DS, two pages, 8 x 12.75, April 14, 1923. Porter’s first will, drawn up in New York based on Indiana law. In part: “I, COLE PORTER, a citizen of the United States of America and of the State of Indiana, having my legal domicile in the said State, and temporarily from time to time sojourning in the City of Paris, Republic of France, do make, publish and declare this as and for my Last Will and Testament.—FIRST: I direct my just debts and funeral expenses to be promptly paid.—SECOND: All the rest, residue and remainder of the property, real, personal and of every kind and description and wherever situated, which I shall own at the time of my death, I give, bequeath and devise to my wife LINDA PORTER, if she shall survive me, to be hers absolutely; but if my said wife shall die in my lifetime I give, bequeath and devise the same to my mother KATE PORTER, to be hers absolutely.—THIRD: I appoint my wife LINDA PORTER and my friend HARVEY COLE, of Peru, Indiana, executors of this my last will and testament." Boldly signed at the conclusion by Porter and countersigned by three witnesses. Document retains its original burgundy ribbon and red seal affixed beside Porter’s signature and bound by the ribbon into its original paper folder. In fine condition, with a storage fold passing through Porter’s signature. In 1918, Porter met Linda Lee Thomas, a Kentucky-born socialite and divorcee eight years his senior, and they married the following year. In 1923, Porter came into an inheritance from his grandfather and his lifestyle became increasingly extravagant—his palatial home in Paris had platinum wallpaper and chairs upholstered in zebra skin. In this year he also collaborated with Gerald Murphy on Within the Quota, a short ballet and one of the earliest symphonic jazz-based compositions, which became a hit after its premiere at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees in October 1923. A fascinating document of the utmost historical interest from an important moment of transition in Porter’s life. RR Auction COA.
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