155742 Preisdatenbank Los(e) gefunden, die Ihrer Suche entsprechen

WALLENBERG RAOUL: (1912-1945) Swedish architect, diplomat and humanitarian who served as Sweden's special envoy in Budapest from July - December 1944 during which time he was responsible for saving thousands of Jews in German-occupied Hungary during the Holocaust in the latter stages of World War II. A rare D.S., R Wallenberg, one page, oblong 8vo, Budapest, 22nd September 1944, on the printed stationery of the Royal Swedish Legation, in Hungarian. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is a Schutz-Pass (protective passport) issued to Miss. Zsuzsanna Steiner and is addressed to the National Central Authority Supervising Foreigners, stating 'We are pleased to inform you that the Royal Swedish Legation in Budapest has issued a protective passport to Steiner Zsuzsanna urno [i.e. Miss] according to which the above-named person must be considered a Swedish citizen. The Legation kindly requests that the above-named individual be exempt from wearing the distinguishing symbol. The Legation certifies that the reciprocity mentioned in the relevant regulation exists with Sweden'. Signed by Wallenberg at the conclusion with a more complete signature than is usually encountered, and alongside the official oval ink stamp of the Royal Swedish Legation in Budapest. Some light overall age wear, two minor paperclip rust stains to the upper edge and a couple of neat splits to the folds, professionally repaired to a high standard to the verso. G 

LOUIS XI: (1423-1483) King of France 1461-83. D.S., Louis, one page (vellum), slim oblong folio, Pont-de-l'Arche, 20th June 1481, in Middle French. The manuscript document is addressed to the Treasurers of France and is a warrant for them to reimburse Jehan Lassavoire, ordinary receiver of Rouen, the sum of three hundred and thirty livres tournois. Signed by the King at the foot and countersigned by Guillaume Briconnet (1445-1514) French Cardinal and statesman who served as Superintendent of Finances for the Province of Languedoc under King Louis XI. An area of loss to the lower right edge of the document has been neatly replaced, and with some minor staining and light overall age wear. Lightly tipped to the upper edge of the verso to a folio page removed from an album. About VG

MARGUERITE DE NAVARRE: (1492-1549) French Princess, Queen consort of Navarre 1527-49 by her second marriage to King Henry II of Navarre. L.S., La tout evo[tr]e Marguerite de france, one page, oblong 8vo, Argentan, 25th August n.y. (c.1515), to Jean de Selve, Vice Chancellor of Milan, in Middle French. Marguerite writes to inform her correspondent that the King [her brother, Francis I] is sending Gilbert Jarrel, bearer of the letter, 'pour executer loffice de contrerolleur general de ses finances' (Translation: 'to perform the office of comptroller general of his finances') and 'ensuyvant une lectre et declaracion quy luy a octroyees et veult et entend quil demeure et Reside pdela Et pource q comme je vous ay autreffoys escript led Jarrel est de mes serviteurs lequel adit au Roy la bonne volunte q vous aves en ses affaires et le desir et bonne affection que vous avez envers moy dont je vous en mercie Et vous prie que pour amour de moy le vueilles avoir tousiours pour Recnance En luy faisant toute ladresse et aide que congnoistrez estre necessaire pour le fait de sa charge' (Translation: 'by ensuing a letter and declaration which he granted to him and wants and intends that he remains and resides beyond. And for what as I wrote to you formerly, said Jarrel is one of my servants who has told the King of the good will you have in his affairs and the desire and good affection you have towards me for which I thank you, and beg you that for the love of me please show him gratitude always by giving him all the address and help that you will know to be necessary for the fact of his charge'). With address panel to the verso and small seal affixed (causing a small stain to the recto, only very slightly affecting Marguerite's signature). With a series of very small, minor holes to the left edge and a small area of paper loss to the lower right corner, otherwise VGJean de Selve (1475-1529) French diplomat, appointed by King Francis I as Vice Chancellor of Milan following the conquer of Milan by the monarch in 1515.  

CHARLES IX: (1550-1574) King of France 1560-74. Son of Henry II. He ascended the throne at the very early age of ten years upon the death of his brother Francis II who died at the early age of sixteen. From 1560 to 1563 his mother Catherine de´ Medici held the regency of France. Charles IX died at the very early age of 23. Very rare and fine L.S., Charles, one page, folio, Fontainebleau, 2th August 1571, to Mr. de Forquenants, in old French. The document states in part `Mons. De Forquenants par instruction enclose avec la présente, vous verrez ce qu´aurez à faire pour suivre mon intention...´ (Translation: `Mons. De Forquenants, according to the instructions enclosed to the present letter, you will see what you have to do in order to fulfil my intention…´) With blank integral leaf. Small overall, minor age wear, with two professional repairs to the verso, otherwise G 

HENRY III: (1551-1589) King of France 1574-89, and King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania 1573-75. Assassinated. L.S., Henry, one page, oblong 8vo, Paris, 31st March 1585, to Blaise de Villemur de Pailhes, in Middle French. The King states that the Duke of Epernon has 'm'a asseuré de la bonne affection que portez au bien de mon service, Ce que je me suis tousjours promis de Vre asseurée fidellité…… et Vous emploie aussy envers voz amys et ceulx de Vre cognoissance pour les retenir en la mesme devotion a mond. service, sans se laisser aller en aulcuns aultre party, Leur remonstrant que le meilleur et plus seur est de se tenir de mon costé, et que, m'ayant, Dieu, constitué Roy Souverain sur eulx Il les a obligés, ainsy qu'ils sont naturellement, a me rendre toute fidellité et obeyssance Comme aussy mon intention est de les favorablement traicter Et je recongnoistray le service que me ferez en cest endroict selon que les occasions s'en pnteront' (Translation: 'assured me of the good affection that you have for the good of my service, which I have always promied myself of your assured fidelity……and also employs you towards your friends and those of your acquaintance to retain them in the same devotion to my said service, without indulging in any other party, showing them that the best and surest thing is to stand at my side, and that, having God made me King sovereign over them, he obliged them, as they are naturally, to render me all fidelity and obedience, as also my intention is to treat them favourably, and I will recognise the service which you will do me in this place according to the occasions which will present themselves'). A few small holes at the intersections of the original folds and some neat splitting to the edges, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, GJean Louis de Nogaret de La Valette (1554-1642) Duke of Epernon. French nobleman and Admiral of France, one of 'Les Mignons'. The Duke was highly favoured by King Henry III who showered titles upon him, including maitre-de-camp of the Champagne regiment (1579), Governor of Fere (1580), Colonel-General of the Infantry (1581), First Gentleman of the King's Chamber (1582), Chevalier de l'Ordre du Saint-Esprit, Governor of Boulonnais, Loches, Lyon, Metz and its surrounding areas (1583), Chevalier des Ordres du Roi (1584) and Governor of Provence (1586). The present letter was written during the Wars of Religion (1562-98) in which Henry III played an active role, both whilst King and previously as Duke of Anjou. The King was confronted with several factions opposing each other: the ultra-Catholic League, led by the Guise, and the Protestants led by Henri de Navarre (the future King Henry IV). As the present letter demonstrates, King Henry III tried to keep as many lords as possible faithful to his own royal party.

HENRY IV: (1553-1610) King of France 1589-1610. Assassinated. A good L.S., Henry, one page, 4to, Gournay, 18th January 1592, to the Deans and Canons of Langres Cathedral ('Chers et bien amez'), in Middle French. Written thirty years into the Wars of Religion (1562-98), the Huguenot King makes a request of his correspondents to instruct their parishioners in prayer, 'Comme dieu le createur soit le vray et seul protecteur du Royaume et puissance legitimement establyes ainsy a Il mis le sceptre et lespee es mains des Roys pour avec leurs bons subiectz rompre larrogante entreprise de ceulx qui veullent esurper lesd. estats et Royme et donner entree aux estrangers a la ruyne des peuples et vray subiectz par ung changement et confusion de tous ordres et polices Or sestant no. Subjectz rebelles tout de nouveau assemblez et mis en corps darmes Et appelle avec eulx les forces estrangeres conduictes par le duc de Parme et au. Cappnes Lorrains Italiens et Savoyarts, Nous avons de nre part mande nre noblesse victorieuse et affectionnee a la conservaon. de cest estat pour avec les forces que nous avons dedehors nos opposer a leur entreprise resolus de combattre et deffaire nosd. ennemys en bataille ou aultrement avec lassistance de ce grand dieu des batailles qui favorise tousiours les bonnes causes si lon emploie sa grace avec digne repenten. et recongnoissance de ses peches Et puisque ceste victoire que nos esperons de dieu regarde le bien et repos comun de tos noz bons subiectz il est bien raysonnable quun chacun apporte aussy en acun. ses prieres et voies pour destourner lire de dieu de dessus nous Et le rendre pitoyable aux calamitez et miseres qui affligent si rudement cestuy nre pauvre Royaume. A ceste cause Nos vous exortons et enjoingnons par ces pntes que Incontinent cesd. Receues vous aiez advertyr et admonester tous ceulx du clerge de nre ville de………Et parr. dallentour a ce qls se disposent a faire prieres publicques et parent avec les letanies et processions accoustumees pour advertyr et reunir tout le peuple a ceste devotion qui impretra la grace et misericorde de dieu et lheureux succes de la victoire que nous attendons de luy sur nos ennemys' (Translation: 'As God the creator is the true and only protector of the kingdom and legitimately established power, so he has put the sceptre and the sword in the hands of Kings to, with their good subjects, break the arrogant enterprise of those who want to usurp the said states and kingdoms and give entry to foreigners to the ruin of peoples and true subjects by a change and confusion of all orders and policies. Now, having assembled Our rebellious subjects again and put them in corps-d'armes and called them with the foreign forces led by the Duke of Parma and other captains from Lorraine, Italy and Savoy, We on Our part summoned Our victorious and affectionate nobility to the preservation of this state in order, with the forces that We have outside, to oppose their enterprise, resolved to fight and defeat Our said enemies in battle or otherwise with the assistance of this great God of battles who always favours the good causes if one uses his grace with worthy repentance and acknowledgement of his sins. And since this victory that We hope for from God concerns the good and common rest of all Our good subjects, it is very reasonable that each one also brings in no way his prayers and voices to divert the wrath of God from above us and make it pitiful to the calamities and miseries which so harshly afflict Our poor kingdom. For this reason, We hereby urge and enjoin you that, immediately after these said receipts, you go to warn and admonish all those of the clergy of Our city………and surrounding parishes to prepare themselves to make public prayers and similarly with the usual litanies and processions to warn and united all the people to this devotion which will imbue the grace and mercy of God and the happy success of the victory that we expect from him over Our enemies'). Signed by the King at the foot and countersigned by Louis Potier, Secretary of State. A few slits and a small area of paper loss to the left margin, not affecting the text or signature, G 

HENRY IV: (1553-1610) King of France 1589-1610. Assassinated. L.S., Henry, one page, folio, Fontainebleau, 30th April 1604, to Cardinal [Alfonso] Visconti ('Mon Cousin'), in Middle French. The King informs his correspondent that he has instructed Cardinal de Givry 'qui s'en va par dela de vous visiter de ma part Et vous tesmoigner la bonne volonté que Je vous porte Dequoy Je desire qu'il s'acquicte a mon contentement et au Vre et que vous me continuyez aussi Vre affection au bien de mes affaires' (Translation: 'who goes beyond visiting you on my behalf and showing you the good will that I have for you, which I want him to fulfil to my satisfaction and yours and that you also continue your affection for the good of my business'). Countersigned at the foot by Nicolas de Neufville, seigneur de Villeroy (1543-1617) French secretary of state under four Kings of France, Minister of Foreign Affairs 1567-88, 1594-1616. With address panel to the verso, bearing the remnants of a blind embossed paper seal. A few minor, light stains, the largest at the head of the page only very slightly affecting a few words of text, and with a few light creases and tears to the edges, about VGAlfonso Visconti (1552-1608) Italian Roman Catholic cardinal and diplomat who served as Bishop of Spoleto 1604-07 as Cardinal Protector for the Austrian hereditary lands.Anne d'Escars de Givry (1546-1612) French Benedictine churchman and cardinal, a supporter of the Ligue.    

BETHUNE MAXIMILIEN DE: (1560-1641) 1st Duke of Sully, Marquis of Rosny and Nogent. French nobleman, soldier, statesman and trusted counsellor of King Henry IV of France who served as Chief Minister of France 1589-1611. D.S., Maximilian De Bethune, four pages, 4to, Paris, 28th November 1594, in Middle French. The manuscript document, un-transcribed, apparently refers to certain rents and is also countersigned by Rachel de Cochefilet (1566-1659) the second wife of De Bethune whom he married in 1592, and Anne Hennequin, wife of Jehan de Reffuge. An amendment to the document in the margin of the third page is signed by De Bethune in his capacity as Marquis of Rosny. Some very light, minor age wear, VG

QUEEN MARGOT - MARGARET OF VALOIS: (1553-1615) Popularly known as "La Reine Margot". French Princess of the Valois dynasty. Queen of Navarre 1572-1599 as spouse of King Henry III of Navarre, and later Queen of France 1589-99 at her husband´s accession to the French throne as Henry IV. Margaret was the daughter of King Henry II of France and Catherine de´ Medici, and the sister of Kings Francis II, Charles IX and Henry III. Extremely rare A.L.S., `Marguerite´, two pages, folio, n.p., n.d., to Henry, in old French. Margaret of Valois writes in her hand twelve lines of text at the base of a letter, stating `Faites que Mr Rigaut me [fasse][trouver]… et faites que ie vous trouve plus veritable en Celle que ne l´avez été au bois de lezoux et… s´en donner ce que j´en… et vous assure que je suis touiours… Vre bonne… Marguerite´ (Translation: "Make sure that Mr. Rigaut find for me… and let me find you more true on the one the you have not been in the Bois de Lezoux… give him what I do… and assure you that I am always… Your good… Marguerite") The letter written text states in part `Henry, le bon commencement que je crois de mes affaires me promet que dieu fera enfin le reste aussi heureusement. J'ai beaucoup d'obligation à monsieur d'Here de la Bonnerusher, rien ne lui manque en son voyage et qu'il reste content de vous et écrivez moi souvent tout ce [qui] s'y fera. Vous m'écrivez qu'avec mes… de notre affaire dieu veuille… ainsi vous ne me mandez rien de votre mariage et crois que mes affaires vous font oublier les vôtres. Je serais bien aise qu'il [vous] réussisse. Monsieur Richaud m'écrit qu'il ne pourra pas… de l'argent des bois de Lezoux. Ce n'est pas ce que vous m'avez dit, prenez garde que vous soyez plus véritable aux autres espérances que vous m'avez données. Je me réjouis infiniment de la bonne intelligence qui est entre monsieur Richaud et monsieur Savaron, maintenez-la toujours afin que mes affaires en aillent mieux. J'écris à monsieur de Savaron. Rendez-lui mes lettres. Je le remercie de la bonne volonté qu'il m'a témoignée et lui représente combien je reçois de contentement de la bonne intelligence qu'il a voulu avoir pour mes affaires avec monsieur Richaud et le prie de faire entendre à ceux de Clermont combien il me ferait paraître de bonne volonté à ne permettre plus que les gens de mon neveu demeurent à Clermont qui n'ont plus prétexte d'y demeurer à cette heure que j'en ai pris possession…´ (Translation: "Henry, the good start I believe in my affairs promises me that God will finally do the rest as happily. I have a lot of obligations to Monsieur d'Here de la Bonnerusher, he has everything he needs for his trip and that he remains happy with you and write to me often about everything that will happen there. You write to me only with my… of our business, that I hope God grant… so you don't tell me anything about your marriage and I think that my business makes you forget yours. I would be glad if he succeeds. Monsieur Richaud writes to me that he will not be able to… money from the woods of Lezoux. That's not what you told me, take care that you are truer to the other hopes you gave me. I am infinitely delighted with the good understanding that exists between Mr. Richaud and Mr. Savaron, always maintain it so that my business will go better. I am writing to Monsieur de Savaron. Give him my letters. I thank him for the goodwill he has shown to me and tell him how pleased I am with the good understanding he wanted to have for my business with Monsieur Richaud and ask him to make those of Clermont understand how much he would make me appear willing to no longer allow my nephew's people to live in Clermont, who no longer have a pretext to live there at this time that I have taken possession of it…") To the verso, a hand written short paragraph refers to Charmont and to the deliberations of the Council of State, also referring to a cause of a problem, to wisdom and behaviour. The Queen's text is scattered with small holes as a result of the iron gall ink having reacted with the paper over time, although most words remain legible and the signature is only very slightly affected. Some light overall foxing and a few minor, small tears to the edges, GMargaret of Valois refers to Monsieur Savaron, most probably Jean Savaron (1566-1622) French Historian and Magistrate of the city of Clermont. The letter refers to the city of Clermont and to the one of Lezoux.Margaret of Valois was a woman of letters, an enlightened mind and a generous patron. She was one of the most fashionable women of her time and influenced many other European Royal courts. During her imprisonment she wrote her memoirs, the first woman to have done so.Margaret´s union with the King of Navarre which had been intended to contribute to the reconciliation of Roman Catholics and the Huguenots in France, was tarnished six days after the marriage ceremony by the St. Bartholomew´s Day massacre.Margaret´s infertility and the political tensions led to the end of her marriage. She consented a Royal divorce in 1599 and lived in exile.Alexandre Dumas père wrote his well-known historical novel La Reine Margot in 1845. Although the novel is based on real characters and events, certain aspects of La Reine Margot may be inconsistent with the historical record; historians have attributed that to artistic licence and to the fact that Dumas might have been influenced by propaganda against certain historical figures.

ANNE OF AUSTRIA: (1601-1666) Infanta of Spain and Archduchess of Austria, Queen of France 1615-43 as the wife of King Louis XIII. A.L.S., Anne, one page, 8vo, Vetel (?), 24th June 1654, to Pierre Seguier, Chancellor of France, in French. The Queen states, in part, 'J'ai donne charge au S. eveque de Rennes de vous informer pleinement de nos interets touchant l'affaire de l'admiraute de Bretagne. Vous pouvez donner entiere creance a ce qu'il vous dira de ma part, et vous assurez que vous me donnerez en mon particulier un temoignage bien agreable de notre affection d'avoir soin de me les conserver' (Translation: 'I have instructed the Holy Bishop of Rennes to inform you fully of Our interests in the matter of the Admiralty of Brittany. You can give full credence to what he will tell you from me, and you assure me that you will give me in my private person a very pleasant testimony of Our affection for taking care to preserve them for me'). With integral address leaf bearing two good small black wax seals. With a contemporary annotation of four lines at the head of the page. VG Pierre Seguier (1588-1672) French statesman who served as Chancellor of France 1635-72. Henri de la Motte-Houdancourt (d.1684) Roman Catholic Bishop of Rennes 1640-60. 

MAZARIN JULES: (1602-1661) Italian Cardinal, Diplomat and Politician, served as Chief Minister of the French Monarch 1642-61. L.S., `Le Card[inal]e Mazarini´ with an holograph sentence in French immediately above `Le tres affection et tres veritable serviteur´ in bold ink and in his hand ("The very affectionate and very truly server"), one page, folio, Dijon, 10th November 1658, to the Duke of Neubourg, in French. An interesting letter where Mazarin tries to convince his correspondent on his friendship and loyalty, stating `Aussitost que Mr. Le Comte Guillaume de Furstenberg m´a tesmoigné de la part de V.A. qu´elle désirait certaines preuves de mon amitié et de ma passion a son service, j´ay eu impatience d´en parler au Roy en termes qui ont obligé Sa Majesté a l´heure mesme par sa bonté d´escrire a V.A. la lettre qu´elle trouvera cy jointe, dont je m´asseure qu´elle aura grande satisfaction. J´y adiousteray maintenant que si j´estais capable de pouvoir souhaiter quelque mal ou quelque embarrass a V.A. dont je suis aussi esloigné que de le désirer a moy mesme, j´aurais bien de la peine a m´empischer de faire ce mauvais souhait contre elle afin d´avoir occasion de luy faire mieux cognoistre la vérité et la réalité de tout ce que Sa Majesté luy promet, et certes l´estime qu´on fait icy de la personne de V.A. est a si haut point, que sans traité et sans pareilles lettres elle ne pourrait pas moins d´asseurer dans son besoin de tout ce que peuvent les forces de cette Couronne qui sont Dieu mercy en estat de se faire respecter…´ (Translation: "As soon as Mr. Le Comte Guillaume de Furstenberg notified to me on behalf of Y.H. that You wanted certain proofs of my friendship and of my passion for Your service, I was impatient to talk about this to the King in terms which compelled His Majesty at that very moment by his kindness to write to Y.H. the letter which You will find enclosed, and which I am sure will give You great satisfaction. I will now add that if I were capable of being able to wish some evil or some embarrassment to Y.H., from which I am as far as from wishing it to myself, I would have great sorrow and would prevent myself from making this bad wish against Y.H. in order to have an opportunity to make Y.H. better acquainted with the truth and the reality of all that His Majesty promises Y.H., and certainly the esteem that is held here for the person of Y.H. is so high that without a treaty and without such letters Y.H. could not less assure in his need of all that can the forces of this Crown which are thank God in a condition to make themselves respected") A letter of good content. Page with attractive watermark. Small overall age toning, otherwise G to VG The present letter is addressed to Philip William of Neuburg, Elector Palatine (1615-1690) Count Palatine of Neuburg 1653-1690. In 1685 he inherited the Electorate of the Palatinate, which thus switched from a Protestant to a Catholic territory. Charles II's sister, the Duchess of Orleans and Louis XIV´s sister-in-law, also claimed the Palatinate. This was the pretext for the French invasion in 1688, which began the Nine Years War. Mazarin refers to the report received from Guillaume de Furstenberg, being Wilhelm Egon von Fürstenberg-Heiligenberg (1629-1704) German Count and later Prince of the Holy Roman Empire. He was a clergyman who became Bishop of Strasbourg. He worked for the Archbishop-Elector of Cologne and for Louis XIV of France at the same time, and was arrested and tried for treason for convincing the Elector to fight on the opposite side of a war from the Empire.

D'ORLEANS ANNE MARIE LOUISE: (1627-1693) Duchess of Montpensier. French heiress known as La Grande Mademoiselle. A.L.S., Anne Marie Louise d'Orleans, one page, small 4to, Dinan, 19th May n.y., to Marie Gigault de Bellefonds, in French. The Duchess writes, in full, 'Madame ma cousine j'ai bien du deplaisir d'avoir si souvent a vous temoigner la part que je prends a tout ce qui vous touche. Je prie Dieu que vos malheurs finissent puisque personne ne prend plus de part que moi qui suis Madame ma cousine votre affectionnee cousine' (Translation: 'Madame, my cousin, I am very sorry to have to tell you so often of the interest I take in everything that concerns you. I pray to God that your misfortunes end since no one takes more interest that me who am Madam my cousin your affectionate cousin'). With integral address leaf in the Duchess's hand and bearing the remnants of two small red wax seals. A light water stain very slightly affects a few words of text (which remain perfectly legible) and with a neat split to the edge of one fold, GMarie Gigault de Bellefonds (1624-1706) Marquise de Villars. French noblewoman, wife of Pierre de Villars (1623-1698) French diplomat and Councillor of State.

LOUIS XVI: (1754-1793) King of France 1774-92, the last King of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution. Executed by guillotine on the Place de la Revolution at the age of 38. A good D.S., Louis (a fine, large example), as King, one page, large folio (25.5 x 34 cm), Versailles, 13th November 1787, in French. The boldly penned manuscript document confirms the financial state of la Généralité de Soissons as being 'Cent quatre vingt seize mil trois cent quatre vingt cinq livres un sol six deniers' (Translation: 'One hundred and ninety-six thousand, three hundred and eighty five livres, one sol, six deniers'). The document is decreed by the Royal Council of Finances and bears five countersignatures including those of Henri Lefevre d'Ormesson (1751-1808) French politician who briefly served as Finance Minister, and later as Mayor of Paris; Claude Guillaume Lambert (1726-1794) French jurist who served as Comptroller General of Finance, executed by guillotine; Pierre-Charles Laurent de Villedeuil (1742-1828) Controller-General of Finances under King Louis XVI; and two others. Lightly tipped at the left edge to a folio page removed from an album. Some very light, minimal age wear, VGLa Généralité de Soissons was an administrative district composed mainly of countries from the province of Picardy united to the government of Ile-de-France at that time and created in 1595.

CLERY JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1759-1809) Personal Valet to King Louis XVI. A fine A.L.S., `Cléry´, two pages, 4to, Vienne, n.d., to Madame Crewe, Lower Grosvenor street, London, in French. Clery states in part `J´ai reçu la lettre que vous m´avez fait l´honneur de m´envoyer avec le paquet contenant le mémoire adréssé à Madame de France relativement à Mo[nsi]gnor l´archevêque de Paris… J´ai remis le mémoire à Madame de France qui s´est empréssé de s´informer de la position de Mo[nsi]gnor l´archevêque… Les secours dont Madame de France peut disposer sont bien peu de chose, et ne proviennent que sur quelques ducats que l´on lui donne par mois…´ (Translation: "I received the letter that you did me the honour to send me with the packet containing the memorandum addressed to Madame de France relative to Monsignor the Archbishop of Paris… I delivered the memorandum to Madame de France who hastened to find out about the position of Monsignor the Archbishop...The monetary assistance that Madame de France can dispose of is very little, and only comes from a few ducats that are given to her per month…") Bearing to the address leaf several postmarks and a paper seal affixed. With several small repairs, otherwise G    Cléry became the valet of Louis XVI when he was imprisoned in the Temple until January 1793. Although he was arrested on 25th September 1793, he avoided the fate of the guillotine and was freed on 27th July 1794. In his last Will and Testament, Louis had bequeathed to Cléry "my clothes, my books, my watch, my purse, and all other small effects which have been deposited with thecouncil of the commune" Madame de France is a form of address for several adult females in the 18th century which was used to designate the daughters of Louis XV of France who lived at the Royal court and never married. 

MARIE LOUISE I: (1791-1847) Austrian archduchess who reigned as Duchess of Parma 1814-47. The second wife of Napoleon I and as such Empress of the French and Queen of Italy 1810-14. D.S., Maria Luigia, two pages, small folio, Parma, 8th January 1842, in Italian. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, grants the citizenship of Parma to Ercole Malagoli of Modena, a Doctor of Medicine, and states, in part, 'Having seen the petition brought to Us by Doctor of Physics Ercole, son of the late Captain Giovanni Andrea Malagoli of Modena…..to obtain the Citizenship of these States, on the report and proposal of Our President of the Interior, We have decreed and do decree….The Citizenship of Our Duchies is granted to Doctor of Medicine Ercole Antonio Felice Malagoli, born in Modena in the Parish of San Vincenzio on the 28th October 1817 to Captain Giovanni Andrea….' Signed by the Duchess at the conclusion and countersigned by Pazzoni, President of the Interior. Some light age wear and minor creasing to the left edge, otherwise about VG

SAYONARA: A vintage sepia 4to page removed from the annual publication Who's Who in Hollywood (Vol. 1, No. 13, 1958) featuring an article entitled The Golden Dozen and with text focusing on the stars of the drama film Sayonara (1957), also featuring an image of a scene from the film with Miyoshi Umeki (Katsumi Kelly) and Red Buttons (Airman Joe Kelly), individually signed by both Umeki and Buttons to a clear area of the page with their names alone. Umeki and Kelly won Best Supporting Actress and Actor Oscars for their performances in Sayonara, and autographs of Umeki are extremely rare in any form, and are particularly desirable on pieces associated with her most famous film. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG

BONAPARTE JEROME: (1784-1860) Prince of Montfort and King of Westphalia 1807-13, the youngest brother of Napoleon I. A charming A.L.S., Jerome, two pages, 8vo, Florence, 20th March 1846, to his daughter Mathilde (‘Ma bon aimee Mathilde’), in French. Bonaparte wishes his daughter a happy birthday as well as his paternal blessing, writing, in part, ‘puisses-tu, chere enfant, etre heureuse et te souvenir plus que jamais de ton excellente et adorable Mere, qui pendant tout le temps de sa vie ne m'a pas donne un moment de chagrin en faisant constamment mon bonheur’ (Translation: ‘may you, dear child, be happy and remember more than ever your excellent and adorable Mother, who during all the time of her life did not give me a moment of sorrow by constantly making me happy’) and continuing to refer to a visit by Plon-Plon who gave him ‘une charmante petite montre faite expres a Geneve par un Polonais, avec les portraits de l'Empereur et de votre excellente mere; j'y ai ete bien sensible, parce que cela m'a prouve qu'il s'etait occupe de moi longtemps avant le premier de l'an; c'est du reste un objet delicieux et du meilleur gout’ (Translation: ‘a charming little watch made expressly in Geneva by a Pole, with portraits of the Emperor and your excellent Mother; I was very touched by it, because it proved to me that he had taken care of me long before the first of the year; it is, moreover, a delicious object and in the best taste’). With blank integral leaf. VGMathilde Bonaparte (1820-1904) French Princess and salonniere, daughter of Jerome Bonaparte and his second wife.Catharina of Wurttemberg (1783-1835) Queen Consort of Westphalia 1807-13, as the second wife of Jerome Bonaparte. Napoleon-Jerome Bonaparte (1822-1891) ‘Plon-Plon’, the de facto head of the House of Bonaparte from 1879-91, second son of Jerome Bonaparte and his second wife.  

LOUIS PHILIPPE I: (1773-1850) King of the French 1830-48. L.S., Louis Philippe, one page, 4to, Palais des Tuileries (Paris), 20th November 1835, to Emile de Girardin, in French. The partially printed letter, completed in manuscript, informs Girardin that the opening of the Session of Chambers will take place in Paris on 29th December and that he must be in attendance. Countersigned at the foot by Adolphe Thiers (1797-1877) French statesman who served as Minister of the Interior 1832, 1834, 1834-36 and later as Prime Minister (1840) and President of France (1871-73). Some light staining to the edges, two slight traces of former mounting to the verso, and a neat split to the right edge of the central fold, only slightly affecting the King's signature, GEmile de Girardin (1802-1881) French journalist, publisher and politician. 

NAPOLEON III: (1808-1873) Emperor of the French 1852-70 who also served as the first President of France 1848-52. L.S., Napoleon, one page, folio, Paris, 25th January 1855, to Cardinal Patrizi ('Mon Cousin'), in French. The Emperor states that he had received his correspondent's letter 'au renouvellement des bonnes fetes de la Nativite de notre Seigneur' (Translation: 'at the renewal of the good feasts of the Nativity of Our Lord') and continues 'j'yai reconnu avec plaisir la sincerite de vos sentiments. Les voeux que vous adressez au ciel pour la gloire et la prosperite de la France m´ont vivement touché. Soyez persuadé que je saisirai, en retour, toutes les occasions de vous donner des marques de mon estime et de ma parfaite affection' (Translation: 'I recognised with pleasure the sincerity of your sentiments. Your wishes to heaven for the glory and prosperity of France deeply touch me. Be persuaded that I will seize, in return, every opportunity to give you marks of my esteem and my perfect affection'). Countersigned at the foot by Edouard Drouyn de Lhuys (1805-1881) French diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs 1848-49, 1851, 1852-55 and 1862-66. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope (large area of paper loss to the verso as a result of the seal having been excised). Some very light, extremely minor age wear, and a thin band of staining to the upper edge, about VGConstantino Patrizi Naro (1798-1876) Italian Cardinal who served as Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals 1870-76. 

‘The motives which induced me to interfere in this affair were to avoid a scandal…’  LEOPOLD I: (1790-1865) King of the Belgians 1831-65. An extraordinary A.L.S., with his initial L, three pages, 8vo, n.p., 11th August 1820, to Monsieur Favon ('Conseiller de Legation et Charge d'Affaire de la Cour de Saxe Coburg'), in French. The future King states that he has received his correspondent's letter, but before responding to its contents wishes to inform Favon of a related matter, 'je dois vous dire qui Madame Alexandre m'a ecrit du 3 d'aout. Elle me dit qui Mr. Charles Vaillant lui avait communique, que je comptais faire tous les sacrifices qu'elle desirait et que j'arrangerai tout &c. Je vous avais bien particulierement prie de ne pas me nommer dans toute cette affaire et je regrette beaucoup que Mr. Charles ait su quelque chose de cette transaction, et je vous prie lui demander comment il a pu avoir l'imprudence d'aller le conter a Mad. A. Les motifs qui m'ont engage, a me meler de cette affaire, etaient d'eviter un scandale et comme partie impartiale d'etre mediateur. Mais il serait assez extraordinaire de s'attendre que moi je paye pour les egarements de mon frere; il est bien visible que Mad. A. a change de ton dans l'idee qu'elle n'aurait qu'a demander pour etre paye. Je ne puis pas vous autoriser de lui donner cet argent avant de connaitre les vues de mon frere. Cependant vous pouvez lui donner 1000 francs sous condition qu'elle se conduise bien. Du reste ses menaces sont des balivernes, personne s'interessera beaucoup a l'histoire qu'elle compte publier, et si elle le fait vous lui direz en termes polis que cela fermerait a jamais la porte a tous les avantages qu'elle parait attendre et desirer. Je ne connais pas les lois francaises mais comme Mad. A. n'a pas ete mariee avec mon frere je desirerai savoir quelle reclamation elle peut legalement faire contre mon frere' (Translation: 'I must tell you that Madame Alaexandre wrote to me on the 3rd of August. She told me that Mr. Charles Vaillant had told her that I intended to make all the sacrifices she wanted and that I would arrange everything &c. I had particularly asked you not to name me in this whole affair and I very much regret that Mr. Charles knew anything of this transaction, and I beg you to ask him how he could have had the imprudence to go and tell Mad. A. The motives which induced me to interfere in this affair were to avoid a scandal and as an impartial party to be a mediator. But it would be quite extraordinary to expect me to pay for my brother's aberrations; it is clearly visible that Mad. A. changed her tone with the idea that she would only have to ask to be paid. I cannot authorise you to give her this money before knowing my brother's views. However, you can give her 1000 francs on the condition that she behaves well. Besides, her threats are nonsense, no one will take much interest in the story she intends to publish, and if she does, you will tell her in polite terms that it will forever close the door to all the advantages she seems to expect and desire. I don't know French laws, but as Mad. A. was not married to my brother, I would like to know what claim she can legally make against my brother'). Accompanied by a related envelope (although most likely not that which accompanied the present letter) addressed to Monsieur Flavon in Paris and bearing Leopold's red wax seal to the verso, with two postal cancellations dated November 1820, several months after the date of the letter. With a red ink annotation to the head of the first page of the letter, a minor neat split at the base of the central fold of the bifolium and with some light, minor staining. About VG, 2In the present letter Leopold refers to his elder brother, Ernest I (1784-1844) Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, father of Albert, Prince Consort, the husband of Queen Victoria.Pauline-Adelaide Alexandre Panam (1789-1840) 'Madame Alexandre'. Greek actress, the lover of Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.In October 1807 the reigning Duke Ernst and his younger brother, Prince Leopold, travelled to Paris to pay homage to Emperor Napoleon. It was whilst in Paris at this time that the Duke attended a ball and met the young fourteen year old beauty Pauline-Adelaide Alexandre Panam, also known as 'La Belle Greque', and thus began a love affair which would soon attain notoriety. Duke Ernst vigorously courted Madame Alexandre, as she would become to be known, offering her his protection, influence, and his fortune. In April 1808 the Duke returned to Coburg, and Madame Alexandre followed her lover, who had promised that his mother would receive her into her court circle. At the command of the Duke, Madame Alexandre travelled in male attire. Not long after their arrival in Coburg, Madame Alexandre realised that she had been fooled and to his grief the Duke was forced to tell her that his mother would not accept her into her circle because she was French. Nevertheless, she gave birth to Ernst's son in 1809, who was named after his father despite Alexandre being offered a pension if she refrained from identifying herself with the Duke. Madame Alexandre threatened to make details of the affair and pregnancy public, as evidenced in the present letter. Despite Prince Leopold's efforts as a mediator on behalf of his brother, in 1823 Madame Alexandre published her sensational memoir (in both French and English) under the title Memoirs of a Young Greek Lady; or, Madame Pauline Adelaide Alexandre Panam, versus His Most Serene Highness the reigning Prince of Saxe-Coburg. The memoir would later support further rumours and speculation about Duke Ernst's family when his legitimate youngest son, Albert, married Queen Victoria to become her consort.

LEOPOLD II: (1835-1909) King of the Belgians 1865-1909. A good A.L.S., Leopold, four pages, 8vo, Chateau de Laeken (Brussels), 27th July 1866, to his sister, Charlotte (‘Ma chere Charlotte’), on the King’s personal printed black bordered mourning stationery, in French. The King commences his letter by recommending Elisa de Try ‘jeune artiste appuyee tres fort par Servais et Liannard, couverte de succes dans les salons de Paris et 1er prix de notre Conservatoire’ (Translation: ‘a young artiste supported very strongly by Servais and Liannard, covered with success in the salons of Paris and 1st prize recipient of our music school’) and continues to provide news of the current political and military landscape in Europe, ‘cette belle armee autrichienne detruite, les prussiens devant Vienne….tout cela en moins de 30 jours de temps. La Prusse est a un moment preponderant en Europe. L'Empereur Napoleon occupe le second rang, la Russie le 3er at l'Angleterre le dernier’ (Translation: ‘this beautiful Austrian army destroyed, the Prussians in front of Vienna…..all that in less than 30 days. Prussia is at this time preponderant in Europe. The Emperor Napoleon occupies the second rank, Russia the 3rd and England the last’), further congratulating himself on the fact that public spirit and a feeling of nationalism has never been better in Belgium, although explaining that he would have liked to have put his army on a good footing, but ‘malheureusement je n'obtiens rien du cabinet et notre armee reste trop dependante des caprices et de la fortune’ (Translation: ‘unfortunately I get nothing from the Cabinet and our army remains too dependent on whims and fortune’). Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by the King ‘A Sa Majeste l’Imperatrice du Mexique’. Together with an A.L.S. by Felix Eloin, a Belgian diplomat and Chief of the Civil Cabinet of Emperor of Maximilian I of Mexico, two pages, 8vo, Vienna, 1st August 1866, to a Count, in French, also recommending Elisa de Try. Some light overall age wear and minor staining, G, 2Charlotte of Belgium (1840-1927) Belgian Princess, younger sister of King Leopold II. Carlota’s marriage to Archduke Maximilian of Austria, later Emperor of Mexico, resulted in her becoming an Archduchess of Austria (in 1857) and Empress of Mexico (in 1864).Elisa de Try (1846-1922) French virtuoso cellist who performed as a soloist in the second half of the 19th century.

ALBERT I & ELISABETH: ALBERT I (1875-1934) King of the Belgians 1909-34 & ELISABETH OF BAVARIA (1876-1965) Duchess of Bavaria who served as Queen of the Belgians 1909-34 as the wife of King Albert I. An unusual pair of signed presentation montages by King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth individually, the King's 4to card featuring an affixed 3.5 x 5 photograph to the centre, the image depicting him in a head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform, with a circular gold coloured coat of arms affixed to the upper left corner and a gold and red coloured metallic monogram A with a crown atop fixed to the lower left corner, and with black, gold and red ribbons mounted to the right edge. Signed ('Albert') in dark fountain pen ink with his name alone beneath his portrait. The Queen's 4to card features a good vintage sepia 6.5 x 9 photograph, the image depicting Elisabeth standing in a three-quarter length pose and wearing a tiara. Photograph by Alban of Brussels and bearing their pencil signature to the lower left corner. To the right edge of the image are two black, gold and red striped ribbons affixed with two red wax seals of differing sizes, each featuring different impressions of coats of arms (the larger with a small piece detached from the border). Signed ('Elisabeth') by the Queen in dark fountain pen ink with her name alone to the lower mount of the photograph. Some light foxing and minor age wear to both, G to about VG, 2  

ALBERT VII: (1559-1621) Archduke of Austria who served as Sovereign of the Habsburg Netherlands with his wife Isabella Clara Eugenia from 1598-1621, and as Viceroy of Portugal 1583-93 and, briefly, as Archduke of Lower and Upper Austria from March-October 1619. An interesting L.S., Alberto, one page, large folio, Brussels, 22nd December 1605, in French. The manuscript letter is addressed to all of the lieutenants, governors, colonels, captains and men of war, provosts, mayors, aldermen and other justices, officers and subjects who may have cause to read it, and is a commission for Pierre Launay, an archer of the guard, to lead the tercio of Don Pedro Carmiento (?), lately arrived from England, asking that they be allowed free passage 'et le chemin accomodes de vivres et aultres choses necessaires pour leur meilleur passaige, Et enchargeons aud. Archier de tenir la main vers le Me de camp, Capnes et officiers dud. Tercio de faire vivre leurs gens en bon ordre et discipline militaire, et faire de sorte quilz se contentent raisonnablem. des viandes ordinaires que les subiectz auront en leur maison, sans leur demander ou les contraindre d'aller cercher du pain blancq, vin, poisson, chair de mouton, de veau et semblables boissons et viandes extraordinaires' (Translation: 'and the route accommodated with provisions and other things necessary for their better passage, and charge the said archer to join with the master of camp, captains and officers of the said tercio to make their people live in good order and military discipline, and to do so that they are reasonably content with the ordinary meats that the subjects will have in their house, without asking them or forcing them to go and get white bread, wine, fish, meat of mutton, veal and similar drinks and extraordinary meats') and also advising that the archer will notify the governor or principal officer of the province in advance of their arrival. With the small remnants of the affixed seal. Some extensive, small holes to the text and some splitting at the folds, slightly affecting the text and signature. FR The tercio military units of the Spanish Army, active during the reign of the Spanish Habsburgs in the early modern period, were renowned for the effectiveness of their battlefield formations and provided a crucial step in the formation of modern European armies..

‘I hear the well worthy and faithful Admiral Nelson happily arrived….’             1149    FERDINAND I: (1751-1825) King of the Two Sicilies 1816-25 (upon his restoration following victory in the Napoleonic Wars) and previously, as Ferdinand IV, King of Naples 1759-99, 1799-1806, 1815-16 and, as Ferdinand III, King of Sicily 1759-1816. A fine A.L.S., Ferdinand D[e] B[ourbon], one page, 4to, Palermo, 27th June 1799, to an unidentified correspondent [Sir John Acton?], in Italian. The King informs his correspondent that a frigate has arrived from Naples with an 'inexpressible consolation', continuing 'I hear the well worthy and faithful Admiral Nelson happily arrived with his crew. I have read the statement that he sent you in the form of observations, which could not be more wise, reasoned and adapted to effect and truly evangelical. I have no doubt that you will have immediately complied with it, otherwise it would have been the same as declaring yourself a rebel too, which is never possible after so many reproaches in the past given me of fidelity and attachment'. With blank integral leaf. A letter of good content for its reference to Lord Nelson. VG Sir John Acton (1736-1811) French-born English Admiral who served as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Naples under Ferdinand IV during the turbulent times when French Revolutionary fervour under Napoleon was sweeping across Europe and threatening to extinguish the monarchy he served.  Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) British Vice-Admiral who achieved a number of decisive naval victories during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.  Nelson's victory at the Battle of the Nile in August 1798 had extinguished French naval power in the Mediterranean, thereby saving the Kingdom of Naples from naval conquest by Revolutionary France. However, this did not prevent the French armies entering the north of Italy and achieving some successes. In response, and on the orders of Nelson, in December 1798 King Ferdinand, Queen Maria Carolina, Sir John Acton, Sir William Hamilton (and his wife, Emma Hamilton, Nelson's mistress) were evacuated from Naples and taken on board HMS Vanguard to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. Freed of the royal presence, during the first months of 1799, the Neapolitan citizens and aristocracy sympathetic to the ideals of the French Revolution promptly established the short-lived Parthenopean Republic with the help of the French and an uprising of the classes who had supported King Ferdinand was violently suppressed. Nevertheless the monarchy was restored in Naples five months later when Cardinal Fabrizio Ruffo, with the King's permission and support of Nelson, led the 20,000 strong Calabrian army ('Sanfedisti') against the French occupation. Acton re-established order in Naples with the creation of the Junta of State, a reign of terror during which many prominent citizens were imprisoned or executed. King Ferdinand rewarded Nelson's services by granting him a title of Sicilian nobility, Duke of Bronte, which he accepted without his own King's approval.  

GRAND DUCHESS OLGA: (1851-1926) Grand Duchess of Russia, Queen Consort of the Hellenes 1867-1913 as wife of King George I. Regent of Greece November - December 1920. Bold, dark fountain pen ink signature, 'Olga, Queen Dowager of the Hellenes, Grand Duchess of Russia', to the verso of a printed invitation card (uncompleted) from Serge Yourievitch to view his sculptures at his studio in Regent Street, London. About VGSerge Yourievitch (1876-1969) French Sculptor of noble Russian birth who at one time served as Chamberlain to Tsar Nicholas II of Russia.

FERDINAND I: (1861-1948) Tsar of Bulgaria 1908-18. A.L.S., Ferdinand, as Prince of Bulgaria, three pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d. ('Dimanche soir'; annotated in pencil in an unidentified hand as 1896), to [Francis Elliot], in French. The Prince thanks his correspondent for their kind communication and asks him to convey to Sir Philip and Lady Currie 'l'expression des sincere plaisir que me procure leur tres amiable attention' (Translation: 'the expression of the sincere pleasure that their very amicable attention gives me'), continuing 'J'acceperai tres volontiers l'invitation a diner a l'Ambassade d'Angleterre pendant mon sejour a Constantinople pour peu que mon temps et le programme de Sa Majeste le Sultan me permittent d'etre l'hote de Son Excellence' (Translation: 'I will gladly accept the invitation to dine at the British Embassy during my stay in Constantinople if my time and His Majesty the Sultan's schedule allow me to be His Excellency's guest'). One small water stain slightly affects one word of text, and with some very slight traces of former mounting to the verso of the final page, otherwise VGFrancis Elliot (1851-1940) British diplomat who served as British Ambassador to Greece 1903-17.Sir Philip Currie (1834-1906) British diplomat who served as British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire 1893-98 and Ambassador to Italy 1898-1902. Lady Mary Montgomerie Currie (1843-1905) British poet and writer who used the literary pseudonym, Violet Fane. Wife of Sir Philip Currie from 1894 until her death.

WLADYSLAW IV VASA: (1595-1648) King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania 1632-48 and the disputed Tsar of Russia 1610-13. L.S., Vladislaus Rex, one page, folio, Warsaw, 27th December 1642, to Onorato Visconti, in Latin. The King sends his compliments and good wishes on the elevation of his correspondent to an honorary title, in part, 'Rev[erendissi]mo signor, Quando finance Vs. non ci havesse certificate il suo affetto sicome abbondanta[men]te ha fatto nell'uff[icio] che con Noi ha passato per le Feste del santo Natale, l'haveressimo nulladimento molto ben compreso dalla sua amorevolezza……L'accertiamo di haverlo aggradito pienam[en]te e di corrisponderle con ogni volonta in desiderar all'incontro a Lei ogni maggior bene' (Partial translation: 'We assure you that we have fully accepted it and that we correspond to it with every will in desiring every greater good for you'). With integral address leaf and affixed seal (causing a small oval area of light discolouration to the body of text). Loosely contained in the original paper wrappers bearing a contemporary annotation. About VG Onorato Visconti (1585-1645) Italian Roman Catholic cleric and papal diplomat who was appointed inquisitor for Malta by Pope Urban VIII in 1624 and as apostolic nuncio in Warsaw in 1630. Visconti was recalled to Rome in 1636 and although Urban VIII did not consider Visconti's performance satisfactory, Wladyslaw IV took the opposite view and proposed him for elevation to the cardinal's dignity because of his imperial privilege. However, the Pope found Poland's demand unacceptable, referring to a decree of the Council of Trent which said that only those candidates who belonged to the respective nation would be admitted, and to a bull of Pius IV that only Princes could make a recommendation in whose jurisdiction the candidate lived. The dispute over this continued for four years without reaching a conclusion. Despite repeated requests from Wladyslaw IV, the Barberini Pope never considered Visconti for the cardinalate and even ignored him at his last cardinal elevation on 13th July 1643.   

`..entrusting you with the responsibility for the future command and judgements of our Army previously led by the late General Field-Marshal Prince of Tauris, Potemkin,...´ CATHERINE II THE GREAT: (1762-1796) Empress of Russia 1762-96, Catherine the Great. An excellent and very attractive L.S., `Ekaterina´, in Cyrillic, two pages, 4to, Saint Petersburg, 20th October 1791, to Mikhailo Vasilievich, in Cyrillic. An excellent document signed, the Empress referring to the refurbishing of the Black Sea Fleet in case the Turks do not agree with the upcoming peace treaty, and mentioning the late Field-Marshal Potemkin who died only a week before the present letter was written. Catherine the Great states in part `In addition to our three commands that had already been given to you on the occasion of entrusting you with the responsibility for the future command and judgements of our Army previously led by the late General Field-Marshal Prince of Tauris, Potemkin, and of the Black Sea Fleet, we consider it necessary for you to do the following: first, to disarm the Black Sea Fleet and do your utmost to speed its repair and get it ready for the spring, storing the provisions and other necessities well in advance, in case of the failure of our negotiations with the Turks and their obstinacy in signing a peace agreement…´ Despite the peace treaty negotiations, the Empress distrusts the Turks, and gives additional orders, further saying `Second, to urgently build ships and other vessels, that we started or planned to be built under the command of the late Field-Marshal, informing us in every detail about the success of what is being built and where…´ VG Catherine II refers in the present letter to peace treaty negotiations, which will end up with the Treaty of Jassy, signed by the Russian and by the Ottoman Empire on 9th January 1792, only two months after the present letter was signed. Jassy was a city in Moldavia. This peace treaty put an end to the Russo-Turkish War of 1787-92 and confirmed Russia´s dominance in the Black Sea. The treaty was signed by Grand Vizier Koca Yusuf Pasha and by Prince Bezborodko who had succeeded Prince Potemkin as the head of the Russian delegation. Grigory Aleksandrovich Potemkin-Tavricheski (1739-1791) Russian Nobleman, Military Leader, Prince of the Russian Empire and favourite of Catherine the Great. Potemkin took part in the coup which deposed Tsar Peter III in 1762, giving the power to the tsar´s wife Catherine II. Potemkin became her lover and adviser and the most powerful man in Russia. The present letter is signed only one week after Grigory Potemkin passed away.

NESSELRODE KARL: (1780-1862) Russian diplomat who served as Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire from 1816-56. A.L.S., Nesselrode, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. ('Samedi matin'; 15th October 1853), to Sir Hamilton [Seymour], in French. Nesselrode writes to complete the information which he gave to his correspondent yesterday, and informs Seymour that 'nous avons recu hier au soir la declaration de guerre.......et la sommation adressee au Pr. Gortichakoff' (Translation: 'we received yesterday evening the declaration of war…..and the summons addressed to Pr. Gortichakoff'). With blank integral leaf (a few very small, minor areas of paper loss to the edge). VGSir George Hamilton Seymour (1797-1880) British diplomat who served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of St Petersburgh 1851-54.Alexander Gorchakov (1798-1883) Russian Prince, diplomat and statesman who served as Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire 1856-82. Nesselrode's letter is written just one day before the commencement of the Crimean War, a three-year conflict between Russia and the ultimately victorious alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, the United Kingdom and Sardinia-Piedmont.  

VOLKONSKY PYOTR: (1776-1852) Russian Prince and General Field Marshal who commanded the Russian troops at the Battle of Austerlitz (1805) and was one of the closest advisers to Emperor Alexander I. A.L.S., le P. P. V., two pages, 12mo, Tsarskoye Selo, 8th September 1832, to his mother, in French. Volkonsky writes, in part, 'Je suis tres charme d'apprendre bonne maman que votre demenagement ne vous a pas fait du mal, & vous remercie beaucoup pour la bonte que vous avez eu de me donner vous meme de vos nouvelles. Je fais des voeux pour votre entier retablissement et ne manquerai pas de remplir votre commission a l'Imperatrice, qui se porte bien, mais devient tres lourde' (Translation: 'I am very pleased to learn, dear mother, that your move has not harmed you, & thank you very much for the kindness you have had in giving me your news yourself. I wish for your full recovery and will not fail to fulfil your commission to the Empress, who is doing well, but is becoming very heavy'). With blank integral leaf. A couple of very minor, light traces of former mounting, otherwise VG

VOLKONSKY PYOTR: (1776-1852) Russian Prince and General Field Marshal who commanded the Russian troops at the Battle of Austerlitz (1805) and was one of the closest advisers to Emperor Alexander I. L.S., Le P. Pierre Volkonsky, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 20th March/1st April 1839, to Baron de Barante, on the printed stationery of the Chancellery of the Ministere de la Maison de l'Empereur, in French. Volkonsky informs his correspondent of the delivery of 'le masque en bronze de Charles XII de Suede' (Translation: 'the bronze mask of Charles XII of Sweden') which he had referred to in previous correspondence, further taking the opportunity to renew the assurances of the high consideration in which he holds his correspondent. Some light staining to the edges and one small tear to the right edge of the central fold, GAmable Guillaume Prosper Brugiere (1782-1866) Baron de Barante. French statesman and historian who served as ambassador to Turin and Saint Petersburg.

NICHOLAS I: (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55. L.S., Nicolas, a good and bold signature example, three pages, folio, Saint Petersburg, 23rd March 1837, to His Majesty the King of Naples, in Cyrillic. The manuscript letter informs the King, 'Our Dear Brother and Friend.. after having accepted the petition received from our Privy Councillor, Chamberlain and Cavalier Count Adam Matushevits, who is residing now at the Court of Your Majesty as our Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Minister, we relieve him from his duty and Envoy..´. Countersigned at the foot by Karl Nesselrode. Accompanied by the original envelope wrapper bearing a large Imperial paper seal. Some extremely light, minor age wear, otherwise VG Ferdinand II (1810-1859) King of the Two Sicilies 1830-59. Karl Nesselrode (1780-1862) Russian Count and Diplomat. Foreign Affairs Minister 1816-56. Nesselrode served under Tsars Alexander I, Nicholas I and Alexander II.

GORCHAKOV ALEXANDER: (1798-1883) Russian diplomat and statesman who served as Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire 1856-82. L.S., Gorchakov, one page, 4to, Peterhof, 28th July 1859, to Baroness Margarethe von Krudener, in French. Gorchakov writes a kind letter of sympathy following the loss his correspondent has just suffered, remarking 'Vous connaissez mieux que personne la main qui nous soutient dans les épreuves s qu'elle nous fait subir. Vous aurez trouve dans vos sentiments religieux la seule consolation qu'admet un pareil malheur' (Translation: 'You know better than anyone the hand that sustains us in the trials it puts us through. You will have found in your religious feelings the only consolation such a misfortune admits') and further continuing 'Sa Majeste l'Empereur a daigne vous allouer jusqu'a nouvel ordre, une subvention annuelle de cing cents Roubles argent, qui vous sera remise regulierement par la legation que vous voudrez bien désigner, selon le lieu que vous aurez choisi pour votre residence' (Translation: 'His Majesty the Emperor has deigned to grant you, until further notice, an annual subsidy of five hundred silver Rubles, which will be given to you regularly by the legation that you will kindly designate, according to the place you have chosen for your residence'). With blank integral leaf. A couple of small, minor tears and a slight stain to the edges, otherwise about VGMargarethe von Krudener (1818-1911) Daughter of Paul von Krudener (1784-1858) Russian diplomat who served as the fourth Russian Ambassador to the United States 1827-37 and whose wife, also Margarethe, had died in 1859.

ALEXANDROVNA XENIA: (1875-1960) Russian Grand Duchess, the eldest daughter of Tsar Alexander III of Russia and the sister of Emperor Nicholas II. A.L.S., Tanti (being her family name), two pages, 8vo, n.p. (Wilderness House, Hampton Court Palace, Richmond upon Thames?), 29th June 1957, to 'Mdm. Kykyshina (being the family name of her sister, Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna), in English and Cyrillic. The Grand Duchess states that she is just writing a few lines, however 'a proper letter' is in the making but she finds 'it an impossibility to “work on it” because of the heat!', complaining that she feels weak and exhausted, referring to some individuals who bask in the sun all day ('he is as brown as twenty arabs') and further sending her sister some letters (no longer present), commenting 'Here enclosed are the letters. I know you will be pleased to have Papa's…..to you & Mama! But please destroy Mama's & mine in answer to Mama's, you know which I mean. There are a few of his to Georgie [Grand Duke George Alexandrovich, their brother] & some from the latter, if you care to have them too - say so. Can't write any longer, my hand sticks to the paper'. Some very light, minimal age wear, VG

OXENSTIERNA AXEL: (1583-1654) Count of Sodermore. Swedish statesman who served as Lord High Chancellor of Sweden 1612-54. A confidant of King Gustavus Adolphus and Queen Christina, Oxenstierna is widely considered as one of the most influential people in Swedish history. A.L.S., Oxenstierna, one page, oblong 8vo, Stockholm, 4th August 1629, in Early Modern Swedish. The untranslated letter comprises nine lines of boldly penned, dark text. Some very light age wear, VG 

GEORGE III: (1738-1820) King of Great Britain and Ireland 1760-1820. D.S., George R, a 'mad' example, as King, at the head, one page (vellum), Court at St. James's, 1st February 1809. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is a military commission appointing J. B. Hart to be a Captain in the 95th Regiment of Foot commanded by Major General Coote Manningham. Countersigned at the foot by the Earl of Liverpool (1770-1828) British Prime Minister 1812-27 and Secretary of State for War and the Colonies 1809-12. A few light stains, not affecting the signatures, and the upper left corner very slightly and neatly clipped. About VGCoote Manningham (1765-1809) British Major General who served in the French Revolutionary Wars and also played a significant role in the creation and early development of the 95th Rifles of which he was Colonel in Chief..

GEORGE V: (1865-1936) King of the United Kingdom 1910-36. Autograph Minute, Appd. G. R. I., at the head of a T.L.S. by Edward Shortt (1862-1935) British lawyer and politician who served as Home Secretary 1919-22, one page, 4to, Whitehall, London, 27th May 1919, on the blind embossed stationery of the Home Office. The dictated text states, in full, 'Mr. Secretary Shortt with his humble duty to Your Majesty has the honour to recommend that the persons whose names are given in the attached list (no longer present) be appointed Companions of the Imperial Service Order'. Some light age wear and minor creasing, largely to the edges, and with a couple of small pinholes to the upper left corner, G 

AL-MUQRI MUHAMMAD: (1854-1957) Moroccan Grand Vizier and adviser to several Sultans of Morocco who represented his country at the Algeciras Conference of 1906. L.S., M. El Makri, one page, 8vo, Tangier, 23rd May 1916, to Monsieur Masure, Secretary General of the State Bank of Morocco, on the printed stationery of the Moroccan government's Special Committee for Public Works, in French. The Grand Vizier writes, in part, 'J'ai ete tres touche par les sentiments que vous avez bien voulu m'exprimer et vous remercie sincerement de votre delicate intention' (Translation: 'I was very touched by the feelings that you were kind enough to express to me and thank you sincerely for your delicate intention'). With blank integral leaf (very minor traces of former mounting to the verso). Accompanied by the original envelope addressed to Masure. Together with the personal printed oblong 12mo Visiting Card of Al-Muqri, unsigned, featuring his printed name to the centre, as Grand Vizir Honoraire du Gouvt. Cherifien, at Tangier, bearing two lines of text in his hand, in French, 'avec ses meilleurs de bonne année' (Translation: 'with his best wishes for a Happy New Year'). A couple of very minor creases and very slight traces of former mounting to the verso of the Visiting Card, VG, 2 

CARRERO BLANCO LUIS: (1904-1973) Spanish Navy Officer and Politician. Carrero Blanco was the right-hand man of dictator Francisco Franco, who appointed him as his successor in the role of Head of Government, taking office in June 1973. Six months after becoming Prime Minister, Carrero Blanco was assassinated in a car bombing by the Basque terrorist group ETA when he was returning from mass. A good signed visiting card by Carrero Blanco, `Muy agradecido´ (“Much obliged”) with his signature flourish over his printed name. The printed visiting card shows the printed text “Luis Carrero Blanco - Ministro Subsecretario de la Presidencia del Gobierno” (“Luis Carrero Blanco - Undersecretary of the Presidency of the Government”) VG 

FRANCO FRANCISCO: (1892-1975) Spanish General who served as Caudillo, in a dictatorship as Head of State of Spain 1936-75. An attractive and unusual signed presentation montage, the 4to card featuring a colour 8 x 8.5 photographic reproduction of a painting of Franco in a head and shoulders pose wearing ceremonial uniform, with two red and orange ribbons affixed to the right edge by a good red wax seal and impression at the base. Signed by Franco in dark fountain pen ink to the border beneath the image and dated 8th September 1971 in his hand. Some very light, minor staining to the base, only very slightly affecting the signature, otherwise about VG 

THOREZ MAURICE: (1900-1964) French politician who served as General Secretary of the French Communist Party 1930-64 and as Deputy Prime Minister of France 1946-47. Vintage signed sepia postcard photograph of Thorez standing outdoors in a half-length pose alongside the French Communist politician Marcel Cachin (1869-1958), apparently at a rally or meeting and with several other men in the background. Signed by Thorez in dark fountain pen ink with his name alone to the lower border. A couple of light, minor surface creases, otherwise VG

`Malheureusement, dans le regime que nous subissons actuellement, les services rendus au pays, si éminents soient-ils, ne comptent guère en regard des intérêts de parti´ DE GAULLE CHARLES: (1890-1970) French General of World War II. Later President of the French Republic 1959-69. T.L.S., `C. de Gaulle´, one page, 4to, n.p., 26th October 1950, to General Ingold, on his printed letterhead bearing `Le Général De Gaulle´ to the heading, in French. A very interesting thought by De Gaulle, expressing in a bitter way how the services given to the homeland are valued few years after the end of WWII, and how they have to suffer such behaviour. De Gaulle responds to his correspondent´s letter, and states in part `Je comprends et partage vos sentiments en apprenant la mesure qui vient d´atteindre Roger Malfette. Il m´avait écrit pour me dire ses craintes à ce sujet. Malheureusement, dans le regime que nous subissons actuellement, les services rendus au pays, si éminents soient-ils, ne comptent guère en regard des intérêts de parti´ (Translation: `I understand and share your feelings on learning the measure that has just affected Roger Malfette. He had written to me to tell me his fears on this subject. Unfortunately, under the present regime, the service given to the country, no matter how high, counts for little against party interests´) Very small overall minor age wear, otherwise G to VG General François Ingold (1894-1980) was the military Commander of the Niger-Dahomey-Togo Niamey forces. He participated in World War One and was injured. He joined General de Gaulle in 1940. As Officer of the FFL he participated in the Liberation. Roger Malfettes (1918-2009) Officer of the FFL who participated in the Liberation. He was at the time of the present letter, chief of subdivision in Dahomey.

DE GAULLE YVONNE: (1900-1979) Wife of Charles de Gaulle, President of the French Republic 1959-69. Well-known for her quote “The Presidency is temporary, but the family is permanent”. Yvonne and Charles de Gaulle escaped an assassination attempt in 1962 when they were attacked by machine gun fire. Yvonne was reputed to be very discreet; as such, despite numerous appearances, she never gave any radio or televised interviews, and the broader public never learned the sound of her voice. Rare and very intimate A.L.S., `Y. de Gaulle´, two pages, 8vo, mourning paper, Colombey les deux Eglises, Haute-Marne, 15th February 1948, in French. The present letter was written during the mourning of their daughter Anne, stating `Nous avons été profondément touches, mon mari et moi, par votre bonne lettre. Nous sommes si tristes de ne plus avoir notre petite fille… Sans doute Dieu a-t-il besoin de cette chère petite âme si pure  pour mieux protéger le Général dans l´oeuvre qu´il a entreprise.´ (Translation: `We were deeply touched, my husband and I, by your kind letter. We are so sad not to have our little girl anymore… No doubt God needs this dear little soul so pure to better protect the General in the task he has undertaken´) The letter has been very neatly and lightly affixed only to the left border to a larger card. VG Charles and Yvonne de Gaulle had three children, Philippe, Elizabeth and Anne (1928-1948) who was born with Down syndrome and died at the age of 20. The present letter was written nine days after she passed away.  

POMPIDOU GEORGES: (1911-1974) French politician who served as Prime Minister of France 1962-68 and later as President of France 1969-74. Blue ink signature to the centre of the official correspondence card of the Prime Minister of France. Together with a T.L.S. by a member of Pompidou's staff, one page, 4to, Paris, 21st September 1935, to Miss Maud Krafft, in French, forwarding the signature of Pompidou as requested in her letter of 27th July 1965. Accompanied by the original envelope. Also including a T.L.S. by Xavier de Beaulaincourt, private secretary to Charles de Gaulle, one page, 4to, n.p. (Paris), 28th May 1962, to Miss. Maud Krafft ('Ma petite fille'), in French, stating that her kind letter has been received by de Gaulle and continuing 'Le President de la Republique m'a charge de vous remercier des sentiments que vous y exprimiez a l'egard de la France' (Translation: 'The President of the Republic asked me to thank you for the feelings you expressed therein with regard to France'). Accompanied by the original envelope. VG to about EX, 3

HONECKER ERICH: (1912-1994) German communist politician who served as General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany from 1971-89, leaving office shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Signed 4 x 6 photograph of Honecker in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in blue ink to a light area of the image and dated 5th March 1980 in his hand. Some very light, minimal age wear, VG 

‘Yes, my task is heavy, but I am certain that I will not miss my goal’ MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II. A fine A.L.S., Mussolini, two pages (written to the first and third sides of the bifolium), 8vo, n.p. (Rome), n.d. (22nd December 1922), to Jean de Bonnefon ('Mon cher confrere'), on the printed stationery of Il Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri, marked Personelle in French. Mussolini writes, 'Votre article qu'on a deja traduit pour Il Gironale di Roma et sur Il popolo d'Italia, m'a profondement emu. Je ne sais pas s'il y a eu d'autres personnes qui aient si vivement compris mon esprit, comme vous avez fait. Oui, ma tache est lourde, mais j'ai la certitude que je ne manquerai pas mon but. Et je travaille….' (Translation: 'Your article, which has already been translated for Il Gironale di Roma and Il popolo d'Italia, moved me deeply. I don't know if there were ever other people who understood my mind so keenly as you did. Yes, my task is heavy, but I am certain that I will not miss my goal. And I work….'). Accompanied by the original envelope (some tears and small areas of paper loss where opened) hand addressed by Mussolini. Some light age wear and a few minimal traces of former mounting to the verso, VGJean de Bonnefon (1867-1928) French journalist and Catholic author. Mussolini's letter is written in the aftermath of the March on Rome, the organised mass demonstration and coup d'etat of October 1922 which led to King Victor Emmanuel III appointing Mussolini as Prime Minister on 30th October, thereby transferring political power to the fascists. On the following day the fascist blackshirts paraded in Rome while Mussolini formed his coalition government. On 16th November Mussolini delivered a speech to the Chamber in which he announced the key factors of his future political action. It was after reading this speech that Bonnefon wrote a glowing article on Mussolini and his new policies.  

ZAIMIS ALEXANDROS: (1855-1936) Greek politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece 1897-99, 1901-02, 1915, 1916, 1917 & 1926-28 and as President of Greece 1929-35 (the third and last President of the Second Hellenic Republic). An unusual signed presentation montage, the 4to card bearing two red and black wax seals, one with pale blue and white ribbons attached, and with a postcard corner mounted beneath, the embossed relief image depicting the ancient Greek Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion. Signed in black fountain pen ink by Zaimis, in Greek, to the head of the card, adding the place and date, 11th February 1933, in his hand. Some light wrinkling and age wear and some minor staining and foxing, G

VENIZELOS ELEFTHERIOS: (1864-1936) Greek statesman who served as Prime Minister of Greece 1910-15, 1915, 1917-20, 1924, 1928-32, 1932 & 1933. Fountain pen ink signature ('E. K. Venizelos') to the centre of an oblong 8vo page removed from an autograph album, the statesman also adding the words '(Album signature)' in his hand. With a pencil annotation in the hand of a collector. VG 

VENIZELOS ELEFTHERIOS: (1864-1936) Greek statesman who served as Prime Minister of Greece 1910-15, 1915, 1917-20, 1924, 1928-32, 1932 & 1933. Vintage signed 8 x 11 photograph, a formal head and shoulders study of the Ethnarch. Photograph by Taponier of Paris. Signed by Venizelos in Greek with his name alone in fountain pen ink to the lower photographer's mount. Some silvering to the edges of the image, and with some light age wear and creasing to the mount, the edges of which are neatly trimmed. G 

MAKARIOS III: (1913-1977) Greek Cypriot archbishop who served as the first President of Cyprus 1960-74, 1974-77. Vintage signed 4.5 x 6.5 photograph of Makarios in a half-length pose wearing his religious robes. Signed in bold red fountain pen ink with his name alone to the lower white border. VG 

KOSSUTH LAJOS: (1802-1894) Hungarian statesman who served as Prime Minister of Hungary 1848-49 and as Governor-President of Hungary April - August 1849. A.L.S., L Kossuth, two pages, 8vo, Alpha Road (London), 20th November n.y. (1853), to a friend ('Cher ami!'), in French and English. Kossuth provides his correspondent with Sir Joshua Walmsley's response, word for word, ' “Should the Committee come to the conclusion that I am the right man so be it but if they can induce a more popular man to take the chair I will support him”', Kossuth further adding 'Je crois donc que vous deviez vous hater d'annoncer votre meeting par des journaux et affiches' (Translation: 'I therefore believe that you should hasten to announce your meeting through newspapers and posters') and that the notices should state that Walmsley will preside and Kossuth will assist and speak. Kossuth also advises his correspondent to write to Attwood so as 'not to let Sir Joshua unsupported, as his coming out on this occasion may lead to that extended organisation which M. Attwood was first to advise, & to pledge, provided Sir Joshua is not discouraged by seeing himself left alone by the influential names of England at the first start'. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by a small selection of French journal articles and illustrations relating to the funeral of Kossuth in Budapest. Some light overall staining and minor age wear, about VG, Sml Qty.Sir Joshua Walmsley (1794-1871) English politician and businessman, Member of Parliament for Leicester 1847-48, 1852-57.

BENES EDVARD: (1884-1948) Czech statesman who served as President of Czechoslovakia 1935-38, 1945-48 and also led the Czechoslovak government-in-exile from 1939-45 during World War II. An excellent vintage signed sepia 6.5 x 9.5 photograph of Benes in a formal head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Centropress of Prague and bearing their credit stamp to the verso. Signed by Benes in fountain pen ink to the lower border, also adding the place and date, Prague, 23rd May 1937, in his hand beneath his signature. About EX  

OSTROWSKI ANTONI JAN: (1782-1845) Polish Count and General who commanded the National Guards in Warsaw during the November Uprising of 1830-31. A.L.S., A Ostrowski, one page, small 4to, Versailles, 31st May 1841, to Monsieur Aubernon, in French. Ostrowski thanks his correspondent for the kindness he has shown in taking his son, Antoine, under his patronage, further expressing his hope that Antoine will receive his degree in the next four or six weeks, and also sending thanks for the letter that Aubernon had written to the minister in favour of another son, Stanislas. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG

GALITZINE ALEXANDER: (1773-1844) Russian Statesman, Minister and confidante of Tsar Alexander I. Chairman of State Council under Nicholas I. A very fine L.S., `Prince Alexandre Galitzin´, a bold ink signature by the at that time, almost blind Prince Galitzine, three pages, 4to, Saint Petersburg, 22nd May/3rd June 1841, to Baron Kreidener, in French. Galitzine thanks his correspondent for his letter full of congratulations for the award received, stating in part `Je remercie votre Excellence pour tout ce que vous me dites d´affectueux… à l´occasion de la grâce que Sa Majesté l´Empereur a bien voulu m´accorder - je ne saurai assez reconnaitre la manière don't Sa Majesté a daigné exprimer Sa bonté à mon égard´ (Translation: `I thank your Excellency for allthe things you tell me with affection… on the occasion of the grace that His Majesty the Emperor has been good enough to grant me - I cannot sufficiently recognize the way in which His Majesty has condescended to express His kindness to me´) Galitzine further refers to his correspondent´s nephew wedding approval by the Emperor, saying `Votre neveu Mr. Ochando doit être bien impatient de conclure son marriage, il attend la permission de Sa Majesté. S´il tarde de la recevoir, la faute n´en est pas au Comte Nesselrode qui a reçu la demande de votre neveu presque à la veille du départ de l´Empereur pour Moscou…´ (Translation: `Your nephew Mr. Ochando must be very impatient to conclude his marriage, he is awaiting His Majesty's permission. If he is late in receiving it, it is not the fault of Count Nesselrode who received your nephew's request almost on the eve of the Emperor's departure for Moscow...´) The front page bears a blind embossed monogram seal to the upper left heading. Accompanied by a 7 x 9 engraving of Prince Galitzine. Very small minor creasing, otherwise VG Karl Nesselrode (1780-1862) Russian Count and Diplomat. Foreign Affairs Minister 1816-56Nicholas I (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55. 

LENIN VLADIMIR: (1870-1924) Russian revolutionary and politician who served as the first and founding head of government of Soviet Russia 1917-24 and of the Soviet Union 1922-24 & TSIURUPA ALEXANDER (1870-1928) Bolshevik leader and Soviet politician who served as People's Commissar for Food of the RSFSR 1918-21. A rare D.S. by both Lenin ('V Ulyanov (Lenin)') and Tsiurupa ('A Tsyurupa') individually, one page, folio, Kremlin, Moscow, 20th June 1919, with the stamped heading of the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic Workers and Peasants Defence Council, in Cyrillic. The typed document is addressed to Narkomprod (People's Commissariat for Food Supplies) of Crimea and states, in part, 'Considering the severity of the food situation in Russia, and the enormous shortages of food for children, especially for sick children, I suggest that all canned fruits available in Crimea, as well as cheese, should be earmarked solely for feeding sick children in Northern Russia. Products should be sent to Komprod's address'. Signed at the conclusion by Lenin in his capacity as Chairman of the Defence Council and by Tsiurupa in his capacity as People's Commissar for Food Supplies, alongside an official circular purple ink stamp. Some very light, extremely minimal age wear, VGThe People's Commissariat for Food Supplies (also known by it's abbreviation Narkomprod) was originally founded in 1917 and was the ministry of the Russian SFSR in charge of food supplies and industrial goods.Lenin and Tsiurupa signed the present document at a significant time during the Russian Civil War (1917-23) throughout which Crimea changed hands numerous times. Whilst it was governed by the Bolsheviks in June 1919, it would not be long before it became the stronghold of the anti-Bolshevik White Army under the command of General Anton Denikin. It is therefore possible that Lenin and Tsiurupa, aware of the situation facing Crimea, were attempting to get as much food as they could out of the area before it was too late.

‘I obey with pleasure’ STALIN JOSEPH: (1878-1953) Soviet politician and revolutionary who led the Soviet Union from 1924-53 as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (1922-52) and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union (1941-53) & STALINA SVETLANA (1926-2011) Soviet writer and lecturer, the youngest child and only daughter of Joseph Stalin. An amusing A.L.S., Setanka, by Stalin's young daughter, one page, small 8vo, n.p., 20th May 1937, in Cyrillic. Svetlana's playful letter, written in bold red and blue indelible pencil, takes the form of an 'official secret order' issued to her father, 'I order you to go to the cinema with Comrades Molotov, Kaganovich, Zhdanov, Vaska and me. (Go to the cinema by all means today)', and features a small hand-drawn seal incorporating a red star at the conclusion. Joseph Stalin responds at the foot of the page, with an A.N.S., J Stalin, in Cyrillic, writing in blue indelible pencil, 'I obey with pleasure'. A rare and unusually light-hearted example of Stalin's autograph. Very slightly irregularly torn to the upper edge, the page evidently having been removed from a perforated notepad. VG 

‘I shun, as much as possible, all intercourse with the world, from which I am wholly retired, not only in fact but in disposition. I am no longer capable of duty or susceptible of pleasure’ BURKE EDMUND: (1729-1797) Anglo-Irish statesman, economist and philosopher. A.L.S., Edm. Burke, two pages, 4to, Beaconsfield, 16th June 1795, to the Archbishop of Bordeaux (Jerome-Marie Champion De Cice). Burke congratulates his correspondent on their safe arrival in England and continues 'The time of my receiving the honour you are pleased to intend for me will depend upon your own convenience. The manner of your reception must of course be extremely disproportioned to the respect I bear you & such as is more suitable to my circumstances…..My state of mind disqualifies me from the attentions, I should, in my better days, have been proud of shewing to strangers such as you are. The sole link by which I was held to society is broken; & I shun, as much as possible, all intercourse with the world, from which I am wholly retired, not only in fact but in disposition. I am no longer capable of duty or susceptible of pleasure', further adding that he expects the Archbishop will be accompanied by one of his nephews as a guide and asking if 'you will be so good as to let me know the day on which you will find it convenient to confer on me the honour you intend', explaining that 'I will take care that my carriage shall meet you at the Angel Inn half way between this & London'. With integral address leaf in Burke's hand and bearing a good black wax seal (small area of paper loss caused by the original breaking). Some light age wear, VGJerome-Marie Champion De Cice (1735-1810) French clergyman who was Archbishop of Bordeaux from 1781-1801 and emigrated to England during the French Revolution.  

[IRELAND]: Cearbhall O Dalaigh (1911-1978) Irish politician who served as President of Ireland 1974-76. Signed 4 x 6 photograph of O Dalaigh in a close-up head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold blue fountain pen ink with his name alone to a light area of the image; Patrick Hillery (1923-2008) Irish politician who served as President of Ireland 1976-90. Vintage signed 6.5 x 8.5 photograph of Hillery in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in dark fountain pen ink to the verso and dated 30th October 1969 in his hand; Liam Cosgrave (1920-2017) Irish politician who served as Taoiseach from 1973-77. Signed 3.5 x 4.5 photograph of Cosgrave in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in white fountain pen ink with his name alone to the image. Accompanied by a letter of transmittal from Cosgrave's private secretary, dated 27th September 1974. Some slight staining and one small tear to the border of Hillery's photograph, G to VG, 3  

PORTLAND DUKE OF: (1738-1809) British Prime Minister 1783, 1807-09. A.L.S., Portland, one page, 4to, Bulstrode (Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire), 8th August 1801, to Monseigneur [Jerome-Marie Champion De Cice], in French. Portland apologises for the long delay in replying to his correspondent's letter 'demander des passeports pour quelques euclesiastiques de votre diocese' (Translation: 'asking for passports for some ecclesiastics in your diocese') and continuing 'mais j'espere que les ordres que je donnai pour que les passeports fussent expedies.....vous aurant persuade de mon empressement d'obeir a vos ordres' (Translation: 'but I hope that the orders I gave for the passports to be despatched….have persuaded you of my readiness to obey your orders'). With blank integral leaf. Some tears to the edges and neat splits at some folds. Together with a selection of eight further A.Ls.S. etc. by various individuals including John Stuart, 1st Marquess of Bute, George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer, William Fitzwilliam, 4th Earl Fitzwilliam etc. The majority of the letters are written in French and are addressed to Jerome-Marie Champion De Cice. Some age wear and minor faults, G to VG, 9Jerome-Marie Champion De Cice (1735-1810) French clergyman who was Archbishop of Bordeaux from 1781-1801 and emigrated to England during the French Revolution.

ANDRESS URSULA: (1936-     ) Swiss-German actress and sex symbol. Signed colour 7 x 9.5 photograph of the actress in an iconic half-length pose, holding a seashell and wearing a white bikini, in costume as Honey Ryder from the first James Bond film Dr. No (1962). Signed by Andress in bold black ink with her name alone to a clear area of the background. Together with Honor Blackman (1925-2020) English actress, famous for her portrayal of the Bond Girl Pussy Galore in Goldfinger (1964). Vintage signed and inscribed 7.5 x 10 photograph of Blackman in a half-length pose wearing a low-cut dress. Signed in blue fountain pen ink, largely across a clear area of the image. Also including Madeline Smith (1949-     ) English actress who portrayed the Bond Girl Miss. Caruso in Live and Let Die (1973). Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Smith standing in a half-length pose wearing a skimpy see-through blouse. Signed in black ink with her name alone to a light area of the background. G to VG, 3