Historic one of a kind archive lot related to Norman Rockwell’s ‘Grandfather Wheeling Baby,’ a piece commissioned as an advertisement for the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1962.

14 x 11 inch print of ‘Grandfather Wheeling Baby,’ signed in the lower right in ballpoint, “Sincerely, Norman Rockwell.”

Two ALSs from Rockwell, both signed “Sincerely, Norman,” one page, 6 x 8 inches, personal letterhead, circa August 1963, both addressed to John B. Rogers, the son of the ‘grandfather’ model, who is attempting to obtain more material from the project.

Two original hand-addressed mailing envelopes, one postmarked August 26, 1963, with Rockwell adding his signature to both in the return address field, “Norman Rockwell, Stockbridge.”

Original glossy 3.25 x 8.5 model photo of the ‘grandfather’

Vintage newspaper clippings of a 1978 article related to the collection and value of signed Rockwell prints included in lot

Second unsigned ‘Grandfather Wheeling Baby' print

Fall/Winter 1995 catalog from the Norman Rockwell Museum

Vintage Christmas card from 'The Rockwells'

First letter in full: “Here is only [only] photo I can find of your father. Bill Scorill took the photos and has the negatives. He has been kinda upset lately but if you want to maybe he make up some larger prints for you. I knew your father only a little but I respected him and was fond of him.”

Second letter in full: “This is my second letter today. I just received these from Mass. Mutual. They regret they cannot let you have the original, so they send these.” 

Overall near fine condition with light block toning

Provenance: Descendent of John Alexander Rogers

Letter of Authenticity