• Freeman’s, June 30. Thomas Jefferson’s “Birth of the New Nation” letter, carried to Paris with the Treaty of Peace, by a Jewish patriot. $100,000-200,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. “The rockets’ red glare.” A British midshipman’s log recording the bombardment of Fort McHenry. $60,000-80,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. The Critical Promotion of a Naval Hero, Oliver Hazard Perry Commission signed by James Madison, 1812. $40,000-60,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. Born in the USA: First Day of Printing in the United States, July 4, 1776. $15,000-25,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. One of the Earliest Printed Announcements of American Independence, in the Exceedingly Rare Original Wrappers, 1776. $10,000-15,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. "The Two Big Guns of the N.Y. Yanks": A Striking Type 1 Press Photograph of Lou Gehrig's Hands. $8,000-12,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. A Unique Contemporary Manuscript Account of Joseph Smith's Final Words to His Followers, the Day Before his Violent Death. $8,000-12,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. The State of Minnesota Officially Certifies the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution Of the United States. $8,000-12,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. Extraordinarily Large Manuscript Petition Signed by a Who's Who of Colonial New York to Queen Anne from the Colony of New York. $8,000-12,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. Mickey Mantle's First Cover: The Earliest Front-Page Newspaper Image of Mickey Mantle, "Something Good from Joplin". $8,000-12,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. A Call to Arms in the Months Following the Declaration of Independence: An Early Continental Army Recruitment Poster. $6,000-9,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. Samuel Jones, the Statesman Behind the Newly Discovered "Jones Declaration": His Annotated Set Used in His Working Law Library. $6,000-9,000.
  • Sotheby's Book Week
    2 June - 9 July
    Sotheby’s, June 25: Smith, Adam. The Wealth of Nations, on its 250th anniversary. $180,000 to $250,000.
    Sotheby’s, June 17: Fontana, Lucio. Concetto Spaziale. 1967. Leporello en papier doré. Bel exemplaire signé. €4,000 to $€,000.
    Sotheby’s, June 25: Fitzgerald, F. Scott. "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past”. $150,000 to $200,000.
    Sotheby’s, June 25: Washington, George (as First President). Washington decries “an ostentatious imitation, or mimickry of Royalty” in his Presidency. $250,000 to $500,000.
    Sotheby’s, June 17: Lope de Vega. Rare manuscrit autographe signé de la préface dédicatoire de "El Cardenal de Belen" (le cardinal de Bethléem), pièce composée en 1610. €40,000 to €60,000.
  • June 23rd, 24th & 25th 2026
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: Medical Incunabula: Petit (Jean)publisher & Kerver (Thielman)printer. Regimen Sanitatis Salernitanum, sm. 8vo, Paris [1498]
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: Hugo (Victor) [Wraxall (Lascelles)]. Les Miserable, 3 vols., 8vo, L. (Hurst & Blackett) 1862, First Authorized English Translation (copyright).
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: Shelley (Mary Wollstonecraft). Frankenstein: or The Modern Prometheus, 8vo, 2 vols. in one, L. (G. & W.B. Whittaker, Ave-Maria-Lane) 1823.
    June 23rd, 24th & 25th 2026
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: Cuisine: Anon. Cookery, Pastry, and Sweet Meats in three Books, Alphabetically Digested, 8vo 1710.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: Lambert (Aylmer Bourke). A Description of the Genus Pinus, with Directions Relative to the Cultivation…, 2 vols. Sm. folio L. (Messrs. Weddell) 1832.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: Botany: Curtis (William). Flora Londinensis: or Plates and Descriptions of such Plants as Grow Wild in the Environs of London, 2 vols. folio, London (B. White) 1777 – 1798.
    June 23rd, 24th & 25th 2026
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: Le Moire (J.M.) Maple Leaves, Canadian History and Quebec Scenery (Third Series) 8vo Quebec (Hunter, Rose & Co.) 1865. First Edn.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: The Earliest Extant Printed House Contents Sale Catalogue in Ireland: Baillie, Auctioneer, Abby Street. A Catalogue of the Goods and Stock of the late Edward Wingfield…
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: William III King of England. Autograph Letter Signed ("William R") to an unnamed correspondent [possibly Charles-Henri de Lorraine] discussing his strategy against the French forces during the siege of Namur.
    June 23rd, 24th & 25th 2026
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: [Austen (Jane) (1785-1817]. Pride and Prejudice, 3 vols. sm. 8vo, L. (T. Egerton) 1813.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: Heaney (Seamus). Ugolino, sm. folio D. (Dolmen) 1979, Limited Edn. No. 78/125 Copies, Signed by Seamus Heaney, Louis le Brocquy, Liam Miller and Andrew Carpenter.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, June 23-25: Voltaire (F.M. Avouet de). Petits Ouvrages, attribues a M. de Voltaire, sm. folio manuscript, dated 1776, containing 9 works.
  • Bonhams, June 14-23: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presentation Gold Pocket Watch. Estimate: $20,000 - 30,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Presentation Copy of the First Issue of the Lincoln Douglas Debates Signed by Abraham Lincoln in Pencil to a Sangamon County Illinois Republican. Estimate: $150,000 - 250,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: A Senate Resolution Signed in the Tense Days After the Union's Humiliating Defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run. Estimate: $80,000 - $120,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Seven Passages to a Flight, an Artists Book with a Story Quilt by Faith Ringgold, the Publisher's Own Copy. Estimate: $80,000 - 120,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: A New Charter for Virginia, A Response to the First Armed Rebellion in the American Colonies. Estimate: $15,000 - 25,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Earliest obtainable printing of the Bill of Rights. Estimate: $8,000 - 12,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Edward Curtis Orotone. Estimate: $7,000 - 9,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Owned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Butter or Dessert Plate from FDR's State Dinner Service. Estimate: $3,000 - 5,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: An Early Large-Format Plan of the City of Washington. Estimate: $1,500 - 2,500
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Containing the First Map to Name the Hudson River. Estimate: $20,000 - 30,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: America's First Major Novelist, a Complete Chapter in Autograph Manuscript by James Fenimore Cooper. Estimate: $15,000 - 20,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: The Only Full-Length Book by Jefferson, with the Justly Famous Map. Estimate: $12,000 - 18,000
PreviousNext

Auction Update Review

Rare Book Hub: 32 Auctions Archived, another 51 Upcoming this Week

For the week ended 8 September 32 auctions were archived to Rare Book Hub’s Transactions+ database, 1 denominated in Danish krone, 6 in euros, 4 in British pounds, 2 in Mexican pesos, and 19 in US dollars.

 

 

Turnover was  $12,317,374.54 as 89.25% of all lots changed hands.  There were 6,877 offered and 6,138 transacted.  The average lot sold for $2,006.74.

 

 

We are off to the races! 

 

3 auctions saw their total proceeds reach a million dollars:

Sothebys. Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own. on September 6th: $4,945,008
Sothebys. Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own: On Stage on September 7th: $3,053,926

Rago Arts and Auctions. Prints and Multiples on September 7th: $1,151,678

 
 
4 auctions saw total sales exceed 100% of the high estimates of all lots offered:

Catawiki B. V.. Autographs and Manuscripts - bidstart 8/18 on August 26th: 288.12%
Sothebys. Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own: On Stage on September 7th: 280.76%
Sothebys. Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own. on September 6th: 158.70%
Catawiki B. V.. Autographs and Manuscripts - bidstart 8/18 on August 27th: 141.40%


24 sales saw at least 80% of their lots sell:

Catawiki B. V.. Old and Rare Books Auction (pre-1700) - bidstart 8/18 on August 30th: 100.00%
Heritage Auctions. Tuesday World Paper Money Select Auction on September 5th: 100.00%
Schilb Antiquarian. Rare Books with NO Reserve, NO Buyer's Premium on September 3rd: 100.00%
Heritage Auctions. Wednesday Trading Card Games Select Auction on September 6th: 100.00%
Sothebys. Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own. on September 6th: 100.00%
Heritage Auctions. Sunday, Monday & Tuesday Comic Books Select Auction on September 5th: 99.76%
Heritage Auctions. Sunday Sports Collectibles Select Auction on September 3rd: 99.61%
Heritage Auctions. Wednesday Comic Art and Animation Select Auction on September 6th: 99.60%
Heritage Auctions. Tuesday US Currency Select Auction on September 5th: 99.59%
Catawiki B. V.. Autographs and Manuscripts - bidstart 8/18 on August 26th: 97.73%
EV Stamps. Monthly Sports Card and Comics Auction on September 2nd: 95.58%
Heritage Auctions. September 7 Signature Series Comics Showcase Auction on September 7th: 94.75%
University Archives. Rare Autographs, Manuscripts, Books & Sports Memorabilia on September 6th: 91.23%
Catawiki B. V.. Old and Rare Books Auction on August 27th: 90.24%
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books. Fine Art - Antique Engravings & Lithographs - Works on Paper - bidstart 8/26 on September 2nd: 90.00%
Kedem Auctions Ltd.. Judaica, Cassidhut and Kabbalah - Letters and Manuscripts - Prints and Photographs on September 5th: 89.98%
Heritage Auctions. Sunday Movie Posters Select Auction on September 3rd: 89.17%
Catawiki B. V.. Old and Rare Books Auction (pre-1700) - bidstart 8/18 on August 28th: 88.89%
Catawiki B. V.. Autographs and Manuscripts - bidstart 8/18 on August 27th: 88.68%
Catawiki B. V.. Old and Rare Books Auction (pre-1600) - bidstart 8/18 on August 29th: 88.00%
Forum Auctions. Online Sale: Books and Works on Paper on September 7th: 87.38%
Bruun Rasmussen. Modern Art and Design - Prints on September 5th: 85.25%
Moreshet Auctions. Judaica on September 7th: 83.67%
Sothebys. Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own: On Stage on September 7th: 81.82%
 

Top 25 Lots Reported This Past Week.
  1. Sothebys Autograph manuscript draft lyrics for 'Bohemian Rhapsody', c.1974 on September 6th Actual price: USD $1,722,168.
  2. Sothebys Notebook with autograph manuscript lyrics for songs in the album Jazz, c.1978 on September 6th Actual price: USD $412,371.
  3. Sothebys Autograph manuscript draft lyrics for 'Don't Stop Me Now', c.1978 on September 6th Actual price: USD $396,511.
  4. Sothebys Autograph draft working lyrics for 'We Are The Champions', c.1977 on September 6th Actual price: USD $396,511.
  5. Sothebys Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge and Atake, (Ohashi Atake no yudachi) on September 6th Actual price: USD $364,790.
  6. Sothebys Autograph draft lyrics for 'Killer Queen', c.1974 on September 6th Actual price: USD $348,930.
  7. Sothebys A folio from an Akbarnama, A prince on horseback with his entourage, India, circa 1595-1600 on September 6th Actual price: USD $333,069.
  8. Sothebys Autograph draft lyrics to 'Love of My Life', c.1974-75 on September 7th Actual price: USD $325,139.
  9. Sothebys Autograph draft lyrics for 'Somebody To Love', c.1976 on September 6th Actual price: USD $301,348.
  10. Sothebys Autograph manuscript lyrics for songs on the album 'A Night at the Opera', c.1975 on September 7th Actual price: USD $301,348.
  11. Sothebys Jaqueline au chapeau noir (Bloch 1028; Baer 1311) on September 6th Actual price: USD $237,907.
  12. Sothebys Autograph manuscript lyrics of songs for the album Sheer Heart Attack, c.1974 on September 7th Actual price: USD $214,116.
  13. Sothebys Autograph manuscripts lyrics of songs for the album Queen II, c.1973 on September 7th Actual price: USD $174,465.
  14. Sothebys Notebook with working lyrics, early 1970s on September 7th Actual price: USD $158,604.
  15. Sothebys Notebook containing autograph manuscript lyrics of songs for The Miracle, 1988-89 on September 7th Actual price: USD $142,744.
  16. Sothebys Autograph manuscript lyrics for songs on the album A Day at the Races, 1976 on September 7th Actual price: USD $118,953.
  17. Sothebys A significant archive of c. 265 photographs, mainly 1980s on September 6th Actual price: USD $111,023.
  18. Sothebys Le Matador (Dupin 510) on September 6th Actual price: USD $111,023.
  19. Sothebys Autograph manuscript lyrics of songs for the album Jazz, c.1978 on September 7th Actual price: USD $103,093.
  20. Sothebys Autograph working lyrics to 'Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy', c.1976 on September 7th Actual price: USD $95,163.
  21. Sothebys Autograph manuscript lyrics of songs for the album Queen I, c.1971-72 on September 7th Actual price: USD $95,163.
  22. Sothebys Autograph manuscript lyrics for 'Seven Seas of Rhye', c.1973 on September 7th Actual price: USD $91,991.
  23. Sothebys Collection of material relating to Live Aid and Fashion Aid, 1985 on September 7th Actual price: USD $87,232.
  24. Sothebys Autograph manuscript notebook of lyrics for songs on Mr Bad Guy, early 1980s on September 7th Actual price: USD $87,232.
  25. Sothebys Autograph manuscript lyrics to 'Life Is Real', c.1981 on September 7th Actual price: USD $87,232.
 
 

For the week ahead 51 sales are scheduled:

Mon. Sep. 11th
Gorringes. Lewes. Book and Weekly. 90 lots
Sothebys. London. Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own | In Love with Japan. 42 lots
One Source Auctions. Canandaigua. Quality Antiques and Collectibles Online Auction. 111 lots
Tessier & Sarrou and Associates. Paris. Online Sale - Books. 292 lots
Catawiki B. V.. LA Assen, . Old and Rare Books Auction (pre-1700) - bidstart 9/1. 50 lots

Tue. Sep. 12th
Heritage Auctions. Dallas. Tuesday US Currency Select Auction. 558 lots
Heritage Auctions. Dallas. Tuesday World Paper Money Select Auction. 172 lots
Finarte. Milan. Photographs. 300 lots
New England Book Auctions. South Deerfield. Fine Books and Ephemera List. 210 lots
Bruun Rasmussen. Copenhagen. Modern Art and Design - Prints. 37 lots
Catawiki B. V.. LA Assen, . Old and Rare Books Auction (pre-1600) - bidstart 9/1. 39 lots
Goldberg Coins and Collectibles. LOS ANGELES. The Ultimate Collectibles Sale - Session 1. 386 lots

Wed. Sep. 13th
Old World Auctions. Richmond. Maps and Atlases - bidstart 8/30. 758 lots
Heritage Auctions. Dallas. Wednesday Comic Art and Animation Select Auction. 308 lots
Heritage Auctions. Dallas. Wednesday Trading Card Games Select Auction. 106 lots
Nye & Company Auctioneers. Bloomfield. Estate Treasures Auction. 51 lots
ALDE. Paris. Old Books - Stamps. 386 lots
International Autograph Auctions Europe SL. Malaga. Autograph Letters, Manuscripts, and Historical Documents - Day 1. 450 lots
Heritage Auctions. Dallas. Long Beach Exposition US Currency Signature Auction. 1594 lots
RR Auction. Amherst. Fine Autographs and Artifacts - bidstart 8/25. 911 lots
Heritage Auctions. Dallas. Depth of Field: Photographs Showcase Auction. 179 lots
Purcell Auctioneers. Birr. Sale of Irish Interest Books - Antiquarian Books, Letter Signed by W B Yeats, Maps, Irish Postcards,. 763 lots
Revere Auctions. St. Paul. Autumn Elegance: Fine Art, Decor, and Furnishings. 126 lots
Tessier & Sarrou and Associates. Paris. Online Sale - Pictures of Normadie. 455 lots
Trafford Books. Manchester. Books, Ephemera, Cigarette and Trade Cards, Autographs, Photographs, Postcards, Stamps and Postal Hi. 139 lots
Catawiki B. V.. LA Assen, . Old and Rare Books Auction (pre-1700) - bidstart 9/1. 55 lots
Goldberg Coins and Collectibles. LOS ANGELES. The Ultimate Collectibles Sale - Session 2. 201 lots

Thu. Sep. 14th
Eldreds. East Dennis,. Americana and Marine. 23 lots
De Baecque and Associes. Lyon. Library of a Marseillaise Humanist (Last Part). 446 lots
Rossini. Paris. PRINTS, PAINTINGS & SCULPTURES – 19TH CENTURY, MODERN & CONTEMPORARY. 162 lots
International Autograph Auctions Europe SL. Malaga. Autograph Letters, Manuscripts, and Historical Documents - Day 2. 400 lots
Heritage Auctions. Dallas. Comics and Comic Art Signature Auction. 1307 lots
ALDE. Paris. Library of Hubert Morent - Part 2, online. 341 lots
Clars Auction Gallery. Oakland. Fall Modern and Contemporary Art. 53 lots
Finarte. Milan. Charms of Asia - bidstart 8/3. 12 lots
Goldberg Coins and Collectibles. LOS ANGELES. The Ultimate Collectibles Sale - Session 3. 107 lots
Bonhams. Los Angeles. The Greg Louganis Olympic Collection. 13 lots

Fri. Sep. 15th
Du Mouchelles. Detroit. The September Auctions: Day 2. 87 lots
Michaans Auctions. Alameda, CA . September Gallery Auction. 43 lots
Clars Auction Gallery. Oakland. The Collectors Auction. 28 lots

Sat. Sep. 16th
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books. Franklin. Fine Art - Antique Engravings & Lithographs - Works on Paper - bidstart 9/9. 170 lots
Brunk Auctions. Asheville, NC . Premium and Emporium Auctions. 24 lots
Damien Voglaire. Brussels. Modern and Contemporary Art. 304 lots
Bruneau & Co. . Cranston. Single Owner Comic Collection. 741 lots
Catawiki B. V.. LA Assen, . Art and Photography Books - bidstart 9/8. 20 lots

Sun. Sep. 17th
Heritage Auctions. Dallas. Sunday, Monday & Tuesday Comic Books Select Auction.
Heritage Auctions. Dallas. Sunday Movie Posters Select Auction.
Heritage Auctions. Dallas. Sunday Sports Collectibles Select Auction. 346 lots
Arenberg Auctions. BRUSSEL. Collectables - bidstart 9/7. 116 lots
Catawiki B. V.. LA Assen, . Autographs and Manuscripts - bidstart 9/8. 63 lots
Catawiki B. V.. LA Assen, . Exclusive Books Auction - bidstart 9/8. 33 lots

Bruce McKinney

RBH and AE

  • Old World Auctions (June 17): Lot 123. Celebrate 250 Years of Independence with Original Stars and Stripes (1790) Est. $1,400 - $1,700
    Old World Auctions (June 17): Lot 20. Keulen's Spectacular Chart of the World Featuring California as an Island (1728) Est. $12,000 - $15,000
    Old World Auctions (June 17): Lot 42. Schedel's Ancient World Map with Fantastic Humanoid Creatures (1493) Est. $14,000 - $17,000
    Old World Auctions (June 17): Lot 591. Matching Set of 3 Stunning Globe Gores of Eastern Asia from Coronelli's 3.5 Foot Globe (1688) Est. $5,500 - $7,000
    Old World Auctions (June 17): Lot 9. Speed's Popular World Map with Allegorical Representations of the Elements (1651) Est. $14,000 - $17,000
    Old World Auctions (June 17): Lot 168. First Separate Map of Kansas & Nebraska Territories (1854) Est. $5,500 - $7,000
    Old World Auctions (June 17): Lot 43. Only Macrobius Map with Britain Attached to Europe (1515) Est. $800 - $950
    Old World Auctions (June 17): Lot 250. Rare Map of Boston and One of the Earliest Maps of the Revolutionary War (1775) Est. $2,000 - $2,300
    Old World Auctions (June 17): Lot 79. Schenk's Uncommon Map Featuring Two Figurative Title Cartouches (1696) Est. $1,200 - $1,500
    Old World Auctions (June 17): Lot 681. Hand-Colored Image of the Annunciation to the Shepherds (1502) Est. $800 - $950
  • June 25, 2026
    Doyle, June 25: Houdini's biography, boldly signed. $3,000 to $5,000.
    Doyle, June 25: A volume from Abraham Lincoln's library, signed just before heading to Washington for his inauguration. $20,000 to $30,000.
    Doyle, June 25: A very early Confederate recruiting manual belonging to the chief commissary in Lee's Army. $600 to $800.
    Doyle, June 25: Rare hand-colored lithographs of the life of Napoleon. $20,000 to $30,000.
    Doyle, June 25: The "Holster Atlas" of the American Revolution. $5,000 to $8,000.
    Doyle, June 25: Jewish ceremonies in fine hand-colored engravings. $7,000 to $10,000.
    Doyle, June 25: A very rare work on Turkish military costume. $1,000 to $1,500.
    June 25, 2026
    Doyle, June 25: The most important illustrated work on the Mexican-American War. $10,000 to $15,000.
    Doyle, June 25: The finest illustrated book on Afghanistan. $10,000 to $15,000.
    Doyle, June 25: Henry Justice Ford St. George rescues the Princess from the horrible Dragon. $2,000 to $3,000.
    Doyle, June 25: A rare work of Prussian Army uniforms under Frederick William II, with exquisite hand-colored engravings. $800 to $1,200.
    Doyle, June 25: Lenny Bruce typed letter signed to a Village bohemian during his obscenity trials, with a manuscript note and drawing. $300 to $500.
    Doyle, June 25: Schiff's scarce Shanghai Sketchbook. $300 to $500.
    Doyle, June 25: The first accurate published representation of the American flag. $2,000 to $4,000.
  • Bonhams, June 14-23: Palm-reading, astrology, and more. Estimate: $2,000 - 3,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Benjamin Franklin. Sammelband of 45 papers on electricity. Estimate: $8,000 - 12,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: The basis for the whole modern electric-power industry. Estimate: $4,000 - 6,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Edgar Allen Poe. Poe on Mesmerism. Estimate: $2,500 - 3,500
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Reformation - The Architect of Lutheranism on Church Unity and Dissent. Estimate: $100,000 - 150,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: The Rare 3-Paper Offprint Identifying the Double Helix Structure of DNA, Signed by Crick, Wilkins, Wilson, Stokes and Gosling. Estimate: $40,000 - 60,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Autograph book and Report from the Thirtieth Indian National Congress, featuring the signatures of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Dadabhai Naoroji. Estimate: $6,000 - 8,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: An Illustrated Miniature Hebrew Prayerbook Manuscript. Estimate: $30,000 - 50,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Autograph Working Draft of Arthur Conan Doyle's The Death Voyage. Estimate: $30,000 - 50,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: "Perhaps the most celebrated and most beautiful herbal ever published." Estimate: $15,000 - 20,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: Izaak Walton. The Compleat Angler or the Contemplative man's Recreation. Being a Discourse of Fish and Fishing. Estimate: $12,000 - 18,000
    Bonhams, June 14-23: A rare product of the Jaquard loom. Estimate: $8,000 - 12,000