Dominic Winter Book Auctions
Lot 1
[Lawrence, Thomas Edward, 1888-1935]. Two Swann fountain pens and pocket clips, early 20th c., both in distressed condition with old tape repairs, the plainer model possibly restorable to working order, both approx. 14 cm, together with an autograph letter signed from 'T[om] W. Beaumont, Lawrence's No. 1 Vickers Gunner in the Arabian Campaign, 9th November 1969', to Helen [later his wife], presenting the pens to her, 'These two pens were the property of T.E. Lawrence... They were trodden on by a camel and broken. I exchanged them and let him have one of mine in good condition. That was in Abu Lissan in 1918... accept them with my love. They may be worth something one day', 1 page, 4to T.W. Beaumont (1898-1991) served with Lawrence in 1918. His name is listed in Appendix I of 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' as a member of the Hejaz Armoured Car Company. An article in the Sunday Express of 17 February 1935 describes him as a "machine-gunner in the 'Suicide Club', a detachment of twenty-six men, sent to Arabia in 1917 for secret service work under Lawrence". (3)
![[Lawrence, Thomas Edward, 1888-1935]. Two Swann fountain pens and pocket clips, early 20th c., both in distressed condition](http://lot-images.atgmedia.com/SR/10729/2497776/311-22-10729_468x382.jpg)
