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University Archives: Rare Autographs, Manuscripts & Books

Auction Reports

Auction Name Rare Autographs, Manuscripts & Books Total Sales (USD) 828,254.50
Auction Date November 19, 2025 - November 19, 2025 Low Estimate of Lots Sold (USD) 506,550.00
Sale Number #111925 High Estimate of Lots Sold (USD) 681,000.00
Total Lots 462
Sold Lots 450.0 Low Estimate of All Lots (USD) 530,150.00
% of Lots Sold 97.40% High Estimate of All Lots (USD) 711,000.00
Unsold Lots 12 Total Sales as a % of High Est. 116.49%

Top twenty-five by sale price

Lot Number Author Name Book Title Year Published Estimate Actual Price
455 Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton Admiration For Judaism & Moral Continuity With Christianity! Over 350 Words in his Hand, Extraordinary Content!

 n.d. USD 30,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD 87,500.00
308 Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan Handwritten & Signed Lyrics to "Just Like a Woman" w/ Jeff Rosen & JSA Authentication

 ca. 2013 USD 40,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD 56,250.00
447 Einstein

Einstein AM on Unified Field Theory, Over 260 Words, With 18 Equations in His Hand! From His Published Article, "A Generalization of the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation," Superb!

 ca. early 1940s USD 20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD 25,000.00
448 Einstein

Scarce Einstein AM on Unified Field Theory, Over 180 Words + 11 Equations in His Hand! From His Published Article, "A Generalization of the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation"

 ca. early 1940s USD 20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD 25,000.00
418 Edgar Allen Poe

Edgar Allen Poe CDV by Brady, Incredibly Rare, Possibly Unique in Format!

 ca. 1861 USD 3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD 20,000.00
152 G. Washington

G. Washington Signed Discharge for MA Solider Whose Regiment Was at Bunker Hill!

 June 9, 1783 USD 10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD 15,000.00
449 Albert Einstein & Alfred Einstein

Albert Einstein & Alfred Einstein Signed Book On Mozart! Beckett LOA

 ca. 1947 USD 5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD 13,750.00
84 Lee Harvey Oswald

Lee Harvey Oswald ALS to Brother, Trying Desperately to Get out of Russia! Highly Important

 1961-11-20 USD 12,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD 12,500.00
88 Lincoln Fully

Lincoln Fully Signed Military Appointment for Mexican War Vet & Respected Cavalryman

 March 4, 1862 USD 7,500.00 - 10,000.00 USD 11,250.00
456 Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer Writes Secretary About Recent Meeting of Physicists and Los Alamos History

 Ocober 10, 1947 USD 5,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD 10,880.00
175 Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso PSA GEM MT 10 Rare ALS In Blood-Red Paint? Dated Just After Beginning "Luncheon on the Grass"

 1959-08-22 USD 4,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD 10,625.00
397 Earl George Macartney, (3)

Earl George Macartney, (3) ALS re: Cornwallis, Tipu Sultan & Treaty of Mangalore

 ca. 1784-1795 USD 400.00 - 500.00 USD 10,625.00
324 John Lennon

John Lennon Signed Apple Records Check, PSA GEM MT 10! Possibly Finest Known

 1971-06-16 USD 5,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD 10,000.00
68 T. Jefferson

T. Jefferson PSA GEM MT 10 Free Frank to Robert Fulton, Napoleon's Submarine Engineer

 March 20 [1810] USD 3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD 9,375.00
188 Apollo XI

Apollo XI Astronauts & Their Wives Sign Photo, Plus Crew Signed Cover, Superb and Unique. Photo Signed At Apollo XI Presidential Goodwill Tour, Pre-Cert Zarelli

 ca. September 29-30, 1969 USD 5,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD 8,750.00
363 Horatio Nelson

Horatio Nelson Rare ALS To Emma Hamilton Re: A "Damned pimping Bitch" Daring To Compete With His Incomparable Emma!

 n.d. but ca. late August 1803 USD 7,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD 8,750.00
194 All 3

All 3 Apollo XI Astronauts Uninscribed Signed Official NASA Photo! Pre-Cert Zarelli

 n.d. USD 3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD 8,125.00
86 Mary Lincoln

Mary Lincoln Owned & Signed "Life of George Washington," From Lincoln Family Library, Dated 1860, During Presidential Campaign & Cooper Union Speech

 ca. 1860 USD 5,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD 7,500.00
310 Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan TDS Re: Last Will and Testament 4 Months Before Release of "Blood on the Tracks", PSA Authenticated

 1975-09-22 USD 6,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD 7,500.00
66 T. Jefferson

T. Jefferson on Aurora Borealis: "These phenomena proceed doubtless from... reflection and refraction..." Important Scientific Content!

 [January 28, 1826] USD 4,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD 6,875.00
385 Napoleon

Napoleon Troop Movement Directive Boldly Signed "N" Re: Raising Troops In Advance of Russian Invasion

 April 9, 1812 USD 1,200.00 - 1,500.00 USD 6,875.00
25 D-Day Orders

D-Day Orders Signed By Eisenhower To His Troops, Outstanding PSA GEM MT 10!

 [June 6, 1944] USD 5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD 6,250.00
163 Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat Signed 'Edition Bischofberger' Exhibition Catalog, PSA Authenticated

 ca. 1985 USD 6,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD 6,250.00
1 John Adams

John Adams Signed Receipt, Handsomely Displayed

 December 31, 1813 USD 3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD 5,937.50
108 Rare Presidential

Rare Presidential Pardon Signed by James Madison & James Monroe

 October 15, 1811 USD 2,400.00 - 3,000.00 USD 5,937.50
  • <b><center>Rare Book Hub is now mobile-friendly!</center></b>
    Rare Book Hub is now mobile-friendly!
  • <center><b>Swann<br>Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books<br>December 9, 2025</b></center> <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 156: Cornelis de Jode, <i>Americae pars Borealis,</i> double-page engraved map of North America, Antwerp, 1593. <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 206: John and Alexander Walker, <i>Map of the United States,</i> London and Liverpool, 1827. <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 223: Abraham Ortelius, <i>Typus Orbis Terrarum,</i> hand-colored double-page engraved world map, Antwerp, 1575. <center><b>Swann<br>Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books<br>December 9, 2025</b></center> <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 233: Aaron Arrowsmith, <i>Chart of the World,</i> oversize engraved map on 8 sheets, London, 1790 (circa 1800). <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 239: Fielding Lucas, <i>A General Atlas,</i> 81 engraved maps and diagrams, Baltimore, 1823. <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 240: Anthony Finley, <i>A New American Atlas,</i> 15 maps engraved by james hamilton young on 14 double-page sheets, Philadelphia, 1826. <center><b>Swann<br>Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books<br>December 9, 2025</b></center> <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 263: John Bachmann, <i>Panorama of the Seat of War,</i> portfolio of 4 double-page chromolithographed panoramic maps, New York, 1861. <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 265: Sebastian Münster, <i>Cosmographei,</i> Basel: Sebastian Henricpetri, 1558. <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 271: Abraham Ortelius, <i>Epitome Theatri Orteliani,</i> Antwerp: Johann Baptist Vrients, 1601. <center><b>Swann<br>Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books<br>December 9, 2025</b></center> <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 283: Joris van Spilbergen, <i>Speculum Orientalis Occidentalisque Indiae,</i> Leiden: Nicolaus van Geelkercken for Jodocus Hondius, 1619. <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 285: Levinus Hulsius, <i>Achtzehender Theil der Newen Welt,</i> 14 engraved folding maps, Frankfurt: Johann Frederick Weiss, 1623. <b>Swann, Dec. 9:</b> Lot 341: John James Audubon, <i>Carolina Parrot, Plate 26,</i> London, 1827.
    Swann
    Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books
    December 9, 2025
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 156: Cornelis de Jode, Americae pars Borealis, double-page engraved map of North America, Antwerp, 1593.
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 206: John and Alexander Walker, Map of the United States, London and Liverpool, 1827.
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 223: Abraham Ortelius, Typus Orbis Terrarum, hand-colored double-page engraved world map, Antwerp, 1575.
    Swann
    Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books
    December 9, 2025
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 233: Aaron Arrowsmith, Chart of the World, oversize engraved map on 8 sheets, London, 1790 (circa 1800).
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 239: Fielding Lucas, A General Atlas, 81 engraved maps and diagrams, Baltimore, 1823.
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 240: Anthony Finley, A New American Atlas, 15 maps engraved by james hamilton young on 14 double-page sheets, Philadelphia, 1826.
    Swann
    Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books
    December 9, 2025
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 263: John Bachmann, Panorama of the Seat of War, portfolio of 4 double-page chromolithographed panoramic maps, New York, 1861.
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 265: Sebastian Münster, Cosmographei, Basel: Sebastian Henricpetri, 1558.
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 271: Abraham Ortelius, Epitome Theatri Orteliani, Antwerp: Johann Baptist Vrients, 1601.
    Swann
    Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books
    December 9, 2025
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 283: Joris van Spilbergen, Speculum Orientalis Occidentalisque Indiae, Leiden: Nicolaus van Geelkercken for Jodocus Hondius, 1619.
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 285: Levinus Hulsius, Achtzehender Theil der Newen Welt, 14 engraved folding maps, Frankfurt: Johann Frederick Weiss, 1623.
    Swann, Dec. 9: Lot 341: John James Audubon, Carolina Parrot, Plate 26, London, 1827.
  • <b><center>SD Scandinavian Art & Rare Book Auctions<br>The Odfjell Collection<br>Polar – History – Ornithology – Colour Plate Books<br>Ending December 4th</center></b> <b>Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4:</b> ROALD AMUNDSEN: «Sydpolen» [ The South Pole] 1912. First edition in jackets and publisher's slip case. <b>Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4:</b> AMUNDSEN & NANSEN: «Fram over Polhavet» [Farthest North] 1897. AMUNDSEN's COPY! <b>Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4:</b> ERNEST SHACKLETON [ed.]: «Aurora Australis» 1908. First edition. The NORWAY COPY. <b>Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4:</b> ERNEST SHACKLETON: «The heart of the Antarctic» + SUPPLEMENT «The Antarctic Book», 1909. <b>Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4:</b> SHACKLETON, BERNACCHI, CHERRY-GARRARD [ed.]: «The South Polar Times» I-III, 1902-1911. <b><center>SD Scandinavian Art & Rare Book Auctions<br>The Odfjell Collection<br>Polar – History – Ornithology – Colour Plate Books<br>Ending December 4th</center></b> <b>Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4:</b> [WILLEM BARENTSZ & HENRY HUDSON] - SAEGHMAN: «Verhael van de vier eerste schip-vaerden […]», 1663. <b>Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4:</b> TERRA NOVA EXPEDITION | LIEUTENANT HENRY ROBERTSON BOWERS: «At the South Pole.», Gelatin Silver Print. [10¾ x 15in. (27.2 x 38.1cm.) ]. <b>Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4:</b> ELEAZAR ALBIN: «A natural History of Birds.» + «A Supplement», 1738-40. Wonderful coloured plates. <b>Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4:</b> PAUL GAIMARD: «Voyage de la Commision scientific du Nord, en Scandinavie, […]», c. 1842-46. ONLY HAND COLOURED COPY KNOWN WITH TWO ORIGINAL PAINTINGS BY BIARD. <b>Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4:</b> JAMES JOYCE: «Ulysses», 1922. FIRST EDITION IN ORIGINAL WRAPPERS.
    SD Scandinavian Art & Rare Book Auctions
    The Odfjell Collection
    Polar – History – Ornithology – Colour Plate Books
    Ending December 4th
    Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4: ROALD AMUNDSEN: «Sydpolen» [ The South Pole] 1912. First edition in jackets and publisher's slip case.
    Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4: AMUNDSEN & NANSEN: «Fram over Polhavet» [Farthest North] 1897. AMUNDSEN's COPY!
    Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4: ERNEST SHACKLETON [ed.]: «Aurora Australis» 1908. First edition. The NORWAY COPY.
    Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4: ERNEST SHACKLETON: «The heart of the Antarctic» + SUPPLEMENT «The Antarctic Book», 1909.
    Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4: SHACKLETON, BERNACCHI, CHERRY-GARRARD [ed.]: «The South Polar Times» I-III, 1902-1911.
    SD Scandinavian Art & Rare Book Auctions
    The Odfjell Collection
    Polar – History – Ornithology – Colour Plate Books
    Ending December 4th
    Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4: [WILLEM BARENTSZ & HENRY HUDSON] - SAEGHMAN: «Verhael van de vier eerste schip-vaerden […]», 1663.
    Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4: TERRA NOVA EXPEDITION | LIEUTENANT HENRY ROBERTSON BOWERS: «At the South Pole.», Gelatin Silver Print. [10¾ x 15in. (27.2 x 38.1cm.) ].
    Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4: ELEAZAR ALBIN: «A natural History of Birds.» + «A Supplement», 1738-40. Wonderful coloured plates.
    Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4: PAUL GAIMARD: «Voyage de la Commision scientific du Nord, en Scandinavie, […]», c. 1842-46. ONLY HAND COLOURED COPY KNOWN WITH TWO ORIGINAL PAINTINGS BY BIARD.
    Scandinavian Art & Rare Books Auctions, Dec. 4: JAMES JOYCE: «Ulysses», 1922. FIRST EDITION IN ORIGINAL WRAPPERS.
  • <center><b>Sotheby’s<br>Book Week<br>December 9-17, 2025</b></center> <b>Sotheby’s, Dec. 11:</b> Darwin and Wallace. On the Tendency of Species to form Varieties..., [in:] <i>Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society,</i> Vol. III, No. 9., 1858, Darwin announces the theory of natural selection. £100,000 to £150,000. <b>Sotheby’s, Dec. 11:</b> J.K. Rowling. <i>Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,</i> 1997, first edition, hardback issue, inscribed by the author pre-publication. £100,000 to £150,000. <b>Sotheby’s, Dec. 11:</b> Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Autograph sketchleaf including a probable draft for the E flat Piano Quartet, K.493, 1786. £150,000 to £200,000. <b>Sotheby’s, Dec. 12:</b> Hooke, Robert. <i>Micrographia: or some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies made by Magnifying Glasses.</i> London: James Allestry for the Royal Society, 1667. $12,000 to $15,000. <b>Sotheby’s, Dec. 12:</b> Chappuzeau, Samuel. <i>The history of jewels,</i> first edition in English. London: T.N. for Hobart Kemp, 1671. $12,000 to $18,000. <b>Sotheby’s, Dec. 12:</b> Sowerby, James. <i>Exotic Mineralogy, containing his most realistic mineral depictions,</i> London: Benjamin Meredith, 1811, Arding and Merrett, 1817. $5,000 to $7,000.
    Sotheby’s
    Book Week
    December 9-17, 2025
    Sotheby’s, Dec. 11: Darwin and Wallace. On the Tendency of Species to form Varieties..., [in:] Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society, Vol. III, No. 9., 1858, Darwin announces the theory of natural selection. £100,000 to £150,000.
    Sotheby’s, Dec. 11: J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, 1997, first edition, hardback issue, inscribed by the author pre-publication. £100,000 to £150,000.
    Sotheby’s, Dec. 11: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Autograph sketchleaf including a probable draft for the E flat Piano Quartet, K.493, 1786. £150,000 to £200,000.
    Sotheby’s, Dec. 12: Hooke, Robert. Micrographia: or some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies made by Magnifying Glasses. London: James Allestry for the Royal Society, 1667. $12,000 to $15,000.
    Sotheby’s, Dec. 12: Chappuzeau, Samuel. The history of jewels, first edition in English. London: T.N. for Hobart Kemp, 1671. $12,000 to $18,000.
    Sotheby’s, Dec. 12: Sowerby, James. Exotic Mineralogy, containing his most realistic mineral depictions, London: Benjamin Meredith, 1811, Arding and Merrett, 1817. $5,000 to $7,000.