Nixon Richard

R. Nixon Scarce ALS to Crooner Rudy Vallée, with 6 Vallée Signed Bank Checks

1p autograph letter signed by former 37th U.S. President Richard Nixon (1913-1994) as "Dick" at lower right, and inscribed overall in 50+ words in Nixon's hand. Written in New York City on May 21, 1981. On watermarked cream stationery with "Richard Nixon" letterhead. Expected paper folds and minor isolated stains, else very good to near fine. 7.25" x 10.5". Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope with Nixon's return address listed as "Richard Nixon / 26 Federal Plaza / New York, New York 10278". Both the letter and envelope are addressed to Jazz Age entertainer Rudy Vallée (1901-1986). The lot also includes six bank checks signed by Rudy Vallée.

During the spring of 1981, Nixon informed Vallée that he could not attend an engagement. In full:

"May 21, 1981

N.Y.C.

Dear Rudy,

I have to attend a dinner in my honor on May 27 and won't be able to be present at your opening.

However Pat joins me in extending our very best wishes. The floral arrangement conveys our warm sentiments to Elly + to you

Sincerely -

Dick - ".

In the letter, Nixon refers to former First Lady Patricia Nixon (1912-1993) as "Pat", and to Vallée's fourth wife, Eleanor Norris Vallée (1928-2015), as "Elly".

Nixon had been out of public office for over 5 years by the early 1980s. The ex-president devoted himself to writing, traveling, and speaking engagements in the years following his resignation. Nixon moved into a 15-room office on the 13th floor of 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan in 1980. He and about half a dozen employees would work in the office facing Foley Square until 1988. On an average day, Nixon would typically arrive at the office by 7 am and leave by 6 pm; he spent the day writing, attending meetings and appointments, and signing autographs.

The lot also features six checks signed by Rudy Vallée:

1. Check No. 19003, Manufacturer's Trust Company, in the amount of $93 to Fred S. Sterns. August 6, 1936. Endorsed and stamped verso. Signed by Rudy Vallée as "Rudy Vallée" on the payee line. Expected wear and wrinkles.

2. Check No. 19014, Manufacturer's Trust Company, in the amount of $35.30 to Berenice Stamilman. August 6, 1936. Endorsed verso. Signed by Rudy Vallée as "Rudy Vallée" on the payee line.

3. Check No. 19015, Manufacturer's Trust Company, in the amount of $25 to George Erickson. August 6, 1936. Endorsed verso. Signed by Rudy Vallée as "Rudy Vallée" on the payee line.

4. Check No. 19016, Manufacturer's Trust Company, in the amount of $45 to Marjorie Diven. August 6, 1936. Stamped verso. Signed by Rudy Vallée as "Rudy Vallée" on the payee line.

5. Check No. 19017, Manufacturer's Trust Company, in the amount of $1,000 to "Rudy Vallee Orchestra Units Corps". August 6, 1936. Stamped verso. Signed by Rudy Vallée as "Rudy Vallée" on the payee line.

6. Check No. 19021, Manufacturer's Trust Company, in the amount of $40 to Clifford Burwell. August 6, 1936. Endorsed and stamped verso. Signed by Rudy Vallée as "Rudy Vallée" on the payee line.

Rudy Vallée first exploded onto the American music scene in the 1920s, and held his own as an entertainer for six decades. The saxophone player, vocalist, and bandleader established a crooning singing style that would be imitated by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and other matinee idols over the next 40 years.

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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