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![Personal Effects of James V. Mansfield, American Psychic Medium [Spiritualism - Magic] (America, 1857 to 1883) Largest: 17 x 13 in. (43.2 x 33 cm.)](https://image.invaluable.com/housePhotos/brayco/54/808854/H22976-L434072273_original.JPG)
![Personal Effects of James V. Mansfield, American Psychic Medium [Spiritualism - Magic] (America, 1857 to 1883) Largest: 17 x 13 in. (43.2 x 33 cm.)](https://image.invaluable.com/housePhotos/brayco/54/808854/H22976-L434072273.JPG)
14
(America, 1857 to 1883)
Personal Effects of James V. Mansfield, American Psychic Medium [Spiritualism - Magic]
Group of papers and related items belonging to Dr. James V. Mansfield (1817–1899), the well-known "writing medium" and prominent figure in the American spiritualist movement. Mansfield was also an active collector of historic relics and documents. See Lots 15–19 for additional items from this collection.
The group includes a copper pull doorbell engraved "Dr. Mansfield's Bell," from his office; a framed group of five 19th-century business cards advertising Mansfield's work as a medium; a framed certificate certifying that Mansfield had received instruction in electropathy; a nine-page handwritten phrenological report, "Phrenological Character," prepared at Fowler & Wells' Phrenological Cabinet, New York, 1852; an 1869 issue of the Banner of Light featuring a biographical article and illustration of Mansfield; a handwritten letter of affirmation from a client; a three-page transcription of an 1857 newspaper account describing Mansfield answering a sealed letter written in Greek; approximately seventy [70] newspaper clippings from the 1850s–1870s documenting Mansfield's career and reputed abilities, including reading sealed letters and communicating with spirits; and a long handwritten note believed to have been communicated to Mansfield by a spirit.
The group concludes with twelve pages of handwritten notes in French concerning 16th- and 17th-century publications on spiritualism and religion; The Secrets of Ancient and Modern Magic, M. Young, publisher, 173 Greenwich Street; an early reprint of Le Spiritisme by Allan Kardec; "Tidings from Beyond," a framed spiritualist broadside advertising the work of W. F. J. Thiers (Washington, D.C., 1872); "The Angel-Bird's Anthem," an unfolded page from a booklet containing a religious song by Thiers; and a circular for the American Spiritualist Alliance (1883).
James Valentine Mansfield (1817-1899) was a 19th-century writer, educator, and prominent spiritualist medium whose career reflected many of the social and intellectual currents of his era. He began his working life as a penmanship teacher and merchant before turning, in the late 1850s, to spiritualism, where he became widely known for producing written messages during séances. Mansfield lived and worked in several major American cities, including Boston, San Francisco during the Civil War years, and New York, and his clients included a number of notable figures, among them Mary Todd Lincoln. He was also a careful collector of historic relics and documentary material, preserving letters and manuscripts that illuminate both his own career and the broader culture of 19th-century America.
The group includes a copper pull doorbell engraved "Dr. Mansfield's Bell," from his office; a framed group of five 19th-century business cards advertising Mansfield's work as a medium; a framed certificate certifying that Mansfield had received instruction in electropathy; a nine-page handwritten phrenological report, "Phrenological Character," prepared at Fowler & Wells' Phrenological Cabinet, New York, 1852; an 1869 issue of the Banner of Light featuring a biographical article and illustration of Mansfield; a handwritten letter of affirmation from a client; a three-page transcription of an 1857 newspaper account describing Mansfield answering a sealed letter written in Greek; approximately seventy [70] newspaper clippings from the 1850s–1870s documenting Mansfield's career and reputed abilities, including reading sealed letters and communicating with spirits; and a long handwritten note believed to have been communicated to Mansfield by a spirit.
The group concludes with twelve pages of handwritten notes in French concerning 16th- and 17th-century publications on spiritualism and religion; The Secrets of Ancient and Modern Magic, M. Young, publisher, 173 Greenwich Street; an early reprint of Le Spiritisme by Allan Kardec; "Tidings from Beyond," a framed spiritualist broadside advertising the work of W. F. J. Thiers (Washington, D.C., 1872); "The Angel-Bird's Anthem," an unfolded page from a booklet containing a religious song by Thiers; and a circular for the American Spiritualist Alliance (1883).
James Valentine Mansfield (1817-1899) was a 19th-century writer, educator, and prominent spiritualist medium whose career reflected many of the social and intellectual currents of his era. He began his working life as a penmanship teacher and merchant before turning, in the late 1850s, to spiritualism, where he became widely known for producing written messages during séances. Mansfield lived and worked in several major American cities, including Boston, San Francisco during the Civil War years, and New York, and his clients included a number of notable figures, among them Mary Todd Lincoln. He was also a careful collector of historic relics and documentary material, preserving letters and manuscripts that illuminate both his own career and the broader culture of 19th-century America.
Largest: 17 x 13 in. (43.2 x 33 cm.)
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April 25, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
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Bray & Co. Auctions
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Bid Increments
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $499 | $25 |
| $500 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 + | $10,000 |