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Fine Books & Manuscripts

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  • Armstrong, Neil (1930-2012) Typed Letter Signed, 7 May 1979, with Additional Material.
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $2,500
    Lot 1

    Armstrong, Neil (1930-2012) Typed Letter Signed, 7 May ...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $2,500
  • Arnold, Henry Harley "Hap" (1886-1950) Signed General Pass to the Quebec Conference, August 1943.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 2

    Arnold, Henry Harley "Hap" (1886-1950) Signed General P...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Artists and Illustrators, Signed Correspondence and Sketches, Three Pieces.
    Estimate
    $450 - $650
    Lot 3

    Artists and Illustrators, Signed Correspondence and Ske...

    Est.
    $450 - $650
  • Autographs and Signed Material.
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 4

    Autographs and Signed Material.

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Balloon Mail, France, 21 October 1870, Par Ballon Monté.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 5

    Balloon Mail, France, 21 October 1870, Par Ballon Monté...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Barbé-Marbois, François (1745-1837) Letter Signed, 7 September 1803.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 6

    Barbé-Marbois, François (1745-1837) Letter Signed, 7 Se...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Briggs, Caroline Louise (b. circa 1875) Archive of Photographs, Including a Group from Brown University, c. 1899.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 7

    Briggs, Caroline Louise (b. circa 1875) Archive of Phot...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • British Authors, Five Signed Pieces.
    Estimate
    $750 - $850
    Lot 8

    British Authors, Five Signed Pieces.

    Est.
    $750 - $850
  • Browning, Elizabeth Barrett (1806-1861) The Island,   Original Holograph Manuscript Leaf, [pre-1838.]
    Estimate
    $12,000 - $18,000
    Lot 9

    Browning, Elizabeth Barrett (1806-1861) The Island, Ori...

    Est.
    $12,000 - $18,000
  • California Pictorial Letter Sheet, Tremendous Conflagration of Columbia, July 10th 1854.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,000
    Lot 10

    California Pictorial Letter Sheet, Tremendous Conflagra...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,000
  • Carte-de-Visite of Enslaved Man with Whipping Scars, Escaped Slave Known as Gordon or Peter.
    Estimate
    $6,000 - $8,000
    Lot 11

    Carte-de-Visite of Enslaved Man with Whipping Scars, Es...

    Est.
    $6,000 - $8,000
  • Chaffee, Roger Bruce (1935-1967) Childhood Book with Signature.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 12

    Chaffee, Roger Bruce (1935-1967) Childhood Book with Si...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Churchill, Winston (1874-1965), Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), and Others. Signed Menu from the Atlantic Conference, 9 August 1
    Estimate
    $20,000 - $25,000
    Lot 13

    Churchill, Winston (1874-1965), Franklin Delano Rooseve...

    Est.
    $20,000 - $25,000
  • Clinton, DeWitt (1769-1828) Autograph Letter Signed, 22 March 1815.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 14

    Clinton, DeWitt (1769-1828) Autograph Letter Signed, 22...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Collection of Ships' Papers and Related Documents 18th and 19th Century.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 15

    Collection of Ships' Papers and Related Documents 18th ...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Coolidge, John Calvin Jr. (1872-1933) Signed School Notebook, c. 1890
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 16

    Coolidge, John Calvin Jr. (1872-1933) Signed School Not...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Crawford, William H. (b. about 1815) Autograph Letter Signed, 9 April 1846.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 17

    Crawford, William H. (b. about 1815) Autograph Letter S...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Darwin, Charles Robert (1809-1882) Partial Legal Document Signed, 27 November 1855.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 18

    Darwin, Charles Robert (1809-1882) Partial Legal Docume...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • David, Jacques-Louis (1748-1825) Autograph Letter Signed, undated.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 19

    David, Jacques-Louis (1748-1825) Autograph Letter Signe...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Declaration of Independence and Portraits of the Presidents
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 20

    Declaration of Independence and Portraits of the Presid...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Dickens, Charles (1812-1870) Autograph Letter Signed, 26 March 1844.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 21

    Dickens, Charles (1812-1870) Autograph Letter Signed, 2...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan (1859-1930) Autograph Postcard Signed, 27 February 1928.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 22

    Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan (1859-1930) Autograph Postcard ...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Dufy, Raoul (1877-1953) Signed Receipt, Paris, 11 December 1921.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 23

    Dufy, Raoul (1877-1953) Signed Receipt, Paris, 11 Decem...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Early Boston, Massachusetts Documents: 1692 and 1771.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 24

    Early Boston, Massachusetts Documents: 1692 and 1771.

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Edison, Thomas Alva (1847-1931) Signed Portrait.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,000
    Lot 25

    Edison, Thomas Alva (1847-1931) Signed Portrait.

    Est.
    $800 - $1,000
  • Elizabeth I, Queen of England (1533-1603) Clipped Signature.
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 26

    Elizabeth I, Queen of England (1533-1603) Clipped Signa...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Faraday, Michael (1791-1867) Autograph Letter Signed, Edinburgh, 28 July 1847 [or 1867].
    Estimate
    $350 - $550
    Lot 27

    Faraday, Michael (1791-1867) Autograph Letter Signed, E...

    Est.
    $350 - $550
  • Ferdinand V, King of Spain (1452-1516) Document Signed, January 1515.
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 28

    Ferdinand V, King of Spain (1452-1516) Document Signed,...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Gragg, Samuel (1772-1855) Archive of Documents Related to Gragg and his Descendants.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 29

    Gragg, Samuel (1772-1855) Archive of Documents Related ...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Hancock, John (1737-1792) Document Signed, Boston, 18 January 1792.
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 30

    Hancock, John (1737-1792) Document Signed, Boston, 18 J...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Hancock, John (1737-1793) Signed Document Fragment.
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 31

    Hancock, John (1737-1793) Signed Document Fragment.

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Hemingway, Ernest Miller (1899-1961) Signed Check, 24 December 1954.
    Estimate
    $900 - $1,200
    Lot 32

    Hemingway, Ernest Miller (1899-1961) Signed Check, 24 D...

    Est.
    $900 - $1,200
  • Holmes, Oliver Wendell, Senior (1809-1894) Signed Poetry Transcription, 27 April 1868.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 33

    Holmes, Oliver Wendell, Senior (1809-1894) Signed Poetr...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Holmes, Oliver Wendell, Senior (1809-1894) Signed Poetry Transcription, 5 April 1890.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 34

    Holmes, Oliver Wendell, Senior (1809-1894) Signed Poetr...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Houdini, Harry (1874-1926) Signed Society of American Magicians Card, c. 1919.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 35

    Houdini, Harry (1874-1926) Signed Society of American M...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Howe, Richard, Viscount (1729-1814) By Richard Viscount Howe of the Kingdom of Ireland, and William Howe, Esq; General of the King's C
    Estimate
    $8,000 - $10,000
    Lot 36

    Howe, Richard, Viscount (1729-1814) By Richard Viscount...

    Est.
    $8,000 - $10,000
  • Hugo, Victor (1802-1885) Autograph Letter Signed, 18 June 1874.
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 37

    Hugo, Victor (1802-1885) Autograph Letter Signed, 18 Ju...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Indenture, Savannah, Georgia, 13 August 1773.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 38

    Indenture, Savannah, Georgia, 13 August 1773.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Isabella, Queen of Spain (1451-1504) Document Signed, December 1501.
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 39

    Isabella, Queen of Spain (1451-1504) Document Signed, D...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Johnson, Andrew (1808-1875) Signed Military Commission, 1867.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 40

    Johnson, Andrew (1808-1875) Signed Military Commission,...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Jones, Anson (1798-1858) Document Signed, Texas Land Deed, 14 February 1845.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 41

    Jones, Anson (1798-1858) Document Signed, Texas Land De...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Keller, Helen (1880-1968) Signed Photo of the Augustus Vincent Tack (1870-1949) Oil Portrait.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 42

    Keller, Helen (1880-1968) Signed Photo of the Augustus ...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Kelvin, Lord William Thomson (1824-1907) Autograph Letter Signed, 15 October 1900.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 43

    Kelvin, Lord William Thomson (1824-1907) Autograph Lett...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963) Academic Hood Worn During Harvard Commencement, 14 June 1956.
    Estimate
    $6,000 - $8,000
    Lot 44

    Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963) Academic Hood Worn...

    Est.
    $6,000 - $8,000
  • Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963) and Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) Approximately 210 Slides.
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 45

    Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963) and Lyndon B. John...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963) Harvard Commencement Address with Handwritten Notes, 14 June 1956.
    Estimate
    $6,000 - $8,000
    Lot 46

    Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963) Harvard Commenceme...

    Est.
    $6,000 - $8,000
  • Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963) Springfield College Commencement Address Notes, Academic Hood, and Mortarboard,   10 June 1956.
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Lot 47

    Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963) Springfield Colleg...

    Est.
    $4,000 - $6,000
  • Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963) Typed Boston College Commencement Address with Handwritten Notes; and Academic Hood, 13 June 1956.
    Estimate
    $7,000 - $9,000
    Lot 48

    Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963) Typed Boston Colle...

    Est.
    $7,000 - $9,000

Auction Description

Fine Books & Manuscripts by Bonhams Skinner

Skinner’s November Fine Books & Manuscripts auction will feature over four hundred lots of historical and literary documents, fine and rare books, prints, and maps. The auction includes many rarities and finds that collectors and dealers prize and covet. The sale coincides with the 39th Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair at the Hynes Convention Center, which runs during the weekend of November 13-15.

Preview Times
November 12, 12PM–5PM
November 13, 10AM–7PM
November 14, 10AM–4PM
November 15, 9AM–10:30AM

Contact Us
508-970-3293
books@skinnerinc.com

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Bonhams Skinner
Boston, MA 02116
United States

bidsquare@bonhamsskinner.com

Phone:+16173505400

Buyer’s Premium

Start Premium (%)
$0 25.00

Bid Increments

Start Increments ($)
$0 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$300,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
$1,000,000 $100,000

Shipping Info

Please visit http://www.skinnerinc.com/services/payment-and-shipping/ for information regarding the collection of items purchased at auction. 

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Terms & Conditions

1. Some of the lots in this sale are offered subject to a reserve. The reserve is a confidential minimum price agreed upon by the consignor and Skinner, Inc. below which the lot will not be sold. In most cases, the reserve will be set below the estimated range, but in no case will it exceed the estimates listed. A representative of Skinner, Inc. will execute such reserves by bidding for the consignor. In any event and whether or not a lot is subject to a reserve, the auctioneer may reject any bid or raise not commensurate with the value of such lot.

2. All property is sold “as is,” and neither the auctioneer nor any consignor makes any warranties or representation of any kind or nature with respect to the property, and in no event shall they be responsible for the correctness, nor deemed to have made any representation or warranty, of description, genuineness, authorship, attribution, provenance, period, culture, source, origin, or condition of the property and no statement made at the sale, or in the bill of sale, or invoice or elsewhere shall be deemed such a warranty of representation or an assumption of liability.

3. Except as provided in paragraph 1 above, the highest bidder as determined by the auctioneer shall be the purchaser. In the case of a disputed bid, the auctioneer shall have sole discretion in determining the purchaser and may also, at his or her election, withdraw the lot or reoffer the lot for sale. The auctioneer shall have sole discretion to refuse any bid, or refuse to acknowledge any bidder. Any bidder that plans on spending in excess of $100,000 should make arrangements with the accounting department at least five (5) days in advance of the sale, as a deposit may be required to participate.

4. All merchandise purchased must be paid for and removed from the premises the day of the auction. Skinner Inc. may impose, and the purchaser agrees to pay, a monthly interest charge of 1.5% of the purchase price of any lot or item lot not paid for within thirty-five (35) days of the date of sale. Skinner, Inc. shall have no liability for any damage or loss to property left on its premises for more than three (3) days from the date of sale. If any property has not been removed within three (3) days from the date of sale, at the option of Skinner, Inc. (a) Skinner Inc., may impose, and the purchaser agrees to pay, a monthly storage charge of 1.5% of the purchase price of any lot or portion of a lot not removed within the three days, and/or (b) Skinner Inc. may place the merchandise in a subsequent auction, without Reserve, to be sold to the highest bidder, and after deducting the standard commission and any additional charges that may apply, remit the proceeds to the purchaser.

5. Skinner accepts cash or check for payment. Personal checks will be acceptable only if credit has been established with Skinner, Inc. or if a bank authorization has been received guaranteeing a personal check. Skinner, Inc. reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank. The purchaser agrees to pay Skinner, Inc. a handling charge of $25.00 for any check dishonored by the drawee. Please contact Accounting for additional payment methods. Skinner does not accept payment by credit card for merchandise purchases.

6. If the purchaser breaches any of its obligations under these Conditions of Sale, including its obligation to pay in full the purchase price of all items for which it was the highest successful bidder, Skinner Inc. may exercise all of its rights and remedies under the law including, without limitation, (a) canceling the sale and applying any payments made by the purchaser to the damages caused by the purchaser’s breach, and/or (b) offering at public auction, without reserve, any lot or item for which the purchaser has breached any of its obligations, including its obligation to pay in full the purchase price, holding the purchaser liable for any deficiency plus all costs of sale.

7. In no event will the liability of Skinner, Inc. to any purchaser with respect to any item exceed the purchase price actually paid by such purchaser for such item.

8. Shipping is the responsibility of the purchaser. Upon request, our staff will provide the list of shippers who deliver to destinations within the United States and overseas. Some property that is sold at auction can be subject to laws governing export from the U.S., such as items that include material from some endangered species. Import restrictions from foreign countries are subject to these same governing laws. Granting of licensing for import or export of goods from local authorities is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Denial or delay of licensing will not constitute cancellation or delay in payment for the total purchase price of these lots.

9. All purchases are subject to the Massachusetts 6.25% sales tax unless the purchaser possesses a Massachusetts sales tax exemption number. Exemption numbers from other states are accepted in Massachusetts if presented with a business card or letterhead. Dealers, museums, and other qualifying parties can apply for a Massachusetts exemption number prior to the auction by contacting the Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation at 100 Cambridge Street in Boston.

10. A premium equal to 23% of the final bid price up to and including $100,000, plus 20% of the final bid price from $100,001 up to and including $1,000,000, plus 12% of the final bid price from $1,000,001 and over will be applied to each lot sold, to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.

11. Bidding on any item indicates your acceptance of these terms and all other terms printed within, posted, and announced at the time of sale whether bidding in person, through a representative, by phone, by Internet, or other absentee bid.

12. Skinner, Inc. and its consignors make no warranty or representation, express or implied, that the purchaser will acquire any copyright or reproduction rights to any lot sold. Skinner, Inc. expressly reserves the right to reproduce any image of the lots sold in this catalog. The copyright in all images, illustrations and written material produced by or for Skinner, Inc. relating to a lot, including the contents of this catalog, is, and shall remain at all times, the property of Skinner, Inc. and shall not be used by the purchaser, nor by anyone else, without our prior written consent.

13. These conditions of sale shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law). The buyer/bidder agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this agreement may be brought, and any action against Skinner in connection with the transactions contemplated by this agreement shall be brought, in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or any federal court sitting therein. The bidder/buyer consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waives objections that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit.

Revised January 8, 2014