Mar 18, 2026 10:00 EST
Stage & Screen Featuring The Estate of Charles Strouse & Barbara Siman
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A dinner invitation signed by Irving Berlin and Moss Hart
The Estate of Charles Strouse & Barbara Siman
IRVING BERLIN; MOSS HART
A dinner invitation signed by Irving Berlin and Moss Hart. [New York? August 5th, 1934]. Arches paper with illustration after Chalres Martin printed on cover. Inscribed "To Mrs. Annie Wales / all good wishes / from / Irving Berlin" on cover, and "To Annie Wales / Moss Hart / "Saturnia" on reverse. 9 1/2 x 6 1/4 inches (24 x 16 cm). Small pen marks at head of cover, blank area of illustration with faint browning, other faint browning at margins (but not affecting Berlin inscription), the name "Annie Wales" water-stained, "Annie" on reverse also water-stained.
An interesting collectible owned by Charles Strouse and a wonderful association between Strouse and two Broadway legends from the generation that inspired his beloved works. The invitation is from a dinner party held aboard the MV. Saturnia, a premier Italian ocean liner of the 1930s. By 1934, the Saturnia was a staple along the Trieste-New York route and was renowned for being one of the first ships to feature private balconies for passengers. It served as a luxury liner until being requisitioned for service in World War II.
Sold for $448
Estimated at $600 - $800
Includes Buyer's Premium
The Estate of Charles Strouse & Barbara Siman
IRVING BERLIN; MOSS HART
A dinner invitation signed by Irving Berlin and Moss Hart. [New York? August 5th, 1934]. Arches paper with illustration after Chalres Martin printed on cover. Inscribed "To Mrs. Annie Wales / all good wishes / from / Irving Berlin" on cover, and "To Annie Wales / Moss Hart / "Saturnia" on reverse. 9 1/2 x 6 1/4 inches (24 x 16 cm). Small pen marks at head of cover, blank area of illustration with faint browning, other faint browning at margins (but not affecting Berlin inscription), the name "Annie Wales" water-stained, "Annie" on reverse also water-stained.
An interesting collectible owned by Charles Strouse and a wonderful association between Strouse and two Broadway legends from the generation that inspired his beloved works. The invitation is from a dinner party held aboard the MV. Saturnia, a premier Italian ocean liner of the 1930s. By 1934, the Saturnia was a staple along the Trieste-New York route and was renowned for being one of the first ships to feature private balconies for passengers. It served as a luxury liner until being requisitioned for service in World War II.
Auction: Stage & Screen Featuring The Estate of Charles Strouse & Barbara Siman, Mar 18, 2026
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Auction of the Estate of Composer Charles Strouse & Choreographer Barbara Siman on March 18, 2026
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Memorabilia, Artwork, Furniture, Decorations, Books and More from Their Manhattan Apartment
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Featured Section of the March 18 Stage & Screen Auction
NEW YORK, NY -- Fans and collectors from across the nation and beyond gathered in Doyle's saleroom and online for the auction the Estate of the legendary Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning composer Charles Strouse and his wife choreographer Barbara Siman. Showcased were memorabilia, artwork, furniture, decorations, books and more from the couple's Manhattan apartment. The landmark sale was a featured section of the Stage & Screen auction on March 18, 2026.
Over his 50-year career Charles Strouse wrote the music for such iconic musical theater hits as Bye Bye Birdie, Applause and Annie, as well as the theme song for the classic sitcom All in the Family ("Those Were the Days"). Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin's partnership on Annie produced one of Broadway's most successful scores ever. "Tomorrow" and other songs from the production have since become enduring American musical standards admired by generations. Read More
Highlighting the sale was Charles Strouse's antique Steinway Model A Grand Piano that achieved $11,520, surpassing its $7,000-10,000 estimate. Manufactured in 1897, the piano was acquired by Strouse in the late 1960s and used throughout the composition Applause (1970), Annie (1977), and other celebrated works.
Among the memorabilia offerings that realized strong results were signed sheet music for the iconic song “Tomorrow” from Annie that sold for $1,280, many times its $300-400 estimate, and signed sheet music for “Those Were the Days,” the opening theme from the television series All in the Family, estimated at $300-500, which achieved $1,216. Also drawing interest at the sale was Charles Strouse’s director’s chair, printed on the front with “Charles Strouse” and on the back with “Annie,” which more than doubled its $300-500 estimate, selling for $1,152.
Stage & Screen
Property from the Estate of Charles Stouse & Barbara Siman was offered as a featured section of the Stage & Screen auction celebrating Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance. Read More
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