Sell or Auction Your Complete Presidential Autograph Collection for up to Over $20,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Free Appraisal, Auction or Sell Your Complete Presidential Autograph Collection
Below is a recent realized price for a Complete Presidential autograph collection. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
Complete Presidential Autograph Collection. Sold for Over $20,000.
The following are some related items we have sold:
John Adams Reflects Upon the Real Causes of the American Revolution — “…what would be the consequences of an attempt on the part of Great Britain, to carry into…Authority over Us…War and Carnage, and devastation I saw – or thought I saw must be the consequence – and I fully believed that all the horrours of such a Contest would never wholly subdue the old non-conformist Spirit…” — Extraordinary and Moving Letter on the Indefatigable Spirit of the American Colonists
Exceptionally stirring and important letter signed by John Adams almost 50 years after the American Revolution, after which enough time had passed that Adams felt compelled to correct the record about the true causes of the American Revolution. Addressed to Jonathan Mason of Boston, letter is dated 31 August 1820 from “Montezillo”, Adams’ playful comparison to Jefferson’s larger estate at Monticello. In this letter, Adams posits that the fear and hatred of heirarchy, especially in matters of religion by The Church of England, were the wellspring of revolution, rather than simple economic or social issues. In part, “…The real principles, Motives, and feelings which gave rise to the Revolution have been very superficially and imperfectly investigated. For one example among many, The dread of the Hierarchy; and of the high principles in Religion and government; which then prevailed in the Church of England and which were more openly and dogmatically professed and asserted in America than in England itself – Are not sufficiently known, and have not been sufficiently considered. – Indeed it is almost impossible to convince at this day, any young Man; or even any middle aged Man of the extravagance to which those high doctrines were carried before the Revolution…And of the Authority of the Church in matters of Religion – yet these Doctrines, I heard asserted almost every day – The idea that such a Church, and such doctrines and such Hierarchy where [sic] to be established by Act of Parliament appeared to me worse than Death – As I know this to be the feeling and Principle of all the Dissenters in America – I did not believe they would submit to it…I therefore believe as early as I can remember, that this Country would never submit to the Unlimited Authority of Parliament – And this opinion forced me to consider what would be the consequences of an attempt on the part of Great Britain, to carry into execution a Soverign Legislative Authority over Us. – War and Carnage, and devastation I saw – or thought I saw must be the consequence – and I fully believed that all the horrours of such a Contest would never wholly subdue the old non-conformist Spirit…” Signed boldly and clearly “John Adams”. Two page letter with integral franked address leaf measures 8″ x 10″. Minor loss from seal tear on address leaf, else near fine. Housed in a light blue cloth folding case, with the blue morocco spine lettered gilt. Sold for $45,000.
Exceptional autograph document signed by George Washington from 1774 regarding bounty land promised to Virginia veterans of the French & Indian War, per the Proclamation of 1754. When distribution of the land stalled after the war, Washington famously took it upon himself to lobby on behalf of the veterans, even hiring a surveyor to divvy up the 20,000 acres himself. He was criticized, however, for reportedly setting aside the best land for himself and his friends, with this invoice revealing his efforts on behalf of his former aide-de-camp, George Mercer, and Mercer’s brother.
Dated 25 January 1774, Washington handwrites at top, ”Col. George Mercer on acct. of the Land under the Proclamation of 1754…” He details meetings beginning in 1770 in Fredericksburg, when Washington was appointed agent for securing the land, writing ”voted at Fredericksburg at this meeting, it being for your own & Brother’s shares…” Washington again writes about advocating for Mercer and his brother at a meeting in March 1771 in Winchester, and then bills for ”Surveying 13532 acres Patented in y’r own name” in November 1772. He also charges for ”y’r prop’n of the cost of Surveying a tract of 6788 ac’s – in w’ch you hold 2816 ac’s.”
Additional charges are listed, along with credits, for a total charge of over 40 pounds. Boldly signed ”Go: Washington” at conclusion. Interestingly, it’s unlikely that Washington ever collected on the bill, as Mercer, a strong loyalist, moved to England before the Revolutionary War. Document is in extraordinarily well-preserved condition, with bold handwriting throughout. Measures 7.625” x 7”. Mounting remnants to verso, otherwise near fine condition. With University Archives COA. Sold for $37,000.
John Adams ALS as President, Who Didn’t Have a Full-Time Military! — “…an Army and Navy Establishment is essential to the present & future Interests & Greatness of the United States…”
Historically important John Adams autograph letter signed dated 19 July 1799, during his term as the second American President. Adams writes from Quincy, Massachusetts to Secretary of War James McHenry regarding the need for a standing army and navy, warning of embarrassment should the department heads be surprised. After the end of the American Revolution, the U.S., distrustful of standing militaries, sold off the last ship in its Continental navy and disbanded its army. A small navy was reinstated to protect American commerce with the onset of war in Europe in 1793. The U.S. negotiated a treaty with Britain but negotiations with France broke down during the XYZ affair. France, an ally to the American colonies during the American Revolution, now saw the U.S. as a British ally during their own war with England, and began seizing American merchant ships. In 1798, Congress established a Department of the Navy and empowered the merchant marine to defend American ships. A provisional army was also authorized. Peace negotiations with France began in January 1799, while Adams continued to build up the American military, as reflected in this letter. It reads in part, “…I agree with you…that both an Army and Navy Establishment is essential to the present and future Interests & Greatness of the United States and that We must run the Risks which other Nations have run. It appeared to me that Offices were created and Salaries made necessary in the Plan for Supplying the Army, which would require the Interposition of Congress, But if the Powers already given to Administration are Sufficient I am Satisfied…J. Adams”. This letter appears in “The Works of John Adams,” volume 8, 1856. Minor foxing and dampstaining along left edge of single page letter, measuring 8″ x 9.75″. Separation to folds; overall very good. Sold for $27,000.
George Washington & Thomas Jefferson Large 1793 Document Signed by Washington as President and Jefferson as Secretary of State
Scarce single-page document dated 8 October 1793 signed by President George Washington, “Go: Washington” and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson “Th: Jefferson” printed in three columns in French, English and Dutch. Issued to “Gabriel Haven, master and commander of the Brigantine called The Betsey of New York lying at present in the port of New York bound for the West Indies and laden with Onions and Flour.” The middle panel contains Washington and Jefferson’s signatures in ink along with New York Mayor Richard Varick and of John Lamb, Collector of Customs for the Port of New York. The United States of America and Mayoralty of New York paper seals are intact on the document, which measures 12.5″ x 16″ and is displayed in a 15.5″ x 21.5″ frame. Slight toning, folds and some chipping; overall very good. Sold for $26,502.
China Plate From Thomas Jefferson’s White House — Very Scarce, in Near Fine Condition
Very scarce and beautiful china plate from the administration of Thomas Jefferson. Soup plate made of white Chinese porcelain is painted blue with gilt accents. Features a shallow bowl with gilt ”J” at center, inside a shield that bears a knight’s head decoration. Plate measures 9.5” in diameter, and is near fine. Sold for $26,121.
President George Washington Autograph Letter Signed 1790
Handsome George Washington autograph letter signed as President. Single page, folio, dated 20 February 1790, to Thomas Mifflin, signer of the Constitution and Governor of Pennsylvania. In full: “Sir, / I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency an Act passed in the second Session of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States – entitled ‘an Act for giving effect to the several Acts therein mentioned, in respect to the State of North Carolina, and other purposes’. I have the honor to be, / With due consideration / Your Excellency’s / Most Obedient Servt. / G. Washington.” On 21 November 1789, North Carolina became the twelfth state to ratify the Constitution. When Congress assembled at its second session in January, 1790, President Washington called attention in his message to the favorable nature of public affairs and the rising respectability of the United States as a nation. Proof was afforded by the accession of North Carolina to the Union, leaving only Rhode Island yet to ratify the Constitution. The two states plight outside the Union had become so desperate that Congress at its first session consented to relieve the ships of those states for a limited period from the burden of a foreign tonnage duty which amounted to 50 cents per ton for foreign vessels, while domestic vessels paid six cents per ton. This letter discusses the first act passed by the second session of the First Congress in January, 1790, which specified the laying of duties on goods and merchandise imported into the state of North Carolina from any foreign port or place and upon the tonnage of all ships and vessels. The act further created five districts and four official ports of entry for collection of duties. An important early Federalist document. Washington’s signature is dark and prominent. In fine condition. Sold for $25,337.
John Adams Autograph Document Signed as Vice President, and President of the Senate, Confirming a List of Electors for the 1792 Presidential Election
Scarce autograph document signed by John Adams, who here signs in 1792 as “President of the Senate of the United States”. Then serving as Vice President under George Washington, Adams confirms receipt of the Rhode Island Electors for the 1792 Presidential election, which re-elected Washington and himself.
Document, composed entirely in Adams’ hand, reads in full, “Philadelphia Dec’r 25, 1792 / Rec’d from the hand of Daniel Updike Esquire a Packet certified by the Electors of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, to contain a List of their Votes for President and Vice President of the United States / John Adams President of the Senate of the United States.” Single page bifolium document measures 8″ x 9.625″. Separation starting along folds, small chips to left edge, a few pieces of tape repair and toning. Fully intact with bold handwriting, overall in very good condition. Originally from the collection of John Lorimer Graham. Sold for $25,041.
John Adams Twice-Signed Check — Slabbed by PSA/DNA
John Adams twice-signed check, signed ”John Adams” at lower right and also ”John Adams Welsh” to his namesake, the son of his close friends Thomas and Abigail Welsh. Partially printed check is drawn from the ”Massachusetts Bank” in 1815 for $100, filled out in Adams’ hand, and unusual in that most payments of the time were entirely handwritten, in the form of a promissory note, and not a bank-issued document such as this. Check measures 4.75” x 2”, irregularly trimmed along edges. Two file holes, not affecting signatures; overall in very good plus condition. Slabbed by PSA/DNA. A rare check signed by the second President. Sold for $24,361.
President George Washington Autograph Letter Signed from 1784
President George Washington autograph letter signed from Mount Vernon, Virginia. Two pages, written entirely in Washington’s own hand, dated June 1784, letter is addressed to Sir Edward Newenham, one of the leading radical figures in late 18th Century Irish politics. Letter reads in full: “Sir, If this letter should ever reach your hands, it will be presented by Col. Humphreys, who is appointed as Secretary to the Commissioner from the United States for forming commercial treaties in Europe. This Gentleman is a particular friend of mine, and until I resigned my military appointment, was one of my Aid de Camps. He has been uniformly a friend to the rights of mankind. He possesses in an eminent degree the social virtues and is a man of integrity and worth. As such I take the liberty of recommending him to your civilities if chance or a visit to Ireland, should throw him in your way. I offer no apology for this freedom, because, from your character I am persuaded none is necessary, and that you will feel pleasure in taking notice of merit. With great esteem and consideration, I have the honor to be / Sir – Yr Most Ob. Servt. / G. Washington” Separate address leaf in Washignton’s hand, bearing traces of Washington’s seal. One split along center fold, faint adhesive remnants to verso, otherwise fine condition. Sold for $23,033.
George Washington Autograph Document Signed as President, Also Signed by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson document signed as President and Secretary of State. Datelined Philadelphia on 8 March 1792, document appoints “Zachariah Rhodes of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations…Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Patuxet”. Vellum document measures 14.25″ x 12″ with intact red wax-based paper seal. Repaired separation and paper loss along folds, and light soiling. Signatures of “Go. Washington” and “Th. Jefferson” are large and remain strong. Sold for $20,406.
Scarce China Plate From Thomas Jefferson’s White House
Very scarce china plate from the Thomas Jefferson White House. Blue plate with gilt accents features a shallow bowl with gilt ”J” at center, inside a shield bearing a knight’s head decoration. Plate measures 6.125” in diameter. Jefferson’s White House china is very scarce, attributed to both the destruction of the White House during the War of 1812, and also his heirs selling personal belongings after his death to pay debt. Some small chips along rim, and one slightly larger one at 2:00 position, overall very good condition. Sold for $18,750.
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s personally owned portfolio-style briefcase used by the President in the late 1930’s. Black leather zippered portfolio is printed with his initials F.D.R. in gilt on the front. Accompanied by several pages of original contents from the time it was auctioned by the Roosevelt family: five typed sheets concerning FDR’s election campaign, hand-dated 2 May 1938. The pages contain excerpts from Senator Sheridan Downey’s speeches for Roosevelt’s reelection as well as statements by William J. McAddo who opposed Roosevelt seeking a third term. Also included are copies of correspondence between Roosevelt’s son James and the auction winner of the briefcase. Portfolio measures 15.75” x 11.25”. Zipper runs along two of the sides, leaving the left side open. A divider is built in. Very good, with scratches and surface loss to the corners and edges. Sold for $17,365.
Official Franklin D. Roosevelt Death Certificate — Signed by Eleanor Roosevelt
Official Franklin D. Roosevelt death certificate, signed by Eleanor Roosevelt as next of kin. Issued by Georgia Department of Public Health, document is also signed by Health Office Ordinary John Head. Certificate lists time and date of death as 3:35p.m on 12 April 1945. Roosevelt’s attending cardiologist, Dr. Howard Bruener, lists Roosevelt’s cause of death as “cerebral hemorrhage” (stroke), with “arterio-sclerosis” as a contributory cause. Roosevelt died as President at 63, just as victory was in sight for Allied forces in WWII. Roosevelt’s death was met with shock and grief across the U.S. and around the world, particularly since his deteriorating health had not been known to the general public. On 29 March 29 1945, Roosevelt traveled to Warm Springs, Georgia, to rest before his anticipated appearance at the founding conference of the United Nations. On the afternoon of 12 April, Roosevelt said, “I have a terrific pain in the back of my head.” He then slumped forward in his chair, unconscious, and was carried into his bedroom. At the time he collapsed, he had been sitting for a portrait painting by the artist Elizabeth Shoumatoff, known as the famous “Unfinished Portrait of FDR.” Pink death certificate measures 9″ x 10″ and is in near fine condition. Sold for $13,002.
John Adams Document Signed 1772
John Adams signed document datelined “County of Suffolk, the last Tuesday of August A.D. 1772.” Signed “John Adams” at close in bold black ink. An unusual document highlighting a future President’s successful career at the bar, and linking him to Benjamin Franklin. In July 1771 Franklin won a judgment in the “Inferring Court of Common Pleas” against “Samuel Hall for one hundred & seventy-seven pounds and sixteen shillings, Lawful Money of Great Britain Debt and costs of suit; from which Judgment [Hall] appealed to his Honourable Court, and recognized to prosecute the same, but failed to do so: Wherefore the Complainant prays Affirmation of the said Judgment with additional interest & costs.” The extra costs consisted of seven shillings in attorneys fees and four shillings sixpence for three days of attendance at Court. Adams set up his legal practice in Boston in 1768, and by 1772 it was thriving, thanks in no small part to his role in several high profile cases. He defended John Hancock on smuggling charges in 1768 and in 1770 won acquittal for Captain Thomas Preston and six other British soldiers accused of perpetrating the Boston Massacre. Here, Adams evidently performed some legal work for still another leading colonial name, Benjamin Franklin. Document measures 5.75″ x 7.25″. Overall toning and usual letter folds, else excellent condition. Sold for $13,002.
John Adams land grant signed as President on 19 January 1801, countersigned by Secretary of State and future Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall. Signed prominently ”John Adams”, document grants land to two soldiers for their service in the Revolutionary War. Partially printed document measures 13” x 15”, framed to 34.25” x 33”. Weighs 20 lbs. Folds and some creasing, otherwise near fine condition. Sold for $10,525.
FREE VALUATION. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Complete Presidential autograph collection that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Complete Presidential autograph collection