Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "We Have Polk's Grocery List..."

Release Date: June 16, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Produced By: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction to Lincoln Memorabilia Auctions

The episode kicks off with Jack Armstrong announcing a significant upcoming event in the world of historical memorabilia. He shares exciting news about impending auctions featuring rare Lincoln-related documents that are expected to fetch millions.

Jack Armstrong [00:32]: "Rare copies of both the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment are going to be auctioned off in Sotheby's upcoming books and manuscripts sale in New York City."

2. The Allure and Challenges of Collecting Historical Artifacts

Joe Getty and Jack Armstrong delve into the fascination surrounding memorabilia collecting. They discuss the allure of owning pieces signed by historical figures and the challenges that come with it, such as determining authenticity and the inherent cost.

Joe Getty [01:23]: "Never really... it's usually a cool picture and a really fancy frame and then what you're paying for is the little signature on something, a letter or whatever."

Jack echoes these sentiments, sharing his personal experiences with collectors' markets and the internal conflict between passion and practicality.

Jack Armstrong [02:09]: "I'm conflicted. I'm very conflicted."

3. High-Stakes Valuation and Market Trends

The conversation shifts to the valuation of historical documents, highlighting the staggering prices they command at auctions. The Emancipation Proclamation copy is anticipated to sell for at least $3 million, while the 13th Amendment could reach upwards of $8 million.

Jack Armstrong [05:09]: "The copy, which was signed a year later, is estimated to sell for at least $3 million... the handwritten amendment he signed on Vellum in 1865 ending slavery nationwide is expected to sell for at least $8 million."

They also touch upon the resurgence of interest among younger collectors, particularly Gen X and millennials, despite a general slump in the overall art market.

Jack Armstrong [06:43]: "Lincoln reigns supreme... The record so far for any Lincoln related document is a $3.8 million copy of the emancipation proclamation sold to an Anonymous Guy in 2010."

4. Personal Collections and the Dilemma of Use vs. Investment

Jack shares his personal collection, which includes unique items like a Keith Richards guitar pick and Jimmy Page's cigarette butt. He reflects on the minimal personal enjoyment derived from these items versus their investment value.

Jack Armstrong [08:05]: "I also have Jimmy Page's cigarette butt which I actually grabbed off the front of the stage."

Joe humorously questions the practicality of showcasing such memorabilia, prompting Jack to admit that these items rarely see the light of day.

Joe Getty [08:38]: "How often do you show them to people?"

Jack Armstrong [08:40]: "I'm really not."

5. The Historical Significance of Lincoln's Documents

The hosts provide a detailed backdrop of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, emphasizing their historical importance and the scarcity of surviving copies. They recount Lincoln's heartfelt statement upon signing the Proclamation and its subsequent reproductions sold to support the Union cause.

Jack Armstrong [06:27]: "Lincoln was already embroiled in the Civil War when he signed the original, freeing enslaved people on January, 1863."

They also touch upon the tragic loss of Lincoln's original manuscript in the 1871 Chicago fire, making the surviving printed copies even more invaluable.

Jack Armstrong [09:49]: "Lincoln's original handwritten manuscript of the proclamation was lost in the 1871 Chicago fire."

6. The Legacy of Historical Collectibles and Authentication Issues

The discussion broadens to the legacy of collecting historical items, with a focus on the difficulties in authenticating such memorabilia. They ponder the value of even the most mundane items associated with historical figures, like Lincoln's personal belongings.

Joe Getty [10:16]: "Everything Lincoln had or touched could be worth quite a bit of money. His socks, his pants, his hat."

Jack humorously contemplates the idea of possessing John Wilkes Booth memorabilia, highlighting the complexities and ethical considerations in collecting items associated with notorious figures.

Jack Armstrong [13:30]: "I would pee on it every day or something. Some expression of hatred."

7. Reflections on Historical Events and Personal Anecdotes

The hosts reminisce about visiting Ford's Theater and discuss the grim reality of Lincoln's assassination, underscoring the profound impact it had on American history.

Joe Getty [12:09]: "There was some info about that I was just at Ford's Theater not that long ago."

They also share light-hearted banter about their collections and the lengths they'd go to acquire rare items, blending humor with genuine admiration for historical artifacts.

Joe Getty [13:51]: "You can get John Wilkes Booth's hair for me, Kenny."

8. Conclusion: The Intersection of Passion and Practicality in Collecting

As the episode wraps up, both hosts reflect on the balance between their passion for historical memorabilia and the practical considerations of owning such items. They acknowledge the internal conflict between the desire to preserve history and the challenges of displaying and enjoying these treasures.

Jack Armstrong [11:23]: "I get all hot to trot thinking about this stuff... But then. Okay, then. But what good does it do me unless I tell people?"

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, and outros to focus solely on the content-rich discussions between Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty.