Lot 159
Ronald Reagan, Typescript Quote Signed "Ronald Reagan", one page 8½" x 11" with typed quote reading "Mr. Gorbachev - open up this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this Wall!", and below "Speech, Brandenburg Gate, East Germany", Very Fine.Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
TYPESCRIPT OF THE FAMOUS "TEAR DOWN THIS WALL!" QUOTE SIGNED BY RONALD REAGAN.
"Tear down this wall!" was the challenge issued by United States President Ronald Reagan to Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev to destroy the Berlin Wall, in a speech at the Brandenburg Gate near the Berlin Wall on June 12, 1987, commemorating the 750th anniversary of Berlin. Reagan challenged Gorbachev, who was then the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, to tear it down as an emblem of Gorbachev's desire to increase freedom in the Eastern Bloc through glasnost ("transparency") and perestroika ("restructuring").
Lot 160
Ronald Reagan, Autograph Letter Signed "Ronald Reagan, undated one page 8½" x 11" on Ronald Reagan, Pacific Palisades Cal. stationery, letter to a campaign supporter "I'm afraid there are no buttons, bumper stickers or literature as yet… I know some volunteer groups around the state have such things but I am not connected in anyway with those operations although naturally I'm glad to know there are people interested in my behalf. I appreciate your kind offer of support."; light folds, Fine.Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
Lot 161
Ronald Reagan, Document Signed "Ronald Reagan", New York, November 24, 1950, agreeing that the Management Corporation of America (MCA) is his official employer for the appearance. It is entitled "Agreement between Ronald Reagan and Management Corporation of America dated Nov. 24, 1950, for Nash Airflyte Theatre program." and reads "…You have advised me that you are acting as my employer thereunder; that I have consented to and hereby approve of your so acting as my employer…", this agreement would have been originally signed with a companion document spelling out other terms and conditions of the employment arrangement, Very Fine.Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR RONALD REAGAN'S FIRST TELEVISION APPEARANCE.
Reagan appeared in more than 50 films over two decades in Hollywood, but by the dawn of the 1950s, the medium of television was exploding, and his movie career (and those of many other actors) was in decline. Reagan determined to take advantage of this trend and break into TV. On December 7, 1950, he made his historic television network debut on the Nash Airflyte Theater.
Lot 162
Ronald Reagan, Typed Letter Signed "Dutch", one page 8.5" x 11" on personal Ronald Reagan, Pacific Palisades stationery, June 22, 1965 to Mrs. Florence Welch, letter with interesting political content, "It was good to hear from you and I appreciate your sending the column. Let me point out the column was not designed to help me in any way. Mr. Novak was in Cincinnati and his account of the Press conference differs widely, not only from my own impression, but from the writings of other reporters who were present. Actually its only a hint of what will follow. The idea is to create an image, and I will wind up in that image almost complete with swastika. You know of course how strongly I feel about united and in this instance I'm afraid fairness forces one to recognize that the conservatives are doing more to promote unity than are those of a more liberal view. This was painfully evident in Ohio where it was apparent that some of the Eastern establishment are out to purge those who followed a different course in the last campaign. I have never met Senator Case of New Jersey but he has just made a speech about me, and the implication was there is no place in the Republican party for me. I don't think there is any great disagreement. I don't think there is any great disagreement with regards to goals, for example I have stated over and over again that in the field of medical care, public funds should be used to see that no person lacks medical care because lack of money. I differ, however, from the great society in that I don't believe this means compulsory government paid care for citizens who have no need. I cite this as just an example of the basic difference between liberal and conservative, which is one of method while there is complete agreement on the humanitarian goal…"; original mailing envelope accompanies, Very Fine.Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
Lot 163
Ronald Reagan, Typed Letter Signed, "Ron" as President, August 2, 1985 one page 6¾" x 9" on White House stationery to Sarah Brady, wife of Jim Brady, reading in part "…Over the past few weeks, whenever I needed courage, I tried to dip into that bottomless well that has served you and Jim. Nancy and I are grateful for your concern and especially for your prayers. They have been responsible for the speedy recovery I am experiencing and for the strength that has sustained us. We couldn't have done it without the love and support you and Jim offered. With our gratitude and affection", Very Fine.Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
REAGAN POURS HIS HEART OUT AS PRESIDENT TO SARAH BRADY, WIFE OF JIM BRADY WHO TOOK A BULLET FOR REAGAN IN 1981.
In July 1985, Reagan had two polyps removed from his colon, one determined to be cancerous. James S. Brady was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in January of 1981 to be Assistant to the President and White House Press Secretary. On March 30, 1981, as John Hinckley attempted to assassinate the President, Reagan, Brady and two law enforcement officers were hit. Brady sustained a serious head wound, yet recovered enough to assist his wife in the drafting of the "Brady Bill", an anti-gun bill signed into law by Bill Clinton.
Realized: $1,400
Lot 164
Ronald Reagan, Autograph Letter Signed "Ron" as President on his 6½" x 4" card with a engraving of the White House above "Ronald Reagan" engraved in black, letter reads "Dear Delores & Paul, Thank you for greetings on the 37th anniversary of my 39th birthday. I have just mailed out pictures to Alan, Cheryl & each of the 3 children to that Oceanside address you gave me. Thanks again & all the best, Ron", original Feb. 10th 1987 mailing envelope accompanies, Very Fine.Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
RONALD REAGAN "RON" HANDWRITTEN BIRTHDAY THANK YOU TO FRIENDS.
Realized: $900
Lot 165
Ronald Reagan, Autograph Letter Signed "Ronald", 1½ pages 7¼" x 10¾" on personal stationery front and back, May 24 with pencil 1955 dating, reading "Dear Arthur, I'm sorry to be so late in answering your letter of Feb. 27 but CBS just got around to forwarding it to me. I'm afraid I cant be of much help with regards to the Reagan history. My father was born somewhere in Iowa or in the vicinity of Fulton, Ill. His name was John Edward Reagan and he had one brother William - they are both deceased. The reason my information is so sketchy is because Dad's parents died when he was about 3 yr. of age and he was raised by an Aunt - his father's name by the way was John. If I can dig up any more information I'll certainly let you know. Orphaned as he was - family talk as I remember it centered more on those who raised him and I heard very little about his parents. The "e" as against the "a" pronunciation of our name has been a family joke all my life. We say "a" and even our best friends continue to say "e". I'm glad to learn other Reagans have the same problem. My thanks for your kind letter and I'll look forward to hearing from you…".Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
EXCELLENT AUTOGRAPH LETTER FROM REAGAN ON HIS GENEALOGY AND THE PRONUNCIATION OF HIS NAME.
Lot 166
Ronald Reagan, Autograph Letter Signed "God Bless You - Ron", two pages on 6¼" x 4¼" card with gold gilt Presidential seal and Ronald Reagan imprint to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ballachina, August 1, 1991, reads, "Dear Delores, It was good - (as always) - to hear from you and both Nancy & I share your sorrow - both of us having lost our Mothers, Yes we'll say a prayer for you with regard to your health and thank you for your prayer about Patti. We are trying to bring her around. She had a period in those roaring '60s when you got in bad company. Let me just offer some about your mother and your sorrow. We must all remember God's promise. Our Mothers are in a place where there is no pain or sorrow and where we shall all be together again one day for ever more"; accompanied by original envelope with printed free frank with opening tear at right, Very Fine.Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
Lot 167
Ronald Reagan, Autograph Note Signed "Ronald Reagan", index card 5" x 3" with note reading "Mrs. Thompson's class - My choice for my favorite First Lady is Nancy Reagan!", Very Fine.Estimate $750 - 1,000.
Realized: $1,600
Lot 168
Ronald Reagan, Autograph Letter Signed "Ron" as Governor of Cal., April 27, 1967 to Senator Murphy whom he addresses as "Murph" and reads "I'm sorry to hear about the bug. Being a veteran of that I know its helped along by being tired so take it easy d-n it, we'll save the world tomorrow. Phil has told me of all your help in Wash. on our Redwoods. He also gave me a blow by blow on your spanking of our resources director. Bless you it was a chore I couldn't quite perform but you did…"; small stain, Fine.Estimate $750 - 1,000.
As Governor, Reagan often wrote out letters by hand for his secretary to type; she retained some of the originals. This is one of those. George Murphy, U.S. Senator from California, was a long time friend and confidant of the new Governor. As President, it is no exaggeration to state that Reagan set as a goal "saving the world". Under his leadership, the Cold War was won and Eastern Europe came to the doorstep of freedom.