Documents, Manuscripts, & Book Auction Dec 5th 6:00 PM EST
Previous Page Listing ID#: 1347159

Auction Location

Richmond, VA 23228
Auction Dates and TimesSALE IS COMPLETED
Bidding Starts: Tuesday Jul 20
Bidding Ends: Sunday Dec 5
Auction Type
 Online Auction  VIEW ONLINE CATALOG
Company Information
Emerald Ventures, LLC

Website: alanblairstamps.com

GoToAuction.com ID#: 5568
View company information and listings

Free Email Notifications

Sign up for the GoToAuction.com email notifications and we will let you know about sales in your area!  You may set up alerts by area (zip and radius), keywords, and by company.  It is FREE and only takes a few seconds to sign up.

Listing Terms and Conditions
Bidding 1. By placing a bid you accept the terms of sale 2. Any lot may be withdrawn at any time 3. Lots are sold at one advance over the second highest bid 4. All lots are sold for the hammer price plus a 15% buyer's commission Payment 1. Payment is due upon receipt of invoice and will be shipped upon payment 2. Shipping will be by USPS or UPS at cost + $3.25 handling per package 3. Successful bidders agree to pay for their purchases. No credit is extended without prior agreement and overdue accounts will be charged 2% per month interest after 30 days. 4. Virginia residents and in-person bidders must pay 6% state sales tax Returns 1. Any lot described in error can be returned for a full refund if we are notified in writing via mail or email within 15 days of the auction.
Listing Information
At one point in his early life, Otto Orren Fisher had a goal to own one rare item in his lifetime. By the time of his death in 1961, Dr. Fisher had collected and owned over 80,000 items. These items included everything from Egyptian artifacts, to the signatures of every president until that time. During his life, he was world-renowned as a serious book, manuscript, and artifact collector, and at one time three levels of his house were taken over by his enormous collection. Over the years many of the items that he collected were donated, sold, and given away. What remains is a unique group of roughly 650 manuscripts, documents, autographs, artifacts, and books.While it would seem that out of 80,000, 650 is a small remainder, many of these items were personal favorites of Dr. Fisher and his family. These include a group of letters from Mark Twain, Einstein, Helen Keller, Houdini, and more. There are books spanning from the 16th century. Pages of Papyrus, including a leaf from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Illuminated manuscript leaves, medieval texts, historical documents, and more.Every item in this collection was hand-picked by Dr. Fisher for significance, either of the time while he was collecting, or for all time. Even the most benign lot will be of value to collectors.Otto Fisher was an outstanding collector, and it is our great pleasure to offer these lots for auction on Sunday, December 5th, at 6 PM EST. This will be an auction unlike any other, and we look forward to sharing this group of amazing and unique items with the world.

1
1313 Deed Of Conveyance France
Two pieces on Vellum from 14th Century France, one a deed dated September 4th 1313 between two men with one conveying his possessions to the latter and his heirs, the other a detailed deed written and signed by a notary public at Besancon dated March...

2
1329 Deed Of Sale
A deed of sale on vellum from the nobleman Raymond de Pierrevert Supronius, his son, Langerious, and his grandson selling to Isuard de Galabrun a quantity of corn, a piece of land at Clapose, and other goods, for 33 Flourentine guilders in pure gold,...

3
1363 Diploma Ionnes Sancta CRVX
Large Diploma on Vellum in Latin, Ionnes Sancta CRVX, Latin, old notes dating it to 1363 with extensive damage and repairs, Ex-Fisher

4
1396 Receipt Robert Cordelier France
A reciept on vellum from Robert Cordelier, the reporter of the king's affairs, for 300 francs to a general for matters of war, the money earned by a long time of services to the king, and to be used for restoring and rebuilding a house in Paris, date...

5
16th Century Elizabethan Fragments
Two small documents in a frame, one dated 1587, the other undated, Ex-Fisher

6
1618 Diploma in Latin
Diploma in booklet, ten pages hand written in illuminated manuscript with full color hand-painted seal on inner flap dated January 1618, excellent condition with one larger (1") stain and few smaller stains, Ex-Fisher

7
1682 Indenture Warwickshire
Indenture on vellum from the estate of Christopher Hales of Coventry, Warwickshire, England, indenture mentions Thomas Shakespeare, Ex-Fisher

8
1696 Printed Oath on Quakers
A booklet printed in 1696 in London by Charles Bill, printers to the King, detailing discussions at Parliament from November 1695 concerning the acceptance of Quakers, damaged back page but still completely readable, Ex-Fisher

9
1702 Quakers Oath Act
A booklet from 1702 detailing the act of accepting Quakers permanently, and ending by saying that the People called Quakers, shall be extended to that part of Great Britain called Scotland for ever, with a hole through several pages, but still readab...

10
1706 Diploma in Latin
Diploma in booklet form from 1706 in Latin, hand-written with gilding in excellent condition, signed Alexander de Salmietis, Ex-Fisher

11
1712 Booklet The Englishman's Thanks
The Englishman's Thanks to the Duke of Marlborough by Richard Steele, printed in London and originally sold for Twopence 1712, Ex-Fisher

12
1712 Booklet The Englishman's Thanks
The Englishman's Thanks to the Duke of Marlborough by Richard Steele, printed in London and originally sold for Twopence, privately bound in brown paper, 1712, Ex-Fisher

13
1722 Quakers Oath Act
A Booklet printed in 1722 detailing an act from 1714 granting Quakers certain rights to relieve pressure and troubles from them, Ex-Fisher

14
1756 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

15
1757 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

16
1763 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

17
1763 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

18
1767 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

19
1767 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

20
1786 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

21
1774 Military Proclamation to Herald Extraordinary
Military Proclamation by Richard Lumley-Saunderson, 4th Earl of Scarbrough promoting John Ives to the position of Herald of Arms Extraordinary, signed and sealed in excellent condition, Ex-Fisher

22
1781 Proclamation to Pursuivant Extraordinary
Military Proclamation by Thomas, Earl of Effingham promoting Alexander Ochterlony to the position of Pursuivant Extraordinary, signed and sealed in excellent condition, Ex-Fisher

23
1780 Money Grant to George III England
Document allowing King George III permission to use money for necessities from 1780, Ex-Fisher

24
1800 Receipt for Molasses
Invoice of 107 Hogsheads Molasses, shipped by Pablo Serra in 1800 & also a claim from Charleston SC for damage of shipment from 1816, Ex-Fisher

25
1807 The Quebec Gazette Canada
A well preserved copy of The Quebec Gazette dated December 31, 1807 from the collection of Sir John MacDonald, the first prime minister of Canada, Ex-Fisher

26
1883 A Forged Wise Pamphlet
John Drinkwater's signed copy of "A Forged Wise Pamphlet" several pages titled "In the Album of Adah Menken", Ex-Fisher

27
Undated Signed Agreement England
Signed agreement from England, with damage but mostly legible, undated, Ex-Fisher

28
9th-11th Century Kufic Script Fragment
Leaf fragment with Kufic script in Arabic, most likely 9th-11th century, rith red and green accents, repaired tear Ex-Fisher

29
12th Century Breviary on Vellum
Breviary manuscript leaves, vellum, 12th Century, with six capital letters in red in Latin containing services for the 1st Sunday after Epiphany, very old vertical fold less than an inch from the right side, Ex-Fisher

30
13th Century Missal with Musical Notation
Missal with musical notation on red 4-lines stave, fine calligraphy, mid 13th century on vellum, not quite complete with staining from poor storage on both sides, Ex-Fisher

31
14th Century Chinese Printing
Old block printings with one labeled as follows "Chinese Printing leaf from I. Ching, edited by Confucius, printed in the Sung or Yuan Dynasty prior to 1368 A.D.", Ex-Fisher

32
1374 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France dated April 2nd, 1374, Ex-Fisher

33
1416 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France dated April 16th, 1416, Ex-Fisher

34
1419 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France with two blue star stamps, marked "Rouen" and dated 1419, Ex-Fisher

35
1441 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France dated July 17th, 1441, Ex-Fisher

36
15th Century Missal from Early Days of Printing
A leaf from a 15th century Missal, later Gothic script with more rounded letters, Very Early Days of Printing with black print and red & blue Initials and text, Ex-Fisher

37
1400s Gothic Script in the Early Days of Printing
A leaf from a 15th century Missal, later Gothic script with more rounded letters, with floration type "Q", Very Early Days of Printing with black print and red & blue Initials and text, Ex-Fisher

38
15th Century Psalter England
15th Century Illuminated English Psalter, in three pieces rejoined on backing, large initial in gold with several larger initials in gold, blue and red, Ex-Fisher

39
1471 Printing Leaves, Woodcuts, Bamberg
Early Printing Leaves, Woodcuts, several loose and then many that were previously bound together, Ex-Fisher

40
1492 Early Printing Leaf
Early Printing Leaves, Woodcut, Mainz, 1492, Ex-Fisher

41
1512 The Golden Legend England
Wynkyn De Worde's "The Golden Legend" (Lyves of Saynt Leonarde, The Four Crowned Martyrs, St. Martyn, etc, printed by Wynkyn de Worde at Westminster 1512) three complete excepts from the work of the second English printer, Caxton types, 8 leaves, Ex-...

42
1598 Music Transalpina Quintus
Nicholas Yonge, Musica Transalpina, translated out of parts 4-6, printed 1598, missing the title page but with dedication to Gilber Lord Talbot, pages loose but legible, Ex-Fisher

43
17th Century Psalter Ethiopia
One leaf from a Psalter in Amharic, long lines on thick parchment, complete leaf, red rubric, 17th century, Ex-Fisher

44
1632 Shakespeare's Second Folio Pages England
Ten pages from Shakespeare's Second Folio, pages 331-350 containing a portion of Othello, printed by Thomas Cotes in 1632 and containing almost 1,700 changes from the original printed in 1623, Ex-Fisher

45
1712 Aesop at Utrecht England
Aesop at Utrecht, two pages, England 1712, Ex-Fisher

46
1755 La Servante Maitresse: Comédie En Deux Actes
La Servante Maitresse: Comédie En Deux Actes, missing cover and uncut edges, 1755, Ex-Fisher

47
19th Century Handwritten Poem Rossetti
Handwritten Poem "The Love-Moon" by D.G. Rossetti 1800s, Ex-Fisher

48
19th Century Letter from William Owen England
Folded Autographed Letter from William Owen (portrait painter to Prince of Wales), Ex-Fisher

49
1858 ALS from Charlotte Mary Younge England
Letter from Charlotte Mary Younge, English novelist, to Miss Walker 1858, Ex-Fisher

50
1859 ALS from William Charles Macready England
Signed Letter from William Charles Macready, English actor regretting his limited means, dated January 11th, 1859, Ex-Fisher

51
1861 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning on mourning stationery written just after his wife's death, he was in Italy at the time and left everything in his apartment, too heartbroken to return for over 15 years, Florence, 1861, Ex-Fisher

52
1868 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning to "My Dear Lord Archbishop" England dated May 26, 1868, Ex-Fisher

53
1872 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning to "Miss Smith" apologizing for accepting an invitation and needing to cancel, England 1872, Ex-Fisher

54
1886 ALS from Robert Browning England
Short signed note from Robert Browning,"All love and gratitude to my dearest Dorothea and her mother from their ever appreciative Robert Browning, England, dated May 8th, 1886, Ex-Fisher

55
1887 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning to "Mr. Knowles" with complete transcription, beginning "It is very good of you to forget or forgive the too many occasions when I have seemed less sensible than I should be" England, dated June 1st, 1887, Ex-Fisher

56
1864 ALS from John Keble England
Letter from John Keble, English Churchman and Poet, 1864, Ex-Fisher

57
1866 Claviermusik Germany
Claviermusik Germany 1866, Ex-Fisher

58
19th Century Two ALS From Robert B Browning
Two Signed Letters From Robert Barrett Browning, 19th Century, Ex-Fisher

59
1890 Handwritten Poem "The Warbling of Blackbirds"
Handwritten Poem "The Warbling of Blackbirds" by Jean Ingelow, from this "Songs of the Voices of Birds" volume, signed by the author, March 1890, Ex-Fisher

60
1890 ALS from Sir. J. Forbes-Robertson England
Signed Letter from Sir. J. Forbes-Robertson on his Stationery, 1890, Ex-Fisher

61
20th Century ALS from Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

62
20th Century ALS from Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

63
1896 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Short Signed Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery with envelope, 1896, Ex-Fisher

64
1897 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

65
1897 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

66
1899 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on Government House stationery from South Australia signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

67
1906 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

68
20th Century ALS from Unknown Tennyson
Handwritten Letter Signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

69
1900 Shakespeare Postcards England
Life of Shakespeare postcards collection, set of 13, 1900, Ex-Fisher

70
1920 Paintings of London Library France
The Paintings Manuscripts of the London Libraries, collection of engravings on pages, Text and Plates in two parts, 1920, Ex-Fisher

71
1922 Zoo Ticket Signed by Rudyard Kipling
Zoo ticket signed by R. Kipling with letter of thanks from recipient 1922, Ex-Fisher

72
1927 ALS from Rudyard Kipling
Typed Letter signed by Rudyard Kipling on his stationery, dated December 3rd, 1927, Ex-Fisher

73
1925 ALS from J.M. Barrie England
Signed Handwritten Letter from J.M. Barrie on stationery England 1925, Ex-Fisher

74
1935 ALS from Charles K Sharpe
Signed handwritten letter from Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe (to Allan Cunningham), with many interesting anecdotes of Robert Burns, Ex-Fisher

75
1947 A Description of The Folios of Shakespeare
A Description of The Four Folios of Shakespeare from Dr. Rosenbach, February 1947, Ex-Fisher

76
1950s Historic Ontario Booklet
Historic Ontario, "Old Upper Canada" 1950s, Ex-Fisher

77
Undated Art Japan
Art Japan Unknown, prints, Ex-Fisher

77
1785 Pamphlet "The Remarkable Effects of Fixed Air
1785 Pamphlet "The Remarkable Effects of Fixed Air in Mortifications of the Extremities, to which is added, the History of some Worm-Cases" by Surgeon John Harrison, printed by Baker and Galabin in London, 1785, with some spotting and aging, binding ...

78
18th Century The Ancient World Map France
Copperplate Engraved map with hand coloring entitled "Le monde Connu des Anciens - Par l'Auteur de la Geographie sacres" (The Known World of the Ancients - By the Author of the Sacred Geography), from famed cartographer Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'An...

79
1792 Honorary Doctorate William Herschel Ireland
An honorary Doctorate from the University in Glasgow 1792 with attached Wax Seal in silver case bestowed to Sir William Herschel, renowned astronomer and composer who is credited with discovering Uranus among other contributions, Ex-Fisher

80
1795 Notes from William Herschel England
Sir William Herschel notes on clock time adjustments, 1795, Ex-Fisher

81
19th Century Notes from John Herschel England
Notes from John Herschel England, dozens of pages of handwritten notes on a variety of pages, seemingly anything he could put his hands on, much unsearched and possibly of interest 1800s, Ex-Fisher

82
19th Century ALS from Sir John Herschel England
Letter from Sir John F. W. Herschel, undated, Ex-Fisher

83
19th Century Notes from Sir John Herschel England
John F. W. Herschel notes regarding Haarlem Lake, physical features, measurements, Ex-Fisher

84
19th Century Notes from Sir John Herschel England
John F. W. Herschel notes regarding light; heading reads "Encyclopedia Metropolitana | Light Art' 467 & 468", Ex-Fisher

85
19th Century ALS to Sir John Herschel England
Letter to John Herschel "On Her Majesty's Service", 3 pages, Ex-Fisher

86
1847 ALS from Sir John Herschel England
Letter from Mark McWilliams to Smith Elder & Co. to J.F.W. Herschel, and reply, Ex-Fisher

87
1849 Notice about Sir John Herschel England
Die Kaiserliche Akademie der Wissenschaften hat in der Gesammtsitzung am 29, Mai 1849 ("The Imperial Academy of Sciences held its general meeting on May 29, 1849"), Imperial Academy of Sciences elected Sir John Frederick William Herschel, Baronet, as...

88
1858 ALS from Sir John Herschel England
Letter from Herschel to Willem Vrolik, Amsterdam 1858, Ex-Fisher

89
1859 ALS to Sir John Herschel England
Letters from Adam & Charles Black (A & C Black, British book publishing company founded 1807), Edinburgh to Sir John Herschel Bt, Collingwood, Hawkhurst, Kent, regarding advice given on an article titled "Seismology", Letter from Adam & Charles Black...

90
1860 ALS from T.R. Robinson England
Letter from Thomas Romney Robinson, British Astronomer, to J.F.W. Herschel, Ex-Fisher

91
1861 ALS from L.P. Woodward England
Letter from L.P. Woodward, British Museum to J.F.W. Herschel 1861, Ex-Fisher

92
1864 Autograph Sir John FW Herschel England
Sir John Frederick William Herschel, astronomer, autograph, Ex-Fisher

93
1866 ALS From Sir John FW Herschel England
Letter from Sir John F. W. Herschel, possibly Feb 1866, Ex-Fisher

94
1864 2 ALS From John Henry Pepper England
Two letters from John Henry Pepper, one with envelope, Ex-Fisher

95
1930 Rarities of the Indies Canada
Les Raretes des Indes, Codex Canadiensis Official Reprint, Ex-Fisher

96
300 BC Book of the Dead Fragment Egypt.
Book of the Dead Fragment inscribed in two sections, separated by a vertical line; each side consisting of eight lines in hieratic script in dark black ink, atop is a single band of inscription and the fragmented remains of a vignette in red ink a de...

97
200 BC Money Account on Papyrus Greece
A folded over document in a two sided red border frame for protection, plant based fiber paper, pressed smooth and dried and used as a sheet with black ink, described as a money account, Ex-Fisher

98
30 BC Hieratic writing on Papyrus Egypt Prior
Hieratic writing on Papyrus Egypt Prior to 30 B.C. rendered in ten lines in thick black ink on clean papyrus, cut off at the left side, 5.5 x 2.5 inches in very good condition, formerly owned by William Randolph Hearst, Ex-Fisher

99
2nd Century Deed of Sale on Papyrus Egypt
Inscribed record of a deed of sale in cursive hieratic script, a simplified form of hieroglyphics used for administrative and business purposes, in poor condition but with dark and legible ink, papyrus is very fragile and rare, Ex-Fisher

100
3rd Century Deed of Sale on Papyrus Rome
Inscribed record of a deed of sale in Latin, typed label says it was a private letter, text is crisp and clear, Ex-Fisher

100
238 Petition on Papyrus in Frame
238 Petition on Papyrus in frame

101
10th Century Vellum Leaf from Isidore of Spain
Leaf on vellum from S. Isidorus Hispalensis (Isidore of Seville), Etymologiarum Liber (Perfect Library) Fragmentum Saec. X Ineuntis (Start), Ex-Fisher

102
14th Century Anglo-Norman Document England
A Coutumier in Anglo-Norman language consisting of two sheets with one full column and one partial column each, around 120 lines, very clean and unrecorded, Ex-Fisher

103
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

104
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

105
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

106
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

107
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

108
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

109
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

110
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents with...

111
14th Century Breviary Manuscript Leaf Italy
Breviary illuminated manuscript leaf, vellum, Latin, Northern Italy, probably Lombardy, c. 1350 with five large illuminated letters, Ex-Fisher

112
15th Century Illuminated Manuscript Page
Page, 6 x 8.25, single column in black ink with red, blue, & gold & full color decoration, Ex-Fisher

Photo Gallery

Save Listing As Favorite

Print Listing information

Share This Listing

  • Facebook
  • Email this Listing to a Friend







Sponsored Links

Documents, Manuscripts, & Book Auction Dec 5th 6:00 PM EST

Emerald Ventures, LLC

Emerald Ventures, LLC


Contact:
Phone:
Sale Location
5315 Lakeside Ave
Richmond, VA 23228
Sale Dates and Times
Sale Terms and Conditions
Bidding 1. By placing a bid you accept the terms of sale 2. Any lot may be withdrawn at any time 3. Lots are sold at one advance over the second highest bid 4. All lots are sold for the hammer price plus a 15% buyer's commission Payment 1. Payment is due upon receipt of invoice and will be shipped upon payment 2. Shipping will be by USPS or UPS at cost + $3.25 handling per package 3. Successful bidders agree to pay for their purchases. No credit is extended without prior agreement and overdue accounts will be charged 2% per month interest after 30 days. 4. Virginia residents and in-person bidders must pay 6% state sales tax Returns 1. Any lot described in error can be returned for a full refund if we are notified in writing via mail or email within 15 days of the auction.
Listing Details
At one point in his early life, Otto Orren Fisher had a goal to own one rare item in his lifetime. By the time of his death in 1961, Dr. Fisher had collected and owned over 80,000 items. These items included everything from Egyptian artifacts, to the signatures of every president until that time. During his life, he was world-renowned as a serious book, manuscript, and artifact collector, and at one time three levels of his house were taken over by his enormous collection. Over the years many of the items that he collected were donated, sold, and given away. What remains is a unique group of roughly 650 manuscripts, documents, autographs, artifacts, and books.While it would seem that out of 80,000, 650 is a small remainder, many of these items were personal favorites of Dr. Fisher and his family. These include a group of letters from Mark Twain, Einstein, Helen Keller, Houdini, and more. There are books spanning from the 16th century. Pages of Papyrus, including a leaf from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Illuminated manuscript leaves, medieval texts, historical documents, and more.Every item in this collection was hand-picked by Dr. Fisher for significance, either of the time while he was collecting, or for all time. Even the most benign lot will be of value to collectors.Otto Fisher was an outstanding collector, and it is our great pleasure to offer these lots for auction on Sunday, December 5th, at 6 PM EST. This will be an auction unlike any other, and we look forward to sharing this group of amazing and unique items with the world.

1
1313 Deed Of Conveyance France
Two pieces on Vellum from 14th Century France, one a deed dated September 4th 1313 between two men with one conveying his possessions to the latter and his heirs, the other a detailed deed written and signed by a notary public at Besancon dated March...

2
1329 Deed Of Sale
A deed of sale on vellum from the nobleman Raymond de Pierrevert Supronius, his son, Langerious, and his grandson selling to Isuard de Galabrun a quantity of corn, a piece of land at Clapose, and other goods, for 33 Flourentine guilders in pure gold,...

3
1363 Diploma Ionnes Sancta CRVX
Large Diploma on Vellum in Latin, Ionnes Sancta CRVX, Latin, old notes dating it to 1363 with extensive damage and repairs, Ex-Fisher

4
1396 Receipt Robert Cordelier France
A reciept on vellum from Robert Cordelier, the reporter of the king's affairs, for 300 francs to a general for matters of war, the money earned by a long time of services to the king, and to be used for restoring and rebuilding a house in Paris, date...

5
16th Century Elizabethan Fragments
Two small documents in a frame, one dated 1587, the other undated, Ex-Fisher

6
1618 Diploma in Latin
Diploma in booklet, ten pages hand written in illuminated manuscript with full color hand-painted seal on inner flap dated January 1618, excellent condition with one larger (1") stain and few smaller stains, Ex-Fisher

7
1682 Indenture Warwickshire
Indenture on vellum from the estate of Christopher Hales of Coventry, Warwickshire, England, indenture mentions Thomas Shakespeare, Ex-Fisher

8
1696 Printed Oath on Quakers
A booklet printed in 1696 in London by Charles Bill, printers to the King, detailing discussions at Parliament from November 1695 concerning the acceptance of Quakers, damaged back page but still completely readable, Ex-Fisher

9
1702 Quakers Oath Act
A booklet from 1702 detailing the act of accepting Quakers permanently, and ending by saying that the People called Quakers, shall be extended to that part of Great Britain called Scotland for ever, with a hole through several pages, but still readab...

10
1706 Diploma in Latin
Diploma in booklet form from 1706 in Latin, hand-written with gilding in excellent condition, signed Alexander de Salmietis, Ex-Fisher

11
1712 Booklet The Englishman's Thanks
The Englishman's Thanks to the Duke of Marlborough by Richard Steele, printed in London and originally sold for Twopence 1712, Ex-Fisher

12
1712 Booklet The Englishman's Thanks
The Englishman's Thanks to the Duke of Marlborough by Richard Steele, printed in London and originally sold for Twopence, privately bound in brown paper, 1712, Ex-Fisher

13
1722 Quakers Oath Act
A Booklet printed in 1722 detailing an act from 1714 granting Quakers certain rights to relieve pressure and troubles from them, Ex-Fisher

14
1756 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

15
1757 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

16
1763 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

17
1763 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

18
1767 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

19
1767 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

20
1786 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

21
1774 Military Proclamation to Herald Extraordinary
Military Proclamation by Richard Lumley-Saunderson, 4th Earl of Scarbrough promoting John Ives to the position of Herald of Arms Extraordinary, signed and sealed in excellent condition, Ex-Fisher

22
1781 Proclamation to Pursuivant Extraordinary
Military Proclamation by Thomas, Earl of Effingham promoting Alexander Ochterlony to the position of Pursuivant Extraordinary, signed and sealed in excellent condition, Ex-Fisher

23
1780 Money Grant to George III England
Document allowing King George III permission to use money for necessities from 1780, Ex-Fisher

24
1800 Receipt for Molasses
Invoice of 107 Hogsheads Molasses, shipped by Pablo Serra in 1800 & also a claim from Charleston SC for damage of shipment from 1816, Ex-Fisher

25
1807 The Quebec Gazette Canada
A well preserved copy of The Quebec Gazette dated December 31, 1807 from the collection of Sir John MacDonald, the first prime minister of Canada, Ex-Fisher

26
1883 A Forged Wise Pamphlet
John Drinkwater's signed copy of "A Forged Wise Pamphlet" several pages titled "In the Album of Adah Menken", Ex-Fisher

27
Undated Signed Agreement England
Signed agreement from England, with damage but mostly legible, undated, Ex-Fisher

28
9th-11th Century Kufic Script Fragment
Leaf fragment with Kufic script in Arabic, most likely 9th-11th century, rith red and green accents, repaired tear Ex-Fisher

29
12th Century Breviary on Vellum
Breviary manuscript leaves, vellum, 12th Century, with six capital letters in red in Latin containing services for the 1st Sunday after Epiphany, very old vertical fold less than an inch from the right side, Ex-Fisher

30
13th Century Missal with Musical Notation
Missal with musical notation on red 4-lines stave, fine calligraphy, mid 13th century on vellum, not quite complete with staining from poor storage on both sides, Ex-Fisher

31
14th Century Chinese Printing
Old block printings with one labeled as follows "Chinese Printing leaf from I. Ching, edited by Confucius, printed in the Sung or Yuan Dynasty prior to 1368 A.D.", Ex-Fisher

32
1374 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France dated April 2nd, 1374, Ex-Fisher

33
1416 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France dated April 16th, 1416, Ex-Fisher

34
1419 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France with two blue star stamps, marked "Rouen" and dated 1419, Ex-Fisher

35
1441 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France dated July 17th, 1441, Ex-Fisher

36
15th Century Missal from Early Days of Printing
A leaf from a 15th century Missal, later Gothic script with more rounded letters, Very Early Days of Printing with black print and red & blue Initials and text, Ex-Fisher

37
1400s Gothic Script in the Early Days of Printing
A leaf from a 15th century Missal, later Gothic script with more rounded letters, with floration type "Q", Very Early Days of Printing with black print and red & blue Initials and text, Ex-Fisher

38
15th Century Psalter England
15th Century Illuminated English Psalter, in three pieces rejoined on backing, large initial in gold with several larger initials in gold, blue and red, Ex-Fisher

39
1471 Printing Leaves, Woodcuts, Bamberg
Early Printing Leaves, Woodcuts, several loose and then many that were previously bound together, Ex-Fisher

40
1492 Early Printing Leaf
Early Printing Leaves, Woodcut, Mainz, 1492, Ex-Fisher

41
1512 The Golden Legend England
Wynkyn De Worde's "The Golden Legend" (Lyves of Saynt Leonarde, The Four Crowned Martyrs, St. Martyn, etc, printed by Wynkyn de Worde at Westminster 1512) three complete excepts from the work of the second English printer, Caxton types, 8 leaves, Ex-...

42
1598 Music Transalpina Quintus
Nicholas Yonge, Musica Transalpina, translated out of parts 4-6, printed 1598, missing the title page but with dedication to Gilber Lord Talbot, pages loose but legible, Ex-Fisher

43
17th Century Psalter Ethiopia
One leaf from a Psalter in Amharic, long lines on thick parchment, complete leaf, red rubric, 17th century, Ex-Fisher

44
1632 Shakespeare's Second Folio Pages England
Ten pages from Shakespeare's Second Folio, pages 331-350 containing a portion of Othello, printed by Thomas Cotes in 1632 and containing almost 1,700 changes from the original printed in 1623, Ex-Fisher

45
1712 Aesop at Utrecht England
Aesop at Utrecht, two pages, England 1712, Ex-Fisher

46
1755 La Servante Maitresse: Comédie En Deux Actes
La Servante Maitresse: Comédie En Deux Actes, missing cover and uncut edges, 1755, Ex-Fisher

47
19th Century Handwritten Poem Rossetti
Handwritten Poem "The Love-Moon" by D.G. Rossetti 1800s, Ex-Fisher

48
19th Century Letter from William Owen England
Folded Autographed Letter from William Owen (portrait painter to Prince of Wales), Ex-Fisher

49
1858 ALS from Charlotte Mary Younge England
Letter from Charlotte Mary Younge, English novelist, to Miss Walker 1858, Ex-Fisher

50
1859 ALS from William Charles Macready England
Signed Letter from William Charles Macready, English actor regretting his limited means, dated January 11th, 1859, Ex-Fisher

51
1861 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning on mourning stationery written just after his wife's death, he was in Italy at the time and left everything in his apartment, too heartbroken to return for over 15 years, Florence, 1861, Ex-Fisher

52
1868 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning to "My Dear Lord Archbishop" England dated May 26, 1868, Ex-Fisher

53
1872 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning to "Miss Smith" apologizing for accepting an invitation and needing to cancel, England 1872, Ex-Fisher

54
1886 ALS from Robert Browning England
Short signed note from Robert Browning,"All love and gratitude to my dearest Dorothea and her mother from their ever appreciative Robert Browning, England, dated May 8th, 1886, Ex-Fisher

55
1887 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning to "Mr. Knowles" with complete transcription, beginning "It is very good of you to forget or forgive the too many occasions when I have seemed less sensible than I should be" England, dated June 1st, 1887, Ex-Fisher

56
1864 ALS from John Keble England
Letter from John Keble, English Churchman and Poet, 1864, Ex-Fisher

57
1866 Claviermusik Germany
Claviermusik Germany 1866, Ex-Fisher

58
19th Century Two ALS From Robert B Browning
Two Signed Letters From Robert Barrett Browning, 19th Century, Ex-Fisher

59
1890 Handwritten Poem "The Warbling of Blackbirds"
Handwritten Poem "The Warbling of Blackbirds" by Jean Ingelow, from this "Songs of the Voices of Birds" volume, signed by the author, March 1890, Ex-Fisher

60
1890 ALS from Sir. J. Forbes-Robertson England
Signed Letter from Sir. J. Forbes-Robertson on his Stationery, 1890, Ex-Fisher

61
20th Century ALS from Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

62
20th Century ALS from Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

63
1896 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Short Signed Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery with envelope, 1896, Ex-Fisher

64
1897 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

65
1897 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

66
1899 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on Government House stationery from South Australia signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

67
1906 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

68
20th Century ALS from Unknown Tennyson
Handwritten Letter Signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

69
1900 Shakespeare Postcards England
Life of Shakespeare postcards collection, set of 13, 1900, Ex-Fisher

70
1920 Paintings of London Library France
The Paintings Manuscripts of the London Libraries, collection of engravings on pages, Text and Plates in two parts, 1920, Ex-Fisher

71
1922 Zoo Ticket Signed by Rudyard Kipling
Zoo ticket signed by R. Kipling with letter of thanks from recipient 1922, Ex-Fisher

72
1927 ALS from Rudyard Kipling
Typed Letter signed by Rudyard Kipling on his stationery, dated December 3rd, 1927, Ex-Fisher

73
1925 ALS from J.M. Barrie England
Signed Handwritten Letter from J.M. Barrie on stationery England 1925, Ex-Fisher

74
1935 ALS from Charles K Sharpe
Signed handwritten letter from Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe (to Allan Cunningham), with many interesting anecdotes of Robert Burns, Ex-Fisher

75
1947 A Description of The Folios of Shakespeare
A Description of The Four Folios of Shakespeare from Dr. Rosenbach, February 1947, Ex-Fisher

76
1950s Historic Ontario Booklet
Historic Ontario, "Old Upper Canada" 1950s, Ex-Fisher

77
Undated Art Japan
Art Japan Unknown, prints, Ex-Fisher

77
1785 Pamphlet "The Remarkable Effects of Fixed Air
1785 Pamphlet "The Remarkable Effects of Fixed Air in Mortifications of the Extremities, to which is added, the History of some Worm-Cases" by Surgeon John Harrison, printed by Baker and Galabin in London, 1785, with some spotting and aging, binding ...

78
18th Century The Ancient World Map France
Copperplate Engraved map with hand coloring entitled "Le monde Connu des Anciens - Par l'Auteur de la Geographie sacres" (The Known World of the Ancients - By the Author of the Sacred Geography), from famed cartographer Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'An...

79
1792 Honorary Doctorate William Herschel Ireland
An honorary Doctorate from the University in Glasgow 1792 with attached Wax Seal in silver case bestowed to Sir William Herschel, renowned astronomer and composer who is credited with discovering Uranus among other contributions, Ex-Fisher

80
1795 Notes from William Herschel England
Sir William Herschel notes on clock time adjustments, 1795, Ex-Fisher

81
19th Century Notes from John Herschel England
Notes from John Herschel England, dozens of pages of handwritten notes on a variety of pages, seemingly anything he could put his hands on, much unsearched and possibly of interest 1800s, Ex-Fisher

82
19th Century ALS from Sir John Herschel England
Letter from Sir John F. W. Herschel, undated, Ex-Fisher

83
19th Century Notes from Sir John Herschel England
John F. W. Herschel notes regarding Haarlem Lake, physical features, measurements, Ex-Fisher

84
19th Century Notes from Sir John Herschel England
John F. W. Herschel notes regarding light; heading reads "Encyclopedia Metropolitana | Light Art' 467 & 468", Ex-Fisher

85
19th Century ALS to Sir John Herschel England
Letter to John Herschel "On Her Majesty's Service", 3 pages, Ex-Fisher

86
1847 ALS from Sir John Herschel England
Letter from Mark McWilliams to Smith Elder & Co. to J.F.W. Herschel, and reply, Ex-Fisher

87
1849 Notice about Sir John Herschel England
Die Kaiserliche Akademie der Wissenschaften hat in der Gesammtsitzung am 29, Mai 1849 ("The Imperial Academy of Sciences held its general meeting on May 29, 1849"), Imperial Academy of Sciences elected Sir John Frederick William Herschel, Baronet, as...

88
1858 ALS from Sir John Herschel England
Letter from Herschel to Willem Vrolik, Amsterdam 1858, Ex-Fisher

89
1859 ALS to Sir John Herschel England
Letters from Adam & Charles Black (A & C Black, British book publishing company founded 1807), Edinburgh to Sir John Herschel Bt, Collingwood, Hawkhurst, Kent, regarding advice given on an article titled "Seismology", Letter from Adam & Charles Black...

90
1860 ALS from T.R. Robinson England
Letter from Thomas Romney Robinson, British Astronomer, to J.F.W. Herschel, Ex-Fisher

91
1861 ALS from L.P. Woodward England
Letter from L.P. Woodward, British Museum to J.F.W. Herschel 1861, Ex-Fisher

92
1864 Autograph Sir John FW Herschel England
Sir John Frederick William Herschel, astronomer, autograph, Ex-Fisher

93
1866 ALS From Sir John FW Herschel England
Letter from Sir John F. W. Herschel, possibly Feb 1866, Ex-Fisher

94
1864 2 ALS From John Henry Pepper England
Two letters from John Henry Pepper, one with envelope, Ex-Fisher

95
1930 Rarities of the Indies Canada
Les Raretes des Indes, Codex Canadiensis Official Reprint, Ex-Fisher

96
300 BC Book of the Dead Fragment Egypt.
Book of the Dead Fragment inscribed in two sections, separated by a vertical line; each side consisting of eight lines in hieratic script in dark black ink, atop is a single band of inscription and the fragmented remains of a vignette in red ink a de...

97
200 BC Money Account on Papyrus Greece
A folded over document in a two sided red border frame for protection, plant based fiber paper, pressed smooth and dried and used as a sheet with black ink, described as a money account, Ex-Fisher

98
30 BC Hieratic writing on Papyrus Egypt Prior
Hieratic writing on Papyrus Egypt Prior to 30 B.C. rendered in ten lines in thick black ink on clean papyrus, cut off at the left side, 5.5 x 2.5 inches in very good condition, formerly owned by William Randolph Hearst, Ex-Fisher

99
2nd Century Deed of Sale on Papyrus Egypt
Inscribed record of a deed of sale in cursive hieratic script, a simplified form of hieroglyphics used for administrative and business purposes, in poor condition but with dark and legible ink, papyrus is very fragile and rare, Ex-Fisher

100
3rd Century Deed of Sale on Papyrus Rome
Inscribed record of a deed of sale in Latin, typed label says it was a private letter, text is crisp and clear, Ex-Fisher

100
238 Petition on Papyrus in Frame
238 Petition on Papyrus in frame

101
10th Century Vellum Leaf from Isidore of Spain
Leaf on vellum from S. Isidorus Hispalensis (Isidore of Seville), Etymologiarum Liber (Perfect Library) Fragmentum Saec. X Ineuntis (Start), Ex-Fisher

102
14th Century Anglo-Norman Document England
A Coutumier in Anglo-Norman language consisting of two sheets with one full column and one partial column each, around 120 lines, very clean and unrecorded, Ex-Fisher

103
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

104
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

105
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

106
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

107
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

108
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

109
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

110
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents with...

111
14th Century Breviary Manuscript Leaf Italy
Breviary illuminated manuscript leaf, vellum, Latin, Northern Italy, probably Lombardy, c. 1350 with five large illuminated letters, Ex-Fisher

112
15th Century Illuminated Manuscript Page
Page, 6 x 8.25, single column in black ink with red, blue, & gold & full color decoration, Ex-Fisher

Gallery Images Loading, Please Wait...
  • Home
  • Hire an Auction Company
  • Add Your Auction Company
  • Member Login
  • Contact Us
  • Desktop Site
Return
Documents, Manuscripts, & Book Auction Dec 5th 6:00 PM EST
 Online Only Auction
Auction Date(s)
Bidding Starts: Tuesday Jul 20
Bidding Ends: Sunday Dec 5
Auction Location

Richmond, VA 23228
Company
Emerald Ventures, LLC

Website: alanblairstamps.com

Listing Terms and Conditions
Bidding 1. By placing a bid you accept the terms of sale 2. Any lot may be withdrawn at any time 3. Lots are sold at one advance over the second highest bid 4. All lots are sold for the hammer price plus a 15% buyer's commission Payment 1. Payment is due upon receipt of invoice and will be shipped upon payment 2. Shipping will be by USPS or UPS at cost + $3.25 handling per package 3. Successful bidders agree to pay for their purchases. No credit is extended without prior agreement and overdue accounts will be charged 2% per month interest after 30 days. 4. Virginia residents and in-person bidders must pay 6% state sales tax Returns 1. Any lot described in error can be returned for a full refund if we are notified in writing via mail or email within 15 days of the auction.
At one point in his early life, Otto Orren Fisher had a goal to own one rare item in his lifetime. By the time of his death in 1961, Dr. Fisher had collected and owned over 80,000 items. These items included everything from Egyptian artifacts, to the signatures of every president until that time. During his life, he was world-renowned as a serious book, manuscript, and artifact collector, and at one time three levels of his house were taken over by his enormous collection. Over the years many of the items that he collected were donated, sold, and given away. What remains is a unique group of roughly 650 manuscripts, documents, autographs, artifacts, and books.While it would seem that out of 80,000, 650 is a small remainder, many of these items were personal favorites of Dr. Fisher and his family. These include a group of letters from Mark Twain, Einstein, Helen Keller, Houdini, and more. There are books spanning from the 16th century. Pages of Papyrus, including a leaf from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Illuminated manuscript leaves, medieval texts, historical documents, and more.Every item in this collection was hand-picked by Dr. Fisher for significance, either of the time while he was collecting, or for all time. Even the most benign lot will be of value to collectors.Otto Fisher was an outstanding collector, and it is our great pleasure to offer these lots for auction on Sunday, December 5th, at 6 PM EST. This will be an auction unlike any other, and we look forward to sharing this group of amazing and unique items with the world.

1
1313 Deed Of Conveyance France
Two pieces on Vellum from 14th Century France, one a deed dated September 4th 1313 between two men with one conveying his possessions to the latter and his heirs, the other a detailed deed written and signed by a notary public at Besancon dated March...

2
1329 Deed Of Sale
A deed of sale on vellum from the nobleman Raymond de Pierrevert Supronius, his son, Langerious, and his grandson selling to Isuard de Galabrun a quantity of corn, a piece of land at Clapose, and other goods, for 33 Flourentine guilders in pure gold,...

3
1363 Diploma Ionnes Sancta CRVX
Large Diploma on Vellum in Latin, Ionnes Sancta CRVX, Latin, old notes dating it to 1363 with extensive damage and repairs, Ex-Fisher

4
1396 Receipt Robert Cordelier France
A reciept on vellum from Robert Cordelier, the reporter of the king's affairs, for 300 francs to a general for matters of war, the money earned by a long time of services to the king, and to be used for restoring and rebuilding a house in Paris, date...

5
16th Century Elizabethan Fragments
Two small documents in a frame, one dated 1587, the other undated, Ex-Fisher

6
1618 Diploma in Latin
Diploma in booklet, ten pages hand written in illuminated manuscript with full color hand-painted seal on inner flap dated January 1618, excellent condition with one larger (1") stain and few smaller stains, Ex-Fisher

7
1682 Indenture Warwickshire
Indenture on vellum from the estate of Christopher Hales of Coventry, Warwickshire, England, indenture mentions Thomas Shakespeare, Ex-Fisher

8
1696 Printed Oath on Quakers
A booklet printed in 1696 in London by Charles Bill, printers to the King, detailing discussions at Parliament from November 1695 concerning the acceptance of Quakers, damaged back page but still completely readable, Ex-Fisher

9
1702 Quakers Oath Act
A booklet from 1702 detailing the act of accepting Quakers permanently, and ending by saying that the People called Quakers, shall be extended to that part of Great Britain called Scotland for ever, with a hole through several pages, but still readab...

10
1706 Diploma in Latin
Diploma in booklet form from 1706 in Latin, hand-written with gilding in excellent condition, signed Alexander de Salmietis, Ex-Fisher

11
1712 Booklet The Englishman's Thanks
The Englishman's Thanks to the Duke of Marlborough by Richard Steele, printed in London and originally sold for Twopence 1712, Ex-Fisher

12
1712 Booklet The Englishman's Thanks
The Englishman's Thanks to the Duke of Marlborough by Richard Steele, printed in London and originally sold for Twopence, privately bound in brown paper, 1712, Ex-Fisher

13
1722 Quakers Oath Act
A Booklet printed in 1722 detailing an act from 1714 granting Quakers certain rights to relieve pressure and troubles from them, Ex-Fisher

14
1756 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

15
1757 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

16
1763 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

17
1763 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

18
1767 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

19
1767 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

20
1786 Arrest Du Conseil D'Etat Du Roi France
Large Legal Broadside "Arrest du Conseil D'etat du Roi"("Arrest of the King's State Council"), untrimmed large woodcut with royal arms at the top, in remarkable condition for its age, Ex-Fisher

21
1774 Military Proclamation to Herald Extraordinary
Military Proclamation by Richard Lumley-Saunderson, 4th Earl of Scarbrough promoting John Ives to the position of Herald of Arms Extraordinary, signed and sealed in excellent condition, Ex-Fisher

22
1781 Proclamation to Pursuivant Extraordinary
Military Proclamation by Thomas, Earl of Effingham promoting Alexander Ochterlony to the position of Pursuivant Extraordinary, signed and sealed in excellent condition, Ex-Fisher

23
1780 Money Grant to George III England
Document allowing King George III permission to use money for necessities from 1780, Ex-Fisher

24
1800 Receipt for Molasses
Invoice of 107 Hogsheads Molasses, shipped by Pablo Serra in 1800 & also a claim from Charleston SC for damage of shipment from 1816, Ex-Fisher

25
1807 The Quebec Gazette Canada
A well preserved copy of The Quebec Gazette dated December 31, 1807 from the collection of Sir John MacDonald, the first prime minister of Canada, Ex-Fisher

26
1883 A Forged Wise Pamphlet
John Drinkwater's signed copy of "A Forged Wise Pamphlet" several pages titled "In the Album of Adah Menken", Ex-Fisher

27
Undated Signed Agreement England
Signed agreement from England, with damage but mostly legible, undated, Ex-Fisher

28
9th-11th Century Kufic Script Fragment
Leaf fragment with Kufic script in Arabic, most likely 9th-11th century, rith red and green accents, repaired tear Ex-Fisher

29
12th Century Breviary on Vellum
Breviary manuscript leaves, vellum, 12th Century, with six capital letters in red in Latin containing services for the 1st Sunday after Epiphany, very old vertical fold less than an inch from the right side, Ex-Fisher

30
13th Century Missal with Musical Notation
Missal with musical notation on red 4-lines stave, fine calligraphy, mid 13th century on vellum, not quite complete with staining from poor storage on both sides, Ex-Fisher

31
14th Century Chinese Printing
Old block printings with one labeled as follows "Chinese Printing leaf from I. Ching, edited by Confucius, printed in the Sung or Yuan Dynasty prior to 1368 A.D.", Ex-Fisher

32
1374 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France dated April 2nd, 1374, Ex-Fisher

33
1416 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France dated April 16th, 1416, Ex-Fisher

34
1419 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France with two blue star stamps, marked "Rouen" and dated 1419, Ex-Fisher

35
1441 Manuscript France
Untranslated Manuscript from France dated July 17th, 1441, Ex-Fisher

36
15th Century Missal from Early Days of Printing
A leaf from a 15th century Missal, later Gothic script with more rounded letters, Very Early Days of Printing with black print and red & blue Initials and text, Ex-Fisher

37
1400s Gothic Script in the Early Days of Printing
A leaf from a 15th century Missal, later Gothic script with more rounded letters, with floration type "Q", Very Early Days of Printing with black print and red & blue Initials and text, Ex-Fisher

38
15th Century Psalter England
15th Century Illuminated English Psalter, in three pieces rejoined on backing, large initial in gold with several larger initials in gold, blue and red, Ex-Fisher

39
1471 Printing Leaves, Woodcuts, Bamberg
Early Printing Leaves, Woodcuts, several loose and then many that were previously bound together, Ex-Fisher

40
1492 Early Printing Leaf
Early Printing Leaves, Woodcut, Mainz, 1492, Ex-Fisher

41
1512 The Golden Legend England
Wynkyn De Worde's "The Golden Legend" (Lyves of Saynt Leonarde, The Four Crowned Martyrs, St. Martyn, etc, printed by Wynkyn de Worde at Westminster 1512) three complete excepts from the work of the second English printer, Caxton types, 8 leaves, Ex-...

42
1598 Music Transalpina Quintus
Nicholas Yonge, Musica Transalpina, translated out of parts 4-6, printed 1598, missing the title page but with dedication to Gilber Lord Talbot, pages loose but legible, Ex-Fisher

43
17th Century Psalter Ethiopia
One leaf from a Psalter in Amharic, long lines on thick parchment, complete leaf, red rubric, 17th century, Ex-Fisher

44
1632 Shakespeare's Second Folio Pages England
Ten pages from Shakespeare's Second Folio, pages 331-350 containing a portion of Othello, printed by Thomas Cotes in 1632 and containing almost 1,700 changes from the original printed in 1623, Ex-Fisher

45
1712 Aesop at Utrecht England
Aesop at Utrecht, two pages, England 1712, Ex-Fisher

46
1755 La Servante Maitresse: Comédie En Deux Actes
La Servante Maitresse: Comédie En Deux Actes, missing cover and uncut edges, 1755, Ex-Fisher

47
19th Century Handwritten Poem Rossetti
Handwritten Poem "The Love-Moon" by D.G. Rossetti 1800s, Ex-Fisher

48
19th Century Letter from William Owen England
Folded Autographed Letter from William Owen (portrait painter to Prince of Wales), Ex-Fisher

49
1858 ALS from Charlotte Mary Younge England
Letter from Charlotte Mary Younge, English novelist, to Miss Walker 1858, Ex-Fisher

50
1859 ALS from William Charles Macready England
Signed Letter from William Charles Macready, English actor regretting his limited means, dated January 11th, 1859, Ex-Fisher

51
1861 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning on mourning stationery written just after his wife's death, he was in Italy at the time and left everything in his apartment, too heartbroken to return for over 15 years, Florence, 1861, Ex-Fisher

52
1868 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning to "My Dear Lord Archbishop" England dated May 26, 1868, Ex-Fisher

53
1872 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning to "Miss Smith" apologizing for accepting an invitation and needing to cancel, England 1872, Ex-Fisher

54
1886 ALS from Robert Browning England
Short signed note from Robert Browning,"All love and gratitude to my dearest Dorothea and her mother from their ever appreciative Robert Browning, England, dated May 8th, 1886, Ex-Fisher

55
1887 ALS from Robert Browning England
Signed Letter from Robert Browning to "Mr. Knowles" with complete transcription, beginning "It is very good of you to forget or forgive the too many occasions when I have seemed less sensible than I should be" England, dated June 1st, 1887, Ex-Fisher

56
1864 ALS from John Keble England
Letter from John Keble, English Churchman and Poet, 1864, Ex-Fisher

57
1866 Claviermusik Germany
Claviermusik Germany 1866, Ex-Fisher

58
19th Century Two ALS From Robert B Browning
Two Signed Letters From Robert Barrett Browning, 19th Century, Ex-Fisher

59
1890 Handwritten Poem "The Warbling of Blackbirds"
Handwritten Poem "The Warbling of Blackbirds" by Jean Ingelow, from this "Songs of the Voices of Birds" volume, signed by the author, March 1890, Ex-Fisher

60
1890 ALS from Sir. J. Forbes-Robertson England
Signed Letter from Sir. J. Forbes-Robertson on his Stationery, 1890, Ex-Fisher

61
20th Century ALS from Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

62
20th Century ALS from Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

63
1896 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Short Signed Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery with envelope, 1896, Ex-Fisher

64
1897 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

65
1897 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

66
1899 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on Government House stationery from South Australia signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

67
1906 ALS from Hallam Tennyson
Signed handwritten Letter from Hallam Tennyson on stationery signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

68
20th Century ALS from Unknown Tennyson
Handwritten Letter Signed Tennyson, Ex-Fisher

69
1900 Shakespeare Postcards England
Life of Shakespeare postcards collection, set of 13, 1900, Ex-Fisher

70
1920 Paintings of London Library France
The Paintings Manuscripts of the London Libraries, collection of engravings on pages, Text and Plates in two parts, 1920, Ex-Fisher

71
1922 Zoo Ticket Signed by Rudyard Kipling
Zoo ticket signed by R. Kipling with letter of thanks from recipient 1922, Ex-Fisher

72
1927 ALS from Rudyard Kipling
Typed Letter signed by Rudyard Kipling on his stationery, dated December 3rd, 1927, Ex-Fisher

73
1925 ALS from J.M. Barrie England
Signed Handwritten Letter from J.M. Barrie on stationery England 1925, Ex-Fisher

74
1935 ALS from Charles K Sharpe
Signed handwritten letter from Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe (to Allan Cunningham), with many interesting anecdotes of Robert Burns, Ex-Fisher

75
1947 A Description of The Folios of Shakespeare
A Description of The Four Folios of Shakespeare from Dr. Rosenbach, February 1947, Ex-Fisher

76
1950s Historic Ontario Booklet
Historic Ontario, "Old Upper Canada" 1950s, Ex-Fisher

77
Undated Art Japan
Art Japan Unknown, prints, Ex-Fisher

77
1785 Pamphlet "The Remarkable Effects of Fixed Air
1785 Pamphlet "The Remarkable Effects of Fixed Air in Mortifications of the Extremities, to which is added, the History of some Worm-Cases" by Surgeon John Harrison, printed by Baker and Galabin in London, 1785, with some spotting and aging, binding ...

78
18th Century The Ancient World Map France
Copperplate Engraved map with hand coloring entitled "Le monde Connu des Anciens - Par l'Auteur de la Geographie sacres" (The Known World of the Ancients - By the Author of the Sacred Geography), from famed cartographer Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'An...

79
1792 Honorary Doctorate William Herschel Ireland
An honorary Doctorate from the University in Glasgow 1792 with attached Wax Seal in silver case bestowed to Sir William Herschel, renowned astronomer and composer who is credited with discovering Uranus among other contributions, Ex-Fisher

80
1795 Notes from William Herschel England
Sir William Herschel notes on clock time adjustments, 1795, Ex-Fisher

81
19th Century Notes from John Herschel England
Notes from John Herschel England, dozens of pages of handwritten notes on a variety of pages, seemingly anything he could put his hands on, much unsearched and possibly of interest 1800s, Ex-Fisher

82
19th Century ALS from Sir John Herschel England
Letter from Sir John F. W. Herschel, undated, Ex-Fisher

83
19th Century Notes from Sir John Herschel England
John F. W. Herschel notes regarding Haarlem Lake, physical features, measurements, Ex-Fisher

84
19th Century Notes from Sir John Herschel England
John F. W. Herschel notes regarding light; heading reads "Encyclopedia Metropolitana | Light Art' 467 & 468", Ex-Fisher

85
19th Century ALS to Sir John Herschel England
Letter to John Herschel "On Her Majesty's Service", 3 pages, Ex-Fisher

86
1847 ALS from Sir John Herschel England
Letter from Mark McWilliams to Smith Elder & Co. to J.F.W. Herschel, and reply, Ex-Fisher

87
1849 Notice about Sir John Herschel England
Die Kaiserliche Akademie der Wissenschaften hat in der Gesammtsitzung am 29, Mai 1849 ("The Imperial Academy of Sciences held its general meeting on May 29, 1849"), Imperial Academy of Sciences elected Sir John Frederick William Herschel, Baronet, as...

88
1858 ALS from Sir John Herschel England
Letter from Herschel to Willem Vrolik, Amsterdam 1858, Ex-Fisher

89
1859 ALS to Sir John Herschel England
Letters from Adam & Charles Black (A & C Black, British book publishing company founded 1807), Edinburgh to Sir John Herschel Bt, Collingwood, Hawkhurst, Kent, regarding advice given on an article titled "Seismology", Letter from Adam & Charles Black...

90
1860 ALS from T.R. Robinson England
Letter from Thomas Romney Robinson, British Astronomer, to J.F.W. Herschel, Ex-Fisher

91
1861 ALS from L.P. Woodward England
Letter from L.P. Woodward, British Museum to J.F.W. Herschel 1861, Ex-Fisher

92
1864 Autograph Sir John FW Herschel England
Sir John Frederick William Herschel, astronomer, autograph, Ex-Fisher

93
1866 ALS From Sir John FW Herschel England
Letter from Sir John F. W. Herschel, possibly Feb 1866, Ex-Fisher

94
1864 2 ALS From John Henry Pepper England
Two letters from John Henry Pepper, one with envelope, Ex-Fisher

95
1930 Rarities of the Indies Canada
Les Raretes des Indes, Codex Canadiensis Official Reprint, Ex-Fisher

96
300 BC Book of the Dead Fragment Egypt.
Book of the Dead Fragment inscribed in two sections, separated by a vertical line; each side consisting of eight lines in hieratic script in dark black ink, atop is a single band of inscription and the fragmented remains of a vignette in red ink a de...

97
200 BC Money Account on Papyrus Greece
A folded over document in a two sided red border frame for protection, plant based fiber paper, pressed smooth and dried and used as a sheet with black ink, described as a money account, Ex-Fisher

98
30 BC Hieratic writing on Papyrus Egypt Prior
Hieratic writing on Papyrus Egypt Prior to 30 B.C. rendered in ten lines in thick black ink on clean papyrus, cut off at the left side, 5.5 x 2.5 inches in very good condition, formerly owned by William Randolph Hearst, Ex-Fisher

99
2nd Century Deed of Sale on Papyrus Egypt
Inscribed record of a deed of sale in cursive hieratic script, a simplified form of hieroglyphics used for administrative and business purposes, in poor condition but with dark and legible ink, papyrus is very fragile and rare, Ex-Fisher

100
3rd Century Deed of Sale on Papyrus Rome
Inscribed record of a deed of sale in Latin, typed label says it was a private letter, text is crisp and clear, Ex-Fisher

100
238 Petition on Papyrus in Frame
238 Petition on Papyrus in frame

101
10th Century Vellum Leaf from Isidore of Spain
Leaf on vellum from S. Isidorus Hispalensis (Isidore of Seville), Etymologiarum Liber (Perfect Library) Fragmentum Saec. X Ineuntis (Start), Ex-Fisher

102
14th Century Anglo-Norman Document England
A Coutumier in Anglo-Norman language consisting of two sheets with one full column and one partial column each, around 120 lines, very clean and unrecorded, Ex-Fisher

103
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

104
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

105
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

106
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

107
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

108
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

109
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents, Ex-...

110
14th Cent Leaf from Four Books of Sentences France
Leaf on fine vellum from The Four Books of Sentences (Sententiarum libri IV) by Petrus Lombardus, 5-1/2 by 7-5/8 inches, written in a small & much contracted gothic script 14th century, written entirely by hand in black with red and blue accents with...

111
14th Century Breviary Manuscript Leaf Italy
Breviary illuminated manuscript leaf, vellum, Latin, Northern Italy, probably Lombardy, c. 1350 with five large illuminated letters, Ex-Fisher

112
15th Century Illuminated Manuscript Page
Page, 6 x 8.25, single column in black ink with red, blue, & gold & full color decoration, Ex-Fisher