Returned mail sent to a World War II Marine who was captured on Corregidor and died in a Japanese prison camp
by Sent by Mr. & Mrs A. Mikucki from Chicago to Private First Class Walter Mikucki at the Osaka Yodogawa Bunsho POW Camp in Japan
1945. Very good. Envelope only, no letter. The envelope was addressed to Private First Class Walter Mikucki at the Osaka Yodogawa Bunsho POW Camp in Japan. It has a typed "Prisoner of War Postage Free" free frank in the upper right corner and has received a Chicago "War Savings machine postmark dated Jan 13, 1944. The envelope was opened by a U.S. censor and resealed using censor tape annotated, "Examined by 6587." The address was... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
Working Conditions in the District of Columbia. Transcript of a speech given by the Honorable Virginia E. Jenckes as printed in the Congressional Record
by Jenckes, Virginia E.
Washinington, DC, 1937. Unbound. Very good. One-page handbill (approximately 9" x 11.5") formatted to appear like a page from the Congressional Record. Storage folds, some beginning to split at the margin. Clean with some light toning. This handbill provides the text of Jenckes's speech in the House of Representatives on 6 December 1937 advocating for a Union Shop to be imposed upon the Woodward & Lothrop Department Store in Washington, DC in lieu of the long-established Company Union... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1943 – A clever and elaborate cocktail party invitation with two professionally printed similitudes of World War II ration books
by Dorthy and Siegel Judd
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1943. Unbound. Very good. There are four items in this grouping: Two professionally printed faux similitudes purporting themselves to be World War II “Basic Cocktail Ration” books complete with panes of eight ration stamps, a cover letter (the invitation) from the Office of Cocktail Administration, and the envelope which mailed all three from one Grand Rapids, Michigan couple, the Judds, to another., the Rolorateks. In nice shape. The Cocktail Ration Books are... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1852 - Letter from a foreman reporting the status of laying track for the Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad with a crew of "men not worth a damn.
by E. F. Judkins
Loudonville [Ohio], 1852. Unbound. Very good. This four-page letter from E. F. Judkins is datelined "Loudonville [Ohio] December 19 1852". There is no mailing envelope. In this letter, Judkins, who was apparently the foreman of a track-laying crew for the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad relates the difficulties he is facing and his hope to soon be appointed as a conductor. "The next week after you left I went to Wooster to get some money... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1880 – A letter from a young woman attending Mills Seminary, shortly before it was chartered as Mills College, the first woman’s college west of the Rockies
by Elva C. King
Oakland, California, 1880. Unbound. Very good. This eight-page letter was written by Elva C. King at Mills Seminary for Young Women in Oakland, California on May 18th, 1880 to an old school friend with whom she had not corresponed in years. In nice shape. It reads in part: “I supposed you had forgotten me years ago. . .. I can not help wondering if you have changed other than being a dignified young lady... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1868 - Stock Certificate issued by the Merchants Union Express Company immediately before it merged with a crippled American Express Company after two years of cutthroat competition
by A. P. Ross and J.N. Knapp
New York, 1868. Unbound. Very good. This certificate for ten shares of stock in the Merchants Union Express Company, measuring approximately 11½" x 8¾", was issued to Ketchum Clark of New York on October 16, 1868. It is signed by ''J.N. Knapp'' as Secretary and ''A. P. Ross'' as President. It features a classic central vignette showing an express wagon full of freight being pulled by four racing horses with freight train, ship, and factory in the background.... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
Das Arme Mariechen (The Poor Little Marie)
by Knesebeck, Hertha v. d.
Oldenburg, Germany: Verlag Gerhard Stalling, 1930. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good. Wenz-Vietor, Else. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Complete. Text in German (Sutterlin typeface). Striking color illustrations throughout; seven of them are full-page. Sound binding; front hinge starting to crack. No names or other writing. Clean pages with a few light finger smudges. Cover has some minor edge wear. This is a children's tale about a doll's misadventures from... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1873-1883 –A ten-year correspondence collection from a future head librarian of the University of Nevada updates his cousin on a periodic basis after his pioneering family emigrated to California by covered wagon
by Joseph D. (Dieffenbach) Layman
California, 1883. Envelope or Cover. Very good. These four letters were sent by Joseph D. (Dieffenbach) Layman in California to his cousin, John E. Dieffenbach in Pulaski, Iowa. The letters are enclosed in their original mailing envelopes. All of the letters and two of the envelopes are in nice shape; one of the envelopes has significant foxing, and one has some light blue toning. The correspondence begins with Joseph reporting that he and his sister are attending... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1943-1945 – Collection of letters documenting the assistance provided by Admiral William D. Leahy, “the second most powerful man in the world to boost the career of his long-time journalist friend
by Admiral William D. Leahy
Washington DC and At Sea, 1945. Envelope or Cover. Very good. The eight letters in this group were all sent by Admiral William D. Leahy to his long-time friend and aide, Julius Caesar C. Edelstein between 1943 and 1945. Seven of the letters were typed; one is handwritten. All are enclosed in their official “Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief / The White House / Washington” envelopes. The last letter was written using “The White House... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1918 – A letter from an overweight, overtired, and, especially, overworked but dedicated medic who managed a ward in an overcrowded base hospital near Nantes, France
by J. K. Leister
Base Hospital #38 near Nantes, France, 1918. Very good. This four-page letter from J. K. Leister of Base Hospital #38 near Nantes, France to his mother back home in Pottstown, Pennsylvania is dated 17 August 1918. It is enclosed in its original mailing envelope and bears a manuscript “Soldiers Mail” annotation along with a standard censor handstamp. Although APO 767 is referenced in Leister’s return address, the cover is not postmarked. In nice shape In this... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1837 - "TO DAY WE HAVE ENDORSED Mr. WM FLEMMING'S DFT TO YOU . . . FOR NINE THOUSAND DOLLARS ON A/C COTTON TO HEYAN MACGEE. . .." An uncommon, triple-rate Express Mail letter used to provide timely and detailed purchasing instructions in the rapidly fluctuating cotton market
by J. H. (James Henry) Leverich to Henry S. (Stanton) Leverich
This two-page stampless folded letter was sent by U.S. Express Mail from New Orleans to New York City in January of 1837. It measures approximately 16" x 10.5" unfolded and bears a manuscript $2.25 rate mark, a manuscript "Express Mail" annotation, and a blue New Orleans postmark.The letter contains detailed information and instructions regarding a number of intended cotton transactions including a $9,000 endorsed draft referenced in its first sentence. James Henry informs his brother, Henry Stanton, that he had... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1533 - Leaf from the Romisch Historien (History of Rome) by Titus Livius (Livy) discussing the conflicts between Rome, Carthage, and Macedon during Punic and Macedonian Wars of the Third Century BC
by Titus Livius (Livy)
Mainz, Germany: Johann Schoeffer, 1533. Disbound. Very good. The History of Rome, originally titled Annales, and often referred to as Ab Urbe Condita (From the Founding of the City) is a monumental history of ancient Rome, written in Latin between 27 and 9 BC by the Roman historian Titus Livius (Livy). The work covers the period from the legends concerning the arrival of Aeneas and the refugees from the fall of Troy, to the city's founding in 753... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1845 - A postally used letter sheet featuring a terrific engraving of the Cincinnati riverfront with over 15 docked paddle-wheelers
by L. J. M. Lord
Cincinnati, Ohio, 1845. Envelope or Cover. Very good. This four-page stampless folded letter, written on an illustrated letter sheet, measures 15" x 9.75" unfolded. It is datelined "Social Hall Aug 15/45" and bears a circular Washington, Kentucky postmark with a blue "10" manuscript rate mark. It was sent by L. J. M. Lord to his sister, Laura, in Vermont. The illustration, which measures approximately 7.25" x 3.25", depicts the Cincinnati riverfront as seen from the... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1898 – Shipboard magazine, published on the U. S. Flagship Olympia, devoted to the Battle of Manila Bay, published in Manila shortly after the battle
by L. S. Young, editor
Manilla, Philippine Islands, 1898. Very good. The Bounding Billow. Published in the Interests of American Men-O’-Warsmen. Volume I, issue 5. Edited by L. S. Young. Printed by H. B. Glover aboard the U. S. Flagship Olympia on captured Spanish paper. Manila, Philippine Islands, June 1898. 16 pages. 6.5” x 8”. Uncut sheet. The front cover features a colorful patriotic vignette with a U.S. flag, a Naval Jack, National Eagle, the Liberty Bell, gun barrels, and... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
One-page Mexican-American War letter from a newly appointed ensign in the Missouri Volunteers as his unit prepared to depart Camp Lucas in Missouri on the Great Platte River Road in route to establishing Fort Kearny for protection of the Oregon Trail
by John V. Masters to the Honorable C. Masters
Camp Lucas (St. Louis), Missouri to Warren Court House, Pennsylvania, 1847. This one-page stampless folded letter measures 15.5" x 10" unfolded. It is dated "Camp Lucas May 30th 1847." The cover must have been delivered by hand, outside of the postal system, as it is unfranked and bears no postmarks. It is in nice shape. A transcript is included as is a copy of Masters's service summary showing he was assigned to Lt. Col. Powell's Missouri Volunteers. In the letter John Masters... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1834 – A Consular certificate certifying the exchange rate of U. S. dollars at the port of La Guayra as part of a coffee sale
by J S McKaighen
La Guayra, [Venezuela], 1834. Unbound. Very good. This two-sided manuscript certificate is datelined “Consulate of the United States of America / La Guayra [20th] Nov 1834. La Guayra (also sometimes La Guayra or La Guaira) was the principal port of the recently established Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. A consulate seal is affixed. In nice shape. The front of the form reads in part: “I, J S McKaighen [?] acting Consul of the United States... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1839 – Triple-rate stampless cover used to mail legal documents
by James W. Metcalf
New York, 1839. Envelope or Cover. Very good. This stampless cover contained legal documents that were sent from a New York City attorney, James W. Metcalf, to the Seriff of Ontario County, Myon H. Clark, in Canandaigua, New York. It bears an indistinct New York City postmark along with a “Paid” handstamp, both in red along with a manuscript “56¼” rate. This is three times the normal postage of 18½ cents for letters sent for... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1849 – Letter regarding the private purchase of public lands in Michigan
by 1849 – Letter regarding the private purchase of public lands in Michigan
Envelope or Cover. Very good. This one-page stampless folded letter was sent by C. B. Young of Detroit to the Michigan Auditor General in Lansing. It is datelined “Nov 25 1849.” It bears a circular Detroit postmark, “Paid” handstamp, and “5” rate mark, all in red. The letter forwarded $3.00 to purchase public land in Ionia County from the sale of 1847. From the time of the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787,... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1866 – A fascinating solicitation from a Liverpool merchant seeking funds to purchase a boarding house so the destitute widow of a former New York City associate could support her family
by Jas. Moore
Liverpool, 1866. Unbound. Very good. This one-page printed solicitation was privately sent by Jas. Moore of Liverpool on October 15th, 1866, to George Rogers of Lee, Kent (a small parish southeast of London). In nice shape. The notice reads::
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1887-1888 – Four maps of the Klamath Indian Reservation in Oregon that have been removed from an unidentified government publication
by H. L. Muldrow
Washington, DC, 1888. Disbound. Very good. These four large folding maps are attached to the last page (page 29) of an unidentified federal publication. Page 29 contains a statement, dated 6 August 1887 by H. L. Muldrow, the Acting Secretary for the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that reads in part, “Survey of the outboundaries of the Klamath Reservation in Oregon, and also concerning cattle trespass thereon, with apprehended difficulties the cowboys and Indians. . ..”... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1885 – An attractive advertising trade card for men’s cuffs and collars features a colorful illustration of the owner’s family sitting down to enjoy a turkey at their Thanksgiving dinner was sent through the mail, presumably in late November of that year
by S. L. Munson
Albany, New York, 1885. Card. Very good. This blank back, 5.25” x 3” trade card advertises “Acorn” Collars and Cuffs manufactured by S. L. Munson of Albany, New York. It was sent through the mail to E. R. Birinington of Danielsonville, Connecticut. The card is in nice shape, and it is franked with a 1-cent Franklin stamp canceled by an undated Albany postmark. The card, on which a November calendar is printed, features a family of... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1820-1833 – 138 different issues of the Niles' Weekly Register
by Hezekiah Niles
Baltimore, Maryland, 1833. Disbound. Very good. 138 different issues of the Niles’ Weekly Register being sold as a lot. All are complete with varying degrees of toning. All are a little rough on the left edge as they were once bound in volumes. In nice shape. The Niles’ Weekly Register was a national news magazine published in Baltimore, Maryland by Hezekiah Niles from 1811 to 1848. It was the first weekly journal of its kind in... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
Advertisement for an attorney specializing in obtaining military land patent bounties for veterans and heirs of veterans who had served in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, an the Indian Wars between 1775 and 1855
by Samuel V. Niles
Washington, DC, 1857. Envelope or Cover. Very good. This handbill advertisement measures approximately 8" x 10 and is printed on light blue paper. Its accompanying mailing envelope is addressed "To the Heirs of Mrs. Ruth Bullard." The envelope is franked with a straddle copy of a one-cent blue Franklin stamp (Scott #24) that a previous owner has identified as coming from plate position 100L8. The stamp is tied to the cover with and indistinct circular postmark.... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
Early 1860s – A letter from “N. M. G.”. to a friend, Clarissa, describing Yalesville, Connecticut social life including an emotional but non-sexual sleeping relationship with a friend, Ollie
by “N.M.G.”
Yalesville, Connecticut, 1860. This three-page letter is datelined “Yalesville, August.” It was written in a female hand by “N.M.G.” and the content also suggests the writer was a young woman. It is enclosed in an enveloped franked with a 3-cent Washington stamp that bears a circular Wallingford, Connecticut post mark dated August 9. This stamp’s use was ubiquitous during the Civil War, between 1861 and 1865. In nice shape. The letter reads in part: “Ant Min has... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC
1845 – This four-page stampless folded letter expressing worry about an upcoming examination sent by a cadet at West Point to his sister in Pennsylvania
by James Oakes
West Point, New York, 1845. Envelope or Cover. Very good. Unfolded, the letter, written on 25 May 1845 by Cadet James Oakes, to his sister in Milton, Pennsylvania, measures 15.5” x 9.5”. It bears a circular West Point postmark along with a manuscript “18½“ rate mark. It also bears both a “Paid” manuscript and handstamped marking. Lightly toned with two short, transparent archival tape mends to mailing fold splits. In nice shape. It reads in part: ... Read More
Offered by Kurt A. Sanftleben, LLC