Thomas Jefferson's signed commission leads William Bunch's US sale

Later today (March 1), William Bunch is holding a Multi-Estate Auction with a wide variety of items on offer.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the sale is the selection of lots which make up The US Navy Archive of Commodore David Conner, 1792-1856, whose service included the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. It includes some pieces which are excellent candidates for investments.

During the 1840s, he served on the Board of Navy Commissioners and as the first Chief of the Bureau of Construction, Equipment, and Repair.

He concluded his career as the Commandant of the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The archive includes all five of his signed presidential commissions beginning in 1809 with Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, and (twice) John Tyler.

A rare commission from President Thomas Jefferson (Click to enlarge)

Each commission has its original envelope. Also included is an 1876 account of his career written by his son. An 1811-12 log book from the 'Hard Times' and the ship of war 'Hornet' is also included.

There is also a unique engraved silver menu card memorializing a dinner held Feb 8, 1876 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco to honour William Sharon, known as the 'King of the Comstock' and also a partner in the construction of the Palace Hotel.

Lovers of classic cars will also be pleased to see a rare 1956 Karmann Ghia coupe on offer - albeit one which requires restoration.

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghiawas a 2+2 coupe and convertible offered by Volkswagen between 1955 and 1974, which combined the styling of Luigi Segre from Italian company Ghia and the hand-built bodywork from German firm Karmann to modify the design of the Volkswagen Beetle.

The auction takes place in Chadd's Ford, Pennsylvania at 12 noon local time today.