Last week I stumbled across an auction to be held later this week by Bridgeport, W.V.–based Signature House, www.signaturehouse.net, which specializes in autograph material and which I knew of but never seemed to connect with in time to bid on something I was collecting.

Which underscores the importance of getting yourself on as many dealer and auction house mailing lists and sending out as many want lists as possible – no matter WHAT you happen to collect. You may be surprised and delighted to suddenly receive a direct offer of an item you want, or an announcement for an auction you might have missed that has a lot that you’re dying to bid on.

Anyway, variety is the spice of life, they say, and Signature House’s auction has an interesting range of items – again, mostly autographs, but other stuff, too – in categories like Judeo-Christian antiquities; Colonial American, Civil War and other Americana; science, technology and exploration; art, music and literature; and celebrities, sports and entertainment.

Some observations before I offer my usual selection of interesting auction picks:

• The collectibles market seems to be heating up. Six months ago, on dealer Web sites and in online auctions (including eBay), lots of good stuff seemed to be selling cheaply or not at all – MY perception, anyway. Now collectors are getting competitive again. So this is a great time to bid, before things go nut again.
• The holidays are almost here. Never mind the malls and the crowds: This is a chance to get someone you love something meaningful or interesting – hopefully at a good price – then get it framed for a unique gift.
• The minimum acceptable bid in this Signature House auction is 50 percent of the low estimate or $40 (whichever is greater), and there’s a 17.5 percent buyer’s premium added on to the hammer price. Granted, there may be reserve prices, but still, this all seems very reasonable to me, and bodes well for bidders who are after a special item. My advice: If you are hot on something, give it your best shot by bidding your limit. If you like something but don’t feel you can bid a lot, again, give it your best shot at what you can afford, even if it’s just the 50-percent-of-the-low-estimate/$40 minimum. You may get lucky.
• Check out the lots and REGISTER SOON IF YOU WANT TO BID! As in any auction, you have to apply for a bidding number, so don’t wait till the last minute. Also, absentee bids close Fri., Oct. 23, at 10 p.m. EST. Then there’s live bidding over the weekend. Be on your toes: You snooze, you lose.

Having given you the benefit of some of my more unfortunate collecting experiences (wait till you read my forthcoming blog about rare books), here are some cool lots I noticed in this auction in different estimated price ranges:

• Leaf from a French Book of Hours. From a late-medieval manuscript prayer book, “The Use of Paris” (“Heures à l’usage de Paris”), circa 1450–1475, with 17 lines of text, ruled in red and written in Latin in Gothic script on vellum, with large initials illuminated in gold on blue and red ground with white tracery. The large gold initial “I” begins Psalm 7: “Incline Domine aurem tuam ...” (Incline thy ear, O Lord, and hear me ...). Text on reverse as well, in window mat to reveal both sides. Est. $180–$350.
• Charles M. Schulz (1922–2000). From the iconic creator of “Peanuts” an original sketch of Snoopy sitting atop his doghouse, drawn in blue felt tip on artist’s paper, 8.5”x11”. Fine, and boldly signed in full at bottom. Est. $200–$450.
• Jefferson Davis (1808–1889). President of Confederate States of America; secretary of war appointed by President Franklin Pierce (1853–57); U.S. senator from Mississippi. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages on single leaf, 5”x8”, Beauvoir, Miss., Aug. 12, 1885. To Archibald Glenn, responding to an inquiry regarding Davis’ command in the Mexican War. In part: “The supposition that Dr. Jno. W. Glenn was a member of my staff in Mexico is erroneous. The loss of my papers when my library in Misi. was pillaged by some of Genl. Sherman’s troops, leaves me no record of the 1st Misi. Riflemen to which reference might be made ... D. M. Hollingworth of New Orleans was with that Regt. and he may be able to answer your inquiry about your Father. Archibald and David Glenn were dear and esteemed friends of my earlier days and are gratefully remembered for many deeds of kindness to me, both political and persona l ...” Darkly penned and signed. Mailing folds, minor soiling, occasional toning, otherwise very good/fine. Est. $1,800–$2,500.
• Harlan Sanders (1890–1980). Colonel Sanders (an honorary title given him in 1936 by the governor of Kentucky) of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame. Signed/dated autograph on the cover of his booklet “Twenty Favorite Recipes of Col. Harland Sanders,” 20 ages, 5.5”x3.5”. Light edge wear, toning. Est. $60–$120.
• Harry Houdini (professional name of Ehrich Weiss, 1874–1926). The world’s most famous magician, escape artist and illusionist, credited with exposing fraudulent spiritualist-mediums, whose life was depicted in the film “Houdini” starring Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. Brief typed letter signed and dated New York, July 10, 1912, to fellow magician and magic collector George Schulte 1887–1967). In full: "Many thanks for clipping re the Strait Jacket, it interested me very much. Enclosed you will find an article regarding my latest exploit [not present] ...” Pristine signature darkly penned in black ink; stamped at bottom right border “George Schulte Collection.” Beautifully double matted between half-length signed portrait of Schulte in black ink with good contrast and a promotional brochure for Schulte with facsimile signature across image. Archivally custom framed. Great association item! Est. $1,400–$2,400.
• Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). Sixteenth president of the United States who led the nation through the Civil War. Autograph letter signed "A. Lincoln," 1 page, 5”x7.5”, Washington, D.C., April 10, 1861. Written from the “Executive Mansion" to Attorney General Edward Bates two days before the bombardment of Fort Sumter: “Hon. John F. Potter, now present, informs me that the entire Wisconsin delegation in Congress, except Senator Howe, have agreed upon John B. D. Coggswell for District Attorney and D. C. Jackson for Marshal in that state. Therefore please send me commissions accordingly ...” Darkly penned and signed on lightly lined paper. Docketed on verso. Framed with vintage engraved quarter-length portrait vignette. When Lincoln wrote this letter, a seagoing convoy with supplies and ammunition to reprovision Fort Sumter was en route under Navy escort, but before they arrived, the Confederates started shelling the fort, starting the Civil War. Est. $18,000–$25,000.
• Amelia Earhart (1898–1937). The first woman to make a transatlantic flight, later the first person to fly the Atlantic alone, establishing a new time record in the process. Her 1937 disappearance during a flight around the world remains a mystery. A signed commemorative airmail cover with stamped cachet for the New York Aircraft Salon at Madison Square Garden, postmarked New York, May 5, 1930, and darkly signed in ink across cachet stamp. Signed also by a William C. Patterson and addressed in another hand. Light general toning; minor soiling, otherwise fine. Est. $400–$700.
• George Armstrong Custer (1839–1876). Union brigadier general who fought in nearly every battle of the Army of the Potomac, including Gettysburg, later to be killed and his troops annihilated by Sioux and Cheyenne warriors led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse at Little Bighorn. Identified as a Remington-Beals Navy Conversion revolver, with “Patent Sept. 14, 1858” on top of the barrel and serial no. 4416 under the left grip strap. Manufactured during the 1860s, it belonged to Custer and is accompanied by three letters of authenticity and a newspaper article referencing the gun, with an image. In very good condition. The underside of the barrel is crudely stamped “Gen. Geo A Custer 1869.” See the auction listing for details of its provenance. Est. $100,000–$150,000!

Don’t let the Custer gun put you off: There are more than 1,100 lots, with something for everyone, whatever your budget is! Check them out at www.signaturehouse.net.

 

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Images courtesy of Signature House, www.signaturehouse.net.