Lot 125
Forbes Collection Balance, 110+ Pcs Deaccessioned from the Malcolm Forbes Collection
This lot is the balance of the Forbes Collection, consisting of items not listed individually for sale for a variety of reasons. The 110+ pieces range from manuscripts, letters, documents, and booklets, to photos, portraits, prints, memorabilia, First Day Covers, maps, and ephemera from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The majority is American though there is a smattering of Foreign. Approximately 80% of the lot relates to American presidents from Thomas Jefferson to Ronald Reagan, including Eisenhower, Harding, LBJ, JFK, Lincoln, FDR, Truman, and Wilson. Ex-Forbes Collection.
The curators of the Forbes Collection segregated these items for a number of possible reasons. These included: that the pieces were initially misidentified or misattributed; were of modern origin or low value; were secretarial, autopen, or printed signatures; or were suspected fakes or forgeries. Forbes Collection labels and serial numbers can be found throughout, as well as tags and documentation from Christie's, Swann, and Heritage Auction.
*Inspection is recommended as this lot is not subject to return.
Please see below for a PARTIAL list of the items contained within the lot, with a brief description of the item as well as the reason why the item was rejected as a single item. This list is by no means exhaustive. The items are listed within two categories, "Presidential" and "Miscellaneous," for ease of reference.
Presidential (alphabetical order, chronological order when possible)
- [Jimmy Carter], typed Presidential Oath of Office, January 20, 1977. 1p, 12mo. Purchased as Lot 74 from Lone Star Autographs (Texas) October 10, 1985 sale, Catalogue 855. Secretarial signature.
- [Jimmy Carter], souvenir copy of Presidential Oath of Office, January 20, 1977. Suspected autopen signature.
- Grover Cleveland engrossed White House envelope. Low value.
- Grover Cleveland handwritten envelope to Marion Cleveland. Low value.
- [Dwight D. Eisenhower] typed letter signed as President of Columbia University to R.W. Woodruff, declining invitation due to "new duties in Washington." New York, January 5, 1949, 1p, 8vo. Secretarial signature.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower inauguration memorabilia, January 20, 1953. Low value.
- [Dwight D. Eisenhower] typed letter signed to V. Pinkley speculating on press inaccuracies and his writing, Indio, California, February 1, 1968, 1p, 4to. Secretarial signature.
- [Dwight D. Eisenhower], a statement regarding the design of shoulder sleeve insignia of S.H.A.E.F. (Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force), Paris, France, n.d., 1p, 4to. Autopen signature at a later date.
- [Dwight D. Eisenhower], matted photograph signed showing Eisenhower in the cockpit of U.S. Army reconnaissance plane. Forged signature.
- [Gerald Ford] signature, 1974. Autopen signature.
- [U.S. Grant], draft telegram requesting news of election, ca. November 1864. Not in his hand.
- [Warren G. Harding] typed letter signed to Paul Harding expressing shock that his correspondent is a Democrat, Washington, D.C., June 2, 1916, 1p, 4to, on Senate stationery. Secretarial signature.
- [Warren G. Harding], typed letter signed, as Senate Committee Chairman to G.H. Van Fleet, a long letter regarding advancements, hiring, and salary policy at the newspaper, July 15, 1919, 2pp, 4to, on Senate stationery. Secretarial signature.
- [Warren G. Harding] typed letter signed to J.F. Prendergast defending the handling of the issues in his speeches, which Prendergast had criticized, and remarking on his own frankness, Marion, Ohio, May 19, 1920, 3pp, 4to, on Senate stationery. Secretarial signature.
- [Warren G. Harding] typed letter signed, February 2, 1921. Secretarial signature.
- [Warren G. Harding], typed letter signed from Harry M. Daugherty, Attorney General regarding support of William M. Keepers as postmaster of Urichsville, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, June 6, 1923. Secretarial signature.
- Herbert Hoover, two inscribed Christmas Cards, 1932. Photo of Hoover inscribed: "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Herbert Hoover." Photo of Lou inscribed: "And from Lou Henry Hoover and Weegie and Pat. 1932-3." The DNS is printed.
- Herbert Hoover, clipped section from typed letter signed. Low value.
- Pencil drawing of Thomas Jefferson as a young man. Modern.
- [Andrew Johnson] family photo album, handsome Victorian gilt and embossed green leather album. Misidentified as Andrew Johnson.
- [Lyndon B. Johnson] autograph letter signed, December 21, 1963. Secretarial signature.
- [Lyndon B. Johnson] document signed, typescript of address regarding immigration legislation, January 13, 1965, 3pp. Secretarial signature.
- [Lyndon B. Johnson] autograph on bookplate and typed letter signed by administrative assistant Mike Manatos. Secretarial signature.
- [John F. Kennedy] typed letter signed as Senator of Massachusetts to Charles F. Charpentier asking that his name be withdrawn from the Illinois primary ballot, January 28, 1960, 1p, 4to. Secretarial signature.
- [John F. Kennedy] signed photograph, n.p., n.d. Forged signature plus handwritten quote which is questioned
- Abraham Lincoln, hand-printed photograph, 6.875" x 5.75." Low value.
- Abraham Lincoln, printed pamphlet by William Bender Wilson entitled "Abraham Lincoln as I Knew Him," 1909. Low value.
- Abraham Lincoln six First Day Covers, 1948-1959. Low value.
- [William McKinley] photograph, ca. 1862. Misidentified as McKinley.
- [Richard Nixon] typed letter to former running mate Henry Cabot Lodge, ambassador to Vietnam, criticizing his role in the assassination of President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Nhu. November 12, 1963, 3pp. Secretarial signature.
- Richard Nixon victory rally tickets, October 31, 1968. Low value.
- [Ronald Reagan] autograph letter signed as "Ronald" to Louise Noel, a fan, Burbank, California, n.d. but probably late 1940s, 2pp, 8vo. His mother's handwriting.
- [Ronald Reagan] typed letter signed to Philip Benson in which he discusses his use of a consultant firm in political campaigns, vowing that he can only campaign on his own beliefs and will not make deal in return for support, Pacific Palisades, California, July 26, 1965,1p, 4to, on personal stationary with envelope. Secretarial signature.
- [Ronald Reagan] typed letter signed as Governor of California to Jackson M. Strauch warning against radicals on college campuses, June 11, 1970, 1p, large 4to. Secretarial signature.
- [Ronald Reagan] signed photograph, "No Good." Forged handwriting.
- [Theodore Roosevelt] typed letter signed, May 25, 1917. Printed signature.
- Theodore Roosevelt, group of letters to E.A. van Valkenburg, April 27, 1918 - December 24, 1918. Two autograph notes signed and one secretarial typed letter signed. All together 7 pages, 8vo and 4to. Low value.
- William H. Taft inscribed envelope addressed to Moore. Low value.
- [Zachary Taylor] manuscript document signed regarding a land grant, June 1, 1849, 1p, oblong. Secretarial signature.
- [Harry S. Truman] typed letter signed as President to S. McVitty furnishing his autograph, Washington, D.C., May 10, 1945, 1p, 4to, on White House stationery. Questionable signature.
- [Harry S. Truman] autograph letter signed to Hahn with engraving, February 10, 1953. Printed.
- [Harry S. Truman] free franked envelope addressed to Shackelford. Printed.
- [Woodrow Wilson] handwritten notes, autograph letter signed, and typescript carbon (3 pieces total), February 5, 1915 and June 1, 1915, 4pp, 4to and 1p, folio. Cabinet notes about Germany and Mexico written by Lindley M. Garrison, Secretary of War. With a first draft from Garrison to Secretary of Agriculture Houston regarding imports and exports and a typescript carbon regarding the Lusitania crisis. Not in his hand.
Miscellaneous (alphabetical order)
- Dawes Plan, Theunis and Paul Hymans, document signed by the two Belgian delegates to the Dawes Conference specifying plan for the occupation of the Ruhr by French and Belgian forces, London, August 15, 1924. 2pp, 4to, on stationery of #10 Downing Street. Low value.
- [Don Diego de Sousa] autograph letter signed to an unknown recipient regarding an expedition by Francisco Cordovil, knight of the King of Tavira, a seaport in Africa, November 2, 1574, 1 leaf. Misidentified.
- Rear Admiral Engelhardt, commander of battleship "Posen" at Jutland, signature and titles on 16mo card. Low value.
- Portrait of Benjamin Franklin. Modern.
- John Nance Garner signature page, August 6, 1935, Truman supporter. Low value.
- [Benjamin Harrison], visitor's list penned by presidential doorkeeper Charles Loeffler, who recorded and commented on the guests calling at the White House following Harrison's inauguration. Low value.
- Hubert H. Humphrey typed letter signed to John Bailey relaying his recommendations for a 1968 convention free of "frills" and "nonsense," August 14, 1968, 1p, 4to. Low value.
- Hubert H. Humphrey typed letter signed as former vice president to Inger Stevens regarding his disappointment at losing the 1969 presidential election and expressing thanks at her support, January 24, 19[70?], 2pp, 4to, with envelope. Low value.
- Harold L. Ickes typed letter signed to Secretary of Interior J.A. Krug regarding the rental of a house which he had been denied since he left the Truman administration, Washington, D.C., February 13, 1947, 4pp, 4to. Low value.
- Map of Khartoum City, with hand-drawn traveling routes. Stamped by Mudir's office, October 20, 1904. Signed January 29, 1905. "Route for Carriage / 9:30 AM Monday February 6th / out to Gordon College / Back through town." Low value.
- Harry Lauder postcard photograph signed, a gift to Mr. Forbes from Elsie Sang, n.d. 5.375" x 3.5." Low value.
- Portrait of General Charles Lee. Modern.
- Charles Lindbergh unsigned printed invitation, June 13, 1927, 1p. Low value.
- George McGovern studio portrait signed "George McGovern / U.S.S. - S.D." 8" x 10." Low value.
- Portrait of Lucretia Coffin Mott. Modern.
- Alton Parker autograph letter signed to Carl A. Loeffler on the 1904 election, n.p., August 26, 1921, 2pp, 8vo, with envelope. Low value.
- Cabinet meeting autograph notes in the hand of Franklin D. Roosevelt's cousin Henry Latrobe Roosevelt, Acting Secretary of the Navy, n.d., 1p, 5.25" x 8," on single leaf of White House memo pad. Low value.
- Alfred E. Smith letter signed as Governor of New York thanking supporter accompanied by inscribed photograph, Albany, New York, December 27, 1920, 1p, 4to. Low value.
- Document confirming employment history of one George Smithers as a sailor aboard several ships in the early nineteenth century. Low value.
- J.B. Stonehouse, letter signed to Hon. E. M. Stanton (Secretary of War), February 23, 1864, regarding the military draft. Low value.
- H.A. Wallace letter to Mr. Berson, July 14, 1956. Low value.
- [Daniel Webster] autograph document signed being a contract to hire twenty men to build school furniture made between Holbrooke School Apparatus Manufacturing Company and Daniel Webster, warden of the Connecticut state prison, September 13, 1857. Misidentified as Daniel Webster the New Hampshire Senator.
- William B. Wilson telegraph key, originally sold with other item since sold. Contained in a box measuring 7.25" x 3.5" x 2." Low value.
- World War II "U.S.S. Biscayne" memorabilia, 1941-1944. Low value.
- John Peter Zenger October 6, 1735 issue of the "New York Weekly Journal." Low value.
Provenance: Ex-Forbes Collection. Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), the American owner-publisher of Forbes magazine and a consummate collector, amassed one of the most substantial autograph collections of such breadth and depth that it filled a half-dozen residences on three continents. Many of his manuscripts were sold in a series of multi-million dollar sales by Christie's in the early 2000s. The Forbes name is considered to be the apex of provenance, especially when attached to an item like the above. We are honored to have been chosen by the family to sell at auction the substantial balance of the collection. This lot not subject to return for any reason and should be viewed!
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!
Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.
Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***
International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.
Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.
Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.
After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.
Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.
University Archives
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $99 | $10 |
| $100 | $299 | $20 |
| $300 | $499 | $25 |
| $500 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $2,999 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 + | $5,000 |