World War II: Autographs

An affiliate of Alexander Autographs. — Chesapeake City: Alexander Auction book, 2013. — 157 p.There’s certainly been a lot of water under the bridge since then. As is the case with everyone, sometimes urgent personal matters call for one’s complete attention, at the cost of time devoted to business. I’m happy to report that that “late unpleasantness” is now behind us, and we’re back on track and keenly looking forward to this sale. As many of you already know, we’ve left the cramped and crowded confines of the Northeast Corridor for our new location in historic Chesapeake City, Maryland, at the head of the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and only an hour or so from both Philadelphia and Baltimore. The entire region is steeped in history, from Elkton, where the British landed in 1777 to march (and take) Philadelphia, to scenic Georgetown, Fredericktown and Havre de Grace, destroyed by the British in the War of 1812. The county also served as a conduit for the Underground Railroad, and provided soldiers to both North and South during the Civil War. Now that it’s a lot calmer here, we invite you to visit and perhaps indulge in a “crab feast”, an outing you’ll never forget. Accommodations and dining are plentiful, and in all price ranges. Getting back to our sale, we have what I believe are some of the most enticing items we’ve ever offered.
Lot 171, the Rudolf Hess archive, is particularly historic in that it is the first time that the full scope of Hess’ “peace negotiations” and writings concerning his abortive 1941 mission have been made public. This is perhaps the most important World War II grouping ever to be offered. In Lot 627, we see John Hancock appoint Joseph Olney captain of the Cabot, an armed brig. Why is it important? While commanding the Cabot, Olney became the first American naval officer to fire upon an enemy vessel. I personally like the fact that this document came out of an attic near Detroit – if it could only speak! In an incredible expression of modesty, tinged perhaps with fear, in Lot 798 Frederick Douglass insists, as late as 1892 that blacks had not advanced as far enough from the level of slavery to earn the appellation “famous”. And there are plenty of other gems as well, including “hard” items: Edo period samurai armor, several American World War II “jump” jackets, a battle flag from the USS BARB, rare Damascus steel daggers and swords, a letter from Winston Churchill sold with one of his cigars, and letters by Dashiell Hammett discussing his masterpiece, “The Maltese Falcon”. And speaking of gems, there will be offered two long-lost pieces of exquisite jewelry once treasured by two of the world’s worst criminals – Adolf Hitler and Hermann Goring. Hitler’s prized ruby swastika ring, made by Germany’s leading goldsmith, was often displayed by him to admiring sycophants, and Goring’s bejeweled Reichsjagermeister collar pin was so striking, he wore it for a Time Magazine cover photograph. These items, further testament to the excesses of the Third Reich, were recovered by American G.I.s at war’s end and have never before been offered at auction. Needless to say, we have some catching-up to do. I apologize to you all for the delay in this sale, but promise you that what you see within these pages will more than thrill you! Our next sale is scheduled for December/January, and since we are now running “leaner”, we have lowered consignment rates across the board. Contact us soon for this sale which is already filling up. Thank you all for your continued support, business-wise and as friends. It has meant a lot to us!