Press Release

Atlanta, GA, USA, January 26, 2024 -- William Shakespeare's Second Folio dated to 1632, an 1818 copy of the Declaration of Independence as published by Benjamin Owen Tyler, and a sea letter from 1793 signed by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson are just a few of the expected headliners in Ahlers & Ogletree’s auction slated for February 7th-9th, online and live in the Atlanta gallery.

The three-day event comprises the lifetime collection of important historical books and documents from the estate of Fred Bentley, Sr. – over 900 lots in all across the three days.

An avid reader and collector his entire life, Mr. Bentley gave generously to his community in support of this passion by founding the rare book rooms at Brenau College and Kennesaw State University. Born and raised in Georgia, Bentley's illustrious career as an attorney fueled his love for the written word, specifically rare collections, and his philanthropic acts are a testament to his enduring commitment to encouraging a love for reading and collecting in others.

Mr. Bentley's contributions have left a lasting legacy in his community, and the items in this auction offer an opportunity for bidders to invest in the collections that he curated over the course of his life.

Session 1, on Wednesday, February 7th, will feature Dickens, Shakespeare, Incunabula and early documents. Session 2, on Thursday February 8th, will contain historical books and documents from the Revolutionary War through the 19th century. Session 3, on Friday, February 9th, will showcase important works of fiction and poetry from Mark Twain and others.

The auction’s undisputed star lot is the Second Folio edition of Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies, printed in London in 1632 by Thos. Cotes for Robert Allot. The folio, with annotations, contains John Milton’s first appearance in print (his anonymous epitaph to Shakespeare). The rare folio is expected to change hands for $200,000-$250,000.

The 1818 copperplate engraving on paper broadside of The Declaration of Independence by Benjamin Owen Tyler (1789-1855) was published by Peter Maverick (1780-1831). The facsimile is 29 inches by 20 ¼ inches (paper, less frame) and has a dedication to Thomas Jefferson and an endorsement to Secretary of State Richard Rush (est. $10,000-$20,000).

The incredibly rare letter boldly signed by George Washington (as President) and Thomas Jefferson (as Secretary of State) is a four-language cut ship document dated July 9, 1793. It is countersigned by Hodijah Baylies, the collector of customs, for the schooner Rebecca, to ship commander Samuel Swasey. It’s matted in archival glass and framed (est. $5,000-$10,000).

A President Abraham Lincoln signed document dated March 21, 1861 is for the appointment of Calvin Hudson of New York to be the Commissioner of the United States of which to advocate claims of U.S. citizens over Costa Rica, making him the first consulate there appointed by Lincoln. The document is framed, with a large illustration of Lincoln (est. $5,000-$7,000).

A first edition copy of Benjamin Franklin’s Political, Miscellaneous ad Philiosophical Pieces, published in 1779 by J. Johnson (London), is the only edition of Franklin’s writings (other than his scientific studies) published during his lifetime. The book is quarter bound in tan leather with marbled boards and the spine features gilt tilting on a black field (est. $2,000-$4,000).

To learn more about Ahlers & Ogletree and the three-day auction scheduled for February 7th thru 9th, online and live in the Atlanta gallery, visit www.aandoauctions.com. Updates are posted often. You can follow Ahlers & Ogletree via social media on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Organisation Profile: