R.M. Smythe & Co. to hold Internet auction of historical materials including autographs and more.. On October 1, 2007, R.M. Smythe & Co. will hold an Internet auction on eBay live of an eclectic collections of historical materials including autographs, photographs, ephemera, books and Americana.
thanking Mr. Feurer for his poems with many compliments, signed “Gratefully, Viola L. Armstrong.”Also, ALS May 27, 1972,with the words “One small step for a man”signed as above.
140 ASTOR, JOHN JACOB, III [2] ($60-Up)
Grandson of the famous financier and fur magnate (1822-90). ALS, “Tuesday Morning,” [ca 1876] NYC, to painter engraver James D. Smillie onthe return of a watercolor painting by Samuel Coleman:“Directions to this effect have been given to my servants.” Signed“J.J.Astor” Stripe of light damage at top, overall very nice, with envelope.
141 ASTOR, MARY ($50-Up)
American film actress (1906-87); most famous for role in The Maltese Falcon opposite Humphrey Bogart. Endorsement Signature “Mary Astor”on verso of a check to her order on the East River National Bank, NY, 7/6/1925. Light red ink bank stamp over half of the signature, but clear and dark.
142 BALL, LUCILLE ($160-Up)
Revered film and television actress and producer (1911-89). TLS, 1p, 4to, np,2/27/1961, to theatrical producer Anna Sosenko:“I would be delighted if you would get in touch with me and see WILDCAT while I am able to spring about the stage a bit. Love, Lucy”
143 BARUCH, BERNARD ($60-Up)
American financier, philanthropist, and presidential advisor (1870-1965). TLS, January 5, 1948on his 597 Madison Avenue stationery, a short note to a craftsman, full clear signature.
144 BASEBALL PLAYERS: 1930’s TO 1970’S [45] ($50-Up)
Forty five ALS, sent to Dennis Cooper, writer and performance artist, on sheets from a ruled letter-size pad. Quite interesting, written in the early 1990s, and some give their biggest difficulties. Among the writers: Al Leiter, Joe Hauser, Dave “Boo” Ferris, Pat Cooper and others. A most unusual lot!
145 BATTEN, JEAN ($75-Up)
Pioneer New Zealander aviatrix (1909-82). ADS “Jean Batten,” 1p, narrow oblong 8vo, Puerto de la Cruz, [Canary Islands], 4/28/1982. A check on the Banco Hispano Americano for 100 pesetas, payable to bearer. Apparently not cancelled. In very good condition.
146 BAYARD, JOHN ($100-Up)
Continental Congressman from PA (1738-1807); a colonel in the Continental Army, serving at Germantown, Brandywine, and Princeton. ADS “John Bayard,”1p, oblong 12mo, New Brunswick, [NJ], 2/26/1806. Pay order to James Schureman for $15, “for the Eigth [sic] Instalment for the Trenton and New Brunswick Turnpike Road...” Endorsed on verso. Dampstain over entire signature, lightening it, otherwise very good.
147 BEARD, CHARLES A. ($60-Up)
Influential American historian, (1874-1948); wrote widely in history and political science. ALS, one page, Oct 21, New Milford, CT. “I merely advised them on the plan and suggested speakers...Sincerely yours, Charles A. Beard.” Boldly penned, good display piece.
148 BEECHER, HENRY WARD ($55-Up)
American clergyman, abolitionist, and reformer (1813-87). ALS “H.W. Beecher,”1p, 8vo, n.p., 1/30/1872. To “My dear Hepworth”[probably the preacher George H. Hepworth] he sends “a general note, and one in especial to Mr. Claflin- Go to him first & in your best mood. Strike while the iron is hot. You can raise attention now easier than one hundred six weeks hence...” Tipped to a larger sheet. Very good.
149 BELLI, MELVIN M. [2] ($25-Up)
Successful attorney,
