His handwritten March 1783 letter as Governor of Massachusetts, instructing a
garrison commander to forbid a ship full of Tories to disembark, requiring them
to sail instead for New York (still in British hands)
Autograph Letter, unsigned, 1 page, 7¾x12. Written as Governor. Boston,
Massachusetts, 1783 March 27. To William Gordon, Commander of the Garrison
in Dartmouth. In full: "I have this moment received your Letter by
Express, giving information of the arrival of a Flag with a Number of Persons on
board who were desirous of remaining some time at Dartmouth. I have laid the
state of this Flag before the Council, & in consequence of their advice you
are hereby Directed upon no pretense whatever, to suffer any of the Persons or
any of the Effects brought in the Flag to be Landed at Dartmouth, or in any
other place, but that you give immediate Directions for the Departure of the
Flag with the Persons, & their effects to New York, and that after the
Receipt of this Letter you make a point of Embracing the first fair wind to put
her under Sail for New York, as no circumstance can possibly induce me to
Deviate from this order. I am Sir your very humble servant.…"
The famous lock inventory writes a letter to his wife, complete with printed drawings of
some of his locks.
Autograph Letter signed: "Linus," (and "Linus Yale Jr." on verso) 1¼ p, 3½ x 8. Johnson's
Hotel, 1856 January 9. The inventor of the cylinder lock and combination lock writes to
his wife, Kate. In full: "Here I am at Johnson's Hotel 9 o'clock Wednesday evening. Got
along tolerably well on the only train through from Philad. Left at 2 P.M.- Found the
MS. and brot (sic) it on asked John to send the note which accompanies it out to you.
Did you get it? What do you think of the modification? Don't it show the way the
wind blows? I think it is clear he thinks well of it or is at least anxious it should not come
to N. York but I shall take it up to the Founders and try. I had much rather they would
publish it. I am sorry we can not push it although it will by management go without. Got
orders from Hull & Dodds for two more locks. Oseur is not in yet so don't know what is
the news. My appointment with the Bank of Commerce is for tomorrow. Hope to
succeed. Morris thinks it's a good idea to keep Remington in the business. Love to
Children and much love to you always.…"
Rare handwritten note to his son saying "keep steady to your
business and all will go right and straight"
Autograph Note signed: "HD" and "H Deringer" in
his hand as part of his son's name in the address, 2p, 7¼x9¾, front and verso.
No place, no date, but circa 1833. Postscript written on verso of an address
leaf addressed in his hand to his son: "John H Deringer Esq/Tioga
Village/Tioga County/Penna". In full: "P.S. I am pleased to hear
that you have commenced selling goods and that you are coming on so well, keep
steady to your business and all will go right and straight." Ink note
(unknown hand) on address side: "Henry Derringer [sic]/1833". Henry Deringer
(1786-1868) invented the short barreled, heavy caliber pocket pistol that
still bears his name. (The pistol type is spelled "Derringer"; only those of
his manufacture are spelled with the single "r".) The popular weapon, easily
concealable but packing a wallop, was "the weapon of choice of riverboat
gamblers". John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Lincoln with an
original Deringer. Deringer autographs are rare. Mailing fold at the
"HD". Fragile. Moderately soiled, light show through of ink. Sporadically
stained.
Amazing collection from the founders of the great “Express” companies.
Comprises (1) Partly Printed Check endorsed: "Alvin Adams" on verso, 7½ x 3. San
Francisco, California, 1877 August 14. Wells Fargo & Company check, payable to Alvin
Adams for $46.10. Secretary Signed: "William G. Fargo" on front. (windowed to show
both sides of certificate) Lightly soiled. Fine condition. (2) Stock Certificate signed: "Henry
Wells" as President, "Alexander Holland" as Treasurer and "Jas. C. Fargo" as Secretary of
the American Express Company, 1p, 11¾ x 8. New York, 1866 May 28. Issue of 18,000
shares of Capital Stock; each share was worth $100. Certificate No. 661, certifying "that R. A.
Porter of Keenu New Hampshire is entitled to One Share in the American Express
Company...." On verso, the certificate has been transferred on June 28, 1866, the date of its
issue (windowed to show both sides of certificate). Lightly creased. Light show through of
revenue stamp affixed to verso. Fine condition. (3) Stock Certificate signed: "Wm G. Fargo"
as President, "E.P. Ross" as Treasurer and "J.N.…"
Beautifully framed display of a Marconi signed NAWA certification.
Partly Printed DS: "G Marconi" 1p, 10¼ x 8. National Amateur Wireless Association
certification to James P. Buxton. Expiration date October 1922. Marconi (1874-1937) carried
out successful experiments with wireless telegraphy near Bologna, Italy in 1895. Two years
later, he erected a wireless station at La Spezia at the invitation of the Italian government. In
1898, Marconi established communications across the English Channel between England and
France. He was awarded the 1909 Nobel Prize in Physics in recognition of his "contribution
to the development of wireless telegraphy". In 1914, Marconi was appointed a Senator in
Rome. While in England in 1924, Marconi signed contracts with the British Postal
service to set up radio communication with all parts of British Commonwealth. Toned,
creased and stains throughout. Framed to an overall size of 19½ x 29½. Frame exhibits
wearing at corners. Left knob was cracked and repaired.
Stock certificate signed by company founder Rockefeller, not long after the oil giant
became a trust.
Stock Certificate signed: "J.D. Rockefeller" as President, "H M Flagler" as Secretary and
"J A Bostwick" as Treasurer of the Standard Oil Trust, 1p, 11½x7¼ with 4¼x7¼ receipt
portion attached at left. New York, 1883 October 13. Certifying that "Frank Edward Bliss is
entitled to Fifty Shares in the equity to the property held by the Trustees of the Standard
Oil Trust...." Each share was valued at $100. On verso, this certificate was transferred
on June 25, 1891 by "Frank Edward Bliss/per Elijah Bliss Atty". Witnessed: "George R.
Blair". The Standard Oil Trust, created in January 1882, placed all stocks and
properties of over a dozen oil companies (including JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER's
Standard Oil Company of Ohio) into a trust, of which Rockefeller owned over a third of
the combined holdings, under the control of nine trustees. The trust was dissolved by
court decree in 1892.
Planning to buy insurance from his older brother Raymond, Walt signs an application
for a life insurance policy (also signed by Raymond). Framed by the Gallery of History
with an unsigned picture of Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse.
Partly Printed DS: "Walter E. Disney", "Geo. E. Morris" as Secretary of Walt Disney
Productions and "Raymond A. Disney" as Soliciting Agent, 1 page, 9 x 13¾. Framed to
overall size of 33¼ x 22¾. No place (probably Los Angeles), no date (c. 1938-1943, the
tenure of Morris). "Application for Insurance in/Connecticut General Life Insurance Company".
Other than the signatures, the application has not been filled out. Walter Elias Disney took out
insurance policies as he became more successful with Walt Disney Productions. Disney
Productions developed in the 1930s. Disney would use his insurance policies as collateral to
raise cash in 1952 in order to plan and build Disneyland (1955). Walt purchased his policies
from his older brother, Raymond. Raymond had left home when he was 17 and eventually
started an insurance agency in Chicago. Walt and brother Roy, who was Walt's partner in the
production company, saw an influx of Disney relatives -- Ray moved his agency from Chicago
to Los Angeles.
This extraordinary letter was handwritten, signed and dated by Barnum. It's written on
unique letterhead that incorporates a flyer from his Gallery of American Beauty and
talks about his financial woes and about Charles Stratton - better known as General
Tom Thumb, one of Barnum's biggest attractions.
Autograph letter signed "P.T. Barnum". 1 page, Barnum's American Museum, New York,
February 28, 1856. To Messrs H.B. Curtis & Scribner. The letterhead that this was
written on is unusual and increases this piece's interest. It was written on letterhead from
Barnum's American Museum, New York. The right side, which is overall 4¾ x 7½ has a 3½ x
7½ blank area for writing and a left margin promoting Barnum's subsidiary enterprises. The
integral leaf at left is a handbill promoting Barnum's "The Gallery of American
Beauty,/One Hundred Premiums presented to the Handsomest Women In America!"
In full: "As I am in debt to you for professional services I send you by Express my
account books which I assign to you. I trust in the course of time you will be able to
collect something handsome & if you do not obtain sufficient to pay what I owe you, I
still hope to be able to pay the balance.…"Planning to buy insurance from his older brother Raymond, Walt signs an application
for a life insurance policy (also signed by Raymond). Framed by the Gallery of History
with an unsigned picture of Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse.
Partly Printed DS: "Walter E. Disney", "Geo. E. Morris" as Secretary of Walt Disney
Productions and "Raymond A. Disney" as Soliciting Agent, 1 page, 9 x 13¾. Framed to
overall size of 33¼ x 22¾. No place (probably Los Angeles), no date (c. 1938-1943, the
tenure of Morris). "Application for Insurance in/Connecticut General Life Insurance Company".
Other than the signatures, the application has not been filled out. Walter Elias Disney took out
insurance policies as he became more successful with Walt Disney Productions. Disney
Productions developed in the 1930s. Disney would use his insurance policies as collateral to
raise cash in 1952 in order to plan and build Disneyland (1955). Walt purchased his policies
from his older brother, Raymond. Raymond had left home when he was 17 and eventually
started an insurance agency in Chicago. Walt and brother Roy, who was Walt's partner in the
production company, saw an influx of Disney relatives -- Ray moved his agency from Chicago
to Los Angeles.Stock certificate signed by company founder Rockefeller, not long after the oil giant
became a trust.
Stock Certificate signed: "J.D. Rockefeller" as President, "H M Flagler" as Secretary and
"J A Bostwick" as Treasurer of the Standard Oil Trust, 1p, 11½x7¼ with 4¼x7¼ receipt
portion attached at left. New York, 1883 October 13. Certifying that "Frank Edward Bliss is
entitled to Fifty Shares in the equity to the property held by the Trustees of the Standard
Oil Trust...." Each share was valued at $100. On verso, this certificate was transferred
on June 25, 1891 by "Frank Edward Bliss/per Elijah Bliss Atty". Witnessed: "George R.
Blair". The Standard Oil Trust, created in January 1882, placed all stocks and
properties of over a dozen oil companies (including JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER's
Standard Oil Company of Ohio) into a trust, of which Rockefeller owned over a third of
the combined holdings, under the control of nine trustees. The trust was dissolved by
court decree in 1892.Amazing collection from the founders of the great “Express” companies.
Comprises (1) Partly Printed Check endorsed: "Alvin Adams" on verso, 7½ x 3. San
Francisco, California, 1877 August 14. Wells Fargo & Company check, payable to Alvin
Adams for $46.10. Secretary Signed: "William G. Fargo" on front. (windowed to show
both sides of certificate) Lightly soiled. Fine condition. (2) Stock Certificate signed: "Henry
Wells" as President, "Alexander Holland" as Treasurer and "Jas. C. Fargo" as Secretary of
the American Express Company, 1p, 11¾ x 8. New York, 1866 May 28. Issue of 18,000
shares of Capital Stock; each share was worth $100. Certificate No. 661, certifying "that R. A.
Porter of Keenu New Hampshire is entitled to One Share in the American Express
Company...." On verso, the certificate has been transferred on June 28, 1866, the date of its
issue (windowed to show both sides of certificate). Lightly creased. Light show through of
revenue stamp affixed to verso. Fine condition. (3) Stock Certificate signed: "Wm G. Fargo"
as President, "E.P. Ross" as Treasurer and "J.N.…"
Signed, handwritten letter to telegraphic expert Robert Sabine (1868), insisting that he
be given journal space to refute "Hamel's calumnious paper read before the Society of
Arts".
ALS: "Saml F.B. Morse, 3 pages, 5x8. Po'keepsie, N.York, 1868 August 8. The inventor
of the Morse Code who established a telegraph line between Washington, D.C., and
Baltimore in 1844 writes to Robert Sabine, Westminster, London. In full: "I began a letter
to you on the 18th July in reply to your valuable letter of the 18th of June. I have had so
many interruptions since my return that I must defer its completion, until I have finished
by Report as Commissioner for my Government. I write now simply to acknowledge your
kindness and to thank you for your courtesy, and to promise you at no very distant day
the finished letter on Hamel's calumnious paper read before the Society of Arts. The part
in which he refers to me, requires a thorough exposure. I do not ask to have it published
entire, but I do ask that it be read to the Society, and that it be recorded in their
proceedings, with such remarks of their own as their sense of justice may prompt after a
proper examination of the case.
TLS: "R.J. Gatling", 1p, 8½x11½. Hartford, Conn.,
1885 April 14. As President, on stationery of The Gatling Gun Company. To Colt's Patent
Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, Hartford. In full: "The Chief of Ordnance, State of
New York, advises us that he has sent two Gatling Guns here for repairs, and that if
anything is needed in the way of appendages or spare parts, that he be furnished with a
list of the same, before he gives the order for them. As soon as the guns are received,
please put them in good working order, and furnish us with a list of the articles required
as above." Exactly 20 years before this letter was written, John Wilkes Booth shot President
Lincoln with a Derringer pistol. Twelve days later, U.S. Cavalry Sgt. Boston Corbett shot
Booth with a Colt revolver. By the 1850s, Richard J. Gatling (1818-1903) had become
wealthy from agricultural inventions such as machines for sowing rice and wheat. He is best
known for inventing the rapid-fire Gatling gun, the first practical machine gun,
patented in 1862, the year The Gatling Gun Company was founded in Indianapolis.Amazing collection from the founders of the great “Express” companies.
Comprises (1) Partly Printed Check endorsed: "Alvin Adams" on verso, 7½ x 3. San
Francisco, California, 1877 August 14. Wells Fargo & Company check, payable to Alvin
Adams for $46.10. Secretary Signed: "William G. Fargo" on front. (windowed to show
both sides of certificate) Lightly soiled. Fine condition. (2) Stock Certificate signed: "Henry
Wells" as President, "Alexander Holland" as Treasurer and "Jas. C. Fargo" as Secretary of
the American Express Company, 1p, 11¾ x 8. New York, 1866 May 28. Issue of 18,000
shares of Capital Stock; each share was worth $100. Certificate No. 661, certifying "that R. A.
Porter of Keenu New Hampshire is entitled to One Share in the American Express
Company...." On verso, the certificate has been transferred on June 28, 1866, the date of its
issue (windowed to show both sides of certificate). Lightly creased. Light show through of
revenue stamp affixed to verso. Fine condition. (3) Stock Certificate signed: "Wm G. Fargo"
as President, "E.P. Ross" as Treasurer and "J.N.…"
The developer of the internal-combustion machine that uses oil as a fuel writes to a
grieving acquaintance.
Rare ALS: "Diesel," 2pp, 3¾x5½, separate sheets. Haus Diesel, 1909 April 14. In German
with English translation to Dr. Bloch. In full: "I did not completely understand your
telephone message yesterday and that you were personally grieved; and only today I
learned about the facts. I ask you to accept my expression of heartfelt sympathy. I would
have expressed the same to you yesterday at the cemetery if I had been informed." Diesel
patented his engine in 1892. Diesel engines are less smooth-running, heavier, and initially
more expensive than gasoline engines but make more efficient use of cheaper fuel. They are
widely used in ships, heavy vehicles, power installations and in passenger cars. Diesel signed
material is rare in any form. Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 35¼x20.Business & Finance | Helmets
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BART STARR - MINIATURE HELMET SIGNED - HFSID 291344The MVP of Super Bowl I and II signs a Riddell Green Bay Packers Mini-Helmet. Mini-Helmet signed: "Bart Starr" on a Riddell Green Bay Packers Mini-Helmet, with "Hall of Fame '77" painted on the top.Price: $600.00
