Description:

THE MERCHANDISING OF MOUNT RUSHMORE
GUTZON BORGLUM (1871 - 1941) American sculptor and artists responsible for the sculpting of Mount Rushmore, as well as the commencement of the Confederate memorial at Stone Mountain. Fine lot of two items pertaining to Borglum's efforts to profit from his sculpting of Mount Rushmore into the heads of four presidents. Included is a D.S., 4pp. 4to., [Mount Rushmore], Sep. 26, 1934, an original signed carbon of a typed contract between Borglum and merchandiser Henry Farnum, witnessed by Borglum's son LINCOLN BORGLUM (who completed some of the work on Mt. Rushmore), in which the parties agree to sell cast images of the carved mountain and heads of the presidents. Borglum allows Farnum: "...the four portraits now being carved...reproduced as book ends, full portraits and fragments, any where within the United States and Canada...total quantity of not less than 10,000...said sculptor will have ready for delivery...the foregoing heads colored and ready for market...". Other terms address breakage, prices (75 cents for "fragments", busts $1.00, book ends $2.00), payment to Borglum, etc. Also present is a fine content T.L.S. signed "Gutzon Borglum" three times on "Mount Rushmore National Memorial Commission" letterhead, 1p. 4to., Mount Rushmore, Oct. 3, 1934 to Farnham amending the contract "...provided 50,000 (fifty thousand) casts have been sold. Otherwise some new agreement must be entered upon...for he small heads or fragments the sum of thirty-five (35) cents each, and for the book ends one dollar ($1.00)...". Other parties to the contract have signed each paragraph as well. Very good. Few are aware that besides his fee for his work, Borglum made a pretty penny through royalties and the sale of such souvenirs. Contract bears a few marginal chips, letter is near fine.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. NOTE: large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer. Client is responsible for arranging shipping for these pieces. Please see "Bidding Procedures" for contact information of recommended shippers. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

May 9, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000