This unique group of items is united by one overarching theme: Ayn Rand's love of cats.

The first item is a sterling silver winking cat pin owned by Ayn Rand. The item donor saw Ayn Rand wear this pin while attending her nonfiction writing course. The pin's diameter is approximately 2". The back is imprinted:

JoPoL

STERLING

GEORG JENSEN INC.

U.S.A.

256

JoPol is for Joan Polsdorfer, the first American jewelry designer to work for Georg Jensen. Georg Jensen is a Danish company founded in 1904, known for its craftsmanship and elegant Scandinavian design. The pin's patina has not been removed. A small black velvet display case included.

The second item is a kitten handkerchief measuring 11" square. The handkerchief has been carefully stitched onto a black velvet background and framed for display. Framed with a minimalist black and silver frame using archival materials. The overall dimensions of this deluxe framed piece are approximately 18" by 18".

The third and last item is an original Julius Shulman photographic print. This print was obtained directly from his studio and bears a Shulman-inscribed catalog number. Since Shulman's death in 2009, his photo archive has been relocated to the Getty Research Institute.

The photograph of Ayn Rand and Frank O'Connor was taken in 1947. They are standing on a patio of the Richard Neutra-designed von Sternberg house, built in 1934 in Chatsworth, California. Ayn can be seen holding one of her beloved cats. This print is also framed with a black velvet mat and minimalist black and silver frame (using archival materials). The overall dimensions of this deluxe framed piece are 16 1/2" by 14 1/2".

Includes a letter of provenance for the pin and the handkerchief, signed by Leonard Peikoff.

If you cannot attend the gala's live auction, proxy bidding is easily arranged. Please contact [email protected] to arrange a bidding proxy.

The donor has requested that the winning bidder consider donating these items to the Ayn Rand Archives at some future date.

https://youtu.be/JzRseGLKwao

RESERVE PRICE SET AT $7,000

Payments from successful bidders will be tax-deductible contributions to ARI, to the extent of the excess dollar amount over ARI's good-faith estimate of the item's value. Please note: due to IRS regulations, ARI is not able to accept contributions from donor-advised funds or private foundations to satisfy winning auction bids.

Pin and handkerchief donated by Anne Bussey.

Photograph donated by Larry Salzman.