Lot 64 looks cheap. It is a promotional leaflet encouraging purchase of Stearns' Ranchos land in 1869. Today this brochure will cost you $500 to $800. Back then you could have bought a substantial portion of the land for that money. Be that as it may, the item will probably go for more money, perhaps for enough to have bought the entire development. Should that occur I would refer you to William Bendix who was known to say "What a revolting development this is!"

The sale is now entering the final third. We approach lot 66 with hope, and if we have not yet been successful on a single lot, with money still in our pockets. This is a Spanish edition of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Los Angeles [1869]. It is undeniably rare but Spanish language material is often dissed by Anglo collectors who are still looking for the original Columbus letter in English. This item will be purchased either by a sophisticated collector or a library. Estimate $700 to $1,000.

For those who do not have enough tax receipts lot 73 is another opportunity to buy someone else's. Against a high estimate of $120 you can buy a tax receipt from the Los Angeles City Marshall's Office for $3.00. You may want to do this as it is dated December 20, 1869. If collecting interest develops for more recent tax bills I predict a huge market on eBay.

Lot 74 is a business card for the Lafayette Hotel circa 1869-1876. The hotel offered omnibus pick-up from the Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad. Estimate: $150 to $250.

While this is a Los Angeles sale the incorrigible minions of San Francisco keep intruding. Get a life why don't you! Lot 77 is a pathetic attempt by the Bay city to muscle in on LA's glory. It is a receipt, published in San Francisco in 1870, for a company that would later move to Los Angeles. Oh please! Specifically it is "Teodoli, Cevasco & Co., Book & Job Printers & Publishers of "La Voce del Popolo." Estimate $100 to $150.

So enough all ready. Every lot is posted in the upcoming auctions: 12/2/2005 Sale Or click on Johns' Western Gallery. I just hope you see this story in time. Have fun and act quickly.