(John Fremont) Broadside, 21 1/2 x 17 3/4 in., headed “ATTENTION Sons of Freedom! (Blackstone, [Mass.], 12 September 1856).
An appeal from the Fremont Club of Blackstone to hear the words of Christopher Robinson of Cumberland and Alexander Meggett of Providence, Rhode Island. Although they did not have the suffrage, “The Public including Ladies are invited to attend.” Perhaps “The Glee Club,” which was to “be on hand with a fresh Budget of Songs” would inspire women to influence their husbands to vote for the fledgling Republican Party. In November, Worcester County would vote overwhelmingly for the “Pathfinder.”
Margins slightly irregular, some toning from ink transfer, small loss at center right well clear of text, else very good.
(EXA 4275) SOLD.
John Quincy ADAMS. (1767 – 1848) Letter Signed “John Quincy Adams” as Secretary of State, 1p. 7 1/2 x 6 3/4 in. (sight), Washington, 31 June 1819, to William Williams of Utica, New York acknowledging receipt of two books submitted for copyright.
“Your Letter accompanied by two Books, viz. ‘The Musical reader’ & “Young Christian’s Guide’ has been received at this Department pursuant to request, the Books have been deposited in this Office according to the Acts of Congress for Securing Copy – rights &c.” Yes, there was a time that if you submitted a book for copyright, you actually received a letter from the Secretary of State acknowledging receipt. Talk about personalized service!
Matted and framed with a tinted engraving of Adams. Ex Charles Hamilton Galleries and housed in the original frame with his certification of authenticity and trademark wax seal on the blue paper backing.
Some slight blurring, usual folds, light toning, else very good.
(EXA 4331) SOLD
(Theatrical History) Joseph JEFFERSON. (1829 – 1905) Autograph Manuscript 4pp., 5 x 8 in., [n.p, n.d.] being Jefferson’s promptbook for his role as Peter Pippin in Charles Selby’s farce Boots at the Swan (1842). String-bound in hand titled paper wraps also in the hand of Jefferson and signed “J. Jefferson” at lower center. The prompt book includes all of Jefferson’s relevant lines together with cues (e.g. “Enter R H on tiptoe & look around cautiously” and “open closet take out pot & eat”, and “Finding no body to embracego into closet & steal jam How nice”). Jefferson was greatest comedian of his time and this piece provides vivid insight into the workings of the nineteenth century stage.
Offered together with Joseph JEFFERSON Autograph Quotation Signed, 1p. 5 x 8 in. [n.p., n.d.]: “Here’s your good health, and your family’s and may they all live long and prosper”. Also together with a small mounted playbill (4 3/4 x 8 in.) from the Broad Street Theatre in Philadelphia for an undated appearance of Jefferson in the title role of Rip Van Winkle – his most famous.
All three bear the expected folds, light toning and soiling, else very good condition overall.
(EXA 318) SOLD
“I hate to reject any offer from what is called a Southern State.”
Abraham LINCOLN (1809 – 65) Fine content Autograph Letter Signed “A. Lincoln” as President, 1p., 8 x 5 in., “Executive Mansion”, Washington, 27 May 1861 to Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas advising him to allow three members of a Baltimore artillery company to join Union forces. more…
Abraham LINCOLN. War date Autograph Endorsement Signed “A. Lincoln” as President, 1p. 3 x 2 3/4 in. (sight), [Washington], 13 December 1864.
“Let this man take the oath of Dec. 8, 1863, and be discharged A. Lincoln Dec. 13, 1864” In his efforts to promote reconciliation between the north and south, Lincoln preferred to free Confederate prisoners whenever possible. Just the previous day, after a discussion with Kentucky congressman William H. Randall, he ordered the discharge of two prisoners: Thomas Rice, an inmate at Rock Island and Reuben Turner, a prisoner held at Johnson’s Island.
Matted and framed with a tinted engraving of Lincoln. Ex Charles Hamilton Galleries and housed in the original frame with his certification of authenticity and Hamilton’s trademark wax seal affixed to the blue paper backing.
Light vertical crease and contemporary ink smudging, else fine overall.
(EXA 4329) $4,000
Lincoln invites the Copperhead Mayor of Brooklyn to visit
with officers of the Russian Fleet at the White House.
(Abraham LINCOLN) Printed invitation on a 2 1/2 x 5 1/4 in. card bearing the printed text: “The President and Mrs. Lincoln At Home, On Saturday, December 19th [1863] From One to Three P.M.” Offered with the original transmittal envelope addressed to “Hon. Martin Kalbfleisch & Family” more…
(Abraham LINCOLN) A period, mid nineteenth century bust portrait of Lincoln, reverse on glass, 17 3/4 x 13 1/2 in. (sight), housed in a period beveled wood frame with gilt inner molding.
Some wear and minor losses to paint, else very bright and clean.
(EXA 4142) SOLD.
(Mexican War) Broadside, 11 3/4 x 10 1/2 in. (sight), titled, “VOLUNTEERS FOR THE WAR!” (Boston: 5 December 1846).
A superb, early Mexican War broadside commissioned by Lt. Col. Isaac H. Wright, who with Col. Caleb Cushing raised a regiment of Massachusetts volunteers to serve in Mexico. Wright managed to fill the regiment by February 1847 when they were ordered to Matamoros, Mexico. The regiment was later stationed at Monterrey, Vera Cruz and Mexico City.
Light creases, moderate toning, else very good. Matted and framed.
(EXA 4290) SOLD.
(Poster Art) Ludwig HOHLWEIN (1874 – 1949) Rare German Army recruiting poster, entitled “Und du?”, 47” x 32” [1929]. Credits at bottom read, “HERAUSGEBER – DER STAHLHELM, BUND DER FRONTSOLDATEN DRUCK – HERM – SONNTAG & CO- MUNCHEN”.
An iconic work by one of the greatest poster artists of the twentieth century. Alain Weill, the noted poster historian commented that Hohlwein was, “the most prolific and brilliant German posterist of the 20th century… Beginning with his first efforts, Hohlwein found his style with disconcerting facility. It would vary little for the next forty years. The drawing was perfect from the start, nothing seemed alien to him, and in any case, nothing posed a problem for him. His figures are full of touches of color and a play of light and shade that brings them out of their background and gives them substance.”1
Extremely rare. Paret 156, Rhodes 47, Stuttgart Catalogue 282, Wrede 192.
Framed and conservation backed, extremely fine.
(EXA 4053) SOLD.
________________________________
1 Alain Weill, The Poster: a Worldwide Survey and History (1985), 171-2.).
(Railroads) Broadside, 22 x 14 1/4 in. promoting lands in “Minnesota and Dakota… CHOICE WHEAT AND FARMING LANDS” in “The Great Wheat Belt of the North-West”. The poster advised that it could all be easily reached aboard the Winona & St. Peter Rail Road Company more…
