Sold For $676
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TLS signed “Ira Gershwin,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, July 24, 1969. Letter to Professor Peter van de Kamp, in full: "I am amazed (and delighted) that with such incredibly–important goings–on between Earth and Moon an astronomer still finds time to request an autograph of my brother and even one from me. Such appreciation hastens me to oblige and, luckily, I found (and enclose) a good signature on a check of my brother's, made out to a music-related matter. (With music as your avocation I couldn't possibly send you a check made out to a garage or even the A. & P.) My deepest thanks to you for your kind remarks and I trust this finds you happy and in the best of health."
The referenced check is affixed to the lower portion: a personal check, 6.5 x 2.75, filled out in another hand and boldly signed by Gershwin, "George Gershwin," payable to the American Library of Musicology for $5. In overall very good to fine condition, with a tear to the upper left corner of the check, and light show-through from the tape Ira used to affix the check to his letter (the letter also has show-through from old tape on the reverse).
Van de Kamp was a Dutch astronomer who was professor of astronomy at Swarthmore College and director of the college's Sproul Observatory. Additionally, Van de Kamp was a talented musician who played piano, viola, and violin, composed music for orchestra as well as for piano, and served as the conductor of the Swarthmore College Symphony Orchestra.
From the personal collection of a lifelong collector, teacher, and traveler with a passion for world history. His collecting years ranged from the 1970s to the present day, meaning that several of the premier pieces have not been on the market in decades.
