The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 1507
Balbo, Italo
(1869-1940). Italian fascist leader, Governor of Libya and aviator.
Minister of aviation (1929-1933), he developed aviation in Italy and led
several mass flights, most notably from Rome to Rio de Janiero and from Rome to
Chicago. One of the four leaders of the March on Rome (1922), which brought
Mussolini to power, he remained the only serious threat to Mussolini until his
untimely death. Shot down in 1940 at Tobruk by an Italian anti-aircraft battery
that was unable to identify his plane.
Signed Photograph ("Italo
Balbo"). Black and white, 4 x 6", n.p., n.d. Chest portrait, in uniform,
signed in white margin. A handful of tiny plate imperfections and one ¼"
tear at top edge, else fine.
Estimated Value $75-100.
Lot 1508
Bormann, Martin
(1900-1945?) German Nazi leader and Hitler's closest aide, he was
responsible for administrative and financial matters at the highest level of
the Reich, controlled access to Hitler and was an enthusiastic supporter of
Nazi extermination programs. Bormann was in Hitler's bunker at the end of the
War, then vanished, but was convicted in absentia at Nürnburg. The most
accepted theory about Bormann's disappearance is that he died during the Soviet
assault on Berlin.
Typled letter signed ("M. Bormann"). In
German. Two pages, large quarto, Munich, May 8, 1941. On "Nationalsozialistiche
Deutsche Arbeiterpartei / Der Stellvertreter des Führers / Stabsleiter"
letterhead. To Henrich Himmler (who has initialed "HH" in green pencil
near the center of the first page). Docketing stamps recto and verso, file
holes at left edge, paperclip stain at top left corner, toning to edges.
Overall, good to very good condition.
Marked "personal", this letter
concerns SS-Gruppenführer Kaltenbrunner and his payment and position as
the head of the SS and police in Vienna. Bureaucratic in nature, with
references to Kaltenbrunner's current and former positions and a promise from
Bormann to examine the matter further.
Estimated Value $950-1,250.
From the Institute of Documentation, Israel.
Lot 1509
Bormann, Martin. Typed
Letter Signed ("M. Bormann"). In German. One page, large quarto, Munich,
April 24, 1943. On "Nationalsozialistiche Deutsche Arbeiterpartei /
Partei-Kanzlei" letterhead. To Himmler at Bad Reichenall. Docketing stamps,
assorted pencil notations, file holes, minor creasing. Good to very good
condition.
Bormann writes to Himmler that Gauleiters have asked if they
have been asked if there are any objections to SS members Hofman and Katzman
being appointed to Gauleiter in Sudwest and Danzig-Westpreussen, respectively.
Albert Hoffman was appointed Gauleiter of Westfalen-Süd in 1943, but
Katzman did not ascend to the post in Danzig.
Estimated Value $350-500.
From the Institute of Documentation, Israel.
Lot 1510
Charles III
(1716-1788) King of Spain. An enlightened despot, he sought reforms to the
Spanish legal and economic systems. He also worked tirelessly to improve
Spain's international position, including attempting to increase Spain's New
World holdings.
Document Signed ("CR"). In Spanish.Twenty-one
pages, long quarto, n.p., 1771. Being a document establishing an
educational/religious center in "de la Provincia de San Diego de Neuva
España." The bound document details works and territories for the
Colegio Apostolico and is signed with a stamped "Yo El Rey", but the signed
piece, a separate addendum signed bottom verso, is dated 1774 and deals with
the relationship between developing religions and the state. There is a corner
stain on the spine of the bound document which is visible at bottom center when
the document is open; two small holes in the loose document. Overall, very good
to fine condition.
With interesting content worthy of further research,
this lot is sure to reveal information about the spread of Catholicism and
Spanish influence in the New World.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 1511
Ciano, Galeazzo
(1903-1944). Son-in-law to Benito Mussolini, Ciano had been part of the
fascist movement from its early days. One of the participants in the March on
Rome, he held several diplomatic posts before marrying Edda Mussolini in 1930.
Appointed to several Minister-level positions, Ciano (a member of the Facist
Grand Council) supported Italy's alliance with Germany but objected to
Germany's handling of the war. While pushing for a separate Italian peace,
Ciano believed Mussolini should be replaced with Pietro Badoligio. Fleeing Rome
after Mussolini's ouster, Ciano was captured by the German Army which (at
Mussolini's request) put him on trial as a traitor and executed him.
Signed Photograph ("Galeazo Ciano"). Sepia toned, 6¾ x
9¼", "Roma", January 14 ("Gennaio XIV"), n.y. Photograph by
LUCE. Minor soil to verso, else fine.
A 3/4 length portrait of the
fascist leader, uniformed as a pilot. Ciano flew missions over Ethiopia
(1935-1936), indeed it is claimed he dropped the first Italian bombs on that
country.
Estimated Value $200-225.
Lot 1512
Ellsworth, Oliver
(1745-1807). American politician. Ellsworth, a delegate to the Continental
Congress and Constitutional Convention, served on the Committee of Five that
prepared the first draft of the Constitution. Domestic matters pulled him away
before he could sign the document he helped write, but he was instrumental in
its ratification in Connecticut. Influential in the organization of the federal
judiciary, he served as the Chief Justice to the United States. John Adams
called Ellsworth "The finest pillar of Washington's whole administration".
Document Signed ("O Ellsworth"). One page, oblong quarto,
Hartford, Connecticut, June 14, 1776. Docketed on the verso. In black ink. To
John Lawrence, Treasurer. With five horizontal folds, light toning at edges. In
very good condition overall.
Though 1776 was obviously a busy year for
Ellsworth he manages here to complete his political by duties issuing one
Captain Asahel Clark specified funds.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 1513
Heydrich, Reinhard
(1904-1942) German Nazi leader and Himmler's chief lieutenant. He ran the
SS's espionage and surveillance arm and helped organize the Holocaust. After
being named acting governor of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia,
Heydrich was assassinated by the Czech resistance.
Typed Letter Signed
("Heydrich"). In German. One page, large quarto, Berlin, May 14, 1942.
On "Chef der Sicherheitspolizei und des SD" letterhead. To Heinrich Himmler
(who initials in green pencil, "HH" at the top right). File holes,
staple stain at top left, scattered unidentified stains do not interfere with
either signature and the text is still legible. Good to very good condition.
Penned a mere two weeks before Heydrich was shot by Czech partisans (he
died a few days later), this letter addresses problems with Dr. Best and notes
that Heydrich is enclosing two copies of letters from Dr. Best. Indicating that
he did speak with Best in Paris, Heydrich also notes that he has postponed
another meeting to a later date. Given the timing of the letter in relationship
to Heydrich's death and the volume of work both men had, it is unlikely this
later meeting ever took place. Werner Best was a trusted deputy to Himmler and
Heydrich and in May of 1942 was in Paris supervising the supression of the
French Resistance and the deportation of French Jews.
Estimated Value
$1,000-1,500.
From the Institute of Documentation, Israel.
Lot 1514
Himmler, Heinrich
(1900-1945) German Nazi leader, after Hitler, the most powerful man in the
Third Reich. Head of the SS, Waffen-SS, Gestapo and Minister of the Interior. A
rabid anti-semite with an almost mystical view of a fully "Arayanized" Greater
German Reich, he viewed the Final Solution as a means to purify the world.
Typed Letter Signed ("H. Himmler"). In German. One page, large
quarto, Berlin, September 4, 1937. To Joachim von Ribbentrop at the German
Embassy in London. Docketing stamp, ink and pencil notations, file holes, smoke
(?) stains at left edge, staple rust at top left corner, minor toning to edges,
crease at lower right corner. Overall, good condition.
A letter begging
more research -- Himmler's letter apparently concerns Otto Abetz, named
Minister to France in 1940, and possible problems he with the man. "...I looked
at the Abetz affair documents...and will speak in detail when you are back from
London...Contrary to your opinion, I see Abetz as a bad and dangerous man..." A
second note at the bottom is addressed to Heydrich asking him to look at the
attached documents and note Himmler's remarks on the first page. Himmler's
problems with Abetz, if indeed that is what the letter is referring to,
apparently were not substantial or long lasting enough to keep Abetz from
becoming Minister to France, a position he held throughout the German
occupation.
Estimated Value $950-1,250.
From the Institute of
Documentation, Israel.
Lot 1515
Himmler, Heinrich.
Typed Letter Signed ("H. Himmler"). In German. One page, large
quarto, Berlin, March 9, 1936. Marked "personal" and "confidential". Assorted
pencil notations, staple stain at top left, file holes, minor toning. Overall,
very good condition.
An Himmler piece with somewhat sinister overtones:
"Attached I am sending the copy of an anonymous letter and the copy of my
letter to SS-Gruppenführer Rediess with the request for appropriate notes
in the personnel documents of Gunst, Döring and Stetter..." One wonders
what the attachement contained and its impact on the lives of the three
officers mentioned.
Estimated Value $900-1,200.
From the Institute
of Documentation, Israel.
Lot 1516
Hoover, J. Edgar
(1895-1972) U.S. government official, Director of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (1924-72), he built the bureau into one of the most effective, if
occasionally controversial, law enforcement organizations in the world.
Typed Letter Signed ("J. Edgar Hoover"). As Director of the FBI.
One page, quarto, Washington, D.C., March 3, 1965. On official FBI letterhead.
In blue ink. To John W. Snyder. With one horizontal fold and light wear along
upper edge. In very good to fine condition.
Politely declining a request
by Snyder, Hoover writes: "I received your letter of February 24th
requesting Assistant Director Sullivan to address your Interfaith Conference on
Religion, Communism and Extremism. It was certainly good of you to write, and I
want you to know of my appreciation for your interest in this regard as well as
your kind sentiments... The many matters which arise daily demanding his
immediate attention prevent his indicating an acceptance..."
Estimated
Value $100-150.
Lot 1517
Juarez, Benito
(1806-1872). Mexico's first ruler of indigenous ancestry, Juarez worked to
make Mexico a constitutional democracy. The French invasion under Maximilian
forced him to retreat from Mexico City to the northern section of Mexico, where
he directed the resistance until Maximilian's defeat in 1867.
Inscribed
Signed Carte de Visite ("Benito Juarez"). Oval sepia tone chest portrait
mounted on cream card, 2½ x 4¼", n.p., n.d. Photograph by "Valleto
Ha. / Mexico / Vergara No. 7". Signature and seven lines inscribed in Spanish
on verso to German diplomat and author Kurd von Schlözer. Minor soil and
toning to verso, the edge of a fingerprint lies just above the signature;
pencil identification just visible beneath the image; toning and minor soil
recto. Overall, good to very good condition.
A unique find -- a
dignified portrait of this Mexican national hero with a great inscription
verso. Although documents signed by Juarez remain somewhat easy to find, signed
photographs are seldom offered for sale and we are delighted to have such a
lovely example.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
Lot 1518
Kaltenbrunner, Ernst
(1903-1946) Head of the Austrian SS after the Anschluss, Himmler appointed
Kaltenbrunner head of the SD following Heydrich's assassination in 1942,
effectively putting Kaltenbrunner in charge of the Gestapo and all
concentration camps. With Allied troops advancing on Germany in 1945,
Kaltenbrunner ordered the extermination of all concentration camp prisoners and
fled but was captured by allied troops. Put on trial at Nuremburg, he was found
guilty of crimes against humanity and executed.
Typed Letter Signed
("Kaltenbrunner"). In German. One page, large quarto, Berlin, December
3, 1944. On "Chef der Sicherheitspolizei und des SD" letter head. To Personel
Chief von Herff. Docketing stamps, pencil notations throughout, toning, file
holes, minor creases at edge. Overall, very good condition.
An
interesting piece, bureaucratic in nature, regarding Ernst Damzog, one-time
head of Einsatzgruppe 5. "I intend to replace the Inspector in Posen,
SS-Brigadeführer Generalmajor of the Police Damzog, in consideration of
the special nature of the Security Police, with a younger person. As I have no
other positions open in the Security Police at the moment I would be grateful
if there is a possibility you can use him in your department...Enclosed find
his personel file..." In the closing months of World War II, Kaltenbrunner made
every attempt to speed up the persecution of Poles and the execution of
concentration camp prisoners, so it is possible he felt Damzog was not up to
the stress of increased duties.
Estimated Value $300-500.
From the
Institute of Documentation, Israel.
Lot 1519
Ludendorff, Erich
Friedrich von (1865-1937). German chief of staff during World War I, he
worked with Hindenburg in engineering many of Germany's victories, including
the defeat of Russia. After a brief post-war exile in Sweden, Ludendorff
returned to Germany and plunged into the world of reactionary politics,
participating in the Kapp Putsch and Hitler's Berr Hall Putsch. As a Nazi
member of the Reichstag (1924-1928), Ludendorff advocated harsh measures
against Jews, Catholics, Masons and Protestants.
Signed Photographic
Postcard ("Ludendorff"). Black and white, 3½ x 5½", n.p.,
n.d. Signed in bottom margin of postcard. One penciled price at bottom left
corner and another penciled on the verso. Very good to fine
condition.
The General in uniform, including all of his decorations.
Estimated Value $125-150.
Lot 1520
Marie of Romania
(1875-1938) English-born wife of King Ferdinand of Romania, her efforts at
the Versailles Treaty Conference insured the return of Romanian territory
following World War I. The first "modern queen" -- shaking loose of Victorian
strictures -- she even went on a well-publicized tour through the United States
that she had to cut short following her husband's death.
Photographic
Postcard Signed ("Marie"). Black and white, 3½ x 5½",
Romania, February 1928. Also included are a typed letter on mourning stationery
from the Queen's secretary, with Princess Ileana's signature at the bottom, and
the transmittal envelope. The right and bottom edges of the postcard are
somewhat ragged, as if poorly trimmed; there is a very small spot of soil at
the top right corner. Very good condition.
Sent less than a year after
the death of Ferdinand, this is a beautiful portrait of a woman who learned how
to use modern publicity to her own ends.
Estimated Value $125-150.
Lot 1521
Pershing, John J
(1860-1948) Lifelong soldier, commander of American troops in the
Philippines, West Point instructor, commanded the American Expeditionary Forces
in the first World War, named General of the Armies of the United States by
Congress (an honor previously conferred only on George Washington). Foremost
American military officer of the first half of the 20th century.
Typed
Letter Signed ("John J. Pershing"). One page, quarto, Washington DC,
July 25, 1921. On "General of the Armies" letterhead. To Grosvenor B. Clarkson.
One horizontal fold, minor toning at top edge. Handsomely matted with a
beautiful black and white 8 x 10" portrait of the general, overall size 24 x
23". Very good condition, magnificent showpiece.
Clarkson had apparently
described some sketches of wartime France by his friend Milton Bancroft (who
produced a beautiful Navy recruitment poster during the War) to Pershing, and
Pershing writes that Clarkson may make arrangements to drop them off.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 1522
Trumbull, Jonathan
(1710-1785). American statesman. Trumbull was elected to the Connecticut
Assembly in 1733, went on to serve as colonel during the French and Indian War
and later functioned as the deputy Governor of Connecticut as well as Governor
of Connecticut.
Autograph Note Signed ("Jonth Trumbull"). One
page, oblong quarto, Lebanon, Connecticut, July 7, 1760. On the verso of a Land
Transfer. In black ink. Matted and framed to an overall size of 21½ x
17½". Remnants of original wax seal at lower corner. Small losses of
paper at lower corner, another small hole at lower center, light staining on
recto. Trumbull's signature is clear and bold. In good condition
overall.
On the verso of a lengthy Land Grant in which the named Nathan
and Eunice Lee transfer their land in Connecticut for sixty pounds, Trumbull
verifies their intentions as valid, stating: "Mr. Nathan Lee & Eunice Lee
his wife the grantor of the within written instrument personally appearing
acknowledged the same to be their due act & deed / before me". The document
was also witnessed by American Patriot John Wadsworth, whose signature
appears on the recto.
Estimated Value $400-600.
Lot 1523
Victoria (1819-1901).
Great Britain's longest reigning monarch, Victoria became a symbol of a
reinvigorated British monarchy and a unified, expanding empire. Victoria's
moderate tastes and personal style so influenced the world's popular culture
that the era bears her name.
Signed Photograph ("Victoria R").
Black and white cabinet photograph, n.p., "May 3, 1886 ". Photograph by
Bassano. Float mounted and framed to 8 x 10". Image is evenly toned, the outer
1/8" of the card is not toned, indicating it was probably matted at some point.
Very good condition.
Appearing regal, yet somehow grandmotherly (she was
one, after all!), Victoria is pictured just before her 67th birthday, in the
49th year of her reign. A strong signature and emblematic picture that make a
wonderful piece.
Estimated Value $800-900.
Lot 1524
More American Notables.
Another lot of notable Americans, primarily from the archives of John W.
Snyder. Eighteen pieces.
Fourteen of the items are Typed Letters Signed,
three are from Snyder, the other writers are: Henry Ford II, Nelson
Rockefeller, Fred Waring, Robert Sarnoff, Henry R.
Luce, two from Michael DiSalle, Michael Dukakis, Edmund
Muskie, John Warner, and Joe Allibritton. Most quarto-sized
letters appear on official stationery and range in condition from good to
fine.
The other items in this lot are: two black and white 8 x 10"
photographs from the Truman era -- one is signed by "Joe" and shows
Snyder receiving a decoration, the other shows Truman with a Chicago Daily
Tribune headlined "Ike 'Can't Take' Truman"; the final two items are large
(10½ x14") signed portraits, one is Walter S. Gifford and is inscribed
to Snyder, the other (also inscribed to Snyder) shows a gentleman we recognize
but cannot name. All of the items are in good to fine condition.
Estimated
Value $400-500.
Lot 1525
Statesmen and Notable
Americans. Lot of nineteen items signed by a range of notable statesmen,
diplomats, and other worldly figures. Featuring nineteen typed letters signed,
a signed card, and a sheet signed by four notable philatelists. Including
signatures of Postmaster General James A. Farley, Adlai
Stevenson, Henry Wallace, Secretary of War Robert Patterson,
Broadway actress Helen Hayes, W. Averell Harriman, publisher
Joseph Pulitzer, J. Edgar Hoover, Speaker of the House Sam
Rayburn, Secretary of the Treasury John W. Snyder, Parla
Mesta, W. Stuart Symington, Carlton Beall, Vice President
Alben Barkley, James Forrestal, Nellie Tayloe Ross (with
handwritten additions), V. Clain-Stefanelli, and Frances Perkins.
Most quarto-sized letters appear on official stationery and range in condition
from good to fine.
Most of the letters are addressed to John W. Snyder,
Secretary of the Treasury during the Truman administration.
Estimated Value
$500-700.
Lot 1526
Stevenson, Adlai
(1900-1965). American politician, better known for influencing politics
rather than actually serving in office. Unsuccessful in two Presidential
campaigns, Stevenson's only elected position was in 1948 as governor of
Illinois.
1. Typed Letter Signed ("Adlai E. Stevenson"). One
page, quarto, Washington D.C., September 20, 1956. On his personal letterhead.
In blue ink. To John Snyder. With one horizontal fold. 2. Typed Letter Signed
("Adlai E. Stevenson"). One page, quarto, Chicago, November 27, 1956. On
his personal letterhead. To John Stevenson. With two horizontal folds. Very
light soiling along folds. Overall the pair is in fine to very fine
condition.
A humble and grateful Stevenson offers appreciation to John
Snyder for his supportive words, and asks of his friend one small favor:
"The encouragement and confidence of my friends has meant more to me in the
past campaign than anything else. I thank you from a very full heart. As I said
the night of the election, I wish that there was some way I could thank you
personally. And yet, with my thanks must come still one more request. Our
campaign inevitably ended with a large financial deficit; and I feel a moral
obligation to help in every way to pay the debts of the campaign...It is my
hope that this can be done through contributions of five dollars or more from
many people who agreed with me..."
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 1527
U.S. Congressmen. Lot
of nine Typed Letters Signed from powerful members of the US Congress and one
from a Secretary of the Treasury. With the exception of a TLS from John W.
Snyder (signed "John"), the letters are on various Congressional
letterheads. The senders are Sam Rayburn (2 letters from the Speaker),
Bob Dole, Jim Wright, William Proxmire, Edmund Muskie, Mike Mansfield, Tip
O'Neill and Eugene McCarthy. All the letters except for the McCarthy, Dole
and Snyder pieces are to John W. Snyder. Transmittal folds; one spot on a
Rayburn letter; otherwise all are fine.
Estimated Value $150-250.