Boston-based RR Auction opened bids on a
new auction this summer with “Fine Autographs and Artifacts” on July 22nd.
The auction opening also saw the release of their catalog,
which presents photographs of all available items with detailed descriptions of
their histories and backstories. A unique assortment of rare documents and
artifacts range from documents from early America to literary rarities from
around the world.
The highlights of the featured items
include:
·
A Revolutionary War era
letter written by John Adams dated 1777, addressing General James Warren and
discussing the creation of the Articles of Confederation. He mentions the
victory at the Battle of Saratoga. This rare and authentic letter is estimated
to be sold at auction for $30,000+.
·
A letter written by Lord
of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien on September 4th, 1968 to the
artist Mary Fairburn, who had painted various scenes from the famous trilogy
and mailed them to him. He suggests that if an illustrated edition of the books
do not happen, he will privately purchase several of them from her. Her pencil
sketches accompany the purchase of the letter. This rare literary document is
estimated to be sold at auction for roughly $13,000+.
·
A dark leather-brimmed
baseball cap once worn by and belonging to the American author Ernest
Hemingway, in good condition, with quite valuable wear considering it was worn
by the head of a literary great. This rare cap is estimated to be sold at
auction for $9,000.
·
A letter written and
signed by Nelson Mandela on personal letterhead while he was still president, dated
April 29, 1999 and addressed to activist Helen Suzman. He describes the bold
struggles of the South African people and lays out what is necessary for the
country. This letter is estimated to be sold at auction for $2,000.
·
A bold ink signature
belonging to the revolutionary scientist Charles Darwin, signed July 6th 1870
on off-white paper. This rare signature is estimated to be sold at auction for
$2800.
Bids on all lots close on August 10th,
so be sure to check out their galleries on RR Auction’s website.
For continued updates on rare and
historic documents and artifacts in upcoming auctions, please also follow RR
Auction’s Twitter at https://twitter.com/rrauction and
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rrauction/.