Items signed by Nikola Tesla, Marilyn Monroe, others are in University Archives' July 28th auction

WILTON, Conn. - July 13, 2026 - PRLog -- A one-page typed letter signed by Nikola Tesla regarding wireless telegraphy; a Marilyn Monroe signed presentation from the "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" era; and a Bruce Lee and Van Williams co-signed program from the 1967 International Karate Championships in California are a few expected top lots in University Archives' online-only Rare Autographs, Manuscripts, Books & Photographs auction scheduled for Wednesday, July 28.

The auction, starting promptly at 10am Eastern Time, is filled with items in many categories. The catalog in its entirety – all 430 lots – is up for viewing and bidding now on the University Archives website, UniversityArchives.com, plus the popular platforms Invaluable.com, Auctionzip.com and LiveAuctioneers.com. Telephone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

"The July 28 auction is filled with items of incredible historical interest," said John Reznikoff, the president and owner of University Archives, "from Albert Einstein's mathematical notes on the United Field Theory, to Ty Cobb's game-worn baseball cleats from his Philadelphia Athletics days. Collectors, dealers, and institutions can find whatever they're looking for, whether it be U.S. Presidents, Science, Space/Aviation, Literature, Art, Music, Entertainment, and Sports."

The Nikola Tesla one-page typed letter, signed and dated March 16, 1901, is addressed to fellow electrical engineer Robert Ten Eyck Lozier, who had also worked for Thomas Edison. Tesla writes excitedly about his hopes for soon establishing wireless telegraphic communication with Europe after securing a $150,000 investment from J. Pierpont Morgan. By year's end, Tesla had lost the wireless race to his Italian competitor, Guglielmo Marconi. Estimate: $15,000-$20,000

The Marilyn Monroe signed presentation photo from the "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" era, was taken by 20th Century Fox head photographer Frank Powolny, one of Monroe's favorite photographers. The glamorous yet intimate portrait, black and white on semi-glossy paper, is accompanied by LOAs from both PSA/DNA and Beckett. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000

The Bruce Lee and Van Williams (Lee's co-star from the 1966-1967 "Green Hornet" television series) co-signed program from the 1967 International Karate Championships held in Long Beach, California in July 1967 was autographed by both men on the program's "Demonstrations" page. Accompanied by an LOA from the original autograph recipient. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000

To learn more, or to register and bid, visit www.UniversityArchives.com