{"product_id":"john-wilkes-booth-personally-owned-scenery-list-w-handwritten-edit-by-booth","title":"John Wilkes Booth Personally Owned Scenery List w\/ Handwritten Edit by Booth?","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"210\" data-start=\"43\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"53\" data-start=\"43\"\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"56\" data-start=\"53\"\u003eJohn Wilkes Booth Personally Owned 1862 “Robbers” Theatrical Scenery List – Ink Manuscript with Pencil Notation in Booth’s Hand – With Handwriting Study\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"729\" data-start=\"212\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"228\" data-start=\"212\"\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"231\" data-start=\"228\"\u003eOffered here is a rare 1862 theatrical scenery list for the play \u003cem data-end=\"308\" data-start=\"296\"\u003e“Robbers,”\u003c\/em\u003e a document personally owned by John Wilkes Booth. The manuscript consists of a detailed, multi-act stage production breakdown and is primarily written in ink by an unidentified hand. It outlines scenic elements and stage directions for all four acts, including settings such as “Gothic Kitchens,” “Eily’s Cottage,” “Mountain Torrent,” and “Lehr’s Wood,” along with notes on props, scene changes, and staging mechanics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1176\" data-start=\"731\"\u003eAt the upper left corner appears the inscription “J. W. Booth 1862,” written in an unknown hand, identifying the document’s association and date. Importantly, a distinct section of the document—executed in pencil—is believed to be in the hand of John Wilkes Booth. This pencil notation differs clearly from the primary ink text in both medium and style, indicating it was added separately, likely as a working annotation during theatrical use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1505\" data-start=\"1178\"\u003eThe document is written on period lined paper and remains in good condition for its age, exhibiting expected toning, fold lines, and light staining. The reverse shows visible bleed-through from the ink text. The contrast between the ink manuscript and the pencil addition enhances the document’s layered historical character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1664\" data-start=\"1507\"\u003eA detailed handwriting study accompanies the piece, focusing specifically on the pencil notation and comparing it to known examples of Booth’s handwriting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2039\" data-start=\"1666\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1689\" data-start=\"1666\"\u003eHistorical Context:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1692\" data-start=\"1689\"\u003eJohn Wilkes Booth (1838–1865) was a prominent American stage actor in the mid-19th century, widely recognized for his performances prior to his assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. In 1862, Booth was actively engaged in theatrical productions, frequently working with complex stage arrangements requiring detailed scenic planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2308\" data-start=\"2041\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2057\" data-start=\"2041\"\u003e“The Robbers,”\u003c\/em\u003e by Friedrich Schiller, was a popular dramatic work during this period, known for its elaborate staging and intense narrative. Documents such as this scenery list provide valuable insight into the operational side of 19th-century theater production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2523\" data-start=\"2310\"\u003eThis manuscript represents a tangible connection to Booth’s professional life, with the believed pencil notation offering evidence of his direct interaction with the document during a working theatrical context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2764\" data-start=\"2525\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2560\" data-start=\"2525\"\u003eAuthentication \u0026amp; Encapsulation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2563\" data-start=\"2560\"\u003eThis item is a theatrical scenery list personally owned by John Wilkes Booth, with a pencil notation believed to be in his hand. A detailed handwriting study is included, supporting this attribution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3071\" data-start=\"2766\"\u003eJohn Reznikoff, a recognized expert in historical autographs, has reviewed the study and agrees with our conclusions. At the buyer’s request, we will include both our company certificate and an additional certificate signed by John Reznikoff affirming his agreement after being presented with the study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3602\" data-start=\"3073\"\u003eIt should be noted that this is a challenging piece to authenticate definitively. Known examples of Booth’s handwriting are limited, and the attribution applies specifically to the pencil notation—not the entirety of the document, which is in another hand. Additionally, the use of pencil further complicates authentication. While we stand by our conclusions and believe the study supports the attribution, leading third-party authentication services may not have sufficient comparative material to render a definitive opinion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3602\" data-start=\"3073\"\u003eWith that said, we are selling this incredibly unique piece as a personally owned John Wilkes Booth scenery list and the handwriting should be considered as a bonus!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3826\" data-start=\"3603\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3826\" data-start=\"3603\" data-section-id=\"1oqo8gg\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3647\" data-start=\"3605\"\u003eAdditional Documentation \u0026amp; Provenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-end=\"3824\" data-start=\"3648\"\u003eAt buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4242\" data-start=\"3828\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3847\" data-start=\"3828\"\u003eClosing Appeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3850\" data-start=\"3847\"\u003eThis exceptional manuscript offers a rare opportunity to acquire a personally owned theatrical artifact tied to John Wilkes Booth’s career as an actor. With its detailed stage content, believed autograph notation, and supporting expert analysis, it stands as a unique and historically compelling piece suited for advanced collectors seeking depth and authenticity in Civil War-era material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"4676\" data-start=\"4244\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4264\" data-start=\"4244\"\u003eShipping Notice:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"4267\" data-start=\"4264\"\u003e\u003cem data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"4676\" data-start=\"4267\"\u003eFor insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"H.A.G.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47575489609891,"sku":"EB-168310704567","price":8500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/7509\/6227\/files\/57_bc84d0bf-7761-4e4b-9832-b0a4678d8ca7.jpg?v=1776268852","url":"https:\/\/historicalautographsgallery.com\/products\/john-wilkes-booth-personally-owned-scenery-list-w-handwritten-edit-by-booth","provider":"H.A.G.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}