- 249
American Public Figures & Industrialists
Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- paper
A good group of 15 autograph (plus 1 typed and 1 dictated) letters signed by Frederick Douglass, Andrew Carnegie, George W. Childs, Phillips Brooks, Anthony Comstock, Thomas A. Edison, with a calling card and clipped signature of Captain John Ericsson. Various places, 1881-1892, all to Edward Bok, fine condition.
Most are simple responses to requests for an autograph, or to provide an opinion on his idea for an "American Pantheon":
Frederick Douglass. ALS, 1 page plus 1 page note, Washington, DC, 18 September 1885: "I write not on the subject upon which you invited me to write, for I suppose the time has gone by for that, but to assure you that my failing to respond was due to my absence from home ... In favor of such a National "Pantheon" I see many advantages. [In the note he demurs from contributing to a testimonial for Dr. Talmadge]. — Thomas A. Edison. ALS, 1 page, New York, 26 October 1881 — Phillips Brooks. 10 ALS, 1 TLS, 1 photo, 1 note card, 2 newspaper clippings, Boston, 1883-1892 — Anthony Comstock. Letter signed, 2 pages, New York, 22 November 1884, testimonial to Dr. Talmadge — Andrew Carnegie. TLS, 1 page, Skibo Castle, Dornoch, Sutherland, 4 August 1909, demurs from contributing an article to the Ladies Home Journal but adds: "The tempting bait of Five Hundred Dollars that you hold out to me in these dull times may land the fish some day." — George W. Childs. ALS, 1 page on letterhead of the Public Ledger, Philadelphia, 13 January 1888 — Captain John Ericsson. Calling card inscribed, and clipped closing signed mounted below a letter fragment from another: "Captain Ericsson desires me to inform you that he invariably declines to part with his autograph ..."
Most are simple responses to requests for an autograph, or to provide an opinion on his idea for an "American Pantheon":
Frederick Douglass. ALS, 1 page plus 1 page note, Washington, DC, 18 September 1885: "I write not on the subject upon which you invited me to write, for I suppose the time has gone by for that, but to assure you that my failing to respond was due to my absence from home ... In favor of such a National "Pantheon" I see many advantages. [In the note he demurs from contributing to a testimonial for Dr. Talmadge]. — Thomas A. Edison. ALS, 1 page, New York, 26 October 1881 — Phillips Brooks. 10 ALS, 1 TLS, 1 photo, 1 note card, 2 newspaper clippings, Boston, 1883-1892 — Anthony Comstock. Letter signed, 2 pages, New York, 22 November 1884, testimonial to Dr. Talmadge — Andrew Carnegie. TLS, 1 page, Skibo Castle, Dornoch, Sutherland, 4 August 1909, demurs from contributing an article to the Ladies Home Journal but adds: "The tempting bait of Five Hundred Dollars that you hold out to me in these dull times may land the fish some day." — George W. Childs. ALS, 1 page on letterhead of the Public Ledger, Philadelphia, 13 January 1888 — Captain John Ericsson. Calling card inscribed, and clipped closing signed mounted below a letter fragment from another: "Captain Ericsson desires me to inform you that he invariably declines to part with his autograph ..."
Condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.