155745 Preisdatenbank Los(e) gefunden, die Ihrer Suche entsprechen

TOULOUSE-LAUTREC HENRI DE: (1864-1901) French Painter & Illustrator. A.L.S., T-Lautrec, three pages, 8vo, Paris, n.d. (1898?), to 'Mon cher Theo' (van Rysselberghe), in French. The artist informs his friend that he has returned from Spain, where he met Dario, and is now leaving for London in four days, asking van Rysselberghe to supply him with the address of a dealer in London where he can buy some items. Toulouse-Lautrec also enquires as to when his correspondent will be in Paris next as they must go to see a home when it is finished. In concluding he remarks that a mutual acquaintance will be going to Brussels shortly and will meet van Rysselberghe. Autograph letters of Toulouse-Lautrec are rare as a result of his untimely death at the age of 36. One slight paperclip rust stain to the first page, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG Theo van Rysselberghe (1862-1926) Belgian Neo-Impressionist Painter who played a pivotal role in the European art scene at the turn of the 20th century. Co-founder of Les XX (1883). Rysselberghe had first met Toulouse-Lautrec in 1887 and was highly appreciative of his talent. Toulouse-Lautrec's family were Anglophiles and, though not as fluent as he pretended to be, the artist spoke English well enough to travel to London, exhibiting works at Goupil's Gallery in May 1898. Whilst in London Toulouse-Lautrec made posters, including the 'Confetti' poster, and the bicycle advert 'La Chaine Simpson'. It was at this time that he also met and befriended Oscar Wilde. Toulouse-Lautrec immersed himself in the colourful and theatrical life of Paris in the late 19th century, allowing himself to produce a collection of enticing, elegant and provocative images of the modern, and often decadent, life of those times. He is among the best-known painters of the Post-Impressionist period, along with Cezanne, Van Gogh and Gauguin. 

PLANCK MAX: (1858-1947) German Theoretical Physicist, noted for his work on quantum theory. Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1918. An outstanding vintage signed 9.5 x 13 photograph of Planck in a head and shoulders pose looking directly towards the camera in a determined manner. Photograph by Lotte Jacobi and signed ('Jacobi') by her in bold pencil to the lower photographer's mount. Signed ('Dr. Max Planck') by Planck in bold, dark fountain pen ink with his name alone to the lower photographer's mount. Framed and glazed in the original plain black wooden frame (bearing the Ryman & Co. Ltd., Fine Art Dealers, of High Street, Oxford, framer's original printed label pasted to the verso) to an overall size of 10 x 13.5. Some very light, extremely minor silvering to the edges of the image and some equally minor, extremely light staining to the photographer's mount, not affecting the signature, otherwise VG The present portrait was captured (and signed) by the German-American photographer Johanna Alexandra 'Lotte' Jacobi (1896-1990). An accomplished portrait photographer, her other subjects included Albert Einstein, Robert Frost, Marc Chagall, J. D. Salinger, W. H. Auden, Martin Buber, Chaim Weizmann and many others. Jacobi travelled from assignment to assignment with her equipment, bringing her studio to the models. Her preference was to make subjects most at ease before taking a photograph, an interesting policy given Planck's apparently determined expression in the present image. Provenance: The present photograph was signed for Sir Harold Thompson (1908-1983) English Physical Chemist who graduated in 1929 and worked with Planck in Berlin. He returned to Oxford in 1930 (at which time he evidently had the present photograph framed) after receiving a Ph.D. from the Friedrich Wilhelm University of Berlin. The photograph was acquired directly by the vendor from a member of Thompson's family.  Max Planck made many contributions to theoretical physics, but his fame as a physicist rests primarily on his role as an originator of quantum theory, which revolutionised human understanding of atomic and subatomic processes.

APOLLO XI:  A good signed colour 5 x 3.5 photograph by all three crew members of Apollo XI (1969) individually, comprising Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) American Astronaut, Commander of Apollo XI. The first man to walk on the Moon, Buzz Aldrin (1930-    ) American Astronaut, Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo XI. The second man to walk on the Moon and Michael Collins (1930- ) American Astronaut, Command Module Pilot of Apollo XI. The candid image depicts NASA's Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF), with Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins inside, shortly after having been unloaded from a United States Air Force C-141 transport aircraft at Ellington Air Force in Houston following a flight from Hawaii. The large crowds of onlookers gathered to welcome back the astronauts following their historic lunar landing mission can be seen at the edges of the runway. Signed by Armstrong in blue ink and by Aldrin and Collins in bold black inks, each with their names alone and largely to clear areas at the head of the image. An unusual and historic signed photograph, EX Apollo XI represented the first spaceflight to land humans on the Moon, achieving the remarkable feat on 20th July 1969. Armstrong, Aldrin & Collins are arguably the most intrepid explorers the world has known; indeed, Armstrong, who had concerns regarding the mission and believed there was only a 50% chance of successfully landing on the Moon, later stated 'I was elated, ecstatic and extremely surprised that we were successful' 

[PHILIP & MARY]: [PHILIP II] (1527-1598) King of Spain 1556-98, King of Portugal 1581-98 & King of England and Ireland jure uxoris 1554-58 & [MARY I] (1516-1558) Queen of England 1553-58 & Queen consort of Spain 1556-58. A fine document issued in the names of Philip and Mary, one page (vellum), slim oblong folio, 1st March 1555, being an Exemplification of a Fine, boldly penned in Latin in an accomplished scribal hand (two letters with attractive strapwork) and confirming the sale from John Lindsell to Richard Weston of listed parcels of land (Bradlese [i.e. Bradley's] Mead and Wood etc.) in Roxwell, in the parish of Writtle, Essex. With the seal of the Court of Common Pleas affixed at the foot, the seal tag bearing a notarial mark. The brown wax seal (with a diameter of 5") is largely intact, although somewhat rubbed, and depicts Queen Mary seated on a throne and with two coats of arms to the recto and the Queen riding on horseback to the verso. Some staining, just affecting a few words of text, and some light age wear, otherwise a clean and attractive document. About VG Richard Weston (c.1510-1572) English Judge and Politician, Solicitor General 1557-59 and Justice of Common Pleas 1559-72. In January 1555 Weston purchased, for the sum of £280, the Manor of Skreens in the hamlet of Roxwell, which he made his principal residence; the purchase in the present document presumably being contingent upon this. Weston is buried in Writtle church. His grandson and namesake, the 1st Earl of Portland (1577-1634/35) served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and later Lord Treasurer under both King James I and King Charles I, and was one of the most influential figures in the early years of Charles I's Personal Rule. The other party to the transaction, John Lindsell (d.1558) was a local Clerk of Assize. An Act for the Marriage of Queen Mary to Philip of Spain was passed by the English Parliament in April 1554 and, in reality, served as a business contract between England and Spain, specifying what Spain could effect from the union, while at the same time giving assurances that England would not become a satellite of Spain. Under the terms of the marriage treaty, Philip was to enjoy his wife's titles and honours as King of England and Ireland for as long as their marriage should last. All official documents were to be dated with both their names (with Philip's preceding Mary's, as deemed proper for husband and wife, evident in the present example). Mary I, the only child of King Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon to survive to adulthood, ascended to the throne in 1553 upon the death of her younger half-brother King Edward VI who had succeeded their father in 1547. The fourth crowned monarch of the Tudor dynasty, Mary is remembered for her restoration of Roman Catholicism. In the five years of her reign over 280 religious dissenters were burned at the stake, the executions of the Protestants leading to her posthumous sobriquet 'Bloody Mary'.

PAUL I: (1754-1801) Emperor of Russia 1796-1801. Assassinated. L.S., Paul, as Emperor, one page, 4to, Gatchina, 6th October 1797, to Lieutenant General [Christoph von] Benckendorff, in French. The Emperor states 'I authorize you, according to your letter of 2nd October, to make the expenses you will judge are necessary´ and further adds `the money will be returned to you later, and based on the memoirs you will send me. ´ With blank integral leaf. Some very light, minor creasing and age wear and with a small area of paper loss to the integral leaf, VG Christoph von Benckendorff (1749-1823) Baltic Baron, General and Military Governor of Livonia, Estonia.  Emperor Paul I, son of Peter III and Catherine the Great, had a relatively short reign over Russia. Overshadowed by his mother (who had suggested his father may actually have been her lover Sergei Saltykov) for much of his life, Paul I's reign lasted five years ending with his assassination by conspirators. His most important achievement was the adoption of the laws of succession to the Russian throne - rules that remained until the end of the Romanov dynasty and of the Russian Empire. 

REILLY SIDNEY: (c.1873-c.1925) Russian-born (?) Secret Agent, the 'Ace of Spies'. An extremely rare vintage dark fountain pen ink signature ('Sidney Reilly') on a page removed from an autograph album, dated 16th July 1920 in his hand. Also signed ('Alexander of Battenberg') in bold black fountain pen ink by Alexander Mountbatten (1886-1960) 1st Marquess of Carisbrooke. British Army officer and a grandson of Queen Victoria. Mountbatten has added the date 14th August 1913 in his hand. Together with George Alexander Hill (1892-1968) British Intelligence Officer, a friend and colleague of Reilly. Hill acted as a witness at Reilly's wedding to his second wife in 1923. During World War II Hill, who had attained the rank of a Major, worked with the Special Operations Executive (SOE), one of his students being Kim Philby. T.L.S., Peter George, with holograph salutation, one page, 4to, Bad Neuenahr, 6th December 1954, to Dennis Wheatley. Hill thanks Wheatley for their letter and continues to state that they look forward to visiting him on 28th December, commenting 'I will let you know after we get to England about when we should arrive (weather, wind and fog permitting).' In concluding Hill asks for a line by return to inform him whether or not they should bring over evening clothes. Annotated with the pencil received date of 11th December 1954 at the head. VG, 2 Dennis Wheatley (1897-1977) English Author of thriller and occult novels. The background themes of Wheatley's novels varied and included World War II and Espionage. His Gregory Sallust series was one of the main inspirations for Ian Fleming's James Bond stories. Autographs of Sidney Reilly are of the utmost rarity - we can find no records of another example ever having previously been offered for sale at auction. Sidney George Riley (born with the surname Rosenblum and changed to Reilly in the late 1890s) was a secret agent with the British Secret Service Bureau, the precursor to the modern British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). A master of deception, much of Reilly's life is shrouded in mystery and legend, however his fame was created in the 1920s (at the time of the present signature) in part by his friend, British diplomat and journalist Robert Bruce Lockhart, who publicised their thwarted operation to overthrow the Bolshevik regime in 1918. Later Ian Fleming was to use Reilly as a model for James Bond and today many historians consider Reilly to have been the first 20th century super-spy.  

FLEMING IAN: (1908-1964) British Author, creator of James Bond. T.L.S., Ian F., with holograph salutation and subscription, one page, 4to, Kemsley House, London, 25th May 1955, to Antony Terry ('My dear Tony'). Fleming states that he is pleased to inform his correspondent that their salary has been increased by £1.1.0 per week and adds 'I am sorry that it is not possible for the Accountants to include this increase in the salary payment which will be made to you at the end of this month, but it will be included in the June payment'. Two file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, and with a few very light, extremely minor creases, otherwise VG Antony Terry (1913-1992) British Journalist, a former European Editor of The Sunday Times who was first hired in 1949 by Fleming (at the time the Foreign manager for the newspaper). Terry's obituary in The Independent stated that he was 'one of the paper's most valuable assets, a one-man listening post, a fastidious checker of facts, a burrower into dark corners and a traveller who never complained of fatigue' Fleming, the English author, journalist and World War II naval intelligence officer introduced the world's most famous secret service agent, James Bond, to the public in his novel Casino Royale (1953). In April 1955, the month before the present letter was written, Fleming's third 007 work, Moonraker, was published. In 2008 The Times ranked Fleming fourteenth on its list of 'The 50 Greatest British Writers since 1945'. 

MARLBOROUGH DUKE OF: (1650-1722) John Churchill. English Soldier and Statesman. Commander-in-Chief of the Forces 1690-91, 1702-08. D.S., Marlborough, one page, folio, Office of Ordnance [London], 1st February 1702/3. The manuscript document is addressed to the Right Honourable John Granville, Lieutenant General of Her Majesties Ordnance and is a warrant of approval for Alexander Fort Jnr. to be employed as a Joiner at The Ordnance. Countersigned at the foot by James Craggs (1657-1721) Secretary to the Master-General of the Ordnance. With blind embossed paper seal affixed. Some light overall discoloration and age wear, creasing and some small tears, only slightly affecting the text, but not the signature. With a portion of the lower right corner of the document neatly excised. Accompanied by a small selection of unsigned printed ephemera and vintage postcards relating to Marlborough. About G, 7Alexander Fort Jnr. Son of Alexander Fort who held high office as Master Joiner in the late 17th century and was one of the most noted of Sir Christopher Wren's group.  At the time of the present document Marlborough was Master-General of the Ordnance, responsible for all British artillery, engineers, fortifications, military supplies, transport and field hospitals. Marlborough's career spanned the reigns of five monarchs, reaching the zenith of his powers and securing his fame and fortune upon the accession of Queen Anne in 1702, the present document being signed in the first year of her reign. Through his sheer force of personality Marlborough raised the standing of British arms to a level not known since the Middle Ages, his victories allowing Britain to rise from a minor to a major power, ensuring the country's growing prosperity throughout the 18th century. 

RUPERT OF THE RHINE: (1619-1682) German Prince, a noted Soldier, Admiral, Scientist, Sportsman & Colonial Governor. Nephew of King Charles I of England. A fine D.S., Rupert, one page, 8vo, n.p., 3rd November 1679. The manuscript document is a receipt in which the Prince acknowledges that he has 'Received of Thomas Bennett Esqe. the sum of fifteene hundred pounds: being in full for my two Pencons due at Mich[aelma]s last….'. Boldly signed at the foot. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, otherwise a clean and attractive document. VG Prince Rupert had a varied career, becoming a soldier at a young age who, at 23 years, was appointed Commander of the Royalist Cavalry during the English Civil War and thus becoming the archetypal Cavalier and ultimately the senior Royalist General. Following the Restoration, Prince Rupert returned to England and, having retired from his military and naval career, pursued his interest in scientific research. The Prince was the third founding member of the Royal Society, being referred to by his contemporaries as a 'philosophic warrior', and many of his inventions were of a military nature. Rupert is credited with developing a form of gunpowder which, when demonstrated to the Royal Society in 1663, had a force of over ten times that of regular powder. 

[NICHOLAS II]: (1868-1918) Emperor of Russia 1894-1917.A fine white glazed china cup and saucer, each with the green factory mark of the Imperial Porcelain Factory, the cup dating from 1902 and the saucer from 1904, both originating from a service used by Tsar Nicholas II and the Imperial Russian Romanov family at the Winter Palace at St. Petersburg. The cup (measuring 2 ¼ x 3 ¾) is decorated with two gilt bands at the base and lip, and with a leaf decorated gilt handle, further featuring a double-headed eagle displaying the Russian Imperial arms of Nicholas II, hand decorated in black, gold, blue and red. The saucer (measuring 1 x 5 ½) decorated with gilt bands to the rim and base and featuring a double-headed eagle displaying the Russian Imperial arms of Nicholas II, hand decorated in black, gold, blue and red. Very slight age wear to the gilt on lip and handle of the cup and with three hairline cracks and a small chip beneath the rim of the saucer. About VG, 2The Imperial Porcelain Factory (or Manufactory) is a producer of handpainted ceramics in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was established by Dmitry Ivanovich Vinogradov in 1744 and was supported by the Romanov Tsars from Empress Elizabeth onwards. The factory is still sometimes referred to by its well-known former name of the Lomonosov Porcelain Factory. The present china was made for the Imperial family at the time of the coronation in 1896 and replacements were manufactured until 1914. Although a considerable quantity was produced over the years a survey after World War I found only about 1000 pieces had survived.The reign of Tsar Nicholas II saw the fall of the Russian Empire from being one of the foremost great powers of the world to economic and military collapse. Two revolutions occurred in Russia in 1917, the first known as the February Revolution, the immediate result of which was the abdication of the Tsar and the end of the Romanov dynasty. The Russian Imperial Romanov and all those who chose to accompany them into exile were executed by a firing squad at Yekaterinburg on 17th July 1918.  

ROYAL CHILDREN OF KING GEORGE V: An exceptional and rare vintage signed sepia 8 x 9.5 photograph by each of the six children of King George V and Queen Mary individually, comprising -             Edward, Prince of Wales (1894-1972) later King Edward VII, then Duke of Windsor             Prince Albert, Duke of York (1895-1952) later King George VI             Mary, Princess Royal (1897-1965) later Countess of Harewood             Prince Henry (1900-1974) later Duke of Gloucester             Prince George (1902-1942) later Duke of Kent, and             Prince John (1905-1919) The image depicts the six children standing together in full length poses in two rows on the outdoor steps of a royal residence. Princess Mary stands in the centre of the back row, flanked by the two future Kings of England, the two youngest Princes standing immediately before them on the front row, each wearing sailor suits and with their brother's hands resting on their shoulders. Prince Henry is attired in a formal suit and stands in the centre of the front row with his sister placing one hand on his left shoulder. Photograph by W & D Downey of London, and from the appearance of the children most likely taken around 1910. Signed by the children in bold, black fountain pen inks, each with their names alone to the photographer's mount. Each of the children have signed using their family names; Edward, Prince of Wales signing himself 'David', Prince Albert, Duke of York signing himself 'Bertie', the Princess Royal signing herself 'Mary', Prince Henry signing himself 'Harry', Prince George signing himself 'Georgie' and Prince John signing himself 'Johnnie' in a small, neat hand, in capital letters. Very slightly neatly trimmed to the lower edge, otherwise VG Very slightly neatly trimmed to the lower edge, otherwise VG An extremely rare signed Royal family portrait.  The fact that each of the children have signed their family names on the present photograph would indicate that it was originally presented to an individual closely associated with the family, and most likely another Royal family member. Each of the children of King George V were born before he became King in 1911. Prince George, when Duke of York, had married Princess Mary of Teck on 6th July 1893. They had five sons and one daughter together, two of whom would become Kings themselves. Their youngest son, Prince John, who caused the King and his consort great anxiety for many years, tragically died at the young age of 13 after a lifetime of ill health. Randolph Churchill claimed that King George was a strict father, to the extent that his children were terrified of him. The King apparently once remarked to the Earl of Derby, 'My father was frightened of his mother, I was frightened of my father, and I am damned well going to see to it that my children are frightened of me'. 

 STEPHENSON GEORGE: (1781-1848) English Civil Engineer who built the first public inter-city railway line in the world to use steam locomotives, 1830. A fine L.S., Geo. Stephenson, two pages, 8vo, Tapton House, 10th July 1848, to John Ellis. Stephenson informs his correspondent that he is forwarding a letter (no longer present) sent from 'your great man' Barlow, continuing to express doubts about his suitability, and asking 'Wouldn't it better to fix upon some person who has a little knowledge of geology and coal working to report upon the subject referred to in our correspondence?', further remarking 'You will have many a serious business on the coal under the railway. Perhaps there is no man would have done as I have; I might have made the Company pay for the coal, bit I did not think it was necessary to do so.' Stephenson concludes 'I must say again that Barlow is an unfit man to give his opinion on such subjects.' The conclusion of Stephenson's signature slightly runs on to the otherwise blank integral leaf. A letter of fine content for its references to coal and railways. Some very light, minor traces of mounting to the verso, VGJohn Ellis (1789-1862), British Businessman, Chairman of the Midland Railway. During the construction of the Midland Railway, several seams of coal were discovered as workmen cut the Claycross Tunnel. Stephenson's vision of a country supplied with coal by railway was beginning to take shape and he proceeded to expand into the lands around Claycross.   Renowned as the 'Father of Railways', Stephenson was considered by Victorians as a first-rate example of what could be achieved with diligent application and a thirst for improvement. Great Britain led the world in the development of railways which acted as a stimulus for the Industrial Revolution by facilitating the transport of raw materials and manufactured goods. Stephenson was farsighted in realising that the individual lines being built would eventually be joined together, and would need to have the same gauge. His rail gauge of 4 feet 8 1⁄2 inches (1,435 mm), sometimes called the 'Stephenson gauge', is the standard gauge by name and by convention for most of the world's railways. In 2002 Stephenson was named in the BBC's list of the 100 Greatest Britons. 

 NELSON HORATIO: (1758-1805) British Admiral during the Napoleonic Wars, the victor of the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805. A good A.L.S., Nelson & Bronte, four pages (the conjugate leaves very neatly split at the central vertical fold, and now two separate leaves), 4to, HMS Amazon, (although mailed from Deal, Kent), 14th October 1801, to his mistress Emma Hamilton ('My Dearest Friend'). Nelson announces 'Tomorrow week all is over no thanks to Sir Thos. [Troubridge] I believe the fault is all his, and he ought to have recollected that I got him the medal of the Nile. Who upheld him when he would have sunk under grief & mortification. Who placed him in such situation in the Kingdom of Naples that he got by my public letters titles, the Colonelcy of Marines, Diamond Boxes from the King of Naples, 1000 ounces in money for no expenses that I know of. Who got him 500£ a year from the King of Naples and however much he may abuse him, his pension will be regularly paid. Who brought his character into notice, look at my public letters. Nelson that Nelson he now Lords it over, so much for gratitude. I forgive him but by God I shall not forget it' and further reports of the weather ('the day is very bad, blows rains & great sea') and adds that he is anxiously waiting for Emma's letters, 'they are my only comfort for they are the only friendly ones I receive'. Nelson also writes of Captain Somerville who is aboard the Amazon with his wife and family and who has only £100 a year to maintain them, remarking 'He has been begging me to interceed (sic) with the Adm.[iralty] again but I have been so rebuffed that my spirits are gone & the great Troubridge has what we call cowed the spirits of Nelson but I shall never forget it.' The admiral resumes his letter having just received Emma's 'kind letters' which have 'given me great comfort' and asks 'Pray tell Sir Willm. that if I can I will write to him this day but certainly tomorrow. I have much to do from Admiralty orders, letters &c. I rejoice at your occupation…Have you done anything abt. the turnip field. Say everything that is kind for me to Sir Wm., Mrs. Cadogan &c. I have delivered your message to Sutton & Bedford. You may rely on a visit.' Nelson concludes 'Ever my Dear Friend your affectionate half sea sick Nelson & Bronte' although continues with an extensive postscript, signed with his initials N & B, sending thanks for 'Revd. Drs letter & Mrs. N[elson's] Her going to Swaffham is mentioned 7 times & in the Postscript. It put me in mind of the directions for the Cardinal. I have laughed but she is [a] good wife for him or he would have been ruined long ago. His being a Doctor is nonsense, but I must write tomorrow & congratulate him or else the fat will be in the fire', and finally confirms that he has written to Sir William at Merton. The final page bears the address panel, entirely in Nelson's hand and signed ('Nelson & Bronte') by him, addressed to Lady Hamilton at 23 Piccadilly in London and dated Deal, 14th October (annotated by Emma Hamilton 'the date of the year' and with 1801 added in another, unidentified hand; Hamilton's words somewhat smudged). With the almost complete remnants of the black wax seal (in two sections as originally broken). A letter of interesting content and good association, with many references to Nelson's contemporaries. Some light creasing and overall age toning and with a few small tears to the final page (evidently caused by the breaking of the seal), not affecting the text or signature, about VG Emma Hamilton (1765-1815) Lady Hamilton, second wife of Sir William Hamilton. Mistress of Lord Nelson. William Hamilton (1730-1803) Scottish Diplomat, husband of Emma Hamilton. British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Naples 1764-1800.  William Nelson (1757-1835) 1st Earl Nelson, 2nd Duke of Bronte. Anglican Clergyman and elder brother of Lord Nelson, referred to as the 'Revd. Dr.' in the present letter. By a special remainder William Nelson succeeded in his younger brother's titles upon his death in 1805 and was further honoured as Earl Nelson and Viscount Merton in recognition of his brother's achievements. William Nelson's wife, also referred to in the present letter, was Sarah Yonge (c.1749-1828). They were married at Swaffham in Norfolk on 9th November 1786.  1801 had been a busy year for Nelson, both domestically and in service. In January, he met with his wife, Frances 'Fanny' Nelson for the last time. With their marriage effectively over, the heartbroken Fanny, was taken in by Nelson's father, Reverend Edmund Nelson, whilst Horatio Nelson's open cohabitation with Emma Hamilton scandalised polite society. In the same month Nelson was promoted to Vice Admiral of the Blue and appointed second in command to Admiral Sir Hyde Parker whose fleet were to sail to the Baltic. In February Emma Hamilton gave birth to Horatia, Nelson's daughter, at 23 Piccadilly, the home of Sir William Hamilton (and to where the present letter was addressed). Nelson received the news whilst at Torbay, preparing to sail, and was overjoyed at the birth. On 2nd April 1801 Nelson participated in the Battle of Copenhagen during the War of the Second Coalition. The British naval fleet, under the command of Parker, defeated a Danish fleet anchored just off Copenhagen, with Nelson leading the main attack. He famously is reputed to have disobeyed Parker's order to withdraw by holding the telescope to his blind eye to observe the signals from Parker. The signals had given Nelson permission to withdraw at his discretion, yet he declined. Copenhagen is often considered to be Nelson's hardest-fought victory, ranked among battles such as the Battle of Trafalgar, as the Danes offered a very steadfast resistance. The British public viewed the Battle of Copenhagen as a great victory and as a result ministers in England called for Nelson to take over Parker's command. Nelson was subsequently appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Baltic fleet and made Viscount Nelson of the Nile and of Hillborough.  Nelson was writing to Hamilton almost daily from HMS Amazon in October 1801, however the present letter is not published in The Letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton (1814) and neither is it published in The Dispatches and Letters of Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson (Vol. IV, 1799-1801, ed. by Nicolas and published by Henry Colburn, London, 1845) or in Nelson - The New Letters (ed. by White and published by the Boydell Press, 2005).   

ROUGET DE LISLE CLAUDE JOSEPH: (1760-1836) French Army Officer of the French Revolutionary Wars who wrote the words and music of the French National Anthem La Marseillaise.  A.L.S., J. Rouget de Lisle, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. ('le Samedi matin'), to a gentleman [M. Pleyel], in French. Rouget de Lisle intriguingly writes 'In exchange for the most indiscreet demand that I made of you yesterday allow me to give you a piece of useless advice…you spoke the other day of your liaisons with Mr. Garnery. If you have, or will be, in the position of entering into some interesting relationships with him, be on your guard. We see that the position is nothing less that certain… he is himself being watched…' A few minor tears to the left edge, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, but not the signature. Strengthened to the verso, otherwise VG Ignace Pleyel (1757-1831) Austrian-born French Composer. Pleyel had been friends with Rouget de Lisle having worked together on Pleyel's Hymne à la liberté (1791), to which Rouget de Lisle had written the libretto. With the onset of the Reign of Terror in 1793 and 1794, life in France became dangerous for many. Pleyel was brought before the Committee of Public Safety a total of seven times due to the following: his foreign status, his recent purchase of a château, and his ties with the Strasbourg Cathedral. He was subsequently labeled a Royalist collaborator. The outcome of the Committee's attentions could easily have been imprisonment or even execution. With prudent opportunism, Pleyel preserved his future by writing compositions in honor of the new republic. La Marseillaise is widely regarded as one of the best and most instantly recognisable National Anthems ever composed. Written in 1792 by Rouget De Lisle in Strasbourg following France's declaration of war against Austria, the revolutionary song was originally entitled Chant de guerre pour l'Armee du Rhin ('War Song for the Rhine Army'). An anthem to freedom and a patriotic call to mobilise all citizens and an exhortation to fight against tyranny and foreign invasion, the French National Convention adopted it as the Republic's anthem in 1795. The anthem acquired its nickname after being sung in Paris by volunteers from Marseille marching on the capital. The first example of the 'European march' anthemic style, La Marseillaise's evocative melody and lyrics have led to its widespread use as a song of revolution and its incorporation into many pieces of classical and popular music.                                                                                                                                     

 RUSHDIE SALMAN: (1947-  ) British Indian Novelist & Essayist. 'It is a long, tough fight, but it must be won'.An interesting A.L.S., Salman Rushdie, three pages, 8vo, Fernshaw Road, London (the premises of his literacy agency, Wylie, Aitken & Stone), 2nd November 1992, to Ernst Reinhard Piper. Rushdie thanks his correspondent for their help 'in Artikel 19 Verlag' and at the Frankfurt Bookfair and 'also for your expressions of solidarity and hope for the future', continuing 'As it turned out, it was probably a mistake to have moved to Kiepenheuer [& Witsch, the German publishing house] with The Satanic Verses; but that is what I was advised at the time, and there is no point in trying to rewrite the past'. Rushdie also apologises to Piper for his decision, realising that he was hurt by it, and remarks 'But, as of course you know, writers (and publishers) make such choices - good ones, bad ones - all the time'. The novelist concludes his letter writing 'At any rate, I am truly grateful for your selfless support, and hope we may meet again soon. In the meanwhile, the storm continues - now, as you may have seen, in Germany also. It is a long, tough fight, but it must be won'. With the publisher's ink received stamp dated 9th November 1992 to a clear area at the head of the first page. A letter of significant content. VG Ernst Reinhard Piper (1952-     ) German Historian who joined his father's publishing house in 1982. The German edition of The Satanic Verses was published by Artikel 19 Verlag in 1989; the publishers created specifically to protect them from the fatwa issued against Rushdie, Article 19 relating to the freedom of expression included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The 1981 Booker Prize winning Rushdie's work combines magical realism with historical fiction and much of his work is set on the Indian subcontinent. His fourth novel, The Satanic Verses, was the subject of a major controversy which resulted in the British government placing the author under police protection. In 2008 The Times ranked Rushdie thirteenth on its list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945.  

JORDAN DOROTHEA: (1761-1816) Anglo-Irish Actress and Courtesan, the mistress and companion of the future King William IV. Rare A.L.S., Dora Jordan, two pages, 4to, Mortimer Street, n.d. ('Friday', annotated 1808 in another hand), to Miss. Dalrymple. Jordan states that she will be detained at the theatre tomorrow from 12 noon until 3pm and therefore won't be at Bushy to receive her correspondent and continues 'I have only to assure you that my best and most sincere good wishes must soon attend you; and allow me to add, that if you are as happy as you deserve to be, (and of which you have so fair a prospect) your lot will be a most enviable one', further concluding that 'Sophy desires her love'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG In 1797 King George III appointed his son William, Duke of Clarence, as Ranger of Bushy Park, carrying with it residence at Bushy House, which Jordan makes reference to in the present letter. The future King William IV lived there with his mistress, and their ten illegitimate children, until the couple's relationship came to an end in 1811. In the present letter Jordan also makes reference to her eldest illegitimate daughter, Sophia Sidney (1795-1837) Baroness De L'Isle and Dudley, who served as State Housekeeper in Kensington Palace shortly before her death.  Pretty, witty and intelligent, Jordan made her first appearance on the London stage at Drury Lane in 1785 and remained there until 1809 playing a large variety of parts. It was said that the actress had the most beautiful legs ever seen on the stage and she was particularly remembered for her comedic roles. Jordan soon came to the attention of wealthy men after her arrival in London and the Duke of Clarence took the actress as his mistress for twenty years. Together they produced ten illegitimate children, Jordan having previously given birth to four other children by other men with whom she had conducted affairs.    

GORKY MAXIM: (1868-1936) Russian Writer and political socialist Activist. A good L.S., M. Gorky, in Cyrillic, two pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to Axel Gallen in Helsinki, in French. Gorki writes a letter of introduction, `I am introducing you to Mr. and Mrs. Ugo Ojetti - our Italian friends who are travelling to Russia and Finland. I am convinced that as soon as you meet them they will become your friends, because they are charming, good people, with refined and sought minds. I would like that you introduce them to all the best of your beautiful and dear country, and I am sure in advance that you will do so with your usual kindness and grace. ´ With blank integral leaf. The text of the letter is the hand of Maria Andreyeva (1868-1953) Russian Actress, the mistress and eventual common law wife of Gorky. Some very slight, minor smudging to the signature, VG  Ugo Ojetti (1871-1946) Italian Art Critic and Journalist, founder of the art magazine Il Dedalo with his wife Fernanda. Ojetti and his wife were friends with Gorky, who lived in exile in Capri from 1906-13 and again in Sorrento from 1921-28. Gorky was a founder of the socialist realism literary method and a political activist. Nominated five times for the Nobel Prize in Literature, some of his most famous works were The Lower Depths (1902), Children of the Sun (1905) and The Mother (1906). He was associated with fellow Russian writers Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekhov, both of whom he would later mention in his memoirs. Gorky was active with the emerging Marxist social-democratic movement and publicly opposed the Tsarist regime, for a time closely associating himself with Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks. For much of his life he was exiled from Russia and later the Soviet Union, returning in 1932 after accepting Joseph Stalin's personal invitation. 

DISRAELI BENJAMIN: (1804-1881) British Prime Minister 1868, 1874-80. A.L.S., B Disraeli, three pages, 8vo, Hughenden Manor, 31st August 1864, to the Earl of Clanwilliam ('My dear Lord'). Disraeli writes 'You said you shd. certainly be hanging about town, or the south, for some little time' and enquires 'Shall you be in our parts during the impending month? And, if so, may we count on the great pleasure of seeing you….to stay a few days, & taste the air of the Chiltern Hills?' In a postscript Disraeli adds that the nearest station is High Wycombe ('only about two miles from our gates'). The final leaf of the letter is neatly laid down to a portion of a page removed from an album, otherwise VG Richard Meade (1795-1879) 3rd Earl of Clanwilliam. British Diplomat & Politician who served as Lord Castlereagh's Private Secretary from 1817-19.  Disraeli, the only British Prime Minister of Jewish birth, served two terms in office and played a central role in the creation of the modern Conservative Party. A rival of the Liberal Party leader William Gladstone, Disraeli is remembered for his influential voice in world affairs and he made the Conservatives the party most identified with the glory and power of the British Empire. 

JUNG CARL: (1875-1961) Swiss Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist who founded analytical psychology. T.L.S., Jung, to one side of a printed postcard, Küsnacht, Zurich, 11th June 1932, to Dr. W[olfgang] Kranefeldt, in German. Jung thanks his correspondent for the copy of their excellent essay Ewige Analyse ('Eternal Analysis') and remarks 'The Wharton family is a difficult subject. They also have to talk to the woman occasionally'. In a postscript Jung further states 'An objective response to Paneth's would be appropriate. I have not read it but can accept the idea that he must be stupid'. A letter of interesting content and association. A couple of very slight, minor creases to the corners, otherwise VG  Wolfgang Muller Kranefeldt (1892-1950) German Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist. Closely associated with Jung, Kranefeldt was regarded as his 'leading pupil in Germany' and was also analised by Jung. Friedrich Adolph Paneth (1887-1958) Austrian Chemist. Paneth was a professor in various German universities from 1919-33. Jung's work has not only been influential in psychiatry but also in philosophy, anthropology, archaeology, literature, and religious studies. A prolific writer, Jung created some of the best known psychological concepts, including Jungian archetypes, the collective unconscious, the psychological complex, and extraversion and introversion.

 BENTHAM JEREMY: (1748-1832) English Jurist, Philosopher and Social Reformer. A good L.S., Jeremy Bentham, two pages, small 4to, Q[ueen] S[quare] P[lace], 31st March 1825, to Joseph Parkes ('My dear Joseph'). Bentham states 'Trusting to your so well experience philanthropy, I shall take the liberty of addressing to you by tomorrow…. a smart pretty looking boy of 8 years old, son of a Mr Robt. Hunter, U.S. Consul at the Isle of Wight, begging of you to convey the boy to Hazlewood (sic)' and continues 'Mr John Adams Smith, late Secretary of Legation here from U.S., now about to depart in the same character for Madrid (he is Nephew to the new President) introduced Mr. Hunter and his son to me….for this purpose'. Bentham further quotes from a letter of Hunter's, explaining that the expenses for the boy's education will be covered by Joshua Bates, and continues to write 'Be so good as to desire Mr. Hill to send me some more Epitomes and Proposals. I gave four of them to Mr. Martin, a merchant of Liverpool, Secretary of the Royal Institution, who has children of his own, and is a superiorly informed and influential man there. He was a sort of pupil of Priestley's' before concluding 'Oh my weak and battered old memory! We spoke of you together: he and you are intimate. This is enough and more than enough from yours most truly…..' Bentham has added a holograph note at the foot of the letter, addressed to his amanuensis (John Flowerdew Colls), stating 'The original in my own hand goes to Mr. Hunter as soon as I have learnt…from (John) Bowring who is to dine here to day'. A letter of interesting content. Some extremely minor age wear, VG Joseph Parkes (1796-1865) English Political Reformer, associated with the Philosophical Radicals. In 1822 he had established a solicitor's practice in Birmingham and was a regular correspondent with Bentham, whom Parkes had first met as a young man articled to a London solicitor. Hazelwood School had recently been established in Edgbaston by Thomas Wright Hill (1763-1851) English Mathematician and Schoolmaster, father of the postal reformer Rowland Hill who himself designed the new purpose built school. As an 'educational refraction' of Joseph Priestley's ideas, Hazelwood was to provide a model for public education. Rejecting the cane as a disciplinary tool and advocating self-governance for its pupils, it worked on educational principles similar to those proposed by Bentham in Chrestomathia. Bentham was highly impressed with the school and keenly promoted it, often encouraging his friends and acquaintances to send their sons there, as illustrated by the present letter. John Adams Smith - nephew of John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) American President 1825-29. Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) English Theologian. His grammar textbook was innovative and highly influential, more importantly he argued that a practical education would be more useful to students than a classical one. He was also the first to advocate the study and teaching of modern history. In the present letter Bentham also refers to Joshua Bates (1788-1864) an American financier who was later to become the senior partner of Baring Brothers & Co. and was to found the Boston Public Library and John Bowring (1792-1872) English Political Economist, a disciple and friend of Bentham who later served as his literary executor. The fully holograph version of the present letter is held in the Bentham Papers in the Library of University College London and is also published in The Correspondence of Jeremy Bentham (ed. O'Sullivan & Fuller, 2006, Vol. XII). Jeremy Bentham is regarded as the founder of modern utilitarianism. Bentham defined as the 'fundamental axiom' of his philosophy the principle that 'it is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong'. He became a leading theorist in Anglo-American philosophy of law. He advocated individual and economic freedom, the separation of church and state, freedom of expression, equal rights for women and the right to divorce. He called for the abolition of slavery, the abolition of the death penalty, and the abolition of physical punishment, including that of children.   

WRIGHT WILBUR: (1867-1912) & ORVILLE (1871-1948) American Aviators who invented and built the world's first successful airplane and made the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight on 17th December 1903. An historically important D.S. by both Wilbur Wright ('Wright Brothers W.W.') and Orville Wright ('Wright Brothers O.W.') individually, being a signed cheque, Dayton, Ohio, 27th January 1908. The partially printed cheque, completed in the hand of a cashier, F. A. Finckhouse, is drawn on The Winters National Bank (marked No.1 to the upper right corner) and is made payable to James Allen, Chief Signal Officer, for the sum of $2500. Signed by Wilbur Wright to the recto and signed by Orville Wright to the verso, the latter with an additional holograph endorsement, in full, 'Returned by James Allen, Chief Signal Officer'. A rare pair of signatures on a highly significant document. With a small tear at the centre, only very slightly affecting the text, and with one file hole close to, but not affecting, Wilbur Wright's signature. Some light overall age wear and minor dust staining, otherwise VG An historic document marking the birth of the United States Air Force - the cheque that launched the company of 'The Wright Brothers' and won them the contract to produce the first American military aircraft. On 17th December 1903, Orville Wright piloted the first powered airplane 20 feet above a wind-swept beach in Kittyhawk, North Carolina. The flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. The event immediately attracted the attention of foreign governments in Europe but it wasn't until some years later that officials within the U.S. War Department recognised the potential. A little over three years had elapsed since their first successful powered 'Flyer' by which time the Wrights were ready to offer their machine to the U.S. Board of Ordnance and Fortification, headed at the time by Chief Signal Officer Brigadier General James Allen. The Wright's agreed to deliver an aircraft to the Boards specifications for a sum of $25,000 (a bargain considering the $50,000 the American Government had given Samuel Langley in 1903, for his unsuccessful flight trials). The Board, however, insisted on putting the contract out to tender, despite the Wrights being the only company working on powered flight. So, in December, the Board released an 'Advertisement and Specification for a Heavier-Than-Air Flying Machine'. This specification was primarily based upon the Wright's machine, to carry two men (a pilot and observer) at a speed of 40 miles per hour, for at least an hour, and which could also be dismantled for transport and quickly re-assembled. The purpose of the contract for tender was to discourage irresponsible or impecunious bidders as each respondent was required to deposit with the Signal Corps a certified check amounting to 10% of his bid, to be forfeited in case of failure. As the Wrights had the only machine that fitted the criteria of the specification, theirs was the only bid expected. In January 1908, the Wright Brothers reorganised their business partnership, changing their accounts at the Winters National Bank in Dayton Ohio from the 'Wright Cycle Co.' to simply 'Wright Brothers'. It was now, at this time of prosperity, that on 27th January 1908, the brothers submitted their formal proposal to sell a flying machine as specified, for $25,000. The present certified cheque, representing 10% of their bid to supply the first powered military aircraft to the U.S. Army, was originally accompanied by their tender, and was the first that the brothers issued and signed having restructured their business.The deadline for tender submissions closed on the 1st February 1908, and, unexpectedly, 41 bids were received by the Army, ranging from $850 to $1 million. Most were unfeasible and at the very least impactable, and just three (like the Wrights') were accompanied by the necessary certified cheque. The Army, however, awarded two contracts, one of which was to the Wright Brothers. As agreed, the present cheque was returned and the funds released on the 29th February 1908, as indicated by Orville Wright on the verso of this historic cheque.Following the completion of rigorous supervised trials at Fort Meyer in Virginia (during which time several speed and endurance records were set) the Wright brother's aircraft was officially accepted on 9th August 1909 by the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, progenitor of the U.S. Air Force.Autographs of both Wilbur and Orville Wright together on one item are extremely rare, and the present signed cheque is of particular interest due to its historical importance.The American brothers and aviation pioneers are credited with having invented, built and flown the world's first successful airplane. The brothers' fundamental breakthrough in achieving this was their invention of three-axis control, which enabled the pilot to steer the aircraft effectively and to maintain its equilibrium. This method became and remains standard on fixed wing aircraft of all kinds. From the beginning of their aeronautical work, the Wright brothers focused on developing a reliable method of pilot control as the key to solving "the flying problem". This approach differed significantly from other experimenters of the time who put more emphasis on developing powerful engines.  

 KING JR. MARTIN LUTHER: (1929-1968) American Baptist Minister, a leading figure in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1964. Assassinated. 'God bless you in our struggle for freedom and human dignity.'An excellent vintage signed and inscribed 10 x 6.5 photograph by King, the image depicting him standing outdoors in a profile half length pose addressing a predominantly African-American crowd who are gathered before him. Signed in blue ink to a clear area of the image `To Ray, God bless you in our struggle for freedom and human dignity. Martin Luther King Jr.´ A pencil annotation to the verso in an unidentified hand (although evidently that of the original recipient of the photograph) states that the photograph was captured in Los Angeles in October 1964 and further indicates that the signature was obtained in person at the Riverside Church in New York City on 4th April 1967. Signed photographs of Martin Luther King Jr. rarely appear at auction and the present example is particularly desirable due to the emotive inscription. Some slight creasing and a few small tears to the edges of the image (repaired with tape to the verso) not affecting the signature or inscription, otherwise about VGMartin Luther King Jr. made a whistle stop tour of Los Angeles on 27th October 1964 when he delivered a series of speeches (or 'pleas' as he described them himself) encouraging people to vote in the upcoming Presidential election and the present photograph was captured at one such speech. In his speeches, King made it clear that he would not be voting for Barry Goldwater, but did not endorse any particular candidate, instead urging his audiences to go to the polls and vote for their convictions.On 4th April 1967, when the present photograph was signed, King made what has been documented as 'the most controversial speech' of his career, and also the one he 'laboured over most', and is known as the Riverside Church speech, or 'Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence'. The anti-Vietnam war and pro-social justice speech was followed by several interviews and other public speeches in which King came out against the war in Vietnam and the policies that had created it. The speech was written by activist and historian Vincent Harding and civil rights leader Ralph Bunche described it as a mistake on King's part, whilst others, including James Bevel, King's partner and strategist in the Civil Rights Movement, labelled it as King's most important speech. Coincidentally the speech was delivered exactly a year before King would be assassinated by James Earl Ray.King became a civil rights activist early in his career, leading the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955 and serving as the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference two years later. King also helped to organise the 1963 March on Washington where he famously delivered his 'I Have a Dream' speech, thus establishing his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history. On 14th October 1964, in the same month that the present photograph was taken, King became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded for combating racial inequality through non-violent resistance. In the final years of his life, when the present image was signed, King expanded his focus to include opposition towards poverty and the Vietnam War. 

LINDBERGH CHARLES: (1902-1974) American Aviator who made the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean, 20th - 21st May 1927. A.L.S., Charles A. Lindbergh, four pages (airmail stationery), 4to, n.p. ('In flight over Brazil'), 24th August 1968, to Gladys Bueler, Secretary of the Garden of the Gods Preservation Council in Colorado Springs. Lindbergh informs his correspondent that he had been travelling in Europe for several weeks, and only returned home to Connecticut for one night, before leaving on his current trip to South America, and apologises for the delay in writing to her, commenting 'The Garden of the Gods means a great deal to me, for it, and Colorado, have (been) woven through my family's life, and mine, for many years. One of my great uncles….took a major part in the protection of the fish in Colorado streams. I feel sure he admired the Garden of the Gods as I do in a later generation' and reflecting 'My own first contact with those fantastic rocks came in 1916, when I was driving my mother….on a trip (which took us about forty days) between Minnesota and California. I was then fourteen years of age. My mother had been telling me about the great Rocky Mountains, and the Garden of the Gods, even before we left our Minnesota home. I remember watching the colours unfold as we approached the area - slowly….when we arrived at the rocks themselves, we stopped for several hours, and I climbed one of them….I think I have never seen a more spectacular and magnificent place'. Lindbergh also adds 'Barnstorming in Colorado, in 1925, I flew over and circled the Garden of the Gods; and laying out the transcontinental passenger airline (T.A.T.), in 1928-29, I often detoured far enough from my route to fly above it. I think my last view of the Garden (at least from reasonably low altitude) was from the plane carrying the Air-Force-Academy site-selection Commission, of which I was a member. But my clearest memories come from earlier years, when there was enough time to climb or circle' and further declares 'The Garden of the Gods is one of the most beautiful and spectacular areas in the world. It would be a tragedy of major magnitude to lose, or detract from its great qualities - an…indifference on the part of our generation, and a lack of responsibility for those succeeding us. I sincerely hope the citizens of Colorado are successful in their efforts to preserve it', concluding by explaining that it will be some days before Bueler receives his letter, explaining 'I write in a small plane over the Amazon basin, enroute to the northern frontier of Brazil where I will spend a day or two looking over one of South America's major park areas. Our stops for fuel will be at landing fields so distant from major cities that it may be advisable for me to carry the envelope back to Rio before mailing'. In a postscript, Lindbergh states that he is enclosing 'my check (no longer present) for a hundred dollars, as a contribution to the efforts of your Preservation Council'. A letter of interesting content, written whilst in flight! VG The Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971. Charles Lindbergh emerged from virtual obscurity as a U.S. Air Mail pilot to instantaneous world fame as a result of his solo nonstop flight from New York to Paris in 1927. He became an instant hero and his feat inspired an enthusiastic interest in aviation. (See also lot 121)  

BLUNT ANTHONY: (1907-1983) British Art Historian and Soviet Spy, a member of the Cambridge Five.A.L.S., A F Blunt, two pages, 8vo, Portman Square, London, 7th July n.y. (1950s), to a gentleman, evidently a publisher, on the printed stationery of the University of London, Courtauld Institute of Art. Blunt apologises for not having answered his correspondent's letter earlier and also for not acknowledging receipt of Dr. Friedlaender's book which he had kindly sent, further commenting 'I am rather out of touch with journalism now, but I tried to review the book for the Observer & the Spectator. Unfortunately, it had in both cases been given to another reviewer. I am sorry not to have been able to review it, as I read it with very great interest. It is a great achievement to have produced it in the present difficult circumstances'. Annotated in ink in another hand beneath the signature and at the head of the first page. With two file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, VG Walter Friedlaender (1873-1966) German Art Historian who published three works during the 1950s; David to Delacroix (1952), Caravaggio Studies (1955) and Mannerism and Anti-Mannerism in Italian Painting (1957).In 1964, after being offered immunity from prosecution, Blunt confessed to having been a Soviet Spy. A member of the Cambridge Five, he and other spies (including Kim Philby and Guy Burgess) had been working for the Soviet Union from some time in the 1930s to at least the early 1950s. A closely held secret for many years, Blunt's status was revealed publicly by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in November 1979, and he was immediately stripped of his knighthood.

NICHOLAS I: (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55. D.S., Nikolai, as Emperor, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, St. Petersburg, 2nd January 1832, in Cyrillic. The elegantly penned manuscript document is a decree addressed to the Chapter of the Orders of Russia and appoints Van Lennep, the Dutch Consul-General at Smyrna, to be a 'Knight of the Order of St. Anne 2nd Class, decorated with the Imperial Crown' and commands the Chapter to deliver to him the insignia of the Order with the prescribed certificate. Countersigned at the foot by Karl Nesselrode (1780-1862, Russian Foreign Minister 1814-56) as Vice Chancellor, 4th January 1832. About EX Jacob Van Lennep (1769-1855) Turkish Merchant who served as Consul-General of the Netherlands at Smyrna. Emperor Nicholas I also reigned as King of Poland (1825-30, 1831-55) and Grand Duke of Finland (1825-55) and is remembered as political conservative whose reign was marked by geographical expansion, repression of dissent and frequent wars that culminated in Russia's disastrous defeat in the Crimean War (1853-56). On the eve of the Emperor's death the Russian Empire reached its geographical zenith.  

CHARLES V: (1500-1558) Holy Roman Emperor 1519-56, and King Charles I of Spain 1516-56. L.S., Yo el Rey, one page, folio, Burgos, 16th July 1524, to the Councillor of the Royal House, in old Castilian. Writing in his capacity as King of Spain, King Charles I states `I hereby instruct you to register in the Royal House books and apply the corresponding food rations to Juan de Quirós, as the newly appointed young server in charge of the whippets.´ further adding that de Quiros will replace 'our master Martin from Mallorca, after his death, who was long since in charge of our whippets, and this with his same salaries, robes and food rations....for two whippets.´ Some very light, extremely minor age wear,  VG  In 1524, in the same year as the present letter was signed, the Peasants Revolt broke out in Germany, and was to last for a further two years. At the end of April 1524 Emperor Charles V and King Henry VIII formed a new league to support the Duke of Bourbon in a fresh attack on France and in July 1524 the Emperor prohibited the holding of the proposed German synod at Spires. Grandson of the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand & Isabella, Charles V was ruler of both the Holy Roman Empire (for 37 years) and the Spanish Empire ( for 40 years). Through inheritance he brought together such extensive territories in western, central and southern Europe, and the Spanish colonies in America and Asia. So large were his domains that they were described as 'the empire on which the sun never sets' 

ADAMS MARCUS: (1875-1959) British Society Photographer, noted for his portraits of children. An interesting archive of letters, personal papers, original photographs and drawings etc., previously belonging to Adams, featuring correspondence between Adams and his sitters, most notably the young Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth II, and quite possibly including the earliest signature of the monarch (aged 3 years) to have ever appeared at auction. The archive includes – (i)                 An extremely early, bold pencil signature (‘Elizabeth’) by Princess Elizabeth, at just 3 years of age and most likely executed with the assistance of her nurse, Clara Knight (1879-1946), known as ‘Allah’ within the Royal household, at the foot of an A.L.S. C Knight, by Knight, one page, 8vo, Piccadilly, 18th December 1929, to Marcus Adams, announcing ‘Your beautiful holly has made us look like Xmas already! The Princess says I am to say “Thank you very much for your lovely holly”. I don’t think I have ever seen such wonderful berries’.(ii)               A remarkable and charming series of three folio sheets of paper removed from Marcus Adams’ sketchbook and featuring a series of bold pencil sketches and doodles accomplished by the three year old Princess Elizabeth, with the assistance of the photographer, the first image is open to interpretation and depicts the head and neck of what could either be described as a somewhat fierce looking animal with cat like features, or a human with a rather angry stare, annotated by Adams ‘Drawn by Marcus Adams July 31st 1929 with the aid of Princess Lillybet (sic) in the children’s studio, London’, the outline of the drawing, including the ears, most likely in the hand of the Princess and the facial features, in particular the eyes, most likely in the hand of Adams. A long arched line appears above the drawing, again annotated by Adams, ‘This line was drawn by Princess Lillybet (sic) July 31st 1929’, the page also featuring the surname ‘Adams’ written in capital letters, evidently by the photographer himself. The second page features a pencil list in the hand of Adams (including ‘Bulbs, Seeds, Roses, Sweetpeas’ and other garden and household items) over which appear a series of drawings of animal heads, most resembling cats, again evidently drawn principally by Adams in an attempt to teach the young Princess how to draw, but also with some less well accomplished drawings of animal heads, undoubtedly the efforts of the Princess. The third page features a pencil drawing by Adams of a large country house and gardens, with a sole figure walking across the lawn and with a large tree in the foreground, the page featuring a series of somewhat random and bolder pencil lines, scribbles and circles etc., obviously the work of the young Princess. The name Lilybet appears at the base of the page, in the hand of Adams, and is heavily crossed through in pencil, presumably by the Princess.(iii)             A rare, early A.L.S., Elizabeth, one page, 8vo, Piccadilly, 18th December 1933, to Marcus Adams (‘Dear Mr. Adams’), stating, in full, ‘Ever so many thanks for the lovely holly you sent me today, and the Xmas cards. Wishing you a very happy xmas, from Elizabeth’. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by the Princess. Some light overall staining and soiling, slightly affecting the text and signature.(iv)              A fascinating autograph manuscript signed (‘Marcus Adams’) by Adams entitled ‘Notes’ on my contacts with the Royal Family from 1928 to present day, nine pages, 4to, n.p., 1958, stating, in part, ‘…the curtain is completely raised to reveal the understanding of prophecy. The world will be awakened to realise the importance of this age and how vital the birth of Princess Elizabeth is in the fulfilment of things come…For this reason I appreciate… and feel highly honoured to have had the opportunity of making exclusive portrait records of the early life of this important personality……I have produced a series of portraits that convey the dignity of Royalty combined with a standard that justify my efforts, they are not just mere snapshots taken in a careless and casual fashion that may be news today and forgotten soon after… but never reach the standard of dignity that the Royal family deserve…Events can be recalled at the time of the Coronation of King George, when in one day over 200 called at the studio for press copies… to say nothing for the telephone calls… It was estimated that one particular group was produced… to some thousand million imprints. Besides the actual press there was always a constant request for right to reproduce… on mugs, jigsaw puzzles, handkerchiefs… babies rattles, almanacs, these all had be considered on their own merits, if any doubt was involved it was always referred to the Controllers of the Palace …I well remember on one occasion at Windsor the leading cable got so warmed up it showed signs of burning…I recall an incident that happened during the sitting my assistant whispered to me that the focussing screen had smashed. I met the circumstance calmly by taking two stamps from my wallet and sticking it together. The King who was always alert, remarked What’s the trouble Adams, Oh only the screen is broken and I am mending the bits with two of your fathers portraits, they acted in a perfect fashion and we can proceed with all speed….I was working with the late Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth, she was in a great hurry, so I lost no time… After I had finished my part Her Majesty turned to Mr. [Bertram] Park and said, As Marcus Adams has been so quick I can spare you time to make some pictures of me, which dress would you like best… Thus Mr. Parks made some interesting studies, whilst I acted as his assistant. She [Elizabeth] was a child and I treated her as a child… a sitting would last about an hour. During one sitting complete with baby Margaret and the parents: my son tells me I exposed about 300 plates, it was probably the most difficult task I had encountered…’ Stapled within stiff card wrappers bearing the ink title and signature of Adams to the front cover.(v)                A.L.S., Marcus Adams “Gollywog”, one page, 4to, Swallowfield, Berkshire, Christmas 1931, to ‘H.R. Princess Elizabeth’, stating, in full, ‘A sprig of Holly and a big wish for a very Happy jolly & Bright Xmas from the Hills of Oxfordshire and the sender’.(vi)              A collection of ten folio pages removed from a scrapbook belonging to Adams and with various A.Ls.S., T.Ls.S., autograph notes, a few pencil drawings, some original photographs by Adams, Bertram Park and Howard Coster (some loose and most neatly laid down to pages) etc., all relating to the photographer’s work with the British Royal family and others, 1929-34,(vii)            A collection of correspondence comprising around 60 A.Ls.S., T.Ls.S., a few telegrams etc., from various individuals, most ladies-in-waiting to various members of the British Royal family but also including some other notable individuals, all to Marcus Adams or his son Gilbert Adams, late 1920s-1990, most on the subject of photographs, thanking Adams for prints or arranging appointments etc.,An exceptional archive of material containing several extremely rare examples of the autograph of the young Queen Elizabeth II in various forms. Some age wear, generally G to VG, Qty. Owing to restrictions imposed by the-saleroom the complete catalogue description can not be shown here. Please contact the auctioneers for further details.  

 ROBESPIERRE MAXIMILIEN: (1758-1794) French Lawyer and Politician. One of the most influential figures of the French Revolution. Guillotined. 'Do not forget to take hostages...and bring the terror to Ghent'.A rare and exceptional L.S., Robespierre, (and also by four other members of the Committee of Public Safety), two pages, 4to, Paris, 16th June 1794, to [Pierre-Rene] Choudieu and [Joseph-Etienne] Richard, on the printed stationery of the Committee of Public Safety, War department, in French. The letter states `We expect, dear colleagues and representatives of the citizenship, that the city of Ypres will have capitulated when this letter will reach you. If however the enemy would persist in defending the city and you would have to negotiate the conditions of their surrender, you are free to fix them in the best way you will consider and find convenient according to the National dignity, accelerating this way the important victory we must not let escape.´ further specifying `The decree which states that we will not take English nor Hanovrien prisoners does not affect the Hesse people, you must take them prisoners and exchange the others against the same number of our soldiers and sailors. Regarding the emigrants there is no way or option of pardon..´ Robespierre and the members of the Committee further order `Inmediately after Ypres´ surrender you must do the same with Nieuport and besiege Ostende.´ and instruct `Do not forget to take hostages among the important persons devoted to the imperial party...take the Bruges warehouses, and bring the terror to Ghent', further concluding `You will soon become the absolute masters of the maritime Flanders.'  Countersigned at the conclusion by Lazare Carnot ('Carnot'), Georges Couthon ('Couthon'), Jean-Marie Collot d'Herbois ('Collot d'herbois') and Jacques Nicolas Billaud-Varenne ('Billaud Varenne'). With blank integral leaf.A letter of excellent historical content signed by the four instrumental figures of the Reign of Terror. Some light overall foxing and signs of age wear, the central vertical fold strengthened in places with clear tape and some small areas of paper loss and minor tears at the edges, most of which have been professionally repaired. None of the faults affect the signatures. G  The present letter was signed by Robespierre and Couthon just over a month before their executions, by guillotine, at the young ages of 36 and 38 respectively.  Pierre-Rene Choudieu (1761-1838) French Politician, a Member of the Convention and a Deputy to the Legislative Assembly. He voted for the death of the King and contributed to the fall of the Girondins. Choudieu was accussed of complicity in the insurrection of 1st April 1795 and imprisoned. Joseph-Etienne Richard (1761-1834) French Politician, a Member of the Convention and the Legislative Assembly.  Lazare Carnot (1753-1823) French Politician, Engineer, Freemason and Mathematician. The 'Organiser of Victory' in the French Revolutionary Wars. President of the National Convention May - June 1794 and a Member of the Committee of Public Safety 1793-94.  Georges Couthon (1755-1794) French Politician and Lawyer, known for his service as a deputy on the Legislative Assembly during the French Revolution. President of the National Convention 1793-94 and a Member of the Committee of Public Safety 1793-94.  Jean-Marie Collot d´Herbois (1749-1796) French Actor, Dramatist and Revolutionary. President of the National Convention June 1793 and a Member of the Committee of Public Safety 1793-94. Although he saved Madame Tussaud from the guillotine, d'Herbois administered the execution of more than 2,000 people in the city of Lyon during the Reign of Terror. Jacques Nicolas Billaud-Varenne (1756-1819) French Revolutionary, an instrumental figure during the Reign of Terror. President of the National Convention September 1793 and President of the Committee of Public Safety July - September 1794. The Committee of Public Safety was created in April 1793 by the National Convention and then restructured in July 1793, and formed the de facto executive government in France during the Reign of Terror. A forceful unit during the French Revolution, the Committee reached the height of its powers between August 1793 and July 1794 (during which time the present document was signed) under the leadership of Robespierre, who had established a virtual dictatorship. Following the execution of Robespierre the Committee's influence diminished and it was disestablished in 1795. Robespierre is one of the best known and most influential figures of the French Revolution, particularly remembered for his defence of the Republic and his role in the Reign of Terror. Robespierre's personal responsibility for the excesses of the Terror remains the subject of intense debate among historians of the French Revolution, however his name is continually associated with the radical purification of politics through the killing of enemies.

FOX CHARLES JAMES: (1749-1806) British Statesman. L.S., C. J. Fox, one page, folio, St. James's, 29th March 1782, to Sir William Hamilton, marked 'No.1' to the upper left corner. Fox informs his correspondent that, following the resignation of Viscount Stormont, King George III has 'been pleased to appoint me to be one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State' and, as such, 'make a new arrangement in the Departments by conferring that for Domestick Affairs and the Colonies on the Earl of Shelburne, and entrusting me with the sole Direction of the Department for Foreign Affairs'. Fox adds that in the future Hamilton should address his letters to him, and that 'I shall not fail to lay regularly before the King' those letters 'and to transmit to you such orders and instructions as His Majesty shall think proper to give for your Guidance and Direction'. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, extremely minor dust staining and age wear, VGSir William Hamilton (1730-1803) Scottish Diplomat who served as British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Naples from 1764-1800. Hamilton's second wife was Emma Hamilton, the mistress of Horatio Nelson.As the present letter confirms, Fox was appointed as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs two days earlier on 27th March 1782. He served in the post until 5th July of the same year and was later reappointed from April-December 1783 and February-September 1806.Great Britain's Prime Minister, Lord North, resigned in March 1782 as a result of the strains of office and the disastrous American war, and was replaced by the new ministry of the Marquess of Rockingham, under whose administration Fox was first appointed as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Rockingham died unexpectedly on 1st July 1782 and Fox refused to serve in the successor administration of the Earl of Shelburne. The ensuing political turmoil culminated in the Fox-North Coalition which came to power on 2nd April 1783, representing the first occasion when King George III had been allowed no role in determining who should hold government office. Charles James Fox, the arch-rival of William Pitt the Younger, rose to prominence in the House of Commons as a forceful and eloquent speaker with a notorious and colourful private life. In a parliamentary career spanning almost forty years Fox's opinions evolved into some of the most radical ever to be aired in the Parliament of his era.

MARCONI GUGLIELMO: (1874-1937) Italian Inventor who developed a radio telegraph system. Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1909. An excellent D.S., G. Marconi, three pages, 4to, Pisa, n.d., [1934], in Italian. The printed document is a proof copy of Marconi's preface to Antonio Pacinotti: la vite e l'opera (edited by Giovanni Polvani and published by Lischi and Sons in two volumes, Pisa, 1934). The text commences `Seventy five years ago, between 1858 and 1859, a young man from Pisa, working on some of his extremely original scientific tests, "dreams" as he used to call them, created for the first time ever a magnetic-electric device, suitable to generate a continuous electric induced power from a permanent mechanic power…this young man was Antonio Pacinotti...and seventy five years of tests and further works have only served to prove all the advantages of such a discovery as its inventor predicted. His creation was simply perfect and represents in the history of the electricity the indispensable element, sought for fifty years, and never achieved…this was the great Italian creation: the battery. ´ Marconi further makes references to Pacinotti´s works, his tests and research, and his permanent lack of funds which made impossible the development of many of his projects and ideas. Marconi concludes `I finish…. expressing my wish that more tributes of this kind will show to Italians and foreigners, with accurate and objective explanation of honest and sincere historical facts, the work and life of many other great geniuses of our country. This way we will be sure that we are collaborating to the tasks that the Duce has called us for, that our beloved Italy will be admired and dreaded, and be at the head of the world. ´ Signed by Marconi at the conclusion. A document of good content and with an interesting association. Some light overall age toning and a few very small, extremely minor tears to the edges, not affecting the text or signature, VG Antonio Pacinotti (1841-1912) Italian Physicist, best known for inventing an improved form of direct current electrical generator, or dynamo, which he built in 1860 and described in a paper published in 1865. Pacinotti also discovered that the device could also be used as an electric motor. The publication in which the present preface by Marconi  appeared was entitled Antonio Pacinotti - Life and Work, and was a compilation of writings, drawings, news and other documents compiled and edited by the Italian Physicist Giovanni Polvani (1892-1970). Marconi is recognised for his pioneering work on long-distance radio transmission and for the development of a radio telegraph system. He is often credited as the inventor of radio and shared the 1909 Nobel Prize in Physics (with Karl Ferdinand Braun) in 'recognition of their contributions to the development of wireless telegraphy'. Marconi was also an entrepreneur and businessman who founded The Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company in the United Kingdom in 1897 (which became the Marconi Company) and he succeeded in making a commercial success of radio by innovating and building on the work of previous experimenters and physicists. 

ELIZABETH II: (1926- ) Queen of the United Kingdom 1952- . A charming, early A.L.S., Elizabeth, one page, 8vo, Windsor Castle, 25th April 1941, to Prebendary Percival. The young Princess, writing just a few days after her fifteenth birthday, thanks her correspondent for a book although remarks 'I am afraid I have got a copy of it but I would be most delighted with R. L. Stevenson's "Virginibus Puerisque"', adding 'I have not got it and I should love to read it'. Princess Elizabeth continues to add that it was most kind of her correspondent to have remembered her birthday and concludes 'I am sending the book (no longer present) back to you as I did not know what you would like done with it'. An elegantly penned letter. Some very light, extremely minor creasing, VG Launcelot Percival (1869-1941) Anglican Priest who served in the Ecclesiastical Households of Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, King Edward VIII and King George VI.  Robert Louis Stevenson's Virginibus Puerisque was published in 1881 and was the first collection of the Scottish writer's essays. The works, including On Falling in Love, Apology for Idlers, English Admirals and Child's Play, promote a spirit of playfulness in defiance of both the hardships of human life and the restrictions imposed by bourgeois Philistinism. Although not selling well, the volume did enjoy a good critical reception which confirmed Stevenson as one of the rising stars of the literary scene. In 2015 Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning British monarch, surpassing the reign of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, and is the longest reigning Queen regnant and female head of state in world history.  

WORLD WAR II: An exceptional and extremely rare vintage multiple signed ‘Short Snorter’, the American One Dollar bank note, featuring over twenty five signatures, including ‘The Big Three’ of Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin, and many other leading political and military figures of World War II, all collected by Frank Sawyer, valet to Winston S. Churchill, at various historic meetings between 1939-45. The identified signatories on the ‘Short Snorter’ are -Winston S. Churchill (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. At the outbreak of World War II Churchill was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty and, following the resignation of Neville Chamberlain, became Prime Minister in 1940. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) American President 1933-45. Following the attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Roosevelt obtained the approval of the United States Congress to declare war on Japan and, a few days later, Germany. The President worked closely with Winston S. Churchill and Joseph Stalin (as well as Chinese Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek) in leading the Allies against Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Imperial Japan in World War II. ‘The Big Three’ of Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin met regularly during World War II, most notably at the Tehran Conference (1943) and the Yalta Conference (1945). Joseph Stalin (1878-1953) General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union 1922-52. Stalin met Winston S. Churchill and/or Franklin D. Roosevelt in several conferences during World War II to plan military strategy and, later, to discuss Europe’s post-war reorganisation. King George VI (1895-1952) King of the United Kingdom 1936-52. In 1939, following Britain’s declaration of War on Nazi Germany, King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth, resolved to stay in London and reside at Buckingham Palace despite the German bombing raids (one of which nearly killed them). Throughout World War II King George VI made various morale boosting visits and travelled to see Allied military forces abroad.Anthony Eden (1897-1977) 1st Earl of Avon. British Prime Minister 1955-57, succeeding Winston S. Churchill after having served as his deputy for almost fifteen years. Eden served as Foreign Secretary on three occasions, including a spell for most of World War II from 1940-45, and also briefly served as Secretary of State for War in 1940. Louis Mountbatten (1900-1979) 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma. British Admiral of the Fleet. Mountbatten, a favourite of Churchill, served as Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia Command from 1943-46. Harold Alexander (1891-1969). 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis. British Field Marshal. Alexander oversaw the final stages of the Allied evacuation from Dunkirk and later held high ranking field commands in Burma, North Africa and Italy.Alan Brooke (1883-1963) 1st Viscount Alanbrooke. British Field Marshal who served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff, the professional head of the British Army, during World War II. Arthur Tedder (1890-1967) 1st Baron Tedder. British Marshal of the Royal Air Force. Tedder served as Air Officer Commanding RAF Middle East Command during World War II and directed air operations in the Mediterranean and North Africa, including the evacuation of Crete and Operation Crusader in North AfricaHastings Ismay (1887-1965) 1st Baron Ismay. British Indian Army General and Diplomat. During World War II Ismay served as chief military assistant to Winston S. Churchill, becoming the principal link between the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff Committee. . Max Aitken (1879-1964) 1st Baron Beaverbrook. Canadian Business Tycoon, Politician and Newspaper Proprietor. A friend and confidant of Winston S. Churchill, Beaverbrook was appointed Minister of Aircraft Production (1940-41) by the Prime Minister and also went on to serve Churchill as Minister of Supply (1941-42), Minister of War Production (1942) and Lord Privy Seal (1943-45). Randolph Churchill (1911-1968) British Journalist & Politician, son of Winston S. Churchill. Churchill played an active role during World War II, both in political office and military service. Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) American President 1953-61. A General with the United States Army during World War II, Eisenhower served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe.W. Averell Harriman (1891-1986) American Politician & Diplomat who served under President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a special envoy to Europe and as the U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union 1943-46 and U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain, 1946. Kathleen Harriman (1917-2011) American Journalist, daughter of W. Averell Harriman. Harriman accompanied her father to the Yalta Conference in 1945. Roy W. Howard (1883-1964) American Journalist, President of United Press. Howard was granted an interview by Joseph Stalin in 1936. King Peter II (1923-1970) King of Yugoslavia 1934-45. Following the invasion of Yugoslavia in 1941 by Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary and Italy (all of whom annexed various parts of the country) King Peter II travelled to London where he joined numerous other governments in exile from Nazi occupied Europe. All of the signatures are in fountain pen inks and, by the very nature of the short snorter, some are more legible than others. It is of particular interest, most likely as a deliberate act, that the Soviet Dictator Joseph Stalin chose to sign his name across the image of American President George Washington at the centre of the bank note. The short snorter also features the ownership signature of Frank Sawyer. Some light overall age wear, otherwise about VG An exceptionally rare collection of signatures by some of World War II’s most important political and military leaders, including ‘The Big Three’ of Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin. Provenance: The present short snorter was previously in the possession of Frank Sawyer, who served as Winston Churchill’s valet during World War II, leaving his service after the end of the war. In such a role Sawyer, would have accompanied Churchill on many domestic and foreign trips, not least to the various conferences held in Casablanca, Moscow, Tehran and Yalta during the course of the war. On such trips, Sawyer evidently had access to many of the important individuals in Churchill’s company and took such opportunities to extend the collection of significant signatures on his short snorter. American Book Prices Current record only a small handful of autographs by Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin together on one piece having been previously sold at auction, including a White House card signed at the Tehran Conference ($65,000, Profiles in History, 2014), another White House card signed by all three, from the Forbes Collection and contained in an album ($22,000, Christie’s New York, 2010) and a United States card signed at the Potsdam Conference (£15,000 [$26,258], Christie’s, 2003).Owing to restrictions imposed by the-saleroom the complete catalogue description can not be shown here. Please contact the auctioneers for further details.

NIGHTINGALE FLORENCE: (1820-1910) British Pioneer of Nursing. A good A.L.S., Florence Nightingale, four pages, 8vo, South Street, London, 26th April 1864, to Sir John Lawrence, marked Private. Nightingale writes in ink on mourning stationery and announces 'I have twice had news of Lady Lawrence and your bab-kin', explaining that her sister and brother-in-law, the Verneys, had been to Southgate to enquire after Lady Lawrence with Lady Hatherton, 'And your eldest daughter was so good as to receive them with all her own peculiar charm'. Nightingale remarks 'My sister fell quite in love with her. She said her extreme modesty (to use a good old English word) her unconsciousness of self & withal her perfect self-possession, make her quite a remarkable person. [These are the elements of a great "man"]', further continuing 'The little three year old, whom my sister calls Brat-kin, & who I believe is your especial pet, took Lady Hatherton's fore finger in his little hand, & said, "You are to come & see Baby", & led her away. But of course he was too wise a little man to allow her to see "Mama". Then he rode upon my brother-in-law's foot, & made great friends with him'. She continues to inform Lawrence of a garden full of boys and girls playing happily together, her sister having told her that 'it was so little like the artificial hot bed of what London children mostly are now' and adding 'my sister's eyes were full of tears when she described to me the beautiful scene'. Nightingale also comments on Lawrence's other daughters, 'I think they are longing very much for that time to come to join you. And I can fancy that even the baby is considered by Lady Lawrence something of an interloper because it prevented her from going out with you. They said that you had taken a house at Simla for them.' Nightingale concludes her informative letter 'My description is a very poor one; but you will fill it up. It only increases the greatness of your sacrifice. God grant you may see them all again safe & well, both those who are going out to you & those who are to be left behind in England is the fervent prayer of your faithful servt. …..' . With blank integral leaf. The pages of the letter are neatly tied together to the upper left corner with a thin red and white entwined string. VG John Lawrence (1811-1879) 1st Baron Lawrence. British Statesman. Lawrence had taken up his position as Viceroy and Governor-General of India on 12th January 1864 and continued in the post until 12th January 1869. Frances Parthenope Verney (1819-1890) English Writer & Journalist, sister of Florence Nightingale. On 24th June 1858 Parthenope married her sister's rejected suitor Harry Verney (1801-1894) English Soldier and Politician. She was an active supporter of her sister's work during the Crimean War. Lady Margaret Percy (c.1825-1897) Daughter of George Percy (1778-1867) 5th Duke of Northumberland and wife of Edward Littleton (1815-1888) 2nd Baron Hatherton. British Peer & Politician. Florence Nightingale is widely considered as the founder of modern nursing and gave the profession a highly favourable reputation, as such becoming an icon of Victorian culture, particularly in the persona of 'The Lady with the Lamp' who made rounds of the wounded soldiers of the Crimean War at night.  

CHAGALL MARC: (1887-1985) Russian-born French Artist. A fine A.L.S., Marc Chagall, in Yiddish, one page, 12mo, Paris, 1965, to H. Adam, in Yiddish. Chagall thanks his correspondent for their sympathy and for `your fair article published in the magazine 'Jewish Culture'´, further adding `I appreciate your interest, and how much you heed on art. I see with pleasure that 'Art culture' enables the artist to bring out his inner feelings.´ Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Chagall and signed ('Chagall') by him in the return address to the verso. VG  An early modernist, Chagall was associated with several major artistic styles and created works in virtually every artistic medium ranging from paintings to book illustrations and from stained glass to stage sets. Described as 'the quintessential Jewish artist of the 20th century' (although Chagall himself saw his work as 'not the dream of one people but of all humanity) the artist had two basic reputations, as a pioneer of modernism and as a major Jewish artist. In the 1950s Pablo Picasso remarked 'When Matisse dies, Chagall will be the only painter left who understands what colour really is'. 

WASHINGTON GEORGE: (1732-1799) American President 1789-97. A.L.S., G: Washington, as President, one page, 4to, Philadelphia, 14th November 1796, to Colonel William Deakins in George Town. Washington writes, in full, 'Permit me to recommend the enclosed letter (no longer present) to your care. - And to ask if it be practicable to procure me ten or a dozen Bushels of Oats from the Glades for Seed, by the first of March next? With esteem & regard I am, Dear Sir, Your Obedt. Servant'. With integral address leaf hand addressed by Washington and signed ('President U.S.') by him to the lower left corner of the address panel. With the remnants of a red wax seal and a small area of paper loss where originally broken. Some uniform age toning and a couple of minor stains, not affecting the signature, and some very minor chipping to the right edge and corners of the letter, about VG Colonel William Deakins (1742-1798) Prominent Georgetown Merchant who served as the treasurer for the D.C. commissioners from 1791-96. The present letter was written towards the conclusion of Washington's second term of office as American President, which was to end in March 1797. It is not unreasonable to presume that Washington was already considering, and anticipating with pleasure, his return to Mount Vernon as a working farmer, just as the Roman leader Cincinnatus rescinded the reins of power to return to the land. The Society of the Cincinnati, of which Washington served as the first president, is a historical association which was founded in the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War, by officers of the Continental Army, to preserve the ideals of the military officer's role in the new American republic. 'Bushels of Oats from the Glades of Seed', as mentioned in the present letter, would have figured prominently in his farming plans. Washington served as the first President of America, and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. As such, and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and hero of the Revolution, Washington's legacy remains among the two or three greatest in American history.

MONTGOMERY B. L.: (1887-1976) British Field Marshal of World War II. A good vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph, the engaging image depicting Monty in a formal half length pose wearing his uniform. The official Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) image is by Private D. Moller of the US Army and dates from 19th March 1956 according to the official NATO credit stamp to the verso. Signed by Montgomery in bold turquoise fountain pen ink to a light area of the background, 'To: the Stewart family in memory of my visit to Pekin in May 1960. Montgomery of Alamein'. Some minor corner creasing and a very small tear to the upper white border, about VG Michael Stewart - British Diplomat who served as Charge d'Affaires at the British Embassy in Peking 1959-62 and later as the British Ambassador in Athens 1967-71. Montgomery served as the first Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (Deputy SACEUR) from 1951-58 and after a visit to China declared himself impressed by the Chinese leadership.  Montgomery is regarded as Britain's greatest military commander since the Duke of Wellington. One of the most prominent and successful British commanders of the Second World War, Montgomery is most famous for his successful command of the Allies against German Erwin Rommel in the Western Desert Campaign in North Africa, and his role commanding in the invasions of Italy and Normandy. 

JOHN XXIII: (1881-1963) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1958-63. T.L.S., with his initials, + A.[ngelo] J.[oseph] R.[oncalli], as Apostolic Nuncio, one page, 4to, Paris, 11th January 1949, to General Charles de Gaulle, in French. The carbon typed letter is Roncalli's retained copy in which he sends New Years greetings to de Gaulle, stating 'The succession of years and events does not detract from the tranquil and serene vision of your honourable person before my eyes and heart', further sending his best wishes to de Gaulle and his family, concluding 'I associate them with those I entrust to our good God for the prosperity of France'. A letter of good association. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970) French General of World War II. Later President of the French Republic 1959-69. Cardinal Roncalli served as Apostolic Nuncio to France from 1944-53 and was unexpectedly elected Pope in 1958 (not least to Roncalli himself, who had come to Rome with a return tricket to Venice). He was the first Pope to take the pontificial name of John upon election in more than 500 years. Pope John XXIII called the historic Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and his passionate views on equality were summed up in his famous statement 'We were all made in God's image, and thus, we are all Godly alike'. Known in Italy as 'Il Papa Buono', the Pope of the children, John XXIII made many passionate speeches during his pontificate, one of which was on the day that he opened the Second Vatican Council in the middle of the night to the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square, 'Dear children, returning home, you will find children: give your children a hug and say: This is a hug from the Pope!' 

TALLEYRAND-PERIGORD CHARLES MAURICE DE: (1754-1838) French Statesman. D.S., Ch. Maur. Talleyrand, one page, 4to, Paris, 8th January 1797, in French. The manuscript document was issued at the Ministry of External Affairs and Talleyrand, in his capacity as the Minister of External Affairs, confirms the content of a general receipt issued by the cashier of the Treasury, relating in particular to a man named Palomba who 'is included for the sum of thirty francs, total of one twentieth retained for the aforementioned four month period, on the basis if eighteen hundred francs annual salary, counting from the first of Vendemiaire (September) last.' Signed by Talleyrand with a typically small signature at the conclusion and countersigned by Paganel, the Secretary General. Some light age wear and minor traces of former mounting to the left margin. A small, neat tear at the centre of the head of the page has been repaired to the verso. About VG Talleyrand worked at the highest levels of successive French governments, usually as Foreign Minister or in some other diplomatic capacity. His career spanned the regimes of King Louis XVI, the years of the French Revolution, Napoleon I, King Louis XVIII and King Louis-Philippe I. Those he served often distrusted Talleyrand but, like Napoleon, found him extremely useful.  

JENNER EDWARD: (1749-1823) English Physician & Scientist, the pioneer of smallpox vaccine, the world's first vaccine. An extremely rare and significant manuscript notebook, unsigned, the tall 8vo bound volume compiled by Jenner, comprising over 100 pages of holograph text (and some original illustrations and diagrams), n.p., n.d. (c.1822/23), being Jenner's transcripts of contemporary scientific texts relating to meteorology. Jenner's notes explore the various aspects of contemporary meteorology, including the observations and discoveries of leading academics including William Falconer, Luke Howard and Thomas Forster and cover a wide variety of meteorological subjects from instrumentation ('a complete apparatus of meteorological instruments should include the Barometer, Thermometer, Hydrometer, Photometer, Athrioscope, Cynometer') through to the influence of flora and fauna ('Animal effluvia as well as vegetable are capable of being mixed with the air, and suspended in it. These are now generally esteemed to be the cause or source of fevers of the malignant or contagious kind'). The comprehensive notebook includes texts from various publications, essays and papers, a few extracts of which include - 'The analysis of the atmosphere is one of the finest discoveries of modern Chemistry. It appears to consist of two distinct expansible fluids contained in different proportions, a single portion of oxygen gas being united to three parts by weight, or four parts by bulk, of azote. There is also a very slight admixture of carbonic acid gas, accounting perhaps to a thousandth part of the whole', from the Supplement to the Encyclopaedia Britannica written by Sir John Leslie between 1815-24, 'It is the frequent observation of the countenance of the sky, and of its connection with the present and ensuing phaenomena, that constitutes the antient and popular meteorology. The want of this branch of knowledge renders the predictions of the philosopher, who is attending only to his instruments less generally successful than those of the weather-wise mariner or husbandman', from the Philosophical Magazine, (Vol. XVI, London, 1803. Article XVIII), 'On the Modifications of Clouds, and on the Principles of their Production, Suspension and Destruction'; being the substance of an Essay read before the Askesian Society in the Session 1802-3, by Luke Howard, 'One of the principle uses of meteorology is, that it enables us to predict, in some measure, the ensuing changes of the weather. To do this accurately, a familiar acquaintance with the modification of the clouds, and indeed with all the operations which are going on above, appears necessary. When two or more contrary indications appear, the result must be deduced from those which ultimately prevail; & that when several agreeable signs appear, the event may be predicted with additional certainty…some animals express signs of uneasiness previous to an alteration of the weather long before there are any visible signs of a change. Dogs for instance become very drowsy & stupid before rain & their ears are sometimes found considerably inflamed….cats though in a less degree are affected in the same manner - and a leech, confined in a glass of water, has been found, by its rapid motions…to indicate fair or wet weather. Peculiarities in the electric state of the atmosphere may…affect the constitution of animals in the same manner as they appear to do ours, & thereby excite pleasurable or uneasy sensations', from the 'Researches about Atmospheric Phaenomena etc.' by Thomas Forster (London, 1813), 'The sound of bells heard form a great distance is a sign of wind, or a change of weather. When sea fowl and other aquatic birds return to the sea shore or marshes it indicates a change of weather and a sudden storm. When frogs croak much, toad crawl out in the evening, when earth worm come forth, ants remove their eggs, moles throw up earth, asses frequently shake and agitate their ears', from the 'Monthly Magazine or British Register' (Vol. 35, London, 1813) and 'An Account of Ireland, Statistical and Political' by Edward Wakefield,On two pages at the centre of the journal there can be found Jenner's grey & black water colour depictions of cloud types, faithfully rendered in the style of the originals as they appear in Luke Howard's On the Modification of Clouds (1803).A third original illustration has been neatly excised from its page. Bound in the original, plain dark cloth boards (some light staining and age wear) and with a pencil ownership signature and address to the front free endpaper of a Miss Perkins & Dr Perry of 3 Priory Street, Everton. Some light staining and age wear throughout, the text however completely legible and not significantly affected in any way. Generally G  A fascinating and remarkable meteorological record compiled by Jenner for his personal reference. Jenner's interest in meteorology is not well documented, however, it would undoubtedly have been a subject of great importance to him in association with his experimentation with ballooning and his studies of bird migration. The present notebook offers a unique insight into the aspects of meteorology he most desired to understand.It was in 1784 that Jenner was to make his first tentative steps at being a balloonist. Influenced by his close friend, the surgeon William F. Shrapnell, Jenner carried out his first aeronautical experiment based on a balloon deign supplied by boyhood friend Dr. Caleb Parry. Jenner wrote 'your directions respecting the Balloon are so clear and explicit, 'tis impossible for me to blunder; but to make it quite a certainty, I intend first to fill it and see if it will float in the Castle-Hall, before the public exhibition. Should it prove unwilling to mount and turn shy before a large assembly, don't you think I may make my escape under the cover of three or four dozen Squibs and Crackers?' Subsequently, Jenner became known for his studies on the migrating Cuckoo, which were published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society (1788) and later in the posthumously published, Some Observations on the Migration of Birds (1824). It was not until the 18th century that significant progress occurred in the study of meteorology, so whilst little is known of Jenner's attraction to this interdisciplinary branch of science we can be sure that in these early days, Jenner was there to appreciate its importance. His forays into ballooning and the serious study of migration were undoubtedly made more pleasurable to his scientific mind by the knowledge he had gained in the study of meteorology. Jenner is frequently referred to as the 'father of immunology' and his work is said to have saved more lives than the work of any other human. A member of the Royal Society, in the field of zoology he was the first person to describe the brood parasitism of the cuckoo. In 2002 Jenner was named in the BBC's list of the 100 Greatest Britons.We are indebted to Mark Beswick, Archive Information Officer of the Met Office National Meteorological Archive and to Owen Gower, Manager of Dr. Jenner's House, Museum & Garden in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, for their assistance with the present lot. 

FREDERICK II: (1712-1786) King of Prussia 1740-86, known as Frederick The Great. L.S., Friedrich, one page, 4to, Berlin, 18th February 1741, to his Minister of State [Samuel Von] Marschall, in German. The King writes to von Marschall in regard to his report of the 16th Februray 'relating to the two known portraits' and confirms that 'I have given the order to the Treasury council to pay the expenditure of 13660 Taler from our budget.´ With blank integral leaf. About EX Samuel von Marschall (1683-1749) Prussian Finance Minister who served under both Frederick I and Frederick II. Marschall was one of the most important political figures of his time. Frederick the Great's most significant accomplishments during his 46 year reign (the longest of any Hohenzollern King) include his military victories, his reorganization of Prussian armies, his patronage of the arts and the Enlightenment in Prussia, as well as his final success in the Seven Years' War, against great odds. 

VERNE JULES: (1828-1905) French Author, a pioneer of the Science Fiction genre. A.L.S., Jules Verne, one page, small 8vo, Amiens, 22nd February 1881, to [Marcus Mayer], in French. Verne states that he left Paris ten days ago and is therefore not aware of the publicity his correspondent has been receiving. The author adds that he notes the balance will be paid at the end of March and continues to comment 'My only reason in writing to you has been to finish with this dreadful Grant affair. I think, as you do, that it isn't much good: nonetheless, it is played in America (I have been sent programmes and posters)' Verne also states that he concludes his correspondent has 'at least been able to make money from the play in the United States' and closes by hoping he will be happier with Strogoff. With blank integral leaf. About VG Marcus Mayer (1840-1918) American Impresario who had managed tours for Sarah Bernhardt, Lillie Langtry, Henry Irving, Adelina Patti and others. For a while Mayer served as manager of the Princess's Theatre, Oxford Street, and produced several of Verne's works.Adolphe d'Ennery (1811-1899) French Playwright and Novelist who collaborated with Verne in adapting his novels for the stage, including Michael Strogoff (1876), considered one of Verne's best works. The present letter also mentions the 'Grant affair' undoubtedly a reference to Les Enfants du Captaine Grant, Verne's work of 1865.A major literary figure in France and throughout Europe, Verne is remembered for his widely popular adventure novels, including Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1864), Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1870) and Around the World in Eighty Days (1873). He has had a wide influence on the literary avant-garde and surrealism and, with H. G. Wells, frequently shares the title of the 'Father of Science Fiction'. 

 SADE MARQUIS DE : (1740-1814) Donatien Alphonse François de Sade. French Writer and Philosopher.'…that is a mocking on people just for the pleasure of mocking…' Rare A.N., unsigned, two pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d. (1771), in French. De Sade's note appears at the foot of a brief set of accounts (also in his hand) relating to Paulet [Thomas Paulet, Mayor of the village of Lacoste and a trusted friend of De Sade] and totalling 400 florins. The list of expenses includes payments for wood, jars of oil and for the builders of a park. De Sade's note states, in part, 'As you can see, it wasn´t worth making this unnecessary action for the poor man of the chapel, that is a mocking on people just for the pleasure of mocking, and this is a discredit….', further remarking `If he would have been someone who could afford to pay…you wouldn´t have proceeded this way, am I right?' Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG  The present note was written by Sade and given to Jean Antoine Fage, a French lawyer who served as De Sade's financial administrator. In 1774 Fage was dismissed for connivance with Mme de Montreuil, De Sade's mother-in-law, in organising the police raid of 6th January at the Lacoste Castle. De Sade, the French aristocrat, revolutionary politician, philosopher and writer, remains infamous for his libertine sexuality and is best known for his erotic works depicting sexual fantasies with an emphasis on violence and blasphemy against the Catholic Church. Incarcerated in various prisons and an insane asylum for over 30 years of his life, many of De Sade's works were written in prison. The words sadism and sadist are derived from his name. 

PHILIP V: (1683-1746) King of Spain 1700-24 & 1724-46. A fine L.S., Yo el Rey, with three lines of holograph text at the conclusion, two pages, folio, El Buen Retiro Palace, Madrid, 25th April 1705, to Marquis Jacques de Puységur, in Spanish.King Philip V states `I have received your letter reporting the positive news regarding the location of most of the enemy´s troops, and that they were ready to start military operations close to Badajoz. Because the Marquis was without enough troops to resist or defend an invasion, I decided to send an extraordinary envoy to Maréchal de Tessé, instructing him, notwithstanding the King, my grandfather, orders for him to march straight to Extremadura where, according to these days reports, their presence is more necessary´ further adding `I specifically order that as soon as you receive this letter, you march to Extremadura with all the French troops located in the Old-Castile….and you will only leave to defend Castile all the infantry and cavalry Spanish troops.´ He concludes `I expect your zeal, and knowing that you are dealing with an affair which the King and I consider of the utmost interest, you will not delay a single instant in the prompt accomplishment of all orders instructed, and that you will report back on all you achieved´. Beneath his signature the King has added a further, severe instruction in his own hand, `The situation is too much under pressure, it´s not the time for you to have fun playing roles: therefore I want that you obey me absolutely and with no delay´. A letter of good content.With integral address leaf, bearing the remnants of a seal. VG    Jacques François de Chastenet de Puységur (1656-1743) Marquis de Puységur. French Lieutenant Général and military tutor of King Louis XV. Appointed Marshal of France in 1734. René Mans IV de Froullay (1681-1746) Marquis of Lavardin and Tessé, Grandee of Spain. Appointed Marshal in 1707.   Louis XIV (1638-1715) King of France 1643-1715. The longest reigning monarch in European history. Grandfather of King Philip V. The Spanish city of Badajoz, in Extremadura, was besieged in October 1705 during the War of the Spanish Succession 1701-15. Triggered by the death of the childless King Charles II of Spain, the major European conflict was to determine who should be the next King of Spain and whether a Bourbon or a Habsburg would take control of Spain's very extensive possessions. It was well known that the union of France and Spain under one monarch would upset the balance of power in Europe, such that other European powers would take steps to prevent it. The War concluded with the Treaty of Utrecht which forbade any future possibility of unifying the French and Spanish thrones. Philip V, Duke of Anjou, was born at the Palace of Versailles and was the Heir apparent to the throne of France. The grandson of King Louis XIV, Philip was the first member of the House of Bourbon to rule as King of Spain. The sum of his two reigns is the longest in modern Spanish history. 

STRINDBERG AUGUST: (1849-1912) Swedish Novelist and Dramatist. A brief A.L.S., August Strindberg, on one side of a printed postcard, Lund, Sweden, 28th May 1899, to Emil Schering, in Swedish. Strindberg apologises to his correspondent for a brief reply and thanks him for his translation which he is now reading. Hand addressed by Strindberg to the printed address panel. A few very minor ink smudges, not affecting the signature, VGEmil Schering (1873-1951) German Translator who devoted much of his life to translating Strindberg's works. Schering's German translations were in turn used to produce editions in other European languages.  The present letter refers to Strindberg's work Gustav Vasa, which was to be published in October 1899. Strindberg's career spanned four decades during which time he wrote over 60 plays and more than 30 works of fiction, ranging from autobiography and history to cultural analysis and politics. An experimenter and iconoclast throughout, Strindberg developed innovative forms of dramatic action, language, and visual composition. He is considered the 'father of modern Swedish literature' and his work The Red Room (1879) has frequently been described as the first modern Swedish novel.  

 CARTER HOWARD: (1874-1939) English Archaeologist and Egyptologist who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. With a reference to Tutankhamun.Rare draft A.L.S., with his initials H.C., one page, 8vo, Princes Gate Gardens (although on the printed stationery of Collingham Gardens), 9th May 1932, to [Marc Aurel?] Stein. Carter's retained draft is written in bold pencil and he informs his correspondent that he has just returned to London and found their letter regarding 'the photos of the Tutankhamun materials', continuing 'The moment I….am able to get at the material I will send you the photos available - this I trust will be in a week or so'. Autographs of Carter are rare in any form, and the present example is particularly desirable for its reference to Tutankhamun. Two very small pinholes and slight rust stains to the upper left corner, not affecting the text or signature, VG The recipient of Carter's letter may well have been Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862-1943) Hungarian-British Archaeologist.  Howard Carter gained worldwide fame in November 1922 with his discovery of the intact tomb of the 18th Dynasty Pharaoh Tutankhamun, perhaps the most famous figure associated with Ancient Egypt and certainly the world's most famous Pharaoh. 

BABBAGE CHARLES: (1791-1871) English Mathematician & Inventor. A.L.S., C Babbage, two pages, 4to, Dorset Street, Manchester Square, 7th January 1838, to a gentleman. Babbage announces 'I cannot readily suppose you have forgotten me nor do I wish at all to do more than give you every information you think requisite when you can act effectively must be left entirely to circumstances and your own judgement and I at least shall never urge you' and adds 'Most probably it will be desirable that I should be able to refer to books and papers when I see you & therefore I do not offer to visit you at Mortlake'. Babbage continues to explain 'I am almost always at home until twelve - and will be so for the next three days certainly. But if you sleep in town will you come and eat a beefsteak with me either on Tuesday at six or at any hour you will fix or else on Thursday. My house is undergoing a repair and I have only one habitable room or I would offer you a bed. I have two other subjects on which I wish to say a word.' Some extremely minor, very light age wear, VG Babbage generally favoured writing his letters on 8vo or 12mo paper, making the present, larger 4to example particularly desirable. Interestingly, American Book Prices Current, record several other letters by Babbage written on 4to paper, most written to eminent correspondents including Michael Faraday and Peter Mark Roget. It can safely be assumed therefore that Babbage held the recipient of the present letter in esteem given his choice of larger stationery. Babbage had a very large circle of friends and acquaintances who were frequent visitors to his home, where they were able to examine and admire the various examples of the analytical and difference engines. In 1838, the same year as the present letter, Babbage invented the pilot (or cowcatcher) during his time working for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The device is mounted at the front of a locomotive to deflect obstacles on the track that might otherwise derail the train. An English Polymath, Babbage is best remembered for originating the concept of a programmable computer and is considered by some as the 'father of the computer'. 

EDWARD VIII: (1894-1972) King of the United Kingdom January - December 1936. Later Duke of Windsor.A rare D.S., Edward RI Col in Chief, as King and Colonel-in-Chief, at the head, one page, oblong folio, Court at Saint James's, 11th August 1936. The partially printed document is a military commission appointing Arthur Dare Heskett to be a Second Lieutenant in the Land Forces, Royal Regiment of Artillery. Countersigned at the foot by Harry Knox (1873-1971) British General, Adjutant-General to the Forces 1935-37. His signature is faded and barely legible. With blind embossed pale blue paper seal affixed. Documents signed by King Edward VIII during his brief reign as King are rare and desirable. With a heavy vertical fold at the centre and a light brown smudge mark close to, but not affecting, the King's signature. About VG Arthur Dare Heskett (b.1916) British Army Officer who rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.King Edward VIII became King on the death of his father, King George V, in early 1936. However, he demonstrated impatience with court protocol and caused concern among politicians by his apparent disregard for established constitutional conventions. Only months into his reign he caused a constitutional crisis by proposing marriage to the American divorcee Wallis Simpson. The Prime Minister and other political leaders opposed the marriage arguing that a divorced woman with two living ex-husbands was both politically and socially unacceptable as a Queen Consort. Furthermore, the marriage would have conflicted with King Edward's status at the titular head of the Church of England. When it became apparent that he could not marry Wallis and remain on the throne, King Edward VIII abdicated, becoming the only British sovereign to voluntarily do so. He was succeeded by his younger brother, King George VI, and with a reign of just 326 days, King Edward VIII was one of the shortest-reigning monarchs in British history. 

GORDON CHARLES GEORGE: (1833-1885) British Army officer, known as Chinese Gordon. A.L.S., C.G. Gordon, four pages, 8vo, Southampton, 15th March 1881, to [Carl Christian] Geigler Pasha. Gordon commences his letter stating 'You have I think a copy of the Sudan History also one of Harar History….I would be very much obliged if you could have…[them]…copied and when you have a safe chance send them to me. However, whether you be afraid to do so, mind and take care of them and do not let them be lost to the world, when you do come home, send them to Berlin Museum. Of course I would like to have the three copies myself, but I do not want you to be in any trouble about the matter.' Gordon further writes 'Gessi has written to me from Cairo where he now is. I have heard nothing more of Buchta or his photos, in fact I never do expect to me remembered and I do not fret', also sending news of another individual who 'came to dismal grief' Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Gordon (stamp torn away). VG Carl Christian Geigler (1844-1921) Governor General of the Egyptian province of Sudan.Romolo Gessi (1831-1881) Italian Soldier, Explorer of north-east Africa, especially Sudan and the Nile River.Richard Buchta (1845-1894) Austrian Explorer. In 1877 he visited Khartoum, where General Gordon facilitated his journey to Emin Pasha at Ladó, on the Upper Nile.Charles Gordon made his military reputation in China where he was placed in command of the 'Ever Victorious Army', a force of Chinese soldiers led by European officers. In the early 1860s Gordon and his men were instrumental in putting down the Taiping Rebellion, regularly defeating much larger forces. For these accomplishments, he was given the nickname 'Chinese Gordon' and received honours from both the Emperor of China and the British. Gordon entered the service of the Khedive in 1873 (with British Government approval) and later became the Governor-General of the Sudan where he did much to suppress revolts and the slave trade.

 TROTSKY LEON: (1879-1940) Russian Marxist Revolutionary and Theorist, the founding leader of the Red Army. 'All this is a premeditated madness'.T.L.S., Leon Trotsky, one page, 4to, Coyoacan, Mexico, 14th January 1939, to Gerard Rosenthal, in French. Trotsky announces 'Jeanne Molinier sent on the 25th December a letter in which she accuses Cannon to have "shamefully deceived" her in an unworthy way in the case of the Leon's letter affair, letters which she forwarded through her intermediary' and continues 'She expresses suspicions against Naville who was seen in Le Havre when the boat left'. Trotsky remarks 'All this is a premeditated madness. Cannon is our most devoted friend. It is to him that I gave full power of attorney regarding all the things in Paris that are mine and Natalia's….I cannot tolerate any control from Jeanne Molinier over things that do not concern her. I refuse to grant the least trust in her, most of all since she has tried to hand over my documents to Vereecken, Leon's enemy and slanderer, and she has publicly slandered Rudolf Klement, the friend and collaborator of Leon. I cannot permit the person who is capable of such betrayals to touch the documents that are mine. I can even less entrust this person with the education of my grandson and Leon's nephew', further adding 'I grant by this letter full power of authorisation to my friend Jim Cannon to take Sieva to America. I cannot accept any further delay in this matter. I kindly ask you, my friend, to act with extreme vigour. I want to finish as soon as possible with this black mail, behind which I can perfectly identify Raymond Molinier'. Trotsky further explains that he is sending his correspondent copies of the letters (no longer present) from Henri Molinier and Jeanne Molinier, 'which prove that they had no doubt at all about the fact that the documents belonged to me. I will send to you, for the court case, the photocopies of Leon's letters in which he expresses his opinion on the Molinier clique and on Vereecken, whose memory Jeanne Molinier tried to betray. We must finish with this….The most disgusting thing is that all these betrayals are happening under the guise of loyalty to Leon's 'will''. A rare letter of good content and references to many of Trotsky's associates (and some of his enemies). A couple of very minor staple rust stains to the upper left corner, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG Gerard Rosenthal (1903-1992) French Lawyer, a militant Trotskyist and friend of the Russian Marxist Revolutionary.James P. Cannon (1890-1974) American Trotskyist and a leader of the Socialist Workers Party.Leon Sedov (1906-1938) Russian Trotskyist, son of Leon Trotsky and Natalia Ivanovna Sedova. Jeanne Martin de Pallieres - also known as Jeanne Molinier, wife of the French Trotskyist Leader Raymond Molinier (1904-1994) whom Trotsky was to break with. Pierre Naville (1903-1993) French Surrealist Writer. Initially a Communist, and then a Trotskyist, before joining France's Unified Socialist Party (PSU).Natalia Ivanovna Sedova (1882-1962) Russian Revolutionary and cultural writer on Marxism, the second wife of Leon Trotsky.Georges Vereeken (1896-1978) Belgian Socialist who broke with the Trotskyist movement on a couple of occasions during his career.Rudolf Klement (1908-1938) German Communist who became disillusioned with the rule of Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union and became active in the Left Opposition. In 1933 he offered to work for Trotsky and was employed as his secretary whilst in exile in Turkey. Assassinated. Leon Trotsky had two sons by his second wife, Natalia, Leon Sedov and Sergei. When Leon Sedov died (possibly having been killed by Stalin's agents) in 1938 only Zinaida Volkova's (Trotsky's eldest daughter by his first wife) son Sieva was alive and at liberty. After Sedov's death Sieva was in the custody of Sedov's companion and mistress, Jeanne Martin de Pallieres (or Molinier). Trotsky had hoped to have Molinier bring his grandson to him in Mexico, but she was reluctant to do so. The present letter, written to Trotsky's lawyer and friend, relates to the court case he brought against Molinier in an attempt to remedy the situation with his grandson and resolve the fact that Molinier was holding Trotsky's archives 'hostage'. Trotsky eventually won the case and in August 1939 Sieva was reunited with Trotsky in Mexico.Trotsky joined the Bolsheviks shortly before the 1917 October Revolution and eventually became a leader within the Communist Party alongside Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin and others and was one of the seven members of the first Politburo. During the early days of the Soviet Union Trotsky served as People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs and later as the founder and commander of the Red Army. He was a major figure in the Bolshevik victory in the Russian Civil War (1918-23). After leading a failed struggle of the Left Opposition against the policies and rise of Joseph Stalin in the 1920s, Trotsky was removed from power, expelled from the Communist Party and finally exiled from the Soviet Union. As the head of the Fourth International, Trotsky continued to oppose the Stalinist bureaucracy in the Soviet Union from exile. On Stalin's orders, he was assassinated in Mexico in August 1940. Trotsky's ideas formed the basis of Trotskyism, a major school of Marxist thought that opposes the theories of Stalinism. 

 MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II who served as Prime Minister of Italy from 1922-43. 'He was one of the best among us…'Autograph Manuscript signed, Mussolini, three pages, 4to, n.p., n.d. (February 1930), in Italian. The manuscript is the text for a speech Mussolini made on the death of Michele Bianchi and states, in part, 'Black Shirts of Italy! Michele Bianchi, Quadrumvir of the Republic, has died. With profound sadness, I announce this to you. He was one of the best among us….[he] was among the founders of the Fasci di Combattimento in 1919; secretary of the party in 1922; Quadrumvir during the decisive days of the March on Rome; honoured corporal of the Voluntary Militia for National Security; State Councillor; Fascist Minister; he tirelessly served the cause of the Fatherland and of Fascism for fifteen years….he took from his native land of Calabria his intelligence, his silent perseverance, his active faith….Faithful to his orders, he died fulfilling his duty until his last moments. Black Shirts of Italy, raise your flag to half mast, and honour the memory of this comrade of our first epic vigil, faithful warrior - ready at any time and in any event - of our Revolution'. Signed by Mussolini at the conclusion. Written to the verso of pages of a printed proof of an Italian book entitled Il Dramma di Cannes Mussolini has made a number of corrections to his text. A good, historic manuscript. A few small pinholes to the edges and corners of each page and a couple of small areas of paper loss to the first page, not affecting the text or signature, about VG Michele Bianchi (1883-1930) Italian Revolutionary Leader, one of the founding members of the Fascist movement. As referred to in Mussolini's manuscript, Bianchi was one of the four leaders (Quadrumvirs) that led Mussolini's March on Rome in October 1922.  Known as Il Duce, Mussolini was the founder of Italian Fascism and leader of the National Fascist Party. He ruled Italy as Prime Minister constitutionally from 1922 until 1925 at which point he abandoned all pretence of democracy and formed a legal dictatorship. Mussolini's National Fascist Party was outlawed by the post war Constitution of Italy in 1947.

RICHELIEU CARDINAL DE: (1585-1642) Armand Jean du Plessis. French Clergyman and Statesman, Chief Minister of King Louis XIII 1624-42. A fine D.S., Le Card de Richelieu, one page (vellum), slim oblong folio, Garonne(?), 2nd April 1636, in old French. The attractively penned manuscript document appoints Baron D´allemagne to be Chief Commander of the Squadron of Provence, Naval Army of the West, and states, in part, `His Majesty having instructed to put at our disposal His very powerful naval army, including numerous war vessels and those of His subjects to fight against his enemies, we have judged that it was most important in order to serve His Majesty that the appointment of the Head Commander of the Provence squadron would be granted to an individual with long experience and whose proven capacity and bravery would be known to us.....We have therefore, by His Majesty orders and power, granted instructions to bestow upon you the honour, authority and privileges for such duty, instructing, ordering and signing the present document with the seal of our coat of arms...´ Signed at the foot by Cardinal Richelieu in his capacity as Naval Superintendent of the Navigation and Commerce of France. With Richelieu's (largely intact) red wax seal affixed by the original pendent strip. The seal, as mentioned, bears Richelieu's coat of arms and features a good impression of the three chevrons de gueules. A small area to the lower left corner of the document has been neatly clipped, not affecting the text or signatures, otherwise VG Baron Jean Louis D´allemagne had previously served as a General under the Duke of Savoy and returned to Provence and to the French Royal Court in 1635 at which time Cardinal de Richelieu appointed him Naval Commander of the Fleet, created specifically for the Lerins Islands conflict. Richelieu was consecrated as a Bishop in 1607 and appointed Foreign Secretary in 1616, soon rising in both the Catholic Church and French Government, becoming a Cardinal in 1622. He served as King Louis XIII's Chief Minister from 1624, remaining in office until his death in 1642. Ricelieu's tenure oversaw a crucial period of reform for France and his policies of consolidating royal power, crushing domestic factions and restraining the power of the nobility led to the transformation of France into a strong, centralised state. Notable for his authoritarian measures employed to maintain power, Richelieu censored the press, established a large network of internal spies and forbade the discussion of political matters in public assemblies; those who dared to conspire against him were prosecuted and executed. His legacy is also important for the world at large; his ideas of a strong nation-state and aggressive foreign policy helped create the modern system of international politics. The notions of national sovereignty and international law can be traced, at least in part, to Richelieu's policies and theories. The Cardinal is one of the leading characters in Alexandre Dumas' masterpiece The Three Musketeers, in which he is portrayed as a self-serving and ruthless de facto ruler of France. 

AN AMERICAN TOMMY GREEN GOLF FIGURE STICK. Date: 1921. Country: American.From the highly collectible Schoenhut's Indoor Golf game, this character is in superb condition. He can hardly have been used at all, he was introduced in the U.S.A. in 1921 by Schoenhut who had already become famous for their wooden circus animals and it went on to be one of their most successful toys ever.

A collection of nursery wares to include a Paragon fine china Eileen Soper trio comprising cup, saucer and side plate, inscribed 'Dancing daises pink and white are a little girls delight. Velvet bees who love them too, suck their honey in the dews', together with a Crown Staffordshire 'Mary, Mary, quite contrary bowl' and Burleigh ware 'Chick Chick and Quack Quack' cup, saucer and plate trio, together with a babies plate and a bird shaped napkin ring, (9)

An 18ct yellow gold enamel and diamond set brooch depicting the crest for The Worshipful Company of Painters - Stainers, hallmarked London 1977, with makers mark ABT, weight approx. 13.2g. PROVENANCE: Commissioned by the vendor's father who was the beadle at the time, believed to have been commissioned from Mappin & Webb. 

A collection of Royal Albert Beatrix Potter figuresTo include Little Pig Robinson, No more Twist, Tailor of Gloucester, Hunca Munca, Fierce Bad Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck, Mrs Rabbit, Mr Jackson, Mrs Rabbit and Bunnies, The Old Women who lived in a Shoe Knitting, Peter Rabbit, Lady Mouse made a Curtsy, Tommy Brock (13).

Isa Thompson (1851-1926), a young fisher boy climbing coastal steps, oil, signed to lower left corner (48cm x 16cm), glazed in a gilt frame. Thompson, (who later became Isabella Jobling) was a member of the Staithes Group and particularly known for her figure drawing.

A collection of six various Beatrix Potter Beswick china figures: Mrs Tiggywinkle, The old woman who lived in a shoe, Mrs Tittlemouse, Diggery Diggery Delvet, Jeremy Fisher and Jemima Puddleduck etc.

A poignant Crimean War manuscript letter headed 1st Batt Royal Regt, 3rd Division before Sebastopol, from 3195 C F Simons to the widow of a fallen comrade who enlisted under the name William Swain and died of disease at Scutari hospital

After Thomas Worth (1834-1917) A pair of 19th Century American sartorial lithographs The 'Sports' Who Lost Their 'Tin' and The 'Crowd' that 'Scooped' the Pools, circa 1878, uniformly framed under glass, published by Currier & Ives, 27 x 39 cm each

Death Wish UK quad folded. Condition C8 Very Fine, see glossary for all condition scales. death Wish is a 1974 crime thriller film loosely based on the novel Death Wish by Brian Garfield. The film was directed by Michael Winner and stars Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey, a man who becomes a vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter is sexually assaulted by muggers. Good condition. All items come with a Certificate of Authenticity and can be shipped worldwide.