It was signed by the likes of Winston Churchill and Mark Twain, and now the autograph book belonging to a German immigrant who was the head doorkeeper for eight U.S. Presidents will be auctioned off in Vancouver next Wednesday.
Major Charles D.A. Loeffler worked at President’s office from 1869 to 1909, a period spanning presidents from Ulysses S. Grant through Theodore Roosevelt.
“Everybody of note that would come through the executive mention, he would ask for their autograph,” says senior appraiser Neil McAllister. “He then compiled this autograph book, which is of almost 300 different signatures.”
The 19th century book has been valued at $10,000 to $15,000.
“But you never know. It could sell for significantly more,” says McAllister.
Some of the famous signees include Charles Tupper, Buffalo Bill Cody, Ulysses A. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, James A. Garfield, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison and many other politicians and celebrities of the time.
In addition to the autograph book, the auction also features hundreds of items, including dinosaur skeletons, ivory and bronze sculptures, European and Asian art, period furniture and much more.
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“All these pieces have come in from private individuals who are either downsizing or changing their collections. Or maybe it is time to sell them and perhaps buy something else,” says McAllister.
The lots vary in price from $400 to $150,000.
A Triceratops Dinosaur skull dating back approximately 70 million years ago is one of the priciest and coveted items at the auction.
It spans 62 inches in length and 45 inches in width.
The skull has an estimated value between $50,000 to $70,000.
McAllister says the auction is open to the public, and people can watch the live stream online and bid from home.
He says they already have participants from 48 different countries registered to bid.
The auction will take place on September 18 at 11 a.m. at 1837 Main Street.
PHOTO GALLERY: Some of the items at Maynards auction
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