A very interesting original print showing John Hancock shaking hands with an African-American man at the "Equality Ball" given by Hancock in Boston in 1793. While other African-American men and women dance and one plays the violin, the governor warmly greets a man named Cuffey. Meanwhile, another white man in the corner holds his nose. The engraving appeared in The Echo, with other Poems (1807), an illustrated collection of poems by a group of "wits" including one satirizing the event. The caption is excerpted from the poem, which mocks free people of color's way of speaking: "While CUFFEY near him takes his stand, / Hale-fellow met, and grasps his hand-- / With pleasure glistening in his eyes, / 'Ah! Massa Gubbernur!' he cries, / 'Me grad to see you, for de peeple say / 'you lub de Neegur better dan de play.' Read More...
Graphically striking original poster, ca. 1932, offering a $25,000 reward for the "apprehension and conviction of the kidnapers of Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr." The 18-month-old son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh was taken from their New Jersey home on 1 March 1932. A massive search, led by the New Jersey police, ensued. The poster lists the last four digits of the bills paid to the kidnappers in ransom and urges the public to contact the police if the bills are "detected". Heavily toned and in very fragile condition, with several large corner losses and tears where the poster was taped to a larger backing sheet. Housed in an archival plastic sleeve, but buyer should anticipate additional small chipping/losses during any future transfer out of its present setup. 17 x 27 inches (43 x 68.5 cm).
15 x 20 inch single sided poster on thin paper featuring a striking portrait of the future President at right, with "Paid For By Obama For Illinois" and a "118-C" union bug in the center. In fine condition.
Caricature of the young Prince Charles upon his investiture as the 21st Prince of Wales on July 1, 1969. The illustration shows the rather fey Prince practically crippled by his large ears and nose, tripping over a Welsh dragon which warns him: "There'll be a welcome in the hillside for you alright Boyo!" Color lithograph, artist's proof, signed "Gerald Scarfe" in pencil at the lower right. Unframed. 22 x 30 inches (57 x 76 cm). Fine. Read More...
Original souvenir program printed on silk for a concert at the Royal Opera House celebrating Queen Elizabeth's sixtieth birthday on April 21, 1986. The Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet presented "a programme of words, music and dance with the orchestra of the Royal Opera House" in honor of the Queen. Silk program designed and hand printed in color and gold ink by Michael Szell. Folded, enclosed in tissue paper and in the original decorative envelope. In very fine condition. 16 x 23.5 inches (40.5 x 60 cm).
Amusing and mildly risque vintage photograph of a group of cheerleaders lifting up their skirts to reveal the letters of "T-E-X-A-S." Photographed by longtime AP photographer William Gorry. Some light scratches and wear; overall very good. 11.5 x 8.25 inches (20.8 x 29.8 cm).
Original telegram from the Queen Consort of Romania, known for her huge literary output under the name Carmen Sylva, to the violinist and composer Florizel von Reuter. Sent in Bucharest and received in Locarno, December 24, 1911. Elisabeth wires a somewhat enigmatic message: "How[?] I remember your curly head under the tree flowerchild. Kind thanks and many wishes, Elisabeth." Tape repairs; mounted to a same-sized sheet with toning; overall good. 8.75 x 6.75 inches (22.2 x 17 cm). Read More...
Autograph letter from a William Pitt (apparently not William Pitt, Earl of Chatham) to Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford. Rathbone Place, April 12, 1729. 2 pp. The correspondent apologizes for the delay in answering Lord Strafford's letter because of "the great illness of my Wife who was soe bad that I thought should have lost her" and continues to thank him for hiring a Mr. Lee to oversee "Hockinden farme" (perhaps Hockenden, south-east of London). Together with a typed transcription. Toning; overall fine. 4.5 x 7 inches (11.2 x 18 cm). Read More...
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[History & Culture]
[World War I]. 1919 Higham Ferrers Peace Celebrations Program
An interesting original souvenir program from a July 19, 1919 event celebrating the end of World War I in the town of Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire. The program features halftone photographs of the town's mayor and mayoress, programs of music to be performed by the Higham Ferrers "Jolly Boys" and "Jolly Girls," and a program of sports events. 12 pp. Toning and wear to the cover, with spine reinforced; overall in very good condition. 5.75 x 9 inches (14.7 x 22.8 cm).