This month's History & Culture auction featured about 200 lots from a wide historical variety of the Prehistoric ages to the Revolutionary & Civil Wars through to Present Day.
Bidders and collectors were quick to bid this auction, with pieces such as Lot #129, a rare photograph of physicist Albert Einstein, doubling the auction estimate within 48 hours of going live! This auction was overall another successful event. Some of impressive results from this auction are highlighted below.
August History & Culture Top Selling Lots
Lot#129 | Albert Einstein - Iconic Theoretical Physicist - Original Silver Gelatin Photograph by Suse Byk
Estimate: $400 - $500
Final Selling Price: $2875 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Albert Einstein vintage 6.5 x 8.5" glossy silver gelatin portrait photograph, with original photographer credit stampings by Suse Byk on the verso, soared to new heights at auction. This stunning portrait of the iconic physicist, whose revolutionary theories changed our understanding of the universe, captivated collectors and enthusiasts, with the bidding for this piece doubling the auction estimate within 48 hours of the auction going live. Despite some subtle dings, surface impressions, and aging to the corners, the photograph's near fine condition and extraordinary historical significance propelled it to an outstanding auction result.
Lot #130 | Albert Einstein - Iconic Theoretical Physicist - Original Lotte Jacobi Photographer Signed Image
Estimate: $350-$400
Final Selling Price: $750 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Albert Einstein vintage 3.5 x 4.5" double-weight, matte finish, silver gelatin portrait photograph, signed in pencil by the renowned photographer Lotte Jacobi, achieved remarkable success at auction. This image of Einstein shows very little wear and remains in near fine condition. The combination of Jacobi's signature and the photograph’s pristine state contributed to its impressive auction result, highlighting its value as a highly sought-after piece of scientific and photographic history.
Lot #1 | Fleetwood Mac: Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood & Lindsey Buckingham - Autographed Cassette Tape Cover
Estimate: $400-$500
Final Selling Price: $687.50 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
This lot featured a Fleetwood Mac "Tusk" cassette tape cover autographed by Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, and Lindsey Buckingham, three of the band’s most iconic members. Known for their groundbreaking music and tumultuous history, Fleetwood Mac reached new creative heights with the release of Tusk, the experimental double album that followed their massively successful Rumours. The cassette tape cover is in fine condition and notably scarce.
Lot #102 | Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother - Autographed 1975 Christmas Card
Estimate: $100-$150
Final Selling Price: $337.50 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother autographed handwritten letter dated May 8, 1975, on Clarence House stationery. This letter, a testament to her grace and public service, was penned during a period of significant historical reflection for the British monarchy. As the beloved consort of King George VI and mother of Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother played a pivotal role in British life, particularly during World War II. The letter, in fine condition and accompanied by the original mailing envelope, achieved notable success at auction, reflecting the continued admiration and respect for her contributions to the monarchy and public life.
Lot #105 | J. Edgar Hoover - 1st FBI Director - Autographed Personal Calling Card
Estimate: $50 - $75
Final Selling Price: $262.50 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
This Edgar Hoover autographed 5.5 x 2.5" personal calling card is in near fine condition. Hoover, the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), was a central figure in shaping American law enforcement and intelligence operations throughout much of the 20th century.
Lot #86 | Leonard Wood - Medal of Honor Recipient Major General - Autographed 1918 Letter
Estimate: $50-$75
Final Selling Price: $262.50 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Leonard Wood autographed typed letter (TLS) dated December 17, 1918. Wood, a prominent figure in American military history, served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and was a key leader during the Spanish-American War. As a Medal of Honor recipient and a leading advocate for military reform, his correspondence from this period reflects his influential role in shaping the U.S. military during the aftermath of World War I. The letter is a valuable piece of historical memorabilia, showcasing Wood's distinguished career and impact on American military and political life.
Lot #53 | Robin Williams Autographed 8 x 10" Glossy Photograph from "Mork & Mindy"
Estimate: $125-$150
Final Selling Price: $262.50 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
A Robin Williams autographed 8 x 10" glossy photograph, hand-signed in-person with bold blue fine-tip ink. Williams was a beloved actor and comedian who starred in iconic films such as Good Will Hunting, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Dead Poets Society, leading to his reputation of being an extraordinary talent in both comedy and drama. The photograph shows slight aging to the edges and corners; otherwise, the condition is near fine, making it a prized piece of memorabilia from one of Hollywood's most cherished entertainers.
Lot #172 | Nikolay Yegorovich Zhukovsky - Father of Russian Aviation - Autographed Handwritten Letter (ALS)
Estimate: $125 - $150
Final Selling Price: $237.50 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Nikolay Yegorovich Zhukovsky, the esteemed "Father of Russian Aviation," autographed handwritten letter (ALS). Renowned for his pioneering work in aerodynamics and aviation, Zhukovsky's contributions laid the foundation for modern aviation in Russia. This autographed letter offers a glimpse into the thoughts of a pivotal figure in aviation history.
Lot #117 | 30 Million Year Old Merycoidodon Teeth Fossil - Lower Brule Formation, South Dakota - Oligocene
Estimate: $125 - $150
Final Selling Price: $162.50 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Merycoidodon fossil from the Oligocene epoch, Lower Brule Formation, White River Series, southwest of Scenic, South Dakota. Dating back approximately 30 million years, this fossil measures 3" on its longest side and is a prime example of prehistoric life. Merycoidodon, often referred to as Oreodon ("hillock teeth"), is an extinct genus of herbivorous artiodactyl from the family Merycoidodontidae. This genus, known for its "ruminating teeth," was endemic to North America and thrived from the Middle Eocene to the Middle Miocene (46—16 million years ago). The fossil's exceptional condition and historical significance made it a standout piece for collectors this auction.
Lot #63 | Dick Cheney - Vice President - 2003 Autographed Letter Re. Senator Daniel Moynihan Death's
Estimate: $75 - $100
Final Selling Price: $150 (*Including Buyer's Premium)
Dick Cheney autographed typed letter (TLS) dated April 1, 2003, sent while serving as Vice President of the United States to Mrs. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, offering condolences on her husband's passing. Cheney, a key figure in American politics, held significant roles as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush and as Vice President under President George W. Bush, where he was influential in shaping U.S. policy during the early 2000s. The letter is in fine condition.
It's clear August History & Culture Auction demonstrated an impressive array of historic and collectible items.The success of these prized lots underscore the market for cultural, scientific, and historical artifacts, and we are excited to continue offering such extraordinary items to bidders.
If you possess similarly rare or noteworthy items, signatures, or artifacts etc, we invite you to consign with us and become part of our next auction. Please contact us today.