Lot #468

T. E. Lawrence Autograph Letter Signed on Autograph Collecting

Description

Lawrence of Arabia weighs in on autograph-hunting: "People should collect coins or postage stamps—not heads or hands!"

ALS signed “T. E. Shaw,” one page, 7 x 10.25, no date but circa 1932. Handwritten reply to an autograph collector, in full: "Not quite the right address, but the letter came on. It's quaint; so I'll oblige the autograph-hunter for once. An odd and unwise passion, I think. People should collect coins or postage stamps—not heads or hands! Why bother innocent 'specimens'?" Below is a transmittal note from the recipient, Daniel Burges, a recipient of the Victoria Cross during WWI, who was serving a tenure as Resident Governor of the Tower of London from 1923-33. Burges's note, dated June 7, 1932, in part: "I am very proud of being able to send you the above from 'Lawrence of Arabia.' Do not ask me how I got it nor ask me to repeat the process. It is rather a triumph." In very good to fine condition, with professional restoration to paper loss along the upper left edge.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Major Figures of Science and Technology
• Dates: #665 - Ended May 10, 2023

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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