Rare Books, Manuscripts & Ephemera

Freeman’s offers fully-catalogued sales of fine antiquarian books, manuscripts, prints, maps, ephemera, and nineteenth-century photographs three times a year. A book sale was our first significant auction when we opened for business in 1805 and, as the first purpose-built auction house in the United States, Freeman’s Book Department enjoys the privilege of continuing this tradition in the welcoming environment of its present location since 1924 on Chestnut Street. Freeman’s knowledgeable specialists, led by Department Head David Bloom, provide an expertise and quality of service that remains unchanged.

· Original photograph, signed, of Abraham Lincoln sold for $103,000
· 7 vols. John James Audobon, The Birds of America, New York, achieved $52,200
· Woody Guthrie, archive of autographed letters & typescript short stories, signed, sold for $41,000
· Walt Whitman, autograph manuscript, signed, realized $39,400

Freeman’s attracts an international audience and are best known for continually offering quality material. Consignments are always welcome, from single objects to entire collections, and we respond with discretion and expertise. Please contact a member of this Department if you have any questions, or wish to discuss buying or consigning your rare books, manuscripts, or ephemera with Freeman’s.