HERRMANN, BERNARD. "Have Gun Will Travel" Signed Letter and Signed Document

Herrmann composed the popular music for the TV classic, "Have Gun Will Travel," which aired from 1957-63 on CBS. The show's main character, Paladin, was a well mannered mercenary gunfighter. In our letter, Herrmann writes about music rights noting the "Have Gun Will Travel" composition purchased by CBS. "Enclose [sic] are the contracts - as follows I to VI are radio music - which C.B S owned radio rights and in 57 purchased all rights . 7 to 14 - are works of mine from my own files that I reworked for T. V. use and which C. B. S. purchased...15 - is theme written for Have Gun Will Travel...." He signs, "Bernard." The letter shows a smudged date stamped at the top near the address indicating receipt by the recipient, dated Aug. 18, 1958. The contract accompanying this letter on "CBS Television" stationery consists of 4 separate 4to pages, January 18, 1957. The contract engages Herrmann to "compose...an original musical composition, including full orchestral score...as theme music in connection with the production of a filmed television series... tentatively entitled HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL...." Herrmann signs in full on page 4 above his typed name and with initials on page 3 in the margin of a deleted paragraph. A scarce "Have Gun Will Travel Wire Paladin San Francisco" business card with the iconic knight chess piece accompanies the letter and contract. The card measures in inches 1.75 x 3.50. Condition: The letter shows browning in upper left corner possibly from a rusted paper clip, a slight browned chip at left edge and slightly larger browned chip at right edge, midway in both instances; margin folds apparent and some overall wrinkling. Contract shows rusted paper clip stains on each page and some rust around staple in upper left, otherwise in good condition. The card shows tape stains on each edge. Autograph Letter SIGNED, on personalized printed stationery, 4to, North Hollywood, Aug. 15 n.y. but most likely 1958; Typed Document (Contract) SIGNED for "Have Gun Will Travel" theme music; with "Wire Paladin" Calling Card. Autograph