Gary Combs List 124 - Gary Combs Autographs

Anna Pavlova
no. 99
Catalogue 124
Terms of Sale
GUARANTEE. The authenticity of all material offered for sale is guaranteed genuine and this guarantee to refund the full purchase price is without time limit. Any
item which is unsatisfactory for any other reason must be returned within three (3)
days after receipt. Exceptions must be made when placing an order.
PAYMENT. Payment may be made by check or money order and we will ship your
order upon receipt of same. We are also pleased to accept the American Express
card, Visa, and Mastercard. Installment payments may be arranged at the time of
ordering if satisfactory trade or bank references are provided. Sales tax and shipping
and handling fees are charged as applicable. Checks should be made out to
GARY COMBS AUTOGRAPHS INC.
FRAMED MATERIAL. Framed material in this catalogue is designated by the
measurements at the conclusion of the description; horizontal is given first. These
items are easily shipped by us, well packed to ensure their safe delivery.
Illustrations in this catalogue, particulary of framed items, may be reduced in size.
WANT LIST. We endeavor to maintain an accurate Want List of your collecting
needs and urge you to advise us in as much detail as possible what your collecting
goals are. In this way we are able to offer you the finest and most appropriate material
for your collection.
WANTED. I am always interested in purchasing autographs, either individual
items or collections, and I will respond properly to your offers.
Prices in this catalogue supersede all previous listings.
Open by appointment only. TEL: (212) 242-7209; FAX: (212) 924-9006
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.combsautographs.com
Located at 3 Sheridan Square, Apt. 7-H, New York, NY 10014
(Seventh Avenue & West Fourth Street.)
Design and Layout by Peter Klarnet
Printed by Eagle Printing, Binding & Mailing, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
With A Full Page Drawing
1. EDWIN AUSTIN AbbEY.
An illustrated autograph letter
signed E. A. Abbey, London, no
date, by the American born painter
and illustrator, best remembered
for his illustrations of Shakespeare
plays. To writer Austin Dobson,
“Not tomorrow-I must leave that
distant frontier early in order to
get home early enough to dress-—
down to Hampstead for a lady-—
take her to dine-—and be in time
for the play at 8…”
“Why not come and have luncheon with me on Saturday…I can
always talk better when my mouth
is full-—Cant you dine on another
night? What night?...Pardon the
ribaldry overleaf.” [on verso,Abbey
pens a caricature of a young man
in a waiting room]. 4 pages, 8vo.
$375
EDWIN AUSTIN AbbEY, NO. 1
2. ALICIA ALONSO. An original 7 x 11 full length Louis Peres photograph of
the Cuban-born dance legend in Swan Lake; signed and dated by the ageless
prima ballerina.
$100
3. HAROLD ARLEN. A rare, vintage 8 x 10 photograph of the American
composer of over 500 popular classics including the score for The Wizard of Oz.
Arlen is shown composing at his desk; he has signed, inscribed and dated the
image February 22, 1944. In addition he has added a good, legible autograph
musical quote from My Shining Hour from the 1943 film The Sky’s the Limit; it is
believed he wrote the song to honor Winston Churchill by paraphrasing the
Prime Minister’s quote, “This will be our finest hour.”
$2,200
SEE BACk COvER ILLUSTRATION
3
4. GINGER
ROGERS-FRED
ASTAIRE. An 8 x
10 photograph of the
most successful
dancing partners of
all time, in a classic
pose in the Cheek to
Cheek routine, from
the 1935 film Top
Hat; signed by both
stars.
$600
5. FRED
ASTAIRE. A full
length 8 x 10 signed
youthful photograph
of the dance legend
in the midst of a
routine; signed in a
dark portion yet
completely legible.
An excellent image.
$150
GINGER ROGERS AND FRED ASTAIRE, NO. 4
To Her Father: An Early Account of Her Career in New York
6. TALLULAH bANKHEAD. A very early autograph letter signed Tallulah,
on Hotel Dupont, Wilmington, Delaware stationery, and dated Wednesday, and
dated in an unknown hand, March 6, 1918. The 16 year old! daughter of W. B.
Bankhead, Alabaman politician and future Speaker of the House writes a
lengthy, chaotic account of her first impressions of the theatre world to “My Precious Daddy,”
“I was so very glad to hear from you. We arrived here Tuesday and are leaving tomorrow for Atlantic City. I am going to try and answer all the questions but first
I thank you a million times for the money and I will be very careful and not waste
it….I have very little to do in the play but Mr. Schubert and Mr. Rinhart said to
try it and get the experience…he [said] I am going to advance in each part. Now
I am only an extra girl in the studio…the rest of the girls have had some years of
experience…they all tell me I am very lucky to get with a Schubert production…”
“I love the stage to death and I am so happy that I am on it. They are paying me
thirty dollars a week but I think I will get a better part and of course they will
pay me more…”
4
“The very first night I was very nervous before I went on but after I got out there
I was not.”
Tallulah assures her father she is behaving herself and not partying; a lie many
girls have told many fathers. Bankhead comments on Alla Nazimova, the Russian actress, appearing in The Wild Duck.
As unpredictable as the actress, the letter is 8 pages long: 4 pages 8vo horizontally and two pages 4to written across the length of two pages of hotel stationery.
The play she was appearing in, The Squab, was a flop and ran only 45 performances. An amazing item.
$985
7. P.T. bARNUM. An excellent three-line autograph sentiment, on a 4 ½ x 2 ½
card, signed and dated May 16, 1879, by the consummate American flimflam
entrepreneur. With portrait.
The two: $300
FREDERIC AUGUSTE bARTHOLDI, NO. 8
8. FREDERIC AUGUSTE bARTHOLDI. An ideal 6 x 3 ¼ postcard, featuring an artist’s rendering of Lady Liberty overlooking New York Harbor; boldly
signed Bartholdi by the French sculptor, designer of this iconic work.
$850
9. HARRY bELFONTE. A vintage 5 ½ x 3 ½ German photograph of the
African American singer and actor, from the 1957 film Island in the Sun; signed
and inscribed at a later date by the activist.
$175
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10. SARAH bERNHARDT. A 4 ¼ x
6 ½ W. & D. Downey cabinet photograph of the French actress signed and
dated 1901, by the Divine Sarah. Photographer’s logo on the verso.
$450
SARAH bERNHARDT, NO. 10
11. LEONARD bERNSTEIN.
An 8 x 10 signed vandamm of NY
bust photograph of the American
conductor and composer.
$250
12. LEONARD bERNSTEIN.
An autograph letter signed Lenny
on the American composer and
conductor’s 5 ½ x 3 ½ correspondence card. To columnist Leonard
Lyons and his wife,
“I love your little gift notebook! I
can’t explain why the other one
went astray, but double thanks for
your double try! And much love-—
Lenny.”
LEONARD bERNSTEIN, NO. 12
With the original holograph addressed transmittal envelope, bearing the postmark April 2, 1963.
The two: $100
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13. JACK bEESON. An extensive autograph musical quote, with lyrics, from
Act I, Scene 2 of the American composer’s1956 opera The Sweet Bye & Bye;
signed and dated by Beeson on a 9 x 3 ¾ sheet of music paper.
$175
14. MEL bLANC. An 8 x 10 color composite photograph of the American
actor, the voice of countless cartoon characters during the Warner Bros. “Golden
Age of Animation.” Here, Blanc, surrounded by over a dozen of his characters to
whom he lent a voice, signs, inscribes and dates the piece: “Eh what’s up Adam,
Bugs Bunny & Gang, Mel Blanc, 3-37-87.”
$150
Re: His Painting as Cardinal Richelieu
15. EDWIN bOOTH. An autograph letter signed, Cohasset, Mass., August 8,
1886, by the pre-eminent American actor of the 19th Century and brother of assassin John Wilkes Booth. To British portrait artist John Collier, who had done a
painting of Booth as Cardinal Richelieu,
“Not only the size but the value of your picture prevented me from taking advantage of your generosity, but in a thoughtless moment I playfully referred to
the portrait while chatting with Mr. Irving [English actor, Sir Henry Irving]-—
who asked me where it was. He, in a kindly spirit, said he would speak to you on
the subject, thinking perhaps, that I felt slighted. But such, I assure you, was not
the case, and I regret that I said anything about the picture…”
“I will, however, avail myself of the ‘golden opportunity’ your kindness offers me
to possess your valuable work and I thank you most cordially for it.”
“If sent to the address of my friend Mr. Wm. Bispham…expenses for transportation…will be cared for.” 2 pages, 1st and 3rd pages of 4 page, 8vo stationery, with a
vertically-penned closing and signature on the the inside 2nd page.
$250
16. EDOUARD bRANLY.An autograph letter signed on Laboratoire de
Physique stationery, December 24, 1924, by the French physicist and inventor,
known for his contributions to wireless telegraphy.
“I am very grateful to Phylome Library Association of verdun for its gracious
celebration of my birthday. Please accept, Mr. President, my warm respects.”
1 page, 8vo.
$135
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Inscribed to the Conductor of the Premiere, Ernest Ansermet
17. SIGNED FIRST
EDITION SCORE.
bENJAMIN bRITTEN. THE RAPE OF
LUCRETIA. MUSIC bY
bENJAMIN bRITTEN,
OP. 37. The folio first
edition in original soft
cover, illustrated by John
Piper; the title page features an effusive inscription to the conductor of
the premier in July of
1946, Swiss musician
Ernest Ansermet, who
had premiered many of
Stravinsky’s works.
“To my dear Ernest
Ansermet, with happiest
memories, and more gratitude than I can express,
and great affection and
respect from a grateful
company Benjamin Britten. Glyndebourne 1946.”
bENJAMIN bRITTEN, NO. 17
Below this is a dedication by Eric Crozier, producer of this, the first “chamber
opera” of Britten: “With sincere and grateful
thanks.” It was Crozier who suggested the
text for the opera. London, New York, Sydney, Toronto, Cape Town, Boosey & Hawkes,
Ltd., 1946. In excellent condition. A remarkable association copy of this opera written for
kathleen Ferrier.
$3,500
18. bUCKINGHAM PALACE JUbILEE
CONCERT. A highly ornate laced 8 x 10
July 15, 1887 concert program, with three
colorful Royal heraldic emblems at the head.
The concert was given as one of the celebrations to honor Queen victoria’s 50th year on
the throne. 2 pages, 4to.
$150
bUCKINGHAM PALACE JUbILEE , NO. 18
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19. JOHN C. CALHOUN. A full page 4to Department of War manuscript letter signed J.C. Calhoun, August 26, 1823, by the U.S. statesman and politician,
here as Secretary of War under James Monroe. To Richard Smith, Cashier of the
Office of Discount and Deposit,
“A draft for $1000 in favor of Col. David Brearley late agent of the Cherokee
nation on the Arkansas, founded on a requisition issued by the Dept. in August
last, has been addressed by the Treasurer of the U. States to said Brearley, at
Arkansas, and has miscarried, it is now desirable to have the money at my disposal here.”
“It will therefore become necessary for the Treasurer to issue a duplicate of the
draft…I hereby pledge myself that he shall incur no loss, in the event of the
original being presented and paid at New Orleans (on which place it was
drawn), under any circumstances.” Two holograph corrections.
$750
20. CHARMIAN CARR. An 8 x 10 photograph of the actress, who as a young
woman portrayed Liesl, eldest daughter of the von Trapp family, in The Sound of
Music; signed and inscribed.
$35
21. TERESA CARRENO. An excellent 3 ½ x 5 ¼ carte photograph
mounted to a 7 x 10 photographer’s board, on which the much
married venezuelan pianist, singer
and composer has boldly inscribed,
signed and dated the piece November 30, 1912.
$400
22. ELLIOTT CARTER.A document signed Elliott Carter, jr., July
14, 1939, being a contract between
Arrow Music Press and the American composer, for the octavo edition of Heart Not So Heavy as
Mine, one of his first works for unaccompanied choir, based on a text
by Emily Dickinson,a fact which
Carter has added in his own hand.
One page, large 4to.
$100
TERESA CARRENO, NO. 21
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23. ENRICO CARUSO. An
ideal, original Mishkin 5 x 9 ¼
full length photograph of the
great Italian tenor as Samson in
Camille Saint-Saens’ opera Samson and Delilah; signed, inscribed
and dated 1918 by the singer.
$1,250
ENRICO CARUSO, NO. 23
24. GUSTAVE CHARPENTIER. An endearing 5 x 3 carte photograph of the
French composer of the opera Louise, standing, full length, on a balustrade, overlooking a harbor; Charpentier has written on
the image,
“Not far from the bust
of Berlioz…your God
and mine. Affectionate
remembrance of your
Gustave Charpentier.”
$250
GUSTAVE CHARPENTIER, NO. 24
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25. GENERAL MARK W. CLARK. A highly laudatory letter signed on Army
Field Forces stationery, December 21, 1951, by the American General during
World War II and the korean War. To Colonel Charles W. Raymond II,
“On your departure from this Office and assignment to…the Presidio of Monterey, California, in preparation for a Military Attache assignment in korea…It
is a pleasure to have had you once more as a member of my command. The fine
qualities which distinguished your work as Battalion Commander as Executive
Officer of Artillery units of the Fifth Army during the Italian Campaigns of
World War II have continued to be apparent throughout your assignment to this
Office…As you leave Fort Monroe, you take with you our best wishes for health,
happiness and good fortune.” 1 page, 4to.
$250
Creator of the First Commercial Christmas Card
26. HENRY COLE. A document signed on Department of Science and Art
letterhead, London, June 21, 1853, by the largely unknown civil servant and inventor, who introduced the first commercial Christmas card, in 1843, to victorian England and is often credited with designing the first postage stamp, the
“Penny Black.” Here, Cole returns some artifacts that were borrowed for an exhibit,
“In returning the objects which you have so kindly permitted to be exhibited in
the Museum of this Department, I am directed by the Lords of the Committee
of Privy Council for Trade to express to you their best thanks for the instruction
and gratification which the articles lent by you have afforded.” 1 page, folio. Unusual.
$500
27. SIGNED EDITION.
NATALIE COLE. ANGEL ON
MY SHOULDER. The autobiography of the singer, entertainer,
daughter of legendary Nat king
Cole. Signed on the full title page:
“Love, Natalie Cole.”Illustrated,
index. Original boards, 4to. Mint
dust wrapper. New York, 2000. $35
28. FRANCO CORELLI.An 8
x 10 signed and dated photograph of the great Italian tenor in
an unidentified role.
$150
FRANCO CORELLI, NO. 28
29. [COSTUME DESIGN].
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EDITH HEAD. A highly informative Paramount Pictures Corporation letter
signed April 20, 1962, by the 8-time Academy Award winning costume designer,
who dressed almost every major star of that era and worked on such films as
Roman Holiday and A Place in the Sun. To a lady,
“The first rule for you is not to wear your clothes too tightly. Concentrate on the
darker colors-not necessarily black or navy, but muted colors and subdued patterns, not bulky fabrics.”
“Your most flattering silhouette is any version of the two-piece garment …You
would look well in a light colored blouse, and skirt of a darker color…”
“…The rule for jewelry is: when in doubt, leave it off. I think most women have a
tendency to over-dress.” 1 page, 8vo.
$225
30. SIGNED EDITION. NOEL COWARD. WAITING IN THE WINGS.
First performed at The Duke of York Theatre, London in 1960 and signed on the
first blank page, by the English playwright, author, singer and general bon vivant;
inscribed to American orchestral arranger Irwin kostal. Original boards, 8vo.
Dust wrapper worn with some minor tears but intact. New York, 1960.
$300
31. CHARLES CURTIS. An original 7 ½ x 11 Harris & Ewing photograph of
the vice-President of the United States under Herbert Hoover; signed and inscribed with autograph greetings.
$135
Musical Sketches for His 1968 (and last) Opera Ulysses
32. LUIGA DALLAPICCOLA. A four-page oblong large 4to autograph musical manuscript, in pencil, signed, inscribed and dated, in ink, by the Italian musical giant, who has written: “From Ulysses (Prologue, 3rd Episode 3), [Nausitena
(?)], To Mr. & Mrs. T. Ferntree, Luigi Dallapiccola, July 12, 1968, Berlin,” which
indicates it was given to the recipients before the premiere later in this year. The
composer worked on the piece for eight years. This could easily be a working
sketch and is worthy of further research, but not by me. With the original transmittal envelope, addressed by the composer and bearing a second signature in
the return address.
The two: $750
33. CHARLES-FRANCOIS DAUbIGNY. An autograph letter signed C.
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Daubigny, no date, by the French artist, leader of the Barbizon movement, whose
style influenced many of the early Impressionists.
“In response to your friendly letter I can only see you when you come to Paris to
spend time at my atelier [at] quai d’Anjou 13 where I am every Friday and
where you can choose for yourself some proofs of my etchings.” 1 page, 8vo. The
artist has run out of ink towards the end of this missive, hence a light but legible
conclusion.
Quai d’Anjou on the Ile de Saint Louis was a fashionable address for some of
France’s leading literary and artistic luminaries. Cezanne lived next door. $350
34. bETTE DAVIS. An original
8 x 10 Warner Bros. Elmer Fryer
photograph, inscribed and signed
“For Ruth Swartz, from Bette
Davis,” by the Academy Award
winning film star.
$400
bETTE DAVIS, NO. 34
35. WILLIAM DE bECK. An original 3 X 4
½ color pen and ink drawing by the American
cartoonist using characters from one of his
most famous strips: Barney Google; signed Bill
DeBeck, 1936 by the artist. Mounted. $100
WILLIAM DE bECK, NO. 35
13
36. YVONNE DeCARLO. A 5 x 7 photograph of the Canadian-born American actress as Lily Munster from the Tv comedy The Munsters; signed “Yvonne
DeCarlo & Lily.” $75
37. DOLORES DEL RIO. An 8 x 10 photograph of the Mexican-born actress,
sitting on an ornate park bench with her white poodle; signed “Best wishes, Dolores Del Rio, 1979.” Although taken later in life, Del Rio still has the self possessed beauty that made her a star.
$125
38. RICHARD DONNER. A 10 x 8 signed and inscribed photograph of the
immensely successful director of the Lethal Weapon franchise as well as The Omen
and the Superman films; Donner is shown on the set of his 1985 film Ladyhawke.
$150
39. MAMIE DOUD EISENHOWER. A commercial Birthday card with a
printed greeting, inscribed, signed and date May 28, 1973, by the former First
Lady. 4 pages, 8vo. With the original transmittal envelope bearing a printed Free
Frank of Mrs. Eisenhower.
The two: $65
40. T.S. ELIOT. A letter signed November 8, 1948, by the American-born playwright, editor and poet. Having just won the Nobel Prize for Literature and
consequently securing an appointment to the prestigious Institute for Advanced
Study, Princeton from which this letter is written, Eliot addresses Miss Phyllis
Feldkamp of Life Magazine,
“I must apologize for not being able
to answer in time your kind letter of
October 27th. I had to be away in
Boston for several days, and since
my return I have had to be extremely busy. It would have been a
pleasure to have attended your party
for the Sitwells, and I thank you for
the invitation….” 1 page, 4to.
The English triad of literary siblings,
the Sitwells: Edith, Osbert and
Sacheverell.
$895
41. GEORGES ENESCU. An
original 8 x 10 Renato Toppo of
New York bust photograph of the
Romanian composer, violinist, pianist and conductor, who has boldly
signed, inscribed and dated his image
1937. Photographer’s stamp on the
reverse.
$450
GEORGES ENESCU, NO. 41
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42. [THE EXORCIST].An 8 x 10 photograph of a movie poster for the 1973
horror classic, The Exorcist; signed by two of the stars: Ellen Burstyn and Linda
Blair as well as author of the book Academy Award winning writer of the
screenplay, William Peter Blatty. $150
Inscribed To Organist Alexandre Guilmant
43. SIGNED FIRST EDITION. GAbRIEL FAURE. REQUIEM. The first
edition, first issue of the full orchestral score of the French composer’s opus 68,
his lovely Requiem; signed, inscribed and dated to the celebrated organist and
successor to Widor, Alexandre Guilmant, on the first free blank end page.
“My dear colleague and friend Alexandre Guilmant from his very devoted and
appreciative Gabriel Faure, April 1901.” Original decorated wrappers newly
bound in blue 4to calf with marbleized boards. 78 pages. Paris, [1900]. $3,750
44. ELLA FITzGERALD. A
lovely 8 x 10 James J. kriegsmann of NY photograph of the
jazz singer who has signed and
inscribed her image: “Best
Wishes, to you ‘Donnas.’ It was
wonderful working with you,
Sincerely, Ella Fitzgerald.”
$450
45. KIRSTEN FLAGSTAD.
The December 12, 1953 concert
program celebrating the 40th
anniversary of the career of the
great Wagnerian soprano.
Signed and inscribed, in English, by Flagstad,
“Ivor with best wishes for a
happy Christmas and New Year,
love, kirsten.”
ELLA FITzGERALD, NO. 44
The singer had made her debut in 1913 at the National Theatre in Oslo as Nuri
in Eugen d’Albert’s Tiefland. 4 pages, 8vo.
$135
46. FRIEDRICH VON FLOTOW. An autograph letter, incorporating an autograph musical quote, signed Fr. von Flotow, Schwerin, November 24, 1879, by
the German composer of the opera Martha. Possibly to his editor or copyist,
“I take pleasure in replying to the questions you put to me and ask you to rectify
the passages in question in the following way-[he inserts a 3-measure musical
quote], Yours, completely devoted, Fr. von Flotow.” 1 page, small 8vo.
$795
15
47. NIELS W. GADE. An highly informative 3-page 8vo autograph letter, in
English, signed N.W. Gade, Copenhagen, February 21, 1895, by the most important Danish composer of the 19th Century.
“By this post I have the honour to forward you a copy of the ‘Crusaders’ arranged
for the Piano forte, with German words.”
“By the end of February, according to promise, I shall send you all the chorusparts, printed with English words and the solos. You can have copies of the score
(Partitions) and Orchestra parts from Breitkopf & Hartel of Leipzig who have
printed the work.”
“The reason I have not earlier sent you the Copy you ask for is, that I wished to
wait until I could send it with English text…The translation of ‘Zion’ is almost
ready, but I cannot promise the printed Chorus parts before the end of March.”
The Crusaders, opus 50, and Zion, opus 49.
$1,250
48. HORATIO GATES.An autograph letter signed, Rose Hill
[his estate on Manhattan Island],
September 2, 1795, by the English-born American Revolutionary Officer, credited with the
surrender of General Burgoyne at
Saratoga in 1777. To Richard
Carson,
“Inclosed is a Letter of Mrs.
O’Neal which I request the favour
of you to forward by the first safe,
& convenient Opportunity, it
does not require immediate dispatch…I expect by tomorrow, or
Saturdays post at farthest, an Acknowledgement of my last two
letters [re] Mr. Marks’ bond for
300; the other, containing Mr.
Claggot’s bond for 650…”
HORATIO GATES, NO. 48
“We have no News extraordinary and the Apprehensions of a Contagious Fever
has died away with the few unfortunate victims to that Calamity…My Mary
[his second wife, heiress Mary vallance] is well, & with me presents affectionate
Compliments…Miss [?] is still here…& in daily expectation of someone appearing to Conduct her to Baltimore.” 1 page, 4to. Affixed to another sheet.
$985
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Appointment of a Commissioner to the United States
49. GEORGE, PRINCE REGENT OF GREAT
bRITAIN. A document signed
at the head, George P.R., Carlton. June 20, 1816. Acting on
behalf of his incapacitated and
mentally ill father, the Prince
Regent appoints John Ogilvie to
act as His Majesty’s Commissioner to carry out the regulations agreed to by the 1814
Treaty of Ghent, which concluded the War of 1812. Countersigned by Henry, 3rd Earl of
Bathurst as Secretary of State
for War and Colonies. 2 pages,
folio. Attached to this, by the
original silk ribbon is a 4-page
copy of the actual commission
that was entrusted to said John
Ogilvie. Wafer Royal Seal attached to first page. An uncommon appointment.
$1,000
GEORGE, PRINCE REGENT, NO. 49
50. MORTON GOULD. An excellent youthful 10 x 8 photograph signed and inscribed by
the American composer, conductor and
arranger, who is shown correcting a score. $85
51. bETTY GRAbLE. A friendly autograph
letter signed Betty on personal letterhead, no date,
by the pinup star of the 1940’s. To a soldier (?),
“Your grand letter received, and thanks a lot for
letting me know that you and all the boys have
enjoyed my Pictures, and that they bring some
happiness into your lives. You boys have all done a
swell job, and we are mighty proud of you.”
bETTY GRAbLE, NO. 51
“Am sending you and the boys in your Ward
some autographed pictures. Hope you like them….” 1 page, 4to.
Accompanied by a vintage 8 x 10 photograph inscribed and signed Betty to the
same recipient.
The two: $450
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52. MARCEL GRANDJANY. A 14-line autograph testimonial, on the occasion of Steinway & Co.’s 100th anniversary, signed by the renowned Frenchborn American harpist.
“It is a sincere pleasure for me to extend my very best congratulations to the
House of Steinway on its 100th anniversary.”
“To day the Steinway occupies a unique and significant role of leadership
throughout the world of music…heartiest good wishes to Mr. Theodore E.
Steinway, President of Steinway and Sons, June 24, 1953.” Oblong album page,
4to.
$150
53. U. S. GRANT. An autograph letter signed, as President, September 5, 1873.
vacationing at his summer residence at Long Branch, New Jersey, Grant writes
to Edward Pierrepont, who presided over the trial of John Surratt in the Lincoln
assassination conspiracy and whom the President would soon appoint Attorney
General of the United States.
“Your favor of yesterday enquiring what day next week, after Monday, you can
meet me here was received last evening after the departure of the last mail for
the day.”
“If not called to Washington and I do not expect to be, I will be very glad to see
you here on Wednesday or Friday whichever may be most convenient to you. On
Thursday I visit the Monmouth County Fair, to be held at Freehold, the county
seat.”
“Should I be called to Washington it will probably be on Monday, so that the
announcement in the papers would inform you whether I would be at home on
Wednesday or not.” 2 pages, 1st and 3rd pages of 4-page stationery.
$3,500
54. FLORENCE KLING HARDING. A scarce White House letter signed by
the First Lady, Washington, August 30, 1921. To Brig General Charles E.
Sawyer of the War Department,
“Because of our indefinite plans for the month of September and not knowing
just when we shall be out of Washington, I shall appreciate it if you will ask Mr.
Williamson to hold the piano until October.” 1 page, large 8vo.
$275
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55. THOMAS HARDY. A
manuscript letter signed T.
Hardy, November 29, 1900, on
the English novelist’s blindstamped Max Gate, Dorchester
stationery. Here, the creator of
Far from the Madding Crowd and
Tess of the d’Urbervilles, among
many excellent novels, addresses
the use of one of his poems
known as I look into my glass
which begins:
“I look into my glass,
And view my wasting skin,
And say, Would God it came to
pass
My heart had shrunk as thin!”
Here, Hardy writes, “In answer
to the request of Mr. Alfred E.
Liddle of Columbus, Ohio, for
permission to set to music the
THOMAS HARDY, NO. 55
lines ‘I look into my glass’, please
inform him that such permission is given.” 1 page, 8vo. Receipt stamp at top
margin.
$850
56. bENJAMIN HARRISON. A 16 X 20 vellum document bearing engraved
military themes at top and bottom, signed Benj. Harrison, Washington December 19, 1892, as President. Harrison appoints Elbridge R. Hills to be a Captain
of Artillery in the service of the United States. Countersigned by Secretary of
War, S. B. Elkins. Blue Seal of the United States present.
$850
57. OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND. A scarce vintage 10 ¼ x 13 ¼ original photograph of the American star as Melanie in Gone With the Wind; signed and inscribed “For Linda, With the best, the very best of wishes! Olivia de Havilland.”
$450
58. NEAL HEFTI. A full page folio autograph musical quote, with lyrics (as
dumb as they are), signed by the American composer and jazz trumpeter; from
Hefti’s 1960’s work, the theme for Batman. Inscribed to an 8th Grade class and
dated November 29, 1978.
$225
19
59. LILLIAN HELLMAN. A letter, on The Plaza Hotel NY stationery, signed
March 14, 1940, by the American author. To Oskar Graf of the German American Writers Association,
“I am sorry to have been so long in answering you. I am very honored to be
nominated for your list of honorary members. I spent the most pleasant evening
with all of you, and if there is anything I can do in the future to help, I hope you
will let me know.” One page, 8vo. With a lifelike carte photograph of Hellman.
The two: $150
60. JERRY HERMAN. The 23-line typed lyrics to the American composer’s
song We Need A Little Christmas, from his hit Broadway musical Mame; signed by
Herman at the conclusion.
$100
61. DAVID HOCKNEY. A youthful 5 x 7 signed photograph of the English
artist, a leader in the Pop Art movement.
$150
62. bILLIE HOLIDAY. A rare autograph letter signed, November 4, 1957, by
the consummate Jazz singer and author, whose chaotic and short life were
chronicled in the film Lady Sings the Blues.
“Many thanks for your nice letter. The only advice I can give you, Baby, is to try
it on your own. I had to quit Basie and later Artie Shaw and go out on my own,
so I understand how you feel.”
“Don’t ever give up. As you said, you have studied too many years for that. keep
trying. keep on swinging and singing. Sincerely, Lady Day, Billie Holiday.” Front
and reverse of 8vo flower decorated stationery. With the original autograph addressed envelope bearing a second signature in the return address and a classic 8
X 10 unsigned photograph.
The three: $4,500
63. LOU HENRY HOOVER. An uncommon 4 ¼ x 2 ¾ White House card
signed in full by the First Lady, a linguistic expert and geologist. Accompanied
by a transmittal letter from Mrs. Hoover’s secretary as well as the original envelope postmarked Washington, January 27, 1933.
The three: $250
20
bILLIE HOLIDAY, NO. 62
64. LENA HORNE. An 8 x 10 signed photograph of the late legendary entertainer; a promotion for a April 28, 1971 kRAFT MUSIC HALL special
‘Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.’ Slight small discoloration at right margin
affects nothing.
$50
65. ENGELbERT HUMPERDINCK. A very early autograph letter signed E.
Humperdinck, Cologne, January 5, 1885, by the German composer on a 5 ½ x 3
½ postcard. To publishers Ries & Erler in Berlin,
“In order not to draw the matter out further than has already happened, I won’t
insist on my conditions. Would you please let me know when you receive the
material. This winter we’ll probably be dealing only with the piano parts. The orchestra parts could be loaned for the time being. They are in the possession of
the concert management company in Cologne.” Autograph address on postmarked, stamped reverse
$450
21
ANDREW JACKSON, NO. 66
66. ANDREW JACKSON. An attractive one-page 8vo autograph letter signed,
April 25, 1832, as President. To a Mr. Pleasanton,
“The bearer is young Mr. Ebenezer J. Hume, that I brought to your notice on Saturday evening, as a proper person to fill a vacancy in your office that is about to occur.
He is a young gentleman of good education, and of unspotted moral character, his father amongst the most amiable of men, and his appointment will be gratifying to the
President.” On the verso, Jackson has penned a five-line postscript,
“I have mentioned the subject to the Secy of the Treasury who sanctions the appoint[ment].”
Integral address leaf bearing a three-line autograph address. Traces of a wax seal present.
$4,000
22
67. JOHN JAY. A brief autograph letter signed, Albany, February 27, 1801, by
the American diplomat, first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Governor
of New York State and co-writer of the seminal Federalist Essays, which outlined the hopes and expectations of the Founding Fathers for the New Republic.
Here as the second Governor of NY,
“Gentlemen, I herewith lay before you the Report of the Regents of the university, together with the Document mentioned in it.” 1 page, 4to.
$985
68. ERICA JONG. A remarkably long and thoughtful correspondence to fellow
writer Dusty Sklar, signed Weston, CT, July 30, 1977. Partly typed and partly in
the hand of the author of Fear of Flying and written on Jong’s well produced stationery, with numerous corrections and amendments and signed in full, as well as
a full page P.S. signed with initials, Jong tackles the theme of the constant strain
between commercially successful and artistically acclaimed books, using numerous examples from English and American literature from the 18th Century to
the present. Too much content to quote at length, but here, a brief sampling:
“You’ve chosen a subject which is extremely complicated…If we look into the
history of English & American literature…we’ll find that the end of aristocratic
patronage…and the beginning of a mass reading public…produces both advantages and disadvantages…the history of our literature…is full of examples of
writers who responded to the needs of the marketplace…When the Licensing
Act forced Henry Fielding to give up writing for the stage, he wrote….Tom
Jones….A good writer may choose one form over another…but that doesn’t
mean that he suddenly becomes slipshod…If Shakespeare were writing today, he
would probably use the novel form…He would still be a great writer.”
“In any age, of course, there are hacks…We tend to forget that there were hacks
in other ages too, because their work is so unmemorable.”
“In our age they tend to write How-to-books, pop psychology, biographies of
movie stars, kennedys, Watergate felons & the like, & a certain kind of sprawling novel with very many pages & very little wit…” An incredible read. Six
pages, large 4to. With the original autograph addressed envelope. The two: $400
69. JAMES EARL JONES. An excellent youthful signed and inscribed photograph of the distinguished actor, with the highly recognizable voice.
$50
23
The Making of a bookplate
70. ROCKWELL KENT. A highly
informative typed letter signed on
the American writer, artist, illustrator and printmaker’s ornamental stationery, Ausable Forks, New York,
October 7, 1961. Here kent details
his work for a client’s bookplates,
“Here at last are sketches for your
bookplate-five of them, each numbered for your convenience and my
understanding when you reply to me
about them.”
“You will note-I fear regretfully-that I
have only used the baton once. It
seemed to me, since my ideas were
fairly realistic, that it was perhaps a little incongruous to have a figure waving a baton on a mountain top-—as
though, like God, he was directing the
Universe….”
ROCKWELL KENT, NO. 70
“Please be as critical as you please about the designs…for a bookplate is too personal a matter not to be as nearly as possible what its owner would have it be.”
“I have put neither your name nor initials on any of these, but that is easily
done…either chiseled on the stone…or lettered in white on the border of the
second color that I would use in the design.”
“Take your time about returning the sketches…I know that I have been a dreadfully long time in sending you these sketches…” 1 page, 4to. With a copy of the
finished work, which retained the baton and the recipient’s initials chiseled on
the rock.
The two: $400
71. JEROME KERN. A document signed October 22, 1932, by the American
Broadway composer, the document being the assignment of renewal copyright
by the musician to T.B. Harms Company of six compositions: The Bagpipe Serenade, Tulips, My Southern Belle, Raining, The Frolic of a Breeze and Oh Mr.
Chamberlain. One page, folio. Attached is an oblong 8vo copyright receipt from
the Copyright Office, Library of Congress with red wafer seal attached.
$500
72. HANK KETCHAM. An 8 x 10 photograph of the American cartoonist
who has inscribed and signed it, adding a drawing of his most famous creation,
Dennis the Menace. “To good ol’ Bill Wood- Warm regards, Hank ketcham.”
Mild crease in upper left hand corner.
$150
24
73. zOLTAN KODALY. An
autograph letter signed Z. kodaly, [ June 27, 1947 (?)], by the
Hungarian composer and
teacher. To the Associated Music
Publishers in New York,
“Universal Editions vienna, ask
[sic] me to confirm personally
the arrangement about my Bach
Chorale you wish to publish in a
string orchestra arrangement
paying the sum of $50.00[?].
Agreed, and you send me a copy
of the score and separate parts.
Yours very truly, Z. kodaly.”
Written on a folding postcard
advertising the Jagerhaus Hotel
and Restaurant in karlsbad.
$650
74. MARIA KORNILOVA. An
zOLTAN KODALY, NO. 73
8 x 10 signed photograph of the
American actress, Tony Award winner for her supporting role in Fiddler on the
Roof. She was the original Tessie Tura in Gypsy. Imperceptible creases do not mar
the image.
$75
75. IRWIN KOSTAL. An 8 x 10 signed and inscribed photograph of the Academy Award winning American Broadway and film orchestrator and arranger,
shown poring over a score; among his contributions were West Side Story, Mary
Poppins and The Sound of Music. Signed and inscribed by kostal.
$100
76. FRED LASSWELL. A 13 ½ x 5 ¼ color cartoon strip, Barney Google and
Snuffy Smith, neatly excised from a newspaper, signed, inscribed and dated
3/19/92 by the creator of the strip, “Fer Sweet Elizabeth Wiggins, with goodest
wishes, Fred Lasswell.”Small tear affects nothing.
$75
25
T. E. LAWRENCE, NO. 77
“…people have told stories about my oddness…”
77. T.E. LAWRENCE. A delightful tongue-in-cheek autograph letter signed
T.E. Shaw, Clouds’ Hill, Moreton, Dorset, [circa March 1925], by the British
Lieutenant-Colonel, known for his exploits during World War I as Lawrence of
Arabia. As an author, the writer addresses a Mr. Rickword,
“Your request rather worries me. My writing has no literary pretension, but has attracted notice since people have told stories about my oddness, making me out a romantic person-—and it is considered curious that such a one should wish to write.”
“Your paper is meant, you say, to be rather good. If so, why strain after a contribution from the merely notorious? I think I must wait till I have bought your
first number & judge it for myself.” 1 page, small 4to.
$6,000
26
Encompassing an Original Drawing and Limerick
78. EDWARD LEAR.
An autograph letter
signed, July 26, 1877, by
the English aritist, illustrator and poet, known for
his nonsense limericks. To
a Lady Waldegreen [?].
“There never was any
doubt of my own mind as
to my being a Donkey & I
daresay my friends endorse that perception.”
“In the present case I find
that I have long been engaged on Tuesday the
30th-—but in writing to
Chichester SPFC I looked
at the wrong Tuesday on
my list.”
“I write therefore now, to
say that I can only accept
your kind invitation for
Monday the 30th…”
“The constant running
about distracts me fearEDWARD LEAR, NO. 78
fully & it is worse from
being resorted to now-adays chiefly for the purpose of wishing good bye for a last time to friends I shall
see no more—for after 80 or 90-—who expects to see anybody?”
“But the confusion of intellect is much the same & at present I am not sure if I
am Warren Hastings, or Aristotle or Nicodemus. So I am looking forward to escaping from Hustlefustledom, & perhaps may settle down as a Monk at Mt.
Athos eventually.” Here Lear displays his peculiar talents by composing an ex
tempore limerick: “There was an old person of Athos, Whose voice was remarked
for its pathos, He sat on a log, And sang to a frog, Who croaked to that person
of Athos.”
In an ideal situation, Lear also adds an illustration of his nonsense poem.
3 pages, 8vo.
$1,500
27
RObERT E. LEE, NO. 79
79. RObERT E. LEE. An attractive and informative full page autograph letter
signed R.E. Lee, Lexington, va., May 11, 1867, as President of Washington College. Lee apprises the father of two students on their tuition status.
“In compliance with your request of the 4th inst. I enclose the Treasure’s statement of the accounts of your Sons, in support of which he refers to the vouchers
in his possession & his checks in payment of same on the Bank of Lexington.
He informs me that he gave Mr. Eskridge a receipt for the money he deposited
with him, & upon the reception of the $100 from yourself, he deposited it to the
credit of your sons…”
“The payments made to Mr. Ruff & Bouyer are for travel, to Campbell & Leech
for books & the smaller amounts to them for incidental expenses.”
“I regret that your Sons have suffered so much from chills & fever. Leroy has
been interrupted very much thereby in his studies, & his brother discouraged.
They have been however gradually improving, & I presume this mountain cli28
mate will in time eradicate the disease.” 1 page, 4to. With the original autograph
addressed, postmarked and stamped envelope. Included is a fair copy of the accounts for the two boys’ expenses and perhaps most interesting, a brochure for
Washington College giving insight into higher education in post Civil War
America.The group:
$8,500
80. FRANz LEHAR. An original Hermann Bruhlmeyer of vienna 6 ½ x 9
image-size photograph of the Austrian operetta composer; signed and inscribed
to karl and Mrs. Stegbauer, dated 1930 with a three-bar autograph musical
quote from Lehar’s1929 opera Das Land der Lachelns (The Land of Smiles), all on
the generous 11 ½ x15 ½ photographer’s mount. Also signed in pencil by the
photographer, bearing the photography studio’s stamp on the reverse.
$750
81. RObERT TODD LINCOLN .A letter signed Robert T. Lincoln, Manchester, vt., October 3, 1910, by the American politician, statesman and only
surviving child of Abraham Lincoln. Written from Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln’s estate and summer home, the letter is addressed to Francis D. Tandy, Secretary of The Lincoln Fellowship,
“I receive here from The Tandy-Thomas Company, a copy of the ‘Proceedings of
the Second and Third Annual Meetings of the Lincoln Fellowship,’ February
20th, 1909, and February 12th, 1910.”
“I have read them with much interest, and with grateful appreciation of the expressions of regard for my father’s memory; and as I assume that I am indebted
to you for this record, I beg to thank you for your courtesy in sending it to me.”
One page, 8vo.
$595
82. SEYMOUR LIPKIN. An
8 x 10 signed and inscribed
photograph of the American
pianist and teacher.
$50
83. GEORGES LONGY. A
beautifully penned autograph
musical quote, inscribed and
signed G. Longy, Boston, April
29, 1918, by the principal
oboist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and founder
GEORGES LONGY, NO. 83
of the prestigious Longy
School of Music in Boston. 1 page, oblong 4to.
29
$150
84. JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL.
An informative autograph letter signed
J.R. Lowell, Cambridge, November 11,
1890, by the American poet and diplomat. Writing from his home of Elmwood, Lowell addresses “Rev. Dr.
Edward Hale” no doubt his fellow
abolitionist, clergyman and author of
The Man Without a Country.
“Mr. Guizot asked me ‘how long do
you think the American Republic will
endure?’ My answer was, ‘So long as
the ideas of its founders continue to be
dominant.’ I quoted this in an address
before the New York Reform Club in
1868 (?). Of course I condensed it. In
my conversation with Guizot I naturally explained that by ‘ideas’ I meant
also the traditions of their race in government & morals.” 1 page, 8vo.
Francois Guizot, French historian, orator and statesman.
$450
JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, NO. 84
The Father of Cinema Gives His Opinion on a New Filming Patent
85. LOUIS LUMIERE. A detailed 3-page 8vo autograph letter, in French,
signed, on black-bordered stationery, August 5, 1926. The French photographer
and inventor, who with brother Auguste, patented the machine which made it
possible to project film onto a screen for an audience, writes to a friend giving
him an opinion on a new patent development,
“The proposed process is not new, it was patented in a barely different format a
long time ago.”
“It seems to me of little interest because scintillation, which is null in the black
areas of the subject, increases with lighting. Adjusting the luminosity and doubling the numbers of pulses to the retina through complete shut off using the
opaque sector of the shutter in the middle of the time when the film is still, said
scintillation is imperceptible….”
“…it seems to me that the proposed mechanism has very big inertia for intermittent movement and the author appears to have no idea of how difficult it
would be to achieve continuous lighting…one should not hope to convince
movie house owners to change projectors for an insignificant improvement
which certainly would not have an impact on their receipts!”
$1,250
30
86. MYRNA LOY. An uncommon early
1930’s photograph of the movie star, shown
in a leggy pose, signed at a later date by the
actress, the character Nora Charles in The
Thin Man series.
$250
87. DAVID MAMET. An 8 x 10 publicity
photograph of the American playwright,
shown with actor David Rasche while rehearsing a scene from Mamet’s1981 one act
play A Sermon; signed by the writer. $100
WRITTEN FROM
DRACULA’S CASTLE
MYRNA LOY, NO. 86
88. QUEEN MARIE OF ROMANIA. An uncommon autograph letter signed
Marie, Bran, August 1, 1935, on front and reverse of a gilt crested 7 x 4 ½ correspondence card, by the English-born royal, author, Queen of Romania by marriage and romantic figure during World War I. Bran Castle, her principal home,
was also known as Dracula’s Castle and has a history attached to it as such. Here
Marie addresses author Ethel Tweedie in London,
“I do admire your magnificent energy and the way you lived down your grief.
What courage and strength of will!”
“…I’d love to come and have a tete a tete talk in the roof garden…We are planning Iliana (one of her daughters) & I to spend the whole of July in England
next year…” With the original autograph addressed, stamped and postmarked
envelope. Some collateral material included from a lady-in-waiting.
$250
89. MARY MARTIN. A gushing autograph letter, on the Broadway star’s personal “Mary Martin” stationery, signed Mary, Nov. 22nd, 1985. To New York legend, song writer and manager, Anna Sosenko,
“We have been in this fabulous business-—for Lo! These many years-—but—never has there been such a night as the Tribute at the Schubert Theater!!!”
“Certainly never in my life—-I felt Richard and Ben—-were there applauding
like mad”
“The whole evening was so beautifully carried out…All my loved friends-— The
Mayor, Everyone…”
“And the last- -Our First Lady-Nancy-proved why she is The First Lady of Our
Land. Thank you dear Anna….” 2 separate pages, 8vo.
The tribute to Martin had occurred on October 20th.
31
$100
90. JAMES McHENRY. A manuscript letter signed War Office, August 15,
1796, as Secretary of War under George Washington. The Revolutionary War
patriot, private secretary to Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette and for
whom Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor is named, writes to Stephen Moylan,
Commissioner of Loans for Pennsylvania.
“I transmit you a list of Invalid Pensioners for the State of Pennsylvania, with my
warrant therein…The Secretary of the Treasury will furnish you with the necessary fund to pay said Invalids.” 1 page, 4to.
$250
Signed by 16 Leading Luminaries of 19th Century Arts and Politics
91. [SIGNED MENU].
A September 7, 1882
Hotel Continental,
Regent Street, decorative 5 x 7 menu signed
vertically by the following men: American
publisher and partner
to Mark Twain, James
R. Osgood, Joseph R.
Hawley Republican
Senator from Connecticut; J.B. Aldrich
(?); American actor
[SIGNED MENU], NO. 91
Edwin booth, brother
of John Wilkes Booth; Lawrence Hutton (?); Henry L. Pierce, U.S. Representative from Massachusetts; B. E. Martin (?); American essayist and novelist
Charles Dudley Warner; William Dean Howells, American author and critic;
Luther Taderis (?); American expatriate author Henry James; American abolitionist, clergyman and author Moncure D. Conway, William Mackay Lappin
(?); American statesman, diplomat and Abraham Lincoln’s secretary John Hay;
American short story writer bret Harte and American geologist, first director of
the US Geological Survey, Clarence King. There must have been some very interesting table conversations; worthy of further research.
$500
92. GIACOMO MEYERbEER. A three-line autograph statement signed in
full by the German composer, “Father of Grand Opera,” on a 6 ¾ x 2 ¾ slip of
music stationery.
“Recitatives, composed for the opera ‘Il Pelerinaggio di Ploermel’ by Giacomo Meyerbeer.”
The 1859 opera, Il Pelerinaggio di Ploermel, is more commonly called by its Italian
name Dinorah.
$300
32
93. DARIUS MILHAUD. An autograph letter, in French, signed Milhaud
[Oakland, California, March 28,1961], by the French composer, one of a group
of musicians, known as Les Six. Written on the reverse of a 5 ½ x 3 ¼ postcard.
To conductor Eric Simon,
“I have sent your letter onto Hauser who has written me a very charming letter.
Since then I have seen le P.M. [his 1927 opera Le Pauvre Matelot , libretto by
Jean Cocteau] in San Francisco with another translation. This is inevitable!”
$125
A Rare Reference to His Son, Christopher Robin
94. A.A. MILNE. An autograph letter signed,
Mallord Street, Chelsea,
May 30, 1939, by the
English author, creator of
Winnie-the-Pooh.
“I am delighted to have a
copy of your book, and
thank you very much for
it. I shall try to read every
word of it before the
school holidays begin: because, when once my boy
sees it, he will annex it for
his own. He is captain of
his Prep-school XI and a
very much better cricketer
than his father ever was.
In fact, if you can arrange
for a new edition in, say,
1942, I think there will be
a Milne (Christopher
Robin) on p. 114 or so.” 1
page, 8vo.
A. A. MILNE, NO. 94
His son lived to regret his father’s use of the name Christopher Robin. He said,
“It seemed to me almost that my father had got where he was by climbing on my
infant shoulders, that he had filched from me my good name and left me nothing but empty fame.”
$1,250
33
95. ANNA MOFFO. An 8 x 10 signed color photograph of the late American
soprano in Offenbach’s Le Perichole.
$50
96. ANNA NEAGLE. An uncommon
8 x 10 vintage photograph signed with
autograph sentiment by the English
film star, shown in the 1939 movie
Nurse Edith Cavell, her first American
movie.
$150
ANNA NEAGLE, NO. 96
97. RICHARD NIXON. A
scarce White House letter authentically signed with initials
by the President, January 28,
1970. To Representative Del
Clawson of California,
“I want you to know how much
I admired your strong and politically difficult stand today to
sustain my veto of the excessive
appropriation for the Department of Health, Education and
Welfare. Time will show that
this vote was in the long-range
interests of better programs for
education and health and,
above all, in the vital interest of
all Americans in braking the
rise of the cost of living.” 1
page, 4to.
$650
RICHARD NIXON, NO. 97
34
Assisting a Young Pianist
98. FERNANDO PAER. An autograph letter, on Liste Civile, Musique du Roi
stationery, signed Fd. Paer, Paris, August 19, 1834, by the Italian composer, instrumental in the development of opera Semiseria. To a Mr. Adam [Adolphe
Adam ?],
“I am taking the liberty to recommend to you the daughter of a respectable lady
who has been brought to my attention in Bordeaux by the sister of the Duke of
Cazes. She has been making formidable progress on the piano under the tutelage
of Master Coche, but would prefer to continue under yours…”
“You can do a lot for her, and I count on your friendship and your kindness toward me.” Two pages, 4to.
$250
99. ANNA PAVLOVA. An original 8 x 10 sepia tone Mishkin photograph of
the legendary ballerina in the divertissement The Dragonfly, a 1915 work she created using an inventive costume with music from Fritz kreisler’s Schon Rosmarin;
signed, inscribed and dated by Pavlova. The place/date is hard to decipher but
undoubtedly signed during her exhaustive 1915 American tour.
$1,250
SEE FRONT COVER ILLUSTRATION
100. THE TSARINA ELIzAbETH PETROVNA OF RUSSIA. A scarce
folio letter, in Cyrillic, signed St. Petersburg, December 26, 1737, shortly before
her coup to put herself on the throne of her late father, Peter the Great. The
Tsarevna requests funds from the State Treasury.
Elizabeth inherited her father’s height and sense of diplomacy and, though limited in education, she proved a worthy successor after a series of weak rulers. Her
sensual side and her dissolute Court paved the way for the rule of her eventual
replacement, Catherine the Great.
$1,500
35
FRANCIS PICAbIA, NO. 101
A Introduction to Gertrude Stein
101. FRANCIS PICAbIA. An autograph letter signed November 21, 1936, by
the French-born artist and poet, a leader in the Dada Movement. To an unidentified correspondent,
“Gertrude Stein would be delighted to see you. She is counting on you for Monday after dinner, 9:30 p.m. If you can. My friendly hands are in yours.”
In a post script: “Gertrude’s address 27, rue de Fleurus.”
Picabia became a great friend of expatriate American writer Gertrude Stein in
the 1930’s.
1 page, oblong 4to. Some discoloration and rippling to the leaf does not impair
the legibility or overall appearance.
$1,000
Wages for Musicians
102. GAbRIEL PIERNE.A lengthy autograph letter signed, July 20, [1920], on
Association Artistique, Concert Colonne stationery, by the French composer, organist and conductor, who premiered Stravinsky’s Firebird in 1910. Here, a more
mundane matter,
“I am sending you my plan, and I would appreciate your passing it around to our colleagues on the Pay Rate Committee…counter-proposals should be made…in my
plan [there is] a similarity of rates for daily workers (twice the pay of the musician)…”
In a postscript: “I note that it is necessary to establish a rate which is double or
triple, depending on the number of services the musician performs.” 2 pages,
12mo.
$85
36
Missing Score for his Concerto for Orchestra
103. WALTER PISTON. An autograph letter, on Harvard University Music
Department stationery, January 15, 1949, signed by the American composer and
teacher of such luminaries as Leonard Bernstein, Elliott Carter and Leroy Anderson.
“Dear Yves, I have just visited the American Music Center in New York and
they told me the parts to the Concerto for Orchestra have not returned from
Paris. Would you mind very much writing to someone at Radio-diffusion to find
out about it? The material may be needed for another performance, or in case it
may be lost they would like to know…before receiving your letter…[I wrote] to
Albert Le Guillard, asking about the date of the performance, and questions
about rental fee…but received no answer.”
“The rental fee is all taken care of, so you do not need to mention that, but we
would like to have the material.”
Concerto for Orchestra was written in 1934. Two pages, 8vo.
$475
RICHARD PRYOR, NO. 104
104. RICHARD PRYOR. A scarce 9 ½ x 7 ½ publicity photograph for the
African-American’s 1977 film Grease Lightening starring Pryor as Wendell Scott,
the first Black stock car racing champion; the actor and leading standup comic of
his generation writes, “Don’t be scared, Life is fun from Richard Pryor.”
$450
37
GIACOMO PUCCINI, NO. 105
105. GIACOMO PUCCINI. An exuberantly penned autograph musical quote
signed in full by the Italian composer, vienna, October 1913. Puccini pens a bar
of music from his La Boheme, the aria Si mi chiamano Mimi from Act I. One page
4to album leaf.
$4,000
38
106. RAOUL PUGNO. An autograph musical quote, from the French pianist,
organist and composer’s Serenade to the Moon, signed November 19, 1898, on a
decorative floral designed oblong 4to album page. On the reverse, an autograph
musical quote signed by the Swiss pianist and teacher, Anna Langenhan-Hirzel,
Geneva, February 5, 1898.
$150
107. HENRI RAbAUD. An autograph letter, on National Conservatory of
Music stationery, signed Paris, June 17, 1934, by the French composer and conductor, music director of the Boston Symphony. To music publisher Carlo
Clausetti,
“Your letter gave me a great deal of pleasure…”
“My ‘Bad Boy’ has suffered a serious mishap. The tenor Georges Urile (?), who
sang the role magnificently, has just had his leg broken in an auto
accident…Those are the risks of the lyric theatre!” 2 pages, 8vo.
Roland and the Bad Boy, his opera, first performed this year.
$125
108. NORMAN ROCKWELL. A typed letter signed, on the artist and illustrator’s personal letterhead, March 6, 1973. To the Chairman of the Board, The
Fidelity Bank, Philadelphia.
“I am indeed honored to
be invited to the previewreception but, as I have just
written Ben Hibbs, it is
just impossible as my
schedule is so unbelievably
crowded…I am truly
sorry.” Receipt stamp and
notation at the top. 1 page,
4to.
$150
109. ELEANOR
ROOSEVELT. An 8 x 10
signed photograph of the
great humanitarian, author
and social activist, as First
Lady.
$450
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT NO. 109
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FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, NO. 110
110. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. A lovely limited edition 11 x 14 color
portrait of the White House, under which a bold signature of the President.
Taken from The Democratic Book 1936, given to important delegates at the Democratic Convention of 1936, held in Philadelphia.
$1,200
111. SIGNED FIRST EDITION. NED ROREM. MUSIC AND PEOPLE.
Signed on the first free end paper: “for Ruben, with love from Ned, 1970,” by the
American composer and writer, in this extended musings on specific musicians
and others, including: The Beatles, Cocteau, Toscanini, Martha Graham,
Stravinsky and Ezra Pound. Original boards, 4to. Near mint dust wrapper. New
York, 1968.
$100
112. LAURENCE ROSENTHAL. An autograph musical quote, from the
American film and T.v. composer’s theme for the highly successful series Fantasy
Island; signed and inscribed on a 3 x 5 card.
$200
113. CAMILLE SAINT-SAENS. An unidentified 4-measure autograph musical quote, signed C. Saint-Saens, 1906 on a slim oblong 8vo sheet of paper.
Neatly mounted.
$350
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114. CARL SANDbURG. A typed letter signed, on George Stevens Productions stationery, June 20, 1961, by the Pulitzer Prize winning poet and historian.
To Pennsylvanian jurist and author Curtis Bok, concerning Bok’s novel Star
Wormwood,
“On a slow second reading lately of your book, STAR WORMWOOD, I have
to say it is one of the great books of our time and wonderful piece of biographical writing. Being so relentlessly true to facts, there is a sense in which it surpasses Dostoevski’s CRIME AND PUNISHMENT….”
“I am reminded now of a couple of days at the Statesville Prison with Warden
Joseph Ragen, a great human spirit…Mrs. Ragen remarked to me, ‘Our children
were raised by murderers.’ The thirty-nine year old barber who shaved the warden every morning…[had] shot and killed a Chicago policeman…I can never
forget the calm and slightly smiling face of him as he said, ‘I was a wild boy
then.’” 1 page, 8vo.
$225
115. CHARLES SANTLEY. An autograph musical quote, Oh ruddier than the
cherry from Handel’s Acis and Galatea, signed C. Santley, October 21, 1903, by
the English pre-eminent baritone of the victoria era; he was equally at home in
oratorios and on the opera stage. 1 page, large 4to. Unidentified writing on the
reverse.
$225
One Member of the Engraving Dynasty of Philadelphia
116. SAMUEL SARTAIN. An autograph letter signed by the master engraver,
son of John Sartain, Philadelphia, April 14, 1897.
“I have sent you this day by Adams Express (Paid) the steel plate of Franklin M.
Olds, as directed by D. Mason & Co of Syracuse N.Y.”
“Please drop me a line on a postal card acknowledging the receipt of same.” 1
page, 8vo.
$85
117. bIDU SAYAO. A vintage 8 x 10 signed, inscribed and dated 1945 Wilen
photograph, a head shot of the lovely Brazilian soprano. Matted.
$150
118. TITO SCHIPA. A vintage 8 x 10 signed photograph of the Italian tenor,
creator of Ruggiero in Puccini’s Rondine, with a lengthy inscription to a female
composer [name indecipherable], Buenos Aires, 1931 (?). Matted.
$250
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119. ARTHUR
SCHWARTz. An ideal 8 x
10 photograph signed and inscribed by the American
composer for Broadway and
films; here, Schwartz adds an
autograph musical quote from
his enduring classic song
Dancing in the Dark.
$395
120. RObERT AND
RICHARD SHERMAN.
An extensive autograph musical quote, with lyrics, signed
by the Academy-Award winning brothers Richard and
Robert Sherman; for their
song from Mary Poppins,
Chim Chim Cher-ee. Written
ARTHUR SCHWARTz, NO. 119
for a lady’s 100th birthday,
there is a 5 x 7 photograph of the duo, signed by both, inscribed and dated 1986.
The photograph is stapled to the margin underneath the quote and looks quite
presentable as is.
The two: $225
121. VITTORIO De SICA. A vintage, deckled edge, 3 ½ x 5 ½ B. Miniati of
Livorno carte photograph signed by a very young De Sica and dated 1930, by
the actor and director, leader of the neorealism movement in film. Small ¼-inch
tear at top edge affects nothing. Mounting traces on reverse.
$250
122. CESARI SIEPI. A vintage 8 x 10 signed and dated photograph of the Italian bass in Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov. Matted.
$250
123. OTIS SKINNER. An 8 x 12 White of NY photograph signed, inscribed
and dated 1926 by the American actor. Mounted.
$75
124. SIR GEORG SOLTI. An excellent signed 5 x 3 ½ candid-style photograph showing the Hungarian-born conductor and director of the Chicago
Symphony, apparently in rehearsal.
$100
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MEMENTOES OF HENRY IRVING’S FUNERAL
125. bRAM STOKER. A touching
autograph letter signed December 23,
1906, by the English author of Dracula, who had also served as amanuensis to the actor Sir Henry Irving, who
had died the previous year.
“As you so honour my book on Henry
Irving may I send you one of the
many little memories of him which
were sold in the streets in many many
thousands at the time of his Funeral
at Westminster Abbey. It may be of
some little interest hereafter.” 1 page,
large 8vo.
$350
126. RICHARD STRAUSS. An autograph letter signed on the German
composer’s personal letterhead,
Garmisch, Bavaria, February 3, 1932.
To “Dear Maestro,”
bRAM STOKER, NO. 125
“I heard with pleasure that you will perform Elektra soon and I want to let you
know that I will conduct a radio concert in Turin on March 14th. I would very
much like to hear Elektra as conducted by you. If by any chance you have finished your preparations for it by that time, would it be possible for you to schedule a performance on March 11th or 15th? I could be in Milan on one of those
days…With best regards to you and also Signora Panizzi.”
The conductor in question is undoubtedly Argentine composer Hector Panizza,
who must have been quite flattered that the creator of the 1909 opera would
want to attend. Panizza was highly regarded by Toscanini and became a mainstay of Italian opera at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. 1 page, 8vo. $850
127. IGOR STRAVINSKY. A four-page 4to contract, between the Russian
composer and CBS News; dated April 1, 1965, the contract provides a stipend of
$10,000 to Stravinsky for a 60-minute documentary on the seminal Twentieth
Century musician, his life and work, in which he is to be interviewed and photographed. Signed in full at the end. The Tv special was aired on October 31,
1965.
$400
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128. [SUPREME COURT]. CHARLES EVANS WHITTAKER. An original
signed 11 x 14 Ackad of Washington photograph of the Associate Justice of the
Supreme Court from 1957 to 1962. In original photographer’s folder.
$175
zACHARY TAYLOR, NO. 129
Anticipating a Cross Country Railroad System
129. zACHARY TAYLOR.A scarce letter signed Z. Taylor, as President,
Washington, October 26, 1849. The military man, who held the Presidency for a
brief year and four months writes to the author Jno. A. Rockwell of Connecticut,
“I have just received a copy of your valuable & interesting report on Rail roads &
vessel routes between the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans. You will receive my thanks
for your kind attention, & the assurance of respect.” 1 page, 4to.
The discovery of gold in California in 1848 made unification of the country a
high priority. The sectional strains of the 1850’s and the Civil War delayed the
ultimate connection of the country until 1869.
$6,500
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Approval of the Proofs for a New Edition of Through the Looking Glass
130. JOHN TENNIEL. An autograph
letter signed February 9, 1897, by the
English illustrator, to publisher
Macmillan & Co. re: his classic illustrations for Lewis Carroll’s Through the
Looking Glass,
“I have gone through-—& signed-—
the proofs of ‘Through the Looking
Glass.’ They are quite satisfactory, & the
parcel is ready whenever you will be so
good as to send for it.” One page, small
8vo. Receipt stamp and an annotation
“700” in blue crayon.
MacMillan republished this classic
children’s book in 1897-98 using the
artist’s 50 illustrations as per the original.
$500
JOHN TENNIEL, NO. 130
131. AMbROISE THOMAS. A long, defensive autograph letter signed in full
August 31, 1851, by the French composer of the opera Mignon. To a lady that
the musician has apparently wronged re: his 1851 opera Raymond,
“I am shamefully throwing myself at your feet and begging you a hundred times
to forgive me for my long silence.”
“I left Paris immediately after the piano competition which, as you saw, did not
favor your protégée…these days the competition has become very chancy.”
“I was planning on going to see you to offer you my box at the opera, but the
performances of my work were suddenly suspended because of one of our singers
became ill…I kept on waiting for the resumption of Raymond to get back to you
or to have the pleasure of paying you a visit.”
“Here is what is happening now: performances resumed a week ago, and I was
about to send you my box together with my excuses. But for reasons I cannot
mention here, I am not on the best of terms with the Director of the Light
Opera. Therefore, I do not want to see him nor do I want to ask him for anything. The situation will be short lived, I hope, and I insist that you come and
hear my work.” 3 ½ pages, 8vo.
$300
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132. DIMITRI TIOMKIN. An ideal autograph musical quote, from his Academy Award winning
score and song for the
1952 film High Noon,
with lyrics, signed and
inscribed by the Russian-born composer, one
of the greatest film scorers of the Golden Age
of film music; written
on a generous 9 ½ x 5 ¼
sheet of music paper.
$750
DIMITRI TIOMKIN, NO. 132
133. MICHAEL TIPPETT. A 6 x 8 ¼ signed photograph of the British composer and conductor.
$150
134. J.R.R. TOLKIEN. An autograph letter signed November 19, 1957, by the
English writer, creator of a whole new world in his epic The Lord of the Rings and
The Hobbit. Tolkien
writes, in a self-deprecating fashion, to
Professor Przemyslaw Mroczkowski,
Polish historian of
English Literature,
“My wife and I are
very gratified for
your invitation
[from] you and your
wife. I would, of
course, but for the
thought of the trouble we should be
giving, be far more
pleasant to have
lunch chez vous.”
J.R.R. TOLKIEN NO. 134
46
“I am dreadfully
sorry that we cannot
manage this Tuesday; but I do hope
that you will find a
chance to ask us
again! (If I go to
America at all, I will not be until the middle of March at the earliest). This is a
very crowded week, and my wife is unfortunately not able to do many things
(pleasant or otherwise) in succession. Tuesday is quite a good day usually.”
“I do not understand your use of ‘bold’! It is extraordinarily kind of you both to
bother about us. We are quite unimportant people. And I do hope that I have
been bold enough to address you as a colleague without title. You will please do
the same to me.” 1 page, 8vo.
$2,750
135. MARGARET TRUMAN. An October 15, 1964 first day of issue cacheted
envelope honoring American music with a 5-cent stamp; boldly signed by author, singer and First Daughter, Margaret Truman. $35
136. MARGARET AND bESS TRUMAN. A first day of issue, Nov. 9, 1964,
6 ½ x 3 1/2 cacheted envelope featuring a 5-cent postage stamp for Christmas
1964. Boldly signed by former First Lady and First Daughter Bess and Margaret
Truman.
$85
137. TOMMY TUNE. An 8 x10 full length signed and inscribed photograph of
the American dancer, actor and multi-Tony Award winning choreographer.
$35
138. MARTHA VICKERS. A lovely original Theodore Carstens of LA 11 x 14
photograph, signed and inscribed by the American cover girl and actress; she
played Lauren Bacall’s nymphomaniac sister in the 1946 film The Big Sleep.
Scarce in this format for she died at 46.
$300
139. WINIFRED WAGNER. A 1½ page 4to typed letter, on Haus Wahnfried,
Bayreuth stationery, signed May 16, 1938, by the English-born wife of Siegfried
Wagner and the effective leader of the Bayreuth Festival until the end of World
War II, when her close relationship to Adolf Hitler cost her the position. Here
Winifred writes to Superintendent krauss of the Munich Staats-Opera.
“Thank you very much for your information of the date of the Tristan performance. My definite intention to come to this performance you could see from my
telegram in which I asked for two tickets.”
“But fate decided differently. On Saturday afternoon there was a faction-event
from the Party which I had to attend. To make that possible the area commander let me have his airplane…”
“The start to Munich was planned for Sunday…but at the start giant flames shot
out of the airplane and we have to thank the pilot that this did not end in catastrophe…”
“…I can only apologize that I asked you to reserve two seats for me and I hope
to see the performance another time….Heil Hitler.”
$250
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140. RObERT WARD. An autograph musical quote, with lyrics, from his
Pulitzer Prize winning 1961 opera The Crucible, based on the Arthur Miller play.
Signed and inscribed by Ward with an autograph musical quote from the Act Iv
aria for the tragic hero, John Proctor. 1 page, large 4to.
$150
bOOKER T. WSHINGTON, NO. 141
141. bOOKER T. WASHINGTON. An excellent autograph letter, on The
Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute stationery, signed Tuskegee, April 12,
1915. The distinguished African-American educator and pioneer in Civil Rights
addresses a Mrs. Craig,
“I am so gratified for your generous help. It is very encouraging to receive it at
this time. Matters on the whole are going well with us.” 1 page, 4to. Two round
stains in body of letter miss all the writing and do not materially affect the appearance. Letters in Booker T. Washington’s hand are very scarce. He died later
on this year from exhaustion and hypertension.
$1,250
48
142. ETHEL WATERS. A letter, on highly informative Negro Actors’ Guild of America stationery, signed New York, November 15, 1950, by
the African American singer, entertainer and film
star, as co-chairman, with Ed Sullivan, of the 13th
Annual Benefit Performance for that organization.
“I am enclosing your tickets herewith for our Annual Benefit Performances. These have been paid
for and acknowledged in a previous letter to you.”
“I am most grateful for your support and assure
you that many of our indigent, ill and needy will
feel the goodness of your assistance…A wonderful
evening is in store for you…” 1 page, 4to. $275
ETHEL WATERS, NO. 142
143. FRANz WAXMAN. A
scarce autograph letter, in German, on Grand Hotel Florence
stationery, signed July 19, 1950, by
German-born musician who composed in the classical genre, but
was also an Academy Award winning film scorer for the likes of
Sunset Boulevard and A Place in the
Sun. Here to musician Paul Aron,
“Surely you will be surprised to
hear from me from Florence, but
I had left in such a haste that it
was impossible for me to write to
you. I stayed only half a day in
New York anyway, which I spent
getting my ship’s reservation. I
am sorry that you never heard
again from Ms. Dispeker, but I
FRANz WAXMAN, NO. 143
learned a long time ago that the
so-called concert agents are highly unreliable. I myself am equally disappointed
in Ms. Dispeker’s activities as far as they concern myself.”
“The man to whom I wanted to bring your pieces has left the music publisher
and is in the process of founding his own publishing house. I will pursue this
matter further. My radio concerts in N.Y. fell through, since the Columbia Symphony Orchestra was disbanded. Instead I conducted on Radio in Amsterdam,
and it was very successful….” 1 page, 4to.
$900
49
144. MAE WEST. An 8 x 10
signed, inscribed and dated photograph of the actress, mistress of
the double entendre in the 1970
camp film Myra Breckinridge.
“To Diane, Best Wishes, Mae West,
1972.”
$300
145. JAMES McNEIL
WHISTLER. A lovely 21 x 15
sepia photograph of an elegant
lady; signed “Whistler” in bold
pencil, with the addition of the
American-born British artist’s
“butterfly” signature directly
below. Identified on the reverse in
an unknown hand as entitled
“The Fur Jacket.”
$1,500
MAE WEST, NO. 144
146. [TENNESSEE WILLIAMS].MIKE STEEN. A LOOK AT TENNESSEE WILLIAMS, CONVERSATIONS WITH:...A book of interviews with
24 stars associated with productions of the Southern writer’s plays. On the full
title page, 8 of them have signed: Anne Jackson, Eli Wallach, Jessica Tandy,
Hume Cronyn, Maureen Stapleton as well as, Geraldine Page who adds “Don’t
believe a word of it” and husband
Rip Torn who has signed “DittoRip.” Estelle Parsons has signed “I
love him, Estelle Parsons.” Illustrated, index. Original boards, 4to.
Dust wrapper, some minor nicks,
price cut out. New York, 1969.
$175
147. MEREDITH WILLSON.
An ideal 8 x 10 photograph of the
American Broadway composer,
who has signed, inscribed and
dated his image as well as penned
an autograph musical quote, “Seventy-six Trombones,” from his hit
The Music Man.
$450
MEREDITH WILLSON, NO. 147
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148. WOODROW WILSON. An excellent signature of the President on pale
green stationery with the typewritten date and place: The White House, March
3, 1919.
$200
149. RAbbI STEPHEN S. WISE. A lofty 15-line autograph sentiment signed
Stephen S. Wise, September 23, 1943, by the Hungarian-born American rabbi,
known for his reform agenda, Zionism and his advice to FDR on Jewish issues.
Here Rabbi Wise praises another reformer, Walter White, champion of the
African-American cause and President of the NAACP for a quarter of a century.
“Walter White and the writer are too close in friendship & the deepest things of
comradeship to permit of objective appraisal of his service. I place him by the
side of some of the greatest sons of his race whom I have known, Booker Washington, Dr. Carver, Dr. Du Bois…I thank God for what my friend Walter gives
his people and America in its entirety.” 1 full page, 4to.
$375
150. ANDREW WYETH. An autograph letter, on personal letterhead, signed
Thomaston, Maine, July 12, 1974, by the American artist,
“How nice of you to write me about my exhibit in London.”
“By all means send along the catalog and I will sign it with pleasure.” 1 page, 4to.
With the original autograph addressed stamped and postmarked envelope.
The two: $250
151. ANDREW YOUNG. A youthful 8 x 10 photograph of the African-American Civil Rights leader, politician, U.N. Ambassador and Mayor of Atlanta;
boldly signed and inscribed on the lower margin.
$35
GARY COMbS AUTOGRAPHS, INC.
TELEPHONE: (212) 242-7209 FAX (212) 924-9006
E-MAIL: [email protected]
Website: www.combsautographs.com
51
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Harold Arlen
no. 3
Catalogue 124