Search Results: Ephemera from Lux Libri

Circa 1890s pencil drawing of a chubby boy in a plaid shirt with his hair parted in the middle. As found, wrapped in brown paper from Andrus & Church Booksellers of Ithaca, NY. The firm served generations of Cornell students and other patrons from 1852 to the mid-20th century. Along with books, it sold stationery, art supplies and other goods, and offered printing and book binding services. The brown paper is approx. 10.5 x 11 inches. The unsigned drawing is 7 x 8 inches and is not attached. Found with the paper folded over on three sides and the drawing visible, as shown. Versos of both items are blank. A charming original drawing with an uncommon bit of bookseller ephemera. VG with typical signs of age but no flaws of note.

Bicycle ephemera / 2-page handwritten letter sent from England to America in 1914 regarding repair of a Raleigh bicycle. On the letterhead of Benson & Son, a supplier in York, England, of cycles, parts, accessories, and "Machines Built to Order." 7.25 x 10 inches. VG with original mailing folds. Will ship flat, as shown. Addressed to W.G. Distin of Saranac Lake, NY. A representative of the company wrote that he was surprised to hear Distin was having trouble finding valve tubing, so he was enclosing a piece free of charge. The letter also says, in part: "We are very pleased to hear your cycle is giving you satisfaction … (We) are having a real good time in the cycle business, not a little of which is due to our having agency for the Raleigh Cycle." [William] G. Distin (1884-1970) was a prominent architect in northern NY state. He was a pioneer of the rustic Adirondack style and designed a number of the Adirondack Great Camps. (This letter was found among a group of personal letters from relatively… Read More

1932 TLS / Charles Hanson Towne. Typed letter signed by the noted author, editor, and literary celebrity. A brief letter of thanks, addressed to Garth Cates of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. One page on the stationery of the New York American, where Towne was a columnist. 8.5 x 11 inches. Good condition with folds, some foxing and stains, tear to the upper left corner. Affixed to an old, gray scrapbook page. Will ship unfolded, as shown. Towne (1877-1949) was born in Kentucky but came to be known as the quintessential New Yorker in the early decades of the 20th century. He was a prolific author of poetry, novels, plays, essays, memoirs, etc. He edited several important magazines, including Smart Set, McClure's, and Harper's Bazaar. Later in life, he taught at Columbia and influenced a new generation of writers, including J.D. Salinger.

Vintage poster entitled "Not Everyone Is An Artist." Circa 1970s. 24 x 16.5 inches. Printed on heavy orange paper with b&w photo of students and a brief description of the school's philosophy. Nice condition with original fold lines (2 horizontal and one vertical.) From the estate of a NY artist, who had this poster in storage for many years. Will ship folded, as shown in the last image. Montserrat was established in 1970 in Beverly, MA, by a group of North Shore/Boston-area artists. Emerging from the ethos of the counterculture era, it was conceived as a non-traditional art school with an intensive studio environment for prospective professional artists. It was accredited in the 1980s and renamed the Montserrat School of Art. Note: This seems to be a rare poster. It is marked as Poster #4, but we couldn't locate another example of it or any other early poster from this series.

Autograph quote signed by the British novelist, author of The Prisoner of Zenda (1894) and creator of the Ruritanian romance genre. In black ink on a stiff vellum sheet that measures about 6 x 10 inches. Probably written for his government propaganda efforts during the First World War, for which he was knighted in 1918. The quote reads: "Homage to our French allies – bold in / thought / daring in action, loyal in friendship, / and generous in appreciation – / Anthony Hope Hopkins." Near Fine with some wrinkling to the vellum, not affecting the text. Blank verso, apart from brief pencil notations. An uncommon item from Sir Anthony Hope Hopkins, better known simply as Anthony Hope (1863-1933.)

Armstrong rebus bookplate. Design features four arms in armor and the Latin motto Vi et Armis (By Force and Arms.) Evidently a 19th century plate. Approx. 3.75 x 3.25 inches. Unused in clean, unmarked condition. Possibly the bookplate of the Elliott Armstrong, Esq., listed in an historical compilation of noted British book collectors (A Roll of Honour by W. Carew Hazlitt. London: Bernard Quaritch, 1908.)

Signed on a slip of paper, "Yours Sincerely / Coningsby Dawson." 3 x 5¼ inches. VG with one horizontal fold line. Dawson (1883-1959) was an Anglo-American novelist and poet who served at the front with the Canadian Field Artillery during World War II. His work included The Glory of the Trenches, a 1918 memoir of his wartime experiences.

1902 Autograph of the civil rights activist and president of the NAACP. Signed "A.B. Spingarn" in pencil in 1902 on a page removed from an unknown book. Spingarn was an avid collector of books and other material by African Americans, and he has also written [Limited edition] below his signature. Spingarn and his brother, Joel, were Jewish Americans who became interested in the civil rights movement through the work of W.E.B. Dubois. They were active in the NAACP from its outset in the early 1900s. A.B. [Arthur Barnette] Spingarn was chairman of its legal committee, vice president from 1911-1940, and president from 1940-1946. His important "Spingarn Collection" was donated to Howard University and helped form the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center. Joel Spingarn was a founding member of the NAACP in 1909, and president from 1930-1939. The prestigious Spingarn Medal is awarded annually to honor African American achievement. An early example of A.B. Spingarn's signature. Uncommon outside of institutional… Read More

Signed card by the US Naval officer and member of the ill-fated Jeannette expedition to the North Pole. Signed as "Jno. W. Danenhower / Lieut. U.S.N." 1¼ x 3¾ inches with gilded and scalloped edges. VG with typical signs of age, paper remnants on the rear from prior mounting. On the 1879-1881 expedition, the Jeannette became trapped in ice and ultimately sank while attempting to reach the pole via the Bering Strait and the (non-existent) Open Polar Sea. More than half of the 33-member crew perished, including the captain. Danenhower (1849-1887) survived but was rendered nearly blind and lived his remaining years in ill health. While assigned to the US Naval Academy, he committed suicide in 1887 after the USS Constellation ran aground under his command.

Cut signature of the popular novelist, short story writer, and poet. Signed "Sincerely, Margaret Deland." 1¼ x 4 inches. Deland was part of the literary realism movement, and her work often reflected the changing social, religious, and cultural climate of her times. She is best remembered for her bestselling (and controversial) novel, John Ward, Preacher (1888.)

Woodstock, Vermont: Elm Tree Press, (1925.) 1st edition. A poem celebrating the small town of Plymouth, Vermont, and the election of native son Calvin Coolidge as the 30th President of the United States (1923-29.) 14 pp. Staple-bound booklet. Gray paper wraps. 12mo. 7.25 by 5.25 inches. Illustrated by a map of Vermont and small vignettes in the text. VG. Modest wear, light browning of the covers, minor stain to rear cover. Sound and securely bound. A nice copy overall of a scarce item.

Two (2) bills from Denker & Sons of New York City for purchases in 1945 by Edelberg's Furs of Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks. Edelberg's bought 10 raccoon coats for a total of $1,610. Approx. 6 x 8.5 inches each. VG, as shown.

Circa 1920 personal bookplate of Sonia Lustig (1867-1943), a Russian-born American bookplate collector. Lustig lived in Rhode Island, and her notable collection of 5,500+ bookplates is now housed at Brown University in Providence, RI. Lustig's pictorial bookplate features a child riding a mythological Pegasus, with a lush tree and Russian architecture in the background. The motto reads: "In Good and Truth is Our Strength." Signed in the plate with the interlocking monogram "CLD" [New England artist Chester L. Dodge, 1880-1950.] Approx. 2.75 x 3.75 inches. Mounted to a book page from 1922, with the single word "Kimono" printed at the bottom of the verso. Also included is the separate title page from Kimono, a novel by John Paris. Bookplate is VG with typical signs of age.

Autograph letter signed by American author and poet Celia Thaxter (1835-1894.) Sent from [Isles of] Shoals in May 1892 with interesting literary content. Addressed to "Dear friend" [likely Richard Watson Gilder, editor of The Century magazine.] Thaxter writes that she expected "Mr. Winch's Sonnet" to be in the May number of The Century and, as it didn't appear, asked for it back for further revision: "It has only one good line in it + that's the last, + I want to have it if I can." The finished poem appeared in the July 1892 issue (p. 535.) It was written in appreciation of [William] J. Winch, a tenor who was part of a musical performing family from Boston. 1 page on thin, translucent paper with a thicker cream border. Approx. 7 x 8.25 inches. Reproduction photo of Thaxter with facsimile signature is neatly affixed to the verso with small pencil notations by a collector. Fine with one light crease, mailing folds. Celia Thaxter was one of the most popular New England poets of the latter 19th century.… Read More

Typed letter signed by the former British jockey and crime writer (1920-2010.) Dated 14th Nov. '84. Francis replies to Miss Thorn, a reader critical of his work: "I am sorry you found points in my recent books that have called for criticism … In fact I hope that when you read more of my books you will feel unjustified in mentioning anything derogatory." On personal stationery. 8.5 x 11.75 inches. VG with mailing folds, a few nicks, two small holes from a removed staple. Nicely signed by Francis in blue ink. The recipient also added a dated notation.

Original autograph & portrait of Elbert Hubbard, writer, publisher, and philosopher who founded the Roycroft artisan community. Hubbard was a leading exponent of the American Arts and Crafts movement from the late 19th century to his death aboard the Lusitania in 1915. Signature and portrait appear to have been removed from a book. Portrait is mounted on a larger page of heavy paper stock. The autograph is on the same paper. Portrait size with borders is 7.75 x 10.25 inches. Signature is bold and clear and measures 4.25 inches across. Foxing to the blank areas of the portrait mount. Image itself is clean and unmarked, as is the signature.

Five armorial bookplates by Karlovsky (1922-1995), a Czech-born heraldry scholar and author whose work included designing a new coat of arms for US President Ronald Reagan when he was governor of California. Fine, unused condition with Karlovsky's red ink stamp on the rear. Sizes range from 2.75 inches square to 3 x 4.25 inches. The five plates are: (1) the Czech coat of arms with the motto Veritas Vincet (Truth Prevails); (2) Ex Libris François d'Anethan. Appears to be an imaginary bookplate for François-de-Paule Henri Joseph d'Anethan, a Belgian baron and politician (1743-1802); (3) Ex Libris Didi Karlovská. Design features kangaroos and the motto, Courage to the Last. Possibly made for a family member; (4) Ex Libris Johannis Žižka de Trocnov. Imaginary bookplate of Czech national hero Jan Zizka (1360-1424.) With Latin motto Sacri Romani Imperii et Regni Bohemiae Equitis, signifying Zizka as a knight of the Holy Roman Empire and Kingdom of Bohemia; and (5) Ex Libris Hedda Krackow von Grafin.… Read More

1888 autograph letter signed, from American author G.W. Cable to his friend and business associate Major J.B. Pond. Cable sends his congratulations on the eve of Pond's second marriage and writes, "I rejoice greatly in your great fortune, and hope that every day henceforth may find you happier in the new, rich life." One page on thin linen paper with Cable's address on Paradise Road in Northampton, Mass. Approx. 5 x 8.25 inches. Mailing folds and one light crease, else Fine. Cable (1844-1925) was known for his realistic portrayals of Creole life in his native New Orleans. He was from a slave-holding family and joined the Confederate army in the Civil War. But his work, including Old Creole Days, depicted the multi-racial and multicultural nature of New Orleans society. His opposition to racism and calls for social reform engendered hostility in the South and caused him to move to Northampton in 1885. J.B. [James Burton] Pond (1838-1903) was an abolitionist and Union officer with the 3rd Wisconsin… Read More

Portrait of Lady [Judith] Thornhill (1673-1757), the mother-in-law of English artist William Hogarth. Engraved by [Louis] Le Couer after a painting by Hogarth. As published in Graphic Illustrations Of Hogarth, From Pictures, Drawings, And Scarce Prints In The Possession Of Samuel Ireland... (London: Published for Samuel Ireland by R. Faulder. 1799. Vol. II.) Image area is approx. 12.5 x 16.5 cm. Overall size 16 x 22 cm. (6.25 x 8.75 inches.) Browned and foxed in the margins and the blank verso, as shown, but no tears or other flaws.

Autograph quote signed by the English poet. No date. Tupper responds to an autograph request with a quote in praise of America: "Giant aggregate of nations, / Glorious whole of glorious Parts, / Unto endless generations / Stand United, hands + hearts." Tupper was a leading poet of the Victorian age. His 1838 book, Proverbial Philosophy, sold 1.5 million copies and had wide influence on other writers, including American poet Walt Whitman. The quote is from a poem in his American Ballads series, written from his home in Albury, England, and published prior to his American tour in 1851. VG, as shown, with mailing folds but no flaws. One sheet of stationery from London, folded to 4.5 x 7 inches.