Sell or Auction Your Christopher Kit Carson Letter Signed for up to Nearly $50,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Sell Your Christopher Kit Carson Letter Signed
Kit Carson was an American fur trapper, mountain man and frontiersman during the 19th century. During the Civil War he was an Army officer for the Union army and led a volunteer troop from New Mexico. Upon retiring from the Army, Carson took up ranching and settled in Colorado.
Below is a recent realized price for a letter signed by Christopher Kit Carson. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
Christopher Kit Carson Letter Signed. Sold for Nearly $50,000.
The following are some prices we have realized for related memorabilia:
81 Beautiful Hand-Colored Aquatints by Karl Bodmer Depicting the American Frontier in the 1830s — Contained in the Illustrated Travelogue “Prince of Wied’s Travels in the Interior of North America”
Stunningly beautiful collection of 81 hand-colored aquatints by the Swiss artist Karl Bodmer, a complete collection from the illustrated travelogue, “Prince of Wied’s Travels in the Interior of North America”. Bodmer, who journeyed with the German Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied from 1833-34 along the Missouri River, produced what is considered the best depictions of the indigenous peoples and landscapes during the frontier era, an America then still unspoiled by western migration. Of the Native American tribes of the Great Plains that they encountered, Bodmer’s depictions of the Blackfeet and Mandan tribes are especially important as the populations of these tribes were greatly affected by the smallpox epidemic of 1837, thus making Bodmer’s work the last visual testament to their culture.
Prince Max, as he was called, chose Bodmer to accompany him on the expedition along the Missouri River to visually depict the scenes that the Prince would write about. The result is this collection: three volumes of text by the Prince and two volumes of aquatints by Bodmer, in the first Paris edition published by Chez Arthus Bertrand, 1840-43 (“Voyage dans l’interieur de l’Amerique du Nord”). Text volumes in French also include 37 wood-engraved illustrations, only lacking the map in completeness. The two complete volumes of illustrations include the large folio volume with 48 oversized hand-colored aquatints measuring approximately 24.5″ x 18″, and the quarto volume with 33 hand-colored aquatints measuring approximately 12.5″ x 10.25″. The complete set of 81 aquatints is magnificent in their display, a time capsule with their hand-coloring evoking the sense of awe and discovery of the expedition. All volumes are bound in half black morocco and blue paper-covered boards with gilt accenting, and with black morocco labels to illustrated volumes. Minor handling wear to volumes, with a few small repaired tears to plates, some plates supplied with variance to margins, minute toning and foxing, a few plates beginning to separate from binding. Overall a very good plus set with excellent display quality. Sold for $175,000.
Scarce collection of 63 photographs from Carleton Watkins’ groundbreaking publication, ”Yosemite Valley: Photographic Views of the Falls and Valley of Yosemite in Mariposa County, California”. San Francisco, 1863. One of the most complete collections, lot comprises a total of 63 photographs, with two of the title page and map, and 61 of the Yosemite Valley, each measuring 11.625” x 7.5”. Scarce as such.
Lured out to California for the Gold Rush, Watkins soon turned his pursuits to photography, a calling for which he was naturally gifted. In 1861, he traveled to Yosemite outfitted with both mammoth-plate and stereoscopic cameras to make the first photographic narrative of the majestic valley, with these photographs the result. They were so impactful, after having been shared amongst Congressmen and Abraham Lincoln, that the Yosemite Grant Act was passed in 1864, a precursor to the creation of the U.S. National Park System in 1872.
Interestingly, no complete accounting of Watkins’ Yosemite photos from 1863 is documented, but next to a collection of 65 photographs, this grouping is the most complete at 63 photographs. Only a handful of other collections even claim more than 50 photographs. The views are exquisite, capturing the rock formations, foliage and natural water sources of the Valley as they appeared in 1861, yet unspoiled by overcrowding. Watkins’ ability to capture the depth of the images – with distant mountains hovering over meadows and streams, is particularly beautiful, aided by the use of his two camera systems.
Photographs retain superb contrast and tonality, all disbound in a period brown morocco gilt slipcase, tooled in gilt on the cover, ”Watkins’ Yosemite Gallery.” Overall in very good to near fine condition. Sold for $112,500.
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.
Very scarce Meriwether Lewis document signed ”Meriwether Lewis Capt. / 1st U’S. Regt. Infty.” Single octavo page, dated 12 February 1807 reads in full: ”Received February 12th 1807 of Caleb Swan Paymaster of the Army of the United States, Two hundred dollars, in pursuance of a warrant from General Henry Dearborn Secretary of War, No. 1003, being on account of my pay and subsistence, for which sum I am accountable to the Accountant of the Department of War, having signed duplicates hereof. 200 Drs.” In January 1803, President Thomas Jefferson sought to learn more about the far western territory, and appropriated the money from Congress for the proposed journey, to be led by the experienced explorer Meriwether Lewis. In his memoirs, Jefferson wrote of Lewis: ”Of courage undaunted; possessing a firmness and perseverance of purpose which nothing but impossibilities could divert from its direction; careful as a father of those committed to his charge, yet steady in the maintenance of order and discipline; intimate with the Indian characters, customs, and principles; habituated to the hunting life; guarded by exact observations of the vegetables and animals of his own country against losing time in the description of objects already possessed; honest, disinterested, liberal, of sound understanding, and a fidelity to truth so scrupulous that whatever he should report would be as certain as seen by ourselves…” (”History of the Expedition,” 1814). In the months immediately preceding the expedition, Lewis sought training in the use of astronomical instruments and in the art of map-making. He also chose a companion officer, William Clark of Louisville. While the expedition did not achieve the primary objective of finding the elusive Northwest Passage, it contributed significantly to the understanding of the geography of the Northwest and produced approximately 140 maps, the first accurate maps of the area. In addition, it documented 100 newly discovered species of animals, approximately 170 plants, and it also established friendly relations with three dozen Indian tribes. The knowledge they obtained sparked American interest in the west, and strengthened the nation’s claim to the area. Meriwether Lewis returned to Washington, D.C. from his three year journey in late December of 1806. After returning from the expedition, Lewis received a reward of 1,600 acres of land. In addition, Thomas Jefferson appointed him Governor of the Louisiana Territory. However, Lewis was not confirmed by the Senate until March 1807 and he remained a Captain in the interim. Base pay for Captains at this period was $40 per month so the present receipt would represent five months’ salary. A supremely rare document directly linking Meriwether Lewis to the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Items of Lewis & Clark related to the famed expedition are of the utmost rarity. Docketed on verso. Toning to folds and showthrough, otherwise near fine condition. Sold for $30,768.
As Governor and Commander in Chief of Louisiana, Meriwether Lewis signs his full name in black ink to a document, appointing George Armistead to the position of ”Justice of the Peace for the township of Arkansas, District of New Madrid” on 18 May 1808. Armistead would later become the Commander of American forces during the bombardment of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812. Lewis’ signature is very scarce as he died of a gunshot wound in 1809, with few documents signed by him as Governor of Louisiana during his 2-year tenure. Document is also one of the few after his expedition from 1804-1806 with William Clark, which charted the newly acquired Louisiana Territory for the United States, a highly dangerous mission but successful mission. Document retains its paper-covered seal and is co-signed by Secretary Frederick Bates, who later became Governor of Missouri. A great Lewis and Clark autograph. Measures 12.5” x 7.75”. Document has been archivally repaired at left panel, small tears at edges of folds, tape to top of left panel, overall very good condition. Sold for $24,513.
Daniel Boone autograph land survey signed, dated 25 June 1784, with Boone not only handwriting the entire document, but also drawing the surveyed land at upper left. Signed as Deputy Surveyor, ”Daniel Boone D.S.”, Boone surveys land in Fayette County, Kentucky, reading in part,
”Surveyed for Gaddis Winstone 5000 acres of Land by Virtue of 5 Treasury Warrants…situate lying and being in the County of Fayette and bounded as followeth To wit Beginning, where a large Buffaloe Road goes onto the head of Ceader Creek at a Small Lick at A two hickorees a white oak and black oak running North 45 degrees. West 800 poles to B two white ashes a sugartree and Mulberry, thence South 45 [degrees]. West 1000 poles to C a poplar sugartree and two Beeches thence South 45 [degrees]. East 800 poles to D a walnut hickory and Locust thence North 45 [degrees]. East 1000 poles to the Beginning – Daniel Boone D.S.” In the diagram at upper left, Boone marks the boundaries and writes within the square, ”area 5000 acres…plotted by a seale of 400 poles to the Inch”.
As an early frontiersman of the Kentucky territory, Boone had unique knowledge of the land and its vegetation, no doubt aiding him in his land surveying business. At the time of this survey, with Boone being just shy of 50 years, the first historical account of Kentucky was published, ”The Discovery, Settlement and Present State of Kentucke”, in which a lengthy biography of Boone was included as the appendix. As a result, Boone became an instant folk hero. Document measures 7.875” x 6.5”, mounted to a slightly larger board. Browning along folds, and holes at intersecting folds. Very good condition with no loss of paper. A scarce signed document by Boone at a pivotal point in his life. With University Archives COA. Sold for $15,806.
Meriwether Lewis Autograph Letter Signed, Two Months Before the Lewis & Clark Expedition — In What Would Be Lewis’ Lifelong Battle With Reimbursed Debt, He Defends Against Money He Purportedly Owes
Meriwether Lewis autograph letter signed, composed in “City of Washington” on 10 March 1803, two months before he embarked on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In this intriguing letter, written to the widow of a doctor, Lewis deflects on the issue of expenses incurred during his military service, debt that he believes should be paid by the federal government, writing in part, “I do not owe the estate a single cent.” Apparently, Lewis had ordered medical supplies from the widow’s husband, Dr. Alexander Humphreys, during Lewis’ time as an officer in Staunton, Virginia during the Quasi-War with France. Lewis believes that the federal government was responsible for reimbursement to the doctor, although the bills were never paid. Lewis would have the same issue years later as Governor of the Louisiana Territory, when an expedition he personally financed wasn’t reimbursed by the federal government; Lewis’ creditors then seized his assets, including land granted to him from the Lewis & Clark Expedition, contributing, it’s believed, to his probable suicide. Accompanied by full transcription, suggesting that Lewis did believe in his innocence, lengthy four page letter reads in part,
“Dear Madam, By the request of your brother Mr. Preston W. Brown I have taken the liberty of addressing you on the subject of certain moneys which he mentions as now appearing to my Debt, and unsatisfied on the books of your husband, the late Dr. Humphreys – The items stated by Mr. Brown are 1st for an improper payment made by the Dr. to me for subsisting a public horse from Nov. 96 to Nov. 99, and secondly for medicine furnished me during my residence near Staunton – I trust Madam that on both these points I can perfectly satisfy yourself as well as the Executors and Administrators of Dr. Humphreys that I do not owe the estate a single cent… “ Sold for $15,225.
Very Scarce 1788 Daniel Boone Document Signed — Boone Signs a Kentucky Land Indenture During His Time as a Surveyor and Land Prospector
Scarce Daniel Boone document signed, dated 11 December 1788 from the “Town of Maysville”, Kentucky. This manuscript indenture between the trustees of Maysville including Boone, Arthur Fox, Thomas Brooks, Jacob Boone, George Mefford and William Cubbs reads in part “…in consideration of the sum of eighteen shillings…a certain tracts or parcels of land lying in the town of Maysville and known in the plan of the said town by Lott Number Sixty Seven —– containing half an acre of land.” Signed by all the trustees and witnessed by Francis Jones, Thomas Karlin and James Campbell. Document measures 13.25″ x 16.75″ with scalloped top and right edges, toning throughout and separations at folds, though archivally repaired. Nicely matted and framed to an overall size of 18.25″ x 22″. Very good condition. A rare opportunity to own a Kentucky signed document by the mythic folk hero of the American frontier. Sold for $12,925.
Important Revolutionary War document signed by Daniel Boone regarding one of the last battles of the Revolutionary War where Kentucky militiamen were routed by Native American forces allied with the British in the Battle of Blue Licks. Dated 21 December 1782 from Fayette County, Kentucky, where the battle occurred, document reads in full, ”We being first sworn have appraised one Sorrel Mare about fourteen hands high about eight years old branded on the nigh buttock ET to twenty five pounds the property of James Buchanan taken for the Commonwealth and State of Virginia from Buchanans Station to the upper Polen Licks on a scout after the Indians under the command of Capt. John Constant given under the hands this 21st day of Dec’ber 1782.” Document is then signed by ”John Constant, Capt.”, ”Daniel Boone (Lt.”, ”Nicolas Proctor” and ”James Little”.
Congressional records show that a bay horse owned by Buchanan was lost during the infamous raid on the American encampment at Bryan Station, which precipitated the Battle of Blue Licks. On 15 August 1782, Native American forces laid siege to the camp, killing the livestock and destroying crops, which in turn led the Kentucky militiamen, including both Boone and his son Israel Boone who died in the battle, to the battlefield where they were greatly outnumbered by British allied forces; of the 182 Kentucky soldiers fighting, 72 were killed and 11 captured. After the battle, Boone and others submitted claims to recover lost property, which Congress approved.
Document measures approximately 8.25” x 4.5” with uneven edges. Folds, with archival repair to verso, neither affecting Boone’s bold signature. Very good condition. With RR Auction provenance, lot 181 of their 15 October 2014 sale. Sold for $10,625.
One of the most important books on the history of America (cited by Borba de Moraes, Howes, Sabin and Wing), the 1671 first edition of ”America: Being the Latest and Most Accurate Description of the New World”. Privately printed in London by the author, Arnoldus Montanus, and edited by John Ogilby. In ”America” Montanus goes into great detail of the new continents, with dozens of engravings of Native Americans, species of animals and reptiles, and the landscapes and settlements in the new world, accompanied by text. The book covers speculation regarding the earliest voyages to America, along with later recorded voyages and the settlements of New Netherlands/New York, New England, Hudson’s Bay, Labrador, Canada, Nova Scotia, Maryland, Virginia, (including Captain Smith’s capture and rescue by Pocahontas), Carolinas, Florida and California, plus accounts of Mexico and nearby islands, even including Australia and New Zealand. 674pp. book contains 75 original engravings (64 copper plates within the text and 9 plates throughout), lacking the maps and 28 engravings, which is typical as this edition is almost never found with all plates intact. All text is complete except for missing pages 445-446. Large format book measures 10” x 15”. Bound in original full leather boards, with some loss of leather to covers, cracking along spine and front board detached. Interior text is near fine and very readable. An important and fascinating addition to early knowledge of the American continent. Sold for $9,375.
First edition, two-volume set of ”History of the Expedition under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark to the source of the Missouri thence across the Rocky Mountains and down the river Columbia to the Pacific Ocean performed during the years 1804-05-06 by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark”. Published by Bradford and Inskeep: New York: 1814. Regarded as the definitive account of the first exhaustive, and most important Western exploration of America, which covered some eight thousand miles in slightly more than twenty-eight months. Lewis and Clark brought back the first reliable information about much of the area they traversed, made contact with the Native Americans as a prelude to the expansion of the fur trade, and advanced the geographical knowledge of the continent. This official account of the expedition is as much a landmark in Americana as the trip itself. Books, each measuring 5.5” x 8.75”, are bound in original marble-patterned leather boards and have five engraved, bound-in maps, missing the fold-out map found in some copies. Covers are worn and scuffed and the inside of covers have insect channels. Vol. I, 470pp., is missing the front free endpaper and has a chip out of the title page. Volume II runs 522pp. Light foxing and dampstaining throughout both volumes and some paper loss not affecting text. Overall in very good condition. An attractive set of America’s most important exploration narrative. Sold for $6,544.
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