University Archives is thrilled to announce its next 545+ lot sale! Rare Autographs, Manuscripts, Books & Memorabilia is a carefully curated selection of outstanding historical items representing the best of U.S. Presidents, Science, Aviation/Space, World Leaders, Civil Rights, Literature, Art, Sports, and so much more. The majority of the lots in this blockbuster sale are unreserved, providing collectors with an exceptional buying opportunity. Scroll through our beautifully illustrated catalog to bookmark your favorite lots!
U.S. Presidents
Lot 74 is a blank ship’s passport boldly signed by President Abraham Lincoln and co-signed by Secretary of State William H. Seward. Both the attractive signatures and the near fine state of the passport blank would make it a great addition to any presidential collection.
Lot 74, Abraham Lincoln Signed Ship’s Papers
Lot 54 is an autograph letter signed by ex-President Thomas Jefferson, PSA/DNA slabbed and graded GEM MT 10. In this letter written at Monticello on October 17, 1816, Jefferson thanks Henry A.S. Dearborn for sending him an English translation of a scientific work by French agronomist Charles Philibert de Lasteyrie. Originally published in 1811, A Treatise on the Culture, Preparation, History and Analysis of Pastel, or Woad examined the various applications of the Isatis tinctoria plant, traditionally used to produce blue dye.
Lot 155 is a document signed by George Washington in Alexandria, Virginia on August 5, 1786 in his capacity as President of the Potomac Company, a concern which expanded the navigability of the Potomac River basin through the construction of canals. Washington signed this receipt for eight barrels of pork costing £32. In provenance provided with the lot, a copy of Washington’s diary reveals that later that night he met with Potomac Company directors and dined at his favorite ordinary, Wises Tavern.
21 lots of the sale [all found in the U.S. Presidents section (Lots 1-169)], are from the Skip Hensel Presidential Collection, an incredible group amassed by the late Harold “Skip” Hensel (1940 – 2024). A presidential historian and a lifelong autograph collector, Hensel was also an important member of the United Autograph Collectors Club, the first club devoted to autograph collectors; the Manuscript Society; and philatelic organizations. The Hensel collection includes White House engravings signed by presidents ranging from Chester Arthur to Bill Clinton, with two additional First Ladies’ signatures for good measure. The marquee item of the 21-lot collection is Lot 164, a White House engraving signed by six presidents: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. This is truly one of the finest collections of its kind ever assembled, and it would be impossible to duplicate. All of the 21 items in the collection are certified by a third party, with the majority being PSA/DNA slabbed and graded between NM-MT 8 and GEM MT 10. We suggest that you pre-qualify as a bidder if you intend to compete for this marvelous collection!
Skip Hensel Presidential Collection
Lot 509 is a lot of Albert Einstein photographs and ephemera, the highlight being Einstein’s “Postage Stamp” portrait after Hermann Landshoff, signed by Einstein and dated 1947, and PSA/DNA slabbed and graded NM 7. The 15-cent U.S. stamp based on Landshoff’s portrait of Einstein was issued in 1979 on the 100th anniversary of the physicist’s birthday. Rounding out the lot is a charming assortment of unpublished family photographs of Einstein and his two constant companions, stepdaughter Margot Löwenthal, and devoted private secretary Helen Dukas.
Aviation/Space
Lot 216 is a vintage French postcard signed by intrepid inventor Wilbur Wright on December 8, 1908, just three weeks before he won the Michelin Cup for breaking distance and duration flight records. The postcard, partly entitled “The Conquest of the Air,” shows the 1907 Wright Flyer next to a launching derrick at Camp d’Auvours, near Le Mans in northwestern France, where Wright completed a series of flying demonstrations in 1908 to entice investors. Wilbur Wright autographs are much rarer than Orville Wright autographs, making them very desirable.
Lot 205 is a vintage color photograph of all the Mercury 7 astronauts in silver space suits and helmets, signed on the mat by: M. Scott Carpenter; L. Gordon Cooper, Jr.; John H. Glenn, Jr.; Virgil I. Grissom; Walter M. Schirra, Jr.; Alan B. Shepard, Jr.; and Donald K. Slayton. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Zarelli Space Authentication.
Lot 205, Mercury 7 Astronauts SP With Zarelli LOA
World Leaders
Lot 426 is a 1p typed letter signed by Winston Churchill in February 1957, addressed to event organizers for the English-Speaking Union, an international educational charity established in 1918. Churchill regretfully declined an invitation to attend George Washington’s Birthday Ball, sending his best wishes for its success, as well as for the ongoing close collaboration between the United States and the United Kingdom. Churchill was uniquely situated to foster good will between the two nations as he was half-American, half-British.
Art
Lot 184 is an exquisite high-quality photographic print of one of Pierre-August Renoir’s original works of art, Jeune Fille Au Chapeau Jaune [Young Girl in a Yellow Hat], boldly signed by the artist in Cagnes-sur-Mer, France, ca. January 10, 1911. Renoir’s signature is certified by the mayor’s signature as well as the mayoral seal.
Lot 187 is a Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup can (with its original contents!), signed twice by Andy Warhol, ca. 1987. Warhol had popularized the ubiquitous soup brand in his artwork to criticize mass consumerism in modern art.
Lot 187, Andy Warhol Twice-Signed Campbell’s Soup Can
Sports
Lot 547 is an extraordinary collection of 34 vintage photos including many Burkes, all handsomely matted and framed, signed by some of the most famous professional baseball players of the 20th C., including James “Cool Papa” Bell; Jerome “Dizzy” Dean; Bob Lemon; Walter “Buck” Leonard; Al Lopez; Mickey Owen; Harold “Pee Wee” Reese; Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto; Enos “Country” Slaughter, and many others.
These are just some of the superb lots in our next auction.
We hope you can join us!
