Original Winnie-The-Pooh Illustrations and 1st Edition Moby Dick Following on the heels of the successful sale of a rare Winnie-the-Pooh drawing in its London salesrooms, international auctioneers Bonhams will offer collectors another chance to take home original d
Salesman. Signed by famed playwright Arthur Miller and the cast, the lot hails from the estate of Broadway actor Tom Pedi who originated the role of “Stanley” in the play. Estimated at $3/5,000, this remarkable working draft of Miller’s classic play is marked “27,” indicating it as one of the small number produced for cast and crew of the original production. The copy boasts many production notes and comments.
Also coming to auction are a number of excellent lots related to leading scientific figures. Of particular interest are two letters from Albert Einstein offering a glimpse into his views on the international political climate of his day. In one letter dated January 29, 1946, Einstein writes to a student journalist at Princeton University who had apparently asked him to comment on the affairs of Germany. Einstein argues that the world must “…be assured that Germany does not become dangerous again….” In another, Einstein explains his concern with the development of “modern weapons,” stating that “Only a supranational organization can put an end to the current state of hysteria. Everyone has to be fully aware of that, if the general annihilation of mankind through man is to be prevented.” Each of these fascinating letters carries an estimate of $4/6,000.
Another exciting piece is a 19th century pass to the London Zoo signed by Charles Darwin. The Zoo was originally known as the Zoological Gardens in Regent’s Park, and was initially open only to members of the Zoological Society of London.
The pass admits the bearer, with the permission of Charles Darwin, to visit either the Zoo or the Society’s Museum in Leicester Square (est. $1,000/1,500). Also offered is a presentation copy of the offprint of Niels Bohr’s famous address to the UN regarding nuclear proliferation, signed by Mr. Bohr (est. $500/700).
Other lots expected to entice bidders are: the first private pilot’s license ever to be issued, granted to a William P. MacCracken and signed by Herbert Hoover as Secretary of Commerce (est. $18/25,000); a postcard from a Titanic victim, mailed to a family member prior to the tragedy, featuring a color image of the ship at sea (est. $2,500/$3,500); and a typed document signed by Senator John F. Kennedy allowing Gallu Productions to produce an episode of a television show recreating the PT-109 incident in which Kennedy’s bravery lead to his being bestowed with a Navy and Marine Corps Medal (est. $3/5,000).
“This sale seems especially well-timed for the holiday market. We have a large collection of excellent illustration artwork, such as the Milne and the Bemelmans, plus some very unusual and charming manuscripts -- from scientific high points to Presidential pieces,” says Dr. Catherine Williamson, Director of Books & Manuscripts for Bonhams. “Collectors of all kinds will be sure to find something to their liking.”
The illustrated auction catalog will be online for review and purchase in the weeks preceding the sale at www.bonhams.com/us. Previews open at Bonhams NY on December 13th - continuing daily until the auction. For
