Collectibles Highlights

GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799). Washington was Founding Father, Commander-in-Chief of colonial forces during the American Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States of America. A volume signed by George Washington on the top of the title page. The book a bound copy of the first five issues of Volume One of “The Massachusetts Magazine: or Monthly Museum of Knowledge and Rational Entertainment”, published by Isaiah Thomas and Ebenezer T. Andrews of Boston in 1789. The inside front cover has his armorial bookplate and this book was once in his Mount Vernon library. The front endpaper has an inscription reading “Lewis Minor Coleman, Jr./1911/ Presented by his grandmother M.A.MC. from the library of his great-great-grandfather Chief Justice John Marshall”. The Massachusetts Magazine, founded in 1789 and published until 1796 by the famous printer Isaiah Thomas, advertised on its title page that it contains “poetry, music, biography, history, physics, geography, morality, criticism, philosophy, mathematics, agriculture, architecture, chemistry, novels, tales, romances, translations, news, marriages, deaths, eteorological observations, etc. etc.”. It was founded at the same time as the nation to act as “a kind of thermometer, by which the genius, taste, literature, history, politics, arts, manners, amusements and improvements of the age and nation, may be ascertained”. This particular book is important for Washington since it covers the events of 1789 that included his inauguration as the country’s first President. For example, page 314 is entitled “Papers relative to the President of the United States” and includes a printing of his Inaugural Address that starts with “Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event could have filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notification was transmitted by your order…”. It is then followed by “The Address of the Senate to the President of the United States In Answer to his Speech to Both Houses of Congress”. On page 286 is a passage entitled “Memoirs of General Washington”. In other words, Washington kept this book since it was a “clippings file” of his first year as President. An outstanding Washington signed book with a great association year and terrific content. Front endpaper with inscription reading: Lewis Minor Coleman, Jr./1911/ Presented by his grandmother M.A.M.C. (Mary Ambler Marshall Coleman) from the library of his great-great-grandfather Chief Justice John Marshall. Provenance: The Estate of Charles Boyd Coleman, Jr., Chattanooga, TN, by descent from Lewis Minor Coleman, Jr., son of CSA Lt. Colonel Lewis Minor Coleman and Mary Ambler Marshall, daughter of James K. Marshall and granddaughter of John Marshall (1755-1835). Lewis M. Coleman Jr. was also related to the family of Henry Dearborn by his marriage to Julia Wingate Boyd, daughter of Annette Maria Dearborn Boyd, who was the daughter of Greenleaf Dearborn (1786-1846) and great granddaughter of Henry Dearborn (1751-1829) on her mother’s side. Note: John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, serving for thirty-five years. He oversaw landmark decisions such as Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, Gibbons v. Ogden and the Dartmouth College case. His lifelong friendship with George Washington developed during their Revolutionary War service including the winter at Valley Forge and the battles at Brandywine and Monmouth; he went on to write one of the early biographies of America’s first president (see related lots, #263, 264). Description courtesy of Stuart Lutz Historic Documents, Inc. CONDITION: This volume has been rebacked and rebound in leather with new endpapers before 1911 and is in good condition. It appears that the original front cover has been incorporated into the binding and shows some wear. The bookplate has been preserved and is in good condition. The front cover is scuffed. There is a slight tear to the title page nowhere near the dark Washington autograph, and there is toning and spotting to the interior pages. [See more photos →]

Model 1902 Colt, serial number 7362, found enfolded into the outlaw Bonnie Parker’s skirt at the Conger Funeral Home embalming room of Arcadia, LA in 1934. Letter of authentication dated 5/15/1972, signed by James Lavelle Wade (Sept. 28, 1886 – Dec. 17th, 1972), coroner in charge of the “Bonnie & Clyde” death investigation and signer of death certificates, and by Mrs. Alwyn (Vern) Hightower, employee of Conger Funeral Home. Affidavit witness signatures include Mrs. Ed Conger, wife of the Conger Funeral Home director, and retired Judge P. E. Brown, Second Judicial District Court of Louisiana, serving 1954-1969. Letter of Authentication is notarized by Violet L. Turner. On May 23, 1934, law enforcement officers ambushed outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow as they drove through Biennville Parish, Louisiana. The Conger Furniture Store/Funeral Home received the bodies after the shootout. The affidavit states the weapon was “enfolded in the skirt of Bonnie Parker and discovered in the Embalming room of Conger’s Funeral Home in Arcadia, Louisiana, by the late Mr. Charles Francis Bailey, who was employed at the time by Mr. Ed Conger as an embalmer.” The following day (5/24/34), Bailey gave the weapon as a souvenir to Mrs. Alwyn Hightower’s son, Dr. Robert Dawson Hightower, M.D. (b.1921-d.1973). Dr. Hightower served as a Naval Aviator in WWII, earning the Navy Air Medal with 2 Gold Stars and later as an Associate Professor of Orthopedics, LSU Medical School, Shreveport, LA, and passed this weapon down to his only child, the present consignor. This lot also includes six bullets found in the pistol and a photo archive of pictures taken by King Murphy, Mr. Bailey’s assistant and amateur photographer. Additionally, a Colt Manufacturing Company letter accompanies this lot stating the Model 1902 Colt was shipped to Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis, Missouri on August 22, 1904 with a total shipment of 15 guns of this type. Additional items in the archive includes a 1973 offer letter for the gun and various newspapers referencing the 50th anniversary of the death of Bonnie & Clyde. The dated August 1973 letter from Peter Simon of Jean, Nevada offers to “purchase the gun, the book of actual pictures, and any other memorabilia….” Dr. Robert Hightower died October 27th, 1973. The letter also has handwritten notes from Dr. Hightower’s wife, “Before Dad died he had me write… Bob, this fellow wanted to buy the Clyde & Bonnie gun etc. I called him but I never did call and give him a price for I didn’t know what to charge– If you ever decided to do so you might call + give him a price if he is still there — The value may go up with time but it could go down for new people don’t even remember them— Thought I’d pass this on — It’s yours now to do as you wish — I love you Mother”. The gift of this weapon from the embalmer, Charles Bailey, to the young Dr. Hightower in 1934 was significant when one considers the rarity and expense of the Sporting Model 1902 pistol even at the time the gift was bestowed. It is especially significant when one considers the average pay of an embalmer working in rural Louisiana during the Great Depression. Specifications on the Colt Model 1902 (Sporting) Automatic Pistol: Caliber- 38 rimless, smokeless, 7 shot magazine, 6? barrel, magazine marked PAt’D SEPT. 9, 1884, hard rubber grips with molded checkering, the rampant colt design, and the name COLT at the top of the grips. Produced in 1904 with a total production of approximately 7500. Standard weight 2 pounds, 3 ounces. Condition: Colt pistol has aftermarket nickel finish but appears to retain the original factory grips. Minor oxidation to nickel finish. There are no records indicating the pistol has been disassembled or cleaned since acquisition in 1934, chamber verified as clear. Photograph album with toning to pages; photographs glued down. [See more photos →]

The second of two “Meet the Beatles” albums, autographed by all four band members, from the estate of Dr. Jules Gordon and his direct heirs. Update – On 8/16/2011, Frank Caiazzo, world recognized Beatles autograph expert, inspected this album and verified its authenticity. A document of authenticity from Frank Caiazzo is included in the photographs and will be provided to the winning bidder in addition to an affidavit of authentication from the descendant. The first completely autographed “Meet the Beatles” album from the Gordon family sold in our May 22nd, 2011 auction (lot #281). This is the last remaining album from the Gordon family and is personally inscribed to Dr. Gordon by George Harrison. The inscription reads “To “Doc Gordon” thanks for the JABS from George Harrison” along with the signatures of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. Original album and album cover. 12-1/4″ H x 12-1/4″ W. Provenance – The estate of Dr. Jules Gordon. This signed album was given to Dr. Gordon, who treated George Harrison for a sore throat the day before the Beatles American television debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. Thomas Buckley noted in the New York Times on Feb. 8, 1964: “Mr. Harrison, who is known as the quiet Beatle, awoke yesterday with a sore throat. He was treated by Dr. Jules Gordon, used a vaporizer and rejoined his colleagues at the studio late in the afternoon. ‘I should be perfect for tomorrow,’ he said.” According to George Harrison’s sister, Louise Caldwell, Harrison’s health was more serious than reported. In “The Beatles Off The Record” by Keith Badman, Caldwell recalled: “The doctor said he couldn’t do the Ed Sullivan Show because he had a temperature of 104. But they pumped him with everything. He was thinking about getting a nurse to administer the medicine, every hour on the hour. Then the doctor suddenly realized that I was there and was his sister and he said to me, ‘Would you see to it? It’s probably just as well that you’re here because I don’t think there’s a single female in the city that isn’t crazy about the Beatles! You’re probably the only one who could function around him normally.’” Dr. Jules Gordon of New York City was the house doctor at the Plaza Hotel from 1942 until 1985. This album, given to one of his family members, has been with the family ever since and has never before been offered for sale. Condition: Slight overall toning to cover. Wear to upper spine. Some scratching to the album itself. [See more photos →]

“Meet the Beatles! The First Album by England’s Phenomenal Pop Combo” record album autographed by all 4 group members – John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. This signed album was given to the New York physician Dr. Jules Gordon during the period in which he treated George Harrison for a sore throat at the time of the Beatles American television debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. Thomas Buckley noted in the New York Times on Feb. 8, 1964: “Mr. Harrison, who is known as the quiet Beatle, awoke yesterday with a sore throat. He was treated by Dr. Jules Gordon, used a vaporizer and rejoined his colleagues at the studio late in the afternoon. ‘I should be perfect for tomorrow,’ he said.” (see attached Feb. 8, 1964 New York Times article). According to George Harrison’s sister, Louise Caldwell, Harrison’s health was more serious than reported. In The Beatles Off The Record by Keith Badman, Caldwell recalled: “The doctor said he couldn’t do the Ed Sullivan Show because he had a temperature of 104. But they pumped him with everything. He was thinking about getting a nurse to administer the medicine, every hour on the hour. Then the doctor suddenly realized that I was there and was his sister and he said to me, ‘Would you see to it? It’s probably just as well that you’re here because I don’t think there’s a single female in the city that isn’t crazy about the Beatles! You’re probably the only one who could function around him normally.’” Dr. Gordon was called from his fourth-floor office to the Presidential Suites on the 12th floor where the Beatles were staying. Dr. Jules Gordon was the house doctor at the Plaza Hotel from 1942 until 1985. Original album and album cover. Very good condition, 1 1/4″ split to bottom spine edge. 12-1/4″ H x 12-1/4″ W. Provenance – direct descendant of Dr. Jules Gordon. Dr. Gordon gave this album to the direct descendant in 1964. Winning bidder will be given an affidavit of authentication from the descendant. [See more photos →]

Flag and historical archive relating to the 1866 voyage of the miniature ship The Red White and Blue, which in 1866 became the smallest ship ever to cross the Atlantic. Note: A detailed history of this important nautical cache and the ship’s voyage, which captured attention and created controversy on both sides of the Atlantic, is available to interested parties, and includes flag history and description by Greg Biggs. ITEM 1: 13 star Flag, single ply wool bunting with hand appliqued stars. Front hoist inscription “Ship ‘Red White and Blue’-1866 of NY 2 tons 38/100 registered. To London and Paris Exposition = 1867 Capt. John M Hudson and F. E. Fitch.” Reverse hoist inscription reveals flag’s original use as a Civil War boat flag: “USSS Flambeau’s Picket boat 2nd cutter 1864, Acting ensign J.M. Hudson.” Exhibited Cheekwood Museum of Art, “Nashville Collects”, circa 1990. 31-1/4″ H x 45″ W. ITEM 2: The ship’s log, penned by Captain Hudson, including description of boat, newspaper clipping describing the voyage prior to departure, daily entries describing the trip and location, and details of the events at the Crystal Palace, Paris Exhibition and across Europe. Earliest entry date May 9th 1866, through December 27,1867. Log bears label for William H. Ritch, Commission Merchant, Ships Chandler & Grocer, 39 South Street, Corner Old Slip, New York. ITEM 3: Oval silver plated plaque, engraved, “Ingersoll Metallic Life Boat Red White and Blue. Ship rigged Sailed from New York, United States, July 9th 1866. Arrived off Hastings, England August 16th 1886. Navigators, Capt. John M. Hudson, and Mate Frank E. Fitch. Inventor and Builder Oliver Roland Ingersoll. Property of the American Boat & Oar Bazaar. 243 & 245 South and 475 & 447 Water Street New York.” Framed in later gilt frame, not examined out of frame. Exhibited Cheekwood Museum of Art, “Nashville Collects”, circa 1990. Sight: 8 1/4″ H x 10″ W Framed: 12″ H x 14″ W ITEM 4: Two framed prints including Currier and Ives lithograph “The Miniature Ship, Red, White, and Blue.” Print lists information on the size of the boat and a brief description of voyage. In later gilt frame. Sight: 9 3/4″ H x 14 1/4″ W. Framed: 19″ H x 23″ W. Also a print from an unknown publication: “Red, White, and Blue” on display at the Crystal Palace, Paris Exhibition of 1867. In later gilt frame. Sight: 8 7/8″ H x 9″ W. Framed: 14 1/4″ H x 15″ W. ITEM 5: a large collection of letters, photocopies, and publications pertaining to the ship’s crossing and career of Captain John Hudson, including the shoulder straps and gold braid from his Navy uniform. Provenance: Estate of A. Welling LaGrone, Jr., Nashville, Tenn. ABOUT THE FLAG: United States Navy vessels of the 19th Century, and even now, carried several flags based on the Stars and Stripes of the nation. The largest was the ensign, flown from the stern of the warship. The jack was flown from the bow flag staff only while the ship was in port, while the commission pennant was flown from the main mast in the era of sails or a high point in the age of steam. The flags varied in size based on the rating of the warship. These vessels also carried small boats called gigs, and these boats also were equipped with flags. Boat flags came into existence in the early 1850s and carried, at least based on that used by Commodore Matthew Perry on his voyage to Japan, 31 stars. In 1857, the number of stars was reduced to sixteen. Being smaller flags, the lower number of stars made them more visible at a distance. In 1862, the Navy Department further reduced the star count to thirteen. This may have been in homage to the flags of the Continental Navy of the Revolutionary War. From 1862 to 1865, the stars were arranged typically in three rows with four, five and four stars in each from top to bottom of the canton. The boat flag of the U.S.S. Flambeau/Red White & Blue is this star pattern. A boat flag with the same star pattern exists in the Zaricor Collection in California. After the Civil War, boat flags were changed to a three, two, three, two, three arrangement, again from top to bottom. According to noted flag historians Howard Madaus and David Martucci, these boat flags varied from five through ten feet on the fly with the hoist measuring about half of the length. The 1864 U.S. Navy flag regulations (basically revised from the 1854 regulations) listed ship ratings ten through fourteen as boat flags. Flags for the tenth rating measured 5.28 feet on the hoist by 10 feet on the fly. Eleventh rated ships carried boat flags of 4.20 feet on the hoist by 8 feet on the fly while twelfth rated ships carried boat flags of 3.70 by 7 feet. The thirteenth rated boat flags measured 3.20 feet by 6 feet and the fourteenth rates carried flags of 2.50 feet by 5 feet. The U.S.S. Flambeau boat flag measures 31 inches by 42 inches which corresponds to a fourteenth rated boat flag. The flag has been cut down in its fly length by at least 18 inches at some point after the Civil War when it became the flag of the S.S. Red White and Blue. This was probably due to the size of that boat being much smaller (only 2 tons) than the U.S.S. Flambeau. The flag is made from single ply wool bunting with the stripes and appliquéd stars being hand stitched. The cotton canvas hoist edge is marked on the reverse side, “U.S.S. Flambeau Picketboat, 2nd Cutter – 1864. Acting Ensign J. M. Hudson.” The second cutter marking probably indicates that the warship carried two gigs on board. The U.S.S. Flambeau was built in 1861 as a brigantine initially for the trade routes of China. She was acquired by the U.S. Navy in November of that year to augment their blockading fleet. Weighing 791 tons, she was 185 feet long by 30 feet wide. With her crew of 92 men, she carried between two and five guns during the war. Her career as a blockader was successful with four ships captured as prizes. The U.S.S. Flambeau was sold by the Navy in July 1865 after being decommissioned. As a merchant vessel, she was lost off North Carolina in March 1867. Acting Ensign J. M. Hudson left the Navy after the Civil War. He became the skipper of the S.S. Red White and Blue which became famous in nautical circles for the transiting of the Atlantic Ocean by such a small vessel. His old boat flag from the war was altered for the Red White and Blue, being marked on the obverse hoist edge, “Ship “Red White and Blue” of New York – 1866/2 tons – 35/100 Register/ to London and Paris Exposition 1867/ Captain J.M. Hudson.” – Flag catalog entry by Greg Biggs. Condition: ITEM 1: Flag survives in good condition with minor staining, some patches and fraying where flag attaches to hoist. The flag has been professionally conserved with a fine colored mesh attached for stabilization. Also, there are [See more photos →]

Original color screenprint and letterpress poster for the 1913 International Exhibition of Modern Art, also known as The Armory Show, The official poster announced the first venue of the three-city Armory Show tour in New York from February 15 to March 15, 1913. Housed under plexiglass in a narrow gilt frame. Mid 20th c. New York framing label en verso. Sight – 20 3/8″ x 14 1/8″ Frame – 21 1/2″ x 15″.

Note: The Armory Show is credited with ushering in a new era in art and introducing Americans to Impressionism, Neo- and Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, Cubism and modern sculpture. The exhibition included paintings from European modernist artists like Degas, Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, and Gaugin. The uprooted pine tree image on the poster, also used for the cover of the exhibition catalogue, was derived from the Massachusetts Revolutionary-era battle flag, “proclaiming liberation from the art of the past” (Ref. Shapiro, p. 135).

PROVENANCE: The collection of Ronnie Steine, Nashville, by descent from his parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Steine.

CONDITION: Very good condition with minor toning; 1 1/2″ scuff upper left quadrant in reddish/brown area of flag. With old tape to edges en verso along with pencil inscription. Poster is lightly adhered to backing with archival tape. Frame has some surface wear and scratching. [See more photos →]

French bronze and gilt bronze Spherical Weight or “Falling Ball” mantle clock, with barometer and thermometer. Top features a bronze standing lion figure atop a cover that lifts for the deposit of balls, over a decorative frieze and glass-sided rectangular case with bottom drawer for ball storage, atop four toupie feet. Dial with enameled floral decoration and colorless jewels above a wheeled barometer, also adorned with colorless jewels; a thermometer to the left and a rotating wheel mechanism that uses the gravity of falling balls to power the clock movement in the back. 22″ H x 10 3/4″ W x 6 1/8″ D. French, circa 1890. Condition: Overall very good condition, clock works functioning at time of inspection. [See more photos →]

“Hours of Idleness” by Lord Byron (George Gordon Noel Byron), 1807, first edition second issue, with early 20th century jewelled Cosway-style binding by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, the interior containing miniature portraits of Lord Byron and his ancestral home, Newstead Abbey. Original silk and velvet lined leather bound case. Hours of Idleness was the first volume of poetry published by Byron at the age of 19, which launched his literary career. This book contains properties associated with the second issue (Page 114 line 4 “thunder”; Page 22, line 2 “those tissues of falsehood..”). 8vo., 187 pp., printed by S. & J. Ridge, Newark, England. The binding, likely made not long after the foundation of the famed Sangorski (Sangorsky) and Sutcliffe bookbinding business in 1901, is of full dark blue French Levant morocco, with fly leaves of brown watered silk and gilt edges. The front cover features applied jewels including 1 central marquis garnet, 8 green chalcedonies, 14 turquoises, and 16 round garnets. The design on both front and back features interlaced strapwork, dividing the cover into Gothic style panels filled with red, green and gilt floral decorations. The front doublure is inlaid with a hand painted miniature watercolor on ivory portrait of Byron, surrounded by a laurel wreath inset with 4 green chalcedonies and 4 topazes. The back doublure is inlaid with a miniature watercolor on ivory painting of Newstead Abbey. Book: 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″. Provenance: Estate of Robert Keith, Brentwood, TN, listed Dawson’s Book Shop catalog in 1944, full provenance details available on request. Condition: Binding excellent. Book pages show light toning and minor foxing, overall very good condition. Case in fair condition with exterior wear and some small tears to silk. [See more photos →]

A French restoration period gilt and patinated bronze French mantle clock, depicting the mythological Jason, capturing the Golden Fleece with the head of the slain hydra at his feet. Supporting the fleece is a patinated bronze tree rising from a rocky base. The ormolu clock face has a Roman numeral dial and is decorated with two Grecian figures. The rectangular verde antico-veneered base is supported on gilt bronze paw feet. 25″ H x 15 1/2″ x 7 1/7″ D. Circa 1820. Note: This clock is similar to a model signed by Lesieur now in the MusÈe de Malmaison (MM 40-47-470). There are other closely related models including one in the Spanish Royal Collection (see J. Ramon Colon de Carvajal, Catalogo de Relojes del Patrimonio Nacional, Madrid, 1987, p, 186, no. 166), three models signed by Choiselat, one by FeuchËre, one signed by Ledure and one signed by Lesieur Empire (see Sotheby’s lot 151, December 11, 1981, and lot 28, March 3, 2006). Condition: Clock is missing the original works. Sculptural elements are in very good overall condition. Some chips to the marble base. [See more photos →]

Penny in Slot Golf Machine designed by London’s Automatic Sports Company, Matthewson patent. Cast iron marquee letters GOLF over an enamel instruction plate, flanked by painted golfers in relief on both sides. Six golfers wearing red cotton textile jackets and painted pants and socks with six numbered golf holes enclosed in a glass case. Coin operated, with two handles in the front operating the players’ golf swings. 29″H x 20″W x 9″D. 106.7 lbs. Circa 1896-1905. Condition: Missing back panel and lower cast iron stand. Nickel plating over brass slot mechanisms. Repainting appears to be from the second quarter of the 20th century. Some paint enamel loss on the large golf figures in relief on edges of case. Lever mechanisms rotating the clubs appear functional. [See more photos →]

Punched Tin Andrew Jackson parade lantern, cylindrical with domed top and handle, the punched design reading “Andrew Jackson Forever” across the body with ” Jan 8th 1832 ” across the top, surmounted by a row of stars. Exhibited Cheekwood Museum of Art, “Nashville Collects”, circa 1990. 13-1/2″ H x 5-1/4″ diameter. Provenance: estate of A. Welling LaGrone Jr., Nashville, Tenn., purchased from Sotheby’s (lot 762, unknown sale number/date). Note: Jan. 8, 1815 was the date associated with General Jackson’s victory in the Battle of New Orleans. This was likely a commemorative piece, possibly made around the time of his re-election. Condition: Lacks top handle, two small holes in base, 1 broken hinge with lost nail. [See more photos →]

Robert Morden (d. 1703) and William Berry (fl. 1669-1708) : A NEW MAP OF THE ENGLISH PLANTATIONS IN AMERICA BOTH CONTINENTS AND ISLANDS, “Shewing their true Situation and distance from England or one with another. By Robert Morden, at the Atlas, in Cornhill nere the Royal Exchange, and William Berry at the Globe between York House and the New Exchange in the Strand, London.” 1673, black and white line engraving with hand coloring on laid paper. Cartouche depicting Native American figures upper left; inset map upper right showing the true situation of the colonies in relation to Britain. 17″ x 20 3/4″ image; 17 1/2″ x 21 1/2″ sight, 28″ x 32″ frame. Ref. William C. Wooldridge, “Mapping Virginia,” fig. 74 p. 82-83; Wooldridge states that this rare map is “the first general map of the American colonies.” Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: 1″ x 1/4″ loss to upper right corner. Two 1/2″ x 1/4″ losses at center edge and upper left edge (filled in on backing paper). 1″ tear upper right edge. Dark staining to entire upper edge, extending along entire right edge of map, other scattered lighter stains and pale discolorations. Taped down along top. [See more photos →]

Cigar Store Native American figure, carved and polychrome painted wooden likeness of an Indian princess or maiden with feathered headdress, her right arm holding a bundle of cigars while her extended left hand grasps a package of tobacco. Resting on a wooden platform with two steel rod supports. 67″ x 24″ x 14 1/2″ height. Early 20th century. Provenance: Gatlinburg, TN collection. Condition: Old losses and separations to Indian maiden figure, two steel rods support base at lower waist, blacklighting does not indicate paint restoration or repair. [See more photos →]

French Louis Lot (1807-1896) silver concert flute, open hole keys, inline G with C-foot. Inscribed “LL Louis-Lot Paris #868 Brevete” to neck piece; and inscribed “LL Louis-Lot Paris #868″ to body. Includes fitted case and cleaning rod. 26” L. Circa 1864.

CONDITION: Scattered minor surface wear. Minor resoldering to scattered tone holes. Some keyholes and crown or end cap have been plugged (crown plug removable). Crown and head cork detached. C# key has been substituted with a roller, and C# trill has been added. Gold lip plate and springs are later replacements. [See more photos →]

A large French porcelain clock in the style of Sevres, the horizontal dial spanning the exterior of an urn with hand painted floral decorated vignettes on a marbelized pink background. Mounted with gilt bronze serpent handles and swags around perimeter of base. Fitted with a stepped wooden pedestal base. Works marked ìCie LeRoy Parisî. 19 1/2″ H, not including wooden base. Mid 19th century. Provenance: purchased from J.B. Hudson Co. Antiques, Minneapolis, in the 1950s along with the garniture vases in lot #122. Condition: Clock missing pendulum, not tested for functionality. Crack to porcelain urn to left side of one vignette, approx. 2″. [See more photos →]

Stanocola Standard Oil Company enameled advertising sign having a bright yellow center with shield logo and bright red border, manufactured by The Baltimore Enamel & Novelty Company, also known as Balto Enameling Company. Maker’s mark en verso. Sign is mounted to the center of a hand made painted wood and metal rectangular sign with blue background and light blue border and painted white letters reading “Filling Station”. Sign – 30″ dia. Wood Filling Station sign – 19 13/16″ H x 98 1/8″ L. 1920-24. Also included with this lot is a copy of “The “Standard” Dealer” from April 1930 that includes an advertisement, as well as a check for the purchase of gasoline and a bill of lading from Standard Oil Co. of Louisiana from 1924. Provenance: According to a document written and signed by the consignor, the sign was originally displayed at general store in Tusculum, TN that was started by the consignor’s great grandfather in the late 1890’s. It was around that time that the family began a business relationship with Stanocola Standard Oil Company. The sign was taken down by the consignor’s great grandfather in 1924 and stored in the second floor of a building that had been built in 1892 and leased by the family in late 1918-early 1919. When the building was purchased by the family in 1953, the stairs to the second floor were removed during a remodeling project. The sign remained untouched on the second floor until the consignor decided to sell the property in 2010. Photos of the store outside of which the sign was displayed are included with this lot. See related lot #700. CONDITION: Stanocola button sign in excellent condition with a couple of light scratches and minimal oxidation to screw holes on outer black painted perimeter. Filling Station sign has water damage in the corners and some spotting elsewhere, lettering is clear and unmarred. [See more photos →]

Stanocola Standard Oil Company enameled advertising sign having a bright yellow center with shield logo and bright red border, manufactured by The Baltimore Enamel & Novelty Company, also known as Balto Enameling Company. Maker's mark en verso. 30" dia. Note: This sign was part of a large filling station sign from a general store in Tusculum, TN. The matching enameled sign with hand made wood and metal painted sign is also offered in this sale (see lot #699). CONDITION: Stanocola button sign in excellent condition with a couple of light scratches and minimal oxidation to screw holes on outer black painted perimeter. [See more photos →]

Francis Watkins (1723 -1791) brass reflecting telescope with a 23 1/2" primary tube, 4 1/2" eyepiece extension tube, and 9" sighting tube with crosshairs; sliding screw rod focusing apparatus attaches to a polished speculum secondary mirror; adjusts with brass vertical adjustment gear wheel and thumbscrews; raised on an octagonal baluster column supported by three folding legs. Inscribed "Fra. Watkins Charing Cross London." Overall 28" length, 21 1/2" height (measured while horizontal). Historical Note: Francis Watkins'' telescopes are associated with 18th c. British explorer James Cook, who in 1769 took an 18" Watkins telescope on his voyage to the Pacific to make astronomical observations including the Transit of Venus from Tahiti. Watkins apprenticed as an optician, eventually opening his own business in 1747 in London at 5 Charing Cross. Under the sign "Isaac Newton''s Head" he produced various instruments with ground glass lenses. According to a 1763 advertisement, these included "Reading Glasses, [a] Great Variety of single, double and Solar Microscopes, Reflecting and Refracting Telescopes, of all Lengths and Sizes; Opera Glasses, Concave and Convex Mirrors of all Sizes, Book and Box Cameras of all Dimensions, all Sorts of Barometers and Thermometers, also Hydrometers, Hydrostatic Balances, air Pumps, and all other Optical and Philosophical Instruments."

CONDITION: Excellent overall condition, functions smoothly; small 1/4" indentation to bottom of main tube; rear primary mirror dirty with disuse obscuring clear viewing. [See more photos →]

Sheldon Moldoff (Am. 1920-2012) Moon Girl #7 Cover Original Art, EC 1948, pen, brush and ink on board with notations at lower margin. Signed Shelly lower left for Sheldon (Shelly) Moldoff. Entertainment Comics’ “Moon Girl” represents an early attempt at a superhero comic book title. Sight: 19″H x 13 1/2″W. Frame: 22 3/4″H x 15 3/4″W. Original ink on paper comic art, “Moon Girl Introducing Star No. 7 May-June,” EC Comics, 1948. Despite a lack of formal art training, Sheldon Moldoff became a prolific cover artist for the future DC comics. He co-created characters such as Batman’s Poison Ivy, Bat-Girl, and Mr. Freeze, and was sole creator of the Black Pirate. He began drawing for Moon Girl upon his return from World War II in the mid 1940s. After being let go by DC in 1967, he turned to animation and promotional comics. He received an Inkpot award in 1991. Condition: Very good condition with slight overall toning. CONDITION: Very good condition with slight overall toning. [See more photos →]

Henry Rankin Poore (Pennsylvania/Connecticut, 1859-1940) designed Winchester Rifle advertising sign, lithography on board, rectangular form, depicting four “bear-hunting dogs”. Signed “H. R. Poore /Philadelphia” in the stone, lower left. Housed in a Winchester Rifle wooden frame with stenciled advertisement across the top reading WINCHESTER and across the bottom reading RIFLES SHOTGUNS FOR SALE HIRE AND AMMUNITION along with painted or stenciled images of shotgun casings with the Winchester logo in each corner. Image – 25 1/2″ H x 34 3/4″ W. Framed – 32″ H x 41 1/2″ W. American, early 20th century. Provenance: Ex-collection Levi Strauss family. CONDITION: A few areas of minor loss to upper left and lower right quadrants. Some scratching mid-lower margin. Abrasions to frame, mostly to lower corners. [See more photos →]

Steinway and Sons, New York, Model M Grand piano, mahogany case over tapered legs terminating into block feet and mounted with castors. Serial #451263 indicating a manufacture date of 1978. 37 3/4″ H x 56″ W x 74″ D. Fitted with a padded bench of similar design. CONDITION: Sun fading to wood along the left side of the piano case and top. Soundboard and keys in good working order. Piano was professionally moved to our gallery and has been professionally tuned. [See more photos →]

Remnant of a burned White House timber removed from the White House during the 1950 renovations, from the 1814 White House fire started by the British during the War of 1812. Bears plaque to side reading “Original White House Material/ Removed in 1950″ with the Presidential Seal in the center. Housed in a custom made marquetry box comprised of walnut and oak from White House repairs and cedar from the White House grounds. Construction diagram pasted to the interior of the lid and signed by the maker F. C. Mayes. Wood artifact – 4 1/2″ x 2 1/2”. 2″ H x 6″ W x 3 3/4″ D. Note: From 1949 to 1952, the White House underwent a major renovation. President Harry Truman noticed when he moved in that the White House was quite dilapidated, and pressed Congress for funds to refurbish the mansion. In the House of Representatives, the White House renovation was overseen by the Public Works Committee, on which sat first-term Congressman Gerald Ford. Truman gave Ford and other committee members a personal tour of the White House, pointing out its defects. What Ford remembered most, however, “was when he took us into the Oval Office and I saw that little sign on his desk: ‘The Buck Stops Here’. I thought, Well, that’s a good description of a President’s job”. The three-year project included tearing down all but the exterior walls and rebuilding everything within. In the process, workers found charred lumber from the burning of the White House in 1814. Clearly these structurally unstable pieces could not remain. Instead, they were removed and sold to the public as souvenirs, as directed by the Commission on the Renovation of the Executive Mansion. In March of 1952, a small ceremony marked the end of the renovation and the opening of the refurbished and structurally-sound White House. Provenance: From the estate of Captain Gordon Wells, member of the Secret Service’s Uniformed Division, the White House Police, from 1943 through 1967. During his tenure, Wells received mementos from sitting Presidents and First ladies of 5 administrations, from Franklin Roosevelt through Lyndon B. Johnson. CONDITION: Both artifacts in very good condition. [See more photos →]

Three-piece Tiffany Egyptian revival champleve gilt bronze garniture set with mantle clock and pair of urns. The mantle clock of gilt bronze and beveled glass with center urn finial with champleve lid, the case with four fluted columns with champleve finials and half-columns on turned bases and two larger side columns with champleve finials and columns on square bases. Clock face marked Tiffany & Co. with Arabic numerals and champleve center with rhinestone border. Pendulum with hand-painted portrait miniature of woman in 18th century style dress and framed in two rows of rhinestones and champleve border. The clock works by Japy Freres, marked “Made in France 11658411”, “A1 Tiffany & Co”. Retains key. 14 3/4″ H x 9″ W x 5 3/4″ D. Each urn with opposing cupid masks and decorated with bands of champleve and applied champleve plaque and mounted on square base with four turned supports with champleve finials and bands of champleve on three sides, turned feet with impressed numbers “2 or 3″ on base. 9 3/4″ H x 4 3/4″ W x 4 3/4” D each. Late 19th/Early 20th century. CONDITION: Wear to gilding and champleve decoration, possible areas of old regilding. Scratches on interior bronze base of clock. All rhinestones present, some with discoloration. [See more photos →]

Johnny Craig (Am. 1926-2001) War Against Crime #3 Cover Original Art, EC 1948, pen, brush and ink on board with notations on all margins. Signed lower right. Entertainment Comics’ The War Against Crime series would later change its title to The Vault of Horror series in 1950. Sight: 19″ H x 13 1/2″ W. Frame: 22 3/4″ H x 15 5/8″ W. John Thomas Alexis Craig, better known as Johnny Craig, became the assistant to Harry Lampert (creator of The Flash) at All American Comics while studying at the Art Students League of New York. After serving in World War II, he began drawing for EC Comics, including Moon Girl and the Prince, Saddle Justice and Crime Patrol. Unlike many comic artists, he was also a writer, and wrote many of the stories for the Vault of Horror (and became its editor in 1954). He worked briefly for Atlas Comics (predecessor of Marvel) and did some work on the Iron Man comics. He retired in the 1980s and was posthumously inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame in 2005. Condition: Glue residue on rocks and exhaust fumes in image. Horizontal blade cut along middle row of letters in title. CONDITION: Glue residue on rocks and exhaust fumes in image. Horizontal blade cut along middle row of letters in title. [See more photos →]

Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) Jupiter C and Explorer I model with stand, Dr. Wernher Von Braun, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) provenance. 1st item: Jupiter C model rocket, comprised of painted metal with black letter stickers reading “ABMA JPL”, “JUPITER-C”, and “US ARMY” to body. 16 7/8″ H. 2nd item: Explorer I model satellite, comprised of gilt metal and secured to a metal stand attached to a wooden base. Base with gilt metal placard reading “Explorer I U.S. ARMY” and metal peg for 1st item. Satellite – 5 1/2″ L. Stand – 5 3/4″ H x 6 1/8″ W x 6 1/4″ D. Mid 20th century. Provenance: Private Southeast Tennessee collection. Purchased by the consignor from the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), located in Huntsville, Alabama, during a deaccession sale. Both models with the stand can be seen in a photograph of Dr. Wernher Von Braun in his office at Marshall Space Flight Center, circa 1962 (copy of the photograph included with this lot). Note: Explorer-I, officially known as Satellite 1958 Alpha, was the first United States earth satellite and was sent aloft as part of the United States program for the International Geophysical Year 1957-1958. It was designed and built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of the California Institute of Technology under the direction of Dr. William H. Pickering. The satellite instrumentation of Explorer-I was designed and built by Dr. James Van Allen of the State University of Iowa. The satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral (now Cape Kennedy) in Florida at 10:48 P.M. EST on 31 January 1958 by the Jupiter-C vehicle–a special modification of the Redstone ballistic missile–that was designed, built, and launched by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) under the direction of Dr. Wernher Von Braun. Jupiter-C, a direct descendant of the German A-4 (V-2) rocket, was originally developed in 1955-1956 as a high-performance rocket for testing purposes. The Jupiter-C has its origins in the United States Army’s Project Orbiter in 1954. The project was canceled in 1955, however when the decision was made to proceed with Project Vanguard. (source: https://history.nasa.gov/sputnik/expinfo.html). CONDITION: 1st item: Overall good condition with 3/4″ break to stabilizer fin, wear to paint, displacement of some stickers. 2nd item: Overall good condition with surface grime. Metal stand is loose on base. [See more photos →]

Large and elaborate French patinated and gilt bronze figural clock, the top portion with bronze sculpture of two females in Classical style dress, holding hands, one with a musical instrument and the other holding a book (allegorical for art and literature); the base section modeled as a plinth with applied gilt bronze foliate and scroll ornamentation, surrounding an inset enameled dial marked Thomas Agnew & Sons, London. Works marked Deniere A Paris. 26 1/4″ H x 22″ W x 10″ D. 19th century. Condition: Overall very good condition, not tested for functionality. [See more photos →]

Chinese cloisonne garniture 3-piece set, all with floral design on black ground and gilt painted metal mounts. The center keywind clock with Asian numerals on enamel and gilt metal clock face, dragon finial, standing foo dogs on base. Clock works numbered 656 with no maker’s mark. 25″ H x 15″ W x 7 1/2″ D. Set also with coordinating pair 5-arm candelabra, 23 1/2″ H x 11 1/2″ D. Chinese, Late 19th/Early 20th century. Provenance: Private Knoxville, TN collection. CONDITION: Regilded. Key to clock not present; clock not tested for functionality. [See more photos →]

Eugene Barillot (French, 1841-1900) ivory and gilt bronze nude sculpture titled “Odaliske”, depicting a partially nude female in Turkish style dress, alabaster base. Signed “Barillot, Paris” on the base and mounted on an alabaster base. 12″ H. Late 19th century. Provenance: Crossville, TN collection. Condition: One earring missing, otherwise very good condition. Condition: One earring missing, otherwise very good condition. [See more photos →]

Bronze sculpture after John Talbott Donoghue (1853 – 1903) titled “The Young Sophocles Leading the Chorus of Victory after the Battle of Salamis”. Signed on base “J. Donoghue” with inscriptions on the sides of the base in Greek reading Sophocles and Salamis. Back of base marked “Modern Art Foundry, NY”. 44 1/2″ H x 26″ W x 14″ D. 20th century. Condition: Extensive verdigris patination from outdoor exposure. Some scratches on back of mounting. [See more photos →]

Keuffel & Esser (K&E) 4090 universal slide rule, PN 19-19-19-19-19-19. Marked "Keuffel & Esser Co. N.Y., Pat. Oct. 6, 1891". Comprised of two-sided white celluloid coated mahogany, black metal framed chisel cursor with 8 points on one side and 10 points on the other, and metal end pieces. 2 piece black cardboard case with "Keuffel & Esser Co. Slide Rule" stamped in gilt. Slide rule – 11 1/8" L. Case – 11 5/8" H x 2 1/8" W x 3/4". Provenance: Private West Tennessee Collection. CONDITION: Overall good condition. Minor scuffs, wear commensurate with age and use. Wear to cardboard case. [See more photos →]

Technical Sergeant George A. Pierce WWII archive. Sargeant Pierce flew 31 missions on the B-17 bomber “Bags Inc.” in the European theater. The leather jacket is decorated with a pin-up girl surrounded by “Bags Inc. Ceiling Zero” with 31 bombs stating the different cities bombed. The jacket is a size 40 A-2 military issued jacket. Included is Sargeant Pierce’s framed bomber wings, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and ribbons for Army good conduct, Asiatic-Pacific campaign, European-Africa Middle Eastern campaign, and his honorable discharge card. Also included is a picture of Sergeant Pierce with his crew standing next to a B-17 and a portrait of him in dress uniform. Medals framed: 10-1/4″ H x 8-1/4″ W. Crew framed: 10-3/4″ H x 12-3/4″ W. Portrait framed: 15-1/2″ H x 12-1/2″ W. Biography: George A. Pierce (1917-1969) was raised in Knox County, Tennessee. He enlisted on January 23, 1941 with his two brothers, Ira S. Pierce and S. Pierce, who were also airmen. Condition: Some overall wear to jacket, fraying to fabric at end of sleeves. [See more photos →]

An early Boneshaker bicycle, maker unknown. Third quarter of the 19th century. Red paint with black painted accents applied to the cast iron body with wooden spoke wheels. Replaced leather seat, original turned wooden handles, wrought-ironpedals. Bicycle in overall good condition. 62″ L x 52-1/2″ H. Front wheel dia – 33-3/4″. Rear wheel dia – 28-1/2″. Design invented in France by Michaux and brought to the US by Lallement. Provenance: East Tennessee collection. [See more photos →]

Three (3) Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) World War II posters. 1st item: TVA poster titled “Electric Power is a Weapon of War” depicting an electric plant on blue background with man’s black silhouette leaning against red reservoir on top of dam. Unframed. 40″ H x 28.5″ W. 2nd item: TVA poster titled, “Out of water power comes air power” depicting planes flying over a map showing rivers and dams, including the Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers and dams. Unframed. 40″ H x 28″ W. 3rd item: TVA poster depicting a black and white Uncle Sam superimposed over water flowing through a dam reading “I need your money to win the war” and “Where does your department stand in the TVA war bond drive”. Unframed: 20″ H x 16″ W. Provenance: Private Johnson City, Tennessee collection. CONDITION: 1st item: Overall good condition with fold lines, toning and foxing on back, some separations noted along folds. 2nd item: Fair condition. Some losses along edges, largest 2”. Surface loss near corners. Some tape remains on surface. Some separation along fold lines. Foxing, toning on back. 3rd item: Good condition. Fold lines. Foxing, toning on back. Rolling for shipment is not recommended. [See more photos →]

Cold painted bronze, depicting a partially nude reclining female, possibly Cleopatra, on a chaise lounge with a child servant waiting on her, holding a tray. Attributed to Franz Xavier Bergmann (1861-1936). Unsigned. 4″ H x 9-1/2″ L x 6-1/8″ W. Early 20th century. Provenance: Private Nashville, Tennessee collection. Condition: Missing figure on front side of sculpture marked by two holes. Light wear to highlights of bronze patina of reclining female. [See more photos →]

Three (3) early Continental brass candlesticks. 1st item: 16th century brass candlestick, round deep mid dip pan over a flaring vase, knopped stem and candle cup with vertical extacting holes. 7 1/4″H. 1″ area of pitting to base just under pan, 1/4″ area of pitting to stem. 2nd item: 17th century trumpet form candlestick with tapered and ringed circular base, round mid drip pan, extracting holes to candle socket. 7 1/4″H. Repair and scratching to drip pan where it joins the stem, small loss to foot ring. 3rd item: 17th century trumpet form candlestick with tapered and ringed post, circular mid drip plate and circular foot, 5 1/8″H. 1 1/2″ area of tight cracking and repair to mid drip plate. Provenance: The estate of Dr. Benjamin H. Caldwell, Nashville, Tennessee. CONDITION: All with general wear and small dents, see individual item descriptions. [See more photos →]

Union Recruiting Banner, “Army of Georgia. Soldiers Wanted.” with Federal Eagle emblem to center of cloth banner. Housed under glass in a wooden frame with gilt wood rabbet edge. Banner – 21 3/4″ H x 40 3/4″ W. Sight – 25″ H x 44 1/4″ W. Framed – 28″ H x 47″ W. Circa 1864. Provenance: Private Ringgold, Georgia collection; among items purchased in the 1960’s from the old location of the A. P. Stewart Chapter of the UDC (United Daughters of the Confederacy), formerly the Nathan Bedford Forrest UCV (United Confederate Veterans) home, St. Elmo, Chattanooga, TN. Note: In November 1864, General Sherman created the Army of Georgia from the remaining XIV and XX Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. This army was commanded under Major General Henry Warner Slocum and served as one of Sherman’s wings in the March to the Sea. CONDITION: Overall good condition with foxing spots, stains, largest 2 1/8″ x 1 1/2″, tears, largest 1/2″, to be expected from age and manner of use. Areas of loss, 2 1/4″ x 1 3/4″ to top left of eagle’s wing and 1 1/2″ x 1 5/8″ area top left corner of banner. Top and left edges appear to be slightly cut down. Printed lettering and emblem in very good condition. [See more photos →]

Early boneshaker bicycle, by A. Dubois, St. Denis, France, with brass label. White painted cast iron body and wheels with pink and green painted turned wooden handles, pink painted original metal seat. Overall good condition with nut securinghandle bars missing. Contemporary re-paint. 64″ L x 51-1/2″ H. Front wheel 35″ dia. Rear wheel 31-3/4″ dia. Circa 1870. Provenance: East Tennessee collection. [See more photos →]

Alfred Steiglitz (American, 1864-1946), "Guro Mask, Ivory Coast," platinum print, circa 1914. 10" x 8". Note: Alfred Stieglitz became interested in African sculpture after being introduced to it in 1909 by the artist Max Weber. In 1914, Stieglitz organized an exhibition titled "Statuary in Wood by African Savages – The Root of Modern Art" at the 291 Galleries in New York. It was the first exhibition in the U.S. focused entirely on African artifacts as fine art. Stieglitz scholar and curator Sarah Greenough attributes this photograph to Stieglitz, in connection with this exhibit.
PROVENANCE: Private Nashville collection; acquired from the direct descendant of Ida O''Keefe''s business manager. (Note: Ida Ten Eyck O''Keefe was the sister of Georgia O''Keefe and sister in law to Alfred Stieglitz).

CONDITION: Loss to upper left corner and smaller losses to upper right and lower left corners, with additional small stain to lower left corner. Overall toning. Pencil inscriptions en verso. [See more photos →]

An early advertising display cabinet for Dr. Lesure’s Veterinary Medicines. The cabinet consists of an oak case featuring a metal paneled front door depicting the head of a brown horse peering out from a stone wall opening with the words “Dr. Lesures’s Famous Remedies” in red above and below the horse’s head. The frame surrounding the metal panel is additionally stenciled in black “Dr. Lesure’s Warranted Veterinary Medicines”. The interior is fitted with three shelves and the flat base is molded on three sides. 26 3/4″ H x 20 3/4″ W x 7″ D. Circa 1900.

PROVENANCE: Private Southern collection.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. A few areas of minor scattered losses to the painted metal panel surface, rubbing noted to the lower right corner margin of the metal panel and left margin of the panel. Case with minor general wear and fading to the finish. Some staining to the top and interior shelves. [See more photos →]

Fiske garden or drinking fountain with a painted zinc figure of Virtue, standing atop a painted cast iron columnar base. The zinc sculpture of the woman, likely the Green deity of virtue known as Arete, holding a bird, is possibly after a design by George Fisher & Bro. (1867-1901). The base of the zinc figure reads: J. W. FISKE 26.28 PARK PLACE NEW YORK. Octagonal iron base with raised foliate designs and circular iron basins on opposite sides. 67″H x 23 1/2″W x 14″D overall, zinc figure 37″H. American, late 19th century. Note: a very similar Fiske fountain was installed in 1904 by the National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union in Harrisonburg, Virginia; recently vandalized, it is now being restored. Provenance – Lexington, Kentucky area collection. Condition: Old exfoliation of paint, some light abrasions, newer fountain spouts have been added. . CONDITION: Old exfoliation of paint, some light abrasions, newer fountain spouts have been added. . [See more photos →]

Wilhelm Hunt Diederich (New York/Europe, 1884 – 1953) cut paper silhouette on paper of two greyhounds with bugler, pencil signed lower right, “Hunt Diederich”. Housed in a simple black painted frame. Sight – 9 1/8″ H x 13 3/4″ W. Framed – 10″ H x 14 3/4″ W. Circa 1920’s. Provenance: Originally from the collection of John “Jack” Alexander Rogers and his wife Mildred Bond from NYC at turn of the 20th century. See related Lots #516 and #762 in this sale. Condition: Abrasions/wear to paint of frame. Overall toning to paper. [See more photos →]

18th Century English bracket or table clock in Japanned case, with gilt chinoiserie style decoration; bombe style top with brass handle and gilt pineapple form finials, over a case with arched original silvered and engraved brass dial signed William Jourdain, London, and applied pierced gilt spandrels, all on a molded base with bracket feet. Brass fusee works with bell strike, crown escapement. 20″H x 11 1/2″W x 7″D. Circa 1725-1750. Condition: Works show wear and minor expected refurbishments. Significant wear to face, scattered abrasions/wear to case. Front glass panel and 1 circular side glass panel are replaced. No lock, missing key. Rear back right foot missing. [See more photos →]

Alabama Indestructible doll, black version, made by the Ella G. Smith Doll Company (operating 1899-1925). Molded and painted head and ears, molded mitten style hands and blue stocking shoes. Ella Smith was the first doll maker in the South to manufacture black dolls. Made after 1919. 13 1/2″ H. Condition: Overall good condition with wear and paint lost to head, primarily to top. Losses to nose. General wear to limbs and overall grime. [See more photos →]

Partial set of Topps 1956 baseball cards, containing 282 of 340 cards issued that year, with a mixture of white and gray backs. Key cards include white-backed Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Ernie Banks, Sandy Koufax, Ted Williams and Warren Spahn. Those with gray backs include Willie Mays, Bob Feller, Duke Snider, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Pee Wee Reese, and Al Kaline, and NY Yankees team card.

CONDITION: Key cards and Commons range in condition from Poor (1), Good (2), Very Good (3), Very Good/Excellent (4), to Excellent (5). CONSERVATIVE grading for some individual cards: Mantle VG3, Aaron PR1, Robinson GD2, Clemente GD2, Banks PR1, Koufax GD2, Williams GD2, Spahn VG3, Mays GD2, Feller GD2, Snider PR1, Berra GD2, Ford GD2, Reese GD2, Kaline VG3. [See more photos →]

Two (2) World War II Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) propaganda posters. 1st item: Poster titled, "Out of water power comes air power", depicting planes flying over a map showing rivers and dams, including the Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers and dams. Unframed. 40" H x 28" W. 2nd item: Poster depicting a plane flying over a dam with water flowing through, black background. Orange text across the center reads, "Out of Water Power. Comes Air Power" and in white text across the bottom, "This is a TVA War Job". Unframed. 40" H x 28.5" W. Provenance: Private Johnson City, Tennessee collection. CONDITION: 1st item: Good condition, separation noted along fold lines, largest 1". Foxing, toning on back. 2nd item: Very good condition. Some separation noted along fold lines, largest 1". Foxing, toning on back. Rolling for shipment is not recommended. [See more photos →]

George Washington "Linked States" Inaugural Brass Button,1789. Depicts the script initials "GW"surrounded by the inscription "LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT" with an exteriorlinked ring of script letters representing the original thirteen colonies. Does not retain shank. 1 7/16" dia. Provenance: Private Southern estate. CONDITION: Overall good, likely dug condition with surface wear to gilding. Minute dents to edges. Bends, possibly in the making, to surface. [See more photos →]

Bacigalupo style Russian Street or Barrel Organ, marquetry inlaid rectangular case on bracket feet with brass mounts, the front screen painted with musical instruments and floral garlands flanked by two dancers. Manufacturers name inlaid in Cyrillic across front: Ivan Viktorovich Nechada, Balkovskaya Street 191, Odessa with metal medallions at each end. Interior has tune sheet listing 8 melodies and 25 notes, hand crank to exterior. 19" H x 20 3/4" W x 11 1/2" D (case, 17 3/4" including crank). Circa 1920. CONDITION: Veneer warping and small losses to rear exterior and rear right side, some scattered shrinkage, cracks and abrasions. Functionality not guaranteed or tested. [See more photos →]

Three (3) Elvis Presley items, including 2 signed photographs and 1 signed International Hotel folder. Pictured in the photographs are Jim and Gladys Tipler, who owned Crown Electric in Memphis, celebrating Mrs. Tipler''s birthday with friends at two separate Elvis performances at the Las Vegas Intercontinental Hotel, in the early 1970s. (note: On April 20, 1954, Elvis began working at Crown Electric for $1 per hour. He delivered supplies to job sites and hoped to become an electrician. He stayed at Crown until mid-October 1954, after having recorded his first record at Sun Studio. – Source: Graceland). Included with this lot is a handwritten letter of provenance from Ruth Ann Lewis, who worked for Marsh E. Tipler, executor of Jim and Gladys Tipler''s estates; 1 unsigned International Hotel folder, and a copy of a 1956 Elvis magazine biography. Folders: 11" x 9 1/4". Photos: 10" x 8" (one black and white, the other in color, both with "Happy Birthday" inscriptions; the color photograph inscription specifically names Mrs. Tipler).
PROVENANCE: Private Memphis collection.

CONDITION: Color photo: light fading and toning, ink not fully expressed in parts of the signature. B/W photo: light toning, couple spots of handling grime. Folders: light handling wear, signature bold. Magazine: handling wear. [See more photos →]

Scarce portfolio, "Ten Photographers," from the edition of 75 published by and to benefit the Women''s Campaign Fund, 1978. The complete portfolio with 10 silver gelatin prints signed and numbered "6/75" in ink, lower margins. Includes Andre Kertesz''s "New York City," 1977; Eve Arnold''s "London," 1962; Jill Freedman''s "Circus Days," 1971; Ernst Haas''s "USA," 1960; Duane Michals''s "McKeesport PA.," 1977; Inge Morath''s "Ireland," 1954; Barbara Morgan''s "Martha Graham," 1935; Eva Rubinstein''s "Miss Anne Amis, Tenn.," 1972; Neal Slavin''s "Portugal," 1968; and James VanDerZee''s "New York City," 1930. All printed in 1978. With colophon editioned "6" in ink. Housed in a tan fabric clamshell portfolio box with title to front cover. Also includes original wooden shipping box addressed to Jane Eskind, Nashville, TN, with edition number noted. Sheets: 11" x 14". Images: Between 5" x 6 3/4" and 7 1/2" x 11". Portfolio box: 21 1/2" H x 17 3/16" W x 1 13/16" D. Wooden box: 23 6/8" H x 19" W x 2 6/8" D.
PROVENANCE: The Estate of Richard J. Eskind, Nashville.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. With minor, scattered scuffs or accretions to gelatin layer of Jill Freedman''s "Circus Days" visible primarily in raking light. [See more photos →]

Extremely scarce O. B. Buell (1844 – 1910) cabinet card photograph of Crowfoot, Chief of Blackfoot Tribe, 1885, on a mount printed "Compliments of Prof. Buell." Overall – 8" x 5". One of only two examples of this image are known to have been offered for sale at auction in the last 15 years; the other, a cabinet card from the John Painter collection, sold at Cowan''s in 2015.

Crowfoot (c. 1830-1890) was a noted warrior who had taken part in 19 battles before the age of 20 but seldom went to war once he reached manhood. He became involved with raising horses, and his leadership in tribal matters resulted in him being made chief of his tribe in 1870. He eventually made peace with his Cree neighbors and welcomed the Northwest Mounted Police to Blackfoot Territory.

Professor Oliver or Otto B. Buell was born in Henry County, Illinois in 1844. He was known for his photographs of the Riel Rebellion and trial, and views of the Canadian landscape taken during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 1880s. He appears to have used both first names or at some point changed his first name from Otto to Oliver.

PROVENANCE: Private Southern collection.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. Some very faint spotting affecting background and subject''s jaw line, visible in raking light. Some wear to mount at upper left corner and lower right edge. Later collection label adhered to reverse. [See more photos →]