Fine Books and Manuscripts to be Auctioned by Skinner

Skinner, Inc. will host an auction of Fine Books & Manuscripts on November 13^th at 11 a.m. in its Boston gallery located at 63 Park Plaza. Among the featured works is a strong group of Presidential material, including several Lincoln and Washington documents as well as examples from nearly every president from Washington through Reagan. The sale is also highlighted by an interesting group of witchcraft titles, an excellent and varied collection of maps, and some original art by important illustrators such as Arthur Szyk and Lynd Ward.

Of particular local interest is a letter written by Abraham Lincoln dated April 4, 1863 to Massachusetts Governor John Albion Andrew. In it, Lincoln offers the Governor his opinion on naval warfare, specifically an idea regarding the defense of Boston Harbor. This interesting letter is estimated to sell between $30,000 and $50,000.

Historically important on a national scale, lot 35 is a signed manuscript petition proposing the XIII Amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery. This vellum document, estimated to fetch between $200,000 and $300,000, is dated November, 1864 and is signed by Schuyler Colfax, Speaker of the House; Hannibal Hamlin, Vice President of the US, and President of the Senate; and 110 members of Congress. This extremely rare document is one of only a handful still in existence. It is the formal proposal to the states for the ratification on the abolishment of slavery in this country once and for all.

The books offerings in the sale run the gamut of literature, science, botany, travel and exploration, poetry, library sale catalogs, and an interesting group of witchcraft titles.

Rare book offerings include a fine first edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender is the Night, printed in 1934. This book, lot 400, retains its original first issue dust jacket and has an estimated auction value of $6,000 to $8,000.

Representative of the John James Audubon works is lot 824, “The Wolverine,” Plate XXVI from The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, which has an estimated value of $2,000 to $3,000, and lot 814, “Western Duck,” Plate CCCCXXIX from The Birds of America, which is expected to bring between $2,000 and $3,000

Previews, Catalogues and Bidding

Previews for the auction will be held by appointment only on Thursday, November 10^th from 12 to 5 p.m., Friday, November 11^th from 12 to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 12^th from 12 to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 13^th from 9 to 11 a.m.  Illustrated catalogue #2571B is available by mail for $35 ($42 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 508-970-3240.  It is also available at the gallery for $32. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. Skinner's site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, order catalogues, and bid live in real-time through SkinnerLive!  Register here for real-time bidding or call 508-970-3000.