AmericanHistory

A Historian's Collection Heads For Auction

Filed under: Auctions

The sale of a historic collection coming up at Spink Shreves Galleries in New York City, January 27 – 29, 2010 tells not just the story of one man's life but of America's years of growth and change. Floyd E. Risvold of Edina, Minnesota died last year at the age of 97 and left behind an extensive multi-million dollar archive of important American manuscripts, maps, letters, early photographs, books and documents tracing America's journey to the Wild West. Pieces were collected over a 50 year period. Risvold participated in expeditions in the West with the Coast and Geodetic Survey in the 1930s and 1940s (that's him pictured at right). Nearly 1300 lots will be sold over three days in six separate sessions.

Items that tell the history of American expansion include a 12-page letter written by John Adams during The War of 1812, a prospector's 1849-era hand-drawn map to the California gold regions and an Indian peace treaty directive to the Secretary of State signed in 1864 by President Abraham Lincoln. The auction includes many other items related to the Pony Express and the creation of the U.S. Postal Service, the Alamo, the Civil War, expansion of the railroads and Mormon history including an 1841 letter signed by both Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, early leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The total pre-sale estimate is $5 million or more. The collection is currently on display in New York City. A set of three hardbound all-color catalogs housed in a slipcase has been produced and sells for $125.

Gallery: A Historian's American Collection