Released on: February 1, 2008, 5:40 am

Press Release Author: Mary Herzog

Industry: Advertising

Press Release Summary: In 2007 R.M. Smythe hosted six major auctions and set record
prices for
historical autographs, currency, coins, stocks bonds and antiques.


Press Release Body: Manhattan, New York - January 31, 2008 - R.M. Smythe & Co. held 6
auctions in 2007 offering historical autographs, currency, coins,
stocks, bonds, antiques and even two cannons. While compiling a list of
the more interesting lots that sold in 2007, the one unifying factor
that fits all of the items listed is that collectors were looking for
quality merchandise. This relentless search for quality became evident
in heavy bidding activity resulting in final bids that in many cases far
exceeded pre-auction estimates and set new auction records. Of
particular note was the December 12-13 sale #275 of part 13 of the
Schingoethe collection of obsolete currency, which saw many notes
selling for up to 10 times their presale estimates, with 94% of the 1162
lots sold at the final gavel (See http://www.news-antique.com/?id=783436
). Although interest in obsolete currency was very high, it represented
just a small portion of the antique and collectible merchandise that saw
very active bidding on the Smythe auction floor in 2007.

Here are realized prices on some of the more noteworthy lots sold by
R.M. Smythe & Company in 2007. The listed lots include the sale#, the
lot# and the final bid. In most cases the presale estimate is also
listed. The realized price listed does not include the buyers premium.
Detailed photos of each lot listed can be viewed by visiting the online
catalog for the specified sale# and lot# at Smythe auctions. See:
http://www.smytheonline.com/prices_realized/index.php .

Sale #270 - Lot# 1136 - Final Bid $24,000
1838 Die Alignment III, Reeded Edge Judd-84 Brilliant Proof. As a type
Gobrecht dollars are quite scarce, and when they are encountered, they
are usually from the 1836 mintage of 1,600 pieces. The Restrike Pattern
Gobrechts of 1838 (Judd-84) are considered to be R.5. This piece has
dark slate gray toning, but when rotated under light, very attractive
underlying hues of copper, gold, aqua, and blue can be seen. The proof
flash is very visible under the layers of color. Fully struck up, which
they are often not. The eagle\'s feathers are quite distinct. Although
quite attractive, there are some of hairlines on the obverse fields
adjacent to Liberty, below STATES, and below the eagle. Not perfect, but
rare this nice.

Sale #270 - Lot#1219 - Final Bid $55,000
1911 Matte Proof NGC PR-66. There is no doubt that the double eagles
designed by Augustus St. Gaudens are the most beautiful coins struck by
the United States for general circulation. During this period of coinage
history, the US Mint was experimenting on ways to make our coinage more
artistic. One such way was the new process the Mint used to proof gold
coins, resulting in what we now refer to as \"matte proofs.\" They were
not well received by the public, and the low mintages for gold proofs
dropped further. The mintage for 1911 was a mere 100 pieces struck. This
coin is a picture perfect example of the Matte proof type. Pale yellow,
deeply struck and nearly flawless.

Sale #270 - Lot#1683 - Presale Estimate $15,000 and Up - Final Bid $21,000
New York Ch.E923. /Brooklyn. /First NB. $10. Fr.624. 1902 PB.
No.D765506/1 A. Choice-Gem Uncirculated. An incredibly rare serial
number 1 red seal Brooklyn that has not appeared publically since the
Kriegsberg sale in 1965. Totally original and in nearly perfect
condition except for some minor handling. The highlight of our National
offerings which promises to generate very aggressive bidding.

Sale #270 - Lot#3501 - Presale Estimate $25,000 and Up - Final Bid $30,000
$1000. A. T-1. Cr.1. No.129. PF-1. A crisp, bright, and remarkably vivid
example that until now has never appeared in any public sale. Its
existence was unknown to Criswell, Ball, Shull, or Fricke! VF or Better,
with seven light to moderate vertical folds. Neatly hammer cancelled,
with no pieces missing. Very boldly executed signatures of Clitherall
and Elmore. On the back are two lightly pencilled notations, stamp
hinges behind the cancellation, and an inconsequential water stain. None
of these are distracting, and they have no impact on the choice
appearance of the note when viewed from the front. Great eye appeal,
with brilliant green color, razor sharp black images and text, and ample
and even margins on all four sides. Strictly original , with no repairs
or ``conservation\'\' often encountered on Type 1 Confederate notes. This
is a note that would fit nicely into almost any museum quality
collection of CSA paper money. VF, CC. Ironically, the very first
Confederate paper money was engraved and printed by the National Bank
Note Company, in New York City. Shortly after the notes were ordered and
delivered, hostilities broke out at Fort Sumter, and Federal Marshals
moved in to the National Bank Note Company\'s offices and confiscated the
printing plates. Of the 607 $1,000 Montgomery notes issued, 116 are
known, 9 in Uncirculated condition, and two of those are cancelled.
Perhaps a third of the survivors are virtually unobtainable, locked away
in public and private institutions. The $1,000 notes were signed by
Alexander B. Clitherall as Register and Edward Elmore as Treasurer. The
fiery Mr. Elmore was not a man to be trifled with. Mr. Daniels, the
publisher of a Richmond newspaper, wrote an article claiming that Elmore
was a heavy gambler who was embezzling large sums from the Treasury.
Elmore immediately challenged Daniels to a duel and shot him! This
extraordinary Criswell Type-1 has never been offered publicly or
recorded in any census, and it was probably collected decades before
Confederate paper money rareties were considered to be particularly
valuable. This may account for the fact that other than having been
carefully dismounted from the two stamp hinges that held it to an album
page, the note has never been tampered with in any way. Worthy of a
premium bid.

Sale #271- Lot#35 - Presale Estimate $5,500 and Up - Final Bid $6,500
British statesman, war-time Prime Minister and Nobel laureate
(1874-1965). Choice Typewritten Document Signed /\"Winston L.S.
Churchill,\"/ 1-1/5 pages, 4to, on parchment, London, January 18, 1957.
Churchill\'s signature is penned at the conclusion [partially through
seal] and is witnessed by a solicitor. Bears embossed revenue stamp at
head. A / \"Supplemental Agreement\"/ to the existing book contract
between /\"The Right Honourable Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill
K.G., O.M., C.H., M.P. of Chartwell Westerham in the County of
Kent...and Cassell & Company Limited...in the City of London\"/ amending
the existing agreement between them /\"to the extent that the Publishers
shall despatch proofs of the Third and Fourth Volumes of \'A History of
the English-Speaking Peoples\'...as soon after the thirty-first day of
January one thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven as the printers can
provide them...Save as aforesaid the provisions of the Principal
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect..._\"_/ In exceptionally
fine condition. Churchill\'s four-volume work A History of the
English-Speaking Peoples was published between 1956 and 1958, and was
the last major literary work completed by him before his death in 1965.
This great work had a somewhat checkered life however. It was
commissioned by Newman Flower and the contract was signed in 1933.
Although Churchill continued to work on the manuscript, his public
duties did not enable him to complete the work by the outbreak of war in
1939; when he returned to his old post as First Lord of the Admiralty he
delivered 450,000 words to the publisher in the best shape he had been
able to give them, covering his subject from the beginnings to the
assassination of Abraham Lincoln. When, after the mighty events of the
next six years and the loss of the election of 1945, Sir Winston had the
time and the inclination once more to take up his pen, it was to the new
project, his Second World War, that he turned first. With these six
volumes happily completed, he was able to look again at the unfinished
History of the English-Speaking Peoples which had been laid aside in
such ominous circumstances so many years before. Churchill had recently
served his last term as Prime Minister [1951-55], during which time he
had been awarded the Nobel prize in literature [1953]. An extremely
scarce agreement between Churchill and his publisher covering one of his
most important works.

Sale #271 - Lot#159 - Presale Estimate $3,000 and Up - Final Bid $4250
NELSON, HORATIO British naval officer (1758-1805); in 1800, he blockaded
Malta and Naples, held by French and Neapolitan Jacobins; annulled
Cardinal Ruffo\'s proposed terms to rebels, received absolute surrender;
restored Neapolitan royal family to power; became romantically involved
with Emma Hamilton, the wife of Naples consul Sir William Hamilton;
promoted Vice Admiral; created Duke of Bronte by Ferdinand I of Naples;
died in the battle of Trafalgar. Choice Manuscript Letter Signed
/\"Nelson & Bronte\" / as Vice Admiral of the Blue, 1 page, small 4to
[8-1/4\" x 8-1/2\"], on his ship, the /HMS Victory, \"Off Toulon, the 13th
August 1803.\" / Addressing the /\"Naval Storekeeper at Malta,\" /Nelson
directs /\"that you receive into His Majesty\'s stores under your charge,
the Barge and Jolly (or four hand) Boat belonging to His Majesty\'s Ship
Victory, and keep them under a Shade or Cover \'till they are wanted for
the use of the said Ship...\" /Paper repairs at folds, minor stain at
top, otherwise in very good condition. Nelson had been given command of
the /Victory/ just three months earlier, and joined the ongoing blockade
of the French port of Toulon. However, the French fleet managed to slip
past the blockade in 1805, and Nelson led a failed pursuit. Retiring due
to ill health, he was recalled in September of that year, and fought his
great and final victory at Trafalgar just a month later. A good naval
letter, showing how control of Malta, achieved in 1800, allowed England
to maintain a fleet in the Mediterranean, a key to its dominance at sea.

Sale #271 - Lot#722 - Presale Estimate $3,000 to $3,500 - Final Bid $5500
OXFORD: OXONIA ILLUSTRATA \"Oxonia Illustrata.\" David Loggan. Oxford,
1675. Folio, red leather [by Bartlett?] with gilt cottage-roof design,
spine, six bands. Three engravings laid in. Minor dampstains and sparse
soiling, front free endpaper creased, front board slightly curled,
otherwise very good/fine.

Sale #272 - Lot#1263 - Presale Estimate $1,500 to $3,000 - Final Bid $8500
Central Bank of Brooklyn (NY) 1854. #199. 20 shs. Jolly old Saint
Nicholas rides in a sleigh full of toys, pulled by reindeer. A classic
vignette by Baldwin, Adams & Co. Durand Vignette Type III. Santa Claus
vignettes are some of the most sought after of all vignettes. The
Schingoethe collection of Santa Claus vignetted obsolete notes
established many record prices. First we have seen from this company. We
expect the bidding on this certificate to be quite competitive. Light
staining, left. VF.*

Sale #272 - Lot#4842 - Presale Estimate $7,000 to $8,000 - Final Bid $14,000
$20. Fr.953b. 1914. No.B2522533A. Choice Uncirculated. A real blazer Red
Seal $20 that looks perfect from the front and only the slightly askew
back centering keeps it from a Super Gem grade. The originality and
strong embossing are clearly visible through the PMG64 EPQ holder. A
marvelous note.

Sale #272 - Lot# 4938 - Presale Estimate $10,000 to $15,000 - Final Bid
$37,000
LT. Uncut 18-Subject Sheet of $5 1953 Legal Tender Notes.
A00000001A-A00136001A. The last note on the sheet bears the autographed
signatures of the Treasurer of the United States, Ivy Baker Priest, and
the Secretary of the Treasury, George M. Humphrey. Almost Uncirculated,
with some corner bends, and a trace of paper clip rust on the #1 note.
These are mentioned for accuracy, as you can never obtain a better
example of this unique sheet. Accompanied by a copy of a letter on
official Treasury Department letterhead, signed by Edward F. Bartelt,
Fiscal Assistant Secretary, dated May 20, 1953, certifying that this is
the first sheet of the first run of this series. A wonderful addition to
any great collection of U.S small size currency.

Sale #272 - Lot#2501- Presale Estimate $25,000 and Up - Final Bid $52,500
$1000. A. T-1. Cr.1. No.88. PF-1. John C. Calhoun, states-rights
advocate, left. Andrew Jackson, right. A crisp, bright, and remarkably
vivid example that was purchased in 1987 from our auction of Dr. Douglas
Ball\'s personal collection. Described by Dr. Ball as \"EF, plus, cut
cancelled.\"
According to the 1987 description, on the back there were two lightly
pencilled notations, stamp hinges behind the cancellation, and an
inconsequential water stain, but these have all been professionally
removed. Hauntingly attractive, with the full eye appeal of an
Uncirculated example. The cancellations were done so neatly that they
are virtually undetectable from the front, and the paper quality is just
extraordinary. No folds are apparent. The signature of Clitherall is
boldly executed. The Elmore signature is a bit lighter. This is a note
that would fit nicely into almost any museum quality collection of CSA
paper money. Ex Phillip H. Chase, Dr. Douglas Ball, and Frederick Mayer.
You can\'t ask for a more impressive provenance! Far superior to the one
we just sold in our April 2007 Western Reserve Historical Society Sale,
described as \" VF, CC\" which brought $30,000. VF, CC. Ironically, the
very first Confederate paper money was engraved and printed by the
National Bank Note Company, in New York City. Shortly after the notes
were ordered and delivered, hostilities broke out at Fort Sumter, and
Federal Marshals moved in to the National Bank Note Company\'s offices
and confiscated the printing plates.The $1,000 notes were signed by
Alexander B. Clitherall as Register and Edward Elmore as Treasurer. The
fiery Mr. Elmore was not a man to be trifled with. Mr. Daniels, the
publisher of a Richmond newspaper, wrote an article claiming that Elmore
was a heavy gambler who was embezzling large sums from the Treasury.
Elmore immediately challenged Daniels to a duel and shot him! Of the 607
$1,000 Montgomery notes issued, Approximately 116 are known, 9 in
Uncirculated condition, and two of those are cancelled. Perhaps a third
of the survivors are virtually unobtainable, locked away in public and
private institutions.

Sale # 272 - Lot#2521 - Presale Estimate $7,500 to $15,000 Final Bid $19,000
Act of February 28, 1861. $1000. Cr.Unlisted. B-8. Hand drawn mockup,
with pasted on proof vignettes on red silk fiber paper, with hand drawn
coupons. Wagon load of cotton. Sailor bottom. American Bank Note. Top
right panel separated. Vignettes loose. Worthy of some restoration. Has
the appearance of VF. Apparently the work on this bond started later
than the $500. The firm got the text of the bond, had it written in by a
scribe and then stuck in vignettes as appropriate. An important unique
and historical

Sale #274 - Lot#1595 - Final Bid $13,000
Colombia. 8 Escudo, 1779NR JJ. Carol(us) III. KM 50.1. (NGC MS-64).
obv.: Armored bust, facing right. rev.: Crowned arms in collar of the
Golden Fleece. Slight lamination on cheek, and rubbed forehead away from
Gem.

Sale #274 - Lot#1616 - Final Bid $9500
18th Century Spanish Bronze Breech Loaded Cannon. Typical form, 39 1/2\"
in length. Bourbon arms of Charles III on top of barrel. Breach fired
cannon with breech block present. Minor damage to pindle. Nice surfaces
with only traces of verdigris. One of only 40 cannons that were reported
on the /El Cazador. /The fact that the breech block is present is simply
amazing. Cannon weighs 200+ pounds. Must be picked up-no shipping available.

\"As you can see, 2007 was a great year for Smythe.\" said Mary Herzog,
Vice President of R. M. Smythe & Co. \"We had some exceptionally high
quality consignments, which resulted in a great deal of bidder interest.
For 2008 we\'ve got some wonderful auctions planned and our customer can
expect even more quality merchandise on our auction floor.\"

Accredited media interested in scheduling an interview to discuss this
release or past or upcoming auctions are encouraged to contact Mary
Herzog at 212-943-1880

About R. M. Smythe & Co.
R. M. Smythe and Co., established in 1880, buys, sells, and auctions
coins, paper money, stocks and bonds and autographs at their corporate
headquarters at 2 Rector Street in the heart of the Financial District
in New York City. To order a catalog, to contact any of the firm's
specialists, or to make general inquiries, call 212-943-1880 or
800-622-1880, or visit the firm's website at: http://www.smytheonline.com.


Web Site: http://www.smytheonline.com

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