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A William IV rosewood Davenport three quarter gallery top with turned finials, inset green leather scriber, hinged top revealing a drawered interior, four drawers and four blind drawers, on turned feet, 90 x 52 x 53cm, Location:

Alternative / Grunge / Emo-Punk / Rock - Including some Picture discs, colour vinyl 7 inch and 12 inch records. Including Pearl Jam / REM, Monster Magnet, Korn, Hole, Soundgarden, RHCP, Alice in Chains, Blind Melon, Janes Addiction ( total 10 x 12 inch / shape and 18 x 7 inch ) 

WINTERS SHELLEY: (1920-2006) American actress, Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress in 1965 for her role as Rose-Ann D'Arcey in A Patch of Blue. Signed 9.5 x 7.5 photograph of Winters standing in a kitchen-dining area in a three-quarter length pose in costume from her Oscar winning performance as the crude, vulgar prostitute Rose-Ann, opposite Elizabeth Hartmann, in costume as Rose-Ann's daughter, the young, illiterate and blind Selina, in a scene from the drama film A Patch of Blue. Signed by Winters in black ink, and also signed by Hartmann in bold blue ink, both with their names alone to clear areas of the image. A few very minor, light traces of former mounting to the verso, otherwise VG

MIKLAS WILHELM: (1872-1956) Austrian politician who served as President of Austria 1928-38. D.S., Miklas, two pages, folio, Vienna, 6th September 1934, in German. The document takes the form of an official diplomatic letter and is addressed to Ghazi I, King of Iraq, informing him that, in order to maintain and develop economic relations between the Federal State of Austria and the Kingdom of Austria, Karl Buchberger has been appointed as the Austrian Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in Turkey and further stating 'I beg Your Majesty, Mr. Buchberger, who will have the honour of presenting this letter, to receive him kindly and to give full faith to everything he will do in my name or on behalf of the Federal Government'. Countersigned at the conclusion by Egon Berger-Waldenegg (1880-1960) Austrian politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs 1934-36. With blind embossed paper seal affixed and blank integral leaf. Two file holes to the left and right edges and with some tears and a heavy vertical crease to the right edge, only slightly affecting the text but not the signatures, GGhazi I (1912-1939) King of Iraq 1933-39.  

BROOKE CHARLES: (1829-1917) British naval officer who succeeded his uncle, James Brooke, as the second White Rajah of Sarawak in 1868 and ruled as the head of state until his death. Fountain pen ink signature ('C Brooke, Rajah') and two additional words in his hand on an 8vo sheet of blind embossed stationery from Chesterton House, Cirencester. Some very light, minor age wear and a few very slight traces of former mounting to the verso, otherwise VG 

PACINO AL: (1940-     ) American actor, Academy Award winner for Best Actor in 1992 for his role as Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade in Scent of a Woman. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Pacino in a three-quarter length pose, in costume from his Oscar winning performance as the blind medically retired army officer Slade, walking along a New York street accompanied by Chris O'Donnell, in costume as Charlie Simms, in a scene from the drama film Scent of a Woman. Signed by Pacino with a typically hurried signature in blue ink to a clear area of the image. EX

WILLIAM IV: (1765-1837) King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 1830-37. D.S., William R, as King, at the head, one page (vellum), oblong folio, Court at Saint James's, 19th August 1830. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is a military commission appointing Vere Webb to be a Captain in the Rifle Brigade 'commanded by our Right Trusty and Right Entirely beloved Cousin and Councillor Arthur, Duke of Wellington K.G. Field Marshal of Our Forces', countersigned at the foot by William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne (1779-1848) British Prime Minister 1834, 1835-41 and previously Home Secretary 1830-34. With blind embossed paper seal affixed. Some light age wear, VG

SAND GEORGE: (1804-1876) French Novelist who used the pseudonym of George Sand, her real name being Amantine Dupin. Also known for her romantic affairs with artists, including Frédéric Chopin and Alfred de Musset. An excellent A.L.S., George Sand (..M.lle la quintinie.), two pages, 8vo, Nohant, June 1863, to Mr. Gueneau de Mussy, in French. Written to the first and third page, the first being a blank leaf with the addressee´s name written in Sand´s hand. To the third page, bearing at the heading a blind embossed stamp with her initials, Sand copies an interesting selected part from her new novel Mademoiselle La Quintinie, `Pour atteindre ce cercle du vrai où aucun mal ne tente plus l´homme éclairé et convaincu, il n´est pas besoin de mortification, de cilice, de jeûnes et de luttes avec Satan; non!.....ce chemin s´appelle l´examen sans entraves et la religion sans mystères.´ An attractive document signed by Sand, adding beneath her name the heroine´s name and title of her just recently published novel. Very small folding, otherwise VG

VALERY PAUL: (1871-1945) French Poet and Philosopher. A very fine A.L.S., `Paul Valery´, three pages, 8vo, n.p. [Paris], Thursday 2nd March 1944, to Monsieur Bourguignon, in French. On his personal stationery, bearing his blind embossed Parisian address to the upper left corner, Valery explains to his correspondent the reason of his absence at the council session, stating `Mon état de santé, encore bien incertain, ne m´a pas permis d´assister à la séance d´hier du Conseil, et d´avoir le plaisir de vous y rencontrer. Je vous aurais vivement remercié de l´envoi que vous avez bien voulu me faire de ce bel album napoléonien´ (“My health, still very uncertain, did not allow me to attend yesterday´s Council meeting, and to have the pleasure of meeting you there. I would have sincerely thanked you for sending me this beautiful Napoleonic album”) Valery further refers to the Emperor, Napoleon, and to the Malmaison museum which his under the direction of his correspondent, saying `…ravivant mes souvenirs de la Malmaison et du Musée de l´armée. Il faut avouer qu´on ne peut pas se lasser de songer à l´Empereur. Tout ce qui contribue à nous faire imaginer plus précisément cet être extraordinaire nous est précieux…´ (“…rekindling my memories of Malmaison and the Army Museum. We must admit that one cannot get tired of thinking of the Emperor. Anything that helps us imagine this extraordinary human being more precisely is precious to us...”) Further again Valery comments that during his next visit he will relate to his correspondent few very interesting things related to Napoleon, stating in part `…je vous raconterai une ou deux choses qui vous intéresseront… et une troisième qui vous intéressera certainement, toutes les trois relatives à notre héros…´ (“… I will tell you one or two things that will be of interest to you… and a third that will certainly be of interest to you, all three relating to our hero…”) Paper with a Verge Muller watermark. Very light crease to the bottom right corner, otherwise VG Jean Bourguignon (1876-1953) French Historian. Curator of the Malmaison Museum 1917-46, a house which was offered by Napoleon Bonaparte to his spouse Josephine de Beauharnais. He was also curator of the Museum of the Armies, and a specialist in the French Revolution and Napoleonic era, publishing several works. Bourguignon was the author of the first biography of Arthur Rimbaud. 

DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Père (1802-1870) French Writer whose works include The Three Musketeers. A good A.L.S., Al. Dumas, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to Monsieur Porcher, in French. The letter bears to the upper left corner a blind embossed seal with his initials “A.D”. Dumas states in part `Mon cher Porcher, Excusez-moi, mais je ne puis resister à la demande de Cileri….qui nous a fait nos belles decorations au Théatre Historique´ (Translation: `My dear Porcher, forgive me, but I cannot resist to Cileri´s request… who did for us such beautiful decorations at the Theatre Historique´) With address leaf in Dumas´ hand.Very small minor creases and age wear mostly to the upper edge, otherwise G Jean Baptiste Porcher (1792-1864) and his wife were French Theatrical Agents who used to purchase copyrights and ticket passes for their authors, later reselling them at the entrance doors of theatres. He very often advanced money to Dumas and other artists, sometimes keeping some manuscripts in pledge.

BORROMEO CHARLES: (1538-1584) Italian cardinal of the Catholic Church who served as Archbishop of Milan 1564-84 and was a leading figure of the Counter-Reformation. Borromeo was canonized as a saint by Pope Paul V in 1610. A rare L.S., as Cardinal Secretary of State, one page, 4to, Rome, 28th July 1563, to Sebastian Atracino, in Italian. Borromeo writes in response to a letter from the vice-legate of Pope Pius IV, with whom he had interceded on behalf of a lady, Donna Bartolomea da Bettona, stating, in part, 'S[ua] S[anti]ta ta m'ha commesso ch'io vi dica, che voi non v'intromettiate ne procediate piu.....in tal causa certificando la detta Donna che se verra, o mandera qua, non se le manchera di celere et espedita giustitia' (Translation: 'Your Holiness has commanded me to tell you that you are not to interfere or proceed further….in this case, certifying the said lady that if she comes, or is sent here, she will not fail to receive quick and expedient justice'). With integral address leaf bearing a blind embossed paper seal. Some light overall staining and minor age wear, about VGSebastian Atracino (c.1515-1563) Italian jurist who served as fiscal of the Holy Office from October 1557 to March 1560.In 1562-63 Borromeo played a decisive role in organising the third and final session of the Council of Trent, which had opened in 1545, and made a large contribution to the Tridentine Catechism.

LEOPOLD II: (1835-1909) King of the Belgians 1865-1909. D.S., Leopold, one page, large oblong folio, Brussels, 12th December 1889, in French. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, appoints Leon Dosogne to be the Belgian Consul General for British India and Ceylon, residing at Calcutta, who will 'en cette qualite exercer, conformement aux dispositions des lois, arretes et instructions, les fonctions qui lui sont conférées' (Translation: 'in this capacity exercise, in accordance with the provisions of the laws, decrees and instructions, the functions conferred on him') and further stating 'Prions Sa Majesté la Reine de Grand Bretagne et d'Irlande, Imperatrice des Indes de permettre que le sieur Leon Dosogne exerce librement l'emploi qui lui est confere, sans souffrir qu'il y soit apporte aucun empechement' (Translation: 'Pray Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India, to allow Mr. Leon Dosogne to freely exercise the office conferred on him, without suffering any impediment'). Signed by the King at the foot and countersigned by Joseph de Riquet de Caraman-Chimay (1836-1892) Belgian diplomat and politician who served as Foreign Minister 1884-92. With blind embossed paper seal affixed. Some light staining and minor age wear and a few small tears to the upper edge, G 

STREPPONI GIUSEPPINA (1815-1897) Italian Soprano of great renown who excelled in the Bel Canto repertoire. Strepponi was the second wife of Giuseppe Verdi and starred in many of his early operas, including the role of Abigaille in the premiere of Nabucco (1842). She retired at the very early age of 30. Her personal relationship with Verdi lasted 50 years until her death. A good A.L.S., `L´amica G. Strepponi´, three pages, 8vo, Verona, 12th December 1843, to Antonietta Donzelli, in Italian. A very interesting and early letter of good association, Strepponi stating in part `Quanto mi era spiaciuto lasciar Bologna, non lo puoi credere e specialmante per te e la tua famiglia… Dirai tante cose d´affezione al Papà Donzelli e lo pregherai a nome mio, di rammentare all´Angelo Demonio di Rossini la lettera promessa… digli se conoscesse qualcuno altro che mi favorisca, poiché non conozco quasi nessuno in Verona´ (Translation: `How sorry I was to leave Bologna, you cannot believe it and especially for you and your family… You would say so many things of affection to Papa Donzelli, and ask him in my name to remind the Angel-Demon of Rossini the promised letter… tell him if he knows someone else who favours me, since I hardly know anyone in Verona´) Strepponi further refers to a man that her correspondent knows, avoiding to mention his names, saying `Ho ricevuta un´altra lettera da Venezia dalla nota persona, uguale a quella che ti ho fatto leggere l´ultimo giorno che fui a Bologna. T´assicuro che sono avvilita, vedendo che dopo quasi due anni di sagrifizi e di una vita da Schiava, mi si ripete con una dureza incredibile: che non saró mai sua Moglie come nessun´altra donna e che non puó far niente per me - quantunque mi voglia assai bene!!´ (Translation: `I have received another letter from Venice from the well-known person, same as the one I let you read on the last day I was in Bologna. I assure you that I am disheartened seeing that after almost two years of sacrifices and a life as a Slave, he repeats himself to me with incredible harshness: that I will never be his Wife, like no other woman, and that he cannot do anything for me - although he loves me very much!!´) Strepponi wonders what kind of affection is that one, saying `Domando io che razza d´affezione sia quest ache desidera ed accetta sagrifizi dagli altri, senza volerne fare alcuno!´ (Translation: `I wonder what kind of affection is this one who desires and accepts sacrifices from others, without wanting to make any!´) Further again Strepponi asks for secrecy, stating `Conserva la massima segretezza su questo affare… Mi raccomando alla Madonna, perché m´aiuti e mi meta nella posizione di non calcar mai piú quelle infami tavole del palcoscenico, e spero m´esaudisca´ (Translation: `Keep the utmost secrecy on this matter ... I commend myself to the Madonna, to help me and put me in the position of never again treading those infamous stages, and I hope she will listen to me´) Before concluding Strepponi refers to Verdi and to his opera Nabucco which she premiered a year and a half earlier, stating `Vitali ha preso alloggio senza dirmi nulla; si vede che sua moglie non era contenta di star meco. Para che vi sia qualche intenzione di chiamar Verdi a mettere in scena il Nabucco, sarebbe da una parte meglio, perché potressimo parlar chiaro´ (Translation: `Vitali has taken lodges without telling me anything; it is evident that his wife was not happy to be with me. It seems that there is some intention of calling Verdi to stage Nabucco, on the other hand it will be better, because we will be able to speak clearly´) The letter bears a Bath blind embossed seal to the upper left corner. With address leaf, postmarked and with remnants of a former red wax seal. Accompanied by a full typed transcription of the letter.  Overall creasing. About G In 1844, few months after the present letter was written, Strepponi began to experience significant vocal problems, most likely brought on by her relentless performing schedule. Her voice never recovered and she thereafter appeared only sporadically in operas until her retirement in February 1846

TALLEYRAND-PERIGORD & FOUCHE: TALLEYRAND-PERIGORD CHARLES MAURICE DE (1754-1838) Prince of Talleyrand, French clergyman, politician and diplomat, Prime Minister of France, 1815 & FOUCHE JOSEPH (1759-1820) 1st Duc d'Otrante, 1st Comte Fouche. French statesman and revolutionary who served as Minister of Police (1799-1810, 1815) under Napoleon Bonaparte. D.S. by both Talleyrand ('Charles Maurice') and Fouche ('Comte de l'Empire Fouche') individually, one page, folio, Schoenbrunn, 24th August 1809, in French. The partially printed document, with manuscript insertions in the hand of Fouche, is addressed to Monsieur Laffontan, President of the Canton of Valence and is an Extrait des Minutes de la Secretairerie d'Etat ('Extract from the Minutes of the Secretary of State') originally issued by Hugues-Bernard Maret, Duke of Bassano, on behalf of Napoleon I, and states that they have deemed it appropriate to convene the assembly of the canton on 17th October 1809, and consequently order Laffontan to execute, and cause to be executed, the provisions of the acts of the Constitutions of the Empire, further stating 'Nous avons fait connaitre a notre premier Inspecteur de la Gendarmerie, et au General commandant la 10 eme Division militaire, que vous avez seul la police de l'assemblee; que nulle force armee ne doit etre placee pres du lieu de ses seances ni y penetrer sans votre requistion; qu'ils doivent ordonner de deferer a celles que vous adresserez aux Commandans de la Gendarmerie, et de vous preter assistance, si le cas l'exige et que vous le demandiez' (Translation: 'We have made it known to our first Inspector of the Gendarmerie, and to the General commanding the 10th Military Division, that you alone have the police of the assembly; that no armed force should be placed near the place of its meetings or enter there without your request; that they must order to defer to those which you will address to the Commanders of the Gendarmerie, and to lend you assistance, if the case requires it and that you ask for it'). Signed at the foot by Talleyrand in his capacity as Vice-Grand-Elector and by Fouche in his capacity as Minister of the Interior (rare as such; Fouche only served in the post from 29th June to 1st October 1809) and with a circular blind embossed seal beneath. With blank integral leaf. Some light, minor staining to the lower left corner and a very small hole to the centre of the text, otherwise VG

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

ZAMOYSKI ANDRZEJ ARTUR: (1800-1874) Polish nobleman and political Activist. Zamoyski became the principal figure in the Biali political faction in Poland. He went into exile in France in 1863. A clean A.L.S., `André Zamoyski´, one page, 8vo, n.p., 4th August 1857, to monsieur [Oscar Grille], in French. The letter bears to the upper left corner a Polish blind embossed crowned seal, Zamoyski stating `Je m´empresse de vous faire parvenir l´incluse que l´on vient de me remettre sous enveloppe à mon adresse. Veuillez me permettre d´ajouter qu´il me tarde de faire connaissance avec un ingénieur de mérite, que je me propose bien d´ennuyer un peu de questions..´ (“I hasten to send you the enclosed which has just been delivered to me in an envelope addressed to me. Please allow me to add that I am looking forward to getting to know an engineer of merit, that I intend to bore with a few questions..´ With blank integral leaf. Very small overall minor age wear, otherwise G to VG  

FOREL AUGUSTE: (1848-1931) Swiss myrmecologist, neuroanatomist, psychiatrist and eugenicist, noted for his investigations into the structure of the human brain and that of ants. A.L.S., Forel, to one side of a plain postcard, Burgholzli, 29th November 1891, to Dr. von Speyr, in German. Forel writes on the health of his family, and makes reference to the goddess of fortune, in full, 'Luckily, I and the children are doing much better. Martha in particular had caused us great concern because she had whooping cough so badly and with a fever. She vomited everything, didn't keep anything down for eight days and lost a lot of weight. But she is now recovering and so are the others. The youngest is completely isolated from the others. The Gods should take care of everything else and appoint blind Fortuna as the governing leader. She will rule with autocracy and automatism. Hope is my consolation. Otherwise, things are going wonderfully, and I would only wish we weren't dependent on Fortuna'. Hand addressed by Forel to the verso. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG 

BEAUHARNAIS HORTENSE: (1783-1837) Queen consort of Holland as spouse of Louis Bonaparte. Daughter of Josephine de Beauharnais and stepdaughter and later also sister-in-law of Napoleon I. Hortense de Beauharnais was the mother of Emperor of the French Napoleon III. An excellent A.L.S., `Hortense´, one page, 5 x 6, on attractive paper with ornated blind embossed borders, Plombieres, 24th July, n.y. [1809], to Marshal Bessieres, in French. Hortense sends a close and kind message to Bessieres relating to her correspondent´s health issues, and stating in part `J´espere que vous comptez assez sur mon amitié, mon cher Bessieres, pour croire à toute ma peine en apprenant votre hernie. Heureusement elle n´a pas eu de suite et c´est un compliment qu´il faut faire. Surtout a votre femme et a vos amis. Vous devez jouir de leur bonheur et bien vous soigner. J´espere que vous croyez a la part que je prends, au plaisir que j´aurais a vous revoir…´ (Translation: “I hope you count enough on my friendship, my dear Bessieres, to believe in all my sorrow on learning of your hernia. Fortunately it did not have a continuation and it is a compliment which it is necessary to make. Especially to your wife and your friends. You should enjoy their happiness and take good care of yourself. I hope you believe in the part that I take, in the pleasure that I would have to see you again…”) With blank integral leaf. Small professional repair to the verso of the blank leaf, otherwise VG Jean-Baptiste Bessieres (1768-1813) Marshal of France, Duc d´Istria. He participated in all the Napoleon military campaigns. Killed in the battle field in Rippach, the day before the battle of Lutzen. 

MALIBRAN MARIA: (1808-1836) Spanish Mezzo-Soprano. One of the most best-known opera singers of the 19th century for her dramatic performances and her extraordinary voice. She became a legendary figure after her very early death. Rare A.L.S., `M. F. Malibran´, one page, oblong 8vo, Brussels, n.d., to her impresario Jules Troupenas, in French. The letter bears to the upper left corner a blind embossed seal of « Bath ». Malibran enquires as to why her correspondent did not reply to her letter `Vous n´avez pas répondu à ma lettre. Pouquoi ?´ (`You have not answered to my letter. Why ?´), and continues to add that she has received notification from the postal services in Paris that there is a letter waiting for her from Milan and that there is a charge of 7 francs and 60 cents to pay, and a further 4 francs and 60 cents to have it sent to her. In concluding the singer asks Troupenas `Voulez-vous payer pour moi le tout et me l´envoyer? Je vous serai bien obligée´ (`Would you please pay the whole and send it to me ? I would be most obliged´). Autographs of Malibran are particularly rare following her untimely death at the age of 28. G to VG 

WILLIAM V: (1748-1806) Prince of Orange 1751-1806 and the last stadtholder of the Dutch Republic. D.S., W. Pr. V. Orange, one page, folio, Breda, 17th September 1792, in Dutch. The manuscript document is untranslated although would appear to be a military commission and makes reference to a Captain Kulp and a Major Reusch. Countersigned at the foot by Thomas Isaac de Larrey (1703-1795) Secretary to the Prince of Orange. With blind embossed paper seal affixed and blank integral leaf. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG

[JOYCE JAMES]: (1882-1941) Irish novelist and poet. An unusual partially printed document, completed and signed on behalf of Joyce in the hand of an administrative agent, four pages, 4to, Paris, 21st April 1939, in French. The official Reseau Telephonique de Paris (Paris Telephone Network) document is Joyce's contract to have a telephone line installed at 34 rue des Vignes in Paris for an annual fee of six hundred and sixty francs, the head of the first page stamped Transfert ('Transfer') and a further stamp with manuscript insertions to the third page confirming that the document replaces an earlier commitment to have a telephone line at 7 rue Edmond Valentin and that the minimum duration of the subscription is still in place. The foot of the third page is signed on behalf of Joyce with the observation 'Lu et accepté' (Translation: 'Read and accepted'). A moving document relating to Joyce's last private residence in Paris. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VGJames Joyce first came to Paris in July 1920 and would reside in the French capital for almost two decades, although the writer never bought a home of his own. Joyce's health problems afflicted him throughout his Paris years and despite over a dozen eye operations his vision severely declined and by the 1930s he was practically blind, making the telephone an important method of communication and explaining why he was unable to sign the present document.Joyce lived in an elegant apartment at 7 rue Edmond Valentin, close to the River Seine and Eiffel Tower, for five years from February 1935 until April 1939 before moving into a smaller apartment (although blessed with a lot of natural light) at 34 rue des Vignes on 15th April 1939. Finnegans Wake was published whilst Joyce was living in the apartment, which he would leave after six months in mid-October 1939. Following the fall of France in 1940 Joyce and his family travelled to Zurich to flee the Nazi occupation. On 11th January 1941 Joyce underwent surgery and fell into a coma the next day, awaking briefly at 2 am on 13th January before dying fifteen minutes later.

GEORGE VI: (1895-1952) King of the United Kingdom 1936-52. Vintage signed 7 x 10.5 photograph of the future King in a head and shoulders pose. Photograph by C. Vandyk Ltd. of London and bearing their blind stamp to the lower mount and wet stamp to the verso. Signed ('Albert') by the Duke of York in dark fountain pen ink to the lower photographer's mount and dated 1923 in his hand. A large area of uniform discoloration affects around three-quarters of the mount. G 

FAULKNER WILLIAM: (1897-1962) American writer, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1949. D.S., William Faulkner, one page, 4to, n.p. (Los Angeles, California), 16th August 1943. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, states, in part, 'I, William Faulkner, hereby certify that I wrote, created and composed and/or collaborated in the writing…..of the screen play entitled “De Gaulle Story” and/or “Free French” based on the life of Charles De Gaulle and the Free French movement and the original dialogue used therein, as an employee of Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., pursuant to an agreement of employment dated July 27, 1942, in performance of my duties thereunder and in the regular course of my employment; and that said Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. is the author and entitled to the copyright and all other rights…..' Countersigned at the foot by a Notary Public alongside their blind embossed seal. Rare. One small file hole to the upper left corner, a small minor tear to the right edge, and some very minor, light creasing, otherwise VG It was American President Franklin D. Roosevelt who had originally mooted the idea of a glorifying biopic of Charles de Gaulle and the Free French to Jack Warner, as he wanted to bolster de Gaulle's reputation. Warner passed the concept off to Faulkner the day that the writer arrived at the Warner Bros. studios. Unfortunately, Faulkner got caught up in an arduous series of edits on The De Gaulle Story (1942) in an effort to please de Gaulle's Hollywood consultant, Henri Diamant-Berger, who went to lengths to point out the script's flaws and inaccuracies in regard to French custom and the heroism of de Gaulle. When Faulkner had completed the script to Diamant-Berger's liking, the studio made the decision to shelve the project.

SOUBLETTE CARLOS: (1789-1870) President of Venezuela 1837-39, 1843-47, a hero of the Venezuelan War of Independence. D.S., Carlos Soublette, one page, large oblong folio, Caracas, 24th June 1844, in Spanish. The manuscript document recognises the desire to promote trade between the Republic of Venezuela and the domains of His Majesty the King of Belgium through consular establishments, 'and not doubting the good disposition of His Majesty King Leopold I to cultivate with Venezuela the friendship and good relations that the interests of both countries demand', thereby announcing the appointment of Jose A. Hauman to be the Consul General for Venezuela in Brussels, and asking the corresponding authorities to recognise and approve the appointment. Countersigned at the foot by Juan Manuel Manrique (1798-1856) Venezuelan politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs 1844-47. With blind embossed seal. Some light age wear and a few minor splits at the edges of folds, about VG

GEORGE V: (1865-1936) King of the United Kingdom 1910-36. A good D.S., George R. I., as King, at the head, one page, large oblong folio, Court at Saint James, 1st July 1926. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, states that it has been thought 'necessary for the encouragement of Our Subjects trading to the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes to appoint a Consul for the Departments of Sarajevska, Mostarska, Iravnicka, Urbaska, Inglanska, Bihacka and Uzicka, to reside at Sarajevo, to take care of the affairs of Our said Subjects and to aid and assist them in all their lawful and mercantile concerns', thereby appointing Charles Alexis Grieg to be His Majesty's Consul at Sarajevo. Countersigned at the foot by Austen Chamberlain (1863-1937) British statesman who served as Foreign Secretary 1924-29, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1925. With blind embossed seal. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG Charles Alexis Greig (1880-1958) British diplomat who served in the Balkans and Middle East.

SLAVERY: 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 A.L.S., `C.m.de Cespedes´, one page, small 4to, Bayamo, 27th December 1868, in Spanish. The document bears an attractive revolutionary vignette to the heading and the printed title beneath ''Liberator Army of Cuba and its Provisional Government''. Cespedes on this Manumission missive states `En esta fecha y como encargado del Gobierno Provisional, he otorgado carta de Libertad al negro nombrado Jonas, como de 23 años de edad, natural de Cuba…´ (Translation: “On this date, and in my capacity as representative of the Provisional Government, I have granted freedom to the negro named Jonas, of 23 years old approximately, native of Cuba…”) The document bears to the front a blind embossed seal and to the lower left corner an ink stamp of the ''free town council of Bayamo''. Overall age wear, with trimmed edges and few small pinholes. About G

SCHLEIERMACHER FRIEDRICH: (1768-1834) German Reformed theologian, philosopher and biblical scholar known for his attempt to reconcile the criticisms of the Enlightenment with traditional Protestant Christianity. D.S., Schleiermacher, one page, folio, Berlin, 15th January 1818, in German. The manuscript document is a certificate of diligence for the student of theology Friedrich Schirmer of Berlin and confirms that he attended various lectures 'of Prof. Dr. Neander about the second part of the church history, of Prof. Dr. de Wette about the Gospel of John and the Hebrew antiquities, of Mr. Wolf about Christian grammar, and of Mr. Lucke about the historical critic of the New Testament', and having done so with diligence is granted a scholarship. With a blind embossed paper seal affixed. A single light red line runs vertically through the text, not affecting the signature. A few very small, minor holes to the left edge, VG 

CAPELL ARTHUR: (1631-1683) 1st Earl of Essex. English statesman who served as Chief Minister of Great Britain, First Lord of the Treasury 1679-84. Essex died as a prisoner awaiting execution for treason in the Tower of London, controversially discovered in his chamber with his throat cut, having been convicted of participation in the Rye House Plot against King Charles II and his brother, James, Duke of York. A scarce D.S., Essex, one page, folio, n.p., 1st July 1669. The manuscript document acknowledges a payment of 'the full summe of Twelve hundred and fifty pounds of lawfull money of England' from John Morris and Peter Clayton of London for the purchase of some land. Boldly signed by the Earl of Essex at the foot alongside a small blind embossed paper seal and countersigned by Francis Vaughan, John Morris and Peter Clayton (brother of Robert). Attractively matted in light beige with black borders alongside a colour reproduction image of the Earl of Essex and framed and glazed in a modern frame to an overall size of 20 x 17. VGSir Robert Clayton (1629-1707) British merchant banker and politician who served as Lord Mayor of London 1679-80. In partnership with John Morris, Clayton established the bank Clayton & Morris Co. and the two became successful businessmen.  

GEORGE IV: (1762-1830) King of the United Kingdom 1820-30. D.S., George R, as King of Hanover, at the foot, one page, folio, Carlton House, 2nd July 1822, in German. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is untranslated although appears to be a military commission relating to Second Lieutenant Carl Friedrich Stutzer. Countersigned by Ernst zu Munster (1766-1839) German statesman and politician who served as Head of the German Chancery in London from 1805-31. With a blind embossed paper seal affixed and blank integral leaf. Some light age wear to the edges, otherwise VG

DUSE ELEONORA: (1858-1924) Italian stage actress. D.S., E Duse, two pages, slim 4to, n.p. (Marseille?), n.d. (c. December 1903), in French. The manuscript document is a contract between Duse and Monsieur Simon of the Theatre des Varietes in Marseille in which the actress agrees to appear in two Italian performances with her company, on Tuesday 5th January and Thursday 7th January 1904, outlining that Duse will receive 70% of the revenue generated by ticket receipts and that Simon will receive 30% from which he shall pay various expenses, including the cost of stagehands, an orchestra featuring a string quartet and one or two pianos if necessary, advertising posters (from two weeks before the performances) etc., but not to include the cost of travel and hotel accommodation for Duse and her company, and also stipulating that the same seats within the theatre (including balcony seats) that were reserved for her previous performance on 28th March 1898 will again be reserved for Duse's guests. With two circular French revenue stamps (one blind embossed) in the left margin. VG

MONTAGU JOHN: (1718-1792) 4th Earl of Sandwich. British statesman who served as First Lord of the Admiralty 1748-51, 1763, 1771-82 during which time he was a great supporter of Captain James Cook, who named the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) after the Earl. Sandwich is also known for the claim that he was the eponymous inventor of the sandwich. D.S., Sandwich, one page (vellum), folio, Office of Admiralty, 13th March 1772. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is a naval commission appointing Alexander Maxton to be a First Lieutenant of HMS Carysfort and requiring him to strictly charge and command 'all the Officers & Company….subordinate to you to behave themselves jointly and severally in their respective employments with all due Respect and Obedience unto you their said Lieutenant…..nor you nor any of you may fail as you will answer the Contrary at your Peril'. Signed by the Earl of Sandwich at the foot and countersigned by three other Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty comprising John Buller (1721-1786) British politician, Henry Temple, 2nd Viscount Palmerston (1739-1802) British politician, and Wilmot Vaughan, 1st Earl of Lisburne (1728-1800) Welsh politician. With blind embossed paper seal affixed. Some light foxing and age wear and a tear to the left edge, not affecting the text or signatures. GHMS Carysfort was a sixth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy who served during the American War of Independence, the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars. In April 1772, the month after the present commission was issued, she sailed to Jamaica. 

SOMOZA ANASTASIO: (1896-1956) Nicaraguan dictator who served as President of Nicaragua 1937-47, 1950-56. Assassinated. An official diplomatic L.S., A Somoza, one page, folio, Managua, 26th June 1951, to Manuel A. Odria, President of the Republic of Peru, in Spanish. Somoza informs Odria that he has decided to conclude the mission of Dr. Jesus Aguilar Cortes as the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Nicaragua to Peru, and further takes the opportunity to express his thanks for the courtesies extended to the diplomat, and sends his fervent good wishes for the well-being of Peru and Odria himself. Countersigned by Oscar Sevilla Sacasa, Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1949-56. With two blind embossed seals. With blank integral leaf. VGManuel A. Odria (1896-1974) President of Peru 1947-48, 1948-50, 1950-56.  

MASO MARQUEZ BARTOLOME DE JESUS: (1830-1907) Cuban Politician and military Patriot. A main figure of Cuban independence. President of the Cuban ''Republic in Arms'' 1897-98. D.S., `Bart. Masó´, two pages, Cuba, 1st of August 1898, to officer Eligio Fariñas, in Spanish. The partially printed document, bearing the heading ''El Presidente de la Republica de Cuba'', is a military appointment in favour of Eligio Fariñas, appointing him as infantry Lieutenant. Signed at the base by the President of the Republic Bartolomé Masó. The present document is signed during the short period of 12 months that Masó was President. Bearing to the front three blind embossed seals, one of the Liberating Army. With several countersignatures to the verso by several members of the government, including Jose Clemente Vivanco (1873-1946), also bearing several ink stamps of various ministries of the Republic of Cuba. Overall age wear and creasing, mostly to edges. F to G                                            

DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Père (1802-1870) French Writer whose works include The Three Musketeers. A cleanly written A.L.S., Al. Dumas, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to a lady, in French. The letter bears to the upper left corner a blind embossed seal with his initials "A.D". Dumas sends a short message to one of his female relationships, starting with a warm `A ce soir" (Translation: `See you this evening´, further saying `Donnez-moi je vous prie le montant de ce petit billet… Je vous embrasse…´ (Translation: `Please give me the amount of this small… I kiss you…´) With blank integral leaf. Very small minor creases and age wear to the edges, otherwise G to VG 

[REIGN OF TERROR]: COMMITTEE OF GENERAL SECURITY: A good D.S. by nine members of the final Committee of General Security individually, comprising Joseph Pemartin (1754-1842), Francois Bergoeing (1750-1829), Edme-Louis-Barthelemy Bailly (1760-1819), Augustin Bernard Francois Legoazre de Kervelegan (1748-1825), Jacques-Charles Bailleul (1762-1843), Pierre-Marie Delaunay (1755-1814), Claude-Alexandre Ysabeau (1754-1831), Joseph-Nicholas Pierret (1758-1825) and Jean-Marie Cales (1757-1834), one page, folio, Paris, 23rd August 1795, in French. The partially printed document states that the Committee have examined the documents relating to citizen Champion from which it results that he is denounced for several serious facts, but the opinion of the Civil Committee is that he was not able to obtain all of the information he would have desired, and that he learned by some indirect means that he had served la Tyrannie (Robespierre), further adding that they have also considered his sad situation and that the Committee have decided to release him to allow his freedom ('Vu les pieces relatives au Cen. Champion, section du Bonnet de la Liberte, desquelles il resulte qu'il se trouve denonce pour plusieurs faits graves; vu l'avis du Comite civil qui declare qu'il n'a pu se procurer tous les renseignemens qu'il aurait desires, mais qu'il a appris par quelques voies indirectes qu'il avait servi la Tyrannie, sans cependant, rien de positif a cet egard, ayant aussi egard a sa triste situation, et aux attestations de civisme qu'il a produites. Le Comite arrete que le dit Champion jouira proviscirement de sa liberte….') With a blind embossed paper seal affixed to the lower left corner. Some light age wear, minor traces of former mounting to the right edge of the verso and a couple of neat splits to the folds. About VGProvenance: from the collection of the British bibliophile James Lindsay (1847-1913) 26th Earl of Crawford and bearing his small oval stamp to the lower right corner.

LOMBARD CAROLE: (1908-1942) American actress, an Academy Award nominee. A good vintage signed and inscribed 11 x 14 photograph of the actress standing in an appealing half-length pose. Photograph by George Hurrell and bearing his blind stamp to the lower right corner. Signed by Lombard in green fountain pen ink to the image with poor contrast Rare. VG

[HITLER ADOLF]: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45 & [MEISSNER OTTO] (1880-1953) German civil servant, head of the Office of the President of Germany 1920-45. D.S. in facsimile by both Hitler and Meissner, one page, folio, Berlin, 22nd May 1939, in German. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, awards the Order of Merit of the German Eagle Third Class with Swords to Juan A. Ponte Chinchilla. The blue printed facsimile signatures of Hitler and Meissner appear at the foot of the document alongside a circular blind embossed seal featuring the Nazi eagle and swastika. Contained in the original presentation folder and accompanied by the original envelope. VG

The Duke of Montmorency authorises a payment to an archer ‘ ill from two stab wounds that he had in his body’ sustained at the Battle of Dreux  MONTMORENCY ANNE DE: (1493-1567) Duke of Montmorency. French soldier, statesman and diplomat who became a Marshal of France and Constable of France, serving five kings. A good D.S., Montmor[en]cy, one page (vellum), slim oblong folio, Moulins, 28th January 1566, in Middle French. The manuscript document is issued by the Duke of Montmorency in his capacity as a peer and Constable of France, adviser to the King and Ordinary Treasurer of his Wars and orders 'en vertu de nre pouvoir……Vous paiez baillez et delivrez comptant a Jehan distidon archer de la cpaignie de monsr de cursol son estat et solde de quartier de Janvier fevrier et mars mil Vc Lxii Nonobstant ql ayt este mis absent a la monstre dernierement faicte dont attendu quil nous a este bien et deuement certiffié que lors q. lad. Monstre a estee faicte por lesd. quartiers ql estoit mallade de deux coups de coustellas quil a eu en son corps estant por le service du roy a la bataille de dreux Et quil nen a este pourveu aulcun en sa place, Nous lavons Relleve et Rellevons par ces pntes Rapportant lesquelles controllees et veriffiees par le controlr gnal des guerres avec quictance dudict distidon sur ce suffisante La somme q. por cest effect luy aura estee paye sera passee et allouee en la despence de vos comptes et rabatue de vre recepte par messrs les gens des comptes du roy….' (Translation: 'by virtue of our power……you pay, bail and deliver cash to Jehan Distidon, archer of the company of Monsieur de Cursol, his state and quarter pay for January, February and March 1562, notwithstanding that he was absent from the watch recently made, of which expected that it has been well and duly certified to us that when the said watch was made for the said quarters that he was ill from two stab wounds that he had in his body being in the service of the King at the battle of Dreux, and that none have been provided in his place. We have noted it and hereby note, reporting which controlled and verified by the general controller of wars with receipt of the said Distidon on this sufficient the sum which for this purpose will have been paid to him will be passed and allocated in the expense of your accounts and reduced from your receipt by the gentlemen of the King's accounts'). Countersigned by Martin (?) and with the remnants of the blind embossed paper seal loosely in place. With a contemporary docket to the verso signed by Leconte, secretary and comptroller general, confirming that the payment has been registered, Moulins, 8th February 1566. Some light overall age wear and a few stains and creases, G The Battle of Dreux took place on 19th December 1562 and was fought between the Catholics, led by Anne de Montmorency, and the Huguenots, led by Louis I, Prince of Conde, and constituted the first major engagement in the French Wars of Religion. During the battle Montmorency had his horse shot from under him and he was taken prisoner, and one of the Duke's sons also met his death. However, Montmorency's soldiers eventually won the battle, one of the bloodiest of the 16th century 

BULLOCK SANDRA: (1964-     ) American actress, Academy Award winner for Best Actress in 2009 for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy in The Blind Slide. Signed colour 8 x 10 photograph of Bullock standing outdoors in a three-quarter length pose wearing a floral-patterned dress. Signed in blue ink with her name alone to a clear area at the base of the image. EX

LEOPOLD I: (1790-1865) King of the Belgians 1831-65. D.S., Leopold R, one page, folio, Palace of Laeken, 6th September 1844, in French. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, acknowledges the appointment of Jose A. Hauman as the Consul of the Republic of Venezuela at Brussels and grants him 'tous les privileges, franchises, preeminences attaches a son emploi' (Translation: 'all the privileges, rights, pre-eminences attached to his employment'), further stating 'Enjoignons a toutes les autorites administratives et judiciaires de le reconnaitre en qualite de Consul de Venezuela a Bruxelles afin qu'il puisse exercer librement les fonctions qui lui sont confiees, a la charge neanmoins, s'il fait quelque commerce, de rester expose aux poursuites eventuelles sans avoir le droit d'opposer aucune exception du chef de sa qualite de Consul' (Translation: 'We require all the administrative and judicial authorities to recognise him as Consul of Venezuela in Brussels so that he can freely exercise the functions entrusted to him, subject nevertheless, if he conducts some business, to remain exposed to prosecution without having the right to oppose any exception on the grounds of his capacity as Consul'). Signed by the King at the foot and countersigned by Albert Joseph, Count Goblet d'Alviella (1790-1873) Belgian politician who served as Prime Minister of Belgium 1832-34. With blind embossed paper seal affixed (some light staining) and blank integral leaf. Some light age wear and a few very minor, small tears to the upper edge, otherwise VG 

DUKE PATTY: (1946-     ) American actress, Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress in 1962 for her role as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. Signed 10 x 8 photograph of Duke standing in a half-length pose in costume from her Oscar winning performance as the young, blind Helen Keller, opposite Anne Bancroft in costume as Anne Sullivan, Keller's tutor (a performance for which Bancroft won her Best Actress Oscar) in a scene from the biographical film The Miracle Worker. Signed ('Patty Duke Astin') by Astin in blue ink with her name alone to a clear area of the image, and also signed by Bancroft in black ink with her name alone to a largely clear area of the image. A few very light, extremely minor corner creases, VG

‘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’  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. 

GEORGE III: (1738-1820) King of Great Britain and Ireland 1760-1820. D.S., George R, as King, at the head, one page (vellum), oblong folio, Court at Saint James's, 13th December 1799. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is a military commission appointing J. B. Hart to be an Ensign in the 52nd (or Oxfordshire) Regiment of Foot. Countersigned at the foot by the Duke of Portland (1738-1809) British Prime Minister 1783, 1807-09 and Home Secretary 1794-1801. With blind embossed paper seal affixed. Some very light, minor staining, otherwise VG 

JOHN III SOBIESKI: (1629-1696) King of Poland & Grand Duke of Lithuania 1674-96. A popular King among his subjects and a respected military leader whose 22-year reign marked a period of stabilization. John III Sobieski succeeded to defeat the Ottoman army at the battle of Vienna. 1683, saving Europe from being invaded and saving the Christianity of the Western World. He was one of the greatest heros of his time. Very rare L.S., `Jan Krol´, signed by the King of Polonly two months before passing away, in Polish, one page, oblong 14 x 8, Warsaw, Roku Panskiego, 26th April 1696, to Caroli Stanislas Radzi, Duke of Otyka Nieswicz, in Polish. The letter states to the heading, "John Sobieski, King of Poland of the Russian Lithuania, of the Masovian Voivodeship, of Smolensk,…". The untranslated document bears a very attractive and large blind embossed seal at the base. Countersigned at the base. Folded. Overall age wear, with small creasing and staining, otherwise F to G

NESSELRODE KARL: (1780-1862) Russian Count and Diplomat. L.S., Nesselrode, one page, 4to, St. Petersburg, 4th October 1847, to Mr. Shepard, in French. Nesselrode responds to his correspondent´s letter sent from Berlin days ago and states `Responding to your wish of getting by the Imperial Government a privilege, allowing you to introduce your invention in Russia, I have to inform you that your request is not to be addressed to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and that if you wish to pursue with such process you will have to send it to the competent authorities´.  With small blind embossed seal to the upper left corner. The letter has been neatly affixed to a larger leave. Some overall creasing, otherwise VG   

RAEDER ERICH: (1876-1960) German Grand Admiral of World War II, Knight's Cross winner. D.S., Raeder, one page, folio, Berlin, 10th September 1939, in German. The partially printed document, completed in a calligraphic hand, appoints the senior government inspector Wilhelm Stern to be an administrative clerk, in the expectation that 'true to his oath of service, (he) will faithfully discharge his duties and justify the confidence bestowed upon him by this appointment' and continues 'At the same time, he can be sure of the special protection of the Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor'. Signed by Raeder at the foot in his capacity as Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine alongside a blind embossed circular seal featuring the Nazi swastika and eagle. With blank integral leaf. Some light age wear and a number of small tears to the right edge, otherwise about VG 

FREDERICK AUGUSTUS I: (1750-1827) Elector of Saxony 1763-1806 (as Frederick Augustus III) and King of Saxony 1806-27. The King was a loyal ally to Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars and lost much of his territory to Prussia at the Congress of Vienna. D.S., Friedrich Augustus, two pages, folio, 26th October 1768, in German. The manuscript document is untranslated although appears to be a military commission relating to Heinrich Ernst von Feilitzsch. Countersigned by Count Johann Franz von Bellegarde (1707-1769) General of the Infantry and Minister of War. With blind embossed paper seal affixed (causing some light staining to the recto). Some light age wear and a few minor tears and creases to the edges, otherwise VG  

GROUCHY EMMANUEL DE: (1766-1847) Marshal of France. Marquis de Grouchy. An excellent and cleanly written A.L.S., `Le M[aréch]al M[arqu]is de Grouchy´, one page, 4to, Paris, 9th July 1840, to the General Prosecutor, In French. The present letter relates to the famous sentence "Les Fraises de Grouchy" ("Grouchy´s Strawberries"). Grouchy is getting concerned, waiting for a decision and wanting to know if the King will take to the Pairs Chamber his complaint against General Berthezene, stating in part `La publicité de ma plainte et la rétractation du Gal Berthezene pouvant rigoureusement suffire à la réparation de l'outrage qui m'a été fait´ (Translation: "The publicity of my complaint and the retraction of General Berthezene may strictly be sufficient to repair the outrage that has been made to me") Further saying `Le déplorable état de ma santé fait regarder comme urgent a Mr. Andral, mon médecin, qui est près de moi, que je quitte Paris si je veux éviter l'issue fatale de la grave maladie de cœur dont je suis atteint; d´un autre côté, ce que j´ai dit au Roi que je m´éloignerais de suite…´ (Translation: "The deplorable state of my health makes Mr. Andral, my doctor, who is close to me, consider it urgent that I leave Paris if I want to avoid the fatal outcome of the serious heart disease from which I suffer; on the other hand, what I told the King was that I would leave immediately…") Bearing a blind embossed seal to the upper left edge. With blank integral leaf. Tear to the right folded edge, otherwise G Pierre Berthezene (1775-1847) French General. Berthezene and Marshal Gerard expressed openly their opinion in 1840 about Grouchy´s reponsibility on the Waterloo defeat referring to his behaviour on what was called since as "Les Fraises de Grouchy" ("Grouchy´s Strawberries") Berthezene finally retracted on his accusations the 19th November 1840.The issue "Les Fraises de Grouchy" ("Grouchy´s Strawberries") refer to Grouchy´s behaviour immediately before the battle of Waterloo. It has been reported that on 18th June 1815, at Waterloo, Napoleon ordered Grouchy to join him with his forces urgently. When a large number of military forces were reaching Waterloo, Napoleon thought that it was Grouchy, but quickly learned that in fact it was Blucher´s Prussian troops. Apparently Grouchy delayed his departure until he got and finished eating strawberries. 

WILHELM II: (1859-1941) German Emperor & King of Prussia 1888-1918. D.S., Wilhelm R[ex], a large and bold good example of his signature, one page, folio, 3rd October 1899, in German. The attractive partially printed document, bearing to the heading a crowned large eagle above the printed text "Wilhelm, King of Prussia", is an appointment awarded to Wilhelm Holtze. Signed by the Kaiser in dark fountain pen ink at the conclusion alongside a large blind embossed attractive seal. Countersigned at the base. With blank integral leaf. Very small minor creasing to the upper edge, otherwise VG

GEROME JEAN-LEON: (1824-1904) French painter and sculptor. A clean A.L.S., J L Gerome, one page, 12mo, n.p. [Paris], n.d., on his personal printed stationery, bearing his printed address to the heading, 65 Boulevard de Clichy, in French. The letter bears to the upper left corner his blind embossed capital initial “G”. Gerome states `Je suis très fâché que ma concierge ne m´ait pas prévenu de votre présence car j´aurais eu plaisir à vous serrer la main et à vous remettre les cartes que je vous envoie par la poste pour visiter les collections d´Albert Goupil. Elles sont 9 rue Chaptal…´ (Translation: “I am very sorry that my concierge did not inform me of your presence because I would have liked to shake your hand and give you the cards that I am sending you by post to visit the collections of Albert Goupil. They are 9 rue Chaptal…”) With blank integral leaf. VG 

WILLIAM IV: (1765-1837) King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 1830-37. D.S., William R, as King of Hanover, at the foot, one page, folio, Windsor Castle, 30th July 1831, in German. The manuscript document is untranslated although relates to the Oberbergrat Friedrich Ludwig Christian Jugler (1792-1871). Countersigned by Ludwig Karl Georg von Ompteda (1767-1854) German diplomat who served as Minister and Head of the German Chancery in London from 1831-37. With a blind embossed paper seal affixed. Some light dust staining to the right edge, otherwise VG 

DRESSLER MARIE: (1868-1934) Canadian actress, Academy Award winner for Best Actress in 1930/31 for her role as Min Divot in Min and Bill. A wonderful, rare vintage signed and inscribed sepia 8 x 10 photograph of Dressler in a smiling head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Clarence Sinclair Bull for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and bearing his blind stamp to the lower white border and credit stamp to the verso. Signed by Dressler in bold blue fountain pen ink to a clear area of the image. A couple of very light, minor corner creases, VG

ROHLFS FRIEDRICH GERHARD: (1831-1896) German Explorer, Geographer and Author. A.L.S., `Gerhard Rohlfs´, one page, small 4to, Weimar, 15th January 1875, on his personal stationery bearing his blind embossed name to the upper left edge, in German. Rohlfs asks his correspondent for a prompt meeting, explaining that he cannot travel to visit him as he is about to depart, stating in part `Sunday evening I am going to start a trip of several weeks as I will be giving speeches in south-Germany. Concerning the format of them, you might be right. This matter, however, can be better discussed in person. May I expect your visit on Sunday noon ? I live immediately next to the train station…´ With blank integral leaf. Small overall creasing, mostly to bottom edge, otherwise G  

FOXX JAMIE: (1967-     ) American actor, Academy Award winner for Best Actor in 2004 for his role as Ray Charles in Ray. Signed colour 8 x 10 photograph of Foxx seated at his piano in a head and shoulders pose in costume from his Oscar winning performance as the blind rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles from the biographical musical drama film Ray. Signed by Foxx with his name alone in blue ink to the image. A typed label neatly affixed to the verso indicates the signature was obtained in person at Guy's nightclub in West Hollywood on 1st December 2004. EX

GARCIA LORCA FEDERICO: (1898-1936) Spanish Poet & Dramatist. An iconic figure of the Spanish literature. An extremely rare signed and inscribed 4 x 7 photograph (10.5 x 17.5 cm), the Estudio Rembrandt photograph from Habana showing Lorca in a head and shoulders close-up portrait pose, wearing his bow tie. Signed and inscribed in bold blue fountain pen ink to the bottom right corner `A Jose maria, con un fuerte abrazo de verdadera y vieja amistad´ ("To Jose Maria, with a strong hug of true and old friendship") Bearing to the lower white border the photographer´s studio blind embossed monogram. Autographs of the Spanish Poet are extremely rare in any form following his murder, at the age of 38, by fascist forces during the Spanish Civil War. His remains have never been found. Small overall minor creasing, with very small corner creases, otherwise G

ALEXANDER II: (1818-1881) Emperor of Russia 1855-81. Assassinated. D.S., Alexander, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, n.p., 1869, in Cyrillic. The partially printed document appoints Hans Lothar von Schweinitz to be a Knight of the Imperial and Tsarist Order of Saint Stanislaus, 1st Class. Signed by the Emperor at the conclusion alongside a blind embossed paper seal. With integral leaf bearing a docket in German and dated at Marburg, 1901. A band of discoloration to the right and lower edges and some small tears and extremely small areas of paper loss and with a light circular stain, only very slightly affecting the conclusion of the Emperor's signature, G Hans Lothar von Schweinitz (1822-1901) Prussian General of the Infantry who served as the Prussian Minister in Saint Petersburg 1865-69 and as German Ambassador in Saint Petersburg 1876-92.

TCHAIKOVSKY PIOTR ILLICH: (1840-1893) Russian Composer. Rare signed and inscribed 4 x 6.5 cabinet card photograph of Tchaikovsky. The sepia image, slightly raised, as issued, depicting the Russian composer in a half-length pose. Signed and inscribed to the lower white border of the card `To Praskovia Petrovna Chernova from her old friend P.Tchaikovsky´ in bold black ink. Bearing to lower white border a blind embossed seal and to the verso the printed logo of the photographer, with the printed text “The Imperial Theatres - Marinsky Theatre Building”. Two small, neat indentations to the lower left and right edges, most likely the result of previous framing, not affecting the text or signature. Two stains to the image with some small surface scratches. Remnants of former affixing to the verso. About G

Local Interest. Messrs. Turner, Fletcher & Essex:~ By Direction of The Earl of Manvers, M.C., The Holme Pierrepoint Estate of 5465 Acres Close to the City of Nottingham […], The Whole Will Be Offered for Sale by Auction in 175 Lots […], Wednesday & Thursday, Dec. 3rd & 4th, 1941, the sale catalogue/particulars with plans 1 & 3 only, original wrappers, small folio, Elis (Clem., Rector of Kirkby in Nottinghamshire), The Communicant’s Guide […], London: Printed by John Baker at the Sign of the Three Pidgeons (sic) in St. Paul’s Church-Yard, 1685, black-ruled title, complete: A-F¹²; pp: [12], 129, [3] (advertisement), cropped to the text’s edge (loss of notes?), some marginal chipping, mainly the fore-edge, and with a few lost words, some damp-staining, contemporary blind-ruled calf, 12mo, [Wing E554], Gadsby (John), My Wanderings. Being Travels in the East in 1846-47, 1850-51, 1852-53, with Map, and Numerous Engravings on Wood. London: John Gadsby, George Yard, 1855, fold-out map frontispiece, in-text illustrations, original publisher’s blue cloth, some gutter splits, 12mo, Provincial Imprint, The Complete Ready Reckoner […], stereotype edition, Derby: Henry Mozley and Sons, 1844, original sheep, 12mo, 18th century and later juvenile didactic books, various, including pronouncing dictionaries, (12).

An oak table, early 20th c, in William and Mary style, the splayed fold-over top above blind carved drawers and split baluster mouldings, on turned legs with stretchers, 76cm  h; 41 x 80cm Wear and marks, top warped

MIXED GENRE - ROCKABILLY / BLUES / GOSPEL / ROCK N ROLL - REISSUES - 7" PACK. A pack of around 30 x 7". Artists include Glen Glenn, Blind Billy Tate & His Orchestra, J. D. Edwards, The Velvetiers, Monorays with Tony March and His Orchestra, The Five Discs, Champion Jack Dupree, Big Boy Myles, Pee Wee Hughes, The Sparktones, The Diablos, Gay Tunes, The Teen Kings, The Jayhawks, Jack Cochran, The Globetrotters and The Carousels. The condition is generally VG+ to Ex+ with most records grading at least Ex.