This week’s Five For Friday covers the rich diversity in the May 10-11 Historical Manuscripts Auction, spanning the Civil and World Wars and the creative geniuses who shaped a nation.
1. Frank Lloyd Wright Archive Documenting Construction of the James Bryan Christie House
The archive offered here offers rare insight into the process of working of Frank Lloyd Wright and the creation of the James Bryan Christie House, in Bernardsville, New Jersey. In brief, the archive includes eight Frank Lloyd Wright Typed Letters Signed, five blueprints, eleven building plans, one drawing on tracing paper, an album with photos documenting the construction of the house and other related materials including correspondence – an amazing look into the mind of the 20th century’s greatest architects.
2. Japanese Hinomaru Yosegaki Flag Captured During the Salween Campaign
This Japanese Hinomaru Yosegaki flag was captured during the Salween Campaign Offensive during April 1, 1944 through Jan. 27, 1945. It was presented to Colonel John Hart Caughey by Chinese General Wei Li-Huang. Many of these flags were signed by a serviceman’s communities wishing the soldier good luck. In this case, inscriptions in Chinese kanji with English translations appear from top to bottom: “TO COL. PAUGHTY [sic] / TROPHY CAPTURED AT SALWEEN / FROM WEI LI-HWANG [Wei Li-Huang] / GENERAL CHINESE ARMY / C.O. CHINESE EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 2-22-45”.
A trove of documents from Thomas Edison’s own laboratory consists of 13 schematics, blueprints and original drawings executed during the development of the 400 AMP battery. Amazingly, four original pencil drawings appear to be the working drafts on which the later schematics and blueprints are based. Two of the four pencil drawings are signed by Edison, and one of these two has instructions in Edison’s hand. A fascinating look at the development of a battery that is now used to start the average automobile all over the world.
A personal favorite, this 12.5″ x 10.25″ bound album is an instant collection of more than 125 illustrative railroad, coach, and steamer passes from companies across the country. The archive of ephemera was compiled by a collector named A.W. Markley, who had a long career in railroads in New Jersey, including posts as a receiver for the Bridgeton and Port Norris Railroad Company, and as a director of the Cape May and Millville Railroad of New Jersey. In all, a great snapshot of transportation in the late 19th Century.
5. Manuscript Map of the Battle of Chancellorsville Showing Positions on Sunday, May 3, 1863
This oil cloth map of the battle of Chancellorsville is executed in fine details and captures all of the important factors influencing the deadly day – May 3, 1863. Confederate General Robert E. Lee learned of Major General Joseph Hooker’s plan to make a move on Chancellorsville in early May. Lee divided his forces for the attack sending General Stonewall Jackson on a march around the Union’s left flank. Considered by many to be Lee’s greatest victory, the battle resulted in 14,000 Union casualties and 10,000 Confederate casualties – including Jackson, who was shot by his own men and died following amputation of his left arm.
Be sure to view all of the in our Historical Manuscripts Grand Format Auction closing May 11, 2017! There are hundreds of famous historic figures’ autographs, letters, manuscripts, signed photos, and notable historic collectibles.