Auctions | May 1, 2012

World's Fair Material, Books & Ephemera at National Book Auctions

[ITHACA, NY] National Book Auctions, located in Ithaca, NY, will host a Sunday, May 6th auction featuring a broad range of rare antique books, as well as a quantity of ephemera and artwork.  We will offer another session of World’s Fairs material from the estate of Charles Rand Penney.  Another estate includes a quantity of signed artwork and prints, along with numerous original engravings including an original piece signed by celebrated artist, James Abbott McNeill Whistler.  Ephemera lots include magazines, advertising and various other genres, along with an original letter signed by Albert Einstein.

Featured among the books is a collection of 18th and 19th century European titles, primarily French, many of which are leather-bound.  A highlight in this collection is the 1688 first edition of Pierre de Marca’s “Marca Hispanica,” the important early history of Catalonia.  Additionally offered are dozens of signed first editions by prominent writers such as Sue Grafton, Ed McBain, John Grisham, Robert B. Parker, Michael Connelly and Sue Grafton, to name a few.  Also featured is the 1902 author-signed, limited edition of Woodrow Wilson’s “A History Of The American People,” published in five volumes.  A number of desirable antique children’s books will be sold, including titles illustrated by Arthur Rackham.

Artwork offered includes original works, limited, signed prints, posters and original engravings.  Highlighted is an early state of Whistler’s piece entitled, “Price's Candle Works,” bearing his original, stylized signature in pencil.   Other important engravings include works by Felix Buhot, Francisco Goya, James McBey and other notable etchers.

Found throughout this auction will be pleasing groups of ephemera with themes such as World's Fairs, military, advertising, postage, stamps, postcards, and stereoviews, to name a few.  Additional lots will offer early magazines including 19th century periodicals, pulp and science fiction titles and a first issue of “Life” magazine.  The World’s Fairs and Expositions-related material includes books and ephemera.  A large portion of the collection focuses on the 1893 Columbian World’s Fair in Chicago, along with items from the 1933 Century of Progress in Chicago and the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City.  Additional collectible paper items include an 18th-Century Papal Bull on vellum with a metal seal bearing the mark of Pope Clement XIII and an original letter signed by Albert Einstein on letterhead from the Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists.

This auction will also offer a number of furniture lots including antiques.  Featured are stacking barrister bookcases from manufacturers such as Globe-Wernicke, oak map file cabinets, other bookcases and items.

National Book Auctions is a public auction service specializing in books, ephemera, and art. National Book Auctions is a targeted service offering experience and expertise unique to marketing antique and modern books and ephemera for consignors and collectors alike. Preview for the upcoming Sunday, May 6th auction is at 10 a.m. and the live auction starts at noon. For more information or to consign collectible material please contact David Hall, Business Manager, at 607-269-0101 or email mail@nationalbookauctions.com.