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Fine Books & Manuscripts

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  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Survey Signed, Augusta County, Virginia, 16 April 1751.
    Estimate
    $20,000 - $25,000
    Lot 1

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Survey Signed,...

    Est.
    $20,000 - $25,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed, Mount Vernon, 20 April 1773.
    Estimate
    $20,000 - $25,000
    Lot 2

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed,...

    Est.
    $20,000 - $25,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Document, Twice Signed, 25 January 1774.
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Lot 3

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Document, Twice Signed, ...

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Washington Crossing the Delaware.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 4

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Washington Crossing the ...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Washington Receiving a Salute on the Field of Trenton.
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 5

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Washington Receiving a S...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • West, Benjamin (1730-1813) Bickerstaff's Boston Almanack.
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 6

    West, Benjamin (1730-1813) Bickerstaff's Boston Almanac...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Letter Signed, Headquarters, Bergen County, New Jersey, 13 September 1780.
    Estimate
    $5,000 - $7,000
    Lot 7

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Letter Signed, Headquart...

    Est.
    $5,000 - $7,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Letter Signed, Headquarters, Passaic Falls, New Jersey, 23 November 1780.
    Estimate
    $8,000 - $10,000
    Lot 8

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Letter Signed, Headquart...

    Est.
    $8,000 - $10,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of his Countrymen.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 9

    Washington, George (1732-1799) First in War, First in P...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Free Frank, pre-1781.
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 10

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Free Frank, pr...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Circular Letter Signed, Philadelphia, 19 December 1781.
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Lot 11

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Circular Letter Signed, ...

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Engraved Portrait Framed in Oak Made from the USS Constitution.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 12

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Engraved Portrait Framed...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Letter Signed, Newburgh, New York, 30 July 1782.
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Lot 13

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Letter Signed, Newburgh,...

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Letter Signed, Granting a Leave of Absence, Newburgh, New York, 11 November 1782.
    Estimate
    $8,000 - $10,000
    Lot 14

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Letter Signed, Granting ...

    Est.
    $8,000 - $10,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Full-length Portrait set into the Declaration of Independence.
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 15

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Full-length Portrait set...

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed, Mount Vernon, 10 July 1784.
    Estimate
    $8,000 - $10,000
    Lot 16

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed,...

    Est.
    $8,000 - $10,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Indenture Signed, Fairfax County, Virginia, 10 February 1787.
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Lot 17

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Indenture Signed, Fairfa...

    Est.
    $4,000 - $6,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Document Signed, Virginia, 3 January 1787.
    Estimate
    $8,000 - $10,000
    Lot 18

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Document Signed, Virgini...

    Est.
    $8,000 - $10,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Woven Jacquard Silk Portrait.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,000
    Lot 19

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Woven Jacquard Silk Port...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed, Mount Vernon, 20 November 1790.
    Estimate
    $10,000 - $15,000
    Lot 20

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed,...

    Est.
    $10,000 - $15,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) The Prayer at Valley Forge.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 21

    Washington, George (1732-1799) The Prayer at Valley For...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Holograph Envelope Face with Free Frank, Signed as President, 21 September 1794.
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 22

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Holograph Envelope Face ...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Document Signed, Philadelphia, 29 September 1794.
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Lot 23

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Document Signe...

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) and Martha (1731-1802) Framed Chromolithographs.
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 24

    Washington, George (1732-1799) and Martha (1731-1802) F...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Washington, Martha (1731-1802) Autograph Letter Signed, Philadelphia, 18 October 1794.
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Lot 25

    Washington, Martha (1731-1802) Autograph Letter Signed,...

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of his Countrymen.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 26

    Washington, George (1732-1799) First in War, First in P...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed, Philadelphia, 17 April 1796.
    Estimate
    $10,000 - $15,000
    Lot 27

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed,...

    Est.
    $10,000 - $15,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed, Mount Vernon, 17 October 1796.
    Estimate
    $20,000 - $25,000
    Lot 28

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed,...

    Est.
    $20,000 - $25,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) A Letter to the People of the United States of America from General Washington, on his Resigna
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000
    Lot 29

    Washington, George (1732-1799) A Letter to the People o...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000
  • Paine, Thomas (1737-1809) Letter to George Washington, President of the United States of America, on Affairs Public and Priva
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 30

    Paine, Thomas (1737-1809) Letter to George Washington, ...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Circular Letter Signed as President, Philadelphia, 1 March 1797.
    Estimate
    $30,000 - $40,000
    Lot 31

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Circular Letter Signed a...

    Est.
    $30,000 - $40,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Printed Document on Parchment Signed, Order of the Cincinnati, c. 1797.
    Estimate
    $10,000 - $15,000
    Lot 32

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Printed Document on Parc...

    Est.
    $10,000 - $15,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Mount Vernon.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 33

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Mount Vernon.

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Document, Mount Vernon, 15 January 1798.
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 34

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Document, Moun...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Endorsement Signed, Mount Vernon, 24 June 1799.
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Lot 35

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Endorsement Si...

    Est.
    $4,000 - $6,000
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed, Mount Vernon, 11 September 1799.
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Lot 36

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph Letter Signed,...

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000
  • Holden, Oliver (1765-1844) Sacred Dirges, Hymns, and Anthems, Commemorative of the Death of General George Washington, the Gu
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 37

    Holden, Oliver (1765-1844) Sacred Dirges, Hymns, and An...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) Letters from His Excellency General Washington, to Arthur Young.
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 38

    Washington, George (1732-1799) Letters from His Excelle...

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Marshall, John (1755-1835) The Life of George Washington
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Lot 39

    Marshall, John (1755-1835) The Life of George Washingto...

    Est.
    $4,000 - $6,000
  • Parish, Elijah (1762-1825) An Oration, Delivered at Byfield, February 22d, 1800, the Day of National Mourning for the Death o
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 40

    Parish, Elijah (1762-1825) An Oration, Delivered at Byf...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Washington, George (1732-1799) In Memory of Genl. George Washington and his Lady, Chromolithograph.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 41

    Washington, George (1732-1799) In Memory of Genl. Georg...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • A Collection of Eight Signed Letters, Some Men of Fame   Autograph Collection, Various Dates.
    Estimate
    $35,000 - $40,000
    Lot 42

    A Collection of Eight Signed Letters, Some Men of Fame ...

    Est.
    $35,000 - $40,000
  • Adams, John (1735-1826) Legal Document Signed, 5 April 1774.
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 43

    Adams, John (1735-1826) Legal Document Signed, 5 April ...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) Autograph Letter Signed, Washington, D.C., 28 May 1832.
    Estimate
    $3,500 - $4,500
    Lot 44

    Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) Autograph Letter Signed,...

    Est.
    $3,500 - $4,500
  • Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) Secretarial Letter Signed, 12 December 1820.
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 45

    Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) Secretarial Letter Signe...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Alcott, Louisa May (1832-1888) Receipt Signed, Concord, Massachusetts, 1 August 1881.
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 46

    Alcott, Louisa May (1832-1888) Receipt Signed, Concord,...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Alexander I, Emperor of Russia (1777-1825) Autograph Letter Signed, St. Petersburg, 12 December 1820.
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 47

    Alexander I, Emperor of Russia (1777-1825) Autograph Le...

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • American Presidents, Five Signed Pieces.
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 48

    American Presidents, Five Signed Pieces.

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500

Auction Description

Fine Books & Manuscripts by Bonhams Skinner

Featuring The David A. Spinney Collection

Skinner’s October Fine Books & Manuscripts auction will feature over five hundred lots of historical and literary documents, rare books, prints, and maps. The auction includes many rarities and finds that collectors and dealers prize and covet. The sale coincides with the 40th Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair at the Hynes Convention Center, which runs during the weekend of October 29-30.

The auction will also feature one of the most notable collections of original signed George Washington material to be offered at auction in recent history. The material is diverse, and highlights Washington’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and maintaining Mount Vernon, important moments during the Revolutionary War, and the first Presidency. A large selection of material from the collection of Chicago’s late David A. Spinney opens the auction at 11AM and includes more than 20 original letters and documents bearing the signature of the first President of the United States.

Preview Times 
October 27, 12PM-7PM
October 28, 12PM–5PM
October 29, 10AM–4PM
October 30, 9AM-11AM

Contact Us
508-970-3293
books@skinnerinc.com

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Bonhams Skinner
Boston, MA 02116
United States

bidsquare@bonhamsskinner.com

Phone:+1 6173505400

Buyer’s Premium

Start Premium (%)
$0 25.00

Bid Increments

Start Increments ($)
$0 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$300,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
$1,000,000 $100,000

Shipping Info

Please visit http://www.skinnerinc.com/services/payment-and-shipping/ for information regarding the collection of items purchased at auction. 

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Terms & Conditions

1. Some of the lots in this sale are offered subject to a reserve. The reserve is a confidential minimum price agreed upon by the consignor and Skinner, Inc. below which the lot will not be sold. In most cases, the reserve will be set below the estimated range, but in no case will it exceed the estimates listed. A representative of Skinner, Inc. will execute such reserves by bidding for the consignor. In any event and whether or not a lot is subject to a reserve, the auctioneer may reject any bid or raise not commensurate with the value of such lot.

2. All property is sold “as is,” and neither the auctioneer nor any consignor makes any warranties or representation of any kind or nature with respect to the property, and in no event shall they be responsible for the correctness, nor deemed to have made any representation or warranty, of description, genuineness, authorship, attribution, provenance, period, culture, source, origin, or condition of the property and no statement made at the sale, or in the bill of sale, or invoice or elsewhere shall be deemed such a warranty of representation or an assumption of liability.

3. Except as provided in paragraph 1 above, the highest bidder as determined by the auctioneer shall be the purchaser. In the case of a disputed bid, the auctioneer shall have sole discretion in determining the purchaser and may also, at his or her election, withdraw the lot or reoffer the lot for sale. The auctioneer shall have sole discretion to refuse any bid, or refuse to acknowledge any bidder. Any bidder that plans on spending in excess of $100,000 should make arrangements with the accounting department at least five (5) days in advance of the sale, as a deposit may be required to participate.

4. All merchandise purchased must be paid for and removed from the premises the day of the auction. Skinner Inc. may impose, and the purchaser agrees to pay, a monthly interest charge of 1.5% of the purchase price of any lot or item lot not paid for within thirty-five (35) days of the date of sale. Skinner, Inc. shall have no liability for any damage or loss to property left on its premises for more than three (3) days from the date of sale. If any property has not been removed within three (3) days from the date of sale, at the option of Skinner, Inc. (a) Skinner Inc., may impose, and the purchaser agrees to pay, a monthly storage charge of 1.5% of the purchase price of any lot or portion of a lot not removed within the three days, and/or (b) Skinner Inc. may place the merchandise in a subsequent auction, without Reserve, to be sold to the highest bidder, and after deducting the standard commission and any additional charges that may apply, remit the proceeds to the purchaser.

5. Skinner accepts cash or check for payment. Personal checks will be acceptable only if credit has been established with Skinner, Inc. or if a bank authorization has been received guaranteeing a personal check. Skinner, Inc. reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank. The purchaser agrees to pay Skinner, Inc. a handling charge of $25.00 for any check dishonored by the drawee. Please contact Accounting for additional payment methods. Skinner does not accept payment by credit card for merchandise purchases.

6. If the purchaser breaches any of its obligations under these Conditions of Sale, including its obligation to pay in full the purchase price of all items for which it was the highest successful bidder, Skinner Inc. may exercise all of its rights and remedies under the law including, without limitation, (a) canceling the sale and applying any payments made by the purchaser to the damages caused by the purchaser’s breach, and/or (b) offering at public auction, without reserve, any lot or item for which the purchaser has breached any of its obligations, including its obligation to pay in full the purchase price, holding the purchaser liable for any deficiency plus all costs of sale.

7. In no event will the liability of Skinner, Inc. to any purchaser with respect to any item exceed the purchase price actually paid by such purchaser for such item.

8. Shipping is the responsibility of the purchaser. Upon request, our staff will provide the list of shippers who deliver to destinations within the United States and overseas. Some property that is sold at auction can be subject to laws governing export from the U.S., such as items that include material from some endangered species. Import restrictions from foreign countries are subject to these same governing laws. Granting of licensing for import or export of goods from local authorities is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Denial or delay of licensing will not constitute cancellation or delay in payment for the total purchase price of these lots.

9. All purchases are subject to the Massachusetts 6.25% sales tax unless the purchaser possesses a Massachusetts sales tax exemption number. Exemption numbers from other states are accepted in Massachusetts if presented with a business card or letterhead. Dealers, museums, and other qualifying parties can apply for a Massachusetts exemption number prior to the auction by contacting the Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation at 100 Cambridge Street in Boston.

10. A premium equal to 23% of the final bid price up to and including $100,000, plus 20% of the final bid price from $100,001 up to and including $1,000,000, plus 12% of the final bid price from $1,000,001 and over will be applied to each lot sold, to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.

11. Bidding on any item indicates your acceptance of these terms and all other terms printed within, posted, and announced at the time of sale whether bidding in person, through a representative, by phone, by Internet, or other absentee bid.

12. Skinner, Inc. and its consignors make no warranty or representation, express or implied, that the purchaser will acquire any copyright or reproduction rights to any lot sold. Skinner, Inc. expressly reserves the right to reproduce any image of the lots sold in this catalog. The copyright in all images, illustrations and written material produced by or for Skinner, Inc. relating to a lot, including the contents of this catalog, is, and shall remain at all times, the property of Skinner, Inc. and shall not be used by the purchaser, nor by anyone else, without our prior written consent.

13. These conditions of sale shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law). The buyer/bidder agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this agreement may be brought, and any action against Skinner in connection with the transactions contemplated by this agreement shall be brought, in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or any federal court sitting therein. The bidder/buyer consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waives objections that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit.

Revised January 8, 2014