FDR as Collector: 1930 TLS to Boston Antiquarian Book Dealer

TLS, 1p, measuring 7.5" x 10", dated January 27, 1930, Albany, NY. A brief correspondence signed "Franklin Roosevelt" at conclusion on State of New York letterhead from then-Governor FDR, addressed to Mr. Rudolph F. Gerlach of Massachusetts. The letter has been matted and framed to the overall size of 12.5" x 15" and exhibits general toning, darkened handling marks, and slight fading to text. Boldly signed with fantastic connections to FDR's passion for collecting.

Within, Roosevelt is saddened by the news that Gerlach, a business partner of antiquarian book dealer and auctioneer Frederick James Libbie of C. F. Libbie & Co., is losing his business and offers to help find him another position. Gerlach had taken over as manager after Libbie's passing three years earlier and presumably could not afford to keep the business open any longer, possibly affected by the Great Depression. 

In full:
"I am sorry indeed to know that you are giving up your business. I shall miss your catalogues. If I hear of anything in the library line I will surely let you know. The trouble is that in this State every government appointment of that kind comes under the civil service."

Franklin Roosevelt was a passionate collector even from an early age, later becoming known for his expansive collection of stamps, ship models, rare books, prints, coins, and drawings. Today, these materials make up a bulk of collections at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, which he created in 1941. Notable members of the antiquarian book community in their own right, Frederick Libbie and Rudolph Gerlach were featured in the fourth volume of The American Collector: A Monthly Magazine for Collectors' Lore, which detailed the history of C. F. Libbie & Co. where Gerlach would work as a main cataloguer for several years. Roosevelt makes reference to such a catalog in his letter to Rudolph, and was likely familiar with their inventory.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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