Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 896
Arno, Peter
(1904-1968). Cartoonist for the New Yorker who helped develop
the magazine's tradition of sophisticated humor. His work appeared in the
magazine for 43 years.
"Untitled". Watercolor on paper. Signed,
"Peter Arno", and inscribed, "To my Pal Johnny / Peter" both
at the lower left. Size: 10 x 13½". A ½" vertical tear at the
lower edge, title at lower edge has faded, a few pinpoint soil marks in
lower half, a penciled notation at upper right, buckling of paper due to
the medium. Still in good condition overall.
Typical of the urbane
characters of Arno's cartoons, this courting couple departs for an evening
out.
Estimated Value $400-500.
From the collection of actress
Constance Moore.
Lot 897
Astaire, Fred
(1899-1987). Dancer, actor and choreographer. Astaire's career began at
an early age with vaudeville performances. Paired with his sister, he
gained the notice of Mary Pickford and advanced to Broadway. His notable
pairing with Ginger Rogers resulted in ten films each with a magical mix of
singing and dancing.
Inscribed Photo Signed ("Fred A").
Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., "1980". Inscribed to Hollywood agent
Johnny Maschio and his wife, actress Constance Moore in black ink: "To
Johnny and Connie". A 1½" fold at the lower left, a small crease
at lower left in the margin, tape at the upper corners in the margin, and
light folds throughout. In good condition.
The seasoned stepper
appears in a casual pose.
Estimated Value $100-150.
From the
collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 898
Bankhead, Tallulah
(1903-1968). Stage actress known for her beauty, laughter and
uninhibited behavior.
Inscribed Photo Signed ("Tallulah").
Sepia toned, 11 x 14", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in black ink, "To Gino
from". Also signed by the photographer "Herbert
Mitchell". Chemical stain at upper center edge, and buckling to the
paper at the lower edge. Otherwise in very good condition.
The
stunning Tallulah appears with a sultry air in this vintage sepia print
from 1937.
Estimated Value $150-200.
From the collection of
actress Constance Moore.
Lot 899
Bankhead, Tallulah.
Inscribed Photo Signed ("Tallulah"). Sepia toned, 10¼ x
13½" trimmed, n.p., n.d. Inscribed to Hollywood agent Johnny Maschio
in black ink, "Johnny from". Also signed by the photographer,
"Herbert Mitchell". A 1" horizontal tear at the upper left
edge, a 4" vertical fold at the left edge, a thumb-print at the center left
edge, light foxing, surface losses of paper at edges and buckling of the
paper along lower edge. In good condition overall.
In another
vintage sepia photo from 1937, Bankhead appears haughty yet alluring.
Estimated Value $150-200.
From the collection of actress
Constance Moore.
Lot 900
Beleman, Ludwig
(1898-1962). Author and illustrator. His most notable children's book,
a rhyming picture book entitled "Madeline", was published in 1939. An
instant favorite, Beleman wrote five books about the popular Parisian girl.
The author though, considered himself an artist first and a writer second.
"Untitled." Ink and pastel on paper-board. October 12, 1945. Signed
at the lower right, "Bemelmans", and inscribed at the lower left: "To
Johnny & Connie". Size: 15 x 11-1/2". Pinholes in each corner, light
surface scratches, edges are rough and trimmed. Accompanied by a Limited
Edition, numbered illustrated copy of Bemelmans' book entitled Now I Lay
Me Down to Sleep. The lot is in good condition overall.
In his
simplistic style, here Bemelmans pictures a coastline, probably Will Rogers
Beach. With a roadway following the shoreline, a group of seagulls rest in
the sand as two airplanes fly overhead against a slate grey sky.
Estimated Value $400-600.
From the collection of actress
Constance Moore.
Lot 901
Carmichael, Hoagy
(1899-1981). Songwriter, bandleader and arranger, often composing music
for films.
Autograph Note Signed ("Hoagy Carmichael"). On
the cover of sheet music for the song "April in My Heart" measuring 9 x
12", n.p., n.d. In black ink. To actress and singer Constance Moore. A
2½" fold to the upper right corner, pen marks at lower center edge,
and light surface scratches. In good condition.
Carmichael writes a
short lyrical note on the sheet music for a song from the film Say it in
French. He writes: "To Connie -- who can phrase it / and I says it
--".
Estimated Value $100-150.
From the collection of
actress Constance Moore.
Lot 902
Crawford, Joan
(1904-1977). Actress who became the epitome of glamour despite a
reputation that identified her as rarely likable. Her rags to riches
success began when she won a Charleston contest, beginning her film career
as a dancer rivalling Clara Bow. Her popularity waned in the 1940s, but she
made a come-back playing mature femme fatales, and later she cultivated her
popularity in the horror genre.
Inscribed Photo Signed
("Joan"). Black and white, 9½ x 11½" trimmed, n.p.,
n.d. Inscribed in black ink "To Johnny". Stamped "Clarence
Sinclair Bull" verso. A few small surface abrasions, the largest of
which is a 1" hairline abrasion at lower left, else in very good
condition.
With a wide-eyed smile, Crawford gleefully poses for this
striking Clarence Sinclair Bull photograph.
Estimated Value $300-400.
From the collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 903
Flynn, Errol
(1909-1959) Tasmanian actor, best known for his swashbuckling adventure
roles in movies like The Adventures of Robin Hood and Captain
Blood. His on and off screen charisma was undeniable, so much so, that
even after a high-publicity trial in 1942 he remained a popular star.
Inscribed Photo Signed ("Errol"). Sepia toned, 8 x 10",
n.p., n.d. Inscribed in blue ink "For Johny [sic]/ see you in /
the attic." There is a patch of staining with abrasions to the surface
layer at the center left edge affecting the words "for Johny", and a 1"
horizontal stain at the upper left. In fair to good condition
overall.
Smoking a cigarette, the debonair hero appears youthful in
this soft focus picture.
Estimated Value $250-350.
From the
collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 904
Grant, Cary
(1904-1986). Actor. Born Archibald Alexander Leach, this British youth
ran away from home at age 13 with a traveling acrobatic troupe, ending up
in New York. His career began with small roles on Broadway but eventually
lead to starring roles in romantic dramas and comedies, for which he his
best known.
Inscribed Photo Signed ("All the Grants"). Black
and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in black ink: "To Johnny / and
Connie / with love from / all the Grants / (up to now -- don't / put that
cradle / away)". In good condition overall. Paper is lightly buckled at
the bottom of photo.
Posing with then wife Dyan Cannon and their
only child, Grant writes a lighthearted inscription to actress Connie Moore
and her husband Johnny Maschio, acknowledging his late fatherhood.
Estimated Value $150-250.
From the collection of actress
Constance Moore.
Lot 905
Hollywood Victory
Caravan. Here we offer a souvenir program for the Hollywood Victory
Caravan, sponsored by the Navy Relief Society and the Army Emergency
Relief, signed by over thirty of tinseltown's greatest talents. Signatures
include Claudette Colbert, Olivia de Havilland, Bob Hope, Groucho Marx,
Jim Cagney, Cary Grant, Joan Bennet, Bert Lahr, Stan Laurel, Joan
Blondell, and Desi Arnaz. Framed for an overall size of
14½ x 17½". In very good condition overall.
Estimated
Value $500-700.
From the collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 906
Hope, Bob (b.
1903). Comedian and actor. Embodying the term "entertainer", Hope has used
his talents of singing, dancing, and wisecracking to become a Hollywood
legend. In addition to working on over 50 feature films, Hope has hosted
the Academy Awards numerous times, appeared in a variety of television
specials, and is well known for traveling overseas to entertain troops
abroad.
1. Autograph Note Signed ("Bob Hope"). On the mat of
a 10 x 8" black and white photograph, San Juan, Puerto Rico, n.d. In blue
ink. Accompanied by a black and white photograph of Hope being serenaded by
a Mariachi quartet. The photo has light surface scratches, the mat has
light foxing, and time staining. 2.Typed Letter Signed
("Bob"). One page, quarto, n.p., April 12, 1988. On Hope's
personalized stationery. In black ink. To his friends Connie and Johnny. In
good condition overall. Three horizontal folds, light soiling at center
left edge, and a strip along the top edge where the surface of the paper is
thin.
Here, the funnyman jokes about a recent hospital stay:
"This is just to thank you for your thoughts during my
incarceration...And I promise you I won't go around showing my scar."
Estimated Value $200-300.
From the collection of actress
Constance Moore.
Lot 907
Hope, Bob. 1.
Inscribed Photo Signed ("Bob Hope"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p.,
n.d. Inscribed in black ink: "To John -- Thanks for the / memory".
Remnants of an adhesive appear at the upper left and along lower edge in
the margin. Also a small ¼" tear in the margin at the lower left,
else in very good condition. 2. Inscribed Photo Signed. Black and white, 8
x 10", n.p., n.d. Indistinctly inscribed. Photo has yellowed and
inscription has faded. In poor to fair condition.
In a classic
golfer's pose, Hope adds the signature line from his theme song, "Thanks
for the memory".
Estimated Value $100-150.
From the collection
of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 908
Hutton, Barbara
(1912-1979). Granddaughter to F.W. Woolworth, Hutton was the heiress to
the retail chain's fortune. With an extravagant lifestyle, this "poor
little rich girl" would marry seven times, counting Cary Grant as one of
her husbands.
Inscribed Photo Signed ("Barbara"). Black and
white photo-mechanical reproduction, 11 x 14", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in
brown ink "To Carrie and Fabrice (?) / with all my love". With a few
abrasions at upper center, light staining at lower left, and remnants of an
adhesive along upper edge of verso. In very good condition
overall.
In a regal portrait, the heiress appears with a distant
gaze while wearing an elegant feathered hat.
Estimated Value $150-200.
From the collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 909
Kelly, Gene
(1912-1996). Dancer, choreographer, dancer, and director best known for
his work in the popular musical Singin' in the Rain.
Inscribed Photo Signed ("Gene Kelly"). Black and white, 8 x
10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed to Hollywood agent Johnny Maschio in blue ink:
"To Johnny -- With all best wishes". Photo is beginning to solarize.
Otherwise in very good condition.
With his muscular dancing and
natural charm, Kelly was a Hollywood icon. Here, he adds a warm note to his
photo.
Estimated Value $75-100.
From the collection of actress
Constance Moore.
Lot 910
Mack Sennett Bathing
Beauties. 1918 Mack Sennett Bathing Girls color panoramic photo, signed
by fourteen of the voluptuous stars. Featuring eighteen of the director's
shapely screen ingenues each wearing a skin-bearing suit. Framed for an
overall size of 35½ x 10¾". Water damage to the left quadrant,
chipping to the paper around edges, top border has been painted red
presumably to match the frame and cover flaws, a few tears along top edge.
Several signatures have been enhanced. In fair condition
overall.
Setting the trend for swim wear, Sennett's leggy Bathing
Beauties served as pin-up girls for servicemen during the First World War.
The abbreviated suits however, created quite a controversy at the time,
prompting protest letters from women's groups. In honor of these early
"California girls", a black and white version of this photo sits in the
museum on the Santa Monica Pier.
Estimated Value $400-600.
From
the collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 911
Negulesco, Jean
(1900-1993). Romanian film director whose career began as a painter.
Films include Road House, How to Marry a Millionaire, and
Three Coins in the Fountain.
"Portrait of William
Powell." Gouache on textured paper-board. 1930. Signed and dated at the
lower left: "J. Negulesco 1930". Size: 14½ x
19½". A pea sized loss of paint at the upper right, and light
surface dirt. Otherwise, in very good condition.
After living in
Paris and fraternizing with the likes of Brancusi, Modigliani, and
Giacometti, Negulesco turned his career towards Hollywood, painting the
stars he encountered along the way. Here, he captures the likeness of
William Powell, the suave, sophisticated actor with his characteristic thin
mustache. The pair worked together on their 1953 film, How to Marry a
Millionaire.
Estimated Value $500-750.
From the collection
of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 912
Negulesco, Jean.
"Portrait of Gloria Swanson". Gouache on textured paper-board.
1930. Signed and dated at the lower right, "J. Negulesco 30".
Size: 14 x 19". Framed for an overall size of 15½ x
20½". Light surface dirt. Otherwise, in very good
condition.
Against a bold green background, Negulesco portrays the
glamorous queen of the silent screen: Ms. Gloria Swanson.
Estimated
Value $500-750.
From the collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 913
Negulesco, Jean.
"Study of a Woman." Ink on rice paper. 1954. Signed and dated at the
lower right, "Negulesco 54", also signed, inscribed and dated at the
lower left, "To Bill and Frances / with love / Jean and Dusty
1955". Image size: 19½ x 29½". Framed for an
overall size of 22 x 32". A 6" soft crease at the lower right, a 2"
horizontal fold at lower center, and another small fold at lower center
edge. Still, in very good condition.
Clearly inspired by Asian
techniques, Negulesco sketches the profile of a woman as seen from the
back.
Estimated Value $400-500.
From the collection of actress
Constance Moore.
Lot 914
Negulesco, Jean.
"Mexico". Ink and pastel on paper. 1936. Signed, dated and
inscribed at the lower right: "J. Negulesco 36 Mexico". Image
size: 7½ x 9". Framed under glass for an overall size of
12¾ x 14½". Mat burns around edges. Otherwise in very good
condition.
With bold pastel hues, Negulesco sketches a man
laboriously carrying a basket with his back to the viewer.
Estimated
Value $300-500.
From the collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 915
Negulesco, Jean.
"Double Portrait." Color lithograph on paper. Signed and inscribed at
the lower right, "To Johny [sic] Maschio in friendship Jean
Negulesco 85", also numbered at the lower left, "24/XXV".
Size: 19½ x 23½". Framed for an overall size of 28 x
32". Several horizontal folds, likely from being rolled, with a few small
spots of soiling. Otherwise, in good to very good condition.
In a
bold orange-red color, Negulesco presents a stylized profile with an
inverse image outlined in black.
Estimated Value $200-300.
From
the collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 916
Novak, Kim
(b.1933). A cool and sultry film actress, Novak became a sex symbol
during the 1950s and 60s. Films include Picnic and the Hitchcock
classic, Vertigo.
Inscribed Photo Signed ("Kim
Novak"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., 1984. Inscribed in blue ink:
"Dear Johnny, / I have warm / and fond memories / of our Hollywood days,
/ Sincerely". Three small folds in the lower portion, which do not
affect the inscription. In very good condition otherwise.
The
alluring blonde adds a warm, friendly note to this stunning photograph.
Estimated Value $250-350.
From the collection of actress
Constance Moore.
Lot 917
Novak, Kim.
Autograph Note Signed ("Kim"). On a single octavo sheet, n.p.,
n.d. In brown ink. To the Hollywood agent Johnny Maschio. Accompanied by a
4¾ x 6½" printed Christmas card from Novak. In very good to
excellent condition.
In this card, Novak describes a common problem,
disorganization: "Please forgive me for the long delay -- no excuse
except to show how dis-organized I am with regard to correspondence. I
think of you often and hope all is well for you".
Estimated Value
$150-200.
From the collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 918
Patterson, Russel.
"Petticoat Patter". Vintage print with hand tinting on paper. Signed in
the plate "Russel Patterson", and signed and inscribed in pencil at the
lower right, "To Johnny, Russell". Size: 11½ x
15½". Matted and framed for an overall size of 17½ x
19¾". Mat burns, light fading, with a few light stains around edges.
In good to very good condition overall.
Here, Patterson sketches as
a couple celebrates their wedding anniversary. The woman reminisces, and
prepares for a romantic evening, however, as the punchline reads: "She
spent her time in eating / while waiting for his praising / the compliment
she got was this: / Your appetite's amazing--".
Estimated Value
$200-300.
From the collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 919
Peck, Gregory (b.
1916). Actor. Peck started his career in theater but became a dependable
leading man who gained popularity as well as an Academy Award for his
portrayal of Atticus Finch in the film adaptation of To Kill a
Mockingbird.
Inscribed Photo Signed ("Greg Peck"). Black
and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in black ink "For John Maschio
/ --from '44 to '92 / appreciation and / warmest regards -- / yours". A
few light surface scratches and three small dents at lower right edge, none
of which affect the inscription. In very good condition.
A seasoned
Gregory Peck appears with arms folded in a friendly pose.
Estimated
Value $150-250.
From the collection of actress Constance Moore.
Lot 920
Rogers, Ginger
(1911-1995). Actress best known as the graceful dancing partner of Fred
Astaire.
Inscribed Photo Signed ("Ginger Rogers"). Black and
white, 7¼ x 9¾", trimmed, n.p., 1988. Inscribed to Hollywood
agent Johnny Maschio in blue ink: "To my sweet friend Johnnie / with all
my love". In very good to excellent condition overall.
Even
later in life Rogers appears elegant and confident. Here, she adds a
friendly doodle of a heart next to her inscription.
Estimated Value
$100-150.
From the collection of actress Constance Moore.