Sell or Auction Your Interesting Narrative Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa for up to Nearly $10,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Interesting Narrative Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Sell Your Interesting Narrative Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa
Olaudah Equiano (/əˈlaʊdə/; c. 1745 – 31 March 1797), known for most of his life as Gustavus Vassa (/ˈvæsə/) was a writer and abolitionist from, according to his memoir, the Eboe (Igbo) region of the Kingdom of Benin (today southern Nigeria). Enslaved as a child in Africa, he was taken to the Caribbean and sold as a slave to a Royal Navy officer. He was sold twice more but purchased his freedom in 1766.
Below is a recent realized price for a Interesting Narrative Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa item. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to these amounts or more for you:
Interesting Narrative Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa. Sold for nearly $10,000.
Here are some items that our auction house, Nate D. Sanders (http://www.NateDSanders.com), has sold:
Abraham Lincoln Signed CDV as President — John Hay Certifies Signature as Authentic on Verso
Exceptionally rare Abraham Lincoln signed carte-de-visite photograph, taken by Alexander Gardner in 1861 and signed as President. Signed ”A. Lincoln” below the seated portrait of Lincoln. John Hay, Lincoln’s private secretary, authenticates the signature upon the verso by writing, ”I certify that the President’s signature is genuine / John Hay”. With ”Brady’s National Portrait Gallery” backstamp. Measures 2.5” x 3.75”. Very good with some foxing and wear, but with a strong signature by Lincoln. With provenance from Profiles in History and with a COA from Charles Hamilton. Sold for $49,913.
Martin Luther King Autograph Quotation in His Book – “The strong man is the man who can stand up for his rights and not hit back”
Martin Luther King autograph in his book, “Stride Toward Freedom” where King writes: “The strong man is the man who can stand up for his rights and not hit back. Martin Luther King, Jr. (signed)” Stated first edition book contains “H-H” on the copyright page, confirming true first printing. Original dustjacket shows price of $2.95 to inner front flap; “8471A” and “8472A” appear to lower front and rear inner flaps respectively. Narration to front inner flap of dustjacket begins “They strode to freedom…” In fine condition with dustjacket. Only one small flaw being a taped upper right corner on the first page. The best ever Martin Luther King autograph in his books. Sold for $27,870
Martin Luther King Signed First Printing of “Stride Toward Freedom” Without Inscription — With University Archives COA
Martin Luther King, Jr. signed first edition, first printing of “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story”. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1958 with “H-H” on copyright page designating true first printing. King signs the front free endpaper with no inscription, “Best Wishes / Martin L. King Jr.” in fine blue felt-tip. Housed in original dust jacket showing $2.95 price, book measures 5.75″ x 8.25″ and runs 230pp. Minor paper loss to jacket and dampstaining on rear. Book has light shelf wear and mild toning to front free endpaper, and very minor staining to rear board, overall in very good plus condition. With University Archives COA. Sold for $25,200.
Martin Luther King Autograph Dedication in His Book – “your willingness to suffer and be persecuted for righteousness sake, and your unswerving devotion to the ideals of freedom and justice for all”
Martin Luther King autograph in his book “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story”. New York: Harper & Brothers: 1958. Inscription to the British humanitarian Reverend Michael Scott reads…To Michael Scott / In appreciation for your great Christian witness, your broad humanitarian concern, your willingness to suffer and be persecuted for righteousness sake, and your unswerving devotion to the ideals of freedom and justice for all. With warm Regards, Martin L. King Jr.”. “Stride Toward Freedom” was Dr. King’s first book, published three years after he led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott. The book documents significant events of the burgeoning Civil Rights movement and is illustrated with several black and white photographs, including an iconic photograph of Rosa Parks being fingerprinted and one of an almost-empty bus during the height of the protest. Octavo hardcover runs 230pp. with original blue boards, black backstrip, silver lettering to spine and round silver publisher’s monogram to lower corner of upper cover. Top and bottom edges of backstrip bumped. Corners slightly worn. Dustjacket spine is faded and contains a stain to the upper portion. Dustjacket edges chipped and slightly torn; foxing and wear to back and front. Dustjacket fair; book itself excellent condition. Lengthy personal Martin Luther King autograph inscriptions such as this are exceedingly rare making this an exceptional piece in very good condition. Sold for $19,036.
Martin Luther King, Jr. signed acceptance speech for his leadership in the historic Montgomery bus boycott. King boldly signs the first page of the speech, Best Wishes / To Ruth / M.L. King Jr.” on 28 June 1957, the day he accepted the Spingarn Medal, an annual award bestowed by the NAACP for outstanding achievement by an African American. Its recipients include Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall and Rosa Parks, the woman who ignited the boycott that would result in the 1956 Supreme Court decision declaring bus segregation unconstitutional. King’s 14 page speech is an inspiration to all those who grow impatient with the speed of justice and question the best route to get there. It reads in part,
”…This is an honor that I will cherish so long as the chords of memory shall lengthen…In accepting this award I would like to feel that you are really honoring the 50,000 Negro citizens of Montgomery, Alabama, who more than a year ago came to see that it is ultimately more honorable to walk in dignity than ride in humiliation…They are really what Jesus called the salt of the earth. Their quiet dignity and determined courage will be a source of inspiration to generations yet unborn…One day America will realize that the NAACP has proved to be one of its best friends, for by fighting so persistently for the rights of Negroes, purely within the framework of legal democracy, it has saved the Negro from turning to some foreign ideology for the solution of his problem. The NAACP has given hope and courage to a disinherited people who dared only to dream of freedom…If I were standing at the beginning of time, and the Almightly [sic] gave me a panoramic view of the whole of history, and then proceeded to ask me which age I would prefer to live in, strangely enough I would by pass the great glory of Greek culture…I would bypass the days of the Hebrew Exodus…I would bypass the days when the Roman Empire stood at the zenith of its power with all of its intricate and astounding military machinery; I would bypass the days of the Renaissance…I would even bypass the French and American Revolutions; and finally I would turn to the Almighty and say, ‘If you will allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the 20th Century, I will be happy.’..” Speech runs 14 pages on 14 separate sheets. ”For Release Upon Delivery” appears at top. Very light wear and creasing, and staple to upper left. Overall near fine condition. Sold for $18,750.
Martin Luther King Autograph on His Record Album of “The Great March on Washington” — With PSA/DNA COA
Martin Luther King, autograph on his record of the speeches recorded at the “March on Washington” on 28 August 1963. Album cover is inscribed by King, “Best wishes / Martin Luther King” in black felt tip. Album is Motown Records’ 1963 release, “The Great March on Washington”, featuring Liz Lands’ civil rights movement anthem, “We Shall Overcome” as well as speeches delivered by King and other civil rights leaders. Toning and edge wear to cover, else near fine. With certificate of authenticity from PSA/DNA certifying the authenticity of this Martin Luther King autograph. Sold for $17,490.
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.
Frederick Douglass Autograph Quotation Signed — “Right is of no sex, truth is of no color. We are the equal children of a common Father and all men are Brothers” — With 30+ Signatures of 19th Century Abolitionists
Inspiring collection of signatures by 19th century abolitionists, with the crown jewel being an autograph quotation signed by Frederick Douglass, “Right is of no sex, truth is of no color. We are the equal children of a common Father and all men are Brothers – Frederick Douglass – March 31, 1868”. Album contains about 35 other signatures. Album is very worn with front board detached and backstrip missing. Some dampstaining present on front and rear blank pages. Page signed by Douglass is near fine with only toning to margins. Sold for $8,800.
As President, Abraham Lincoln signs his full name in black ink to a document, appointing Edwin C. Larned as ”Attorney of the United States in & for the Northern District of Illinois” on 28 March 1861. Lincoln entered office just 24 days prior, on 4 March 1861, and the Civil War would break out 15 days later. Larned was an anti-slavery public speaker and personal friend of Lincoln. Document is co-signed by William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and retains its Presidential paper seal at lower left. Document measures 15.5” x 9.5”, framed to 20.5” x 15.5”. Minor holing at fold intersections, otherwise near fine with a bold signature by Lincoln. Sold for $7,500.
Three Former Slaves Ask to be Discharged From Civil War Service — Extremely Rare Letter
Very good 1865 letter signed with an “X” mark by three former slaves, asking to be emancipated now from service in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. Letter dated 22 June 1865 reads in full, “U.S.S. New ‘Era’ / Mound City Ills / June 22nd 1865 / Sir, There are three of us attached to this vessel who have been in the Navy from one year to eighteen months over the time for which we understood we were shipped. When we ask for our discharges we are told that we have been set down for the war. The war is now over to all appearance. Will you please allow us to be discharged so that we can see our wives and families from whom we have been some time separated. We are all colored men and formerly slaves. / Very Respectfully / Your Obdt Servants / William Vulcher / Timothy Harvey / Benjamin King”. Letter is signed by what looks like Acting Ensign Schelky, who forwards the letter to Admiral S.P. Lee. With docketing on verso granting their request, “petition for discharge of Vulcher, Harvey and King (coloured) of USS New Era / Refd to lt Wm Flye (previous officer and captain off USS Monitor) if these men came under different orders that have been given in regard to discharging men. Discharge them and make requisition for others to fill their places. Livingston Commander Naval station Mound City Ills Aug 4th 1865”. Letter has toning and folds, else near fine. Sold for $5,910.
Anti-Slavery Movement, A Lecture, By Frederick Douglass
“The Anti-Slavery Movement, A Lecture, By Frederick Douglass, Before The Rochester Ladies Anti-Slavery Society.” Printed in 1855 in Rochester, New York, by the Press of Lee, Mann, and Co., Daily American Office. A name is written on the top of page 44. Measures 5 1/2″ x 8 13/16″. 48 pages. Restoration work on spine. Minor wear, foxing and staining on cover and interior pages and minor paper loss on the bottom of four pages. Very Good. Rare. Sold for $3,600.
1777 Revolutionary War Broadside — “…purchase for the use of the Continental Army…so many good strong Pairs of Shoes…as their are male inhabitants of such towns, from sixteen Years old…”
Revolutionary War broadside, from February 1777, regarding the clothing of Massachusetts soldiers, specifically young men “sixteen Years old and upwards” in the Continental Army. Broadside notifies the people of the Massachusetts Bay of a bill passed in the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, authorizing men in each town to purchase clothes for the soldiers – with the warning that the Agents be “very careful that they might be of the best Quality, that so the soldier may not be defrauded…”
Broadside reads in part, “STATE of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY / In the House of Representatives, February 6th, 1777. / THAT the Army may be duly supplied with Shoes, Stockings, and Shirts, It is RESOLVED, that the Selectmen of the several Towns in this State, be, and they hereby are directed, to appoint some faithful Man of their own Number, or some other suitable Person or Persons, as Agent or Agents, in their respective Towns, to purchase for the use of the Continental Army one seventh part of so many good strong Pairs of Shoes and of Yarn Stockings and Shirts, as there are male inhabitants in such towns, from sixteen Years old and upwards; which Agents shall deliver said Goods to the Committee herein after appointed by the last Day of March next, and sooner, if practicable…”
The broadside then lists the men of each town that are responsible for carrying out the order, continuing, “…and they hereby are appointed a Committee to receive the Goods or Clothing of the Agents and to deliver them to the Board of War or their Order, taking Receipts for the same, said Receipts specifying the Articles and Coats and that a sum not exceeding Three Hundred Pounds, at the Discretion of the Council be paid out to the Treasury of this State to each of the said Committee, to enable them to pay for said Clothing, with a reasonable Reward to the Agents for their Services, said Committee to be accountable for the Money they shall receive.
And it is earnestly recommended to the good People in the several Towns in this State, to exert themselves to make, or otherwise supply their full proportions of the Articles of Clothing aforesaid, and more if they can produce them; and to be very careful that they might be of the best Quality, that so the soldier may not be defrauded; and the said Agents are directed to receive none but such as are good and serviceable. / Sent up for Concurrence / J[ames] WARREN, Speaker / In COUNCIL, February 7, 1777. / Read and concurred. / JOHN AVERY, Dep. Secr’y.”
Broadside on hand laid paper measures 8.75″ x 13.75″, with “Attleborough” written in period script at top, and “7.16.5 / to Select Men / Feb 7th 1777” written on verso. Chipping along edges, some creasing, and a few small holes. Overall very good condition. Sold for $2,200.
1778 Revolutionary War Broadside, a Call to Arms to Build the “Great Chain” on the Hudson River, From West Point to Constitution Island — Broadside Also Requests Forces for Battle of Rhode Island
Superb Revolutionary War broadside from April 1778, a scarce “Call to Arms” for the men of Massachusetts to help build the “Great Chain” on the Hudson River that extended from West Point to Constitution Island, constructed in the spring of 1778. The Great Chain was a feat of inspired engineering, comprised of iron links each weighing 114 pounds that extended 600 yards across the bend in the Hudson River at West Point. As control of the River was tantamount to controlling the waterways from New York City to Montreal, several Battles had been waged on the Hudson before the Colonists conceived of the idea to construct chains across specific points in the River, so that the Army could bombard British ships when they were stalled as a result of the chains. The most effective of these chains was the Great Chain, which took advantage of a narrow “S” shaped curve on the River at West Point. Although Benedict Arnold famously told the British that “a well-loaded ship could break the chain”, the Great Chain held and prevented British boats from crossing. The Hudson River would remain in the hands of the Colonists. Sold for $2,500.
CDV Photograph of an 19th Century African American Wet Nurse From Savannah, Georgia
Rare CDV photograph of an African American wet nurse, posing with the child she cared for. With backstamp of J.N Wilson photography studio in Savannah Georgia on verso, who established his studio shortly before the Civil War; this photo is likely from the 1860s, evidenced by a light colored mount, square corners on the photo, and coloring to the photograph which was popular in the 1860s. CDVs such as this are uncommon, with wealthy families sometimes choosing to document the relationship between the African American wet nurse and her Causacian baby. With CDV number 2083 handwritten in pencil on verso. CDV measures 2.5″ x 4″. Mild wear and rubbing to mount, overall very good condition. Sold for $2,439.
Rare Revolutionary War Broadside From the Beginning of the War in July 1775 — “…A large Number of Shirts, Stockings and Summer Breeches are wanted immediately for the Use of the Army…”
Revolutionary War broadside from 8 July 1775, less than three months after shots were first fired at Lexington and Concord. In this broadside, David Cheever calls upon the men of Attleborough, Massachusetts to provide clothing – “as you value the lives and Health of your Countrymen”, to the soldiers in the Continental Army. At this time, Cheever was Chairman of the Commissariat subcommittee in the Committee of Safety for the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, a pro-Independence body that earlier in 1775 urged Massachusetts residents to resist the British – insisting “it becomes the christian and social duty of each individual” to do so when confronted with oppression and tyranny. Sold for $1,850.
Frederick Douglass autograph note signed ”Frederick Douglass” and dated 1880, shortly after the death of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, whose son Douglass writes here. Note reads in full, ”I have found this card with your note among the old papers of mine where it has been hidden the past four years. I regret the delay and seeming neglect–and hope this may reach you safely. Frederick Douglas / 1880”. Card measures 5” x 2.75”. Light toning and smudge to date, overall near fine condition. From the estate of William Lloyd Garrison, Jr. Sold for $1,500.
New Orleans Detailed Slave Auction Receipt From 1853
Bill of sale for several slaves purchased at an auction in New Orleans on 16 November 1853 at the St. Louis Exchange Hotel, a well-known spot for slave auctions at the time. Disturbing receipt lists the human beings sold, with their sale price, content contrasting the elegant penmanship displayed by the auctioneer, who signs the document, “J.A. Bonneval / auct.” Entitled “Succession of Catherine Dinet”, document reads in part, “Sold this day at auction at 12 o clock at the St. Louis Exchange…the following described property: Celia alias Cecilia negress aged about 41 years, cook, washer and ironer and her two children Areene about 5 years and Vincent about 4 years. / To Mr. Louis Cousin for $1110.00 / Louisa negro girl aged about 19 years cook and house girl / To Mr. Victor Emile for 875.00…Antoinette alias Jacqueline negro girl aged about 15 years, house girl & children nurse / To Mr. Louis Cousin for 700.00…” Document totals the purchase, listing the “Terms Cash”. Second sheet of bifolium document appears to document payment to the auctioneer, and verso shows handwritten calculations. Document on blue laid paper measures 7.75″ x 12.5″ as folded. Mounting remnant to top of second sheet, folds, and light wear including small hole on second sheet. Very good condition. Sold for $1,250.
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Interesting Narrative Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).