A Washington Relic, Royal ‘Diamond’—and Other Collectibles Up for Grabs

Artnet News

by Min Chen

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Deep Cuts offers a monthly look at high-value collectibles hitting the market, featuring rare artifacts, manuscripts, and memorabilia from iconic figures and moments in history. Among the standout items is an enigmatic fragment of George Washington's writing, which includes the phrase “Fathers of the Senate!” This mysterious snippet, sourced from ancient Roman terminology, has no known counterpart in surviving Washington documents. The fragment is part of Jared Sparks’ controversial practice of slicing up historical manuscripts to satisfy autograph hunters, and its origin remains a fascinating puzzle for historians. The sale also highlights other notable items, such as Jack Kerouac’s 120-foot scroll from *On the Road*, expected to fetch $2.5 million–$4 million at Christie’s. Additionally, rare movie posters, including a one-sheet for *Casablanca* and a British quad for *Horror of Dracula*, are set to bring in millions at Propstore auctions. These pieces tap into the enduring allure of classic cinema and pop culture. For sports enthusiasts, a silver Olympic medal from the 1896 Games—etched by Art Nouveau pioneer Jules-Clément Chaplain—is among the rarest items up for sale. Meanwhile, royal artifacts from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, including her Jubilee Crystal Diamond, will benefit Cancer Research U.K. at Bonhams auctions. The sale of JFK Jr.’s and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s personal fashion pieces, such as a \$20,000–\$30,000 Prada coat, adds a touch of celebrity history to the offerings. These items not

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Originally published on Artnet News on 2/20/2026