Domitian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 81. IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laureate head right / TR P COS VII DES VIII P P, Minerva advancing right, holding spear and shield. C. 559; BMC 11 note; RIC 57; CBN 27; Calicó 922. 7.25g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine, scattered marks and light scrape on reverse edge. Domitian’s reign is today characterised as being totalitarian but efficient and generally benign in nature, contrary to the somewhat unjust vilification he received after his death. His economic programme was rigorously efficient, maintaining the Roman currency at a standard it would never again achieve. Persecution of religious minorities was non-existent. His foreign policy was realistic, and at a time when tradition dictated aggressive conquest, he largely rejected this in favour of peace and consolidation. This protectionist attitude appears to have extended to his religious beliefs; of all the deities he regarded Minerva as his protectress, and thus a great many images of her were promulgated during his reign. This dedication extended even to the army: a new legion was founded in AD 82 to fight against the Chatti in Gaul, the Legio I Minervia who were acknowledged in 89 by Domitian for suppressing the revolt of the Governor of Germania Superior, and were awarded the cognomen Pia Fidelis Domitiana.
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Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 106. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Trajan as triumphator in slow quadriga to left, holding branch and sceptre; car ornamented with Victory bearing wreath. Calicó -; RIC -; BMC -; Woytek 195n. 7.29g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, possibly only the second known example. The reverse of this coin depicts Trajan’s second triumph in AD 106, which he celebrated for his great victory earlier that year in the Second Dacian War. Trajan had in 101-102 launched an offensive against the powerful Dacian king Decebalus with whom Domitian had signed an unfavourable (and some would argue shameful) treaty some twenty years before, the price of which was the payment of an annual ‘subsidy’ of eight million sestertii and the presentation of a diadem from Domitian to Decebalus. In that war, Trajan succeeded in defeating the Dacians in a series of pitched battles, and reduced Decebalus to the status of client king. The victory was celebrated with a triumph (Trajan’s first), and later by the construction of the Tropaeum Traiani. Although this victory had greatly eroded Decebalus’ power, he nonetheless began to rearm straight away, to harbour Roman runaways and to pressure the neighbouring barbarian tribes to ally themselves with him. In 104 he organised a failed attempt on Trajan’s life by means of some Roman deserters, as well as capturing Trajan’s legate Longinus who he tried to use as a bargaining chip; Longinus however took poison to avoid compromising his country and emperor. Then finally in 105 Decebalus launched an invasion of the Roman-held territories north of the Danube. Trajan was not unprepared; by 105 the concentration of Roman troops assembled in the middle and lower Danube regions amounted to fourteen legions – half of the entire Roman army. Trajan ordered the construction of a massive bridge over the Danube designed by Apollodorus of Damascus, which for over 1,000 years was the longest arch bridge ever built both in terms of total and span length. The counter-offensive consisted mostly of the reduction of the Dacian fortress network which the Romans systematically stormed while denying the Dacians the ability to manoeuvre in the open. At last Decebalus’ main stronghold of Sarmizegetusa was taken by storm and razed to the ground. Decebalus himself escaped, but soon after committed suicide as a Roman cavalry scout named Tiberius Claudius Maximus was closing on him. Maximus delivered the head and right hand of the enemy king to his emperor, by whom he was decorated and immortalised in a relief on Trajan’s column. Trajan’s second triumph was understandably a grand affair, which was accompanied by spectacular games that the emperor held in celebration: ten thousand gladiators fought in these games, and ten thousand animals were sacrificed in thanks to the gods. The riches of Dacia (estimated recently at 165 tons of gold and 331 tons of silver) were invested in a series of important public works, the jewels of which were the forum and great market in Rome which bore his name, and the magnificent celebratory column depicting the glorious achievements of the campaign.
Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 171-172. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVI, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / IMP VI COS III, Victory standing right, holding shield inscribed VIC GER set on tree. RIC 256; C. 270; Calicó 1865. 7.00g, 19mm, 12h. Mint State. Extremely Rare. No examples have appeared at auction in over 15 years. In the early 160s Germanic tribes and other nomadic people began launching a series of raids along the northern border of the empire, particularly into Gaul and across the Danube. This new impetus westwards was probably due to attacks from tribes further east. A first invasion of the Chatti in the province of Germania Superior was repulsed in 162. A far more serious incursion happened in late 166 or early 167 when a force of 6,000 Langobardi and Lacringi invaded Pannonia. This invasion was defeated by local forces (vexillations of the Legio I Adiutrix and the Ala I Ulpia Contariorum) with relative ease, but they marked the beginning of what was to come. In the same year, Vandals (Astingi and Lacringi) and the Sarmatian Iazyges invaded Dacia, and succeeded in killing its governor, Calpurnius Proculus. In 169 the Iazyges defeated and killed Claudius Fronto, Roman governor of Lower Moesia, who was attempting to subdue the tribes living between the Danube and the province of Dacia. While the Roman army was bogged down in this campaign other tribes took the opportunity to raid across the border. To the east, the Costoboci crossed the Danube, ravaged Thrace and descended the Balkans, reaching Eleusis, near Athens, where they destroyed the temple of the Eleusinian Mysteries. The worst was yet to come. In the west the Marcomanni, led by Ballomar, had formed a coalition of Germanic tribes. They crossed the Danube and won a decisive victory over a force of 20,000 Roman soldiers near Carnuntum. The larger part of this host then proceeded southwards towards into, while the remainder ravaged Noricum. The Marcomanni razed Opitergium (Oderzo) and besieged Aquileia - this was the first time hostile forces had entered Italy since 101 BC, when Gaius Marius defeated the Cimbri and Teutones. The praetorian prefect Furius Victorinus was defeated and slain while trying to relieve the city. The invaders would not be ejected until 171, a ‘victory’ which required stripping various border regions of their forces to concentrate against the Marcomanni, the establishment of a new military command, the fortification of the Alpine borders and the strengthening of the Danubian fleet. In 172 Aurelius led a counter-invasion across the Danube into Marcomannic territory. Few details survive of this punitive campaign, but it is clear that the Romans achieved success. The Marcomanni and their allies, the Naristi and the Cotini were subjugated, and the chief of the Naristi was killed by the Roman General Marcus Valerius Maximianus. The reverse of this coin celebrates the successes of Aurelius’ counter-attack, and perhaps to a lesser extent the expulsion of the Germanic invaders that had ravaged the Alpine provinces.
Commodus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 177. IMP L AVREL COMMODVS AVG GERM SARM, laureate and draped bust right / TR P II COS P P, two captives seated at foot on trophy of arms, one with hands bound, the other in attitude of mourning; DE SARM in exergue. RIC 634 (Aurelius); Calicó 2239 (this coin); Mazzini 98 (this coin); Biaggi 985 (this coin). 7.20g, 19mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 49, 21 October 2008, lot 291; Ex Biaggi Collection, privately purchased in 1958. That this was the best example which could be found by either Biaggi for his superlative collection or by Calicó for his comprehensive illustrative work on the Roman aurei is an indicator of how rare this coin actually is. It is furthermore the only example present on CoinArchives, being the only specimen of its type to have been offered to the market since electronic records began. The victory to which the reverse of this coin refers is that achieved by Marcus Aurelius over the Sarmatian Iazyges in AD 175, in the closing phase of the First Marcomannic War. After several military successes, Aurelius ended hostilities by signing a treaty with the Iazyges which secured the release of over 100,000 Roman captives, and which additionally required that 6,000 Sarmatian auxiliary cavalrymen be provided to the Roman army. Most of these (approximately 5,500) were immediately dispatched to Britain, a deployment which has been theorised by Susan V. Tomory (A New View of the Arthurian Legends, Institute of Hungarian studies) to have played a part in the development of the Arthurian legend. This was a decisive victory for Aurelius, and indeed the Iazyges never again represented a threat to the empire. Assuming the title Sarmaticus, Aurelius and Commodus celebrated a joint triumph on 23 December 176, in commemoration of which the Aurelian column was erected to mirror the achievements of his predecessor Trajan. Four days later Commodus was granted the title of Imperator, and in the middle of the following year he was proclaimed Augustus to formally share power alongside his father.
Zenobia Æ Antoninianus. Antioch, March-May AD 272. S ZENOBIA AVG, draped bust right, set on crescent / IVNO REGINA, Juno standing facing, looking left, holding patera and sceptre; at feet left, a peacock; star in left field. RIC 2 corr. (no star); Carson, Q. Tic VII, 1978, 4; BN 1267a. 3.79g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare. The wife of the ruler of Palmyra, Septimia Zenobia came to power as regent for her son Septimius Vabalathus in AD 267 after the murder of her husband Septimius Odenathus, who had been entrusted with the defence of the Roman provinces in the east by the Emperor Gallienus. A strong character and very ambitious, Zenobia expanded her sphere of influence through the capture of the province of Egypt and the expulsion of the Roman prefect Tenagino Probus and his forces in 269, a campaign aided in its success in part due to the turmoil inside the Roman Empire after the death of Gallienus. The Roman east remained under the control of the kingdom of Palmyra under the subsequent emperors Claudius II and Quintillus, and when Aurelian came to power in 270 he pragmatically chose to acknowledge Zenobia and Vabalathus in order to allow himself time to first deal with various barbaric incursions and usurpers. Though the mint for the rare portrait coins of Zenobia has long been a topic of debate, it is generally agreed now that they were struck in Syria, most likely at Emesa or Antioch, both Roman mints that were taken by Zenobia during her advance into Roman territory and expansion of her empire. The imperial title Augusta is proudly displayed on her coinage, but Zenobia's power was not to last. Having subdued the uprisings in the west, Aurelian marched on her with an army. Their forces met outside Antioch, resulting in a battle that routed Zenobia's army, which fled to Emesa. Zenobia and her son attempted to escape through the desert with the help of the Sassanid Persians, but were captured by Aurelian's horsemen and subsequently taken to Rome to be displayed during the emperor's triumphant return to the city.
Numerian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 284. IMP NVMERIANVS P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS AVGG, Hercules standing to right, leaning on club with his left hand and resting his left on his hip. Biaggi -; Calicó 4332-33; C. 100; RIC 407. 4.66g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. The great rarity of this coin is in large part due to the brevity of Numerian’s reign. In 282, the legions of the upper Danube in Raetia and Noricum rebelled and proclaimed the praetorian prefect Marcus Aurelius Carus emperor in opposition to Probus. Probus’ army, stationed in Sirmium, decided they did not wish to fight Carus and assassinated Probus instead. Carus, already sixty, immediately elevated his sons Carinus and Numerian to the rank of Caesar. In 283 Carus determined to take advantage of a succession crisis within the Sassanid empire, and marched east at the head of an army along with Numerian, while Carinus was left in charge in the West. The invasion met with great success, and the army was able to make huge incursions into Persian lands, and even capture the capital Ctesiphon. The campaign came to a premature end when Carus died suddenly (according to some sources, from a lightning strike). Numerian made an orderly retreat from Persia, and subsequently died in mysterious circumstances during the journey west. Amid rumours of murder, the prefect Aper was executed by the man who went on to become emperor. Diocletian, previously an officer under Carus, was acclaimed by the army and proceeded to continue the march west, meeting Carinus’ army in battle in Moesia and emerging as victor and emperor. The reverse of this stunning aureus typifies the propagandist nature of Roman coinage, and bestows on Numerian the quality of ‘virtus’, which encompassed valour, manliness, excellence, courage, character, and worth - the necessary attributes of a Roman and especially of an emperor. Coupled with the standing figure of Hercules, with his usual attributes of club and lion’s skin, this reverse references the military victories that Numerian and Carus achieved in the east and likens them to the completion of Hercules’ labours.
Severus II, as Caesar, AR Argenteus. Serdica, AD 305-306. SEVERVS NOB C, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, three-turreted camp-gate with no doors, pellet in doorway, ·SM·SDB· in exergue. RIC -; Gautier 24 var. (officina); RSC -; Cf. NAC 62, 6 October 2011, lot 2089 (same obv. die). 3.29g, 21mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. Of the Highest Rarity. Most likely struck to mark the commencement of the Second Tetrarchy in AD 305, this extremely rare coin is one of only a handful known, a few having come to light in a hoard about a decade ago. Struck using the same obverse dies as several known specimens, the reverse die of this issue is new, having the inclusion of a pellet in the doorway of the camp gate. The scarcity of these types might be explained by the short period of time during which Severus held the position of Caesar before being elevated by Galerius after the death of Constantius I in summer 306 - in a matter of months he was raised from the senior ranks of the army to Augustus in the West. However, his time as Augustus came to an abrupt end when he was tasked with the suppression of the revolt of Maxentius in Rome: he marched on the city at the head of an army previously commanded by Maximian, father of Maxentius, to whom his soldiers deserted. Severus fled to Ravenna where, in 307, he was persuaded by Maxentius to surrender. Despite Maximian’s assurances that he would be treated with respect, Severus was nonetheless displayed as a captive and later imprisoned at Tres Tabernae. When Galerius invaded Italy to suppress Maxentius and Maximian himself, Maxentius ordered Severus’ death. He was executed (or forced to commit suicide) on 16 September 307.
Constantine I AV Solidus. Trier, AD 312-313. CONSTANTINVS PF AVG, laurel and jewel diademed head right / VIRTVS EXERCITVS GALL, Mars walking to right, carrying spear and trophy, chlamys over left shoulder; TR in exergue. RIC -; Depeyrot 26/1. 4.39g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, Depeyrot notes only one example. The reverse of this coin honours the army of Gaul which was responsible for supporting Constantine's (illegal) elevation to the purple upon the death of his father at Eboracum (York) in AD 306, fought under him against the Frankish and Germanic tribes in several campaigns between 306 and 310, and which ultimately delivered him Rome and sole rule of the West in 312. The army of Gaul was a battle-hardened and effective force, regularly tested against the barbarian tribes which at this time made frequent incursions into Roman lands. They had also demonstrated a strong sense of loyalty to Constantine in 308 when the former emperor Maximian, then an exile in his realm, attempted to subvert a contingent of the army by declaring that Constantine was dead, taking the purple and pledging a large donative to any who would support him. Maximian failed to win them over and was forced to flee, and then commit suicide. It was on account of this devoted and veteran army that Constantine was able to win a crushing victory over the numerically superior force of Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. The army of Gaul was drawn up in two lines, according to their customary tactics, but Constantine, perceiving that the opposing force outnumbered him and could envelop his line, suddenly reduced the second line and extended the front of his first to match that of Maxentius. Such manoeuvres in the moment of danger can only be executed without confusion by experienced troops, and commonly prove decisive. Yet because the battle was begun towards the end of the day and was contested with great obstinacy throughout the night there was, in the words of E. Gibbon, 'less room for the conduct of the generals than for the courage of the soldiers' (Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Vol. 1, Ch. XIV, 150). Maxentius' units were forced back until he had no choice but to attempt a desperate retreat over the wooden pontoon bridge he had hastily built across the Tiber, the stone one having been destroyed in the course of siege preparations. This bridge collapsed, trapping Maxentius' soldiers who either surrendered or, like his Praetorian cohorts, were killed to a man. Maxentius himself drowned while trying to swim across the river in desperation for escape. Thus from the very moment he had defeated Maxentius, gold, silver and bronze coins were struck at Constantine's former capital and stronghold of Augusta Treverorum (Trier) celebrating the glory and heroism of the Gallic Army ('GLORIA EXERCITVS GALL' and 'VIRTVS EXERCITVS GALL').
Constans AV Multiple of 1 1/2 Solidi. Siscia, AD 337. FL IVL CONSTANS PF AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS CONSTANTIS AVG, Constans in military attire standing to left, holding labarum and reversed spear; at his feet, a seated captive with hands tied behind; SIS* in exergue. Depeyrot -; Bastien, Donativa -; Toynbee -; Gnecchi -; RIC -, for types cf. Aquileia 3 = Paolucci - Zub, La monetazione di Aquileia romana, Padova 200, 365. 6.81g, 27mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished. This unique and impressive gold multiple belongs to the period immediately following the assumption of the Augustate by Constantine II, Constantius and Constans following the death of their father Constantine I. Constantine had died on 22 May 337 and was buried consecrated in the church of the Holy Apostles in what was, according to Eusebius, essentially a Roman military funeral. There was, of course, no precedent for burying a Christian emperor. The all important army was induced to accept the authority only of the dead emperor's sons; by the summer all the descendants of Theodora and their partisans were massacred and bloody purges of all potential rivals continued well into 338. The singular legend on the reverse of this coin expresses Constantinian 'constant' valour and heroism, qualities that an heir of Constantine would have been very keen to emphasize. The realistic 'Constantinian' style of the portrait engraved by a very competent die cutter used to reproducing the image of Constantine furthermore argues for this being a donative issue to be dated early in the reign of the three Augusti as part of the payments so necessary to secure the loyalty of the army, the backbone of the regime and the ultimate source of power for all Roman emperors.
Anthemius AV Tremissis. Uncertain mint, AD 468. DN ANTHEMIVS PF AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Cross within wreath; COMOB in exergue. RIC 2841; Depeyrot 71/5. 1.44g, 13mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Very Rare, and exceptional for the issue. Anthemius has been described as the last capable Western Roman emperor; in his five year reign he attempted to restore the failing empire by challenging the resurgent Visigothic domain in Gaul and Spain, and by launching a campaign to reclaim North Africa from the Vandals. A competent general, Anthemius was appointed by the Eastern emperor Leo to the vacant throne of the West with the consent of Ricimer, the powerful magister militum who had already done away with the three previous emperors. Anthemius was despatched with a large and well-equipped army led by the competent and respected Marcellinus, the military ruler of the region of Dalmatia. Leo thus obtained for himself an able and independent colleague in the West who could potentially reverse the disturbing trend of barbarian warlords ruling through weak puppet emperors. Despite being promoted by Anthemius to act as a counterbalance to Ricimer, Marcellinus was prevented from participating in the campaign of 468 against the Vandals in Africa. This campaign was to be one of the greatest military undertakings of all time, a combined amphibious operation of over a thousand ships and one hundred thousand soldiers. With the removal of this experienced commander, and the ineffective leadership of Basiliscus which resulted in a catastrophic loss at Cape Bon, in which some seventy percent of the Roman force was lost, the West lost its last best chance to regain Africa from the Vandals, and perhaps prevent its demise. Marcellinus himself was murdered in Sicily soon after, probably at Ricimer's instigation. Two years later a similarly fated attempt was made to reclaim Gaul from the Visigoths which resulted in the loss of Anthemius' son and three other Roman generals. Despite having married his daughter to Ricimer in 467, the relationship between the magister militum and the emperor had always been one doomed to enmity, and by 472 this had deteriorated into open war. Anthemius, blockaded in Rome for five months, eventually saw his last remaining loyal army defeated while attempting to break through and relieve his position. He fled to St. Peter's basilica where he was captured and beheaded. Geiseric, the king of the Vandals, once expressed his surprise and satisfaction that the Romans would themselves remove from the world all of his most formidable antagonists.
Constans II AR Hexagram. Constantinople, AD 666-668. VICTORIA AVGV, facing bust, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown with frontal plume and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / Constantine IV (in centre), Heraclius (on right) and Tiberius (on left) all standing facing, each wearing crown and chlamys and holding globus cruciger; S in right field. DOC -; MIB -; Sear -; Cf. Nomos 9, 21 October 2014, lot 320, Rauch 96, 10 December 2014, lot 647 and Gorny & Mosch 228, 9 March 2015, lot 756. 6.66g, 24mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. The fourth known example of this interesting type. This hexagram was struck late in what was a tumultuous and turbulent reign. It bears a similar design to the emperor’s late solidi, with the bearded Constans on the obverse and his three sons on the reverse (cf. DOC 42-43 and MIB 41-42). That so few are extant today suggests that it was minted in very small numbers, perhaps in part due to the emperor's sudden death. A precocious and dynamic ruler, Constans ascended to the purple at the age of 11 after the murder of his father in 641. Throughout his reign there was constant political and religious disorder. Invasions threatened the empire, Armenia and Asia Minor were invaded by the Muslims and Egypt was abandoned, although Sicily and Constantinople were preserved. The young emperor had immediately to establish his power and strength against his enemies, and he did so by making sure his navy and army were unyielding. The Christological doctrine of Monotheletism, being the idea that Christ had two natures, but one will, had had the Church divided for quite some time before the accession of Constans: monks, priests and even the Pope were persistently fighting for or against its acceptance. Although the 17 year old emperor lacked much of an opinion or interest in the subject, he could clearly see the potential for it to have an adverse effect on the stability of the empire, and therefore issued the Type of Constans in 648. This imperial edict condemned the discussion of the concept in any form in an effort to defuse the problem. Constans actively maintained the law and persecuted those who spoke out against Monotheletism, bringing a semblance of peace to the subject and effectively passing the discussion on for his successors to settle. Having moved to live in Syracuse on Sicily, rumours that the capital of the Empire would be formally moved to the island were ill-received, and in September 668 Constans was murdered while bathing, according to Theophilus of Edessa, by his chamberlain using a bucket.
[ROOSEVELT THEODORE]: (1858-1919) American President 1901-09. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1906. ROOSEVELT III THEODORE (1887-1944) American Political Leader, eldest son of Theodore Roosevelt. Collection of six T.Ls.S., Theodore Roosevelt, six pages (total), 4to, New York City and Oyster Bay, Long Island, 26th July 1919 - 2nd September 1927, all to Alexander T. Van Schoek, most on his personal printed stationery. Roosevelt writes on a variety of matters, in part, 'I was in the Army of Occupation myself at the time of my father's death so I have seen no telegrams that came at that time. There were many thousands of them' (26th July 1919), '…there has been most satisfactory progress in the campaign. Two things stand out as vital to success; First - We must not let up for a moment but keep at it vigorously. Second - All votes must be brought to the polls - every single one of them. I am counting on you to keep up the good work.' (23rd October 1924), 'We have fought a clean hard fight, with every ounce of strength we had. The balance of the State ticket has been elected; the Senate and Assembly are Republican. What is more important is, Coolidge was elected. They may have knocked us down, but we are not out.' (12th November 1924), the further letters referring to meetings etc. All are accompanied by the original envelopes. Some of the letters bear pencil annotations and with some age wear, small tears and neat splits at the edges of the folds etc. Together with Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) American Politician and Diplomat, First Lady of the United States 1933-45. Niece of Theodore Roosevelt. Brief T.L.S., Eleanor Roosevelt, one page, 8vo, New York, 6th March 1953, to Miss. White, regretting that she did not receive her letter in time as she was in Washington and New York and her mail was delayed. Also including a piece of printed ephemera, being a 4to printed invitation to the formal dedication of Roosevelt House in New York, 27th October 1923. Generally G to VG, 8
LEE ROBERT E.: (1807-1870) American General, Commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War from 1862 until his surrender in 1865. A good A.L.S., R E Lee, one page, 8vo, Arlington, 23rd May 1859, to Major P. V. Hagner (‘My dear Major’), incorporating a small original drawing. Lee states ‘I thought Housings had been adopted by the Board. I know I voted against it. If not adopted I do not wish any’. The General further gives his correspondent some instructions, ‘I will have the brass plates in the bit as you suggest [at this point in the letter Lee has penned a small drawing of a design he wishes to create] The 2 enveloped by the C, different from that of the men’ and remarks that the pouches must have covers in order to secure their contents, and that he wishes them to be light. With blank integral leaf (slight traces of former mounting). Some light uniform age toning, most likely caused by previous framing, about VG Peter V. Hagner (1815-1893) United States Army officer who served in the American Civil War. In the years before the war Hagner commanded several arsenals and was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep on weaponry and military stores. The present letter is written just months before Lee defeated the white abolitionist John Brown and his men at what is known as the Raid on Harpers Ferry (October 1859). It is considered by military historians to have been one of the monumental events leading up to the Civil War.
[NELSON HORATIO]: (1758-1805) British Admiral during the Napoleonic Wars, the victor of the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805. ELLIOT HUGH (1752-1830) British Diplomat & Colonial Governor. An excellent L.S., H Elliot, eight pages, folio, Naples, 3rd August 1805, to Sir Richard Bickerton. The manuscript despatch states, in part, ‘You have, without doubt, been made acquainted by Lord Nelson, with all the circumstances which had induced His Lordship, with the approbation of the British Government, to station a ship of the line in this bay for the protection of their Sicilian Majesties, and for the purpose of affording them a secure mode of conveyance to Sicily, in case they should be forced either by the violence of the French, or by the treachery of their own subjects, to abandon their capital. At the time Lord Nelson left the Mediterranean, Capt. F. Sotheran, of His Majesty’s ship Excellent, remained here upon the above mentioned service. A few days previous….I had of my own accord, taken an opportunity of stating personally, to the King of Naples, the expediency there might be, under the present circumstances, that His Majesty should be pleased to dispense with the services of the Excellent at Naples, until the British Fleet in the Mediterranean should have received a reinforcement. His Sicilian Majesty, however, entered into so full an explanation of the concurrence of many critical circumstances, which rendered His present situation, & that of His family, more perilous than if ever had been since the entrance of the French into His dominions, that it became impossible for me to insist further upon His Majesty’s voluntary consent to the departure of the Excellent. Without troubling you with a minute detail of all the arguments the King made….I must not omit to state the general grounds….as a confidential communication. For the course of nearly two years, a secret negotiation has been carried on between the Courts of London & Petersbourg, for the purpose of assembling, conjointly, a sufficient military force in this part of Europe, to secure the South of Italy against the farther encroachments of French ambition. In the mean time, the court of Naples, with the consent & even by the advice of the friendly powers, has been induced to temporize with France, and to conceal from Bonaparte, as much as possible, the knowledge of the efforts which were secretly making in order to defeat His unjustifiable views – One part of the plan consisted in gaining sufficient time for the Russians to assemble a considerable force in the Ionian Islands. This force is, however, still incomplete & the Russians cannot proceed to the Continent of Italy until they shall have received a reinforcement of 10,000 men, which are daily expected at Corfu, from the Black Sea. Bonaparte, whose eyes are now opened to the proceedings which have been concerted between Great Britain & Russia, has increased every demonstration of insolence & ill-humour towards this Government, and it is expected that he will not fail to order his army to march towards this capital, as soon as he shall have heard of the Emperor Alexander’s resolution to recal Mons. de Novosiltzow, who had proceeded as far as Berlin, on his way to Paris, with the view of opening a negotiation there for a general peace. From the contents of M de Novosiltzow ‘s note to the Prussian Minister….you will perceive that all hopes of such a negotiation now taking place, are entirely done away. As many weeks must still elapse before the Russian troops can land in Italy, the King of Naples is, therefore, in the meantime exposed to the most imminent & pressing danger. OWING TO RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY THE-SALEROOM.COM A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION FOR THIS LOT CAN NOT BE DISPLAYED. PLEASE CONTACT THE AUCTIONEERS DIRECTLY FOR A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION
MILITARY: An 8vo page removed from an autograph album signed at the head in bold blue fountain pen ink by B. L. Montgomery (1887-1976, British Field Marshal of World War II) and dated 4th November 1949 in his hand; the page also bearing individual signed pieces by John French (1852-1925, British Field Marshal of World War I) dated 12th March 1904 in his hand and Louis Mountbatten (1900-1979, British Admiral of the Fleet during World War II), both neatly laid down. Together with Brian Horrocks (1895-1985, British Army Officer of World War II) T.L.S., Brian G. Horrocks, one page, 4to, Notting Hill Gate, London, 3rd December 1964, to S. Haywood, referring to Bolton and Lancaster and mutual acquaintances. About VG
PATTON GEORGE S.: (1885-1945) American General of World War II. T.L.S., G S Patton Jr, one age, 8vo, Headquarters, Office of the Commanding General, Third United States Army, 23rd July 1943 [actually 1945], to Miss. Jeanne Hodgson. Patton writes, in full, 'My signature to this letter is the autograph which you have requested. All good wishes to you and to your work for the Prisoner of War Fund'. Very slightly and irregularly neatly trimmed to the edges, not affecting the text or signature, and with some slight traces of former mounting to an album page to the verso, G Patton's letter was evidently incorrectly dated 1943. 'Old Blood and Guts' did not take command of the United States Third Army (on whose stationery the present letter is written) until 1944, and he did not achieve the rank of General (in which capacity he signs the present letter) until 14th April 1945. The album page to which the present letter is partially affixed bears the ink date of 31st July 1945, evidently in the hand of Miss Jeanne Hodgson and indicating when she received Patton's letter.
VON MANTEUFFEL HASSO: (1897-1978) German General of World War II, Knight's Cross winner with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. Signed 4 x 6 photograph of von Manteuffel in a head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform and Knight's Cross. Signed in bold, dark fountain pen ink to a light area of the image, adding the date May 1944 in his hand, indicating when the image was originally captured. Together with a T.L.S., v Manteuffel, one page, oblong 8vo, Diessen am Ammersee, 26th September 1970, to Mr. Holland. The General sends his correspondent the signed photograph, confirming that it was taken in Romania in May 1944 'during the greatest panzer battle….against the Red Army' and further adding 'I read with greatest interest some books of your Royal Navy over the story of the Arctic Convoys…..very brave men!' VG to EX, 2
LOWE ARTHUR: (1915-1982) British Actor, famous for his role as Captain George Mainwaring in Dad's Army. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Lowe in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in blue ink to the lower white border. Together with a small selection of signed 8 x 10 photographs (2) and smaller by various other actors associated with Dad's Army comprising Ian Lavender, Frank Williams, Clive Dunn and Bud Flanagan (sang the theme song Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Mr. Hitler?). A couple of very small, minor corner creases, otherwise VG to EX, 4
'You had better not say who they are for' GORDON CHARLES GEORGE: (1833-1885) British Army officer, known as Chinese Gordon. A.L.S., C G Gordon, three pages, 8vo, Southampton, 21st January 1881, to [Carl Christian] Geigler Pasha. Gordon asks his correspondent if he has received 'a couple of copies of the Arabic Manuscripts, one the History of Hainan (?) one the History of the Sudan' and further requests that he 'get me a copy of each, and send me the same by safe hand', further instructing 'You had better not say who they are for'. In concluding Gordon remarks 'I hope you are all well & have been tardily treated properly by Hutchinson' and in a postscript adds 'I have seen nothing of the...stories or things...but I only care for the M.S.S.' Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Gordon to Geigler Pasha in Khartoum, Egypt. Some very minor show through of ink, VG Carl Christian Geigler Pasha (1844-1921) Governor General of the Egyptian province of Sudan.
CUSTER GEORGE: (1839-1876) American Army Officer and Cavalry Commander in the American Civil War and American Indian Wars. A good, bold ink signature ('G A Custer, U. S. Army') on a piece, matted in black and cream beneath a reproduction photograph of Custer seated in a full length pose in his uniform. Framed and glazed in a gold coloured frame to an overall size of 13 x 17. VG
MONTGOMERY B. L.: (1887-1976) British Field Marshal of World War II. A.L.S., Montgomery of Alamein, one page, 8vo, Hindhead, 24th March 1947, to Lady Anderson. Montgomery announces that he is in bed 'with a very severe chill' and that although it is yielding to treatment he thinks that he must withdraw from his correspondent's Boat Race party. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Montgomery. Together with Louis Mountbatten (1900-1979) British Admiral of World War II. A printed 8vo menu for a Luncheon in honour of General Arnold Brown of the Salvation Army at the House of Lords, 7th November 1978, signed ('Mountbatten of Burma') in black ink to the verso and also signed to the verso and inside by over thirty other individuals present at the luncheon including Arnold Brown, Lady Pamela Hicks (daughter of Mountbatten) etc. VG, 2
DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) British Author. T.L.S., Daphne, two pages, 8vo, Menabilly, Par, Cornwall, 18th February 1957, to 'My dear' (Foy Quiller-Couch). Du Maurier writes a social letter to her friend, commiserating with her over a domestic situation, 'What you feared. I always had a doubtful feeling that the contentment would not last, and they would get restless…I beg you don't keep the livestock….you would be tied hand and foot' and remarking that she would have visited 'but for the fact that with the Duke away the Guardsman (her husband, Frederick Browning) has been coming home for much longer weekends, only going up to London for a couple of days or so mid-week….also the very wet weather would have made us rather house-bound (Though with your library, this wouldn't have bothered me).' She further states that she may have to visit London soon 'to see to some film business' and also recounts a lunch with her husband and Dr and Mrs Rashleigh at Polmear, 'I was terrified they were going to give us notice, but all went well, and I still don't know why we were asked after all these years. The doctor was in a yellow waistcoat and blue velvet corduroy trousers, do you think times have changed? Your mother would say “My dear!“ It is now incumbent upon us to ask them back, and the windows have not been painted for seven years and are overdue…' VG Foy Quiller-Couch - daughter of British writer Arthur Quiller-Couch (1863-1944), and a life-long friend of Du Maurier. Indeed, Du Maurier was accompanied by Foy Quiller-Couch when she became inspired with the storyline for her novel Jamaica Inn. Some years previously the two ladies were staying at Jamaica Inn and went riding on Bodmin Moor. They became lost in bad weather conditions and apparently sheltered for some time in a derelict cottage on the moor but were eventually led back to Jamaica Inn by their horses. Frederick Browning (1896-1965) British Lieutenant-General of World War II, deputy commander of the First Allied Airborne Army in Operation Market Garden, 1944. Browning served as Treasurer and Head of Office to the Duke of Edinburgh.
DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) British Author. T.L.S., Daphne, four pages, 8vo, Menabilly, Par, Cornwall, 21st December 1958, to 'My dear' (Foy Quiller-Couch). Du Maurier writes a social letter to her friend, thanking her for a Christmas gift which she had had an instinct to open early, 'The instinct was sound. As the first south-westerly in months blew the moors black, and I was bent double in my attempts to walk, your snug wind-cheater plus chest protector kept influenza at bay….Thank you a thousand times. Have you some hidden knitter in the isles of Shetland? The waistcoat is so well done, and not, I feel sure, by your own fair hands' and further reporting on her family, 'All goes fairly well here, though the Guardsman (her husband, Frederick Browning) is very up and down, and the groans of “I feel so ill“ pretty continuous, though mostly after a day or so in London. Every doctor tells him to give up, and then foolish friends, not knowing his history, say “Oh, but you'll be bored to tears in the country. It's madness to retire“. If they only knew he is perfectly content to potter. it's the conflicting advice that is so bad. Kits has his blood-and-thunder film ready to show us at Christmas. Miss Tod, Mr Burt, myself, are all murdered in it. Only Oenone survives. What a sport she is, she allowed herself to be filmed throwing a bomb out of the St. Austell train. It is only a matter of time before she is sent for by the police….Guardsman says he will “hold the fort“ while the Prince is away on his tour, and I don't really know what he means. Kits starts work on January 5th learning the film directing under Carol Reed, with the new Graham Greene story Our Man From Havana. He may find himself in Cuba amongst the rebels.' An entertaining letter. Some small, minor tape stains to the head of each page, only very slightly affecting two words of text, but not the signature, otherwise VG Foy Quiller-Couch - daughter of British writer Arthur Quiller-Couch (1863-1944), and a life-long friend of Du Maurier. Indeed, Du Maurier was accompanied by Foy Quiller-Couch when she became inspired with the storyline for her novel Jamaica Inn. Some years previously the two ladies were staying at Jamaica Inn and went riding on Bodmin Moor. They became lost in bad weather conditions and apparently sheltered for some time in a derelict cottage on the moor but were eventually led back to Jamaica Inn by their horses. Frederick Browning (1896-1965) British Lieutenant-General of World War II, deputy commander of the First Allied Airborne Army in Operation Market Garden, 1944. Browning served as Treasurer and Head of Office to the Duke of Edinburgh. Christian Du Maurier (1940- ) Youngest child of Daphne Du Maurier and Frederick Browning, who became a photographer and film-maker, as referred to in the present letter.
BOOTH WILLIAM: (1829-1912) British Methodist Preacher, founder of The Salvation Army. A.Q.S., William Booth, one page, oblong 8vo, n.p., 13th January 1905, with the red printed emblem of The Salvation Army at the head. In bold fountain pen ink Booth writes, in full, 'Believe, obey and fight unto death, and God will be with you & all the time'. Signed and dated at the foot. Together with a bold black fountain pen ink signature ('William Booth') on an attractive small oblong 12mo card. Also including Florence Eleanor Soper (1861-1957) Wife of Bramwell Booth, Second General of The Salvation Army. Final page of a T.L.S., Florence E. Booth, one page, oblong 8vo, n.p., n.d., to an unidentified correspondent, in part, 'I know you will continue to pray for me and my dear helpers, that we may press forward with the glorious tidings of full salvation to those dark hearts and sad lives to whom God has sent us'. Further including Catherine Bramwell-Booth (1883-1987) Salvation Army Officer, one of the children of General Bramwell Booth and Florence Eleanor Soper and granddaughter of William Booth. T.L.S., Catherine Bramwell Booth, one page, 4to, London, 12th May 1934, to Mrs. Peden Fyfe, on the printed stationery of The Salvation Army, Headquarters of the Women's Social Work. Bramwell Booth thanks her correspondent for her kindness at a meeting, commenting 'I do not know whether you heard that £13 worth of needlework was sold, so that you see it really was quite a substantial help; it was so good of you to let us bring it.' She further writes 'I was interested in your telling me that my Grandfather had once stayed in your home in the early days of the Army, and I think perhaps you would be interested in the book I have written about my Father. If you read it, I am sure you will understand how much it means to me to be trying to carry out some of the work for the poor and needy in the spirit of which he and my Grandfather were such wonderful examples'. A few minor traces of age wear, generally VG, 4
EVEREST EXPEDITION 1953: A vintage printed 4to brochure entitled Ascent of Everest 1953, with various illustrations and printed text, issued to accompany illustrated lectures, individually signed to an inside photo page by both Edmund Hillary (1919-2008) New Zealand Mountaineer, the first man, with Tenzing Norgay, to reach the summit of Mount Everest, 1953 and Tom Bourdillon (1924-1956) English Mountaineer, a member of the Everest Expedition team of 1953 (responsible for oxygen equipment). The image depicts Hillary standing in a three quarter length pose alongside Sherpa Tenzing on their return to Camp IV after their successful assault on 29th May 1953. Signed by both Hillary and Bourdillon in bold blue fountain pen inks with their names alone to a clear area of the background. Together with Lord John Hunt (1910-1998) British Army Officer, Leader of the Everest Expedition of 1953. Blue ink signature ('John Hunt') on a 12mo lined page removed from a pocket note book, with the additional sentiment 'To recall a most remarkable journey and with heartfelt thanks for delivering me safely!' and date, 7th June 1983, in his hand. Also including a small, miscellaneous selection of signed pieces, signed books etc., by various individuals including Bernard Braden, Bernard Levin, Hannah Hauxwell, facsimile Churchill letters (3; 1949, 1952 & 1953, each accompanied by the original envelopes) etc. Some light age wear and a few minor tears and creases to the brochure, G to VG, 11 Autographs of Bourdillon are scarce following his tragically early death in a climbing accident in 1956.
WILLIAM III: (1650-1702) King of England, Scotland & Ireland 1689-1702. A good L.S., Prince d'Orange, as Prince of Orange, one page, folio, Aalst, 12th June 1676, to Honourable Gentlemen, in old Dutch. The manuscript letter is the Prince of Orange's response to a letter received from his correspondents and dated 7th June in which they express 'concerns about an enemy incursion in the quarters of Flanders', the Prince stating that orders have been sent to the Lord of the Leck to leave Sas van Gendt with the garrison of Moerspenij and Axel and a company and also remarking 'please consider furthermore that as long as the army of the State is present here, the quarters of Flanders will be adequately protected against and prepared for a possible invasion. We will, in case of departure of said army, not fail to send multiple numbers of militias there for protection, because we will at all times, as far as we are able to, always bear all possible care…'. With blank integral leaf. VG
Signed on the second day of his reign GEORGE III: (1738-1820) King of the United Kingdom 1760-1820. D.S., George R, as King, at the head, one page (vellum), oblong folio, Court at Savile House, 27th October 1760. The partially printed document is a military commission appointing Ruvigny De Cosne to be a Captain in the Second, or Coldstream, Regiment of Foot Guards commanded by Lieutenant General James, Lord Tyrawly. Countersigned at the foot by Robert Darcy, 4th Earl of Holderness (1718-1778) British Diplomat & Politician, Secretary of State for the Southern Department 1751-54, 1757 and Secretary of State for the Northern Department 1754-61. With blind embossed paper seal affixed. Some very light age wear, although with a fine example of the King's signature, dated on just the second day of his reign. About VG James O'Hara (1682-1774) Irish Field Marshal in the British Army, Colonel of the Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards 1755-73.
EDWARD VIII: (1894-1972) King of the United Kingdom January - December 1936. Later Duke of Windsor. Typed Manuscript, unsigned, two pages, 8vo, n.p. (London), 11th April 1919. The manuscript is of a speech delivered by the Prince of Wales and bears a number of holograph corrections, in pencil, and reads, in part (the holograph corrections marked in bold), 'I am very glad It has given me great pleasure to have been present tonight, and I wish to express say how much my appreciation of the splendid display of sportsmanship, shown alike by the teams and the schools they represent, both inside and outside the ring during the various bouts. In the Navy, the Army, and at Oxford, I have made many friends from Public Schools. From them I have learnt the value of that great national asset, the Public School spirit, which has proved its worth time after time during these last grim years of grim war. Boxing Tournaments foster this spirit….I am especially glad to hear that the Amateur Boxing Association has worked so well with the Services, to keep alive a our great British inheritance. In offering my hearty congratulations to the winners and organisers of these competitions, I cannot must also refrain from extending to the good losers the earnest hope that they may have better luck next time.' One single file hole to the upper left corner of each page, tied with the original treasury tag. About VG
HENRY III: (1551-1589) King of France 1574-89 and King of Poland & Grand Duke of Lithuania 1573-75. L.S., Henry, one page, folio, Camp at [? Illegible], 10th December 1587, to Cardinal Dancelot, in French. The King states that Cardinal Mario Bandini, a gentleman of his Chamber, has asked the King to come and see Dancelot in person and let him know that 'I have dissipated the great foreign army and removed it from my kingdom' and further stating 'I do not doubt that you are as grateful as the Regent for the good and loyal services rendered by the Cardinal, for the glory of God and the propagation of our Catholic, Apostolic and Roman religion'. With address panel to the verso. Some very light, minor foxing and a few small, minor tears to the edges and with two thin tape stains at the foot of the page, none of which affect the text or signature. About VG
MAZARIN JULES: (1602-1661) Italian Cardinal, Diplomat and Politician, served as Chief Minister of the French Monarch 1642-61. L.S., J Card. Mazarin, two pages, folio, n.p., 3rd July 1649, to de Chaunes, a Councillor of King Louis XIV, in French. The letter states, in part, 'I believe appropriate and even very necessary that M. le Compte d'Harcourt, being in the Limemy (?) country, should have published in quantity handbills signed by him stating that in whatever place he passes where he finds mills ruined by inhabitants, he will have those same places burned down and will not pardon any peasant. By this means we would generate fear and we would make it easy to have the wheat ground for the subsistence of the army....pursue your efforts with the same diligence, so that with each acting on your own initiative we may have some good success in this campaign which will oblige the Limemis to make peace....' With integral address leaf bearing two small red wax seals, one with the small original red ribbon affixed. Some light age wear to the edges and a small wormhole just affecting a few letters of text, but not the signature. About VG
Collection of approx 57 compete sets & 6 part sets contained in 4 modern albums, all Will's issues, including Allied Army Leaders (including variety), Aviation, Fish & Bait, Military Motors (mixed), Musical Celebrities (A series), Naval Dress & Badges, Railway Locomotives, Recruiting Posters, Speed, Time & Money, The World's Dreadnaughts, etc. mixed condition with majority G - VG cat value £2700+
Sword: A Dutch 'Heiho' modified 'Kleewang'. Blade 18". Ricasso marked 'HEMBRUNG'. Originally made for the Dutch Army by Hembrug and modified when captured by the Japanese when they took the Dutch East Indies. Used mainly for clearing brush and jungle. In its leather scabbard with brass chape. Good all original condition.
Crimea group to George Merriott who used the alias William Stephens. Medals - Crimea with Sebastopol clasp impressed to W. Stephens GR Rl Horse Aty, Turkish Crimea Medal 'La Crimea' (Sardinia Issue). Army LSGC Medal named 110 Gunn'r G Merriott A.Bde RHA. An interesting group with two cabinet photos and letter written by the original purchaser who bought the medal from the family. Crimea very worn with rubbed naming. F-VF (3)
Death Plaque to Lt Col Godfrey Bingham Hinton CMG RHA/RFA. Killed In Action 21/3/1918 with 26th Army Bde RFA. Buried Achiet Le Grand Communal Cemetery. Mentioned In Despatches 22/6/1915, 15/6/1916 and 4/1/1917. Lived Doonholme, Weston Super Mare. He was Wounded twice, and made a CMG in June 1915. Lot includes small photo in leather case. Plaque with mounting hook to reverse. (1)
Father & Son medals - India General Service Medal with bars Punjab Frontier 1897-98 and Tirah Campaign 1897-98 to 4817 Pte W Newman 2nd Bn Royal Sussex Regt, GV Army LSGC Medal (4817 Pte W Newman R Suss Regt). With BWM & Victory Medal to 6556 Pte W Newman Cambridge Regt and GVI Imperial Service Medal (Walter Newman) with Certificate. Confirmed with Census info. GVF (5)
German WW1 Artillery shell by Friedrich Krupp A.G. 12 brass case with steel base plate which suggests an experimental shell. The shell has a very fine silver inlay cartouches with Islamic cyrillic writing all over the shell. Some of which has been translated - but not all ! Damascus - 1918 - Possession of Power - Entrance of Army - Enemy (not necessarily in this order). Ideal research project. Note: On the 1st October 1918 Major A C N "Harry" Olden took Damascus with the 10th Australian Light Horse. T E Lawrence with his Arab Irregulars entered soon after.
Group to 1025990 W.O.CL.II. Charles King Mason RA. Mounted as worn - MBE (Mily), 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence & War Medal, 1937 Coronation Medal, Regular Army GVI LSGC Medal. With original Royal Mint case for the MBE. (L/G 1/1/1944) Commissioned 1st Oct 1940 as Lieut. Toned GVF (7)
Group to 1421066 Bmbr F A Luhr RA. Medals mounted as worn - India General Service Medal with North West Frontier 1935 clasp, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star + 1st Army bar, Italy Star, Defence & War Medal with Mentioned In Despatches emblem, Regular Army GVI LSGC Medal (W.O.CL.II.), and GVI Meritorious Service Medal (W.O.CL.2.), plus Dunkirk Medal (1960). MID for North Africa L/G 23rd Sept 1943. Frederick Arthur Luhr seems to have joined up using a false name 'Lovet'. He enlisted 26/4/1921 and served till 24/10/1951. Lot also includes photo of him wearing medals, a silver Buffalo Medal, Bible and wrist Watch, etc (qty)

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