The June 24, 2000, Gerald Burg & Dr. Kardatzke Collections, Sale 6
Lot 629 
Adams, John. (1735-1826) 2nd President of
the United States, 1797-1801.
Manuscript Letter Signed. Two
pages, Folio, Passy, France, February 12, 1779. At the time this letter was
written, John Adams, Ben Franklin and Arthur Lee were serving as Commissioners
to the Court of France. Adams had been appointed by Congress to supersede Silas
Deane as Commissioner in late 1777. He set sail February 12, 1778, and arrived
at Paris on April 8, 1778. Long before his arrival the alliance with France had
been consummated; he found, however, a wretched state of affairs in Paris --
our three Commissioners at each others throats, while the public accounts were
being reported in the laxest manner. During Lee's residence in Paris, he had
been involved in bitter arguments with his fellow Commissioners and was
connected with the unjust charges against Silas Deane which led to Deane's
virtual exile (it wasn't until Beaumarchais' papers were discovered in a Paris
garret in 1857 that Deane's conduct was explained). Lee exhibited at best a
morbidly suspicious and quarrelsome disposition. By the autumn of 1779 his
attacks on Franklin had become so virulent and his conduct in general so
troublesome, that he was recalled by Congress, following Adams' recommendation
that only one Commissioner should represent the United States at the
French Court. Lee was sent to Madrid; Franklin retained in Paris; and Adams,
left without any instructions, returned to America, reaching Boston on August
2, 1779.
Upon John Adams' arrival in Paris, he methodically and
conscientiously organized and regimented policies and procedures. Here, he
instructs Arthur Lee to assist a Mr. Pringle in arranging meetings with various
individuals that Lee knows. Written in the hand of William T. Franklin, the
letter reads in full:
"Sir We duly received the Letter which you did
us the honor of writing on the 9th of Feb. accompany'd with a Letter from Mr.
Pringle; herewith you have the Draught of an answer to that Gentleman, which
you are requested if you approve of it to subscribe & forward. As Mr. Lee is
better aquainted with those Persons & Offices to which Mr. Pringle must apply;
it is requested of Mr. Lee to make a Draught of Instructions, for Mr. Pringle;
which Mr. Adams will subscribe if he approves them, as he doubts not he shall.
I have the honor to be with the greatest Consideration & Respect Sir, Your most
obed't humble servant John Adams."
Letters written by Adams as
Commissioner are increasingly scarce. Text of letter is slightly faded but
Adams' signature is quite bold. Center fold strengthened, small paper loss on
each page at center fold (repaired) which affects only two words.
Estimated
Value $3,000-4,000.
Lot 630 
American Authors.
Six Letters by
Popular 20th Century American Authors To a Studio Head. Lot of two
Autographed Letters Signed and four Typed Letters Signed, including the
following items:
A. Autograph Letter Signed by John Gunther. Two
pages, Octavo, on personal imprinted stationery, New York, Wednesday, September
3, n.y., in green ink. To the actress Rita Hayworth. Admiring,
flirtatious letter from Gunther to the actress whom he has just been introduced
to: "...That was a stimulating hour yesterday, and you were an angel to
spare the time, and I hope St. Peter will give Arthur Schwartz good marks for
having arranged it. Really it was delightful to discover how delightful Miss
Hayworth is! I've been so bold as to send you an inscribed copy of my fat book
- don't even bother to read it but maybe glance at the last chapter, "Finale,"
which contains its real gist and substance. Also I couldn't resist enclosing
the New Yorker profile that Schwartz mentioned..."
B.
Typed Letter Signed by Ray Bradbury. One page, Quarto, on personal
imprinted stationery bearing a picturesque architectural logo, Los Angeles,
California, n.d. To Patty Gilbert. Brief letter introducing a play Bradbury has
just written. Signed "Ray B."
C. Autograph Letter
Signed by Bernard Slade. Two pages, recto/verso, Quarto, on personal
imprinted stationery, Los Angeles, California, July 18, 1975. To Harry
Ackerman, Vice-President of Screen Gems. Interesting letter from the author of
the Broadway smash "Same Time, Next Year" concerning a comedy series ("Harry
the Housekeeper") he has been approached to write. Slade refuses on the grounds
that he has already explored the same material in a number of projects he has
authored, and discusses a new adaptation for the stage he is about to embark
upon. Signed "Bern."
D. Typed Letter Signed by Irving
Wallace. One page, Octavo, on personal imprinted stationery, Los Angeles,
California, June 5, 1972. To Harry Ackerman. Cordial letter concerning
Wallace's nomination as a member of the "Revolutionary War Bicentennial
Commission," an honor which the author politely declines to accept. Signed
"Irving".
E. Typed Letter Signed by Irving Stone. One page,
Quarto, on "Delice Hotel Apartments" letterhead, Athens, Greece, June 19, 1972.
To Harry Ackerman. Blithe letter from the author, who is in Greece "...doing
research for my next book" concerning the Revolutionary War Bicentennial
Commission, which Stone is eager to participate in as a newly appointed member.
Signed "Irving Stone".
F. Typed Letter Signed by Ken
Crossen. Two pages, Quarto, Reno, Nevada, August 3, 1973. To Harry
Ackerman. Interesting and detailed letter concerning the adaptation of
Crossen's Milo March books for television. Signed "Ken". Fine.
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 631 
[American Revolution].
Van Schaick,
Goosen [Gozen]. Revolutionary War General.
Manuscript Military
Document Signed. One page, Quarto, Albany, September 7, 1779. To Philip Van
Rensselain, Conductor of Stores. Being a Military requisition for "...Fifty
weight of Powder, One hundred & Fifty pounds of Lead & Fifty Flints to Captain
Thomas Sawyer or Officer Commanding Fort Ranger." Signed "GV Schaick
Coll."
Frontier raids from Canada by Tory and Indian forces resulted in
mounting pressure against Congress and Washington to do something about this
threat. General John Sullivan was dispatched with a mission to decimate the
entire Iroquois nation. This military order for ordnance was made during
Sullivan's expedition against the Iroquois, with whom Van Schaick served.
Very Fine.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 632 
American Revolutionary Newspaper.
NEWSPAPER. The Sussex Journal and New-Hampshire Packet.
New-Hampshire, October 25, 1776. Four pages, tall Folio. Printed by John
Mycall. Contains numerous inflammatory articles rousing Americans to
arms:
"The important day is come, big with the fate of millions, and
America now beckons to her Sons to kindle all their native fire, push into
action every power, and press to the seas or fields where fame and glory call.
-- The united wisdom of America in Congress, has determined that it is
necessary to the salvation of those states, that an army be raised to serve
during this war. The wisdom of this measure must appear to all, therefore let
us all promote it with our utmost power. He that inlifts into this army of
freedom in defence of every thing good and great, enrolls his name in fames
brightest temple, where it will shine (if not blotted after by misconduct) with
growing lustre down applauding ages..."
Also on the front page is a
lengthy reprinting of an "Extract of a letter from London, May 19" which gives
voice to the "British" opinion that the Americans will prevail in preventing
British forces "to effect much in this campaign." This same "Extract" gives a
detailed review of military engagements thus far, and provides a savvy
prognosis on the events that must ensue as America rises to arms in its fight
for Independence. Also featured is a list of all British ships in American
ports, giving their names and the number of their guns, and a variety of
articles reprinted from other colonial newspapers. Some damage to spine, with
overall age-toning and some light staining to front page, otherwise fine.
Estimated Value $200-UP.
Lot 633
[American Revolution] Archive of Colonial
Manuscripts: Slavery Document, Land Deeds and Indentures. Lot of Sixteen
Colonial Manuscript Documents Signed. Intriguing lot of Colonial and Early
American Manuscript Documents from the early 1700s to 1850s. The lot includes:
a Manuscript Slave Document Signed by Stephen H. Lane, One page, legal
Folio, New Castle County, Westchester, New York, January 5, 1824, being a legal
contract for the sale of "a certain negro girl named Lette"; a
Manuscript Document Signed by the same Stephen Lane, One page, legal
Folio, [New York], August 22, 1848, concerning the financial arrangements
around the sale of a farm; a fascinating early colonial Manuscript Legal
Deposition Signed by Colonial Mayor Joseph Jansen, One page, legal Folio,
New York, September 13, 1726, narrating a disagreement between a shopkeeper and
a purchaser of his goods; a Partially Printed Colonial Legal Document,
One page, legal Folio, Inferior Court of Common Pleas, Bristol, New England,
October 12, 1726, being a "Recognizance" of indebtedness from Nathaniel
Holloway and others who appears before the Court, which orders them to appeal
or suffer the levying of their "...Goods or Chattels, Lands or Tenements, and
in want thereof upon their bodies."; a Manuscript Legal Document, One
page, legal folio, Georgia, April 11, 1788, recording an indebtedness;
Manuscript Ships Manifestfrom the Schooner Fancy , One page, legal
Folio, St. Christopher, September 5, 1808, recording the return of unladen
merchandise which includes "...Eighty Puncheons of Rum, Thirty four Hogsheads
of Molasses," and barrels of sugar, limes, tamarinds, oranges, lead, copper,
and rum; Seven Manuscript Land Deeds and Indentures, most One page,
legal Folios, relating to land in the State of New York, with dates ranging
1726 to 1826, many illustrated with hand-renderings of the tracts of land
referenced in the documents; and three other Manuscript Documents, two being
incomplete fragments, relating to financial matters in the early colonies. Most
of the documents show expected wear and tear, with occasional leaf separation,
and overall age-toning. Condition ranges from Very Good to Fine.
Estimated Value $200-UP.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
Lot 634
[American Revolution] British Newspapers.
Five Issues of The London Chronicle: or, Universal Evening
Post. Four numbers, ranging July 16, 1757 to September 8, 1759, London,
Folio, eight pages. Contain numerous accounts of "Transactions in our American
Colonies," including a lengthy first-hand account of the defeat at Ticonderoga,
in a letter written by a British soldier at Lake George, reports of affairs in
the areas of Fort Edward, Fort Frontanac, Fort William Henty, Lake Champlain,
Crown Point, and Lake George. The papers are full of watchful colonial reports,
and coverage of the early colonial events which would culminate into the
Revolutionary War. Fine. All of the newspapers are complete and in
especially fine condition.
Estimated Value $150-UP.
Lot 635
[Americana] 19th Century Manuscripts. Lot
of Eight Manuscripts, Letters, and Documents from 1762-1848. Potpourri of
Eight Historical Manuscript items including an Autograph Letter Signed by
Samuel T. Armstrong, Governor of Massachusetts (1835-6) and Mayor of Boston
(1836). One page, Quarto, Boston, June 16, 1812. An interesting letter
concerning "The Juvenile Repository," a publication apparently published by the
future politician; Two Partially Printed Documents Signed from the early
history of New York, both Military Appointments, dated July 15, 1815 and
January 5, 1865, respectively; a lengthy Manuscript Promissory Note for the sum
of Two Hundred pounds, Two pages, recto/verso, Folio, with a record of
repayments annotated on verso dated 1762-1766, signed by both parties to the
agreement, John Hendrickson of New Jersey and Obadiah Howell; an interesting
Manuscript Indenture Signed by Abner Smith and Adin Swan, One page,
Folio, Oneida County, Albany, New York, docketed on verso, arranging for a five
thousand dollar penal obligation to be paid off while serving as "Auctioneer"
for the State of New York; an Autograph Letter Signed by Queen Adelaide
, Two pages, recto/verso, London, February 26, 1945, probably written to
Queen Victoria, mentioning the Duke of Wellington and other royal guests lately
entertained by Queen Adelaide (being a leaf removed from a diary album repaired
with tape and somewhat worn); a Free Frank Signed by William Grenville
the British Statesman, One page, 16mo, London, May 29, 1828; and a Boston
Newspaper from 1848, being a number of "The Flag Of Our Union,"
Number 46, Four pages, elephant Folio, Boston, November 11, 1848, an
interesting weekly "Devoted to Domestic and Foreign Literature, News,
Science, the Arts and Amusement...Independent of Party or Sect." . All
items are in Very Good to Fine condition.
Estimated Value $250-UP.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
Lot 636 
Armstrong, Louis. (1898-1971) Jazz trumpeter
and singer, a popular and influential jazz musician who established the central
role of the improvising soloist.
Autograph Musical Program Signed
Three Times. Color Program, Twenty-two pages, 9 x 12", n.d.[circa 1950s],
for "Louis Armstrong and His Concert Group." Evidently a concert program
for a tour Armstrong's band made in the early 1950s. The title page reads.
"Louis Armstrong and His Concert Group
The Program
Due to the
ad lib quality of this music no formal program is
possible. It is likely,
however, that the following numbers
will be heard..."
The printed
text then goes on to enumerate the titles of thirty-eight of the jazz
trumpeter's greatest numbers, including "Ain't Misbehavin," "Mack the
Knife," et al. Profusely illustrated with Black & White photographs, with a
biography, profiles, and testimonials written by noted jazzologists. Includes
images of Armstrong's band, besides which each of the players has signed his or
her name: Velma Middleton, Trummy Young, Peter Hucko, Billy Kyle, Danny
Barcelona, and Mort Herbert. Armstrong himself has signed the program twice
on the front cover in bright green ink, once "Louis Armstrong," and again as
"Satchmo." He has also signed on the program's first page, besides an enlarged
black & white image of his wide-eyed grimacing mug.
The cover is
slightly worn by a few areas of light abrasion. Ten Jazz signatures in all.
Estimated Value $200-300.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
Lot 637 
[Arnold, Benedict]. 1741-1801. American
Revolutionary War General and notorious turncoat. Arnold distinguished himself
in a number of brazen early colonial battles, and became greatly admired by
Washington, who petitioned Congress assiduously for promotions on his behalf.
Though renowned for his military prowess, Arnold made influential enemies, and
was repeatedly snubbed by Congress, who in 1777 promoted five of his inferiors
in rank ahead of him. In 1780 he obtained the command of West Point, which,
through a conspiracy with John Andre, he agreed to betray. On the capture of
Andre, Arnold fled to the British lines, and was given a command in the royal
army which he had once inspired with dread. He went to England in 1781,
remaining in London until his death.
Manuscript Grand Jury
Indictment Against Benedict Arnold's Father. Two pages, recto/verso, folded
Quarto, Norwich, [Connecticut], May 23, 1760. Fascinating and revealing early
colonial document, drafted by Joseph Reynolds, Grand juror, which illuminates
the troubled early life of this notorious Revolutionary War soldier, whose
father was losing control of the family's fortunes, and increasingly seeking
consolation in taverns.
Born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1741, Benedict
Arnold ran away from home at the age of 14 to join the colonial troops then
starting out for the French and Indian Wars. Brought back at the insistence of
his mother, he ran away again and joined the provincial troops, saw service,
wearied quickly with the soldiers life, deserted, and returned home. This
indictment for drunkenness was issued against Arnold's father when the future
Revolutionary War General was 19 years old, after he had returned home from a
failed attempt to distinguish himself as a colonial soldier, and was restless,
worried, and anxious to escape his family's disarray. The document gives us a
glimpse of the struggling family life from which Benedict Arnold was sprung,
and a foreshadows the troubled nature that would make him one of the most
potent and enigmatic figures of the Revolutionary War. Boldly penned in dark
brown ink, it reads as follows:
"To Isau Huntington of Norwich Seq
one of his Majesties Justices of the peace for ye County of Newlondon comes
Joseph Reynolds one of his Majesties Grandjurors for ye County afforesaid and
informs and upon oath presents that on or about ye 30th Day of aprel [sic] Last
Benedeck [sic] Arnold of Norwich afforesaid was Drunken in sd Norwich where he
was Disabled in ye use of his reason and understanding which did appear in his
Speech Gesture and behavior all which Doings of the sd Arnold is against the
peace of our Soveran [sic] Lord the King and against the Laws of this Colony
Dated in Norwich ye 23 of may D 1760 Joseph Reynolds Grandjuror." .
Fine. Docketed on verso:
"Presentment [ ? ]
against
Benedick Arnold
for Drunkeness
30 : of April
Pled
Guilty
June 11th : 1760." .
Estimated Value $800-1,200.
Lot 638 
[Astronauts]. A collection of nine, 8 x 10",
color Inscribed Photographs Signed. and two smaller Signed Photos.
Featuring Mark C. Lee, Carl J. Meade, David Leestma, Don Peterson and
others. Also, seven signed cards featuring John Glenn, Wally Schirra, Charlie
Duke, Steve Nagel, William Lenior, Frank Borman and ? Graveline.
Fine.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 639
[Astronauts].
Signed Photographs of
Astronauts John Glen and John Young. Two 8 x 10", Glossy Black & White
studio portraits of the astronauts, each signed in full in dark black ink.
Fine.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 640 
Autograph Musical Quotations Signed.
A
wonderful ensemble ranging from 1857 to 1988. Composers include; Sigismund
Thalberg; Charles Hallé; Mrs. H.H.A. Beach; Paul Creston; Jean de
Reszke; Elliot Carter; George Crumb (includes signed 4 x 6" photo); Rafael
Kubelik (includes inscribed 4 x 6" photo). Fine.
Estimated Value
$400-600.
Lot 641 
[Aviation] Signed Air Mail Covers Commemorating
Aviation History. Collection of Twenty Air Mail Covers Signed by
Pioneers of Aviation. An exciting collection of twenty signed air mail
covers commemorating historic flights, signed by the aviators, inventors, and
explorers whose achievements constitute the history of aviation. The
collection, much of which was actually flown during the pioneering flights that
the covers commemorate, is contained in a looseleaf album, which includes the
following items: an air mail cover, postmarked Washington DC, June 21, 1932,
signed by and honoring Amelia Earhart ; an air mail cover, postmarked
Reading, Pennsylvania, March 21, 1931, signed by the polar explorer Admiral
Richard E. Byrd ("R. E. Byrd"), commemorating Byrd's visit to Pennsylvania,
co-signed by Alex Dietrich, supply officer on Byrd's Antarctic expedition, and
H. Adams; an air mail cover, postmarked New York, October 25, 1930,
commemorating the first air mail flight, "First Flight - New York - Los
Angeles," signed by Franklin Roosevelt ("Franklin D. Roosevelt, Governor of New
York"), as well as nine other 1930 Governors, including Morgan Larson (New
Jersey), C.C. Young (California), Myers Cooper (Ohio), John Fisher
(Pennsylvania), Dan Moody (Texas), R. G. Dillon (New Mexico), John Shelly
(Arizona), Harry Woodring (Kansas), and Harry Leslie (Indiana); an air mail
cover postmarked Kitty Hawk, N.C., December 17, 1949, commemorating "The Return
of the Wright Brothers Airplane From England to the USA," signed by Captain
Eddie Rickenbacker; an air mail cover commemorating the "70th Anniversary -
Man's First Flight, The Wright Brothers At Kitty Hawk," postmarked New York,
November 16, 1973, signed by Jacqueline Cochran, the first women to fly
faster than sound; an air mail cover marking the first flight of the Air Mail
by Helicopter, postmarked San Gabriel, California, April 1, 1948, signed by the
inventor of the helicopter, Igor Sikorsky; an air mail cover postmarked
Portland, September 26, 1930, signed by Maurice Bellonte, who made the
first direct Transatlantic flight from Paris to New York in 1930, with the
imprint of the Portland Aero Club honoring their good will tour of the United
States of the same year; a postcard of the dirigible "Norge," and an air mail
cover postmarked Trenton, N.J., October 19, 1930, commemorating the "All
Eastern States Air Races," both signed by Bernt Balchen, chief pilot to
Byrd's first Antarctic expedition; an air mail cover postmarked Los Angeles,
July 4, 1933, commemorating "National Air Races," signed by polar explorer
Jimmie Wedell ("J.R. Wedell"); an air mail cover postmarked Brooklyn,
New York, Coney Island, September 17, 1934, signed by Roscoe Turner, and
accompanied by a TLS, one page, octavo, December 29, 1934, affirming
that the accompanying cover was "flown" during Turner's record-setting
Transatlantic crossing of that same year; an ornate WWII cover, "Manila
Liberated," postmarked US Army Postal Service, February 14, 1945, signed by
Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese Air Force Captain who led the attack on Pear
Harbor, in both English and Japanese, and co-signed by Captain Frank Teixeira;
a "U.S. Air Mail" first day cover, postmarked Washington DC, March 26, 1947,
signed by Alex de Seversky; a Wright Brothers Silver Anniversary air
mail cover, postmarked Peoria, ILL, December 17, 1928, signed by Vernon
Burge, pioneer Air Force officer who assisted at the first flight of the
Wright Brothers in the army tests at Fort Myer in 1908, and helped launched the
world's first military aircraft; an air mail cover postmarked Los Angeles,
August 27, 1931, signed by and commemorating the Homecoming Reception for
Harold Gatty, aviator and inventor of the first "automatic pilot"; a cover
commemorating "50 Years of Transatlantic Aviation," postmarked Exhibition
Station, Rockford, ILL, March 26, 1977, signed by Pappy Boyington; an
early air mail cover, postmarked San Francisco, May 1, 1929, commemorating the
"First Flight - Transcontinental Night Schedule," signed by Clarence
Chamberlin; a "flown" cover commemorating a pioneering transpolar flight
over both the North and South poles, postmarked twice, Anchorage, Alaska,
September 3, 1957, and, Little America, Antarctic, November 13, by the US Navy,
with a partially printed cachet accomplished in manuscript detailing the times
each region was crossed, signed by Sir George Hubert Wilkins, the polar
explorer and pioneer aviator who made an early expedition to the Arctic (1919),
and numerous pioneering flights; and a cover commemorating "Howard Hughes on
the 30th Anniversary of the Flight of the Hercules," postmarked Long Beach, CA,
November 2, 1977, signed by Dave Grant, co-pilot of Hughes' Spruce
Goose.
Very Fine. Most of the covers have fine early air mail
stamps and commemorative cancellations.
Estimated Value $1,000-UP.
Lot 642 
Barnum, P.T. (1810-1891) American Showman.
Introduced the world to the famous dwarf General Tom Thumb and managed the US
tour of Jenny Lind.
Autograph Note Signed. One page, 16mo,
"Home," September 23, 1885. A curious note by the American showman who writes:
"Please excuse my mistake. P.T. Barnum."
Very
Good. Occasional tears at edges of folds. Ink somewhat faded, but still
clear and legible.
Estimated Value $200-300.
From the Gerald Burg
collection.
Lot 643 
Barrie, J.M. (1860-1937) Novelist and
playwright, creator of Peter Pan (1904).
Autograph Letter
Signed. One page, Octavo, on imprinted letterhead, Adelphi Terrace House,
Strand, W.C.2., [England], October 2, 1928. Interesting letter in which Barrie
responds enthusiastically to a suggestion to cast the famous actor Charles
Laughton as Crichton in a revival of his play The Admirable Crichton.
The author writes, in full:
"Yes, I think that an excellent idea -
Charles Laughton for Crichton. I saw him in [?] some months ago, and was much
struck by him. My original idea for this part as I may have told you was
Charles [Haw ?]."
Fine. Rusty clip stain at top left,
otherwise fine. Interesting as Barrie casts Charles Laughton as the admirable
crichton.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 644 
Basie, Count. 1904-1984. Jazz pianist and
bandleader.
Inscribed Photograph Signed. Black & White, 6¼
x 9" photograph by staff photographer Kraig Scattarella. Charismatic head-and
shoulders profile of the Count of Bop in a pin-stripped suit, with Captain's
cap, gaily printed polyester shirt, and a rose pinned to his lapel. Inscribed
"Love from Count Basie" in deep blue ink. Very Fine. A warm and becoming
image.
Estimated Value $100-150.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
Lot 645 
Basie, Count and Benny Goodman. Count Basie
(1904-1984), American bandleader and composer of popular hits like "One O'Clock
Jump" and "Jumpin at the Woodside" Benny Goodman (1909- 86), aka The King of
Swing, was a popular jazz instrumentalist and bandleader.
Document Signed. One page, quarto, accomplished in carbon
type-script. Beverly Hills, May 17, 1962. Being Basie's written assent to the
use of his name in a film tentatively entitled The Lonely Stage.
Document Signed. One page, quarto, accomplished in carbon
type-script. Beverly Hills, May 17, 1962. Being Goodman's written assent to use
his name in a film tentatively entitled The Lonely Stage.
The
Lonely Stage used the following reference to the famous Jazzman (the leading
male is talking to his son in the presence of the leading female
star):
Matt: Father goes in more for Beethoven.
David: For Pete's
sake! Who introduced you to Ella and Basie and Benny Goodman.
Estimated Value $350-500.
Lot 646 
Belushi, John. (1949-1982) American comic
actor, a founding member of television's innovative "Saturday Night Live."
Typed Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, n.p., January 3, 1980. A
photocopy of a typescript letter to the firm Irwin & Rowan. Tart letter
apprising the addressees of legal action taken against them:
"Gentlemen:
Please be advised that I have retained the law
offices of Bushkin, Kopelson, Gaims, Gaines & Wolf, 2029 Century Park East,
Suite 2500, Los Angeles, California 90067 to represent me in my legal
affairs. I have requested them to contact you and arrange for the expeditious
delivery to them of all of my files, documents, minute books, and any and all
other materials relating to me and any company in which I have an interest
including, but not limited to, Phantom Enterprises, Ltd.
It would be
appreciated if the delivery of these materials could be accomplished in the
next day or two, and I trust you will give this matter proper priority so that
it may be accomplished within that time. My legal representatives have been
authorized to copy the materials and upon your request return to you any
documents you desire to be returned.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely, John Belushi."
Very Fine.
Estimated Value
$300-400.
Lot 647
Benny, Jack. (1894-1974) American Comedian,
originally Benjamin Kubelsky. Radio and TV pioneer.
Typed Letter
Signed. One page, Quarto, on imprinted personal letterhead, n.p., December
29, 1972. To Rabbi Magnin. Interesting letter of invitation to attend an
honorary awards ceremony benefitting the March of Dimes which will present
Frank Sinatra with a "Man of the Year" award. Benny writes, in part:
"...The Dais will be limited to the speakers and will include Vice
President Spiro T. Agnew who will make the presentation, The Honorable James
Roosevelt, Dr. Jonas Salk, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and myself as
Toastmaster. It is our expectation that the audience will comprise a brilliant
and distinguished array of the civic, social and entertainment leaders in the
community. The evening will include a champagne dinner on the basis of a tax
exempt check of $100.00 per person to the March of Dimes. Reservations will
only be accepted through members of the Honorary Committee, and I am enclosing
a reservation form for your convenience...Cordially, Jack." .
Fine.
Estimated Value $150-250.
From the Gerald Burg
collection.
Lot 648 
Benton, Thomas Hart. (1889-1975) Important
American artist, muralist and regionalist painter. Teacher of the Abstract
Expressionist painter Jackson Pollack.
Autograph Letter Signed.
Two pages, recto/verso, Quarto, on imprinted personal letterhead, Kansas City,
MO, December 12, 1950.To Efrem Kurtz, conductor of the Houston Symphony
Orchestra (1948-1954). Interesting letter concerning his son Thomas Jr., an
aspiring flutist. Benton writes:
"Dear Efrem -- Our friends the
Sheffreys are back with friendly reports of you and your doings. Rita and I
greatly appreciate your interest in T.P. (young Tom ) our flute player. He is
now a member of the N.Y. Union and is standing by in New York until he can find
some kind of a place. Bill Schuman arranged for him to continue studying at
Juillard and he is there now playing with their orchestra and doing other
musical works..."
Bill Schuman, the American composer, was President
of Juillard (1945-1962), and a friend of the Benton's. The artist goes on to
ask Kurtz to speak with his son when the conductor comes to New York for the
holidays, and then writes of his own work:
"...I am painting and
writing. We are building a new house up in Chilmark and are in the midst of the
usual architect - contractor - cost struggle. I will be in New Orleans during
the month of March. If I can get someone to drive me I'll give you a weekend
visit. Yours Tom."
Signed Twice, "Tom," at the close
of the letter, and again "Thomas H. Benton" at the bottom of the verso
page. An Interesting letter which shows this important American painter's close
relationship to contemporary American classical music.
Fine.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 649
Bergman, Ingrid. (1913-1982) Sweedish born
Actress who enjoyed enormous success in Hollywood for her dramatic roles in
such films as Casablanca (1942) and Notorious (1946). Awarded
three Oscars.
Check Signed. Culver City, CA. November 11, 1940.
Being a payroll check from David O. Selznick Productions in the amount of
$2264.07. Miss Bergman has endorsed the check on the verso in dark black ink.
Includes a vintage color postcard of the legendary actress in her role as Joan
of Arc from the movie of the same name. Fine.
Estimated Value
$150-200.
Lot 650 
Beria, Lavrenty Pavlovitch. (1899-1953) Head
of the Soviet Secret Police under Stalin. Beria was notorious for his ruthless
ability to carry out Stalin's orders -- torturing and killing people and
falsifying evidence. A skilled plotter fueled by fierce ambition, he attempted
to seize power when Stalin died, but was arrested, tried for treason, and
quickly executed.
Typed Document Signed. Three pages, Legal
Folio, Moscow, February [?] 4, 1940. To Defense Minister Kliment Voroshilov
(1881-1968), who has initialed the document on the first page. Chilling
war-date document from the Head of Stalin's secret police to the Head of the
Red Army, in which Beria informs the Soviet Defense Minister about a number of
urgent particulars concerning the ruinous state of the Red Army. This report,
collected through under cover NKVD sources, is classified as "Absolute Secret"
in red lettering which is printed at the top of the page. Fine. Docketed
on the first page, with some words underscored in blue pencil, presumably by
Voroshilov, the document's recipient. Hole punches at left margin, not
affecting text.
Estimated Value $400-600.