A trove of historical artifacts has made its way to the auction block, offering collectors and history enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of the past. From music scores of the beloved classic “The Wizard of Oz” to a letter penned by former First Lady Jackie Kennedy and a 1980 holiday card issued by the British royal family signed by the Queen Mother, this auction is nothing short of a walk-through history.
“They’re very rare,” said David Lowenherz, owner of Lion Heart Autographs, the firm running the auction. “They are virtually unheard of in any kind of…private collection,” Lowenherz said of the two printed music scores from “The Wizard of Oz” – “Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain.” These scores, put up by the family of actor Ray Bolger, who portrayed the Scarecrow in the film, are expected to fetch between $12,000-$15,000 and $6,000-$8,000, respectively. The auction, the largest Lion Heart Autographs has held to date, is set to run until Nov. 1.
The collection also includes a 1980 holiday card from the British royal family featuring the Queen Mother standing beside her daughters, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. Additionally, the auction featured a 1987 letter from Jackie Kennedy, wife of former President John F. Kennedy, discussing plans for Pennsylvania Avenue and signed, “affectionately, Jackie.” Not to be outdone, a letter signed by Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, dating back to his time in office in 1956, is also up for grabs.
Further, the auction features a wide range of other historical items, including an 1845 letter by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi accusing English soprano Anna Bishop of bribing the Neapolitan Press, a letter by Impressionist painter Claude Monet to an art dealer, and a signed document ahead of Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion of Russia in 1812. Each item offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing a tangible connection to some of history’s most significant moments and figures.
This auction provides an incredible opportunity for collectors and history buffs alike to own a piece of the past. From the fantasy world of “The Wizard of Oz” to the historical significance of letters penned by influential figures like Jackie Kennedy and David Ben-Gurion, this collection is truly a treasure trove of artifacts. Take your chance to take a step into history and own a part of it.
