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RAF Headgear, including peaked cap, women's cap and beret, plus British Army Royal Scots Glengarry, Burma Star Association beret and beret with unknown cap badge.

Selection of British Army and Multi-National Unit and Rank Insignia, Royal Military Police Brassards and Vehicle Pennants.

A Selection of British Army Cap Badges, to include Royal Tank Corps, Royal Marine, Royal Artillery, etc (10)

Post WWII Album of Photographs Taken in Africa/Middle East, probably by a British Army serviceman with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

Selection of British Army Staybrite Cap Badges, Collar Badges, Shoulder Titles and Rank Insignia, plus a variety of British Army buttons.

British Elizabeth II General Service Medal Including Medal Bar, with Malaya clasp awarded to 23016422 Private M.W Ringrow, Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), plus a 9ct gold 1910 Swastika (cultural/religious symbol) pendant.

British Army Beret, Territorial Silver Decoration Medal (boxed), two Royal engineers cap badges, cufflink's, a white metal Royal Engineers figurine, Rotary Club medals, Royal Engineers ice bucket.

WWI Sheffield Interest - photographs, letters, postcards and other miscellaneous items, mainly relating to the schooling and military service of William Oxley Elshaw in WWI, The lot includes a King Edward VII school cap, booklets and correspondence mainly between W. Elshaw and his mother in which he details his experience's in the British Army Training Depot in Redcar and his overseas service in the trenches during the later stages of the Battle of The Somme, sadly 4094 Private W. Elshaw 1/4th Battalion Northumberland Fusilier's was killed in action on 15 November 1916. A condolence letter from his commanding officer is also present within this lot.

A Selection of British Army Cap Badges, including Royal Tank, Reg, Army Air Corps, etc (20)

British Army Fairbairn Sykes Commando Style Fighting Knife, with leather scabbard, maker mark 'William Rogers' and illegible mark on underside of guard, (buyer to satisfy themselves regarding authenticity.

A British Army Faibairn Sykes Commando Style Fighting Knife, with leather scabbard (buyer to satisfy themselves regarding authenticity.

British Army Cap Badges, Shoulder, Rank Insignia and Buttons, with France & Germany Star Medal and miscellaneous coins.

Korea Medal, awarded to 2286096 Tpr K. Oldfield 8H, two United Nations Service Medals with Korea clasp, medal bar and British Army insignia relating to 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars.

A Royal Army Ordnance Corps Dress Tunic, American Military dress jacket, Military Institute dress and US jacket.

A British Army 1897 Pattern Sword, with EIIR Royal Cypher to guard and leather scabbard, manufactured by Wilkinson Sword.

Selection of British Military, Police and Other Items, including Army cap badges, Catering Corps stable belt, Kings Own Royal Regiment swagger stick, Police insignia and truncheon and Royal Commemorative medals.

WWII Australian Army MK9 Prismatic Field Compass, manufactured by J.W Handley with year '1941' and Military broad arrow marked on rear, plus leather case.

A HALLMARKED SILVER SALVER - LONDON 1971, with presentation engraving and crest relating to the City of Nottingham and the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, stamped to reverse for Poyser Silversmiths - Nottingham, sitting on ball and claw feet, approx weight 880g, Dia 31 cm

CHARLES V: (1500-1558) Holy Roman Emperor and Archduke of Austria 1519-56, King of Spain (Castile and Aragon) 1516-56, and Lord of the Netherlands as titular Duke of Burgundy 1506-55. A fine L.S., `Yo El Rey´, one page, 4to, Genoa, 20th August 1529, to the Duke of Barcelona, in old Spanish. The attractively penned manuscript document states in part `Duque primo de Barcelona, os hice saber el día que me embarqué. Después, con ayuda de nuestro señor seguí mi viaje, y… a su divina majestad que llegué en salvamento a esta ciudad de Génova, a doce del presente mes de agosto´, )Translation: “Duke of Barcelona, my cousin, I informed you about the date I embarked. Later, with the help of our Lord I continued my travel, and… to Your Divine Majesty that I arrived to save this city of Genoa, on the 12th of the present month of August”) Charles V further refers to the situation in Genoa and expects that all will work in the way he expects. Boldly countersigned beneath the King´s signature by the Major Court clerk, `Por mandado de su Majestad, Covos… mayor´ (Translation: “By order of His Majesty…”) Addressed to the verso. Bearing to the verso right bottom corner a Putnam collection stamp. Very small overall age wear with few small binding holes to the left border and tear to the fold, none affecting the text or signatures. G On 12th of August 1529, Charles V was welcomed and honoured as the protector of the Republic by Andrea Doria, who had entered the service of the Emperor in June 1528, and by the citizens of Genoa. Andrea Doria (1466-1560) Genoese statesman, Condottiero and Admiral who played a key role as the ruler in the Republic of Genoa during his lifetime. Doria reformed the Republic's constitutionOnly a day after the present letter was written, took place the Battle of Landriano, on 21st June 1529, between the French army under Francis de Bourbon and the Imperial-Spanish army commanded by Don Antonio de Leyva. The French army was destroyed and the battle's strategic result was that the struggle between Francis I of France and Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor for the control of northern Italy was temporarily at an end.

GREGORY XIV: (1535-1591) Pope of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States 1590-1591. During his brief pontificate which lasted only ten months, Gregory XIV excommunicated King Henry IV and levied an army for the invasion of France. Rare manuscript letter, with corrections and amendments in the Pope´s hand, one page, folio, n.p., 25th March January 1587, to Cardinal Monte-Alto, in Italian. Gregory XIV, in his capacity as Cardinal Nicolo Sfondrati, thanks his correspondent for reading his letter to his uncle Pope Sixtus V and states in part `Un Molto favore ben grande m´ha fatto V.[ostra] S.[signoria] Ill[ustrissi]ma, facendo leggere a N[ostro] S[igno]re quella lettera mia delli 8 di Gen[nai]o…et dando poi aviso a me di quanto S.[ua] B.[eatitudi] senti, et rispose in quell fatto…´ ("Y.[our] I.[llustrious] S.[signoria] did me a very big favour by making Our Eminence read that letter of mine dated on the 8th of January... and then giving me notice of what Y.[our] B.[eatitudi] feels, and replied to those facts...") Further again, and before concluding Gregory XIV states in part `..osservato poi il tempo, che il vic[ari]o mio stesse occupato in celebrar la messa, tornó con tutti I Sbirri a cercare con quell malmodo, che giá ho scritto..´ Accompanied by a full transcription of the letter. Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G   Alessandro Peretti di Montalto (1571-1623) Italian Catholic Cardinal Bishop.

VON MANTEUFFEL HASSO: (1897-1978) German General of World War II, Knight's Cross winner with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. T.L.S., H Manteuffel, one page, oblong 8vo, Diessen am Ammersee, 26th September 1970, to Mr. Holland. Von Manteuffel, in an erratically typed letter, informs his correspondent, in full, 'In answer to your letter Sept. 20th J (sic) sent you a picture, made May 1944 at Targul Frumos/ Rumania during the greatest panzer battle panzer/panzer against the Red Army. J (sic) red with greatest interest some books of your Royal Navy like over the story of the Artic Convoys as "Ordeal Below Zero" by Georges Blond and "P Q 17 Convoy To Hell" by Paul Lund and Harry Ludlam - very brave men!' With very light discolouration to the upper and right edges. About VG   

ROUGET DE LISLE CLAUDE: (1760-1836) French Officer of the French Revolutionary wars. Best known for being the creator of the words and music of the "Chant de Guerre pour l´armée du Rhin" ("War Song for the army of the Rhin") in 1792, and which would become later the French National anthem La Marseillaise. A good A.L.S., `R. de Lisle´, one page, 8vo, n.p., [Paris], Wednesday 25th November 1823, to Monsieur de Montrol, in French. De Lisle kindly thanks his correspondent for his invitation, but rejects it, stating `Mille remerciements de votre obligeante invitation. Mais nous demeurons si loin l´un de l´autre! Les soirées commencent et se prolongent si tard....´ ("Many thanks for your kind invitation. But we live so far apart! The evenings start and continue so late...."), and further explains in detail the reasons, stating in part `... et puis, je ne me porte pas bien; j´ai du chagrin, et de plus d´une manière. En somme je ne suis plus qu´une vieille patraque qui se détraque pour parler en rimeur, et comme tel, très peu propre à figurer dans vos joyeuses réunions´ ("... and also, I'm not well; I grieve, and in more than one way. In short, I am nothing more than an old clumsy who breaks down to speak in rhyme, and as such, very little suited to appear in your happy meetings") With address leaf bearing a postmark and a small area of paper loss due to the letter opening. G to VG

WORLD WAR I: Selection of A.Ls.S., a few T.Ls.S. and Ds.S. etc., by various French Generals and other army officers, a few Admirals etc., all of whom served in World War I, including Charles Mangin (1866-1925) French General who commanded the Tenth Army at the Second Battle of the Marne (also including an A.L.S. by his second wife, Antoinette, to Melchior-Bonnet), Noel Edouard, Vicomte de Curieres de Castelnau (1851-1944) French General, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces during World War I, Maxime Weygand (1867-1965) French General who served as a staff officer to Ferdinand Foch during World War I, Joseph Joffre (1852-1931) French General who served as Commander-in-Chief of French forces on the Western Front from 1914-16, Emile Fayolle (1852-1928) French General and Marshal of France who commanded the Sixth Army at the Battle of the Somme, Marie Eugene Debeney (1864-1943) French General who commanded the First Army at the Battle of Amiens, Emile Guepratte (1856-1939) French Admiral who saw action in the Dardanelles Campaign during World War I, Joseph Gallieni (1849-1916) Marshal of France who served as Military Governor of Paris and played an important role in the first Battle of the Marne (unsigned autograph note on his personal printed visiting card), Albert d'Amade (1856-1941) French General who led the Corps expeditionnaire d'Orient in the first stages of the Gallipoli Campaign; Alexandre Percin (1846-1928) French General who controversially defended the city of Lille against the German Army in 1914, Gustave Leon Niox (1840-1921) French General who served as Governor of Les Invalides 1902-19, Henri Gouraud (1867-1946) French General who commanded the Fourth Army at the end of World War I (unsigned autograph note on his personal printed visiting card), Augustin Dubail (1851-1934) French General who commanded the First Army during World War I (D.S. and a further four bearing rubber stamped signatures) etc. Some general age wear and minor faults, G to about VG, 29 

WELLINGTON DUKE OF: (1769-1852) Anglo-Irish Field Marshal, the victor of Waterloo. British Prime Minister 1828-30, 1834. A very fine A.L.S., Arthur Wellesley, two pages, 4to, Clifford Street, London, 24th May 1806, to Lieutenant Stephens of HMS Fame at Portsmouth. Wellington announces 'I was very uneasy when I read in the newspapers different accounts of your being under examination before the Privy Council, although I was convinced that you had never committed any act, which could subject you to any legal punishment…' and adds that he is concerned that Stephens should have suffered from being detained for the enquiry '& still more so that I cannot give you any hopes that you will be promoted'. He further explains 'I really have no influence with the present Govt. but if your ship should be sent to foreign station you may depend on it that I will use every exertion to procure for you letters of recommendation to the Admiral who will command upon it.' With integral address leaf in Wellington's hand and also signed ('Free, Arthur Wellesley') in the lower left corner. A circular portion of the integral leaf, evidently where the seal was originally affixed, has been cut away. One very small, extremely minor, neat split to a fold, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG HMS Fame was a 74-gun third rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched in October 1805. In November 1808 she joined a squadron lying off Rosas where Captain Lord Cochrane was assisting the Spanish in the defence of Castell de la Trinitat against the invading French army.

GORDON CHARLES GEORGE: (1833-1885) British Army officer and administrator, known as Chinese Gordon. Manuscript notes, unsigned, one page, 8vo, n.p. (Labore, Sudan), n.d. (4th July 1876). The page of notes are a summary of a letter written to Romolo Gessi and state, in part, '1. Engineer Dept & you to be paid monthly. 2. Egyptian Employer's after the order from Cairo. 3. Your nomination as Vakul (?) with all the attributes of Ali…..only see all money letters are signed by me after you'. The notes continue to refer to the purchase of horses, the hiring of a stable, the cost of food, tin water cans etc. and also include a table chart drawn by Gordon with several columns, one headed Already sent up and another To be sent. With a large area of paper loss to the lower left quarter, affecting a number of the sentences, and with some ink blotting, light creasing and age wear. Only FR Romolo Gessi (1831-1881) Gessi Pasha. Italian soldier, governor in the Turkish-Egyptian administration and explorer of north-east Africa. In 1876, while serving under Gordon in the Turkish Sudan, Gessi explored the course of the White Nile in the area of Bahr El Jebel and mapped its descent from Lake Albert. Gordon regarded Gessi, perhaps unfairly, as merely a brilliant mercenary. 

[20 JULY PLOT]: STAUFFENBERG FRANZ SCHENK VON (1878-1950) German entrepreneur, uncle of Claus von Stauffenberg (1907-1944) German army officer, leader of the failed attempt on 20th July 1944 to assassinate Adolf Hitler at the Wolf's Lair. Franz Schenk von Stauffenberg was arrested and imprisoned as a result of the 20 July plot. T.L.S., Frhr. v. Stauffenberg, in pencil, two pages, 4to, Wilflingen, 9th May 1938, to Herr Goetz, in German. Stauffenberg apologises for the work and trouble his correspondent has undertaken over his personal enquiries and continues to discuss the potential employment opportunities for his son, in part, 'According to my interpretation, the only career open to my son is the purely commercial one, notwithstanding the time which was to a certain degree lost on account of taking the junior examinations for the bar. The training as a fully qualified lawyer would take too long, since he has to earn something within a certain time…..The main thing seems to me that he should get the best possible practical and basic training in the banking business, which he has already started to do in your subsidiary in Frankfurt…..Through his wife he has good personal connections with American and French banking circles, and it was originally envisaged that through these connections the choice would be open to him of building up a knowledge of banking practice, as an unpaid assistant or as a trainee, in a bank in London or Paris, after he had completed his first period of training here in Germany. He intends to go to Paris, to find out whether this offer will really be substantiated; this is not clear without further examination, since the current attitude towards Germany in Paris, as in London, is so openly antagonistic to Germany that it does not seem immediately certain whether he can still find any kind of place. That is why it would be my wish and request that you might really be so kind as to help me and him, and in any event to smooth the way for things to turn out well. It is always difficult for a father to stand guarantee for his son. But I believe I can say that you will not be expending your influence on an unworthy object.' Two file holes to the left edge and one small, neat split to the right edge of the central fold, otherwise VG

BARAGUEY D´HILLIERS LOUIS: (1764-1813) French General during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. L.S., `L.B. d'Hilliers´, one page, folio, Weissembourg, 22nd May 1793, to General Alexandre de Beauharnais, in French. The partially printed document of the Army of the Rhin reports about General Vieusseux who is assigned to Beauharnais division orders, stating in part `..the People representants wish that Baraguey is assigned to Porrentruy or neighbourhood countries, because of his relationships with Bienne where he is married and they fear his influence..´ The document bears a large watermark. Folded. VG    Alexandre Beauharnais (1760-1794) French General. Beauharnais was the first husband of Josephine de la Pagerie, who later married Napoleon Bonaparte and became Empress of the First Empire. Alexandre was arrested in March 1794 and, following his sentence of death during the Reign of Terror, was executed by guillotine in Paris.    Jean-Louis Vieusseux (1754-1817) French General. Baraguey D´Hilliers served in the Russian campaign of 1812 where his troops were assigned to guard Smolensk after the city was captured by the French. During the retreat from Moscow, Napoleon ordered Baraguey d'Hilliers to march east to meet him. However, instead of joining Napoleon, his division marched into the jaws of the advancing Russian army. The Russians surrounded his brigades and forced him to surrender. For this incident, he fell into disgrace with the Emperor. 

PERON JUAN: (1895-1974) President of Argentina 1946-55 & 1973-74. T.L.S., `Peron´, in his capacity as Minister of war, one page, folio, Buenos Aires, 19th August 1944, to Vicente Fernandez, in Spanish. The typed document bears to the upper left corner the printed heading "Republic of Argentina - Ministry of war" beneath the blind embossed seal of the Argentinean emblem. The document reports on the return to service of soldier Fernandez after an accident and recovery. With ink stamp of the Argentinean army, and countersigned to the verso by Guillermo Beghe. Two binder holes to the left border not affecting text or signature. Small age wear with edges very slightly trimmed. G

ANNE: (1665-1714) Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland 1702-07. A fine L.S., Anna R, with a holograph subscription, three pages, folio, Palace at Windsor, 3rd July 1709, to Franz Ludwig, Count Palatine, Bishop of Worms, and Johann Wilhelm, Count Palatine on the Rhine, Elector of Bavaria, in Latin. The Queen writes, in part, 'Most illustrious and excellent Prince, dearest cousin and friend, as well as most serene Prince, dearest brother, cousin, and friend, the new peace negotiation by the French, which is too little sincere, has no doubt already been made known [and] it would be superfluous to explain to Your Excellency and Your Electoral Excellency with how much unworthiness the most Christian King not only refused to have several preliminary articles concluded in The Hague confirmed, & after their having been approved by his plenipotentiaries, but also in contempt of all his allies, he has abused [them] through insinuations he has thought up to enrage the spirits of his subjects. We hope indeed that the long since renowned skills will remove the anger from all hearts and that the allies will all be of the same mind as We that there will in no way at all be a just, honest, stable, comprehensive peace until the arrogant common enemy, who has out of weakness so violently brought on war from all sides, withdraws, that he must by necessity or unwillingly desist. These things may already speak for themselves. We nonetheless, from Our concern for the public weal, deemed it to be not unseemly to appeal with Our exhortation to Your Excellency and Your Electoral Excellency to urge and cause everyone of authority in the region of the Upper Rhine by most grave admonishments to support it, as well as to provide a share of fighting forces, of soldiers and funds, and also at this moment, by which the moments of the greatest causes turn to Our example and that of the order of the general domains of the Belgian Federation, to send men and funds & thus expand the German combat army on the Upper Rhine and fortify it by means of the things needed for war, so that not only the boundaries of the Empire are protected, but also the provinces broken off at the time can be reintegrated. This sole hope of a war to be completed with glory and a peace to be maintained with security. To this be added the hope for divine grace, which will not be rejected as unseemly, health, liberty, and event the indignation at such an enemy. We thus humbly appeal to Your Excellency and Your Electoral Excellency to take active part in the cause, for haste is necessary so that this best occasion not slip from our hands…..' Countersigned at the foot by Henry Boyle (1669-1725) 1st Baron Carleton, Anglo-Irish politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer 1701-08, Northern Secretary 1708-10 and Lord President of the Council 1721-25. With integral address panel bearing a blind embossed paper seal (neatly split). Annotated in ink at the head of the first page to record that the letter was received at Erfurt on 29th July 1709. A letter of interesting content and association written during the Spanish War of Succession (1701-14), the European great power conflict which arose from the death of the childless King Charles II of Spain in November 1700 and led to a struggle for control of the Spanish Empire between his heirs, Philip of Anjou and Charles of Austria, and their respective supporters, among them Spain, Austria, France, the Dutch Republic, Savoy and Great Britain. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG Franz Ludwig of Palatinate-Neuburg (1664-1732) Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Prince-Bishop of Worms 1694-1732. Johann Wilhem II (1658-1716) Elector Palatine 1690-1716, brother of Franz Ludwig.

BERTHIER LOUIS-ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. Rare L.S., `Alexandre´, one page, 4to, Dresden, 5th July 1813, to Monsieur the General Count of Monthion, in French. An interesting letter by Berthier, referring to the reorganization of the Grande Armée only three weeks before the Battle of Dresden, forwarding the Emperor´s orders `Order of the Army, instructing that all the sappers, gunners, artillery or navy soldiers, who have been withdrawn from their ranks to be employed…, will return to their corps… and 60 prisoners, chosen among those who have wounded hands and are not able to serve in the infantry corps, will be destined to each sapper regiment..´ Berthier orders his correspondent to contact Generals Rogniat, Daru and Durosnel to forward the orders and execute the Emperor´s orders. Left edge very slightly irregular, otherwise G to VG    

BLUCHER GEBHARD LEBERECHT VON: (1742-1819) Prussian Field Marshal who led his army against Napoleon at the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig in 1813 and at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. A.L.S., Blucher, one page, 4to, Breslau, April 1816, to his second son Friedrich Gebhardt Lebrecht, in German. The letter is untranslated although announces a trip to Carlsbad on 13th May and also makes references to his eldest son Franz, asking to be informed immediately as to what he likes and commenting 'If he first deals with the rank, then he gains a lot if he does something wrong at the beginning'. With blank integral leaf. Some light overall age toning, some staining (mainly to the corners as a result of previous mounting) and some neat splits to folds, a little crudely repaired to the verso. About G Gebhard Leberecht von Blucher had two sons, from his first marriage, that survived infancy: Franz Ferdinand Joachim (1778-1829) and Friedrich Gebhardt Lebrecht (1780-1834). Franz served as a Major General in the Prussian army and was wounded in battle in 1813 which left him mentally ill for the remainder of his life. 

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, St. Quentin, 3rd July 1649, to de Chaunes, a Councillor of King Louis XIV, in French. Mazarin writes an informative letter to his correspondent, discussing the need to increase the number of horses in order to transport the munitions of war, and remarking that forty have been approved, explaining that he has given instructions to make a payment of one hundred francs to a spy, and that he has also given orders to provide flour for forty thousand rations of bread for the cavalry of the German army, further declaring '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  

CARNOT LAZARE: (1753-1823) French Physicist and Politician. Known as the Organizer of Victory in the French Revolutionary Wars. A very Good A.L.S., `Carnot´, one page, 4to, n.p., 6th July 1800, to citizen Lomet, in French. Carnot refers to troops in Helvetia, stating `The reserve army having to be very promptly increased to 40.000 men, of which five thousand to Helvetia, citizen Lomet will establish the conscription of this army, its divisions and locations, and will report to the different offices…´ Creasing to the right edge with uneven bottom Edge, otherwise G 

BERNADOTTE JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1763-1844) French military commander during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, one of the original eighteen Marshals of the Empire created by Napoleon I. Bernadotte later became King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway 1818-44. D.S., J: Bernadotte, two pages, large folio, Rennes, 27th October 1801, in French. The manuscript document, issued by the 82 Demi-Brigade, is a memorandum of proposal for the retirement pay in favour of Lieutenant Francois Moniot 'hors d'etat de continuer son service par suite d'une blessure recue a la jambe droite a l'affaire de Savene' (Translation: 'unable to continue his service following an injury to the right leg received in the Savene affair') and provides details of his military service and campaigns from the age of 18 years in 1776, as well as details of his health following a medical examination. Signed by Bernadotte at the conclusion, adding one line of text in his hand, 'Vu et approuve par le General en Chef de l'armee de s'ouest' (Translation: 'Seen and approved by the General-in-Chief of the Western Army'). Also bearing the countersignatures of various members of the administrative council of the 82 Demi-Brigade. Some light overall age wear and a few small, neat tears and splits to the edges, about VGThe Battle of Savenay took place on 23rd December 1793 and marked the end of the Viree de Galerne operational phase of the first war in the Vendee after the French Revolution. The Republicans suffered thirty fatalities at the Battle and two hundred officers were wounded.

LIBERATION OF CUBA - CESPEDES DEL CASTILLO: (1819-1874) Carlos Manuel de Céspedes del Castillo Cuban Revolutionary. Known as the ''Father of the Motherland'', Cespedes is considered a Cuban hero who freed slaves and leaded the declaration of Cuban Independence in 1868. An excellent historical content D.S., `C.M. de Cespedes´, one page, large folio, Bayamo, 19th October 1868, in Spanish. The document is a decree, bearing to the heading an attractive vignette of a coat of arms of the Provisional Government, and at base a large black paper seal of the ("Ejercito Libertador de Cuba", Army of Liberation of Cuba. The decree, signed by Cespedes in his capacity of General in chief of the Liberation army of Cuba, contains the appointment, posts, and names of the new members of the new Government. Also signed by Ignacio Martinez and by Fernando Fornaris y Cespedes. An excellent and attractive document. Overall age wear with trimmed edges and repair to the verso to the fold. G Cespedes was a landowner and lawyer in eastern Cuba, near Bayamo, who purchased an estate with a sugar plantation in 1844, after returning from Spain. On 10th October 1868, only 9 days before the present document was issued, he made the "Grito de Yara" ("Cry of Yara"), declaring Cuban independence. he Ten Years' War. That morning, after sounding the slave bell, which indicated to his slaves it was time for work, they stood before him waiting for orders, and Cespedes announced that they were all free men and were invited to join him in war against the Spanish government of Cuba. In April 1869, he was chosen as President of the Republic of Cuba in Arms 

LAWRENCE T. E.: (1888-1935) British army officer, archaeologist, diplomat and writer, renowned for his role in the Arab Revolt (1916-18) and the Sinai and Palestine Campaign (1915-18) against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. An excellent A.L.S., T E Shaw, one page, folio, Karachi, India, 5th January 1927, to an unidentified correspondent (although evidently a writer whom Lawrence held in some esteem). Lawrence announces, 'I have sworn a great oath never to use or countenance the use of the name "Lawrence", as referring to me, again, in public or private', continuing 'So that would settle the question of my introducing your book, I'm afraid' and explaining 'Of course I write, or rather I try to write, occasionally: unsigned articles, or articles signed by virgin names. They are worth two guineas a thousand words, which I am told is a better rate than usual. They cost me more than that, in trouble, even at my R.A.F. rate of 3/6 a day! And no publisher would be moved to publish your work, because it had an unknown man's introduction before it.' Shaw, however, offers his advice and a further clarification of his decision to his correspondent, 'But why should you think an introduction necessary?......Probably the right man will take what you have written on its merits, and that should be much more gratifying than to be helped. I did twice, in the old days, help people by introducing their books: but one, Richard Garnett, was dead, and that pardoned the offence. The other, Doughty, was a special case: I had been trying to persuade all London to reprint him, and at last one beginning-publisher said "I will, if you'll preface it" :- and what could I do? Doughty was very nice about it: but it felt like scratching one's name on Westminster Abbey. Introductions to publishers I will (and do) willingly give. Several people with good stuff have been helped by me into print. It's a matter of knowing the proper tradesmen. Have you tried Cape? He is enterprising, and the best producer of commercial books in London (for format). If you will send me a sample of your stuff I'll see that it reaches his reader (Edward Garnett, a critic of genius) with my opinion. I have no doubt that it's the right stuff: and it should be exactly right for the particular public. If Cape says "NO", I'd suggest Faber and Gwyer for second string: but Cape an easy first. Secker is too difficult: and the big men too staid'. A rare letter of fine content in which Lawrence affirms his desire for anonymity and proves himself to be a good guide in the intricacies behind the scenes of publishing. Some very light creasing and a few minor tape stains to the lower central area of the letter, only very minimally affecting a few words of text and part of the signature, otherwise about VGFollowing his legendary exploits in Arabia, Lawrence had become a household name by the early 1920s and enlisted in the Royal Air Force in August 1922 as an aircraftman under the name John Hume Ross. However, less than a year later, his identity was exposed, and he was forced out of the RAF in February 1923. Changing his name once again, to T. E. Shaw, he repeatedly petitioned to re-join the RAF and was finally readmitted in August 1925. Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom was published in December 1926 and the renewed publicity it brought resulted in his assignment to bases as Karachi, from where the present letter was written, and Miramshah in British India, where he remained until the end of 1928. Herbert Jonathan Cape (1879-1960) British publisher who founded the London publishing house of Jonathan Cape in 1921, remaining at the head of the firm until 1960. Cape established a reputation for high quality design and production and published a range of English-language authors including Robert Frost, Ian Fleming, James Joyce and T. E. Lawrence.Edward Garnett (1868-1937) English writer, critic and literary editor who was instrumental in the publication of D. H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers. Edward Garnett was the son of Richard Garnett (1895-1906) English scholar, librarian, biographer and poet, who is also referenced in the present letter. 

SANTA CRUZ ANDRES: (1792-1865) Andres de Santa Cruz y Calahumana. President of Peru 1827 & 1836-38, and President of Bolivia 1829-39. An excellent L.S., `Sta Cruz´, one page, 4to, La Paz, 22nd December 1831, to Colonel Pedro Torres, in Spanish. Santa Cruz to his correspondent´s letter and states in part `..you refer to the part of the million reward which has been approved by decree for the Liberatory Army at the 1st Bolivian Assembly…the only amount I have been authorized to distribute as been 80.000 p..and having received so many requests, it has been necessary to share the whole proportionally.´, further saying `Nothing would have made me feel better than showing to you my personal consideration, and I will never forget the merit of all the good officers who under my lead have served with such honesty to the American Liberty cause…´ A letter of very interesting historical content. Folded, with small overall age and staining, mostly to edges. G 

ROUSSEAU JEAN-JACQUES: (1712-1778) French Writer and Philosopher. A good autograph manuscript, one page, 4to, n.p., [Paris], n.d. (c.1745), in French. The page of manuscript, in Rousseau's hand, is from his unpublished work relating to the history of women and laws which he prepared between 1745-51 for his benefactress Louise Marie Madeleine Dupin. Rousseau writes his text in the right column of the page, the left reserved for additional notes. Rousseau refers to the orders-decrees given by Kings of France which he resumed in his work Ordonnances des Rois de France, (“Ordinances of the Kings of France”), and identifies it as taken from `Ordon[nances] des R[ois] de Fr[ance], L[ivre] 5, p[age] 45´, stating `Dans Les Lettres du Roy Charles 5, données en 1367, et confirmatives des privileges accordés aux habitans du Dauphiné par le Dauphin Humbert Second, il eu porté article 25 que le Dauphin, ses successeurs, ses officiers, ni les nobles du Pais ne pourront contraindre les f.(emmes) de quelque condition qu´elles soient à se marier contre leur volonté.´ (Translation “In the Letters of King Charles 5, given in 1367, and confirming the privileges granted to the inhabitants of Dauphiné by the Dauphin Humbert Second, article 25 had been included which the Dauphin, his successors, his officers, nor the nobles of the Country could not compel women, whatever their status is, to marry against their will  ”) Overall small age tone, mostly to the very slightly uneven edges, otherwise G At the time Rousseau wrote these pages, between 1745 and 1751, he was working as secretary to his benefactress Louise Marie Madeleine Dupin. Charles V (1338-1380) Also called “Le Sage” (“The Wise”), King of France 1364-80. His reign marked an early high point for France during the Hundred Years´ War, with his armies recovering much of the territory held by the English, and successfully reversed the military losses of his predecessors. Charles became Regent of France when his father John II was captured by the English at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. To pay for the defense of the kingdom, Charles raised taxes. As a result, he faced hostility from the nobility, and from the French bourgeoisie, and with a peasant revolt known as the Jacquerie. Charles overcame all of these rebellions, but in order to liberate his father, he had to conclude the Treaty of Bretigny in 1360, in which he abandoned large portions of south-western France to Edward III of England and agreed to pay a huge ransom. He established the first permanent army paid with regular wages, and by the end of Charles' reign, they had reconquered almost all the territories ceded to the English in 1360. Furthermore, the French fleet, managed to attack the English coast for the first time since the beginning of the Hundred Years´ War. Charles V died in 1380. He was succeeded by his son Charles VI, whose disastrous reign allowed the English to regain control of large parts of France.

HART REGINALD: (1848-1931) Irish General with the British Army, Victoria Cross winner for his actions in the Bazar Valley, Afghanistan, on 31st January 1879 during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. A.L.S., Regd. C. Hart, three pages, 8vo, United Services Club, London, 13th October 1907, to Templeton. Hart thanks his correspondent for a journal which he has found very interesting, further adding 'I hope your O[ld] C[heltonians] dinner was a success. It is only through the energy & zeal of you, two secretaries & Hunter that O.C's keep together at all'. In concluding Hart states that he would like if possible to go to Cheltenham on the 1st November. Rare. Some very minor, small traces of former mounting to the verso of the final page, otherwise VG Hart had been educated at Cheltenham College before being commissioned in the Royal Engineers.  

RIDGWAY MATTHEW: (1895-1993) American General of World War II who later served as Supreme Allied Commander Europe 1952-53 and Chief of Staff of the United States Army 1953-55. Signed colour 5 x 8 magazine photograph of Ridgway seated in a half-length pose, wearing his uniform, and with two flags in the immediate background. Lightly mounted to a card. Together with a T.L.S. by Major R. H. Maeder, ADC to Ridgway, one page, slim 4to, n.p., 13th June 1952, to Mr. G. Rothenhofer-Hediger, on the printed stationery of the office of the Supreme Commander, Allied Powers Europe. Maeder states that Ridgway can not answer personally as he is fully occupied in official matters, continuing, 'Accordingly, the General has asked me to acknowledge, conveying his regrets that the photograph he signed for you has been damaged. Unfortunately, there are no similar photographs of the General available or he would be happy to replace it. Should you have access to another, the General has asked me to assure you that he would be happy to sign it for you'. G to VG, 2

‘The Ulm garrison has just capitulated’  BERTHIER LOUIS-ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) French Marshal of the Empire who served during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars and who was chief of staff to Napoleon Bonaparte. An excellent A.L.S., Mal. Berthier, two pages, folio, General Headquarters, Elchingen, 18th October 1805 ('a 2 heures du matin'), to General Rivaud, in French. Berthier's letter takes the form of an Order to Rivaud, the Marshal declaring 'La garnison d'Ulm vient de capitular' (Translation: 'The Ulm garrison has just capitulated') and continuing 'Je crois ques nous aurons 24,000 prisoniers mais une forte colonne ennemie qui s'est echappee et qui est conduite par le Pce Ferdinand s'est dirigee par Aalen pour vraisemblablement gagner la Boheme. Le Mal Pce Murat est a sa poursuite, et deja a deffait son arriere-garde et fait 5 a 6000 prisonniers' (Translation: 'I believe that we will have 24,000 prisoners but a strong enemy column which escaped and which is led by Prince Ferdinand headed to Aalen, probably to reach Bohemia. Marshal Murat is in pursuit, and has already defeated his rear guard and taken 5 to 6,000 prisoners'), further giving Rivaud instructions to meet Murat at Nordlingen with his regiment and take in flank the enemy column that is marching with Prince Ferdinand, and also ordering that two battalions must remain to defend Ingoldstadt. With integral address leaf marked 'Ordre tres presse'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG Berthier's letter is written during the Battle of Ulm, a series of skirmishes which occurred between 16th and 19th October 1805 as part of the Ulm Campaign, which allowed Napoleon to trap an entire Austrian army with minimal losses and to force its surrender near Ulm in the Electorate of Bavaria. The Ulm Campaign is considered an example of a strategic victory, although Napoleon had an overwhelming superior force. The campaign was won with no major battle and by defeating the Austrian army, Napoleon was able to secure his conquest of Vienna, which was taken a month later.  

[MANHATTAN PROJECT]: A rare original United States of America war department diploma, one page, oblong 4to, Washington D.C., 6th August 1945. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, was issued by the Army Service Forces, Corps of Engineers, Manhattan District, and certifies that William E. Stringer of E. I. duPont de Nemours & Co. Inc. 'has participated in work essential to the production of the Atomic Bomb, thereby contributing to the successful conclusion of World War II'. At the base appears the facsimile signature of Henry L. Stimson (1867-1950) American statesman who served as Secretary of War 1911-13 and 1940-45, thereby overseeing American military efforts during World War II. Together with an original cloth insignia patch issued to the personnel of the United States Army Manhattan Project District, the blue background representing the universe, with a white cloud and lightning bolt forming a question mark (representing the secret nature of the project) which extends down to split a yellow atom, representing atomic fission, and with a red and blue star to the centre of the cloud, being the insignia for the Army Service Forces to which soldiers working on the Manhattan Project were assigned. Some very light, minimal age wear, VG, 2 E. I duPont de Nemours & Co. Inc., better known by the shortened name of DuPont, are an American multinational chemical company which were formed in 1802. During World War II, as the inventor and manufacturer of nylon, DuPont helped produce the raw materials for parachutes and tyres. The company also played a major role in the Manhattan Project in 1943 by designing, building and operating the Hanford plutonium producing plant in Hanford, Washington. 

MOVILA IEREMIA: (1555-1606) Voivode of Moldavia 1595-1600 & 1600-06. Very rare L.S., `Hyeremia Boebo´ ("Ieremia Voivod"), two pages, folio, Zuchovica, 20th September 1596, to Reverend Bishop Alphonso, Apostolic Nuncio in Transylvania, in Latin. Movila, in his capacity as Voivode of Moldavia presented to the heading as `Ieremia Movila, By the Grace of God, Prince and life heir of Moldavia….´, refers to the letters received from his correspondent, to the Secretary Simon who has reported a number of messages, and states in part `..Finally, and regarding the Christian Princes, we hope that your Holiness will intercede on our behalf and with insistence, and for this and similar matters dealt we thank to your Illustrious Holiness…´, further saying `..Your Holiness has supported us, and we could value your blinding and abundant affection, which as we expect between Christian Princes will bring and maintain good friendship and peace, and that God with his grace will reward us and our Kingdom…´, and before concluding says `We received the letters from Joanis de Marini, from Prague, and we learned the news and also that our old friendship was well remembered. We deeply rejoice learning that the Christian army… and will become powerful. And we pray God so that he will always concede everything because of the Christian offerings..´ With address leaf, bearing remnants of a former wax seal. Small overall age wear and creasing, otherwise G

GROVES LESLIE R.: (1896-1970) American Lieutenant General with the United States Army Corps of Engineers who directed the Manhattan Project during World War II and was responsible for J. Robert Oppenheimer's appointment to the Los Alamos laboratory. Groves is portrayed by actor Matt Damon in the film Oppenheimer (2023). A good original bold pencil caricature of Groves by cartoonist Jack Rosen, one page, small 4to, n.p., n.d. Rosen has drawn a head and shoulders profile caricature of the Lieutenant General. Signed ('L R Groves') by Groves in bold pencil at the base of the drawing. VG Jack Rosen (1914-1989) American cartoonist, noted for his 25,000 caricatures of servicemen and women during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and of a further 1,000 caricatures of celebrities.

NIZAN PAUL-YVES: (1905-1940) French Philosopher and Writer. Member of the French Communist Party. Nizan died in the Battle of Dunkirk, fighting against German army, at the early age of 35. One of his sentences became one of the most influential slogans of students during the May 1968 protest `J´avais vingt ans. Je ne laisserai personne dire que c´est le plus bel age de la vie´, (`I was twenty. I will not let anyone say that it is the best time of life´). T.L.S., `Nizan´, one page, 4to, Moscow, 17th July 1934, to Jean Giono, on the International Union of Revolutionary Writers (U.I.E.R) printed stationery, in French. Nizan states `What you have written to us about you, about your work, about your lecture of Lenine to peasants, has deeply touched us… and it is with great joy that we feel that you are with us..´, further saying `We have also sent to you the Russian translation of your book. We wait with great interest the manuscript of your new novel for the "International Literature"..´ The letter bears a second signature, Secretariat of the U.I.E.R, at the base. VG      Jean Giono (1895-1970) French Author. 

[FERDINAND VII]: (1784-1833) King of Spain 1808, 1813-33. Document issued in the name of King Ferdinand VII and bearing his rubber-stamped signature ('Yo el Rey'), one page, 4to, Royal Palace (El Escorial), 5th September 1815, in Spanish. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is a military commission appointing Don Jose Milano to be a Sub-Lieutenant with the General's Infantry Regiment of the Third Army, following the departure of Don Ignacio Silba. Countersigned at the foot by the military secretary Pedro Bailin and with some later dockets and signatures to the verso. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, minimal age wear, otherwise VG

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. An excellent military content L.S., `Nap´, three pages, 4to, gilt edges, Trianon, 10th August 1810, to the Duke de Feltre, in French. The letter is dictated to and in the hand of Meneval. Napoleon demonstrates in this letter his skills on military strategy, planning and reorganizing his troops intending to reinforce his battalions in Spain, stating in part `Monsieur le duc de Feltre, faites-moi connaitre si l´on pourrait former à Turin un regiment de marche pour l´armée de Catalogne qui serait composé de 200 hommes du 1er regiment d´infanterie légère - de 300 hommes du 3º idem - de 200 hommes du 2eme de ligne….´ (Translation: ` Monsieur le duc de Feltre, let me know if we could form in Turin a march regiment for the Catalonia army which would be composed by 200 men from the first light infantry regiment - by 300 men of the third idem, by 200 men of the second…´) further adding `Le 16º qui est à Toulon pourrait envoyer 500 hommes à son 4º bataillon à l´armée de Catalogne, ce qui ferait pour cette armée un secours de 2000 hommes. Envoyez-moi un projet d´organisation de ce regiment et faites-moi connaitre quand il sera prêt´ (Translation: `The 16th regiment at Toulon could supply 500 men to the 4th battalion of the Catalonia army, which would give a grant of 2000 men for this army. Send me an organization project for this regiment and let me know when it will be ready´) Napoleon further suggests several ways of reinforcing the army in Catalonia and in Spain, stating in part `On complèterait ces battaillons avec ce qu´il y aurait de disponible aux 4º bataillons dont les dépôts sont en France et qui ont leurs bataillons de guerre en Hollande, en Allemagne et sur les côtes; et si l´on parvenait à les completer ce serait une force de 3 à 4000 hommes qui, avec les bataillons de marche ci-dessus demandés, formerait une division de 8000 hommes…´ (Translation: `We would complete these battalions with what would be available in the 4th battalions which warehouses are in France and which war battalions are in Holland, in Germany and on the coasts; and if we manage to complete them it will be a military presence of 3 to 4000 men who, together with the requested march battalions mentioned above, would make all together a division of 8000 men…) Before concluding Napoleon explains to the Duke de Feltre the advantages of such changes, saying `Cela aura l´avantage 1º de fournir 4000 hommes de renfort pour l´armée de Catalogne et 8000 hommes pour l´armée d´Espagne; 2º de diminuer le nombre des hommes presents sous les armes des regiments qui sont sur le pied de paix, c´est à dire des régiments qui sont sur les côtes de France, en Allemagne, en Hollande, etc.., ce qui diminuera la dépense´ (Translation: `This will have the advantage 1º of providing 4000 reinforcements for the army of Catalonia and 8000 men for the army of Spain; 2º to reduce the number of men present under the arms of regiments which are under peace status, that is to say regiments which are on the coasts of France, in Germany, in Holland, etc., which will reduce the expenses´) A letter of very interesting military content. Accompanied by a small 12mo holograph receipt, with traces of having been pinned to the bottom left corner. VG Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke (1765-1818) Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon. Later Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24Claude François de Méneval (1778-1850) Baron of the Empire. Memoirist of the 19th century. Napoleon´s private secretary and his closest collaborator.

GEORGE V: (1865-1936) King of the United Kingdom 1910-36. An unusual L.S., George R.I., as King, with holograph salutation and subscription, three pages, small 4to, Buckingham Palace, 31st March 1916, to Yuan Shikai, President of the Republic of China ('Our Good Friend'), on stationery featuring a gold embossed coat of arms at the head. The King states that he has received 'with very great pleasure the reproduction of Our Portrait upon porcelain, which You recently caused to be forwarded to Us through Sir John Jordan, Our Minister at Peking' and continues 'We thank You most cordially for this gift which We look upon as a welcome testimony of Your friendliness and of the interest which You take in Us and Our Royal House. Sir John Jordan will have the honour of delivering this Letter to You, and We have commanded him to express to You Our warm appreciation of this pleasing manifestation of Your good-will, which We heartily reciprocate'. Countersigned at the conclusion by Edward Grey (1862-1933) 1stViscount Grey of Fallodon. British statesman who served as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1905-16. An exceptional and extremely rare letter exchanged between the King of the United Kingdom and the President of the Republic of China, two of the largest world empires and powers of the early 20th century. VGYuan Shikai (1859-1916) President of the Republic of China 1912-15, 1916 and Emperor of China 1915-16. Yuan Shikai, a former Qing general, succeeded Sun Yat-sen as President in March 1912 and proclaimed himself as Emperor of China in 1915. In the face of popular condemnation and opposition from his own Beiyang Army, he was forced to abdicate and re-establish the republic in 1916.Sir John Jordan (1852-1925) British diplomat who served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the United Kingdom to the Qing Empire 1906-10 and to the Republic of China 1910-20..

HENRY OF PRUSSIA: (1726-1802) Prussian Prince, General, statesman and diplomat, the younger brother of Frederick the Great. Prince Henry never lost a battle during the Seven Years' War and in 1786 was considered as a candidate to be a monarch in the United States of America. L.S., votre affectionne ami, Henri, one page, 4to, Rheinsberg, 24th January 1800, to Captain Daubier (?), in French. The Prince thanks his correspondent for their letter received on the occasion of his birthday , remarking 'Je suis sensible a votre attention, les marques d'attachement de tous les honnetes gens et des braves officiers de l'armee me feront  toujours un vrai plaisir........la possibite d'etre utile a sans cesse fait mon bonheur' (Translation: 'I am sensitive to your attention, the marks of attachment of all the honest people and the brave officers of the army will always give me real pleasure……the possibility of being useful has constantly given me happiness') and concluding by stating that since his correspondent's brief visit the good will and esteem in which he holds the Captain has risen. With blank integral leaf. One small, neat split to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG

D'ANTHOUARD DE VRAINCOURT CHARLES NICOLAS: (1773-1852) French artillery commander and aide-de-camp to Napoleon's stepson Eugene de Beauharnais. A.L.S., Ch. Danthouard, two pages, 4to, Vienna, 4th July 1809, to Auguste de La Roche, in French. D'Anthouard informs his nephew that he received their letter a few days ago and that for the last four months he has been travelling or on the move with the army, remarking 'Je suis en ce moment a Vienne ou je suis venu pour me remettre d'une blessure que j'ai recu a la bataille de Raab en hongrie. Je vais bien et je compte partir sous peu pour rejoindre le prince vice-roi' (Translation: 'I am currently in Vienna where I came to recover from an injury I received at the Battle of Raab in Hungary. I am well and intend to leave shortly to join the Viceroy Prince') and further writing 'J'ai ete bien fache de ce que la tendresse mal placie de la mere l'a porte a te retenir si longtemps a Verdun, tu n'es plus un enfant, il faut t'occuper, te faire un etat. Tu es dans la tresorerie.......faire tes etudes de tout ce qui y esst relatif........il n'y a plus a revenir en arriere et si l'on t'envoie aux antipodes il faut y aller taudis que tu es jeune afin de meriter et d'avoir des droits a une place meilleure et plus tranquille lorsque tu serai plus age' (Translation: 'I was very sorry that a mother's ill-placed tenderness led her to keep you so long at Verdun. You are no longer a child, you have to take care of yourself, make up your mind. You are in the treasury……do your studies of everything related to it……there is no going back and if you are sent to the antipodes you have to go there when you are young in order to deserve and have rights to a better and quieter place when you are older'). D'Anthouard also writes of Stanislaus who is now serving as a Second Lieutenant at Klagenfurt and in a postscript makes a reference to the historic Battle of Wagram, 'Demain ou apres il doit y avoir une grande bataille sur la rive gauche du danube 4 lieues plus bas que Vienne' (Translation: 'Tomorrow or after there must be a great battle on the left bank of the Danube, 4 leagues below Vienna'). With integral address leaf bearing the remnants of a seal (small area of paper loss caused by the original breaking). Some very light, extremely minimal age wear, VGWhen Austria declared war in 1809, D'Anthouard served as aide-de-camp to Prince Eugene on the Italian campaigns and in June he fought at the Battle of Raab where he was wounded by a ball that smashed his left hand. Nevertheless, he was fit to serve at the Battle of Wagram a month later. The Battle of Wagram took place on the 5th & 6th July 1809 and ended in a costly but decisive victory for Emperor Napoleon's French and allied army over the Austrian army under the command of Archduke Charles of Austria-Teschen. The battle led to the break up of the Fifth Coalition, the Austrian and British-led alliance against France, and was the largest battle in European history up to its time.

‘In fact……the first B-29 ever to appear at Wright Field was the one for the Manhattan District project’   RAMSEY NORMAN: (1915-2011) American physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1989. Ramsey was an important member of the Manhattan Project and, as chairman of the Weapons Committee, was tasked with determining the characteristics of the aircraft needed to deliver and drop an atomic bomb. An excellent T.L.S., Norman Ramsey, one page, 4to, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 11th July 1960, to Lieutenant General Leslie R. Groves, on the printed stationery of the Lyman Laboratory of Physics at Harvard University. Ramsey expresses his delight at having received Groves's congratulatory letter, adding that he also appreciated 'your praise of my work at Los Alamos' and continuing 'In this connection I should also like to thank you again for the excellent support which you gave to me in our work at Los Alamos and Tinian. I am afraid that we made a number of difficult requests of you but you always supported them both vigorously and effectively. I can well remember my pleasant surprise in discovering that you had succeeded in extracting from the Air Force one of their very first B-29's. In fact you may not realize that the first B-29 ever to appear at Wright Field was the one for the Manhattan District project. For a long time we had a high priority with the Air Force solely on the basis of the fact that any project that could extract a B-29 must be of greatest priority'. In concluding Ramsey conveys his hope that, if Groves is in Cambridge, 'several of the old Los Alamos group here - like Ken Bainbridge, Francis Birch, George Kistiakowsky, etc., could get together with you for lunch or dinner'. A letter of fine content and exceptional association. Some very light, extremely minimal wrinkling to the upper edge, otherwise EX Leslie R. Groves (1896-1970) American Lieutenant General with the United States Army Corps of Engineers who directed the Manhattan Project during World War II and was responsible for J. Robert Oppenheimer's appointment to the Los Alamos laboratory. Groves is portrayed by actor Matt Damon in the film Oppenheimer (2023). Kenneth Bainbridge (1904-1996) American physicist who was the director of the Manhattan Project's Trinity nuclear test in July 1945, remarking to J. Robert Oppenheimer immediately after the event 'Now we are all sons of bitches'. Bainbridge is portrayed by actor Josh Peck in the film Oppenheimer (2023). Francis Birch (1903-1992) American geophysicist, part of the Manhattan Project team during World War II, responsible for the design and development of the gun-type nuclear weapon known as Little Boy. George Kistiakowsky (1900-1982) Ukrainian-American physical chemist who participated in the Manhattan Project by carrying out research into implosion. Kistiakowsky is portrayed by actor Trond Fausa Aurvag in the film Oppenheimer (2023). 

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. L.S., `Np´, to the left margin of a L.S., `Duc de Feltre´, two pages, folio, Paris, 24th April 1811, in French. The document is a report signed by the Minister of War, Duc of Feltre, and addressed to His Majesty, informing about Major General Roussel `…who wishes, as one of the best Cavalry Officers of the Austrian army, to be accepted in the French army service, and thinks that if his demand is welcomed that this example will have a strong influence on the French employed by the Austrian army´ The Minister concludes asking the Emperor if he should approve Roussel as a General at the service of the French army. In boldly writing, Napoleon adds his signature to the left margin beneath an annotation by his secretary Baron Fain who, on behalf of Napoleon, states `De quel pays est-il? Comment il est passé au service d´Autriche? Quel age a t-il?” (Translation: “From which country is he? How did he enter the Austrian army?How old is he?”). Dated immediately below, Paris, 26th April 1811. The letter features a large watermark. Small overall age tone, with a very small hole at the base, not affecting the text or signatures. The letter has been neatly unlaid, and bears a repair to the verso to the central fold. Otherwise, G Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke (1765-1818) Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24. Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon.Nicolas-François, Vicomte Roussel d´Hurbal (1763-1849) Roussel was appointed General of Brigade in the Napoleon French army on 31st July 1811, three months after the present letter was written. Roussel served under Marshal Kellerman, and among others was present at the battles of Moskowa in 1812, Katzbach in 1813, and Waterloo in 1815 where he was injured. 

BARRAS PAUL: (1755-1829) French politician of the French Revolution, the main executive leader of the Directory regime of 1795-99. An intimate friend of Josephine de Beauharnais, Barras helped to facilitate the marriage between her and Napoleon Bonaparte. L.S., Paul Barras, one page, 8vo, Solliers, 8th September 1793, to the Mayor of Cotignac, in French. Barras writes in his capacity as the representative of the people for the army of Italy and informs his correspondent that they will receive the report of arrest and disarmament ordered by their decree, remarking 'nous ne pourons qu'applaudir a le celerite que vous avez mise a son execution' (Translation: 'we can only applaud the speed with which you have put this into execution'). With integral address leaf bearing a red wax seal and with a small area of paper loss to one corner. Some light overall age wear, VG  

KHAN AYUB: (1907-1974) President of Pakistan 1958-69. As an Army General, he reached the presidency after a coup d´état. He was the second President of Pakistan and the first native Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army. A controversial figure credited with the Pakistan economic prosperity, but also accused of concentrating wealth in corrupt hands and segregated policies which led to the breaking-up of the nation´s unity and in the creation of Bangladesh. A good signed 5.5 x 7.5 photograph by Khan, the image showing him in a formal head and shoulders pose. Signed as President in bold blue ink to a clear area of the image, also dated in his hand 15th May 1965. Very small trace of former staple to the upper left corner, otherwise G to VG

LEFEBVRE FRANÇOIS: (1755-1820) Marshal of France, Duc de Dantzig and Prince d´Essling. A.N. to a L.S., `Lefebvre´, with six lines in Lefebvre´s hand at the base of the letter, one page, folio, Head Quarters of the avant-garde of the Danube Army at Pfullendorf, Germany, 18th March 1799, to Brigade General Soult, in French. Lefebvre, in his capacity as Division General, states in part `I send to you, my dear General, the 4th regiment of Hussars.-.´ further referring to the lack of fodder in his area due to the artillery, and asking for a report back regarding the location of the regiment. At the base of the letter, a six lines holograph, Lefebvre adding an important warning and advice `In case of attack, you will only keep with you the number of cavalry troops which you will need to retreat… and you will send to the camp the remaining…´ Overall age wear, mostly to the uneven left edge, with very small area of paper loss to the bottom edge only affecting one word, and not affecting the signature. Stain to the upper left edge. F to GNicolas Jean de Dieu Soult (1769-1851) Marshal of France, Duc de Dalmatie. Prime Minister of France 1832-34, 39-40 & 40-47.

PEARL HARBOR: Kermit Tyler (1913-2010) American Air Force officer of World War II, assigned as a pilot in the 78th Pursuit Squadron at Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, the day of the Japanese attack. The inexperienced and untrained Tyler, when warned of the formation of planes caught on radar and a potential Japanese attack, infamously downplayed the report by replying 'Well, don't worry about it'. A.Q.S., Kermit Tyler, to an oblong 12mo white card, n.p., n.d. Tyler has penned his infamous remark 'Well - don't worry about it', adding his signature and rank beneath as well as the place and date of the original event, Pearl Harbor, 7th December 1941. With a colour United States postage stamp depicting the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor neatly affixed to the upper right corner; Joseph Lockard (1922-2012) American Private with the United States Army who was stationed on Hawaii as a radar operator and reported the initial readings which proved to the Japanese attack force heading for Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941. Signed commemorative cover issued in order to Remember Pearl Harbor, featuring a printed image and with the slogan Let's Go! U.S.A. above. Postmarked at Pittsburgh, 12th November 1945 (?). Signed later by Lockwood in blue ink with his name alone to a clear area. Some light age wear to the cover, otherwise VG, 2  

A month after the bombing of Hiroshima, Conant writes – ‘The bomb was indeed better than some of us had anticipated…..’  CONANT JAMES B.: (1893-1978) American chemist, a leading member of the Manhattan Project, involved in its administration at the highest levels. An excellent T.L.S., J. B. Conant, one page, 4to, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 19th September 1945m to Lieutenant Colonel Whitney Ashbridge, on the printed stationery of Harvard University. Conant thanks his correspondent for their most welcome note and their congratulations, remarking 'The bomb was indeed better than some of us had anticipated in the days when you and I used to gather at Los Alamos' and concluding 'Hoping that our paths will cross sometime in the not too distant future'. A letter of good content and association. VG Whitney Ashbridge (1904-1980) American Lieutenant General of World War II, Commander of the Army Post at Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project.  

RYBINSKI MACIEJ: : (1784-1874) Polish General who briefly served as Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Army during the insurrection of 1830-31. A.L.S., Rybinski, one page, 4to, Rue St. Leger, Paris, 22nd March 1849, to His Excellency, in French. Rybinski states that he has learned that His Majesty the Emperor of Turkey wishes to entrust the command of his armies to the Polish generals and continues 'j'ai l'honneur de vous demander l'audience pour vous exposer mes vues. Les interets de la Turquie et de la Pologne se lieut d'une maniere si etroite que se serait pour moi l'honneur et le devoir a accepter le commandement si seulement Sa Majeste daigne m'accorder sa confiance et aux officiers de l'ancienne armee polonaise, qui suivront volontier mon exemple' (Translation: 'I have the honour to ask you for an audience to explain my views to you. The interests of Turkey and Poland are so closely linked that it would be my honour and duty to accept the command if only His Majesty deigns to place his trust in me and in the officers of the old Polish army, who will willingly follow my example'). With a collector's heraldic stamp to the upper left corner and a blind embossed seal to the centre of the upper half of the page. Lightly mounted at the left edge to a folio page removed from an album. About VG Abdulmejid I (1823-1861) Sultan of the Ottoman Empire 1839-61 who reorganised the army during his reign, including the introduction of conscription.   

PICABIA FRANCIS: (1879-1953) French Painter and Poet. An Avant-garde artist associated with Cubism. Picabia was also one of the early main figures of the Dada movement. Rare A.L.S., `F. Picabia´, two pages, 4to, Paris, 32 Av. Charles Floquet, Monday, n.d., to a Colonel, in French. Picabia states in part `I have just learned about your visit to Paris. I very much regret not having met you´ further asking a service `Can you do me a small service regarding my friend Marcel Loridan, aviator who will be appointed Knight of the Legion d´Honneur in the month of July; it would be a question of knowing if his nomination is something more or less sure, as this information would be very useful for him to have it right now…´ Small creasing and minor age wear, mostly to edges, with a very small tear to the folding edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise G    Marcel Loridan (1883-1971) French pioneer Aviator. Winner of the Michelin Cup, Loridan established in 1911 the world altitude record with his Farman biplane, and further also records for longest flights in time and distance. Loridan was a pilot in the French Army during the First World War, being awarded with the Croix de guerre 1914-1918.

GEM-SET AND DIAMOND GIARDINETTO BROOCH, CIRCA 1880Set with cushion-shaped diamonds, rubies, emeralds, a sapphire and pearls, pearls untested, length 6.0cm, fitted caseFootnotes:Provenance:A gift from Lt. Gen. Sir James Melville Babington KCB, KCMG, DL (1854-1936) to his wife Lady Babington. Sir James Babington, a British Army Officer, was commissioned into the 16th Lancers - The Scarlets in 1873 and fought in the Second Boer War. He was a respected General in the First World War, in command of the 23rd Division and held the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, the Italian Croce di Guerra and was a Commander of the Legion of Honour and an Officer of the Military Order of Savoy.His image was used to depict the fictional Sgt Pepper for The Beatles Album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com