(DECLARATION OF INTENTION / ALLEN, Leo E., 1898-1973)

Partly-Printed Document Signed

This long-term Republican representative from U.S. Grant's adoptive hometown of Galena, Illinois, served this district in Northwestern Illinois for fourteen terms (1933-61). Partly-printed DS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Jo Daviess County, IL, 1926 October 15. Very good. Faint age toning. "Declaration of Intention" document issued by the U.S. Department of Labor Naturalization Service for one Andrew Boeckl, a 24-year-old marble worker from Bavaria, Germany, who had arrived in New York in 1924. Most interesting is the printed text noting that "It is my bona fide intention to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, and particularly to The German Reich" (these last three words inked in) -- but better yet is the following printed text: "I am not an anarchist; I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy.." Entirely filled out in Allen's attractive hand in black ink, and at lower right, as clerk of the circuit court, he signs boldly. A delightful, provocative period piece reminiscent of the oaths of allegiance signed by Confederate soldiers at the close of the Civil War. The Third Reich and anarchy statements are classic 1920s, with fascism encroaching upon Europe and anarchists such as Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman capturing the headlines. The polygamy content seems a bit less obvious, no waves of anti-polygamy sentiment sweeping the country, but simply represents a typical post-World War One reaction against extremism of any sort. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 36435

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Americana

ALLEN, Charles H. (1848-1934)

Printed Document Signed

This Republican politician and state legislator served Massachusetts in Congress (1885-89) before being appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy (1898-1900) by President William McKinley, who in 1900 appointed him the first civil governor of Puerto Rico (1900-01); a high-level Wall Street business career in the sugar refining industry then followed. Printed DS, 1p, 9 3/4" X 14 3/4", Washington, DC, 13 September 1898. Very good. Faintly age toned, with two original horizontal folds. Spanish-American War honorable discharge certificate for ALFRED B. FRY (1860-1933), a distinguished mechanical, civil and marine engineer of many accomplishments who joined the Navy on April 4, 1898 and served as Passed Assistant Engineer assigned to the Civil War vintage monitor U.S.S. Nahant tasked with defending New York harbor; on June 22 he was promoted to Acting Chief Engineer on the armed yacht (!) U.S.S. Stranger, part of the West Indies Blockading Squadron off Havana, Cuba. In this handsome document with ornate typefaces and a steel-engraved vignette of a military steamship chugging across choppy waters, Fry is released after "Having served with fidelity in the United States Navy.. in the War between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain.." Boldly signed in brown ink at lower right by Allen as "Acting Secretary of the Navy" Allen's predecessor as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt, had resigned on May 10, 1898 to form his own cavalry regiment (the fame "Rough Riders") and join the war effort, thus Allen stepped in on May 11. Quite an attractive item. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 44889

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Government & Politics

ALLEN, Rex (1920-99)

Signature

One of the last of the singing cowboys, known as "Mister Cowboy" and "The Arizona Cowboy," Allen starred in cowboy films of the 1950s and is credited with composing 300 songs, among them "Crying in the Chapel" (1953). Large, bold signature in black marker on a heavy stock 5" X 2 3/4" card, n.p. n.y. Fine. undated, but a wonderful later life example. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 41896

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Film & Theater

ALLYSON, June (1917-2006), and JOHNSON, Van (1916-2008)

Pair of Signed Cards

She was the blonde-banged husky-voiced "girl next door" was a popular leading lady throughout the '40s and '50s; he was the freckled, red-haired American golden boy of numerous films of the 1940s and '50s -- most memorably "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" (1944) and "The Caine Mutiny" (1954) -- continued appearing in films and on television into the 1980s. Pair of signed heavy stock cards, each 4¼" X 3", n.p. n.y. Very good. Faint and inoffensive 2½" tape stain evident along top and bottom 1/8" of each card. "Naval Aid Auxiliary" logo in gilt blue and red appears at top center, with red stripe along top ¼" edge and blue stripe along bottom ¼" edge. This organization raised funds for its war-time activities by enlisting many film stars to sign these decorative cards, which were then made available for purchase to the public. A desirable pair of these young stars paired together in five films around this same time. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 42561

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Film & Theater

ALMY, William E. (1810-70)

Autograph Letter Signed

This Rhode Islander came from a line of military officers -- including his brother John Jay (1815-95), noted naval officer. ALS, 2pp (recto and verso), 7" X 8", New London, CT, 1858 December 3. Addressed to "Doct. Duffield" (D. Bethune Duffield, 1821-91, well known scholar and poet). Good plus. Binding traces along left margin; chip at lower left corner, not affecting text; some fold separations archivally mended on verso side. Overall clean, quite legible and not unattractive despite condition. On September 10, 1858, the 45th anniversary of the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie (fought largely by Rhode Islanders on the American side) was commemorated, with many celebrations taking place in Detroit. Here Almy writes to one of the participants in these ceremonies: "We had the great pleasure in September last of reading in the New York Times many extracts from your very grand & elegant Poem delivered in that month on the ever memorable anniversary of Perry's gallant achievement on Lake Erie." Almy asks for a copy of Duffield's poem, noting, "We do want it exceedingly. I am myself, a real genuine Rhode Islander -- proud of my State & of the glorious men who have given it its reputation. I have in my parlor, a very fine likeness of the Hero of Erie, and, besides, recollect his personal appearance well. I saw him receive the welcome of our native town (Newport) on his return from Erie. And now, Sir, will you do us the favor to furnish us with your whole Poem. If it is published in pamphlet form, we hope you will pardon us for asking for 2 copies as we want one for my Brother who is a Lt. in the Navy & who was delighted with what he read of your brilliant effort.." Interestingly, the sailing master of the brig "Somers," one of Perry's fleet, was a Rhode Islander named Thomas C. Almy -- likely a relative of William E. An intriguing piece. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 29372

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Military

ALSOP, Joseph (1910-89)

Typed Note Signed

American political columnist and author credited with coining the phrase "brain trust" to name FDR's circle of advisors. TNS, 1p, 7" X 10¼", Washington, DC, 1977 November 14. Addressed to Richard C. Laade. Near fine. Complies with an autograph request. Large salutation and "Sincerely" also in Alsop's sloppy script. With original envelope. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 15240

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: AUTOGRAPH, AUTOGRAPHS Authors

ALSTON, Walter (1911-84)

Inscribed Photograph Signed

This Baseball Hall of Famer (elected 1983) managed the Brooklyn (later Los Angeles) Dodgers from 1954 to 1976, bringing them four world championships. IPS, 5" X 7", n.p. n.d. [ca. 1960]. Good plus. Yellowed tape stain at each corner and bit of general wear. Informal matte finish head-and-shoulders smiling pose of Alston in his Brooklyn uniform, inscribed large and bold in blue ballpoint "Best wishes Donald / from Walt Alston." Fairly attractive despite flaw -- and definitely rather uncommon. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 17512

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Athletes

ALSTON, Walter (1911-84)

Signature and Inscription

This Baseball Hall of Famer (elected 1983) managed the Brooklyn (later Los Angeles) Dodgers from 1954 to 1976, bringing them four world championships. "Best wishes Donald / from / Walt Alston" large and bold in blue ballpoint, irregular 4½" X 2" slip, n.p. n.y. [ca. 1960]. Very good. Several tape stains at corners end edges, not affecting signature but touching couple letters of inscription. Despite flaw, rather attractive. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 21561

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Athletes

ALTER, Karl J. (1885-1977)

Signature

Archbishop of Cincinnati. Signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. 1967 November 9. Fine. With original envelope. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 19905

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: AUTOGRAPHS" Religion Religion

AMBERS, Lou (1913-95)

Signature

World lightweight champion in 1939, inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1964. Bold signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. 1985 April 22. Fine. With original envelope. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 26515

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Athletes

d'AMBOISE, Jacques (1934-2021) and McBRIDE, Patricia (born 1942)

Signatures / Unsigned Photograph

He was a renowned ballet dancer and choreographer long with the New York City Ballet, famed for his many George Balanchine roles on stage and screen; she became that troupe's youngest principal ballerina in 1961, creating many role there with Balanchine for thirty years. Signatures on matching, heavy stock 5" X 3" cards: d'Amboise signs in purple fineline, dated by him March 1967 at upper right. Very good only. A tad crumpled. McBride signs in bold blue fineline, dated by her 8 June 1967. Fine. Both with original transmittal envelopes. Interestingly, this attractive pair were both signed in the year of release for the film version of the Balanchine ballet "A Midsummer Night's Dream" -- and it is accompanied by a choice 10" X 8" glossy black-and-white still scene from that film, a full-length shot of d'Amboise and McBride dancing. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 47899

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Dance

AMECHE, Don (1908-93)

Partly-Printed Typed Document Signed

This amiable American leading man of the late 1930s (best known for "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell") appeared in dozens of films well into the 1990s; he became more popular than ever late in life, appearing in "Trading Places" (1983) and winning an Oscar for the 1985 film "Cocoon." Partly-printed TDS, 1p, 9¼" X 3", Hollywood, CA, 1936 August 8. Near fine. Pale orange check drawn on the California Bank, typed out to "CASH" in the amount of $150.00 and boldly signed in black ink by Ameche. Normal bank perforation cancellations (not touching signature). An attractive piece from quite early in Ameche's career -- his film debut had only occurred the previous year. It wasn't until 1939 that his most famous role as Alexander Graham Bell would make him a household name -- and actually make the name "ameche" synonymous with the telephone, as in "You're wanted on the ameche!" Accompanied by an 8½" X 11" reproduction of an early head-and-shoulders caricature of a smiling young Ameche. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 40809

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Film & Theater

AMES, Fisher (1758-1808)

Autograph Document Signed

The greatest of all Federalists, the noted attorney who organized the Federal Party, was a Massachusetts statesman and Congressman (1789-97), famed for his 1796 speech defending Jay's Treaty; he declined the presidency of Harvard University in 1806 due to failing health. ADS, 1p, 7¼" X 2 3/4", Dedham, MA, 9 October 1794. Very good. Faintly age toned, with tiny tape stain at three corners (not affecting text) and couple of small expert archival mends on verso. "Recd of Fisher Ames fine Shills / for serving a writ, being a Coroner of Suffolk, / Fisher vs Inhabts of Dedham, to July Court 17[?]4 / Dedham Oct 9, 1794" boldly penned in brown ink and signed by the recipient, Samuel Holbrook, at the close. Holbrook (1729-94) was a Dedham local. Docket on verso. Nice, if curious and cryptic, example. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 44071

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Government & Politics Colonial Americana

AMES, Fisher (1758-1808)

Autograph Note (Unsigned) / Initialed Signature

The greatest of all Federalists, the one who organized the Federal Party, was a Massachusetts representative, famed for his 1796 speech defending Jay's Treaty. Unsigned AN with initialed signature tipped on, 1p, 7½" X 3½", n.p. n.d. Very good. Odd fragment, apparently from a legal agreement concerning a house, reading in part: "1st. that you agree in the interpretation I have put on the expression of 'a convenient house' as meaning also convenient outhouses and garden.." An initialed signature has been tipped in at the close of this partial document, which has been tastefully double matted alongside a lovely 5½" X 8" period steel engraved portrait of Ames and engraved brass plaque and framed in a ½" antiqued silver frame (overall dimensions 19" X 12"). Very attractive and scarce. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 16157

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: autographs Government & Politics

ANDERS, Glenn (1889-1981)

Signature

This stage actor made few films, but earned a reputation for his portrayals of sinister characters (as in "The Lady from Shanghai"). Curious double signature and sentiment ("Charles Glenn Anders / Glenn Anders / That's better?") and date (1978 May 8) on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. Fine. With original envelope. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessionelle Verkäufer

Buchzahl: 18903

Katalog: Autographs

Sonstige Stichworte: Film & Theater