Weiss Auctions

#1

E.M. Forster Autographed Letter Signed

One-page handwritten letter signed by E.M. Forster, dated June 22, 1933. Written on personal stationery from West Hackhurst, the letter thanks a correspondent named Hill for sending an A.T.B. brochure, noting it was “very good of you to have remembered me.” Neatly framed alongside a portrait photograph of Forster. This lot is being offered on behalf of the new York County Public Administrator from the Estate of Leonard Sydney (240388)

Estimate $150 - $300

#2

W. H. Auden. Autographed Letter Signed & Photo

One-page handwritten letter signed by poet W.H. Auden, addressed from Jamestown, Rhode Island and dated circa 1941. In the letter, Auden responds to a request, offering to provide autobiographical details and expresses his willingness to help. Nicely framed with a black and white portrait of Auden, with a typed transcript and original mailing envelope affixed to the reverse. This lot is being offered on behalf of the new York County Public Administrator from the Estate of Leonard Sydney (240388)

Estimate $100 - $200

#3

Thomas Hardy Autographed Letter Signed

One-page handwritten letter signed by British author Thomas Hardy, dated June 14, 1889, from 20 Monmouth Road. Hardy discusses a request from a “lady author” to attend a society dinner by subscribing in advance. He notes, “I propose to be present at the dinner.” Nicely framed with an engraved portrait and a typed transcription affixed to the reverse. This lot is being offered on behalf of the new York County Public Administrator from the Estate of Leonard Sydney (240388)

Estimate $400 - $800

#4

W. Somerset Maugham TLS, Dated 1919

Typed letter signed by W. Somerset Maugham on “Villa Mauresque” stationery, dated 24th October 1919. Addressed to Mrs. Wildgust, the brief note thanks her for her letter and confirms her recollection was correct, noting “Of course Constance went off with Bernard.” Nicely framed with a period portrait. This lot is being offered on behalf of the new York County Public Administrator from the Estate of Leonard Sydney (240388)

Estimate $200 - $400

#5

Charles Dickens Handwritten Letter (1860)

One-page handwritten letter by Charles Dickens, dated March 3, 1860 on Tavistock House letterhead. Addressed to Edward F. Jones, the letter expresses Dickens’ thanks for a kind note and remarks that he is pleased “to be preserved in the remembrance of my friends, the travelers.” Nicely matted and framed alongside a period engraving of Dickens. This lot is being offered on behalf of the new York County Public Administrator from the Estate of Leonard Sydney (240388)

Estimate $1000 - $1500

#6

Rutherford B. Hayes Signed Appointment

Appointment document signed by President Rutherford B. Hayes, dated February 12, 1878. The document commissions W.T. Porter of Delaware as a U.S. Commissioner to the International Industrial Exposition in Paris. Boldly signed “R.B. Hayes” at lower right, also countersigned by Secretary of State William M. Evarts. Embossed U.S. seal affixed at lower left. Printed and handwritten in elegant calligraphy on vellum-style paper. Framed for display.

Estimate $400 - $600

#7

Harry S. Truman Signed Typed Letter 1954

One-page typed letter dated April 19, 1954, on Harry S. Truman’s personal letterhead from the Federal Reserve Bank Building in Kansas City. Addressed to A.J. Stephens, Truman humorously responds to a question about distributing a souvenir “kicking mule,” stating he’s no expert but offering encouragement. Bold Truman signature at the close in black ink.

Estimate $300 - $500

#8

Franklin Pierce Signed Presidential Pardon

Partly printed document signed by Franklin Pierce as President, dated December 14, 1855. Orders the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to the pardon granted to James Lawson. Measures approximately 10" x 14", with faint folds and small filing holes at left margin.

Estimate $600 - $1000

#9

Chester A. Arthur Signed Warrant Document

Partly printed document signed by President Chester A. Arthur, dated November 1, 1881. Orders the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to a warrant authorizing the arrest of John H. Cummins, a fugitive from justice. Bold signature of the president at the bottom.

Estimate $400 - $800

#10

William H. Taft Signed Bank Check

Riggs National Bank check dated April 23, 1919, signed by former President William H. Taft in the period between his Presidency and his term as a Supreme Court Justice. Made in the amount of $50. Clean signature with typical cancellation punch through center.

Estimate $300 - $500

#11

Winfield Scott ALS Regarding Banking, 1865

Autograph letter signed by Winfield Scott, dated May 26, 1865, from the Hoffman House in New York. The letter instructs the recipient to credit the amount of an enclosed draft to Scott's account and requests a list of the last eight or ten checks paid by the bank. Boldly signed at the conclusion.

Estimate $200 - $400

#12

President Monroe & J.Q. Adams Signed Ship's Paper

Partly printed 1819 ship’s passport signed by President James Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. Issued for Robert Thompson of New York, this 4-language document permits safe passage and is dated May 19, 1819. Embossed with the U.S. seal and countersigned in the District of Mississippi. Some damage including staining and paper loss in upper third, not affecting either signature.

Estimate $1000 - $2000

#13

Chester A. Arthur Signed 1883 Program

Program for the unveiling of the Statue of George Washington on the steps of the Sub-Treasury Building, Wall Street, New York, dated November 26, 1883. Boldly signed “Chester A. Arthur” along the left margin. Light toning and edge wear, with a stain at the top.

Estimate $600 - $1000

#14

Theodore Roosevelt Signed Postmaster Appt.

Partly printed document signed by President Theodore Roosevelt and countersigned by Postmaster General Henry C. Payne, appointing an unnamed individual as Postmaster of the United States. Dated 1904, with red ribbon and gold seal intact.

Estimate $600 - $1000

#15

Andrew Johnson Signed Military Appointment

Partly printed military commission signed by President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, dated April 20, 1865—just six days after Lincoln’s assassination. Blue seal intact. Boldly signed by both officials at bottom.

Estimate $1000 - $2000

#16

James Madison & James Monroe Signed Ship Passport

Partly printed four-language ship’s passport signed by President James Madison and Secretary of State James Monroe, dated 1811. Large folio document granting safe passage for a vessel engaged in international commerce. Embossed paper seals remain affixed. Light toning and fold lines present with expected handling wear.

Estimate $1000 - $2000

#17

Rutherford B. Hayes Signed Pardon Document

Partly printed pardon document signed by President Rutherford B. Hayes, dated May 23, 1877. Issued to pardon George Lomax, who had been convicted of grand larceny and sentenced to 180 days in jail by the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia. The document grants a full and unconditional pardon, with an embossed seal and countersignature by Secretary of State William M. Evarts.

Estimate $400 - $600

#18

Roosevelt & Taft Signed Military Appointment

Military appointment dated December 20, 1904, signed by President Theodore Roosevelt and Secretary of War William H. Taft. Commissions Aristedes Moreno as First Lieutenant in the Porto Rico Provisional Regiment of Infantry. Features bold signatures and intact blue seal.

Estimate $800 - $1200

#19

Ulysses S. Grant Signed Postmaster Appointment

Official presidential appointment signed by Ulysses S. Grant, dated March 31, 1871, naming William F. Prosser as Postmaster of Nashville, Tennessee. Countersigned by Secretary of State Hamilton Fish with embossed seal intact.

Estimate $600 - $1000

#20

Thomas Edison Signed Letter (1915)

Typed letter signed by Thomas A. Edison, dated August 25, 1915, on "From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison, Orange, N.J." stationery. Addressed to Mr. Wilber G. Miller of Syracuse, New York, acknowledging receipt of editorial clippings. Boldly signed “Thos A Edison” in ink. One page, 4to.

Estimate $1000 - $2000

Weiss Auctions

July Historical, Entertainment, and Advertising