- More
John Wilkes Booth Signed Copy of Rifles and Rifle Practice, by C.M. Wilcox....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
John Wilkes Booth signed copy of Rifles and Rifle Practice
John Wilkes Booth Signed Copy of Rifles and Rifle Practice, by
C.M. Wilcox. New York: D. Van Nostrand, 1859. First edition.
Twelvemo, viii, 276 pages. With five foldout diagrams, along with
numerous illustrations and charts throughout. Green cloth covered
boards with gilt stamped image of a soldier on the front cover and
gilt lettering on spine. Signed by Booth on the inside front cover,
"John Wilkes Booth, May 10th 1861." Inscribed less than one
month after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, one could infer
that Booth purchased this book as a direct result of the beginning
of the Civil War. Although Booth was a non-combatant in the war,
being a successful professional stage actor, he was pathologically
devoted to the Confederate cause and yearned to strike a blow on
Dixie's behalf. Arkansas and Tennessee has seceded just four days
prior, on May 6, 1861, and Jefferson Davis had declared the
Confederacy was in an official state of war with the United States.
Booth would go on to express his vehement dissatisfaction with the
South's defeat in the Civil War and Lincoln's proposal to extend
voting rights to freed slaves. His fanciful schemes culminated, of
course, in the very real assassination of Abraham Lincoln. In
hindsight, numerous topics within the book, such as firing at
"Point Blank", "Line of Sight", "Line of Fire", and "Dangerous
Space", ominously foreshadow the tragic event that would soon send
a war-torn nation reeling, ushering in one of the darkest and
tumultuous periods in American history.Accompanying the signed book is a John Wilkes Booth Cabinet Card, measuring 4.25" x 6.5", circa 1860s, with no imprint. Booth is seen seated in a Gothic-style chair, resting his chin on his hand. There is also a Booth and His Associates Carte de Visite, measuring 2.5" x 4", circa 1865, with no photo studio imprint. A small portrait of Booth, surrounded by portraits of the men who were convicted of being conspirators in Lincoln's assassination. From the Bret J. Formichi American Civil War Rarities Collection.
Condition: The book is worn at the edges, spine, and corners, and there are some small areas of soiling. Corners are bumped. Sunning to spine. Toning and light foxing throughout inner pages. Fold out diagrams are creased, with some tears that have been repaired with archival material. Signature is clear and bold. The CDV and cabinet card are toned throughout, else good.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 12.5% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 04/19/2021
Currency
Ends on 04/21/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 04/21/2021
US Coins
Ends on 04/22/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 04/22/2021
US Coins
Ends on 04/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 04/25/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 04/27/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 04/29/2021
Currency
Ends on 04/30/2021
Illustration Art
Ends on 04/30/2021
Entertainment
Ends on 05/01/2021
Luxury Accessories
Ends on 05/02/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 05/03/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 05/05/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 05/06/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 05/06/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 05/07/2021
US Coins
Ends on 05/08/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 05/13/2021
US Coins
Ends on 05/15/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 05/16/2021
Currency
Ends on 05/16/2021
Photography
Opens about 04/21/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/23/2021
Historical
Opens about 04/26/2021
Manuscripts
Opens about 04/30/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/28/2021
Silver
Opens about 04/29/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 04/22/2021
Space
Opens about 05/03/2021
Western & Texas Art
Opens about 04/30/2021
Historical
Opens about 05/03/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/22/2021
Currency
Opens about 04/23/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 05/04/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/05/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/29/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/29/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 05/03/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/12/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/14/2021
Entertainment
Opens about 05/14/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 05/21/2021
Arms & Armor
Opens about 05/18/2021
US Coins
Opens about 05/08/2021
Rare Books
Opens about 05/21/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/19/2021
Photography
Opens about 05/19/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 05/20/2021
US Coins
Opens about 05/15/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/26/2021
Nature & Science
Opens about 05/27/2021
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
Heritage has gone above and beyond my expectations in handling all of my transactions in a thoroughly professional manner. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone worldwide for the exemplary auction and valuation services they provide.View More Testimonials
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)
Video tutorial
Getting the most out of search