Famous Handwriting. New York: Harper and Row, 1979. Hardback, with dustjacket.
Lot 36. Charles Hamilton. The Signature of America: A Fresh Look at Famous Handwriting. New York: Harper and Row, 1979. Hardback, with dustjacket.
Lot #0037
Lot 37. J. C. Fitzpatrick. Notes on the Care, Cataloging, Calendaring and Arrangement of Manuscripts. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1921. Second edition. 47 pgs. Paperback. The publication serves as an early guide to the practices employed by the Manuscripts Division of the Library of Congress to preserve and manage its, even then, enormous collection of manuscripts.
Lot 37. J. C. Fitzpatrick. Notes on the Care, Cataloging, Calendaring and Arrangement of Manuscripts. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1921. Second edition. 47 pgs. Paperback. The publication serves as an early guide to the practices employed by the Manuscripts Division of the Library of Congress to preserve and manage its, even then, enormous collection of manuscripts.
Lot #0038
Lot 38. Harry E. Pratt. Lincoln’s Inner Circle. Springfield: Illinois State Historical Society, 1955. 30 pgs. Paperback. With permission from The Abraham Lincoln Association, this publication provides 31 frontispieces chosen from the 52 used in the Abraham Lincoln Quarterly (1940-1952). They include photographs of Lincoln, his family, his vice-presidents and cabinet members, and buildings with which he was associated. Descriptions of each image are included.
Lot 38. Harry E. Pratt. Lincoln’s Inner Circle. Springfield: Illinois State Historical Society, 1955. 30 pgs. Paperback. With permission from The Abraham Lincoln Association, this publication provides 31 frontispieces chosen from the 52 used in the Abraham Lincoln Quarterly (1940-1952). They include photographs of Lincoln, his family, his vice-presidents and cabinet members, and buildings with which he was associated. Descriptions of each image are included.
Lot #0039
Lot 39. The Proceedings of the Disraeli Colloquium. April 22 and 23, 1978, at The Donald Gordon Center, Queen’s University at Kingston. Sponsored by The Disraeli Project, Queen’s University, and The Canada Council. John P. Matthews, editor. Paperback.
Lot 39. The Proceedings of the Disraeli Colloquium. April 22 and 23, 1978, at The Donald Gordon Center, Queen’s University at Kingston. Sponsored by The Disraeli Project, Queen’s University, and The Canada Council. John P. Matthews, editor. Paperback.
Lot #0041
Lot 41. Linda Sillitoe and Allen D. Roberts. Salamander: The Story of the Mormon Forgery Murders. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1988. Hardback, no dustjacket.
Lot 41. Linda Sillitoe and Allen D. Roberts. Salamander: The Story of the Mormon Forgery Murders. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1988. Hardback, no dustjacket.
Lot #0042
Lot 42. Clyde C. Walton. Illinois’ Lincoln Letters. Springfield: Illinois State Historical Library, 1967. 24 pgs. Paperback. Walton, the state historian, provides background to the large collection of over 1,200 original Lincoln letters and documents held by the state historical library. Includes many illustrations.
Lot 42. Clyde C. Walton. Illinois’ Lincoln Letters. Springfield: Illinois State Historical Library, 1967. 24 pgs. Paperback. Walton, the state historian, provides background to the large collection of over 1,200 original Lincoln letters and documents held by the state historical library. Includes many illustrations.
Lot #0043
Lot 43. Handbook: Museum and Library Collections. New York: The Hispanic Society of America, 1938. Hardback, no dustjacket.
Lot 43. Handbook: Museum and Library Collections. New York: The Hispanic Society of America, 1938. Hardback, no dustjacket.
Lot #0044
Lot 44. Manuscripts of the Dibner Collection. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Libraries, 1985. Hardback, no dustjacket.
Lot 44. Manuscripts of the Dibner Collection. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Libraries, 1985. Hardback, no dustjacket.
Lot #0045
Lot 45. Life in Letters, American Autograph Journal. October 1941; vol. 7, no. 1. 40 pgs. Paperback. Individual issues and broken sets are available online. This issue includes three letters (1730-1740) written by Abigail Levy Franks, born in New York in 1696 the year after her parents, Moses and Rachel Levy, arrived there from London. The letters are written to her son, Naphtali, who was living in London where he managed the family’s business. Each letter is long and full of information about the family and its affairs.
Lot 45. Life in Letters, American Autograph Journal. October 1941; vol. 7, no. 1. 40 pgs. Paperback. Individual issues and broken sets are available online. This issue includes three letters (1730-1740) written by Abigail Levy Franks, born in New York in 1696 the year after her parents, Moses and Rachel Levy, arrived there from London. The letters are written to her son, Naphtali, who was living in London where he managed the family’s business. Each letter is long and full of information about the family and its affairs.
Lot #0046
LOT 46. Early Printed Books and Manuscripts. Catalog of the Property of the General Theological Seminary, New York City, and other owners, which will be sold on Wednesday, October 1, 1980, at 10:00 a.m. Christie, Manson & Woods International, Inc. Hardback.
LOT 46. Early Printed Books and Manuscripts. Catalog of the Property of the General Theological Seminary, New York City, and other owners, which will be sold on Wednesday, October 1, 1980, at 10:00 a.m. Christie, Manson & Woods International, Inc. Hardback.
Lot #0047
Lot 47. T.S.R. Boase. The York Psalter in the Library of The Huntington Museum, Glasgow. New York: Thomas Yoseloff, 1962. Hardback with dust jacket.
Lot 47. T.S.R. Boase. The York Psalter in the Library of The Huntington Museum, Glasgow. New York: Thomas Yoseloff, 1962. Hardback with dust jacket.
Lot #0048
Lot 48. Charles Hamilton. Great Forgers and Famous Fakes: The Manuscript Forgers of America & How They Duped the Experts. New York: Crown Publishers, 1980. Hardback with dust jacket.
Lot 48. Charles Hamilton. Great Forgers and Famous Fakes: The Manuscript Forgers of America & How They Duped the Experts. New York: Crown Publishers, 1980. Hardback with dust jacket.
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| Low | High | Increment |
|---|---|---|
| $0.01 | $10.00 | $1.00 |
| $10.01 | $25.00 | $2.00 |
| $25.01 | $100.00 | $5.00 |
| $100.01 | $500.00 | $10.00 |
| $500.01 | $1,000.00 | $25.00 |
| $1,000.01 | $5,000.00 | $50.00 |
| $5,000.01 | $10,000.00 | $100.00 |
| $10,000.01 | $25,000.00 | $250.00 |
| $25,000.01 | $50,000.00 | $500.00 |
| $50,000.01 | $100,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| $100,000.01 | $250,000.00 | $2,500.00 |
| $250,000.01 | $500,000.00 | $5,000.00 |
| $500,000.01 | $1,000,000.00 | $10,000.00 |
| $1,000,000.01 | $2,000,000.00 | $20,000.00 |
| $2,000,000.01 | $99,999,999.00 | $50,000.00 |
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