The July History & Culture auction attracted outstanding participation from collectors worldwide, with 189 of 200 lots sold — an exceptional 95% sell-through rate. This historic and cultural memorabilia auction showcased a remarkable breadth and depth of autographs and collectibles spanning categories from classic cinema and Broadway theater to military history and pop culture photography.
Highlight lots included a signed photo of Jack Nicholson from The Shining’s iconic bar scene, captivating film enthusiasts; an autographed print featuring Broadway legends Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, and Jerry Orbach from Chicago, highlighting our strong theater and art crossover offerings; and a compelling WWII photography pairing signed by Joe Rosenthal and George Mendonsa, uniting history and heroism in one powerful lot. These results underscore the diversity of consignments and the competitive bidding across nearly every category.
If you own historic memorabilia or autographs, don’t miss the opportunity to consign with us. Our recent auction’s outstanding results demonstrate strong demand for quality collectibles across a wide range of categories—now is the perfect time to connect your treasures with passionate collectors. Contact us here to consign.
Top Selling Film & Theater Memorabilia
LOT 165: Jaws: Peter Benchley & John Williams Dual Autographed Index Card with Dual Shark Sketches!
Estimate: $500.00-$750.00
Sold: $875.00
(Including Buyers Premium)
A standout in the sale was a remarkable dual-signed 5 x 3" index card autographed by Jaws author Peter Benchley and legendary composer John Williams—each of whom also added a hand-drawn shark sketch. Benchley, whose 1974 novel sparked a cultural fascination with great white sharks, and Williams, whose Oscar-winning score became one of cinema’s most iconic soundtracks, together shaped one of the most influential thrillers in film history. Signed items from either are highly collectible, but a dual-signed piece featuring original artwork from both is exceedingly rare, appealing to collectors of literature, film, music, and pop culture alike.
Next up is an original 10 x 8" printed Hirschfeld artwork that blends the worlds of Broadway and illustration from Chicago, featured signatures from theater legends Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, and Jerry Orbach, along with famed caricaturist Al Hirschfeld. These four icons helped shape the legacy of musical theater and visual storytelling in the 20th century, and their combined autographs on a single piece make for a rare and exceptional collector’s item.
A typed letter signed by Stephen Sondheim on his personal stationery, dated November 21, 1986 is our last featured film/theater piece. In this candid note, Sondheim apologizes to a collector for signing cards on the wrong side while managing a backlog of fan mail and working to finish a new musical score. This fine-condition letter offers a rare glimpse into the composer’s dedication and creative process, making it a prized item for collectors of theater history and American musical theater legends.
Standout Sports Collectibles
LOT 197: Sandy Koufax Autographed Cooperstown Collection, L.A. Dodgers Jersey Mounted & Ready for Framing
Estimate: $500.00-$700.00
Sold: $812.50
(Including Buyers Premium)
A highlight from our sports category is a Sandy Koufax autographed Los Angeles Dodgers Cooperstown Collection jersey by Mitchell & Ness, boldly signed in blue felt tip on a sewn white patch and numbered #147 of a limited edition of 169. Widely regarded as one of baseball’s greatest pitchers, Koufax made history as the first three-time Cy Young Award winner and the youngest player ever elected to the Hall of Fame. This jersey offers both collector appeal and historical significance, commemorating the legacy of “The Left Arm of God."
Top Performing Historical Documents & Political Autographs
A remarkable piece of Civil War history, this handwritten letter signed by William H. Seward was penned on an original telegraph form dated August 12, 1863. Serving as Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln, Seward was instrumental in preserving the Union and shaping post-war America. This near fine letter offers collectors a direct connection to one of the 19th century’s most influential statesmen, whose legacy includes the pivotal Alaska purchase and steadfast anti-slavery leadership.
Estimate: $50.00-$75.00
Sold: $200.00 (Including Buyers Premium)
An autographed 4 x 6" glossy photograph of M. Nick McDonald, the Dallas policeman credited with arresting Lee Harvey Oswald shortly after President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. The photograph is in fine condition and holds significant historical value for collectors of JFK and Cold War-era memorabilia.
Estimate: $125.00-$150.00
This final highlight is a pair of 6 x 4 postcards, each signed by Millvina Dean and inscribed “Youngest Titanic Survivor,” offers a touching connection to one of history’s most tragic events. Dean, who was just two months old when the Titanic sank in 1912, was its youngest passenger and the last living survivor. These autographs capture a remarkable link to the past and are in fine condition.
Wondering What Your Historical Autographs or Memorabilia Might Be Worth?
With such strong results and robust buyer demand across multiple collecting categories, now is the perfect time to consign your historic memorabilia, entertainment collectibles, or sports artifacts with us. Consignors benefit from dedicated marketing, expert appraisals, and access to passionate, knowledgeable buyers worldwide. Join the many satisfied sellers who have entrusted their treasures to us and experience firsthand how our auctions bring exceptional value and maximum visibility to every lot.
Contact us here to consign.
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