ARENDS, Leslie C. (1895-1985)

Typed Letter Signed / Unsigned Photograph

This long-time Republican representative from Illinois (1935-74) served as House Majority Whip then as House Minority Whip. TLS, 1p, 8" X 10½", Washington, DC, 25 May 1965. Addressed to Kenneth N. Anglemire. Fine. On "Congress of the United States" letterhead, Arends writes the president of the Who's Who in America company with regrets: "I very much appreciate your kind invitation to attend Illinois Day at the New York World's Fair on June 16th. It is very difficult to make a firm commitment this far in advance because of the legislative program. It is seldom possible for me to be away from the Congress during the middle of the week. Much as I would enjoy being there on Illinois Day, I must regretfully decline.." Boldly signed in blue ballpoint. A couple oflines sloppilt underlined in ink, likely by recipient Anglemire. Accompanied by an outstanding original glossy black-and-white 6½" X 8½" news agency photograph showing a group of legislators in suits being fitted with pith helmets. Newsprint text affixed to verso dates this image 20 June 1947, titles it "Tropical Topees for Sweltering Solons," and describes the scene: "Protection against Washington's notorious hot and humid summer weather is furnished fellow Solons by Representative Chauncey W. Reed, of Illinois, who presents them with tropical topees. Left to right: Leslie C. Arends, of Illinois.." A charming pair. .

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Book number: 49587

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Government & Politics

ARIZIN, Paul (1928-2006)

Signature

Known as "Pitchin' Paul," this basketball star played with the Philadelphia Warriors (1950-51, 1954-62), leading that team to its 1956 NBA championship and leading the league in scoring in 1952 and '57; a pioneer of the jump shot, he was chosen one of the 50 greatest NBA players ever; inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977. Signature and "Phila Warriors" in blue ballpoint in Arizin's small and cramped hand, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. 1974 May 23. Fine. With original envelope. .

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Book number: 22032

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Athletes

ARLISS, George (1868-1946)

Inscription and Signature

The great English actor, filmmaker, playwright and author won an Academy Award in 1930 for "Disraeli" -- the first Briton to do so -- and is best known for portrayals of this and other historical figures. Large and bold "With compliments / of / George Arliss" on a heavy stock 4 3/4" X 4 3/4" sheet, at the upper right of which he adds "745 Lincoln Parkway / Chicago," n.y. Very good. Faintly age toned. Arliss appeared on stage in Chicago and, though undated, this was likely signed during one of those professional visits. A superb, bold example. .

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Book number: 48149

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater

ARLISS, George (1868-1946)

Typed Letter Signed

The great English actor, filmmaker, playwright and author won an Academy Award in 1930 for "Disraeli" -- the first Briton to do so -- and is best known for portrayals of this and other historical figures. TLS, 1p, 7" X 9", London, England, 21 February 1944. Addressed to "Drucie" (Drusilla Pierce, a Los Angeles friend). Very good. Faint original folds. On imprinted "George Arliss" letterhead, Arliss chats cordially with an old friend, noting "that you are fairly well except for your legs. The only advantage you gain is that you are able to get into friendly intercourse with the crossing-cops. You will be glad to know that our London policemen are still wonderful." Of the current London theatre scene, he comments: "I know very little about theatrical conditions here because Flo's sight prevents us from going to the theatre. We had one break, however, when we went to see the Lunts who have made a tremendous success over here. It was certainly a beautiful performance." Signed simply "George" in blue ink. (Alfred and Lynn Fontanne opened a production of Robert E. Sherwood's "There Shall Bo No Night" in London's Aldwych Theatre on December 15, 1943 and it's no doubt this performance to which Arliss refers.) Attractive -- an interesting glimpse into Arliss's life near its end when war and sickness curtailed his activities!.

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Book number: 42715

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater

ARMOUR, Thomas S. (1908-2006)

Signature

This classical ballet dancer was principal soloist with the Nijinsky Company, Leonid Masssine's Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and other noted companies; in 1951 he founded the Miami Ballet. Handsome full signature in blue ballpoint, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. 1980 September 3. Fine. With original envelope. A great example. .

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Book number: 29031

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Dance

ARNAU, Narcis J. (1913-96)

Signature

Spanish prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, Archbishop of Barcelona from 1971 to 1993. Bold signature and title in blue ballpoint, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. n.y. [postal cancellation 1977 November 17]. Fine. With original envelope. .

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Book number: 26693

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Religion

ARNO, Enrico (1913-80)

Signed Postal Cover

This noted German-born artist and illustrator illustrated 27 books between 1955 (Moliere's "The Misanthrope") and his death. Signed Postal Cover, 6½" X 3½", n.p. n.y. Fine. NOT a First Day Cover, but a mint uncancelled example of the 3-cent "Fort Ticonderoga" 1955 stamp designed by Arno is affixed at upper right. At lower left, in black fineline, Arno signs boldly in his beautiful calligraphic script. A superb example of this uncommon signature. .

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Book number: 25182

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Art & Architecture

ARQUETTE, Cliff (1905-74)

Inscribed Photograph Signed

Better known as "Charley Weaver," this character actor of film, radio and early television was long a regular on television's "Jack Paar Show" and "Hollywood Squares." IPS (magazine), 4 3/4" X 10", n.p. n.y. [ca. 1960]. Very good. Half-length portrait in dress as Charley Weaver, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint across his chest: "To my pal / Donald Burnell / one of my people / from that wild old man / Charley Weaver / & / Cliff Arquette." Most of this runs on top of his white shirt, making for good contrast, but a few words appear on top of his patterned tie, where contrast is poor. (Printed caption below image reads: "He's just as real to Cliff Arquette as he is / to viewers of Hobby Lobby or The Jack Paar Show -- / for reasons as heartwarming as Charley himself."). .

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Book number: 22804

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater

TER-ARUTUNIAN, Rouben (1920-92)

Signature

This Russian-born avant garde stage designer was known for both his ballet and Broadway sets. Scarce sample of his stylized minimalist signature on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. [New York, NY], 1971 April 12. Inscribed to Richard C. Laade. Fine. With original envelope bearing return address (unsigned) in his hand. .

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Book number: 19131

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater

ASHBRIDGE, Bryan (1924-95)

Signature

New Zealand ballet dancer with Sadler's Wells Ballet (later the Royal Ballet) for many years, featured in the film "The Red Shoes"; later with the Australian Ballet. Handsome full signature in blue fountain pen, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. 1985 August 9. Fine. With original envelope. A great example. .

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Book number: 29032

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Dance

ASHBURN, Rich "Whitey" (1927-97)

Photograph Signed

Center fielder with the Philadelphia Phillies (1948-1959), Chicago Cubs (1960-1961) and New York Mets (1962), famed for twice capturing the National League batting title (1955, 1958); elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995. PS, 8" X 10", n.p. n.d. Very good. Yellowed tape stain at each corner and one (each 1") along each side. Handsome matte finish head-and-shoulders portrait of Ashburn in his Cubs uniform during his last season, boldly signed in blue ballpoint across his chest. .

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Book number: 17513

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Athletes

ASHCROFT, Peggy (1907-91)

Photograph Signed

This knighted British actress appeared in "The Thirty-Nine Steps" and many other distinguished films. PS, 8" X 10", n.p. n.d. Fine. Glossy still portrait of Ashcroft in her Oscar-winning role in "A Passage to India" (1984), boldly signed. .

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Book number: 15556

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater

ASHENFELTER, Horace (1923-2018)

Signature and Inscription

This American track and field athlete -- an F.B.I. agent by professsion -- won the steeplechase at the 1952 Olympics and many other national amateur and college titles in the late 1940s and '50s; in 1975 he was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. "Best Wishes Richard" and large bold signature in black ballpoint, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. dated by him 30 January 1980 at upper right. Fine. With original envelope. .

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Book number: 47284

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Athletes

ASHMAN, Ron (1926-2004)

Signature

This English centre-forward and later fullback played soccer for Norwich City (1946-63), later managing that same team (1962-66) and others. Bold attractive signature in blue ballpoint on a 5½" X 3½" slip bearing "Scunthorpe United Football Club Ltd." their Scunthorpe address and "With Compliments" in red ink. Fine. Undated, but pencilled on verso is 26 September 1978; Ashman managed this team from 1967-73 and again from 1976-81. A handsome example. .

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Book number: 41371

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Athletes

ATHERTON, Gertrude (1857-1948)

Typed Note Signed

This contemporary of Edith Wharton and Henry James was a opoular, provocative and prolific novelist, short story writer and essayist who often wrote of the battle of the sexes; her first book, "What Dreams May Come," was published in 1888 and her last book, the memoir "My San Francisco," appeared in 1946. TNS, 1p, 6¼" X 7 3/4", San Francisco, CA, n.y. November 6. Addressed to Arnold F. Gates (1914-93, noted Lincoln and Civil War scholar). Fine. Chats cordially with an admirer and plugs her latest book: "Many thanks for your birthday wishes and for what you say about GOLDEN PEACOCK. I am delighted that you enjoyed that little book as I had fun writing it. I did so at the request of the LAtinists of the University of California, as a contribution to the Horace Bimillennium. I hope you will like my new novel, THE HOUSE OF LEE." Large and bold signature in black ink. Undated, but given the "House of Lee" reference likely 1940. .

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Book number: 40858

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Authors