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

150   Hughes, Rupert. (1889-1968) American writer.

Autograph Letter Signed. One page, small Quarto, on cobalt blue stationery imprinted with "Bedford Hills, NY, January 31, 1916. Hughes writes a congratulatory letter to a family friend, in which he also gives thanks for her birthday greetings.

"Dear ?: / I was deeply touched by your remembrance -- your anticipatory remembrance of my birthday and your beautiful expression of good will... ".

Fine.
Estimated Value $75-125.

151   "Judge Dredd". A very popular comic book "anti-hero" personified on the silver screen by Sylvester Stallone in 1993. These drawings were executed by 2001 AD Comic Artist, Ron Smith.

Nine Preliminary Sketches Signed. One Color, approximately 7.5 x 12" and eight Black and white, approximately 6.5 x 9", n.d. The Black and white sketches have captions and are lettered. Each sketch is signed in the lower right in black pen. Very Good.
Estimated Value $250-350.

152   Ketchum, Hank. American cartoonist, creator of "Dennis the Menace".

Photograph Signed and Original Sketch Signed.
A.) Signed Photograph. 8 x 10", Black and white, n.d. Standard headshot of Ketchum holding a drawing of his creation, Dennis the Menace, signed in black marker at bottom.
B.) Signed Sketch. "Soccer." Watercolor & Ink, 11.5 x 8.5", n.d. Depicts Dennis and a girl playing soccer, with a caption that reads "F'get it, Margaret! / You just don't / Have the / Knack!" Signed on bottom in black ink. Fine.
Estimated Value $250-350.

153   La Motta, Jake & Vikki. "Raging Bull".

Two Checks Signed. 3 x 8", Miami Beach, FL. June 17, 1956. A Jake La Motta, Inc. business check pay to the order of, Bank of Miami Beach for $200 in another hand but signed in blue ball point by the boxer. The second check is drawn on Vikki La Motta's personal account and made out to "Dick's American" for $25, signed and dated Jan. 5, 1982 in black pen. Encased together in plexiglass. Very Good.
Estimated Value $75-125.

154   Larsen, Don. Yankee great. Only man in history to throw a perfect game in the World Series.

Inscribed Photograph Signed. 8 x 10", color, n.d., n.p. A classic pitching pose of the famed hurler during his heyday. Inscribed in blue pen"To Martin / Best Wishes / Don Larsen." Very Good.
Estimated Value $150-200.

155   Laurel & Hardy. Comedians who formed the first Hollywood film comedy team. Their contrasting personalities, embodied by contrasting physiques, and bumbling calamities made them universally popular.

Inscribed Photograph Signed. Black and white, 5 x 3½". Small snapshot of the smiling, nattily dressed comedians inscribed, "Thank you Toni !" in Hardy's hand, and signed by both on either side of their likeness. Very Fine. Though this is only a card-sized photograph, it is a particularly fine example, with both signatures dark and bold.
Estimated Value $450-550.

156   Liberace.
Inscribed Record Album Signed. Approximately 12 x 12", "Liberace at the Americana! Recorded live at the Royal Box, Americana Hotel of New York. Vol. 2" Boldly inscribed across the top reverse, "To Bobby, My best to you always, Liberace" Below the signature is Liberace's trademark piano with candlabra sketch.
Estimated Value $100-150.

157   [Lincoln, Benjamin].
Autograph Military Document Signed. Ten pages, on two folded Folio leaves, recto/verso, and a two-page Quarto insert, attached by a green military ribbon, n.p., October 21, 1823. To "his Excellency William Eustice Esquire Governor and Commander in Chief of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Lengthy military report from "Benjamin Lincoln," on an examination of charges "exhibited" against one of the colonels of the 3rd Regiment, 1st Brigade, 5th Division - a Colonel Fokes [?]. In this studious document, Lincoln relays the findings of the several specifications that constitute the charges against the colonel, whose alleged malfeasance was the mishandling of a recent Regimental parade. Fine. Some age-toning. We believe that this curious document was probably written by the Revolutionary War General Benjamin Lincoln's son of the same name.
Estimated Value $375-UP.

158   Louis, Joe. 1914-1981. Boxer, Heavyweight champion, a title he held for a record 12 years.

Signed Photograph. Black and white, 8 x 10", n.d., of Joe Louis with an X-ray technician, watching a demonstration of an X-ray camera, sports pages in hand. Fine. Signed, "Best Wishes, Joe Louis."
Estimated Value $250-350.

159   Mack, Connie. 1862-1956. American baseball player and record-holding manager. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937.

Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Octavo, on Princess Martha Hotel letterhead, n.p., January 1 [?], 1949. To Joseph Tomlin, founder and program director of "Sandlot Sports Association." In this earnest letter of thanks, in which Mack learns that he will have a "little league" named after him, the famous baseball player and manager expresses gratitude for the honor of participating in the "Connie Mack-Pop Warner Foundation." Mack's name will designate a kids baseball Conference comparable to the Pop Warner football league. He writes:

"Dear Mr. Tomlin/ I feel highly honored in your confering upon me the Connie Mack-Pop Warner Foundation for Boys of ages running from eight to thirteen years of age / Was splendid of Frank Palumbo in financing the program/ Frank is always doing something helpful to our youths of the country. As well as yourself. Anything I can do please call upon me/ with best wishes for success/ Sincerely yours Connie Mack."

Slight browning to edges, faint clip stain at top. With a brief postscript additionally signed, "C.W." .
Estimated Value $250-350.

160   Mack, Connie. 1862-1956. American baseball player and record-holding manager. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937.

Typed Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, on Sandlot Sports Association letterhead, Philadelphia, July 10, 1946. To Colonel L.R. Shope. Lengthy letter soliciting sponsorship for the upcoming Sandlot Sports Association's All-Star baseball game, in which Mack explains its origin and function. He writes, in part:

" Dear Colonel Shope. America's most unusual All-Star baseball game of 1946 will be played at Shibe Park on the night of July 29. It will be an intersectional battle between teams picked from America's Sandlot baseball clubs--the third such game since the Sandlot Sports Association initiated the Sandlot movement in America. One team will represent the Connie Mack Conference of nearly 100 clubs. The other will be selected by sports writers in 12 leading cities in the East and Middle West... This association was formed by a large group of public spirited men and women to use baseball as a cure for the menace of the street gangs. By financing baseball fields and equipment, organizing leagues and supervising their games this association is doing a type of welfare work that has won- nation-wide commendation... "

Signed in full, "Connie Mack," with the typewritten subscription, "President Connie Mack Conference Association. Slight paper loss at top left corner, with two paperclip marks at top center. Also included in this lot is a brochure of the Sandlot Sports Association, promoting the Pop Warner football and Connie Mack baseball conferences.


Estimated Value $250-350.

161   Madison, Dolly P. Née Payne Todd. 1768-1849. First Lady. After her first husband died, she married James Madison in 1794. Extremely popular as a first lady and a great asset to Madison's political career. In later life she retained a place in Washington society, and was granted a lifelong seat on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Free Frank. Free Franked Address Leaf, Quarto, Orange C.H., Virginia, July 29, 1838. Penned to "Miss Rebecca Todd, Palmyra Square Philadelphia" and franked by the first lady at the upper right, "Free D.P. Madison." With "Orange C.H. Va. Jul. 29" circular postmark, and stamped "FREE." The free frank appears on the verso of the integral address leaf of a letter from Anna Payne to Rebecca Todd, both nieces of Dolly Madison. Dolly's sister Lucy's second husband was Supreme Court Justice Thomas Todd. Anna Payne, daughter of Dolly's brother John, was very close to her aunt and often stayed with her at Montpelier. The ALS is two pages, Quarto, dated July 26, 1838, from the Madison home at Montpelier, and concerns personal matters, giving detailed instructions for mailing a medallion from Philadelphia for Mrs. Madison, and touching upon other matters. Fine. Some staining to the leaf outside the area that has been franked, otherwise fine.
Estimated Value $750-950.

"By Any Means Necessary"
   

162   Malcolm X. 1925-1965. African-American Nationalist leader.

Typed Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, New York, July 19, 1960. To Elijah Muhammad, religious leader of the Nation of Islam, who with Malcolm X made a national movement out of the Black Muslims.

Important letter from Malcolm X to the leader of the Black Muslims planning the means to create "controversy" and insure attention by separating themselves from more moderate "Negro leaders," who they have invited to participate in an impending gathering of the leaders of the Nation of Islam. Malcolm X writes, in part:

"My Dear Holy Apostle:

This is meant to be a quick note.

'Controversy creates headlines and headlines draw crowds ! [in red ink].' Last year when you came to New York, your coming was preceded by two weeks of free publicity by the Mike Wallace Television Show, which, thanks to ALLAH, produced a crowd of 10,000. This year we don't have television, and I don't want to "gamble" (take it for granted) that the crowd is coming. I think that we should exert every means and methods for insurance and then if our effort is all-out ALLAH will bless us with success.

In trying to think of some way to attract the attention of the press (and the masses) we have launched some "controversy" and excitement here that the press is picking up and so are the masses here in Harlem....We have been politely inviting the Negro leaders here in the past to come out in an effort for unity which they have repeatedly ignored, plus they've continued to class you as a Ku Kluxer, so we've ceased begging them now and are challenging them to clarify their "reluctant" stand.

This approach excites the people of Harlem, because they think we've been too easy on these "Uncle Tom" leaders. If they don't come out they will be the loser with the people, and if they do come out THEY'LL STILL BE THE LOSER in any debate with you before the public...".

Very Fine. Malcolm X has signed the letter, "As-Salaam Alaikum your brother and servant, Malcolm X" in bold blue ink, written in large letters below his complimentary close.
Estimated Value $6,000-UP.

163   March, Frederic. Academy Award winning actor.

Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, on his personal imprinted stationery from West Los Angeles, California, April 19, 1942 to "Bill." March is frustrated and says so: "...you can imagine how this broke my heart the other day. The record "Nightman at Noon" arrived in pieces!! Would you ask them please and try once more - & to wrap it more securely...". Fine. Matted and framed to 14 x 11".
Estimated Value $150-250.

164   March, Frederic. Academy Award winning actor.

Inscribed Photograph Signed. Black & white, 8 x 10", n.d., n.p. A very crisp print of the actor sporting a very purposeful gaze. Inscribed along the left edge, "To / Ann-- / with best wishes / Frederic March". Very Good.
Estimated Value $50-75.

165   Marciano, Rocky. (1924-1969) American boxing legend who won the World Heavyweight Championship in 1952 and defended it six times. He retired in 1956 with a professional record of 49 victories and no losses.

Holograph Response on Typed Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, Glens Falls, NY. April 30, 1954. On The Post-Star and The Glen Falls Times letterhead from sports editor Ralph D. Hall asking for input on a book about sports figures and their big break to success. Rocky boldly pens in green ink below text, in full:

"Al Weill must be consulted on all these matters. Rocky" & "Al Weill Shelton Hotel Lexington & 49th St. New York."

Very Good. An excellent Maricano item with great content. General toning, especially at edges; insignificant fold nicks without paper loss.
Estimated Value $250-350.

166   Markham, Edwin. American poet. Author of "Man with the Hoe"; "Lincoln, the Man of the People".

Inscribed Printed Photo Signed. Inscribed.

"Your friend, Edwin Markham, Staten Island, N.Y." Accompanied by a copy of his "The Man With The Hoe".

Photo is in Very Fine condition, the printed poem is a bit tattered.
Estimated Value $75-125.

167   McCrea, Joel. 1905-1990. American actor, best known for his understated performances in the films of Preston Sturges.

Inscribed Photograph Signed. Glossy Black and white, 8 x 10", "1936," by Kenneth Alexander. Handsome portrait of the actor inscribed, "To Jack - 'O.K. for Sound' Joel McCrea 1936," probably for a sound man on one of his pictures. Very Fine.
Estimated Value $50-75.

168   Monroe, Marilyn. 1926-1962. American actress who has become a sexual icon of popular culture.

Inscribed Photograph Signed. Black and white, 8 x 10", n.d. A stunning portrait of a bright-eyed Marilyn with her head craned slightly back and mouth opened wide in a generous smile. Inscribed, "To Don my warm wishes and Love Marilyn." Handsomely framed in faux marble. Very Fine.
Estimated Value $2,000-3,000.

169   [Napoleonic Wars].
Autograph Letter Signed by John H. Rogers. Rogers was an American missionary fighting for the Spanish against the French during the Napoleonic Wars. His remarkable letter is Four pages, recto/verso, Quarto, Alriante, Spain. To his father, John Rogers Sr. Lengthy detailed letter describing the Napoleonic Wars in Spain, at this time occupied by France, as part of Napoleon's strategy to create a coastal commercial blockade of Britain, and the scene of fighting between France, under Junot, and England, under Wellington, now engaged in an assault of French-occupied Portugal. Rogers reports, in part:

"... have had many fights during the last two months but thank God the Spaniards have been victorious on all sides and all the French Troops that can are now leaving Spain - Moncey's army was defeated before Valencia where he lost 2,500 men - he left Madrid with 12,000 & returned with 1,500... Dupont with 3,000 men entered the Andalucies & after 5 weeks was obliged to capitulate & gave up the remaining part of his army which consisted 17,000 - what a humbling thing for Bonaparte's invincibles to yield to Spanish sans coulottes for certainly a great many of them were without breeches - ... our new king Joseph entered Madrid the 20 July was proclaimed King the 25 & left Madrid precipitately the 29 with all the French that were in the City...".

Browned with age, otherwise Fine.
Estimated Value $500-UP.

170   O'Brien, Pat. Actor of the 1930s and 40s, most notable for the title role in the Knute Rockne Story.

Inscribed Vintage Photograph Signed. 11 x14", Black and white, matted and framed. Classic, full-face, bust portrait of the actor in a striped suit, holding a cigar. The inscription is in black and along the upper right margin but difficult to decipher. Fine.
Estimated Value $75-125.

171   Patton, George S. 1885-1945. US General, trained at West Point, he became one of the most daring and flamboyant combat commanders of World War II.

Autograph Letter Signed. Three pages, recto/verso, Octavo, on green-ruled paper, n.p., December 2, 1915. To his father, George Patton Sr.

Wonderful letter which finds the future General commenting on the events which would precipitate our nation into the first World War. Patton questions his father about the Allies recent violation of German neutrality. He writes, in part:

"What do you think of the Allies violating German neutrality? I suppose since the Germans did not do it it was all right. Also what do you think of Mr. [Woodrow] Wilson's army ideas. His political rather than his military program..."

The letter also mentions a number of personal matters, including a "story" Patton has written and plans to send off, probably to a family friend.

Fine. Marginal fold tear to second leaf, otherwise fine. Provocative early Patton letter in which the future General already begins to question World War I strategy.
Estimated Value $4,000-6,000.

172   Pickford, Mary. (1893-1979) Star of the silent screen, referred to as "The World's Sweetheart", thanks to her ingenuous charm and beauty. Star of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1917), Poor Little Rich Girl (1917), and Taming of the Shrew (1929). Established United Artists in 1919 with Douglas Fairbanks Sr.

Inscribed Vintage Photograph Signed. Sepia, 9 x 7", n.d., n.p. An exquisitely sharp, clean print on heavy paper of one of cinema's classic beauties. Inscribed "Sincerely / Mary Pickford" in blue ink along the right edge. Fine.
Estimated Value $150-250.

173   Porter, Cole. (1892-1964) Composer. He studied law at Harvard before entering the Schola Cantorum in Paris. He composed lyrics and music for many stage success reaching the height of his success with Kiss Me Kate (1948) and Can Can (1953) and popular songs such as "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" (1944).

Document Signed One page, legal Folio, July 24, 1925. New York. A Canadian copyright form for the song "I AM IN LOVE AGAIN." Boldly signed twice in the lower right as "Author" and "Composer". Includes copyright assignment stapled to it. Very Good. Slight fold crease, general toning.
Estimated Value $500-750.

174   Porter, Cole. Famous popular composer and lyricist of the stage and screen.

Typed Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, on The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria letterhead (Typed "Cole Porter above, 41C" to the right of letterhead), January 18, 1952. To Mr. A. Harvey Cole, in full:

"Dear Harvey: / Regarding the cancelled note and assignment, I would appreciate your sending them to me. / Thanks again for your great help in this matter. / With best regards to everyone, / Sincerely, Cole." Delicately penned "Cole" in black ink.

Very Good. Paper clipped to a yellow carbon copy reply, otherwise fine.
Estimated Value $250-300.