2007 was a banner year for auctions hosted by R.M. Smythe & Co. with record prices achieved In 2007 R.M. Smythe hosted six major auctions and set record prices for historical autographs, currency, coins, stocks bonds and antiques
HMS Victory, "Off Toulon, the 13th August 1803." Addressing the "Naval Storekeeper at Malta," Nelson directs "that you receive into His Majesty's stores under your charge, the Barge and Jolly (or four hand) Boat belonging to His Majesty's Ship Victory, and keep them under a Shade or Cover 'till they are wanted for the use of the said Ship..." Paper repairs at folds, minor stain at top, otherwise in very good condition. Nelson had been given command of the Victory just three months earlier, and joined the ongoing blockade of the French port of Toulon. However, the French fleet managed to slip past the blockade in 1805, and Nelson led a failed pursuit. Retiring due to ill health, he was recalled in September of that year, and fought his great and final victory at Trafalgar just a month later. A good naval letter, showing how control of Malta, achieved in 1800, allowed England to maintain a fleet in the Mediterranean, a key to its dominance at sea.
Sale #271 - Lot#722 - Presale Estimate $3,000 to $3,500 - Final Bid $5500
OXFORD: OXONIA ILLUSTRATA "Oxonia Illustrata." David Loggan. Oxford, 1675. Folio, red leather [by Bartlett?] with gilt cottage-roof design, spine, six bands. Three engravings laid in. Minor dampstains and sparse soiling, front free endpaper creased, front board slightly curled, otherwise very good/fine.
Sale #272 - Lot#1263 - Presale Estimate $1,500 to $3,000 - Final Bid $8500
Central Bank of Brooklyn (NY) 1854. #199. 20 shs. Jolly old Saint Nicholas rides in a sleigh full of toys, pulled by reindeer. A classic vignette by Baldwin, Adams & Co. Durand Vignette Type III. Santa Claus vignettes are some of the most sought after of all vignettes. The Schingoethe collection of Santa Claus vignetted obsolete notes established many record prices. First we have seen from this company. We expect the bidding on this certificate to be quite competitive. Light staining, left. VF.*
Sale #272 - Lot#4842 - Presale Estimate $7,000 to $8,000 - Final Bid $14,000
$20. Fr.953b. 1914. No.B2522533A. Choice Uncirculated. A real blazer Red Seal $20 that looks perfect from the front and only the slightly askew back centering keeps it from a Super Gem grade. The originality and strong embossing are clearly visible through the PMG64 EPQ holder. A marvelous note.
Sale #272 - Lot# 4938 - Presale Estimate $10,000 to $15,000 - Final Bid $37,000
LT. Uncut 18-Subject Sheet of $5 1953 Legal Tender Notes. A00000001A-A00136001A. The last note on the sheet bears the autographed signatures of the Treasurer of the United States, Ivy Baker Priest, and the Secretary of the Treasury, George M. Humphrey. Almost Uncirculated, with some corner bends, and a trace of paper clip rust on the #1 note. These are mentioned for accuracy, as you can never obtain a better example of this unique sheet. Accompanied by a copy of a letter on official Treasury Department letterhead, signed by Edward F. Bartelt, Fiscal Assistant Secretary, dated May 20, 1953, certifying that this is the first
