A History of Autographs

Explore the 1957 Manuscript Society 10th Annual Auction catalog—featuring rare autographs from Houdini, Ulysses S. Grant, and more. A fascinating look into the golden age of manuscript collecting.

February 21, 1974 | Charles Hamilton | Auction Number 75Sold for $1450This could sell for $25,000-$40,000 at auction on today's market.

While we handle autographic material that crossed through the hands of pioneer autograph dealer Charles Hamilton on a regular basis, we rarely encounter one of his red wax authentication seals.

A recently consigned collection of autographs from the early collector Mr. A.J. Marino of Weehawken, N.J. includes an array of materials that were acquired in the 1930s-1950s from the highly regarded autograph and manuscript firm Walter R. Benjamin of New York.