Lot 370

Myrtle Reed TLS re: "Lavender & Old Lace" and Collections of Love Letters

Previous image preload Next image preload

Myrtle Reed TLS re: "Lavender & Old Lace" and Collections of Love Letters

Estimate: $600 - $700

Current Bid: $200

(1 Bid)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Myrtle Reed
Chicago, IL, March 7, 1904
Myrtle Reed TLS re: "Lavender & Old Lace" and Collections of Love Letters
TLS

A scarce typed letter from Edwardian novelist Myrtle Reed referencing her well known work "Lavender and Old Lace", published two years previous. 1p, measuring 7" x 6.5", Chicago, IL, March 7, 1904. Signed at conclusion as "Myrtle Reed", she addresses a fan with additional comments on an upcoming publication. Exhibits darkened toning and edge wear throughout, with expected creasing at folds. Small section of paper loss in the upper left margin affecting only one word. Else, very good.

Reading in full:

"I thank you for liking my books and taking [the] time and trouble to tell me so.
I'm not writing any book just now, more's the pity, for my publishers are waiting for it, but when I do, it will be a little story on the lines of 'Lavender and Old Lace,' probably about a musician. I may possibly put in a love letter or two but don't know yet. You know I couldn't very well write 'Later Yet Love Letters,' and 'Still Later Love Letters,' and 'Last Love Letters,' and 'Final Love Letters,' because the public wouldn't stand for it, not to mention the publishers, who are first and most important.
Such letters as yours always give me pleasure, and across the leagues that lie between us I send you a friendly greeting."

Myrtle Reed (1874-1911) was an American author, poet, and philanthropist who's best known work, "Lavender and Old Lace" (1902) was later adapted into a silent film of the same name in 1921. The story she references above, "probably about a musician", may refer to her 1904 romance novel "The Master's Violin", which heavily centers on the world of classical music. She further pokes fun at her first two publications, "Love Letters of a Musician" (1899) and "Later Love Letters..." (1900), by suggesting the existence of new installments in the series. Reed died by apparent suicide at the age of 37 from an overdose of sleeping powder on August 17, 1911.

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!

  • Dimensions: 7" x 6.5"
  • Medium: TLS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide 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 that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, 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. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

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. 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

Bid Increments
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