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British Army Officers Sam Brown leather belt and cross strap, maker marked "Moss Bros & Co. Ltd" and a Royal Army Dental Corps Stable belt with Queens Crown buckle and a RAMC Stable belt with twin leather fastenings (3)

British Army compass by Stanley London, serial number st03454. Stores code 6605-99-537-9034. In original cardboard box marked "On Her Majesty's Service" and "17 Trng Regt & Depot RA, QM Tech, Woolwich (Attn of Sgt Lockhart). Retains all original OD paint finish

Coldstream Guards - Range of RP and Artist postcards including: Harry Payne (7), Tucks' early British Army' series etc (10)

Army Service Corps WWI (5th London Mounted Brigade) Fine RP - Orderly Room and staff

WWI Personalities 'General Russky, Commanding a Russian Army Corps' an excellent postcard.

Richard Thomas Moynan RHA (1856-1906) PORTRAIT OF AN ARMY PENSIONER AT THE ROYAL HOSPITAL, KILMAINHAM oil on board with Victor Waddington framing label on reverse The medal ribbon on the pensioner's uniform would indicate that he was a veteran of the Crimean War.The Royal Hospital Kilmainham dates back to 1680 and provided a home for retired soldiers for the around 250 years. While some pensioners surrendered their allowance to the hospital and lived within the confines as "in-pensioners", others lived outside the Hospital and received their pensions elsewhere. Pensions from the Royal Hospital Kilmainham were administered to soldiers who had served for at least 12 years in the British Army and were discharged from Irish regiments, as well as from some English, Scottish and Welsh units. 14 by 10in. (35.6 by 25.4cm)

Scarce 1858 Pattern Lancaster sword bayonet which has the later leaf spring attachment of a screw instead of a rivet as on the earlier models distinctive pipe back blade carries the makers name of R & W Aston of Birmingham together with an inspection stamp and there is also an inspection stamp on the top edge of the blade brass pommel carries the stamp M.S.C. this denotes usage by the Medical Staff Corps (later the Royal Army Medical Corps)

A silver jubilee tin and contents of military badges, silver A.R.P Royal Army medical corps and a WWII wound badge etc.

Military interest. A first World War sketch book containing pencil drawings by George Wilfred Williamson of the Army Vetinary Corps, along with an earlier example.

A quantity of army/military ephemera

An interesting collection of army / military memorabilia including parade programmes, dinner programmes, tattoos programmes etc

A interesting collection of army photographs from 1970s/80s (including Crown Copyright) covering Royal Visits, parades, Defence Minister Inspections, operations etc

An interesting collection of army and military related ephemera and assorted photographs

A large and excellent collection of army cloth badges

A small leather bound 'List of Army Officers, 1755, of Horse, Dragoons & Foot' (back cover detahced), an '1801 List of Officers of the Fencible Cavalry', one other Army list, four modern vols of 'The Waterloo Roll' and four other related vols. (11)

Navy & Army' – 19 vols – a/f

A 1939 album containing printed seals pertaining to units of the Indian Army, another album with seals for Indian States, officials, hotels and Nepalese crests, together with many others.

Collection of various catalogues and trade booklets relating to traction engines, agricultural goods, implements etc, mostly from the 19th century with some later examples including bicycle booklets, steam machines, Army & Navy General Price List 1926-27 etc (QTY)

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. L.S., `Bonaparte´, one page, folio, Milan, 7th November 1797, to Citizen Faipoult, French plenipotentiary Minister and special Envoy to Genoa, in French. The partially printed document bears a large and very attractive heading by Mercoli featuring Marianne, France's national symbol of liberty, seated surrounded by all the French republic symbols. Napoleon in his capacity as Chief General of the Italian Army, sends an urgent message to his correspondent fixing an immediate and prompt meeting, and states `I wrote to you, citizen Minister, last day 12th of this month, inviting you to travel to Milan. Apparently you did not receive my letter. As it is important that we meet and talk about the Genoa affairs, I kindly request you to depart as soon as my courier delivers this letter to you´. With blank integral leaf. Folded. Overall creasing and few tears to the edges, not affecting the text or signature. F to G £1500-2000 Guillaume Charles Faipoult French plenipotentiary Minister and special Envoy to Genoa

MARQUIS OF SURVILLE: (1755-1798) Officer of the Condé army who would later work in secret missions for future King Louis XVIII. Accused of conspiracy, he was arrested and executed. L.S., Surville, one page, oblong small 8vo, Viviers, 3rd February 1792. The document being the acknowledgment of a debt. Small overall, minor age wear, G £80-100

MORAND JOSEPH: (1757-1813) French General, mortally wounded at Lunebourg, Germany. L.S., `Morand´, two pages, folio, Luxembourg, 21st March 1798, to Geirges Malraison, in French. Morand, in his capacity of Commandant of the city of Luxembourg refers to gendarme Malraison, stating `..who has been shot in action close to Courtai, not being able to continue with his service at army..´ The document bears three ink stamps from the headquarters of Luxembourg, the National Gendarmerie and war commissar. Countersigned by several members of the committee, gendarmes, officers, etc.. Small overall, minor age wear. Folded. G £100-150

ROCH LEDRU DES ESSARTS FRANÇOIS: (1770-1844) French General, considered one of the most valorous Napoleon´s Generals, notably in the Moskova battle. A good and lengthy A.L.S., `Ledru´ four pages, 4to, Ferrare, 20th April 1798, to his sister, in French. With the written heading of the Italy army, Ledru des Essarts before departing that same night with his battalion to control the Cisalpine-tartaro boundary, writes to his sister, stating in part `The Austrian regiment in charge of the other side of the boundary is precisely the same which I faced a year ago near Vienna… I hope being able to exchange some laughs together with the Colonel of that regiment who, let me tell you, is more French than Austrian, and who even was honest enough to send me some Italian brochures shipped to me from Frioul..´ further saying `..It is time now that the two councils are composed by pure patriots in order to consolidate the republic and make all those who intend to create trouble will lose any kind of hope..´ further again concluding `Italy is quite calm now, but some troop movements are announcing prompt changes..´ VG £150-200

THARREAU JEAN-VICTOR: (1767-1812) French General during the revolution and under the first Empire. Tharreau was killed during the Moskova battle. An attractive D.S., J.V. Tharreau, one page, oblong folio, Bayeux, 9th July 1798, to Sebastien Maillard, in French. An attractive leave with printed heading, signed by Tharreau in his capacity as Brigade General, Commandant of the Armée d´Angleterre (`England Army´), and countersigned the committee members, Generals Honoré Gazan (1765-1845) and Jean-Pierre Maransin (1770-1828), stating `having received a bullet…while fighting against the enemies of the republic..´ The document also bears a red wax seal to the upper left corner of the front page. Folded. VG £100-150

BERNADOTTE JEAN BAPTISTE JULES: (1763-1844) Marshal of France, Prince de Pontecorvo and King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway 1818-44. L.S., J.B., Bernadotte, one page, large folio, Mannheim headquarters, 26th March 1799, to the administrators of the Rhin and Moselle department. Bernadotte, in his capacity as Commandant of the observation army, thanks and congratulates his correspondents for their sincere support and work for the republic, sand states in part `..the care you took accomplishing the task of transporting 200 vehicles from Andernach to Gulz. I will write to the Minister denouncing the suppliers recklessness and will request that they grant you 10.000 francs to be distributed..´ Small overall, minor age wear, with edges slightly trimmed. G £200-300

BRUNE GUILLAUME MARIE ANNE: (1763-1815) Marshal of France. Assassinated. D.S., Brune, one page, large folio, Costes Franio, 12th January 1801, to Amant Blachere, in French. The partially printed document bears the heading of the army of Italy, and Brune, in his capacity as Chief General appoints Captain Blachere Chief of Battalion, stating `..on the battle field, as an award for his bravery, his behaviour..having fought in the besiege of Toulon campaign, where he was injured..´ Folded. Reopaired to the verso folds. G £200-300

DEBELLE JEAN-FRANÇOIS: (1767-1802) French General. Artillery Commandant in chief on the St. Domingue expedition where he died at the very early age of 34. Rare A.L.S., Gral J.Debelle, one page, folio, Boulogne Headquarters, 10th March 1801, to M. Seroux, in French. The partially printed document, bearing at the heading Debelle´s name and rank, army of Italy, is a request to his correspondent, stating `I have been informed that you had a beautiful van for me in the way I need it for the army of Italy, you will be so kind to send it to me to Milan where I will remain for few days..´ VG £100-150

[14th JULY 1790]: Fête de la Fédération. 1st Anniversary of the Storm of the Bastille. The first anniversary was celebrated in Paris at the Champ-de-Mars, with the presence of King Louis XVI, and with the 83 deputies, all of them taking the oath for the Nation and Law. A good signed certificate, one page, 4to, Paris, 27th July 1790, to Faure, in French. The partially printed document bears the heading "14th July 1790", given to Elysée Faure (1765-1816?) French deputy and future Mayor of Revel, and is signed by two commissars on behalf of Mayor of Paris Jean Sylvain Bailly (1736-1793) and General Commandant of the National Guard Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834). With an attractive red wax seal in good condition showing Confédération Nationale Paris 1790. Together with an extremely rare 8 x 10 pass, being Faure´s pass to the anniversary event, showing to the front the printed words Confédération Nationale, ornated with a laurel crown, and bearing beneath his name and post in bold black ink. Also including a good printed contemporary document, being the minutes related to the French army banner taken by military veterans from the anniversary event at the Champ-de-Mars, blessing it, to the National Assembly, 14th-15th July 1790, given to M. De Saint-Priest, and which will lead to the French tricolor flag. After deliberating the National Assembly agreed to hang the banner as a `Monument to the memorable solemnity of the Federation´. Also including an attractive leather coin, a 5 sols Monneron, with a printed pattern related to the first anniversary of 14th July 1790, 0,06 pounds, (27 gr), issued in 1792. Also including two printed contemporary documents, the first comprising eight pages, 4to, Bordeaux, 14th July 1790, related to the anniversary and to the National Guards, the second of two pages, 4to, is entitled `The King´s response to the speech addressed to him and given by M. De Lafayette on behalf of all the National Guards of the Kingdom on 13th July 1790.´ Also including an interesting L.S., by Louis Lebègue Duportail, one page, folio, 20th September 1790, to the head controller, stating `Would you please make a 6043 pounds payment to the war funds in order to reimburse the expenses paid for the Swiss deputies attending the Federation anniversary, and 1040 pounds for the Holland´s officers..´ G to VG, 6 £800-1200 The Monneron Brothers were French Bankers, who were authorized to produce 2 and 5 sols coins in great quantities in the Soho factory in Birmingham from the end of 1791. These pieces of "necessity money" eased the coinage shortage then current in France and their technical and aesthetic quality was much superior to mediocre base metal issues produced by official sources. In 1792, the Monnerons went bankrupt and a law forbade this production of money. These necessity coins were in circulation until the end of 1793.Louis Lebègue Duportail (1743-1801) military councelor to George Washington during the Independence war. He created the American engineer corps and was appointed war Minister under Louis XVI.

SAVETTIER DE CANDRAS JACQUES: (1768-1812) French General killed at the Beresina river crossing. Savettier de Candras was defending a strategic location with only 1500 soldiers, facing Russian troops with 10000 men. Napoleon appointed Savettier de Candras´daughter with her father´s title in recognition for his heroic behaviour, a decision he only did twice over the years. D.S., Savettier Candras, two pages, oblong folio, Nancy, 28th January 1802, to Jacques Boisset. Savettier de Candras grants a leave to fusilier Boisset as a result of his wounds during the Thuiz affair, in the Spanish army. With over fifteen countersignatures. Edges slightly trimmed, otherwise G £100-150

BERNADOTTE JEAN BAPTISTE JULES: (1763-1844) Marshal of France, Prince de Pontecorvo and King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway 1818-44. A.L.S., J. Bernadotte, with large ink underline, one page, 8vo, Paris, 19th April [1800], to François Lamarque, in French. The day before the present letter was written, Bernadotte was appointed Chief Commander of the west army, replacing Marshal Brune. Bernadotte sends a lengthy note to his correspondent, apologizing for not being able to meet him that day, further saying `But because you are so good coming on your own to meet me, make the effort to delay your departure until tomorrow Sunday morning, and I will have the great pleasure of meeting you…´ Written to the heading in another hand "Bernadotte King of Sweden" in French. Creasing to the lower part of the letter and a tear to the bottom edge, not affecting the signature. About G £200-300François Lamarque (1753-1839) French Politician, Prefect and Jurist. He was appointed French Ambassador to Sweden in 1798 but was rejected by Gustav IV King of Sweden. Curiously, the author of the present letter Bernadotte, would become years later King of Sweden.The day before the present letter was written, Bernadotte was appointed by Napoleon Chief Commander of the west army with a difficult mission `The most difficult of all´ as Napoleon would say, and that was looking for a peaceful solution to the Vendée. From April 1800 to August 1801 Bernadotte commanded the army in the Vendée and successfully restored its tranquility.

[MUTINY OF THE NANCY GARRISON]: A.L.S., Rostan, two pages, 4to, Metz, 4th September 1790, in French. Citizen Rostan suggests to take his correspondent´s brother with him far from the revolts of Nancy, and states `..three days ago we had to send a small army to Nancy to bring back to reason the 3 regiments of the King which were uprised for the last 15 days. Because of the revolt 3 to 4 hundred people have died, but we have been able to stop the mutiny. We must expect that this harshness will hold back the others..´. Together with a very interesting and lengthy A.L.S., Dantoine Tailly, a French Officer, four pages, 4to, Metz, 4th September 1790, to his brother, in French, stating in part ´..the events just happened in Nancy will not be easily forgotten, although at today´s date we have brought back the calm; the three regiments supporting the uprising were Chateaux Vieux Suisse et Mestre de Camp, Cavalerie. The King´s regiment and the National Guard fought against the other regiments. We sent 600 men of the National Guard from Metz…M. de Bouillé leading them, a good General who came back from the American wars..After the third cannon shot the door opened and we went in..the Nancy troops betrayed the Metz ones and they shot them.. M. de Bouillé had to order the Swiss regiment to identify themselves…in order to recognize them from the other Swiss…it was a shooting chaos, we were close to lose all our Metz regiment if a cannonman wasn´t killed in the last second.. Women were throwing boiling water from their windows.. Such confrontations concluded with a horrible carnage..´ A letter of very good historical content. Also including A.L.S., Broglie, two pages, 4to, 12th September 1790, to M. de St-Victor, stating in part `..If, as I hope, severe justice is applied to the officers and soldiers of the garrison regiments of Nancy, I think that the army will recover, which is very necessary..´ Also including André Drut (1764-1818) French General. D.S., Drut, one page, folio, 26th December 1793, to lieutenant Fouque. The document refers to the officer´s services, stating `..especially his achievements during the Nancy affair..´ Also including seven contemporary printed documents, one, three, six, sixteen and fourty-three pages, dated between 16th August and 24th September 1790, all related to Nancy regiments and the mutiny and containing interesting reports. G, 11 £1000-1200The Nancy garrison, comprising three regiments, was demanding their pending salaries, and had imprisoned their own officers in August 1790. Governor Marquis de Bouillé leaded the repression and after hard street confrontation 300 people died on 31st August. In Paris, the Convention first sentenced to prison the insurgents and supported the officers repression, but soon after the escape of Varennes, the insurgents became the symbol of the oppressed people, their sentences were condemned and their rights restored. The red bonnet, used for convicts, became an emblem of the Republic.Charles Louis Victor, Prince de Broglie (1756-1794) French General and President of the Constituent Assembly. Guillotined.

VALÉE SYLVAIN: (1773-1846) French general and Marshal. A rare and excellent set of seven A.Ls., `V´, seventeen pages, 4to, Königsberg and Tilsit, between 24th June & 11th July 1807, to his wife, in French. Valée writes to his wife referring to the historic events of the peace Treaty of Tilsit, and to personal matters, and states in part `..The Emperor keeps on running after the Russians. We are waiting for him here…Yesterday I visited a Prussian Major, mi neighbour, who has a very young and beautiful wife who is very ill after a childbed, and who speaks French..´ In June 24th, Valée states `--The Emperor remains in Tilsit, over the Neman, to treat about, they say, the peace. There are reasons that make us hope that a meeting between the Emperor and the Russian Emperor will take place, or with the King of Prussia..´ In a further letter dated 28th June, Valée says `Emperor Alexander I, after meeting twice the Emperor Napoleon in the small castle built for them in the middle of the river which is separating the two armies… Consequently they have divided the city in two parts, half for the Russians, half for us. The two Emperors are together..The Emperor Alexander is, as everybody says, is a very good looking man, not his brother Constantin. It is strange to see how people who were killing each other 8 days ago, are now living together in good harmony. Wouldn´t this prove how weaks are the reasons for such cruel and devastating wars..´ further saying `The Emperor is promising a proclamation addressed to the army, announcing that he will make us all return to France, but we have already had this hope disappointed..´ On a letter dated 30th June, Valée states referring to Russians `What the hell have we in common with these kind of heads specimen? They barely have human faces, a dressed orangutan with a hat would have the same look, some of them use arrows. All those animals remind us those wild hordes we have read about..´ Valée keeps on describing Russian soldiers, further referring to Frederick William III `The King of Prussia is always following his conqueror, thoughtful and not talking to anyone, alone…Nobody is giving attention to him, nobody cares..´ On a further letter dated 11th July, Valée states `Before yesterday the Emperors Napoleon and Alexander separated close to the Memel shore, they embraced each other, good friends apparently; Emperor Alexander returns to his deserts, I wish we will never have to see again these wild animals faces. The Queen of Prussia, with her impish look, would have confused the two masters of the universe if they had to remain longer with her..´ A set of letters with very interesting historic content. Overall age wear, with edges very slightly trimmed, few stains, otherwise G £500-800

SUCHET LOUIS GABRIEL: (1770-1826) Marshal of France. Duc d´Albufera. One of the most brilliant of Napoleon´s Generals. A.L.S., with paraph, three pages, 4to, Spain, 26th April 1809, to his brother Knight Suchet, in French. Suchet explains that he has been riding for a number of days and could not find time to write and states `The 5th Regiment has just left Aragon and moves towards Burgos, I receive en route an order instructing me to replace the Duke of Abrantes and take over the command of the third Regiment.´ further saying `This proof of confidence from H[is] M[ajesty] honour me and terrifies me too, it is an important and difficult task, and separates me from one of the bravest and most devoted men…Leading them I could only earn glory; I built up a military family with a rare devotion..´ Suchet asks his brother to visit his wife and family and replace him while he is away, as he was expecting to return with his troops to Germany, but the Emperor´s orders are different. And in concluding says `I depart to Zaragoza´. With address leaf to the fourth page in Suchet´s hand, bearing a black wax seal. The letter is sent to Rouen, and bears an annotation to the upper left corner indicating that the letter was received on 17th May. VG £200-300Suchet had been appointed, shortly before the present letter was written, General in chief of the Aragon army replacing General Junot.Jean-Andoche Junot (1771-1813) 1st Duke of Abrantes. French General during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.Gabriel-Catherine Suchet (1877-1835) Brother of Marshal Suchet. French Deputy.

MÉDUSE - FRENCH FRIGATE: La Méduse was a French Navy frigate. The frigate was armed to ferry French officials to Senegal to re-establish the colony in hands of the British. La Méduse leaded by an inept Captain, chosen by politicians, struck the Bank of Arguin on 2nd July 1816, and provoked terrible ordeals. Many men died drowned, many of them were drunk, a large group of them rebelled and were killed by officers, some survivors engaged in cannibalism and some injured men were thrown into the sea when food ran low. Two weeks after the raft was found with only 15 survivors. An extremely rare A.L.S., Desarbre & fils Sous-Lieutenant, two pages, 4to, on board of La Méduse, Saint Lazere, 17th December 1810, to Monsieur Pajol, secretary to the Duke of Istria (Marshal Bessieres), in French. The writer thanks his correspondent and patron, and explains that he has embarked La Méduse with destination the Island of Java. He reports that they expect favourable winds and that they will be travelling four months before reaching destiny. He also mentions having enjoyed the dinner with Captain (Joseph François Raoul) and with General Janssens, and states in part `The English are waiting for us not far from here, but I think that with equal forces…We are all young and strong and are ready to respond to them in the same way..we are eight on the Nymphe, and we have been explained where our fighting posts are…I kindly ask you to forgive my writing as I am writing on the capstan and the frigate is crowded..´ A letter of very interesting content. With blank address leaf. VG £1000-1500Jean Guillaume Janssens (1762-1838) Dutch officer serving French army. Appointed General short before. He leaded the expedition to Java and was captured by the English in 1811.La Nymphe was a French frigate which was launched at the time La Méduse was launched too and accompanied the last till 3rd of January.

MALET COUP OF 1812: The Malet coup was a coup d´état attempt in Paris, 23rd October 1812, intending to remove Napoleon I from power, when he was in the Russian front. The coup was engineered by Republican general Claude François Malet. The coup failed, and the leading conspirators were executed. An excellent set of five documents signed by the main participants in the coup attempt, partners in crime and few other main figures related to the coup, comprising Claude François Malet (1754-1812) French General of the Empire. Malet announced the death of Napoleon using forged documentation. Executed. D.S., Malet, one page, oblong 4to, Besançon, 28th August 1797, in his capacity as Adjutant-General to the Headquarters Staff, on the printed stationery of the Hospital of Egalité and countersigned by several officers, commissars of war. The document is a health certificate of a wounded soldier; Victor Claude Fanneau de Lahorie (1766-1812) French General, executed for collaborating with Malet in his coup. A large 16 x 13.5 document signed, `Fanneau Lahorie´, one page, Nancy, 1st October 1797. The document lists the ten members of a court-martial, with their names, ranks and military services. Also signed by General Joseph Gilot (1734-1811), François Nicolas Fririon (1766-1840) and Fanneau de Lahorie; François Antoine Desnoyers (1755-1816) French General, imprisoned from 1812 to 1814 for his participation in Malet´s coup. A.L.S., Desnoyers, one page, folio, 13th January 1795, on his printed stationery, with his name and rank, Occidental Pyrenees army; Anne Jean-Marie Savary (1774-1833) French general under revolution and Empire and minister of Police. The day before the coup d´etat, Malet seized the Minister of police and arrested Savary who was close to be killed by General Guidal, but General Lahorie intervened. An interesting L.S., with two lines holograph, one page folio, dated 25th October 1812, only two days after the coup attempt, to Jean François Dejean, President of the military Commission in charge of Malet´s court-martial. Savary states `I have taken to the Abbaye prison former General Desnoyers, and left him there at your disposal. Partner in crime of Malet, he received in his home, through his pretended aide-de-camp, a spade, a military cap, and a General uniform with a letter note explaining the events and instructing him to go to place Vendôme…´ and Pierre Augustin Hulin (1758-1841),French General who decided to take over the Bastille. Hulin was Commandant of the Headquarters in Paris at the time of the coup attempt. Hulin did not accept Malet´s orders after several questions asking for further explanations. Malet took his gun and shot, breaking Hulin´s jaw. L.S., Hulin, one page, folio, 6th February 1814, to the Duke de Feltre. Hulin refers to a letter received from General Berryer, Soisson Commandant, and requests orders based on the letter content, and mentions having forwarded a second copy to King Joseph Bonaparte, acting on behalf of Napoleon I during his absence. VG, 5 £600-900

KING´S GUARDS CORPS: An excellent set of four signed documents related to the King´s Guards, including Joseph François de Lambertye (1748-1819) French Deputy and Lieutenant General of the King´s armies abroad. Related to King George III. A.L.S., Le Cl de Lambertye, one page, 4to, London, 10th September 1799. Lambertye, in his capacity as camp Marshal, states in part `..having commanded the Maastricht second company of French in the defence of Liege, they have helped on different fronts contributing to the maintenance of peace under the orders of His Highness Monseigneur Prince Ferdinand of Wurtemberg..´ Lambertye refers to King´s Guard Jean-Baptiste Gaborit de La Brosse (1766-1851) and states `King´s Guard since 1783… loyal defender of France..´ Also bearing a small red wax seal with coat of arms. Together with a D.S., one page, folio, Maastricht, 8th April, 1793, being a certificate in favour of Jean-Baptiste Gaborit de La Brosse stating `Cavalry Lieutenant, King of France Guard, noble, military, whose honour, duty and consciousness made them leave the Kingdom during revolution… and defend the town besieged by the violent insurgents with loyalty and bravery..´ With a paper seal affixed. Also including Victurnien de Rochechouart, Duke of Mortemart (1752-1812) Emigrated to England where King George III appointed him to the Princes army and the lead of the Mortemart regiment. D.S., one page, oblong folio, Haarburg, 28th September 1795, being a certificate in favour of Gaborit de La Brosse. Also including Denis-Jean Marquis de Mauroy (1753-1818) King´s camp Marshal. D.S., one page, 4to, Maastricht, 25th March 1793. The partially printed document being a certificate in favour of Gaborit de la Brosse stating `A King of France Guard, Swiss Company, who served at the besiege of Maestricht under H.R.H Monseigneur the Prince of Hesse, in the Company I had the honour to command..´ Bearing a wax seal with coat of arms. VG, 4 £600-900

VENDEANS LETTERS: A good set of three A.Ls.S., `Lajonchere´, one, two and three pages respectively, 4to, sent by a Vendean during the War in the Vendée in 1793. Lajonchere reports on the situation in the Vendée, stating in part `I knew that they took away wheat from Charenton to Luçon; we must expect that this damned war which is creating so much grief will cease…´ further referring to a friend `He is going to cross the boundary. Pichard and La Caillere, who are not yet eighteen, have deserted from their battalion..´ Lajonchere also refers to the news received about the events happening on the Spanish and Savoy boundaries, and further again states `Nothing changes, I think that our Generals are planning their response for the 3rd army of the Republic... They announce huge troops. But they never arrive. Brigands have again captured the Pont-Charin. We are waiting for forks..The troops returned after killing all the Freyteau women..´ Small overall age wear, otherwise G £250-350

WEST ARMY GENERALS: A good L.S., by various French generals, including Beaupuy, Dufour, Robert and Vimeux, and Convention deputy Bo, two pages, large folio, Nantes, 19th April 1794. The cleanly written document reports on Lieutenant Colonel Jean Louis Sonier services, campaigns, wounds, etc.. Sonier served in the Indies and at the Mayence blockade, stating `..returned to France on 25th july 1793 to pursue the Vendée brigands where he was injured..during the Crisson affair on 22nd September..´ With several lines annotations by Beaupuy, Robert and Dufour to the verso. Beupuy stating `I have been an eye witness to certify that his services at the blockade of Mayence and in the Vendée war have been very useful to the Republic.´ Also bearing a red wax seal of the Ardeche volunteers to the verso. Folded. VG £200-300Michel Armand de Bacharetie de Beaupuy (1755-1796); Joseph Louis Armand Robert (1767-1796) he was the creator of the "colonnes infernales de Turreau", he committed suicide at the very early age of 29; Louis Antoine Vimeux (1737-1814); Georges Joseph Dufour (1758-1820); Jean Baptiste Bô (1743-1814) a montagnard member of the convention who replaced Carrier.

THE INFERNAL COLUMNS: The Parisian second battalion of volunteers was several times detached from the regular army to serve in the Infernal Columns of Turreau. Two interesting documents signed by Philippe Malbrancq (1750-1823) French General in the war in the Vendée. D.S., one page, folio, Vannes, 6th April 1795. Malbrancq in his capacity as Battalion chief of the Brest & Cherburg coast army issues a certificate for fusilier Duperier, stating in part `He has served in the mentioned regiment until 12th May 1793 when he has been sent to the Vendée to fight against brigands, according to law..´. Bearing a wax seal of the 2nd battalion, and Jean Jacques Schilt (1761-1842) French General who captured Rivoli in 1801. D.S., one page, 4to, Angers, 17th February 1796. The document is a certificate explaining the wounds of François Roche and demands an important pension for him having lost one of his legs and being a very young man. With several countersignatures of the second battalion officers, including the Captain Commandant of the Ocean coast battalion. VG,2 £150-200 Louis Marie Turreau (1756-1816) also known as Turreau de Garambouville, French General. He was the organisor of the “Colonnes Infernales” during the War in the Vendée, which massacred tens of thousands of Vendéens and ravaged the countryside. He would further become Ambassador to the United States. Louis Armand Robert (1767-1796) was the creator of the “colonnes infernales de Turreau”, he committed suicide at the very early age of 29.

VENDÉE DECREES: A good set of eight documents, mostly contemporary decrees, related to the War in the Vendée, twenty two pages in total, 4to, including Decree dated 1st August 1793 referring to the Vendée rebels, stating in part `..to execute the law rigorously against the deserters, traitors, and those ou through out weapons and sell their uniforms..´ further saying that the war miniter will send `all kind of combustible materials to burn the forests which will be razed, and the rebels hideouts destroyed.. When the army will be organized we will march towards the rebels with all citizens aged between 16 and 60..´ . Two more decrees dated 1st May 1793 and 4th October 1793, report on the good citizens who have defended their homeland fighting against fanaticism and preventing a civil war. Decree dated 2nd November 1793, stating in part `Any one helping, receiving or welcoming brigands in any way, or not doing or using all their capacities to repel them, will be punished in the same way we punish rebel villages, therefore his belongings will be confiscated and his house razed, in the name and profit of the Republic..´; Together with Jean Jacques de Chambarlhac (1754-1826) French General who razed the Chouans in 1799-1800. D.S., one page, 4to, Mesle, 28th January 1800, stating `Inform the Verneuil citizens that the Chouans have been beaten and scattered. They have suffered a horrible carnage…we are pursuing them and tomorrow I expect a new battle and victory..´ Two more decrees dated 24th & 27th March 1793, related to the Orleans insurrection, and a decree related to Jean Baptiste Moulins (1754-1794) French General who committed suicide when he was severely wounded before being captured by the Vendeans. The decree states in part `Moulins, Republican, killed himself to avoid being captured by the royalists brigands..´ Small overall, minor age wear, otherwise G, 8 £100-150

THE GREAT TERROR (2): Most historians fix the Great Terror period between 1793 and 1794. An excellent set of sixty six documents, mostly decrees, dated from 14th December 1792 to June 1794, three hundred and thirty nine pages, mostly 4to, including the one dated 14th December 1792 ordering the Minister of Justice to accomplish the instructions received from the Commission of Twelve. A further one dated 31st May 1793 `Suppressing the Commission of Twelve´ and `the members of the National Convention will submit to the Public Safety Committee the evidences and witnesses declarations against other deputies who have helped to divide the people and created confusion..´ A further decree dated 17th July 1793 states `To raze Buzot´s house, a scoundrel who was representative of the people and who conspired against the French Republic..´ Furthermore a decree dated 12th July 1793 states `Related to the Lyon conspiracy, being the member of the convention Biroteau the chief of the instigators. …to be arrested and judged by the revolutionary tribunal..´ The decree of 20th August 1793 stating `all officers and troops will make all necessary to arrest the inhabitants of Mont-Blanc who have helped the Piedmont troops, having refused the Republican flag and arms.. you are authorized to use arms, weapons and fire to destroy and raze the rebels..´ A decree of very interesting content, dated 9th September 1793, and related to the siege of Toulon, states `The betrayal which permitted the taking over of the Toulon harbour by the English..Vice-Admiral Trogoff and his officers are considered traitors and the English prisoners will be kept as hostages and will be beheaded because of Admiral Hood´s behaviour..´ Decree dated 5th September 1793, issued by Robespierre, related to the creation of the Revolutionary army `..armed forces comprising 6000 men, 1200 gunners, in order to stop the contra-revolutionary..´ Decree dated 1st August 1793 stating `All foreigners, not residents in France before the 14th Juy 1789, will be arrested… and sentence to death to any foreigner discovered under any kind of disguise..´ A large number contemporary decrees of very interesting content. G to VG, 66  £1000-1500   

LACROIX FRANÇOIS DE: (1774-1841) French General, Commandant of the Turtle island. A good A.L.S., `Lacroix´, one page, folio, Toulon, 5th June 1803, to Delpeche, in French. On a letter bearing the printed heading of the French Republic, Lacroix responds to his correspondent, Commandant in Saint Domingue, stating `..for your behaviour when General Lecrerc´s army landed in Saint Domingue.. Do not be concerned, you should know that here laws are not the man´s caprice any more..´ Folded. G   £100-150   

MONTBRUN DE POMAREDE HUGUES: (1756-1831) French General. Governor of the West province of the island, he was one of the very first mulatto chiefs of the revolt, when he leaded the legion named “Egalité”, comprising mulatto and black soldiers. A.L.S., `Montbrun´, one page, folio, Bordeaux, 2nd March 1804, on his own attractive military printed stationery showing his rank and name, to Bradshaw, in French. Montbrun, in his capacity as army Commander in the city of Bordeaux gives an order, stating `..you will leave Bordeaux immediately and you will reside at 10 leagues of the city at least, and same distance from any coast or boundary, and more than 30 leagues from Paris..´ further saying that he will have to report on his exact residence in order to be supervised. The present letter is related to the French-British conflict after the peace of Amiens failure. Folded. VG   £100-150   

FRENCH CARIBBEAN – SOUTH WAR: An excellent L.S., `Rasond´, three pages, folio, Léogâne, Saint Domingue, 4th September 1799, to Desbordes, in French. Rasond, in his capacity as procurator at Léogâne, states `The report that agent Romme and General Toussaint Louverture had to send to the Marine Minister and to the Directory about the present insurrection in this colony…you will learn that the Petit-Goâve and the Grand-Goâve have been invaded by the army of the former General Rigaud..´ further saying `General Beauvais, Commandant on Chief at Jacmel, is supporting Rigaud, and his troops have attacked our defender General Toussaint´s army.. Everything has been burned, the last year coffee harvest.. Although until now I have not been burned myself at home, I am, as you are, without farmers to harvest, and all will be lost..we have had for several days in town more than 6000 men welcomed as liberators..´ With addressee to the fourth page. Small area of paper loss to the opening of the letter, not affecting the text or signature. VG   £300-400    François Toussaint Louverture (1743-1803) Leader of the Haitian Revolution. He first fought for the Spanish against the French; then for France against Spain and Great Britain; and finally, for Saint Domingue against Napoleonic France. He transformed the insurgency into a revolutionary movement, which by 1800 had turned Saint-Domingue, the most prosperous slave colony of the time, into the first free colonial society to have explicitly rejected race as the basis of social ranking.

[TOUSSAINT LOUVERTURE FRANÇOIS]: Rare printed document, four pages, 4to, issued at Le Cap, Saint Domingue, 15th May 1800, in French. The document is entitled “Settlement – Toussaint Louverture”. The French General, in his capacity as Chief General of the Saint Domingue army, orders the provisional requisition of all incomes corresponding to the absent residents, and use them to pay all the debts and salaries the Republic is owing and that the colony government will return to the residents once they will come back to the colony. With water stain to the centre fold and very slightly trimmed edges. G     £100-150   

[THE STORMING OF THE TUILERIES PALACE]: Also known as The 10th August Insurrection, was one of the defining events in the history of the French Revolution. The storming of the Tuileries by the National Guard resulted in the fall of the French monarchy six weeks later. An attractive multiple signed document, one page, 8vo, Paris, 23rd August 1792, to Joachim Payant, in French. The partially printed document is a certificate bearing the heading Vivre Libre ou Morir (`Live Free or Die), issued by Federated General Assembly, appointing for `having been in person during the 10th August affair acting with a brave and firmness behaviour´. Signed by Mazuel in his capacity as President of the Assembly, also signed by secretaries Bourgeois, Lang adding beneath `Winner of the Swiss Flag´ in his hand, Roux, Marguerit, and few more. With a red wax seal of the Winners of the 10th August 1792 at the base of the document. Small overall, minor age wear, otherwise VG £250-350Albert Jean-Baptiste Mazuel (17??-1794) Adjudant-General of the Revolutionary army. Guillotined together with Hébert. Lang, signing this document, would replace Mazuel. Jean-Claude Bourgeois (1768-1794) official at the war department. Guillotined at the very early age of 26.

[LOUIS XVI DEATH SENTENCE]: LOUIS XVI (1754-1793) King of France 1774-91 & 1791-92. An extraordinary set of contemporary printed original documents, over two thousand pages, dated 1792-93, issued by the Convention and related to King Louis XVI trial in December 1792, and death sentence, including the official print entitled `Trial of Louis Capet, sentenced to death without suspension by the representatives of the sovereign people´, the text includes the detailed votes on the high treason accusation, and states `Death has been sentenced with a majority of five votes´, also reporting on the King´s guilt and instructions to his brothers, creating an army in Coblenz, assassinating people in Nancy with Lafayette and Bouillé´s help, and for the massacre of the 10th August at the Tuileries palace. The four pages document concludes stating `The National Convention orders that Louis Capet, King of the French here present, will be executed within twenty four hours.´ Overall age wear with edges partially trimmed; Together with an excellent set of printed contemporary documents, over one thousand five hundred pages, 8vo, containing the opinions and conclusions of 170 members of the Convention, out of 713, regarding the accusation against the King and the sentence that should be approved, including the opinions of Marat (two texts, 10 and 22 pages, entitled `Marat´s opinion, L´Ami du Peuple, deputy at the National Convention, about the ex-monarch trial´, and `Marat´s speech on the defense of Louis XVI, the behaviour the Convention should have, and the alarming attitude of the Royalists..´ ), Desmoulins, St-Just, Couthon, Brissot, Barbaroux, Buzot, Carra, Drouet, Fouché, etc… Also including five volumes of printed documents issued by the Convention regarding the King´s trial, over one thousand one hundred pages, 8vo, entitled `Documents supporting the denounce of Louis Capet crimes..´, `Documents supporting the crimes committed by the King´, `..documents presented by the extraordinary committee of the Twelve, regarding the documents found in the iron cabinet at the Tulieries castle..´. Also including five important printed documents, one hundred and seventy seven pages, 8vo, some entitled `Is Louis Capet guilty of conspiracy against public freedom and of coup attempt against the general security of the State? Will the sentence be confirmed by the people? Will there be a reprieve to tha decree of execution condemning Louis Capet?..´ and `Louis´defense pronounced at the court on Wednesday 26th December 1793 by citizen Deseze..´ etc… G to VG, 12  £1500-2000

COMPOSERS: A good selection of eight A.Ls.S., by various composers, comprising Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) French Composer. A.L.S., Gabriel Fauré, one page, 8vo, n.p.,[Paris], 6th January 1914, on the National Conservatory printed stationery, in French. Fauré supports a protest against the German Army. With blank integral leaf; Vincent d´Indy (1851-1931) French Composer. A.L.S., Vincent d´Indy, one page, 8vo, Ardeche, 1898, to Baudoux, in French. D´Indy refers to the lied Maritime for a contralto of the Imperial Opera of Saint Petersburg. With blank address leaf; Ferdinand Paër (1771-1839) Italian Composer. A.L.S., Paer, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 3rd December 1836, to M. Gallay, in French. The document bears the heading The King´s Music, and Paër refers to the rehearsals which will take place at the Duke of Damas residence with the Duchess presence. With blank address leaf; Alexandre Piccinni (1779-1850) French Composer. A.L.S., two pages, 4to, Alexandre Piccinni, 1825, in French. Piccini reminds his correspondent his awards and titles, stating `I am the private pianist of H.R.H La Dauphine and of His Majesty, and this should be enough to obtain the honourable distinction..´; Fromental Halevy (1799-1862) French Composer. A.L.S., twice F. Halevy, one page, small 8vo, n.p., Saturday 23rd, n.y., to M. Garaudé, in French; Victor Massé (1822-1884) French Composer. A.L.S., Victor Massé, one page, 8vo, n.p., 31st August 1874, to Ambroise Thomas, in French. Massé states `My dear friend, surrounded by indifference and hostility to find a heart like yours consoles..´ With blank integral leaf; Alfred Bruneau (1857-1934) French Composer. A.L.S., Alfred Bruneau, one page, 8vo, n.p., 1st December [1892], in French. Bruneau refers to his last work Le Rêve (`The Dream´), and states `I would be delighted if it was performed at Prague..´ With blank integral leaf; Ernest Reyer (1823-1909) French Composer. A close friend of Berlioz. A.L.S., E. Reyer, one page, 8vo, n.p., 8th January [n.y.], in French. VG, 8 £200-300Ambroise Thomas (1811-1896) French composer. Director of the Paris Conservatory 1871-96.

PICOT DE DAMPIERRE AUGUSTE: (1756-1793) French General. Dead at the early age of 36 as a results of his wounds after having his leg ripped by a cannon ball when he was leading his troops. A.N.S., Dampierre, one page, 8vo, Brachelen, 8th February 1793, to the left border of a L.S., by several members of the third battalion council of Paris, to Captain Nicolet, in French. A ten lines annotation in Picot´s hand, approving a certificate in favour of Nicolet. Bearing a red wax seal to the front page left border, above Picot´s annotation. Together with an unusual original print by Dampierre, with attractive heading, one page, 4to, Valenciennes, 29th March 1792, to his friends, looking for financial support for a friend who wishes to publish a journal `..with the goal of confounding aristocracy and wake up Patriotism..´ Also including an original decree comprising six articles, three pages, 4to, 11th May 1793, stating `..Pantheon honours to Dampierre, killed while defending freedom and equality, leading the army of the Republic the 7th May..´ G to VG, 3 £200-300

[BESIEGE OF MAYENCE]: D´OYRE FRANÇOIS (1739-1799) French General and Governor of the Mayence fortress. Best-known for his behaviour during the Mayence besiege, after which he was taken as hostage and imprisoned. Rare D.S., Doyré, one page, oblong 4to, Mayence, 18th August 1793, to J.F. Auguste Ormelin La Croix, in French. The document is entitled `Besiege of Mayence, started 30th March and finished 23rd July 1793´, and refers to the wounds received by La Croix during the Mayence besiege. Countersigned by the 4th Battalion of Calvados leading members, Chadelaz, chief of the headquarters, Commander Jean-Baptiste Gouy and Major of the Rhin army, surgeon Dupont. Few very small tears to the edges, folded. Professionally repaired to the verso. G £150-200

AVIATION PIONEERS: An excellent selection of signed postcard photographs, and signed cards, by six pioneer Aviators, all dead in their aeroplanes at very early ages, comprising Henry Dumas (1885-1915) Died at the age of 30 during the Dardanelles battle. Signed postcard photograph, `Henry Dumas´, 5th July 1911; Gabriel Garnier (1880-1913) Dead when his airplane crashed when landing. Signed postcard photograph, `Gabriel Garnier´, 18th April 1913, the image depicting Garnier on board a Borel monoplane; Abel Grazzioli (1882-1915) A French hero of the civil aviation, dead when testing a Vendôme prototype for the army. Signed postcard photograph `Grazzioli´, the image depicting a Blériot airplane; Silvio Pettirosi (1887-1916) Well-remembered and best-known Paraguayan Aviator, WWI Fighter. Dead when performing a looping at the age of 29. Signed card photograph, `Silvio Pettirosi´, 1914. Jean Rose (18 ?-1918) Killed accidentally when returning from an inspection military flight. Signed card, 30th June 1917, in French. Entitled `Lieutenant Rose, pilot-aviator, squadron 504 Orient Army´. Rose refers to Pierre Olgiati death and reports on the accident `he died at the Salonique bay. An engine breakdown. He tried to land but slipped and drowned..´ Georges Verminck (1886-1913) Killed at Phnom-Penh at the age of 27. Signed postcard photograph, 18th March 1913, only three weeks before passing away, to Jacques Mortane (1883-1939) author of aviation works and journalist. Verminck refers to his flights and arrival to Djibouti and soon in Colombo. Also including several contemporary unsigned postcard photographs related to the pioneer aviators. VG, 6 £300-400 Provenance Emile Lasalle collection. Author of the work `Les 100 premiers aviateurs brevetés au monde et la naissance de l'aviation.´ (“The first 100 worldwide entitled Aviators and the birth of Aviation”). A contemporary colleague of many aviators, disabled and much appreciated, author of several aviators biographies.

BAKER PASHA: ( 1827-1887) Valentine Baker. British Soldier. Brother of Sir Samuel Baker. A controversial awarded mayor of the Hussards. He was arrested on a charge of indecent assault and after a year´s imprisonment Baker left England and entered the service of the Ottoman Army in the war with Russia. Soon transferred to Mehmed Ali Pasha´s staff, leading an infantry division, and later commanding Suleiman's guard. In his late years he commanded the Egyptian police until his death. Unusual A.L.S., Baker, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. Baker states in part `I have been asked for an opinion about "Bonhommie"…´ The page has been lightly affixed to a slightly larger one. G £100-150

TIBBETS PAUL: (1915-2007) American Brigadier General of the United States Air Force, pilot of the Enola Gay, the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb in the history of warfare. Signed and inscribed 4 x 5 photograph by Tibbets, the image depicting him in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold black ink to a clear area to the left border (`Paul W. Tibbets´), also dated 1980 in his hand. Accompanied by a letter, and original envelope, from the Department of the Army, on the printed stationery of the Department of Defense, one page, 4to, Washington, 21st February 1980, to Emmanuel Cornet. The letter signed by Major Michael J. Shane responds to Cornet´s letter and includes the full addresses of Major General George S. Patton and Brigadier General Paul W. Tibbets. VG £100-150

ROMMEL ERWIN: (1891-1944) German Field Marshal of World War II. D.S., Rommel, in pencil, two pages, 4to, Africa, 30th January 1942, in German. The typed document is a Verleihungsliste for the Iron Cross 2nd Class, and lists forty three artillery officers along with other brief details of their date of birth and rank etc. Signed by Rommel at the base in his capacity as Generaloberst and Oberbefehlshaber of the Panzer Army. Two file holes to the edge, none affecting the text or signature, VG £250-350

HIMMLER HEINRICH: (1900-1945) Nazi German Politician, Reichsfuhrer of the Schutzstaffel (SS) 1929-45. D.S., H. Himmler, one page, 4to, n.p., 23rd October 1943. The typed document, in German, is a memo addressed to SS Gruppenfuhrer von Herff and states, in full, 'As SS officers who are capable, should the need arise, of becoming higher SS and police officers, the names of SS Group Leaders Thomas and Jurs and SS Brigade Leaders Harm, Thier and, with strong reservations, Jaegy should be taken down. In regard to SS Group Leader Thomas, I ask that a detailed assessment again be sought from SS Group Leader Gebhardt. Is he once again stable enough to be of use in such a position? If he is stable and reasonable, he is of course fully fit for the position of a higher SS and police officer. There only needs to be a reasonably sure certainty that he won't deviate again'. Boldly signed in blue fountain pen ink by Himmler at the conclusion. With a number of blue and red indelible pencil annotations to the margins, some possibly in the hand of von Herff. Two file holes to the left edge and some extremely minor, light foxing, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £1000-1200Maximilian von Herff (1893-1945) German Army Officer and SS General of World War II. Knights Cross winner. von Herff served as Chief of Personal Staff to Himmler and in this capacity dealt with internal and financial SS matters.

[LOUIS XIV OF FRANCE]: (1638-1715) Also known as Louis the Great or The Sun King. King of France 1643-1715. Son of Louis XIII. His reign of more than 72 years is the longest recorded of any monarch in European history. An excellent content L.S., Louis, by his secretary, the King is only 5 years old, two pages, folio, Paris, 27th August 1744, to the Marquis of Sourdis, in old French. The King announces the battles victories at Gravelines and Fribourg, stating in part `..after I took all convenient precautions to plan the Graveline battle and establish the order I judged necessary to grant this victory…my enemies having besieged Freiburg im Breisgau, I ordered my cousin the Duke of Enghien to move to Germany with the army he is commanding to stop any progress the ennemy could plan..´ further saying `..Gravelines has been returned and obey to the command of my dear uncle the Duke of Orleans.., Freiburg in Breisgau was besieged and my cousin the Duke of Enghien took their canon and belongings..´, and concluding states `I hope that this victory will bring more beyond the Rhin, and will oblige, all those who have left me no other option than going to war, to beg for peace which is what I desire for the rest of Christendom.´ The King wants these news to be known all over France, and that people support such victories with prayers. Countersigned by Henri Duplessis-Guénégaud. With blank address leaf. Folded. Very small overall foxing, and some creasing, with centre fold slightly damaged, none affecting the text or signatures. G £800-1200 Louis, Duke of Orléans (1703-1752) Also known as Louis the Pious. First Prince of the Blood, member of the House of Bourbon. Louis de Bourbon (1621-1686) Duc d´Enghien. Prince of Condé. French General and the most famous representative of the Condé branch of the House of Bourbon. For his military achievements he was known as le Grand Condé.

GEORGE V: (1865-1936) King of the United Kingdom 1910-36. A.L.S., George, as Duke of York, six pages, 8vo, Mar Lodge, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, 23rd September 1893, to Francis de Winton (`My dear de Winton´). The Duke states that he has received his correspondent´s letter and is pleased to hear that he will be at Sandringham next week, further remarking `It is a pity the black pony has taken to shying after Malet has been driving for so long, but I certainly shan´t keep her, I have already told Probyn so, & it is lucky we haven´t paid for her yet´ and also writing `It is certainly satisfactory that nearly all the silver goes into the plate room & I hope it is all arranged in the cases now, so that we can choose at once what we want to take to the Cottage.´ The Duke also hopes that his correspondent will be prepared to help him with some speeches, commenting `I won´t bother my head about them till I see you, because they only worry me´ and also refers to a Service at York Minster which he should very much like to attend, concluding `You must find out from Ponsonby whether it is usual to receive an address from the Presbyterian Minister on the present occasion before saying yes, otherwise i twill create a president (sic).´ The Duke adds a postscript to the final two pages, signed with his initial G, in response to a further letter from his correspondent, stating `I will keep the Stockton speech you sent me & when we meet we can condense it together, as I think now it is too long… If you will get some notes we can concoct a speech for the lunch at York, but it must be short´. Some very light, minor age wear, otherwise VG £150-200 Sir Francis de Winton (1835-1901) British Army Officer and Courtier, Comptroller and Treasurer of the household of the Duke of York.

NAPOLEON III: (1808-1873) Emperor of the French 1852-70, the nephew and heir of Napoleon I. First President of France 1848-52, therefore holding the distinction of being the first titular president and the last monarch of France. A.L.S., Napoleon, one page, 8vo, Wilhelmshöhe, 18th September 1870, to an unidentified lady, in French. Napoleon III thanks his correspondent for her letter and states ´I am very touched Madame by the feelings and words you express to me at this time of my misfortune…´ A touching message from Germany where Napoleon was just starting this captivity period. Accompanied by a 4 x 2.5 sepia cabinet photograph, by E. Flamant, Paris, the image showing the "Death of Emperor Napoléon III" photomontage. With blank integral leaf. Extremely small foxing stains, otherwise VG £300-400On 3rd September 1870, and as a result of the defeat of the French army at the battle of Sedan, Napoleon III and Bismarck agreed the terms of French surrender. From 5 September 1870 until 19 March 1871, an ill Napoleon III and his close entourage were held in captivity in a castle at Wilhelmshöhe near Kassel, where the present letter was written.

PICQUART GEORGES: (1854-1914) French army officer and Minister of War. He is best known for his role in the Dreyfus Affair, he strongly supported Dreyfus´ innocence and was arrested. Signed and inscribed 4 x 7 cabinet photograph, the Gerschely photograph, Paris, shows General Picquart standing, in a half length pose, in uniform. Signed and inscribed in bold black ink to the lower left corner (`G. Picquart´), dated 23rd April 1900 in his hand. VG £150-200

JABOTINSKY ZE´EV : (1880-1940) Russian Jewish Zionist Leader, Author, Poet and Founder of the Jewish Self-Defense Organization, and co-Founder of the Jewish Legion of the British army in WWI. Signed book by Jabotinsky, in Cyrillic, being an 8vo paperback edition of Altalena, 302 pages, in Cyrillic. Signed to the third page, being numbered 93 out of this 125 copies limited edition, Paris 1936. Overall age wear to the spine, covers and edges of pages. F £150-200

JEFFERSON THOMAS: (1743-1826) Third President of the United States 1801-09, and former Vice-President 1797-1801 under John Adams. Jefferson was one of the Founding Fathers and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. An excellent D.S., `Th. Jefferson´, as President of the United States, one page, 15 x 18, Washington City, 11th June 1808, to Alexander Macomb. The very attractive document being a partially printed title, appointing Alexander Macomb Major in the Engineer Corps. The title bears at the heading a large printed eagle holding a branch and arrows, alongside the United States of America War Office large paper seal. Also bearing at the base of the document a very attractive flags and cannons pattern engraved by I. Draper. The document states "The President of the United States of America.. That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Patriotism, Valour, Fidelity and Abilities… I have nominated and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate.. Given under my hand… in the thirty second year of the Independence of the United States." Countersigned by the Secretary of State Henry Dearborn. With a War Office registry annotation to the left lower border. Folded. An extremely small hole to the fold, not affecting the text or signatures. VG £3000-4000 Alexander Macomb (1782-1841) Commanding General of the United States army 1828-41. Macomb was the field commander and victorious hero at the Battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812. Awarded with the Congressional gold medal.Henry Dearborn (1751-1829) American Statesman. He served in George Washington´s Army and was present at the British surrender at Yorktown. Secretary of War under Jefferson 1801-09. Further General Commander in the war of 1812. The city of Dearborn, Michigan, was named in his honour.