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.
SOSENKO 1943-1989 ($200-Up)
Successful Broadway producer (1910-2000); manager of chanteuse Hildegarde, having written her theme song “Darling, je vous aime beaucoup...” Outstanding Guest Book inscribed many guests over the years, from December 1943 to 1989. Contains many familiar names: Tallulah Bankhead, Elliot Roosevelt, Lauritz Melchior, Yousuf Karsh, Lucie Utrillo, Henny Youngman, David Merrick, and many more. The book itself has crocheted covers, but it would need repair if kept as it is. A marvelous archive!
206 HALL, A. OAKEY ($65-Up)
Mayor of New York, member of the “Tweed Ring” (1826-96). TLS, 2p, 4to, on Lotos Club stationery, 3/25/ [1895]. He advises Ashley W. Cole against accepting an appointment. Fine signature with paraph, with a news clipping adhered to first page which has left a dark spot underneath, else fine.
207 HARBACH, OTTO ($75-Up)
American lyricist and librettist (1873-1963); among his smashes were the musicals Bright Eyes, Rose-Marie, and No, No, Nanette. TLS “Otto A. Harbach,”1p, 4to, on ASCAP stationery, 4/3/1951. He writes to Max Dreyfus, “I hear that they are making some changes in some of my lyrics in the new screen version of Roberta...the chances are that I will refuse my permission...”
208 HARCOURT, VISCOUNTESS MARY [5] ($60-Up)
American-born English philanthropist (died 1961); a niece of J.P. Morgan, she married Lewis Harcourt, who was created Viscount Harcourt in 1917; honorary secretary of the American Women’s War Relief Fund during World War I. Five letters, 1916-1918, of which four are TLS and one ALS . One marked “Private & Strictly Confidential” Aug 16, 1917, reads “My dear Colonel Bradley I am venturing to turn to you as a friend, and as one who has been to Paignton and therefore knows the work and condition of our American Women’s Hospital. It has been reported..that things at Paignton were not working as smoothly..as they should. After careful consideration of the causes..we have come to the conclusion that the situation would be eased by the removal of Major Penhallow from the post of Chief Surgeon....and I can assure you we would deeply and gratefully appreciate such help. Believe me, Yours very sincerely Mary Harcourt.” Great concern on the part of prominent women making their contribution to the war effort!
209 HARRIS, FRANK ($100-Up)
Irish-born American author, journalist, critic, and publisher (1856-1931). TLS “Frank Harris,”1p, 4to, NYC, 11/7/1918. He sends thanks“...for sending me the books which I shall read with infinite interest...I hope to see you at the Sign of the Sparrow...”
210 HASSAM, CHILDE ($190-Up)
Important American Impressionist painter and illustrator (1859-1935). His lovely paintings with many flags remain in the collective memory. To ALS “Childe Hassam,”2p, 8vo, np, 11/16/1872. He thanks Thomas S. Clark for his remembrance. In fine condition.
211 HAUPTMANN, GERHART
($95-Up)
German dramatist (1862-1946), established reputation with naturalistic drama. Nobel Prize winner in 1912. TLS German, 4/6/1932, “ My wife and I think with the greatest pleasure on our hours together on the Semmerling...Yours, Gerhart Hauptmann.”With a translation.
212 HAZARD, ROWLAND GIBSON [2] ($85-Up)
American manufacturing magnate and reformer
