Nate D. Sanders Auctions Answers: “What is the Value of a Robert E. Lee Autograph?”
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, consign or sell auction a Robert E Lee autograph, Robert E Lee autograph document signed, Robert E Lee autograph letter signed or a Robert E Lee autograph on a CDV photo, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Robert E Lee Autograph
A Robert E Lee autograph is the most popular Confederate autograph to own. While a great content document or letter can cost you tens of thousands of dollars, especially if dated during the Civil War, a basic Robert E Lee autograph will only cost you a few thousand dollars. Please take a look at the ones that we have sold, here at NateDSanders.com:
Robert E Lee Gettysburg Autograph Letter Signed
Robert E. Lee autograph letter signed to B.H. Wright on 18 January 1869. Lee responds to a letter from Wright who, in hindsight, criticizes the Confederate Civil War strategy for the most famous battles including Gettysburg and Fredericksburg; letter from Wright included. Excerpt from Lee: “this failure of the Confederate army at Gettysburg was owing to a combination of circumstances but for which success might have been reasonably expected. It…seemed that Genl Burnside had good reasons for his move…to Fredericksburg & as far as I was able to judge the earlier arrival of his troops…would not have materially changed the result…all would only have produced an earlier concentration of the Confederate army at Fredericksburg. As regards Gen McClellan I have always entertained a high opinion of his capacity & have no reason to think that he omitted to do anything that was in his power. It is difficult for me to say what success would have attended the execution of your plan of moving the Federal army to Aquia Creek after its attack of Fredericksburg, & of threatening Richmond…& then entering the Rapahannock with the Main army. I do not think that the Confederate army would have retired to Richmond until the movement developed the necesity. After the accomplishment of an event, it is so easy with the aid of our after knowledge to correct moves that are from previous events…” Runs 2pp., 7″x 9″. The historic marvel is accompanied by Wright’s previous letter to Lee. In good condition. A true gem. Sold for $32,500.
Robert E Lee Autograph Letter Signed. Click to enlarge.
General Robert E. Lee Letter Signed Regarding Troop Replenishment After the Battle of Chancellorsville — Dated 9 May 1863 After Lee Made the Audacious Decision to Split His Army & Bluff the Union
General Robert E. Lee letter signed, composed a week after Lee executed his “perfect battle” plan at Chancellorsville. In the face of overwhelming Union forces, Lee made the bold decision on 1 May 1863 to split his army, pitting a small force to defend Fredericksburg against the advance of Union General John Sedgwick, and using the remainder of his army to attack Union General Joseph Hooker’s forces. The strategy was so effective that Lee divided his army a second time on 2 May, allowing General Stonewall Jackson to rout the Union’s XI Corps, and causing Hooker to hesitate before ultimately withdrawing his forces. Indeed, the battle was so perfectly executed that many believe it led to Lee’s hubristic decision to pursue the Union army north, leading to the Battle of Gettysburg, which completely altered the course of the Civil War. Sold for $7,873.
Click image to enlarge.
Robert E. Lee Signed CDV Photo — In Military Uniform With Three Confederate Stars on His Lapel
Commander of the Confederate Army during the Civil War, Robert E. Lee signed CDV photo, ”RE Lee”. In this photo taken by Richmond photographer J.W. Davies (famously referred to as the ”floppy tie” photograph), Lee wears his Confederate uniform featuring only three stars, signifying his rank of Colonel before the Civil War. During the war, Lee refused to wear a General’s insignia, preferring to wait until the South won the war and he could properly be promoted to General in the Confederate Army. CDV measures 2.75” x 4”. Handwritten notation and two-cent stamp to verso. Slightly trimmed along lower edge, only affecting mount. Light toning and wear, overall in very good condition with a bold signature. Sold for $5,625.
Robert E Lee Autograph CDV Photo. Click to enlarge.
Robert E. Lee Signed CDV Photo in a Suit
Confederate General Robert E. Lee signed CDV photo of himself in 1866, just after the Civil War when he posed for photographer Alexander Gardner. Signed in large black ink, “RE Lee”. Handwritten note on verso reads “Presented to Fannie K. Breeden by Gen. Robert E. Lee, Nov. 1866″. Carte de visite measures 2.5″ x 4”. Light toning and an abrasion to left margin. Very good condition. Sold for $5,356.
Click image to enlarge.
Robert E. Lee Signed CDV Photo
Confederate General Robert E. Lee signed CDV photo, with Mathew Brady backstamp on verso. Signed in large black ink, ”RE Lee”. Carte de visite measures 2.375” x 3.625”. Irregularly trimmed lower edge, otherwise near fine condition with a bright photo and bold signature. Sold for $5,035.
Click image to enlarge.
Robert E. Lee Early War-Dated Document Signed as Commanding General — Regarding Mail for Confederate Troops & “Felling of Trees” Just After Lee’s First Battle of Cheat Mountain
Commander-in-Chief of Confederate Armies, Robert E. Lee autograph document, dated early in the Civil War on 3 October 1861. Issued during Lee’s West Virginia campaign, location is noted as “Headquarters Camp on Sewell Mt.”, where Lee encamped after Cheat Mountain. Document gives “Special Orders” to General John B. Floyd that “The mail will be forwarded…letters of each regiment will be deposited with the regimental quartermaster who will cause them to be delivered…mail bags will be in charge of the quartermaster…felling of trees within the vicinity of the camp, except for firewood or other necessary purposes is strictly prohibited. Commanding officers will give special attention to this subject…” The Battle of Cheat Mountain, fought in mid-September 1861, was the first battle in which General Lee led troops. Document measures 7″ x 9.25″ on one page, with staining to upper left edge from mounting residue on verso. Very good condition. Sold for $3,896.
Robert E Lee Autograph Document Signed. Click to enlarge.
Robert E Lee autograph carte de visite portrait in Confederate uniform. Commander of the Confederate Army during the Civil War, Lee signs his name as ”RE Lee” in black ink at bottom right. Verso is blank. CDV measures 2.5” x 4”. Toning and light foxing, signature is striking and bold. Very good condition. Sold for $3,781.
General Robert E Lee Autograph CDV. Click to enlarge.
Very rare 1865 Robert E Lee autograph carte de visite clearly ”R. E. Lee” at bottom. Verso of photo bears Mathew Brady backstamp: ”M.B. Brady & Co. / National Photographic Portrait Galleries / No. 352 Pennsylvania Av. / Washington, D.C. & New York”. Brady took photos of Lee in Richmond on 16 April 1865, a week after Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Minor soiling to 2.25” x 4” photo, else very good condition. Sold for $3,355.
Robert E Lee Autograph CDV — With Brady Backstamp. Click to enlarge.
Robert E. Lee Signed CDV Photo
Confederate General Robert E. Lee signed CDV photo, with Mathew Brady backstamp on verso. Signed in black ink, ”R E Lee”. Carte de visite measures 2.375” x 4”. Discreet moisture stain to right side also affecting verso, and mild wear, overall very good condition with a large signature. Sold for $3,125.
Click image to enlarge.
Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s original ”Funeral Obsequies” broadside program, dated 15 October 1870. Lee died on 12 October 1870 in the President’s house at Washington College, now Washington and Lee University, two weeks after suffering a stroke. Lee had been president of the school for four years, doing much to transform the college into a respected center of higher learning. He was buried in the basement of the Lee Memorial Chapel, situated on the college campus. The program lists the Order of Procession at the funeral: ”Escort of Honor, Consisting of Officers and Soldiers of the Confederate Army. Chaplain and other Clergy. Hearse and Pall-Bearers. General Lee’s Horse. The Attending Physicians. Trustees and Faculty of Washington College. Dignitaries of the State of Virginia. Visitors and Faculty of V. M. Institute. Other Representative Bodies and Distinguished Visitors. Alumni of Washington College. Citizens. Cadets V. M. Institute. Students Washington College As Guard of Honour.” It continues, in part, ”At 10 O’Clock, Precisely, The Procession (except as hereafter designated) will be formed on the College ground, in front of the President’s House and will move down Washington Street…The Procession will be halted in front of the Chapel…when the Cadets for the Institute and the Students of Washington College will be marched through the College Chapel, past the remains…After the funeral services are concluded in the Chapel, the body will be removed to the vault prepared for its reception, and the concluding services will be read by the Chaplain, from the bank on the Southern side of the Chapel, in front of the vault.” 1pp. document measures 8” x 10”, with some light soiling throughout, a 1.5” inch tear and small chip at bottom. Also includes a black satin mourning ribbon with small rosette. Very good condition overall. Sold for $3,049.
Original Robert E Lee Funeral Obsequies Broadside. Click to enlarge.
CDV Photograph of Robert E. Lee Signed Boldly by the General — Scarce
Robert E. Lee autograph by the Confederate General on a grainy photo. Original carte de visite of Lee is boldly signed ”R E Lee” at the lower right of his image. Circa 1866-1870 photo is mounted to a card printed ”Boude & Miley, Lexington, VA” by the photographers. Taken during his tenure as president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, the photo measures 2.5” x 4.25”. Small pinhole at top and foxing and fading to image. Signature itself is bold and near fine. Sold for $3,049.
CDV Photograph with Robert E Lee Autograph. Click to enlarge.
Robert E. Lee Signed CDV Photo
Confederate General Robert E. Lee signed CDV photo, with Mathew Brady backstamp on verso. Signed in large black ink, ”RE Lee”. Carte de visite measures 2.5” x 4”. Some fading to photo and discoloration along edge of mount. Overall very good condition with bold signature. Sold for $3,021.
Click image to enlarge.
General Robert E. Lee autograph endorsement signed, commending the performance of a Major Robert M. Grinnell, who was twice wounded in battle during the Civil War and returned to combat each time afterwards. Composed on 18 April 1865, Lee writes in full, ”It gives me pleasure to express my Concurrence in the Commendation bestowed by Genl Heth on Major Grinnell. His Conduct & deportment has been always admirable. / R E Lee / Genl / 18 Apl ’65”. Document is likely one of the last times that Robert E. Lee signed off with the rank of General, here at the close of the Civil War. Endorsement measures 3.25” x 7.75” as folded. Strip of toning to right side and separation starting along fold line affecting date; very good condition with clear handwriting. Endorsement is accompanied by Major General Henry Heth’s commendation of Major Grinnell, which measures 7.75” x 9.625”. Both documents are professionally affixed to mat in a presentation measuring 27” x 27”. Sold for $2,625.
Click image to enlarge.
Robert E. Lee signature, written as a young man when Lee served as military engineer. Signed, ”RE Lee / Lt Engrs”, with the date of 1835 added in another hand. Slip measures 1.75” x 1.25”. Two very small closed tears, overall near fine condition. Sold for $1,750.
Click image to enlarge.
Robert E. Lee Document Signed — Signed While Lee Was Captain of the Army Corps of Engineers in 1838
Robert E. Lee autograph on a 1838 document. The future Confederate General spent approximately eleven years serving in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1837, where he oversaw projects related to the navigation of the Mississippi River. The sworn statement, clipped from a larger document, lists certain articles received by Lee’s regiment upon the verso. Document lists the date of 1838 and reads; “I Certify / That the articles charged in the within account have been received, were necessary for, and have been or will be applied, for the objects within stated, to the Improvement of the Harbor of St. Louis.” Lee signs “R.E. Lee / Captain” underneath the declaration. Measures 8″ x 2.5″. Toning and slight rust stain to upper left hand. Very good. Sold for $1,614.
Robert E Lee Autograph Document Signed. Click to enlarge.
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, consign or sell auction a Robert E Lee autograph, Robert E Lee autograph document signed, Robert E Lee autograph letter signed or a Robert E Lee autograph on a CDV photo, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
We offer the following services for your Robert E Lee autograph items:
- Appraise Robert E Lee autograph.
- Auction Robert E Lee autograph.
- Authenticate Robert E Lee autograph.
- Consign Robert E Lee autograph.
- Buy Robert E Lee autograph.
- Sell Robert E Lee autograph.
- Estimate Robert E Lee autograph.
- Robert E Lee autograph auction.
- Robert E Lee autograph consignment.
- Robert E Lee autograph valuation.
Comments are closed