Auction 739 April.

Two woodworking tools once owned and used by Thomas McCauley, who was employed as a carpenter and cabinet maker at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard in Belfast during the construction of Olympic and Titanic. These two tools, consisting of a folding carpenter ruler and 'keyhole' hand saw were once part of the tool kit of Thomas McCauley. They eventually passed as part of McCauley's entire tool kit to his grandson, Ernest McGookin of Belfast, Ireland. Attractively archivally triple-cloth-matted and framed with a photo of the Titanic at the shipyard and a descriptive plaque to an overall size of 22.5 x 31.

Accompanied by a photocopy of a picture showing McCauley as well as a copy of a letter on Queen's University of Belfast's letterhead dated January 17, 1975, thanking McCauley for the loan of his tools he used when working on Titanic for inclusion in an educational exhibit. Other examples of tools owned and used by Thomas McCauley have been displayed at the Titanic museum attractions in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Chain of custody is as follows: Thomas McCauley to his grandson Ernest McGookin, Ernest McGookin to Steve Santini in 1999; then sold by RR Auction in 2015. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Santini.

Historical Wild West artifacts from the personal collection of Alice Ivers, more famously known as Poker Alice, a legendary cigar-smoking, gun-toting gambler and brothel owner in the American West, which includes her Hopkins & Allen No. 4 Spur Trigger revolver, a present from her then-employer, Jesse James assassin Robert Ford, and her original traveling gambling set, a gift from her second husband, Warren G. Tubbs, both of which were won from Alice in a game of faro by John Logan, a postal inspector from Sturgis, South Dakota, who frequented Alice’s gambling parlor as a youth.

The pistol, a Hopkins & Allen No. 4 Spur Trigger .38 five-shot revolver, Serial No. A676, is of standard configuration with a partly clipped front sight and simple floral engraving throughout. The mother-of-pearl grips are engraved “To Alice Duffeild” [sic] on the left scale, and the right is inscribed, “From Bob Ford.” The top strap is stamped, “Hopkins & Allen Mfg. Co., XL No. 4, Pat. Mar. 23, 1873.” The gun, which is accompanied by its small period leather holster, was given to Alice by Robert Ford circa 1892 when the former was working as a faro dealer in Ford’s famed gambling and dance hall, Ford’s Exchange in Creede, Colorado. Ford gifted Alice the revolver as a show of his appreciation for her fair dealing and honesty. Not much longer after presenting this set to Ivers, Ford, at the age of 30, was shot and killed at his saloon by Edward Capehart O'Kelley on June 8, 1892.

After Ford was shot by Edward O’Kelley, Alice left for Bachelor City and then for Deadwood. In Deadwood, she adopted her trademark cigar and met Warren Tubbs, another dealer and local player whom she eventually married. It was during this time in 1892 that Tubbs presented Alice with the offered traveling gambling set. The set, which features a beautiful rosewood case measuring 15.75˝ x 5.5˝ x 13.25˝, features a small engraved plaque to the underside of the lid, which simply reads, “Alice Tubbs.” The set is well-equipped for a variety of games, and includes a small mirror with a woman's portrait on the rear, a leather dice cup, an autogiro, a set of dominos, numerous decks of cards, chips, a faro box, a celluloid game marker, a Brigaid cardholder, a small leather case filled with dice, an Elgin stopwatch, and various tops. The set was made by Will & Finck, a San Francisco-based company established in 1864, which earned the moniker ‘Tiffany of the West’ due to its reputation for crafting high-quality and exquisite goods.

Towards the end of her life, needing money for medical expenses, Alice turned to selling her old revolver and gambling set to John Logan, a postal inspector who played faro with her. Logan, hard up with a pregnant wife, couldn’t afford such trophies. Instead, he offered to play her for it. Alice accepted, lost, handed over the gun and gambling set, and, not much later, died at the age of 79 on February 27, 1930.

Accompanied by a notarized letter from Cathy Logan-Small, John Logan's daughter, which reads, in part: “My father visited Poker Alice's gambling parlor and whorehouse, when he was very young. Often my father played Faro with Poker Alice, during which he won Poker Alice's gambling set. The gun, Hopkins & Allens XL #4, (serial # A676), was given to Alice Duffield (Poker Alice) by Bob Ford; the man who shot Jesse James. She was a dealer for Ford and knew him well. She told my father many stories about her dealings.” Also included with the lot is a tintype of one of the prostitutes employed by Alice, various ephemera and publications about Alice, which includes an issue of Gun Journal from October 1995, which contains a six-page article on Alice and the story of the gun and gambling set.

The gun is in overall very good condition, and retains the vast majority of the nickel finish with some spotted oxidation and softened engraving from age. Normal Hopkins & Allen markings, engraving on grips is legible but needs to be rolled in light to see completely. Numbers are matching on the interior of the frame and inside of grips. Mechanically fine, bore has strong rifling and some frosting throughout. Holster is good, with stitching broken across the back down to the toe, some crazing, and stains; leather is pliable. The gambling set is also very good, with a bent front clasp, one crack running across the top joint, and contents appropriately showing age-related distress and some evidence of use.

Signed book: The Ford Theatre Lincoln Assassination Playbills. Limited first edition, numbered 72/75. Philadelphia: Privately printed, 1937. Red cloth-bound hardcover with gilt titling, 7.5 x 10, 16 pages. Signed on the foreword page in black ink by the editor, Walter C. Brenner, who also signs his initials on the colophon. The book contains its original supplement pamphlet with matching edition number, which begins: “To many no reminder is needed that this year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. This little homemade pamphlet in passing records a few additional details relating to the Ford Theatre playbills of that day, but more especially wishes to state that ever since that event the true facts concerning the playbills were known to some and should have been known to others, and that these facts were all but published over forty years ago.” In fine condition. A scarce, highly regarded Lincoln-assassination reference work that attempted to separate genuine April 14, 1865 playbills from later reprints or spurious examples, laying out identifying characteristics and correcting misconceptions that had circulated for decades.

Scarce oversized 8.5 x 13 cabinet-style mounted albumen portrait of the beardless, pre-presidential Abraham Lincoln, being an artistically enhanced version of the 'tousled hair' portrait taken by Alexander Hesler in Chicago, February 28, 1857 (catalogued by Lloyd Ostendorf as O-2). Imprinted on the mount: "Masters, Princeton, Ill." A blurb affixed on the reverse carries a spurious attribution: "Mr. Masters, had a reputation of being one of the best photographers of his day…and developed what is believed to be the best picture ever taken of Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln picture was taken here upon occasion when Lincoln came to deliver a Fourth of July speech at a picnic in Bryant's woods on July 4, 1856." In very good to fine condition, with dampstaining to the lower left corner of the mount, overall scuffing, and some surface loss to the image edges.

ALS in French, signed “Mata-Hari,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.75 x 8.5, 11 rue Windsor letterhead, [March 26, 1913]. In full (translated): "For the past hour I have seen Mademoiselle Charles, who has been very much occupied with the opening of the Theatre. She has spoken to me about Penelope and of the new dance that I'm thinking of doing there, but it is impossible because I have committed to an engagement in Spain beginning on May 1st. I certainly think that I will be able to perform my dance under other circumstances and I hope very much to see you at your home." Handsomely double-matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 24.75 x 14.25. In fine condition, with the letter uniformly faded but completely readable. A superb letter by Mata Hari on her craft.

ALS, one page, 5.75 x 9, illustrated Murray Mill Hotel (New York City) letterhead, May 7, 1890. Handwritten letter to Kate, ostensibly journalist Kate Field, in full: “What a showman you would have made! That interview is A No. 1. My advertising agent is directed to leave an order with your Washington Office for Twenty five dollars ($25) which will be paid when show reaches Washington. I am off for home — after seven months intense excitement. Au revoir.” In very good to fine condition, with splitting to the fold through the masthead.

In 1889, despite being in his late 70s, P. T. Barnum took the Barnum & Bailey Circus to London for a spectacular 14-week run that proved to be one of the crowning achievements of his career. With more than 400 performers, 380 horses, and 13 elephants, the show drew crowds of up to 30,000 a day, welcomed English royalty, and earned roughly $900,000—outshining even Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. That same year, Barnum began building his final home, Marina, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In the fall of 1890, Barnum suffered a stroke and was confined to his house. He remained involved in his business affairs until his death in April 1891.

Mary Field (1838–1896), known as 'Straws, Jr.,' was an American journalist, editor, lecturer, and actress. A bold and outspoken commentator, she took strong positions on issues ranging from temperance and immigration to dress reform and the Statue of Liberty. Writing from Washington, New York, and Europe, she became a respected critic of art and culture and later founded and published Kate Field’s Washington.

Cashier of the Manhattan Company check, 7.25 x 2.75, filled out in another hand and signed by Burr, "A. Burr," payable to "Jon. D—" for $560, September 13, 1800. In fine condition, with some scattered light staining.

Original vintage pearl-finish 8.25 x 8 close-up photo of Chicago Outfit crime boss Al Capone in 1931, the image clearly showing Capone's knife scars on the left side of his face. The reverse bears various stamps and editorial notations. In good to very good condition, with emulsion loss, irregular edge loss, and several edge tears, one of which descends into Capone's forehead. Encapsulated by PSA as an authentic "Type I" photograph from 1931.

Original vintage pearl-finish 6.25 x 5.5 photo of Chicago Outfit crime boss Al Capone shown wearing a striped robe, smoking a cigar, and fishing from his yacht moored at his winter residence in Palm Island, Miami Beach. The lower margin is marked “International Newsreel.” In very good to fine condition, with trimming to the edges. Encapsulated by PSA as an authentic "Type I" photograph, circa 1920s.

Original vintage glossy 7 x 9 news service photograph of Al Capone seated with one of his attorneys, Albert Fink, in a Chicago courthouse before he was convicted on five counts of income tax evasion on October 17, 1931. The reverse bears various stamps, clippings, and editorial notations. In very good condition, with creasing to the sides, and surface impressions from copious information on the back. Encapsulated by PSA as an authentic 'Type I' photograph from circa 1932.

Nice ink signatures of the famous steel industrialist, "Andrew Carnegie,” and his wife, "Louise Whitfield Carnegie," on individual off-white 3 x 2.25 cards, mounted, suede-matted, and framed with a portrait of Carnegie to an overall size of 11 x 11.5. In overall fine condition.

Vellum manuscript DS in Latin, signed by Cardinal St. Praxedis, Antonio Ciocchi del Monte, one page, 18.5 x 13, circa 1528. An ecclesiastical indulgence granting, among other things, the privilege of a secular confessor to the nobles Theseus and Guido de Sesso. All privileges are granted except where forbidden by the famous papal bull entitled In cena Domini. The top inside borders of the document are decorated with foliage and stylized flowers, in red, blue, pink, green, white, and black with slight gold illumination. A bearded head of Christ, encompassed by a cross nimbus, is set in the middle of the top margin, above the introductory line "Beatissime Pater." Mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 26.5 x 21. In very good to fine condition, with some staining, and scattered small areas of loss.

Antonio Ciocchi del Monte was born in the latter half of the fifteenth century. His father, Fabiano, was a distinguished advocate of the town in Monte San Savino, from whence the family derived its name. Entering the church, Antonio became Auditor of the Rota and then Archbishop of Siponto [Manfredonia]. In 1504, Antonio's brother, Vincenzo, died and his son, Giovan Maria, was adopted by Antonio, who acquired the post of papal chamberlain for the young man. When Pope Julius II created Antonio a cardinal [March 10, 1511], the latter resigned his archbishopric in favor of his nephew. Cardinal del Monte was greatly favored by the successors of Julius II, but was especially close to Adrian VI. After Adrian's death in 1523, an attempt was made to have del Monte succeed him; the attempt was unsuccessful, but he was made papal legate at Rome by the new Pope Clement VII. He died in September 1533, leaving his nephew, Giovan Maria, to fulfill the family ambitions by being elected Pope Julius III [1550-1555].

Original sketch by Vint Cerf of the “Internet ca. 1977,” accomplished in blue ballpoint on a white 8 x 5 card, signed at the bottom, "Vint Cerf." The sketch shows a basic diagram of the gateways and hosts connecting PRNET, ARPANET, and SATNET. In very fine condition.

AQS on an off-white 4.75 x 7.5 sheet, signed at the conclusion in ink, "S. P. Chase, Wash'n Mar. 15, 1871." Chase pens a quote from 'Zenobia; Or, the Fall of Palmyra' by William Ware, in full: "They deserve to lose their liberties, who will not spare time from selfish pursuits to guard them." Nicely double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 16 x 13.75. In fine condition, with a light diagonal bend across the top blank area.

LS signed "Marlborough," one page, 7.25 x 9.5, February 25, 1718. Letter to a Lord, in part: "The Bearer Hodges hath an opportunity at present of purchasing something for Himself in His Majesties Service, more commodious to His Affairs than for his Office of the Robes. And hath a very fit person to offer to succeed him, but is so sensible of your favors to Him that he is ashamed to trespass farther on you himself." Matted and framed to an overall size of 13 x 15.25. In very good to fine condition, with some short edge tears.

FDC with a cachet honoring the Antarctic Treaty, signed in ink by Edmund Hillary, John Hunt, Thor Heyerdahl, and Vivian Fuchs. In fine condition.

TLS, one page, 5.5 x 8.5, The Wright-Fleming Institute of Microbiology letterhead, July 4, 1950. Letter to "Mrs. Moore," in full: "Confirming my telephone message last week, I am looking forward to seeing you at the Ladies Annexe of the Athenaeum, 6, Carlton Gardens, S.W.1., on Friday at about 7.20 p.m." At the top, Fleming writes "and Dr. Moore." In very good to fine condition, with some creasing, and an extra horizontal fold.

Partly-printed DS in French, one page, 7.25 x 11.75, October 30, 1811. Contract in which Louis Rocquebrune is engaged by the firm McTavish, McGillivray & Co. and their associates, John Ogilvy and Thomas Thain, "to make the journey both to and from Fort William on the River Kaministiguia; pass through Michilimakinac and go to the Rain Lake, if he is so required to do, give six days of statute labor, make two journeys from Fort William to the Portage de la Montagne, or instead of these give six days of time to other works at the option of the said Gentlemen, help to carry the three-man boats on land, and take due and good care during the journeys, and on arrival at…Fort William and Rain Lake, of the merchandise, provisions, skins, utensils and all the articles necessary for the journey; serve, obey and faithfully execute the orders of all the Gentlemen or all others representing their persons."

Rocquebrune will be paid 400 livres for the journey to Fort William and an additional 200 livres for the journey to Rain Lake, payable a month after his return to Montreal. Signed by Rocquebrune with his mark, an "X," over his name, written in another hand, at the conclusion of the document. Double-matted and framed with an image of the Voyageurs to an overall size of 27 x 20. In fine condition.

The Voyageurs were the often colorful, largely unnamed canoe men who formed the backbone of the Canadian fur trade in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Employed by powerful firms such as McTavish, McGillivray & Co.—which were associated with the North West Company and later the Hudson’s Bay Company—they transported trade goods deep into the Canadian wilderness and returned with furs destined for European markets. Unlike the earlier independent coureurs des bois, who traded directly with Indigenous peoples near settlements or ventured inland on their own initiative, the Voyageurs operated under a regulated permit system established by French authorities in the late 17th century. As employees of expanding fur companies, they followed established canoe routes, notably from Montreal to Fort William on Lake Superior, a key staging point for western trade networks.

Renowned for their strength and endurance, Voyageurs paddled birchbark canoes up to 14 hours a day at a steady pace, often beginning before dawn. They carried enormous loads—typically two 90-pound bundles of fur, sometimes more—across long portages, with distance measured in “pipes,” or the time between smoking breaks. Singing accompanied their labor, echoing across waterways, though few of their songs survive today. For more than a century they were essential to the success of the fur trade, but declining fur demand, depleted animal populations, and advances in transportation—especially the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 1880s—brought their era to an end. As a result, documents and artifacts relating to the Voyageurs are now exceedingly rare.

Signed book: Report of the Case of Edward Prigg Against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Argued and Adjudged in the Supreme Court of the United States, by Richard Peters. First edition. Philadelphia: Stereotyped by L. Johnson, 1842. Hardcover in a 20th century library binding, 6 x 10, 140 pages. Signed on a free end page in ink by Congressman Richard Wigginton Thompson of Indiana, later Secretary of the Navy under Rutherford B. Hayes. In very good to fine condition, with mottled foxing to the textblock and ex-library markings, including a "George Peabody College for Teachers Library" bookplate to front pastedown.

Prigg v. Pennsylvania (1842) was a U.S. Supreme Court case that ruled state laws could not interfere with the federal government's authority to enforce the return of fugitive slaves. The case arose when Edward Prigg, a Maryland man, was convicted under Pennsylvania law for capturing and returning a Black woman, Margaret Morgan, to slavery without following the state’s legal procedures. The Court, in a decision written by Associate Justice Joseph Story, struck down the Pennsylvania law as unconstitutional, stating that only the federal government could regulate the capture and return of fugitive slaves. This decision strengthened federal supremacy but also allowed Northern states to avoid enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act, increasing tensions over slavery in the years leading up to the Civil War.

Police order issued to the East Godavari District Magistrate's Office in Cocanada, one page, 8.5 x 6.75, May 3, 1930, related to the arrest of Gandhi following his 'Salt March.' In full: "According to present arrangements Gandhi will be arrested and interned by the Bombay Government on Sunday. Arrange to be in your headquarters on the 4th and 5th in case there is any breach of the peace so that you may be readily available." In fine condition.

Gandhi would be arrested at midnight on May 4–5, just days before he planned to stage a satyagraha at the Dharasana Salt Works. Gandhi's nonviolent protest against the British Raj salt laws and subsequent arrest brought worldwide attention to the Indian independence movement, and spurred the Second Round Table Conference in 1931.

Signed book: Source Code: My Beginnings. Collector's edition. Norwalk, CT: Easton Press, 2025. Leatherbound hardcover, 6.5 x 9.75, 318 pages. Signed on the colophon in blue felt tip by Bill Gates. In very fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity and grading from PSA/DNA, evaluating the autograph as a "10."

TNS signed “Miep Gies,” one page, 5.5 x 3.25, no date. Note to "Arlene," in part: "Inclosed I send you the signed envelopes back and I hope you are satisfied." In very fine condition.

Partly-printed DS, one page, 11.5 x 7.75, May 6, 1881. Stock certificate for 100 shares in the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway Company issued to Jay Gould, endorsed on the reverse in blue ink to transfer the shares. In fine condition.

Commemorative cover with a cachet and inlaid medallion honoring the 25th anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Everest, 8 x 4.5, signed in black ballpoint by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Housed in its original presentation wallet, which bears a slice to the inner sleeve. In fine condition.

Vintage matte-finish 9.5 x 13.5 portrait of Holmes in his judicial robes by Harris & Ewing, signed in the lower border in fountain pen, "Oliver Wendell Holmes, December 17, 1926." In fine condition, with a short tear to the top edge, and a few thin streaks of light silvering to the image.