Mar 18, 2026 10:00 EST
Stage & Screen Featuring The Estate of Charles Strouse & Barbara Siman
139
A remarkable archive of notes and items from Princess Grace to an American soldier wounded in Vietnam
[GRACE KELLY also known as PRINCESS GRACE of MONACO]
An archive of correspondence between Princess Grace and an American GI. Collection of correspondence, including three autograph letters signed, a photograph album, individual photographs including a family portrait signed by Princess Grace, holiday cards, envelopes bearing Monaco palace seals, invitations, gambling and night club items, silk scarf, keychain, matchbooks, and other associated ephemera gathered by PFC Joseph Biniecki during his friendship with Princess Grace between 1967 and 1971. Approximately 23 items. Minor wear and handling.
An intimate look into the Palais de Monaco and the generosity of time and spirit of Princess Grace. This collection of materials offers numerous photographs of the palace interior and grounds and ephemera only offered to those in Princess Grace's orbit. The lot is accompanied by a letter of provenance from the consignor stating that this group of items was personally received by PFC Joseph Biniecki, U.S. Army, during a U.S. servicemen goodwill visit to the Palais de Monaco. Biniecki was born in Michigan and recieved the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Purple Heart during his time in Vietnam.The friendship between Princess Grace and Joseph Biniecki developed during the soldier's recovery following an injury in Vietnam in 1967 when his left hand was injured by the track of a tank and he recovered at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Princess Grace visited the hospital and befriended Biniecki, corresponding for several years and inviting him to Monaco. Princess Grace was known for her contribution to the Red Cross and served as President of the Red Cross of Monaco. Generous in time and spirit, Princess Grace frequently visited VA hospitals when in the United States. The present archive is evidence of that generous spirit.
Updated 3/10: There are three autograph letters present, not two as previously stated.
Sold for $10,240
Estimated at $10,000 - $15,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
[GRACE KELLY also known as PRINCESS GRACE of MONACO]
An archive of correspondence between Princess Grace and an American GI. Collection of correspondence, including three autograph letters signed, a photograph album, individual photographs including a family portrait signed by Princess Grace, holiday cards, envelopes bearing Monaco palace seals, invitations, gambling and night club items, silk scarf, keychain, matchbooks, and other associated ephemera gathered by PFC Joseph Biniecki during his friendship with Princess Grace between 1967 and 1971. Approximately 23 items. Minor wear and handling.
An intimate look into the Palais de Monaco and the generosity of time and spirit of Princess Grace. This collection of materials offers numerous photographs of the palace interior and grounds and ephemera only offered to those in Princess Grace's orbit. The lot is accompanied by a letter of provenance from the consignor stating that this group of items was personally received by PFC Joseph Biniecki, U.S. Army, during a U.S. servicemen goodwill visit to the Palais de Monaco. Biniecki was born in Michigan and recieved the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Purple Heart during his time in Vietnam.The friendship between Princess Grace and Joseph Biniecki developed during the soldier's recovery following an injury in Vietnam in 1967 when his left hand was injured by the track of a tank and he recovered at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Princess Grace visited the hospital and befriended Biniecki, corresponding for several years and inviting him to Monaco. Princess Grace was known for her contribution to the Red Cross and served as President of the Red Cross of Monaco. Generous in time and spirit, Princess Grace frequently visited VA hospitals when in the United States. The present archive is evidence of that generous spirit.
Updated 3/10: There are three autograph letters present, not two as previously stated.
Stage & Screen
Auction: Stage & Screen Featuring The Estate of Charles Strouse & Barbara Siman, Mar 18, 2026
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Auction of the Estate of Composer Charles Strouse & Choreographer Barbara Siman on March 18, 2026
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Memorabilia, Artwork, Furniture, Decorations, Books and More from Their Manhattan Apartment
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Featured Section of the March 18 Stage & Screen Auction
NEW YORK, NY -- Fans and collectors from across the nation and beyond gathered in Doyle's saleroom and online for the auction the Estate of the legendary Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning composer Charles Strouse and his wife choreographer Barbara Siman. Showcased were memorabilia, artwork, furniture, decorations, books and more from the couple's Manhattan apartment. The landmark sale was a featured section of the Stage & Screen auction on March 18, 2026.
Over his 50-year career Charles Strouse wrote the music for such iconic musical theater hits as Bye Bye Birdie, Applause and Annie, as well as the theme song for the classic sitcom All in the Family ("Those Were the Days"). Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin's partnership on Annie produced one of Broadway's most successful scores ever. "Tomorrow" and other songs from the production have since become enduring American musical standards admired by generations. Read More
Highlighting the sale was Charles Strouse's antique Steinway Model A Grand Piano that achieved $11,520, surpassing its $7,000-10,000 estimate. Manufactured in 1897, the piano was acquired by Strouse in the late 1960s and used throughout the composition Applause (1970), Annie (1977), and other celebrated works.
Among the memorabilia offerings that realized strong results were signed sheet music for the iconic song “Tomorrow” from Annie that sold for $1,280, many times its $300-400 estimate, and signed sheet music for “Those Were the Days,” the opening theme from the television series All in the Family, estimated at $300-500, which achieved $1,216. Also drawing interest at the sale was Charles Strouse’s director’s chair, printed on the front with “Charles Strouse” and on the back with “Annie,” which more than doubled its $300-500 estimate, selling for $1,152.
Stage & Screen
Property from the Estate of Charles Stouse & Barbara Siman was offered as a featured section of the Stage & Screen auction celebrating Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance. Read More
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