Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln: The Screenplay Hand-Signed by Tony Kushner

Happy birthday to our 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)! Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is the autographed screenplay to the epic historical drama film Lincoln (2012) starring Daniel Day-Lewis. A decade-long collaboration between three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg and Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner, Lincoln is a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President’s tumultuous final months in office. Containing eight pages of color photos from the film and inspired by Doris Kearns Goodwin’s critically acclaimed Team of Rivals, Lincoln is now a major motion picture. In hardcover, hand-signed by Tony Kushner. Brand new unread condition. Provenance Abraham Lincoln Book Shop signing 2013. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Happy Election Day

Hard Choices Book Hand-Signed by Hillary Rodham Clinton

It's election day - make sure you get out and vote! Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is this autographed edition of Hard Choices, a memoir of former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton giving her account of her tenure in that position from 2009 to 2013. Brand new First Edition hand-signed on the first free end page by Clinton. Provenance Barnes and Noble signing 11/2014. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Happy Birthday President Obama

Audacity of Hope Book Autographed by President Barack Obama

Happy birthday to President Barack Obama! Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is this hand-signed copy of Obama's The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream hardcover book with corresponding photo from the book-signing event. Obama's black ink signature is located on the title page with no inscription. This is the second book written by then-Senator Barack Obama, and it explores many subjects that became part of his 2008 campaign for the U.S. Presidency. Fine condition. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Happy Birthday George Washington

Full George Washington Signature Display with Swatch of his Coat and His Hair

Happy birthday George Washington! Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is this framed 14.75 x 15.25 inch display featuring an autograph of George Washington, a square piece of Washington’s coat and a lock of approximately six strands of Washington’s hair. The items are attractively framed with an engraved metal plaque and a 4.5 x 6.5 inch reproduction of a Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington. Washington’s signature is featured on a partial document which was originally part of a large March 17 1769 indenture between George Washington and Robert Thompson. The location of this signature has been identified on a lifesize color reproduction of the 21 x 17 inch original document from which the fragment was excised, which is included in this lot.

The display also features a piece of George Washington’s cloak from the family of his personal secretary Colonel Tobias Lear, who was also one of Washington’s best friends. It was purchased in a lot of other material sold at auction in February 5, 2010. Complete provenance is included. The lock of six strands of George Washington’s hair comes from from the Custis-Powell family. Librarians at Mount Vernon and at Woodlawn Plantation (both in Virginia) have commented that it was commonplace for Martha Custis Washington to give her husband’s hair as a gift both during his life and after his death. Colonel Levin Powell (1738-1810) was an intimate friend of Washington and a Revolutionary War hero. A certification of authenticity from noted American dealer and collector Charles Hamilton is included.

More Presidential autographs here!

Happy Presidents' Day

Full George Washington Signature Display with Swatch of his Coat and His Hair

Happy Presidents' Day! Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is this framed 14.75 x 15.25 inch display featuring an autograph of George Washington, a square piece of Washington’s coat and a lock of approximately six strands of Washington’s hair. The items are attractively framed with an engraved metal plaque and a 4.5 x 6.5 inch reproduction of a Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington. Washington’s signature is featured on a partial document which was originally part of a large March 17 1769 indenture between George Washington and Robert Thompson. The location of this signature has been identified on a lifesize color reproduction of the 21 x 17 inch original document from which the fragment was excised, which is included in this lot.

The display also features a piece of George Washington’s cloak from the family of his personal secretary Colonel Tobias Lear, who was also one of Washington’s best friends. It was purchased in a lot of other material sold at auction in February 5, 2010. Complete provenance is included. The lock of six strands of George Washington’s hair comes from from the Custis-Powell family. Librarians at Mount Vernon and at Woodlawn Plantation (both in Virginia) have commented that it was commonplace for Martha Custis Washington to give her husband’s hair as a gift both during his life and after his death. Colonel Levin Powell (1738-1810) was an intimate friend of Washington and a Revolutionary War hero. A certification of authenticity from noted American dealer and collector Charles Hamilton is included.

More Presidential autographs here!

Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln: The Screenplay Hand-Signed by Tony Kushner

Happy birthday to our 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)! Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is the autographed screenplay to the epic historical drama film Lincoln (2012) starring Daniel Day-Lewis. A decade-long collaboration between three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg and Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner, Lincoln is a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President’s tumultuous final months in office. Containing eight pages of color photos from the film and inspired by Doris Kearns Goodwin’s critically acclaimed Team of Rivals, Lincoln is now a major motion picture. In hardcover, hand-signed by Tony Kushner. Brand new unread condition. Provenance Abraham Lincoln Book Shop signing 2013. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day

March: Book One Hand-Signed by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

March: Book One, part of a graphic novel trilogy, is a vivid first-hand account of Congressman John Lewis' lifelong struggle for civil and human rights. In collaboration with co-writer Andrew Aydin and New York Times best-selling artist Nate Powell, this brand new copy is hand-signed on the title page by Lewis and Aydin. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Happy Birthday Al Gore - Collector's Treasure of the Day

The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change Book Hand-Signed by Al Gore

Happy birthday to Oscar winner and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore! Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is this First Edition autographed hardcover copy of his book The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change. The book is "An Inconvenient Truth" for everything - a frank and clear-eyed assessment of six critical drivers of global change in the decades to come. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Happy Birthday Congressman John Lewis - Collector's Treasure of the Day

March: Book One Hand-Signed by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

Happy birthday to Congressman John Lewis, civil rights leader and U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district, serving since 1987. Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is this autographed copy of March: Book One - part of a graphic novel trilogy - the vivid first-hand account of John Lewis' lifelong struggle for civil and human rights. In collaboration with co-writer Andrew Aydin and New York Times best-selling artist Nate Powell, this brand new copy is hand-signed on the title page by Lewis and Aydin. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

JFK Assassination Report Signed by President Gerald Ford - Collector's Treasure of the Day

JFK Assassination Report of the Warren Commission Signed by President Gerald Ford

On this day in history in 1974, Vice President Gerald Ford (1913-2006) was sworn in as President following Nixon's resignation. Before his death in 2006, Ford was also the final surviving member of the Warren Commission, which had been established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is this leather bound, numbered limited edition of the Assassination Report personally autographed by President Ford shortly before his death. Brand new condition. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La plus publisher's certificate of authenticity.

Remembering Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis - Collector's Treasure of the Day

Kennedy Original Wedding Invitation Framed Display

Today marks the birthday of Jacqueline "Jackie" Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (1929- 1994). She was the wife of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, and is remembered for her contributions to the arts, her efforts in historic preservation, and her status as a fashion icon. Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is Jackie and JFK's original wedding invitation from 1953! The invitation reads: "Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Dudley Auchincloss request the honour of your presence at the marriage of Mrs. Auchincloss' daughter Jacqueline Lee Bouvier to the Honorable John Fitzgerald Kennedy United States Senate on Saturday, the twelfth of September at eleven o'clock/ St. Mary's Church/Spring Street/Newport, Rhode Island." Matted and framed with a photograph of the couple cutting the wedding cake to an overall size of 16.25 x 15.75 inches. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

The Hollywood Bowl Opened on this Day in 1922 - Collector's Treasure of the Day

Hollywood Bowl Print Signed by David Weidman

The Hollywood Bowl, one of the world’s largest natural amphitheaters, opened on this day in 1922 in Los Angeles. Through it's history, the iconic landmark has showcased the likes of The Beatles, Luciano Pavarotti, Judy Garland, and is the official summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is this limited edition Hollywood Bowl Poster Artshow print . The lithograph has been hand-signed and numbered by legendary designer David Weidman, best known for his work in the 1950s and 1960s on Mr. Magoo, Fractured Fairy Tales, Popeye, and Hanna Barbera cartoons. In a limited edition of 150, it measures 24 x 16 inches, and is in mint condition. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Happy Independence Day - Collector's Treasure of the Day

Happy Independence Day! What better way to celebrate than with memorabilia from the Father of Our Country? Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is a framed display featuring an autograph of George Washington (1732-1799), a square swatch of Washington’s cloak and a lock of his hair. Full and complete historical provenance. A certification of authenticity from noted American dealer and collector Charles Hamilton is also included. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

George Washington Autograph Display with Coat Swatch and Lock of Hair

Happy President's Day from Collector's Shangri-La!

George Washington Autograph, Hair, and Coat Display

Collector's Treasure of the Day: a beautifully framed display featuring an autograph of President George Washington (1732-1799), a square piece of Washington’s coat, and a lock of approximately six strands of Washington’s hair. A certification of authenticity from noted American dealer and collector Charles Hamilton is included. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Happy MLK Jr. and Inauguration Day!

Audacity of Hope Book Hand-Signed by President Barack Obama

Here's to a productive second term - good luck Mr. President!

The Document That Changed the Course of Marx Brothers' History

Minutes Of 1st Meeting of Marx Bros. Inc. Signed by Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo Marx

The Marx Bros. translated their success in vaudeville onto film under contract with Paramount Pictures. Harpo, Chico, Groucho, and Zeppo became household names and made five great films in five short years –The Cocoanuts (1929), Animal Crackers (1930), Monkey Business (1931), Horse Feathers (1932), and Duck Soup (1933).

Although these films were zany and madcap, all was not rosy behind-the-scenes. Both artistic and financial differences raged – in particular during pre-production for Duck Soup. Paramount had been developed from Adolph Zukor’s Famous Players and Jesse Lasky’s company, and a reorganization of Paramount around the time of Duck Soup brought fears that money due the Marx Bros. wouldn’t be paid.

In 1933 the boys surprised the world by forming their own company – a challenge to the powerful studio system that was akin to therevolutionary formation of United Artists 1919 by D. W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. These actual typewritten minutes from the first meeting of the newly minted corporation document the moment the Marx Bros. struck out on their own – March 28, 1933.

All four signed on the second page their given and stage names: “Arthur Harpo Marx,” “Herbert Zeppo Marx,” “Leo Chico Marx,” and “Julius Groucho Marx.” On the first page, “Arthur Harpo Marx” signed again as Chairman and “Leo Chico Marx” signed again as Secretary. Both pages are double cloth matted and framed with an unsigned vintage 8 x 10 inch photo of the brothers playing saxophones to an overall size of 18 x 31 inches. When Marx Bros. Inc. was born, the new corporation wasn’t simply a negotiating ploy. Eventually Duck Soup was completed and released, but both Paramount and the Marxes knew the relationship was over.

Chico Marx played cards with producer Irving Thalberg who told the Marx Bros. that he wanted to do things differently than they had been done at Paramount – not make “lousy pictures like Duck Soup.” Groucho recollected being annoyed by that statement, but Thalberg explained that he could “make a picture with you that would have half as many laughs as your Paramount films, but they will be more effective because the audience will be in sympathy with you.” (p. 203 Marx Bros Scrapbook) 

Groucho would soon learn that Thalberg was right. The brothers began making pictures with Irving Thalberg and putting them out through M-G-M. Thalberg insisted on a stronger story structure than in the Paramount films with the Marxes playing more sympathetic characters.

In a 1969 interview with Dick Cavett, Groucho said that the two movies made with Thalberg - A Night at the Opera (1935) and A Day at the Races (1937) - were the best that they ever produced. If the Marx Bros. had never left Paramount and formed Marx Bros. Inc. we may never have had the famous overcrowded stateroom gag, Chico’s oft-quoted line “There ain't no sanity clause,” or countless other priceless laughs. The second act of their career all began with this two-page document, and the rest they say, is history.

Article by Kevin Segall, Proprietor of Collector's Shangri-La

Appears in The Pen & Quill Magazine Number 4, November 2012

Farewell Famous and Outspoken Author Gore Vidal

The Selected Essays of Gore Vidal Autographed by Gore Vidal

Gore Vidal (1925 - 2012) - novelist, playwright, critic, screenwriter, memoirist, political commentator, and controversialist - was America's premier man of letters. He died at his home yesterday in the Hollywood Hills, California of complications from pneumonia. He had no equal.

Lincoln: A Novel Signed by Gore Vidal

Southern California Manuscript Society visits the Academy of Motion Picture Library

Members of the Southern California Manuscript Society with Howard Prouty

*Have you ever seen Winston Churchill's autograph next to Adolf Hitler's?

*Have you ever seen an autograph album with three (3) clear, dark Greta Garbo signatures?

*A letter, on White House stationery, from Franklin Roosevelt, inviting political enemy, William Randolph Hearst to the White House?

* A signed Picasso sketch and a signed Walt Disney get well card from the Disney Studio!

I just did, and so did a half dozen other members of the Southern California Manuscript Society on Tuesday June 19, 2012. We visited the Academy of Motion Picture Library in the Douglas Fairbanks Building. We were greeted by the Acquisitions Archivist Howard Prouty. He gave us a quick tour of the outstanding 1927 building that was once used as Beverly Hills Water department! In the 1980's it was converted into the Academy's library. What treasures are inside that beautiful building. Howard took us into the reading rooms, and through the poster and photo coping room and into the vaults!

*We saw a "paybook" from MGM and saw that John Gilbert was getting $3000 a week and Greta Garbo only $400 a week. (They fell in love anyhow!)

*We saw the wig used by Bert Lahr's lion in the 1939 The Wizard of Oz. (Tom Folenta had to be held back from trying it on)

*We also saw terrific black and white photos from Charles De Gaulle and Maurice Chevalier, inscribed to Charles Boyer!

*We saw the correspondence from the "Hays" office to film makers asking for every possible change to clean up films.

But for me, the Crown Jewel was the autograph album kept by William Randolph Hearst friend Harry Crocker. It was this autograph album I described above, and I have only mention 5 % of the signatures!

The best part was dinner after the tour. Pat Mock joined Beverly Hill and Bill and Monique Coleman drove in from Riverside. Tom Folenta joined us only after being assured he could visit the library again on his own.

A great time with great autographs and great autograph people.The only sad part was we missed visiting with Kevin and Stephanie Segall, who were not able to be there.

Below is a photo of your guide, Howard Prouty. This photo captures his intelligence, but not his humor, which was on display during our trip.

Howard Prouty

Article by Michael Hecht, Manuscript Society member and UACC President

Spectacular New Additions to Collector's Shangri-La

New Additions to Collector's Shangri-La

Autographs, original art, and memorabilia from The Avengers, Ray Bradbury, Sam Cooke, R. Crumb, Fantasia, Harry Houdini, Pirates of the Caribbean, Cole Porter, Charles Schulz, George Washington and much more!

1955 Peanuts Comic Strip Original Art Signed by Charles M. Schulz

Cole Porter Signed Photo

Fantasia Pastel Production Drawing Animation Art by Elmer Plummer

Full George Washington Signature along with Swatch of his Coat and His Hair

Greeting Card Illustration Original Art Signed by Robert Crumb

Harry Houdini Skeleton Key Display

Incredible Hulk #181 Recreation Original Art Signed by Herb Trimpe

Master of Kung Fu #60 Cover Original Art Signed by Ernie Chan

Pirates of the Caribbean Pirate Pistol Prop

Spider-Man Hooky Original Art by Bernie Wrightson

The Avengers Movie Poster Signed by Joss Whedon with Illustration by George Perez

William Morris Agency Contract Signed by Sam Cooke

Former First Lady Betty Ford Dies: Lifted Taboos on Addiction and Cancer

Former U.S. First Lady Betty Ford, an outspoken advocate for women's rights and the founder of the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse, died last night at the age of 93.

Betty Ford was a champion for women's rights - openly discussing premarital sex and abortion. She was also diagnosed with breast cancer while at the White House, and became an advocate for breast cancer research and awareness. After her husband's term as President, Betty Ford admitted and sought treatment for an addiction to alcohol and painkillers.  She founded the Betty Ford Center in 1982, still one of the best treatment centers for substance abuse.

 

Politics Today Magazine Signed by Gerald Ford and Betty Ford