Where can I sell my historical letters?

Sotheby’s sells historical letters, manuscripts and documents in both live and online auctions throughout the year. Our specialists, with decades of experience in appraising and selling American and European historical documents and manuscripts, are ready to help you determine the value of your historical text.

How do you authenticate historical documents?

Stylistic Analysis Comparisons of style are essential for authentication. Penmanship, cultural phrasing, and form of address can help to identify both the era and author. Handwriting comparisons can authenticate a signature or manuscript.

Are old documents valuable?

The fact is that old documents—deeds, receipts, letters, bills, invoices, mortgages—often can be more valuable than the Bible they were put in for safe keeping. For an old document to have value, certain criteria have to be met, and obviously, the most important is that it’s old.

Is history for sale legitimate?

Welcome to History For Sale With over 236,000 items in our archives, HistoryForSale is the world’s largest dealer of authentic hand-signed autographs and collectibles. From autographed celebrity photographs and rare historical manuscripts to unique music and sports signed memorabilia, we have it all.

Are old handwritten letters worth anything?

Do they have any value? A–Yes, but it depends on the stamp used and the postmark. Do not remove the stamps from the letters since collectors want the entire envelope as part of postal history. Take the letters to a stamp bourse or stamp store to get some idea of value.

How do I submit art to Sotheby’s?

How it Works

  1. Tell us about your Item. Add dimensions, history and any documentation.
  2. Upload Photos. Take front and back images of your item.
  3. Review and Submit. All set! Our specialists will review your submission.

How do you prove the authenticity of a letter?

To be authenticated, your document must be an original document bearing a recognized signature (and seal, if applicable). Authentication proves that the signature and the seal on the document are genuine.

What are antique documents called?

Historical documents, also known as primary sources, are most often produced around the time of the events you are studying and provides direct or firsthand evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art.

Do people buy old letters?

A–Yes, but it depends on the stamp used and the postmark. Do not remove the stamps from the letters since collectors want the entire envelope as part of postal history. Take the letters to a stamp bourse or stamp store to get some idea of value.

Are old stamped envelopes worth anything?

Old, empty envelopes, both business and personal, can be worth money, reports Saturday Early Show Contributor Tony Hyman. Collectors call them “covers” and pay from 50 cents to $150 for the right ones.