Lots of Buzz Around Rare Winnie-the-Pooh Items at Bonhams New York
Published December 10th, 2008
Following on the heels of the successful sale of a rare Winnie-the-Pooh drawing in its London salesrooms, international auctioneers Bonhams will offer collectors another chance to take home original depictions of Pooh at their New York City sale of Books and Manuscripts, set to take place on December 15, 2008.
The international attention attracted by a depiction of Pooh, Tigger and Piglet which sold for more than $60,000 at Bonham’s Books sale in London speaks to the public’s enduring love of the little bear. To be offered at this upcoming New York sale are copies of author A.A. Milne’s four most popular books, each including hand drawings by illustrator E.H. Shepard featuring the character Christopher Robin.
Of these lots are a limited edition copy of Winnie-the-Pooh signed by the author and artist dated January 1931, showing Christopher Robin in the bath with Pooh nearby, together with a version of one of the vignettes showing Pooh contemplating an upside-down bathmat (est. $10/12,000). A first edition of When We Were Very Young signed by Milne with numbered illustrations and a signed ink drawing by Shepard (est. $8/9,000) is on offer, as is a limited edition of Now We Are Six, also signed by Milne with a signed ink drawing by Shepard (est. $5/7,000). A limited edition of House at Pooh Corner signed by Milne with a signed ink drawing by Shepard could bring $6/8,000.
These drawings are highly unusual as they were not originally commissioned to be included with these editions, leading specialists to believe that the original owners of the books may have had a personal connection to Shepard — making each of these lots a rare jewel for collectors.
Another outstanding Pooh lot to be offered is a fine set of first edition copies of each of the four Milne books. With the entire collection in exceptional condition and estimated at $15/20,000, bidding is expected to be fiercely competitive.
Children’s illustration collectors will also be interested in an original illustration from Ludwig Bemelmans — the artist behind the charming Madeline books. Titled “Madeline in London / Design for stamp,” the 29×21-inch work depicts Madeline and the character Pepito on horseback. Signed “Bemelmans” with an artist’s stamp, the lot could fetch $6/8,000.
However, children’s book illustrations are not the only lots of interest for December bidders. Interest should be deep for a first edition copy of the classic Moby Dick. In exceptionally fine condition, the lot is easily one of the most coveted of the sale. Estimated at $60/80,000, aggressive bidding is expected.
Other stellar first editions to be offered include: a first issue of Lee Harper’s To Kill A Mockingbird which includes a photograph of the author credited to Truman Capote on back the panel (est. $6/9,000); a first issue of Ken Kesey’s iconic One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest with a signed and inscribed card by the author and a Kerouac blurb on front flap (est. $3/5,000); a copy of Rudyard Kipling’s immortal The Jungle Book (est. $2/3,000); and a scarce separate issue of Alfred Tennyson’s poem Timbuctoo which was originally published together with works by C.R. Kennedy and C. Merivale in the 41-page Proclusiones academicae in 1829 (est. $5/7,000).
Theater lovers will have the chance to own a script from the original Broadway production of Death of a Salesman. Signed by famed playwright Arthur Miller and the cast, the lot hails from the estate of Broadway actor Tom Pedi who originated the role of “Stanley” in the play. Estimated at $3/5,000, this remarkable working draft of Miller’s classic play is marked “27,” indicating it as one of the small number produced for cast and crew of the original production. The copy boasts many production notes and comments.
Also coming to auction are a number of excellent lots related to leading scientific figures. Of particular interest are two letters from Albert Einstein offering a glimpse into his views on the international political climate of his day. In one letter dated January 29, 1946, Einstein writes to a student journalist at Princeton University who had apparently asked him to comment on the affairs of Germany. Einstein argues that the world must “…be assured that Germany does not become dangerous again….” In another, Einstein explains his concern with the development of “modern weapons,” stating that “Only a supranational organization can put an end to the current state of hysteria. Everyone has to be fully aware of that, if the general annihilation of mankind through man is to be prevented.” Each of these fascinating letters carries an estimate of $4/6,000.
Another exciting piece is a 19th century pass to the London Zoo signed by Charles Darwin. The Zoo was originally known as the Zoological Gardens in Regent’s Park, and was initially open only to members of the Zoological Society of London.
The pass admits the bearer, with the permission of Charles Darwin, to visit either the Zoo or the Society’s Museum in Leicester Square (est. $1,000/1,500). Also offered is a presentation copy of the offprint of Niels Bohr’s famous address to the UN regarding nuclear proliferation, signed by Mr. Bohr (est. $500/700).
Other lots expected to entice bidders are: the first private pilot’s license ever to be issued, granted to a William P. MacCracken and signed by Herbert Hoover as Secretary of Commerce (est. $18/25,000); a postcard from a Titanic victim, mailed to a family member prior to the tragedy, featuring a color image of the ship at sea (est. $2,500/$3,500); and a typed document signed by Senator John F. Kennedy allowing Gallu Productions to produce an episode of a television show recreating the PT-109 incident in which Kennedy’s bravery lead to his being bestowed with a Navy and Marine Corps Medal (est. $3/5,000).
“This sale seems especially well-timed for the holiday market. We have a large collection of excellent illustration artwork, such as the Milne and the Bemelmans, plus some very unusual and charming manuscripts — from scientific high points to Presidential pieces,” says Dr. Catherine Williamson, Director of Books & Manuscripts for Bonhams. “Collectors of all kinds will be sure to find something to their liking.”
The illustrated auction catalog will be online for review and purchase in the weeks preceding the sale at www.bonhams.com/us. Previews open at Bonhams NY on December 13th - continuing daily until the auction. For more information about this department please visit www.bonhams.com/usbooks.
