Printed and Manuscript Americana at Christies on May 19th

- by Bruce E. McKinney

An item for those who collect the music of America: The Star Spangled Banner. Lot 91

Lot 32.  Andrew Jackson [1767-1837]  Broadside.  Some Account of the Bloody Deeds of General Jackson., n.p., n.d. [1828]  Striking testimony to one of the most bitter presidential campaigns ever fought.  A striking, strong graphic broadside, one of several similar circulated during the intense and bitter political contest of 1828, in which Jackson was accused of no less than adultery, murder and genocide.

Mr. Jackson was a states’ rights man following an era of increasing power of the central government.  These arguments continue today.   For the historically aware this broadside can launch a thousand conversations.  Estimates $4,000 to $6,000

Lots 43-58.  Abraham Lincoln.  Abraham Lincoln was a prolific writer and it seems every scrap has been retained as souvenirs and collectibles.   It makes sense given the assassination at the height of his powers at the moment of victory in the Civil War.  Lots 43 to 58 are documents he wrote or signed.  At the moment of his death much of what existed was put away as momentos.

For any collector with a desire for Lincolniana there may be a chance to buy something appealing for less than a king’s ransom.

Lot 91.  The Star Spangled Banner.  For the musically minded, particularly those who hum the Star Spangled Banner while conducting bibliographic research, lot 91 is a copy of the rare 1814 second printing of the words and music to the National Anthem.  It’s estimated $12,000 to $18,000.

Altogether the sale is quite appealing.  It’s a serious effort to present A list material, something not seen so often these days.