The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14

Autographs

The Performing Arts

Lot 1463
Adams, Maude (1872-1953). The most popular American actress for almost 50 years, Adams caught the public's eye at age 5 and had her first major hit in 1897, playing Lady Babbie in The Little Minister (a role the playwright, James M. Barrie, enlarged just for her). Adams was a major star after that, appearing in several notable Shakespearean roles and, in 1905, she starred in Peter Pan, a role Barrie had written with her in mind.

Signed Photograph ("Maude Adams"). Graytone cabinet card, n.p., "1898". Photograph by Pach Brothers of New York. Adams looks over her shoulder towards the camera in this bust-length portrait. With the exception of two very minor dings to the upper corners (noticeable only on close inspection) and a pencil ID verso, this card is in very fine condition.

An absolutely stunning portrait of the great thespian, her beautiful eyes riveting the viewer. Usually photographed in costume or in elaborate finery, Adams is pictured here in simple garb and this image, mounted on a gray card, provides one most striking portraits of Maude Adams we have seen.
Estimated Value $75-100.

Lot 1464
Berlin, Irving (1888-1989) Russian-born American composer of popular music, and one of the greatest American songwriters. From Tin Pan Alley ditties to "White Christmas," Irving Berlin's 800 songs and 40 musical scores are some of the most recognizable and enduring music of the 20th century.

Typed Letter Signed ("Irving Berlin"). One page, quarto, Chicago, January 10, 1961. On his personalized stationery. In blue ink. To John Snyder. With two horizontal folds. In very good condition overall.

Here the musician inquires about attending an upcoming political function: "We are going to be in Washington to attend the various inaugural functions... It is our understanding that we are to contact you as regards an invitation for the Governors' Reception on Thursday, January 19, 1961." Presumably, Berlin was requesting an invitation to attend the events honoring John F. Kennedy upon entering the White House.
Estimated Value $450-550.

Lot 1465
Calvé, Emma (1858-1942). French soprano known for her dramatic interpretation of Carmen.

Signed Photograph ("Emma Calvé"). Sepia toned cabinet card, n.p., "1897". Photograph by Reutlinger of Paris. Very minor toning around edges; one small, nearly invisible abrasion on altar rail; slightly crumpled at bottom edge of card; the pen stuttered a few times to minor affect in the signature. Overall, very good condition.

Definitely not portrayed as Carmen, here Calvé kneels before an altar with a nimbus suggested behind her head.
Estimated Value $200-300.

Lot 1466
Cantor, Eddie (1892-1964). American entertainer and star of vaudeville, stage, radio, and movies. Cantor may be best known for his rolling his "banjo eyes".

Typed Letter Signed ("Eddie Cantor"). One page, quarto, n.p., May 23, 1951. On personalized stationery. In blue ink. To John W. Snyder. With two horizontal folds and a few almost indetectable, soft folds. Overall, in very good to fine condition.

As Secretary of the Treasury, John W. Snyder did much to popularize savings bonds. Here, Cantor recognizes Snyder's efforts: "I cannot tell you how pleased I was to receive the Savings Bonds poster print, which was forwarded to me from the west coast. If there is anything I can do to further the sale of bonds, please feel free to call on me -- no hour is too long -- no place too far."
Estimated Value $100-125.

Lot 1467
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921). Italian operatic tenor. Though he was a member of his church choir, Caruso had no formal training until age 18. Shortly thereafter, at age 21, he made his debut in Naples. Later, when he came to perform in America, he sang over 600 performances of 37 operas at the Metropolitan Opera and became one of the first musicians to lend his voice to gramophone recordings.

Signed Photographic Postcard ("Enrico Caruso"). Black and white, 3½ x 5½", Vienna, 1901. Photograph by N. Riccardi of Milan. Addressed in another hand on verso to one Mrs. G.R. Houston of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Minor, very faint silvering to edges of postcard; minor soil verso; else fine.

Caruso appears in a beautiful fur coat, with cravat, walking stick and cigarette enhancing this exquisite portrait.
Estimated Value $350-450.

Lot 1468
Chaliapin, Feodor (1873-1938) Russian basso, the first internationally renowned Russian opera singer. Known for his dramatic flair and perfectionist tendencies, Chaliapin caught the public's imagination with his performances.

Signature ("F. Chaliapin"). One page, small quarto, Seattle, "1935". On Olympic Hotel stationery. Bold signature and date with "Souvenir of". A note from the original owner indicates the page was signed on April 8, 1935. Transmittal folds, else fine.
Estimated Value $75-125.

Lot 1469
Copland, Aaron (1900-1990). American composer who incorporated various forms of American popular music into traditional classical compositions.

Signed Photograph ("Aaron Copland"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., 1958. Photograph by Paul Moor. Signed in blue ink. Typed labels verso. Incidental tiny creases, one ¼" tear at left margin, else fine.
Estimated Value $100-125.

Lot 1470
Gillette, William (1855-1937). One of the most successful actors and impresarios of his generation, Gillette moved from the mannered, formal portrayals of the 19th century stage to more "realistic" and natural characterizations based on his own personality. When Gillette exhibited talent at a young age, Mark Twain, a family friend, urged Gillette to a consider a career onstage and Gillette's New York debut was in Twain's Gilded Age (1877). A successful playwright, Gillette's hits included two Civil War plays, Held By the Enemy (1886) and Secret Service (1896), both of which are highlights of 19th century American theater. Gillette is most remembered for his turn as Sherlock Holmes -- a role which won him worldwide fame.

Signed Photograph ("William Gillette"). Graytone cabinet card, "Boston February 1898". Photograph by Schact's Studio of Boston. Gillette inscribed: "(Third Act "Secret Service")" below his signature. One minor, very faint area of ink smear near bottom edge of picture, one small scratch at top edge of image, bottom right corner of card has a minor chip. Overall, in fine condition.

Secret Service was Gillette's most realistic and universally praised drama. An important playwright, author and producer, if Gillette had never portrayed Sherlock Holmes he would still be remembered as an important force in American theater.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 1471
Herbert, Victor August (1859-1924). Irish composer and cellist, best known for his operettas Babes in Toyland and Naughty Marietta.

Signed Photograph ("Victor Herbert") with Autograph Musical Quotation. Sepia toned cabinet card, n.p., n.d. Photograph by F. Gutekunst of Philadelphia. Inscribed with two measures from Natoma (composed 1911). Overall, even fading but image and signature still nice and clear; one small abrasion at bottom right corner with incidental soil; tiny scattered imperfections in plate; minor soil verso. Overall, very good condition.
Estimated Value $200-300.

Lot 1472
Horowitz, Valdimir (1903-1989). Russian-born pianist with amazing technique and volatile temperament. Arguably the most brilliant pianist of the 20th century, Horowitz drew praise and criticism for his interpretations of great works for the piano.

Signed Photograph ("Vl Horowitz"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., "Jan. 1966". Signed in blue ink. Minor toning to edges and top 2" of photograph is present but not distracting; 3½" crease extends from top edge to right edge, only the top of the "t" crossbar is affected; minor chips to the edges would be easily matted out. Overall, very good condition.

The genius at the piano less than one year after his sensational "Historic Return" concert -- returning to the stage after 12 years devoted to recording -- and in the midst of one of the most productive periods of his adult life.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 1473
Lauder, Sir Harry (1870-1950). "Laird of the Music Hall", Scottish-born Lauder was one of the most popular British performers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Following the death of his son in World War I, Lauder, wanting to "do his part", became the first entertainer ever to go to the front lines to perform, strapping a piano into a military vehicle and traveling throughout the Western Front performing for British and American troops. In spite of his advanced age, Lauder also toured for the troops during World War II.

Signed Photographic Postcard ("Harry Lauder"). Black and white, 3 ½ x 5½", n.p., n.d. From the Philco Series 3386 E. Autograph Quotation with signature verso illustrates scene from the comedy sketch "Two Characters" pictured recto with Lauder transliterating his famous Scots' burr: "I could hae swore I'd anither Penny / Harry Lauder". One stain verso on "swore"; corners verso show burns from album corners; very minor crease and abrasion to very tip of bottom right corner. Overall, very good to fine condition.
Estimated Value $100-150.

Lot 1474
Lehar, Franz (1870-1948). Czech composer best known for The Merry Widow.

Signed Photograph ("Franz Lehar"). Light sepia toned, 5¼ x 4¼", n.p., n.d. Photograph by Teddy Piaz of Paris. The shaky signature seems to indicate it was signed later in life, but it is strong and the blue ink shows nicely against the light ground of the photograph. There are penciled notations, partially erased, on the verso; tiny corner abrasions at the bottom corners; else, very good to fine.
Estimated Value $250-350.

Lot 1475
Nordica, Lillian (1857-1914). American soprano, the first American to sing at Bayreuth (as Elsa in 1894). Famous for her interpretation of Wagnerian roles, she performed most major soprano roles all over the world.

Signed photograph ("Lillian Nordica"). Sepia toned cabinet card, n.p., "1896". Photograph by Aimé Dupont of New York. Minor toning to edges with incidental surface soil at bottom two corners. Very good condition.

With Nordica pictured in costume (possibly as Ophelia, a role she first played in the early 1880s), this is a beautiful piece with a strong signature.
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 1476
Paderewski, Ignacy Jan (1860-1941). Polish composer, pianist, statesman, orator, linguist and intellectual -- a man of innumerable talents, Paderewski is most loved by his countrymen for his roles as patriot and humanitarian generous with his labor and kindnesses.

Signed Photograph ("I.J. Paderewski"). Sepia toned cabinet card, n.p., n.d. Photograph by London Stereoscopic Corp. Inscribed: "yours truly". Adhesive mounted to old album page; minor nicks and chipping around edges of card, one crease at bottom left corner of card and a smaller one at right corner; a few tiny abrasions on image and two waterspots. Good to very good condition.

The flaws, which are most noticeable on the card rather than the photograph, do not detract from the overall impression of the piece and a strong early signature. Paderewski's gaze and the beauty of the image make for a striking piece.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 1477
Riefenstahl, Leni (b. 1902). German motion-picture actress, producer, photographer and director who is known for her documentary films of the 1930s dramatizing the pageantry of the Nazi movement.

Signed Photographic Postcard ("Leni Riefenstahl"). Black and white, 4 x 6", n.p., n.d. Photograph by Vogel-Sandau, postcard published by Ross. Minor toning to edges, faint silvering around edges, three evenly spaced vertical lines pressed (possibly by a postal machine) into right edge. Overall, fine condition.

A fine 1930s photograph of the athletic Riefenstahl in ski togs, with an early signature. Beautiful and more unique than recent examples.
Estimated Value $75-125.

Lot 1478
Sousa, John Philip (1854-1932). American bandmaster, composer of "Stars and Stripes Forever", "The Washington Post March" and "El Capitan", among many others. Sousa's works are instantly recognizable and provide the soundtrack to most national celebrations.

Autograph Musical Quotation Signed on a photographic postcard ("John Philip Sousa"). Black and white, 3½ x 5", n.p., 1905. Inscribed with two measures from "The Diplomat" (composed 1904). Addressed on verso to a Miss Collins in Liverpool. Wear, slight abrasions and moderate creasing to all four corners from album corner mounting, minor soil at edges. Very good condition.

A beautiful three quarter portrait of the composer in a bandleader uniform. Likely mailed during Sousa's 1905 European tour (it is post marked January 10, 1905, London).
Estimated Value $350-450.

Lot 1479
Sullivan, Sir Arthur (1842-1900). English composer of hymns, symphonies and grand opera. Best known for his light opera collaborations with Sir William Gilbert, which combined social satire and witty lyrics with brilliant musicality.

Signed Photograph ("Arthur Sullivan"). Sepia toned cabinet card, n.p., "May 1897". Photograph by Walery of London. Backstamped with photographer's mark, image number 18769. Minor abrasion at top edge of image, dampstain to top right verso does not affect recto, card is lightly toned. Overall, very good condition.
Estimated Value $600-700.

Lot 1480
Toscanini, Arturo (1867-1957). Italian conductor, a virtuoso known for the dynamic intensity and detailed phrasing of his interpretations.

Inscribed Photograph Signed ("A Toscanini"). Sepia toned cabinet card, n.p., "1-4-910". Inscribed, "To Mrs. Eliot Hubbard" with an additional, "SID Vinetty(?)" in the bottom corner. Photograph by Aimé Dupont of New York. Minor fading at edges, one faint stain at bottom right corner affects part of the date. Else, very good condition.

An intense Toscanini in a handsome portrait.
Estimated Value $400-500.

Lot 1481
Tucker, Sophie (1884-1966). Vaudevillian entertainer known as the "Red Hot Mama". Musical from an early age, Tucker began her career performing in blackface as she was considered too big and ugly to appear otherwise. She managed to shed the disguise, appearing in the Ziegfield Follies and establishing her own brand of sex appeal . Her reputation as a loud, funny, outspoken female never resulted in substantial Hollywood fame.

1. Autograph Letter Signed ("Sophie Tucker"). Three pages, 5¼ x 6¾", n.p., January 12, 1957. On Beverly Hills Hotel stationery. In blue ink. To Secretary of the Treasury John Snyder. With one light area of discoloration. 2. Autograph Letter Signed ("Sophie Tucker"). One page, quarto, Nevada, August 7, 1957. On Cal Neva Lodge stationery. In black ink. To Secretary of the Treasury John Snyder. With two horizontal folds. 3. Autograph Card Signed ("Sophie Tucker"). One page, duodecimo, n.p., August 25, 1957. On her own personalized stationery. In blue ink. To Secretary of the Treasury John Snyder. Overall, the group is in very good condition.

Apparently recently acquainted, here Miss Tucker writes to John Snyder thanking him for his company at a dinner function. Characteristically, she hints at ulterior motives, suggesting that Tucker call her, and further, she details her future appearances, just in case. The second letter proves just as interesting -- she invites Snyder to purchase her latest recording ("Bigger & Better Than Ever") and offers to autograph it for $15. However, it has been noted that autographed albums of this recording were readily available at the time for just $8. Tucker does mention that the profits from Snyder's purchase would go to her charity, possibly explaining the disparity.
Estimated Value $150-250.

Lot 1482
British Stage Giants. Lot of two Signed Photographs and one Autograph Note. Henry Irving and Ellen Terry are offered here, representing their fruitful partnership at the Lyceum and their highly successful individual careers -- Ellen Terry was acknowledged as the great Shakespearean actress of her day and Irving was the first actor to receive a knighthood.

Henry Irving appears quite distinguished in a bust portrait Window and Grove cabinet card, inscribed: "with best wishes to M. Leonard". With the exception of minor toning and a penciled ID on the verso, this card is in fine condition. Ellen Terry appears as Guinevere in another Window and Grove bust portrait cabinet card (signed and dated verso: "yours truly / Ellen Terry / 1895") and has written an unsigned note on a piece of "Hotel Vendome / Boston, Mass" stationery: "With pleasure & in return Miss Terry asks for a trifle towards some American charity for old people". There is minor toning to the note and photograph and the bottom right corner margin of the cabinet card shows minor soil and a small dent, otherwise both pieces are in very good condition.

A wonderful lot of increasingly hard to find images.
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 1483
Four Illustrious Divas and One Manly Baritone. Lot of three signed cabinet cards featuring outstanding late 19th century opera and operetta stars: Jessie Bartlett-Davis, Marie Bréma and Marie Jansen and two 8 x 10" portraits -- one featuring the great 20th century soprano, Helen Traubel, the other a signed photograph of Lawrence Tibbet, America's great baritone.

Bartlett-Davis signs and dates ("March 1896") the recto of a Morrison of Chicago card, and has inscribed the verso: "When you do good, forget it -- When good is done to you, Remember it always". Minor toning, pencil ID verso, else fine.
Marie Jansen appears in costume in a Falk of New York card which she has inscribed: "Please others -- first". Pencil ID verso, the ink at the end of the inscription is slightly smudged, One spot to right of signature, minor toning, incidental soil to bottom of card, else very good to fine.
Brema, costumed for "Orphee", appears on a dramatic Dupont of Brussels card with a brief inscription There is very minor toning to the outer edges of the card, one ink at the bottom right corner of the image, the overall condition is fine.
Helen Traubel has signed and inscribed a photographic reproduction of Mortensen's portrait "Miss Sybil Hanson with Kind Regards". There are four areas of light discoloration scattered in the portrait -- the main portion of the portrait and the inscription are not affected; minor scattered creases do not affect the quality of the picture. The discoloration may be the result of a developing error. Overall, this piece is in very good condition.
Tibbet's photograph shows some discoloration to the left of his image and minor edge wear, but is in otherwise very good to fine condition.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 1484
Great 20th Century Conductors. A wonderful lot of five signed and inscribed black and white 8 x 10" photographs, featuring some of the best known conductors of the last century. Charles Munch, Seiji Ozawa, Andre Kostelantz and Frederick A. Stock appear in portraits, while Eugene Ormandy signed a full orchestra shot. All of the pieces are inscribed to a particular individual and often include a brief salutation, as in Stock's: "To my dear friends Maurice and Hazel Bernstein in all sincerity!" There is minor toning and incidental creasing on some of the portraits, a small repair at the bottom right corner of Munch's and a small chip with hole in the lower left margin of Stock's, but the overall condition is fine.

As a group, these men are responsible for some of the most memorable live and recorded orchestral performances in modern times and this is a wonderful collection of very nice portraits.
Estimated Value $100-150.

Lot 1485
Great Couples of the Stage. Lot of five signed cabinet photos featuring great couples of the stage -- actors and actresses, impresarios and writers.
Actress Madge Kendall appears on a Sarony card dated "1895" and her husband, noted Shakespearean actor W.H. Kendall, appears on a Elmer Chickering of Boston card. With the exception of faint toning and very minor soil at the margins, these cards are in very good to fine condition. Actors Julia Marlowe and Robert Taber appear together on a Falk of New York card (copyrighted 1895). With the exception of minor toning, this card is in fine condition -- absolutely beautiful. Caroline Miskel-Hoyt , famed actress who died tragically at age 25, appears on a Falk card with a charming inscription and signature verso: "This is a bad picture of Caroline M. Hoyt". Pencil ID verso and minor, even toning, otherwise very fine condition. Miskel-Hoyt's husband, Charles Hoyt, appears on a Morrison of Chicago card, signed and inscribed verso: "'Don't do anything until I see you' Chas. H. Hoyt". Pencil ID verso and minor toning, else fine.

Great stories surround these magnificent couples -- Marlowe and Taber starred together in Romeo and Juliet just months after they married, capturing the American imagination; Charles Hoyt went into deep mourning following Caroline's death -- on his death, every cable, clipping, and note of condolence received after her demise were found in his home; the Kendals were Britain's leading stage couple, running one of the most successful acting companies of their generation. This is super collection.
Estimated Value $150-250.

Lot 1486
Great Women of the Stage. Lot of four signed cabinet card photographs featuring the most popular and talented actresses of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Helena Modjeska, in costume, signs an Aimé Dupont card. There is minor fading near the center, otherwise very good to fine condition.
Anna Held, Florenz Ziegfeld's stunningly beautiful wife (known for bathing in milk), signs and inscribes a Schloss of New York card: "Avec les compliments de Anna Held". With the exception of very minor toning, this card is in fine condition.
Agnes Booth has signed a Dupont card, with "Sincerely Yours Agnes Booth". Minor soil to edges, faint pencil ID in margin, else very good to fine.
Louisa Drew, talented onstage and off (she was America's first major female theater manager), appears on a Sarony card dated "May 30, 1869". Inscribed verso "Nothing so conciliatory (?) to young people, as severity!" Small, minor ink smudges near top edge, one skinny 1" abrasion with print loss extends from bottom edge of picture. Very good condition.
Estimated Value $200-300.

Lot 1487
Impressive Actors. Lot of signed items from four great stage personalities who flexed their theatrical muscles from the late 19th to the mid-20th century.
Sir Gerald du Maurier has signed one photographic postcard and one duodecimo cream-colored card ("Gerald du Maurier"). Both are signed in dark ink, in du Maurier's strong hand. The postcard (by M. Lewis of London) has toned somewhat, but both items are in fine condition.The lot includes a letter from du Maurier's secretary proffering the signatures and offering thanks for a "charming letter". The great Eva Le Gallienne has signed a notecard embossed with her name and included a quotation from The Master Builder and brief note: "'Then let me see you stand free and high up!'...with all good wishes...& thanks for a very charming letter! Eva la Gallienne 14.1.40". A couple of minor ink smudges when the card was folded over, but generally fine condition. Otis Skinner signed and inscribed a Windeatts of Chicago cabinet card (which has unfortunately been trimmed at the vertical edges to the picture surface), the inscription: "To Mrs. Banks from Otis Skinner / 1902". There is also a signed card from Skinner, dated "1931". The surface of the cabinet photo has caused some fading to the signature, but the overall condition of this group is very good. Anton Lang, who played Christ at four successive Oberammergau Passion Plays, is pictured in the prologue costume on a signed ("Anton Lang") photographic postcard accompanied by a black and white postcard of Hans Lang as John. Lang became world famous for his portrayal of Christ as much for the exquisite pottery he produced outside of the theater. The Hans Lang postcard is in fair condition, the Anton Lang postcard is in fine condition.
Estimated Value $150-200.