Autographs

Swann Auction Galleries Sale #2719: It is doubtful that anyone needs to be reminded that the names of Americans have a surprising way of turning up on the pages of history. Foremost among them are the names of U.S. presidents, and the fall autographs auction includes some remarkable illustrations of this, including an extraordinary album of autographs by presidents—a continuous run of autograph letters, many outstanding in content and condition, from George Washington to Harry Truman—one of only a handful of such albums ever offered at auction (pictured left). Other important Americans in the sale include a Revolutionary War–dated letter signed by Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben concerning Cornwallis’s abandonment of his own troops; and an endorsement from Major General George Custer, signed by him during the Civil War.

The world is wide and there are heroes everywhere, like Marie Curie, whose uncommon autograph note signed to a dancer wanting help making her costume glow is available; or Florence Nightingale, who, in an attractive autograph letter, thanks an engineer for supplying equipment to a girls’ school in Sarajevo; or Rabindranath Tagore, who stole a moment to sign a photographic portrait of himself.

In addition to yet more exceptional autographs—such as a copy of Black Muslims in America signed and inscribed by Malcolm X, and the autograph notes by John Ford for his 1939 film Stagecoach—there are also notable items by writers, artists, entertainers, astronauts, scientists, musicians, and others.

Exhibitions Hours:
Sat, Nov 1st 12pm - 5pm
Mon, Nov 3rd 12pm - 5pm
Tue, Nov 4th 12pm - 5pm
Wed, Nov 5th 12pm - 5pm