Part 2, Ted Williams' ex-wife's estate to be sold May 30 Part 2 of the living estate of Dolores Wettach Wiliams -- the former high fashion model, actress and third wife of Hall of Fame baseball legend Ted Williams -- will be sold May 30 in West Swanzey, N.H
panel; a mixed media work of Williams executed in 1988 by the artist Neal Portnoy; an enlargement of an original photo of Ted by noted photographer Edward Sorel; and other pieces, many inscribed to Ted.
Additional Ted Williams lots will include a handwritten letter from President Richard Nixon, congratulating him on being named manager of the Washington Senators in 1969; gifts and other items presented to and from Ted; a highway sign from the Mass. Department of Public Works, reading “Ted Williams Highway;” and his personal jacket from the Ted Williams Baseball Camp in Lakeville, Mass.
Items specific to Mrs. Wettach Willliams' acting career will include her test photo from the 1964 James Bond movie Goldfinger, for which she was was up for the part of “Pussy Galore” (a role she lost to Honor Blackman); her Goldfinger script copy, with handwritten notes in the margins; letters and other correspondence from agents and other industry professionals; and lots from various film projects.
Items specific to Dolores' modeling career will include autograph books by noted photographers who worked with her, signed and with complimentary notations; ads and articles about her, when she was one of the top models in the world; personal correspondence from world-class diver Hannes Keller, who was a love interest prior to her meeting Ted; and clothing, from lingerie to modeling outfits from the period.
Also offered will be letters exchanged between Dolores and Ted – before, during and after their marriage; postcards from Ted (often signed “#9” or with some other code, to guard against their theft); a rare, original 16mm film of Ted giving hitting instructions; gift items to and from Ted; items from sports celebrities; endorsement items (from Sears, etc.); Ted Williams model golf clubs and bag; handwritten speeches by Ted; handwritten correspondence; and other personal family memorabilia.
Ted and Dolores had two children: John-Henry (1968-2004), and a daughter, Claudia (with whom Dolores now lives, in Hernando, Fla., where she is recovering from a health setback). Items pertaining to John-Henry will include bats, uniforms, a player's duffel bag, etc.; an unusual burnt wooden baseball with portrait of Ted, signed by Ted; books; balls; letters; and family correspondence.
Previews will be held Thursday and Friday (May 28-29), from noon to 6 p.m.; and on Saturday, the day of sale (May 30), from 9-11 a.m. (or by appointment). Online bidding will be facilitated exclusively by Artfact.com. There will be a 15 percent buyer's premium (18 percent for online bids). Terms are cash, a good check and major credit cards. Phone, absentee and left bids will be accepted. All items will come with a Certificate of Origin & Authenticity from Ted Williams Family Enterprises, Ltd.
For a full-color catalog of Part II of The Dolores Wettach Willliams Estate, you may log on to www.KnottyPineAntiques.com, or call toll-free, at 1-800-352-5251. The next gallery sale will be held in June and feature a fine collection of ephemera, advertising and collectibles. Knotty Pine Auction Service is always accepting quality consignments for future
