Sell or Auction Supreme Court Autographs at Nate D. Sanders Auctions

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Supreme Court Autographs Sold

At Nate D. Sanders Auctions we sold the following Supreme Court autographs. Here are the descriptions:

William Taft Historically Important & Anti-Semitic Letter on Louis Brandeis, 2 Days After His Supreme Court Appointment — ”Brandeis is…a hypocrite…unscrupulous…power for evil…Jew of Jews”

Exceptional William Howard Taft typed letter signed with his hand-edits and an additional autograph note signed, dated 31 January 1916, just two days after President Wilson nominated Louis Brandeis to the Supreme Court. Addressed to his close friend and Washington journalist, Gus Karger (who also happened to be Jewish), Taft rips Wilson’s ”Machiavellian” and ”satanic skill” in his selection of Brandeis, whom he calls ”cunning”, a ”hypocrite” and a ”power for evil”. Brandeis was the first Jewish member of the Supreme Court, and Taft writes that the ”clannishness” of Jews will prevent them from opposing Brandeis, in addition to much other content focused on Brandeis’ religion. Taft famously opposed Brandeis’ nomination to the Court, and this is one of the first letters by Taft where he discusses it; scholars have painted much of Brandeis’ opposition to pure anti-Seminitism, which this letter elucidates. Taft gets right into the criticism, beginning the letter with, ”Our worthy President has developed more qualities of Machiavelli than even I, with a full appreciation of the admirable roundness of his character, had suspected. When I think of the devilish ingenuity manifested in the selection of Brandeis, I can not but admire his finesse. Of course, joking aside, it is one of the deepest wounds that I have had as an American and a lover of of the Constitution and a believer in progressive Conservatism, that such a man as Brandeis could be put in the Court, as I believe he is likely to be. He is a muckraker, an emotionalist for his own purposes, a socialist, prompted by jealousy, a hypocrite, a man who has certain high ideals in his imagination, but who is utterly unscrupulous [handwritten] in method of reaching them [], a man of infinite cunning, of marked ability in that direction that hardly rises above the dignity of cunning, of great tenacity of purpose, and, in my judgement, of [handwritten] much [] power for evil. He is only one of nine on the Court, but one on the Court is often an important consideration; and even if the [handwritten] rest of the [] Court is against him, he has the opportunity to attack their judgements and weaken their force by insidious demagoguery, and an appeal to the restless element that can do infinite harm. I sincerely hope that he can be defeated in the Senate, but I don’t think so. Your description of the outburst against him when nominated, together with the dark brown taste in the mouth of protesting Senators the next morning, is an indication of the satanic skill in his selection. The intelligent Jews of this country are as much opposed to Brandeis’ nomination as I am, but there are politics in the Jewish community, which with their clannishness embarrass leading and liberal and clear-sighted Jews. I venture to think that the leading Jews of New York, Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati and the other cities, who are not bound up in emotional uplifting, and who do not now tend to socialism, are as much troubled over this appointment and as indignant as any of us can be, but Brandeis’ foresight as to himself has strangled their expression lest they arouse bitter criticism against them [handwritten] selves [] by their own people. I talked with Isaac Ullman of New Haven, some little time ago about Brandeis. Isaac is on all the great Jewish committees, and he says there is a great feeling of antagonism toward Brandeis among the leading Jews, because his present superlative and extreme Judaism is a plant of very late growth. He says that he was no Jew until he was rejected by Wilson as Attorney-General, because the leading Jews of the country told Wilson that Brandeis was not a representative Jew. Since that time, Brandeis has adopted Zionism, favors the new Jerusalem, and has metaphorically been re-circumcised. He has gone all over the country making speeches, arousing the Jewish spirit, even wearing a hat in the Synagogue while making a speech in order to attract those bearded Rabbis whose invitation to the silver wedding in such numbers you promoted. If it were necessary, I am sure he would have grown a beard to convince them that he was a Jew of Jews. All this has made it politically difficult for not only the Jews but for anybody looking for office where there are Jews in the constituency, to hesitate about opposing Brandeis. The humor of the situation I can, not, even in the sorrow of the appointment, escape. When I consider the heartfelt indignation of [Senate Majority Leader Henry Cabot] Lodge and [Senator John W.] Weeks at having to alienate the Jews of Massachusetts, with their candidacies just before them, I derive some wicked amusement. Weeks is the candidate of the Shoe Machinery Company, and of all organizations in the country, Brandeis is anathema to them. Lodge’s friends in Boston, Major Higginson and others, regard Brandeis as the most exalted type of the dishonest trickster. Wilson has projected a fight, which with master art he will give the color of a contest, on one side of which will be ranged the opposition of corporate wealth and racial prejudice, and on the other side the downtrodden, the oppressed, the uplifters, the Labor unions, and all the elements which are supposed to have votes in the election. This will lead to the confirmation because of the white-livered Senators that we have. The Senate has been LaFolletized and Gomperized so that it has ceased to be the conservative body it was. But as so often happens in such a well devised Machiavellian scheme, the ultimate result is not going to be to Wilson’s advantage, if we nominate any man whose conservatism appeals to the business men. His willingness to put a socialist on the Bench, and a muckraker, will drive from him the element that he might call upon because he has saved us from war, and that is strong among the business men. This appointment will be remembered long after the excitement of the confirmation has passed away, and it will return to plague him, as it ought to. It is too ingenious and too unscrupulous. Machiavelli’s philosophy and policy were lacking in the same way. When you consider Brandeis’ appointment, and think that men were pressing me for the place, es ist zum lachen [it is laughable]. You know me well enough to know that my judgement on this subject is not in the slightest degree colored by the fact that men had suggested me for the place. I never for one moment credited the possibility of Wilson’s considering my name. The thoughts of the Judges of the Supreme Court, if they could be interpreted, would form interesting reading. I am coming down to Washington as you know, and I shall be glad to continue this subject when I meet you. It will probably have worked itself out then, thought there may be some people strong enough to continue the fight until then. Affectionately yours, [signed] Wm H Taft”. Taft continues the letter with an autograph note reading, ”Horace [Taft’s brother] writes he is delighted with the appointment but he would have preferred [labor lawyer Frank Walsh]. I have written him that he evidently doesn’t appreciate the perfectness of the nomination in all its phases. The only name in the same class is that of [Samuel] Gompers.” Four pages on 4 sheets, each measuring 8” x 10.5”. Discoloration and dampstaining to lower left of all pages, much of which can be framed out, uniform toning, and stain from paper clip on page 1, overall in fair to good condition. Sold for $10,000.

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Exceptionally Rare Signed Photo of All Four Female Supreme Court Justices

Inspiring photo signed by all four past and present female U.S. Supreme Court justices. On the mat below their respective images, the women sign ”Sandra Day O’Connor”, ”Sonia Sotomayor”, ”Ruth Bader Ginsburg” and ”Elena Kagan”. 9.75” x 7.75” photograph was taken on 7 August 2010 at the Investiture Ceremony of Justice Kagan. Signed on the 14” x 12.25” mat, which has been mounted to foam board. Near fine condition. Sold for $5,000.

Large 19.5” x 12.5” Signed Photo of Nine 1904 Fuller Supreme Court Justices — With Signatures Including Melville Fuller & Henry Billings Brown

Unique 19.5” x 12.5” signed photo of nine U.S. Justices of the 1904 Fuller Supreme Court. Group portrait depicts the judges in robes with signatures on the mat including: Henry Billings Brown, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., John Marshall Harlan, Rufus Wheeler Peckham (signs twice), Melville W. Fuller, Joseph McKenna, David Josiah Brewer, William R. Day and Edward Douglass White, Jr. Framed to an overall size of 24” x 17” with minor fading to Fuller signature; Peckham has drawn a line through his awkwardly-positioned signature and written again under his portrait. Near fine condition. Sold for $2,291.

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John Paul Stevens Signed Bush v. Gore Supreme Court Decision

Justice John Paul Stevens signed Supreme Court decision for Bush v. Gore, one of the most consequential decisions in the history of the Court. Stevens, one of the dissenting judges, signs at top in black ink, ”John Paul Stevens” above the Per Curiam opinion, which halted the Presidential recount in Florida, making George W. Bush the 43rd President of the United States. Eight page opinion on eight separate sheets measures 8.5” x 11”. Shallow dog ear to top left of first page, otherwise near fine. Sold for $1,875.

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Taney Supreme Court Document Signed

Roger B. Taney Supreme Court document signed, circa 1846. Taney, the fifth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, also served as Secretary of Treasury and Attorney General in Jackson’s cabinet. Document includes signatures of Associate Justices in Taney’s Court: John McLean, James M. Wayne, John Catron, Peter V. Daniel, Samuel Nelson, Robert C. Grier and Levi Woodbury. Taney wrote the opinion in the Dred Scott case which declared unconstitutional any restrictions imposed by Congress on the spread of slavery into the territories, such as those found in the Missouri Compromise. Quarto leaf document, measuring 7.5″ x 9.5″, handsigned in ink on thin paper stock which suffers from yellowing, minute tears and spots at edges. Good plus condition. Sold for $1,702.

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Signed Photo Display by All 9 Justices of the Warren Burger Supreme Court

Supreme Court photo display signed by all nine Justices of the Burger court, circa late 1970’s. Signed by Warren Burger, William Rehnquist, Thurgood Marshall, Potter Stewart, Harry Blackmun, Lewis F. Powell Jr., Byron White, William J. Brennan, Jr. and John Paul Stevens. The 14” x 9” matte-finish photo is matted to a size of 18” x 14”, upon which the Justices sign. A few faint ink marks are present, not affecting signatures, else fine. A rare signed photo by one of the most controversial courts of the 20th century. Sold for $1,563.

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Warren Supreme Court Signed Photo

1965-67 United States Supreme Court Justices photo signed. Signatures of all nine Justices include the 14th Chief Justice of the United States Earl Warren, Hugo Black, Potter Stewart and Byron R. White. Photo depicts all nine Justices standing or leaning in a row within the Supreme Court chambers, a portrait of John Marshall watching over them. Signatures, in black, blue and light brown ink, very bold and readable. Matted photo, measuring approximately 14″ x 18″, signed on bottom mat border. Slight toning to mat board. Mint condition. Sold for $1,434.

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Hughes Supreme Court Signed Photo

Rare signed photo of the United States Supreme Courthouse, signed by members of the Hughes Supreme Court along the bottom margin. Black and white photo features an angled frontal view of the courthouse bathed in sunlight. Ink signatures include Charles E. Hughes, Hugo Black, Felix Frankfurter, William O. Douglas, Frank Murphy, Stanley Reed, Owen Roberts, Harlan F. Stone and James McReynolds. Signatures present along bottom margin of photo matting. Matting shows slight toning and water stains along bottom margin, though not affecting signatures. Photo in frame measures 25.5″ x 21.5″. Overall excellent condition. A rare piece of Supreme Court history. Sold for $1,350.

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Official Signed Photo by All 9 Justices of the Warren Burger Supreme Court

Supreme Court photo signed by all nine Justices of the Burger court, circa late 1970’s. Signed by Warren Burger, William Rehnquist, Thurgood Marshall, Potter Stewart, Harry Blackmun, Lewis F. Powell Jr., Byron White, William J. Brennan, Jr. and John Paul Stevens. The 14” x 9” matte photo is matted to a size of 18” x 14”, upon which the Justices sign. Some light toning along edge of mat and fading to some of the signatures, else near fine condition. A rare signed photo by one of the most controversial courts of the 20th century. Sold for $1,290.

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William Taft Letter Signed as Supreme Court Chief Justice — Taft Talks Politics & Taxes: ”…I don’t want to complain, but this year…present income tax law will make me pay very heavily…”

William H. Taft typed letter signed on U.S. Supreme Court stationery. Dated 25 August 1921, just months after his confirmation as Chief Justice, Taft writes to his friend, journalist Gus Karger on a host of subjects including Congressional gossip, President Harding, taxes and a Supreme Court case regarding arbitration. He begins, ”…In respect to the house, Lieutenant-Governor [Alvan] Fuller has been exceedingly agreeable. I think he is glad to sell the house to me and to have me live in it. I get all the contents of the house, including some coal and wood, with the exception of a few things that have been taken out of it by Mrs. Fuller and with the exception of a piano which belongs to Mrs. Walters, who sold the house to the Fullers. The great bulk of everything in the houses passes with it. / I am very much interested in what you say about the work Congress has done. I much regret that the revenue bill was not made applicable to the taxes to be paid on the income for the current year. I don’t want to complain, but in this year in which I have made more money than in any year of my life, the present income tax law will make me pay very heavily. I shouldn’t wonder if it ran up to $32,000, or $8,000 every quarter. If my income were to continue at the same rate, of course this would not be so bad, but it now falls necessarily to considerably less than half what it was, and it means just a reduction of my principal and my permanent income. However, I am not kicking. / I am interested and troubled by the opposition that is developing among a small band of Republican politicians in the Senate, like Borah and La Follette, to the action of the Administration. Johnson does not seem to make himself prominent in it but of course he is anxious to help in any way to destroy Harding’s influence. I am sorry to have the railroad bill go over, and I am rather sorry to have Congress take a recess until the whole work is done…I am sorry to learn that there is any rivalry which may prevent Kelllogg’s coming back to the Senate. He professes that he does not wish to come back, but I suppose he would like to. I am a little surprised at what you say about Preuss. I thought he was a strong man and a courageous man…I am working along on my opinion in the arbitration case and am tonight dictating to Misch the last pages of the first draft of it. It will need a good deal of work after that…Affectionately yours, [signed] Wm H Taft”. Two page letter measures 8” x 10.5”. Written on front sides of two sheets, ideal for framing. Light toning and paperclip impression to upper left, otherwise near fine. Sold for $1,250.

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John Jay Militia Appointment Signed as Governor of New York

New York Governor John Jay militia appointment signed. Partly-printed document datelined Albany, New York, 22 March 1797 appoints Gilbert Van Alen “Ensign of a Company…in the County of Columbia.” According to docketing on the verso (undated though contemporary with the document), Van Alen was killed after he was “dragged” by “Two fine young colts.” Document bears an intricate paper seal at upper left with Jay’s signature directly below. Measures 15″ x 9.25″. Moderate toning and foxing, and shadowing to signature. Very good condition. Sold for $977.

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1936 Supreme Court Signatures

1936 Charles Hughes U.S. Supreme Court signed sheet. Ink signatures of all nine members of the Hughes Court on an off-white vellum slip. “Charles E. Hughes” signature, large and bold, is the first and biggest of all signatures on sheet. Other Supreme Court Justice signatures include Harlan F. Stone, Benjamin N. Cardozo, Louis D. Brandeis, Pierce Butler, J.C. McReynolds, Willis Van Devanter, Owen J. Roberts and Geo. [George] Sutherland. The Hughes Supreme Court, of course, presided over Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation; as Chief Justice, Hughes acted as conciliator between the progressive forces unleashed by the Depression and traditional conservative interpretation of the Constitution. In so doing, the Court set historic precedent on freedom of the press, labor law, limits of executive power and Social Security. Vertical vellum sheet, measuring 3.75″ x 8.25″, has a light bisecting horizontal fold not affecting any signatures. Sheet clean, black ink signatures bold. Fine condition. Sold for $980.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Signed Bush vs. Gore Election 2000 Decision

Signed copy of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s opinion in the U.S. Presidential Election case issued on 12 December 2000 (George W. Bush vs. Albert Gore, Jr.). Signed opinion 8.5” x 11” and runs 10 pages, stapled at top left. Justice Ginsburg signs boldly on the title page. An historic item relating to the closest Presidential election in U.S. history, in fine condition. Sold for $938.

Founding Father John Jay Document Signed From 1757

John Jay document signed. Dated 10 May 1757, Jay orders the comptroller, Samuel Jones, to ”give your warrant on the Treasurer for the amount of the above amount…for…Expenses of government.” Single-page document measures 8” x 2.25”. Mounted to a backing sheet to an overall size of 8.75” x 2.75”, clipped from a larger document. Near fine. Sold for $938.

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Interesting John Jay Autograph Letter Signed Shortly After Resigning as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court

John Jay autograph letter signed, datelined New York, 20 September 1795. Only weeks after resigning as the first chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court to become New York’s governor, John Jay notifies ”Mrs. Wentworth” that enclosed is ”a copy of the Inventory” (not included here) and promises to send the colonel’s ”account…the moment he [Dr. Post] sends it to me.” Single page document has some expected foxing, uneven margins and a tear to the lower right, not affecting text. Overall in very good condition, measuring 9.25” x 4.5”. Sold for $832.

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Rehnquist Supreme Court Signed Photo — All Nine Justices Sign Including William Rehnquist, Sandra Day O’Connor & Thurgood Marshall — 19.25” x 16.25”

Photo of the U.S. Supreme Court headed by William Rehnquist, signed by all nine justices. Includes the sharp, clear signatures of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, Thurgood Marshall, Sandra Day O’Connor, William J. Brennan, Jr., Byron R. White, Harry A. Blackmun, Antonin Scalia, John Paul Stevens and Anthony Kennedy. 14” x 11” photograph is matted to a 19.25” x 16.25” board, upon which the Justices sign. Some soiling to board and bumping to right edge, else near fine. Sold for $880.

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Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Signed Photograph of Her Swearing-in Ceremony — With Invitation From the Event

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor signed photograph of her swearing-in ceremony from 8 September 2009. Sotomayor is shown taking the oath of office, as administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. She signs the custom mat surrounding both the photo and an invitation to the event, ”Ed: For all you do – Thank you. / Sonia Sotomayor”. Visible portions of photo and invitation measure 4.75” x 6.75” and 5.75” x 4.5” respectively. Entire framed presentation measures 11.75” x 19”. Near fine condition. Sold for $750.

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The Rehnquist Supreme Court Signed Photo Mat — Signed by All Nine Justices, Circa Late 1980s

Photo of the Rehnquist Supreme Court, signed by all nine Justices upon the presentation board. Circa late 1980s, Justices sign from left to right: Thurgood Marshall, Antonin Scalia, William J. Brennan Jr., John Paul Stevens, William H. Rehnquist, Sandra Day O’Connor, Byron R. White, Anthony M. Kennedy, and Harry A. Blackmun. Photo measures 14” x 9.5” upon signed board measuring 18” x 14”. Mild abrasions to photo and a few dings to edges of mat, but overall in very good plus condition with bold signatures. Sold for $750.

Sell your Supreme Court autographs that are for sale today. Please email your images and descriptions to [email protected].

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Signed Election 2000 Decision — George W. Bush vs. Albert Gore

Thirteen page copy of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on the historic 2000 presidential election signed boldly by Justice Clarence Thomas on title page. Measures 8.5” x 11”. Fine condition. Sold for $375.

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