CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Dec. 5, 2020 - A letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to fellow Founding Father Gouverneur Morris in 1792, requesting that his private chef in France be sent to Monticello, plus a signed glamour photo of Marilyn Monroe, are expected top lots in One of a Kind Collectibles' Internet-only auction online now. Bidding is currently open at www.OAKauctions.com and ends Thursday, December 17th at 8:30 pm Eastern time.

The letter from Jefferson, enlisting the help of Gouverneur Morris in Paris, is expected to achieve an impressive $14,000-$16,000. Jefferson was inquiring after a former Parisian kitchen aid named Henri. Jefferson wanted to employ him as chef at his home in Monticello, Virginia. it might be said that Jefferson was America's very first 'foodie'.

In addition to being a philosopher, inventor, and architect, Jefferson was also a culinary connoisseur, with a particular affinity for French cuisine. He brought his slave James Hemings to France so that he would learn "the art of cookery" and is credited with introducing the nation to French fries and many other delicious delights. It could be said that Jefferson was America's very first 'foodie'. "It is extremely rare to find any letters from Thomas Jefferson, in reference to his love for food and French cuisine," said David Gindy of One of a Kind Collectibles.

Mr. Gindy saw in the signed portrait photograph of Marilyn Monroe, "what made her the American icon she is today." The 1953 photo came from an estate in Montecito, which sold items of Robert Mitchum, Monroe's co-star in the 1953 movie River of No Return. Monroe writes, "To Bob, Love & Kisses and I think you are wonderful." It is believed "Bob" is possibly Robert Mitchum. The photo was taken by Frank Powolny, frequent photographer for Monroe, and measures 7 ½ inches by 9 ½ inches. It is expected to gavel for $12,000-$14,000.

A 1951 letter signed by Albert Einstein addresses how businessman Joseph Halle Schaffner would best donate his money. Einstein had previously suggested that Schaffner donate to the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. In the letter, Einstein suggests that the money instead go to the Committee in Aid of Displaced Foreign Scholars which aided "refugee intellectuals of the Hitler persecution." The typed letter should fetch $9,000-$11,000.

To learn more, or to register and bid now for the December 17th auction, visit www.OAKauctions.com.

Contact
David Gindy