GIACOMO PUCCINI - PHOTOGRAPH MOUNT SIGNED CIRCA 1918 - HFSID: 350572

The Italian composer signs this touching sentiment on a photograph mount. Photograph Mount inscribed and signed: "Alla bella & gentile Signorina / Marietta Stern, / ricordo / Giacomo Puccini / Roma Gen: 1918" Photograph of Puccini by Vuillemenot Montibone, 6½ x 8½, 11¾ x 17 photograph and mount overall. Puccini was in Rome preparing for the European debut, on January 11, 1919, of his opera, Il trittico. This was a trilogy of three one-act operas including Il tabarro, Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi. Photograph is creased and toned. Photograph mount creased. Framed to an overall size of 24½ x 27. Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), the greatest Italian opera composer of his time. He wrote a number of operas, including his three most famous works, La Bohème, Tosca and Madama Butterfly, while living at Torre Del Lago, the home he had purchased in 1891. Puccini and his family lived at Torre Del Lago until 1921, and the home became a museum after the death of Puccini's wife in 1930. Light partial postmark to the right of Puccini's head.

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RITCHIE VALENS - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID: 350533

Signed yearbook-style high school photo (2½x3½) Photograph signed:"Ritchie/Valens". B/w, 2½ x 3½. High school rocker Ritchie Valens signed this photo taken during his senior year. That school year, the 17-year-old named Richard Valenzuela was discovered by Del-Fi Records. Valens' first record, "Come On, Let's Go," became an overnight success in September 1958. The following February, the young singer-songwriter joined the Winter Dance Party Tour with Buddy Holley. During the Tour, their plane crashed (February 3, 1959), taking the lives of Holly, J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson, the pilot and Valens, whose hits would include "Donna" and "La Bamba". Lightly creased. Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 14¼ x 21¾.

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GEORGE GERSHWIN - DOCUMENT SIGNED 09/30/1936 WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 286059

GEORGE GERSHWIN - DOCUMENT SIGNED 09/30/1936 CO-SIGNED BY: IRA - HFSID 286059

Carbon Typed Document Signed: "George Gershwin" and "Ira Gershwin", 1p, 8½x13. Los Angeles, California, 1936 September 30. In part: "GEORGE GERSHWIN and IRA GERSHWIN each, being first duly sworn, deposes and says: That he is one of the parties to the written agreement dated July 29, 1936, executed by and between RKO STUDIOS, INC. and GEORGE GERSHWIN and IRA GERSHWIN, under the terms and conditions of which the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin are employed by the said RKO Studios, Inc. and under the terms and conditions of which the compensation payable to the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin is paid to them jointly, without any allocation between them. That under the terms and conditions of an agreement existing between the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin all compensation received by them pursuant to the terms and conditions of said contract, has been and will be divided and allocated between them in the ratio of sixty per cent (60%) to the said George Gershwin and forty per cent (40%) to the said Ira Gershwin…That this affidavit is made and delivered to the said RKO Studios, Inc.…"

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BUDDY HOLLY - ANNOTATED DOCUMENT SIGNED - HFSID: 350341

Tan notebook divider for his high school English class, on which he has written autograph notations and signed his name with the original spelling ("Holley"). Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by his niece. Signature: "Buddy Holley", 2 pages, 8x10, front and verso. Tan notebook divider hand-printed "English" on the tab by Holley (later misspelled by Decca Records as "Holly") while a student at Lubbock (Texas) High School. The future rock star has signed his name at the top of the sheet and has also written the following other names on the tab divider in a geometric shape: "Bob Montgomery, Donnie Tillery, 'Gallimore,' Tommy Weir, Bill Nolan, Kenney Stevenson, Gene Medley, Tommy Simmons, Arthur Gentry". On verso (the side on which the blue "English" tab is visible), Holly has printed: "Echo/McGuire" twice and drawn a doodle. He also wrote another name or word but crossed it out. Minor creases at the "B" and "y" of Buddy. 2 file holes at blank left margin. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Holly's niece, Cindy Weir, who notes that this tab-divider was "found enclosed in zip-up binder." Fine condition.

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J. P. "BIG BOPPER" RICHARDSON - AUTOGRAPH MUSICAL MANUSCRIPT UNSIGNED - HFSID: 350592

Working Manuscript for his song "Walking Thru My Dreams" which was released immediately after his death. Autograph Manuscript, not signed, 1p, 8x10½. Original working manuscript of his song "Walking Thru My Dreams". The song was released immediately after his death in a plane crash near Mason City, Iowa on February 3, 1959. The crash also killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. In full with misspellings: "Walking thru my Dreams/When I close my eyes/I cant fall a sleep/keep tossin & a turnin tumbling/a talking & a mumblin'/What to do/I start countin sheep/& end up countin kisses/Its you I always see/I want you close to me/keep dreaming about you/Walking thru my dreams/I see your lovely face/walking thru my dreams each nite/Walkin thru every place/but I only love you in my dreams & that/aint right./But who knows somday, dreams came/true it seems/So there in slumber land, I know ill hold/your hand/& we'll go walkin thru my dreams." This song was released on the flip side of the ballad "Someone Watching Over You". Some of the Big Bopper's best works were written during his many sleepless nights that he had often utilized for creative inspiration.

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JULES MASSENET - MUSICAL QUOTATION SIGNED 06/09/1887 - HFSID: 85659

Massenet handwrote, dated and signed this note with two bars of musical notation in Paris in 1887 Autograph musical quotation signed: "J. Massenet", in brown ink, 1p, 4½x7 (one sheet folded). To an unnamed recipient. In French, translated in full: "We will be there! Cou-nt on me!/ until Monday/ your affectionate/”. Paris, France, May 9, 1887. Massenet wrote two bars of music with lyrics (in French, not translated) on this note above his signature. French composer Jules Massenet (1842-1912) made his name with the comic opera Don César de Bazan (1872). Other operas followed, including The Virgin (1880), Manon (1884, considered by many to be his masterpiece), Le Cid (1885) and Werther (1892). In addition to his ambitious operas and orchestral works, Massenet wrote over 200 popular songs, many of them based on published poems. Lightly toned and creased. Random ink stains. Folded in half horizontally and unfolded. Otherwise, fine condition.…"

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EDVARD GRIEG - AUTOGRAPH MUSICAL QUOTATION SIGNED 1890 WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 285959

EDVARD GRIEG - AUTOGRAPH MUSICAL QUOTATION SIGNED 1890 CO-SIGNED BY: ERNESTINE - HFSID 285959

Both sign their names on this album leaf containing several bars of music drawn by Grieg Autograph Musical Quotation signed: "Edvard Grieg" 1p, 6x3½. Leipzig, 1891. Three bars of music labeled: "Andante" at top by EDVARD GRIEG (1843-1907). Grieg was a Norwegian composer and pianist who learned how to play at the age of six and went on the attend Leipzig Conservatory. His works include music for Ibsen's Peer Gynt (1876) as well as many choral, orchestral, and chamber pieces. On verso is an Autograph Note signed: "Schumann Heink" in German, New York, 1902 January. From the late 1880s to the early 1900s, the exceptional contralto voice of ERNESTINE SCHUMANN HEINK (1861-1936) was heard frequently at concerts and festivals throughout Europe. She was primarily known for her interpretations of Wagner and Strauss. In 1905, she took out U.S. naturalization papers. Her German-language recording of "Silent Night" earned sales for Victor Red Seal records unmatched by any other artist. When the U.S. entered World War I, Schumann-Heink put herself wholeheartedly behind the American war effort, promoting Liberty Bonds and entertaining troops, despite having a brother in command of an Austrian warship and a son in the German navy.

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THE BEATLES (PAUL McCARTNEY) - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID: 275359

The Beatles guitarist penned his signature on this Union Jack guitar after a 2006 concert in Columbus, Ohio. Not played or owned by Paul McCartney. Guitar Signed: "Paul McCartney" on the Union Jack pick guard. Squier Tele electric guitar by Fender, cream-colored body, with a red, white and blue pick guard patterned after the British flag. Accompanied by a black fabric, zippered carrying case with strap, and a letter of authenticity from the man who obtained the signature in person in October 2005, after a concert in Columbus, Ohio. Perhaps the most successful singer/composer in rock 'n roll history, Sir Paul McCartney (b. 1942) will always be remembered as a member of the Beatles, the band which took America by storm during its 1964 tour. The Beatles were one of many popular British bands part of the "British Invasion"; other bands who got major exposure in the United States include the Dave Clark Five, the Rolling Stones, and the Who. Before they broke up in 1970, the band released some of the greatest albums of all time, including three albums certified Diamond (at least 10x Platinum) by the RIAA: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), The Beatles (also known as The White Album, released in 1968), and Abbey Road (1969).

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THE BEATLES (JOHN LENNON) - COLLECTION WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 91358

THE BEATLES (JOHN LENNON) - COLLECTION WITH MAY - HFSID 91358

Framed Gallery of History 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".

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BUDDY HOLLY - AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT SIGNED - HFSID: 285871

His handwritten answers to an English test at Lubbock High School, 1953 Autograph Manuscript signed: "Buddy Holley", 1p, 8x10½. Lubbock (Texas), 1953 March 17. An English grammar test. Holly (original spelling "Holley") has headed the page, signing his name in the upper left and writing "English 22v (2)" beneath his name. At the upper right, he has penned "Lubbock High School" and the date "March 17, 1953". Headed: "Test" by Holly, the test had 40 questions; just the answers are written. Holly had to identify parts of speech ("adv", "noun", "pronoun", "conjunction") and types of sentences ("run-on", "phrase", "sub. clause"). Only one answer (the first) is marked wrong. Holly was graduated from Lubbock High School in 1955 and within a year was recording for Decca Records. He was an innovator who wrote his own material and was among the first to use such advanced studio techniques as double-tracking. Holly pioneered and popularized the now-standard rock-band lineup of two guitars, bass and drums. He began experimenting with orchestration shortly before his death in 1959. His first song recorded with the Crickets in 1957 was "That'll Be the Day". "Peggy Sue" followed.

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ANTONIN DVORAK - AUTOGRAPH MUSICAL QUOTATION SIGNED 03/26/1892 - HFSID: 348009

A signed autograph note on a postcard giving instructions to a music publisher in London. Addressed in his hand and mailed from Prague in 1892. Both sides of the postcard can be viewed in the frame! Autograph Note Signed with two musical quotes: "A. Dvorak" in English, 5½x3¾. On verso of stamped postcard addressed by Dvorak to: "Novello & Ewer/ 1 Berners Street/London", postmarked Prague, March 24, 1892. In full: "I have no objection to it, when the two bars notes the Viola [c note] page 291. 207 are to be omitted and given to the Cello [two bars, two notes]". Czech composer Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) is best known for his symphony in E minor, From the New World, composed in 1893. He is also noted for success in adapting folk music to serious romantic music. Dvorak was the Director of The National Conservatory of Music from 1892-1895. Note side is soiled, worn torn edges (all intact). Corners torn away affecting some writing and 1 musical quote. Address side is soiled and worn, edge flaws are framed over. Light stains. Framed in the Gallery of History style: 36¾x22¼.

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J. P. "BIG BOPPER" RICHARDSON - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID: 350527

Scarce photograph of the 1950s Rock 'N' Roller Rare Photograph inscribed and signed: "To / Reg - / Thanks / for the wonderful / hospitality / Big / Bopper". B/w, 6¾ x 8½. Publicity photograph by Van Dyck Studio, Beaumont (imprint at lower left edge). Ink lightly beaded (completely legible). Minor surface creases (most not evident head on) at background. Fine condition. Framed, not by the Gallery of History: 15¼x17¾. Not reviewed by us for conservation integrity. Mat has separated from frame, resulting in the photograph not being flush with glass. Frame is scratched and chipped, backing paper is torn at upper portion. "As is" framing. Jiles Perry Richardson (1930-1959) was a Texas disc jockey who called himself "The Big Bopper" after the latest dance craze, the bop. His song, "Chantilly Lace", which he wrote and sang, reached the "Top Ten" in 1958. In January 1959, The Big Bopper was booked on the Winter Dance Party tour that would cover most of the Midwest. The tour included such headliners as Buddy Holly, Dion and the Belmonts, Waylon Jennings and Ritchie Valens.

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GIOACCHINO A. ROSSINI - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID: 350542

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.

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GEORGE GERSHWIN - DOCUMENT SIGNED 09/30/1929 - HFSID: 286058

Typed Document Signed: "George Gershwin", 1p, 8x10. No place, 1929 November 1. Headed: "Victor Talking Machine Company/Statement of Royalty Due on Selections by/George Gershwin". The statement is titled: "Sold by the Victor Talking Machine Company for period ending Sept. 30, 1929". Two different records were sold: An American in Paris - Parts 1 and 2 (8331 copies), $83.31 royalty and An American in Paris - Parts 3 and 4 (8327 copies), $83.27 royalty. Total: $166.58 royalty. Gershwin was paid royalties of a penny per copy! He has signed beneath this statement: "I accept the above statement of my royalty account for records of my performance in accordance with my contract dated March 13, 1929 and acknowledge the receipt of the amount for the period shown on said statement in full and final settlement of said account." An American in Paris, inspired by Gershwin's time spent in the French capital, was a groundbreaking symphonic composition that evoked the energy and tone of that city during the 1920s, complete with the sounds of authentic, European-style automobile horns! The recording was made by the Victor Talking Machine Company just a few weeks after its December, 1928 premiere.

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THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS - PROMISSORY NOTE SIGNED 12/01/1966 WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 350318

THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS - PROMISSORY NOTE SIGNED 12/01/1966 CO-SIGNED BY: CASS - HFSID 350318

Promissory note in the amount of $20,000 signed by all four members. Promissory note signed “J. Phillips”, “Michelle Phillips”, “Dennis Doherty” and “Cass Elliot”. 1p, 8x9. No place, December 1, 1966. In part: “FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned do severally and jointly promise to pay to Dunhill Records Ltd., or order, at the office of Dunhill Records Ltd. At 1330 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, 10019, or at such other place as may be designated in writing by the holder of this note, the principal sum of Twenty Thousand ($20,000.) Dollars together with interest on the principal sum accruing from the date hereof at the rate of six (6%) percent per annum, said payment to be made on demand provided that no demand shall be made prior to May 31, 1967.” The Mamas and the Papas, who were formed in New York in 1964 and disbanded in 1972, created a Grammy Award-winning hit, "Monday, Monday" (1966). Their other hits included "California Dreamin'" and "Dedicated to the One I Love". CASS ELLIOT was only 30 when she died of a heart attack in London in 1974. JOHN PHILLIPS was 65 when he died in 2001 of heart failure. DENNIS "DENNY" DOHERTY died in 2007 at age 66.

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Music | Guitars

THE BEATLES (PAUL McCARTNEY) - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 275359

The Beatles guitarist penned his signature on this Union Jack guitar after a 2006 concert in Columbus, Ohio. Not played or owned by Paul McCartney. Guitar Signed: "Paul McCartney" on the Union Jack pick guard.

Sale Price $10,200.00

$12,000.00
CHUCK BERRY - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 286758

Fender electric guitar, signed by Berry on the pick guard Guitar signed: "Chuck Berry [drawn smiley face]". Fender brand electric guitar with brown body and cream-colored neck, signed in blue sharpie on the white pick guard. Fitting carrying back included.

Sale Price $1,530.00

$1,800.00
CHUCK BERRY - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 286913

Electric guitar with carrying case bearing his name, signed in blue felt tip on the pick guard Guitar signed: "Chuck Berry ". Electric guitar with brown body and cream-colored neck, signed in blue sharpie on the white pick guard.

Sale Price $1,530.00

$1,800.00
CHUCK BERRY - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 286952

Electric guitar signed by Berry with black sharpie on the pick guard Guitar signed: "Chuck Berry ". Electric guitar with black body and cream-colored neck, signed in black sharpie on the white pick guard.

Sale Price $1,530.00

$1,800.00
GLEN CAMPBELL - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 285495

His signature in silver felt tip on an acoustic guitar bearing his name and image Guitar signed: "Glen/Campbell". Acoustic guitar with natural finish and airbrushed name and image of the country star on the body. Signed by Campbell in silver felt tip on the pick guard.

Sale Price $1,190.00

$1,400.00
RICHIE HAVENS - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 276682

His career took off after his Woodstock performance. Guitar signed: "a friend/forever/Richie/Havens". Wood-finish, six-string acoustic guitar, signed in silver ink on black pick guard.

Sale Price $1,020.00

$1,200.00
BARRY MANILOW - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 274863

The Grammy-winning artist signs a Laurel Stratocaster electric guitar! Guitar signed: "Barry Manilow". Black-bodied Laurel Stratocaster electric guitar, signed on the white pick guard in blue felt tip.

Sale Price $1,020.00

$1,200.00
BARRY MANILOW - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 275034

Guitar signed: "Barry Manilow" on pick guard. California electric six-string guitar. Natural-colored wood bridge. Black body has piano key design; blue stickers spell out "Barry Manilow" above black and white design.

Sale Price $1,020.00

$1,200.00
BARRY MANILOW - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 275289

The Grammy- and Emmy- winning singer/composer signs an acoustic guitar. Guitar signed: "Barry Manilow". Wood-finished Crescent six-string acoustic guitar, in blue fabric carrying case with strap. Signed on the body in blue felt tip.

Sale Price $1,020.00

$1,200.00
MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS (MARTHA REEVES) - GUITAR SIGNED WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 272577

Guitar signed: "Heat Wave/Rock & RollHall/of Fame '95/Martha Reeves" and "My Baby/Loves Me/Rock & Roll/Hall of Fame/Lois/Vandellas". Wood-grained, six-string acoustic guitar, signed on the body in blue felt tip.

Sale Price $1,020.00

$1,200.00
THE MONKEES - GUITAR SIGNED WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 280225

: This guitar is a wonderful piece of rock and TV nostalgia. It's a blue Stratocaster with beige pick guard and "The Monkees" logo, signed by three of the band: Davy Jones, Mickey Dolenz and Peter Tork.

Sale Price $1,530.00

$1,800.00
WILLIE NELSON - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 268456

He pens his signature on this guitar showing his portrait! Guitar signed: "W. Nelson." "Fender Stratocaster" -style electric guitar, 39½x12¾, with Nelson's portrait airbrushed onto the body. Willie Nelson (b.

Sale Price $1,360.00

$1,600.00
JAMES TAYLOR - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 275291

The 4x Grammy-winning singer/songwriter signs a guitar. Guitar signed: "James Taylor". Wood-finish Crescent six-string acoustic guitar, signed in silver felt tip on the black pick guard. Comes with blue fabric carrying case with strap.

Sale Price $1,530.00

$1,800.00
THE (YOUNG) RASCALS - GUITAR SIGNED WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 280218

This guitar is a great piece of 1960s rock history. It's a New York Pro Telecaster-style electric guitar signed by four members of the Young Rascals.

Sale Price $935.00

$1,100.00
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER - GUITAR SIGNED - HFSID 275292

The most successful stage composer of his generation signs a Phantom-themed guitar. Guitar signed: "Andrew L Webber". Black-bodied "California" six-string electric guitar with white pick guard and white "Phantom of the Opera" mask on body. Signed on pick guard with blue felt tip.

Sale Price $850.00

$1,000.00