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1. AIKEN, George D. (1892-1984). Typed Manuscript Signed.
This Vermont Republican governor (1937-41) and senator (1941-75) was a leader in the legislation that created the St. Lawrence Seaway. TMS, 1p, 8½" X 11", n.p., n.d. [1984 May 7 pencilled on verso in another hand]. Fine. Typescript, prepared by a collector, from Aiken's 1976 memoir "Aiken: Senate Diary," signed large and bold in full in black fineline near the bottom just a few months before the senator's death. Quite handsome piece from this Vermont giant.
Price: $35.00

2. AIKEN, George D. (1892-1984). Signature.
Vermont governor and senator (1941-75), a leader in legislation that created the St. Lawrence Seaway. Bold signature on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1969 July 9 (in type). Fine.
Price: $15.00

3. ALEXANDER, Joshua W. (1852-1936). Typed Note Signed.
Missouri representative, later secretary of commerce under Wilson. TNS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Gallatin, MO, 1928 January 13. Addressed to Professor Albert Johannsen, a professor of geology at the University of Chicago who was also a dime novel authority and author of "The House of Beadle and Adams." On letterhead of his legal and real estate business, Alexander graciously complies with a request. Large, full signature. Comes with a fine 8½" X 6½" glossy news agency photograph of 1921 showing Alexander seated next to his successor, Herbert Hoover.
Price: $75.00

4. ALLMAN, James P. (?-?). Typed Note Signed.
Voted "the world's most bashful policeman" in a 1925 "Chicago Sun-Times" poll, this noted law enforcement officer earned his "Iron Man" nickname when he took the hot seat (Chicago Police Commissioner) in October 1931and and helped bring Chicago's notorious gangster element in check.TNS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Chicago, IL, 1937 May 12. Addressed to S.C. Gilfillan. Very good. On "Chicago Police Department" letterhead, the "Iron Man" notes: "With reference to your letter concerning the loss of your watch and fob, please find herewith a report from our Chief of Detectives, which is self-explanatory." In other words, "Yeah, right -- I'll get a squad of detectives right on it!" Must've been a slow crime day. Bold handsome signature. Uncommon.
Price: $75.00

5. AMES, Butler (1871-1954). Typed Note Signed.
Massachusetts representative (1903-13). TNS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Washington, DC, 1903 May 1. Addressed to Captain Isaac P. Gregg. Very good. Accepts Gregg's invitation to participate in the dedication of a statue honoring fellow Massachusetts native General Joseph Hooker. Unusual.
Price: $30.00

6. 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.
Price: $295.00

7. ANDERSON, C. Elmer (1912-98). Signed First Day Cover.
Minnesota's 28th governor (1952-55) had already served a record-setting 11 years as lieutenant governor starting at the record-setting age of 26! Signed First Day Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled at Fort Snelling, Minnesota on October 17, 1970 and with "First Day of Issue" noted. Near fine. Single 6-cent "Great Northwest Fort Snelling 1820 1970" stamp at upper right. No decorative cachet at left; no distracting recipient's name/address. Just at the left of the "sweet spot," Anderson signs boldly in blue ballpoint. Anderson chaired the Fort Snelling Sesquicentennial Commission and spearheaded efforts to preserve and resotre this site, thus his signature on this cover is especially relevant. Small portion of original transmittal envelope present. A printed Department of the Army "stuffer" enclosed notes that "This envelope, existing in limited edition, is probably unique in postal history," for a Post Office was created in Fort Snelling for one day only solely to issue and cancel this particular stamp.
Price: $50.00

8. ANDERSON, Clinton P. (1895-1975). Signature / Unsigned Photograph.
Secretary of agriculture under Truman (1945-48) and Democratic senator from New Mexico (1949-73). Bold signature in blue fountain pen, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1969 October 30. Fine. With original envelope. Accompanied by a superb vintage 8½" X 6½" glossy news agency photograph (International News Photo). Fine. Issued on 9 April 1947, this informal half-length shot depicts Commerce Secretary Averill Harriman, the chairman of the Economic Advisory Council and Agriculture Secretary Anderson chatting and smiling as they leave the White House. The original mimeographed caption sheet (usually absent, for printed on cheap newsprint) is still present and in superb condition, and captions this image: "Special Cabinet Meeting Weighs Rise in Prices," elaborating "President Truman met in a special meeting with his cabinet today and heard a full-dress discussion of the nation's economy, but no immediate government action to halt the rise of high prices was decided upon...." A scarce and desireable image.
Price: $75.00

9. ARENDS, Leslie C. (1895-1985). Typed Letter Signed.
Illinois representative (1934-74) who served as House minority whip for a record thirty years. TLS, 1p, 8" X 10½", Washington, DC, 1965 May 25. Addressed to Kenneth N. Anglemire. Very good. Regrets he cannot be away from Congress mid-week to attend Illinois Day at the New York World's Fair. Comes with an 8½" X 7" news agency photograph of 1947 showing Arends posing with several other Congressmen.
Price: $35.00

10. ARENDS, Leslie C. (1895-1985). Signature.
This Illinois representative (1934-74) served as House minority whip for a record thirty years. Large signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1970 March 6. Fine. With original envelope.
Price: $15.00

11. AUSTIN, Warren R. (1877-1962). Signature / Unsigned Photograph.
The first U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (1946-53) also served as U.S. senator from Vermont. Signed envelope bearing a five-cent "Toward United Nations" stamp, 6½" X 3½", n.p., n.d. Very good. Addressee’s pencilled address erased, but ever-so-slightly visible. Handsome signature at upper left. Not a first day cover, but cancelled in New York on November 21, 1946. Accompanied by a superb original black-and-white glossy 1947 news agency photograph (International News Photo), 8½" X 6½". Original mimeographed newsprint text sheet present and tipped to verso (as issued). Titled "Joint Armed Services Committee Hears Warren Austin," this vintage image shows a jovial Austin half-length at center examining a document, a legislator at each side. Text reads in part, "Warren Austin, member of the U.N. Security Council, conferred with Senate and House Armed Services Committee members in a close door session and recommended enactment of universal military training legislation...." A choice and desireable vintage photograph, itself scarce -- and relevant to the autograph item it accompanies.
Price: $100.00

12. BANCROFT, George (1800-91). Autograph Letter Signed.
American historian, 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.
Price: $195.00

13. 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.
Price: $15.00

14. BAYARD, Thomas F. (1828-98). Signature.
Delaware senator (1869-85), Cleveland's secretary of state, ambassador to Great Britain. Large, bold signature and date (April 1891), 3 3/4" X 2½" slip, n.p. Very good. Small (1½" tall) vintage oval portrait of Bayard neatly tipped to blank area. A nice example.
Price: $25.00

15. BELCHER, Page (1899-1980). Signature.
Oklahoma representative (1951-73). Large signature and "MC / (1st Okla Dist)" on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1969 November 25. Fine. With original envelope.
Price: $15.00

16. BENTON, Thomas Hart (1782-1858). Signature and Inscription / Engraved Portrait.
Known as "Old Bullion," this long-time Missouri senator (1821-51) was a major and influential figure in early 19th century American politics -- not to mention great-uncle of the famed 20th century artist of the same name. Large, bold "Yours respectfully, / Thomas H. Benton" in brown ink on a 4" X 1¼" slip (tipped to a heavy stock 5" X 3" card), n.., n.y. Very good. Presumably clipped from a letter, this is a handsome example -- and is accompanied by an original 19th century steel-engraved head-and-shoulders portrait of the elder statesman by J.C. Buttre, 4½" X 7".
Price: $100.00

17. BEVERIDGE, Albert J. (1862-1927). Typed Note Signed.
This Indiana senator (1899-1911) won the 1920 Pulitzer prize for his "Life of John Marshall," but it is for his mammoth biography of Abraham Lincoln that he is best remembered. Brief TNS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Washington, DC, 1904 January 8. Addressed to Frederick Starr. Very good. Very minor wear. Cryptic but interesting: "I have your letter... relative to the bill before the Senate Post Office Committee in regard to authors' manuscripts. When this measure comes up I intend to give it my careful consideration." Large, attractive signature. Given Beveridge's "other" career as a respected historian, the subject of this bill was likely of great interest to him.
Price: $75.00

18. BILANDIC, Michael A. (1923-2002). Typed Note Signed.
The successor of the original Mayor Daley upon that legendary big city boss's death in 1976 failed to fill those big shoes; he endured only until 1979, when Chicagoans elected underdog Jane Byrne. TNS, 1p, 7¼" X 10½", Chicago, IL, 1977 January 17. Addressed to Ralph G. Newman as president of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Public Library (better known as founder of Chicago's Abraham Lincoln Book Shop). On embossed "Office of the Mayor" letterhead, Hizzoner thanks Newman for "the directory of library facilities in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Your report on how it came to be published was most interesting. I do share your pride in the totality of information available in this guide." With original envelope. Accompanied by a glossy 10" X 8" photograph depicting Bilandic in his office with a group of dignitaries.
Price: $55.00

19. BLAIR, Montgomery (1813-83). Autograph Letter Signed.
The postmaster general under Lincoln also served as Dred Scott’s counsel before the Supreme Court in 1857. ALS, 1p, 7½" X 9½", Washington, D.C., 1872 August 23. Addressed to "My dear Judge." Very good. Curious, cryptic and tough to decipher! Blair’s horrid script makes one paragraph mentioning an event of November 17, 1864 he cites largely illegible; he also mentions a cryptic legal matter, ending with, "I have just returned from West Va, & have seen nothing of the Slander upon you to which your letter refers...." Accompanied by a fine period steel engraving of Blair.
Price: $450.00

20. BLISS, Ray C. (1907-81). Typed Note Signed / Inscribed Photograph Signed.
This GOP giant chaired the Republican National Committee from 1965 to 1969, turning the Republican Party around after Barry Goldwater's stunning 1964 defeat and culminating in Richard Nixon's 1968 election. TNS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Columbus, OH, 1965 February 16. Addressed to Gerald L. Arnholt. Near fine. On "Republican State Central and Executive Committee" letterhead, Bliss graciously complies with an autograph request. Also, an IPS, 8" X 10", n.p., n.y. [1965]. Very good. Handsome informal closeup of Bliss seated at a table before microphones, U.S. flag in background, boldly inscribed and signed in black fineline on the blank lower margin: "To Gerald Arnholt / with best wishes / Ray C. Bliss."
Price: $75.00

21. BLOUNT, Winton M. (1921-2002). Signed First Day Cover.
The founder and CEO of international construction behemoth Blount International served under Richard Nixon as the last postmaster general to have cabinet rank (1969-72) before that agency became independent. Signed First Day Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Huntsville, Alabama on 1969 August 2 and with "First Day of Issue" boldly stamped. Single 6-cent "Alabama 1819-1969" stamp at upper right. No decorative printed cachet at left; no distracting recipient's name/address present. Near the center, Blount signs small but bold in black fineline. With 12 August 1969 TNS from assistant transmitting this and small portion of original transmittal envelope. Blount was born in Alabama -- hence the relevance.
Price: $25.00

22. BOGGS, Hale (1914-72). Signature.
Until his death in a plane crash in Alaska, the Democratic representative from Louisiana (1941-43, 1947-72) served as assistant majority leader. Bold signature on Boggs' heavy stock 5" X 3" congressional business card, n.p., n.d. Near fine. Staple hole at upper left. With original envelope.
Price: $25.00

23. BOHLEN, Charles E. (1904-74). Typed Note Signed / Unsigned Photograph.
This U.S. career diplomat, America's greatest Russia expert, served in Russia before and during World War Two (he was FDR's interpreter at the Yalta Conference), then served as U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union (1953-57), to the Philippines (1957-59) and to France (1962-68). TNS, 1p, 8" X 10½", Manila, Philippines,1957 October 8. Addressed to Gerald L. Arnholt. Near fine. On letterhead of "The Foreign Service of the United States of America," the newly-appointed ambassador to the Philippines graciously complies with an autograph request. Bold, full signature in blue ballpoint. Accompanied by a choice original black-and-white glossy 1956 news agency photograph (International News Photo), 7" X 9". Printed caption in margin reads in part, "U.S. Ambassador to Russia Charles E. Bohlen leaves the White House after a twenty minute talk with President Eisenhower. He gave the chief executive his interpretation of recent events in Russia including the anti-Stalin movement...." Image depicts Bohlen in suit and tie, half-length, with left arm in a sling for unexplained reasons. A superb and desireable original vintage photograph, itself scarce.
Price: $100.00

24. BOON, Ratliff (1781-1844). Autograph Letter Signed.
Indiana's second lieutenant governor (1819-22, 1822-24) and second governor (1822) also served that state as representative (1825-27, 1828-39). ALS, 1p + integral address leaf, 8" X 10", Washington City, 1839 January 4. Addressed to J. Hanson Belt. Very good. Bit of mild age toning, else quite handsome. Cordial note, presumably to a constituent whose son Boon was attempting to assist in getting a military appointment: "... at the time I waited upon the late Secretary of the Navy (Mr. Dickerson) in company with your son, I understood Mr Dickerson to say distinctly, that the appointment of Midshipman in the U.S. Navy, would be confered on him, so soon as the regular time of making such appointments should arrive, and I had supposed until the receipt of letter, that the appointment of your son had been made...." (Mahlon Dickerson, 1770-1853, served as Andrew Jackson's Secretary of the Navy from 1834 to 1838.) Integral address leaf also in Boon's hand and bears his bold free-frank signature and red circular DC cancellation stamp. Quite attractive letter, penned two months shy of Boon's retirement from Congress.
Price: $95.00

25. BOURNE, Silvanus (1756-1817). Autograph Letter Signed.
This politico served as consul to Cap Francois (Haiti) from 1790 to 1791, vice consul of Amsterdam (1794-97) and consul general of Amsterdam (1797-1816). ALS, 1p + integral address leaf, 7 3/4" X 98 3/4", Philadelphia, PA, 1794 December. Addressed to William Taylor, a well-known Baltimore flour merchant. Excellent content from the just-appointed vice consul on the eve of his departure to this noted businessman who appears to be a close friend. In part: "...am happy to find your Activity in business & the Success attending it; and I flatter myself, that my Son when of age, (at which time shou'd suppose you wou'd wish to Retire from the active part) will be able to manage it, with as much propriety & Care, as 'tis now done, provided you & he can agree on Terms, mutually beneficial...." Of his own rising fortunes, Bourne notes: "I am well paid for my post & once are much beyond my expectation, the money is Sure tho to be paid by installments my future prospects are beyond calculation, this in the Strictest Confidence, hope my Son will in future Support his present principal good Character both at home & abroad. I am Solicited much for him at Boston, I tell them nay, no such thing, they offer money, Cloathing & c. I refuse all, & determine he shall Serve out with you...." And, cryptically: "I have heard nothing about Mr. Johnson, if he resigns, your way will be, to procure the most Reputable merchants & others in Baltimore to Recommend your Brother for the office to the President of the United States, who with the Consent of Senate appoints all officers, foreign & Domestic -- depend, I shall do all I can...." Integral address leaf and free-franked signature accomplished in another hand.
Price: $200.00

26. BREESE, Sidney (1800-78). Document Signed.
This influential Illinois jurist served as Illinois senator from 1843 to 1849. Printed DS, 2pp (lettersheet), 8" X 10", Washington, DC, 1848 July 28. Very good. Mild age toning and a bit of browning along edges; some minor foxing on the inner printed text page; blank fourth leaf heavily age toned. Printed form letter sent out by Breese, presumably to select constituents, reading in part: "It gives me pleasure to send you a copy of an Act, approved on the 19th instant, in which you, as one of the patriotic and gallant Volunteers of our State, have an interest. You will see that the law embraces all who have served out their term, or have been honorably discharged, and to the widows first, and then the heirs as designated, of those who have fallen in battle, or died in the service...." Boldly signed in brown ink. Inside third leaf then bears the printed text of this "Act to amend an act entitled 'An act supplemental to an act entitled "An act providing for the prosecution of the existing war between the United States and the Republic of Mexico"'...." Below this is printed "S.R. 35," Breese's Senate Resolution "For the speedy payment of the three months extra pay to the officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates who have served in the late war with Mexico...." A choice and unusual piece.
Price: $300.00

27. BRICKER, John W. (1893-1986). Signature / Unsigned Photograph.
This Ohio governor (1939-45) and senator (1947-59) was the 1944 vice presidential candidate with Thomas Dewey, losing of course to Roosevelt and Truman. Signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1972 March 3. Fine. With original envelope. Accompanied by a superb original black-and-white 1947 news agency glossy photograph (International News Photo), 9¼" X 8". Depicts Bricker with Indiana senator William Jenner at the latter's desk. Margin text reads in part, "Sen. Wm. E. Jenner... is shown packing his personal papers, preparing to make a hasty exit when the Senate adjourns sometime tonight... while Sen. John W. Bricker... confers with Jenner." A choice vintage image, scarce and desireable in itself.
Price: $75.00

28. BRIGHT, Jesse D. (1812-75) and WHITCOMB, James (1795-1852). Signed Stone Lithograph.
U.S. senators from Indiana. Most unusual item: single leaf (7¼" X 9¼"), probably the frontispiece of an Indiana state history, captioned "Indiana" at the top. Below this is a charming stone lithographed pastoral scene depicting a shirtless man in the foreground chopping down a tree, vast fields extending behind him; the sun is just breaking over the horizon, and a bull is romping playfully. Facsimile signatures of Indiana senators Albert S. White and Edward A. Hannegan appear below this. (Their Senate terms overlapped from 1845 to '49, thus dating this frontispiece.) Their two successors, Bright (who served 1845-62) and Whitcomb (1849-52), have each signed boldly beneath the facsimiles. Very good. Moderately foxed throughout, but overall attractive. An interesting pairing of Hoosiers on an appropriate if odd item. Whitcomb died in office, while Bright was expelled by the Senate for treason.
Price: $150.00

29. BRIGHT, Jesse D. (1812-75). Signature.
This Indiana senator (1845-62) was expelled from the Senate for treason when a letter from him to Jefferson Davis proposing a firearms trade was discovered aboard a captured gun trader; he was the 14th and last senator expelled during the Civil War -- and none have been expelled since. Large, bold clipped signature in brown ink, 4" X 1¼" (tipped to another sheet), n.p., n.y. Near fine. On a darkish tan stock, thus perhaps clipped from an envelope. Nice example.
Price: $25.00

30. BROWN, Albert Gallatin (1813-80). Signature and Inscription.
This two-term Mississippi governor (1844-48) and senator (1854-61) of flawless reputation for integrity and oratory resigned the U.S. Senate and was elected to the Confederate Senate, serving until the war's end; he also served as captain of Company H in the 18th Mississippi Infantry. Superbly large and handsome "Corona F. College. / From / Hon. A.G. Brown / U.S.S." in brown ink on a 5 3/4" X 3½" slip (neatly tipped to slightly larger sheet), n.p., n.y. Near fine. Slightest bit of mild age toning. A bold and striking example.
Price: $100.00

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