University Archives Auction Features Rare Historical Items Including John Hancock Document
News related to:University Archives · 3 min read
University Archives, a renowned auction house, is set to host an auction on October 21, featuring a diverse collection of historical and collectible items. The auction includes a document signed by John Hancock, promoting William Scott to the rank of Captain in the 16th Regiment of Foot, dated January 1, 1776. This document, which is estimated to fetch between $12,000 and $15,000, is a significant piece of early American history.
This document, which thanks a California professor for congratulating Adams on being named TIME magazine’s “Man of the Year” for 1963, is estimated to be worth between $20,000 and $30,000.
The auction also includes a rare cabinet card portrait photograph of Charles Dickens, signed on April 20, 1868, the final day of his 1867-1868 American Reading Tour. This photograph, which is estimated to be worth between $15,000 and $18,000, captures Dickens at the end of his celebrated tour.
Other items up for bidding include a Martin Luther King, Jr. typed letter signed, dated January 16, 1964, thanking a California professor for congratulating him on being named TIME magazine’s “Man of the Year” for 1963. This letter, which is estimated to be worth between $5,000 and $6,000, is a poignant reminder of the Civil Rights Movement.
The auction also features a Babe Ruth signed newspaper clipping, headlined “Babe Takes a New Grip After Signing.” This item, which is PSA/DNA slabbed and certified authentic, is estimated to be worth between $12,000 and $15,000. Another lot from the same autograph collection is a Lou Gehrig signed card, also PSA/DNA slabbed and graded MINT 9.
A rare Abraham Lincoln one-page autograph letter, signed and addressed to Pennsylvania Gov. Andrew G. Curtain, dated July 25, 1864, is also part of the auction. This letter, which asks Curtain to forward a thank-you note to a well-wisher who had presented Lincoln with a cane made from wood salvaged from the wreck of the Confederate ironclad vessel the U.S.S. Virginia, is estimated to be worth between $20,000 and $30,000.
A George Washington signed three-language partial ship’s passport, dated February 4, 1796, counter-signed by Secretary of State Edmund Randolph, is another highlight. This document, which contains safe conduct papers in English, French, and Dutch, safeguarding Henry Tredick’s brig Drake on its passage from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to the British West Indies, is estimated to be worth between $18,000 and $25,000.
This award, posthumously bestowed upon Charles M. May, Deputy Chairman and Executive Director of the War Manpower Commission, 1943-1945, is estimated to be worth between $15,000 and $25,000.
A Thomas Jefferson signed document, dated November 8, 1791, approving a Congressional act granting an extension to the state of South Carolina so that it could complete the U.S. Census of 1790, is also part of the auction. This document, which is included with a PSA/DNA LOA, is estimated to be worth between $12,000 and $15,000.
The auction is open for viewing and bidding now on the University Archives website, as well as on popular platforms such as Invaluable.com, Auctionzip.com, and LiveAuctioneers.com. Telephone and absentee bids will also be accepted. The entire catalog, consisting of 448 lots, is available for viewing on the University Archives website.
University Archives, founded in 1979, has established itself as a leading source for rare items. The auction provides an unparalleled opportunity for collectors to expand and deepen their collections.