We combine shipping on multiple purchases.1886 Antique Handwritten Letter - Early Autograph & Signature Collecting Trade - Mark Harris to Mr. Andrews
Approximately 7.75\" by 4.75\"

• 1913 Antique Washington D.C. Handwritten Letter - Early Autograph Collecting & Ephemera Trade History - Mentions Ben Franklin, Ethan Allen & Dr. Emmet CollectionItem Specifics:
  • Type: Handwritten Letter / Social History Ephemera
  • Date: October 24, 1913
  • Origin: East Capitol Station, Washington, D.C. (Address Box K)
  • Addressee: Mr. Andrews
  • Material: Period lined paper
  • Pages: 2 Pages (Written across front and back of a single sheet)
  • Subject: 19th & 20th Century Autograph Collecting, Historical Signers, Revolutionary War Manuscripts
  Detailed Description:Up for sale is an incredibly unique piece of hobby and social history: an original 1913 handwritten letter detailing the early American autograph and manuscript collecting trade. Written from Washington, D.C., the author corresponds with a Mr. Andrews regarding rare historical signatures, catalogs, pricing, and prominent collectors of the era.The writer references iconic figures, mentioning a signature bought by Dr. Emmet (Thomas Addis Emmet, the famous 19th-century physician and preeminent collector of American revolutionary history) at the Marvin Jones Sale. The letter also lists high-profile historical manuscripts being mailed out that very night, including Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston, Ethan Allen, and Josiah Bartlett.This document serves as an extraordinary window into how early 20th-century collectors appraised, priced, and sourced rare Revolutionary War and Civil War autographs.Full Document Transcription:Page 1 (Front):\"Address Box K
  East Capitol Station
  Washington D.C.Oct 24/13
  Dear Mr Andrews,
  Yours at hand. Deane is a hard specimen isn\'t it, but it will do until a better one turns up.
  Boerum - Yes, I guess so. Do you know that there is but one A.L.S. [Autograph Letter Signed] of his known to be in existence—in the great collection of Dr Emmet. I have had thirty odd catalogues of sales in my possession lately & in only one does the name appear—the Marvin Jones Sale. A signature & Dr Emmet paid $13—for that.
  By the way — this name is wanted badly — in a hurry — by a Mr McCorib [or McConib] of Lockport...\"Page 2 (Back):\"...who offers $10—or more for it. His letter was two months tracking me, owing to its having come while I was away from the city & as it was so late I did not answer it. Suppose he thinks I am discourteous.
  I want any Members of the Old Congress you can get but not signatures & will pay a good price.
  J. A. Rawlings
  A W Randall
  G A Custer or Phil Kearney
  Are all the modern names I want & they must be A.L.S. Will give $5—a piece for all but Randall & for that $1.00.
  I send away tonight A.L.S. of Ben Franklin, Philip Livingston, Thos Stone, Ethan Allen & Josiah Bartlett.\"Margin Note on Back:\"In a 120 lot I got only minor $25 on the transactions. Mech. Council have requested to lend. Rest of my story...\"Condition Notes:
  • Excellent Antique Condition: The pencil text is clear, legible, and dark against the paper.
  • The paper has a warm, natural golden-brown age toning appropriate for its 110+ year age.
  • Features original crisp folding lines from its historical mailing and archival storage.
  • Edges are clean with minimal fraying. Please review the high-resolution images to closely examine the condition.

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