Porter, Cole

The watercolour drawing by an unidentified artist, showing Porter on stage, playing the piano, being showered with bouquets of flowers from the audience, on card (3 5/8 x 5 1/2 in.; 93 x 140 mm) embossed with the seal of Yale University, [New Haven], 23 April 1912, some staining and soiling--together with a signed photograph of Porter, 89 x 63 mm, by Phyfe, a framed photograph of Porter as a baby, a box of visiting cards ("Cole Porter''), with some envelopes, 5 blank Memo pads ("always carried by Cole Porter—red with daytime suits—black with dinner jackets''), a watercolour of Porter's dog, Pepin by the Duke of Verdura, a handbag owned by Porter's beloved mother, and two pincushions ("given to C.P by his secretary, during his severe illness)"; 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This watercolour of Cole Porter playing the piano was presented to him by some of his classmates after he played one of his own compositions.  It has been signed in pencil by 14 of his classmates, including W. Averell Harriman.