The June 24, 2000, Gerald Burg & Dr. Kardatzke Collections, Sale 6
Lot 676 
Clinton, William J.
Typed Letter
Signed as President. One page, Quarto, on pale green embossed White House
letterhead, Washington, DC, January 20, 1994. To Congressman William Natcher.
Scarce letter mentioning the President's mother. Clinton writes:
"Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your kind words on the loss of my
mother. I want you to know how much your expression of sympathy means to my
family and me. Hillary and I are grateful for your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Bill."
A very faint stain at bottom center, otherwise
fine.
Estimated Value $800-1,200.
Lot 677 
Cohan, George M. (1878-1942) American Actor,
dramatist and director. Wrote songs such as 'Yankee Doodle Dandy'.
Partially Printed Document Signed. Accomplished in typescript,
Three pages, recto/verso, legal Folio, on imprinted letterhead, Loew's
Incorporated, New York, NY, March 14, 1940. Contract in which George M.
Cohan assigns all Motion Picture Rights to his musical play, "Little Nellie
Kelly," written, composed, and produced by him, to Lowe's Incorporated. The
third page of the document is a quarto addendum entitled "Exhibit A,"
enumerating ten of the songs from this musical, many of them used in MGM's 1940
film starring Judy Garland. Boldly signed on the first page above his typed
name, "G. M. Cohan." Fine. Bound with staples to the original reinforced
document holder.
Estimated Value $375-425.
Lot 678
Collection of Autograph Cards.
The
Dora Kahn Fletcher Autograph Card Collection. Consisting of Sixty
Autographs, the vast majority signed on handsome Autograph Cards, with five
signatures on loose album leaves and scraps. Most of the cards are 3½ x
2", on off-white card stock. Among the luminaries included are Jefferson
Davis, whose has signed in full on his personal autograph card; an
Executive Mansion card signed in full by President Grover Cleveland; an
autograph card signed in full by President Rutherford B. Hayes ; a card
signed by boxer Joe Louis - "Champion of World"; autograph cards
signed by Confederate General J.E. Johnston, Union Army General William T.
Sherman, John S. Worden, General Philip H. Sheridan, Oliver Wendall Holmes,
Bill Nye, and many, more. Included among the five signatures on separate leaves
is an album leave signed in bold purple ink by the popular actress Mary
Pickford. Condition ranges from Very Good to Fine. We urge that a careful
review of this lot be made prior to bidding.
Estimated Value $500-1,000.
Begun in 1898 by Dora Kahn Fletcher, a California native, when she was
twenty years old, the collection was handed down to Dora's daughter Sarah
Lifpitz, who added to the collection until she passed it down to her son "Bud"
Norman Lifpitz, who owned the Mayfair Riding & Sports Shop, purveyors of
Western wear in early Beverly Hills. The collection includes cards from
Presidents, Generals, Governors, Statesmen, Writers, and Actors, and represents
a unique slice of a century of California history.
Lot 679 
Collection of Autographs.
Autograph
Cards. Exceptional collection of Twenty-two 2½ x 3½"
autograph cards, signed by: Clarence Darrow, Charles Evans Hughes, Elijah Root,
Herbert Hoover, Carl Sandburg, James Farley and many more. Collection covers a
broad range of interests and varies in condition from Very Good to Fine.
Viewing is recommended.
Estimated Value $350-500.
Lot 680 
Collection of Signed Christmas Cards.
Collection of Signed Christmas Cards. Lot of nine signed and
inscribed Christmas Cards, and one unsigned printed holiday card, from a
variety of world leaders and celebrities, including: a holiday card, 6½
x 5", dated 1974, from Mamie Eisenhower, signed twice, with a lengthy
holograph dedication to "Dear 'Roz' and Freddie," in which she coos,
"...I've always loved your shows and never realized what a versatile actress
you really are - that was a great crowd there and most appreciative...MDE"
; a bilingual "Seasons Greetings" card from King Hussein, 5½ x 8",
in depicting the "Entrance to Petra," signed in full; a Christmas Card from the
Rockefellers, 8 x 5", signed "Nelson Rockefeller" and "Happy
Rockefeller"; a Christmas Card from Grandma Moses, bearing a
reproduction of her winter scene "Snowballing," with the original transmittal
envelope addressed to her mentor Louis Caldor, the man who discovered her,
signed "Grand ma Moses"; a colorful Israeli New Year's card from
Golda Meir, 7¼ x 6¼", with a printed date, "Jerusalem,
September 1971," signed "Golda Meir" above the printed subscription
"Prime Minister"; a bilingual Christmas Card from Egyptian President
Nasser, 8½ x 5½", 1967, signed "Jamal Abdel Nasser"; a
New Years card from Prime Minister Menachem Begin, 5½ x
4½", signed "M.Begin" on the card's gray insert; a festive
Christmas Card from actress Eve Arden, 5 x 7", 1983, with a holograph
note signed in full; a wintery "Wildlife Christmas" card from actress Eva Le
Gallienne, 4¼ x 8½", 1975, signed in full, with a holograph
inscription; and a small 3 x 4" Christmas Card from the President [Franklin]
Roosevelts, with the printed date "Christmas 1941," not signed, accompanied
by the original envelope, which bears a tiny gilt embossed Presidential seal.
Fine. Ten items in all. Some of the cards are moderately soiled from
handling, but the majority are in fine condition.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 681 
Coolidge, Calvin. (1872-1933) 30th President
of the United States, 1923-1929.
Autograph Letter Signed. Two
pages, Octavo, on imprinted personal letterhead, Northampton, Massachusetts,
April 30, 1904. To Judge Stafford, congratulating his fellow Vermonter on a
recent Federal appointment. Coolidge writes:
"My dear Judge
Stafford: As a Vermont man and, I hope, your friend, I am glad to congratulate
you on your Federal appointment. It must open to you a field of new interest.
With best wishes for your enjoyment and highest success, I am, Very Truly
Yours, Calvin Coolidge." .
Very Fine. When Coolidge penned
this letter to his Vermont colleague he was a 31-year-old lawyer and had just
completed a six-month appointment as clerk of the Hampshire County Courts in
Massachusetts. His autograph letters are quite scarce.
Estimated Value
$1,000-1,250.
Lot 682
Cooper, Gary. (1901-1961) Film Actor, known
for roles in which he represented the viability of quiet virtue and small-town
values.
Typed Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, on imprinted
personal letterhead, Beverly Hills, California, May 12, 1960. To a "Mr.
Sindler." Warm letter of thanks for a recent expression of sympathy for the
actor, who is recovering from an illness. Cooper writes:
"Dear Mr.
Sindler: Now that I am home again, and have a chance to go through my mail, I
want to say how wonderful and kind it was for you to write me and send me all
those good wishes which I know helped me to recovery. We never know how many
good friends we have in the world 'till some adversity gives us a slap and we
realize that friends are one of God's greatest gifts. Thank you so much.
Sincerely, Gary Cooper." .
Strengthened with clear tape in three
places at top edge, not affecting text or signature, otherwise fine.
Estimated Value $100-150.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
Lot 683 
Courbet, Gustave. (1819-1877) Influential
and prolific French painter who with Daumier and Milllet founded the
mid-19th-century art movement known as Realism, a deliberate turn away from
Romanticism which brought the everyday world into the canvass of art and
effected a lasting impact on the history of painting.
Autograph
Letter Signed. One page, Octavo, in French, with integral address leaf
addressed in Courbet's hand, Paris, Rue Haute-Feuille 32, postmarked August 18,
1856. To Monsieur Pierre Edouart. Writing during a period of embarrassing
poverty, Courbet tells his friend he will be unable to join him in the country
as they had planned:
"Dear Pierre: I have to stay in Paris until
Wednesday morning because I have no money. I will be very happy if you could
give me 100 francs. I am sorry that I couldn't visit you in the country, but I
had also promised to go to Bourges to paint. I am relying on your goodwill.
Sincerely yours, G. Courbet."
It is surprising to find Courbet in
such dire straits only a year after creating such a stir with The Artists
Studio (1855, Musée d'Orsay), a huge painting which disingenuously
presents the artist in his studio working on a landscape painting, being
studiously ignored by the Parisian society gathered together in his chambers.
During this same period Courbet issued a provocative manifesto expounding his
social realist credo of art and life. Although history tells us that at this
time Courbet enjoyed great popularity, he was obviously not being well paid for
it.
Fine. Light age-toning, with mounting traces along extreme
left edge, otherwise fine. Accompanied by a translation.
Estimated Value
$1,000-1,500.
Lot 684
Coward, Noêl. (1899-1973) Actor,
Playwright, and Composer, known for his arch satirical humor, witty dialog, and
debonair style.
Framed Cut Signature of Noêl Coward with Two
Signed Photographs of Beatrice Lillie. An approximately 4 x 2½"
signature on a pale rose colored leaf, flamboyantly signed in black ink,
"Noêl Coward." Framed with an 8 x 10" Color photograph of the dapper
theatrical wit with a look of subdued mischief in his eye, elegant and composed
in a black tuxedo set off with a red carnation boutonniere. Also included are
Two signed and matted printed photographs of Beatrice Lillie, each
approximately 5 x 8", Black & White, being signed in full. One of the Lillie
Signed Photographs has a few tiny areas of paper loss affecting four letters of
her signature; the remaining items are in fine condition.
Estimated Value
$125-175.
Lot 685 
Davis, Bette. (1908-89) Legendary film
actress, star of Dangerous (1935), and Jezebel (1938, Oscar),
which established her as a major star for the next three decades. She was
outstanding in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962).
Photograph Signed. Black and white, 8 x 10" A uniquely stylized
shot of the actress, head down, hands clasped, and a sporting a hypnotic gaze.
Signed boldly in black ink across the front center. Fine. A hairline
scratch, not affecting image nor signature.
Estimated Value $150-225.
Lot 686 
De Mille, Cecil B. (1881-1959) Film Producer
and Director, who made a reputation for box-office spectacles with such films
as The Ten Commandments (1923).
Typed Letter Signed. One
page, Quarto, on attractive Paramount Pictures letterhead, Hollywood,
California, November 24, 1947. To Rabbi Edgar Magnin. Unexpectedly
contemplative and equivocal letter by the producer of "The Ten Commandments" in
which he affirms gratitude for the fundamental principles of religious faith.
De Mille writes:
"Dear Rabbi Magnin: Your letter asking for an
expression on the occasion of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple's 85th anniversary
came while I was out of the city on an extended tour in connection with the
opening of my new picture, Unconquered. Even though it is too late for
the use you intended, I cannot refrain from sending this word of
congratulation. We all owe to the prophets of your faith the concepts of
divinity and humanity on which our civilization is built - and the world today
badly needs to have those concepts revivified. All churches have a more than
usually urgent responsibility in this common task. May Wilshire Boulevard
Temple long continue to be a beacon light of prophetic faith and hope, of
religion and Americanism. Sincerely, Cecil B. Demille." .
Scattered
stains on the verso, with light bleedthrough which appears as faint patches of
discoloration. Still, perfectly legible, and otherwise fine. A surprising and
provocative letter.
Estimated Value $250-350.
From the Gerald Burg
collection.
Lot 687 
Dempsey, Jack. (1895-1983) One of America's
first great sports heroes, thanks to a savage style which captivated the public
and made him as popular a figure as Babe Ruth or Red Grange. His power was so
prodigious that he once scored knockouts in 14 and 18 seconds. In his 78-bout
career, Dempsey compiled 49 knockouts, with 25 of them in the first round.
Inscribed Photograph Signed. Black and White, 8 x 10", n.d.,
n.p. A classic boxing image of the legend in his prime. Photo features a
signature in the print as well as the inscription "To Young / Best of luck
pal / Jack Dempsey" in blue ink. Fine.
Estimated Value
$200-250.
Lot 688 
Derain, Andre. (1880-1954) French
Post-Impressionist painter; one of the most prolific Fauvists. He met Matisse
early in his career and then Vlaminick in 1900, a meeting which many art
historians consider the birth of Fauve art.
Autograph Letter
Signed. One page, Octavo, in French, on beige stationery, Chatou, France,
April 8, 1910. Excited letter from the young artist who has just learned that
one of his paintings has been bought for exhibition in a museum:
"Dear Sir I have learned that one of my paintings has been bought
for a museum. I would be very happy to receive confirmation of this news from
you. I hope that it is not just a rumor and that I certainly will have all the
pleasures of success. Best regards, A. Derain. 70 Quai des Orfevres 70." .
Fine. Some age-toning, otherwise fine.
Estimated Value
$800-1,000.
Lot 689 
Dickens, Charles. (1812-1870) Important
English Novelist. Dickens works are esteemed for their vivid larger-than-life
characters, their masterful narration, ironic and incongruous humor, and deep
concern for the social injustices of their time, against which the novelist
vigorously campaigned.
Autograph Postal Cover Signed. Small
envelope, 4½ x 2½", Ireland, postmarked May 18, 1853. Addressed
in Dickens' hand, and signed by the novelist at bottom left, "Charles
Dickens." Soiled throughout, evidently from much handling. Dickens'
signature is unaffected by the soiling, and stands out boldly in bright blue
ink.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 690
[Dirigibles]. Lot of Fifty-one items
relating to Dirigibles, most of American origin, including the U.S.S. Akron,
the U.S.S. Macon, the U.S.S. Shenandoah, the Hindenburg, and others. Many of
the items are signed by US Navy Airship Commander C.E. Rosendahl.
Includes:
A. Typed Letter Signed by G.E. Rosendahl. One page,
Quarto, on imprinted letterhead, Naval Airship Training and Experimental
Command, July 7, 1946, to Sam Marx, head of MGM studios. Interesting letter
concerning the disposition of three "Borden Chase scripts" about the Navy,
which the commander is anxious to return to the studio head, as he readies
himself for retirement into civilian life.
B. U.S.S. Shenandoah
Crash Relic. On September 3, 1925, the US Navy airship Shenandoah crashed
in the midwest, during a storm. This relic, which is accompanied by a sworn
statement of provenance by a witness of the spectacular wreck, is a small piece
of the Shenandoah's gas bag, 1½ x 2½", on which the original
owner has written: "from USS Shenandoah after crash at Newark Ohio/ Herman
Herst Jr."
C. Ten Commemorative Covers Honoring Dirigibles.
Group of ten commemorative covers honoring the USS Akron, the Graf
Zeppelin, the Hindenburg, the rigid airship USS Los Angeles,
the USS Macon, and the USS Northampton. All have picturesque
cachets that feature dirigibles. One, commemorating the "U.S.S. Akron Coast to
Coast Trip Carrying Mail," dated May 6, 1932, is signed by US Navy airshipman
G.E. Rosendahl.
D. Thirty-three Dirigible Postcards. Three
American postcards featuring US and German airships, each signed by Commander
G.E. Rosendahl, and another (unsigned) featuring the U.S.S. Macon. The
remaining twenty-nine postcards are German, and depict striking and unusual
shots of German airships, most featuring the celebrated Graf Zeppelin.
E. Programs & Timetables. A miscellany of six programs,
placards, and one timetable for "Luftschiffbau Zeppelin," of Friedrichshafen,
Germany, a one page printed octavo leaf which lists times and rates for a
Zeppelin trip from Germany to South America. Also includes a program menu for a
"Banquet in Honor of Dr. Hugo Eckener/ The Officers and Passengers of the Graf
Zeppelin..." held in Los Angeles, at the Ambassador Hotel, signed by a number
of the guests of honor; a program for the premiere of The Hindenburg
starring George C. Scott (1975 - Universal); and three oblong Quarto placards
from postage stamp organizations advertising commemoratives that honor airships
and zeppelins.
Fine. All items are in fine condition. This
collection is accompanied by a number of newspaper clippings and cut magazine
articles on the history of dirigibles in the United States and abroad.
Estimated Value $100-200.
Lot 691
Disney, Walt. (1901-66) American cartoonist
and film producer.
Cut Signature. Being a signature in brown ink
on a leaf removed from an Autograph Album. Approximately 4½ x
3½", irregularly trimmed. Disney has penned his signature in large,
ornate letters with an elegant paraph, "Walt Disney." Fine. A
large signature, perfect for framing.
Estimated Value $750-1,000.
Lot 692
Duvalier, Jean-Claude. (1951- ). President
of Haiti (1971-1986). Succeeded his father, Francoise Duvalier; exiled to
France after a coup d'état.
Duvalier Calling Card Signed and
Tseng-Tsiang Calling Card Signed.
A. Inscribed Calling Card
Signed by Jean-Claude Duvalier. Gold-Embossed Presidential Calling Card, 6
x 5", n.d., inscribed "To Mrs. Annie [?] S. Angstrom, J Duvalier."
B. Inscribed Greeting Card by Abbot Lou Tseng-Tsiang.
Printed Greeting Card in Chinese with holograph inscription in English and
French, Octavo, Paris, 1939. To Ashley Cole. With lengthy holograph inscription
in English and French which quotes Confucius's Analects, and a printed
insert that identifies the sender and is also inscribed, in French. Fine.
Both items are in Fine condition.
Estimated Value $75-100.
From
the Gerald Burg collection.
Lot 693 
Eastwood, Clint. (1930- ) Legendary actor
and director, became international star thanks to a string of "spaghetti
westerns" beginning with A Fistful of Dollars and The Good, the Bad
and the Ugly. In the 1970's he went to star as "Dirty Harry", and in 1992
won the Oscar for Best Director and Best Picture with Unforgiven.
Photograph Signed. Color, approximately 13½ x 11", n.d.,
n.p. Being a production still from the 1983 "Dirty Harry" movie, Sudden
Impact. Signed boldly in red ink. Matted and framed to 19½ x
15½". Fine.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 694 
Eilshemius, Louis M. (1864-1941) Eccentric
American artist esteemed as an early progenitor of American Avante Garde art.
Autograph Letter Signed with Original Sketch. One page, Quarto,
on flamboyant imprinted letterhead which proclaims him the "Mightiest Mind
and Wonder of the Worlds. Supreme Parnassian and Grand Transcendant Eagle of
Art." N.d. [circa 1932], New York, N.Y. To Marie Gallagher, a newspaper
reporter who apparently had just written a portrait of the artist which lay
stalled on an editor's desk. He writes:
"Dear Marie Gallagher Well,
I wonder how you fared at the mirror. Will it be in Sunday or not, is the
riddle for the day. I hope Valentine Gallery gave you [the] photo. In all
events if the article is in the paper - come up and rec. a small gem
pkg. (your choice) as present & souvenir. It is awfully lonesome here. I am a
hero to bear this my sad accident. And I notice no recovery is possible.
One limb is shorter than the other. That tells all. Au Revoir LM
Eilshemius."
In an histrionic postscript, written vertically along
the left side of the page, the artist has added: "P.S. I could earn $ and
cents by selling the frames & drawings as you see here. But I have no
acquaintances at any store or dealer. Sad, Sad!"
The drawing, which
appears at the top of the letter above the text, depicts a landscape with
stream, and has a drawn frame around it - a motif found in many of Eilshemius'
works. It is titled "Lonely Land" by the artist, who has initialed the sketch.
This drawing is reproduced in Charles Hamilton's famous book on autographs,
The Signature of America, where he studies the erratic letters of this
curious artist.
Eilshemius struggled many years for recognition. He was
taken up by noted artists such as Marcel Duchamp, Charles Demuth, and Joseph
Stella. In 1979 Eilshemius was the subject of a major retrospective at the
Hirshhorn Museum, and of a published monograph. He is now considered one of the
important early leaders of American Avante Garde art.
Fine.
Estimated Value $600-800.
Lot 695 
Eisenhower, Dwight D. (1890-1969) 34th
President of the United States, 1953-1961.
Printed Inaugural Prayer
Signed as President. One page, Quarto, Washington, DC, January 20, 1953.
Highly decorative printed prayer offered by Eisenhower at his Inaugural as 34th
President of the United States. Mounted in a larger printed cover, with a
printed title page which reads, "A Prayer By Dwight D. Eisenhower At His
Inaugural As Thirty-Fourth President of the United States January 20,
1953." The President has signed the prayer at the bottom of its ornately
printed text, "Dwight D. Eisenhower." Very Fine. Accompanied by a
transmittal letter written by Eisenhower's personal secretary Ann Whitman,
expressing the President's delight in complying with the request to autograph
the printed prayer.
Estimated Value $700-900.
Lot 696 
Eisenhower, Dwight D.
Typed Letter
Signed as President. One page, Quarto, on White House letterhead,
Washington, DC, November 16, 1956, To Harold Mansfield, Dir. Public Relations,
Boeing Aircraft Co. In full:
"Dear Mr. Mansfield: / Today Walter
Williams delivered to me the copy of "Vision" that you so thoughtfully wanted
me to have. I appreciate greatly your kindness, and particularly the generous
inscription you placed in the volume. / With best wishes, Sincerely, Dwight D.
Eisenhower."
Very Fine.
Estimated Value $450-650.
Lot 697 
Eisenhower, Dwight D.
Typed Letter
Signed as President. One page, Octavo, on lime green White House
letterhead, Washington, DC, July 18, 1957. To Peavey Heffelfinger, head of the
Republican National Finance Committee. Eisenhower writes:
"Dear
Peavey: Now that the Republican Regional Conferences have been concluded, may I
assure you of my deep appreciation of your contribution to their success. I
know that with the aggressive participation of every Republican leader we can
assure the election of a Republican Senate and House, as well as Republican
State and local officials in 1958...Sincerely, D.E."
Ironically, Ike
couldn't have been more wrong. The GOP, handicapped by a recession, rising
civil rights unrest, and congressional investigations of executive departments
of Eisenhower's administration, suffered a disastrous defeat in the 1958
congressional elections as the Democrats sharply increased majorities in both
the Senate and the House.
Fine.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 698 
Eisenhower, Dwight D.
Typed Letter
Signed. One page, Quarto, on personal imprinted letterhead, Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, May 27, 1963. Interesting letter to James T. Handley mentioning
George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Eisenhower writes:
"Dear Mr.
Handley: I am most appreciative of your generous gift of the pictures of
General Lee and of Martha and George Washington. As my secretary wrote to you,
they will be sent to the Eisenhower Museum in Abilene inasmuch as we have no
proper facilities here for such items. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and
your courtesy. I am, of course, happy to have these two heirlooms from the
Handley Family of Missouri. With best wishes, Sincerely, Dwight
Eisenhower."
Fine.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 699 
Eisenhower, Dwight D.
Typed Letter
Signed. One page, Quarto, on pale green executive letterhead, The White
House, Washington, May 12, 1953. To Arthur B. Eisenhower, the President's older
brother. Eisenhower writes, in full:
"Dear Arthur: Thanks for your
note advising me of the death of General Nicholas. I shall write a note to his
wife. Love to Louise -- my best to you. Sincerely, DE."
Fine.
Framed with a small printed portrait of President Eisenhower to an overall
size of 14 x 11".
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 700 
Elizabeth. (1900- ) British Queen Mother
(mother of Queen Elizabeth II). After her husband succeeded to the throne as
King George VI in 1936, she scored striking personal success in royal visits
abroad, enjoying great popularity and longevity as Queen Mother of England.
Autograph Letter Signed. Three pages, recto/verso, Octavo, on
imprinted royal letterhead, Buckingham Palace, November 18, 1937. Warm and
exceedingly civil letter of invitation to spend Christmas with the Royal
family. The Queen Mother writes, in full:
"My dear Dorothy/ It would
give us so much pleasure if you & George & Mary will come to us at [?] for
Xmas, as in the old days. We hope so much that you will be able to spend Xmas
time with us all, and Lilibet [Princess Elizabeth] will look forward so much to
seeing Mary there. I do hope that you were none the worse for last night - what
a wretched & painful thing to have contracted - I am sorry. With love/ Yours
affec: Elizabeth."
Very Fine. A delicately penned letter,
with a large ornate signature following its complimentary close.
Estimated
Value $350-500.