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The January 2013 Collector’s Series Sale
574 Rosenberg Spy Case: Sobell and Meeropol Unusual group of Typewritten Letters Signed, 1972-74,
all to collector Dr David Marcus of Palm Springs, CA, by men associated with the case of convicted
spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were found guilty of stealing secrets of the atomic bomb for the
Soviet Union. The Rosenbergs were sentenced to death and executed in 1953. The verdict, especially
in the case of Ethel Rosenberg, was and remains controversial. The earliest is by songwriter and poet
“Abel Meeropol” (1903-86), 1-1/4 pages, 8vo, South Miami, FL, January 15, 1974. Meeropol, best
known for his poem “Strange Fruit,” which became the basis for the song, had adopted Michael and
Robert Rosenberg after their parents’ execution in 1953. He encloses (not present) “some material...regarding
the Rosenberg case...Also...a statement regarding the substance of the suit against
Louis Nizer [who had written a book supporting the Rosenbergs’ guilt] which the attorney for my
sons, Michael and Robert...has made available...There is a paper-back book about the frame-up
of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg...entitled INVITATION TO AN INQUEST...” A few days later he
sends a brief three-line letter, signed this time as “Lewis Allen,” his pen name, with an enclosure (not
present) regarding the lawsuit. With two letters signed “MS” by Morton Sobell (born 1917), who was
convicted along with the Rosenbergs but received a 30-year sentence rather than the death penalty. He
tells Dr Marcus that he cannot send his autograph, for he considers “autograph collecting infantile.”
In one of the letters, he adds, “I am sorry that you cannot see the difference between autographing
one’s work and autographing an empty piece of paper.” In very recent years, Sobell has admitted
to being a Soviet spy and has made it clear that Julius Rosenberg was also guilty; Ethel’s level of
involvement remains uncertain. [5] Est. 150-250
575 Scott, Winfield American soldier (1786-1866); gained national fame for his heroics in the War of 1812;
General-in-Chief of US forces from the Mexican War through the early Civil War; presidential candidate
in 1840 and 1852. Early Autograph Letter Signed “Winfield Scott” while Brigadier General, 1-1/2
pages, 4to, “Head Qrs. Eastern Dept. / New York,” February 4, 1823. He informs his friend H[ugh]
Brady that “I have this moment received the official information (in the new army list) of your promotion
to the rank of brigadier general. As an old brother soldier, I take the liberty of felicitating
you on the event. Altho’ the rank has been delayed many years after it was fully merited, I trust
it will give you as much pleasure, as the news will afford to your many friends...” Age-toned, with
chipped and slightly torn left margin, partial mounting strip at left edge, otherwise in very good condition.
Hugh Brady had commanded an infantry regiment under Scott at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane in
the War of 1812. He was brevetted Brigadier General on July 6, 1822, for ten years of service in one
grade, and in May 1848 was brevetted Major General for meritorious conduct. (photo - page 76) Est. 300-400
576 Sweden: Oscar II King of Sweden (1809-1907, ruled from 1872, King of Sweden and Norway until
1905); a respected mediator in international disputes; considered personally responsible for the peaceful
separation of Norway into an independent kingdom. Manuscript Letter of State Signed “Oscar”
as King, in Swedish, 1/2 page, folio, Stockholm, June 19, 1905. He happily announces the marriage of
“Prince Oscar Frederik Wilhelm Olav Gustav Adolf of Sweden and of Norway...to...Princess Margaret
Victoria Augusta Charlotte Norah of Great Britain...” Countersigned by Minister of Foreign
Affairs “A. Gyldenstolpe.” In fine condition. With translation in French. With historic Typewritten
Document Signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Frederik “Wachtmeister,” in French, 1-1/4 pages,
folio, Stockholm, October 26, 1905. He announces to the foreign minister of Bolivia that “In consequence
of the events of June 7 in Norway, and the decision, made by the authorities in Sweden,
to give their consent, under certain conditions intended to safeguard the honor and the interests
of Sweden, to the dissolution of the Union existing since 1814...the King has just promulgated
a law carrying the repeal of the Act of Union and recognizing Norway as a completely separate
State from Sweden...” Binding holes at left, otherwise in very good condition. Est. 250-350
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