Freeman’s May 3 books and manuscripts auction was marked by fierce bidding competition over presidential material and significant Americana, resulting in the remarkable $441,000 sale of a volume from the personal library of George Washington.
“The market for presidential books, documents, and autographs is quite strong, and this exceptional result really drives that home,” stated Darren Winston, head of Freeman’s books and manuscripts department. “As rare as material like this is, it’s still Freeman’s bread and butter, right in our wheelhouse, and we’re thrilled with the result, as is the consignor.”
The first edition of “The Transactions of the Royal Humane Society” was gifted to Washington during his second presidential term by physician Dr. John Coakley Lettsom and features Washington’s bold signature at the top of the half-title page.
As books from Washington’s library seldom come to auction, this volume represented a rare market appearance, with corresponding results. The title exceeded its pre-sale high estimate of $18,000 by more than 24 times following a spirited bidding war.
For more information, call 215-563-9275.