In a momentous auction event set to captivate historians, film enthusiasts, and collectors alike, a myriad of precious artifacts are soon to be available for bidding. Among the diverse collection, printed music scores from the timeless film “The Wizard of Oz,” correspondence from iconic figures such as Jackie Kennedy, and mementos from the British royal family are generating significant buzz.
Delving into the cinematic world, two printed music scores from the unforgettable “The Wizard of Oz” are making their appearance, courtesy of the family of the talented Ray Bolger, best known for his portrayal of the Scarecrow. The music scores in question, “Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain,” carry with them not just nostalgia but also an irreplaceable connection to Hollywood’s golden era. David Lowenherz, proprietor of Lion Heart Autographs, the esteemed establishment orchestrating the auction, expressed his excitement over the scores. He noted their rarity and mentioned that it is quite uncommon to encounter such pieces in private collections, especially ones utilized during the 1939 film’s actual production. The expected bidding ranges are $12,000-$15,000 and $6,000-$8,000 for each score respectively.
However, the auction, slated to run until Nov. 1 and hailed as one of the grandest organized by Lion Heart Autographs, is not limited to cinematic gems. An aura of royalty graces the event, with a 1980 holiday card from the British royal family that holds the signature of the Queen Mother. The card is especially poignant as it captures the Queen Mother in the company of her two daughters, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret.
The political world also converges in this auction, with a 1987 letter penned by the iconic Jackie Kennedy, former first lady and wife of President John F. Kennedy. The letter, signed with the warm closing “affectionately, Jackie,” touches upon plans related to Pennsylvania Avenue. Furthermore, a letter from David Ben-Gurion, the visionary who pioneered the modern state of Israel in 1948, is also available, providing insight into his thoughts during his tenure in 1956.
For aficionados of music and art, the auction offers a 1845 letter by the renowned Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, where he makes serious allegations against English soprano Anna Bishop, accusing her of influencing the Neapolitan Press. Adding to the cultural richness, there’s correspondence from Impressionist master Claude Monet to an art dealer, shedding light on the vibrant art scene of his time.
Lastly, echoing through the corridors of history, a document bearing Napoleon Bonaparte’s signature, drafted right before his audacious invasion of Russia in 1812, serves as a testament to a bygone era of conquests and empires.
With such a vast array of historic treasures, this auction promises to be an unforgettable event for all who value the relics of the past.
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