Lot #346

Rudyard Kipling Autograph Quotation Signed and Typed Letter Signed: "Not as a ladder from Earth to Heaven— / Not as a witness to any creed: / But simple service simply given / To his own kind in their common need"

Description

"Not as a ladder from Earth to Heaven— / Not as a witness to any creed: / But simple service simply given / To his own kind in their common need"

Two items: an AQS signed "Rudyard Kipling," one page, 8 x 2.75, quoting the final lines of his 1907 poem 'The Sons of Martha,' in full: "Not as a ladder from Earth to Heaven— / Not as a witness to any creed: / But simple service simply given / To his own kind in their common need," written for "Service Post No. 10, American Legion"; and a TLS signed "Rudyard Kipling," one page, 7.75 x 10, Burwash letterhead, March 4, 1924, in part: "In reply to your letter of the 19th February, I have much pleasure in complying with your request, and trust that the enclosed will be satisfactory." In very good to fine condition, with light staining and toning to the letter. Accompanied by a custom-made quarter leather clamshell case.

Provenance: Lot 260, Swann Auction Galleries, November 29, 2012.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring Art, Literature, and Classical Music
• Dates: #733 - Ended 01/14/2026