The Dec. 11, 1999, Premier Beverly Hills Collectible Sale, Sale 4

1   Carter, James Earl. 39th President of the United States, 1977-1981.

Typed Letter Signed with Autograph Postscript Signed ("J.C.") as President. One page, Quarto, on pale green White House letterhead, Washington DC, September 1, 1977. Addressed to Walter Sanders, the President writes:

"Thank you for letting me know of your interest in having Shenandoah designated as a regional solar energy center. I am forwarding your letter to Jim Schlesinger who I know will give every consideration to your request. Sincerely, Jimmy Carter." The President adds a holograph postscript: "P.S. I'm glad to hear that you are getting along so well. J.C."

Very Fine. Accompanied by Transmittal Envelope. Matted and framed along with a color print of the President and a bronze engraved plaque. Overall size 15 x 19".
Estimated Value $750-1,000.

2   Carter, James Earl. 39th President of the United States, 1977-1981.

Autograph Letter Signed (As Governor) One page, Octavo, recto. On his official gubernatorial stationery. In blue ink. Atlanta, GA. June 6, 1974. To the Honorable Robert K. Young of Hays, Kansas. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. Thanking the judge for his valuable friendship and support, Carter writes:

" I really appreciate your very complimentary note & will keep it until later this year, when I decide what to do in the future".

Very Good. With two horizontal folds.
Estimated Value $600-800.
Five months later, he announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for the presidency.

3   Carter, James Earl. 39th President of the United States, 1977-1981.

Incomplete Document Signed. One page, Folio. New York, n.d. Signature page only of a contract between Bantam Books, Inc. and the former President, regarding an untitled work of which Carter is author. Signed boldly in black ink.
Some minor soiling and creases. Fine.
Estimated Value $100-200.

4   Carter, James Earl. 39th President of the United States, 1977-1981.

First Day Covers Signed. Lot of Two.

A. Americana Series-- 6 1/2 x 3 3/4", Postmarked New York, NY, March 31, 1978. Card is decorated with a gold embossed border of a "Colorano Silk Cachet" vignette of the Statue of Liberty, also includes a "Statue of Liberty stamp. Signed "Jcarter" in black ink on recto.

B. 1979 / Special Olympics / Brockport, New York-- Approximately 7 x 4", Postmarked Brockport, NY, August 3, 1979. Includes a Special Olympics stamp. Signed on recto "Jimmy Carter" and "Rosalynn Carter", in black ink. Fine.
Estimated Value $100-150.

5   Clinton, William. 42nd President of the United States, 1993-1997.

Program for the 52nd Presidential Inaugural Signed by President Clinton and Vice-President Gore. Printed Twenty-four page color program for the 52nd Presidential Inaugural, Quarto, printed by Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1993. The program includes a personal statement by the newly-elected President, biographies of Clinton, the first lady, vice-president Gore and his wife, an historical description of the inaugural ceremonies, and a schedule of events. Extremely Fine. Signed on the front cover, which is embossed with a large Presidential Inaugural Seal, and reads "The 52nd Presidential Inaugural An American Reunion New Beginnings Renewed Hope Program." Very few signed Presidential Inaugural programs have appeared on the market, and this one, signed by both Clinton and Gore, is pristine.
Estimated Value $750-UP.

6   Coolidge, Calvin. 30th President of the United States, 1923-1929.

Inscribed Photograph Signed. Sepia-tone cabinet photo, matted and framed to an overall size of 14.5 x 17.5", by the Washington photographers Harris & Ewing. Inscribed in bottom border.

"To E. W. Eberle / With appreciation Calvin Coolidge."

Very Good.
Estimated Value $400-600.

7   Coolidge, Calvin. 30th President of the United States, 1923-1929.

Partially Printed Document Signed as President. Accomplished in manuscript, One page, elephant Folio, Washington DC, April 3, 1924. Interesting Presidential Appointment installing "Paul M. Meyer, of Colorado" as "a Student Interpreter at the Legation of the United States of America to China." Countersigned by Secretary of State Charles E. Hughes. Fine. With embossed Presidential seal perfectly intact. Creamy age-toning throughout.
Estimated Value $350-450.

8   Coolidge, Calvin. 30th President of the United States, 1923-1929.

Photograph Signed. Black and white, approximately 7 1/2 x 9", by Harris & Ewing, Washington, DC. Very sharp rendering of a traditional "bust" portrait. Signed delicately in the margin below the photo. Very Good. Matted and framed to an overall size of approximately 16 x 18 1/2 ", glass and matte exhibit some spotting, photo clean.
Estimated Value $200-400.

9   Eisenhower, Dwight D. 34th President of the United States, 1953-1961.

Typed Letter Signed. One page, small Quarto, on pale green White House letterhead, Washington, DC., November 16,1956. To Harold Mansfield, Director Public Relations, Boeing Aircraft Company, Seattle, Washington. In full:

"Personal / Dear Mr. Mansfield: / Today Walter Williams delivered to me the copy of "Vision" that you so thoughtfully wanted me have. I appreciate greatly your kindness, and particularly the generous inscription you placed in the volume. / With best wishes, / Sincerely, Dwight D. Eisenhower".

Fine. Standard fold crease, otherwise clean.
Estimated Value $250-350.

10   Eisenhower, Dwight D. 34th President of the United States, 1953-1961.

Typed Letter Signed as President. One page, small Quarto, on imprinted executive letterhead, The White House, Washington, September 3, 1953. To film mogul Darryl Zanuck.

Cordial greeting from the President to Darryl Zanuck on the occasion of his birthday. Eisenhower writes, in full:

"Dear Darryl: I want to take this opportunity to send greetings for your birthday Saturday. May it be a most enjoyable celebration, and may the years ahead be filled with happiness, success, and good health. With warm wishes, Sincerely, DE."

Fine. A miniscule stain at right center, else fine.
Estimated Value $250-350.

11   Eisenhower, Dwight D. 34th President of the United States, 1953-1961.

Typed Letter Signed. One page, small Quarto, on his gold embossed monogram stationery, Gettysburg, PA, December 14, 1961. To George Cooper of New York. With this letter, Ike offers somewhat belated thanks to a friend for the gift of a book entitled, This Is Japan. The signature is bold and the letter clean, save two horizontal creases where the letter was once folded. In part:

"Dear George: / Ann has confessed that just before we left for Augusta, the handsome book entitled "This Is Japan" that you and Bess sent to me, arrived. It was too heavy to take along and she put it away - - and forgot to mention it to me... With best wishes to you and Bess for the finest of holiday seasons, and warm personal regard, / Sincerely, / D. E."

Fine. Letter is signed in black ink.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Ex Superior Collectibles Sale, November 16, 17, 1997, Lot 423.

12   Ford, Gerald R. 38th President of the United States, 1974-1977.

Magnificent Calligraphed Prayer Signed. One page, Folio, n.p., n.d. (Washington, DC, August 9, 1974). Beautifully scribed presentation copy of Proverbs III 5/6, the prayer read at Gerald Ford's Presidential oath-taking on August 9, 1974.

Illuminated in red, blue, black and gilt, also signed by First Lady Betty Ford. In pristine condition.

Handsomely bound in a gilt-lettered custom made leather presentation slip-case. A unique and very impressive display item.
Estimated Value $600-900.

13   Ford, Gerald R. 38th President of the United States,1974-1977.

Rare Genuine Presidential Card Signed. Approximately 4 x 2 1/2", imprinted "The White House / Washington" card with a small, embossed federal seal, n.d. Boldly signed "Gerald R. Ford" in blue ink. All the printing is raised, and we believe this to be an authentic White House card, as opposed to those created for Ford's signature, after he left the White House. Fine.
Estimated Value $300-500.

14   Ford, Gerald R. 38th President of the United States, 1974-1977.

White House Vignette Signed. One page, Octavo, on cardstock. Dated "June 13, 1984" on verso. Handsome vignette, boldly signed "Gerald R. Ford." Very Fine.
Estimated Value $200-300.

15   Ford, Gerald R. 38th President of the United States,1974-1977.

Typed Letter Signed as Congressman. One page, Quarto, on "Congress of the United States / Office of the Minority Leader / House of Representatives" letterhead, Washington DC, July 7, 1972. To Mr. J.L. Pruett of Clute, Texas. In full:

"Dear Mr. Pruett, / replying to your recent letter, I am pleased to send you the enclosed autographed postcard, family pictures and a copy of my biographical sketch. I am also enclosing a few issues of my newsletter in which I discuss legislation debated in [white out] the House of Representatives. / I hope you find this material helpful in your talks to your students and I am glad to be of service. / Warmest personal regards. / Sincerely, Jerry Ford".


Estimated Value $100-200.
Ex Superior Collectibles Sale, November 15, 16, 1997.

16   Ford, Gerald R. 38th President of the United States,1974-1977.

Typed Letter Signed as Congressman. One page, Octavo, on House of Representatives letterhead, Washington DC, July 19, 1971. Includes transmittal envelope. In full:

"Dear Mr. Haskins: / Thank you so much for your lovely birthday letter. I am deeply grateful for your kind and thoughtful greeting and good wishes. / Warmest personal regards. / Sincerely, / Jerry Ford".

Fine. Signature is penned boldly in blue ink, though slightly smudged.
Estimated Value $100-150.

17   [Garfield, James A.]. 20th President of the United States, 1881.

Printed Offset of Speech. Eight pages, Octavo, Washington DC, January 28, 1864. Being one of Garfield's earliest speeches, delivered as a Member of Congress, on the floor of the House of Representatives.

In it, Garfield argues for confiscation of the property of rebels. Appealing to British Common Law, as well as precedents set by the American government during and since the Revolutionary War, he argues that the rebels have forfeited certain property rights.

Very Good. Documents of this type were rarely published in large numbers, as the cost in time and overhead to manually copy the tracts was prohibitive. Even today, in the age of word processors and photocopiers, Members of Congress rarely produce speech transcripts for public consumption - rather they are made available primarily to key constituents as proof of their activity and productivity. Yellowing due to age, with some foxing and small tears along edges.
Estimated Value $100-200.

18   [Garfield, James A.]. (1831-81) 20th President of the United States.

Printed Speech & Program - Hiram College Twenty-two pages, Octavo, Cleveland, published by Fairbanks, Benedict and Co., June 14, 1867. Printed transcript outlining Garfield's views on education. Garfield attended Hiram College (then known as the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute), graduated from Williams College, then returned to the academy at Hiram as a teacher and later as its President.

In part: "... In brief, the student should study himself, his relations to society, to nature, and to art - and above all, in all through all these, he should study the relations of himself, society, nature and art, to God, the Author of them all... And finally Young Gentlemen, learn to cultivate a wise self-reliance, based not on what you hope, but on what you perform... ".

Very Good. Enlightened writing, interesting reading.
Estimated Value $75-125.

19   Grant, Ulysses S. 18th President of the United States, 1869-1877.

Manuscript Document Signed as President. Two pages, recto/verso, tall Folio, Washington DC, June 8, 1872. Being a Presidential Pardon granting John A. Price, " ...convicted of passing counterfeit money," and "sentenced to be imprisoned for six years and to pay a fine of one hundred dollars... And whereas, he has been imprisoned for over five years; And whereas, District Attorney Stirling, the Directors of the Maryland Penitentiary and other citizens of that State strongly recommend his pardon, believing that his punishment has already been sufficient for the purposes of justice" a full and unconditional pardon. Fine. Countersigned by Charles Hale as Acting Secretary of State, with a white wafer seal which has two streak stains but is otherwise intact. Boldly signed by the President, "U.S. Grant" in vivid purple ink. Slightly worn at its topmost edge, otherwise fine.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.

20   Grant, Ulysses S. 18th President of the United States, 1869-1877.

Manuscript Document Signed as President. Two pages, recto/verso, Folio, Washington DC, April 7, 1875. Being a Presidential Pardon freeing Joshua A. Ellegood, who was "convicted of smuggling and was sentenced to be imprisoned for four months and pay a fine of one hundred dollars." Grant notes that the US Attorney believes that Ellegood's health is being seriously injured by confinement, "...and upon this ground recommends his pardon," which Grant gives. Countersigned by Secretary of State Hamilton Fish beneath a white wafer seal, which is perfectly intact. Some age-toning, with a very light ink stain at top right, else Very Fine.
Estimated Value $1,250-1,750.

21   Harding, Warren G. 29th President of the United States, 1921-1923.

Document Signed as Publisher of the Marion Star. One page, oblong Quarto, Marion, Ohio, September 10, 1892. Being a Proof of Publication document, with a newspaper clipping of the published notice attached, advertising the sale at public auction of real estate in Marion county, to settle the will and estate of Henry T. Van Fleet, recently deceased. Fine. Slightly chipped at bottom left corner, otherwise fine.
Estimated Value $200-300.

22   Harrison, Benjamin. 23rd President of the United States, 1889-1893.

Autograph Letter Signed As President. One page, Octavo, on Executive Mansion stationery, Washington, DC, September 30, 1892. To the Honorable John Sherman, U.S. Senator from Ohio, regarding an appointment request. Harrison writes, in part:

"...I do not know whether there is a vacancy now in the Commissary Department. If so it has not been brought to my attention but when it is the case of Mr. C. will have my consideration. You know that I have tried to make all army appointments strictly upon the merit of the applicant..." Harrison goes on to mention his wife's failing health, noting that "Mrs. Harrison has gained slightly in strength and for two days has been more comfortable, but I am not able to say that her disease has shown permanent betterment..."

In fact, Mrs. Harrison would die one month later. Of particular interest is the fact that the addressee, John Sherman, was Harrison's chief rival for the 1888 Republican nomination. He built an early and commanding lead in delegate support, only to see Harrison nominated on the eighth ballot.

In choice condition with notations in another hand on verso. Benjamin Harrison is quite scarce in holograph as president. Matted and framed with an engraved plaque and a color print of Harrison, to an overall size of 14 x 21".
Estimated Value $2,000-3,000.

23   Harrison, Benjamin. 23rd President of the United States, 1889-1893.

Partially Printed Document Signed as President. One page, elephant Folio, on vellum, Washington DC, January 7, 1892. Ornate Military Appointment instating "Waldo E. Ayer" as "First Lieutenant of Infantry" in the United States Army. Countersigned by the Secretary of War, with a dark blue embossed Presidential seal. Fine. Large eagle vignette at top, with elaborate military regalia below. Boldly signed, in nearly flawless condition.
Estimated Value $600-800.

24   Hayes, Rutherford B. 19th President of the United States, 1877-1881.

Document Signed One page, large Folio, on heavy parchment. Philadelphia, April 1, 1892. Being a military appointment for one "Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Henry Thornton, 49th Indiana Infantry" Signed boldly in dark brown ink in the lower right. Complete with orange seal and Federal/Military vignette. Very Good. Foxing along edges and a slight tear along the top right corner.
Estimated Value $400-500.

25   Hoover, Herbert C. 31st President of the United States, 1929-1933.

Inscribed Photograph Signed. Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. A fine photograph of Hoover inscribed on the lower white border, "To Ronald Onorato With the good wishes of Herbert Hoover." Accompanied by a TLS by Madeline Kelly, Hoover's Assistant Secretary, presenting the inscribed photo which Onorato had requested. Very Fine.
Estimated Value $275-350.