The June 24, 2000, Gerald Burg & Dr. Kardatzke Collections, Sale 6
Lot 876
[TV Stars].
Lot of Thirteen Celebrity
Signed Photographs. All 8½ x 10", mostly Black & White glossies of
popular television stars and entertainment figures including Two Black & White
photographs of the cast of the hit TV comedy Friends, signed by the
entire cast; Two Black & White photographs of the cast of TV's Melrose
Place signed by the entire cast; a Black & White photograph of the cast of
NBC's Profiler signed by the entire cast; a Black & White photograph of
the cast of Dave's World signed by the entire cast; Two Black & White
photos signed by actor Kevin Bacon; Two Black & White photographs signed
by actress Tori Spelling ; Two Color photographs signed by television
executive James Burrows; and a Black & White signed photograph signed by
the executive Aaron Spelling. Very Fine. All items are in Fine
condition.
Estimated Value $150-UP.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
Lot 877 
Tyler, John. (1790-1862) 10th President of
the United States, 1841-1845.
Letter Signed To Congress. One
page, Octavo, with the superscript address "To the House of Representatives
of the United States," Washington, DC, January 7, 1842. Transmittal letter
to the 27th Congress of the United States, presenting a report from the
Director of the Mint describing the operations of that institution for the year
1841. The letter, which was published as a preamble to "US Mint Document
No.71," and read with the Mint report before the 27th Congress, Second
Session, on February 8, 1842, reads:
"I transmit, herewith, to the
House of Representatives, a report from the
Director of the Mint, showing
the operations of that institution for the year
1941.
John Tyler
Washington, 31st. Jan. 1842. " .
Fine. President Tyler's
signature is remarkably bold.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 878 
Van Buren, Martin. (1782-1862) 8th President
of the United States, 1837-1841.
Autograph Letter Signed as U.S.
Senator. Two pages, recto/verso, Quarto, with integral address leaf, n.p.,
September 1, 1823. To a Judge Miller. Written two years into Van Buren's tenure
as U.S. Senator from New York, this exceptional letter reveals the
behind-the-scenes maneuvering and patronage of the "spoils system" that
characterized the politics of New York that Van Buren came to control and
dominate as leader of the "Albany Regency," a cabal of practiced politicians
who combined their resources in office and jointly used their power to control
state politics.
In 1821 Van Buren, the new Senator from New York, was
made a member of the Congressional convention charged with revising the
constitution of the state of New York. Because his party was not strong enough
at this time to send him from his own district, he was sent to represent Otsego
County. Senator Van Buren took an active part, advocating a moderate course of
reform, the limited extension of suffrage, and legislative reforms that would
take power away from the assembly and transfer it to the governor, giving that
office the power of veto. This convention was instrumental in making Van
Buren's reputation, but his activity was largely directed by party politics and
alliances.
This letter, written in 1823, finds Van Buren using his ties
and influence to secure an appointment in what is probably the State
legislature. He writes:
"My dear Judge/ I have been disappointed in
not hearing from you or any one else before on the subject of the Otsego [seat
or suit]. I infer however that Mr. H. will be able to provide himself with
other counsel and will be well pleased to find my influence counts. Our young
Price from N[ew] York is waiting here to go out with me. I will thank you to
drop me a line by return post that I may either retain or send him off with
certainty. I sincerely pray that Mrs. Miller's health is restored or that she
is at least out of danger. If she is well enough to [?] of it, be so good as to
express my most affectionate regard for her. Your friend, MV Buren." Word
from Judge Miller will decide Van Buren on what he is to do with Price, and he
is clearly anxious about what is either a "seat" on the New York state
legislature, or a law "suit" originating in Otsego County. Much depends upon
this word, which is difficult to make out in the text.
A fascinating
letter, full of political design, which seems to call forth the observation on
Van Buren made by his political rival, John Quincy Adams: "There are many
features in the character of Mr. Van Buren strongly resembling that of Mr.
Madison - his calmness, his gentleness of manner, his discretion, his easy and
conciliatory temper. But Madison had none of his obsequiousness, his
sycophancy, his profound dissimulation and duplicity."
There is a very
slight area of abraded paper, and a small tear on the right edge, neither
affecting text, with some separation at fold of address leaf, which has been
expertly repaired. The address leaf, which bears the word "An - " , has two
small pieces of tape, and a minor area of paper loss at the extreme right verso
corner.
Estimated Value $2,000-3,000.
Lot 879 
Vanderbilt, Cornelius Jr. (1898-1974)
Journalist and great-grandson of railroad and steamship baron, "Commodore"
Cornelius Vanderbilt.
Typed Letters Signed. Lot of Three.
Quarto, on personal company letterhead. Miami, Fla. January 29th, 30th 1925 &
March 13th 1925. All to a Frank B. Holden of West Palm Beach, Fla., concerning
a book written by Mr. Holden.
Two of the letters in part:
"I have
just had a few minutes to glance through your very interesting volume "War
Memories" and I want to tell you how much I appreciate especially the things
you have said in your Preface... I want very much to editorialize on it,
particularly in my Western papers, where interest is still strong in the
disabled men."
"Your bully letter of the second instant has just been
brought to my attention and I wish to thank you exceedingly for it. I am
so glad to hear that you were interested in my review of your book. It is
certainly by far the best book on actual happenings of the World War that I
have had the pleasure of reading... ".
Very Good. The
letters have yellowed slightly due to age and exhibit some creasing.
Estimated Value $150-250.
One of the letters contains this holograph
note along top of page, "Papa- Save this letter. Put in safe- may want to
quote from it someday- L".
Lot 880 
Victoria. (1819-1901) Queen of England,
1837-1901.
Partially Printed Document Signed as Queen of
England. One page, accomplished in manuscript, Elephant Folio on vellum,
London, England, September 13, 1888. Consular appointment with a lengthy
manuscript qualification:
"...The President of the United States of
America has by a Commission bearing date the tenth date of May last constituted
Mr. George F. Hollis to be Consul at Cape Town and for such other parts as
shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice
Consul of the United States And we having thereupon approved of the said George
F. Hollis as Consul for the said United States according to th Commission
before mentioned, Our will and pleasure are...that you do receive, countenance,
and as there may be occasion, favorably assist him...in the exercise of his
office."
Boldly signed "Victoria," above; countersigned by
the Marquis of Salisbury below the text. With a white wafer seal intact at
upper left. Creamy age-toning throughout, otherwise fine. Framed with a color
reproduction of the long-lasting monarch to an overall size of 32 x 23".
Estimated Value $450-UP.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
Lot 881 
[Victoria].
Two Autograph Letters
Signed.
A. Autograph Letter Signed by Edward Duke of Kent.
One page, Quarto, Kennsington Palace, London, December 9, 1811. Fascinating,
lengthy letter with War of 1812 content.
B. Victoria
Mary-Louisa, Duchess of Kent. Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Octavo,
three-sided. Features a blind embossed Royal seal. Nov. 1853, n.p. Being a
request from Victoria to a "Lady Fanny" in that she write to a Madame Bullande
in regards to arranging for a governess to accompany Victoria's grand-daughter
during her stay. In it, she outlines the hours which she will work, what her
duties will entail (basically to be a music partner), and the duration of her
stay. Fine.
Estimated Value $400-600.
Lot 882 
Villa, Pancho. (1877-1923) Mexican
Revolutionary and General.
Letter Signed. One page, Quarto, in
Spanish, written in purple ink, on imprinted personal letterhead,
"Correspondencia Particular Del General Francisco Villa," Hacienda La
Mimbrera, Durango, August 19, 1919. To Lawyer Don Ismael Palafox, of San
Antonio, Texas. Extraordinary letter to a member of the Mexican intelligencia
and proponent of the Mexican Republic in which Pancho Villa articulates his
patriotic devotion to his people and the country of Mexico. Villa writes with
self-conscious naivete, powerful and honest, humbled by his learned friend's
eloquence. He expresses an awareness of his own inability to express his
patriotism in words, but goes on to avow his willingness to prove himself with
deeds:
"Dear Sir Lic. [Licensuria] :
In your pleasing letters
that, in different periods, I have had the pleasure to receive, I have seen
ideas that come from a patriotic heart. Deep in my soul, I regret that I have
never met you, and much more than not knowing you, I do regret that I have
never had the opportunity to talk to you in other periods of time, but the
power of a sincere heart like yours tells me to treat you with respect and
affection. Why do I refer myself to you as sincere, if I do not even know you,
Sir? Because of your concepts in order to save our Republic, they have filled
me with joy, and you can be sure that the advises you once gave me will never
be erased from my memory, so that we Mexicans may have, from all civilized
countries, the affection and respect that we duly deserve.
I am not an
educated man, so as to have the facility to explain myself with the exact words
and with that exquisite way in which my words should be poured upon you as you
deserve, but the concepts I have used are those that have been dictated from
the bottom of my conscience and, as Mr. Lic. [Lawyer] Diaz Lombardo put it, I
only hope not to embarrass you, who are my intellectual friends, and that maybe
tomorrow you will be the future of my Country; I say that I hope not to
embarrass you before all the cultivated Nations, because, if at all necessary,
I will sacrifice all the energies with which Nature invested me, as a patriotic
heart has to think, primarily, in his own Country and, on the other hand, with
what else are we to prove our own Race, Sir, the sincerity of our words? With
deeds, and be aware of such deeds, because I will fulfill my duty.
Take me
into account, as ever, within the number of your friends, that is all I can
offer you [in return] now.
FRANCISCO VILLA." .
Fine. A
letter of extraordinary content, showing only moderate wear. Villa's signature
is unusually large, and ornamented with a elaborate paraph.
Estimated Value
$6,000-7,000.
Lot 883 
Wagner, Honus. American baseball player.
Signed Check. Partially Printed, 8¼ x 3" check drawn on
the Worcester County Trust Company, Spencer, Mass., February 21, 1949. A check
for "One dollar" from Aucoin Brothers Insurance, paid to the order of "Honus
Wagner" who has endorsed the check on the back. With cancellation punch and
docketing stamps, not affecting signature. Fine.
Estimated Value
$250-350.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
Lot 884 
Warner, Pop. (1871-1954) Famous American
football coach, founder of "Pop Warner" football league.
Autograph
Letter Signed. Two pages, recto/verso, Quarto, on personal imprinted
letterhead, Palo Alto, California, February 13, 1953. To Joseph Tomlin, founder
of the kids sandlot football program which would grow into the "Pop Warner"
football league. Interesting letter to the founder of the Pop Warner league, in
which the famous football coach acknowledges Tomlin's pivotal role in launching
the kids football league, and gives him carte blanche to go on developing and
promoting the idea as he sees fit. Tomlin, who deferred to Warner's wishes at
every crucial stage in the development of the league and its promotional
events, often brought his plans to the coach who lent his name to the new
league, and regularly sought his advice. Warner writes to him about plans
concerning the "Pop Warner Foundation":
"...Regarding the location
of the headquarters of the Pop Warner Foundation - I received a telegram a
couple of months ago from Omaha asking if I would favor locating the
headquarters at Lakeland Florida. I wired back that whatever you and the other
officers and promotors of the Foundation decided would be all right with me. I
expressed no opinion either way because I knew nothing about what was going on
at all. The way I feel about matters in connection with the Foundation is that
since you are the father and promoter of the kid football idea and the Pop
Warner Foundation - you should have a lot to say about what should be done in
all matters which come up for consideration, and therefore I authorize you to
act in my name and behalf on any plans or business matters or matters of policy
which may come up for consideration..."
Warner goes on to discuss
the criticism to kids athletics that they have run into among certain school
organizations:
"...I know that the N.E.A. and the parent teachers
organization has criticized the idea of athletics for kids but I think they are
dead wrong...I think you can put forth a very convincing argument in favor of
sports for kids. You asked about my idea of having the head Foundation office
out here [in California]. I do not think that would be a good idea - the
headquarters in my opinion, should be right in Philadelphia where the Pop
Warner Foundation was started and I think that you should have the say in such
matters...Thank you again for everything you have been doing in behalf of the
Foundation. I assure you that I feel very grateful for your giving the project
my name...Sincerely, Pop." .
Fine. Mr.Tomlin, the recipient
of the letter, has underlined part of the text quoted above in red pencil.
There is a very minor tear where the letter was once stapled at top left,
otherwise fine condition.
Estimated Value $350-500.
Lot 885 
Warner, Pop.
Autograph Letter Signed
Twice. One page, Quarto, on personal imprinted letterhead, Palo Alto,
California, February 19, 1954. To Joseph Tomlin, founder of the "Pop Warner"
football league. Interesting lengthy letter concerning the genesis and final
form of the "Pop Warner" football conference, which the two men have been
working on since 1949, and is now nearing fruition. Warner writes, in part:
"Dear Joe, Answering your letter of the 15th, you were the
originator of "The Pop Warner Football Conference" and with my approval, you
honored me by giving the project my name. I assure you that I will never
consent to any other person or group of persons using the name (The Pop Warner
Football Conference) without your approval. Regarding your suggestion that I
become Chairman of the Board of the Conference I do not think that would be
advisable because I do not wish to have any active duties in behalf of the
Conference - I believe the Chairman should be a man who is actively
interested in the organization. I feel the same way regarding the selection of
an All-American team of kid football, basketball and baseball players - There
would be no objection to such a name as "The Pop Warner Conference" All
American midget football, basketball or baseball team. I do not want to get
mixed up in any controversy between your organization and the "Pop Warner -
Connie Mack Foundation" - I think you will understand my position and will see
that I am right about it...Sincerely, Glenn S. Warner."
Warner goes
on to mention his deteriorating health, and adds, in a holograph postscript
signed "Pop,":
"P.S. I would have no objection to being named
Honorary Chairman of the Board. Pop."
Fine. The ink is very
slightly smeared in three places at verso, otherwise the letter is in fine
condition.
Estimated Value $350-500.
Lot 886 
Washington, George and Thomas Jefferson and
Samuel Huntington. 1st President of the United States (1789-1797); 3rd
President of the United States (1801-1809); Governor of Connecticut and Signer
of the Declaration, respectively.
In 1585 and 1587, the first English
settlers in America established colonies on Roanoke Island off the
North Carolina coast. The first group returned to England, while the later
group vanished from the island, leaving behind only the words "Cro" and
"Croatoan" carved in the trunks of two trees. From this original settlement,
known as The Lost Colony, came the first child born to English parents
in America, Virginia Dare. The region which was to become North Carolina was
first established as an English proprietary colony in 1663-65, and its early
history was the scene of Culpepper's Rebellion (1677), the Quaker-led Cary
Rebellion (1708), the Tuscarora Indian War (1711-13), and ongoing pirate raids.
The colony sent delegates to Philadelphia to attend the First Continental
Congress in 1774, and on April 12, 1776, North Carolina became the first colony
to instruct its delegates to vote for independence. Later that year, North
Carolina adopted its first constitution. During the American Revolution, there
was relatively little fighting within the colony, but many North Carolinians
fought elsewhere. North Carolinians delayed approving the United States
Constitution because they opposed a strong federal government; at the Hillsboro
Convention of 1788 they rejected the Constitution and suggested many amendments
to it. The Bill of Rights, proposed by Congress in 1789, incorporated some of
these suggestions, and North Carolina finally ratified the Constitution on
November 21, 1789, becoming the twelfth state in the Union. Offered here are
three letters concerning the establishment of North Carolina as the twelfth
state.
A. WASHINGTON, GEORGE. Document Signed as President.
One page, Quarto, "United States Feby 26th, 1790." Addressed to an
unknown correspondent (one of the Governors of the twelve "United States"),
President Washington's letter reads in full: "Sir, I have the honor to
transmit to your Excellency an Act passed in the second Session of the Senate
and House of Representatives of the United States -- entitled 'an Act for
giving effect to the several Acts therin mentioned, in respect to the State of
North Carolina, and other purposes.' I have the honor to be, with due
consideration your Excellency's Most Obedient Servant G:Washington." This
letter of transmission accompanied copies of acts which had been passed by
Congress some time previous, and which were now to be applied to North
Carolina, following its November admission into the Union as a new State.
Letter shows faint age-toning, with weakened folds (some minor fold
strengthening on verso), else fine. Boldly penned in Washington's elegant
hand.
B. JEFFERSON, THOMAS. Letter Signed as Secretary of State.
Two pages (including docketed integral blank), Quarto, "Office of the
Secretary of State -- April 6, 1790." Similar to the Washington letter
above. Thomas Jefferson forwards to George Walton, Governor of Georgia (and
presumably to all other Governors of the existing States) copies of acts which
pertain to the newly-admitted State of North Carolina. The letter reads in
full: " ... Sir - I have the honor to send you herein inclosed two copies
duly authenticated of the Act to accept a cession of the claims of the State of
North Carolina to a certain district of western Territory; also of the Act to
prevent the exportation of Goods not duly inspected according to the laws of
the several States, and of being with sentiments of the most perfect respect,
Your Excellency's Most Obedt & nost h'ble Servant Th: Jefferson." Moderate
browning, but very boldly penned and legible.
C. HUNTINGTON, SAMUEL.
Autograph Letter Signed as Governor. One page, Quarto, "Norwich, Feby
27th, 1790. To the President of the United States of America." By this
letter, Governor Samuel Huntington acknowledged to President Washington the
receipt of the copies of Acts now pertaining to the new State of North
Carolina. In full the letter reads: "Sir I am honored with your letter of
the 20th Instant covering an Act Entitled an Act for giving effect to several
Acts therein mentioned in respect to the State of North Carolina, & other
purposes. With the greatest Respect & Consideration I have the Honor to be your
most obedient Servant S. Huntington."
The Huntington letter is
moderately and unevenly browned, with expert repairs to two sections of paper
loss at the upper edge, not affecting the text, and two separated folds. Ink
has slightly feathered, but letter is perfectly legible.
Each letter is
bound in a three-fold custom-made cloth-and-morocco binder identifying the
contents in gold lettering on its spine. Each includes a matted, color-tinted
steel engraving, and a mounted transcription of its contents, as described
above. These three items in combination constitute a benchmark in the history
of statehood for North Carolina.
Estimated Value $50,000-UP.
Ex
Superior Galleries February 2, 1994 Auction, Lot # 343.
Lot 887 
Washington, George. (1732-1799) 1st
President of the United States, 1789-1797.
Letter Signed. Two
pages, recto/verso, Folio, "Head Quarters Orange Town August 12, 1780." By the
time this letter was written in 1780, the Continental Army was in dire straits.
However, it was beginning to meld into a well- trained fighting force thanks to
the influence of European officers. As result of its French allies, it endured
and marched to ultimate victory at Yorktown, Virginia one year after Washington
wrote this letter to General Daniel Brodhead, who was then Commander of the
Western Department of the Army.
In full (errors intact): "Dear Sir:
I have recieved your favours of the 29th June and 21st July - Col. Bowmans
apprehension of the force expected from Canada is cetainly groundless, as what
men can be spared from the Garrisons of the upper Country - St. Johns, Montreal
and Quebec are now acting in conjunction with the Indians upon the Mowhawk
River where they have lately done considerable mischief. The distress on the
store of provisions has not been confined to you alone, but has been severly
experienced in every quarter and I think you will be very happy if you can
adopt any expedient to supply yourself without depending wholly upon the
Commissary in a regular way. I am pleased to hear of the success of the parties
under Captain Brady and McIntire, to whom you will be pleased to express my
thanks for their conduct. These affairs tho apparently small have a
considerable influence upon Indians... The first division of the French Fleet,
& Army consisting of 8 Ships of the line and 5000 men are yet at Rhode Island,
waiting the arrival of the second division now hourly expected. We look for
very important news from the West Indies, the whole combined force of France
and Spain, in those Seas, having gone down it is said against Jamaica. I am
Dear Sir with great esteem & regard, Your most Obedient Humble Servant George
Washington".
The timing of this letter is worth noting in that it
occured on the heels of a defeat of the American forces by General Cornwallis
and only a few weeks before British Major John Andre was captured carrying
Benedict Arnold's plans for the surrender of West Point.
Letter shows
moderate browning with a few dark stains, as well as weakened folds (some
silked and/ or archivally strengthened). It has been very boldly signed by
General Washington on the verso.
Estimated Value $25,000-UP.
Ex
Superior's Paul Richards Estate Sale, Feb 2, 1994, Lot 345.
Lot 888
Weiss, George M. American businessman and
baseball entrepreneur.
Typed Document Signed. One page, Quarto,
New York, NY, October 24, 1939. Being the typescript "Minutes of a Special
Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Baseball Club, Inc.,"
which records the following resolution:
"RESOLVED, that there be
paid out of the funds of this corporation to George M. Weiss, a bonus of $5,000
for his accomplishments on behalf of the club and its minor league associates
during the current season."
This intriguing document the goes on to
explain:
"...The foregoing motion was made after Mr. Weiss had presented
a statement showing the transactions which he had accomplished in the matter of
disposing of baseball players and in the matter of realizing profits in the
operation of the Club and its associate minor league clubs..."
Signed by
Weiss himself as secretary of the special convocation, "George M.
Weiss." .
Fine.
Estimated Value $125-200.
Lot 889 
West, Benjamin. (1738-1820) American
portrait painter.
Admission Ticket to a Lecture at the Royal Academy
Signed by Artist Benjamin West. Partially Printed Admission Ticket,
approximately 2½ x 4", with the hand stamp of the "Royal Academy,
London," n.d., circa 1813-1820. The ticket is for a lecture at the Royal
Academy, and is signed by both Benjamin West and the sculptor William
Theed. Benjamin West was the President of the Royal Academy (1792-1820),
succeeding his friend Sir Joseph Reynolds to this post. An American-born, self
taught painter, he established a studio in London after traveling abroad, and
gained fame for his historical paintings, which led to his being appointed
historical painter to the king (from 1772). West served as President of the
Royal Academy for almost thirty years, until his death in 1820. Fine.
Traces of mounting gum and matte on verso, otherwise fine. Accompanied by a
mezzotint engraving of the artist in his later years.
Estimated Value
$750-850.
Lot 890 
West, Mae. (1892-1980). Buxom American
actress, famous for the line "come up and see me some time".
Personal Check Signed with Vintage Photograph. Approximately 8 x
3", Hollywood, March 17th, 1938. The check is drawn on California Bank in the
amount of $100 and is made payable to "Frank Holiday." Description box
in upper left reads, "Salary in full/ Wk End Mar 17-38/ Palace Theatre/
Columbus Ohio." Boldly signed in black ink. Double matted and ready for
framing alongside a beautiful black and white, 8 x 10" photograph. Fine.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 891 
William IV. (1765-1837). King of England,
1820-1837.
Autograph Poem Signed. One page, Quarto, n.p., August
18, 1775. Being a five-line poem which the ten-year-old Prince has meticulously
copied in a calligraphic hand in order to practice his penmanship. The poem
reads:
"Let no example, let no soothing tongue,
Prevail upon
thee with a Syren's song,
To do thy soul's immortal essence wrong,
Of
good and ill, by words or deeds express,
Chuse for thyself, and always
chuse the best...
August 18: 1775
William"
The boy-king has
overestimated the amount of space available for each line, and the terminal
words of the last two lines are hunched over and noticeably smaller than their
predecessors.
Fine. Archivally framed with a steel engraving of
King William to an overall size of 24¼ x 17¼".
Estimated Value
$400-500.
Lot 892 
Wilson, Woodrow. (1856-1924) 28th President
of the United States, 1913-1921.
Typed Letter Signed. One page,
Quarto, n.p., September 5, 1912. To the Hon. Wm. C. Liller. Interesting letter,
written two months after being nominated to the presidency, and two months
before winning the presidential election, regarding a number of speeches on the
subject of the tariff. Wilson writes:
"Dear Mr. Liller: I read your
letter of August 27th with a great deal of pleasure and regret that other
matters of pressing importance prevented me from acknowledging it until this
late date. I have directed Mr. Vick to send an ample supply of my speeches on
the tariff. With reference to the financing of the league, I would be obliged
if you would take up this matter with Mr. Mc Adoo direct. With warmest regards
I am, Cordially yours, Woodrow Wilson."
With its allusion to the
financing of the "League of Nations," this letter has much better
content than usual. Framed with two elegiac biographical statements signed by
Theodore E Burton and George Wharton Pepper, incidental photographs of
President Wilson and the crucial events of his administration, biographical
information, and a steel engraving of the President, along with two plaques,
one identifying a photograph of the Treaty of Versailles ending WWI, and
another which reads: "Woodrow Wilson, 26th U.S. President, 1913-1921." Overall
size 37 x 28." .
Estimated Value $500-700.
Lot 893 
Windsor, Edward Duke of. (1894-1972) Edward
VIII, Duke of Windsor.Once King of the United Kingdom, he succeeded his father,
George V, to the throne, but abdicated in the face of opposition to his
proposed marriage to Wallis Simpson, a commoner who had been twice divorced,
after which he was given the title Duke of Windsor.
Autograph Letter
Signed and First Day Cover Signed. Lot of two autograph items signed by the
Duke of Windsor, including:
A. Autograph Letter Signed. Four
pages, recto/verso, Quarto, on grey imprinted stationery, Moulin De La Tuilerie
[France], January 9, 1961. To Mrs. Hugh Chisholm. A blithe, garrulous letter to
a very close friend, bringing her up to date on all details of Windsor's
personal life, including who he is entertaining, who he plans on entertaining,
and where he will go in the Spring to entertain himself. He writes, in part:
"...Dearest Rosie - Happy New Year to you and Hugh wherever you both are - you
have deserted me - I am sure you are bursting with News that I should
know! We are busy [ ? ] making changes as usual. I am re-doing the
Chrisolm "Suite" entirely - Hugh's room is going from fraises to fentu - I am
covering the walls in yellow felt which I think will be warmer and your room is
going to have cretonne mat lasse on the walls also to make it
warmer...downstairs where we do our drinking is going "all white" ...Paris is
full of farewell dinners ...most of the gay young things have gone to hide
their heads in the snow which is perfection this year - We were never able to
go to Spain to shoot - it really was too complicated not flying - Perla and the
Lopez engine left yesterday for a week in Madrid ...We have [ ? ]
here at last and now we are having difficulty getting the tan one out!..."
B. First Day Cover Signed. Postmarked Fulton, MO., May 13,
1965, commemorating Sir Winston Churchill, with a matching Churchill stamp.
Boldly signed in black ink, "Edward, Duke of Windsor." Very Fine.
Estimated Value $300-UP.
Lot 894 
Young, Cy. American sports celebrity.
Signed Check. Partially Printed, 8¼ x 3" check drawn on
the Worcester County Trust Company, Spencer, Mass., March 5, 1949. A check for
"One dollar" from Aucoin Brothers Insurance, paid to the order of "Cy Young"
who has endorsed the check on the back. Countersigned by Jane Benedum, with
paid cancellation punch, not affecting signatures. Fine.
Estimated
Value $250-350.
From the Gerald Burg collection.
Lot 895 
Zhukov, Georgi. (1896-1974) Deputy Supreme
Commander in Chief of the Red Army. Zhukov directed the defense of Moscow
against the German Army in 1941, and in 1943 was instrumental in organizing the
counter-offensive which ultimately led to the downfall of the Wehrmacht.
Printed Military Document Signed. Four pages, accomplished in
typescript, Tall Quarto, on dark green government letterhead, Kiev, October 21,
1940. Being a lengthy Military Order, marked "SECRET" at top right of first
page, appointing fourteen new officers to key military positions within the
Kiev Military District. Fine. Hole punches along left margin, otherwise
fine.
Estimated Value $200-300.