Seaport Autographs - seaportautographs.htm - norm@seaportautographs.com

We have pooled letters and documents in this section and at the same time have indicated a "Fair Market Value" (FMV) of these lots. We have done this so that you may appreciate the discounts offered. This is a contribution to our customers in an effort to reduce our large inventory. There are no additional discounts on these lots. The lots may not be returned, but we are certain that you will be pleased with your purchase.

The following pooled lots are all priced at 50-75% below fair market value (FMV). Many of these pieces were acquired from Goodspeed’s Book Shop on Boston in 1995 when they went out of business. Seaport Autographs had the good fortune of obtaining a large portion of the autograph inventory of the shop. We are pleased to offer this material, which should be of interest to dealers as well as to individual collectors.

112065. (Statesmen – Lot) Harry Floyd Byrd (b.1887-1966). A Virginia politician, farmer and brother of Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. He was a publisher of the Winchester (Va.) Star and from 1926 to 1930 was Governor of Virginia. In 1933 he was appointed U.S. Senator was later elected and served until 1965. TLS, 1p, 10"x8", Winchester, VA, 1924 Nov. 14. Fine. He writes to Hon. Joseph Button, "This is just a line to advise you that I have definitely determined to be a candidate for Governor. My public announcement will be made in a few days. Until then it would be better not to have any newspaper publicity..." PLUS Ann Douglas Beverly Byrd, his wife. ALS, 2pp (1st and 4th sides), Executive Mansion, Richmond VA, n.d. Very fine. A social letter to Mrs. Button. 2 pieces. Samuel James Ervin (b.1896). He was a U.S. Senator from North Carolina and a state Supreme Court justice before being appointed to the Senate. Subsequently elected, he served from 1954 to 1974. In 1973 he received national attention as chairman of the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Presidential Campaign Practices, which held televised hearings on the Watergate Affair and which led to the downfall of President Nixon. TLS after leaving Senate but on Senate stationery, 1p, 10"x8", Morgantown, NC, 1975 March 14. He is unwilling to help a legal client. Plus stamped envelope with his printed free frank signature. 2 pieces. John Thompson Hoffman. New York statesman who was elected mayor of New York City (1865-69) and governor of the state (1865-69). ALS a mayor, 1p, 9”x5½”, Mayor’s Office, New York, 1866 April 27. Very good. Slight marginal and fold wear. He responds to a request, probably for an autograph. John Edgar Hoover. Director of Federal Bureau of Investigation. TLS, 1p, 10”x8”, Washington, 1946 April 30. Very fine. He responds to an autograph request. Herbert H. Lehman (1878-1963). He was a political leader who served as Governor of New York between 1933 and 1943 and U.S. Senator from 1949 to 1956. TLS as governor, 1p, 10"x8", Albany, 1933 Sept. 11. Fine. Small hole in upper left corner from staple and a small crayon docket. He writes of contacts that he has made. PLUS TLS as governor, 1p, 10”x8”, Albany, 1933 Jan. 13. Fine. Small crayon docket. It r elates to the appointment of Judge James A. Delaney for the office of Surrogate of New York County. 2 pieces. (Edward Shippen, Jr.) (1729-1806). A Pennsylvania jurist who became Chief Justice of the state after the American Revolution. During the Revolution his sympathies were with Great Britain. His third daughter, Margaret (Peggy), was the second wife of General Benedict Arnold. Peter Clair (?), MsDS,, 1p, 3”x4”, Philadelphia, 1869 May 1. Fine. It is a receipted invoice to Shippen for the purchase of beer. (Richard Nixon) (1913-94). President of the United States. Fine 6”x5” color photograph as president, mounted to heavy board (10”x8”) secretarially signed on lower board. 10 pieces. (FMV=$300.00). $140.00

110142. (Authors –English). Marie Belloc-Lowndes. British novelist. ALS, 1p, 9”x7”, Westminster, 1907 May 24. Fine. Tipped to a larger sheet. Sends an anonymous contribution for the benefit of W. L. Alden. Henry P. Brougham, 1^st Lord Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868). .” A British statesman, scholar, author, and served as Lord Chancellor of England from 1830-1834. He designed the one-horse Brougham. Free franked address panel, 4”x8”, 1832 Sept 16. Fine. Slight marginal wear and tipped to larger sheet. It bears a crown cds with date and “FREE.” Sir Walter Besant (1836-1901). English novelist and humanitarian. He was one of the chief founders of the Society of Authors. ANS “W.B.” on a letterhead of Incorporated Society of Authors, 1p, 6”x5”, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, W.C., 1890 June 4. Fine. Tipped to larger sheet. In the letterhead is his name imprinted with that of Lord Tennyson, President. A ten-word memo in his hand. Edward Augustus Freeman (1823-92). English historian who wrote a 15-volume History of the Norman Conquest and other works. S on 3”x5” slip of paper, Oxford, 1891 Feb. 21. Fine. John Masefield (1878-1967). An English poet laureate (1930), playwright, and novelist. TLS, 1p, 8½x6½", Abingdon [England], n.d. [1940-45]. Fine. He explains that books may not be sent out of the country during the war without obtaining a special license. Charles Ramm Kennedy (1871-1950). An English playwright most noted for The Servant in the House, The Necessary Evil and The Idol Breaker. ALS, 1p, 7½"x6", New York, 1909 March 4. Fine. He is unable to address the Actor's Church Alliance. Edward Verrall Lucas (b.1868). An English essayist, traveler, and art critic who wrote novels and works on art. ALS, 1p, 7"x5", New York, 1934 April 11. Fine. He is unable to agree to a lecture. Thomas B. Macauley (1800-59). An English historian, statesman, author and poet. He served in the House of Commons and was Secretary of War. His greatest work was The History of England from the Accession of James the Second. S & closing clipped from a letter. Fine. Mounted. Henry Seton Merriam (1862-1903). An English novelist most noted for The Sowers & With Edged Tools. ALS, 1p, 5"x3½", London, 1876 Dec. 26. Fine. He thanks his writer for her compliments. Alfred Sutro. A British novelist and playwright. Two ALsS, 1p each, one on a card and the other on letter, n.p. [London], n.d. Fine. The letter is tipped to a larger sheet It concerns engagements. 10 pieces. (FMV - $575.00). $155.00

110143. (Entertainment). Eddie Cantor. Comedian and actor on vaudeville, early radio, TV and in films. S on 2”x4”: card. Fine. Helen Gahagan Douglas. Actress, Congresswoman and wife of actor Melvin Douglas. Bold 6" S in full on 4"x7" sheet, 1974. Three examples. Peter Duchin. Pianist and orchestra leader. PS, 8”x10”, [1983]. Very fine. Nathaniel (“Nat”) Goodwin (1857-1919). He was an American actor and comedian who performed on the legitimate stage and in vaudeville. His later roles were generally more serious. ALS on letterhead of Trafalgar Hotel, 1p, 8"x5", London, 1890, July 15. Fine. He seeks to settle a debt with the Gaiety Theatre. Plus an amusing newspaper cartoon of him. Sir John Hare (1`844-1921). English actor-manager who scored great successes in London, particularly with the Kendals at the St. James Theatre. ALS, 1p, 9”x5”, Boston, n.d. Very good. Some smudging of ink in text and in his signature. Fold line through signature and mounting strip on verso. It concerns a letter of introduction. Plus S of Gilbert Hare. Cyril Maude (1861-1951). English actor and theatrical manager who made his debut in Denver in 1883. He became very popular in The Second Mrs Tangueray, The Little Minister and other comedies. His most popular role was in Grumpy. ALS, 2pp, (1^st & 4^th sides), 5”x4”, England, n.y. Jan. 21. Fine. Slight soiling and mounting traces on blank sides. He thanks his correspondent for compliments and on a performance. Mitch Miller. Orchestra leader and arranger. IPS 10”x8”, B/W, [1973]. Very fine. It is inscribed on light portion in red ink, “To Walter – All best – Mitch Miller. A head and shoulder pose. Adelaide Ristori (1822-1906). Marchioness del Grillo. An Italian actress born into an acting family. She became a star at 18 in Schiller’s Mary Stuart. She married the Marquess del Grillo in 1846 but continued her theatrical career. In addition to Italian roles, she played in classical French dramas in Paris that stirred up intense controversy between her admirers and the great Rachel at the Comédie Francaise. Her genius was also recognized on a visit to the United States in 1885. ANS in Italian, 1p, 8”x5”, n.p., n.d. Fine. The is a one line quote not translated, but it is signed “Adelaide Ristori Del Grillo.” Edward A. Sothern. Shakespearean actor and husband of actress Julia Marlowe. S on 2”x4” card. Fine. Mounted to a larger sheet. Mary Anderson (Mary de Navarro) (1859-1940). An American actress and author who toured the U.S. and England in Shakespearean roles. In 1896 she married Antonio de Navarro. ALS "Mary de Navarro,” 4pp, 6"x4", Worcestershire, 1902 April 10. Fine. It is a social letter concerning a visit. ALS “Mary de Navarro,” 1½pp, 6”x4”, n.p., n.d. Fine. A friendly social letter and thanks for bread. George Burns. Comedian and actor, IPS, 10”x8”, [1977]. Very fine. Sir Arthur Wing Pinero (1855-1924). An English actor and playwright, most noted for The Second Mrs. Tangueray, The Benefit of the Doubt, Iris, The Thunderbolt and many other plays. ALS on mourning stationery, 1p, 7”x5”, [London],1921 June 21. Very good. Mounting traces on verso with slight show-through. A social note. Plus original stamped envelope with holograph address. Fritzi Scheff (1899-1954). Star of the musical stage and in silent films. Two Ss on 2½”x3½” cards. Both fine, but one with mounting traces on verso. Ernestine Schuman-Heink (b.1861). Bohemian-American operatic contralto. S with date, 1934, 8”x6” page. Fine. On the same page is S of balloonist Maj. Chester Pordney and on the verso, S of Emily Roosevelt. 21 pieces. (FMV - $700.00). $175.00

110145. (Autograph Collection). Nicholas Murray Butler(1862-1947). President of Columbia University and winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 with Jane Addams. S on 3"x5" card with "Columbia University" and date (1932) typed beneath. Fine. Telesphore Fournier (b.1823). As a Canadian, he was Queen’s counsel (1863), a member of Parliament, Minister of Inland Revenue and of Justice and in 1875 made a judge of the Supreme Court of Canada. ALS, 1p, 8”x5”, Ottawa, 1891 Dec. 3. Fine. He sends a copy of the statutes of 1875 (not included here). William Floyd, Jr. The son of William Floyd, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and lived in Weston, New York. ALS, 3pp, 10"x8", Weston, 1818 Feb. 18. Very good. The red wax seal has been consumed by book worms leaving a hole affecting only 3 words. The integral address leaf bears a Rome Ms postal mark. He writes to a friend in Albany about his Christian beliefs. Kuno Francko (1855-1930). A German-American philologist and from 1896 to 1917 was professor of German history at Harvard University. He was the prime mover in building the Germanic Museum at Harvard. Two letters on letterhead of The Germanic Museum. 1. ALS, 2pp, 8"x5", Cambridge, 1915 April 30. Fine. He writes concerning a gift for the museum. 2. ALS in German script with English translation, 1p, 8"x5", Cambridge. It concerns funds to be given to the museum. Frank Monroe Hawks (b.1897). American aviator and author. He held several early speed records. S on ½”x3” slip of paper with narrow margins. Thomas Augustus Jagger (b.1871). A noted geologist and vulcanologist and professor of geology at M.I.T. He participated on many volcanic expeditions and was a consultant to the U.S. government. ALS, 1p, 8"x5", Honolulu, HI, 1950 Nov. 13. Fine. "What a sloppy thing science was at the beck and call of princes. But if Galen 1300 years before, and Paracelsus a century before were their authors, how about our reverence for Plato and Newton? So much are we hero worshippers, perhaps it behooves us to be heroes . . ." Claude Kitchin (1869-1923). A MOC from North Carolina (1901-23). He chaired the House Ways & Means Committee in the 64th & 65th Congress, was Majority Leader in the 64th & 65th Congress and Minority Leader in the 67th Congress. TLS, 1p, 10"x8", Washington, 1916 Nov. 15. Fine. Slight marginal wear. He states his strong position "in opposing the big military and naval program which will be submitted to Congress. If the people knew the real facts and situation, not one disinterested person in fifty would favor the program . . .” Kirtley Fletcher Mather (b.1888). A noted geologist and professor of geology and geography at Harvard University. TLS, 1p, 10"x8", Cambridge, MA, 1928 Jan. 10. Fine. Minor archival paper repairs on verso. He writes to Prof. Kornhauser in regard to his dismissal at Denison College, blaming it on the fact that he did not belong to a Protestant church. Graham McNamee. Sportscaster of early radio days. S on 2"x3½" card. Fine. James Mills Peirce. Astronomer and mathematician at Harvard University and son of Benjamin Peirce. ADS, 1p, 3”x7 ½”, [Cambridge], 1858 Oct. 223. Fine. Inlaid. Addressed to the president of Harvard, he certifies that a student has completed his work. Plus an ANS “J.M.P.,”1p, 7”x5”, [Cambridge], n.d. Fine. Inlaid. It is a printed notice soliciting support for creating a marble bust of President Jared Sparks. He adds a noted in regard to this subject. 2 pieces. Caleb Strong (1745-1819). A U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and a delegate to the Federal Constitutional Convention. Strong was patriot during the Revolution and was elected to The Continental Congress, but did not attend. As the first Senator from Massachusetts, he served from 1789 to 1796. He was then elected governor of Massachusetts (1800-07; 1812-16). S on slip of paper, mounted to a gilt-edged card with brief biography of him. Very fine. George Wickersham (1858-1936). Attorney General of the United States under President Taft and was also a member of Taft's law firm. TLS, 1p, 10"x8", New York, 1932 Jan. 6. Very good. Minor marginal wear. He responds to a question about criminality in the United States, “I do not know that there is an increase . . . the statistics of crime are so unsatisfactory in this country, that it is almost impossible to prove or disprove any assertion regarding it...Our Commission embodied the results of its studies...which fill six bound volumes..." (Clemens Wenzel Nepomuk Lothar, Prince von Meternich) (1773-1859). An influential and powerful Austrian statesman. He served as Minister to Dresden, Berlin and as Foreign Minister. Partly printed document in French, unsigned, 1p, 4”x7”, n.p., n.d. Very good. There is slight foxing. It is an invitation by “Le Prince et la Princess de Metternich” to Mr. Russel for dinner. 18 pieces. (FMV - $285.00). $70.00