University Archives lines up Tesla, Monroe, Lee and Einstein auction lots for July 28

University Archives will hold a 430-lot online auction July 28 featuring signed and handwritten material linked to Nikola Tesla, Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Lee, Albert Einstein and other major figures. The sale highlights the market for historically important autographs, manuscripts and memorabilia, with top items estimated as high as $40,000.

Why it matters: - The July 28 sale packages high-end autograph collecting around major names from science, entertainment, sports and U.S. history. - The catalog includes rare material that can command five-figure estimates and draw collectors, dealers and institutions. - The full auction catalog is available for viewing and bidding on University Archives and through Invaluable, Auctionzip and LiveAuctioneers.

What happened: - University Archives scheduled an online-only Rare Autographs, Manuscripts, Books & Photographs auction for Wednesday, July 28, starting at 10 a.m. Eastern. - The auction contains 430 lots. - Telephone and absentee bids will also be accepted. - Top lots include signed material by Nikola Tesla, Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Lee, Ty Cobb, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, Henry David Thoreau, Al Capone, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and a five-president photograph from Jimmy Carter’s personal collection.

The details: - Nikola Tesla’s one-page typed letter, signed and dated March 16, 1901, is addressed to electrical engineer Robert Ten Eyck Lozier and discusses wireless telegraphy and Tesla’s hopes of reaching Europe after a $150,000 investment from J. Pierpont Morgan. Estimate: $15,000-$20,000. - Marilyn Monroe’s signed presentation photo from the “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” era was taken by Frank Powolny and includes LOAs from PSA/DNA and Beckett. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. - Bruce Lee and Van Williams co-signed a program from the 1967 International Karate Championships in Long Beach, California, on the program’s “Demonstrations” page. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. - Ty Cobb’s pair of game-worn black leather cleats date to the late 1920s, when he played for the Philadelphia Athletics. The lot includes provenance from a grandson of the local fireman who received them and a Mears COA grading them Authentic. Estimate: $30,000-$40,000. - Walt Disney signed a Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad and monorail pass issued to transit authority director Sidney H. Bingham circa 1959. The pass is PSA/DNA slabbed and graded Mint 9. Estimate: $18,000-$25,000. - Albert Einstein’s handwritten one-page manuscript in German from circa the 1940s addresses his United Field Theory. The auction also includes six additional Einstein lots with autograph manuscripts, autograph letters signed and typed letters signed. Estimate: $18,000-$24,000. - Henry David Thoreau’s two-page autograph manuscript, sourced from his personal writings, dates to circa the 1850s and relates to what became “Life Without Principle.” Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. - Al Capone’s autograph endorsement with mugshot dates to around 1935 and includes publication details for “The Story of America in Pictures.” Estimate: $8,000-$12,000. - Abraham Lincoln’s signed military appointment, co-signed by Edwin Stanton, was dated one day after Willie Lincoln died in February 1862. Estimate: $7,500-$10,000. - A photograph signed by Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan and George H.W. Bush came from Jimmy Carter’s personal collection and was signed in 1991 for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum dedication. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. - John F. Kennedy’s autograph manuscript shows pencil notes on both sides of a Western Union Press telegram from Merriman Smith and fed into his inauguration speech draft. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000. - Lot 145 includes 15 Yousuf Karsh signed photographs, professionally mounted and over-matted in Karsh’s Ottawa studio in the 1990s. Many come from the “American Legends” series and feature Jimmy Stewart, Charlton Heston, Mickey Rooney and others. Estimate: $5,000-$8,000.

Between the lines: - The auction mixes celebrity memorabilia with historically consequential documents, which broadens the buyer pool beyond one collecting niche. - Several lots include third-party authentication or provenance, a key signal in a market where authenticity drives value. - The strongest estimates cluster around items that combine famous names with clear historical context or direct personal use.

What's next: - Bidding is open now and closes with the July 28 sale. - University Archives is seeking additional quality material for future auctions. - Sellers can contact John Reznikoff at 203-454-0111 or john@universityarchives.com. - University Archives is based in Wilton, Connecticut, and was founded in 1979 by John Reznikoff.