Sell or Auction Your Richard Francis Burton Autograph Letter Signed for up to Nearly $2,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Sell Your Richard Francis Burton Autograph Letter Signed
Below is a recent realized price for an autograph letter signed from British explorer and scholar Richard Francis Burton. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
Richard Francis Burton Autograph Letter Signed. Sold for Nearly $2,000.
Here are some related items we have sold:
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.
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.
Ernest Shackleton & Crew Signed “The Heart of the Antarctic. Being the Story of the British Antarctic Expedition 1907-1909” Limited to Just 300 Copies, This Being All Three Volumes — Scarce
Ernest Shackleton’s signed copy of “The Heart of the Antarctic. Being the Story of the British Antarctic Expedition 1907-1909, 3 volumes (including “The Antarctic Book Winter Quarters 1907-09”), limited to 300 copies (here #273), also with signatures of the entire Shore party. Photogravure frontispiece, numerous plates (including 6 etched plates by George Marston, 16 tipped-in color after George Marston, others mostly photographic), one folding panorama and three folding lithographed maps in pocket at the end of volume three, illustrations and diagrams in the text. In publisher’s vellum, blocked in gilt with design of two penguins and top edges gilt. Occasional light spotting and small tear on cover of volume two. Overall in very good to near fine condition, signed by the Nimrod Shore Party crew. Sold for $12,718.
Ernest Shackleton Signed Bill of Sale for the Nimrod — the Ship That Successfully Took Him to the Antarctic
Bill of sale for the ship Nimrod, signed by Ernest Shackleton on 11 May 1911, after the successful completion of his Antarctic expedition aboard the ship. Customs and Board of Trade document lists the Nimrod as a 50-ton steam-ship. Shackleton sold her to Captain Rowland Webster, a tea and rubber planter, for 2200 pounds. Shackleton signs, “E H Shackleton” to bottom right. The British Imperial Antarctic Expedition, “Nimrod Expedition,” of 1907-1909, was the first under Shackleton’s leadership. Upon his return, Shackleton fitted Nimrod out “as a floating exhibition of expedition relics.” From entrance fees, he made the substantial sum of 2000 pounds, which he gave to charity. Measures 20″ x 15″. Framed to an overall size of 27.5″ x 23″. Creasing, else near fine. Sold for $12,619 as lot 78 in Bonhams 30 March 2012 sale. Sold for $10,116.
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.
Charles Darwin autograph letter signed, dated 12 February 1879 shortly before his publication ”The Power of Movement in Plants”. Darwin writes fellow English naturalist and explorer Henry Walter Bates regarding a document to be sent to the Royal Society. Letter reads, ”Feb 12th 79 / Dear Bates / Enclosed is the certificate with 7 signatures, which I would think was ample, but I send it to you instead of direct to R.S. [Royal Society], as you might have to get stamps from Martin and friend Sir H.C. Rowlinson’s signature, whom I do not know. If I were in your place I would append to your title ‘Ex Pres [President] of Ent. [Entomological] Soc. [Society] Yr’; but you are the best judge of this. I think that you had better send the certificate, with note enclosed by a safe hand or [?]. Yours sincerely, Ch. Darwin”. Darwin had earlier praised Bates seminal work, ”The Naturalist on the River Amazons”, as the ”best book of Natural History Travels ever published in England”. Single page letter measures 5” x 8”. Light soiling and wear; overall in very good plus condition with very bold handwriting and signature. Sold for $6,250.
Robert Falcon Scott Autograph on a Typed Letter on “British Antarctic Expedition 1910” Stationery Asking New Zealand to Overturn Its Refusal to Allow James Mackintosh-Bell From Joining Expedition
Robert Falcon Scott autograph on a typed letter as Captain of the 1910 British Antarctic Expedition, now known as the ill-fated Terra Nova expedition. On official letterhead dated 7 January 1910, Scott asks Expedition Advisory Committee member Sir Archibald Geikie for his help in persuading the New Zealand government to allow geologist James Mackintosh-Bell to join the expedition. Mackintosh-Bell declined Scott’s offer to join the 1901-1904 British National Antarctic expedition (Discovery) and, when this letter was written, was director of the Geological Survey of New Zealand. Scott writes this two page letter, hoping “…to have a statement from some scientific authority that Mr. Mackintosh-Bell would be a valuable addition to the Expedition staff and possibly that his knowledge of the geology of New Zealand would especially qualify him for work in the Antarctic continent…” He signs, “R.F. Scott” as well as making two handwritten corrections in the typed text of the letter. The approach failed (and thus saving Mackintosh-Bell’s life), and Bell remained in his position until 1911, but the letter is typical of Scott’s proactive attempts to bolster the scientific expertise of the expedition. Two sheets, measuring 8″ x 10″, are stapled in upper corner. Light creasing and a few tiny stains, else near fine. Sold for $4,353.
1901 Robert Falcon Scott Autograph Letter Signed — While “At Sea” on Discovery Expedition Letterhead
Famed Antarctic explorer, Robert Falcon Scott autograph letter signed “R.F. Scott” while on the Discovery Expedition. Scott datelines his letter “At Sea, 18 September”, just a month into the venture. Written on “Discovery Antarctic Expedition 1901” stationery, Scott expresses thanks for the donation of a book to the Discovery ship’s on-board library. Likely sent to the book’s author Henry Sulivan, it reads in part: “…very tardy thanks for your present – of ‘The Life & Letters of Sir BJ Sulivan’ – They reached me at a very busy time on the eve of our departure…” British hydrographer and sailor Sir Bartholomew J. Sulivan’s biography is in fact included in the printed “Catalogue of Books of the Discovery 1901,” which indicates it was shelved in Lieutenant Armitage’s cabin. Scott was killed in 1912 on his sophomore expedition, Terra Nova, and letters by him, especially on adventure are very uncommon. 2pp. letter on card-style stationery measures approximately 4.5″ x 7″. Very good condition. Sold for $3,873.
Roald Amundsen Autograph Letter Signed
Arctic explorer Roald Amundsen letter signed, dated 22 October (1907) from Oakland, California, asking permission from Admiral Henry W. Lyons to store and protect his legendary “Gjoa” vessel. The “Gjoa” was the 45 ton fishing vessel that Amundsen famously led on the first ever expedition through the Northwest Passage from the years of 1903 to 1906. The mythical Amundsen went on to become the first explorer to visit both the North and South poles. On “Harry Randall / Minneapolis, Minn.” stationery, letter reads: “Dear Sir: I write to ask you if there is any possibility to get permission to put my vessel the ‘Gjoa’ ashore in the Mare Island Navy Yard. I have to leave her here for a year or two, and I do not know of any place, where she can be left safe from souvenir hunters and other risks unless permission could be obtained to put her ashore in your yard. Your answer will greatly oblige. Sincerely yours / Roald Amundsen”. The Gjoa would indeed be harbored in the San Francisco bay area until 1972, when it was transferred back to Norway and remains to this day. Card-style letter on one page measures 5″ x 6.5″. Central fold and two staple holes to top. With pencil notations to back page. Very good. Sold for $3,500.
Incredible archive of 19th century explorers, including an autograph letter signed by David Livingstone during the Zambezi Expedition, mentioning the ”many large Lakes like seas…Burton has discovered”. Lot also includes three autograph letters signed by explorer and Governor-General of the Sudan Charles George Gordon from the mid-1870s (one with several drawings); a Queen Victoria signature; and an archive of Frank Vardon, close friend to David Livingstone and fellow explorer. Vardon’s collection includes numerous letters, drawings and retained letters from Livingstone to Vardon.
Autograph letter signed by Livingstone is composed from Shamoara on 29 October 1959, during the Zambezi Expedition with Livingstone writing to Dr. John Kirk, who would later excoriate Livingstone for his ”inept” leadership on the expedition. Livingstone writes, ”My Dear Dr. Kirk / We left [?] on the 25th after completing the magnetical observations – We were at Morambala last night but a storm which continued all night prevented our seeing the occultation. I hope you were more fortunate –
Supposing you to be at Telte [sic] last night I have resolved to send up [William] Rowe to get a box of biscuits and a jar of butter at Senna. While the men who remain cut wood here – and when we get a-head & Rowe has returned we shall go down to Shupanga and wait for you there. We have got several blows[?] in coming down. We were driven right ashore by the wind last night & hurt our paddles – We make more water than when you left too. So the sooner she is in dock the better. Rowe will bring the mail if you have not come down quicker than we expected and got them. My brother has had [?] again and badly – Compts to [George] Rae / D. Livingstone
I have told Ferrao that there are ‘many large Lakes like seas North of Telte [sic] & [Richard Francis] Burton has discovered them – We have been to Nyassa or [?]’ & it was very hot.”’ Livingstone then pens Dr. Kirk’s name on integral address panel, ”at Mr. Ferrao’s” and includes a postscript, ”If Rowe & Hutchins have but reached Senna then be good enough to bring butter and salt. & a box of flour & one tine biscuits – as we may have but one”. Bifolium letter on four sheets including address panel measures 7.25” x 8.875”. Small tear from red wax seal. Folds and light soiling. Overall in very good condition.
Archive continues with three autograph letters signed by explorer Charles George Gordon, all dated in the mid-1870s when Gordon served with the Khedive of Egypt. One letter, in particular, from Station Bedden on 5 May 1875 includes four drawings, one of the geography of the area.
Lot also includes a signature by Queen Victoria, penned on a vellum slip measuring 3.75” x 1.75”, included with a 1903 note from Alexander Williams, gifting the signature. Heavy soiling to vellum, in good condition.
Finally, archive includes dozens of personal documents, letters and drawings belonging to Captain Frank Vardon, David Livingstone’s friend and fellow explorer; the two explored Africa together in 1846-47. A wealth of fascinating information including retained copies of letters from Livingstone to Vardon, detailed hand-drawn maps of Africa, receipts and personal ledgers, newspaper clippings, letters to Vardon, even a draft of Vardon’s grave marker. An extraordinary collection of 19th century English exploration in Africa, with personal information worthy of further research. Overall in very good condition. Sold for $3,328.
Antarctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott autograph on a typed letter with a Robert Scott Falcon autograph note signed as Captain of the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910. He signs the letter on official letterhead, ”R Scott”. Dated 6 May 1910, it acknowledges a financial donation toward the doomed Terra Nova expedition by one Marjorie S. Sulivan. Scott adds a rare, handwritten, initialed postscript that reads in full: ”Thank you very much / It is very kind of you / I have made this / collection / R.S.” Single page letter measures 8” x 10”. Toning, creasing, and a small stain to left side. Two small chips to upper left, else near fine. Sold for $2,772.
Autograph Letter Signed by Arctic Explorer Roald Amundsen in 1907 — Amundsen Thanks Admiral Lyon for Taking Care of His Beloved Gjoa Ship That Safely Took Him Through the Northwest Passage
Legendary Arctic explorer Roald Amundsen autograph letter signed from 1907, thanking Admiral Henry W. Lyon for taking care of his legendary “Gjoa” vessel. The Gjoa was the 45 ton fishing vessel that Amundsen famously led on the debut expedition through the Northwest Passage from 1903 to 1906. The mythical Amundsen went on to become the first explorer to visit both the North and South poles. After the Northwest Passage expedition, the Gjoa was lent to the Norwegian community of San Francisco, California and resided in various parts of the city before it was put on display in the city’s Golden Gate Park. It stayed in the city until 1972, when it was transferred back to Norway where it remains to this day. In the letter, written on Amundsen’s personal stationary, he thanks the Admiral “…for the great honor you showed my enterprise & myself in taking personally the ‘Gjoa’ over to Mare Island…I am going to San Francisco in the autumn & shall have great pleasure in paying you a visit…Roald Amundsen…” Measures 4.5″ x 7″. Dampstaining on right and two small staple holes to top. Very good condition. Sold for $2,239.
Rare Original Parchment Document For the Pardon of An English Prisoner From British Penal Colony Van Dieman’s Land, Tasmania — Signed by Renown Arctic Explorer & Prison Governor Sir John Franklin — 1842
Original parchment entitled “No. 511, William Bowtle, His Pardon, No S” for the pardon of English convict William Bowtle from the British penal colony of Van Dieman’s Land, Tasmania. Document signed by Arctic explorer and Governor of Van Dieman’s Land, Sir John Franklin. Document measures approximately 13.5″ x 7.75″. Overall toning, soiling and wear to document. Document also contains several vertical and horizontal creases: one vertical crease passes through autograph, but does not inhibit legibility. Overall good condition. Sold for $1,320.
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