Sell or Auction Your Who Says Gas? or The Democratic B-Hoy for up to Nearly $5,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Below is a recent realized price for a Who Says Gas? or the Democratic B-Hoy item. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
Who Says Gas? or The Democratic B-Hoy. Sold for Nearly $5,000.
The following are some similar items we have sold in the past:
Complete Set of 80 Hand-Colored Lithographs of “The Aboriginal Port Folio” by James Otto Lewis From 1835-1838 — Extremely Scarce Complete Set
Very scarce complete set of the “Aboriginal Port Folio”, containing 80 hand-colored lithographs by Native American visual chronicler James Otto Lewis, whose travels to various treaty ceremonies during the early 19th century produced lasting portraits of Native American leaders and customs. Lewis was the first to create such artwork, preceding McKenney & Hall by several years. Philadelphia: George Lehman and Peter S. Duvall, 1835-1838.
After painting portraits of members from the Sioux, Potawatomi, Winnebago, Fox, Shawnee, Miami, and Iowa tribes, Lewis brought his paintings to Philadelphia for lithography, releasing them by subscription in 10 installments of 8 lithographs apiece. Each installment grew more scarce as subscriptions trailed off with the impending publication of the more comprehensive (and more formally posed) “History of the Indian Tribes of North America” by McKenney & Hall, whose portrait artist Charles Bird King even copied some of Lewis’ paintings. As a result, the full collection of 80 lithographs of “The Aboriginal Port Folio” is so scarce that only five to ten copies are known to exist. To make matters worse, Lewis’ original paintings were destroyed in the Smithsonian fire in 1865.
This set is in very good to near fine condition, with only minor scattered foxing affecting some sheets. In addition to the 80 pictorial lithographs, set also includes the lithograph title page and three leaves of advertisements, making it a truly complete set. Lithographs each measure 11.5″ x 18.125″, housed in three-quarter red morocco clamshell case with custom lettering to spine. One of the few visual remembrances of this important collection preserved for history. Sold for $84,000.
Thomas Jefferson Scarce Signed 1st Edition of the First U.S. Census — One of Only a Handful Signed & Ratified by Jefferson
Extremely rare Thomas Jefferson signed first edition of the first U.S. census, one of only a handful of Jefferson signed copies sold at auction in the last 40 years. As Secretary of State, Jefferson called for the first official census, and ratified the results of only a handful, this being one of them, signed boldly ”Th: Jefferson” on page 56. Published in Philadelphia: Childs and Swaine, 1791. Full title reads, ”Return of the Whole Number of Persons Within the Several Districts of the United States, According to ‘An Act Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the Unites States’. Printed in a small number for distribution by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, and from his direct descendant, Thomas Jefferson Coolidge Jr., with Mr. Coolidge’s crested label to front pastedown. Bound in 19th century half-morocco and marbled boards, book measures 5” x 7.25”. This copy appears to be one of the very first printings of the first edition, as it lacks the tipped-in late-returning results from South Carolina often found on page 54. The lower margins of pages 34, 42 and 43 have been shaved by binder, otherwise copy is near fine with a touch of toning and foxing. Volume also includes a press copy of an autograph letter signed by Jefferson, affixed to rear endpaper, dated 8 October 1797, measuring 6.5” x 7.75”. Letter concerns a quarterly dividend of ”a few dollars over 300”, payable to Col. James Monroe. A rare opportunity for the very first census of the United States, signed by its 3rd President, with other such copies selling for approx. $100,000. Sold for $66,435.
The most influential political cartoon in the history of America, the ”JOIN, or DIE” severed rattlesnake designed by Benjamin Franklin and published in his ”Pennsylvania Gazette” on 9 May 1754. This incredibly scarce newspaper is the very first printing of the ”JOIN, or DIE” cartoon, and the only known copy apart from one other housed in the permanent collection at the Library of Congress.
Frustrated by the colonists’ inability to join forces against westward expansion by the French, Franklin created this cartoon of a rattlesnake, cut into 8 pieces symbolizing the American colonies, to dramatically impart the effective message: join together as one cohesive body, or die. Along with the cartoon, Franklin published an editorial in the newspaper, urging the colonists to work together, reading in part, ”…The Confidence of the French in this Undertaking seems well-grounded on the present disunited State of the British Colonies…while our Enemies have the very great Advantage of being under one Direction, with one Council, and one Purse…”
Little did Franklin know at the time that his symbol of the dis-united rattlesnake would echo over twenty years later to inspire the colonists to unite against the British – Paul Revere added the ”JOIN, or DIE” cartoon to the nameplate of his paper, the ”Massachusetts Spy”, and even later, with the ”Don’t Tread on Me” flag, any individual or group whose personal liberty is threatened. The phrasing has also proved highly enduring, likely influencing John Stark, the Revolutionary War General from New Hampshire whose toast, ”Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils”, inspired New Hampshire’s motto, and again suggests that personal liberty is one of the highest human values, and a founding tenet of the United States.
Franklin’s choice of a rattlesnake is curious for several reasons: as the timber rattlesnake was found throughout the colonies but not England, Franklin argued in an earlier 1751 editorial that the colonists should ship rattlesnakes to England in exchange for the criminals that England was sending to America. Franklin now, however, seems to fully embrace the rattlesnake as metaphor, and would argue, during the American Revolution, its virtues. Using a pseudonym to conceal his identity, he wrote in 1775, ”…she has no eye-lids-She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance.-She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders…to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenseless animal; and even when those weapons are shown and extended for her defense, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal:-Conscious of this, she never wounds till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of stepping on her.-Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America?”
While the British loyalists played upon Franklin’s symbolism of the rattlesnake, arguing that the colonists were deceptive and cunning, Franklin turned the characterization on its head, skilled and interested as he was in the art of propaganda. Ultimately, the symbolism would prove highly enduring and compelling: both the idea of uniting to fight a greater, more powerful enemy, and the power of a sudden, deadly attack by an underestimated opponent.
Four page newspaper (without advertising) measures 9.75” x approximately 15”, with an irregularly trimmed top edge. Expert restoration to head of snake, and light uniform toning, consistent with age. Newspaper has been well-preserved, in very good to near fine condition. One of the most important newspapers in America’s colonial history and a cornerstone of her philosophical underpinnings. Sold for $50,000.
Currier & Ives Hand-Colored Lithograph Measuring — 19th Century Print Remains Boldly Colored
Currier and Ives was a successful American printmaking firm based in New York City from 1835 to 1907 headed first by Nathaniel Currier, and later jointly with his partner James Merritt Ives. The prolific firm produced prints from paintings by fine artists as black and white lithographs that were hand colored. Lithographic prints could be reproduced quickly and purchased inexpensively, and the firm called itself “the Grand Central Depot for Cheap and Popular Prints” and advertised its lithographs as “colored engravings for the people”. The firm adopted the name “Currier and Ives” in 1857.
Beautiful Currier & Ives hand-colored lithograph entitled “The Life of a Hunter. ‘A tight fix'”. Produced in 1861 on wove paper, lithograph measures 28″ x 21.5″, framed to 39″ x 32.25″. Very well-preserved with deep, rich colors. A few small repaired tears to margin, with two extending slightly into the image at top and bottom right, though nearly indiscernible; also with faint discoloration to margins, else near fine condition. A rare lithograph so well preserved by the storied print makers. Sold for $31,680.
The Scarcest of 19th Century Campaign Banners Hand-Colored by Currier and Ives — The John Bell and Edward Everett Jugate Banner Broadside for the 1860 Presidential Election
Scarce campaign broadside for John Bell and Edward Everett, the candidates for the Constitutional Union party in the 1860 Presidential campaign. Lithograph is the scarcest of 19th century Currier and Ives broadsides, hand-colored by the storied print makers, and with full margins not usually found on this broadside. Strong unionists who believed that slavery was protected by the U.S. Constitution, the candidacy of Bell and Everett split the southern vote, effectively giving the election to Abraham Lincoln. Their campaign banner reads at top, ”Liberty and Union Now and Forever One and Inseparable / No North, No South, No East, No West, Nothing But the Union”. With Currier and Ives copyright in 1860 at bottom, which also reads, ”Grand National Union Banner for 1860 / The Candidates and Their Platform”. The candidates’ names of John Bell, of Tennessee and Edward Everett of Massachusetts are also featured in the banner. Broadside is hand-colored by Currier and Ives, with unfaded rich, dark colors. Lithograph measures 13.5” x 18”, with original borders. Expert restoration including rice paper backing, though no restoration to the coloring except to a small spot of scuffing just below the tassels between the red velvet curtains. Some foxing to margins. Overall in very good to near fine condition. Sold for $12,600.
Zachary Taylor Owned Eyeglasses & Case — The General President Who Is Among the Rarest, Having Only Served 16 Months
Dark red leather case and eyeglasses belonging to 12th president of the United States, Zachary Taylor. Custom-made case has design in gilt and reads: “Z. TAYLOR” on top. Inside is lined with red velvet and white satin and contains “BAILEY & CO. / 136 / Chestnut St. Philad” company logo. Gold glasses have rectangular lenses with rounded edges. Box has push-button release and measures 5.5″ x 1.5″ x 0.5″. With provenance detailing the chain of ownership, originally owned by Taylor’s daughter Ann Mackall Taylor. Near fine condition. Sold for $8,400.
Scarce Zachary Taylor document signed as President, just three days after his Inauguration, dated 8 March 1849. Particularly rare as a Zachary Taylor cabinet appointment hardly has appeared at a major public auction, at least in the last 40 years of the recorded sales listed in ”American Book Prices Current.” Here, Taylor appoints Jacob Collamer of Vermont as Postmaster General. Signed ”Z. Taylor”; countersigned by Secretary of State ”John M. Clayton”. Printed text reads in full: ”To all who shall see these presents Greeting: Know Ye; That reposing special trust and confidence in the Patriotism, Integrity and Abilities of Jacob Collamer, of Vermont, I have nominated, and, by and with the advice and consent of the United States Senate, do appoint him to be Post Master General of the United States, and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties of that Office according to law and to have and to hold the said Office, with all the powers, privileges and emoluments to the same of right appertaining; unto him, the said Jacob Collamer, during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being…” With original blindstamp seal intact. Vellum document measures 17.5” x 14.5” with a tear at left, though affixed with red wax. Some toning and foxing throughout, else very good to near fine. Sold for $7,500.
Zachary Taylor Naval Appointment Signed as President — Just a Week After Taking Office
Zachary Taylor naval appointment signed as President, dated 16 March 1849. Document appoints a John C. Song as a ”Captain in the Navy”. Partially printed document is signed ”Z. Taylor” with various naval emblems flanking the text. Countersigned by Secretary of the Navy William Ballard Preston. A blindstamped Department of the Navy seal is affixed to the bottom half, atop an etched nautical scene. Measures 15.5” x 17.25”. Some creasing and toning; very good condition. Sold for $5,500.
Zachary Taylor Document Signed as President — 16 July 1849
Official White House appointment signed by Zachary Taylor during his short presidency. Dated 16 July 1849, document appoints Nathan Sargent as Recorder of the General Land Office and bears a blindstamped United States seal to lower left corner. Nice, clear signature, “Z. Taylor” at document’s conclusion. Document, which measures 14″ x 10″ has folds throughout, though none affecting signature. Black frame measures 31.5″ x 20.25″ with gray marble-patterned mat. Fine condition. Sold for $4,551.
Martin Van Buren autograph letter signed, dated 3 October 1855 from Lindenwald, his home in New York, and with the additional free frank signed envelope. Van Buren replies to fellow New York Democrat Edward G.W. Butler who urged Van Buren to come out of retirement to help settle the divisive slavery question. Van Buren, President from 1837-1841, lost re-election but ran again as the anti-slavery Free Soil candidate in 1848. Upon his defeat, he retired to Lindenwald. Van Buren’s letter reads in part, ”…I regret…the present inauspicious condition of the country, upon the slave subject…I…know, by repeated experience how potent the influence which the united Democracy of New York may be made to exercise healing public disorders…& am sincerely friendly to the restoration of harmony to its ranks. In regard to State affairs, that result is being brought about…but, in regard to Federal politics, the task is far more difficult; &, I fear, far beyond the power of my individual efforts of any man…” He signs, ”M. Van Buren”. Three page letter measures 8.25” x 10.5”. Minor creasing and tearing to edges with minor loss of text. Some words traced over in unknown hand. Accompanying hand addressed envelope bears free franking signature, ”Free / M. Van Buren”. Overall in very good condition. Sold for $3,125.
Abraham Lincoln 1860 Campaign Ribbon With the Desirable “Cooper Union” Photographic Portrait
Abraham Lincoln campaign ribbon for the 1860 presidential election, featuring his photographic portrait taken by Mathew Brady during the session at Cooper Union, where Lincoln delivered the speech that catapulted him to national prominence. This ribbon is among the most desirable of Lincoln campaign mementos, also bearing Lincoln’s printed signature at bottom. Ribbon measures 2.5″ x 7.25″. Some soiling at edges and a few small spots of foxing, but Lincoln’s image is nearly defect free. Very good condition. Sold for $2,375.
Hand-Colored Campaign Banner for the 1848 Free Soil Presidential Ticket That Opposed Slavery & Swung the Election to Zachary Taylor — Featuring Martin Van Buren & Lithographed by Nathaniel Currier
1848 Presidential campaign banner for the anti-slavery Free Soil ticket, entitled “Grand Democratic Free Soil Banner”. Banner features the jugate portraits of Presidential candidate and former President Martin Van Buren and his running mate Charles Francis Adams Sr. (son of John Quincy Adams and grandson of John Adams). Lithograph printed by famed lithographer Nathaniel Currier is hand-colored in shades of yellow, blue, teal and grey, reading “Free Soil – Free Labor – Free Speech” at top. The Van Buren-Adams ticket was a faction of the Democratic party, opposed to slavery; it took enough votes away from the pro-slavery Democrats headed by Lewis Cass to swing the election to Whig Zachary Taylor. Lithograph measures 10″ x 13.75″. Some toning and light dampstaining (more visible on verso), and a few small chips to edges. Overall in very good condition. A nice Presidential banner from the turbulent Presidential elections of the mid-19th century, with the issue of slavery front and center. Sold for $1,575.
Martin Van Buren Letter Signed as Secretary of State
Martin Van Buren letter signed as Secretary of State, datelined 2 November 1824 from the Department of State in Washington. Letter to future Vice President George M. Dallas reads, “Sir, Your several letters representing the difference between Messrs. Barrogo and Porlade have been received. The course pursued by you meets the entire approbation of this Department, and you will receive, in season for the investigation to take place on Saturday next, the necessary instructions for the government of your conduct on that occasion…[signed] M. Van Buren”. Measures 7.5″ x 9.75″. Folds and light creasing, overall near fine condition with a bold, large signature. Sold for $792.
FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Who Says Gas? or the Democratic B-Hoy that is for sale, please email your description and photos of your item to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Who Says Gas? or the Democratic B-Hoy