Spink Shreves Galleries Sale

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Autographed Documents & Free Franks of Important American Historical Figures continued...

19TH CENTURY AUTOGRAPHS continued...

Lot

Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

541

Harrison, Benjamin Twenty-third President of the United States (1833-1901, served 1889-93); grandson of William Henry Harrison; served throughout the Civil War, and was brevetted brigadier general in 1865; lawyer; U.S. Senator. Choice Autograph Document Signed "Benj. Harrison," 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, Indianapolis, September 24, 1878. A check drawn on Fletcher & Sharpe's Bank in the amount of $15.50, payable to Fletcher & Sharpe. Imprinted with a two-cent revenue stamp (RN-G1, a beautiful shade of red). Closed spindle hole, otherwise VG. With two Documents Signed "Benj. Harrison," each 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, Indianapolis, May 25, 1900, and March 4, 1901. Both are drawn on the Fletcher National Bank, the first to the order of John A. Wenell for $6, and the second to Life Publishing Co. for $2.50. Each with imprinted two-cent revenue stamp (RN-X7). Both with perforation cancellations not touching signatures. Mounting traces on verso of 1901 check, otherwise VG. The last of these was probably for a subscription to one of Life's publications; sadly, Harrison would have little use for it, for he would die within nine days of signing the check. With engraved portrait. (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $675.00
Will close during Public Auction

542

Harrison, Benjamin Three Autograph Documents Signed "Benj. Harrison" (2) and "B. Harrison," each 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, Indianapolis, October 7, 1873, October 9, 1875, and May 4, 1876. The first is drawn on Fletcher & Sharpe's Bank in the amount of $25, payable to James Brown. At left it bears a two-cent (R-135) Revenue Stamp Signed "B.H. / Oct. 7 / 1873". The second, on a a check imprinted with a two-cent revenue stamp (RN-D1), is drawn on Fletcher & Sharpe's Bank in the amount of $454.55, payable to the Merchants' National Bank. The last check, written on a blank, is drawn on the "Fletcher & Sharpes Bank," payable to Howard Cale in the amount of $73. At upper right is a two-cent (R-152) Revenue Stamp Signed "B.H. / May 4 / 1876". All puncture-cancelled, none affecting signature, all VG. (Image)

Est. $400-500

SOLD for $725.00
Will close during Public Auction

543

Cleveland, Grover Twenty-second and twenty-fourth President of the United States (1837-1908, served 1885-89 and 1893-97); the only president to serve non-consecutive terms; active in government reforms; earlier, Mayor of Buffalo and Governor of New York; the only Democrat sent to the White House in the fifty-six years between the elections of Buchanan and Wilson. Choice Autograph Document Signed "Grover Cleveland," 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, Buffalo, New York, January 15, 1877. A check on the Manufacturers and Traders Bank, in the amount of $2000, payable to G.R. Haines. Imprinted on the check is a two-cent revenue stamp (RN-K8). Endorsed by Haines on verso. Cut cancellation not touching signature. Two spindle holes, otherwise VG. At the time, Cleveland, 39 years old, was still a practicing lawyer in Buffalo. His only political office had been Buffalo County Sheriff, from 1871-73. Little could he have imagined that within eight years, he would be elected to the highest office in the nation. (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $550.00
Will close during Public Auction

544

Secretaries of the Treasury, 1877-99 [Garfield-Cleveland] Good group of Treasury autographs from the Gilded Age, including a good content Letter Signed by "W. Windom" as Secretary, 1 page, 8vo, on (unusual, left-handed) Treasury stationery, September 2, 1881. He thanks John T. Wilder of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland, regretting that he cannot attend their reunion "owing to the President's illness and the condition of the public business under my charge." President Garfield's illness was a group of systemic infections resulting from being shot by assassin Charles Guiteau; he would die on September 19. Some smudging of signature, otherwise VG. With TLS "W. Windom," 1-1/5 pages, 8vo, on official stationery, Washington, December 21, 1889. He writes banker Thomas L. James of New York, thanking for his support and reiterating his reasons for supporting bimetallism, the hot financial issue of the time. Mounting traces at left edge, with minor loss at top of second page, otherwise VG. With his Signature "William Windom / Minn" as a member of congress, on a 16mo sheet, tipped to a 3" x 5" card, VG. With LS "Chas. J. Folger" as Secretary, 1 page, 4to, on Treasury stationery, Washington, December 8, 1882. He acknowledges Senator George F. Edmunds' letter from "a laborer employed in the Custom House at the port of New York, in which he asks for increased compensation." He assures the senator that it will be followed up. With ALS "W.Q. Gresham" as a colonel commanding a brigade, 2-1/3 pages, 4to, Memphis, May 5, 1863. He sends Rev. W.W. Cluny, enclosing his commission as chaplain of the 53rd Indiana Volunteers (not present). VG. With ALS "Daniel Manning" as Secretary, 1 page, 4to, Watch Hill, [RI], September 22, 1885. To Charles A. Dana, editor of the New York, Sun, he pens, "I do not know who it is that starts the stories about my resigning from the Treasury; nor am I sure whether he is an Iago or a Munchausen [sic]. All the same, he is a liar, and he tells his lies with some adroitness..." Mounting traces on verso of blank integral page; some light stains, otherwise VG. With two DS "Daniel Manning", bank checks, one on the National Commercial Bank (with preprinted two-cent revenue stamp), Albany, February 10, 1882, for $10, to Mrs. Sarah Roberts; and the other drawn on Riggs & Co., Washington, May 7, 1885, to department store B. Altman & Co. for $30.20. Both VG. Also with his Signature "Faithfully yours / Daniel Manning / April 28, '85" on an oblong 12mo sheet, tipped to a 4" x 7" card. With LS "C.S. Fairchild" as Acting Secretary, 1 page, 8vo, on official stationery, Washington, April 6, 1886. He writes to Speaker of the House of Representatives (and future Secretary of the Treasury) J.G. Carlisle, replying to his suggestion of a compromise "of the claim against Donn Piatt," notifying him that the Treasury has accepted it. Piatt had been in the diplomatic corps and remained a political journalist and gadfly. With TLS "Chas. Foster" as Secretary, 2/3 page, 8vo, on official stationery, Washington, September 19, 1892. To F.B. Thurber of New York, he responds to an apparently drastic suggestion to deal with an epidemic: "I think we have now the upper hand of the cholera business, and the excitement about it will soon die out. The conditions would have to become very critical before I would make an order such as is contemplated by your printed enclosure." With his Signature "Chas. Foster / Fostina / Ohio," on a small sheet, tipped to a 3.6" x 5.4" card. With the Signature of "J.G. Carlisle" tipped to a 3.6" x 5.5" card, apparently clipped from the close of a letter. VG. Finally with a 2.75" x 4.5" engraved Treasury Department Card Signed "Lyman J. Gage". Unevenly toned, mounting strip on verso, otherwise G/VG. (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $250.00
Will close during Public Auction

545

McKinley, William Twenty-fifth President of the United States (1843-1901, served from 1897); presided over the Spanish-American War, which saw the nation gain a global empire; assassinated by an anarchist at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo; earlier, Governor of Ohio; the last US President to have served in the Civil War. Outstanding content Autograph Note Signed "William McKinley" as President, in pencil, one page, oblong 8vo, no place (probably Washington), November 15, 1899. A telegram text written in apparent haste to Dr. Newton in Paterson, New Jersey, where he was treating Vice President Garret Hobart for heart disease. McKinley asks, "How is the Vice President today, we hope he continues to improve." A somewhat less legible version of the last word has been scribbled through. With one-cent 1898 series documentary revenue stamp with the image of a steamship (R-163), canceled in pen. With clerical notes at upper right corner. Very lightly soiled, otherwise VG. For a vice president, Hobart was unusually powerful in the McKinley administration, and was the president's close adviser and friend. As often happens, his improvement was not a sign of recovery, and he would die just six days after this telegram. McKinley was persuaded to accept Theodore Roosevelt as his running mate in the 1900 presidential election, primarily to neutralize the popular but disruptive young Republican's energetic support of political reform. The plan backfired on Republican bosses when McKinley was murdered just six months into his second term. (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $425.00
Will close during Public Auction

546

Good content Autograph Letter Signed in pencil "William McKinley" as President, 1 page, 8vo, on Executive Mansion stationery, Washington, July 13, 1899. He writes to the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Jennie Tuttle Hobart in Long Branch, NJ, "I feel anxious to hear from you all. Affectionate regards from Mrs. McKinley who is improving." With a one-cent revenue stamp (R-163) affixed at head, partly obscuring imprinted address, cancelled with a simple slash. Undoubtedly the text for a telegram, as shown by the stamp and by telegrapher's notes at top. Mrs. McKinley suffered from epilepsy, and her husband's tender devotion to her was noted by all who came into contact with them. When she was too unwell to perform her social duties, Mrs. Hobart would take her place. The relationship between the First and Second Couples was uncommonly close and trusting. As seen in the previous lot, Vice President Garret Hobart would die in November 1899. President McKinley's anxiety in this note suggests that he was aware that his friend and adviser's health was already deteriorating. VG. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $525.00
Will close during Public Auction

547

McKinley, William Excellent combination Document Signed "William McKinley" as President, 1 page, oblong narrow 8vo, Washington, July 13, 1898. A check drawn on the American Security and Trust Company in the amount of $25, payable to C.E. Manchester. With a 2-cent (R-155b) Revenue Stamp Signed "W. McK. / July 13/98" affixed to left edge. Endorsed by Manchester on verso. Handstamp cancellation just touching "W" of McKinley's signature. Perforation cancellation not affecting signature. VG. Rev. Charles E. Manchester had served with McKinley in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, and the two had become good friends. As pastor of the First Methodist Church of Canton, Ohio, Manchester would lead McKinley's funeral services just three years after receiving this check. (Image)

Est. $400-500

SOLD for $425.00
Will close during Public Auction

548

Roosevelt, Theodore Twenty-sixth President of the United States (1858-1919, served 1901-09), succeeding to the presidency upon the death of McKinley; gained renown as head of the "Rough Riders" volunteers during the Spanish-American War; acquired the Panama Canal Zone and began construction on the canal; negotiated the end of the Russo-Japanese War, for which he received the Nobel Peace Prize. Good content Typewritten Document Signed "Theodore Roosevelt" while President of the Board of Police Commissioners, 1/2 page, 4to, on his official stationery, New York, September 15, 1896. To John S. Wood at 15 Wall St., he writes, "I wish I could take that stock, but I simply cannot. Just at present, with my campaign expenses, I have about as much as I can carry in the way of engagements, and I cannot go into anything new. I am awfully sorry." Clip holes at left corners, overall soiling, otherwise G/VG. With deluxe printed portrait, biography, and newspaper clippings, including one of a cartoon commemorating his death. The "campaign" upon which Roosevelt was about to embark was in support of the election of William McKinley. Roosevelt would be awarded with a position as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, which gave him one of his first opportunities to change history when he dispatched an American fleet toward the Philippines without authorization, leading directly to Dewey's victory at Manila Bay. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $600.00
Will close during Public Auction

549

Taft, William Howard Twenty-seventh President of the United States (1857-1930, served 1909-13); civil Governor of the Philippine Islands; Secretary of War under Theodore Roosevelt; Chief Justice, U.S. Supreme Court (1921-30), the only ex-president to hold that position. Rare pair of early, unaccomplished Documents Signed "Wm. H. Taft" as Collector of Internal Revenue in Cincinnati, Ohio, each one page, narrow oblong 8vo, undated, but 1882 or 1883. Distillery warehouse stamps, 1878 series, numbers R8183541 and R8183546. These were partly filled out for cask numbers 27821 and 27826 at an unnamed warehouse. Each has three punch cancellations with one punch on each touching Taft's signature, in one case just touching the "m" in "Wm." and in the other partly removing the "m" in "Wm." and Taft's middle initial. Otherwise both are VG. At the time he signed these stamps, Taft was still a bachelor under age thirty, and also worked as an assistant district attorney. These are the oldest Taft documents we have handled, and we know of only one other of this age sold in the past twelve years. (Image)

Est. $400-500

SOLD for $180.00
Will close during Public Auction

550

Wilson, Woodrow Twenty-eighth President of the United States (1856-1924, served 1913-21); gained the White House when Taft and third-party candidate Theodore Roosevelt split the Republican vote; conceived the League of Nations but was unable to gain Senate approval for American membership; earlier, Governor of New Jersey and president of Princeton University; awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919. Uncommon early Autograph Document Signed "Woodrow Wilson" while a professor of law and political economy at Princeton University, 1 page, narrow oblong 8vo, Princeton, NJ, February 12, 1901. A check drawn on the Princeton Bank in the amount of $8.52, payable to William G. Olden. Bears a 2-cent 1898 series (R164) Revenue Stamp Signed "W.W. / 02/2/01" by Wilson. With Olden's endorsement signature on verso. Handstamp and cut cancellations not affecting signature. Very light bleeding of payee's name, mounting traces on verso, otherwise VG. In 1902, Wilson would be elected president of the university, serving until 1910, when he ran successfully to become governor of New Jersey. Olden is a famous name in Princeton, and a namesake of the William Olden paid by this check purchased in 1696 the land where now stands the New Jersey governor's mansion, Drumthwacket. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $725.00
Will close during Public Auction

20TH CENTURY AUTOGRAPHS

Lot

Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

551

Secretaries of the Treasury, 1900+ [T. Roosevelt - Truman] Choice collection of autographs including Typewritten Letter Signed "Lyman J. Gage" as president of the First National Bank of Chicago and Secretary of the Treasury nominee, 2/3 page, 4to, February 3, 1897. To William A. Nash in New York, he sends thanks for his telegram adding that "nothing could better serve to fortify me with courage and hope for the important duties which I am about to assume..." Mounting strip and some wear at left edge, toning, otherwise VG. With TLS "L.M. Shaw" as Secretary, 1-1/3 pages, 4to, on imprinted Treasury Department stationery, Washington, July 21, 1903. To George F. Kunz of Tiffany & Co. in New York, he responds to the suggestion that William E. Mantius be given an appointment in Italy: "There is no vacancy in that field at present. We may find use for him elsewhere...I confess the description you give of him raises a strong presumption that he is exactly the man we do not want...a man of independent fortune, who speaks most of the European languages, has been decorated by several foreign countries, and who is on terms of intimacy with crowned heads..." Shaw would prefer someone more business-oriented. Toned, some smudging, overall VG. With TLS "Geo. M. Cortelyou" as the first Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 1/2 page, small 8vo, on official stationery, April 17, 1903. He encloses a signed card (not present) for Frank Allen of Boston. With TLS "Geo. M. Cortelyou" as Secretary of the Treasury, 1/2 page, 4to, on official stationery, November 29, 1907. Again to Mr. Kunz of Tiffany, he acknowledges "your suggestion that the silver dollars in the vaults of the Philadelphia Mint be issued upon the deposit of 'equal security' is noted." He answers that it is impossible, "Silver certificates having already been issued against the silver dollars in question..." With TLS "Franklin McVeagh" as Secretary, 1/3 page, 8vo, on official stationery, April 12, 1910, sending best wishes to Percival Werlich of Asheville, NC, on his impending exams. TLS "W.A. McAdoo" as Secretary, 3 lines, 8vo, on official stationery, March 11, 1912. He thanks E.S. Malman of the Corn Exchange Bank in New York for his letter of congratulations. Unevenly toned, mounting trace on verso, otherwise VG. TLS "A.W. Mellon" as Secretary, 1 page, 8vo, on official stationery, May 9, 1921. He writes Francis Holley of the Bureau of Commercial Economics in Washington that "I would be pleased to see the Committee of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, but my time is...filled..." With an unusual paper Mat Signed "A.W. Mellon / Mar. 26, 1930" as Secretary, an attractive 4" x 3.25" hinge-covered mat for a photograph, displaying a newspaper image of Mellon. With TLS "Ogden L. Mills," four lines, 8vo, New York, March 19, 1934. He sends the letter by way of satisfying an autograph request. Clipped into two parts showing close and address imprint, and tipped to a 5.4" x 7" page. Toning from paste, otherwise Good. Finally, with an imprinted 4.25" x 5.5" Secretary of the Treasury Card Signed "H.M. Morgenthau," with typed presentation message, March 8, 1934. VG. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $325.00
Will close during Public Auction

552

Pershing, John J. American soldier (1860-1948); commanded US expeditionary forces during World War I; fought in the Spanish and Philippine Wars; mentor to the US military leaders of World War II. Compassionate Typewritten Letter Signed, "John J. Pershing," 1 page, 8vo, on imprinted stationery of the Hotel de Crillon, Paris, October 4, 1932. To Mrs. John Clarke Graff of Rushville, IL, he thanks her for news of her children and adds regarding her son's condition: "I have no doubt that he will be very well looked after and think you should not worry...There is nothing that I could do at this time to assist but if there should be later, please call on me...Disabuse your mind of any reticence you may have about writing me..." With original envelope. VG/F. (Image)

Est. $100-150

SOLD for $130.00
Will close during Public Auction

553

Heifetz, Jascha Lithuanian-born American violin virtuoso and composer (1901-87); considered by many to be the greatest violinist of the modern era. Choice Postal Cover Signed "J. Heifetz" in top left corner by way of return address, on imprinted envelope of the Savoy Plaza Hotel, New York, February 7, 1954. Addressed in his hand to Theodore E. Steinway of the same city. No doubt this is none other than the scion of the great piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons, also a noted stamp collector who helped found the Philatelic Foundation! VG. (Image)

Est. $75-100

SOLD for $180.00
Will close during Public Auction

554

Astronauts: Collection Large collection of autographs, including First Day Cover Signed by Mercury astronaut "John Glenn," the first American to orbit the planet, and by stamp artist "Paul Calle;" five Stamp Sheets Signed, as follows: sheet of 48 18-cent Space Shuttle/Research stamps, by STS-4 crew members Hank Hartsfield and Ken Mattingly; sheet of 50 8-cent Bicentennial stamps, by G.S. Bluford, Greg J. Harbaugh, Rick Hieb, Don McMoneagle, (all of the STS-39 crew) and one other; sheet of 48 18-cent Space Shuttle/Research stamps, by STS-41-D crew (maiden voyage of the shuttle Discovery) Mike Coats, Hartsfield, Steven Hawley, Mike Mullane, and Challenger disaster victim Judy Resnick; sheet of 32 8-cent Historic Preservation stamps, by STS-49 crew Tom Akers, Dan Brandenstein, Kevin Chilton, Hieb, Bruce Melnick, Kathy Thornton, and Pierre Thuot; and 24 10-cent Apollo/Soyuz stamps, by STS-61-A crew members James Q. Buchli, Bonnie Dunbar, Hartsfield, and Steve Nagel; with a printed 10" x 8" NASA Photograph Signed by Hartsfield and Mattingly, with brief inscription by the former; two First Day Folders Signed for matching 1992 29-cent and Russian 25-rubel stamps commemorating cooperative space exploration, by Hartsfield (with brief inscriptions), cosmonaut Gherman S. Titov, astronaut Deke Slayton, and various others, including postal officials and artists; finally, the Book "Space Almanac," 2nd ed., Anthony R. Curtis, editor, Houston, Gulf Publishing, 1992. Signed by Hartsfield and inscribed on half title. All items range from VG to Fine. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $220.00
Will close during Public Auction

555

"Memphis Belle": Robert Morgan American military aviator (1918-2004); piloted the Memphis Belle B-17 bomber when it became first to survive 25 daytime raids over Germany and occupied Europe; later served in the Pacific Theater, leading the first B-29 mission over Tokyo and logging another 25 missions; awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters. A most unusual hand-painted plastic Model Airplane Signed "Robt. Morgan" on the right wing. A scale model of the B-17F Memphis Belle, named after Margaret Polk, Morgan's sweetheart; wing span 23", length 17", roughly a 1:54 scale. Held by a wooden base bearing a plaque produced by Morgan. A second plaque has been removed from the base, leaving glue residue, but the plane itself is VG/F. While dropping over 60 tons of ordnance over enemy territory, the plane did not lose a crew member, though nearly all its major parts had to be replaced at one or another time due to damage. After its 25th mission, its crew flew it home to the United States, where it promoted war bonds. With a presentation letter including a brief history of the bomber, a photograph of Morgan signing one of the models, and VHS cassettes of both the 1990 Warner Brothers feature film Memphis Belle, about the plane's last bombing run, and the 1944 documentary The Memphis Belle: Story of a Flying Fortress. (imagea) (imageb) (imagec) (Image)

Est. $200-300

SOLD for $150.00
Will close during Public Auction