Collectors and investors have until April 16 to consign to Heritage Auction Galleries' June 8-9, 2010 Rare Books and Historical Manuscripts sale.
The auction already boasts a number of rare and remarkable lots, among them an autographed letter by William Ellery, Rhode Island representative and US Declaration of Independence signer, from November 7, 1776.
Written to Rhode Island merchant William Vernon, Ellery's letter has excellent content regarding the Continental Congress and an update on the progress of the war.
The letter is signed with his initial and a full franking signature on the address cover. From the papers of William Vernon, it is estimated at $15,000-20,000.
Also appearing in the sale is a first edition of the first volume of The Federalist: A Collection of Essays Written in Favour of the New Constitution.
 The Federalist, expected to bring $25,000 or more |
Authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay, the rare, historic and highly collectible document is valued at $25,000 and up.
William Ellery's letter will certainly be one to watch, as similar correspondences have attracted exceptionally high bids in previous auctions.
Earlier this year, a letter by George Washington to his nephew Bushrod in 1778, in which he endorses the idea of the United States Constitution, sold for $3.2m at Christie's.
Meanwhile, Paul Fraser Collectibles currently holds another historic and valuable George Washington autograph.
It is for sale as part of our American Presidents Portfolio of rare documents and signatures, which you can view here.
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