On July 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, Profiles in History will present the Howard Hughes Auction. Items in the collection were acquired by Hughes insider Vernon C. Olson, who was his private accountant while also being Hughes Tool Company’s public accountant. After Olson died in 2012, the collection went to his daughter Mindy, who consigned it to the auction.
Among the highlights are 55 handwritten love letters, notes, and postcards from Katharine Hepburn to Hughes. The letters are dated from August 15, 1937 through December 5, 1938 during their highly publicized romance. Hepburn used many pet names and nicknames when signing the letters, such as “Country Mouse,” “C. Mouse,” “C.M.,” “Mrs. H.R. Countrymouse,” “Mrs. Boss,” and “H. Muskrat.”
The letters are filled with lines like, “My Most Excellent Boss – Supremely attractive – brilliant as Einstein – graceful as a gazelle – exciting as an adventure story. To be allowed to go to sleep in the arms of the person of supreme tier in regard an honor not to be lightly cast as it’s – Oh catch of the ages – Thou art mine? I hope so – for the sky rains rose petals so long as thy glance is in my direction – I bow – C.M. – Mrs. B. Mrs. Hug Mrs. H. K.H.”
Hughes’ emerald and diamond engagement ring set in platinum gifted to Katharine Hepburn in original, unrestored/unpolished condition is in the auction. The emerald is flanked by two transparent, near colorless, rectangular shape, step cut diamonds weighing approx. 1.20 carats, and two transparent, near colorless, epaulet cut diamonds weighing approximately 70 carats.
The Zoë Mozert original poster art of Jane Russell for The Outlaw was used extensively in publicity for the film. The image, featuring a seductive rendering of Russell lounging on a pile of hay with plenty of skin exposed, stirred controversy, which Hughes capitalized on to get publicity for the film.
Hughes’ 1939 Congressional Gold Medal recognizes his achievements in advancing the science of aviation. It was approved by the U.S. Congress on August 7, 1939 for his achievements in “advancing the science of aviation and thus bringing great credit to his country throughout the world.”
The auction includes personal items like Hughes’ signature two-tone wool jacket worn while piloting the H-4 Hercules (Spruce Goose), his oak desk that previously belonged to Howard Hughes, Sr., Sears Roebuck & Co. “Jeepers” tennis shoes, leather aviator helmet and mask, his trademark fedora, and an unopened, sealed bottle of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 1961 Bordeaux, etched brass The Flamingo Hotel Privileged Guest card, and Jean Harlow’s signed Caddo Company contract for Hell’s Angels and a signed contract loaning her to MGM for The Secret 6.
Additional featured lots are three contracts Hughes signed for The Front Page, five contracts that include signatures of Howard Hawks and Louis B. Mayer, Hughes’ gold Los Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief Badge, a letter from Susan Fox, and four handwritten letters from then 17-year-old Gloria Vanderbilt.
More information on the July 23 auction is available at profilesinhistory.com.