Alderfer Auction to Offer Rare Autographs of U.S. Presidents and Historical Figures
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Alderfer Auction to Offer Rare Autographs of U.S. Presidents and Historical Figures from Noteworthy Family Collection
HATFIELD, PA – July 15, 2025 – Alderfer Auction is pleased to announce that its upcoming Collectors Auction on July 24, 2025, will feature a remarkable collection of historical autographs, meticulously preserved and passed down through the generations of the Robert Frank Lehman (1859-1931) and Robert Lehman Benner (1910-2002) families.. This extraordinary offering provides a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire signatures from some of the most influential figures in American history. Highlights of the collection include autographs of several United States Presidents, such as Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, and Grover Cleveland. Beyond the Oval Office, the auction will also present signatures from numerous 19th-century United States Supreme Court Justices, distinguished military leaders, Vice-Presidents of the United States, state governors, and various prominent politicians.
The core of this collection was originally amassed by Robert Frank Lehman in the 1880s and 1890s. A shrewd businessman, Lehman utilized these autographs as an innovative public relations tool for his new retail establishment, which sold pianos, organs, and other music-related materials at 510 Market Street in Camden, New Jersey. He even produced and published a unique booklet titled "Autographs of Distinguished People Of The Age," which contained small biographies and facsimiles of his collected autographs. This booklet was distributed as an "educational bonus" to prospective customers, particularly appealing to families considering music purchases for their children. The collection was later passed to Lehman’s grandson, Robert Lehman Benner, in the mid-1950s. Mr. Benner took great care to further document and "package" the collection, meticulously mounting each autograph on a 3" x 5" card with a typed, concise biography, ensuring its historical context was preserved.
"Alderfer Auction is immensely proud to present these autographs, which carry over 140 years of continuous family collection history," states Christian Answini, Senior Fine Art Specialist at Alderfer Auction. "Their provenance, historical beauty, and profound significance make them truly special. We anticipate that these pieces will be appreciated and cherished by collectors for generations to come."
For additional information and to view the full catalog, please visit AlderferAuction.com or contact us directly.
This extraordinary collection offers a rare glimpse into American history through the personal touches of its most influential figures. Don't miss your opportunity to own a piece of this remarkable legacy. These significant autographs will be up for bid in our Collectors auction at alderferauction.com on July 24th at 10:00 AM EDT.
About Alderfer Auction:
Alderfer Auction, located in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, is a premier auction house specializing in a diverse array of categories including fine art, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and real estate. With a commitment to transparency and expertise, Alderfer Auction connects sellers with a global network of buyers, ensuring optimal results and exceptional service.
Contact: Conditionreport@alderferauction.com or 215.393.3000
