Latest Arrivals
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832)
Document signed
German writer, scientist, and philosopher who takes a place among the central intellectual and artistic figures of his day. Document signed “Goethe”. 1p., 8.0 x 13.25 inch, Weimar 1780 October 13. Goethe as chairman of the “Fürstl: Sächs.: Kriegs-Commission”, signs a discharge certificate for a recruit. In German, in full: “Dem Stadt Rathe, hierselbst, wird andurch nachrichtlich bekannt gemacht, daß von fürstl. Sächs. Kriegs-Commißion allh. (ier) auf geziemendes Nachsuchen, die gänzlich Entlaßung des Recruten Johann Friedrich Meißner, allh. von seinem zeitherigen Militar Engagement resolviret und selbigem der Laufpaß bereits abgenommen worden; es hat demnach Eingangs bemeldter Stadt-Rath genannten Meißner in der Recruten-Liste zu deliren“. Countersigned „von Volgstaedt”. Bottom left a note in unknown hand “583./ praes. d. 18. Octbrs. 1780” and a second note “Goethe signature”. From 1777, Goethe's official activities extended to the renewal of the Ilmenau mining industry and from 1779 to the chairmanship of two permanent commissions, the road construction commission and the war commission (Kriegs-Commission), with responsibility for recruiting recruits for the Weimar army. Left edge slightly trimmed, mailing fold, minor paper loss lower right edge, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 6,900 / € 5.750
Koch, Robert (1843-1910)
Scarce autograph letter signed
German physician, pioneering microbiologist and the founder of modern bacteriology. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905. Autograph letter signed “R. Koch”. 2 pages, bifolium, recto and verso, 4.5 x 7.0 inch, Berlin, 1893 March 10. A fine letter written at the time Koch was the director of the Institute for Infectious Diseases in Berlin. In German, in full: “Hochgeehrter Herr Geheimrath! Wiederholt habe ich es versucht, Sie im Ministerium zu treffen, habe aber kein Glück gehabt. Da ich im Begriff bin, nach Dresden abzureisen, so möchte ich Ihnen vorher noch die kurze Mittheilung machen, daß ich vor zwei Tagen mit den Kuratoren des Bleichröderischen Nachlasses auf deren Einladung eine Besprechung gehabt habe. Dieselben erkannten die Verpflichtung zur Erfüllung der von Herrn v. Bleichröder gemachten Zusage an, wollten aber von meiner Verbindung der Bleichröder-Stiftung mit Einwirkungen, welche vom Kultusministerium ausgehen, nicht erst etwas wissen. Sie verlangten von mir Auskunft darüber, ob der Verstorbene dem Kultusministerium gegenüber bindende Erklärungen abgegeben habe, worüber ich natürlich nichts angeben konnte. Ich glaube, dass wenn die Kuratoren für Ihr Pläne gewonnen werden sollen, dies bald geschehen müsste und zwar auf Grund bestimmter Vorschläge, die ihnen annehmbar erscheinen müssen. P.S. Besten Dank für die erfreuliche Mittheilung über Lebbertis Ernennung zum Sanitätsarzt.“ Translated: “Repeatedly I have tried to meet you at the Ministry but have had no luck. Since I am at the point of going to Dresden, I want to give you this bit of information, that two days ago, upon their invitation, I had a discussion with the trustees of the Bleichröder estate. They recognized their obligation to fulfill the promise made by Mr. v. Bleichröder, but did not want to hear anything about a combination of the Bleichröder-Foundation with arrangements initiated by the Ministry. They demanded that I inform them whether the deceased had made binding declarations to the Ministry. Of course I could not say anything about this. I think that if the trustees need to be won over this has to be done soon and has to be based on certain suggestions which have to seem acceptable to them. P.S. Thank you very much for the pleasant news about Lebberti's appointment as medical doctor.” Mailing fold, else fine condition. The deceased named in the letter was Gerson von Bleichröder (1822-1893) a Jewish German banker.
Price: $ 3,480 / € 2.900
Frederick III. (1831-1888)
Rare Carte-de-Visite photograph signed
Frederick III. was German Emperor and King of Prussia for 99 days in 1888, the Year of the Three Emperors. Friedrich Wilhelm Nikolaus Karl, known informally as Fritz, was the only son of Emperor William I. and was raised in his family's tradition of military service. Although celebrated as a young man for his leadership and successes during the Second Schleswig, Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars. Rare Carte-de-Visite photograph signed "Friedrich Wilhelm K[ron]p[rinz]". 2.5 x 4.0 inch, no place, no date. Photo ny Carl Wiegand, Berlin. Middle-aged bust, half profile to the left, in uniform with Pour le Mérite. Minor scratch marks, else good condition. From the autograph collection of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff and successors. Frederick III. signed photographs are very rare.
Price: $ 2,200 / € 1.850
Keynes, John Maynard (1883-1946)
Autograph letter signed
1st Baron Keynes was an English economist and philosopher whose ideas fundamentally changed the theory and practice of macroeconomics. Autograph letter signed ”JMKeynes”. 1p., 4.25 x 7.0 inch, on his personal “Tilton, Firle, Sussex” stationery, 1932 March 31. Letter addressed to Mr. Hapford. In full: "Many thanks for your friendly letter - it was nice to hear from you again. Thanks also for your brother's account of his experiment - it is evidently a very gallant affair”. Mailing fold, handling wear, else good condition
Price: $ 1,550 / € 1.300
Feininger, Lyonel (1871-1956)
Autograph letter signed
German-American painter, and a leading exponent of Expressionism. He also worked as a caricaturist and comic strip artist. Autograph letter signed “Lyonel Feininger”. 1p., 7.25 x 11.25 inch, Dessau (Germany) (19)28 July 4. A fine handwritten letter to an unknown madam. In German, in full: “Sehr verehrte, gnädige Frau! Ihre Zeilen erhielt ich. Sie dürfen gerne das Photo „Gelmeroda IX“ für Ihren Aufsatz für das Jahrbuch 1929 „Deutsche Welle“ verwenden! Bekomme ich dann vielleicht ein Beleg-Exemplar?“ Translated: „Dear madam! I received your lines. You are welcome to use the photo “Gelmeroda IX” for your essay for the 1929 “Deutsche Welle” yearbook! Can I receive a specimen copy?” Mailing folds, some stains, handling wear, else good condition. Gelmeroda, today a suburb of Weimar, became famous because Feininger repeatedly drew, painted and woodcut printed the village church with its characteristic choir tower.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Grieg, Edvard (1843-1907)
Beautiful Carte-de-Visite photograph signed
Norwegian composer and pianist. He is widely considered one of the leading Romantic era composers, and his music is part of the standard classical repertoire worldwide. Beautiful Carte-de-Visite photograph signed “Edvard Grieg”. Carte-de-Visite, 2.5 x 4.0 inch, no place, April 1882. Signed and inscribed in Grieg’s hand: “Fröken Kai Dekker …” with thanks for tablecloth. Photo by Georg Brokesch, Leipzig. Minor handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,920 / € 1.600
Fontane, Theodor (1819-1898)
Excellent autograph letter signed
German novelist and poet, regarded by many as the most important 19th-century German-language realist author. Wonderful autograph letter signed “Th: Fontane”. 1 page, bifolium, 5.5 x 8.75 inch, Berlin, (18)67 March 19. With a fine blind embossed Fontane coat of arms at the top left. To Prof. Dr. Lucae. In German, in full: “Mein Lieber Doctor. Glück kann der Mensch immer brauchen und selbst Glückwünsche sind nicht ganz zu verachten. Sie sind doch immer hin ein Lichtschein, oder eine kleine Blume, die einem auf den Weg fällt. Mögen auch die meinigen, die ich Ihnen und Ihrem Fräulein Braut hiermit erbringe, einen freundlichen Schimmer für sie haben. Also Glück auf! Ihr ergebenster“. Translated: “My dear doctor. People can always need happiness and even congratulations should not be completely despised. They are always a ray of light or a small flower that falls on your path. May the mine that I hereby offer to you and your bride also have a friendly glow for you. So good luck!“ Mailing folds, handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Strauss, Johann (1825-1899)
Autograph note on his personal visiting-card
Also known as Johann Strauss, Jr., the Younger. Austrian composer and known as "The Waltz King". Autograph note UNSIGNED on his personal visiting card. Card, 4.0 x 2.0 inch, n.p., n.d., recto and verso. Printed "Johann Strauss / k.k. Hofball-Musikdirector“ and a fine note in Strauss’s hand, in German: „bittet Herrn Kapellmeister Genée das Klavierarrangement der persischen Hymne u. der Walzer übergeben zu wollen." Richard Genée worked as Kapellmeister at the Theater at the Wien from 1868 to 1878. Also enclosed is the printed obituary of the Vienna Men's Choir for Johann Strauss (Vienna, June 1899) as well as a printed invitation for a "dance evening with the Waltz King" in the ballroom of the Vienna Hofburg on the occasion of the 100th "return of the birthday of Johann Strauss" and a newspaper obituary. All in fine condition.
Price: $ 900 / € 750
Strauss, Johann (1825-1899)
Impressive signed photograph
Also known as Johann Strauss, Jr., the Younger. Austrian composer and known as "The Waltz King". Impressive signed photograph “Johann Strauss”. Platinotypie, 4.0 x 5.75 inch, on 8.5 x 12.0 inch photographers mount. Inscribed by Strauss in German: „Herzliche Glückwünsche dem verehrten Collegen und Freunde Eduard Kremser zur freundlichen Erinnerung / Johann Strauss". Photograph of a paiting by Leopold Horovitz (Ischl 9. 1891). Photo by J. Löwy, Wien 1897. Slightly discolored, minor handling and corner wear, else good condition. Kremser worked from 1869 to 1899 as choirmaster of the Vienna Men's Singing Association, which, among other things, premiered the waltzes "On the Beautiful Blue Danube" and "Wine, woman and Song". Impressive photograph!
Price: $ 2,700 / € 2.250
Bonaparte, Joséphine (1763-1814)
Letter signed
Joséphine de Beauharnais, first wife of Napoleon I., and thus the first Empress of the French. Letter signed “josephine”. 1p., bifolium, 7.25 x 9.0 inch, Malmaison, 1813 May 26. To the prefect of the Escaut department, to whom she recommends a "Mr. de Courtebnonne". In French: "... je porte depuis longtems beaucoup d’intérêt à sa famille, et je serai charmée que vous trouviés l’occasion de lui être utile. Je profite avec plaisir de cette circonstance pour vous renouveller l’assurance des sentimens que vous me connaissés pour vous …". Trace of a seal, mailing folds, handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,800 / € 1.500
Frederick III. (1831-1888)
Exceedingly rare letter signed as King & Emperor (1888/ 99 days)
Frederick III. was German Emperor and King of Prussia for 99 days in 1888, the Year of the Three Emperors. Friedrich Wilhelm Nikolaus Karl, known informally as Fritz, was the only son of Emperor William I. and was raised in his family's tradition of military service. Although celebrated as a young man for his leadership and successes during the Second Schleswig, Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars. Rare letter signed “Friedrich”, as King and Emperor. 1p., bifolium, 8.25 x 10.5 inch, Charlottenburg, 1888 April 17. Black border mourning stationery (his father Wilhelm I. died on March 9, 1888). To his nephew Prince Friedrich Leopold, "Premier-Lieutenant à la suite Meines Regiments der Gardes du Corps", regarding his appointment as cavalry captain. In German, in full: “Ich habe seine königliche Hoheit heute zum Rittmeister befördert und demgemäß an das General-Kommando des Garde-Korps verfügt. Es gereicht mir zum besonderen Vergnügen seine königliche Hoheit hiervon in Kenntniß zu setzen“. A large and bold signature, dated during his short reign. Mounting residue on the blank second page of the bifolium, handling wear, else good condition. Exceedingly rare. After 27 years as Crown Prince, Frederick III. became Emperor, but suffering from cancer of the larynx he died aged 56 after reigning for only three months.
Price: $ 2,150 / € 1.800
Frederick III. (1831-1888)
Rare autograph note signed as King & Emperor (1888/ 99 days)
Frederick III. was German Emperor and King of Prussia for 99 days in 1888, the Year of the Three Emperors. Friedrich Wilhelm Nikolaus Karl, known informally as Fritz, was the only son of Emperor William I. and was raised in his family's tradition of military service. Although celebrated as a young man for his leadership and successes during the Second Schleswig, Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars. Rare autograph note signed “Friedrich”, as King and Emperor. 1p., 3.75 x 6.0 inch, n.p., n.d. One of the conversation slips of the terminally ill emperor, written during the 99 days. In German, in full: “Ich bitte um Abschrift der Zeiteinteilung für die Herbstübungen des GardeCorps”. Translated: “I would like to request a copy of the time schedule for the GardeCorps' fall exercises”. Horizontal and vertical fold, minor handling wear, ink name note at the bottom, else fine condition. Exceedingly rare. After 27 years as Crown Prince, Frederick III. became Emperor, but suffering from cancer of the larynx he died aged 56 after reigning for only three months.
Price: $ 1,500 / € 1.250
Churchill, Clementine (1885-1977)
Photograph signed
Wife of Sir Winston Churchill. Photograph signed “with good wishes from Clementine S. Churchill March 1946”. Photograph 3.0 x 4.0 inch on his original studio mount, 3.5 x 5.5 inch overall. Uneven discolored from prior framing, minor stains, writing a little faded, mounting residue on verso, else good condition. Clemetine Churchill is rather uncommon in signed photographs.
Price: $ 420 / € 350
Elizabeth II., Queen (1926-2022) & Philip, Prince (1921-2021)
Excellent condition Christmas Card signed
Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. Signed Christmas Card “Elizabeth R 1957” in Elizabeth’s hand and “Philip” in Philip’s hand. 15.5 x 9.25 inch (unfolded), n.p., 1957, with an embossed crown on the front, featuring a color family portrait of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with their children, Charles and Anne and a pair of corgis. Excellent condition with mint condition signatures.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Ludwig II., King (1845-1886)
Document signed by the Fairy tale King (Neuschwanstein)
Ludwig II. was King of Bavaria from 1864 until his death. He is sometimes called the Swan King and “der Märchenkönig” - the Fairy tale King. He succeeded to the throne aged only 18 and is famous for the construction of two lavish palaces and the fantastic Neuschwanstein Castle. Partly printed document signed “Ludwig”, 1p., bifolium, 8.0 x 13.5 inch, Munich, 1869 January 8, fine paper seal. Patent for Carl Fortenbach as Major General. Signed in dark black ink by Ludwig and countersigned by Minister of War Sigmund von Pranckh (1821-1888). Mailing folds, slightly discolored, else good condition. Excellent signature.
Price: $ 1,800 / € 1.500
Mussolini, Benito (1883-1945)
“Il Duce” signs a presentation photograph
Benito Mussolini was an Italian politician, journalist and leader of the National Fascist Party - known as Il Duce (“the leader”) ruling the country as Prime Minister 1922 to 1943. He ruled constitutionally until 1925, when he dropped all pretense of democracy and set up a dictatorship that ruled the country until 1943. Mussolini was one of the key figures in the creation of fascism. Signed and inscribed photograph, 10.25 x 13.25 inch, Roma, 1931 March 6. And also dated “IX” for year nine of the fascist calendar (1922 March on Rome). Head and shoulders portrait with a blind stamp “Instituto Nationale Luce Roma”. Signed and inscribed in Mussolini’s hand to the Persian Ambassador “… Fatoullah Khan Pakrevan, Roma 6 Marzo 1931 –IX”. Handling wear, some minor bends, else good condition and excellent signed and inscribed.
Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.100
Gaddafi, Muammar (1942-2011)
Photograph signed
Libyan revolutionary, politician and political theorist who ruled Libya from 1969 until his killing in 2011 by rebel forces. A highly divisive figure, Gaddafi dominated Libya's politics for four decades and was the subject of a pervasive cult of personality. signed, 5.75 x 4.25 inch, n.p. (Tripoli), n.d. (2004). Excellent signed with a green felt-tip pen. Transmittal letter dated July 26, 2004 and regarding the photo is included. Fine with excellent provenance.
Price: $ 660 / € 550
Stravinsky, Igor (1882-1971)
Typed letter signed re: his opera “Rake’s Progress”
Russian composer, pianist and conductor, later of French (from 1934) and American (from 1945) citizenship. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century and a pivotal figure in modernist music. Typed letter signed “I. Stravinsky”. 1p., 6.5 x 10.25 inch, Hollywood, 1950 June 21. Letter to his attorney Mr. L. Arnold Weissberg in New York. In full: “Thanks for your letter of June 19. As it is likely that Mr. Ricketson will not be very long before contacting you in New-York, I have had a copy made of my contract with Hawkes concerning the “RAKE’S PROGRESS” copy that I am enclosing herewith (not enclosed). Waiting now for the next developments, and expecting to hear from you before long.” Punch holes, mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition. The Rake's Progress is Stravinsky's longest work and is widely considered one of the few great operas composed since the 1920s.
Price: $ 900 / € 750
Saint Phalle, Niki de (1930-2022)
Art postcard signed
French-American sculptor, painter, filmmaker, and author of colorful hand-illustrated books. Widely noted as one of the few female monumental sculptors. Russian postcard signed “Niki de Saint Phalle”. Postcard, 5.75 x 4.0 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in dark black ink. Front shows one of her works. Fine condition. Rathe rare signature.
Price: $ 600 / € 500
Harrison, Benjamin (1833-1901)
Fine Executive Mansion/ White House engraving signed
23. President of the United States. Fine vintage engraving of the Executive Mansion/ White House signed “Benjamin Harrison”. 4.75 x 3.75 inch, n.p., n.d. (between 1889-1893), signed in dark black ink. Front approach to the North Portico of the White House (named Executive Mansion at this time). Slightly discolored, else good condition. It was during the administration of Chester A. Arthur that Executive Mansion/ White House engravings appeared and from that time they became very popular collectibles.
Price: $ 690 / € 575
Blomberg, Werner von (1878-1946)
Typed letter signed
German Generalfeldmarschall, Minister of War, and Commander-in-Chief of the German Armed Forces until January 1938. Typed letter signed “vBlomberg”. 8.25 x 11.75 inch, Berlin, 1936 May 14. On “Der Reichskriegsminister” stationery. Appointment for Alois Hartmann as “Oberintendanturrat” im “Reichskriegsministerium”. Near mint condition. Note: We reject Nazism in any form! Nevertheless we offer autographs of this kind, because it is an important part of the history of the 20th Century. To the extent applicable to those affected by German law, particularly § 86a StGB, historical and military items from or relating to the period and personalities of the German Third Reich are offered for only purposes of education and research regarding historical events and military history. Clients who purchase such items agree that they will not use them for propaganda or other purposes that would be punishable under § 86a StGB.
Price: $ 270 / € 225
Teresa, Mother (1910-1997)
Photograph signed “God bless you M Teresa mc”
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, commonly known as Mother Teresa. A Roman Catholic religious sister and missionary. Recipient of numerous honours including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize and in 2003 she was beatified as "Blessed Teresa of Calcutta". Glossy photograph signed “God bless you M Teresa mc”. 4.0 x 5.75 inch, n.p., n.d. Excellent signed in blue ink. Fine condition.
Price: $ 1,440 / € 1.200
Dior, Christian (1905-1957)
Postcard signed
French fashion designer and founder of one of the world's top fashion houses, Christian Dior SE. Postcard signed “tian dior”. 4.0 x 5.75 inch., n.p., n.d. Signed in dark black ink. Newspaper photo and name affixed. Mounting residue on verso, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,050 / € 875
Kennedy, Robert F. (1925-1968)
Rare autograph letter signed from Russia
American politician and lawyer who served as the 64th United States Attorney General from January 1961 to September 1964, and as a U.S. Senator from New York from January 1965 until his assassination in June 1968. Autograph letter signed “Love, B.”. Penned on a 5.75 x 4.0 inch postcard, no date (summer 1955). Kennedy writes a brief letter to Teresa Kraus in Washington. In full: "Well this is the way we do it in Russia. It was 55°C here in Chardz(h)ou on the 7th of Aug which is a little over 130°F so stop complaining & get back to work." In fine condition. Uncommon autograph from RFK’s trip to Russia a trip that shaped his mind.
Price: $ 1,060 / € 880
Yeltsin, Boris (1931-2007)
Signed photograph
Soviet and Russian politician who served as President of Russia from 1991 to 1999. Signed color glossy photograph. 5.0 x 7.5 inch, n.p., n.d. (1995). Excellent signed in dark black ink at the bottom. Minor handling wear, else fine condition. Transmittal letter from the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bonn, dated July 1995 and regarding the photo is included. Fine with excellent provenance.
Price: $ 1,500 / € 1.250
Amin Dada, Idi (1923-2003)
Rare signed photograph
Ugandan political leader and military officer who was the President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. A murderous, oppressive President who was deposed in 1979. Signed black and white photograph “I. Amin Dada”. Photograph, 6.5 x 8.5 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in blue ballpoint pen in the upper left corner. Handling wear, some stains on verso and slightly discolored top border. Rare!
Price: $ 1,500 / € 1.250
Miro, Joan (1893-1983)
Autograph letter signed
Catalan, Spanish painter, sculptor and ceramicist. Autograph letter signed “Miró.”. 1p., 8.25 x 11.75 inch, on his personal Joan Miro Palma de Mallorca stationery, 1976 July 10. Addressed to Georges Raillard in Paris. Untranslated letter in French. The original mailing envelope, addressed in Miro’s hand, is included. Mailing folds, else fine condition. Provenance: Georges Raillard, friend and Miro specialist. Rare in handwritten letters.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Do Muoi (1917-2018)
Signed photograph
Vietnamese communist politician. He rose in the party hierarchy in the late 1940s, became Chairman of the Council of Ministers in 1988 and was elected General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Signed and dated photograph. 8.25 x 6.25 inch, n.p., april 17, 1996. Handling wear, some stains, collector label on verso, else good condition. I couldn't find another autograph of Do Muoi.
Price: $ 600 / € 500
Voltaire, François-Marie Arouet (1694-1778)
Letter signed
François-Marie Arouet known by his nom de plume Voltaire, a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher famous for his wit, his attacks on the established Catholic Church and Christianity as a whole, and his advocacy of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state. Letter signed “Voltaire”. 1 page, bifolium, 6.25 x 8.0 inch, Chateau de Ferney, Geneva 1773 April 20. Written by his secretary Jean-Louis Wagnière (1739-1802) and signed at the end by Voltaire himself. In French, in full: “Messieurs J'ai recu la Lettre dont vous m'avez honoré et les papiers que vous avez bien voulu y joindre agréez mes remerciements. J'ose compter sur les bontés et sur la protection de Son Altesse Sérénissime. J'ai l'honneur d´être avec respect Messieurs votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur.” Translated: “Gentlemen, I have received the Letter with which you honored me and the papers which you kindly attached to it, please accept my thanks. I dare to count on the kindness and protection of his serene highness. I have the honor to be, with respect, Gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant.” Mailing folds, minor stain, else fine condition.
Price: $ 5,400 / € 4.500
Kennedy, John F. (1917-1963)
Scarce autograph letter signed
35. President of the United States. Scarce and sought-after autograph letter signed “Jack”. 1p., recto and verso, 6.25 x 9.0 inch. Congress of the United States letterhead, no date but June 11, 1951. A COPY of the original postmarked envelope is included. Letter to Colonel Joseph T. Benedict. In full: "Many thanks for fixing things at the Convention. I thought that you had an unusually fine group there and that it was a great success. I hope things go well for your ... in the service. If there is every (crossed out) ever anything I can do - I hope you will let me know -." In fine condition. Accompanied by several copies of letters addressed between Benedict, Kennedy, and members of his White House staff, dated between 1961 and 1963. Scarce in handwritten letters. Comes together with my book “John F. Kennedy – autograph study” - about 90 pages with hundreds of signatures (authentic, secretary, Autopen, stamps, facsimile etc.).
Price: $ 4,200 / € 3.500
Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924)
Autograph musical quotation signed “Madama Butterfly”
Italian composer whose operas are among the important operas played as standards. Excellent autograph musical quotation signed “Giacomo Puccini”. Photograph (postcard), 3.5 x 5.5 inch, Milano March (1)911. Additional in Puccini’s hand three bars from the first act of his famous opera “Madama Butterfly” and a fine quotation also from the first act of “Madama Butterfly”. In Italian: “Noi siamo gente avvezza alle piccolo cose umili e silenziose”. Translated: “We are people accustomed to small, humble and silent things”. Verso shows a short note in unknown hand regarding the sending of the photograph, dated March 12, 1911. Fine condition. An autograph musical quotation signed on a photograph and with such a fine quotation is surely one of the best Puccini autographs you can hope to find.
Price: $ 3,850 / € 3.200
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921)
Self-caricature signed
World renowned Italian tenor usually considered the greatest operatic tenor ever and the first opera star to make best-selling recordings, beginning around 1903, which are still in print to this day. A fine and characteristic hand drawn self-caricature signed “Enrico Caruso S. Paulo 1917”. 5.75 x 7.75 inch, Sao Paulo 1917. Boldly drawn in dark fountain pen ink. Autograph was previously framed, minor paper loss at the top, small pinhole, else good condition. For other similar self-caricatures see Caruso's Caricatures, New York: Dover Publications, 1977. Caruso was highly talented as a caricaturist and illustrator. This is a wonderful example with a fine and large signature.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Fermi, Enrico (1901-1954)
Autograph postcard signed
Italian physicist, renowned for being the creator of the world's first nuclear reactor. He has been called the "architect of the nuclear age” and the "architect of the atomic bomb". Fermi was awarded the 1938 Nobel Prize in Physics. Autograph postcard signed “Enrico Fermi”. Postcard, 5.25 x 3.25 inch, Courmayeur, August 8, 1928. Addressed and with a short greeting in Italian “Saluti cordiali” in Laura Fermi Capon’s hand to Maria Piazza in Rome. Enrico Fermi has signed “Enrico Fermi” below Laura’s signature. Fine condition. Laura Capon Fermi (1907-1977) was an Italian and naturalized-American writer and political activist, she married Enrico Fermi on July 19, 1928 just a few weeks before this postcard was written.
Price: $ 3,300 / € 2.750
Göring, Hermann (1893-1946)
Signed photograph
German politician, military leader and leading member of the Nazi Party (NSDAP). Signed photograph “Göring”. 4.25 x 6.0 inch, black and white photograph of Göring in uniform, signed in blue ink. Photo Hoffmann, Munich printed on verso. Fine condition. Note: We reject Nazism in any form! Nevertheless we offer autographs of this kind, because it is an important part of the history of the 20th Century. To the extent applicable to those affected by German law, particularly § 86a StGB, historical and military items from or relating to the period and personalities of the German Third Reich are offered for only purposes of education and research regarding historical events and military history. Clients who purchase such items agree that they will not use them for propaganda or other purposes that would be punishable under § 86a StGB.
Price: $ 720 / € 600
Le Corbusier (1887-1965)
Typed letter signed
Charles-Édouard Jeanneret known as Le Corbusier was a Swiss-French architect, designer, painter, urban planner, writer and one of the pioneers of what is now regarded as modern architecture. Typed letter signed “Le Corbusier”. 1p., 8.25 x 10.5 inch, Paris, 1954 March 29. On his personal “LE CORBUSIER, Paris” stationery and excellent signed in black ink. Addressed to Madame André JAOUL in Neuilly s/ Seine regarding an outstanding invoice. In French, in full: “…On me dit, mon service de comptabilité, qu’il serait infiniment agreeable de recevoir le montant de la note d’honoraires no 4, de I5 février 1954, de 3I9.948 francs, dès que cela vous sera possible. Il y a des jours où l’abondance ne règne pas et les petites sommes sont le bienvenues….”. Mailing folds, paper clip impression, handwritten note at the top, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Le Corbusier (1887-1965)
Typed letter signed
Charles-Édouard Jeanneret known as Le Corbusier was a Swiss-French architect, designer, painter, urban planner, writer and one of the pioneers of what is now regarded as modern architecture. Typed letter signed “Le Corbusier”. 1p., 8.25 x 10.5 inch, Paris, 1954 December 24. On his personal “LE CORBUSIER, Paris” stationery and excellent signed in black ink. Addressed to Madame André JAOUL in Neuilly regarding the work on a building that needs to be done to avoid irreparable damages. In French, in full: “… J’ai desire accompagner de quelques mots la letter qu’adresse M. Jacques Michel à votre fils. Je vous prie instamment, chère Madame, de vous render compte que certaines finitions du batiment doivent etre faites en cette saison afin d’éviter des choses irreparable. Vous ne m’en voudrez pas d’insister de cette facon car je serais impardonnable de ne pas le faire. Je tiens à vous dire encore que je suis à votre entière disposition pour vous aider dans toute la mesure du possible…”. Mailing folds, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Brahms, Johannes (1833-1897)
Autograph postcard signed to composer Hermann Riedel
German composer, pianist, conductor of the Romantic period and one of the greatest composers of all time. Autograph postcard signed “J. Brahms”. Postcard, 5.5 x 3.5 inch, Berlin, 1884 January 29. Addressed by Brahms to “Herrn Hofcapellmeister H. Riedel in Braunschweig”. In German, in full: “Geehrter Herr, leider ist es mir unmöglich Ihrer frdl. Einladung zu folgen, da ich am 5 März in Dresden Koncert gebe. In aller Koncert- u. Reiseeile“. Minor handling wear, else fine condition. Hermann Riedel (1847-191) was a German composer. Riedel studied piano and composition at the Vienna Conservatory. In 1874, he became a pianist correpetiteur at the Vienna Hofoper. In 1878, he settled in Braunschweig, where he was made music director of the Royal Opera. From 1882 to 1911, he was Kapellmeister of the Braunschweig court orchestra and director of the court theatre ensemble.
Price: $ 3,550 / € 2.950
Buck, Pearl S. (1892-1973)
Signature mounted with photograph
Pearl Sydenstricker Buck was an American writer and novelist. In 1938 she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature "for her rich and truly epic descriptions of peasant life in China and for her biographical masterpieces”. Signature “with greetings and good wishes, Pearl S. Buck”. Card, 4.25 x 5.75 inch, n.p., n.d., written and signed in dark blue ink. Newspaper photograph mounted. “B” slightly blurred, else fine condition.
Price: $ 190 / € 160
Gandhi, Mohandas “Mahatma” (1869-1948)
Autograph letter signed “my heart is with you…”
Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India's independence from British rule. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. The honorific “Mahatma” (from Sanskrit “great-souled”), first applied to him in South Africa in 1914, is now used throughout the world. Wonderful autograph letter signed “Bapu”. 1 page, recto and verso, 3.75 x 6.5 inch, Sevagram (Wardha), 1940 April 11. To Miss Lilian Andrews in Paignton. A fine letter regarding the death of his friend Charles Freer Andrews. In full: My dear Lilian, my heart is with you all in the joint sorrows. For Charlie had innumerable brothers & sisters as good as beloved relations. I am sure you are braverly bearing the loss. His last moments were glorious. It was a grand thing that the metropolitan was with him. God be with you”. The original mailing envelope (addressed in another hand) is included. Address has been redirected to London. Mailing fold, paper clip impression, minor stains, else good condition. Charles Freer Andrews (1871 - 5 April 1940) was an Anglican priest and Christian missionary, educator and social reformer, and an activist for Indian independence. He became a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and identified with the Indian liberation struggle. He was instrumental in convincing Gandhi to return to India from South Africa, where Gandhi had been a leading light in the Indian civil rights struggle. Bapu is a word for "father" in many Indian languages.
Price: $ 11,400 / € 9.500
Stravinsky, Igor (1882-1971)
Fine signed photograph and autograph note signed
Russian composer, pianist and conductor, later of French (from 1934) and American (from 1945) citizenship. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century and a pivotal figure in modernist music. Wonderful signed photograph with a long handwritten note “Igor Stravinsky”. Card, 3.75 x 5.75 inch, recto and verso, Paris, 1936 October 6. Photograph by Venturini, Roma. A fine black and white photograph with a fine handwritten note to silent film actress Dagmar Godowsky (1897-1975). Note in Stravinsky’s hand, in French: “A Dagmar Godowsky Merci, chère ami de votre mot. Mme. Seligman qui va demain à New York vous apportera et vois remettera avec cette carte le parfum que vous désirez. A bientot, j’espère - je viendrai probablement avec les Dushkin’s vers Noel…”. Translated: “To Dagmar Godowsky Thank you, dear friend for your word. Mrs. Seligman who is going to New York tomorrow will bring you and give you with this card the perfume you want. See you soon, I hope - I will probably come with the Dushkin’s around christmas…”. Slightly discolored and minor handling wear, else fine condition. Also included is a fine UNSIGNED vintage black and white photograph (9.25 x 6.75 inch) of Stravinsky at the piano, stamped on verso “Studio-Lipnitzki”, Paris”.
Price: $ 1,200 / € 1.000
Heuss, Theodor (1884-1963)
Uncommon autograph letter signed
Liberal German politician who served as the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany (then West Germany) from 1949 to 1959. Autograph letter signed “Theodor Heuss”. 1p., 6.0 x 8.25 inch, Berlin-Lichtenfelde, 1933 July 16. To “Liebe Frau Möricke”. Untranslated letter in German. Minor handling wear, else fine.
Price: $ 540 / € 450
Wilhelm II., Emperor (1859-1941)
Autograph telegram signed to Empress Augusta Victoria
The last German Emperor (Kaiser) and King of Prussia from 1888 to 1918. Autograph telegram signed “Wilhelm”. 1 page, 8.75 x 11.0 inch, Christiania, on board of the Hohenzollern, 1899 July 14. Addressed to his wife Augusta Viktoria (1858-1921). On a printed form “Telegraphie des Deutschen Reiches”. In pencil, in German, in full: “Kaiserin u Königin/ Tyskland Berchtesgaden / Von Herzen Glückwunsch zum heutigen Tage. Hier tropische Hitze. Haben gestern Nacht wegen Hitze Spaziergang gemacht bis ½ 12. bei Tageshelle. Dann an Deck bis 3 Uhr gesessen. Heute 29° Wärme. Bootsregatta zu Ehren von Adalbert. Jetzt scheint ein Gewitter aufzuziehen. Kaiserin Eugenie soll gestern auf Englischer Yacht, die wir noch sahen, hier gewesen sein. Haben leider keinen Besuch machen können; da schon heute früh fort. Alle wohl. Viele Grüße.“ Handling wear, else good condition. Prince Adalbert, the third son of the imperial couple, celebrated his 15th birthday that day. Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III., went to England in 1870, where she lived as Countess of Pierrefonds. Hohenzollern (German: Seiner Majestät Yacht Hohenzollern) was the name of several yachts used by the German Emperors between 1878 and 1918, named after their House of Hohenzollern.
Price: $ 1,440 / € 1.200
Charles III., King (1948) & Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997)
Christmas Card signed 1984
Charles III., King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms. He acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022 upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. Diana, Princess of Wales and first wife of Charles. From her engagement to the Prince of Wales in 1981 until her tragic death in 1997, Diana was a major presence on the world stage, often described as the "world's most photographed woman” or “The Queen of hearts”. Signed and inscribed Christmas Card. Inscribed and signed by Diana in fountain pen ink for Nickie “Nickie, with love from Diana +” in Diana’s hand and “Charles” in Charles’s hand. 7.0 x 6.0 inch (folded), no place (London), n.d. (1984). Folded stiff white card with gilt crests on the front. Opposite a mounted colour photograph of the King and Princess of Wales with Prince William and the newly-born Prince Harry. A few light brown spots and marks to outer covers, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Charles III., King (1948) & Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997)
Christmas Card signed 1986
Charles III., King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms. He acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022 upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. Diana, Princess of Wales and first wife of Charles. From her engagement to the Prince of Wales in 1981 until her tragic death in 1997, Diana was a major presence on the world stage, often described as the "world's most photographed woman” or “The Queen of hearts”. Signed and inscribed Christmas Card. Inscribed and signed by Diana in fountain pen ink for Nickie “Nickie, + lots of love from us all, Diana” in Diana’s hand and “and Charles” in Charles’s hand. 8.0 x 6.0 inch (folded), no place (London), n.d. (1986). Folded stiff white card with gilt crests on the front. Opposite a mounted colour photograph of the seated King and Princess of Wales with the young Princes William and Harry in striped shorts between them. Small spots and light toning to upper and inner margins, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Charles III., King (1948) & Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997)
Christmas Card signed 1988
Charles III., King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms. He acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022 upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. Diana, Princess of Wales and first wife of Charles. From her engagement to the Prince of Wales in 1981 until her tragic death in 1997, Diana was a major presence on the world stage, often described as the "world's most photographed woman” or “The Queen of hearts”. Signed and inscribed Christmas Card. Inscribed and signed by Diana in fountain pen ink for Nicki “Nicki, lots of love from us all, Diana and” in Diana’s hand and “Charles” in Charles’s hand. 8.0 x 6.0 inch (folded), no place (London), n.d. (1988). Folded stiff white card with gilt crests on the front. Opposite a mounted colour photograph of the King and Princess of Wales with the young Princes William and Harry all looking to camera over a wooden field gate. Fine condition.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Adenauer, Konrad (1876-1967)
Fine content autograph letter signed
European statesman who served as the first post-war Chancellor of West Germany from 1949 to 1963. Autograph letter signed “K. Adenauer”. 2 pages, bifolium, Rhöndorf, 1961 January 21. On his „Bundeskanzler K. Adenauer” stationery. A fine handwritten letter to Alix Cillien in Hannover. In German, in full: „Liebe Frau Cillien! Ich danke Ihnen von Herzen für den wundervollen Kalender, den Sie mir sandten; ich bin sehr gerührt, daß Sie soviel Zeit, Nachdenken und Mühe für mich aufgewendet haben. Ich hoffe, daß Sie weiter politisch tätig sind. Die Verhältnisse in Niedersachsen sind ja durch die Katastrophe der DP etwas verworren. Ich hoffe sehr, daß die CDU die guten Elemente zu sich herüber zieht. Ihnen und Ihren Kindern sende ich recht herzliche Grüße und wünsche Ihnen alles Gute für 1961“. The original mailing envelope is included. Mailing fold, else fine condition. Alix Cillien wife of Adolf Cillien (1893-1960). German politician of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), former member of the German Bundestag and friend of K. Adenauer. Adenauer is a very common autograph, but he is extremely rare in handwritten letters as chancellor.
Price: $ 1,140 / € 950
Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924)
Autograph musical quotation signed “La Bohème”
Italian composer whose operas are among the important operas played as standards. Excellent autograph musical quotation signed “GPuccini”. Card, 4.0 x 2.5 inch, n.p., (1)912. The three opening bars of the aria "Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì" (“Yes they call me Mimi”) from his famous opera "La Boheme". Written on a visiting card of Dr. C. Manól as printed on verso. Slightly discolored, minor mounting residue on verso, else good condition. The world premiere of La Bohème was in Turin on 1 February 1896 at the Teatro Regio conducted by the 28-year-old Arturo Toscanini. Since then, La Bohème has become part of the standard Italian opera repertory and is one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide.
Price: $ 2,880 / € 2.400
Eugen, Prince of Savoy (1663-1736)
Document signed by the “noble knight”
General of the Imperial Army and statesman of the Holy Roman Empire and the Archduchy of Austria. One of the most successful military commanders in modern European history, rising to the highest offices of state at the Imperial court in Vienna. Document signed “Eugenio di Savoya”. 1page with integral blank leaf, 9.0 x 13.75 inch, Milan, 1714 February 19. Brown ink on laid paper and boldly signed at foot of text. As Governor of Milan, in French. Ordering payment of 3,600 scudi to Tomaso de Lasloz, governor of the Contado Principale of Milan, as his salary for the year 1714. Two small circular ink stamps upper left and papered seal of Emperor Charles VI. lower left. A few spots and light marginal browning, else good condition. Prince Eugene was given the governorship of Milan for his victory over the French at Turin in 1706. In early 1714, at about the time this document was signed, Eugene was involved in the Treaty of Rastatt, a peace treaty between France and Austria that was concluded on 7 March 1714.
Price: $ 1,140 / € 950
Elizabeth II., Queen (1926-2022) & Philip, Prince (1921-2021)
Christmas Card signed
Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. Signed Christmas Card “Elizabeth R” and “Philip”. 6.75 x 8.5 inch (folded), n.p. (London), 1952. Folded stiff card with gold embossed crown to the front. Facing mounted black and white photographic illustration of the couple with their two children Charles and Anne on the steps of Balmoral. Minor spotting away from signatures inside and out, else good condition. Provenance: By family descent from Kenneth Hall (1892-1976). Hall joined the Royal Navy in 1911, serving in the First Balkan War and then continuing to serve during both World Wars. Commander Hall was wounded when HMS Rodney was bombed off Norway. In 1945 he joined the Royal Household, as Chief Clerk to the Board of the Green Cloth, where he remained for ten years, during which period he was appointed to foreign Orders of France, Denmark, Holland, Sweden and Abyssinia.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921)
Self-caricature signed
World renowned Italian tenor usually considered the greatest operatic tenor ever. A fine and characteristic hand drawn self-caricature signed “Enrico Caruso London 1905”. 5.5 x 8.25 inch, London 1905. Boldly drawn in dark fountain pen ink, signed and dated to lower margin. Mounted on cardboard, some light soiling and age wear and light horizontal fold to the centre, else fine condition. For a similar self-caricature, only facing to the left, see Caruso's Caricatures, New York: Dover Publications, 1977, p. 9.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Liszt, Franz (1811-1886)
Impressive oversized signed photograph (The Finest in Existence)
Hungarian Romantic era composer, virtuoso pianist and conductor. His prowess at the keyboard earned him a reputation as perhaps the greatest virtuoso in the history of the instrument. Impressive oversized signed photograph “F. Liszt”. 12.5 x 18.25 inch, Budapest 1877 November 24 (Liszt changed the day from 22 to 24). Half-length portrait photograph very likely by Fritz Luckhardt, Vienna 1871. With a fine handwritten note in Liszt’s hand: „Wie der Herr so der Diener / Möge immer dem povero spiridione mit gutem Beispiele dienen, sein wohlwollender povero”. Translated: “As the master, so the servant / May always serve by example to the povero spiridione (poor saint), his benevolent povero”. Probably slightly trimmed, minor mounting residue on verso, some stains, else fine condition. Surely one of the finest signed photographs of Liszt ever sold.
Price: $ 7,800 / € 6.500