Jun 25, 2026 10:00 EST
The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
96
A letter of condolence signed by David Ben-Gurion concerning the death of an Israeli soldier
Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
BEN-GURION, DAVID
Letter of condolence signed by David Ben-Gurion. N.p.: N.d. (circa 1947). One page letter of condolence in Hebrew executed in a neat calligraphic hand on parchment concering the death of an Israeli solider, Ernest Yakov Müller. Accompanied by Müller's photo ID cards for Histadrut, an organization to help settle new immigrants, and Habonim, a Zionist youth organization, as well as a document from the Quarantine Section of the Palestine Department of Health. The letter 6 1/2 x 5 inches (16.5 x 13 cm). Two minor smudges, the signature a bit weak. Usual wear, toning and minor soiling to the ephemeral materials.
"We hereby declare in great sorrow that (Ernest) Yakov Müller was killed in the line of duty on 6.12.47. The Israeli government, Israeli Defense Forces and the Hebrew nation will always retain the memory of (Ernest) Yakov who was killed while defending the homeland on the campaign for its freedom and independence / D. Ben-Gurion / Prime Minister"
The son of Lotte and Herman, he was born on the 25th of Cheshvan 1919 (18.11.1919) in the city of Göttingen, Germany. In his city he graduated from high school and as a member of the “Habonim” movement he trained as a mechanic-electrician in preparation for a working life in Israel. He joined the “Youth Aliyah” training camp, and when he was not given an Aliyah permit because of his poor eyesight, he left with his family in 1937 for the city of Santiago, the capital of Chile. Through his efforts, a youth movement, “Kedma,” was created there in 1939, which later joined the global movement of “Hashomer Hatzair.” He participated in the establishment of pioneer training, worked in it from 1945 to 1947, and on his initiative a well-developed precision locksmithing factory was established on the farm. At the end of July 1947, he arrived in Israel with his wife in the first group of Chilean pioneers and they joined the Negev, the first nucleus of the pioneers who immigrated from Latin America. In the Negev, he trained in the “Hagana” and from the outbreak of the War of Independence he participated in its operations. He volunteered to accompany a truck on a necessary trip to Kibbutz Gat and on the way back he fell near Kertiya, on the 23rd of Kislev 5758 (6.12.1947). He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in the Negev. His son was born about six months after he fell. https://www.geni.com/people/Ernst-Mueller/6000000005090052811
Sold for $832
Estimated at $400 - $600
Includes Buyer's Premium
Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
BEN-GURION, DAVID
Letter of condolence signed by David Ben-Gurion. N.p.: N.d. (circa 1947). One page letter of condolence in Hebrew executed in a neat calligraphic hand on parchment concering the death of an Israeli solider, Ernest Yakov Müller. Accompanied by Müller's photo ID cards for Histadrut, an organization to help settle new immigrants, and Habonim, a Zionist youth organization, as well as a document from the Quarantine Section of the Palestine Department of Health. The letter 6 1/2 x 5 inches (16.5 x 13 cm). Two minor smudges, the signature a bit weak. Usual wear, toning and minor soiling to the ephemeral materials.
"We hereby declare in great sorrow that (Ernest) Yakov Müller was killed in the line of duty on 6.12.47. The Israeli government, Israeli Defense Forces and the Hebrew nation will always retain the memory of (Ernest) Yakov who was killed while defending the homeland on the campaign for its freedom and independence / D. Ben-Gurion / Prime Minister"
The son of Lotte and Herman, he was born on the 25th of Cheshvan 1919 (18.11.1919) in the city of Göttingen, Germany. In his city he graduated from high school and as a member of the “Habonim” movement he trained as a mechanic-electrician in preparation for a working life in Israel. He joined the “Youth Aliyah” training camp, and when he was not given an Aliyah permit because of his poor eyesight, he left with his family in 1937 for the city of Santiago, the capital of Chile. Through his efforts, a youth movement, “Kedma,” was created there in 1939, which later joined the global movement of “Hashomer Hatzair.” He participated in the establishment of pioneer training, worked in it from 1945 to 1947, and on his initiative a well-developed precision locksmithing factory was established on the farm. At the end of July 1947, he arrived in Israel with his wife in the first group of Chilean pioneers and they joined the Negev, the first nucleus of the pioneers who immigrated from Latin America. In the Negev, he trained in the “Hagana” and from the outbreak of the War of Independence he participated in its operations. He volunteered to accompany a truck on a necessary trip to Kibbutz Gat and on the way back he fell near Kertiya, on the 23rd of Kislev 5758 (6.12.1947). He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in the Negev. His son was born about six months after he fell. https://www.geni.com/people/Ernst-Mueller/6000000005090052811
Auction: The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile, Jun 25, 2026
-
Successful Auction of The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile on June 25, 2026 Tops $550k with 97% Sell-Through Rate
-
Featuring a Wide Range of Americana and Military History Spanning the 18th through 20th Centuries
-
We Invite You to Contact Us for a Complimentary Auction Evaluation of Your Collection
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's highly-anticipated auction of The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile on June 25, 2026 delivered outstanding results, with trans-Atlantic bidding driving the sale total beyond expectations and an impressive 97% sell-through rate. Comprising more than 200 lots, this extensive and fascinating collection featured books, manuscripts, and original illustration art spanning centuries of antiquarian interest.
Signed Volume from Abraham Lincoln's Personal Library - Sold for $64,000
Books from Abraham Lincoln's personal library are among the great rarities of the American book trade. Leading the sale was an 1849 first edition of William W. Campbell's The Life and Writings of De Witt Clinton inscribed by Lincoln that achieved $64,000, more than doubling its $20,000-30,000 estimate. Lincoln signed the book on November 19, 1860, less than two weeks after his election to the presidency. In February 1861, he would depart Springfield by train for Washington, never returning to his hometown until his burial following his assassination.
A United States Senator, Mayor of New York City, and Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton is best remembered for championing the Erie Canal, one of the great infrastructure projects of the 19th century. Lincoln admired Clinton's vision and leadership, looking to him as a model of a strong executive capable of undertaking and completing ambitious public works.
British Military & Naval Color Plate Books - Sold for $16,640
The wide selection of color plate books featured magnificent first editions of James Jenkins' celebrated The Martial Achievements of Great Britain from the Year 1799 to 1815 and The Naval Achievements of Great Britain from the Year 1793 to 1817. Amid trans-Atlantic bidding, this elegant two-volume set sailed its $7,000-10,000 estimate to realize $16,640. Among the finest military color plate books of the early 19th century, these large-paper editions, featuring over 100 hand-colored aquatint plates, were presented in their most desirable state, with coloring of exceptional quality and delicately tinted plate surrounds not found in the regular issue. Completing the lot was an original watercolor by William Heath, the leading British military watercolorist of the period, prepared for one of the plates in The Martial Achievements.
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for complimentary auction estimates. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
