by Brooke Kennedy
RR Auction’s Fine Autographs and Artifacts auction brought more than 700 items to the auction block. This July event put a special spotlight on the categories of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War, honoring the many figures who worked to build, preserve, protect, and defend the United States of America.
This event consisted of several documents and letters written by those who led our country through those historic battles: A George Washington signed document discharging a soldier exceeded its estimate of $10,000 with a final selling price of $26,250. Carte-de-visites were especially prominent in the Civil War section, underscored by a $16,079 signed portrait of Union officer Robert Gould Shaw.
Outside of American history, the category of science impressed bidders with high prices. Sigmund Freud’s letter denoting his peaceful ideals and lean towards pacifism realized a price of $31,625. From another branch of the discipline, RR featured a letter written by Albert Einstein to physics student M. Frenkel. He outlines the theory of relativity in response to the student’s insistence that relativity still holds true, even under Ritz’s theory. The letter, containing several typed equations and signed at its conclusion in his cursive hand, brought its consignor $31,245.
In addition to these lots, the auction achieved high prices for a Declaration of Independence force print ($29,136), Isaac Newton’s handwritten notes on alchemy ($24,956), and a Marilyn Monroe signed glamour portrait ($15,495).
RR Auction holds a Fine Autographs and Artifacts auction every month, so if you have an item you want to sell at auction, contact RR’s professionals at 800-937-3880, or fill out the form below to submit lots for a free estimate.
We’re seeking Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and Civil War artifacts
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