Auction Date:2018 Dec 13 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
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SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
TLS in German, five pages, 8.25 x 11.75, Max Planck Institute for Physics letterhead, January 5, 1948. Significant letter to Professor Samuel A. Goudsmit of the Northwestern University Department of Physics, discussing reactions of uranium and scientific research in Nazi Germany; the letter itself is four pages long, and includes an additional page with hand-drawn diagrams by Heisenberg depicting chain reactions in uranium 235 and uranium in heavy water. In full (translated): "Many thanks for your letter and for your desire to clear up the differences of opinion which still remain between us. The most pressing difference of opinion between you and me seems to deal with the question whether the German physicists knew that an atom bomb functions because of the chain reaction with fast neutrons, and whether they knew that one can make atom bombs from 235U or 239Pu.
Once more I would like to emphasize here that you obviously drew the wrong conclusions from the many data that were at your disposal, when you wrote your report about this issue and that, in any case, the true nuclear physicists in Germany (here I mean the more intimate circle of people whom you know, such as Bothe, Weitzsäcker, Wirtz, Bopp, Harteck, Houtermans, Jensen, Flügge, and perhaps a few more) knew the data in their main characteristics, but that the detailed research needed to remain undone because of the reasons which I explained in my statement. The first instance (chain reaction with fast neutrons and 235U) seemed fundamentally self-evident to us since the well-known research of Bohr and Wheeler had been published,—even though I fully realized that the factual construction of the atom bomb pre-supposed the solving of several difficult physical questions, which you did solve and which we did not touch upon because of the oft-mentioned reasons. The deliberation about the density number 239, as I wrote in my report, can be found in a secret report by Weizsäcker from the year 1940. At that time it was not clear whether the 23-min.-substance 239U, which Hahn has discovered, would result in only one or perhaps two Beta-disintegrations. Therefore, Weizsäcker did not know then whether the presumed explosive would carry the cargo 93 or 94. After the discovery of the 23-min.-substance it was also obvious that the 239U explosives, set off by sympathetic detonations, existed, and the stipulation that the substance would react like 235 at the moment of fission was evident from the Bohr-Wheeler research.
As proof of this statement about the German physicists I would like to point out one item contained in one of the secret reports which we, by chance, still have in our possession (article by Bothe about fast neutrons), where it is conjectured that pure Pa in sufficient amounts would explode by way of the chain reaction of fast neutrons. Of Pa it was known that it did not split at all when combined with slow neutrons. How, in your estimation, could the sentence about protactinium be explained, if not with the certainty that we here knew about the possibility of chain reaction with fast neutrons? Furthermore, what in your opinion is mentioned in Weizsäcker’s secret report of 1940, whose existence you can verify by asking any of the members of the U-club, if not these things about which I wrote? Of course, there is the possibility that you did not see these reports and in that case I ask you to continue in the search for that material. In this connection I would like to allude to a report which was published together with other secret matters of the Luftwaffe, probably in the spring of 1943, which contains my lecture of February 26, 1942 and which was later repeated for a panel of Luftwaffe members. In this lecture I showed two slides which (adjusted to the niveau of a Reichminister of that time) compared the proliferation of neutrons in pure 235U with that in a pile made up of pure uranium and heavy water. I am enclosing a sketch of the two slides which I reconstructed from memory as well as was possible. I don’t have to explain to you what they demonstrate. Those two slides were kept up to the end of the war in my Berlin institute; they were probably confiscated by the Russians. As far as I know they were mentioned in that report I referred to and which you will probably find somewhere in America.
I suppose, that just by chance, you have not found the reports which would give you a clear picture about the atom bomb question. Besides, I do not look upon these facts as so very important just because I think that the above-mentioned result of our work was of special scientific merit of which we should be proud; rather, on the contrary, I feel that this entire development was practically inevitable after Hahn’s discovery and after the research of Bohr and Wheeler. I think that the great accomplishments by the American and English physicists resulted mainly from the enormous effects of technical performance, in the systematic use of vast resources, which could only be provided by the strong industrial potential of America.
Only after we have agreed on the facts should we begin to talk about the political motives. Perhaps it will be beneficial to postpone the discussion of those issues to a time when it can be done orally. I do not believe that anything can be gained by talking over any of these matters publicly.
Possibly, I should address some of the points mentioned in your letter. First of all a few words about the four sentences in your letter dealing with the American opinion regarding German science under National Socialism: To 1) and 2): I have always felt that pure science suffered enormously under the National Socialist regime, first of all certainly because of the expulsion of so many able scientists from Germany; secondly, because of the inroads the absurd ideological theories made (for instance, cosmography, or 'German' physics, etc.) Occasionally I expressed my views not only in the company of trusted colleagues, which would have been quite paltry, but I stressed them repeatedly also in a number of presentations to the appropriate German government institutions at a time when it was quite dangerous to do so. In this way I tried to bring about a change. To 3) I have already replied. To 4) It would never occur to me to believe that the German physicists were different from their colleagues of the Allied Forces. But I can’t imagine that you didn’t realize that the German physicists worked under other psychological conditions than their colleagues in England and America, and that the German physicists stood in opposition to the philosophy of life of their regime in contrast to the Allied physicists who worked for one goal together with their country’s people.
Another thing you mention: the 'complacency' of the German physicists. I believe that in every meeting with higher political officials, which took place in regard to uranium projects, I energetically pointed out that the American physics set-up was much better equipped with people as well as with laboratories than was the case in Germany and that, therefore, it could be expected that the American physicists would solve the problems of atomic energy much faster than the Germans would be able to, if the latter could tackle these issues at all during the war. Again it would seem paltry of me to repeat these facts pointedly, now that there is no longer any danger involved with making such statements. Besides, you will find in the depiction of the false conclusions written in pencil that I did not intend to write a 'success story' but rather an objective account.
Perhaps I should also say something about the political attitude here, which you chose to characterize as a compromise with Nazism. During that entire time, I was never in doubt about the fact that the German regime consisted in its most official positions of fools and scoundrels. However, I also knew that, if the German people failed to undermine and ultimately abolish that political system from within, a great catastrophe would befall the country which would take the lives of millions of innocent people in Germany and in other countries. You write: 'Why didn’t you sense the hopelessness of ever being able to convince Himmler?'—I was not naïve enough to believe that we had any chance to succeed before the catastrophe broke over us. But even now I feel that I would have shirked my duty unpardonably if I hadn’t tried my utmost, at least in my small sphere of influence, to breach the delusions of the political overlords, hoping all the while that others in their positions would then act accordingly in the same manner. Himmler’s letter proves to me that such an attempt was not taken without danger ('We can’t afford to kill this man') but also that it was not entirely hopeless. By the way, I had discussed my efforts beforehand with Bohr and he emphatically supported them,—not because he had any illusions about the results, but because he correctly assumed that everything had to be tried. I have never been able to understand those people who withdrew from all responsibilities and who could assure others during some harmless dinner conversation: 'You see, Germany and Europe will be annihilated, I have said so all along.'
I think that, considering the affairs of the world as a whole, it would have been better if National Socialism could have been replaced by something saner from within instead of being abolished from the outside by force of arms. I also feel that it would have been desirable if the group of people who attempted real opposition to Hitler (about whom you can now read in several books) could have found understanding and support in foreign countries.—It is not easy to guide people toward beneficial objectives through force of arms and, right now, because of the indescribable misery, Germany is not a fertile ground for being influenced by beneficial ideas, which all seriously engaged people know to be necessary. What we need at this time in Germany is not hate-filled reckoning with the past but a quiet reconstruction and the slow beginning of humane living conditions. You know from our discussions in August 1939 that I have opted for this goal which I have attempted here to explain to you.
In other respects, be assured that the German physicists too would like to participate in any effort being made to attain a 'better understanding.' But unfortunately, even the ancient history of our discussions in Ann Arbor and Heidelberg proves how incredibly difficult it is to really understand another human being. Nevertheless, we must not despair and we must redouble our efforts toward a reconciliation." In fine condition, with minor edge paper loss.
By late 1941, the German government began to deliberate the construction of a nuclear reactor, the primary step in assembling an atomic bomb. The Reich Research Council’s House of German Research held a conference for this project on February 26, 1942, and Heisenberg delivered a speech on ‘The Theoretical Foundations for Energy Acquisition from Uranium Fission.’ His nine-page paper discussed topics such as the so-called “fast neutrons” resulting from nuclear fission that have lost little of their energy through collision; “heavy water” (deuterium oxide), used as a moderator in some nuclear reactors; and the release of nuclear power through controlled chain reactions. The included drawings reveal Heisenberg’s theoretical knowledge at the time and appear to be the only remaining record of his above-mentioned slides. While the Research Council’s influential guest list could not have understood the practical relevance of Heisenberg’s remarks to atomic bombs, his talk nevertheless spurred the Research Council to assume control of nuclear research from the army.
On May 3, 1945, Heisenberg was one of ten German scientists captured in Urfeld by Operation Alsos, which the recipient of this letter, Samuel Goudsmit, served as chief scientific advisor. In 1947, Heisenberg, now the director of the Max Planck Institute for Physics, published two articles on the failure of the German nuclear weapon project Uranverein in the journals Die Naturwissenschaften and Nature. In addition to stating that it was the lack of resources and technical support that stymied the German effort, Heisenberg insisted that their research was constricted to the investigation of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Goudsmit dismissed Heisenberg’s claims of any sort of benevolent research, maintaining that the Uranverein’s main objective was to build weaponry, and that the scientists involved simply failed in their execution. A detailed and highly informative letter that finds Heisenberg continuing to defend his role and actions as a member of the Uranverein.
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Warranties:
RR Auction does not provide any warranties to Bidders, whether expressed or implied, beyond those expressly provided in these Conditions of Sale. All property and lots are sold “as is” and “where is”. By way of illustration rather than limitation, neither RR Auction nor the Consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to merchantability or fitness for intended use, condition of the property (including any condition report), correctness of description, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, importance, exhibition, relevance, attribution, source, provenance, date, authorship, condition, culture, genuineness, value, or period of the property. Additionally, neither RR Auction nor the Consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to whether the Bidder acquires rights in copyright or other intellectual property (including exhibition or reproduction rights) or whether the property is subject to any limitations or other rights. RR Auction does not make any representation or warranty as to title.
All descriptions, photographs, illustrations, and terminology including but not limited to words describing condition (including any condition reports requested by Bidder, see also Terminology), authorship, period, culture, source, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, provenance, importance, exhibition, and relevance, used in the Catalog, bill of sale, invoice, or anywhere else, represent a good faith effort made by RR Auction to fairly represent the lots and property offered for sale as to origin, date, condition, and other information contained therein; they are statements of opinion only. They are not representations or warranties and Bidder agrees and acknowledges that he or she shall not rely on them in determining whether or not to bid or for what price. Price estimates (which are determined well in advance of the Auction and are therefore subject to revision) and condition reports are provided solely as a convenience to Bidders and are not intended nor shall they be relied on by Bidders as statements, representations or warranties of actual value or predictions of final bid prices.
Bidders are accorded the opportunity to inspect the lots and to otherwise satisfy themselves as to the nature and sufficiency of each lot prior to bidding, and RR Auction urges Bidders to avail themselves accordingly.
All lots sold by RR Auction are accompanied by an Auction Certificate (“AC”). On any lot presented with an AC issued by RR Auction, the certification is only as to its attribution to the person or entity described or to the lot’s usage and only as explicitly stated therein (the “Certification of Authenticity”), to the exclusion of any other warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to those pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code. The Certification of Authenticity inures only to the original Bidder (as shown in RR Auction’s records). Bidder may not transfer, assign, or otherwise convey the Certification of Authenticity, and such purported transfer, assignment, or conveyance shall be null and void. The Certification of Authenticity is valid from date of the Auction in which Bidder was awarded the lot (the “Auction Date”) until five (5) years after the Auction Date, without exception.
FIREARMS.
RR Auction complies with all Federal and State rules and regulations relating to the purchasing, registration and shipping of firearms. A Bidder is required to provide appropriate documents and the payment of associated fees, if any. Bidder is responsible for providing a shipping address that is suitable for the receipt of a firearm.
Limitation of Damages:
In the event that RR Auction is prevented for any reason from delivering any property to Bidder, or Bidder is otherwise dissatisfied with the performance of RR Auction, the liability, if any, of RR Auction, shall be limited to, and shall not exceed, the amount actually paid for the property by Bidder. In no event shall RR Auction be liable for incidental, special, indirect, exemplary or consequential damages of any kind, including but not limited to loss of profits, value of investment or opportunity cost.
Unauthorized Statements:
Under no circumstances is any employee, agent or representative of RR Auction authorized by RR Auction to modify, amend, waive or contradict any of these Conditions of Sale, any term or condition set forth on a registration form, any warranty or limitation or exclusion of warranty, any term or condition in either the Registration Form or these Terms and Conditions regarding payment requirements, including but not limited to due date, manner of payment, and what constitutes payment in full, or any other term or condition contained in any documents issued by RR Auction unless such modification, amendment, waiver or contradiction is contained in a writing signed by all parties. Any statements, oral or written, made by employees, agents or representatives of RR Auction to Bidder, including statements regarding specific lots, even if such employee, agent or representative represents that such statement is authorized, unless reduced to a writing signed by all parties, are statements of personal opinion only and are not binding on RR Auction, and under no circumstances shall be relied upon by Bidder as a statement, representation or warranty of RR Auction.
Bidder’s Remedies:
Under no circumstance will RR Auction incur liability to a Bidder in excess of the purchase price actually paid.
This section sets forth the sole and exclusive remedies of Bidder in conformity with the Warranties and Limitation of Damages provisions of these Conditions of Sale, and is expressly in lieu of any other rights or remedies which might be available to Bidder by law. The Bidder hereby accepts the benefit of the Consignor’s warranty of title and any other representations and warranties made by the Consignor for the Bidder’s benefit. In the event that Bidder demonstrates in writing, in the sole discretion of RR Auction, that there was a breach of the Consignor’s warranty of title concerning a lot purchased by Bidder, RR Auction shall make demand upon the Consignor to pay to Bidder the Purchase Price (including any premiums, taxes, or other amounts paid or due to RR Auction). Should the Consignor not pay the Purchase Price to Bidder within thirty days after such demand, RR Auction shall disclose the identity of the Consignor to Bidder and assign to Bidder all of RR Auction’s rights against the Consignor with respect to such lot or property. Upon such disclosure and assignment, all responsibility and liability, if any, of RR Auction with respect to said lot or property shall automatically terminate. RR Auction shall be entitled to retain the premiums and other amounts paid to RR Auction - this remedy is as to the Consignor only. The rights and remedies provided herein are for the original Bidder only and they may not be assigned or relied upon by any transferee or assignee under any circumstances.
If Bidder wishes to challenge the AC within the period of the Certification of Authenticity, Bidder must present written evidence that the lot is not authentic as determined by a known expert in the field. If RR Auction agrees that the lot is not as represented, Bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be a refund of their purchase price, with no other costs, liabilities or amounts recoverable. If RR Auction does not agree with the claim by Bidder, then the Parties shall follow the dispute resolution procedures of these Conditions of Sale.
Any such challenge concerning an AC or Certification of Authenticity must, without any exception, be brought within one (1) year of Bidder’s notice to RR Auction of Bidder’s contention that the lot was not authentic, or six (6) years from the Auction Date, whichever is sooner.
If the description of any lot in the Catalog is materially incorrect (e.g., gross cataloging error), the lot is returnable if returned within five (5) calendar days of receipt, and received by RR Auction no later than twenty-one (21) calendar days after the Auction Date. If there is any discrepancy between the description in the Catalog and the AC, then the description in the AC shall control. This paragraph shall constitute Bidder’s sole right with respect to the return of items, and no refunds shall be given for any items not returned to and received by RR Auction.
NO RETURN OR REFUND OF ANY AUCTION LOT WILL BE CONSIDERED EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THESE CONDITIONS OF SALE.
RR Auction’s Additional Services:
For Bidders who do not remove purchased property from RR Auction’s premises, RR Auction, in its sole discretion and solely as a service and accommodation to Bidders, may arrange to have purchased lots packed, insured and forwarded at the sole request, expense, and risk of Bidder. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for acts or omissions in such packing or shipping by RR Auction or other packers and carriers, whether or not recommended by RR Auction. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for damage to frames, glass or other breakable items. Where RR Auction arranges and bills for such services via invoice, RR Auction will include an administration charge.
Headings:
Headings are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret the substantive sections to which they refer.
Entire Agreement:
These Conditions of Sale constitute the entire agreement between the parties together with the terms and conditions contained in the Registration Form. They may not be amended, modified or superseded except in a signed writing executed by all parties. No oral or written statement by anyone employed by RR Auction or acting as agent or representative of RR Auction may amend, modify, waive or supersede the terms herein unless such amendment, waiver or modification is contained in a writing signed by all parties.
If any section of these Conditions of Sale or any term or provision of any section is held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining sections or terms and provisions of a section shall continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
Governing Law and Enforcement
The Parties agree that any agreements between the Parties including but not limited to these Conditions of Sale are entered into in Boston, Massachusetts, no matter where Bidder is situated and no matter by what means or where Bidder was informed of the Auction and regardless of whether catalogs, materials, or other communications were received by Bidder in another location.
The Parties agree that these Conditions of Sale, and any other related agreement(s) are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard for its conflict of laws principles. The Parties agree that any dispute related to or arising out of these Conditions of Sale, or related to or arising out of any other related agreement(s) shall be submitted to confidential binding arbitration (the “Arbitration”) before a single Arbitrator of the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”). The Parties agree that the Arbitration shall be conducted pursuant to the commercial rules of the AAA. In the event that the Parties cannot agree on the selection of the Arbitrator, then the Arbitrator shall be selected by the AAA. The prevailing Party in the Arbitration shall be entitled to recover all of its related costs, whether before or after the formal institution of the Arbitration, including but not limited to its reasonable attorneys’ fees and, if RR Auction prevails, the Buyer’s Premium as defined in these Conditions of Sale. The Parties agree that Bidder shall have no right to recover consequential or indirect damages, or lost profits damages.
The Parties consent to the enforcement of the decision in the Arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act in either the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
Except as provided in Bidder’s Remedies with regard to the Certification of Authenticity, any dispute, claim, cause of action related to or arising out of these Conditions of Sale or any other agreement(s) between the Parties must be brought within one (1) year of the acts, omissions or circumstances giving rise to the alleged claim, without exceptions. This provision is intended as a full, complete and absolute release of any claims after one (1) year of such acts, omissions or circumstances. The Parties agree further that these waiver provisions are intended to be binding on all parties in the event of any dispute, specifically including but not limited to third party claims and cross-actions brought by either RR Auction or Bidder. These provisions are consideration for the execution of these Conditions of Sale.
The Bidder hereby agrees that RR Auction shall be entitled to present these Conditions of Sale to a court in any jurisdiction other than set forth in this paragraph as conclusive evidence of the Parties’ agreement, and the Parties further agree that the court shall immediately dismiss any action filed in such jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, RR Auction may, in its sole discretion, enforce its rights pursuant to these Conditions of Sale in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts rather than in an Arbitration related to or arising out of any Auction of an item sold for less than $10,000. This right shall relate to the individual item price, such that RR Auction may, in its sole discretion, enforce its rights pursuant to these Conditions of Sale in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts rather than in an Arbitration for items that in the aggregate exceed $10,000. The prevailing Party in such a proceeding shall be entitled to recover all of its related costs, whether before or after the formal institution of the proceeding, including but not limited to its reasonable attorneys’ fees and, if RR Auction prevails, the Buyer’s Premium as defined in these Conditions of Sale. This right of enforcement is unique to RR Auction, and these Conditions of Sale are a waiver by the Bidder of any right to enforcement or adjudication outside of an Arbitration.
CONDUCT OF AUCTION
Estimate Prices:
In addition to descriptive information, each item in the Catalog sometimes includes a price range which reflects opinion as to the price expected at auction (the “Estimate Prices”). In other instances, Estimate Prices can be obtained by calling RR Auction at (603) 732-4280. The Estimate Prices are based upon various factors including prices recently paid at auction for comparable property, condition, rarity, quality, history and provenance. Estimate Prices are prepared well in advance of the sale and subject to revision. Estimates do not include the Buyer’s Premium or sales tax (see under separate heading).
Owned or Guaranteed Property:
RR Auction generally offers property consigned by others for sale at public auction; in very limited occasion, lots are offered that are the property of RR Auction.
Before the Auction:
Bidder may attend pre-sale viewing for all of RR Auction’s auctions at no charge. All property to be auctioned is usually on view for several days prior to the sale. Bidder is encouraged to examine lots thoroughly. Bidder may also request condition reports (see below). RR Auction’s staff are available at viewings and by appointment.
Maximum Bids – All Auctions:
To maximize Bidder’s chance of winning, RR Auction strongly encourages the use of maximum bids. RR Auction will then bid for Bidder until the lot reaches Bidder’s specified maximum. Maximum bids are strictly confidential. Placing arbitrary, non-incremental bids on lots with prior maximum bids may result in these lots being sold for less than 10% above the under Bidder’s bid.
Successful Bids:
The fall of RR Auction’s hammer indicates the final bid. RR Auction will record the paddle number of the Bidder. If Bidder’s salesroom or absentee bid is successful, Bidder will be notified after the sale by mailed or emailed invoice.
Unsold Lots:
If a lot does not reach the reserve, it is bought-in. In other words, it remains unsold and is returned to the Consignor. RR Auction has the right to sell certain unsold items after the close of the Auction. Such lots shall be considered sold during the Auction and all these Terms and Conditions shall apply to such sales including but not limited to the Buyer’s Premium, return rights, and disclaimers.
Bidding—Timed Auction:
Bidder may open, monitor, and/or raise bids at any time before the close of a lot through www.rrauction.com. RR Auction offers a callback service the day of the Auction, but Bidder is responsible for supplying a correct telephone number(s) where Bidder can be reached until the Auction closes. Bidder must request this service in writing. RR Auction will make reasonable efforts to ensure that Bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, RR Auction does not guarantee this service and it is merely a courtesy and not an enforceable right. The auctioneer may also execute a bid on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve.
To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids.
Any Bidder may bid on any lot prior to 6 pm EST/EDT. At that time, an extended bidding period goes into effect. If Bidder has not bid on a lot before 6 pm EST/EDT, Bidder may not bid on that lot after 6 pm EST/EDT. Only those Bidders who have placed bids on a lot before 6 pm EST/EDT will be allowed to bid on that lot after 6 pm EST/EDT. If Bidder is the only Bidder on a lot at 6 pm EST/EDT, that lot is awarded to Bidder. During the extended bidding period, a lot will remain open only to those who bid on that lot prior to 6 pm EST/EDT. All lots WITHOUT an opening bid at 6 pm EST/EDT will remain OPEN to ALL Bidders until 7 pm EST/EDT or until they receive their first bid. These lots will close immediately upon receipt of a bid or at 7 pm EST/EDT, whichever comes first. For all lots that are active after 7 pm EST/EDT, bidding will remain open until 30 minutes pass without a bid being placed on THAT lot (the “30 Minute Rule”). The 30 Minute Rule is applied on a PER LOT BASIS; each lot in the Auction closes individually based on bidding activity after 7 pm EST/EDT. On a PER LOT BASIS, the 30 minute timer will reset each time a bid is placed after 7 pm EST/EDT. If Bidder is the high Bidder, raising Bidder’s maximum bid will NOT reset the timer. RR Auction reserves the right to close the Auction at any time at its sole discretion.
Bidding - Internet – Live Auction:
Bidder may open, monitor, and/or raise bids at any time before the close of a lot through www.rrauction.com. RR Auction offers a callback service the day of the Auction, but Bidder is responsible for supplying a correct telephone number(s) where Bidder can be reached until the Auction closes. Bidder must request this service in writing. RR Auction will make reasonable efforts to ensure that Bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, RR Auction does not guarantee this service and it is merely a courtesy and not an enforceable right.
To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids.
Property is auctioned in consecutive numerical order, as it appears in the catalog. The auctioneer will accept bids from those present in the salesroom or absentee bidders participating by telephone, internet or by written bid left with RR Auction in advance of the auction. The auctioneer may also execute a bid on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve.
During live Auctions, internet bids can be placed in real time through one or more of the following Third Party services: www.liveauctioneers.com, www.invaluable.com and www.icollector.com. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids. RR Auction treats any third-party site bids as floor or telephone bids. Floor bids and telephone bids are always considered first over third party sites bids, and floor bids are considered earlier than telephone bids. All RR Auction lots purchased through the third party sites carry an additional Buyer’s Premium.
Miscellaneous:
Agreements between Bidders and Consignors to effectuate a non-sale of an item at Auction, inhibit bidding on a consigned item to enter into a private sale agreement for said item, or to utilize RR Auction’s Auction to obtain sales for non-selling consigned items subsequent to the Auction, are strictly prohibited. If a subsequent sale of a previously consigned item occurs in violation of this provision, RR Auction reserves the right to charge Bidder the applicable Buyer’s Premium and Consignor a Seller’s Commission as determined for each auction venue and by the terms of the seller’s agreement.
Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions qualifies Bidder as a client who has consented to be contacted by RR Auction in the future. In conformity with “do-not-call” regulations promulgated by the Federal or State regulatory agencies, participation by the Bidder is affirmative consent to being contacted at the phone number shown in his application and this consent shall remain in effect until it is revoked in writing. RR Auction may from time to time contact Bidder concerning sale, purchase, and auction opportunities available.
Rules of Construction: RR Auction presents properties in a number of collectible fields, and as such, specific venues have promulgated supplemental Terms and Conditions. Nothing herein shall be construed to waive the general Conditions of Sale by these additional rules and shall be construed to give force and effect to the rules in their entirety.
Glossary of Condition terms
For decades, RR Auction has led the industry in providing an accurate and detailed condition statement for each item that we sell. Starting in 2016 we’ve decided to take a fresh approach to describing each item’s condition.
As our website and catalog images continually improve, and bidders can see obvious details from those excellent images, we’ve decided to simplify things, using the same terminology to describe an item’s overall condition (on an ascending scale of 1 to 4: good, very good, fine, very fine), but only adding specific details, if any, that would not be obvious from the illustration.
VERY FINE describes an item in virtually flawless condition, and is used sparingly for items of exceptionally attractive appearance.
FINE is the most common statement of condition, and applies to most items that we offer. It describes items that show expected handling wear, generally acceptable random flaws (such as light creases, small bends, etc.), and an overall appearance that is pleasing to the majority of collectors.
VERY GOOD describes an item that exhibits more moderate flaws (such as toning, light staining, professional reinforcements or repairs, etc.). Most collectors would be comfortable with items in very good condition, and this would be the expected condition for many formats (early presidential documents, for example).
GOOD describes an item with obvious visible flaws, including heavy wear, missing portions, or repairs that affect appearance; generally items in this condition are offered only if an item is otherwise exceedingly rare or important.
Of course we’re more than happy to provide more in-depth information about any item via phone or email. We hope this new system will make for easier reading and a more pleasant bidding experience.