BAMPTON, Rose (1908-92)

Photograph Signed

A regular with the New York Metropolitan Opera from 1932 to 1950, this American soprano gained an even larger audience through her radio concerts. PS, 3½" X 5½", n.p. n.d. Near fine. Vintage closeup of a young Bampton, nicely signed with "Cordially" in white ink. .

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Book number: 15005

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: AUTOGRAPHS" Music Music

BANCROFT, George (1800-91)

Autograph Letter Signed / Carte-de-Visite

This American historian's 10-volume "History of the United States" (1854-78) helped earn him the moniker "father of U.S. history"; in his spare time he was a distingiushed cabinet member and diplomat. ALS, 1p, 4½" X 7", Newport, RI, 1853 November 2. Very good. Minor foxing along top edge; mounting traces on verso. Sends a check for $575 "which please put to my credit in account." Accompanied by a fine carte-de-visite portrait photograph [Gurney & Son, NY], itself scarce and desirable. .

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Book number: 24596

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Government & Politics Authors

BANCROFT, Caroline (1900-85)

Autograph Note Signed

This regional writer and Colorado Women's Hall of Famer (inducted 1990) hailed from a distinguished Colorado family and penned numerous popular books and pamphlet's about that state's colorful history. ANS, 1p, buff heavy stock 5½" X 3¼" card, Downing, CO, n.y. [postal cancellation 25 July 1951]. Addressed to Arnold Gates (1914-93, noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar). Near fine. On her imprinted correspondence card, Bancroft tells this admirer: "Thank you enormously for your kindness in sending the Herald-Tribune clipping. I should never have known anything about it or been able to run it down but for you." Regarding her just-published "Silver queen, the fabulous story of Baby Doe Tabor" -- the story of the famed rags-to-riches wife of noted Colorado businessman Horace Tabor -- she adds, "I wonder if your wife wouldn't be interested in my booklet about Baby Doe Tabor ($1.10 with mailing) who lived in Central City during her first marriage? It had had fantastic success & been optioned by Dorothy McGuire for the movies." Boldly penned in blue ballpoint and signed simply "C.B. .

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Book number: 43659

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Authors

BANCROFT, George (1800-91)

Signature

This highly-regarded American historian (nicknamed the "Father of American History") served in James K. Polk's cabinet as Secretary of the Navy (1845-46) and as U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom (1846-49). Bold old age signature of the blank verso of Bancroft's 3¼" X 2" engraved Washington, DC calling card ("Mr. Bancroft. / 1623 H Street"), n.y. Near fine. With original envelope cancelled in Newport, Rhode Island where Bancroft summered) on 17 August 1888. Accompanied by a fine modern reproduction of a vintage head-and-shoulders engraved portrait of Bancroft. .

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Book number: 39132

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Government & Politics Authors

BANGS, John Kendrick (1862-1922)

Autograph Letter Signed

This American humorist and lecturer edited many of the country's most popular humor magazines such as "Puck" and later produced many plays and novels such as "A House-Boat on the Styx" (1895), "Coffee and Repartee" (1893) and "The Idiot" (1895). ALS, 1p (lettersheet), 8" X 10", Yonkers, NY, 6 September 1897. Addressed to Miss Strong. Near fine. Faint original folds. On pale blue imprinted letterhead, Bangs replies cordially and of course humorously to a request from an admirer. In part: "..I have been resting for a month from the arduous duties which devolve upon those who write autographs for a living. I am very glad indeed to begin my work for the seasons new opening by sending my note to you for your collection. I am a collector myself and am most sympathetic when I meet with other sufferers." Attractively penned in brown ink. A lovely, charming example. .

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Book number: 42486

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Authors

BANKEY, Ernest I., Jr. (1920-2009)

Photograph Signed

This U.S. Air Force officer with the 385th Fighter Squadron earned the title "ace in a day" on December 27, 1944 when during the Battle of the Bulge he shot down five enemy airplanes over Germany; he is credited with 9.5 aerial victories in World War Two. PS, 10" X 8", n.p. n.y. Fine. Flat-finish small printed photograph of Bankey at right squatting on the wing of his WW2 plane "Lucky Lady," with printed biographical statement at left. Just below this image, Bankey signs boldly in black fineline, adding "Col Ret" below. .

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Book number: 46908

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Military

BANNING, Kendall (1879-?)

Typed Quotation Signed / Typed Note Signed

American editor and prolific author on a variety of subjects; his books include "Mother Goose Rhymes" (1926), "Annapolis Today" (1938), "Copy: A One-Act Newspaper Play" (1910), "Bypaths in Arcady" (1915), "Flotsam" (1903), "How to Build Your Radio Receiver" (1924), "Our Army Today" (1943) and many others. Two items: First, a TQS, 1p, 8½" X 11", n.p. n.y. Near fine. Faint original mailing folds. Brief two-stanza poem titled "Beyond," which goes as follows: "When all my little worldly tasks are done, / And life is through, / Shall I, my love, lie down in sleep at last / To dream with you? / Or shall I find, when you and I shall rest / In peace supreme, / That death is Life but of a larger plan, / And Life the dream?" Boldly signed at the conclusion. Second, a TNS, 1p, 7¼" X 10¼", New York, NY, 1923 February 2. Addressed to Dr. Albert Johannsen. Near fine. On "Popular Radio" letterhead, listing him as editor, Banning thanks this University of Chicago professor for "my unpardonable delay in responding more promptly to your flattering suggestion of over a month ago" and transmits this typed poem. Boldly signed. Johannsen authored "The House of Beadle and Adams and Its Dime and Nickel Novels" (University of Oklahoma Press, 1950), the definitive reference work and bibliography on the subject. His original 8½" X 11" file folder, bearing a printed "Collection of Albert Johannsen" label (partly filled in by Johannsen), accompanies this attractive pair. .

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Book number: 18020

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Authors

BANONIS, Vince (1921-?)

Autograph Letter Signed / Signature

All-American at University of Detroit, then played with the Chicago Cardinals; elected in 1986 to the College Football Hall of Fame. ALS, 1p, 8½" X 3½", n.p. n.d. Fine. On the verso of a collector's misaddressed letter, Banonis recaps his career. Also, a bold signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. 1990 January 6. Very good. Very, very slight smudge to last couple letters of last name and to date. With original envelope. .

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Book number: 28812

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Athletes

BANONIS, Vince (1921-?)

Signature

All-American at University of Detroit, then played center with the Chicago Cardinals (1939-41); wearer of three NFL Championship rings, he was elected in 1986 to the College Football Hall of Fame. Bold signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. 1989 September 29. Very good. Single small smudge (away from signature). With original envelope. .

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Book number: 28813

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Athletes

BARBER, Lidiah (1738-90)

Document Signed

The first English settlement in Connecticut in the early 17th century was Windsor, and among their earliest prominent names was Barber (or Barbur or Barbour). DS from a member of this noted family, Lidiah Barber, 1p, 7" X 12¼", Windsor, CT, 1761 November 11. Very good. Mildly age toned. Barber sells fifteen acres of land to a David Barber (relationship unknown) for thirty-seven pounds ten shillings, describing the location of the parcel. Lidiah (variously spelled "Ledei," "Lydia," "Lidiah") married an Aaron Eaton (born 1736) the following year, which perhaps occasioned the sale of this land. This document is signed at lower right by two witnesses, Captain Samuel Eno (1696-1778) and his son, Eliphalet Eno (1740-1833), and is signed at lower right by Lidiah Barber with her "X. .

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Book number: 38451

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Colonial Americana

BARCA, Don Francisco (1831-83)

Photograph Signed

This noted career diplomat served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Spain to the United States; distraught at a refusal to prolong his U.S. assignment, he committed suicide in New York at age 52. PS, 4¼" X 6½", n.p. n.y. Near fine. Handsome sepia tone cabinet portrait, a head-and-shoulders image of an intent-looking Barca in suit and tie. Large ornate decorative backstamp of Washington, DC photographer G.W. Davis. Below his image, on the blank margin, is the diplomat's carefully penned full signature ("Senor Don Francisco Barca") in black ink. A superb and uncommon image. .

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Book number: 31336

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: World Leaders & Statesmen

BARING, Walter S. (1911-75)

Signature

Republican representative from Nevada (1949-53, 1957-73). Bold signature and "Congressman -- Nev." on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. dated 1969 November 24 in another hand. Fine. With original envelope. .

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Book number: 19089

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Government & Politics

BARING, Evelyn, 1st Earl of Cromer (1841-1917)

Typed Note Signed

This British statesman and career diplomat served as British controller-general in Egypt and later as British agent and consul-general in Egypt (1881-1907). TNS, 1p (lettersheet), 4 3/4" X 7¼", Cairo, Egypt, 22 May 1906. Addressed to Lady Ampthill (Margaret Russell, Baroness Ampthill, 1874-1957, Queen Mary's Lady of the Bedchamber). Very good. On blind-embossed "British Agency, / Cairo" letterhead, Baring transmits (not present) "a note I have received from Sir Reginald Wingate about the application of Lieutenant Duberly." Usual large, bold "Cromer" signature. A nice example. .

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Book number: 41818

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: World Leaders & Statesmen

BARKLEY, Alben W. (1877-1956)

Typed Note Signed

Noted Kentucky senator who served as vice president -- the oldest in U.S. history -- under Truman (1949-53). TNS, 1p, 8" X 10½", Washington, DC, 30 January 1943. Addressed to The A.N. Marquis Company. Very good. Faint wear, bit of age toning and original folds. On "United States Senate" letterhead, the future veep notes, "I am returning herewith the personal sketch which appeared in the last printing of WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA, which I have corrected as requested.." Boldly signed in full. .

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Book number: 41699

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Presidential

BARLOW, Robert (1757-1843)

Autograph Letter Signed

British Royal Navy admiral who saw extensive service in the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic War. ALS, 1p, 7¼" X 8½" (tipped to heavy album leaf of same size), Spithead [off coast of southern England], 1800 November 2. Addressed to "Gentlemen." Near fine. Writing from aboard "His Maj. Ship Phoebe," Barlow remarks: "Mr Sewell the Kings Advocate General of Lower Canada informs me by letter of the 14th Augt. last -- that he has transmitted to you as set of Bills payable to me or order.. I request you will send them to me under cover.. my reason for not having them sent to Portsmouth is that we are only waiting a fair wind to sail for Ireland.." Handsomely penned. A scant three months later (2 February 1801), at the Straits of Gibraltar, Barlow would for the second time in his career capture a French frigate -- for which victory he was knighted and given command of the HMS Triumph in the Mediterranean. An attractive piece written just shy of his greatest military success. From the noted collection of New Jersey physician J. ACKERMAN COLES (died 1925), with his printed file folder. .

Main Street Fine Books & ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 28366

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Military