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Emporium | June 11, 2025

Wed, Jun 11, 2025 10:00AM EDT
  2025-06-11 10:00:00 2025-06-11 10:00:00 America/New_York Brunk Auctions Brunk Auctions : Emporium | June 11, 2025 https://live.brunkauctions.com/auctions/brunk/emporium-june-11-2025-17405
A recently discovered group of works by artist Thomas Laughlin, with family historical items dating to the early to mid 20th century. A lifetime Southern Gentleman’s collection of cabinet miniatures and curiosities. Old Master paintings and drawings from two private Southern collections. Over 50 silver lots—Georgian, William IV, Continental, and American. A diverse selection of Continental, British, and American furniture, Louis XV–XVII style, two sets of Biedermeier chairs, Queen Anne and Georgian pieces, an early Southern poplar chest of drawers, and a classical scroll arm sofa.
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Lot 545

Autographs and Sketches, Many President Taft Related

Estimate: $400 - $600
Starting Bid
$200

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

bound book "Autographs and Sketches", attributed to President Taft's sister-in-law, containing: sketch of Sonia Keppel, maternal grandmother of Queen Consort Camilla; signed quote and candid picture of Maxine Elliot; Mary Thaw signature; Curtis Moffat signature; Charles P. Taft signature; Wallace Goodrich signature; Truxtun Beale signature; Dr. Ludlow Seguine Bull signature; numerous other humorous sketches and signatures of sportsmen, dignitaries, artisans, and high society of the early 20th century; correspondence from Woodrow Wilson while President at Princeton (signature not 'live ink'); correspondence from James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy; Douglas Fairbanks signed card; signed studio portrait of Henry C. Emery; various photos of President William H. Taft and others; President Taft signed studio portrait with personalization; a second, signed less formally "Will"; largest 14 x 11 in. with matting 

Provenance: Michael L. Laughlin Estate, Aiken, South Carolina

Condition

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Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction, or will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.

Michael L. Laughlin Estate, Aiken, South Carolina

good overall, some works with brittle matting, loose and separating binding to book, light toning or discoloration throughout, one Taft photo with significant portion missing Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.