Miscellaneous
Baden-Powell, Robert (1857-1941)
Typed letter signed by the scout-movement-founder
Lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, founder of the Scout Movement and first Chief Scout of The Boy Scouts Association. His book “Scouting for Boys” was with 150 million copies the fourth best-selling book of the 20th century. Typed letter signed “Robert Baden Powell”. 1p., 8.0 x 10.0 inch, London, 1920 January 8, “The Boy Scouts Association, London” letterhead. Addressed to “Dear Mr Chadwick”. In full: “I was very pleased to have your report of 5 years Troop work. You have done well and I always follow the doings of your Troop with particular interest. I hope that the “Tempest” will be as successful as all your other efforts and that you will have a really good Scouting year in 1920.” Mailing folds, mounting residue on all four corners on verso, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 420 / € 350
Baden-Powell, Robert (1857-1941)
Typed letter signed by the scout-movement-founder
Lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, founder of the Scout Movement and first Chief Scout of The Boy Scouts Association. His book “Scouting for Boys” was with 150 million copies the fourth best-selling book of the 20th century. Typed letter signed “Robert Baden Powell”. 1p., 8.0 x 10.0 inch, London, 1920 February 9, “The Boy Scouts Association, London” letterhead. Addressed to “Dear Mr Chadwick”. In full: “I am very much obliged to you for the outline of your ideas on citizenship which you were kind enough to send me. This was of the very greatest use to me in making up my report. I am much interested to see the programme for your Scout Play on February 12th and hope that you will have a huge success with it.” Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 420 / € 350
Baden-Powell, Robert (1857-1941)
Typed letter signed by the scout-movement-founder
Lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, founder of the Scout Movement and first Chief Scout of The Boy Scouts Association. His book “Scouting for Boys” was with 150 million copies the fourth best-selling book of the 20th century. Typed letter signed “Robert Baden Powell”. 1p., 8.0 x 10.0 inch, London, 1920 February 28, “The Boy Scouts Association, London” letterhead. Addressed to “Dear Mr Chadwick”. In full: “I am very much obliged to you for the outline of your ideas on citizenship which you were kind enough to send me. This was of the very greatest use to me in making up my report. I am much interested to see the programme for your Scout Play on February 12th and hope that you will have a huge success with it.” Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 420 / € 350
Borglum, Gutzon (1867-1941)
Typed letter signed “A-MEN”
John Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum was a Danish-American artist and sculptor famous for creating the monumental presidents' heads at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota. Typed letter signed “Gutzon Borglum”. 1p., 6.0 x 8.0 inch, personal letterhead, 1917 January 31. Brief letter to John A. Stewart, in full: "A-MEN, to all you say I add amen, and then some." In fine condition, with light show-through from four pieces of mounting tape on the reverse.
Price: $ 510 / € 425
Bunsen, Robert Wilhelm (1811-1899)
Autograph letter signed
German chemist who discovered the elements cesium and rubidium and who developed the laboratory burner that now bears his name. Autograph letter signed “RWBunsen”. 3 pages, bifolium, 5.5 x 8.5 inch, Heidelberg, 1858 July 27. To Friedrich Bukeisen, who had asked him to "reserve a place in my laboratory". In German: „Es wird mir zum besonderen Vergnügen gereichen Ihrem Wunsche zu entsprechen und Ihnen einen Platz in meinem Laboratorium zu reservieren…Gern werde ich Ihnen, wo Sie es wünschen, mit Rath und That an die Hand gehen. Sollten Sie Ihren Vorsatz ausführen, so würde ich Sie nur bitten, mich mit zwei Zeilen noch weiter davon in Kenntniss zu setzen, da sonst leicht der Fall eintreten könnte, daß es an Platz fehlte. Wenn Sie zur Carlsruher Naturforscher Versammlung gingen, würde es mich sehr freuen hier oder dort Ihre persönliche Bekanntschaft zu machen. Ob ich die übrige Zeit der Ferien hier bin ist sehr zweifelhaft, da ich wahrscheinlich einen kleinen Ausflug in die Schweiz machen werde und den Zeitpunkt meiner Abreise noch nicht bestimmen kann.“ Translated: „It will be a pleasure for me to comply with your request and to reserve you a place in my laboratory... I will be happy to help you with words and deeds wherever you wish. Should you carry out your intention, I would only ask you to inform me of it further in two lines, otherwise it could easily happen that there is not enough space. If you went to the Carlsruh Natural Sciences Meeting, I would be very happy to meet you personally. It is very doubtful whether I will be here for the rest of the holidays, since I will probably make a small trip to Switzerland and cannot yet determine the time of my departure.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Mailing folds, slightly discolored, else fine condition. Bunsen's Heidelberg laboratory was considered the most modern of its kind in Germany.
Price: $ 1,310 / € 1.090
Byrd, Richard E. (1888-1957)
Typed letter signed
American naval officer, aviator and explorer. Typed letter signed “R.E. Byrd”. 1p., 8.5 x 11.0 inch, Boston, 1928 April 30. On his Byrd Antarctic Expedition letterhead. Letter to Rev. Leo Leonard Twinem. In full: “I want to thank you for the privilege you have extended to me in adding my name to your organization of boys in your church. I am glad to be one of them. Will you please tell the boys of this organization that I am pleased that they stand for such high things – courage, humility and devotion to purpose, and that I send each of them my best wishes. At your convenience I should like to have a list of the members of this organization and their addresses.” Mailing folds, handling wear and minor paper clip stain, else good condition.
Price: $ 240 / € 200
Chagall, Marc (1887-1985)
Autograph letter signed
Russian-French artist. Autograph letter signed “Chagall”. 1p., 8.0 x 8.75 inch, 3 allée des Pins, (Paris) Boulogne, 1926 October 5. Addressed to the Gallery Briant-Robert. Chagall writes in French that the majority of his works are held by the Galerie Granoff. The gallery probably has invited Chagall to exhibit his works or perhaps to be published there, because the gallery was producing art books at the time. Indistinct signature at the foot of the page, possibly “Robert” offset from another document. Mailing folds, two pinholes near the top edge, a few light creases and marks, overall in good condition, with the large Chagall signature in excellent condition.
Price: $ 1,980 / € 1.650
Cody, William F. “Buffalo Bill” (1846-1917)
Autograph letter signed re: death of his daughter
American scout, bison hunter and showman. Autograph letter signed “W. F. Cody”. 1p., 5.75 x 9.0 inch, pictorial illustrated printed stationery “The New Hoffman House, Madison Square, New York”, 1904 February 21. To “My Dear Bacon”. In full: “I have had the worst sorrow of my life. My darling child Arta was my love. I start for Cody 23rd. Will be home a month. Write me there. Your friend.” Mailing folds, slightly discolored, ink smudge to first letters in name, else fine condition. A short, poignant letter referring to the recent death of his daughter Arta Lucille. Her death was a major calamity in Cody’s life and he never got over it. Cody married Louisa Frederici in 1866. Bill and Louisa had four children: Arta Lucille (1866-1904) was born at Leavenworth, Kit Carson (1870-1876) and Orra Maude (1872-1883) at Ft. McPherson, Nebraska and Irma Louise (1883-1918) at North Platte. Accompanied by a James J. Spence, Jr. Letter of Authenticity. Unfortunately the LOA speaks of a son by the name of Certes. This is wrong, Cody had no son with this name and clearly writes "Arta" and she died in the year of the letter, January 30, 1904. A wonderful and personal content Buffalo Bill letter.
Price: $ 2,250 / € 1.875
Cody, William F. “Buffalo Bill” (1846-1917)
Uncommon signed photograph + additional photo
American scout, bison hunter and showman. Signed photograph, 4.5 x 3.5 inch on the original 6.25 x 5.25 inch photographers mount. Signed in dark black in by Cody “Col Cody In horse pasture Carter Ranch Big Horn County Wyo”. Photograph slightly faded, else good condition. Also included is an amazing photograph of the Carter Mountain Ranch. 11.25 x 3.5 inch on the original 14.0 x 5.5 inch photographers mount. On verso in pencil “Carter Ranch (sheep Mt. in background). Pin holes in all four corners, corner wear, else good condition. JSA Letter of Authenticity included. Uncommon and fine pair of photographs.
Price: $ 1,850 / € 1.540
Dali, Salvador (1904-1989)
Color engraving signed “Nu aux Violettes” (Artist's Proof)
Prominent Spanish surrealist. Engraving signed “Dali”. 19.75 x 26.0 inch (sheet) and 14.5 x 20.75 inch (print). A fine print titled “Nu aux Violettes (Nude with Veils)” from the set titled “Visions de Quevedo”. The set was published by EGI (Paris), Jean-Paul Loup (Paris) and Börjeson (Sweden) in 1975. The print is marked “E.A. (Epreuve d'artiste/ Artist’s Proof)” on Arches watermarked paper. Signed by Dali in pencil in the lower right margin. Official Catalog of the Graphic Works of Salvador Dali, catalog no. OI 75-5 (E). Minor handling and corner wear, else fine condition. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Frank Hunter from The Salvador Dali Archives, the leading Dali expert.
Price: $ 1,850 / € 1.540
Dali, Salvador (1904-1989)
Engraving signed “Tristan le Fou” (Artist's Proof)
Prominent Spanish surrealist. Engraving signed “Dali”. 20.0 x 26.0 inch (sheet) and 10.5 x 16.0 inch (print). A fine print titled “Tristan le Fou (Mad Tristan)” from the set titled “Tristan et Iseult”. The set was published in four language editions: English (Leon Amiel, New York), German (Orangerie Verlag. Köln), French (Éditions Oeuvres Graphiques Contemporaines, Paris) and Italian (unknown publisher) in 1970. The print is marked “E.A. (Epreuve d'artiste/ Artist’s Proof)” on Japon paper. Signed by Dali in pencil in the lower right margin. Official Catalog of the Graphic Works of Salvador Dali, catalog no. OI 70-10 (S). Minor handling and corner wear, else fine condition. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Frank Hunter from The Salvador Dali Archives, the leading Dali expert.
Price: $ 1,850 / € 1.540
Darwin, Charles (1809-1882)
Rare hand addressed and signed envelope
English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. Rare hand addressed and signed envelope panel “C. Darwin”. 5.0 x 2.75 inch, London May 1 (18)76 (postmark). Addressed by Darwin to the Lord Mayor of London "Lord Mayor, Mansion House, EC" and signed in the lower left corner. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing and soiling, and several tiny pin holes.
Price: $ 4,500 / € 3.750
Disney, Walt (1901-1966)
One of a kind signed Clara Cluck drawing
Walter Elias "Walt" Disney - American business magnate, animator, cartoonist, producer, director, screenwriter, philanthropist and voice actor. As a major figure within the American animation industry and throughout the world, he is regarded as a cultural icon, known for his influence and contributions to the field of entertainment during the 20th century. One of a kind drawing signed “Walt”. 2 pages, 15.5 x 12.5 inches, Walt Disney Productions Ltd. printed at the bottom, n.p., n.d. Disney approves a drawing by one of its artists. Two drawings of Clara Cluck, one is signed by Disney in red colored crayon and additionally with a check mark from Disney. Minor paper loss at the bottom, small closed tears, handling wear, else good condition. The pages are numbered 485 and 489 at the bottom right corner in pencil. Clara Cluck was usually the nervous, opera-singing hen in many of the Disney shorts of the 1930's.
Price: $ 3,450 / € 2.875
Dufy, Raoul (1877-1953)
Typed letter signed with impressive autograph postscript
French Fauvist painter. Typed letter signed “Raoul Dufy”. 1 page, recto and verso, 8.25 x 10.5 inch, Perpignan, 1946 February 24. Addressed to Mr. Roland d’Orgeles in Paris. A fine untranslated typed letter in French with a long handwritten postscript by Raoul Dufy. Mailing fold, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 770 / € 640
Eckener, Hugo (1868-1954)
Card signed
Manager of the Luftschiffbau Zeppelin, commander of the famous Graf Zeppelin for most of its record-setting flights, including the first airship flight around the world, making him the most successful airship commander in history. Signature in pencil “DrHugo Eckener”. 1p., card, 4.0 x 3.5 inch, n.p., n.d. (1930). Below Eckener’s signature in a different hand in pencil “Nach glücklicher Heimkehr von der Weltumsegelung Juni 1930”. Minor mounting residue on verso, else fine condition.
Price: $ 190 / € 160
Einstein, Albert (1879-1955)
Humorous typed letter signed re: chocolates and limit speed
A German-born theoretical physicist. He developed the general theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics. Best known for his mass-energy equivalence formula E = mc2 - "the world's most famous equation”. Received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics. Fantastic typed letter signed “A. Einstein”. 1p., 8.5 x 11.0 inch, Princeton, 1949 March 28. On his blind embossed “A. Einstein 112, Mercer Street, Princeton, New Jersey stationery”, “erh. (received) 30/3” in pencil at the top, signed in dark black ink. Addressed to Mr. L. Manners in New York. In German, in full: “Sehr geehrter Herr Manners, Ihr Brief war wirklich erquickend. Man fühlt die freundliche Gesinnung und freut sich. Was nun die von Ihnen mit so viel Recht gepriesenen Pralinen anbelangt, so ist der Vergleich mit der Grenzgeschwindigkeit wohl berechtigt. Ich habe es konstatiert indem ich unter Missachtung strengster medizinischer Vorschrift eines aus der Menge probierte. Es ist gut, wenn man etwas produzieren kann, das dauernd des allgemeinen Interesses gewiss ist; mit dem Gehirn allein lässt sich das nicht zuwege bringen“. Translated: „Dear Mr. Manners, Your letter was really refreshing. One feels the friendly attitude and is happy about it. As far as the chocolates you so rightly praised, the comparison with the limit speed is probably justified. I found it out by trying one of the crowd, disregarding the strictest medical regulations. It's good when you can produce something that is always of general interest; that cannot be achieved with the brain alone.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Mailing folds, else fine condition. Beautiful letter from the great scientist!
Price: $ 11,550 / € 9.625
Freud, Sigmund (1856-1939)
Fantastic content autograph letter signed
Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. Autograph letter signed “Freud”. 2 pages, 5.25 x 3.5 inch, recto and verso of his personal correspondence card, Vienna IX, Berggasse 19, August 11, 1930, but from his holiday at “Grundlsee” in Austria. Freud writes to “Mrs. Prof. Ehrmann in Vienna“. In full, in German: “Geehrte Freundin Ich danke Ihnen sehr für Ihre herzlichen Worte was für Bedeutung öffentliche Anerkennungen um diese Zeit des Lebens noch haben können, werden sie selbst erraten. Ich hoffe Sie haben noch viel Freude an Tochter u(nd) Enkelkind. Ihr herzlich ergebener“. Translated: "I thank you very much for your kind and heartfelt words. You can judge for yourself the impact that public recognition still can have on our lives in this day and age. I hope you continue to have much joy and happiness with your daughter and grandchild." In fine, clean condition. A fantastically crisp letter, including a pointed observation from a man who was no stranger to the limelight.
Price: $ 5,350 / € 4.450
Hedin, Sven (1865-1952)
Signed photograph and autograph note signed
Swedish geographer, topographer, explorer, photographer, travel writer, and illustrator of his own works. Fine signed photograph “Sven Hedin 25.11.49”. 4.0 x 6.0 inch, n.p. On verso Hedin wrote and signed a short message. Minor mounting residue on verso, else good condition.
Price: $ 480 / € 400
Heisenberg, Werner (1901-1976)
Signed photograph in near mint condition
German theoretical physicist and one of the key pioneers of quantum mechanics. Heisenberg was awarded the 1932 Nobel Prize in Physics "for the creation of quantum mechanics”. Signed photograph “Werner Heisenberg”. 4.25 x 6.25 inch, n.p., n.d. Fine black and white matte-finish photo of Heisenberg, signed in the lower border with a blue ballpoint pen. In near mint condition.
Price: $ 1,725 / € 1.435
Heisenberg, Werner (1901-1976)
Typed letter signed
German theoretical physicist and one of the key pioneers of quantum mechanics. Heisenberg was awarded the 1932 Nobel Prize in Physics "for the creation of quantum mechanics”. Typed letter signed “Heisenberg”. 1p., 8.25 x 5.75 inch, Göttingen, 1952 July 2. On Max-Planck-Institut für Physik Prof. W. Heisenberg stationery, signed in dark black ink. Addressed to Leonhardt Fischer in Göttingen regarding a meeting. In German, in full: “Lieber Herr Fischer! Da ich in dieser Woche noch einmal verreisen muß, möchte ich Sie bitten, etwa am Montag oder Dienstag vormittags hier im Institut anzurufen (Tel.: 3653), damit wir eine Zusammenkunft vereinbaren.“ Translated: “Dear Mr. Fischer! Since I have to travel again this week, I would like to ask you to call here at the institute on Monday or Tuesday morning (Tel .: 3653) that we can arrange a meeting." Mailing fold, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,050 / € 875
Heisenberg, Werner (1901-1976)
Album page signed
German theoretical physicist and one of the key pioneers of quantum mechanics. Heisenberg was awarded the 1932 Nobel Prize in Physics "for the creation of quantum mechanics”. Album page signed “Werner Heisenberg”. 1p., 7.0 x 8.0 inch, Luxemburg, 1970 September 26, signed in dark ink. Page from the guest book of Dr. CARL-HEINZ LÜDERS (1913-2006). Headline “Werner Heisenberg in Luxemburg 26. Sept. 70”. Lüders a German diplomat, ambassador of the Federal Republic in Ghana and Luxembourg. Lüders wrote also the headline. Album page is signed by 26 persons incl. Klaas de Vries, Paul Henkes, Gust Altzinger, Roger Belche, Léopold Reichling, Paul Rosenstein to name just a few. Verso with the heading “Bundesfinanzminster Dr. Alex Möller in Luxemburg 6.10.70“. Page is signed by Alex Möller (1903-85) and 6 guests. Fine condition.
Price: $ 730 / € 610
Humboldt, Alexander von (1769-1859)
Autograph letter signed
German (Prussian) geographer, naturalist and explorer. His quantitative work on botanical geography laid the foundation for the field of biogeography. Autograph letter signed “AvHumboldt”. 5.5 x 8.5 inch, n.p., n.d. In German, in full: “David reist wahrscheinlich schon übermorgen ab, also flehe ich daß sie, theurer Freund, morgen Freitags um 4 Uhr (vier Uhr) bei mir essen.” Mailing folds, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,090 / € 900
Jahn, Friedrich Ludwig (1778-1852) „Der Turnvater“
Autograph note signed
German gymnastics educator and nationalist. His admirers know him as “Turnvater” Jahn, roughly meaning "father of gymnastics" Jahn. Autograph note signed in the third person “Jahn”. 1p., 6.75 x 6.25 inch, n.p., n.d. A fine note written in dark black ink. In German, in full: “Jahn wünscht zu erfahren, aber bald: Wie der Staatsmusicus von Pirna geheißen, dessen Sohn 1813, beim 3 Bataillon Lützow, Staatshornist gewesen, und wo der lebt, oder wo er gestorben?“. Also enclosed is a Jahn biography written in unknown hand and some old newspaper clippings. Uneven trimmed, label with number bottom left, else fine condition. Rare autograph!
Price: $ 900 / € 750
Jung, Carl Gustav (1875-1961)
Typed letter signed
Often referred to as C. G. Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist and the founder of the analytical psychology. Jung proposed and developed the concepts of extraversion and introversion, archetypes, and the collective unconscious. Typed letter signed “C.G. Jung”. 1p., 8.25 x 5.75 inch, Küsnacht-Zürich, 1947 March 7. On his “Prof. Dr. C. G. Jung” letterhead. Letter to Dr. Hans Lövinsohn in Hilversum. In German, in full: “Sehr geehrter Herr Doktor, Leider bin ich nicht in der Lage, Ihrem Wunsche Folge zu leisten. Ich würde Ihnen aber empfehlen, Herrn Dr. Hans Bänziger, (Börsenstrasse, 16, Zürich,) einmal anzufragen, ob er geneigt wäre eine solche Schrift zu verfassen. Mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung, Ihr ergebener C.G. Jung P.S. Wie ich eben höre, wird demnächst bei Rascher & Co. In Zürich eine Arbeit von Dr.Arnold Künzli über die Angst veröffentlicht werden. Herr Rascher wäre eventuell bereit, Ihnen einen Teil der Arbeit zu überlassen. Ich möchte Sie bitten, sich direkt mit ihm in Verbindung zu setzen. (Rascher & Co.Limmatquai, 50, Zürich). Translated: “Dear Doctor, Unfortunately I am not in a position to comply with your request. However, I would recommend to ask Dr. Hans Bänziger (Börsenstrasse, 16, Zurich) whether he would be inclined to write such a document. Yours sincerely, C.G. Jung P.S. As I just heard, a work by Dr.Arnold Künzli on fear will soon be published by Rascher & Co. in Zurich. Mr. Rascher might be willing to let you have some of the work. I would like to ask you to contact him directly. (Rascher & Co. Limmatquai, 50, Zurich). Minor handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 2,425 / € 2.020
Kandinsky, Wassily (1866-1944)
Autograph postcard twice signed “Bauhaus Weimar”
Russian painter and art theorist. Kandinsky is generally credited as one of the pioneers of abstraction in western art. Autograph postcard signed "Kandinsky". Postcard, 5.5 x 3.5 inch, Staatl. Bauhaus Weimar, 1922 August (?) 5, stamp removed. Addressed to Dr. Joachim KIRCHNER in Berlin. Sender information shows the second Kandinsky „signature“. In German, in full: „Sehr geehrter Herr Doctor, vielen Dank für Ihre Karte. Es tut mir sehr leid, dass ich meinen Artikel nicht zum gewünschten Termin senden kann: ich bin tatsächlich mit sehr eiliger Arbeit überlastet. Am 14 d. reisen wir aber zur Ostsee für einen Monat, wo ich tüchtig ausruhen möchte. Würde Ihnen also Ende September od. Anfang Oktober passen? Bitte Grüße von mir Ihrem Herrn Vater u. die Familie Wiedenfeld. Wir grüßen Sie herzlich.“ Translated: “Dear Doctor, Thank you for your card. I'm very sorry that I can't send my article on the requested date: I'm actually overburdened with very urgent work. On 14 we are traveling to the Baltic Sea for a month, where I would like to have a good rest. So would the end of September or the beginning of October suit you? Please give my regards to your father and the Wiedenfeld family. We greet you warmly.” Because of the punch holes the exact date when Kandinsky wrote the card is unclear. The house number in the address was added later in pencil (probably by the Post Organization) and a date with the same pencil is written in the middle of the card - 17/8 which is presumably the day of delivery, August 17. Therefore I think that Kandinsky wrote the card August 5. Punch holes, else fine condition.
Price: $ 4,950 / € 4.125
Kneipp, Sebastian (1821-1897)
Uncommon document signed
German Catholic priest and one of the forefathers of the naturopathic medicine movement. Uncommon document signed “Seb: KneippPf(arrer)”. Document, 3.75 x 2.5 inch, n.p., 1883. Document “Sparkasse für Zeit und Ewigkeit”. Created by Rosina Mayer. In full: “Diese Nullen sind an sich wertlos, kommt aber nur die einfachste Ziffer hinzu, dann gibt e seine große Summe. Unsere Handlungen sind Nullen, kommt aber nur das Einserls hinzu, so gibt es eine große Summe. Dieses Einserl ist die gute Meinung.“ Handsomely and removable matted in gray with a photograph of Kneipp to an overall of 7.75 x 11.75 inch. Handling and corner wear, else good condition. Accompanied by a small UNSIGNED piece of paper with information about a „water-therapy“ written by Kneipp in pencil.
Price: $ 900 / € 750
Koch, Robert (1843-1910)
Rare autograph letter signed to astronomer F. Archenhold
German physician, pioneering microbiologist and the founder of modern bacteriology. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905. Autograph letter signed “R. Koch”. 1 page, 5.5 x 8.75 inch, Berlin, 1907 November 21. Very likely to the astronomer Friedrich Simon Archenhold, who, as head of the public observatory in Treptow, collected funds for a building for the giant telescope built for the Berlin World Exhibition of 1896. In German, in full: „Hochgeehrter Herr Direktor! Da ich Ihr Unternehmen für ein sehr nützliches halte, so würde es mir eine besondere Freude sein, wenn es mir vergönnt wäre Ihnen durch Gewährung des verlangten Darlehens behilflich zu sein. Aber meine Vermögensverhältnisse sind nicht derartige, wie Sie annehmen. Ich muss es mir deswegen zu meinem aufrichtigen Bedauern versagen, auf Ihren Vorschlag einzugehen.” Translated: “Dear Director! As I consider your company to be a very useful one, it would be a great pleasure for me to assist you in granting the loan you have requested. But my financial circumstances are not what you suppose. Therefore, to my sincere regret, I have to refrain from responding to your proposal." The letter with the request for "voluntary donations" is attached as a typescript (carbon copy unsigned). Mailing fold, handling wear, else good condition. Friedrich Simon Archenhold (1861-1939) was an astronomer who founded the Treptow Observatory (today the Archenhold Observatory) in Berlin-Treptow. On the basis of Archenhold's plans, the world's longest moving refracting telescope was built with a focal length of 21 meters. The telescope was part of the Great Industrial Exposition of Berlin, a world's fair. The giant telescope was constructed in Treptow, a suburb of Berlin.
Price: $ 3,480 / € 2.900
Kollwitz, Käthe (1867-1945)
Large card signed and hand addressed envelope
German artist, who worked with painting, printmaking (including etching, lithography and woodcuts) and sculpture. Large signed card “Käthe Kollwitz”. Card, 5.75 x 3.5 inch, Berlin, 1931 April 22 (postmark). Hand addressed by Kollwitz to “Mrs. Gilla Kurz in Österreich”. With a fine Paul von Hindenburg stamp in the upper right corner. “Prof Käthe Kollwitz Berlin 24./IV 1931” written in pencil in a different hand on envelope verso. Card slightly discolored, envelope with handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 500 / € 420
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.
Price: $ 1,800 / € 1.500
Lumière, Auguste (1862-1954)
Card signed
Inventor of photographic equipment, along with his brother, Louis Jean. In 1893 they developed a cine camera, the cinématographe, and showed the first motion pictures using film projection in 1895. They also invented the Autochrome screen plate for colour photography in 1903. Signed and inscribed card “Lumiere”. 1p., 5.0 x 3.25 inch, dated in Lumiere’s hand “26.2.(19)35”. Inscribed in French, fine condition.
Price: $ 540 / € 450
Lumière, Louis (1864-1948)
Unusual content typed letter signed
Together with his brother Auguste one of the first filmmakers in history. They patented an improved the cinematograph and showed the first motion pictures using film projection in 1895. Typed letter signed “Louis Lumiere”. 1p., 8.25 x 10.5 inch, Neuilly-Sur-Seine, 1937 December 15, on his personal printed stationery. To “Messieurs Dumas-Fillion et Bouvet”, in French. Lumiere informs his correspondents that he has received their letter and states in part: “I approve what you have done related to the damages that the falling of a chimney of my building may have caused…”. Fine condition.
Price: $ 720 / € 600
Magritte, René (1898-1967)
Autograph letter signed to poet Marcel Béalu
Belgian Surrealist artist. Autograph letter signed “Rene Magritte”. 1p., 5.25 x 8.25 inch, Brussels, n.d. A very nice handwritten and signed letter from Rene Magritte to the Belgian poet Marcel Béalu (1908-1993) in Paris. Hoping that "he has received the others and the 1st letter". Comes with the original mailing envelope, addressed in Magritte’s hand. Fine condition.
Price: $ 1,670 / € 1.390
Manet, Édouard (1832-1883)
Document twice signed
Important 19th century French painter whose works, including such well-known images as “The Luncheon on the Grass” and “Olympia” were a seminal influence on the impressionists of the succeeding generation. Document signed “Edouard Manet”. 4 pages, two sheets recto and verso, 7.0 x 9.75 inch, Paris, 1877 September 19, fee stamp upper left corner on first page. Document with the printed title “Entre les Soussignés”. Lease agreement for a property in “Gennevillers”, called “La Litte au Moulin de Cage”, between Manet and his youngest brother Gustave (“demeurant à Paris 49 rue St. Petersbourg”) as the landlord and the couple Louis and Pierette Girard as the tenant. Co-signed by Gustave Manet. Page two with a handwritten addition in a different hand and the initial signatures of Edouard and Gustave Manet (second signature). Mailing folds, handling wear, minor mounting residue, else good condition. Manet's family came from Gennevilliers and owned considerable property.
Price: $ 2,520 / € 2.100
Matisse, Henri (1869-1954)
Autograph letter signed re: Certificates of origin for etchings
French artist, known for both his use of colour and his fluid and original draughtsmanship. Autograph letter signed in full “Henri Matisse”. 1p., bifolium, 5.25 x 8.25 inch, on his embossed “92, Route de Clamart” stationery, 1915 November 29. Addressed to “Monsieur Pottier”. In French:“Ci-inclus le certificat d'origine des 15 eaux fortes à 100 F pièce que je vous prie d'envoyer par le prochain bateau à Madame S.D. Warren, 261. Marlborough-Street, Boston U.S.A. Massachusetts je paie le port.” Translated: “Enclosed is the certificate of origin of the 15 etchings at 100 F each which I ask you to send by the next ship to Mrs. S.D. Warren, 261. Marlborough-Street, Boston U.S.A. Massachusetts. I pay the postage.” Mailing fold, closed tear in the upper right part, else good condition.
Price: $ 2,050/ € 1.700
Matisse, Henri (1869-1954)
Fine art content autograph letter signed
French artist, known for both his use of colour and his fluid and original draughtsmanship. Autograph letter signed in full “Henri Matisse”. 1p., 8.25 x 10.0 inch, written and signed in blue ink, Nice, 1920 November 4. Letter to Paul Colin of L'Art Libre, written from the Hotel Mediterranée. In French, in full: “Je ne puis vous répondre au sujet de votre exposition quant á mes oeuvres, veuillez vous addresser à Mme Bernheim ou Georges Bernheim, mes marchands. Quant au pastel de Redon, je ne puis vous satisfaire, car il n’est àmoi que la moitié. Or mon parent pour il est pour l’autre moitié, craintles risqué du voyage - mais, cependant desire le vendre – le pastel est visible 19 quai St. Michel, chez moi. Avec mes regrets de ne pouvoir vous satisfaire, je vous prie d’agréer, Monsieur, mes sincères salutations.” Translated: "I cannot give you any answer regarding your exhibit; as far as my works are concerned, please contact Messrs. Bernheim or Mr. Georges Bernheim, my dealers. As for the pastel by Redon, I will not be able to satisfy you because I own only half of it and my relative who owns the other half fears the risks of a trip but still wants to sell it. The pastel can be seen at 19 quai St. Michel, at my place." In very good to fine condition, with creasing, and short tears, to the edges. A fantastic letter referencing Odilon Redon, an artist whom Matisse greatly admired. He had purchased some of Redon's paintings for his father, and acknowledged the influence of Redon's pastels on his own colorful Fauvist palette.
Price: $ 1,980 / € 1.650
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: $ 1,920 / € 1.600
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: $ 1,920 / € 1.600
Monet, Claude (1840-1926)
Excellent autograph letter signed to art critic Gustave Geffroy
French painter, a founder of French Impressionist painting and the most consistent and prolific practitioner of the movement's philosophy of expressing one's perceptions before nature, especially as applied to plein air landscape painting. Autograph letter signed “Claude Monet”. 2 pages, bifolium, 4.5 x 7.0 inch (folded), Giverny, 1891 May 11. A fine handwritten letter to Gustave Geffroy in Paris. Monet asks his friend, the art critic Gustave Geffroy (1855-1926), to allow Blanche Hoschedé (Monet) access to the painting salon presented under the auspices of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, at the Champ de Mars, in Paris. In French: “…Mademoiselle Blanche Hoschedé obligé de venir à Paris après demain 13 mai voudrait profiter de son séjour pour aller au Champ de Mars je lui promets de l'y conduire et vous prierai d'obtenir un moyen d'entrer…” Two minor fold breaks expertly repaired on verso, else fine condition. Gustave Geffroy (1855-1926) was a French journalist, art critic, historian and novelist. He was one of the ten founding members of the literary organisation Académie Goncourt in 1900. Geffroy is noted as one of the earliest historians of the Impressionist art movement. As a friend he championed Monet, whom he met in 1886 while travelling for research on prisons of the Second Empire. Monet introduced him to Cézanne, who painted his portrait in 1895. Blanche Hoschedé Monet (1865-1947) was a French painter who was both the stepdaughter and the daughter-in-law of Claude Monet. A wonderful letter with great reference to art critic Geffroy and Monet's stepdaughter/ daughter-in-law.
Price: $ 4,050 / € 3.375
Monet, Claude (1840-1926)
Autograph letter signed re: death of his son Jean
French painter, a founder of French Impressionist painting and the most consistent and prolific practitioner of the movement's philosophy of expressing one's perceptions before nature, especially as applied to plein air landscape painting. Autograph letter signed “Claude Monet”. 2 pages, 4.75 x 6.5 inch, bifolium, Giverny, 1914 February 20. On his Giverny par Vernon. Black bordered mourning stationery. To his beloved MONTAIGNAC. In French, response to condolences for the death of his eldest son Jean. “Je suis vivement touché de la part que vous prenez au nouveau malheur qui me frappe si cruellement. Je suis très sensible à votre témoignage d'amitié, amitié de longue date, que je partage croyez le bien, malgré nos rares rencontres”. Translated: “I am deeply touched by the part you are taking in the new misfortune that has struck me so cruelly. I am very sensitive to your testimony of friendship, a long-standing friendship, which I share, believe it well, in spite of our rare meetings ". Handling wear, else fine condition. Jean Monet (August 8, 1867 - February 10, 1914) was the eldest son of Claude Monet and Camille Doncieux Monet. He was the subject of several paintings by his father and married his step-sister, Blanche Hoschedé.
Price: $ 2,950 / € 2.450
Montessori, Maria (1870-1952)
Autograph postcard signed
Italian physician and educator best known for the philosophy of education that bears her name. Autograph postcard signed “Maria”. Postcard, 5.5 x 3.5 inch, no place, no date. Front shows the ship “Conte Verde” of the Lloyd Sabaudo shipping transport line. Addressed to contessa Ludovica Borromeo. A fine card in Italian: "Amata Contessa Porto con Lei nel cuore - e foro sempre vicina a Lei tutto il tempo - a traversa questa prora”. Translated: “Beloved Countess, I carry you in my heart and am always close to you - over this bow". Fine condition. Montessori is rare in any form!
Price: $ 1,740 / € 1.450
Montgolfier, Joseph-Michel (1740-1810)
Autograph letter signed + three additional family letters
French politician and pioneering aviator. Best known for inventing, with his brother, Jacques-Etienne, the first successful hot-air balloon the Montgolfière-style hot air balloon, globe aérostatique, which launched the first confirmed piloted ascent by man in 1783. Autograph letter signed “J. Montgolfier”. 1p., 7.0 x 9.5 inch, Paris, 1791 February 7, red wax seal. A fine letter in French to the family doctor Mathieu Duret, the "Médecin Duret, officier municipal" (addressed on verso) in Annonay, to whom he sends family news from his uncle and niece. Also included is an autograph letter signed “Montgolfier ainé". Written and signed by Pierre Montgolfier (1700-1793), father of Joseph und Étienne. 1,5 pages, 1783 November 24. To Madame Montgolfier in the Ursuline Convent in Boulieu. After dealing with various topics (debts, clothing etc.), he reports to her that: "…que de toutes les nouvelles que l'on fait courir il n'y a de vray que le cordon noir promis à étienne et des lettres de noblesse à notre père, le tout qu'y a été promis et non encore effectué que nous aurions voulu nous en faire jusqu'à la conclusion ... l'abbé est parti vendredy avec la fanny et le petit joseph est arrivé le même jour à Lyon où il a vu Joseph qui se porte bien et dont la machine doit s'élever lundy prochain et partir le mardy si le temps le permet ...". And two autograph letters signed by „Étienne Chomel Dolivet“, a close friend of the Montgolfier family. Annonay January 20 and January 23, 1784. The first letter reports on the circulating rumors, discussions and expectations before the planned balloon ascent. "... J'ay été touché de l'intérêt obligeant qui tous nos concitoyens prenaient à cet Evenement, ma maison ne desemplissait pas, on voulait que j'en scu plus que tout autre, Enfin hier sur les cinq heures du soir un galant homme vient chez moy m'annoncer qu'il ne fallait plus croire à des propos affligeants qu'un Citoyen d'annonay parti de Lyon Samédy assurant avoir vu partir le Ballon monté par huit personnes sans accident ... Je mis faire indiquer l'homme, je l'envoie chercher avec une impatience inconcevable, il arrive et au lieu d'un départ pompeux il me dit qu'il a vu le feu à la partie Supérieure du Ballon ..." In the second letter, Dolivet describes the event as an eyewitness. "... Entre 1 à 2 heures de l'après midy le Balon [!]partit monté par 7 personnes: Joseph, Le prince de Ligne, Durosier, Le comte Dampierre, Danglifore, un jeune Fontaine - dès le départ, le Balon rasait la terre et quand il eut bien sur l'escort il monta le plus majesteusement aux acclamations d'une multitude innombrable, les vive Montgolfier ralentissaient, les Voyageurs repondaient aux Empressement public, cette Cérémonie dura tant qu'il eut possible de se repondre après que l'on agitait des Mouchoirs. la machine parvint à telle Elevation qu'on ne put plus voir les Voyageurs et qu'elle ne parut pas plus grosse que celle Expérimentée à annonay, elle se maintint en l'air pendant à propre un quatre d'heure ...". The description continues over three more closely written pages and finally quotes a leaflet with the quatrain that appeared on the occasion of the event: "un espace infini nous separait des Cieux / mais grace aux montgolfier qui le génie inspire / l'aigle de Jupiter a perdu son empire / et le faible mortel peut s'approcher des dieux". Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 3,480 / € 2.900
Morse, Samuel F. B. (1791-1872)
Excellent autograph letter signed
Samuel Finley Breese Morse was an American painter and inventor. After having established his reputation as a portrait painter Morse contributed to the invention of a single-wire telegraph system and was a co-developer of the Morse code. Autograph letter signed "Saml. F.B. Morse". 1p., 7.25 x 9.0 inch, Po'keepsie, 1853 March 18. A fine handwritten letter to Reverend William B. Sprague in Albany. The letter, in full: "Your kind favor in answer to my inquiries is just received, as I am passing throught the village on my way to New York. I enclose Five dollars to purchase for me a copy of the Two volumes of the Transactions of the Albany Institute. If they could be sent immediately to New York to the care of my brothers N.Y. Observer Office I shall receive them there in good time to use them to advantage. Thanking you kindly for your attention, and hoping to see you at my house ere long." Mailing folds, handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,700 / € 1.420
Morse, Samuel F. B. (1791-1872)
Autograph letter signed
Samuel Finley Breese Morse was an American painter and inventor. After having established his reputation as a portrait painter Morse contributed to the invention of a single-wire telegraph system and was a co-developer of the Morse code. Autograph letter signed "Saml. F.B. Morse". 1p., bifolium, 5.25 x 8.25 inch, 5 West 22 St (New York), 1870 April 21. A fine handwritten letter to Margaret (Stuyvesant) Rutherford, Art Committee, Sheltering Arms. The letter, in full: "I cheerfully comply with your request respecting the Photographs, and herewith return them duly endorsed. Wishing you success in your laudable efforts in promoting the benevolent intentions of the 'Sheltering Arms'.” Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Morse. The envelope has no stamps or postmarks, probably hand delivered. Morse lived for many years and died at 5 West 22 Street, New York.
Price: $ 1,430 / € 1.190
Munch, Edvard (1863-1944)
Rare autograph letter signed
Norwegian painter. His best known work, The Scream, has become one of the most iconic images of world art. Autograph letter signed “Edv. Munch”. 2 pages, bifolium, second page written inside, Klampenborg (Denmark), 1905 August 13. On “Taarbaek Badehotel” stationery. A fine handwritten letter, German spelling with some weaknesses. To a gentleman regarding reproductions of his works. In German, in full: “Ich. Gelegenheit das projectierte Werk aber auch musz ich Ihnen darauf aufmerksam machen dasz Ich nicht alle meine grafische Arbeiten producieren können. Ebenso musz ich bestimmt wissen welches Sie zu reproducieren beabzichtigen und die Grosze und Format. / Ich musz nämlich selbst einige zu an bestimmte Zurück brauchen. Hauptsächlich kommt es von der Grösze an - Gemalden zu schenken ist ein Bischen schwierig aber wenn es nothig ist werde ich versuchen - alzo bitte ich in dieser Gelegenheit um baldige und bestimmte Antwort.“ Mailing fold, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 5,400 / € 4.500
Owens, Jesse (1913-1980)
Vintage signed photograph
American track and field athlete who specialized in the sprints and the long jump. He participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, where he achieved international fame by winning four gold medals. Vintage glossy signed and inscribed photograph “To Barry - Best of Luck Jesse Owens”. 7.75 x 9.5 inch., n.p., n.d. Owens proudly displaying his four Olympic medals. In very good to fine condition, with minor trimmed edges and some light creasing.
Price: $ 750 / € 625
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: $ 2,200 / € 1.830
Pasteur, Louis (1822 -1895)
Autograph letter signed
French chemist and microbiologist, popularly known as the "father of microbiology". Autograph letter signed “L. Pasteur”. 1p., 5.25 x 8.0 inch, bifolium, Paris, 1886 October 26. To Lucien VIARD, member of the Board of Directors of Crédit Foncier de France. Letter regarding his recommendation. In French: “… pour un poste de garçon de bureau, d'Eugène Loye… Il est mon compatriote jurassien, paraît très honnête et très docile.” Translated: “… for a post as an office boy, Eugène Loye… He is my compatriot from the Jura, seems very honest and very docile.” Mailing fold, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,550 / € 1.290
Pasteur, Louis (1822 -1895)
Autograph letter signed
French chemist and microbiologist, popularly known as the "father of microbiology". Autograph letter signed “L. Pasteur”. 1p., 4.5 x 3.5 inch, Card embossed 45. Rue D’Ulm (crossed out by Pasteur). Arbois (Jura), 1887, (août) August 17. To Lucien VIARD, member of the Board of Directors of Crédit Foncier de France. Pasteur asks for "a printed sheet of the conditions of admission to the offices of Crédit Foncier". In French: “… une feuille imprimée des conditions d'admission dans les bureaux du Crédit Foncier…”. Fine condition. The Maison de Louis Pasteur in Arbois, a town in the French department of Jura in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, is the childhood home of the famous microbiologist.
Price: $ 1,375 / € 1.145
Picasso, Pablo (1881-1973)
Postcard with autograph note signed (excellent provenance)
Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, stage designer, poet, playwright and one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century. Postcard signed “Picasso”. Postcard, 6.0 x 4.25 inch, n.p., n.d. The postcard representing Picasso’s home in Vauvenargues. The card also bears the signature of his wife Jacqueline as well as those of the Zervos couple, editors and friends of Picasso. From top to bottom: handwritten by Yvonne Zervos, in French: “proprieté de Picasso. Nous sommes heureux. Yvonne Zervos. Nous pensons à vous avec amitié”. Translated: “Property of Picasso. We are happy. Yvonne Zervos. We think of you in friendship”. She also wrotes the recipient's address. After that we see two handwritten lines written by Pablo Picasso, in Spanish: “He tenido mucho gusto en verle. Picasso”. Translated: “I've been very pleased to see you Picasso”. At the bottom of the card we see the signature of Jacqueline Roque/ Picasso (1927-1986) followed by that of Christian Zervos. Fine condition. The Zervos couple met Picasso in the 1920s. Christian, art critic and editor of Cahiers d'art, regularly publishes articles on contemporary painters. Particularly appreciating the works of Picasso, he wrote a catalog raisonné of his works over several decades, with the collaboration of the master. He also helped to make Matisse and Braque known. His wife Yvonne manages the family gallery which exhibits great contemporary artists, in particular their friend Picasso. In the summer of 1964, the Picasso’s invited the Zervos to stay at their home in Mougins, accompanied by René Char. The recipient of this postcard is Carlo Frua de Angeli, a wealthy industrialist from Milan, a great collector of contemporary paintings and a friend of Picasso and Zervos. He is also the ex-husband of artist Mary Callery, who exhibited with Picasso in the 1930s. As for the Château de Vauvenargues represented on the postcard, it is a favorite of Picasso, in 1958 he bought the building from which he could admire the Sainte Victoire. Excellent provenance: comes from Frua de Angeli's estate.
Price: $ 4,200 / € 3.500
Picasso, Pablo (1881-1973)
Hand addressed and signed envelope to his housekeeper
Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, stage designer, poet, playwright and one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century. Hand-addressed and signed mailing envelope. Envelope, 5.75 x 4.25 inch, addressed by Picasso to "Madame Inès Sassier, 7 R. des Grands Augustins, Paris -6e As." and signed as part of the return address on the flap: “Envoi Picasso - Mas. N.D. de V. Mougins A(lpes)M(aritimes)”. Postmarked at Cannes 1962, February 5. Minor handling wear, else good condition. In 1936, Picasso had met Inès Sassier and her sister while vacationing and had brought them back to work for him at the Rue de Boétie apartment. Although Inès had left Paris during the war she returned there to work for Picasso as his housekeeper. For more than three decades, she would serve as Picasso's advisor cook, friend and confidant.
Price: $ 1,920 / € 1.600
Pissarro, Camille (1830-1903)
Fine autograph letter signed to his son Rodolphe
Danish-French Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist painter. Autograph letter signed “C. Pissarro”. 2 pages, recto and verso, Eragny, 1900 November 3. Addressed to “Mon cher Rodolphe” - his son Ludovic Rodolphe Pissarro (1878-1952). In French, in full: “Mon cher Rodolphe, La voiture de déménagement doit venir chercher nos bagages mardi, nous serons donc à Paris mercredi pour le recevoir place Dauphine. Je regrette de n’avoir pas accepter l’invitation d’Hayachi, en meme temps j’avais à lui parler pour des papiers japon introuvables aujourd’hui; j’ai pas mal travaillé pendant mon séjour ici, j’ai pu finir 4 motifs, c’est regrettable de ne pouvoir faire encore quelques etudes, c’est splendid, encore deux ou trios jours tout disparaitra, heureusement que je puis continuer l’année prochaine mes toiles commencées; bien de choses aimable à Alfred. Nous t’embrassons. Ton père aff. C. Pissarro.” Translated: “My dear Rodolphe, The car is due to pick up our luggage on Tuesday, so we will be in Paris on Wednesday to receive it at Place Dauphine. I regret that I did not accept Hayachi's invitation, at the same time I had to talk to him about Japanese papers which cannot be found today; I worked a lot during my stay here, I was able to finish 4 patterns, it's regrettable not being able to do a few more studies, it's splendid, another two or three days everything will disappear, luckily I can continue next year my paintings started; many kind things to Alfred. We kiss you. Your aff. father C. Pissarro.” Below Camille Pissaro’s letter his daughter Jeanne Pissarro (1881-1948) wrote in French: “Mon vieux Rodo, papa te fait dire qu’il partira peut-etre mardi, alors à partir de ce jour, il faut que tu laisses les clefs chez la concierge. Je viens de voir Aurélie qui m’a donné de vos nouvelles, elle est arrivée juste pour venir avec moi à l’enterrement de la petite fille de Mlle Cuchetet. Au revoir, à bientot.” Fine condition.
Price: $ 2,580 / € 2.150
Planck, Max (1858-1947)
Autograph postcard signed re: Mendelssohn-Bartholdy letters
German theoretical physicist who originated quantum theory, which won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918. Autograph postcard signed “M. Planck”. 1p., card, 5.75 x 4.25 inch, Berlin-Grunewald 1928 March 4. To mathematician Kurt Hensel (1861-1941), grandson of Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (1805-1847), sister of composer Felix Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. In German, in full: „Ich bitte Sie um eine kurze Auskunft. Vor vielen Jahren las ich mit großem Interesse Jugendbriefe von Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy an Mitglieder seiner Familie, und möchte dieselben jetzt an jemand verschenken. Nun kennt aber keine Buchhandlung dieses Werk, und ich weiß mir keinen besseren Rat, als Sie zu fragen, unter welchem Titel man sich das Buch anschaffen kann. Sie würden mich durch eine gefällige Antwort zu großem Dank verpflichten“. Translated: “… Many years ago I read with great interest Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's youthful letters to members of his family and would now like to give them to someone as a gift. But no bookstore knows this work, and I can't think of any better advice than to ask you under what title I can buy the book…”. Fine condition.
Price: $ 1,500 / € 1.250
Planck, Max (1858-1947)
Autograph postcard signed WW II. dated
German theoretical physicist who originated quantum theory, which won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918. Autograph postcard signed “Max Planck”. 1p., card, 5.75 x 4.0 inch, Berlin 1943 July 4. To Georg und Lotte Lenz in Hamburg. Thank you card regarding his 85. Birthday. In German, in full: “Lieber Georg u. liebe Lotte! Den freundlichen Glückwunsch zu meinem 85. Geburtstag habe ich empfangen und sage dafür meinen tiefgefühlten Dank. Herzlich grüßt Euch Euer treuer Onkel.“ Address page with abrasions, handling wear, else good condition. Georg Lenz in Hamburg, son of his friend and distant relative, the Berlin historian Max Lenz (1850-1932).
Price: $ 1,020 / € 850
Planck, Max (1858-1947)
Book signed “poetry in Bavarian dialect”
German theoretical physicist who originated quantum theory, which won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918. Book signed and inscribed “Seiner lieben Cousine Anna Brandis zur Erinnerung an ihren Besuch in München. 2. August 1880. Max Planck.” Hardcover book “Weil’s mi’ freut! - Neue Gedichte in oberbairischer Mundart von Karl Stieler”, Stuttgart Meyer & Zeller’s Verlag 1877, 131 pages. Pages slightly discolored, handling wear, else good condition. Uncommon and early Planck autograph.
Price: $ 1,020 / € 850
Ramsay, William (1852-1916)
Important autograph letter signed “… argon passes through iron”
Scottish chemist who discovered the noble gases and received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1904. Autograph letter signed “W. Ramsay”. Written on a postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 inch, Paris, 1895 April 2. In full: “Dear Sir, Thanks for your letter. I have had my eye on Gratams observation for some time, but have had no time to repeat it. Your letter will bring me to this scratch; & it may prove a good means of separation. My impression is that argon passes through iron, but it is not proved. I think I lost a lot in using iron tubar; & I have always intended to repeat it & to use platinum, but I have not had time as yet. There is too much to do. Believe me.” Card is addressed on verso in Ramsay’s hand to “Anshby Esq. Grammar School”. Two folds, handling and corner wear, mounting residue on verso, else good condition. On the evening of 19 April 1894 Ramsay attended a lecture given by Lord Rayleigh. Rayleigh had noticed a discrepancy between the density of nitrogen made by chemical synthesis and nitrogen isolated from the air by removal of the other known components. After a short conversation he and Ramsay decided to investigate this. In August Ramsay told Rayleigh he had isolated a new, heavy component of air, which did not appear to have any chemical reactivity. He named this inert gas "argon". A handwritten letter mentioning argon is of great rarity.
Price: $ 1,140 / € 950
Renoir, Pierre-Auguste (1841-1919)
Autograph letter signed
French artist who was a leading painter in the development of the Impressionist style. Autograph letter signed “Renoir”. 1 page, 4.5 x 6.75 inch, Les Collettes letterhead, 1912 June 29 (Samedi/Saturday). Letter in French to a friend. In full: “Mon cher Ami, Ma femme va a Nice me retenir un fauteuil lit et je reviendrai directement avec Gabrielle, vers jeudi vendredi ou samedi. Il faut retenir les places d’avance dites le a Pierre etc. Je t’ecriai le jour ou je serai sur du jour de mon depart. Tout va bien. Amities de tous.” Translated: "My wife is going to Nice to reserve me a bed-chair and I will return right away with Gabrielle, around Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Seats have to be reserved ahead of time, tell Pierre etc. I will write to you the day I will be sure of the day of my departure. All goes well.” With light toning from prior display, else fine condition. The "Gabrielle" he mentions is Gabrielle Renard, a cousin of Renoir's wife and one of his models.
Price: $ 3,300 / € 2.750
Rizzi, James (1950-2011)
Hand drawn self portrait signed
American pop artist. Fine hand drawn self portrait signed “James Rizzi 95”. 1p., 8.25 x 9.5 inch, thin cardboard, n.p., 1995. Self portrait drawn by Rizzi with a felt-tip pen. Bookpage photo of Rizzi attached. Slightly uneven trimmed, mounting residue on verso, else fine condition.
Price: $ 530 / € 440
Signac, Paul (1863-1935)
Autograph letter signed 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 letter 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.
Price: $ 1,050 / € 875
Signac, Paul (1863-1935)
Autograph letter signed
French Neo-Impressionist painter who, working with Georges Seurat, helped develop the Pointillist style. Autograph letter signed "P. Signac". 2 pages, 5.25 x 8.5 inch, recto and verso, Thursday (Lézardrieux 24 August 1923), stationery headed Société des Artistes indépendants. Addressed to Henri DONIAS in Paris. In French, translated: "Thank you, capitani; it's nice of you to have - among so many worries - thought of sending us this document. It did us a favor, because we were just yelling at each other about questionable moves. Now we have the law! Obviously this code written by a bistro, is not in a Flaubert style, but it is all the more funny... They have just had four days of rain and a strong south wind, which, unfortunately for the painter, does not make sea here". He continues to breathe badly. "According to Brandès, - very moved by the Ford projects - I thought your parents had already left for Nice. That's why I didn't answer Thorndike's letter. Tell him to excuse me and give them all our regards, taking a share of it. And to wish him good trip, Capitani Sebofa Sabipas!” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Signac’s hand. Handling wear, spot in the middle, else good condition. The painter Henri Donias was the son of Henriette Thorndike, the wife of the American painter Charles THORNDIKE. Paul Signac, Albert Dubois-Pillet, Odilon Redon, and Georges Seurat were among the founders of the Société des Artistes Indépendants.
Price: $ 810 / € 675
Toulouse-Lautrec, Henri de (1864-1901)
Autograph letter signed
French painter, printmaker, draughtsman, caricaturist and illustrator. Toulouse-Lautrec is among the best-known painters of the Post-Impressionist period, a group which includes Cézanne, Van Gogh and Gauguin. Autograph letter signed “H. de Toulouse-Lautrec”. 2 pages, bifolium, written on first and third page (inside), blue ink. 15 Avenue Frochot (Paris/ his studio address), 1898 November 15. A fine letter in French to the publisher and print dealer Gustave Pellet. Mailing fold, minor fold break, pencil note at the top, else good condition.
Price: $ 3,300 / € 2.750
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: $ 1,380 / € 1.150
Zeppelin, Ferdinand Graf von (1838-1917)
Fine letter signed
German general and later aircraft manufacturer. He founded the Zeppelin airship company. Letter signed “Gf. Zeppelin”. 1p., 7.5 x 9.0 inch, Friedrichshafen, 1909 October 12. On his personal „Graf F. von Zeppelin“ letterhead. Addressed to Kurt Engelbrecht in Bielefeld. Zeppelin rejects a request for employment in his company. In German, in parts: ”… ich mich auf das Schreiben vom 10. ds. Mts. ergebenst zu verweisen, daß die auf dem Gebiete der Elektrotechnik vorkommenden Aufgaben von meinen … erledig werden; - ich kann Ihnen daher zu meinem Bedauern keine Aussicht auf Anstellung in meinem Betriebe bieten.” With light soiling and intersecting folds, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,020 / € 850