University Archives’ online auction, Sept. 9, features items signed by Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Churchill, MLK, others

The auction features historical material in many collecting categories, from autographs, documents, and archives, to books, photos, artwork, and relics.

WILTON, CT, UNITED STATES, August 24, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — An Albert Einstein autograph letter written in German, signed and sent from Berlin, Germany in 1926; a Marilyn Monroe early 1946 “Photographic Model Release” signed as “Norma Jean Dougherty” when she was just 19; and a monumental World War II map boldly signed by Winston Churchill are a few of the highlight lots in University Archives’ online-only Rare Autographs, Manuscripts, Books & Photographs auction set for Wednesday, September 9.

The auction, starting promptly at 10am Eastern Time, is filled with items in many categories. The catalog in its entirety – all 409 lots – is up for viewing and bidding now on the University Archives website, www.UniversityArchives.com, plus the popular platforms Invaluable.com, Auctionzip.com and LiveAuctioneers.com. Telephone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

“The September 9th auction is loaded with outstanding historical material ranging from autographs, documents, and archives, to books, photos, artwork, and relics,” said John Reznikoff, president and owner of University Archives. “Major collecting categories include U.S. Presidents, Science, Civil Rights, World Leaders, Early America, Entertainment, Literature, and Music.”

The sale will feature The Douglas Wertman Collection, to be offered in a series of auctions. Wertman was the longtime Secretary of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club and his professional background includes a three-decades-long tenure at the United States Information Agency. His collection is especially strong in U.S. Presidents, First Ladies, Politics, the Supreme Court, and the Civil War. Wertman carefully identified, documented and researched each lot.

The Albert Einstein signed letter was written to his close friend and colleague Michele Besso. In it, Einstein contends that simple experiments are not sufficient in themselves; instead, they should reveal an underlying order, rational structure, and deeper truth — in short, one of “God’s secrets.” Einstein argues this in the context of rejecting the work of the Swiss chemist Johann Gottfried Beck, who Einstein claimed used “apothecary’s methods.” Estimate: $30,000-$40,000

Marilyn Monroe signed the early 1946 “Photographic Model Release” as “Norma Jeane Dougherty,” using the last name of her first husband, James Dougherty, and before the creation of her iconic stage name. PSA/DNA slabbed and graded NM-MT 8 and with an accompanying LOA. The contract between Monroe and photographer Richard C. Miller dates from April 30, 1946, when the starlet was just 19 years old. Photos from this photo shoot show Monroe on the beach, in a swimming pool, and in a ski chalet. Estimate: $17,000-$22,000

Lot 348 is a George Philip Edition of a monumental map, titled “Dunkirk to Berlin / June, 1940 – July, 1945 / Journeys Undertaken By The Rt. Honble. Winston S. Churchill, O.M., C.H., F.R.S., M.P., / Prime Minister of Great Britain In Defence Of The British Commonwealth And Empire.” It’s boldly signed by Churchill at the bottom. The mixed geographical / pictorial map shows the 19 destinations to which Churchill traveled during World War II, and was issued to coincide with Churchill’s war memoirs reprint. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000

A J. Robert Oppenheimer typed letter signed, dated March 14, 1949, addressed to businessman Joseph Schaffner and copying Albert Einstein and Admiral Lewis Strauss, inquires whether Princeton University’s Institute For Advanced Study should contribute to the Einstein Award – rolled out that very day, on Einstein’s 70th birthday – to subsidize scientists, or whether they desire to donate to another worthy cause, such as to Israeli scholars. With JSA LOA. Estimate: $8,000-$10,000

A George Washington letter signed, dated May 22, 1779 from military headquarters at Middlebrook, New Jersey, is written to Brigadier General James Clinton regarding logistical preparations essential to the success of the imminent Sullivan Expedition, a frontier campaign deep into the Iroquois Nation in which the Continentals planned to employ “scorched earth tactics” similar to ones the British had used against the Patriots. Estimate: $22,500-$35,000

A Martin Luther King, Jr. signed program from the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, presented to a Northern visitor on March 25, 1968, just 10 days before King’s assassination, is PSA/DNA slabbed and certified authentic, and accompanied by a JSA LOA and information about the original autograph recipient. This is probably one of the last autographs King ever presented to a well-wisher before moving on to the infamous Lorraine Hotel. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000

An archive of correspondence penned by British military commander Charles George Gordon, who died trying to defend the city of Khartoum, Sudan against Muslim Mahdists in 1884, is an impressive group of 55 documents and more than 100 pages containing at least 50 Gordon signatures. Included are examples from Gordon’s time at Khartoum, before he and approximately 7,000 defenders were slain. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000

A Thomas Jefferson autograph letter signed, dated May 4, 1786 from Paris, France, while he was U.S. Minister to France, is a two-page letter addressed to Col. William Stephens Smith, John Adams’s son-in-law. In it, Jefferson fondly remembers his old revolutionary comrade. He also provides the latest news on The Diamond Necklace Affair: a swindle perpetrated by Jeanne de la Motte, a female forger and thief impersonating Marie Antoinette. Estimate: $15,000-$20,000

A color presentation photo signed by President Bill Clinton, circa February 13, 1997, is inscribed by him along the bottom margin: “To the people of Israel – with gratitude for the ties that bind us. Bill Clinton.” The photo is PSA/DNA slabbed and graded GEM MT 10. It shows Clinton with Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House Oval Office, where they promoted the Hebron Agreement, signed a month earlier by Netanyahu and Arab leader Yasser Arafat. Estimate: $12,000-$15,000

Lot 277 is an original sketch of John Lennon signed by all four Beatles bandmates: Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The sketch, in blue pen, shows Lennon in profile, with a manuscript arrow and caption as “JOHN / BEATLE.” Accompanied by a JSA LOA. Estimate: $12,000-$15,000

Ernest Hemingway’s signed Florida driver’s license, quite probably the only one ever issued to him and dating circa 1939-1940 from Key West, Florida, is PSA/DNA slabbed and certified authentic. The license lists 907 Whitehead Street as his primary address; today this is the site of the Ernest Hemingway House, a National Historic Landmark. Hemingway lived at 907 Whitehead with his second wife Pauline Pfeiffer during the 1930s and there wrote some of his classic novels and short stories. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000

A Princess Diana autograph letter signed, dated November 27, 1995, one week after Lady Di had discussed her failed marriage during a controversial royal interview on the British news television program “Panorama,” is penned to a subject named Michael Barratt, who had written to her, expressing his support. Diana writes that she hopes she can teach her young sons, William and Harry, to learn how to better communicate with their future partners. Estimate: $9,000-$12,000
Here is a link to the catalog on the University Archives website: https://www.universityarchives.com/auction-catalog/rare-autographs-manuscripts-books-photographs_WUQOYYT0CZ
University Archives has become world-renowned as a go-to source for rare items of this kind. It is actively seeking quality material for future auctions, presenting a rare opportunity for sellers. Anyone who has a single item or a collection that may be a fit for a future University Archives auction may call John Reznikoff at 203-454-0111; or email him at john@universityarchives.com.

University Archives was founded in 1979, as a division of University Stamp Company, by John Reznikoff, who started collecting stamps and coins in 1968, while in the third grade. Industry-wide, Reznikoff is considered the leading authenticity expert for manuscripts and documents. He consults with law enforcement, dealers, auction houses and both major authentication companies.

University Archives is located at 88 Danbury Road (Suite #2A) in Wilton, Conn. To learn more about University Archives and the online-only Rare Autographs, Manuscripts, Books & Photographs auction scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9, visit www.UniversityArchives.com.

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John Reznikoff
University Archives
+1 203-454-0111
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