There are 116692 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribeA rare WWI female death penny/memorial plaque named to Ethel Mary Bailey ( She Died For Freedom And Honour).Emily Mary Bailey ( Service Number 23193) was in the QMAAC ( Queen Mary Army Auxiliary Corps) based at Fenham Barracks, Newcastle. She died on 16th November 1918 aged 22 and she is buried at Highgate Cemetery, London
SELECTION OF SILVER PLATED AND OTHER SPOONSincluding two sugar sifting spoons; various souvenir and enamel finial spoons to include Perth, Glasgow Empire Exhibition 1938, Royal Corps Army Ordnance, Tank Corps, City of London, and Defence of Lucknow 1857; an agate handled tea spoon; a Norwegian spoon with twist handle and decorative pierced finial marked 'T.K.40G Norway'; and an Indian spoon with an 1897 half Rupee as the bowl (32)
INDIA - Horace Hayman WILSON (1786-1860). The History of British India from 1805 to 1835. [etc.]INDIA- Horace Hayman WILSON (1786-1860). TheHistory of British India from 1805 to 1835. London: James Madden and Co.,1845-48. 3 volumes, large 8vo (213 x 135mm). Contemporary plum calf gilt,spines gilt with red and green morocco lettering-pieces (heavily rubbed andscuffed). Provenance: Sir Robert North Collie Hamilton, Bart. (armorialbookplate). FIRST EDITION. With John Malcolm's The Political History ofIndia from 1784 to 1823 (London, 1826, 2 vols., uniformly bound), JamesMill's The History of British India ... Fourth Edition, with Notes andContinuation, by Horace Hayman Wilson (London, 1840, 6 vols, uniformlybound) and The East-India Register and Army List for 1849 (London, 1849,attractively bound in red morocco gilt). The lot sold not subject to return.(12)
MARK HERMAN F.: (1895-1992) Austrian-American Chemist, recognised for his contributions to the development of polymer science. An interesting T.L.S., H. Mark, one page, 4to, Brooklyn, New York, 28th January 1954, to Professor Henry Corbiere, on the printed stationery of the Institute of Polymer Research at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. Mark thanks his correspondent for their kind letter and continues to answer the questions he posed, in full, '1) After 3 years of studies, I gave the first Seminar talk which drew the attention of my professors in Vienna to me; then it took again 2 years until I gave another Seminar talk to achieve the same thing in Berlin. Hence I would say that my scientific debut required some hard work. 2) I studied with the money which I had saved while I was an officer in the Austrian Army during World War I and I started to earn money as an instructor after 3 years of studies. Since then I earned all my money by my profession as chemist. 3) I am best known through my work on Highpolymers, particularly through the X-ray investigations on the structure of cellulose and rubber. I believe the best work I did is the explanation of rubber elasticity as an entropy effect. 4) My main interest is concentrated on the exploration of fundamental aspects of science.' A letter of excellent autobiographical content. A few very light, extremely minor creases to the extreme edges, VG
FOUCAULD CHARLES DE: (1858-1916) Foucauld was a former cavalry Officer in the French army, he would later become an Explorer, and finally a Catholic Priest. Foucauld lived as a hermit, among the Tuareg in the Algerian Sahara. In 1916 Foucauld was assassinated and is considered by the Catholic Church a martyr. The Little Brothers of Jesus were found after him. An excellent and rare A.L.S., `Fr[ere] Charles de Jésus´, one page, 8vo, `Beni-Abbes (extreme Sud Oranais) Algerie´, Algeria, 10th March 1905, to his congregation superior, in French. To the upper left corner, Foucauld annotates “IESUS CARITAS´, adding a sketch of a cross above a heart. To a cleanly written letter, Foucauld states in part `I dare writing to you again to beg you to send me by post-mail the complete series of your ten volumes, Attente de Jésus, Jesus enfant, etc.. I also take the liberty of asking you to be kind and send to me “Marie d´apres l´Evangile” when the book will be printed.´ Foucauld further explains that he will pay for the books over two payments, and before concluding states `Thanking you for all the good you bring to my soul with your books, I kneel at your feet, supplicating your blessing and to implore Jesus for my conversion.´ Extremely small age wear, otherwise G to VG In 2020, Pope Francis authorized the process for his canonization.
NIGHTINGALE FLORENCE: (1820-1910) English Pioneer of modern Nursing. A.L.S., Florence Nightingale, two pages, 8vo, South Street, Park Lane, London, 3rd May 1874, to Dr. [Charles Wager] Ryalls, Secretary of the Social Science Association. Nightingale writes in bold pencil and announces 'I propose republishing in the form of a pamphlet my paper on “Life or Death in India”, read at the meeting of the Social Science at Norwich in Sept. 1873' and continues to seek the permission of the Council for so doing, further remarking 'The appendix constituting two thirds of the publication is entirely new: & the paper itself enlarged & partly re-written. Under these circumstances I propose also to register the copyright in my own name'. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope (heavy dust staining to the recto) hand addressed and dated in ink by Nightingale and bearing a Penny Red postage stamp. One small, neat tear to the right edge of the central fold, not affecting the text or signature, VG Nightingale concerned herself with the health of the British Army in India and demonstrated that bad drainage, contaminated water, overcrowding and poor ventilation were causing a high death rate. Following the report The Royal Commission on India (1858-1963) Nightingale concluded that the health of the army and the people of India had to go hand in hand and so campaigned to improve the sanitary conditions of the country as a whole. Nightingale made a comprehensive statistical study of sanitation in Indian rural life and was the leading figure in the introduction of improved medical care and public health service in India. In 1858 and 1859 she successfully lobbied for the establishment of a Royal Commission into the Indian situation, providing her own report to the commission, which completed its own study in 1863. In 1873, following a decade of sanitary reform, Nightingale reported that mortality among the soldiers in India had declined.
[AVIATION]: An unusual printed 4to page reserved for autographs, evidently removed from a menu for an Aviation Dinner, most likely associated with Hendon Aerodrome, c.1910, bearing forty signatures by various individuals, several of them pioneer aviators, including Stanley Spooner (1856-1940; English Journalist, creator and editor of Flight, the first aeronautical weekly magazine in the world), 5th Earl of Lonsdale (1857-1944; English Peer and Sportsman), Edward Seymour (1840-1929; British Admiral of the Fleet), Colonel Henry C. L. Holden (1856-1937; English Inventor of a motor-propelled bicycle with a four cylinder engine, 1895), William Joynson-Hicks (1865-1932; English Politician who served as Home Secretary 1924-29), Arthur Du Cros (1871-1955; British Industrialist & Politician, associated with the manufacture of pneumatic tyres), Samuel Samuel (1855-1934; British Businessman & Politician, one of the founders of the company that would become Royal Dutch Shell), Francis Willey (1841-1929; English Wool Merchant), H. G. Wells (1866-1946; English Writer of Science Fiction novels whose works included The Time Machine and The War in the Air), Pierre Verrier (French Pioneer Aviator), Louis Noel (1872-1939; French Pioneer Aviator & Military Pilot), Lieutenant-Colonel John Norton-Griffiths (1871-1930; English Engineer & British Army officer known as 'Empire Jack'), C. J. Fairfax Scott (Secretary of the Imperial Air Fleet Committee), Arthur Stanley (1869-1947; British Politician, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club 1905-36), Herbert Vane-Tempest (1862-1921; British Director of Cambrian Railways, a first cousin once removed of Winston Churchill), Charles Henry (1860-1919; Australian Merchant and Businessman who lived mostly in Great Britain), Baden Baden-Powell (1860-1937; British Military Aviation Pioneer, President of the Royal Aeronautical Society 1900-07. Brother of Robert Baden-Powell), James Valentine (1887-1917; English Pioneer Aviator, one of only four airmen to complete the Circuit of Britain race, and the only British aviator to complete the Circuit of Europe race. A Lieutenant-Colonel with the Royal Flying Corps, Valentine died aged 29 during World War I), Ernest T. Willows (1886-1926; Welsh Pioneer Aviator, regarded as the 'Father of British Airships'), Lewis W. F. Turner (English Pioneer Aviator), Atherton Fleming (1881-1950; Scottish Journalist, husband of the English crime writer Dorothy L. Sayers) etc. All of the signatures are in bold indelible pencil. Neatly inlaid. About VG
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 vintage signed sepia carte-de-visite photograph by Lee, the albumen print being of the famous 'floppy tie' portrait of the General in uniform with three stars visible on his collar and his tie loosened. Signed ('R E Lee') in dark ink with his name alone to the image. Some light mottling, otherwise VG Provenance: The present photograph was originally contained within an album of autographs of eminent Americans of the Civil War period which were obtained by the Welsh journalist John Griffith (1821-1877) who had travelled to America as a correspondent before the Union victory was sealed and returned in 1867. This famous portrait of Lee, one of his and his wife's personal favourites, was taken in 1864 and is variously attributed to John W. Davies or (less frequently) Julian Vannerson, both respected Richmond photographers.
MCAULIFFE ANTHONY: (1898-1975) Known as "Nuts" McAuliffe. U.S. Army officer, Commander of the 101st Airbone Division in WWII. Best-known for his one-word reply to a German surrender ultimatum "Nuts!". An excellent signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph, the image depicting McAuliffe seated, in a half length pose, wearing his military officer. Signed and inscribed `To Edward D. Marino, with kind regards, A.C.McAuliffe´, in black ink across the image. A very slightly light inscription. VG to EX
[JAPANESE SURRENDER]: An unusual commemorative envelope featuring a neatly affixed 6.5 x 4 magazine photograph taken on the occasion of the Surrender of Japan on board the USS Missouri at Tokyo Bay on 2nd September 1945, individually signed by Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964, American General of the Army who officially accepted the Surrender of Japan in his capacity as Supreme Allied Commander; signed 'D. MacA'), Chester W. Nimitz (1885-1966, American Fleet Admiral, signatory to the instrument of surrender) and Jonathan Wainwright (1883-1953, American General, Commander of Allied Forces in the Philippines at the time of the Japanese Surrender) and further signed to a clear area of the envelope by Arthur Percival (1887-1966, British Lieutenant General, present at the Japanese Surrender, and known for his own surrender to the Imperial Japanese Army following the Battle of Singapore in 1942, representing the largest surrender in British military history). Post marked at Washington DC, 28th September 1945. A rare grouping of signatures. Some light overall age wear and minor scuffing to the lower left corner of the image, about VG
NUREMBERG TRIALS - TAYLOR TELFORD: (1908-1998) American Lawyer, best known for his role as Counsel for the Prosecution at the Nuremberg Trials. A good signed 10 x 8 photograph by Taylor, the US Army official image showing the Chief Counsel Prosecutor standing, in uniform, during one of his allegations at the Nuremberg Trials. Signed in bold black ink `Telford Taylor´, to the upper clear border of the image. Small overall minor age wear with two creases to the corners. G In these trials at Nuremberg, 163 of the 200 defendants who were tried were found guilty in some or all of the charges of the indictments. Although Taylor was not wholly satisfied with the outcomes of the Nuremberg Trials, he considered them a success because they set a precedent and defined a legal base for crimes against peace and humanity.
NUREMBERG TRIALS - FERENCZ BEN: (1920- ) American Lawyer, best known for his role as Prosecutor in one of the twelve military trials held by US at the Nuremberg Trials. A good signed 10 x 8 photograph by Ferencz, the US Army official image showing three Nuremberg Prosecutors, seated, during the trial against 22 leading members of German SS Extermination Squads (Einsatzgruppen) for the deliberate murder of more than one million innocent people. The shot was taken on 30th September 1947. Signed in bold red ink `Ben B. Ferencz´, to the lower clear border of the image. Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G to VG
HALDER FRANZ: (1884-1972) German General of World War II, Chief of Staff of the Army High Command 1938-42. Knight's Cross winner. Signed 4 x 6 photograph by Halder, the image being a reproduction of a war date portrait of the General in a semi-profile head and shoulders pose wearing his Knight's Cross. Signed by Halder in dark ink to a clear area at the base of the image, adding his rank beneath his signature. In green ink above his signature Halder has added the Latin aphorism Carpe diem! in his hand. About EX
HITLER ADOLF: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45. D.S., A Hitler, one page, 4to, Fuhrer's Headquarters, 23rd November 1944, in German. The typed document is a military appointment and orders that, with effect from 24th November 1944, General of Artillery Ziegler, entrusted with the deputy leadership of the 14th Army, will be replaced by General Herr, Commanding General of the LXXVI Panzerkorps. Signed by Hitler in dark fountain pen ink at the foot and countersigned by Wilhelm Burgdorf (1895-1945) German General, Knight's Cross winner. A couple of very light, minor creases to the right edge and two very slight traces of former mounting to the upper edge of the verso, VG Heinz Ziegler (1894-1972) German General of World War II, Knight's Cross winner. Ziegler was Commander of the 5th Panzer Army 1942-43 and of the 14th Army for a month from October-November 1944. Traugott Herr (1890-1976) German General of World War II, Knight's Cross winner with Oakleaves and Swords. Herr was Commander of the 14th Army from November-December 1944 and Commander of the 10th Army from February-May 1945. Burgdorf had been appointed Chief Adjutant to Hitler and Chief of the Army Personnel Office in October 1944. Just over six months after signing the present document Hitler committed suicide in the Fuhrerbunker. Burgdorf also committed suicide in the Fuhrerbunker on 2nd May 1945 at the conclusion of the Battle of Berlin.
HITLER ADOLF: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45. T.L.S., A Hitler, one page, 8vo, Berlin, 13th February 1933, to Oberst von Baligand, on personal printed stationery, in German. Hitler writes, in full, 'Congratulations coming from the revered commander of my old Regiment afforded me particular pleasure. Rest assured that the struggle will continue to be waged in the spirit of our List Regiment'. With blank integral leaf. One very small, neat split to the right edge of a central fold, and a couple of extremely light creases, not affecting the text or signature, VG Maximilian von Baligand (1869-1945) German Oberleutnant whom Hitler served under in the Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment 16 (1st Company of the List Regiment) during World War I. Adolf Hitler's service during World War I with the List Regiment, which he described as 'the greatest of all experiences' and resulted in him being present at the First Battle of Ypres and the Battle of the Somme, changed the directionless youth into a fanatical German nationalist. Before the outbreak of war, Hitler had failed in his attempt to study art in Vienna and was reduced to begging in the streets of the Austrian capital. He managed to support himself by selling painted postcards, but his life was purposeless until he moved to Munich and petitioned King Ludwig III of Bavaria to allow him to join the Bavarian Army. Hitler's almost suicidal daring during the war won him many decorations for valour, but his spirits sank as Germany's fortunes waned. He had, however, already begun to formulate his ideas for a Germany of the future, ideas which he eventually expressed in Mein Kampf. The present letter was signed by Hitler just two weeks after having assumed power as Chancellor of Germany on 30th January 1933.
DANTON GEORGES: (1759-1794) Leading figure of the French Revolution and first President of the Committee of Public Safety. Danton voted for the death of Louis XVI in 1793. Guillotined by the advocates of revolutionary terror. An exceptional and rare multiple D.S., Danton, three pages, large folio, Paris, 15th September 1792, in French. The hand written decree states to the heading "Au Nom de la Nation - Le Comité Exécutif Provisoire" ("In the name of the Nation - the Provisional Executive Committee") and is signed by Danton in his capacity as President of the recently created committee, stating in part `Considering that some locations have been given after treason to the enemies of the homeland, who distress and devastate our boundary and with numerous armies threaten the inside of the Kingdom. Considering that in a time when the danger to our Homeland is imminent, no extraordinary decision has to be avoided..´ Danton further appoints citizen François Joseph Westermann as commissar and assistant to the head-quarters of the Ardennes army under Commandant Dumouriez, expecting a daily report and the execution of the decrees issued by the Executive Committee.Also signed by several members of the Provisional Executive Committee, including GASPARD MONGE (1746-1818) Count de Péluse. French Mathematician, credited as the inventor of the descriptive geometry. Monge served as Minister of the Marine from August 1792 to April 1793. The present letter is signed during this short period of eight months; ETIENNE CLAVIERE (1735-1793) Genevan-French Financier and Politician. Minister of Finance in 1792. In August 1792 he was given charge of the finances in the provisional Executive Committee. Arrested in June 1793 for unknown reasons, he remained in Prison until December, when he committed suicide the day before appearing before the Revolutionary Tribunal; PIERRE-HENRI LEBRUN-TONDU (1754-1793) French Foreign Minister in 1792, and same year and temporarily of the Minister of war. A strong advocate of the immediate peace with Prussia and of the annexation of Belgium and the Netherlands. Lebrun-Tondu signed the execution of King Louis XVI. Arrested and executed in 1793; JOSEPH MARIE SERVAN DE GERBEY (1741-1808) French General. He served twice as Minister of War. The letter bears an attractive Pro Patria watermark. Folded. Small repair to the verso to the union of the two pages, otherwise G On 10th August 1792, only a month before the present letter was signed, the popular forces marched on the Tuileries ending with the French monarchy the day after. With the fall of the King, the six existing ministers created the 12th August 1792 the Provisional Executive Committee in charge of converting into law the decrees approved by the citizens representatives.Danton was also appointed Minister of Justice on 10th August 1792, holding the post only until 9th October same year. The present document was signed by Danton during that very short period of two months.
BERTHIER LOUIS ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. A very interesting D.S., Alex Berthier, a large and good signature example, one page, folio, Milan, 9th December 1796, to General Dumas, in French. The partially printed document bears the heading of the General Chief of Staff, Milan Head-Quarters, and states in part `The General in Chief orders General Dumas to consider as null and void the order he was given to replace General Dallemagne, commander of one of the divisions of the siege of Mantua..´ With blank integral leaf. Three pinholes not affecting the text or signature. VG Thomas Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie (1762-1806) French General during revolutionary wars. Father of Alexandre Dumas the Author. Dumas was one of the highest-ranking men of African descent ever to lead a European army, and the first person of color in the French military to become General.Claude Dallemagne (1754-1813) French General who fought in the American Revolutionary War and later in the French revolutionary wars, and took part in the 1796 Italian campaign under Napoleon Bonaparte. The Siege of Mantua lasted from July 1796 to February 1797. French forces under Napoleon Bonaparte besieged and blockaded a large Austrian garrison at Mantua until it surrendered. This surrender, together with the heavy losses incurred, led the Austrians suing for peace in 1797.
[DUNDAS HENRY]: (1742-1811) 1st Viscount Melville. Scottish Politician who served as Secretary of State for War 1794-1801. Contemporary manuscript copy of Secret Intelligence, the original having been sent with a letter from Dundas dated 16th June 1798, four pages, folio, n.p., n.d. (1798). The secret intelligence report, in an unidentified hand, states, in part, 'A Monsr. Faujas de St. Fond (known as a man of letters before the Revolution) arrived at Frankfort a few days ago. He is employed by the French Government to make enquiries into subjects of natural History. The Abbe de Lisle is here likewise in his way to Brunswick, he was visited by Faujas…..who in conversation informed him that the Expedition from Toulon was certainly destined to Egypt, that it had long been in agitation; that Buonaparte had formed the plan……the army under Buonaparte consisted of 40,000 men, the elite of the French Troops, which would be gradually reinforced, and that all the principal officers in every Corps and Department of the Army were chosen by Buonaparte; that the project was, after having secured possession of certain parts of Egypt, to take the nearest route by Arabia, thro' Persia, cross the Indus nearly where Alexander did, and from thence advance into the British Territories……He observed that this enterprise embraced a number of great public objects, as well as many private views; that Buonaparte saw in it an ample field for gratifying his ambition and perhaps a prospect of establishing himself in some great and independent situation, which he could scarcely have done in Italy. Mr. Foujas pretended also that the projected Invasion of England was intended merely to create expense, excite apprehension, and cover this expedition so as to prevent the British Ministry from taking measures for the security of their Asiatic Dominions'. A few neat splits to the edges of some folds, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, G Barthelemy Faujas de Saint-Fond (1741-1819) French Geologist & Traveller.
SUCHET LOUIS GABRIEL: (1770-1826) Marshal of France. Duc d´Albufera. One of the most brilliant of Napoleon´s Generals. An excellent A.L.S., `L.G. Suchet´, two pages, 4to, Lenzburg, 28th June 1799, to his brother Gabriel Suchet, in French. The partially printed document bears at the heading "Suchet, Brigade General" and only few days earlier appointed "Chief of Headquarters - Danube army". Suchet makes a lengthy report of the armies situation and states in part `Since that affair happened near Zurich.. our military front posts are extremely close.. on more than one bridge the sentries talk to each other..´, further saying `..In the meantime the army rests, reinforces, and gets ready to support the good citizens´ wish, which means to obtain the victory..´ A good military report including his confidential own thoughts to his younger brother. VG Gabriel Suchet (1773-1835) Brother of Louis Gabriel Suchet. French Politician and Knight of the Empire.
LANNES JEAN: (1769-1809) Marshal of France. Duc de Montebello. One of Napoleon's most daring and talented generals and personal friend of the Emperor. A rare letter of historical content, L.S., `Lannes´, two pages, 4to, Tudela, 25th November 1808, to his wife Louise Guéhenneuc, in French. Lannes is exultant and lengthy reports on his victory at the Battle of Tudela in Spain two days earlier, stating in part `I had written to you from Burgos that I intended to remain close to the Emperor, but I received the order on that same day to take the command of the army corps under Marshal Moncey and the division under General Lagrange. I marched to Logrono in order to attack the enemy who was here, fifty thousand men commanded by Catagnos. He was in a dreadful position, and has been tumbled from all flancs by six thousand men. Judge the valor of that scoundrel. I hope all will be under control before four days. We have chased them everywhere. He has not a single cannon now, we have taken all his artillery and made till now six thousand prisoners. There you have his formidable armies fully destroyed.´, Lannes further refers to his wife´s brother who is his aide-de-camp, stating `Louis had a horse killed under him and got his teeth hit, nothing important.. I am a bit tired, and intend to leave in two days to return alongside His Majesty. General Lagrange had his arm shot through, he is here with me, but nothing broken, it will be fine in a month time. Please tell Madame Lagrange to be calm, she will meet her husband in a month, he is departing to France. And you too, be secure, we will not have troubles, there is no more enemy, no army.´, and Lannes concludes with an unusual remark saying `The Battle of Tudela is the finest one we have ever had´. Further again referring to his wife´s health, to the difficulties of sending letters when he is far from the Emperor head-quarters, and asking for detailed information on his children. Lannes also asks his wife to forward his best regards to Corvisart `..tell him that I won´t forget his advice about the English..´ A letter of excellent content. With address leaf, postmarked. Small area of paper loss to the address leaf as a result of the letter opening, not affecting the text. Overall minor age wear, creasing and small tear to the bottom edge, only affecting partially the flourish of the signature. Together with an A.L.S. by Joseph-César Saint-Mars, aide-de-camp to Marshal Lannes, one page, 4to, [Head Quarters at Aranda del Duero], 26th November [1808], to Lannes´ wife, Louise Guéhenneuc, in French. Saint-Mars reports on similar topics, the Battle of Tudela, about his correspondent´s brother Louis, and states in part `Marshal Lannes is keeping well and should not take long to return to the Emperor Head-Quarters where I have been ordered to return to announce this victory..´ G, 2 The Battle of Tudela, near Navarre, in Spain, took place on 23rd November 1808. French army led by Marshal Lannes attacked a Spanish army leaded by General Castanos. It resulted in a full victory of Napoleon´s forces.Louise Antoinette de Guéhéneuc (1782-1856) Duchess of Montebello. Second wife of Marshal Lannes. Louise was a French "dame d´honneur", being the Mistrss of the Robes to Empress Marie Louise of France. Bon Adrien Jeannot de Moncey (1754-1842) Marshal of France, Duc de Conegliano. A prominent soldier in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Joseph Lagrange (1763-1836) French General and Count. A distinguished officer who fought at the Peninsula wars, Battle of Dresden, Leipzig, among many others.Charles-Louis Guéhéneuc (1783-1849) Frenc. Lannes´ brother-in law and his aide de camp since 1805. In 1809, and after Lannes´ death, he became aide-de-camp to the Emperor Napoleon I. Francisco Javier Castaños (1758-1852) Spanish General and Politician. One of the most important Spanish military officers during the Napoleonic Wars. He also served as the first President of the Senate of Spain in 1834. Appointed by the Spanish Queen Duke of Bailen for his heroic actions in the Battle of Bailen, the first defeat of the Napoleonic armies at open field which caused the flight of Spain of King Joseph Bonaparte. Jean Nicolas Corvisart-Desmarets (1755-1821) French Physician. In 1804 Corvisart became the primary physician of Napoleon Bonaparte, attending him until Bonaparte´s exile to St. Helena in 1815.
WELLINGTON DUKE OF: (1769-1852) Anglo-Irish Field Marshal, the Victor of Waterloo, 1815. British Prime Minister 1828-30, 1834. A good L.S., Wellington, four pages, folio, Villatoro, 2nd October 1812, to Sir Home Popham. Wellington states that he has received his correspondent's letter and conversed with the messenger regarding his plans and their execution, remarking 'The great object for me is that you should draw the attention of the enemy by your operations from those which we are carrying on this side; & that you should prevent Caffarelli from detaching Troops to aid Marmont's Army. It would be desirable, for many reasons, that you should get possession of Santona & also of Guataria; but I confess that I entertain so bad an opinion of the Spanish Troops that I don't think you can rely upon them; & the body of Marines which you have with you is not sufficiently large to do much by themselves, or to be a very efficient example to the Spanish troops'. Wellington also writes of his own military activities, 'I am very much afraid that I shall not take this Castle. It is very strong, well garrisoned and well provided with artillery. I had only three pieces of cannon of which one was destroyed last night; & not much ammunition, and I have not been able to get on as I ought. I have however got a mine under one of the works, which I hope will enable me to carry the exterior line; and when that is carried, I hope I shall get on better. But time is wearing apace, and Soult is moving from the South; and I should not be surprised if I were obliged to discontinue this operation to collect the Army' and further reflects 'It is unfortunate that you should have plenty of cannon & ammunition, but that you want good soldiers, & I no want of the latter, but very little of the former. The means of transport, however, required to move a train from the coast or from Madrid where we have plenty, are so extensive, that the attempt would be impracticable'. A letter of good military content. Some very light age wear and extremely minor damp staining to the margins, only very slightly affecting a few words of text and not the signature. G Home Riggs Popham (1762-1820) British Rear Admiral who saw service in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Marie-Francois Auguste de Caffarelli du Falga (1766-1849) French General who served as aide-de-camp to Napoleon Bonaparte. Auguste de Marmont (1774-1852) French General, Marshal of the Empire. Jean-de-Dieu Soult (1769-1851) French General, Marshal of the Empire.
SCHWARZENBERG KARL PHILIPP:(1771-1820) Prince of Schwarzenberg. Austrian field Marshal. He took part in the Battle of Wagram and was in charge of the negotiation in 1810 of the marriage between Napoleon and Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria. Very rare A.L.S., `Schwarzenberg´, one page, oblong 8vo, near Berezino, Minsk, Belarus, 9th August 1812, to General Jean Louis Reyner, in French. Schwarzenberg states in part `I have received the letter brought to me by the Hussards patrol. I will be tomorrow at 8h in the morning near Pruzanne to push the enemy, if possible, out of this location and therefore allow our junction. I invite you Monsieur le Comte, to help my military move, pushing with vigor any trops you may find before you.´ The present letter sheds light on these events, when the 30.000 men of the Austrian corps leaded by Schwarzenberg and the 7th corps leaded by Reynier joined and together obtained the victory at the Battle of Gorodetchna. Overall age wear, with uneven left edge and a very small area of paper loss to the bottom left corner. About G Jean Louis Ebénézer Reynier (1771-1814) French army General during the French Revolutionary Wars.Schwarzenberg gave a ball in honour of the bride Marie Louise of Austria, on the occasion of her marriage to Napoleon in July 1810, which ended in a fire that killed many of the guests, including his own sister-in-law.Napoleon held Schwarzenberg in great esteem, and gave him the command of Austrian corps in the Russian campaign of 1812.
RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN 1812: An excellent selection of three documents signed by three French Generals, all of them killed during the Russian Campaign of 1812, comprising Jean Louis Romeuf (1766-1812) Brigade-General, Governor of the Duchy of Warsaw and friend of Lafayette. Romeuf died after a cannon ball hit him at the Battle of Borodino (Bataille de la Moskova). Napoleon´s surgeon, Dominique Larrey, tried in vain to save his life on the battle field. Rare A.L.S., Romeuf, one page, 4to, Hamburg, n.d., to a military inspector, in French. Romeuf reports on `..the new organization of the 1st, 3rd & 5th divisions of Cuirassiers..´; Jean-Claude Roussel (1771-1812) French General killed at Ostrovno, by a French outpost sentinel who thought by mistake that Roussel was an enemy. Attractive multiple D.S., `Roussel´, one page, folio, Reggio, 19th July 1800, to Benjamin Battu, in French. The document, showing the printed heading of the infantry army of Italy, being a certificate indicating that Battu cannot continue serving `..because of his woundsas a result of the Khoel affair, on 2nd Frimaire, year five..´ Countersigned by several members of the administration Council. Bearing an attractive red wax seal to the left border in fine condition; and Jean-Victor Tharreau (1767-1812) French General killed at the Battle of Borodino (Bataille de Moskova). L.S., J.V. Tharaud, one page, 8vo, n.p., 9th March 1800, in French. The document, bearing the heading of the Army of the Rhine, is an order given by Tharreau to evacuate Plobsheim which has been by mistake occupied by the 3rd battalion, instead of Plaishem, stating in part `…I order to evacuate it as well as the location of Eschau..´ Small repair to the verso, due to clipped small area where correspondent´s name was. Very small overall age wear, otherwise VG, 3
SUCHET LOUIS GABRIEL: (1770-1826) Marshal of France. Duc d´Albufera. One of the most brilliant of Napoleon´s Generals. L.S., `Le M.al Duc d´Albufera´, one page, 4to, Head Quarters of San Felipe, 27th June 1813, to Adjutant Galland, in French. The letter bears to the upper left corner the written heading of the Aragon army, and is a provisional appointment as vice-Lieutenant of the 114th regiment. The letter states in part `..according to the authorization that H.M. the Emperor and King, forwarded by H.Ex. the Minister of war, dated 19th May, I have appointed you..´ With blank integral leaf. Overall staining to the blank leaf, and few stains to the upper front edge, not affecting the text or signature. G
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 VON: (1742-1819) Prince von Wahlstatt. Prussian Field Marshal. Von Blucher leaded the Prussian army against Napoleon At the battles of Leipzig and Waterloo playing a decisive role in the allied victory. He is the highest-decorated Prussian soldier in history. An excellent and rare A.L.S., `Blucher´, two pages, 4to, Namur, 16th June 1815, to his brother-in-law, in German. Blucher writes the present letter on the morning of the Battle of Ligny, and only two days before the Battle of Waterloo. Blucher reports on the course of the present campaign, and states in part `I have been called again to the battle field, I hope and wish that the war will not be of long duration..´, further mentioning that he is recommending his brother to retain a "Gaull" as long as the war lasts, and that he has also commented this with his daughter-in-law in Berlin. A historical date letter. With blank integral leaf with upper right corner clipped. Small overall age wear and creasing, otherwise G The Battle of Ligny, 16th June 1815, on the day of the present letter. The Battle of Ligny was the last victory in Napoleon's military career.The French troops leaded by Napoleon I defeated part of the Prussian army under Field Marshal Blucher. The battle resulted in a tactical victory for Napoleon, but the bulk of the Prussian army survived the battle, and played a pivotal role two days later at the Battle of Waterloo.The Battle of Waterloo, two days later, ensured as Blucher´s wished that the war was not going to be of long duration. Ligny is in the Wallonian region, in Belgium.
LARREY DOMINIQUE JEAN: (1766-1842) French Surgeon of Napoleon´s Grande Armée. Larrey was the Emperor´s favourite surgeon, an innovator in the battlefield medicine and widely considered one of the first modern military surgeons. Rare and extremely interesting lengthy A.L.S., `D.J. Larrey´, four pages, 8vo, Dresden, 7th July 1813, to his wife, in French. Larrey first reports on his recent conversation with the Emperor stating in part `I was waiting for the right moment to talk to H[is] M[ajesty] about this friend and for this reason I was keeping all the time the paper in my pocket. That morning at dawn…the Emperor asked me few graceful questions regarding my wounded soldiers with mutilated fingers, and I responded to all of them. Then he told me "Seems like you have had a great success as I have been told that they were all recovering", Yes Sir, we have only lost a very small number. "That is good, I am satisfied". Because Your Majesty is satisfied with my behaviour, would you allow me to ask for a favour? "Yes, What do you want?"..´ Larrey reports the full sentences exchanged with the Emperor, who finally had to refuse to Larrey´s request, further saying `..everybody was astonished, and were commenting the great influence I was having on the Emperor, because he gave to me many details and explanations regarding my request and the reasons for denying it..´ Larrey refers to the difficulty in finding the right moment and having the opportunity to talk to the Emperor, also saying `..in case the Emperor doesn´t change his mind, your sister and family should be happy as they have fortune, while we do not have a sol. I will not complain. I will have so many good souvenirs of my medical career, that as long as you have enough to live when I will die, that my soul will leave satisfied.´ Further on Larrey says `..Everything makes me fear a new war… I hope I will be able to see you before the 19th of November, because if I had to do another winter campaign I would for sure die. I hardly can warm up now.´ Before concluding Larrey refers to the news received from his friend Pelletan who is still at Wilna. A letter of very interesting content. Provenance, Crawford collection. Very small overall, minor age wear. VG Marie Elisabeth Laville-Leroux (1770-1842) French Painter and wife of Larrey. She was pupil of David, and used to sign her paintings "Larrey" when accompanying her husband during Napoleon´s campaigns. Larrey was right when he writes "Everything makes me fear a new war". Only a month later, 11th August, Austria would put an end to the armistice, and few weeks later took place the last major victory of Napoleon at the battle of Dresden. Philippe Jean Pelletan (1747-1829) French Surgeon. One of Napoleon´s consultant-surgeon from 1804. Pelletan was present at the crime scene of Marat and signed the minutes on the death certificate and was also responsible of the controversial autopsy of the 10 years older Louis XVII, younger son of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, both executed. It has been reported that during the autopsy, Pelletan was shocked to see the countless scars which covered the body of Louis XVII as a result of the physical abuse the child suffered while imprisoned in the Temple. Napoleon would say about Larrey `If the army ever erects a monument to express its gratitude, it should do so in honour of Larrey.´At Waterloo in 1815 his bravery under fire was noticed by the Duke of Wellington who saluted his courage and ordered not to fire in his direction so as to "give the brave man time to gather up the wounded". When the battle was lost, Larrey was taken prisoner by the Prussians when he was trying to escape. They were about to execute him on the spot but was recognized by one of the German surgeons because he had saved the life of Blucher´s son when he was wounded and taken prisoner by the French. He was pardoned, invited as a guest to Blucher's dinner table and authorized to go back to France with money and proper clothes.
[LOWE HUDSON]: (1769-1844) Anglo-Irish Soldier and Colonial Administrator, Governor of St Helena where he was the 'gaoler' of Napoleon Bonaparte. Contemporary Manuscript copy of an autograph letter by Lowe, in an unidentified clerk's hand, two pages, 4to, London, 19th October 1822, to the Duke of Wellington. The letter states, in part, 'I hope your Grace will excuse the liberty I take of addressing you, upon the following subject, which I cannot better explain than by inclosing copy of a letter (no longer present) I had before written to Earl Bathurst and also of his Lordship's reply (no longer present) suggesting the reference to your Grace. The object, as it will appear, is to obtain for the sisters of the late Colonel Sir William De Lancey the pensions which had been granted, in the first instance to his mother and sisters & afterwards given to his widow who having since died leaves the pension disposeable……since receiving Lord Bathurst's reply to my first application in their behalf Lady Lowe who is also a sister of the late Sir William De Lancey has received a letter from the eldest sister which places the claim in a much stronger point of view than I was aware of……' With blank integral leaf. Together with a contemporary manuscript copy of Wellington's letter of reply, one page, 4to, Verona, 10th November 1822, to Hudson Lowe ('My dear Sir Hudson'), stating, in full, 'I have received your application in favour of the sisters of the late Sir W. De Lancey and I have applied to Lord Liverpool that the pension enjoyed by his widow may be given to them'. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, minor age wear, otherwise VG, 2William Howe De Lancey (1778-1815) English Colonel who served during the Napoleonic Wars and died of wounds he received at the Battle of Waterloo. De Lancey and the Duke of Wellington were close allies and on the return of Napoleon Bonaparte from Elba, De Lancey was appointed deputy quartermaster-general of the army in Belgium, replacing Sir Hudson Lowe, whom Wellington disliked. Wellington was engaged in conversation with De Lancey on the battlefield when the Colonel received the wounds which ultimately led to his death. The Duke of Wellington described the events to Samuel Rogers such - 'De Lancey was with me and speaking to me when he was struck. We were on a point of land that overlooked the plain. I had just been warned off by some soldiers (but as I saw well from it, and two divisions were engaging below, I said "Never mind"), when a ball came bounding along en ricochet, as it is called, and, striking him on the back, sent him many yards over the head of his horse. He fell on his face, and bounded upwards and fell again. All the staff dismounted and ran to him, and when I came up he said, "Pray tell them to leave me and let me die in peace." I had him conveyed to the rear, and two days after, on my return from Brussels, I saw him in a barn, and he spoke with such strength that I said (for I had reported him killed), "Why! De Lancey, you will have the advantage of Sir Condy in 'Castle Rackrent'--you will know what your friends said of you after you were dead." "I hope I shall," he replied. Poor fellow! We knew each other ever since we were boys. But I had no time to be sorry. I went on with the army, and never saw him again' (from The Recollections of Samuel Rogers, 1856) One of De Lancey's two sisters, Susan, married Sir Hudson Lowe in December 1815.
[NAPOLEON BONAPARTE – THE LITTLE KNOWN FIRST WILL OF THE EMPEROR]: BERTRAND HENRI GATIEN (1773-1844) French General. Count Bertrand and Grand Marshal of the Palace. Bertrand was aide-de-camp to Napoleon I and the closest officer to the Emperor, who had full confidence in him. He served during the expedition to Egypt and the Battles of Austerlitz, Wagram, Leipzig and Waterloo and accompanied Napoleon I to Elba in 1814 and to St. Helena in 1815. Bertrand was condemned to death in 1816 but did not return to France until Napoleon´s death when King Louis XVIII granted his amnesty. In 1840 Bertrand went to St. Helena to bring Napoleon´s remains to France. An extremely rare and interesting Autograph Manuscript signed `C[om]te Bertrand´, two pages, 4to, Longwood, St. Helena, 2nd August 1819 and 12th December 1820, in French. Bertrand, the closest General to Napoleon in his last years, copies in full the letter he received from Napoleon I in 1819 with the Emperor´s first draft of his Last Will and Testament (predating his ultimate Will of 1821) and his instructions regarding his belongings. The autograph manuscript states, in part, loyally copying Napoleon´s letter, `My dear B[ertran]d, I send to you my codicil written in my hand in order that after my death you could claim everything that belongs to me here at St. Helene. You will dispose of it as follows. You will give half of my diamonds to Madame Bertrand and the other half to Madame de Montholon…´ Napoleon further asks Bertrand to give differing amounts of money to various individuals including Montholon, Marchand, St. Denis, Bertrand (receiving the greatest amount) and a few others, all of them the closest allies to Napoleon in his final years. The Emperor further states `You will keep my silverware, my weapons, my porcelain, my books…..for my son…´ further instructing `I will give you a letter this evening…with my instructions for the fund investment of a sum of 6.000.000, keep all this in order to be able to return them to me if it is convenient to me.´ Bertrand adds `2nd August Signed Nap. Written to the envelope To Count Bertrand, my grand Marshal…. Attached to a parcel stamped with 2 seals with coat of arms of the Emperor with the written text This is my will, written in my hand signed Napoleon…´ Marshal Bertrand adds `The Emperor gave me in the evening a parcel…. on which was written.. Bertrand will keep at my disposal or will open after my death.´ To the second page Bertrand adds an annotation, dated 12th December 1820, giving some more details about the instructions received from the Emperor. An extremely interesting historical document in the hand of Napoleon´s closest General in his last years at St Helena. Very small overall minor age wear with one crease to bottom left corner, otherwise VG The original copy of this first draft of Napoleon’s Last Will and Testament was burned, together with other documents, by Bertrand and Marchand in the afternoon of 19th April 1821 following Napoleon´s orders as his final, and more commonly quoted, Last Will and Testament had been completed. Charles Tristan, Marquis de Montholon (1783-1853) French General during the Napoleonic Wars. He chose to go into exile on St. Helena with Napoleon I after the Emperor´s second abdication. Louis Joseph Narcisse Marchand (1791-1876) Count of the first Empire. Marchand was “Valet de chambre”of the Emperor, also during his captivity in St. Helena. Alongside Bertrand and Montholon, he was one of the three executors of Napoleon’s Last Will and Testament. Louis Etienne Saint-Denis (1788-1856) called by Napoleon Mameluke Ali his “French-born servant”. Napoleon required him to dress in the style of the Mamelukes. Saint-Denis went to Russia with Napoleon, joined Napoleon on Elba, returned to France for the “Hundred Days,” and accompanied Napoleon into exile on St. Helena, where he served as second valet and as Napoleon’s librarian. Saint-Denis was born at Versailles, where his father served King Louis XVI as an overseer of the royal stables. The Mamelukes were the slave horsemen of the Ottoman Empire. They became the rulers of Egypt. Napoleon was impressed by the Mamelukes’ courage and fighting skills. He formed a special Mameluke corps in the French army.
[LOUIS XVI]: (1754-1793) King of France and Navarre 1774-1791, King of the French 1791-92. The only King of France to have been executed. A good D.S., `Louis´, secretarial, one page, folio, Fontainebleau, 12th November 1770, to Monsieur Louis Henry de Villeneuve, infantry Colonel or the Roussillon regiment, in French. The partially printed document being the appointment of Louis Henry de Villeneuve as Knight of the order of St. Louis, stating in part `I write to you this letter to inform you that I have ordered M. de la Suze, Lieutenant General of my army and Knight of the order, that on my behalf will receive you and admit you as a dignified Knight of the St. Louis order..´ The document bears an attractive paper seal affixed to the left border. Countersigned by `Le Duc de Choiseul´. With addressee to the verso. Few very small tears to the right edge, otherwise G to VG
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
SIGISMUND BATHORY : (1573-1613) Also known as SIGISMOND PRINCE OF TRANSYLVANIA. As a child he succeeded his father as Voivode or ruler of Transylvania. Sigismond abdicated in favour of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, and although he returned to his pillaged territories in 1601 with a Polish army, he could not strengthen his position and settled in Poland. In 1605, Holy Roman Emperor and Spanish King Philip III tried to persuade him to return and claim Transylvania, but he refused. He would later be accused of conspiracy and imprisoned by Rudolf II. Rare L.S., `Sigismundus Princeps´, a bold large and attractive signature with flourish, one page, folio, Timisoara, 10th June 1596, to an Italian Bishop Visconti, in Latin. Sigismund refers to his previous two letters and states in part `..what we have insistently requested and once again request… When we did establish our head-quarters at Tomor, and I tried to hinder the struggle, I managed to do so rushing the move, and I managed to do so in a way that they could not expect the move…´ To the heading “Sigismundus by the Grace of God, Prince of Transylvania, Moldavia, Wallachia, and of the Holy Roman Empire, Lord of part of the Kingdom of Hungary…” With address leaf, bearing paper seal affixed in good condition, and remnants of a former red wax seal. Edges very slightly trimmed with very few minor small holes, only one affecting partially the large signature, otherwise G
FREDERICK: (1763-1827) Duke of York and Albany, son of King George III. Commander-in-Chief of the Forces 1795-1809. D.S., Frederick FM, one page (vellum), oblong folio, n.p., 25th July 1797. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is a military commission appointing Scheider to be a Cornet in Hompesch's Chasseurs a Cheval. Signed by the Duke of York at the foot and countersigned by his two military secretaries Robert Brownrigg (1758-1833) British General who served as Governor of British Ceylon 1812-20, and Captain Edwin Hewgill (c.1761-1809). Some light overall age wear, about VG The Hompesch Hussars were an auxiliary French regiment of the British Army formed during the French Revolutionary Wars as part of the Armee des Emigres.
EDWARD VIII: (1894-1972) King of the United Kingdom January - December 1936. Later Duke of Windsor. A signed printed 8vo menu for a Regimental Banquet held in honour of the 107th Infantry, United States Army, by the Queen's Westminster & Civil Service Rifles at the Hotel Cecil, London, 4th June 1926. Signed by Edward ('Edward P') as Prince of Wales in pencil to a clear area at the head of the cover. Some light age wear and staining at the base of the menu, not affecting the signature. FR
KERENSKY ALEXANDER: (1881-1970) Russian Lawyer and key political figure in the Russian Revolution of 1917. Vintage bold blue ink signature (`Alexander Kerensky´) on an oblong small 8vo first day cover envelope, New York, 17th November 1961. The document being the commemorative presentation of an 8 cents U.S. postage stamp showing a portrait of John J. Pershing. The first day cover envelope shows the printed portrait of Pershing in uniform with the printed text beneath “American Military Leader”. Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G John J. Pershing (1860-1948) General of the United States Army. Nicknamed “Black Jack”. Pershing commanded the Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front during World War I.
CESPEDES DEL CASTILLO CARLOS MANUEL: (1819-1874) 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. A good content D.S., `C.M. de Cespedes´, one page, 4to, Ojo de Agua, 14th December 1868, in Spanish. The document is a decree, bearing an attractive vignette of the Provisional Government to the heading with a large blind embossed seal. The decree, signed by Cespedes in his capacity of General in chief of the Liberation army of Cuba, contains two articles related to the salaries that will be paid to the citizens that will join the revolutionary troops, stating `First Article - All citizens that voluntarily and spontaneously will or have already accepted to take up arms to defend the holy cause of the Independence of Cuba, whatever their nationality is, will be paid since the day of their registration thirty four pesos per month.´ further, and to the second decree article, the document refers to the officers´ salaries. Overall age wear and heavy creasing, mostly to left border and to edges, with trimmed edges, not affecting the signature. About FR
CIENFUEGOS CAMILO: (1932-1959) Cuban Revolutionary. Member of the 1956 Granma expedition along with Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Juan Almeida Bosque and Raul Castro, which launched the armed insurgency against dictator Fulgencio Batista. Cienfuegos was one of Castro´s top guerrilla commanders. Appointed Head of Cuba´s armed forces in 1959, he disappeared that same year during a night flight at the early age of 27. Rare D.S., `Camilo Cienfuegos´, one page, 4to, La Habana, 12th April 1959, in Spanish. The document bears 5 typed lines, being a judge court decision, fixing terms for a public court case. Cienfuegos signature is beneath the typed text “Comandante Camilo Cienfuegos”. Also signed by judge Rubio. Bearing at the base several additional countersignatures and ink stamps registrations. Very small age wear, with extremely small tear to the right edge and three pinholes to the left edge, none affecting the text or signatures. G In 1957 Cienfuegos became one of the leaders of the revolutionary forces, appointed to the rank of Comandante. In 1958 he was put in command of one of three columns which headed west out of the mountains with the intention of capturing the provincial capital city of Santa Clara. Che Guevara was in command of another column and Jaime Vega was in command of the third. Vega's column was ambushed and defeated by Batista's forces. Cienfuegos' and Guevara's columns reached the central provinces, where they combined their efforts with other groups. Cienfuegos' column attacked an army outpost at Yaguajay and, after a tough fight, forced the garrison to surrender on 30 December 1958. This earned him the nickname "The Hero of Yaguajay." Cienfuegos then advanced against Santa Clara in conjunction with Guevara's forces, together, the two columns captured Santa Clara on 31 December. Batista fled Cuba the next day, leaving the guerrilla fighters victorious. At a rally on January 1959, Castro interrupted his speech to ask Cienfuegos ("Am I doing all right, Camilo?") His response "Vas bien, Fidel" ("You're doing fine, Fidel") was taken up by the crowd and became a slogan of the revolution.
O´HIGGINS BERNARDO: (1778-1842) Chilean independence Leader of Spanish and Irish ancestry. Supreme Director of Chile 1817-23. O´Higgins freed Chile from Spanish rule and is considered one of the founding fathers of Chile. D.S., `O´Higgins´, two pages, folio, Palace of Santiago de Chile, 12th January 1819, in Spanish. The partially printed document, entitled “The Supreme Director of the State of Chile”, is a grant given to Antonio Miguelen, soldier of the 7th Battalion of the Andes army, injured during the last war campaign, authorizing the payment of four pesos from now. The document bears a paper seal affixed to the front and several countersignatures to front and verso. Overall foxing stains, with edges slightly trimmed. FR to G
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
SHEIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN: (1920-1975) Also known as Mujib or Bangabandhu. Bangladeshi Statesman. First President of Bangladesh 1971-72 & 75, and Prime Minister 1972-75. Called the “Father of the Nation”. Sheikh Mujib and most of his family were assassinated during a coup by renegade army officers. Rare bold black ink autograph `Sheikh Mujib Rahman - Bangladesh, 29th April 1975´, to a 12mo oblong page, lined paper. The present signed page was given only few months before his assassination. Very small area of paper loss to the upper right corner only very slightly affecting the ending flourish of the signature. G
Restoration of Charles II.- Public Act by Richard Aylworth declaring his allegiance to Charles II in return for a free pardon as prescribed in the Declaration of Breda, D.s. "John Barnard", manuscript on vellum, 1p., remains of red wax seal, slightly soiled, 101 x 154mm., 8th June 1660.⁂ A prominent Parliamentarian takes the oath of allegiance to Charles II. "These are to Certify yt Richard Aylworth of Aylworth in the County of Gloucester Esquier did as his publike Act before me declare his humble acceptance of and his laying hold upon the King's Majesties grace and favour in his tender of a Free Pardon to all his subjects in his said Majesties late Declaration read in the House of Comons... Witness my hand and Seale this eighth of June 1660 John Barnard."Captain Richard Aylworth (d. 1661), Parliamentary Governor of Sudeley Castle during the Civil War. He served at the siege at Malmesbury in 1644, and had a prominent role in stopping the kings army at Stow from reinforcing King Charles' army at Oxford, thus effectively ending the Civil War.. In 1646 he claimed that he had spent large sums in the service of Parliament and by 1656 his financial difficulties were said to have ruined his family.
17th century Grand Tour to Italy.- Boyle (Robert, natural philosopher, 1627-91) .- Finch (Sir John, physician and diplomat, 1626-1682) & Sir Thomas Baines (1622x4-80), physician.- [Southwell (Sir Robert, diplomat and government official, 1635-1702)] Commonplace Book & Diary, autograph manuscript, in English and Latin, 129pp. (1 page torn in half), mostly in one hand, 6pp. at end in ?another hand (probably the companion mentioned in the manuscript), slightly browned, bound in the remains of a 17th century vellum indenture, creased and soiled, 187 x 99mm., 1660. ⁂ Southwell's commonplace book of his travels in Italy in 1660, specifically in Genoa, Livorno, Padua and Bologna. Included is a copy letter of credit from James Stanier (d. 1663), a London merchant to Henry Mellish and Henry Browne (secretary to Sir John Finch) organising £100 to be available to Southwell at Livorno and further "letters of Credit" for him to draw upon in Rome.Robert Boyle. Boyle was a friend of Southwell's who sponsored his election as a fellow of the Royal Society in 1662. "Ice in Summer. Boyle watter and putt it into an Earthin pott luted, and fling it into a well 3 hours after take it up brake yr pott & you have Ice. Salt or salt Peter... salt & Potters clay makes a plaister but I suppose Mr Boyles wax & brick better... ."Sir John Finch & Sir Thomas Baines. John Finch and Thomas Baines met each other as undergraduates at Christ's College, Cambridge and became lifelong companions. The two young men travelled to Italy and studied medicine at the University of Padua, becoming influential in Italian society. When Southwell visited them in 1660, they introduced him to Ferdinando II, Grand Duke of Tuscany who shared an interest in medical and scientific matters. In the above manuscript Southwell makes numerous notes of Finch and Baines gossip and medical advice, "Dr. Finch & Dr. Banes told me ye G. Duke being with his brother in law in Germany ye Duke of Hensbruck who sed he had men invulnerable ye Duke sed bring me 3 & I will give them honour & lands in Tuscany. 3 came one opened his breast stood firm... made one shoot him, wch went through ye buttocks whereat he sed Princes has Priviledge, but in fire comes one black & blew yt had been shott... ."Other notes and observations include: "... entring the Dukes Phisick garden..."; "On a dissection of an Anatomy by Molduet at Padoa"; "The Marriage at Parma... The Duchess was mett by 40 coaches... The Comedy was an ordinary verse of Mackevelady"; "Ignatius Loyola"; "Sr Lewis Dives [Sir Lewis Dyve, 1599-1669), royalist army officer] speaking of Bacon sed he was accus'd of borrowing from others... he told me I verily believe for on occasion I have writt some things, wch 5 years after in ye same manner I have mett printed in a booke"; lists of books bought in Italy and a note of the title at beginning of Vincenzio Viviani's work, De Maximis, Et Minimis Geometrica Divinatio In Quintum Conicorum Apollonii Pergæi Adhuc Desideratum, Florence, 1659, which Southwell did much to promote in England. Southwell also makes notes on Heneage Finch, first earl of Nottingham (1621-82), lord chancellor, Sir John Finch's brother and the enormous wealth of a relative by marriage, Sir Daniel Harvey (1631-72), English merchant who traded with the Levant and a relation of William Harvey (1578-1657), physician and discoverer of the circulation of the blood.Vincenzio Viviani (1622-1703), mathematician and philosopher to the Grand Ducal Court in Tuscany.
Scotland.- Porteous (John, army officer and victim of crowd violence, c. 1695-1736).- [Examinations of the Witnesses Before the House of Lords in the Inquiry into the Murder of Captain Porteous], manuscript, 94pp. excluding blanks, printed Act of Parliament, "An Act to disable Alexander Wilson... any Office or Place of Magistracy", 2ff. of manuscript with holes slightly affecting text, slightly browned, William Roughead's copy with his bookplate on front pastedown, 20th century buckram, gilt label on upper cover, discoloured, Pro Patria watermark, folio, 1736.⁂ Porteous was appointed captain of the city guard of Edinburgh in 1726. "On 14 April 1736 a condemned smuggler, Andrew Wilson, was taken to be executed in the Grassmarket. After Wilson was hanged, perhaps because of concern about a possible rescue, Porteous asked, but was denied, permission to cut the body down early. A few minutes later when the hangman tried to remove Wilson's body the crowd began to stone the city guard and, in the confusion, the corpse was cut down and rushed off with a view to attempted resuscitation." (Oxford DNB). Porteous then ordered his guard to fire on the crowd. For this he was arrested and tried and condemned for murder. He was lynched and hanged the night before his judicial execution.Provenance: "These examinations were printed for the first time in the Trial of Captain Porteous, by William Roughead W.S. Appendix XII. (Notable Scottish Trials Series, Edinburgh: 1909.)" William Roughead (1870-1952), writer on Scottish criminal trials.
Churchill & Tanks.- Crompton (Rookes Evelyn Bell, FRS, engineer, 1845-1940) Proof of Evidence [at the Tank Inquiry held at Lincoln's Inn in 1919], typescript with manuscript corrections, 19pp., folio, 15th September 1919; and a collection including a printed copy of the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventions... Lincoln's Inn... 1919 and other papers and correspondence relating to Crompton's career, slightly browned, v.s., various dates &1919 & 1925-35 (qty).⁂ "... I had been acting as the Consulting Engineer to the Road Board... and had done... work in connection with Mechanical Transport... so that Colonel Dumble... informed Mr. Churchill through Major Hetherington that he strongly advised that I should be called in to assist by my advice the Admiralty Committee which had been formed by Mr. Churchill to report on what could be done to deal with the problems of trench warfare by putting at the disposal of the Army large moving forts armoured to a sufficient extent, and to carry men and guns up to over and through the enemy's trenches." - Crompton.
Wellington.- Orme (Edward) The Battles of the British Army in Portugal...Duke of Wellington, rare set of 13 hand-coloured aquatint roundels, printed text on verso, folded in concertina fashion, preserved in a gilt metal medallion case with a portrait of Wellington on one side and winged Victory on the other in relief, preserved beneath medallion in case, rubbed, preserved inside a faux book, 8vo, 1815.
Orwell (George) Homage to Catalonia, first edition, endpapers browned, very occasional light dust-soiling, original green cloth, spine gilt, very lightly marked, dust-jacket, minor fraying to spine ends, spine a little darkened, still overall an excellent copy, 8vo, 1938.⁂ Orwell's personal account of his experiences and observations fighting for the POUM militia of the Republican army during the Spanish Civil War. The war was one of the defining turning points of his political outlook and a significant impulse for what led him to write in 1946 "Every line of serious work that I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism and for Democratic Socialism, as I understand it."
Turkey.- MacFarlane (Charles) Constantinople in 1828. A Residence of Sixteen Months in the Turkish Capital and Provinces, first edition, half-title, 5 lithograph plates (3 hand-coloured, one in sepia, one double-page), with 7pp. A.L.s. to 'My dear Hawes' loosely inserted, contemporary signature of Elizabeth Blackett to title, later half morocco over marbled boards, spine gilt, [Atabey 741; Blackmer 1047], 4to, Saunders and Otley, 1829.⁂ The letter mentions his forthcoming "(not official) mission" to Turkey, his "old friend Henry Marshall's recent work on Ceylon" and the work Marshall has done "to improve the condition of the soldiers, and to do away with the torture and brutality which disgraced the Army & the whole nation."
Group of medals awarded to Major Royston George Ball MBE 1st Kings Royal Rifle Corps, The Parachute Regiment and later 22nd SAS Regiment. The recipient served his country in various theatres and actions in the 1950's and 60's, primarily in the Middle East and South East Asia. This group includes a George VI GSM with Arabian Peninsula, Malaya and Palestine campaign clasps with oak leaf (mentioned in despatches 1956), inscribed 21023228 Rfn. R.G. Ball K.R.R.C. Queen Elizabeth II GSM South Arabia and Borneo clasp with oak leaf (mentioned in despatches1966) inscribed to 21023228 W.O Cl. 2 R.G.Ball SAS and a Queen Elizabeth II Long Service and Good Conduct medal inscribed Lt. RG Ball Gen List. Included with this lot is Major Royston Balls' lot Regular Army Certificate of Service booklet stating "Mr Ball is a man of considerable personality and character. His active service experiences coupled with important administrative responsibilities have played a large part in moulding his character. He has shown himself capable and reliable at all times". 29th February 1968 Lt Col. Commanding Officer 21st SAS Regiment. Furthermore this booklet includes assessment of military conduct stated as being 'exemplary' and continues with a Parachute Regiment certificate dated 7th November 1952 and an SAS plaque engraved Major R.G Ball MBE All Ranks 23rd SAS December 1971, together with his original SAS beret with cloth cap badge. Twelve black and white photographs have been added to the images please note photocopied images will be available with this lot not the originals. Condition report: campaign service medal ribbon bar is detached from the medal.
An early-mid 19th century jewelled and enamelled gold presentation snuff box, possibly French, of shaped rectangular form and with fine blue and black enamel foliate decoration overall, the hinged cover later applied with diamond-set initials CA for Carlo Alberto, King of Sardinia, and surmounted with the Crown of Savoy within elaborate foliate borders, unmarked, 8.5cm wide, red leather case PROVENANCE: Formerly the property of Colonel Sir Thomas Reade CB (1782 - 1849) and thence by descent to the current owner. Colonel Sir Thomas Reade CB was born in Congleton. Aged sixteen he ran away from home and joined the Army. Following campaigns in Europe, Egypt and America, and by then a much-decorated Colonel, he was knighted aged just 33. In 1816 Reade set sail with Admiral Sir Hudson Lowe for St Helena with Napoleon Bonaparte. Reade was Deputy Adjutant General to Lowe the commander of the garrison guarding Napoleon in St Elena. Reade became the 'chief go between' since Napoleon and Lowe famously did not get on. Following Napoleon's death on 5 May 1821 Reade returned to England and on 5 June 1824 was appointed Consul General in Tunis, a post he held until his death in 1849. Reade was a collector of Islamic manuscripts. His important collection is now in the British Library following its sale at Sotheby & Wilkinson in 1852. Buried in Tunis, there is a fine memorial to Reade in St Peter's Church, Congelton. Accompanied by the draft of a diplomatic letter prepared in Chancery 4th Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turin dated 8 August 1846, for signature by the Secretary of State, together with the final, and shorter, version of the letter which was issued. This letter accompanied the snuff box, a diplomatic gift to Reade, at the time the British Consul General in the Regency of Tunis from 1824 until his death in 1849. Also accompanied with two volumes of 'Napoleon in Exile - A Voice from St Helena' by Barry O'Meara - Napoleon's surgeon, which record Reade's dealings with the Emperor.
The Webley MKVI Battlefield Finish Service Revolver in .177 Pellet is built from the original MKVI pistol blueprints. The MKVI Battlefield Finish Service Revolver is a full metal construction and will fire 4.5mm .177 Pellets. The pellets are fired through the 6 shells provided and you will also get a manual which is a re-print of the original instruction manual that was issued to the army officers.The revolver loads, cycles, fires and ejects the same as the original. It is single and double action and weighs exactly the same as the original.
Loading...
![INDIA - Horace Hayman WILSON (1786-1860). The History of British India from 1805 to 1835. [etc.]INDIA- Horace Hayman WILSON (](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/a3276cf8-db78-46ec-8c8b-ad5900c80e7d/baf40a1a-6d1f-43fb-8388-ad5900d1552b/468x382.jpg)
![[AVIATION]: An unusual printed 4to page reserved for autographs, evidently removed from a menu for an Aviation Dinner, most l](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/237112ec-3304-4c3b-b6e6-ad4e00c5adfa/73138a4d-230e-457a-8ce5-ad4e00e1d62e/468x382.jpg)
![[JAPANESE SURRENDER]: An unusual commemorative envelope featuring a neatly affixed 6.5 x 4 magazine photograph taken on the o](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/237112ec-3304-4c3b-b6e6-ad4e00c5adfa/a92f2fa4-8c5d-4261-b62a-ad4e00e1eba9/468x382.jpg)
![[DUNDAS HENRY]: (1742-1811) 1st Viscount Melville. Scottish Politician who served as Secretary of State for War 1794-1801. Co](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/237112ec-3304-4c3b-b6e6-ad4e00c5adfa/b2a667bf-0514-4ada-9e34-ad4e00e0ac4d/468x382.jpg)
![[LOWE HUDSON]: (1769-1844) Anglo-Irish Soldier and Colonial Administrator, Governor of St Helena where he was the 'gaoler' of](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/237112ec-3304-4c3b-b6e6-ad4e00c5adfa/156bda92-8b11-40c7-a37e-ad4e00e249ee/468x382.jpg)
![[NAPOLEON BONAPARTE – THE LITTLE KNOWN FIRST WILL OF THE EMPEROR]: BERTRAND HENRI GATIEN (1773-1844) French General. Count Be](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/237112ec-3304-4c3b-b6e6-ad4e00c5adfa/41a86adf-7376-47fc-a32e-ad4e00e24ab2/468x382.jpg)
![[LOUIS XVI]: (1754-1793) King of France and Navarre 1774-1791, King of the French 1791-92. The only King of France to have be](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/237112ec-3304-4c3b-b6e6-ad4e00c5adfa/1a9ac464-84c0-416f-b25e-ad4e00e25b28/468x382.jpg)
