On the date of the premier of his comic opera masterpiece Manon, he penned and signed
these four double bars from Act II.
Autograph Musical Quotation signed: "J. Massenet”, in /Paris/1 er presentation op:
comique/samedi 19 Janvier 1884 [1st presentation opera: comic/Saturday 19 January 1884]",
in black ink, 9½x2½. The composer has drawn four double bars of music, and written in
French: "Prelude de l'act II (Manon) [Prelude to Act II (Manon)]". This historical musical
quote was written on the first performance of his comic opera, Manon, considered his
operatic masterpiece. The opera, which premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, is a staple
in the repertoire of many operatic companies and has been featured on numerous
recordings, beginning with the historic first recording in 1923. Jules Massenet (1842-1912),
who was extremely popular in his day, wrote numerous operas, but Manon established his
reputation as a composer. Lightly creased with folds, vertical fold at 1 word of writing.
Slightly soiled. Irregularly cut. Overall, fine condition.
Amazing collection of signed photographs of the early Superman cast, framed to an
overall size of 38¼ x 41½.
Signed photograph of Reeves in character as Clark Kent.
Photograph signed: "George Reeves". B/w, 9x7. Best known for playing the "Man of
Steel" on film and on television, George Reeves (1914-1959), born George Bessolo,
made his film debut in 1939. Reeves played Stuart Tarleton, one of the Scarlett O'Hara's
hopeful beaus, in David O. Selznick's Civil War epic, Gone With the Wind. Making an excellent
impression in that role, in 1940, Reeves was cast in 17 films, including Knute Rockne, All
American, Virginia City, The Fighting 69th, 'Til We Meet Again, Pony Express Days and Meet
the Fleet. Shown with his girlfriend, played by Jan Clayton, and her unwelcoming father (Grant
Mitchell), Father is a Prince (1940). Reeves' career took a fateful turn when he was cast
as Superman/Clark Kent in 1951's Superman and the Mole Men, a role he reprised in
the 1953-1957 television series. Reeves' death by gunshot wound on June 16, 1959, was
officially ruled a suicide, but suspicions of murder have persisted. Signature has light contrast,
otherwise fine condition.
Original self-caricatures drawn by these legendary comedians.
Collection comprised of 7 pieces of signed original artwork that includes:
1.) Original Artwork signed “George/Jessel”. 5x7. Fine condition. George Jessel
(1898-1981, born in New York City), who became known as the "Toastmaster General of
the United States" for his frequent role as Master of Ceremonies at entertainment and political
gatherings, appeared in vaudeville (he was a partner of Eddie Cantor at age 11) and on
Broadway before having a radio show, That's My Kid.
2.) Original Artwork signed “M. Kahn”. 5½ x 9. 2 horizontal creases, otherwise fine condition.
Operatically trained, Madeline Kahn (1942-1999) achieved her greatest successes in manic
comedy roles, earning Best Supporting Actress nominations for Paper Moon (1973) and
Blazing Saddles (1974). She garnered a Golden Globe nomination for her short-lived TV
sitcom, Oh, Madeline! (1983) and won a Tony for her performance in The Sisters Rosenzweig
(1992).
3.) Original Artwork signed “BETTE”. 5¼ x 8¼. Fine condition. Midler is a Grammy and
Emmy Award-winning singer, and stage and film actress known for her vibrant personality
on and offstage.Original self-caricatures drawn by these legendary comedians.
Collection comprised of 7 pieces of signed original artwork that includes:
1.) Original Artwork signed “George/Jessel”. 5x7. Fine condition. George Jessel
(1898-1981, born in New York City), who became known as the "Toastmaster General of
the United States" for his frequent role as Master of Ceremonies at entertainment and political
gatherings, appeared in vaudeville (he was a partner of Eddie Cantor at age 11) and on
Broadway before having a radio show, That's My Kid.
2.) Original Artwork signed “M. Kahn”. 5½ x 9. 2 horizontal creases, otherwise fine condition.
Operatically trained, Madeline Kahn (1942-1999) achieved her greatest successes in manic
comedy roles, earning Best Supporting Actress nominations for Paper Moon (1973) and
Blazing Saddles (1974). She garnered a Golden Globe nomination for her short-lived TV
sitcom, Oh, Madeline! (1983) and won a Tony for her performance in The Sisters Rosenzweig
(1992).
3.) Original Artwork signed “BETTE”. 5¼ x 8¼. Fine condition. Midler is a Grammy and
Emmy Award-winning singer, and stage and film actress known for her vibrant personality
on and offstage.
Both sign a contract for Fields' appearance in the play "J. P.
McEvoy's Comic Supplement". Not a standard form contract, this one has been
written with Fields in mind.
Contract signed: "Flo Ziegfeld", "W. C. Fields", 4 pages,
7¼x10½. Also initialed by both at a minor correction: "F.Z.", "W. C. F."
New Amsterdam Theatre, New York, N.Y., 1924 November 10. On Ziegfeld's
personal letterhead, Fields signs his acceptance of a commitment to appear in a
play bearing the temporary title "J. P. McEvoy's Comic Supplement," to be
produced on or before January 15, 1925. Fields is guaranteed top billing in the
play credits and all advertising, and will receive $1, 750 per week for the full
run of the play. He must attend five weeks of rehearsals without compensation.
Clause 5 is of special interest: "You agree to get in touch promptly
after the execution of this agreement with the author of this play, Mr.
McAvoy and to aid and facilitate him and co-operate with him in every matter to
the end that the parts to be assigned to you shall be adapted to your special
talents and ability. You agree to render such services without any
additional compensation." Red-nosed, gravel-voiced, bottle-hitting
American comedian W. C.
ALS: "G. Verdi", 1p, 4½x3½. Sant'Agate,
1889 November 18. To his close friend, Maria Massari Waldmann. In
Italian, partially translated. In part: "Thank you, my dear Maria, and
thanks to your kind Duke for the affectionate remembrance...Greetings to the Duke
and a warm handshake...." On February 8, 1872, mezzo-soprano MARIA MASSARI
WALDMANN starred as Amneris in the Milan premiere of Aida under
Verdi's direction. At the time of this letter, Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
spent part of the year at the Villa Verdi at St. Agata diBusseto, close to his
birthplace in Le Roncole, and part in Genoa in an apartment in the Palazzo
Doria. Inscription on verso of Verdi's letter, in Italian: "To my
dear/friend Margherita/from/Maria Massari/Zavaglia/Ferrara, 22-1-905". There
is a collection of nearly 100 letters from Verdi to Waldmann in La Biblioteca
del Conservatorio "G.B. Martini" in Bologna, Italy. Lightly stained. Overall,
fine condition.
Framed display (46x30) featuring the t-shirt from Caribou Ranch studio given to
Lennon when he recorded there with Elton John, accompanied by an authentication
signed by Lennon's lover at the time, May Pang, and by a photo of Lennon and Pang
together
Comprises: (1) DS: "May Pang". 1 page, 8x5. No place, no date. In full: "From John
Lennon's T-shirt collection, Caribou Ranch t-shirt. Given to John during his visit to
Caribou Ranch Studio, when he and Elton John recorded 'Lucy In The Sky With
Diamonds'". Fine condition. (2) Extremely Rare Caribou Ranch T-shirt. Long-sleeve
Collegiate Pacific, cream-colored, size 34-36. Slightly stained. Fine condition. From October
1973 until March 1975, JOHN LENNON (1940-1980) and MAY PANG lived, loved
and worked together. During the Lennon-Yoko Ono separation and at Ono's
instigation, their young, personal assistant became his constant companion. Deeply
emotional and trying "to find himself", Lennon worked diligently to create the songs for his 1974
album Walls and Bridges, in which he dedicated one song to Ono and "Surprise Surprise" to his
lover. Old friend Elton John sang backup on that song and played accompaniment on
"Whatever Gets You thru the Night".
Three-page autograph letter to his mistress Carlotta Monti, signed by Fields
as "Continental Claude", calling Hitler "full of mierda" and confiding, "like
the three monkeys I see nothing, know nothing, and won't drink anything 'cept
Beer."
Autograph Letter signed: "Continental Claude", 3 pages, 8½x11. Bel
Air, Labor Day. To "Katrinka & Claudia". ["Katrinka" was Fields'
pet name for Carlotta Monti.] In full: "I suppose you are
wondering why you have not received your packard as yet. And telling your
friends I am not a man of my word. Give me time and I can explain anything.
Practically all nations will be in the war by the time this missive arrives.
But you, unfortunately for yourself contended the whole world would be at war.
It was then I accepted your wager 'I'll bet you the whole world will be at war
by 1940. If not you give me a packard.' It was a bet made in all fairness. I
forget what I was to receive had you lost. However all is fair in something or
other and war. I will pay off if it becomes real serious. I firmly believe it
will be of short duration, in which case you will receive a small packard.
Hitler is full of 'mierda' [Spanish for "shit"] and the unfortunate part
of it for him is it is mostly in his neck and he can taste it.…"
Action photograph of Reeves as Superman apprehending two villains.
Photograph signed: "Thank you / for watching / George Reeves / Superman". B/w, 9 x 7½.
Framed to an overall size of 17½ x 28½. Fine condition.
Best known for playing the "Man of Steel" on film and on television, George Reeves
(1914-1959), born George Bessolo, made his film debut in 1939. Reeves played Stuart
Tarleton, one of the Scarlett O'Hara's hopeful beaus, in David O. Selznick's Civil War epic,
Gone With the Wind. Making an excellent impression in that role, in 1940, Reeves was cast
in 17 films, including Knute Rockne, All American, Virginia City, The Fighting 69th, 'Til We
Meet Again, Pony Express Days and Meet the Fleet. Shown with his girlfriend, played by Jan
Clayton, and her unwelcoming father (Grant Mitchell), Father is a Prince (1940). Reeves'
career took a fateful turn when he was cast as Superman/Clark Kent in 1951's
Superman and the Mole Men, a role he reprised in the 1953-1957 television series.
Reeves' death by gunshot wound on June 16, 1959, was officially ruled a suicide, but
suspicions of murder have persisted.
Both sign and initial a typed documentary letter (1924) extending Fields'
contractual obligation to a Ziegfeld production.
Documentary Letter signed: "W. C. Fields", "F. Ziegfeld, Jr." , 1
page, 7¼x10½. New York City, 1924 November 12. On Ziegfeld's New
Amsterdam Theatre letterhead to W. C. Fields, New York City. Both have initialed
a one-line ink addition in Ziegfeld's hand. Noting that Fields' current Equity
Run-of-the-Play Contract for J. P. McEvoy's "Comic Supplement" expires on June
1, 1925, Fields agrees to extend his commitment after that date at the rate of
$1,750 per week, provided that Fields is successful through the Actors Equity
Association in getting released from a conflicting commitment with Phillip
Goodman. Fields' weekly salary is to rise to $2,000 per week if "Comic
Supplement" should continue running into 1926. Red-nosed, gravel-voiced,
bottle-hitting American comedian W. C. FIELDS (1880-1946), born William
Claude Dukenfield, began his career in silents, later excelling in such films
as David Copperfield (as Micawber), My Little Chickadee (with Mae
West) and The Bank Dick. The vaudeville veteran, who
appeared in every version of the "Ziegfeld Follies" from 1915 to 1921,
made his last film, Sensations of 1945, in 1944. FLORENZ ZIEGFELD, JR.
Both sign and initial a typed documentary letter (1924) extending Fields'
contractual obligation to a Ziegfeld production.
Documentary Letter signed: "W. C. Fields", "F. Ziegfeld, Jr." , 1
page, 7¼x10½. New York City, 1924 November 12. On Ziegfeld's New
Amsterdam Theatre letterhead to W. C. Fields, New York City. Both have initialed
a one-line ink addition in Ziegfeld's hand. Noting that Fields' current Equity
Run-of-the-Play Contract for J. P. McEvoy's "Comic Supplement" expires on June
1, 1925, Fields agrees to extend his commitment after that date at the rate of
$1,750 per week, provided that Fields is successful through the Actors Equity
Association in getting released from a conflicting commitment with Phillip
Goodman. Fields' weekly salary is to rise to $2,000 per week if "Comic
Supplement" should continue running into 1926. Red-nosed, gravel-voiced,
bottle-hitting American comedian W. C. FIELDS (1880-1946), born William
Claude Dukenfield, began his career in silents, later excelling in such films
as David Copperfield (as Micawber), My Little Chickadee (with Mae
West) and The Bank Dick. The vaudeville veteran, who
appeared in every version of the "Ziegfeld Follies" from 1915 to 1921,
made his last film, Sensations of 1945, in 1944. FLORENZ ZIEGFELD, JR.
Gioacchino Rossini sends an autograph letter in Italian to send an article.
Autograph Letter Signed: "Rossini" in Italian, 1p, 4¼ x 5½. No place, no date. To Severini. In
full: "Please send, within today, the portion of the opera La Fata Bianca [The White
Fairy] which has the tenor's role, to Mr. Curioni. All is well." Curioni was the Italian tenor,
Alberico Curioni.By the time he was 18, Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868) had written his
first opera. The Italian composer is best known for his comic opera, The Barber of Seville,
and his grand opera, William Tell, with its famous overture. The "Overture" to the four-act
William Tell became one of the most familiar of all operatic works when it was used to open the
radio and television show, The Lone Ranger. Guillame Tell was first performed in Paris in 1829.
The Italian composer, the leading representative of the Bel Canto School of Opera and one of
the last masters of opera buffa, spent his later years in Paris and his native Italy. Lightly stained,
lightly creased, with folds. Light ink transfer from a different letter. Ink smudging present on
some letters. Framed to an overall size of 32½ x 24½.
Both sign a contract for Fields' appearance in the play "J. P.
McEvoy's Comic Supplement". Not a standard form contract, this one has been
written with Fields in mind.
Contract signed: "Flo Ziegfeld", "W. C. Fields", 4 pages,
7¼x10½. Also initialed by both at a minor correction: "F.Z.", "W. C. F."
New Amsterdam Theatre, New York, N.Y., 1924 November 10. On Ziegfeld's
personal letterhead, Fields signs his acceptance of a commitment to appear in a
play bearing the temporary title "J. P. McEvoy's Comic Supplement," to be
produced on or before January 15, 1925. Fields is guaranteed top billing in the
play credits and all advertising, and will receive $1, 750 per week for the full
run of the play. He must attend five weeks of rehearsals without compensation.
Clause 5 is of special interest: "You agree to get in touch promptly
after the execution of this agreement with the author of this play, Mr.
McAvoy and to aid and facilitate him and co-operate with him in every matter to
the end that the parts to be assigned to you shall be adapted to your special
talents and ability. You agree to render such services without any
additional compensation." Red-nosed, gravel-voiced, bottle-hitting
American comedian W. C.
Letter to his mistress Carlotta, lambasting New York weather, music lovers, and his latest
movie, which he calls "an abortion." Fields signs ironically as "The Great Man." A vivid
example of Fields' view of the world!
Autograph Letter signed: "The G. Man", 3 pages, 8½x11. No place, no date, but mailing
envelope is postmarked postmarked April 13, 1939, with his handwritten return address of
"Bel Air, Cal". To "Dear Katrinka" [Carlotta Monti], in full: "Thanks for your letter which was
despondent indeed. N. Y. will make one so. I do not want to go all over these items, again, and
again, but I must divest myself of a few more - more weather pro[g]nostications. Spring in N.Y. is
most capricious. One day it will snow, and the next day it will be real warm. Warm sunshine will
greet you in the morning and a cold rain will follow within a few hours or vice versa. Therefore
you need a light coat and my suggestion would be no sweater. The brown overcoat I gave you is
ideal for an eastern spring coat. It is semi rain proof and will keep out the chill wind. However, I
am enclosing you a check for a hundred dollars for a light coat - in all probability you have the
coast in question here and haven't enough to send for it.…"Original self-caricatures drawn by these legendary comedians.
Collection comprised of 7 pieces of signed original artwork that includes:
1.) Original Artwork signed “George/Jessel”. 5x7. Fine condition. George Jessel
(1898-1981, born in New York City), who became known as the "Toastmaster General of
the United States" for his frequent role as Master of Ceremonies at entertainment and political
gatherings, appeared in vaudeville (he was a partner of Eddie Cantor at age 11) and on
Broadway before having a radio show, That's My Kid.
2.) Original Artwork signed “M. Kahn”. 5½ x 9. 2 horizontal creases, otherwise fine condition.
Operatically trained, Madeline Kahn (1942-1999) achieved her greatest successes in manic
comedy roles, earning Best Supporting Actress nominations for Paper Moon (1973) and
Blazing Saddles (1974). She garnered a Golden Globe nomination for her short-lived TV
sitcom, Oh, Madeline! (1983) and won a Tony for her performance in The Sisters Rosenzweig
(1992).
3.) Original Artwork signed “BETTE”. 5¼ x 8¼. Fine condition. Midler is a Grammy and
Emmy Award-winning singer, and stage and film actress known for her vibrant personality
on and offstage.Broadway Performers | Scorecards
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MICKEY ROONEY - SCORECARD SIGNED - HFSID 142480Scorecard signed by Mickey Rooney in pencil on the verso, featuring his name. Originating from the Lakeside Golf Club in Hollywood, California, this item commemorates the actor's extensive career spanning several decades.Price: $100.00
