Guernsey's - African American Historic & Cultural Treasures

Auction:
July 25 & 26,
1PM (Each day)

Viewing:
Tuesday, July 24th: 1PM - 8PM
Wednesday, July 25th: 10AM - 1PM
Thursday, July 26th: 10AM - 1PM

Location:
George F. Baker Mansion
Park Avenue and 93rd Street
New York, NY 10128

Online Bidding:
www.liveauctioneers.com
www.invaluable.com

In a remarkable two-page document handwritten only months before her landmark bus incident, Mrs. Parks described the moment when the two stalwart leaders of the Civil Rights Movement came together.

This historic document, coming up for auction by Guernsey’s this summer, is just one of many treasured items to be included in an event devoted to African American history and culture. Among the hundreds of other items in the sale will be the fabled original Steel Town recording contract signed on November 21, 1967 by Joe Jackson on behalf of the Jackson Five (and Michael Jackson), and the complete Larry Richards “Cinema Apart” Collection featuring hundreds of film posters and related ephemera documenting African American involvement in the movies.

Rosa Parks' handwritten notes
on 1st meeting with Martin Luther King Jr.

Rosa Parks' handwritten notes
on 1st meeting with Martin Luther King Jr., pg 2

Among these hundreds of other items, one incredible standout is a powerful letter from Martin Luther King, Jr., in which he speaks of his opposition to the Vietnam War, stating that it is his “deep belief that every citizen of this country should speak out against this intolerable war…” Dr. King, up until the end of his life, was opposed to the war, and saw it as inextricably connected to civil rights issues, feeling that the draft was “grossly unjust” to African Americans, that they should not then have to return “to face indignities and de facto slavery in his own country.” Dr. King ends with a powerful call to action: “I encourage you to speak out. The evils of oppression are only aided and abetted by the tyranny of silence. If all persons of good will were to speak against oppression the bright day of freedom and dignity for all men would be close at hand.”

Martin Luther King Jr. Letter Discussing Vietnam War

As part of this extraordinary two-day Auction, there will be seventeen lots of rare documents written by both Malcolm X and noted author Alex Haley. The lots include many chapters from Malcolm X’s Autobiography, as told to Alex Haley. This original typed manuscript contains many handwritten notations by both men. Also included are unpublished chapters and many separate pages written by Malcolm X.

Malcolm X’s Autobiography

Piano from Motown Records
recording studios

Rosa Parks'
Funeral Banner, 4' x 6'

Art Tatum's Watch,
from Frank Sinatra

Malcolm X Manuscript,
notes by Malcolm X and Alex Haley, 241pp

Art Tatum's
Steinway Grand Piano

Letter from American
Anti-Slavery Society, 1836

Rosa Parks' Estate Planning Portfolio,
containing will and signed documents

Peter Thornton's Last Will
c.1833 with Slaves Reference

1956 Letter to the Montgomery
Improvement Association

Rosa Parks' handwritten notes on Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Rev. Abernathy, Andrew Young, Fred Shuttlesworth

Rosa Parks' notes
on the Graetz Bombing

Rosa Parks' original book
Manuscript with notes and ephemera

Original score sheet
for the Supremes' "Overture II"

Original score sheet
for the Temptations' "Ball of Confusion"

The Auction

What do the Jackson Five’s (and Michael Jackson’s) first recording contract, the Larry Richards “A Cinema Apart” African American Movie Poster Collection, the McCauley family home that Rosa McCauley Parks stayed in after fleeing the Deep South, Mrs. Parks’ handwritten thoughts on the day she first met Dr. Martin Luther King, and Alex Haley’s manuscript for the Malcolm X biography (which includes many of Mr. X’s personal notes) have in common? These and hundreds of other extraordinary items are being brought to the block by Guernsey’s, the New York City-based auction house, this coming July. Largely focusing on the Civil Rights Movement, African American movies, and music, this auction will include items that are of huge cultural and historical importance.

The Gregory Reed Collection is an archive of Civil Rights documents, rare books, and African-American musical ephemera, all from the offices of the prominent African-American lawyer who counted Rosa Parks among his clients. In an extraordinary two-page document, Mrs. Parks describes the occasion she first encountered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Astonished that so young a man could speak so eloquently, she writes “I knew I would never forget him.” It was only months later that this giant of a little woman refused to give up her bus seat. Jail and death threats soon followed, causing Mrs. Parks to flee northward to Detroit where, along with her husband, she found shelter in her family’s small, 23’ x 23’ two-story wood home. Now, six decades later, the very structure where Rosa Parks stayed has been carefully disassembled and become the subject of an international tour extensively covered by the media. The BBC and CNN reported on the story as did the New York Times, which ran three separate articles about the historic Rosa McCauley Parks family home which, most recently, was exhibited as part of a symposium with the Rhode Island School of Design.

In 1992, the estate sale of the then late author Alex Haley was conducted. Internationally renowned for his historic novel, Roots, the top lot in the auction proved to be Haley’s original 257 page manuscript for the Autobiography of Malcolm X (as told to Alex Haley), with many handwritten notes and edits from both Malcolm X and the author. Separately sold in the event were the “lost chapters” - portions of the book thought too controversial to be published. Attorney Reed was the successful bidder back then; now, more than a quarter century later, these extraordinary documents will be offered again.

Gregory Reed was also in possession of a large collection of the Temptations’ original sheet music, as well as sheets for the Isley Brothers and Marvin Gaye. Complete with handwritten edits and notes, these are the scores for such songs as the Temptations’ ‘Ball of Confusion,’ and ‘Papa Was a Rolling Stone,’ the Isley Brothers’ ‘It’s Your Thing,’ and Marvin Gaye’s ‘Mercy Mercy Me.’

Comprised of hundreds of rare film unique Cinema Apart Collection, assembled by the late Larry Richards, traces the course of African American cinema throughout the 20th century, and represents an important part of American and of cinematic history. In earlier times, films starring African American actors, or ‘all-black casts’ were made specifically for black audiences. These movies were not generally mainstream, and for a time their cultural significance not realized. Titles included Bronze Venus, Smiling Hate, Rhythm in a Riff, Congorilla, Two- Gun Man from Harlem, Voodoo Devil Drums, Midnight Menace, Porgy and Bess. Featuring names such as Paul Robeson, Lena Horne, Sammy Davis Jr., Eartha Kitt, Dorothy Dandridge, and Sidney Poitier, A Cinema Apart’s significance was recognized when a portion of it was selected for inclusion in the collection of the Smithsonian Museum. This collection also includes approximately 100 rare 19th century documents addressing slavery and abolition.

In the 1960’s, emerging, wannabe record labels were almost too numerous to count. One of the upstarts, out of Gary, Indiana, was Steeltown Records, headed by William Adams. At a performance in a junior high school gym, Adams was riveted by five young men (boys, really). From this unheralded performance sprang the Jackson Five and the then nine year old Michael Jackson. On November 21, 1967, a contract between Steel Town and the Jackson Five was worked out and signed by Joe Jackson on behalf of his sons. Agreeing to “employ Steel Town, Inc.,” a career began that changed the world. Consigned directly by Mr. Adams, that remarkable contract is in this auction!

Long considered one of Jazz’ greatest piano players, Art Tatum died at age 47. Now, more than sixty years later, his estate has honored Guernsey’s by the inclusion in this event of many of Art’s most enduring treasures. Included among these is his stunning Steinway Grand piano, and a vintage Bulova wrist watch inscribed to the pianist and given to him by none other than Frank Sinatra.

Motown Records is legendary for the artists that achieved success with the label, such as Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and the Supremes. The piano from Motown’s studio is a part of this auction, a legendary instrument that was used in songwriting and rehearsal sessions by all of the above-mentioned artists, perhaps most notably for Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.”

Also to be featured are items from the Collection of Michael Mitchell. Michael Mitchell is the son of Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., who is known as the 101st United States Senator and considered a principal architect of civil rights legislation of the 1950s and 60s. Included is an original brief from Brown vs. Board of Education, and treasured items relating to Martin Luther King, Jr., Robert Kennedy, and Lyndon Johnson.

On Wednesday, November 2nd, 2005, thousands crowded the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, Michigan, to pay their respects at the funeral of Rosa Parks, the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. Luminaries such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson, former President Clinton and his wife, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, and singer Aretha Franklin were all in attendance. The artist Queen Bee painted and brought a 4 x 6’ banner to the funeral, featuring a portrait of Mrs. Parks, that was signed by hundreds, with heartfelt and sincere messages that are a testament to the deep love and respect felt for Mrs. Parks. This unique banner is one of many items related to Mrs. Parks and her legacy to be included in this auction.

The vast majority of the approximately 700 items in this auction are being offered information on this important event can be found at www.guernseys.com, and the auction house can be also reached at 212-794-2280. The event will be held live on July 25th and 26th at the historic George F. Baker Mansion on the corner of Park Avenue and 93rd Street, in New York City. Online bidding will take place at Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com.

For more information please visit www.guernseys.com. Media inquiries or to request an interview, please contact Sydney Masters at 212.580.0835 or email sydney@rcourihaycpr.com.

e-Catalogue

View & Download (PDF)

The Rosa Parks' Family Home

A Cinema Apart Collection

Black Shadows Movie Poster, 1949

Little Black Sambo Movie Poster

The Harlem Globetrotters Movie Poster, 1951

Midnight Menace Movie Poster

The Bronze Venus Movie Poster, 1955

Lucky Gamblers Movie Poster c. 1946

Angelito Negro Movie Poster, 1950

Le Cento Immagini Di Andy Warhol

Savage Africa Movie Poster, 1952

The Jackson Five's 1st Contract signing them to professional label

Original signed contract between Joe Jackson and Steeltown Records, November 21, 1967. This contract signed The Jackson Five to their first professional label.

First sheet of contract is a copy of the original. Signature sheet is original, measures 13 x 8 1/2'', and has been signed in blue pen. Dated as having been executed on the November 21, 1967. William Adams, of Steeltown Records, has signed on both the President and the Secretary lines. Joseph Jackson has signed the artist line. Document has been stamped and signed by a notary public. Wear around edges of paper, as well as deep crease along bottom due to the paper having been folded. Some slight age spots. Three small tears have been slightly taped on back.

Steeltown Records, in Gary, Indiana, is best known for being the label with which The Jackson Five got their start. Their first album, The Steeltown 45s, was released on this label. The story of their first signing went as such: Joe Jackson invited the owner of Steeltown to come see the Jackson kids perform at Beckman Junior High in Gary. Hestitant at first, he eventually agreed - and he was hugely impressed by what he saw. After the performance, Steeltown offered the Jacksons a record deal. The Jackson Five ever only recorded 8 songs with the label, 2 of which were unreleased. In July of 1968, The Jackson Five signed with Motown Records - a move that was controversial, as their contract with Steeltown had not yet expired.

Plus vintage sheet music of The Corporation's Maybe Tomorrow, as recorded by The Jackson Five (12 x 9''), and the December 1974 edition of Ebony Magazine, with The Jackson Five on the cover (13 1/2 x 10'').

Steeltown Records was located in Gary, Indiana. This contract comes to us from that label's original founder.

First sheet of contract

Signature sheet

Online Bidding

Those who are interested in participating can view the catalogue online, and leave advance absentee bids, as well as bid live as the sale is taking place at Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com.

Links

Interested bidders should also review the Terms & Conditions, as well as the Bidder Agreement form, and the Absentee Bid form.

Press

Guernsey's welcomes inquiries from the media regarding both past and upcoming events. PDF copies of the press release and links to media coverage of our African American Historic & Cultural Treasures are available below:

• Press Release (July 25 & 26)

• "Unpublished chapter of Malcolm X autobiography auctioned off to harlem cultural center" (The Source - July 29, 2018)

• "'Lost chapters' of Malcolm X's autobiography sold at auction" (The Guardian - July 27, 2018)

• "Jazz-Era Piano Tops Auction of African-American Historic and Cultural Treasures" (Barron’s - July 27, 2018)

• "Unpublished chapter of Malcolm X's autobiography acquired by New York library" (CNN - July 27, 2018)

• "Martin Luther King Jr. letter on Vietnam & more added to Guernsey's auction" (Architectural Digest - July 27, 2018)

• "Missing Malcolm X Writings, Long a Mystery, Are Sold" (The New York Times - July 26, 2018)

• "Rosa Parks’ Detroit Home Is Now Up for Auction" (Smithsonian - July 26, 2018)

• "US civil rights icon Rosa Parks' home is up for auction" (Aljazera - July 26, 2018)

• "Rosa Parks’ Detroit home and letter to MLK up for auction" (The Grio - July 26, 2018)

• "Rosa Parks' Detroit home she lived in after fleeing the south, original Jackson Five recording contract and letter written by MLK will be auctioned in New York"
(Daily Mail - July 26, 2018)

• "Rare trove of historic African-American artifacts up for auction" (Fox News - July 26, 2018)