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Click here to subscribeISIS FLAG Black rayon 75 x 75 in. Isis battle flag that was obviously hastily made from material readily at hand, with the terrorist organization's emblem and motto stenciled on one side in heavy white paint. There are string remnants at the corners indicating it was once hung on a pole. The flag is heavily wrinkled which has led to cracking of the paint. This flag was captured following combat in Syria by non-U.S. forces. Especially rare!
ANDERSONVILLE FOUNDER - W. SIDNEY WINDER W. SIDNEY WINDER Son of CSA Gen. John Winder. Promoted from 1st Lieutenant to Captain and Assistant Adjutant General, he eventually served on his father’s staff and was sent to Georgia to scout locations for prisoner of war camps. It was 'Sidney' who chose the location for the future Andersonville POW camp. A rare war-date partly-printed D.S. 'W. Sidney Winder', adding rank, 1p. oblong 12mo., a Confederate pass, Richmond, Va., Sept. 10, 1862 issued to Pvt. W. H. Mims, Co. A, 2nd Battalion Georgia Vols. On Nov. 28, 1863, Secretary of War Seddon ordered Winder to meet with Georgia's governor in order to pick a suitable location for a newly proposed Confederate prison camp. After purchasing land near the village of Andersonville, he ordered construction of the Civil War's most infamous prison camp on Dec. 21, 1863. By default Winder became the camp's commander after its completion and remained at that post until Feb. 29, 1864 when a new commander arrived on the scene. He remained at the prison performing various duties afterwards. Usual wear and folds, else very good.
ARNOLD ELZEY (1816 - 1871) Confederate major general who surrendered the Augusta Arsenal to Union forces. He then joined the Confederate Army, fought at First Bull Run and with Jackson in the Valley, seriously wounded at Gaines Mill. Rare war-date manuscript d.s., 1p. 4to., 'District Head Quarters', Richmond, Dec. 13, 1862 to an unidentified brigadier general. In part: '...The undersigned [Elzey] assumed command of the Richmond Defences and of such other portions of Major General G. W. Smith's command as are not included in The Cape Fear District and The Department of North Carolina...' Near fine. On June 27, 1862 Elzey was shot through the head at the Battle of Gaines Mill, a serious wound that kept him from active field command for the rest of the war. After he had recovered, he was assigned command of the Department of Richmond and charged with the defense of the city. He dealt with a raid by Stoneman's Union cavalry during the Chancellorsville Campaign, as well as Union gunboats that summer that threatened Richmond.
(1832-1921) Confederate major general who served with Sibley in New Mexico and fought in the Red River Campaign. Rare A.L.S. 'A. P. Bagby' 1p. 4to., Mobile, Mar. 8, 1857, in part: 'Mr. W. Shutworth desires the appointment of Marshall of the U.S. for the Southern District of Alabama. He is...of highly respectable character...' Near fine.
DIETRICH VON CHOLTITZ (1894 - 1966) German military governor of Paris during the closing days of the occupation of that city during World War II. He claimed to have disobeyed Hitler's order to leave Paris in rubble during this last stage of the war. Rare, fine association signed postal cover, the Artcraft cover commemorating France in the 'Occupied Nations' series with a stamp bearing the French flag and canceled in Washington, Sep. 28, 1943. Choltitz applies his bold signature above the recipient's address. Fine.
EARL VAN DORN (1820 - 1863) Confederate major general whose raid on Holly Springs destroyed Grant's supply depot only later to be killed by a jealous husband. Rare war-date signature, Jan. 4, 1862, adding his rank as major general. Very light due to the use of adversity ink, but still legible, old red ink note at lower-right. Estimated accordingly.
DON GENTILE (1920 – 1951) American military pilot, also known as 'Ace of Aces', a World War II USAAF pilot who surpassed Eddie Rickenbacker's World War I record of 26 downed aircraft. He later served in the post-war U.S. Air Force, killed in a jet trainer accident. Rare first day postal cover including an Iwo Jima commemorative stamp, honors the 'Armed Services' and canceled in Washington.Feb. 26, 1946,signed across the face. Fine.
FELIX K. ZOLLICOFFER 1812-1862) Politician and Confederate General who led the invasion of Kentucky and was killed at the Battle of Mill Springs, making him the first C.S.A general to die in the Western Theater. Rare A.D.S. 'F. K. Zollicoffer' as Controller, 1p. oblong 8vo., Nashville, Oct. 7, 1847, a receipt for the 'statement of Revenue collected by...Clerk of the Chancery Court at Shelbyville for the year ending 1st Sept., 1847...' Light folds else very good.
GABRIEL J. RAINS (1803 - 1881) Confederate brigadier general who was a career U.S. Army officer before he resigned. Known for his proficiency with explosives, he and his brother George, also a brigadier general, were known as 'the bomb brothers.' He is credited with the development of the first modern mechanically fused land mines, used with success at the Battle of Yorktown. Rare A.L.S. Superintendent on C.S.A. Bureau of Conscription letterhead, 1p. oblong 8vo., Richmond, Apr.16, 1863. In part: '...The Bearer Wm. H. Clark (exchanged prisoner) is on his way to visit his father, Col. M. L. Clark [Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, son of the explorer and general of militia] at Atlanta, or Chattanooga, and will pass free and unmolested thereto from officers on duty...also to the Head Quarters of Major General [Sterling] Price if he should so wish...' Trimmed at bottom with a light vertical fold, else fine.
GEORGE C. STRONG (1832 - 1863) Union major general, commanded an expedition against Biloxi, Mississippi, in April 1862, and another sent against Ponchatoula. At the battle of Fort Wagner, Strong was in command of the brigade which included Col. Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts. Wounded in the engagement, he would die of disease twelve days after the battle. Very rare war-date D.S. as brigadier general on 'U.S. Forces, Port Royal Island, Headquarters' letterhead, 1p. oblong 8vo., Beaufort, May 25, 1863, a pass granted to Thomas Archer acting as a surveyor for the U.S. Tax Commission to 'pass freely throughout the limits of St. Helena parish and to and from the Head Quarters on Hilton Head Island...and also to draw rations and forage...' Boldly signed by Strong at bottom, and by an assistant adjutant general as well. Folds, and moderate soiling, no doubt from being carried by Archer who was likely assessing cotton stores in the area destined for confiscation and sale by the federal government.
HENRY LITTLE (1817 - 1862) Confederate brigadier general who commanded a brigade at Pea Ridge, killed at Iuka while in the saddle and talking to fellow general Sterling Price. Rare, early A.L.S., 1p. 4to., New York, July 13, 1839 to Brigadier and Adjutant Gen. DAVID R. JONES in Washington. In full: 'I have received my appointment as Second Lieutenant in the Fifth Regiment of Infantry United States Army which I accept.' Folds, else fine condition. Little is rare in any form.
JAMES A. MULLIGAN (1830 - 1864) Union officer who raised the Irish Brigade, he was mortally wounded at Winchester and begged his men to 'Lay me down and save the flag!'. Rare war-date D.S. 'Jas. A. Mulligan Colonel', 1p. legal folio, [n.p., n.d.], in part: '...I certify on honor that I was not serving with troops while Commdg the 2d Div. Dept. West Va. embracing a geographical district extending from Sleepy Creek to the Ohio River with Head Quarters seated by Order at New Creek W. Va. and to which Div. & Dist. I was assigned by the Genl. Commdg. Dept. of West Va.' Near fine.
JAMES A. SEDDON (1815 - 1880) U.S. Congressman from Virginia who served as Confederate Secretary of War until just before the end of the Civil War. rare partly-printed D.S. as Secretary of War, 1p. 4to., War Department, Richmond, Oct. 27, 1863, an appointment of Capt. Cameron L. Thompson to serve as Assistant Quartermaster of the 52nd Georgia Regiment. Evenly toned, some light wear, else very good.
JAMES H. CARLETON (1814 – 1873) Union brigadier general, raised and was appointed colonel of the 1st California Volunteer Infantry Regiment. In October 1861, Carleton replaced Brigadier Gen. George Wright as commander of the District of Southern California. In 1862 he commanded the California Column during its advance across California, Arizona, New Mexico, and into Texas. He effectively ended the Confederate threat to New Mexico. Best known as an Indian fighter. Rare A.D.S. on MOLUS letterhead, 1p. 8vo., New York, Dec. 9, 1873, to fellow Gen. JAMES G. WILSON. Carleton relates that he has exhausted his supply of invitations to an event, but states that this letter would suffice as permission for Wilson and his family to attend the event. Expertly inlaid, fine.
JOHN A. WASHINGTON III (1821 - 1861) Confederate army officer, and great-grandnephew of George Washington. He was also the last Washington to own Mount Vernon. Washington served as Aide de Camp on the staff of Gen. R. E. Lee, with the rank of Lieut. Colonel. In a letter written on Sep. 6, 1861 he predicted: '…I don't know when I shall leave this region, or indeed whether I ever shall do so, as of course my chances are the same as those of other men, and I know some of us will never get away…' He died one week later, killed at Cheat Mountain, WV while on a scout. Very rare A.L.S., 1p. 4to., Mount Vernon, Sep. 9, 1859 to Joseph V. Byrd sending the man a check for $102 for 'purchase removal & improvement of offices. He adds: '...I have not yet heard from Beckwith...about the mortgage & note of $10,000...On hearing from Mr. Hughes...I think I shall go out to Chicago. I had intended going at once...' Folds, near fine.
JOHN C. MOORE (1824 - 1910) Confederate brigadier general, raised and trained the 2nd Texas Infantry Regiment and was elected its colonel. He fought valiantly at Shiloh and Vicksburg, where he was captured. Exchanged, he fought under Hardee during part of the Chattanooga Campaign until disagreements with his commander led to his resignation. He later commanded the arsenals at Savannah and Selma. Rare postwar signature on a card: 'John C. Moore Brig. Gen., C.S.A.' Fine.
JOHN P. SLOUGH (1829 - 1867) Union brigadier general who defied Canby's orders to successfully engage Confederates at Glorieta Pass in New Mexico, defended Harpers Ferry in the Valley Campaign, mortally wounded following a political dispute in a Santa Fe poolroom. Rare war-date A.L.S. as brigadier general, 1p. 4to., 'Head Quarters Mty. Gov.', Alexandria, Feb. 18, 1863 to New York Gov. HORATIO SEYMOUR (1810-1886). Slough recommends the appointment of Capt. Davis J. Rich of the 1523rd N.Y. Vols. to serve as major in that regiment, noting that the man had been serving on Slough's staff as Inspector and had served longer than any other line officers in the regiment. Pin holes at top, else very good.
JOHN PEGRAM (1832 - 1865) Confederate brigadier general killed at Hatcher's Run within two weeks of being married (with the funeral taking place in the same church as the marriage). Rare war-date A.E.S. penned on the verso of a D.S., 1p. 4to., [n.p., April, 1864], specifications of charges brought against Pvt. Allen Greenlief of the 31st Virginia for attempting to enlist in another regiment and for being absent without leave. Pegram boldly writes on verso: 'See letter of Col. Hoffman accompanying this package. Jno. Pegram B. Genl.' Three other endorsements were written on the same leaf, though all have virtually disappeared due to the use of 'adversity' ink - one once bore the signature of Lt. Gen. Jubal Early.
JOSEPH FINEGAN (1814 – 1885) Confederate brigadier general. From 1862 to 1864 he commanded Confederate forces operating in Middle and East Florida, ultimately leading the Confederate victory at the Battle of Olustee, the state's only major battle. He subsequently led the Florida Brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia until near the end of the war. Rare, good content war-date L.S. as brigadier general, 1p. 4to., 'Head Quarters Dist. E. Fla.', Lake City, May 20, 1863, a letter through enemy lines sent to 'Comdg Officer U.S. Lines Amelia Island. Finegan writes: '...I send by flag of truce Mrs. Benton wife of Dr. Benton who is within your lines she desires to join her husband, and I respectfully request of you that she may be permitted to do so' On the verso, the document is docketed by its unknown Union Army recipient. Very good. At the start of the war, Amelia Island lay in Confederate hands. Union forces regained control of the island on March 3, 1862, with the aid of 28 gunboats commanded by Commodore Samuel Dupont. The island attracted slaves to the Union lines, where they gained freedom. By 1863 there were 1,200 freedmen and their children, and 200 whites living on the island. A great historic letter!
JOSEPH K. F. MANSFIELD (1822 - 1862) Union general mortally wounded at Antietam while leading his men in a charge. Rare early war-date A.L.S., 1p. 8vo., 'Head Quarters Dept. Washington', May 17, 1861 to Col. DANIEL BUTTERFIELD (1831-1901,) later a Union major general who would command a brigade at Bull Run and lead a corps in the desperate assault on Marye's Heights. Mansfield politely declines a dinner invitation: '...I cannot dine out. I have such a pressure of business that it will be impossible. I had to decline an invitation from Genl. [Winfield] Scott the other day...' Fine condition.
JOSHUA H. BATES (1817 - 1908) Union brigadier general who helped organize Ohio volunteers and led a division to help defend Cincinnati in 1863. A rare war-date A.L.S. 'Joshua H. Bates', 2pp. 4to., Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 1, 1865 to Gen. Henry Halleck, in part: '...I understand that permission has been asked to permit Capt. A. L. Anderson of the 5th Infantry to accept the position of colonel of the 8th California Volunteers. May I ask your favorable influence in the aid of this request...I am here as a Senator of the Ohio legislature...I congratulate you on the great progress that has been made during the past year in the destruction of Rebel power...'. Interestingly, Anderson would be made a brevet brigadier general for faithful and meritorious service. Minor fold split, else very good.
LLOYD J. TILGHMAN (1816 - 1863) Confederate brigadier general who surrendered Fort Henry, later commanded at Corinth and Vicksburg, killed in action at Champion's Hill. Rare war-date A.E.S. cut from a document: '[A]ppd & ref'd fwd Lyd Tilghman Brig Gen CSA' Several other officers' endorsements appear on the same leaf, all concerning the 20th Mississippi Regt. Mounted, some loss at left margin affecting one letter in endorsement.
German general of Infantry who stubbornly resisted the late 1944 Russian counterattacks in the Baltics, awarded a Knights Cross with Oak Leaves. Rare war-date D.S. 1p. 4to., 'Headquarters', 18th Army, Apr. 8, 1945, a carbon boldly signed in pencil. Not translated but apparently referring to personnel matters. File holes at left margin, light toning, else fine.
PHILIP ST. GEORGE COCKE (1809-1861) Confederate brigadier general best known for organizing the defenses of Virginia along the Potomac after secession. Served at First Manassas before becoming despondent and committing suicide. SEEKING PROMOTION FOLLOWING FIRST BULL RUN Very rare war date A.L.S. with initialed postscript, 2pp. 4to., 'Headquarters 5 Brigade Camp near Suspension Bridge', August 9, 1861 to Virginia Gov. JOHN LETCHER. In small part: '...I sent a few days ago...a copy of my report to Gen. Beauregard of the part taken by my command in the late great battle and victory of the 21st of July [First Bull Run], requesting McFarland to show the report to you...The confidence you have ever manifested in me, and the high, honorable, and responsible offices you have conferred on me at various times, incite in me, I trust, a due desire to show that your confidence has not been misplaced. You'll find that I have also the confidence of Gen. Beauregard, that I have had the command of a brigade ever since I joined his army, and that the great battle of the 21st July was fought in the position of my brigade. I have been at or near the very front of military operations here ever since the war commenced. In what manner I have fulfilled all the responsibilities of my position it would not be becoming in me to speak. I can only say that I yield to the claims of none as making greater sacrifices to serve the Southern cause, and that I am unreservedly devoting mind, body, and the state to the great struggle now pending for the salvation of our honor, our liberties, and our country. I ask no other reward than the consciousness of doing my duty, the continued confidence of my friends, and equitable award of impartial history...The copy of my official report to Gen. B- above referred to has been sent to be filed with my Will and other papers for the care of my family and friends, of course not to be made public now...' Light dampstain and a small loss at the fold between the two pages, else very good. After eight months' service, during which he was promoted to brigadier general in the provisional Confederate army, he returned home, 'shattered in body and mind' Exhausted from the strain, and despondent over perceived slights from Beauregard stemming from First Bull Run, Cocke shot himself in the head on December 26, 1861.
S. A. M. WOOD (1823 - 1891) Confederate brigadier general, commanded a brigade at Shiloh and fought most notably at Perryville where his men dislodged artillery by making a charge up a well-defended hill. He later fought at Stones River and Chickamauga. Rare war-date A.E.S. cut from a document, signed as Colonel of the 7th Alabama and forwarding the document. Very good.
STATES RIGHTS GIST (1831 - 1864) Confederate brigadier general who commanded a division at Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, led his own brigade in the Atlanta campaign, killed in action leading his men at Franklin. His father Nathaniel, an ardent support of John C. Calhoun, chose his son's name to reflect his own political sentiments. Rare A.E.S 'S. R. Gist' on the verso of a war date document, 2pp. 12mo., [Atlanta], Oct. 30, 1863. Gist has been handed an 'Office Medical Examining Board' document concerning one Pvt. Joseph H. Rogers of Co. B, 1st Tennessee, who has been furloughed for thirty days for recuperation. On the verso, Gist writes: '1 Tenn. Rgt. not in Walkers Div -- S. R. Gist Brig. Genl. Commdg'. Light toning and show-through, still very good.
THOMAS E. G. RANSOM (1834 - 1864) Union brigadier general who fought (and was often wounded) from Shiloh to Atlanta, finally dying while still commanding his troops from an ambulance. Very rare war-date A.L.S., 4pp. 8vo., New York, June 7, 1864 to 'My dear Doane'. While recovering from severe wounds he received at the Battle of Sabine Cross Roads, Ransom writes his friend, first thanking him for sending a photograph of Gen. Marcellus Crocker, also suffering from poor health and who would die in a little more than a year. He notes: '...I regretted to learn of the Genls sickness & disability for active field service and can only hope that it will be but temporary. He is too valuable a man to be absent from the front at this time. I read the accounts of the advance of the noble columns of Sherman and McPherson...[I] look forward to the day when I shall be able for duty...I have written Genl McPherson that I desire to join the old army on my return to duty & hope he will consider my services of sufficient value to apply for me...I you have any opportunity to communicate with... McPherson or Clark don't fail...My wound is getting on finely...I am enjoying this society and the pleasant scenes...' Light spoiling and an unobtrusive tape repair to one fold, else very good. McPherson would be killed on July 22, before Ransom returned to service. The historian Edward G. Longacre notes that the stoic Grant wept upon hearing of young Ransom's death. Sherman still kept a photograph of Ransom on the wall of his office 20 years after the war.
WALTER H. STEVENS (1827 - 1867) Confederate brigadier general, served as engineer Beauregard at the Battle of First Bull Run and under Johnston during the Peninsula Campaign and the Battle of Seven Pines. He served as chief engineer in the Army of Northern Virginia and was with it through the Siege of Petersburg, strengthening the defenses of that city, and the Appomattox Campaign. Rare war-date signature cut from a letter: 'Very respy Your obdt. svt. W. H. Stevens Col. Eng.' Fine condition, mounted.
(1825 - 1862) Career U.S. army officer who fought in the Mexican-American War, later resigning and enlisting in the Confederate army, promoted to brigadier general. Smith fought in the Battle of Secessionville and then served in Charleston, South Carolina until his death in 1862 of yellow fever. Rare pre-war cut signature, 4 x 2 in., mounted to a 5 x 9.5 in. paper, adding his rank 'Captain Wm. D. Smith - 2nd Dragoons'. Fine.
WILLIAM G. LEWIS (1835 - 1901) Confederate brigadier general, fought with the 33rd North Carolina Infantry at the Seven Days Battle and the Battle of Malvern Hill, at New Bern and Kinston. In the spring of 1863, his regiment returned to Virginia and he took part in the Gettysburg Campaign with the 43rd North Carolina Infantry. He led Hoke's brigade at the Battle of Cold Harbor and was promoted to brigadier general following the battle. Rare signature on a card: 'W G Lewis Brig. Genl. C.S.A. Army of Northern Virginia'. A tear at bottom intrudes into the word 'Army', else very good.
WILLIAM H. T. WALKER (1816 - 1864) Confederate major general who commanded a brigade at Pensacola. Walker, a much admired leader, was killed in action before Atlanta. Rare A.D.S., 1p. 4to., 'Augusta Arsenal', Feb. 28, 1861 to Capt. John S. Fain, Ga. 2nd Regiment. In part: '...1st Lieut H D D Twiggs is hereby appointed acting Adjutant of the 2nd Regiment of the Geo. Army. He will be respected accordingly. All communications addressed to the Head Quarters will be addressed to him...' Blank bottom of sheet trimmed, else near fine. Hansford Dade Duncan Twiggs (1837–1917) was a Georgia attorney, Democratic politician, judge, and Confederate military officer. He was a great-grandson of American Revolutionary War general John Twiggs.
WILLIAM R. TERRY (1827 - 1897) Confederate brigadier general, replaced Early as colonel of the 24th Virginia, led a regiment and was wounded during Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, and later assumed command of the severely wounded James Kemper's brigade. He later led his depleted troops during the Battle of Cold Harbor and throughout the Siege of Petersburg. Rare war-date A.D.S. as Captain of Cavalry, 1p. 12mo., [n.p.], June 29, 1861, in pencil. In full: 'Mr. Jones has permission to pass our lines - as Courrier'. A tad light, folds, else very good.
ANDERSONVILLE PRISON RELICS Lot of three relics found at the notorious Confederate Andersonville prisoner of war camp in Sumter, Georgia, clearly taken from the site shortly after the war. The 8.5 x 10.5 presentation includes a metal spoon, a pair of intact eyeglasses, and a pair of 'dug' scissors, attached with wire to a board with a contemporary label reading: 'Relics found [at] Andersonville Prison - after the Civil War'. Undeniably authentic, and quite rare.
EAGLE POLE TOP FROM GETTYBURG BATTLEFIELD Very rare eagle bronze pole top recovered from the Gettysburg battlefield, 5.25 in. tall (excluding the threaded screw at base), 6.5 in. wide, in excellent condition indicating that it was picked up from the battlefield only very shortly after the bloody battle. The pole top was originally part of local resident Thomas Bohlen's collection, sold with the contents of the Shields Museum in Gettysburg. The museum was on the Gettysburg battlefield, along Chambersburg Pike, near the Buford and Reynolds monuments and across from the McPherson barn. Arthur Shields was a collector of Gettysburg Civil War relics and memorabilia. He opened his museum in Gettysburg in 1925 and the museum featured many items recovered by Mr. Shields and others from the battleground. . The contents of the museum were sold in November, 1985 and most of the items are now in private collections. Obtained from a lifetime resident of Gettysburg.
A rare and most desirable relic a small section of the last Confederate flag to fly over the Capitol of the Confederacy in Richmond Virginia. The remnant is an approx. 2 x 1.5 in. section of beige cloth removed from the Third National flag which was seized by Union soldiers when the city fell on April 3 1865. A section of the flag came into the hands of Methodist minister John O. Foster who is said to have preached the first sermon in the city after its capture. He found himself in the Confederate Treasury where he helped himself to bonds of all types and denominations now worthless. At about the same time he obtained section of the capitol's flag to which he affixed the bonds and a label: 'Confederate Money Valuable as Curios. Pieces of flag floating over Capitol at Richmond day of capitulation'. After securing the bonds and flag remnants Foster then preached (under guard) at the Presbyterian Church to an audience composed largely of newly-freed slaves. Double-matted with one corner of the flag remnant turned-up to expose a portion of the bond beneath with descriptive label beneath. Flag was examined by noted textile/flag expert Fonda Thompson and approved verso bears attribution as to flag's provenance.
WILLIAM PEPPERRELL (1696 - 1759) American general who commanded forces against the French at Cape Breton and in the French and Indian War. He was also the first American ever knighted. Rare A.L.S., 1p. oblong 8vo., Kittery, Me., Jan. 9, 1737 to Capt. Samuel Mitchell, master of the Sloop Dolphin. In part: '...my order[s] are for you to observe sd Captn Thos. Cobbs orders in Every Respect but if you receive no order from him Sail directly for [?]...take in salt for St. Martin's...hasten home here but I hope he will meet you there if so Deliver all your Cargo to him...I Desire to Commit you to Divine Protection...' At bottom, Mitchell signs acknowledging receipt of his orders. One small tear at lower left affecting one word in Mitchell's text, folds, tipped to a larger sheet. Overall very good to fine.
FRANK D. MERRILL (1903 - 1955) American army officer who commanded 'Merrill's Marauders' deep behind Japanese lines in Burma and cleared the Burma road supply route. Excessively rare S.P. 'Frank D. Merrill Major General USA', 8.5 x 6.5 in. b/w, an International News press photo with paper caption attached showing Merrill in Burma 'passing out gifts of mirrors and charm jewelry to Kachin natives...shortly after Merrill's troops had arrived to liberate them from retreating Jap hordes...' Fine condition. Merrill is rare in any form.
FRIEDRICH ALPERS (1901 – 1944) German Nazi politician and SS-Obergruppenführer, Minister of the Free State of Brunswick, and Generalforstmeister. Alpers was responsible for numerous political crimes in Brunswick. Killed or a suicide after being wounded. Rare, large signature 'Alpers' on an octavo sheet, just beneath a small portrait. Very good.
EMILE ZOLA '32 CARICATURES DE LEBOURGEOIS' Rare set 32 plates caricaturing EMILE ZOLA (1840-1902), French novelist, journalist, playwright, and best-known practitioner of the literary school of naturalism. The individual hand-colored plates, each 7 x 10 in., are contained in the set 'Zola 32 Caricatures de Lebourgeois' (Paris: E. Bernard et Cie.), 1898, contained in a gilt-embossed brown faux leather folder. The corner is bumped a bit. The scenes place Zola in the predicaments explored in his writings, such as the novels Germinal and Nana, or involved in the causes about which he was passionate, such as the unjust court martial for treason of Jewish military officer, Alfred Dreyfus. A few of the images bear anti-Semitic caricatures as well. Fine condition.
RADIO SCRIPT DRAFT FOR ORSON WELLES' 1938 'WAR OF THE WORLDS' On the evening of October 30, 1938, Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre on the Air performed a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds, converting the 40-year-old novel into fake news bulletins describing a Martian invasion of New Jersey. Some listeners mistook those bulletins for the real thing, and their anxious phone calls to police, newspaper offices, and radio stations convinced many journalists that the show had caused nationwide hysteria. Indeed, there were reports of jammed highways and secondary roads filled with panicked citizens fleeing 'Martians', people shooting at water towers mistaken for Martian 'death machines', and even suicides. Angered listeners threatening to shoot Welles on sight. 'If I’d planned to wreck my career,' he told several people at the time, 'I couldn’t have gone about it better.' Offered here is an excessively rare printed radio script draft used in preparing the historic broadcast, 39pp. 4to., [New York, 1938], bearing the title 'WAR OF THE WORLDS' and crediting Welles: 'Orson Welles (Mercury Theater) 1938'. The pages are bound with original period brass split-pins. In the haste to produce the show, the last page of this copy was bound upside-down. The 22 cast members are listed by character name on the cover page, and there is one edit to the text within, though it is unclear if the edit was used in the broadcast. A small doodle appears on page 8, and a ribald drawing captioned 'OUT TO LUNCH - BACK IN 30 MIN' was drawn in pencil on the verso of the same page. The drawing is initialed 'G G[?] B' - these initials do not correspond with those of any of the main performers, so they likely are those of a writer or minor cast member. The first and last pages are slightly frayed at their margins, otherwise very good. Welles' 'War of the Worlds' was one of the world's most historic broadcasts, and its effects still resonate today, with the worldwide use (and accusations of the use) of 'fake news' by politicians, world leaders, business figures, and everyday citizens.
GEORGE A. DAVIS (1920 - 1952) Highly decorated USAF fighter pilot and flying ace of World War II and the Korean War. Davis rose to the rank of major, and was promoted posthumously to lieutenant colonel and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in 'MiG Alley' during the latter war. He was the only flying ace of the United States to be killed in action in Korea. Rare first day postal cover honoring the U.S. Army, Washington, Sep. 28, 1945, signed across the face adding: 'USAF'. Fine.
(EXECUTIONERS) WILLIAM CALCRAFT (1800 – 1879) 19th-century English hangman, one of the most prolific of British executioners who carried out 450 executions. Calcraft was initially recruited to flog juvenile offenders held in Newgate Prison. Because with Calcraft's methods the condemned took several minutes to die, to hasten death Calcraft would sometimes dramatically pull on legs or climb on shoulders in an effort to break the victim's neck. It has been speculated that Calcraft used these methods partly to entertain the crowds, sometimes numbering 30,000 spectators or more. Rare A.Ms. (unsigned), 1p. 8vo., London, 1868, in full: 'Sir, I think you had Better apply to Governor of the Gaol Northampton as I do not now [sic] any thing about such a person. Yours &c' Tipped to an old document folder with period identification, with a clipping of his obituary.
GUNTHER LUTJENS (1889 - 1941) German Admiral whose military service spanned almost 30 years. Lutjens was one of only three flag officers who protested, in writing, against the anti-Jewish 'Kristallnacht' pogroms, but is most remembered for going down on the battleship BISMARCK on May 27, 1941. Excessively rare S.P., 5 x 8 in. b/w, a three-quarter length pose in uniform, Berlin, ca. 1934, signed on the mount: 'Lutjens, Kapitan zur See, Kommandant der Kreuzer Karlsruhe' Also signed by the photoghrapher` in pencil. Fine. Like the BISMARCK, the KARLSRUHE was sunk by British warships, in her case on April 9, 1940 after being torpedoed by a British submarine. BISMARCK would sink a little more than a year later.
(1889 - 1941) German admiral whose military service spanned almost 30 years. Lutjens was one of only three flag officers who protested, in writing, against the anti-Jewish 'Kristallnacht' pogroms, but is most remembered for going down on the battleship BISMARCK on May 27, 1941. Very rare S.P., 3.5 x 5.5 in. b/w, a photo postcard of Lutjens showing him from the chest up, signed across his chest. Weak contrast, mounting remnants on verso, else very good.
HEINRICH DOEHLE (1883-1963) SS-Oberfuhrer and Undersecretary of State in Hitler's Presidential Chancellery. Rare, good association T.L.S., 1p. 4to., Berlin, July 24, 1939, to President of the Reich Statistical Office WOLFGANG REICHARDT. Doehle transmits a copy of his seminal reference 'The Orders and Honor Awards of the Greater German Reich', with thanks for his correspondent's interest. He signs boldly at the conclusion in black ink. On the verso appears an A.L.S., 1p. 4to., [Berlin, n.d.], from Reichardt, thanking Doehle in turn for the book. Reichardt signs at the conclusion in black ink. Shows folds, some toning and striations from a self-adhesive photo album, else very good.
HIROSHI OSHIMA (1886 - 1975) General in the Japanese Army and Japanese ambassador to Nazi Germany during World War II. Virtually all of his diplomatic dispatches were intercepted by the Allies. Sentenced for war crimes at Tokyo and imprisoned until 1955. Rare, probable war-date S.P., 3.5 x 5.5 b/w, a Hoffmann portrait in uniform signed in both English and kanji characters at bottom with fair contrast.
JOSEPH SCHREIDER German intelligence officer who, during World War II, carried out clever radio broadcasts begging for arms from Great Britain while posing as a Dutch underground leader. During this time, Britain air-dropped to him 35,000 pounds of explosives, 3,500 machine guns, 2,000 hand grenades, and 53 trained British agents! Rare S.P., a 4 x 6 in. real photo postcard showing Schreider in an informal pose. Boldly signed and very good.
JULY 20 BOMB PLOT SURVIVORS A wonderful schematic diagram of the conference room at the 'Wolfsschanze', or 'Wolf's Lair' where on July 20, 1944 a bomb was detonated in an attempt to kill Adolf Hitler, the diagram signed by nine German generals, staff officers, and aides who survived the blast. The hand-drawn image, executed on a piece of light cardboard, indicates the place, date, Hitler's location at the large map table, and the location of the bomb placed behind a table leg by Oberst Claus von Stauffenberg. It appears that each signer has signed the piece in the place at which he was located when the bomb exploded. Those signing include: ADOLF HEUSINGER (1897-1982), KARL BODENSCHATZ (1890-1979), KARL JESKO VON PUTTKAMER (1900-1981), ERNST JOHN VON FREYEND (1909-1990), HANS ERICH VOSS (1897-1969), OTTO GUNSCHE (1917-2003), NICOLAS VON BULOW (1907-1983), HERBERT BUCHS (1913-1996), and WALTER WARLIMONT (1894-1976). Lightly toned at margins, else very good. A rare assemblage of signatures.
MAO ZEDONG MAO ZEDONG (1893 - 1976) Chinese statesman, commonly known as 'Chairman Mao, a communist revolutionary who became the founding father of the People's Republic of China, which he ruled as the Chairman of the Communist Party of China from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976. Mao helped to found the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, and in 1949 Mao's forces defeated the Nationalist government of Chiang Kai-Shek. On October 1, 1949, Mao proclaimed the foundation of the People's Republic of China. AN OFFICIAL LETTER AND SIGNED ENVELOPE An excessively rare pair of signed items, including an official signed governmental letter and a signed transmittal envelope which enclosed the letter, both sent in 1950 to LIU LINSHENG (given name: Liu Kuiyi) (1878-1950), Mao's second cousin on his mother's side, and he carried the honorary title 'Linsheng'. At the time he received this letter, Liu was serving as Party Leader in Hunan Province, a patronage position granted to him by Mao. Liu and Mao had both grown up in the same small village, about 1,500 miles from Beijing, and Liu's brother had been a martyr in revolutionary activities against the Qing Government. The 8 x 11 inch letter, dated April 14, 1950, was hand-executed by an amanuenses on period Chinese ruled paper and is signed in Mao's hand. It reads in full: 'Mr. Linsheng: Thank you so much for the message on the 2nd of April. The local government has been asked to stop to return the deposit, which was originally requested by peasants. Best wishes and with regards, Mao Zedong, April 14th'. A red ink stamp at bottom reads: 'Internal Archive. Handle with Care', likely placed there by Liu prior to filing. The accompanying signed envelope, 9.75 x 4.75 inches, is entirely in Mao's hand and reads in full: 'Deliver to Comrade Wen Linsheng (signed) Mao Zedong ['Wen' was Mao's maternal grandmother's name - its use here was likely honorific]. To the left of Mao's signature appear eleven red ink stamped characters reading: 'The Central Committee of Chinese Communist Sealed'. With no address indicated, this letter must have been delivered by an official courier directly into Liu's hands. Above these characters appear to blue circular stamps, faded a bit, apparently reading: 'North Branch...Sold Only for Military Purpose/Service'. This letter was the last of a series of letters exchanged between Mao and Liu dealing with the theft of rice in Hunan Province. Liu would die a few months after its receipt, and the letter later found its way to auction in Australia where it was purchased by our consignor. Both pieces are mounted to paper which in turn was mounted to cardboard, probably by the family shortly after their receipt. Liu was not a major figure in the Chinese Revolution, but a biography of his life was written and is in the holdings of 30 national libraries (three in China). 'The Collected Works of Liu Kuiyi' was published by Hunan Renmin Publishing in 2008 and contains the original text of this letter. As Liu died shortly after receiving this letter, no instruction was left for it to be eventually sent to Beijing for inclusion among Mao's writings. Our consignor utilized an extensive network of experts to research and examine these items, and included with the letter and envelope is a 108pp. folder of the result of their efforts. Notable is the handwriting analysis of Forensic Document Examiner Reed C. Hayes, who used twelve known examples of Mao's span in his 21-page positive report. Expert Chelsea Juexi Wang, MA of Curating and Cultural Leadership, University of New South Wales and Asian Art Consultant also reviewed and compared twelve known examples of Mao's hand from various letters and documents to the letter offered here. Her 28-page illustrated report also reached a positive conclusion. Wang also wrote a multi-page analysis of the paper, envelope, chops, and stamps, and undertook additional research on Liu. Additional information includes an image of the letter as reproduced in Liu's 'Collected Works', a history of Liu's family, a biography of Mao Zedong, a study of Chinese calligraphy, and a recapitulation of facts concerning the document and its origin. All provenance is included with the lot, and available to potential bidders upon request. A hitherto undiscovered Mao letter, a directive sent to a direct relative and lost for over seventy years. With authentication having already been undertaken and available to all prospective bidders upon request, this lot is sold as is.
CHINESE 'SHORT SNORTER' SIGNED BY CHENNAULT TWICE, STILLWELL, OTHERS A superb and very rare war-date 'short snorter', a 1943 Chinese ten dollar bank note signed in ink on both sides by 25 people, including some of the most important figures of the campaign in China. Among this signing the bill are: CLAIRE CHENNAULT (1890-1958). American Army aviator who established the volunteer-staffed Flying Tigers to fight the Japanese invasion of China. He has also been (unofficially) credited with over 40 'kills'. Chennault signs the bill on recto and verso; Gen. JOSEPH STILWELL (1883-1946) 'Vinegar Joe', American Army general who commanded all American forces in the China-Burma-India theater in World War II; a brilliant tactician and combat leader; Gen. ZHOU ZHIROU (1889-1986) Chinese Commander in Chief, Air Force Combat Command; Major Gen. EDWARD BERGIN (1892-1978) Chief of Staff, Headquarters Detachment, Chinese Training and Combat Command in C.B.I. Theater, also with 10th Army on Okinawa, 1945; Major Gen. THOMAS HEARN (1890-1980) Chief of Staff, C.B.I. Theater and China Theater of Operations, USAAF 14th Air Force, China, Burma, India theater of operations; Brigadier Gen. BENJAMIN FERRIS (1892-1982) Deputy Chief of Staff, C.B.I. Theater; Lt. Col. ALBERT J. MCELHOE (1908-2000) G-1 Chunking and later with the O.S.S.; Brigadier Gen. RUSSELL E. RANDALL (1902-1992) commanding general of the 312th Fighter Wing and the 312th Composite Wing of the 14th Air Force at Kunming; Col. THOMAS F. TAYLOR (1889-1982) G-3 Chunking and forward echelon C.B.I.; Col. CEDRIC M. POLAND (1911-1990) photographer; HOWARD R. ISAACS (1910-1986) journalist, and others either unidentified or of low rank. These autographs were signed in September 1944 in Kunming, China, and almost certainly at Kunming Airfield. In 1941, the airfield became the main base for the 1st American Volunteer Group 'Flying Tigers' (and later AVG's successor unit US 23rd Fighter Group, after the official US entry into the war), and as the war progressed several major US formations established headquarters at Kunming Airfield. It was also a hub for military and supply flights to and from India and Burma. Stillwell was made a four-star general a month before signing this, and was then relieved of command in October, 1944.
SEMLIN CONCENTRATION CAMP PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM A stunning collection of over 250 original 2.5 x 3.75 in. photographs taken by a German nurse 'helferin', or assistant, most likely in the earliest days following the establishment of the infamous Semlin (Samjiste) concentration camp near Belgrade. The camp was organized and operated by SS Einsatzgruppen units stationed in occupied Serbia, and became operational in September 1941. At the end of 1941 and the beginning of 1942, thousands of Jewish women, children and old men were brought to the camp, along with 500 Jewish men and 292 Romani women and children. The photographs are loosely mounted in a 13 x 9.25 cloth-covered album, above (untranslated) captions in German. Almost all of the images are from the camp, and many show inmates, buildings, camp personnel, etc. The album was apparently started early on, as the first photos show massive numbers of tens, some with prisoners milling about. Hitler Jungvolk are shown parading, along with the nurse/aides, all interspersed with images of the construction of barracks, watch towers, etc. Prisoners soon arrive, some well dressed and in local garb, others in rags and obviously in need of care. Throughout the album, these nurses are shown enjoying a relatively carefree life at play, making music, meeting SS staff members, dining, etc. while spread throughout are heart-rending photographs of prisoners seated in the dirt beside their tents, undertaking forced labor in construction, lining up for food, and so on. Further on, we see new prisoners arriving in large numbers with one suitcase each, a band playing for the inmates, and these helpers sorting the suitcases of those arriving by train. Ominously, one photo shows what appears to be a covered body being removed from a van, very possibly one of the gassing vans used to kill Jews at the camp. Other images show the arrival of dignitaries, SS and army officers, inspection of the women by their superiors, etc. Overall fine condition. Estimates of the number of deaths at Sajmiste range from 20,000 to 23,000, with the number of Jewish deaths estimated at 7,000 to 10,000. It is thought that half of all Serbian Jews perished at the camp. Most of the Germans responsible for the operation of the camp were captured and brought to trial. Several were extradited to Yugoslavia and executed. Camp commander Herbert Andorfer and his deputy were arrested in the 1960s after many years of hiding. Both were given short prison sentences. A remarkably rare record of the creation of a notorious concentration camp, by a willing participant in its murders.
KURT 'PANZER' MEYER (1910-1961) SS-Brigadefuhrer who commanded the LSSAH's reconnaissance battalion during the Third Battle of Kharkov in 1943 during which his men massacred more than eight hundred civilians. Meyer was later given command of the 12th SS Panzer Division 'Hitlerjugend' and served in Normandy, during which men under his command carried out the Ascq and Ardenne Abbey massacres. Rare T.L.S., 1p. 4to, Hagen, May 28, 1958 to [H. Keith] Thompson, a figure within American far right and fascist circles. Meyer states that he is pleased that his correspondent has found Meyer's memoirs, 'Grenadiere', to be of interest and comments: '...Even if I did not manage to remember every single phase of the fighting while writing the book, and to recall all precise times, there is still a good overview of the overall course of the fighting...'. Accompanied by a German printed supplement issued by Der Freiwillige in 1962 following Meyer's death. Folds, near fine.
OSKAR SCHINDLER (1908-1974) German industrialist and black marketeer who by the end of World War II had spent everything he had on keeping 1,300 Polish Jews from being deported to Hitler's gas chambers. Schindler used a combination of bribes, lies and charm to convince the German occupiers that his workers were "essential", while at the same time he assured that his factory would turn out sub-standard ammunition and war material. When the war ended, Schindler fled to Argentina with his wife and a handful of his workers and bought a farm. In 1958, he abandoned his land, his wife and his mistress to return to Germany. He spent the remaining years of his life dividing his time between Germany and Israel, where he was honored and taken care of by his eternally grateful 'Schindlerjuden'. Schindler's story was widely publicized in Steven Spielberg's 1993 film 'Schindler's List' which won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture. Excessively rare D.S., 1p. oblong 8vo., [n.p., n.d., most likely war-date], a DEBEG radio-telegram receipt form boldly signed "Oskar Schindler" in blue ink directly above his typed position 'Herr Direktor Schindler'. Matted in gray cloth with gold accents with a small photo of Schindler and brass biographical plaque, all set into an ornate gold frame. Very fine.
LUDWIG BECK (1880 - 1945) Chief of the General Staff of the German Army, resigned in 1938 in protest of Hitler's decision to take Czechoslovakia. Beck joined the resistance, was implicated in the July, 1944 bomb plot, and was executed in his office after two suicide attempts. Rare T.L.S. on his official letterhead, 1p. 4to., Berlin, Jan. 15, 1938 to 'Ludi': 'Thank you for sending the documents...regarding the shooting competition...I shall pass the documents on to the army education department...'. File holes at left, else fine.
MICHAEL WITTMANN (1914 - 1944) German Waffen SS tank commander during the Second World War. A winner of the Knight's Cross, he was credited with the destruction of 138 tanks and 132 anti-tank guns making him one of Germany's top scoring panzer aces. He was most famous for his ambush on the British 7th Armored Division at the Battle of Villers-Bocage on June 13, 1944 where he destroyed 14 tanks and 15 personnel carriers in 15 minutes. He was killed on Aug. 8, 1944 near Saint-Aignana-de-Cramesnil. Rare signature 'Wittmann' on a very small slip of paper mounted beneath a printed portrait. The signature was cut from a document signed multiple times by the famous tank commander. Fine condition.
Russian icon from the late 18th, early 19th century."Burial".Painting on wood.Some lack of polychromy. Wear and tear due to use and the passage of time. Measurements: 20 x 18 cm.Rare Russian icon, which seems not to be complete and which could originally be part of a larger altarpiece. It represents the scene of the burial of a pope (priest) of the orthodox church. It is painted on wood.
Neapolitan school; 18th century."Crucified Christ".Carved and polychrome wood.It presents faults in the carving and repainting.Measurements: 60 x 38 x 8 cm.Round sculpture made in wax representing the figure of the crucified Christ. It is a devotional image that tries to awaken the passion and faith of the spectator. To do this, the sculptor has sought dramatisation through the use of the colour red in the hands, and the gesture of the face, with the mouth open in an agonising attitude. Even so, the piece does not show the wound in the side which would seek to exacerbate the pathos of the message to be conveyed by this work. Crucifixions and crucifixes have appeared in the history of art and popular culture since before the era of the pagan Roman Empire. The crucifixion of Jesus has been depicted in religious art since the 4th century. It is one of the most recurrent themes in Christian art and the one with the most obvious iconography. Although Christ is sometimes depicted clothed, his body is usually depicted naked, although with his genitals covered with a purity cloth (perizonium); full nudes are very rare, but prominent (Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Cellini). The conventions of depicting the different attitudes of the crucified Christ are designated by the Latin expressions Christus triumphans ("triumphant" - not to be confused with the Maiestas Domini or the Pantocrator), Christus patiens ("resigned" - not to be confused with the Christ of patience) and Christus dolens ("suffering" - not to be confused with the Vir dolorum). The triumphans is represented alive, with his eyes open and his body erect; the patiens is represented dead, with his will totally emptied (kenosis), his head bowed, his face with a serene expression, his eyes closed and his body arched, showing the five wounds; the dolens is represented in a similar way to the patiens, but with a gesture of pain, particularly in his mouth (curved).Neapolitan sculpture shows a marked taste for naturalism, a trend to which this piece belongs. This taste for Neapolitan naturalism is evident, for example, in the tradition of nativity scenes, as well as in the carving of groups of the Holy Sepulchre. Both the nativity scenes and the groups of the Holy Sepulchre and the vestments have a strong dramatic, scenographic component. They were also sculptures or sculptural groups that played an important role in the liturgy at different times of the year: at Easter, Christmas and other important festivals, where the celebration of mass involved, in various ways, the participation of these sculptures, which were, for the faithful, a powerful illustration of the mysteries around which the sermons and homilies revolved.
Rare original early 1970s OSSIE CLARK, Made in London, England (i.e. not "For Radley") buttoned-front Moss Crepe long maxi dress in rare grape purple colour. Unusual uncovered buttons (thought to be original). Reminiscent of 1940s wartime styling with slightly puffed elbow length sleeves, dagger collar and slightly gathered back. UK10-12Condition Report: Good condition commensurate with age and use. Some light fading
Distinctive rare original vintage ladies mid-1980s CORI MERINI two-piece trouser suit outfit, comprising jacket and trousers in black linen with red detail on jacket. Reminiscent of a Michael Jackson costume design. Trousers are zipped at the front and peg-shaped with side pocket. Jacket is double-breasted with very padded shoulders and three decorative carbine-buckle straps across the front. Asymmetric hemline with longline side on the left. Right hip boasts designers name CORI in red lettering. Size UK10-12. One (two piece) item. Condition Report: Good condition. Appears unworn.
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