Rare Book Monthly

Articles - June - 2026 Issue

Freeman's Holds "How History Unfolds on Paper from The Eric C. Caren Collection" Part X on June 30

Thomas Jefferson's Birth of the Nation ALS and Crown Jewel of American Judaica

Thomas Jefferson's Birth of the Nation ALS and Crown Jewel of American Judaica

Eric C. Caren is offering the good, bad, and the ugly of American History for the 250th Anniversary of the USA. Caren said, "This is American History RAW, and unvarnished".

[American Revolution] Thomas Jefferson at the Birth of a New Nation: An Important Letter Carried by a Jewish Patriot Communicating the Definitive Treaty of Paris, Projecting American Stability, and Preparations for the Publication of His “Notes on the State of Virginia”, January 16, 1784 $100,000/200,000

 

Early items include Plymouth Colony's letter seeking a Royal Charter. Strangely, the Pilgrims landed there but never got an official charter for the Colony. 

 

Another important early item is an enormous vellum petition to Queen Anne, 1709, requesting reimbursement from Britain for Queen Anne's Indian War expenditures. Reference is made to William Penn's Colony of "Pennsylvania" as well as the difficulties in fighting The French and their Indian allies. This elegant display piece is signed by a Who's Who of Colonial New York and is one of the finest early items relating to the great Metropolis ever to hit the auction block.

 

The period of The Declaration of Independence is well covered including Ebeneezer Hazard's copy of The Pennsylvania Magazine in extremely rare outer Wrappers, with one of the earliest printed mentions that the Colonies had declared Independence.

 

[War of 1812] "We Have Met the Enemy and They are Ours": The Critical Promotion of a Naval Hero, Oliver Hazard Perry is Appointed Master Commandant in the United States Navy, Commission signed by James Madison, 1812 $40,000/60,000

Also, there is a prohibitively rare Pennsylvania Evening Post dated on the birthday of the country...July 4, 1776. It is in remarkable condition and 2 days later the same newspaper would print the Declaration itself, now a 7-figure item.

 

The highlight of the sale is Thomas Jefferson's "Birth of the Nation" ALS, which accompanied the Definitive Treaty of Paris to France. While this letter was known as an historical gem, Caren made the discovery that it was also "The Crowning Jewel of American Judaica". In the first line, Jefferson writes that the treaty is being carried by Colonel Franks. This was none other than Lt. Colonel David Salisbury Franks, a Jew! This first important diplomatic mission of the nation was entrusted to a Jewish American patriot!

 

The War of 1812 or The Second War of American Independence is represented by some extraordinary historical treasures including: two of Oliver Hazard Perry's Naval Commissions signed by Jefferson and Madison, respectively, two of the most important military commissions in private hands, a lengthy manuscript logbook of a British naval ship recording in real time the bombarding of Ft. McHenry. This is followed by another lot which is a very early printing of The Star Spangled Banner in September of 1814. Preceding these items there is a very rare Baltimore broadside extra on the British burning The Capitol. This broadside was printed a day before The DC National Intelligencer was able to get out a similar broadside.

[Mormonism] A Unique Manuscript Account of Joseph Smith's Final Words Offered to His Congregation, the Day Before his Violent Death, Discovered on the Interior of a Postal Cover Nearly Discarded, 1844 $8,000/12,000

 

Some important Lincoln and Civil War items include the "On the Spot" Abe Lincoln entering the public arena report in his hometown Springfield newspaper, and, a very rare front-page report of the little known first Assassination Attempt on Lincoln on his way to his inauguration in 1861! Then there is a field printed General Orders #9 with the surrender of Robert E. Lee, printed at Appomattox.

 

This sale is has an impressive array of minority items beginning with the earliest known printed list of full names of Jews in any English Colony in America, 17th century Jamaica. A heartless Slave for sale broadside reading "Town Property and a Slave For Sale", an incredible postal cover inside which is written eyewitness testimony of the last words of The Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith. Amazing that this envelope was not thrown away! A lengthy 1797 attack printed right in Philadelphia on George Washington for being a Slave Owner, and items relating to myriad other minority groups including Catholics, Irish, Chinese, Japanese and other proud Americans.

 

The Centennial is represented by an incredibly rare, red, white, and blue silk broadside, printed on July 4, 1876, in Shanghai China.

 

[Star-Spangled Banner] Eyewitness Account of the Shelling of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812, in a Manuscript Logbook from the HMS Trave, Present at the Battles of Baltimore and New Orleans, 1814-16 $60,000/80,000

Sports are not neglected either. The hands of Lou Gehrig Type 1 photo which perfectly intersects fine art photography with The National Game has never been seen before. And the previously unknown Mantle first Cover in his local Joplin newspaper should delight sports collectors.

 

The live sale will be held at Freeman's Philadelphia office on June 30. 

 

 

Here are details relating to the four pictured lots in the order in which appear above:

 

  1. [American Revolution] Thomas Jefferson at the Birth of a New Nation: An Important Letter Carried by a Jewish Patriot Communicating the Definitive Treaty of Paris, Projecting American Stability, and Preparations for the Publication of His “Notes on the State of Virginia”, January 16, 1784 $100,000/200,000

     

  2. [War of 1812] "We Have Met the Enemy and They are Ours": The Critical Promotion of a Naval Hero, Oliver Hazard Perry is Appointed Master Commandant in the United States Navy, Commission signed by James Madison, 1812 $40,000/60,000

     

  3. [Mormonism] A Unique Manuscript Account of Joseph Smith's Final Words Offered to His Congregation, the Day Before his Violent Death, Discovered on the Interior of a Postal Cover Nearly Discarded, 1844 $8,000/12,000

     

  4. [Star-Spangled Banner] Eyewitness Account of the Shelling of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812, in a Manuscript Logbook from the HMS Trave, Present at the Battles of Baltimore and New Orleans, 1814-16 $60,000/80,000

Here's a link to the sale; https://freemansauction.com/auction/6515-how-history-unfolds-on-paper-important-americana-from-the-eric-c-caren-collection-part-x

 

Rare Book Monthly

  • Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 11. Blaeu's Superb World Map on a Polar Projection (1695) Est. $5,500 - $7,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 702. Munster's Largest 16th Century Edition, with Over 220 Woodcut Maps (1598) Est. $18,000 - $20,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 101. Rare Jo Mora "Carte" Showing a NYC-to-Seattle Route through Panama Canal (1933) Est. $900 - $1,100
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 65. The Waldseemuller/Fries "Admiral's Map" (1541) Est. $8,000 - $9,500
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 46. Contains all 30 Plates from Atlas Coelestis in Full Original Color (1742) Est. $16,000 - $18,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 129. The First Map to Name New Scotland and Cape Cod (1625) Est. $8,000 - $9,500
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 663. The First Printed Map Devoted to the Pacific in Full Contemporary Color (1589) Est. $7,500 - $9,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 629. De Jode's Rare Map of Eastern Asia (1593) Est. $7,500 - $9,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 171. De Bry's Influential Map of Colonial North America (1591) Est. $11,000 - $13,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 691. Superb Hand-Colored Image of the Holy Trinity (1502) Est. $800 - $950
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 606. Important, Early Atlas of Japan with 75 Woodcut Maps in Printed Color (1837) Est. $2,000 - $2,300
  • Koller, Sep. 16: FRANZÖSISCHE REVOLUTION - ASSEMBLÉE NATIONALE - Extrait des Procès-Verbaux de L'Assemblée Nationale, Des 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26 Août & premier Octobre 1789.
    Koller, Sep. 16: MOURADJA D'OHSSON, IGNACE. Tableau général de l'Empire Othoman, divisé en deux parties dont l'une comprend la Législation Mahométane, l'autre l'histoire de l'Empire Othoman [... ]
    Koller, Sep. 16: BOTANIK - Blackwell, Elisabeth. A curious herbal, containig five hundred cuts, of the most useful plants, which are now used in the practice of physick.
    Koller, Sep. 16: SCHEUCHZER, JOHANN JAKOB. Physica Sacra. Iconibus Aeneis illustrata procurante & sumtus suppeditante.
    Koller, Sep. 16: HAIMONSKINDER – Eyn schön lustig Geschicht, wie Keyser Carle der groß, vier gebrüder, Hertzog Aymont von Dordons Süne [...]
    Koller, Sep. 16: KRÄUTERBÜCHER - HORTUS SANITATIS - [H]ortus Sanitatis. De herbis et plantis. De animalibus et reptilibus. De avibus et volatilibus. De piscibus et natalibus…
    Koller, Sep. 16: GAUGUIN, PAUL, MALER (1848-1903). Eigenhändiger Brief mit Unterschrift und Couvert. An den Künstler und Freund Daniel de Monfreid in Paris.
  • Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    24th September 2026
    Forum, Sep. 24: A Plan of the Cities of London and Westminster and Borough of Southwark, 1746 [bound with] A Plan of the Cities of London and Westminster, [c.1755]. £30,000 - £50,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Gafurius (Franchinus). De Harmonia Musicorum Instrumentorum Opus, first edition, Milan, Gotarto da Ponte, 1518. £20,000 - £30,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Tolkien (J.R.R.) The Hobbit, first edition, first impression, 1937. £10,000 - £15,000
    Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    24th September 2026
    Forum, Sep. 24: Stackelberg (Otto Magnus v). Costumes et Usages des Peuples de la Grece Moderne, first edition, Rome, 1825. £15,000 - £20,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Piranesi (Giovanni Battista). Le Antichita Romane, 4 vol., Rome, Bouchard and Gravier, 1756. £10,000 - £15,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Henry VIII's Primer.- Church of England.- The Primer, set foorth by the Kynges maiestie and his clergie…,, first edition, by Richard Grafton printer to the Princes grace, 1545; bound with 2 others, similar. £10,000 - £15,000
    Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    24th September 2026
    Forum, Sep. 24: Darwin (Charles). On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, fifth edition, ink inscription in the author's hand laid down to half-title, 1869. £6,000 - £8,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Siebold (P.F. von) J.G. Zuccarini and F.A.W. Miquel. Flora Japonica, 2 vol., first edition, Leiden, for the author, 1835-70. £6,000 - £8,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Illuminated manuscript facsimile.- Constitution Of India (The), Dehra Dun, Survey of India Offices, [c. 1950]. £3,500 - £5,000
    Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    24th September 2026
    Forum, Sep. 24: Mao Tse-tung. Quotations of Chairman Mao, prototype edition, Shenyang, compiled and printed by the Political Department, Air Force Division of Shenyang Military Region, 1963. £3,000 - £4,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Richardson (John). Fauna Boreali-Americana; or the Zoology of the Northern Parts of British America, 4 vol., first edition, Norwich, Josiah Fletcher, 1829-37. £4,000 - £6,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Mite (The), the printer/publisher's own copy with the original type and printing blocks for all three of its editions (1891, 1893 & 1896), Grimsby, Ernest A. Robinson, 1891. £3,000 - £4,000.
  • Leland Little, September 11: Kenneth Claiborne Royall (1894-1971), Large Archive with Letters from Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
    Leland Little, September 11: Harry S. Truman, Scarce Autograph Letter Signed as 33rd U.S. President.
    Leland Little, September 11: Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) (1835-1910), Autograph Quotation Signed.
    Leland Little, September 11: The History of North America, the Extremely Scarce Deluxe "Edition of the Presidents."
    Leland Little, September 11: Scarce First Edition of Krafft's The American Distiller.
    Leland Little, September 11: Inscribed First Edition of James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room.
    Leland Little, September 11: A Signed Limited Edition of Love in the Time of Cholera.
    Leland Little, September 11: The Extremely Scarce Limited and Extra-Illustrated Edition of The Works of Charles Dickens.
    Leland Little, September 11: A Beautifully Bound Limited Edition of Émile Zola's The Rougon-Macquart.
    Leland Little, September 11: The Elaborately Bound and Extremely Scarce The Shakespeare Gallery.
    Leland Little, September 11: Hunting, Hawking, Shooting, A Signed Limited Edition Four Volume Set.
    Leland Little, September 11: Signed Limited Edition of Salmon-Salmon with a Chapter on Iceland.
  • Sotheby’s
    Original Film Posters
    10 September 2026
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: The Invisible Man (1933). Extremely Rare US Leader Press One Sheet. £20,000 to £26,000.
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: You Only Live Twice (1967). Italian Advance Quattro Fogli. £10,000 to £15,000.
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: A Dog's Life (1918). Extremely Rare US One Sheet. £50,000 to £70,000.
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: La Belle et la Bête/Beauty and the Beast (1946). French Style A Grande. £12,000 to £18,000.
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004). US Lenticular Prototype One Sheet. £10,000 to £15,000.
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: Théâtre d’Ombres (1897). Exceptionally Rare French Poster. £8,000 to £12,000.

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