BOSTON, MASS.- October's installment of
RR Auction's Fine Autographs and Artifacts series brings over 800 unique and unusual pieces to the auction block. This sale offers an unparalleled depth of diversity from precious presidential autographs to magnificent music memorabilia: several hundred of these items have not seen the market in decades.
Highlights include an incredibly rare William Henry Harrison signature as president. Practically nonexistent ink signature as president, "W. H. Harrison," on an off-white vellum slip clipped from a larger document, signed by Harrison above the printed heading, "By the President," and signed by Secretary of State Daniel Webster. With his presidency lasting only one month, anything signed by Harrison as Chief Executive is extraordinarily rare. (Estimate: $25,000+)
An important twice-signed Alexander Hamilton financial document. The one-page document dated March 19, 1784, featuring a handwritten pledge by Hamilton to guarantee funds lent to John Campbell, a merchant, and weaver who was engaged in smuggling British textile manufacturing machinery to the United States. From The Michael Allen Collection. (Estimate: $20,000+)
And a unique autographed portrait from Albert Einstein's trip to Cuba. The vintage matte-finish photo of Einstein taken in Havana, Cuba, in December 1930, signed in the upper border in fountain pen, "Albert Einstein, Pasadena, 1931." Marked "El Encanto" in the lower border, the department store's name where the portrait was captured. (Estimate: $20,000+)
Among other featured lots; is an Abraham Lincoln signed check. Exceptional Springfield Marine & Fire Insurance Company check filled out and signed by Lincoln payable to his brother-in-law, C. M. Smith, dated May 25, 1860. At the time Lincoln wrote this check, he had just been nominated as his party's candidate for president at the Republican National Convention in Chicago on May 18. A superb piece of Lincolniana. (Estimate: $10,000+)
And a Thomas Jefferson signed check. The rare Bank of the United States check was filled out and signed by Jefferson, payable to Henry Ingle, dated November 23, 1793. Henry Ingle was a cabinetmaker who supplied Jefferson with both cabinetwork and tools, such as plane blades, sandpaper, chisels, and screws. Jefferson's memorandum books record this check as payment in full for cabinetwork. A sought-after rarity, this is just the third Jefferson check we have ever offered. (Estimate: $8,000+)
Among the more than 80 represented music lots include; The Beatles, The Eagles, Queen, and Amy Winehouse.
The Fine Autograph and Artifacts auction by RR Auction began on September 25 and will conclude on October 13.