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Sale 35: The Autumn Sale

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U.S. Postal History: Autographs & Free Franks and Misc. Postal Related

Lots 879-888 Lots 889-893

Lot 879

Polk, James K. (1775-1849, 11th President 1845-49). Manuscript free frank "Free J.K. Polk" on folded cover addressed in his hand to Col. Saml. H. Laughlin in Murfreesborough, Tenn., postmarked red "Washington, D.C." cds and matching "Free" handstamp, docketed "1832", cover lightly cleaned & refolded at top & bottom, Very Fine.
Estimate    $750 - 1,000.

Polk was a Congressman and House Speaker, but resigned to become Governor of Tennessee. Nominated by the Democrats against the heavily favored Clay, he won because he favored the annexation of Texas. This, however, led to war with Mexico, after which America acquired much of the Southwest. Polk also acquired Oregon and Washington from England and reduced tariff rates. He declined to run for a second term and died three months after leaving office.

Col. Samuel H. Laughlin (1796-1850) was a lawyer, Tennessee State Senator (1838-1844), and editor of the Nashville Union (1840-1843). President Polk appointed him Recorder of the General Land Office (1845-1850).

Realized: $750

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Lot 880

Adams, Louisa Catherine (1775-1852, Widow of John Quincy Adams). Manuscript free frank "L.C. Adams" on cover to Miss G.P. Harrod in New Orleans, manuscript "5" rate crossed out & changed to "10", Very Fine.
Estimate    $500 - 750.

Only First Lady born outside the United States, Louisa Catherine Adams did not come to this country until four years after she had married John Quincy Adams. Political enemies sometimes called her English. She was born in London to an English mother, Catherine Nuth Johnson, but her father was American--Joshua Johnson, of Maryland--and he served as United States consul after 1790. Louisa Catherine Adams died in Washington in 1852, and today lies buried at his side in the family church at Quincy.

Realized: $800

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Lot 881

Earhart, Amelia. Signature on 3.5x5'' candid photograph, Very Fine; with 2008 University Archives certificate.
Estimate    $2,000 - 3,000.

Realized: $1,600

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Lot 882

Preston, Francis F. Cleveland (1864-1947, Widow of Grover Cleveland). Autograph free frank "Frances F. Cleveland Preston" on 1931 envelope to Ithaca, N.Y. with Nov. 25, 1931 machine cancel, with original letter from postal collector requesting free frank, signed "With pleasure, Francis F. Cleveland Preston", Extremely Fine.
Estimate    $200 - 300.

Realized: $95

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Lot 883

Coolidge, Grace (1879-1957, Widow of Calvin Coolidge). Autograph free frank "Grace Coolidge" on envelope to New York with Oct. 6, 1934 of Northampton, Mass. machine cancel, also included is a signed autograph card dated "November 17, 1941".
Estimate    $200 - 300.

Former President Calvin Coolidge was 60 when he died in Northampton on January 5, 1933. His widow, Grace, was granted the franking privilege, free use of the mails for life, by a special act of Congress on June 16, 1934. The Former Presidents Act of 1958 formalized the granting of the franking privilege to former Presidents and their widows.

Grace Anna Goodhue married Calvin Coolidge on October 4, 1905 in Burlington, Vermont. Mrs. Coolidge was called her husband's greatest asset because of her warm, giving ways, which were in dramatic contrast to her grave, quiet husband (the White House staff called her "Sunshine"). Forbidden by Coolidge to speak in public, she once answered reporters in sign language (she had been a teacher at a school for the deaf when she met her future husband). While President, her husband set her schedule and would not let her fly in a plane, bob her hair, wear short skirts or ride a horse.

Realized: $95

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Lot 884

Huger, Isaac (1742-1797). Bold signature on 1785 South Carolina legal document, Very Fine.
Estimate    $100 - 150.

Huger was a planter and Continental Army general during the American Revolutionary War.

Realized: $50

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Lot 885

Kennedy, Jacqueline & Rose. Pen signatures on John F, Kennedy cacheted Inauguration Day cover, franked with 1960, 4¢ Flag issue tied by Washington D.C. inauguration day postmark, Very Fine.
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $425

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Lot 886

Roosevelt, Franklin D. Pen signature on President's Drought Conference, State House, Des Moines, Iowa, September 3, 1936 cachet cover, including signatures of governors from seven affected states, Very Fine.
Estimate    $100 - 150.

Realized: $240

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Lot 887    

W.(illiam) T.(eccumseh) Sherman, General. Manuscript free frank on "Headquarters Army of the United States, Official Business" imprint cover to Lancaster, O., "Washington, D.C., Free, Oct 4" cds and "1872" pencil docketing; missing backflap, Very Fine.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

Realized: $180

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Lot 888

Egg Crate Shipping Container. Ca. 1910's metal crate (13x9x9'') for sending eggs by parcel post, with all cardboard insets and metal eggs holders, dual window top for address and postage; normal wear, with February 2009 American Philatelist article regarding these egg containers.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

Realized: $75

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Lots 879-888 Lots 889-893

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