[US SUPREME COURT]. A group of autographs of US Supreme Court Justices, incl. photograph signed by all nine justices in 1935.

Supreme Court of the United States, May 27, 1935. 9 1/8 x 7 in. group portrait signed by all nine justices, aka, “the nine old men,” including: Louis D. Brandeis, Owen J. Roberts, Willis Van De Vanter, Pierce Butler, Charles Evans Hughes, Harlan Fiske Stone, James Clark McReynolds, Benjamin N. Cardozo, and George Sutherland. Manuscript notation on verso identified to, "Mary Atwood," with her Washington, DC, address listed below (light edge wear, minor residue and spotting on verso).

The portrait is accompanied by a typed cover letter from Charles Elmore Cropley, Clerk (of the Court), addressed to Mary Atwood. Supreme Court of the United States, Washington, DC, 5 March 1937. 1 page, 7 1/2 x 10 1/2 in., "Office of the Clerk, Supreme Court of the United States, Washington, DC" letterhead, folds. Cropley acknowledges Ms. Atwood's letter request of 2 March 1937 "…concerning the possibility of securing the autographs of the Justices of this Court." He offers to "...extend every effort to secure the autographs..." The letter is signed on behalf of Cropley by "E.P. Cullinan, Assistant." Edmund P Cullinan later became chief deputy clerk of the supreme court. Ms. Atwood subsequently sent the image offered here to Charles Elmore Cropley to be signed by the justices.

[With:] HOLMES, Oliver Wendell (1841-1935), Associate Justice, US Supreme Court (1902-1932). 5 x 3 1/4 in. card signed ("Very truly yours, Oliver Wendell Holmes") and inscribed to "Miss Mary Atwood." Washington, DC, 5 January 1930 (signature and inscription very good, some paper residue to verso).

[Also with:] HUGHES, Charles Evans (1862-1948), 11th Chief Justice of the United States (1930-1941). 2 signed items, including: HUGHES, Charles Evans. The Supreme Court of the United States. Its Foundation, Methods, and Achievements. An Interpretation. Garden City, NY: Garden City Publishing Co., Inc., 1936. Half-title page signed ("Charles E. Hughes"). Book plate mounted to front pastedown identified to "Mary Pool" (shelf wear, some toning to pastedowns). -- 4 1/2 x 2 5/8 in. card signed ("Charles E. Hughes"). Accompanied by a typed letter signed by N.N. Mischler, Secretary, addressed to Miss Atwood. Supreme Court of the United States, Washington, DC, 3 October 1931. 1 page, 7 1/2 x 10 1/2 in., "Supreme Court of the United States, Washington, DC" letterhead, folds, small chip to left edge. Secretary Mischler conveys Chief Justice Hughes' autograph, but adds, "In view of the pressure of his work, he cannot give you an interview."

Together, 6 items associated with US Supreme Court Justices.

Provenance: Descended directly in the family of Mary Atwood Pool (1914-2009). Washington, DC, resident Mary Atwood Pool began collecting autographs of notable American historical figures at the age of 14, with each autograph acquired by her direct communication with the historical figure, their staff, family members, or attorneys. Additional information regarding the collection is available upon request.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera & Photography

[US SUPREME COURT]. A group of autographs of US Supreme Court Justices, incl. photograph signed by all nine justices in 1935.

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