Sell or Auction Your Samuel Pepys Autograph Letter Signed for up to Over $5,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders
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Free Appraisal, Auction or Sell Your Samuel Pepys Autograph Letter Signed
Samuel Pepys PRS (/piːps/ PEEPS; 23 February 1633 – 26 May 1703) was an English diarist and naval administrator. He served as administrator of the Navy of England and Member of Parliament and is most famous for the diary he kept for a decade while still a young man. Pepys had no maritime experience, but he rose to be the Chief Secretary to the Admiralty under both King Charles II and King James II through patronage, diligence, and his talent for administration. His influence and reforms at the Admiralty were important in the early professionalisation of the Royal Navy.
Below is a recent realized price for a Samuel Pepys autograph letter signed item. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions an obtain up to this amount or more for you:
Samuel Pepys Autograph Letter Signed. Sold for over $5,000.
Here is a Samuel Pepys item we have sold:
Samuel Pepys “Memoirs” 1st Edition Rare Book
“Memoirs of Samuel Pepys” comprising the diary from 1659-1669 of Pepys, Secretary to the Admiralty during the reign of Charles II and James II. London: Henry Colburn: 1825. First edition, two volume rare book set, large quarto. Illustrated with engraved frontispiece portrait and 12 plates. Gilt-decorated leather bindings in brown cloth slipcase. Nice. Sold for $1,463.
Here are some recent items that our auction house, Nate D. Sanders (http://www.NateDSanders.com) has sold:
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.
As Governor and Commander in Chief of Louisiana, Meriwether Lewis signs his full name in black ink to a document, appointing George Armistead to the position of ”Justice of the Peace for the township of Arkansas, District of New Madrid” on 18 May 1808. Armistead would later become the Commander of American forces during the bombardment of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812. Lewis’ signature is very scarce as he died of a gunshot wound in 1809, with few documents signed by him as Governor of Louisiana during his 2-year tenure. Document is also one of the few after his expedition from 1804-1806 with William Clark, which charted the newly acquired Louisiana Territory for the United States, a highly dangerous mission but successful mission. Document retains its paper-covered seal and is co-signed by Secretary Frederick Bates, who later became Governor of Missouri. A great Lewis and Clark autograph. Measures 12.5” x 7.75”. Document has been archivally repaired at left panel, small tears at edges of folds, tape to top of left panel, overall very good condition. Sold for $24,513.
Important Winston Churchill typed letter signed as Prime Minister, announcing his resignation from that office, dated 6 April 1955. After suffering a severe stroke in 1953, Churchill’s health quickly began to deteriorate affecting both his speech and ability to walk. Written on official 10 Downing Street stationery, letter to Conservative politician John Harvey reads in part: ”…For some time past I have not felt that at my age it would be right for me to incur such new and indefinite responsibilities I have therefore tendered my resignation to The Queen”. Churchill endorses Anthony Eden as his successor in upholding ”…the causes of Tory democracy which Lord Beaconsfield proclaimed, which Lord Randolph Churchill revived, and which I have tried to serve…[signed] Yours sincerely / Winston S. Churchill”. Two-page letter on two sheets has a hole punched to upper left and measures 7.5” x 9.5”. Lot includes retained copy of Harvey’s reply. Folds and scattered minor stains, else near fine. Sold for $12,500.
Important 17th Century First Edition of ”America: Being the Latest and Most Accurate Description of the New World” — Includes 75 Engravings of American Geography, Animals & Native People
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.
Winston Churchill Signed Limited First Edition of “Marlborough: His Life and Times” — Rare Set Signed by Churchill, One of Only 155 in the Limited Edition, Here in the Original Bindings
Winston Churchill signed limited first edition of “Marlborough: His Life and Times”, a four volume biography of Churchill’s ancestor, John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, with extensive plates, illustrations and folding maps within. Churchill signs the limited edition page of Volume I, “Winston S. Churchill”, indicating this series as #39 in the limited edition of 155. London: George G. Harrap, 1933-38, with “First Published” on copyright pages. All four volumes are bound in their original orange morocco leather bindings, accented in gilt with five raised bands to spine, top edge gilt, and Churchill’s heraldic coat of arms in gilt to the front of each volume. Each volume measures 6.5″ x 9.75″. Darkening to spines, some light scuffing and foxing, joints starting in Volume I and the rear joint of Volume III. Overall a very good set, rare as signed in a very small limited edition run. Sold for $7,875.
William Bligh Document Signed From 1798 for His Ship, the HMS Director — Like the HMS Bounty, the HMS Director Also Mutinied Under Bligh’s Command
William Bligh document signed from 1798, related to his command of the HMS Director. In this document aboard the Director on 14 May 1798, Bligh authorizes the order of supplies, including wine, butter, water, bread, beef, pork, cheese and oatmeal. Signed ”Wm Bligh Capt.” Document is written in the hand of William Dearl, and addressed to Samuel Lewis. By this time, Bligh had survived two mutinies, one famously aboard the HMS Bounty and one aboard this very ship, the HMS Director, almost a year to the day prior to this document. On 12 May 1797, Director took part in the Nore Mutiny, a multi-ship insurrection demanding increased pay and even a truce with France. Bligh was removed from his command of Director on 19 May, but the uprising ultimately failed, with several of its leaders hanged or shipped to Australia. Document measures 7.75” x 12.25”, beautifully framed with a portrait of Bligh and plaque to a size of 29” x 27”. Small closed tear at lower left, otherwise near fine. Sold for $6,250.
Winston Churchill typed letter signed, dated 11 May 1943, to Cyril Gordon Illingworth, captain of the Queen Mary, thanking him for ”the efficient conduct of our journey”. The English Prime Minister traveled by sea to the U.S. to join FDR in war planning at the Third Washington Conference (code named TRIDENT), held in Washington, D.C. from 12 May to 27 May 1943. The Italian Campaign, air attacks on Nazi Germany and the Pacific War were on the meeting agenda. Churchill was accompanied by Averell Harriman, FDR’s special envoy to Europe. Lot includes a telegram from Harriman to Illingworth. A third telegram is from Hastings Ismay, Churchill’s chief military assistant and staff officer, to Illingworth. Churchill letter, measuring 7.5” x 9.5”, on 10 Downing Street letterhead, is signed, ”Winston S. Churchill”. The Harriman telegram, measuring 8” x 10”, on U.S. Embassy letterhead, is signed, ”W.A. Harriman”. The Ismay telegram, measuring 7” x 8.75”, on blindstamped Office of the War Cabinet letterhead, is signed, ”Hastings Ismay”. Tape residue, else very good plus condition. Sold for $3,691.
Winston Churchill Signed Copy of His Classic Work, “A History of the English Speaking Peoples” — First Editions in Original Dust Jackets
Winston Churchill signed first editions of “A History of the English-Speaking Peoples”. London: Cassell and Company Ltd., 1956-58. Churchill signs the bookplate on the half-title page of Volume I, “Winston S. Churchill”. Though begun during his “Wilderness Years” of the early 1930s, Churchill completed these volumes after World War II, giving attention to the “special relationship” of the United Kingdom and United States. He writes, “For the second time in the present century the British Empire and the United States have stood together facing the perils of war on the largest scale known among men, and since the cannons ceased to fire and the bombs to burst we have become more conscious of our common duty to the human race.” All four first editions are housed in their original price-clipped dust jackets, all in very good condition or better. Top edges red on all, in original red boards, each measuring 6.5″ x 9.75″ and housed in a 5.5″ x 10″ slipcase. Volume I is near fine, in a very good to near fine dust jacket. Vols. II-IV have been re-backed, preserving original endpapers, with some foxing to interior and dust jackets, and also light staining to the front board of Vol. III. In very good condition, with very good dust jackets, which have some foxing and sunning to spines. Overall a very attractive, well-preserved set, rare as signed. Sold for $3,438.
John Adams 1798 ”State of the Union” Address — Very Rare Booklet Entitled ”Message to Congress”
John Adams ”Message of the President of the United States to BOTH HOUSES of CONGRESS,” dated 4 May 1798, signed by then Governor of Connecticut John Treadwell. The document relays an issue with U.S. envoys and the French government, ”…the unfeigned wish of the United States to restore harmony between the Republics [U.S. & France]…” The 21st Governor of Connecticut signs his copy ”J. Treadwell”. 72pp. booklet measures 4.5” x 7.5”. Very good condition with toning throughout and some chipping and soiling on the front and back page. Sold for $3,493.
Andrew Jackson Ship’s Passport Signed as President
Andrew Jackson ship’s passport signed as President for the “Bark Harriet of New York” with Seth Curtis as her master. Vellum document features two nice nautical engravings with a scalloped top edge. With intact wax-backed paper seal. Signed “Andrew Jackson” in large script below the date of 13 April 1834. Measures 10.5″ x 14.75″. A few small holes repaired on verso, otherwise a near fine example given age. Sold for $2,629.
Winston Churchill Signed “Great Contemporaries” — Uncommon Title Signed by Churchill
Winston Churchill signed copy of his 1937 book “Great Contemporaries.” Signed and inscribed, “To Mr. Alfred B. Strauss from Winston S. Churchill / 1951” on the front free endpaper. Published by Thornton Butterworth Ltd.: London: 1948, later printing. In publisher’s original cloth. Some rubbing to spine and edges, faint toning to signature page, and two sets of staple marks at top and bottom right of signature page, far away from writing. Overall in very good condition. Sold for $3,336.
Winston Churchill Autograph Letter Signed
Wryly humorous autograph letter signed by Winston Churchill, dated 11 March 1908 during Churchill’s service as Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, composed on blindstamped stationery of the Colonial Office. A rising star in British politics, Churchill was only 33 when he penned this letter to Reverend J. Wales Cameron, an M.P. affiliated with the University of Edinburgh. Letter reads in part,
“My dear Sir, I am greatly honoured by the invitation which you have forwarded to me to become the liberal candidate for the Lord Rectorship of Edinburgh University. I fear that I am a good many years younger than Rectorial standards would usually seem to require, & that is a disqualification which is only capable of gradual correction. I however gladly accept the honour which your kindness has prompted you to offer me, & am very ready to serve you in any way in my power.” Sold for $2,923.
Winston Churchill Signed Book, ”My Early Life, A Roving Commission”
Winston Churchill book signed, ”My Early Life, A Roving Commission”, published by Odhams Press Limited: London: 1957. First edition, second impression. Churchill’s autobiography, with a focus on his role in the Second Boer War, bears the Prime Minister’s autograph inscription to the fly-leaf, ”To Stanley James Webb / from / Winston S. Churchill / Dec 23. 1930.” Bound in red cloth boards with gilt lettering. Measures 6” x 9” and runs 392pp. Pencil notation to front pastedown, sunning to backstrip, cocking to spine and foxing to leaves and edges. Overall in very good condition. Sold for $2,500.
King James II Signed Order 2 Attend His Coronation 1685
King James II coronation order signed, “James R” as James II of England and Ireland. Order commands the King’s cousin Viscount Townesend and his wife to attend the ceremony planned for James and his wife Mary on 23 April 1685, “…all excuses set apart…” Document itself is dated 23 March 1685 from Whitehall. James’ ascension of the throne followed the death of his brother Charles II, who left no heirs. James and Mary’s short-lived reign ended just three years later with the Revolution of 1688, the so-called “Glorious Revolution” in which the Catholic royal couple were ousted by a Protestant faction and supplanted by William III of Orange and Mary II. Single-page manuscript document measures 7.5″ x 11.5″. Mounted, matted and framed alongside a portrait of James to an overall size of 25″ x 21″. Near fine given age and inclusive of tab and red wax seal remnants. Sold for $1,710.
King Charles II Restoration Period Letter Signed
Charles II letter signed “Charles R” as reigning King of England. Letter is datelined Whitehall, 1 April 1672. Addressed to the Attorney or Solicitor General, letter reads in part, “prepare a Bill for Our Royall signature…containing a Grant to Sir Frescheville Holles and Henry Smith…Walk & Baylywick in Our New Forest…” Countersigned by Secretary of State John Trevor. Single-page letter measures 7.5″ x 12″. Moderate foxing, separations at folds repaired with tissue to verso and remnants of prior mounting on sides of verso. A modern pencil notation to lower left corner shows the dates of Charles’ life and reign. Very good condition. Sold for $1,472.
King Charles II signed document. Well-preserved document dated 13 July 1680 is signed ”Charles R” and bears his autograph correction to one sentence; in his hand, ”…our dearly beloved naturall sonne Charles…” He refers to his illegitimate son by Catherine Pegge, Charles FitzCharles, 1st Earl of Plymouth. Document appoints Henry Cheffers to the position of Captain in FitzCharles’ regiment, the oft-renamed 2nd Tangiers, raised this same day. Document bears the remnants of a red wax seal to upper left and is countersigned by Lord Sunderland. Single-page vellum document measures 14.75” x 11.75”. Light foxing and toning, with pinholes of separation to fold intersections and perforation along left edge from binding. Very good condition. Sold for $1,420.
FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Samuel Pepys autograph letter signed that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
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