Latest Arrivals
Kennedy, John F. (1917-1963)
Historic typed letter signed re: Meeting with Khrushchev
35. President of the United States. Typed letter signed “John Kennedy”. 1p., 6.75 x 9.0 inch, “The White House Washington” stationery, June 4,1961. Excellent signed in dark black ink. Addressed to Dr. Bruno Kreisky (1911-1990) in Vienna. Historic letter regarding JFK’s meeting with Nikita Khrushchev in Vienna. In full: “Dear Mr. Minister: I should like to express my deep personal appreciation for all that you and your colleagues in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs have done to facilitate my visit to Vienna to meet Chairman Khrushchev and for the cordial hospitality extended Mrs. Kennedy and me. With every good wish”. Fine condition. “The Vienna Summit was a summit meeting held on June 4, 1961, in Vienna, between President of the United States John F. Kennedy and the leader of the Soviet Union (First Secretary and Premier) Nikita Khrushchev. The leaders of the two superpowers of the Cold War era discussed many issues in the relationship between their countries.” (Wikipedia) Comes together with my book “John F. Kennedy - autograph study” - about 90 pages with hundreds of signatures (authentic, secretary, Autopen, stamps, facsimile etc.).
Price: $ 14,400 / € 12.000
Kennedy, John F. (1917-1963)
Signed book AS PRESIDENT gift to Deputy Chairman
35. President of the United States. Signed book AS PRESIDENT. Book: “To Turn The Tide”. NY: Harper & Brothers, First Edition, 1962. Hardcover with dust jacket, 6.0 x 8.5 inch, 235 pages. Signed and inscribed in black ink: “To Fritz Erler - with esteem - and very personal regards - John F Kennedy May 1962 Washington D.C.” Fritz Erler, Deputy Chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Germany visited JFK at The White House oval office, May 7, 1962 and JFK presented this book to Erler with a fine personal dedication. A photograph of both in the oval office and with the book in Erler’s hand is online at the JFK Library website. The book is on the autograph market for the first time and comes directly from a descendant of Fritz Erler. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: very good, dust jacket with minor handling wear, pages slightly discolored. Fritz Erler (1913-1967) was a German politician representing the Social Democratic Party (SPD). From 1953 to 1957, he was Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee of the Bundestag, the West German parliament. In this role, Erler played an important role in drafting the legislation that ensured democratic control of the Bundeswehr, West Germany's new armed forces. Excellent provenance and one of the finest JFK signed books AS PRESIDENT ever offered. Comes together with my book “John F. Kennedy - autograph study” - about 90 pages with hundreds of signatures (authentic, secretary, Autopen, stamps, facsimile etc.).
Price: $ 9,000 / € 7.500
Brahms, Johannes (1833-1897)
Autograph letter signed re: Goethe poem
German composer, pianist, conductor of the Romantic period and one of the greatest composers of all time. Autograph letter signed “J. Brahms”. Card, gold edges, 4.5 x 3.5 inch, recto and verso, n.p., n.d. To an unknown friend/ poet. In German, in full: “Lieber Freund. Deinen freundlichen Gruß angemessen erwiedernd wünsche ich Dir angenehmste Sommerferien. Dein Gedicht aus der neuen Goethe-Ausgabe (falls Du es noch erinnerst) steht bereits im Hempel u. das schöne Wort (falls Du es noch weißt) fand ich auch bei mir schon unterstrichen. Neues giebt es aus diesem winterlichen Landaufenthalt nicht zu melden, aber wie viele würden ihre Grüße aussenden, wenn sie wüßten, daß Dir u. deiner Familie die herzlichsten sagt. Dein J. Brahms“. Translated: „Dear friend. Properly returning your friendly greeting, I wish you a pleasant summer holiday. Your poem from the new Goethe edition (if you still remember it) is already in the Hempel and I found the beautiful word (if you still remember it) already underlined in my case. There is nothing new to report from this wintry stay in the country, but how many would send their greetings if they knew that you and your family are saying the warmest. Yours, J. Brahms”. Handling wear, minor corner wear, else fine condition. Gustav Hempel (1819-1877) was a German publisher. Hempel became famous through an ambitious project to publish a collection of editions of German classics, including Goethe, Schiller, Herder and so on.
Price: $ 4,800 / € 4.000
Balzac, Honoré de (1799-1850)
Autograph letter signed
French novelist and playwright. The novel sequence La Comédie humaine, which presents a panorama of post-Napoleonic French life, is generally viewed as his magnum opus. Autograph letter signed “de Balzac”. 1p., 5.25 x 6.25 inch, n.p. (Paris), n.d. (about 1842), dark black ink. In French, telling the unidentified recipient that he is not in the country, but near them and if they would like to visit him then to go to rue Pigalle no. 16 and to ask for him with the doorman. The final sentence crossed out, a few words of the address to verso including the word “Barbe”. Minor marks and small pinhole to blank upper left corner, else good condition. The French author George Sand lived at the rue Pigalle 16 address with her lover, the composer Fréderic Chopin, from 1841 to 1842, where Balzac was a frequent visitor. The word “Barbe” on the address side suggests that the letter was sent to the Englishman Edward Sainte-Barbe (1794-1858), the long-term lover of Astolphe de Custine (1790-1857), a notable French dandy and writer.
Price: $ 3,480 / € 2.900
Strauss, Richard (1864-1949)
Autograph musical quotation signed “Till Eulenspiegel”
Richard Georg Strauss was a leading German composer of the late Romantic and early modern eras. He is known for his operas, which include “Der Rosenkavalier” and “Salome”. And his masterpiece - a quote from “Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks”. Crisply penned autograph musical quotation signed “Dr Richard Strauss”. On an off-white 4.5 x 3.5 card, n.p., n.d., neatly signed in blue ink. Strauss pens two bars from the tone poem “Till Eulenspiegel’s lustige Streiche (Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks)”. With mounting residue in all four corners on verso, else fine condition. Strauss premiered his witty “Till Eulenspiegel’s lustige Streiche” in 1895, described in the New Grove Dictionary as “a masterpiece on every level, as a programmatic description of the rogue's pranks in detail, as a generalized portrait of a scamp, or as an example of musical humour”.
Price: $ 3,500 / € 2.500
Planck, Max (1858-1947)
Autograph letter signed WW II. dated
German theoretical physicist who originated quantum theory, which won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918. Autograph letter signed “M. Planck”. Postcard, 5.75 x 4.25 inch, Prof. Dr. M. Planck Berlin Grunewald stamped at the top left. Berlin, 1942 May 24. Addressed on verso in Planck’s hand to Herrn P. Donndorf in Dresden. Planck states that he has inspected the anniversary publication of the Dresden Trade Association, and thanks Donndorf for having provided him with such a valuable gift. In German, translated: “After inspecting the anniversary publication of the Dresden Trade Association, which you have kindly given me, I would like to thank you once again for this valuable gift. The extremely rich list of lectures held within the framework of the association also testifies to its fruitful activities. Unfortunately, I will not be able to comply with your kind suggestion that I should also take part in this in the foreseeable future, as I am currently burdened with commitments of various kinds. With best regards, also to your honored wife”. Minor handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 2,280 / € 1.900
Blücher, Gebhard Leberecht von (1742-1819)
Letter signed
Fürst von Wahlstatt, Prussian Generalfeldmarschall (field marshal) who most notably led his army against Napoleon I. at the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig in 1813 and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, in alliance with the Duke of Wellington. Letter signed “Blücher”. 1p., 7.5 x 9.0 inch, Münster, 1803 November 21. As Governor of Münster to the “Capitaine Adjoint à l’Etat-Major Bigi” who had gone on convalescent leave. In French: “Je Vous fais mes remerciments de ce que Vous avez bien voulu m’avertir de Votre départ. Soyez persuadé que je regrette infiniment de me voir privé de Votre société pour quelques semaines; cependant je ne puis qu’applaudir à Votre Voyage puisqu’il a pour but le retablissement de Votre santé…”. Translated: “I thank you for having kindly informed me of your departure. Be assured that I deeply regret being deprived of your company for a few weeks; however, I can only applaud your journey since its aim is to restore your health…”. Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,440 / € 1.200
Blücher, Gebhard Leberecht von (1742-1819)
Closing of a letter signed
Fürst von Wahlstatt, Prussian Generalfeldmarschall (field marshal) who most notably led his army against Napoleon I. at the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig in 1813 and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, in alliance with the Duke of Wellington. Closing of a letter signed “Blücher”. 1p., 7.5 x 2.5 inch, Treptow a.d. Rega, 1808 August 12. “Ganz ergebenster Diener” written by a secretary and signed by Blücher himself at the end. Mailing fold, else fine condition.
Price: $ 720 / € 600
Röntgen, Wilhelm Conrad (1845-1923)
Autograph letter signed
German mechanical engineer and physicist, who, on 8 November 1895, produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays, an achievement that earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. Autograph letter signed “Dr W.C. Röntgen”. Personal “Geheimer Rath Röntgen” card. 4.5 x 3.5 inch, Munich, (19)10 May 18. To an unknown Professor. In German, in full: “Ich würde Ihnen sehr zu Dank verpflichtet sein, wenn Sie mir die in beiliegendem Brief gestellte Frage nach dem Vorhandensein von Oertel’schen (?) Briefen Auskunft erteilen wollten.” Translated: “I would be very grateful if you would answer the question posed in the enclosed letter regarding the existence of Oertel’s (?) letters.” Mounted on same size piece of paper, slightly discolored, else good condition.
Price: $ 2,520 / € 2.100
Liszt, Franz (1811-1886)
Impressive oversized signed photograph
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 and inscribed sepia photograph. 9.0 x 11.75 inch, n.p., May (18)86, signed and inscribed to the lower mount: „A mon très cher Belloni, Imperturbable Belloni - de 35 à 86, Cordiale amitié, F. Liszt“ (Translated: "To my very dear Belloni, Imperturbable Belloni - from 35 to 86, Cordial friendship, F. Liszt") and additionally dated „May 86“ in his hand. The image, 4.5 x 6.0 inch, showing the composer and pianist seated in a full-length pose before his piano and was signed only two months before passing away. Some age toning, otherwise good condition. Very likely inscribed to Gaetano Belloni (1810?-1887) Franz Liszt's Italian secretary and manager. Belloni acted as a kind of agent for Liszt, assisting him in various organizational and business tasks.
Price: $ 6,600 / € 5.500
Eugen, Prince of Savoy (1663-1736)
Letter 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. Letter signed “Eugenio von Savoy”. 2 pages, recto and verso, 8.25 x 13.0 inch, Brussels, 1735 July 6. In German, to the Duke William Henry of Saxe-Eisenach, who had also provided a contingent to the Imperial Army, about the possible relocation of troops to the Westerwald region and the County of Sayn, which he had, however, refrained from because "the number of their Imperial and Auxiliary Peoples had increased noticeably." ("die Zahl deren Kay. Reichs- und Hülffs-Völckheren um ein merckhliches vergrößeret"). Lower edge with tear through the opening of the wax seal, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,200 / € 1.000
Kennedy, John F. (1917-1963)
Fine typed letter signed
35. President of the United States. Typed letter signed “John Kennedy”. 1p., 8.0 x 10.5 inch, on his United States Senate, Washington, D.C. letterhead. Washington, 1956 May 11. To Mr. Anderson of the Employment Office in Amherst, Massachusetts. The letter in full: “Dear Mr. Anderson: I am writing in the interest of Mr. Adolph Czarnecki of 23 L. Street, Turner Falls, who is most desirous of securing a position as Janitor in the new building that is now being completed at the University of Massachusetts. It is my understanding that Mr. Czarnecki has already filed an application, and I would, therefore, sincerely appreciate your favorable consideration of his request. Thanking you for your kind attention and interest in this matter and with every good wish, I am Sincerely yours”. Mailing folds, staple holes, received stamp on verso, else fine with a perfect signature. Comes together with my book “John F. Kennedy - autograph study” - about 90 pages with hundreds of signatures (authentic, secretary, Autopen, stamps, facsimile etc.).
Price: $ 2,880 / € 2.400
Zeppelin, Ferdinand Graf von (1838-1917)
Excellent signed photograph
German general and later aircraft manufacturer. He founded the Zeppelin airship company. Signed postcard photograph “Gf. Zeppelin”. Postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 inch, n.p., n.d. (postmark illegible). His facsimile signature appears below the image, and the reverse bears a German message in another hand. Probably very slightly trimmed, handling wear, else in fine condition. One of the finest signed photos I have sold in the past years.
Price: $ 1,440 / € 1.200
Pasternak, Boris (1890-1960)
Fine autograph letter to a correspondent killed in Congo
Russian poet, novelist, composer, and literary translator. Pasternak was the author of Doctor Zhivago (1957) and awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958. Fine autograph letter signed “B Pasternak”. 1p., 8.0 x 6.25 inch, 1959 February 15. To Henry N(oble) Taylor in Washington D.C. In English, in full: “Dear Mr. Taylor, thank you very much for your kind letter, and the stanza of A.S. I should like to be a little handsomer on that photo, but of waste it is too late to regret it and it is now nothing to be done. With my best greetings and wishes to you. Yours sincerely.” Paper loss upper left edge, mailing fold, else fine condition. From the estate of Henry Junior Taylor (1902-1984). He was the father of Henry Noble Taylor, American author, economist, radio broadcaster and former United States Ambassador to Switzerland. Henry Noble Taylor was a correspondent, he was killed in Congo in 1960. In an obituary TIME wrote about Taylor that he floundered through hip-deep snow to see Boris Pasternak after the Russian writer won the Nobel Prize for Doctor Zhivago. Excellent provenance!
Price: $ 4,200 / € 3.500
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921)
Signature matted with photograph
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. He sang to great acclaim at the major opera houses of Europe and the Americas, appearing in a wide variety of roles that ranged from the lyric to the dramatic. A fine and characteristic signature “Enrico Caruso New York 1901”. Card, 3.5 x 2.0 inch, New York, 1901. Boldly signed and dated in dark fountain pen ink. Slightly discolored, else fine condition. Handsomely matted in gray with a photograph of Caruso to an overall of 7.75 x 11.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. Fine and affordable autograph.
Price: $ 300 / € 250
Lindbergh, Charles A. (1902-1974)
Signed photograph of a young Lucky Lindy
American aviator, author, inventor, explorer, and social activist. He became famous for making the first solo transatlantic airplane flight in 1927. Signed photograph “Charles A. Lindbergh”. 8.0 x 11.0 inch, sepia photograph, n.p., n.d. The attractive image depicting a young Lindbergh in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold black fountain pen ink to a clear area to the lower right corner of the photograph. Mounted on a same size photographers mount, illegible note at the bottom, age wear, toning and foxing stains mostly to borders, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,800 / € 1.500
Signac, Paul (1863-1935)
Autograph letter signed very likely to Claude Monet
French Neo-Impressionist painter who, working with Georges Seurat, helped develop the Pointillist style. Autograph letter signed "P. Signac". 1 page, 5.5 x 8.5 inch, Port en Bessin (Calvados), June 23., no year, stationery of the Société des Artistes indépendants, a fine handwritten letter very likely to Claude Monet. In French, about the delivery of a painting in deposit: „Je suis en voyage et absent de Paris pour plusieurs mois. Vous pourrez présenter le tableau dont vous me parlez à M. Jean Metthey, 16 Rue de l'Assomption.” Translated: “I am on a trip and absent from Paris for several months. You will be able to present the painting of which you speak to me to Mr. Jean Metthey, 16 Rue de l'Assomption…” Mailing fold, ink stain, handling wear, else good condition and fine for display.
Price: $ 960 / € 800
Miro, Joan (1893-1983)
Autograph letter signed
Catalan, Spanish painter, sculptor and ceramicist. Autograph letter signed “Miró.”. 2pp., 8.25 x 11.75 inch, on his personal Joan Miro Palma de Mallorca stationery, 1976 February 29. 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: $ 1,440 / € 1.200
Pasteur, Louis (1822 -1895)
Fine content autograph letter signed “anthrax after vaccination”
French chemist and microbiologist, popularly known as the "father of microbiology". Autograph letter signed “L. Pasteur”. 1p., 5.0 x 8.0 inch, Paris, 1883 May 23. Addressed to the President of the Hérault Agricultural Society, who had experimented with his vaccinations against the anthrax of sheep. This fine letter deals with the duration of immunity against anthrax after vaccination. Mailing folds, minor stains on the left, else good condition. In May 1881, Pasteur performed a famous public experiment at Pouilly-le-Fort to demonstrate his concept of vaccination. He prepared two groups of 25 sheep, one goat and several cows. The animals of one group were twice injected, with an interval of 15 days, with an anthrax vaccine prepared by Pasteur; a control group was left unvaccinated. Thirty days after the first injection, both groups were injected with a culture of live anthrax bacteria. All the animals in the non-vaccinated group died, while all of the animals in the vaccinated group survived. The public reception was sensational.
Price: $ 1,800 / € 1.500
Clemens, Samuel L. “Mark Twain” (1835-1910)
Autograph note signed matted with photograph
Better known by his pen name Mark Twain. An American writer, entrepreneur, publisher and lecturer. Among his novels are The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Autograph note signed “SL Clemens”. Piece of paper, 4.25 x 0.75 inch, n.p., n.d. To an unknown recipient, in Twain’s hand: “(I have no objection to having my name in the roll of honor)”. Mounted to a similar piece of paper and handsomely gallery matted in gray with a photograph of Mark Twain to an overall of 7.75 x 11.75 inch, items are easy removable. The note very likely refers to the various honors and awards he received during his lifetime and posthumously. These include honorary doctorates from universities and induction into the American Literary Hall of Fame. Excellent display item!
Price: $ 1,440 / € 1.200
Röntgen, Wilhelm Conrad (1845-1923)
Autograph letter signed re: a barrel of cider
German mechanical engineer and physicist, who, on 8 November 1895, produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays, an achievement that earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. Wonderful autograph letter signed “W.C. Röntgen”. Personal “Geheimer Rath Röntgen” card. 2 pages, recto and verso, 4.5 x 3.5 inch, Munich, 1909 May 13. To Rendant (Accounting officer) Donges in Friedberg Oberhessen. In German, in full: “Sehr geehrter Herr Rendant! Es war ein sehr freundlicher Gedanke von Ihnen, der Sie veranlasste uns ein Fässchen Apfelwein zu schicken, und ich danke Ihnen herzlichst dafür. Das Fässchen ist angekommen und bleibt nun einige Tage ruhig liegen um dann abgefüllt zu werden. Dass sich der junge Ehemann gleich eine Rippe hat brechen müssen war recht überflüssig. Wir vernahmen es mit Bedauern, dachten aber gleich, dass ein Rippenbruch meistens bald und ohne Nachtheil geheilt wird. Meine Hoffnung hat sich glücklicherweise bewahrheitet! Mit der Bitte mich Ihrer Frau Gemahlin bestens zu empfehlen und mit nochmaligem besten Dank verbleibe ich. Ihr ergebener W.C. Röntgen”. Translated: “Dear Mr. Rendant! It was a very kind thought on your part that prompted you to send us a barrel of cider, and I thank you very much for it. The barrel has arrived and will now rest for a few days before being bottled. It was quite unnecessary for the young husband to have to break a rib. We heard about it with regret, but immediately thought that a broken rib usually heals quickly and without any complications. Fortunately, my hope has been realized! With the request that you please recommend me to your wife, and with my most sincere thanks again, I remain. Yours sincerely, W.C. Röntgen." Excellent condition.
Price: $ 3,000 / € 2.500
Röntgen, Wilhelm Conrad (1845-1923)
Hand addressed envelope
German mechanical engineer and physicist, who, on 8 November 1895, produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays, an achievement that earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. Hand addressed envelope (unsigned). 4.75 x 3.75 inch, May 1909, postmarked in Munich. Addressed in Röntgen’s hand “Herrn Rendant (accounting officer) Donges in Friedberg Oberhessen” and “frei” lower left edge. Note on verso in pencil: “23.7.54 mir geschenkt von Frl. M. Donges, Fbg”. Translated: “23.7.54 gifted to me by Mrs. M. Donges, Fbg.” Handling wear, minor stains, else good condition. A CARBON COPY of the letter shipped in this envelope is included.
Price: $ 360 / € 300
Talleyrand, Charles Maurice (1754-1838)
Document signed in the name of Napoleon I.
French diplomat. He worked successfully from the regime of Louis XVI., through the French Revolution and then under Napoleon I., Louis XVIII., Charles X., and Louis-Philippe. Known since the turn of the 19th century simply by the name Talleyrand, he remains a figure that polarizes opinion. Some regard him as one of the most versatile, skilled and influential diplomats in European history, and some believe that he was a traitor, betraying in turn, the Ancien Régime, the French Revolution, Napoleon, and the Restoration. Partly printed document signed “Charles Maurice”. Document signed “Décret Impérial”. 1p., 11.25 x 17.25 inch, 1808 July 27, blind embossed seal at the bottom. Excerpt from the minutes of the State Secretariat. Imperial Decree concerning the convocation of a town meeting in Charente Maritime on 01.10.1808. Signed by Talleyrand in dark black ink and countersigned by the secretary of the interior Emmanuel Crétet (1747-1809). Folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 720 / € 600
Pasternak, Boris (1890-1960)
Hand addressed envelope
Russian poet, novelist, composer, and literary translator. Pasternak was the author of Doctor Zhivago (1957) and awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958. Hand addressed envelope. Envelope front panel, 7.5 x 5.0 inch, 1959. Addressed in Pasternak’s hand to “Henry N. Taylor in Washington D.C.” The letter shipped in this envelope was dated 1959 February 15. Good condition. From the estate of Henry Junior Taylor (1902-1984). He was the father of Henry Noble Taylor, American author, economist, radio broadcaster and former United States Ambassador to Switzerland. Henry Noble Taylor was a correspondent, he was killed in Congo in 1960. In an obituary TIME wrote about Taylor that he floundered through hip-deep snow to see Boris Pasternak after the Russian writer won the Nobel Prize for Doctor Zhivago. Excellent provenance!
Price: $ 900 / € 750
Grimm, Jacob (1785-1863)
Autograph letter signed to his brother
German author, linguist, philologist, jurist and folklorist. He formulated Grimm's law of linguistics, and was the co-author of the “Deutsches Wörterbuch”, the author of “Deutsche Mythologie”, and the editor of Grimms' Fairy Tales. He was the older brother of Wilhelm Grimm. Together, they were the literary duo known as the Brothers Grimm. Autograph letter signed “Jacob”. 1p., 7.0 x 9.0 inch, no place, no date (28th at morning). Written in dark black ink. A fine letter to his brother Ferdinand. In German, in full: "Lieber Ferdinand Hier sind drei Bilder, eins für Dich, die beiden anderen nebst. Briefen an Savigny abzugeben. Wie beurtheilst du die Ähnlichkeit? Das schreib und doch bald. Ausserdem hat der Luis weder das geringste geschickt, noch von seinen vorhabenden Arbeiten etwas erwähnt: Wenn er nur wieder völlig gesund wäre! Gott erhalte dich." Translated: “Dear Ferdinand, here are three pictures, one for you, the other two, along with letters, to be given to Savigny. How do you judge the resemblance? Write to me soon. Besides, Luis hasn't sent anything, nor mentioned anything about his planned work. If he were completely healthy again! God bless you." Written in an unknown hand at the bottom: “Von Jacob Grimm an seinen Bruder Ferdinand in Berlin, von welchem ich dies Schreiben erhielt.” Translated: „From Jacob Grimm to his brother Ferdinand in Berlin, from whom I received this letter.” Some stains, paper strip on the left, handling wear, else good condition. A fine personal family letter. Ferdinand (Philipp) Grimm (1788-1845) was a German collector of legends. He is also called the "unknown brother" of the Brothers Grimm. Ludwig Emil Grimm (1790-1863) was a German painter, art professor, etcher and copper engraver and also a brother of the Brothers Grimm. Friedrich Carl von Savigny (1779-1861) was the Brothers Grimm's law teacher; it was he who encouraged them to devote themselves to literature and Fairy Tales.
Price: $ 3,600 / € 3.000
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921)
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 caricature signed “Enrico Caruso Buffalo 1908”. 3.25 x 5.25 inch (visible), Buffalo 1908. Boldly drawn and signed in dark fountain pen ink. Fine condition. Handsomely matted in gray with a photograph of Caruso to an overall of 11.75 x 7.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. 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 and affordable priced.
Price: $ 1,200 / € 1.000
Grimm, Jacob (1785-1863)
Hand addressed envelope
German author, linguist, philologist, jurist and folklorist. He formulated Grimm's law of linguistics, and was the co-author of the “Deutsches Wörterbuch”, the author of “Deutsche Mythologie”, and the editor of Grimms' Fairy Tales. He was the older brother of Wilhelm Grimm. Together, they were the literary duo known as the Brothers Grimm. Hand addressed front panel of an envelope. 5.0 x 2.75 inch, no place, no date. Addressed in Jacob Grimm’s hand “Herrn Ferdinand Grimm in München Promenadeplatz no – 177. / mit einem Pagurt in blau Papier, signiert”. (Handschrift Jakob Grimms) written at the top let side in unknown hand. Handling wear, else good condition. Ferdinand (Philipp) Grimm (1788-1845) was a German collector of legends. He is also called the "unknown brother" of the Brothers Grimm.
Price: $ 720 / € 600
Sade, Donatien Alphonse Francois, Marquis de (1740-1814)
Autograph letter signed
French nobleman, revolutionary politician, philosopher and writer, famous for his libertine sexuality. Autograph letter signed “de Sade”. 1p., 7.25 x 9.0 inch, Chateau de Vincennes, 1781 October 12. Sade writes to his mother-in-law Madame de Montreuil to give financial assistance to his wife. In French: „… peut etre genée si elle n'a pas d'argent. … Votre tendresse pour elle me fait esperer que vous voudres bien pour cette fois lui eviter ce petit soin … J'en appelle a cette meme tendresse pour vous supplier instamment madame de ne la laisser manquer de rien et surtout de ne lui rien epargner. … lui tout fournir, au dela meme de ses besoins, et de ses desirs, … Il signera toute reconnaissance qu'on voudra. … Je n'ai de cher et de sacré, qu'elle dans le monde, sang, fortune, liberté, enfans, je suis pret a tout sacrifier non pour sa vie, rien de tout cela ne la pourrait payer, mais pour l'allegement de sa moindre douleur, ou la satisfaction de son plus leger desir…“. Translated in full: “In my wife’s situation, I hope, Madam, that you will find it appropriate that I am coming to you for the collection of the attached money order. She may be inconvenienced or bothered if yhe has no money, and in any case I do not wish to hinder her in any way under the circumstances. Your fondness for her makes me hope that you will spare her this small problem this one time, which I would have put off willingly anywhere else but here. I would call on that same fondness to beg of you, Madam, to let her have all she needs and to keep nothing from her. Please consider this letter an authorization to supply her with everything, even beyond her need, or desire, and I will be grateful for anything you can do to that end. And if this letter is not sufficient for you, and you require some other paper, note, act, blank signature, may that model or parchment be sent to me and I am ready to sign everything to this end. She is all I have in this world that is dear and sacred. Blood, wealth, freedom. I am ready to sacrifice everything not for her life , nothing like that could pay for it, but for the easing of the slightest pains, and the satisfaction of her smallest desire. I beg that you give me news, and to be sure of my respectful sentiments with which I have the honor of being. Your humble and very obedient servant”. The letter was written again by Sade for his wife, as can be seen from the postscript: "Voila ce que j'ecrivois a ta mere…" (Madam Here is what I wrote to your mother…). Madame Montreuil was his mother-in-law and had obtained a “letter de cache” for his arrest earlier. Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 3,240 / € 2.700
Hitler, Adolf (1889-1945)
Photograph signed co-signed by Werner von Blomberg
Austrian-born German politician who was the leader of the Nazi Party (German: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei - NSDAP). He was chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945 and Führer (leader) of Nazi Germany from 1934 to 1945. Werner von Blomberg (1878-1946) was German Generalfeldmarschall, Minister of War, and Commander-in-Chief of the German Armed Forces until January 1938. Signed photograph “Af Hitler” & “vBlomberg”. Photograph, 9.0 x 6.75 inch, no place, no date. Signed in dark black ink below a photograph of the ship “Aviso Grille”. Photo taken by A. Klein, Kiel. Minor handling wear, else fine condition. Uncommon signed photograph and signature combination. Aviso Grille was built in Nazi Germany for the Kriegsmarine (War Navy) in the mid-1930s for use as a state yacht by Adolf Hitler and other leading individuals in the Nazi regime. 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: $ 4,200 / € 3.500
Catherine II., The Great (1729-1796)
Excellent document signed
Yekaterina Alexeevna or Catherine II., also known as Catherine the Great, was the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia, reigning from 9 July 1762 until her death in 1796 at the age of 67. Her reign was called Russia's golden age. Partly-printed vellum document signed "Ekaterina". Ornate Document on vellum, 15.75 x 11.0 inch, St. Petersburg, Summer 1774. Wax and paper seal is affixed at lower left. In Russian, military commission, appointing Alexander Sytina Captain of Artillery. Vertical fold, faint scattered soiling, docketing verso. Excellent document, especially with the fine wax and paper seal.
Price: $ 3,600 / € 3.000
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921)
Caricature signed
World renowned Italian tenor usually considered the greatest operatic tenor ever and the first opera star to make best-selling recordings. Caricature signed “Enrico Caruso Boston”. 5.0 x 8.0 inch, Boston, no year. Boldly drawn in dark fountain pen ink. Horizontal fold, handling wear, else good condition. For other similar caricatures see Caruso's Caricatures, New York: Dover Publications, 1977. Caruso was highly talented as a caricaturist and illustrator. This is a wonderful example!
Price: $ 1,200 / € 1.000
Napoleon I. (1769-1821)
Excellent letter signed (issuing an order in Italy)
Napoléon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and its associated wars. Interesting letter signed “Nap”. 2 pages, 8.0 x 12.25 inch, Milan, 1805 May 27 (Milan 7 Prairial an 13). On the top left corner a four line note in secretary hand: “Renvoyè au Minstre de la Guerre pour autoriser le General (Jean-Antoine) Verdier à tenir un detachement de cinquante hommes dans ce port. Milan 7 prairial an 13.” And signed in Napoleon’s hand with his typical “Nap” in dark black ink. Translated: “Sent to the Ministry of War to authorize General (Jean-Antoine) Verdier to hold a detachment of fifty men in this port”. The note is on an interesting letter from Claude-Joseph-Parfait Derville-Maléchard, diplomat and chargé d'affaires under Napoleon (1774-1842). Autograph letter signed “Derville-Malèchard”. 2 pages, 8.0 x 12.25 inch, black wax seal, Milan, 1805 May 25 (Milan 5 Prairial an 13). As “Ministre plénipotaire” of Lucca (1803-1806) to Louis Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) Minister of War and Marshal of France. The letter in French, in part: “L’occupation et la défense des cotes de la Mediterranée, qui, depuis Vado jusques à Livourne, embrassent le littoral des Etas de Génes, royaume d’Italie et de Toscane, viennent d’etre confiées aux troupes francaises. Il est probable que le petit port de Viareggio, qui est compris dans cette ligne militaire, n’aura pas fixè l’attention de Sa Majesté, vu le peu d’étendue et d’importance de la cote Lucquoise. J’ai l’honneur de faire remarquer à Votre Excellence que la mer entre Massa et Livourne forme une anse circulaire dont le port de Viareggio est le centre …” He then describes the favorable meteorological and strategic position of the port of Viareggio and proposes that the fort of the city be manned with 50 men. Emperor Napoleon issued the appropriate order with the four line note as described above. With a further marginal note and initial signature by the Minister of War: "M'général pour présenter les Ordres d'exécution. Mal. B.”. Mailing folds, black wax seal with two small holes, else good condition.
Price: $ 3,000 / € 2.500
Liebig, Justus von (1803-1873)
Autograph letter signed
German scientist who made major contributions to the theory, practice, and pedagogy of chemistry, as well as to agricultural and biological chemistry; he is considered one of the principal founders of organic chemistry. Autograph letter signed “JvLiebig”. 1p., bifolium, 5.5 x 8.5 inch, Paris, (18)67 April 16. Addressed to Monsieur le Baron de Wattevielle, Chairman of the Jury of Groupe X at the Paris World Exhibition, regarding an upcoming meeting. In French: “Une indisposition légère qui m’importunait déjà hier s’est tellement accrue que mon médecin ne pense pas que je puisse assister demain à la réunion de Jury du Groupe 10…”. Translated: “A slight illness that was bothering me yesterday has worsened so much that my doctor does not think I can attend the Group 10 Jury meeting tomorrow…”. The original mailing envelope, addressed in Liebig’s hand, is included. Mailing folds, handling wear, slightly discolored, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Schumann, Robert (1810-1856) & Schumann, Clara (1819-1896)
One of a kind document signed
Robert Schumann was a German composer, pianist, and music critic of the early Romantic era. Clara Schumann was a German pianist, composer and piano teacher, one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era and wife of Robert Schumann. One of a kind document signed “Dr. Robert Schumann”. 1p., 8.75 x 5.25 inch, Dresden, 1847 February 7. Document is written and dated by Clara Schumann. Extension of the lease for the apartment at Große Reitbahngasse 20 in Dresden. Clara and Robert Schumann moved into the apartment in September 1846. in German, in full: “Unterzeichneter bescheinigt hiermit von dem Herrn Fritsche die erste Etage in Nro 20 große Reitbahngaße aufs Neue von Ostern bis Michaelis 1847 zu dem Preis von 70 Thalern gemiethet zu haben.“ Translation: “The undersigned hereby certifies that he has rented the first floor in No. 20, Große Reitbahngaße, from Mr. Fritsche again from Easter to Michaelis 1847 at the price of 70 Thaler.” Handling wear, else good condition. A one of a kind document signed by Robert Schumann and written by Clara Schumann. Schumann Letter Edition Series II Volume 22 p. 775, online letter database ID 2097.
Price: $ 6,600 / € 5.500
Liebknecht, Wilhelm (1826-1900)
Scarce autograph letter signed
German socialist activist and politician. He was one of the principal founders of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). He was the father of socialists Karl Liebknecht and Theodor Liebknecht. Autograph letter signed “W. Liebknecht”. 1p., bifolium, 5.5 x 8.5 inch, Offenbach, 1883 July 1. To a friend in Frankfurt/M. with the request to look after one of his daughters, who apparently had problems with her employer. In German: “Es ist viel was ich gestern von Ihnen verlangte, aber es blieb mir nichts anderes übrig. Ich muß - laut Arrangement mit der Leipziger Polizei - morgen Abend in Leipzig sein, und man hat mich hier so vollständig in Beschlag genommen, daß ich nicht mehr nach Frankfurt kommen kann. An meine Tochter habe ich geschrieben, daß ich mit Ihnen gesprochen, und daß Sie sich ihrer annehmen wollten. Sie wird wahrscheinlich morgen - Montag - kommen. Sie ist schüchtern und unerfahren, und man bringt schwer etwas aus ihr heraus. Es wird aber Ihnen und Ihrer Frau gelingen, sie reden zu machen: Unbedingt wichtig ist, daß wenigstens Ihre Frau - an die ich vertrauensvoll die Bitte richte! - meine Tochter einmal besucht; ein weibliches Auge sieht da klarer und sichrer, als wir. Ich halte die Stellung auf die Dauer für unmöglich, will jedoch Ihrem Urtheil nicht vorgreifen.” Handling wear, right edge minor damages, else good condition. From the time of the Socialist Law after his expulsion from Leipzig (1881).
Price: $ 1,800 / € 1.500
Grimm, Jacob (1785-1863)
Beautiful autograph letter signed
German author, linguist, philologist, jurist and folklorist. He formulated Grimm's law of linguistics, and was the co-author of the “Deutsches Wörterbuch”, the author of “Deutsche Mythologie”, and the editor of Grimms' Fairy Tales. He was the older brother of Wilhelm Grimm. Together, they were the literary duo known as the Brothers Grimm. Beautiful autograph letter signed “Jac. Grimm”. 1p., bifolium, 5.5 x 8.75 inch, Berlin, 1854 December 22. Written in dark black ink. Very likely to the pedagogue Anton Hermann Reis, who taught in Krefeld and who had sent him several “writings and treatises” in the summer of that year. In German, in full: “Hochgeehrter herr Rector, gegen den ablauf des jahrs pflegt ein guter haushalter seine stehenden schulden zu überschauen und wo möglich zu berichtigen. ich hätte Ihnen schon längst dank zu erstatten gehabt für die gewogentliche übersendung mehrerer schriften und abhandlungen, die mich alle anzogen; unter vielen arbeiten muste aber aller briefwechsel ausgesetzt bleiben. Fahren Sie löblichst fort unserer vorzeit theilnahme und aufmerksamkeit zu beweisen; es kann nicht fehlen, dasz in Ihrer gegend Ihnen manches schätzbare denkmal zu handen kommt, das uns andern entgeht. Für Ihr gütiges urtheil über meine leistungen bin ich sehr erkenntlich, da mir auch manche ungunst widerfährt. ich arbeite so sorgsam und unverdrossen als ich nur vermag.“ Mailing folds, else fine condition. In this year, the Brothers Grimm's "German Dictionary" began to be published by Hirzel in Leipzig and, to Grimm's annoyance, was subjected to public criticism.
Price: $ 3,600 / € 3.000
Schliemann, Heinrich (1822-1890)
Autograph postcard signed
German businessman and a pioneer of field archaeology. He was an advocate of the historical reality of places mentioned in the works of Homer. Schliemann was an archaeological excavator of Hissarlik, now presumed to be the site of Troy. Autograph postcard signed “HSchliemann”. Postcard, 4.75 x 3.0 inch, London, 1886 July 1. Addressed in Schliemann’s hand to Julius Ruhm in Berlin. In Germn, in full: “In Beantwortung Ihres Schreibens vom 28 v Mts. werde ich nicht vor Ende Juli nach Berlin kommen. Meine Adresse bis dahin ist care of Messrs John Henry Schröder & Co London.” Translated: “In reply to your letter of March 28, I will not be coming to Berlin before the end of July. My address until then is care of Messrs. John Henry Schröder & Co., London”. Slightly discolored, handling wear, else good condition. In the mid-1840s, Schliemann worked as an accountant and correspondent in the banking and trading house Gebrüder Schröder & Co. in Hamburg and St. Petersburg.
Price: $ 1,020 / € 850
Mascagni, Pietro (1863-1945)
Cabinet card photo with autograph musical quotation “Zanetto”
Italian composer primarily known for his operas and his 1890 masterpiece Cavalleria rusticana. Fine cabinet card photograph signed “P. Mascagni”. Cabinet card photograph, 4.25 x 6.5 inch, Firenze, (18)96 July 5. Inscribed and dated with an autograph musical quotation “Piccina bionda” from his opera “Zanetto”. Photo by G. Zaccaria of Florence showing the young composer in full-face and wearing a suit and a large striped tie. Minor handling wear, else fine condition. Pietro Mascagni’s “Zanetto” was premiered in Pesaro in 1896 and played throughout Italy in that year. It marked a return to the one-act format of Mascagni’s great success Cavalleria rusticana (1890). Surely one of the finest signed photographs of Mascagni you can hope to find, especially with this fine autograph musical quotation.
Price: $ 1,200 / € 1.000
Koch, Robert (1843-1910)
Autograph postcard signed
German physician, pioneering microbiologist and the founder of modern bacteriology. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905. Autograph postcard signed “R. Koch”. Postcard, 5.5 x 3.5 inch, Berlin, 1904 November 17. Addressed in Koch’s hand to the pediatrician Adolf Baginsky (1843-1918), since 1890 director of the Kaiser- and Kaiserin-Friedrich-Children's-Hospital in Berlin, which he founded together with Rudolf Virchow. In German, in full: “Das Manuscript der Arbeit des Herrn Dr Sommerfeld nehme ich mit bestem Dank für die Zeitschr(ift) f(ür) Hyg(iene und Infectionskrankheiten) an und habe dasselbe bereits zum Druck abgesandt.“ Translated: “I accept the manuscript of Dr. Sommerfeld's work with my sincere thanks for the Journal of Hygienism and Infectious Diseases and have already sent it off for printing." Handling wear, minor creases and stains, else good condition. The article “On formalin milk and the behavior of formalin towards some bacterial species” by Paul Sommerfeld appeared in 1905 in volume 50 of the journal published by Koch.
Price: $ 1,920 / € 1.600
Zweig, Stefan (1881-1942)
Fine content typed letter signed re: Frederick The Great
Austrian writer. At the height of his literary career, in the 1920s and 1930s, he was one of the most widely translated and popular writers in the world. Fine content typed letter signed “Stefan Zweig”. 1p., 8.75 x 11.25 inch, Salzburg, 1931 December 10, on his personal SZ stationery. Three handwritten additions in Zweig’s hand. To the Polish-born American historian Nathan Ausubel (1898-1986), whom he thanks for sending his book “Superman: The Life of Frederick the Great”. In German, in full: “Ich danke Ihnen vielmals für die Zusendung Ihres Buches über Friedrich den Grossen, das ich bereits begonnen habe und das mich durch seine Auffassung überaus interessiert. Merkwürdigerweise hat seine erbittertste Feindin, Maria Theresia, ihn aus einer katholischen Anschauung wirklich als eine Art Abgesandten des Teufels betrachtet und die in Deutschland national gefärbte Fassung, als ob er für das Wohl der Menschen bedacht gewesen wäre, ist historisch selbstverständlich nicht haltbar. Er war eine unfreudige Natur, dem Bosheit und Bösesein die Fähigkeit zur Freude ersetzte und die eine erstaunliche Helligkeit seines Geistes niemals an ein wirklich ethisches und weltgiltiges Ziel gewandt hat. Im Vergleich zu den andern Herrschern seiner Epoche ist er natürlich weit überdimensional und im ganzen Raum der Geschichte zweifellos eine der allerinteressantesten Persönlichkeiten; ich bin furchtbar neugierig, wie Sie das Buch gestaltet haben und kann Ihnen dann, sobald ich es gelesen habe, sofort sagen, ob Aussichten in Deutschland bestehen, wo durch das Buch Hegemanns, in den letzten Jahren viel Interesse abgeschöpft wurde. Nichts ist so sehr unsere Pflicht als gerade den Vergessenen wieder die Aufmerksamkeit der Welt zu erobern, nur dadurch wird Schreiben und Schaffen zu einem wirklich moralischen Akt, welcher der letzten ausgleichenden Gerechtigkeit dient. Wenn Sie nach Europa kommen, werde ich mich freuen Ihnen zu begegnen …“. Mailing folds, minor fold breaks expertly repaired on verso, else good condition. Great content!
Price: $ 2,760 / € 2.300
Stevenson, Robert Louis (1850-1894)
Autograph letter signed “I am the innocent occasion”
Scottish novelist, essayist, poet and travel writer. He is best known for works such as “Treasure Island”, “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, “Kidnapped” and “A Child's Garden of Verses”. Closing of an autograph letter signed “Robert Louis Stevenson”. 5.0 x 1.5 inch piece of paper, no place, no date. In Stevenson’s hand: “… I am the innocent occasion, and believe me ever your affectionate nephew Robert Louis Stevenson Please send this to Mr. Jones”. Matted in green with a photograph of Stevenson to an overall size of 8.0 x 10.25 inch. Minor handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 2,100 / € 1.750
Liebig, Justus von (1803-1873)
Autograph letter signed
German scientist who made major contributions to the theory, practice, and pedagogy of chemistry, as well as to agricultural and biological chemistry. Autograph letter signed “DrJustLiebig”. 1p., bifolium, 4.25 x 5.5 inch, n.p., n.d. To an unknown person. Untranslated letter in German. Fine condition.
Price: $ 840 / € 700
Liebig, Justus von (1803-1873)
Autograph letter signed
German scientist who made major contributions to the theory, practice, and pedagogy of chemistry, as well as to agricultural and biological chemistry; he is considered one of the principal founders of organic chemistry. Autograph letter signed “JvLiebig”. 1p., 5.5 x 8.75 inch, Munich, 1866 June 11. A nearly impossible to read handwritten letter. To Jos(eph) Bennert in Antwerpen. In German, in full: “beifolgend beehre ich mich Ihnen ein Schreiben von … (Max von) Pettenkofer zu übersenden, welches mich, in Beziehung mit … nur vom hiesigen Absatz nicht wenig beruhigt, es lag mir wie ein Stein auf der Brust aber die Berichte der .... waren offenbar übertrieben. Ich bitte vorläufig keine Änderungen zu treffen, bis die Zufuhren sich vergrößern. Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Fleming, Alexander (1881-1955)
Autograph letter signed year he received the Nobel Prize
Scottish physician, microbiologist and pharmacologist. His best-known discoveries are the enzyme lysozyme in 1923 and the world's first antibiotic substance benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G) from the mould Penicillium notatum in 1928, for which he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 with Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain. Autograph letter signed “Alec. Fleming”. 1p., 7.25 x 10.5 inch, New York, 1945 August 2. On “Hotel Chatham” stationery, date stamp AUG 6 1945 at the top. Addressed to “My dear Ethel”. In full: “I have just been down to the office to settle my affairs prior to sailing and I received the package you so kindly sent. You have a pretty taste in ties. Perhaps I shall be allowed to wear them but I suspect that young Robert will want to wear them on every special occasion. We embark Sunday evening + leave early Monday morning. Now that my work is over I am looking forward to getting back home but again I want to thank you all for your kindness. Yours very sincerely.” Mailing folds, minor stains, else fine condition. Robert Fleming (1924-2015) was the only child of Alexander Fleming. Uncommon and rare letter from the year Fleming received the Nobel Prize.
Price: $ 2,160 / € 1.800