Browsing Autographs  Business  View Glossary

next page »

1. AVERY, Sewell (1873-1960). Typed Note Signed.
Long-time Montgomery Wards president and board member (1931-56), most famed perhaps for a bizarre photograph of him being carried out of his office in May 1944 by two G.I.s -- arrested for refusing to comply with War Production Board quotas regarding the use of scarce materials for consumer goods; one writer labels Avery a "bullhorn" who "In his prime... brought color photography and modern graphic design to the Wards catalogs... But he became both dictatorial and senile" later, weakening the company significantly before he could be ousted. TNS, 1p, 9¼" X 7½", Chicago, IL, 1934 April 19. Addressed to O.T. Kreusser of Chicago's famed Museum of Science and Industry. Very good. Heavily trimmed at right margin (not affecting letterhead or text though). Thanks Kreusser for a "Special Showing" -- presumably some event at the museum -- but "regret[s] that a previous engagement prevents my coming, but hope[s] that a large group will be present." Bold signature. Accompanied by a clipped photograph (4 3/4" X 6 3/4") from the May 8, 1944 issue of "Newsweek" showing Avery in his most famous seated pose -- as the caption below notes, "Take away the soldiers, and the Montgomery Ward president might be leaning back at his own desk."
Price: $75.00

2. BIDDLE, Nicholas (1786-1844). Signature.
American financier was also a scholar and man of letters; President Monroe named him a director of the Bank of the United States (1819) and he was elected president in 1822, a post he held until 1839. Signature clipped from a printed document, 3 3/4" X 1½", n.p., n.d. Very good. Minor even age toning. Two partial printed lines appear at top (reading "[T]his Bank with or without further advice / of the Bank of the United States"), and Biddle signs alongside the printed title "Prest." Partial signature of "Cash.r" present at lower left. An attractive example.
Price: $95.00

3. BIDDLE, Nicholas (1786-1844). Autograph Letter Signed.
Scholar; president of the Bank of the United States (1823-39). ALS, 1p, 8" X 9½", n.p. [Philadelphia, PA], 1831 April 18. Addressed to John Cumming. Very good. Binding traces along left edge (not touching text). Financial matters regarding collections at Augusta, Georgia. Integral address leaf in Biddle's hand; small tear above this where wax seal was removed. Rather scarce.
Price: $675.00

4. BORIE, A.E. (1809-80). Autograph Letter Signed.
American financier and merchant, briefly secretary of the navy under Grant. ALS, 2pp (1st and 3rd leaves), 5" X 8", Philadelphia, PA, 1865 May 11. Addressed to C.H. Muirheid. Fine. Financial details concerning a subscription. The second page is a column of names, including Borie himself, hence signed twice.
Price: $75.00

5. BOWKER, R.R. (1848-1933). Typed Letter Signed.
This interesting literary character founded the R.R. Bowker Company (which still exists) in 1872, co-founded "Library Journal" (which also still exists) in 1876, and acquired "Publishers’ Weekly" (you guessed it) in 1879 -- among other lasting bookish and bibliographic endeavors. TLS, 1p, 5½" X 8½", New York, NY, 1923 January 17. Addressed to "R.U.J." (editor Robert Underwood Johnson, 1853-1937). Flowery tribute to his friend on the occasion of Johnson’s seventieth birthday. In part: "Certainly, your 70 years have been crowded and crowned with honors, as Secretary of the American Copyright League, whose work will, I hope, be crowned by our entrance into the International Copyright Union before we pass over to the majority; as Editor of the Century; as Scribe of the Immortals, himself immortalized in contiguity; and finally, as Ambassador from his beloved country to the land of his love...." (This last refers to Johnson’s 1920-21 term as U.S. ambassador to Italy.) An unusual item from one giant in the world of editing to another.
Price: $125.00

6. CARNEGIE, Dale (1888-1955). Inscribed Photograph Signed.
Motivational speaker/guru/author best known for "How to Win Friends and Influence People (1936), which has sold more than five million copies. Superb IPS, 8" X 10", n.p., n.d. Near fine. Handsome matte finish head-and-shoulders portrait of Carnegie in suit and tie in later years, looking very prim and dapper. Boldly inscribed along the blank bottom "To Fred Meyer / with deep appreciation / Dale Carnegie" in blue fountain pen in Carnegie's distinctive script. Quite attractive.
Price: $100.00

7. (CHICAGO FIRE). Godfrey, Charters & Low. Autograph Note Signed.
Business firm in Dixon, Illinois dealing in "Undershirts, Drawers, Hosiery." ANS, 1p, 8" X 10½", Dixon, IL, 1871 November 16. Addressed to "Messrs. Bowen Hunt and Winslow" of Chicago. Very good. Discreetly three-punched at left margin, not affecting text. Decorative letterhead featuring a variety of Victorian typefaces and listing the names of owners William H. Godfrey, James B. Charters and Gorham P. Low Jr. Writing to this early Chicago dry goods firm one month after the Chicago Fire of October 8-10, this attractive letter opens: "We take great pleasure in addressing you once more in the line of business, and welcoming you again to the front, after having passed through so fearful an ordeal...." -- then the business at hand, informing the Chicago firm "We could not fill your order for a case of Scarlet Shirts & Drawers @ $17 5% 30 days & Commission, we could not give them to you through Enos Brown & Co for less than $19.00 5% 30 days...." Intriguing if cryptic -- suggests that prices rose immediately following the fire. (Bowen Hunt and Winslow joined Enos Brown & Co. after the fire and shifted their focus from dry goods to real estate.) Possibly in the hand of one of Godfrey, Charters & Low's principals, though not verifiable. Attractive and interesting Chicago Fire item.
Price: $150.00

8. COOKE, Jay (1821-1905). Autograph Note Signed.
The banker who founded Jay Cooke & Co. proved remarkably successful as a fiscal agent for the U.S. Treasury, selling far more government bonds than was thought possible; later he financed western railroad construction such as the Northern Pacific and mines in Utah. ANS, 1p, 5 3/4" X 7 3/4", Philadelphia, PA, 1902 January 27. Very good. On his "Fourth & Library Streets" letterhead, Cooke complies with an autograph request in his large, bold, flamboyant script. A very handsome piece.
Price: $500.00

9. ELLIOTT, Howard (1860-?). Typed Letter Signed.
One of the best-known railroad executives of the turn of the century, serving as president of Northern Pacific Railway (1903-13) and of New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad (1913-17). TLS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Boston, MA, 1913 December 23. Addressed to Hamilton Holt, editor of the "New York Independent." Near fine. Mounting traces on verso. On letterhead of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company, the newly-named president and chairman begs off writing a newspaper article: "...until the company can get its affairs adjusted with the Federal authorities, and its finances on a better basis, I have hardly any time for other matters...." Bold, handsome signature.
Price: $75.00

10. FARNAM, Henry (1801-83). Autograph Letter Signed.
This self-taught engineer, philanthropist and railroad executive built the Rock Island bridge across the Mississippi as well as the Michigan and Southern Railroad and (with partner Joseph E. Sheffield) the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad (which last he served as president from 1854 to 1863); funded one of Yale's best dormitories, Farnam Hall, and upon his death willed his fine New Haven residence to Yale as a "president's House." Good content ALS, 1p (lettersheet), 7 3/4" X 9 3/4", Chicago, 1860 March 12. Addressed to S.B. Reed. Very good. Moderately soiled and edgeworn. On handsome "Chicago and Rock Island Rail Road Co. President's Office" engraved letterhead, a steamed Farnam takes his correspondent, evidently a creditor, to task: "I think Farnam & Durant have done their part when they have paid principal & lawful interest through such times as we have had for the last two & a half years, without being called upon for usury. I look upon it a matter to be settled between you and Mr. Henry & until then to be excused from having any thing more to do with it." The "such times" Farnam mentions no doubt refers to the financial crisis caused by Farnam's partner Thomas C. Durant (1820-85), a promoter of the Union Pacific Railroad and mastermind behind the Credit Mobilier scheme, who (according to Farnam's son) "unfortunately yielded to the general spirit of speculation which had taken possession of so many of the railroad men of that time." Farnam felt that his partner had ruined them both -- but by 1863, the time of Farnam's retirement, they had rebounded and succeeded in building the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad. An uncommon autograph and excellent content showing that even philanthropist's feel the occasional financial crunch.
Price: $300.00

11. FIRESTONE, Harvey S., Jr. (1898-1973). Signed Commemorative Cover.
The son of the founder of the tire magnate himself became president and chairman of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company (1941-63), and under his direction the company expanded and diversified worldwide; he was a noted philanthropist and served for 15 years as chairman of the U.S.O. Signed Commemorative Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Chicago, Illinois on 7 April 1971 and bearing a special "USO / 30th Anniversary / 1941 - 1971" cancellation. Single 6-Cent U.S. flag stamp at upper right. Near fine. No decorative cachet at left; no distracting recipient's name/address. Near the center, below the postal cancellation, Firestone signs boldly in full in blue fineline. Quite nice, and on an appropriate cover since Firestone was intimately associated with the United Services Organization. Small portion of original transmittal envelope also present.
Price: $75.00

12. FISHER, Herman G. (1898-1975). Signed First Day Cover.
In 1930 this businessman paired with Irving Price to co-found Fisher-Price Toys; he served as its president and chairman from its inception until 1969, making it the world's largest manufacturer of preschool toys. Signed First Day Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Washington, DC on 5 November 1970 and with "First Day of Issue" boldly stamped. Single 6-cent "Christmas" stamp at upper right and small (circa 1970) 1½" X 3/4" newsprint Fisher-Price logo at upper left. Near the center, bold and large, Fisher signs in blue ballpoint. The 6-cent stamp depicts a toy wooden hobby horse -- wooden toys were part of Fisher-Price's early claim to fame, making this cover particularly relevant. Very uncommon autograph. Small portion of original transmittal envelope also present.
Price: $95.00

13. FORD, Henry, II (1917-87). Signed First Day Cover.
"Hank the Deuce," grandson of pioneer auto manufacturer Henry Ford, served as CEO of Ford Motor Company from 1960 to 1980; he is credited with revitalizing the sagging company in the 1940s. Signed First Day Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Greenfield Village, Michigan on 30 July 1968 and with "First Day of Issue" boldly stamped. Single 12-cent "Henry Ford" stamp at upper right. No decorative cachet at left; no distracting recipient's name/address. Near the center, below the postal cancellation, Ford signs boldly in full in black fineline. A superb example. Small portion of original transmittal envelope also present.
Price: $95.00

14. GETTY, J. Paul (1892-1976). Document Signed.
This Minnesota businessman turned his father's oil company -- which he became president of in 1930 -- into a major oil concern when he gained control of the Pacific Western Oil Corporation in 1932 and he gained contro of Arab land where oill was struck in 1953; his fortune was estimated in excess of one billion dollars. DS, 1p, 8¼" X 3½", Los Angeles, CA, 1944 November 22. Near fine. Check made out to C.C. Caister and Berenice E. Caister for $18.68, boldly signed in full by Getty. Usual cancellation perforations, not affecting signature.
Price: $395.00

15. GRAHAM, Katharine (1917-2001). Photograph Signed.
This influential newspaper executive served as publisher (1963-2001) and chairman (1973-91) of her family's "Washington Post." PS, 3½" X 6¼", n.p., n.y. Very good. Candid glossy half-length portrait of a smiling Graham, hands clutched at her waist. Boldly signed in black fineline -- though across her dark patterned dress, making for good if not superb contrast. Uncommon.
Price: $50.00

16. GRAHAM, Katharine (1917-2001). Typed Note Signed.
This influential newspaper executive served as publisher (1963-2001) and chairman (1973-91) of her family's "Washington Post." TNS, 1p, 7¼" X 10½", Washington, DC, 1980 December 12. Addressed to Terry Kocsett. Very good. Original mailing folds. Gracious note to an admirer on "The Washington Post Company" letterhead. "I'm glad to hear that you are interested in journalism and that you are so active on your school newspaper." Large bold signature in black fineline.
Price: $50.00

17. HANDLER, Ruth (1916-2002). Signed First Day Cover.
This stenographer-turned-businesswoman founded the Mattel Toys with her husband in 1942, then made doll history in 1959 when she designed and brought out Barbie, the bestselling doll of all time; a marketing innovator, she gambled and a half million dollars (the value of the entire Mattel Toys firm) to become the sole sponsor of the Mickey Mouse Club. Signed First Day Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Washington, DC on November 5, 1970 and marked "First Day of Issue." Near fine. Single 6-cent "Christmas" stamp at upper right. No ornamental cachet at left; no distracting recipient's name/address. At upper, partly crossing the vertical cancellation lines, she inscribes and signs in black ballpoint: "Ruth Handler, President / of Mattel, Inc., makers / of the Barbie Doll." A choice inscription mentioning her two claims to fame. Highly unusual. Small portion of original transmittal envelope present.
Price: $75.00

18. HEARST, William Randolph Jr. (1908-93). Inscribed Photograph Signed.
The son of the newspaper publisher whose life provided the basis for "Citizen Kane" served as editor-in-chief of Hearst Newspapers (1956-93); in 1956 he won the Pulitzer Prize for international correspondence. IPS, 8" X 10", n.p., 1979 August. Fine. Handsome portrait, nicely inscribed "For / Terence Kocsett / Thanks for asking," signed and dated.
Price: $35.00

19. KNOX, Frank (1877-1944). Typed Note Signed.
The publisher of the "Chicago Daily News" (from 1931) showed his versatility when he became a Republican presidential candidate briefly in 1936 and accepted FDR's appointment as Secretary of the Navy in 1940. TNS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Chicago, IL, 1938 January 15. Addressed to George F. Robinson. Very good. Informs this Chicago businessman that "I have so many demands upon me in other directions that I am unable to make the contribution you request at this time." Large, attractive signature.
Price: $95.00

20. KROC, Ray A. (1902-84). Inscribed Photograph Signed.
One of the most famous restaurateurs of this century purchased an Illinois burger joint named McDonald's and in 1955 transformed it into the fast food megalith we know today; in 1974 he branched off into baseball when he became owner of the San Diego Padres. Color IPS, 8" X 10", n.p., n.d. Fine. Full-length portrait of Kroc standing alongside a waving statue of Ronald McDonald, inscribed "Terry, / Best Wishes / Ray A. Kroc." Handsomely and archivally double-matted and framed under UV-filtering conservation glass in a 1" wood-and-gilt frame using all acid-free materials.
Price: $395.00

21. LAWSON, Victor F. (1850-1925). Letter Signed.
This innovative Chicago publisher (1876-88) came up with the idea of using young boys to hawk his "Chicago Daily News"; he also served as president of Associated Press (1894-1900) and was a powerful leader for civic reform. LS, 1p, 4 3/4" X 6¼", Green Lake, WI, 1914 October 13. Addressed to Seymour Eaton (1859-1916), Canadian-born literary and marketing genius best known for the Teddy-G and Teddy-B illustrated series he created. Near fine. On pale green letterhead, Lawson sends "Thanks for sympathy in the great bereavement that has come to me." Lawson wife of 34 years, Jessie Bradley, daughter of a prominent Chicago family, had died shortly before.
Price: $95.00

22. LILLY, Eli (1885-1977). Signed Invitation.
This Hoosier philanthropist served from 1932 to 1966 as president and chairman of Lilly Pharmaceutical Company, the behemoth founded by his grandfather. Printed invitation, 1p, heavy stock 5¼" X 4½", n.p. [Indianapolis, IN], 1967 January 17. Near fine. Invitation from the Governor of the State of Indiana to attend the opening of the Indiana State Museum, signed boldly by Lilly, one of that institution's benefactors. Decades earlier Lilly had donated property for this museum to the state, but for a variety of reasons the museum remained just a project. Also signed and inscribed by Robert L. Rock, lieutenant governor, the chairman of the Department of Natural Resources (who co-hosted this event), and two other unidentified persons -- probably state or museum officials. Affixed to the verso of this card is the attendance nametag of Warren Reeder of the Hammond Historical Society, a noted Indiana autograph collector and author of "No Performances Today: An Account of the Events Leading Up to, and Following the Train Wreck of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Train and a Government Troop Train at Ivanhoe (Tower), Indiana, 4:00 A.M., June 22, 1918." Also present is an 8½" X 11" leaflet, "You are invited to an... Advance Showing," a mimeographed sheet with a map of downtown Indianapolis on one side and information about the new museum on the other. Lilly's is a quite scarce signature. A choice association, for Lilly's favorite philanthropic endeavors involved Hoosier history.
Price: $295.00

23. McCORMICK, Robert R. "Colonel" (1880-1955). Typed Note Signed.
Legendary editor and publisher of the "Chicago Tribune" (1920-55). TNS, 1p, 7 3/4" X 9 3/4", "Chicago Tribune" letterhead [Chicago, IL], 1950 August 17. Addressed to Joseph L. Eisendrath Jr. Fine. To one of the founding member of the Chicago Civil War Round Table, "The Colonel" (as he was known) agrees to attend one of their meetings. McCormick authored a 1934 title, "Ulysses S. Grant: The Great Soldier of America," so was no neophyte in Civil War matters; this title was reprinted in 1950 in conjunction with his new title "The War Without Grant," so his appearance at the Round Table no doubt tied in with this. Large, bold signature.
Price: $100.00

24. MELLON, Andrew W. (1855-1937). Signature.
Famed financier whose fortunes were made in metals and in banking; in 1902 he became president of Pittsburgh's Mellon National Bank; in public life, he served as secretary of the treasury under Hoover and as ambassador to Great Britain. Choice, bold "Autograph of / A.W. Mellon / Pittsburgh Pa," heavy stock 3¼" X 2¼" card, n.p., n.d. Near fine.
Price: $175.00

25. MILLER, J. Irwin (1909-2004). Signed Postal Cover / Typed Note Signed.
This Indiana industrialist led Cummins Engine Company to international prominence and Fortune 500 fame over the course of 40 years; also a philanthropist, civil rights activist and patron of the arts, his passion for architecture helped transform Columbus, Indiana, into a showplace for modern design; a founder of the National Council of Churches, he served as its first lay president (1960-63). Signed Postal Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Indianapolis, Indiana on 14 May 1971 and bearing a special "Conference on Cities / Indianapolis / May 26 - 28, 1971" cancellation. Fine. Single 6-cent "United States" flag stamp at upper right. No decorative cachet at left; no recipient's name/address. Miller signs boldly in black fineline on the "sweet spot." Accompanied by a TNS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Columbus, IN, 1971 October 1. Addressed to Paul Johnston. Near fine. Friendly note agreeing to sign this postal cover for an admirer. Original transmittal envelope also present. Miller served as chairman of this noted "Conference on Cities," hence the relevance. A nice pair.
Price: $75.00

26. MITARAI, Takeshi (1901-84). Signed First Day Cover.
This Japanese obstetrician/gynecologist developed new cameras and helped found Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory in 1933; in 1942 he became the company's president and in 1947 its name changed to Canon Camera Company -- a world leader in camera and electronics technology. Signed First Day Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Las Vegas, Nevada on 1978 June 26 and with "First Day of Issue" boldly stamped. Single 15-cent "Photography USA" stamp at upper right. Fine. At upper left, the following caption has been typed: "Dr. Takeshi Mitarai / was the inspiration for this stamp / and for the motto, / 'Photography -- The / Universal Language.'" Below this, in black fineline, Mitarai signs boldly. Original transmittal envelope present. A quite uncommon signature on a quite appropriate cover.
Price: $150.00

27. PIEZ, Charles (1866-1933). Typed Letter Signed.
This German-born engineer, manufacturer and businessman, a noted strikebreaker, was the first general director of the Emergency Fleet Corporation (1917-19), established by Congress to create the U.S. Merchant Marine fleet to aid the Allies in World War One; a U.S. Merchant Marine vessel named after Piez saw active service in the Sicilian occupation and Salerno landings during World War Two. TLS, 1p, 8" X 9¼" (trimmed), Chicago, IL, 1922 January 12. Addressed to A.D. Sheridan. Very good. All four sides trimmed, though not affecting text; minor mounting traces on verso. On letterhead of the "Citizens Committee to Enforce the Landis Award," (created to combat the building trades' age-old control of construction, which kept rents high; the committee's success paved the way for one of the largest building booms in Chicago history), Piez solicits support for the committee's cause. In part: "...we face a most critical situation. The determined effort, which is being made to rid Chicago of corruption in the building trade, must have united support.... Rent, the largest item in the family budget, has advanced while other things have become cheaper... High rents have a depressing effect on the entire citizen body and effect every payroll in Chicago...." A rousing call to arms, handsomely signed.
Price: $95.00

28. PIEZ, Charles (1866-1933). Inscribed Photograph Signed.
This German-born engineer, manufacturer and businessman was the first general director of the Emergency Fleet Corporation (1917-19), established by Congress to create the U.S. Merchant Marine fleet to aid the Allies in World War One; a U.S. Merchant Marine vessel named after Piez saw active service in the Sicilian occupation and Salerno landings during World War Two. IPS, 9" X 11 3/4", n.p., 1926 June 24. Very good. Handsome formal portrait, inscribed large and bold on the lower margin "To Bob Fauntleroy, an esteemed friend / of many years standing. Charles Piez / June 24th 1926." A striking pose by the noted Chicago photographer Moffet, who signs at lower right in red as usual.
Price: $125.00

29. PRATT, Frederic B. (1865-?). Typed Letter Signed.
New York capitalist who founded the Institute that bears his name. Brief TLS, 1p, 7" X 10", Brooklyn, NY, 1941 February 15. Addressed to Augustus Tack. Fine. On letterhead of the Pratt Institute, he discusses a painting by Henry Dearth that he is donating to the famed Century Club in New York.
Price: $40.00

30. REDENBACHER, Orville (1907-95). Signed Postal Cover / Inscribed Decal.
This Hoosier businessman developed a hybrid popping corn in 1952 and became its unlikely homespun spokesman, making Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn the best selling brand in the U.S. Signed Postal Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Valparaiso, Indiana on 15 September 1979. Single 15-cent "Architecture USA' stamp at upper right. A typed sentiment at upper left added by an enterprising admirer explains the relevance: "Valparaiso, Indiana will be a popular place on Saturday, September 15 when the city celebrates its 1st Annual Popcorn Festival, sponsored by the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. The festival is a tribute to America's Popcorn King," below which Redenbacher signs large and bold in blue ballpoint. Comes with a circular (3" diameter) white linen-like sticker (peel off backing still present) with a small printed portrait of Redenbacher and the text "I met Orville Redenbacher 'The Popcorn King'" -- in a blank area at upper left Redenbacher pens "To Paul" in blue ballpoint. A superb, fun pair.
Price: $50.00

©1997-2009 Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts, Ltd. All rights reserved.