University Archives have announced an exciting upcoming online auction on August 7th. This highly anticipated event will feature a fascinating array of rare autographs, manuscripts, books, and Americana, including a letter from Albert Einstein, a two-page letter from Davy Crockett, and a letter written by Lee Harvey Oswald.
The auction, starting promptly at 10:00 am Eastern time, features 572 lots, all currently available for viewing and bidding on the University Archives website, as well as Invaluable.com, Auctionzip.com, and LiveAuctioneers.com. Bidders can participate online, via phone, or through absentee bids.
John Reznikoff, president and owner of University Archives, describes the auction as a treasure trove of historical artifacts. “From U.S. Presidential documents to significant works in science, literature, and sports, this auction offers something for every collector,” Reznikoff said. Highlights include items from the prestigious Forbes Collection and numerous pieces related to President Ronald Reagan, including signed speech drafts, correspondence, and photographs.
One of the marquee items is Lot 541, a letter written in 1937 by Albert Einstein, containing his musings on general relativity through tensor calculus. Estimated at $35,000-$50,000, this document is a testament to Einstein’s profound impact on modern science.
Another standout is Lot 521, a two-page letter from 1834 by Davy Crockett, a U.S. Congressman at the time. In it, Crockett criticizes President Andrew Jackson’s executive actions. This piece is expected to fetch $18,000-$24,000.
Genealogy enthusiasts will find Lot 548 particularly intriguing—a document signed by Sir Isaac Newton, detailing his family tree. This rare item is estimated at $6,000-$7,000.
Additional highlights include:
- Lot 71: A letter by Lee Harvey Oswald from 1961, written during his time in the Soviet Union (est. $8,000-$9,000).
- Lot 116: A 19-page speech draft by President Ronald Reagan from 1981, heavily annotated and corrected (est. $7,000-$9,000).
- Lot 482: A Schutz-Pass issued by Raoul Wallenberg, which saved a Hungarian Jewish girl during WWII (est. $7,000-$8,000).
- Lot 355: An album signed by the Enola Gay and Bockscar crewmembers, commemorating the atomic bomb deployment (est. $5,000-$7,000).
Collectors of Americana will also appreciate Lot 82, an 1865 lithograph depicting Abraham Lincoln reuniting the nation post-Civil War, estimated at $2,000-$3,000, and Lot 30, a rare signed photograph of President James A. Garfield delivering his inaugural address (est. $5,000-$6,000).
For sports memorabilia aficionados, Lot 555 offers a basketball signed by the 1995 Chicago Bulls, including Phil Jackson and Scottie Pippen, with an estimate of $3,000-$4,000.
University Archives, founded by John Reznikoff in 1979, has established itself as a premier destination for rare historical documents and autographs. The company is continually seeking quality items for future auctions, presenting an opportunity for collectors to consign their treasures.
For more details on the auction and to view the catalog, visit University Archives. For inquiries, contact John Reznikoff at 203-454-0111 or email john@universityarchives.com.
Image Source:
- Photo by Maks Key: instant images
