ENOLA GAY: Paul Tibbets (1915-2007) American Brigadier General in the United States Air Force, pilot of the Enola Gay, the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb, Hiroshima, 6th August 1945. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Tibbets waving from the cockpit of the Enola Gay. Signed in black ink with his name alone to the image; George R. Caron (1919-1995) American Pilot, Tail Gunner of the Enola Gay during the historic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, 6th August 1945. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Caron seated in a three-quarter length pose wearing his uniform. Signed in black ink with his name alone to a clear area of the background; Morris Jeppson (1922-2010) American Second Lieutenant, Assistant Weaponeer of the Enola Gay during the historic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, 6th August 1945. Signed 3.5 x 5.5 photograph of Jeppson standing in a three-quarter length pose alongside the Enola Gay. Signed in bold black ink with his name alone to the lower border. VG to EX, 3
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EINSTEIN ALBERT: (1879-1955) German-born theoretical physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1921. A very fine letter, dated the day before the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies. T.L.S., `Albert Einstein´, one page, 4to, Princeton, 7th May 1945, in English. The letter bears the printed heading of The Institute for Advanced Study, School of Mathematics, Princeton, New Jersey. Einstein, to whom it may concern, recommends a Physician he knows since his time in Germany, stating `Doctor Joseph Castel is well known to me as the elder son of an intimate friend of mine. I have known him in Germany but am also well informed about his life after 1933 and about his activities. I know that he is politically reliable and devoted to the cause of the United Nations. Dr. Castel is an intelligent and practical man and an able physician. I should be glad if he would be offered the opportunity to render useful service´ Beneath Einstein´s signature, the typed text `Professor Albert Einstein´. Paper with a Chieftain Bond watermark. Overall creasing, with a very small tear to the right edge and a trace of a former staple to the upper left corner. About G The letter is dated only few days after Hitler committed suicide and the day before the Nazi Germany surrendered and signed the unconditional surrender document, signed at Berlin on the 8th May 1945. A curious coincidence considering that Einstein had to go into exile to US as refugee, leaving his own country and university and escaped from the Nazi Germany twelve years before in 1933 when first laws against Jews were approved by Adolf Hitler.
MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II. A war date D.S., Mussolini, two pages, folio, Rome, 13th February 1942, in Italian. The typed document, bearing the printed heading Il Duce del Fascismo, Capo del Governo, relates to the rental of property from Elia Federici to be used as offices for the headquarters of the Commissioner for Migration and Colonisation in Rome, providing the address of the premises at Piazza Nicosia and stating that the offices will occupy the first, second, third, fourth and fifth floors of the building, along with two apartments, and that the rent will be 500,000 lira per annum, Mussolini decreeing that 'The above contract stipulated on 2nd September 1941 XIX m.836 of the archive for the rental of the aforementioned building for use by the offices of the Commissioner for Migration and Colonisation for the duration of nine years is approved, i.e. from 1st May 1940 until 30th April 1949 and for the annual fee of 500,000 lira, payable in advance quarterly installments falling on 1st May, 1st August, 1st November and 1st February of each year starting from the said date of 1st May 1940 XVIII' and also briefly stating how the expenditure will be accounted for in the budget of the Ministry of Finance. With several official ink stamps and annotations at the foot of the second page. VG
PHILIP V: (1683-1746) King of Spain 1700-24 & 1724-46. Grandson of Louis XIV. A very fine L.S., Yo el Rey, one page, 4to, Madrid, 30th August 1707, to the Count of Peralada, in Spanish. The King informs his correspondent about the joyful new and announces the birth of his first child, his son and heir the Prince Louis I of Spain, named after the King´s grandfather Louis XIV of France. The King states in part `Es tan singular el beneficio con que la divina misericordia nos ha favorecido en el dichoso parto de la Reina, mi muy cara y amada, en el dia 25 de Agosto a las diez y dieciséis minutos de la mañana, dando a luz un Principe a estos Reinos, y en el mayor consuelo… y benigna protección con que nos mira. Continuándola con la salud y buena disposición con que ha quedado y prosigue la Reina…´ (Translation: `The benefit with which divine mercy has favoured us in the Queen´s blissful childbirth, my very dear and beloved spouse, on August 25th at ten and sixteen minutes in the morning, giving birth to a Prince for these Kingdoms, and in the greatest relief... and the benign protection with which he looks at us. Continuing with the health and good disposition with which the Queen has remained and continues…´) Attractively countersigned by Francisco de Quincoces. With address leaf, bearing a partially damaged paper seal affixed. Very small age wear with two very small holes corresponding to the seal to the verso, not affecting the text or signatures. Guillem Rocafull-Puxmarin y Rocaberti (?-1728) Spanish Noble. Count of Peralada and Grande of Spain. Louis, King of Spain (1707-1724) He was born on 25th August 1707 at the Palacio del Buen Retiro, in Madrid, five days before the present letter was written. Eldest son of the reigning King Philip V of Spain and his wife Maria Luisa of Savoy. His reign is one of the shortest in history, lasting seven months, from January 1724 when his father abdicated in his favour, to August 1724 when he died at the very early age of seventeen of smallpox.
HENRY III: (1551-1589) King of France 1574-89, and King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania 1573-75. Assassinated. L.S., Henry, one page, oblong 8vo, Paris, 31st March 1585, to Blaise de Villemur de Pailhes, in Middle French. The King states that the Duke of Epernon has 'm'a asseuré de la bonne affection que portez au bien de mon service, Ce que je me suis tousjours promis de Vre asseurée fidellité…… et Vous emploie aussy envers voz amys et ceulx de Vre cognoissance pour les retenir en la mesme devotion a mond. service, sans se laisser aller en aulcuns aultre party, Leur remonstrant que le meilleur et plus seur est de se tenir de mon costé, et que, m'ayant, Dieu, constitué Roy Souverain sur eulx Il les a obligés, ainsy qu'ils sont naturellement, a me rendre toute fidellité et obeyssance Comme aussy mon intention est de les favorablement traicter Et je recongnoistray le service que me ferez en cest endroict selon que les occasions s'en pnteront' (Translation: 'assured me of the good affection that you have for the good of my service, which I have always promied myself of your assured fidelity……and also employs you towards your friends and those of your acquaintance to retain them in the same devotion to my said service, without indulging in any other party, showing them that the best and surest thing is to stand at my side, and that, having God made me King sovereign over them, he obliged them, as they are naturally, to render me all fidelity and obedience, as also my intention is to treat them favourably, and I will recognise the service which you will do me in this place according to the occasions which will present themselves'). A few small holes at the intersections of the original folds and some neat splitting to the edges, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, GJean Louis de Nogaret de La Valette (1554-1642) Duke of Epernon. French nobleman and Admiral of France, one of 'Les Mignons'. The Duke was highly favoured by King Henry III who showered titles upon him, including maitre-de-camp of the Champagne regiment (1579), Governor of Fere (1580), Colonel-General of the Infantry (1581), First Gentleman of the King's Chamber (1582), Chevalier de l'Ordre du Saint-Esprit, Governor of Boulonnais, Loches, Lyon, Metz and its surrounding areas (1583), Chevalier des Ordres du Roi (1584) and Governor of Provence (1586). The present letter was written during the Wars of Religion (1562-98) in which Henry III played an active role, both whilst King and previously as Duke of Anjou. The King was confronted with several factions opposing each other: the ultra-Catholic League, led by the Guise, and the Protestants led by Henri de Navarre (the future King Henry IV). As the present letter demonstrates, King Henry III tried to keep as many lords as possible faithful to his own royal party.
QUEEN MARGOT - MARGARET OF VALOIS: (1553-1615) Popularly known as "La Reine Margot". French Princess of the Valois dynasty. Queen of Navarre 1572-1599 as spouse of King Henry III of Navarre, and later Queen of France 1589-99 at her husband´s accession to the French throne as Henry IV. Margaret was the daughter of King Henry II of France and Catherine de´ Medici, and the sister of Kings Francis II, Charles IX and Henry III. Extremely rare A.L.S., `Marguerite´, two pages, folio, n.p., n.d., to Henry, in old French. Margaret of Valois writes in her hand twelve lines of text at the base of a letter, stating `Faites que Mr Rigaut me [fasse][trouver]… et faites que ie vous trouve plus veritable en Celle que ne l´avez été au bois de lezoux et… s´en donner ce que j´en… et vous assure que je suis touiours… Vre bonne… Marguerite´ (Translation: "Make sure that Mr. Rigaut find for me… and let me find you more true on the one the you have not been in the Bois de Lezoux… give him what I do… and assure you that I am always… Your good… Marguerite") The letter written text states in part `Henry, le bon commencement que je crois de mes affaires me promet que dieu fera enfin le reste aussi heureusement. J'ai beaucoup d'obligation à monsieur d'Here de la Bonnerusher, rien ne lui manque en son voyage et qu'il reste content de vous et écrivez moi souvent tout ce [qui] s'y fera. Vous m'écrivez qu'avec mes… de notre affaire dieu veuille… ainsi vous ne me mandez rien de votre mariage et crois que mes affaires vous font oublier les vôtres. Je serais bien aise qu'il [vous] réussisse. Monsieur Richaud m'écrit qu'il ne pourra pas… de l'argent des bois de Lezoux. Ce n'est pas ce que vous m'avez dit, prenez garde que vous soyez plus véritable aux autres espérances que vous m'avez données. Je me réjouis infiniment de la bonne intelligence qui est entre monsieur Richaud et monsieur Savaron, maintenez-la toujours afin que mes affaires en aillent mieux. J'écris à monsieur de Savaron. Rendez-lui mes lettres. Je le remercie de la bonne volonté qu'il m'a témoignée et lui représente combien je reçois de contentement de la bonne intelligence qu'il a voulu avoir pour mes affaires avec monsieur Richaud et le prie de faire entendre à ceux de Clermont combien il me ferait paraître de bonne volonté à ne permettre plus que les gens de mon neveu demeurent à Clermont qui n'ont plus prétexte d'y demeurer à cette heure que j'en ai pris possession…´ (Translation: "Henry, the good start I believe in my affairs promises me that God will finally do the rest as happily. I have a lot of obligations to Monsieur d'Here de la Bonnerusher, he has everything he needs for his trip and that he remains happy with you and write to me often about everything that will happen there. You write to me only with my… of our business, that I hope God grant… so you don't tell me anything about your marriage and I think that my business makes you forget yours. I would be glad if he succeeds. Monsieur Richaud writes to me that he will not be able to… money from the woods of Lezoux. That's not what you told me, take care that you are truer to the other hopes you gave me. I am infinitely delighted with the good understanding that exists between Mr. Richaud and Mr. Savaron, always maintain it so that my business will go better. I am writing to Monsieur de Savaron. Give him my letters. I thank him for the goodwill he has shown to me and tell him how pleased I am with the good understanding he wanted to have for my business with Monsieur Richaud and ask him to make those of Clermont understand how much he would make me appear willing to no longer allow my nephew's people to live in Clermont, who no longer have a pretext to live there at this time that I have taken possession of it…") To the verso, a hand written short paragraph refers to Charmont and to the deliberations of the Council of State, also referring to a cause of a problem, to wisdom and behaviour. The Queen's text is scattered with small holes as a result of the iron gall ink having reacted with the paper over time, although most words remain legible and the signature is only very slightly affected. Some light overall foxing and a few minor, small tears to the edges, GMargaret of Valois refers to Monsieur Savaron, most probably Jean Savaron (1566-1622) French Historian and Magistrate of the city of Clermont. The letter refers to the city of Clermont and to the one of Lezoux.Margaret of Valois was a woman of letters, an enlightened mind and a generous patron. She was one of the most fashionable women of her time and influenced many other European Royal courts. During her imprisonment she wrote her memoirs, the first woman to have done so.Margaret´s union with the King of Navarre which had been intended to contribute to the reconciliation of Roman Catholics and the Huguenots in France, was tarnished six days after the marriage ceremony by the St. Bartholomew´s Day massacre.Margaret´s infertility and the political tensions led to the end of her marriage. She consented a Royal divorce in 1599 and lived in exile.Alexandre Dumas père wrote his well-known historical novel La Reine Margot in 1845. Although the novel is based on real characters and events, certain aspects of La Reine Margot may be inconsistent with the historical record; historians have attributed that to artistic licence and to the fact that Dumas might have been influenced by propaganda against certain historical figures.
MARIA JOSEPHA OF SAXONY, DAUPHINE OF FRANCE: (1731-1767) Dauphine of France through her marriage to Louis, Dauphin of France, (1729-1765) son of King Louis XV and heir apparent to the French throne. She was the daughter of King of Poland Augustus III. Maria Josepha died at the very early age of 35, and was the mother of three Kings of France, Louis XVI, Louis XVIII and Charles X. A very fine and rare A.L.S., `Marie Josephe´, one page, small 40, n.p., 5th August 1766, to the Duke of Penthievre, in French. Maria Josepha states `Comme nous ne pouvons pas espérer Monsieur de vous voir ici à cause de la quarantaine, je vous demande de vouloir bien permettre qu'on prête votre appartement à Mme de Caumont que j'ai fait prier de venir ici pour me tenir compagnie. Si cependant vous y trouviez quelques difficultés on tâcherait d´en chercher un autre quelque difícil qu´il soit d´en trouver ici. D´ailleurs vous pouvez être bien sûr qu'on le rendra dès que vous le désirerez…´ (Translation: "As we cannot expect, Monsieur, to see you here because of the quarantine, I ask you to kindly allow your apartment to be lent to Madame de Caumont, whom I have asked to come here to keep me company. If, however, you find some difficulty with this, we will try to find another, however difficult it may be to find one here. Besides, you can be sure that we will return it as soon as you wish...") Accompanied by the original 12mo envelope, addressed in Maria Josepha´s hand, and bearing to the verso an attractive Royal black wax seal. With blank integral leaf. VG Louis Jean Marie de Bourbon, Duc de Penthievre (1725-1793) Grandson of King Louis XIV of France. His father, Louis Alexandre de Bourbon, Count of Toulouse, was a legitimated prince of the blood Royal, son of Louis XIV and his mistress Madame de Montespan. Penthièvre was one of the wealthiest men of his day and probably the richest in France. He was known to be very charitable. Most of his vast riches derived from the fortune of La Grande Mademoiselle, the first cousin of King Louis XIV.
BONAPARTE JEROME: (1784-1860) Prince of Montfort and King of Westphalia 1807-13, the youngest brother of Napoleon I. A charming A.L.S., Jerome, two pages, 8vo, Florence, 20th March 1846, to his daughter Mathilde (‘Ma bon aimee Mathilde’), in French. Bonaparte wishes his daughter a happy birthday as well as his paternal blessing, writing, in part, ‘puisses-tu, chere enfant, etre heureuse et te souvenir plus que jamais de ton excellente et adorable Mere, qui pendant tout le temps de sa vie ne m'a pas donne un moment de chagrin en faisant constamment mon bonheur’ (Translation: ‘may you, dear child, be happy and remember more than ever your excellent and adorable Mother, who during all the time of her life did not give me a moment of sorrow by constantly making me happy’) and continuing to refer to a visit by Plon-Plon who gave him ‘une charmante petite montre faite expres a Geneve par un Polonais, avec les portraits de l'Empereur et de votre excellente mere; j'y ai ete bien sensible, parce que cela m'a prouve qu'il s'etait occupe de moi longtemps avant le premier de l'an; c'est du reste un objet delicieux et du meilleur gout’ (Translation: ‘a charming little watch made expressly in Geneva by a Pole, with portraits of the Emperor and your excellent Mother; I was very touched by it, because it proved to me that he had taken care of me long before the first of the year; it is, moreover, a delicious object and in the best taste’). With blank integral leaf. VGMathilde Bonaparte (1820-1904) French Princess and salonniere, daughter of Jerome Bonaparte and his second wife.Catharina of Wurttemberg (1783-1835) Queen Consort of Westphalia 1807-13, as the second wife of Jerome Bonaparte. Napoleon-Jerome Bonaparte (1822-1891) ‘Plon-Plon’, the de facto head of the House of Bonaparte from 1879-91, second son of Jerome Bonaparte and his second wife.
NAPOLEON III: (1808-1873) Emperor of the French 1852-70 who also served as the first President of France 1848-52. L.S., Napoleon, one page, folio, Paris, 25th January 1855, to Cardinal Patrizi ('Mon Cousin'), in French. The Emperor states that he had received his correspondent's letter 'au renouvellement des bonnes fetes de la Nativite de notre Seigneur' (Translation: 'at the renewal of the good feasts of the Nativity of Our Lord') and continues 'j'yai reconnu avec plaisir la sincerite de vos sentiments. Les voeux que vous adressez au ciel pour la gloire et la prosperite de la France m´ont vivement touché. Soyez persuadé que je saisirai, en retour, toutes les occasions de vous donner des marques de mon estime et de ma parfaite affection' (Translation: 'I recognised with pleasure the sincerity of your sentiments. Your wishes to heaven for the glory and prosperity of France deeply touch me. Be persuaded that I will seize, in return, every opportunity to give you marks of my esteem and my perfect affection'). Countersigned at the foot by Edouard Drouyn de Lhuys (1805-1881) French diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs 1848-49, 1851, 1852-55 and 1862-66. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope (large area of paper loss to the verso as a result of the seal having been excised). Some very light, extremely minor age wear, and a thin band of staining to the upper edge, about VGConstantino Patrizi Naro (1798-1876) Italian Cardinal who served as Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals 1870-76.
‘The motives which induced me to interfere in this affair were to avoid a scandal…’ LEOPOLD I: (1790-1865) King of the Belgians 1831-65. An extraordinary A.L.S., with his initial L, three pages, 8vo, n.p., 11th August 1820, to Monsieur Favon ('Conseiller de Legation et Charge d'Affaire de la Cour de Saxe Coburg'), in French. The future King states that he has received his correspondent's letter, but before responding to its contents wishes to inform Favon of a related matter, 'je dois vous dire qui Madame Alexandre m'a ecrit du 3 d'aout. Elle me dit qui Mr. Charles Vaillant lui avait communique, que je comptais faire tous les sacrifices qu'elle desirait et que j'arrangerai tout &c. Je vous avais bien particulierement prie de ne pas me nommer dans toute cette affaire et je regrette beaucoup que Mr. Charles ait su quelque chose de cette transaction, et je vous prie lui demander comment il a pu avoir l'imprudence d'aller le conter a Mad. A. Les motifs qui m'ont engage, a me meler de cette affaire, etaient d'eviter un scandale et comme partie impartiale d'etre mediateur. Mais il serait assez extraordinaire de s'attendre que moi je paye pour les egarements de mon frere; il est bien visible que Mad. A. a change de ton dans l'idee qu'elle n'aurait qu'a demander pour etre paye. Je ne puis pas vous autoriser de lui donner cet argent avant de connaitre les vues de mon frere. Cependant vous pouvez lui donner 1000 francs sous condition qu'elle se conduise bien. Du reste ses menaces sont des balivernes, personne s'interessera beaucoup a l'histoire qu'elle compte publier, et si elle le fait vous lui direz en termes polis que cela fermerait a jamais la porte a tous les avantages qu'elle parait attendre et desirer. Je ne connais pas les lois francaises mais comme Mad. A. n'a pas ete mariee avec mon frere je desirerai savoir quelle reclamation elle peut legalement faire contre mon frere' (Translation: 'I must tell you that Madame Alaexandre wrote to me on the 3rd of August. She told me that Mr. Charles Vaillant had told her that I intended to make all the sacrifices she wanted and that I would arrange everything &c. I had particularly asked you not to name me in this whole affair and I very much regret that Mr. Charles knew anything of this transaction, and I beg you to ask him how he could have had the imprudence to go and tell Mad. A. The motives which induced me to interfere in this affair were to avoid a scandal and as an impartial party to be a mediator. But it would be quite extraordinary to expect me to pay for my brother's aberrations; it is clearly visible that Mad. A. changed her tone with the idea that she would only have to ask to be paid. I cannot authorise you to give her this money before knowing my brother's views. However, you can give her 1000 francs on the condition that she behaves well. Besides, her threats are nonsense, no one will take much interest in the story she intends to publish, and if she does, you will tell her in polite terms that it will forever close the door to all the advantages she seems to expect and desire. I don't know French laws, but as Mad. A. was not married to my brother, I would like to know what claim she can legally make against my brother'). Accompanied by a related envelope (although most likely not that which accompanied the present letter) addressed to Monsieur Flavon in Paris and bearing Leopold's red wax seal to the verso, with two postal cancellations dated November 1820, several months after the date of the letter. With a red ink annotation to the head of the first page of the letter, a minor neat split at the base of the central fold of the bifolium and with some light, minor staining. About VG, 2In the present letter Leopold refers to his elder brother, Ernest I (1784-1844) Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, father of Albert, Prince Consort, the husband of Queen Victoria.Pauline-Adelaide Alexandre Panam (1789-1840) 'Madame Alexandre'. Greek actress, the lover of Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.In October 1807 the reigning Duke Ernst and his younger brother, Prince Leopold, travelled to Paris to pay homage to Emperor Napoleon. It was whilst in Paris at this time that the Duke attended a ball and met the young fourteen year old beauty Pauline-Adelaide Alexandre Panam, also known as 'La Belle Greque', and thus began a love affair which would soon attain notoriety. Duke Ernst vigorously courted Madame Alexandre, as she would become to be known, offering her his protection, influence, and his fortune. In April 1808 the Duke returned to Coburg, and Madame Alexandre followed her lover, who had promised that his mother would receive her into her court circle. At the command of the Duke, Madame Alexandre travelled in male attire. Not long after their arrival in Coburg, Madame Alexandre realised that she had been fooled and to his grief the Duke was forced to tell her that his mother would not accept her into her circle because she was French. Nevertheless, she gave birth to Ernst's son in 1809, who was named after his father despite Alexandre being offered a pension if she refrained from identifying herself with the Duke. Madame Alexandre threatened to make details of the affair and pregnancy public, as evidenced in the present letter. Despite Prince Leopold's efforts as a mediator on behalf of his brother, in 1823 Madame Alexandre published her sensational memoir (in both French and English) under the title Memoirs of a Young Greek Lady; or, Madame Pauline Adelaide Alexandre Panam, versus His Most Serene Highness the reigning Prince of Saxe-Coburg. The memoir would later support further rumours and speculation about Duke Ernst's family when his legitimate youngest son, Albert, married Queen Victoria to become her consort.
‘I hear the well worthy and faithful Admiral Nelson happily arrived….’ 1149 FERDINAND I: (1751-1825) King of the Two Sicilies 1816-25 (upon his restoration following victory in the Napoleonic Wars) and previously, as Ferdinand IV, King of Naples 1759-99, 1799-1806, 1815-16 and, as Ferdinand III, King of Sicily 1759-1816. A fine A.L.S., Ferdinand D[e] B[ourbon], one page, 4to, Palermo, 27th June 1799, to an unidentified correspondent [Sir John Acton?], in Italian. The King informs his correspondent that a frigate has arrived from Naples with an 'inexpressible consolation', continuing 'I hear the well worthy and faithful Admiral Nelson happily arrived with his crew. I have read the statement that he sent you in the form of observations, which could not be more wise, reasoned and adapted to effect and truly evangelical. I have no doubt that you will have immediately complied with it, otherwise it would have been the same as declaring yourself a rebel too, which is never possible after so many reproaches in the past given me of fidelity and attachment'. With blank integral leaf. A letter of good content for its reference to Lord Nelson. VG Sir John Acton (1736-1811) French-born English Admiral who served as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Naples under Ferdinand IV during the turbulent times when French Revolutionary fervour under Napoleon was sweeping across Europe and threatening to extinguish the monarchy he served. Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) British Vice-Admiral who achieved a number of decisive naval victories during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Nelson's victory at the Battle of the Nile in August 1798 had extinguished French naval power in the Mediterranean, thereby saving the Kingdom of Naples from naval conquest by Revolutionary France. However, this did not prevent the French armies entering the north of Italy and achieving some successes. In response, and on the orders of Nelson, in December 1798 King Ferdinand, Queen Maria Carolina, Sir John Acton, Sir William Hamilton (and his wife, Emma Hamilton, Nelson's mistress) were evacuated from Naples and taken on board HMS Vanguard to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. Freed of the royal presence, during the first months of 1799, the Neapolitan citizens and aristocracy sympathetic to the ideals of the French Revolution promptly established the short-lived Parthenopean Republic with the help of the French and an uprising of the classes who had supported King Ferdinand was violently suppressed. Nevertheless the monarchy was restored in Naples five months later when Cardinal Fabrizio Ruffo, with the King's permission and support of Nelson, led the 20,000 strong Calabrian army ('Sanfedisti') against the French occupation. Acton re-established order in Naples with the creation of the Junta of State, a reign of terror during which many prominent citizens were imprisoned or executed. King Ferdinand rewarded Nelson's services by granting him a title of Sicilian nobility, Duke of Bronte, which he accepted without his own King's approval.
ELEONORE OF AUSTRIA, QUEEN OF POLAND: (1653-1697) Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania 1670-73, as spouse of Michael I, King of Poland. Eleonore married Charles V, Duke of Lorraine, in 1678, becoming Grand Duchess of Lorraine, and acted as regent of the Duchy during the minority of her son 1690-97. Queen Eleonore was regarded as an ideal model of a good, supportive and loyal spouse. Rare L.S., `Eleonora Regina´, a large and attractive signature, one page, 4to, Insbruck, 22nd January 1680, to Marquise Leonora Crinelli in Milan, in Italian. The letter states to the heading `Eleonora per Grazia di Dio Regina di Polonia & Duchesa di Lorena´ (Translation: `Eleonora by the Grace of God Queen of Poland & Duchess of Lorraine´). The Queen sends her greetings to her correspondent, and her assurance of friendship, stating in part `Quanto maggiori e piu… si sono sempre dimostrati i rispetti di V.S. verso di noi; altretanto singolarmi de rimarcati, e vivi rimangono nella nostra memoria. Accettissimi non di meno ci giungono i nuovi attestati… (Translation: `The greater and more… are always the respects Y.E. has demonstrated towards us; equally I wish to remark the vivid souvenirs remaining in our memory. Nonetheless, the new letters are very welcome…´) Eleonore of Austria further refers to the birth of her eldest son, Leopold, stating `La nascita del Principino mio dilettissimo primogenito, riconoscendo anche in essi la continova sincerita e affezione dil´animo suo…´ (Translation: `The birth of my dearest first-born son little Prince, also recognizing in him the continued sincerity and affection of his soul…´) With address leaf, bearing a Royal red wax seal in fine condition. Small overall minor creasing and age wear, otherwise VG Leopold, Duke of Lorraine (1679-1729) Duke of Lorraine 1690-1729. Known as Leopold “the Good”. Leopold was born four months before the present letter was written. As Regent, Eleonore worked to end the French occupation of Lorraine and restore the Duchy's independence. Her goal was reached when the Duchy of Lorraine was restored at the Peace of Ryswick in 1697. She died not long after at the early age of 44, having outlived both of her husbands and two of her children.
`..entrusting you with the responsibility for the future command and judgements of our Army previously led by the late General Field-Marshal Prince of Tauris, Potemkin,...´ CATHERINE II THE GREAT: (1762-1796) Empress of Russia 1762-96, Catherine the Great. An excellent and very attractive L.S., `Ekaterina´, in Cyrillic, two pages, 4to, Saint Petersburg, 20th October 1791, to Mikhailo Vasilievich, in Cyrillic. An excellent document signed, the Empress referring to the refurbishing of the Black Sea Fleet in case the Turks do not agree with the upcoming peace treaty, and mentioning the late Field-Marshal Potemkin who died only a week before the present letter was written. Catherine the Great states in part `In addition to our three commands that had already been given to you on the occasion of entrusting you with the responsibility for the future command and judgements of our Army previously led by the late General Field-Marshal Prince of Tauris, Potemkin, and of the Black Sea Fleet, we consider it necessary for you to do the following: first, to disarm the Black Sea Fleet and do your utmost to speed its repair and get it ready for the spring, storing the provisions and other necessities well in advance, in case of the failure of our negotiations with the Turks and their obstinacy in signing a peace agreement…´ Despite the peace treaty negotiations, the Empress distrusts the Turks, and gives additional orders, further saying `Second, to urgently build ships and other vessels, that we started or planned to be built under the command of the late Field-Marshal, informing us in every detail about the success of what is being built and where…´ VG Catherine II refers in the present letter to peace treaty negotiations, which will end up with the Treaty of Jassy, signed by the Russian and by the Ottoman Empire on 9th January 1792, only two months after the present letter was signed. Jassy was a city in Moldavia. This peace treaty put an end to the Russo-Turkish War of 1787-92 and confirmed Russia´s dominance in the Black Sea. The treaty was signed by Grand Vizier Koca Yusuf Pasha and by Prince Bezborodko who had succeeded Prince Potemkin as the head of the Russian delegation. Grigory Aleksandrovich Potemkin-Tavricheski (1739-1791) Russian Nobleman, Military Leader, Prince of the Russian Empire and favourite of Catherine the Great. Potemkin took part in the coup which deposed Tsar Peter III in 1762, giving the power to the tsar´s wife Catherine II. Potemkin became her lover and adviser and the most powerful man in Russia. The present letter is signed only one week after Grigory Potemkin passed away.
ALEXANDER II: (1818-1881) Emperor of Russia, King of Poland and Duke of Finland 1855-81. Assassinated. D.S., Alexander, two pages, folio, Livadia Palace, 30th September 1872, in Cyrillic. The manuscript document, with a printed heading, is addressed to Viscount Lage, head of the Imperial Court of the Princess of Brazil, and grants him the Imperial Order of Saint Stanislaus, First Class. Signed by the Emperor at the conclusion and countersigned by the Chancellor of Orders alongside a blind embossed paper seal. With blank integral leaf. Some overall age toning and wear and with some small, neat splits at the edges of folds, G
RUSSIAN ROYALTY: Selection of signed autograph, T.L.S., A.N.S., signed photograph by various members of the Romanov Royal House, comprising Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich (1827-1892) Son of Tsar Nicholas I. Viceroy of Poland 1862-63. Bold black fountain pen ink `Constantine Grand Duke of Russia´ to a 12mo page; Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich (1891-1942) Son of Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich, grandson of Tsar Alexander II and first cousin of Tsar Nicholas II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.Dimitri spent a great deal of his youth in the company of Tsar Nicholas II. Grand Duke Dmitri, together with his friend Felix Yusupov, took part in the assassination of the mystic Rasputin. Signed 3.5 x 5 paper photograph `Dmitri´, the image showing him in a half length youth pose, wearing his military uniform, also dated 22nd August-4th September in his hand. The photograph has been affixed to a 4to card, alongside a journal article reporting on Grand Duke Dmitri´s death; Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich (1917-1992) Head of the Imperial House of Russia from 1938 to his death. A.N.S., `Wladimir, Grand Duke of Russia´, to a postcard. Accompanied by the original envelope addressed in his hand. Together with a T.L.S., `A. Romanoff´, Paris, 25th August 1943, in German. A wartime letter on the "Association des Infirmieres de la Croix Rouge Russe" ("Nurses of the Russian Red Cross Association") printed stationery of Paris. Also including an engravement of Konstantin Romanov. G, 4
GEORGE II: (1683-1760) King of Great Britain and Ireland 1727-60. Ink signature ('George R', as King) on a slim oblong 8vo piece neatly clipped from the head of a document and with two lines of text. Neatly laid down and with a closed tear to the left edge, only very slightly affecting the first letter of the King's signature, G
AHMAD II: (1862-1942) Bey of Tunis 1929-42. D.S., as Ahmad Bey, in Arabic, one page, folio, Royal Palace, Tunis, 2nd May 1930, in Arabic. The attractive partially printed document features the coat of arms of Tunis at the head within a decorative archway and borders, and awards Leonard Louvel, Director of the Civil Cabinet of the of the Minister of War in Paris with the Order of Nichan-Iftikhar (Grand Officer, First Class). Accompanied by an official partially printed French translation of the document authorised and signed by two officials (one the Minister Plenipotentiary) of the Residence Generale de France in Tunis. Some light staining and creasing to the borders of Ahmad Bey's document and with a lengthy split to the left half of the central horizontal fold, the translation with some age wear and a large tear to the right edge (repaired with sellotape to the verso), just affecting the text. FR to G, 2
DE GAULLE CHARLES: (1890-1970) French General of World War II. Later President of the French Republic 1959-69. A.L.S., `C. de Gaulle´, two pages, small 4to, n.p., 4th April 1961, to General Ingold, on his printed letterhead bearing `Le Général De Gaulle´ to the heading, in French. De Gaulle deeply congratulates his correspondent on the occasion of his published work, stating in part `Votre livre “Samory sanglant et magnifique” brasse et fait revivre une histoire assez méconnue, mais combien saisissante! Pour l´écrire, comme vous l´avez fait, il fallait d´abord du talent mais aussi la connaissance profonde des gens, des lieux, et des choses de l´Algérie. Vous avez ceci et cela…´ (Translation: `Your book “Samory sanglant et magnifique” (“Bloody and Magnificent Samory”) brings to life a story that is quite unknown, but combines strikingly! To write it, as you did, it needed talent first, but also a deep knowledge of the people, places, and things of Algeria. You have this and that..”). Accompanied by the original envelope, postmarked and stamped, and addressed in De Gaulle´s hand. The letter has been very neatly and lightly affixed only to the left border to a larger card. The envelope has been affixed to the same card behind the letter. G to VG General François Ingold (1894-1980) was the military Commander of the Niger-Dahomey-Togo Niamey forces. He participated in World War One and was injured. He joined General de Gaulle in 1940. As Officer of the FFL he participated in the Liberation. Ingold´s work Samory Sanglant et Magnifique was published by Scorpion Editions, and reports on Samory Touré (1830-1900), founder of the ephemeral empire Wassoulou, which extent included from the south of what is today Mali to the mid-Guinea. Samory Touré fought harshly against the military occupation of the French and English, becoming a hero of the ani-colonialism.
‘Yes, my task is heavy, but I am certain that I will not miss my goal’ MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II. A fine A.L.S., Mussolini, two pages (written to the first and third sides of the bifolium), 8vo, n.p. (Rome), n.d. (22nd December 1922), to Jean de Bonnefon ('Mon cher confrere'), on the printed stationery of Il Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri, marked Personelle in French. Mussolini writes, 'Votre article qu'on a deja traduit pour Il Gironale di Roma et sur Il popolo d'Italia, m'a profondement emu. Je ne sais pas s'il y a eu d'autres personnes qui aient si vivement compris mon esprit, comme vous avez fait. Oui, ma tache est lourde, mais j'ai la certitude que je ne manquerai pas mon but. Et je travaille….' (Translation: 'Your article, which has already been translated for Il Gironale di Roma and Il popolo d'Italia, moved me deeply. I don't know if there were ever other people who understood my mind so keenly as you did. Yes, my task is heavy, but I am certain that I will not miss my goal. And I work….'). Accompanied by the original envelope (some tears and small areas of paper loss where opened) hand addressed by Mussolini. Some light age wear and a few minimal traces of former mounting to the verso, VGJean de Bonnefon (1867-1928) French journalist and Catholic author. Mussolini's letter is written in the aftermath of the March on Rome, the organised mass demonstration and coup d'etat of October 1922 which led to King Victor Emmanuel III appointing Mussolini as Prime Minister on 30th October, thereby transferring political power to the fascists. On the following day the fascist blackshirts paraded in Rome while Mussolini formed his coalition government. On 16th November Mussolini delivered a speech to the Chamber in which he announced the key factors of his future political action. It was after reading this speech that Bonnefon wrote a glowing article on Mussolini and his new policies.
MAKARIOS III: (1913-1977) Greek Cypriot archbishop who served as the first President of Cyprus 1960-74, 1974-77. Vintage signed 4.5 x 6.5 photograph of Makarios in a half-length pose wearing his religious robes. Signed in bold red fountain pen ink with his name alone to the lower white border. VG
KOSSUTH LAJOS: (1802-1894) Hungarian statesman who served as Prime Minister of Hungary 1848-49 and as Governor-President of Hungary April - August 1849. A.L.S., L Kossuth, two pages, 8vo, Alpha Road (London), 20th November n.y. (1853), to a friend ('Cher ami!'), in French and English. Kossuth provides his correspondent with Sir Joshua Walmsley's response, word for word, ' “Should the Committee come to the conclusion that I am the right man so be it but if they can induce a more popular man to take the chair I will support him”', Kossuth further adding 'Je crois donc que vous deviez vous hater d'annoncer votre meeting par des journaux et affiches' (Translation: 'I therefore believe that you should hasten to announce your meeting through newspapers and posters') and that the notices should state that Walmsley will preside and Kossuth will assist and speak. Kossuth also advises his correspondent to write to Attwood so as 'not to let Sir Joshua unsupported, as his coming out on this occasion may lead to that extended organisation which M. Attwood was first to advise, & to pledge, provided Sir Joshua is not discouraged by seeing himself left alone by the influential names of England at the first start'. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by a small selection of French journal articles and illustrations relating to the funeral of Kossuth in Budapest. Some light overall staining and minor age wear, about VG, Sml Qty.Sir Joshua Walmsley (1794-1871) English politician and businessman, Member of Parliament for Leicester 1847-48, 1852-57.
LENIN VLADIMIR: (1870-1924) Russian revolutionary and politician who served as the first and founding head of government of Soviet Russia 1917-24 and of the Soviet Union 1922-24 & TSIURUPA ALEXANDER (1870-1928) Bolshevik leader and Soviet politician who served as People's Commissar for Food of the RSFSR 1918-21. A rare D.S. by both Lenin ('V Ulyanov (Lenin)') and Tsiurupa ('A Tsyurupa') individually, one page, folio, Kremlin, Moscow, 20th June 1919, with the stamped heading of the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic Workers and Peasants Defence Council, in Cyrillic. The typed document is addressed to Narkomprod (People's Commissariat for Food Supplies) of Crimea and states, in part, 'Considering the severity of the food situation in Russia, and the enormous shortages of food for children, especially for sick children, I suggest that all canned fruits available in Crimea, as well as cheese, should be earmarked solely for feeding sick children in Northern Russia. Products should be sent to Komprod's address'. Signed at the conclusion by Lenin in his capacity as Chairman of the Defence Council and by Tsiurupa in his capacity as People's Commissar for Food Supplies, alongside an official circular purple ink stamp. Some very light, extremely minimal age wear, VGThe People's Commissariat for Food Supplies (also known by it's abbreviation Narkomprod) was originally founded in 1917 and was the ministry of the Russian SFSR in charge of food supplies and industrial goods.Lenin and Tsiurupa signed the present document at a significant time during the Russian Civil War (1917-23) throughout which Crimea changed hands numerous times. Whilst it was governed by the Bolsheviks in June 1919, it would not be long before it became the stronghold of the anti-Bolshevik White Army under the command of General Anton Denikin. It is therefore possible that Lenin and Tsiurupa, aware of the situation facing Crimea, were attempting to get as much food as they could out of the area before it was too late.
CHURCHILL WINSTON S.: (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1953. T.L.S., W S Churchill, with holograph salutation and subscription, one page, 4to, Chartwell, Westerham, Kent, 27th May 1947, to Madame La Comtesse Greffulhe. Churchill states that his correspondent's letter only reached him a few days ago and continues to remark 'I am indeed honoured that you should have invited me to visit your house where my Mother stayed in Paris', although further adding 'You will I am sure understand, however, that the short time which I am able to spare for occasional visits to Paris is not, unfortunately, at my disposal. I regret therefore that I am unable to accept your hospitality. Nevertheless, I appreciate your kindness in asking me'. One file hole to the upper left corner and a few very minimal, extremely light creases, VGElisabeth de Riquet de Caraman-Chimay (1860-1952) Countess Greffulhe. French socialite, a renowned beauty and one of the main inspirations for the character of the Duchesse de Guermantes in Marcel Proust's A la recherche du temps perdu. Countess Greffulhe resided on the Rue d'Astorg in Paris.Jennie Spencer-Churchill (1854-1921) American-born British socialite, mother of Winston S. Churchill. Jennie Spencer-Churchill married her first husband, Lord Randolph Churchill, Winston's father, at the British Embassy in Paris on 15th April 1874.
ANDRESS URSULA: (1936- ) Swiss-German actress and sex symbol. Signed colour 7 x 9.5 photograph of the actress in an iconic half-length pose, holding a seashell and wearing a white bikini, in costume as Honey Ryder from the first James Bond film Dr. No (1962). Signed by Andress in bold black ink with her name alone to a clear area of the background. Together with Honor Blackman (1925-2020) English actress, famous for her portrayal of the Bond Girl Pussy Galore in Goldfinger (1964). Vintage signed and inscribed 7.5 x 10 photograph of Blackman in a half-length pose wearing a low-cut dress. Signed in blue fountain pen ink, largely across a clear area of the image. Also including Madeline Smith (1949- ) English actress who portrayed the Bond Girl Miss. Caruso in Live and Let Die (1973). Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Smith standing in a half-length pose wearing a skimpy see-through blouse. Signed in black ink with her name alone to a light area of the background. G to VG, 3
BRITISH HISTORY: Miscellaneous selection of A.Ls.S., a few signed pieces and free front envelope panels etc., by various 19th century British colonial administrators, military officers and clergymen comprising James Robert Longden (1827-1891, Governor of Trinidad 1870-74, British Guiana 1874-77 & Ceylon 1877-83; referring to the expenses of his son's education, 1890), Du Pre Alexander, 2nd Earl of Caledon (1777-1839, Governor of the Cape Colony 1807-11), William Robinson (1836-1912; last Governor of Trinidad 1885-89 and the first Governor of Trinidad and Tobago 1889-91, later Governor of Hong Kong 1891-98; regarding the omission of an applicant to Cheltenham College, 1901), James Harris, 1st Earl of Malmesbury (1746-1820, British Minister to Prussia 1772-76, 1793-95 and British Ambassador to Russia 1776-83; discussing his travel arrangements and remarking 'I was present at the surrender of Landrecies & left the Duke of York yesterday….marching….with a corps of 10,000 men', 2nd May 1794), Henry Hepburne-Scott, 7th Lord Polwarth (1800-1867, Lord-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria; in full, 'Her Majesty having dissolved Parliament, I beg to solicit the honour of your vote and interest at the ensuing election of representative Peers for Scotland', July 1847), John Moore (1761-1809, British Lieutenant-General who died at the Battle of Corunna), Marshal James Clarke (1841-1909, first Resident Commissioner in Basutoland 1884-93, Resident Commissioner in Zululand 1893-98, and the first Resident Commissioner in Southern Rhodesia 1898-1905; seeking guidance for the necessary actions to be taken in order to nominate a boy for schooling, 1895), Thomas Nettleship Staley (1823-1898, the first Anglican bishop of the Church of Hawaii as Bishop of Honolulu 1861-70; A.L.S. in the third person, asking for the relevant particulars in order to have his grandson admitted to Cheltenham College, 1896) and John Lewis (1825-1901, the first Bishop of Ontario 1861-1901; A.L.S. in the third person to the Head Master of the College at Cheltenham, 1890). A few are laid down and others show minor traces of former mounting to the versos, and all are accompanied by brief annotations in the hand of a collector. G to generally VG, 9
GRANT JULIA: (1826-1902) American First Lady of the United States 1869-77, wife of President Ulysses S. Grant. A.L.S., Julia D Grant, four pages, 8vo, Altamonte Springs, Florida, 24th March 1893, to Master Algernon Sartoris ('My dear Algie'), on black bordered mourning stationery. Grant states that her grandson's letter was read with much pleasure and continues to inform him 'I was astonished at the photographs of your Mama and yourself, why you are a man in stature and now I will feel much better since your dear Papa is now more your Mama will have her dear son to protect and care for her, and Algie you must never forget this great trust and responsibility…..and I for one feel that we may trust you', further remarking 'I hope I may with out hurting you say your dear Papa was his worse and only enemy - we all liked him. He was handsome and accomplished. He had everything to make a successful and happy life', also adding that she is enclosing some postage stamps ('I have just sent the same to little Ulysses at Vienna for his collection') and letting him know that she will be in New York during May, concluding by writing 'With a great deal of love to your dear Mama and sisters and with a great deal for yourself dear Algie, I am always your ever loving grandmama'. Accompanied by the original envelope addressed to her grandson in London. Some light age wear and with a small stain to the first page and two neat splits to the edges of folds repaired with tape, only very slightly affecting the text, which remains perfectly legible. GAlgernon Edward Sartoris (1877-1928) American diplomat, grandson of Ulysses S. Grant. Algernon Charles Frederick Sartoris (1851-1893) English Justice of the Peace, the first husband of Ellen 'Nellie' Grant (1855-1922) daughter of Ulysses S. Grant and Julia Grant. Sartoris and Grant divorced in 1889 and the former died at the untimely age of 41 from pneumonia in Capri, Italy.
![[[NIXON & BREZHNEV]: [NIXON RICHARD] (1913-1994) American President 1969-74 & [BREZHNEV LEONID] (1906-1982) Soviet politician](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/d9f4f5d5-e853-4d8c-9ccb-b02300a8b7ae/0ea83344-ffd3-4d55-b7c3-b02300bc923d/468x382.jpg)
[[NIXON & BREZHNEV]: [NIXON RICHARD] (1913-1994) American President 1969-74 & [BREZHNEV LEONID] (1906-1982) Soviet politician who served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union 1964-82. An unsigned original colour 8 x 10 official White House Type I photograph depicting Nixon and Brezhnev standing together in full-length poses on the South Portico of the White House in Washington DC on 18th June 1973, the two leaders apparently enjoying a light-hearted moment as Brezhnev leans towards Nixon to whisper in his ear. With an official White House credit stamp to the verso. Encased ('slabbed') in clear plastic to an overall size of 9.5 x 13.5 and certified by PSA. VGLeonid Brezhnev's visit to America took place from 18th - 25th June 1973 and the 'Washington Summit' was the second of three highly successful meetings Nixon conducted with the Soviet leader between 1972 and 1974. From the intense negotiations came agreements for increased trade and two landmark arms control treaties: SALT I, the first comprehensive limitation pact signed by the two superpowers, and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which banned the development of systems designed to intercept incoming missiles. This led Nixon and Brezhnev to proclaim a new era of 'peaceful coexistence'.In one light-hearted moment during the 'Washington Summit', Brezhnev expressed a desire to drive around Washington in a Lincoln Continental that Nixon had just presented him with; upon being told that Secret Service would not allow him to do this Brezhnev replied “I will take the flag off the car, put on dark glasses, so they can't see my eyebrows and drive like any American would” to which Henry Kissinger quipped “I have driven with you and I don't think you drive like an American!”
MARTI JOSE & ESTRADA PALMA TOMAS: José Martí (1853-1895) Cuban Poet, Writer and Revolutionary Philosopher. Martí is considered a national hero as well as a leading figure in Latin American literature. He became a symbol for Cuba's fight for independence in the 19th century, and is referred to as the ''Apostle of Cuban Independence''; & Tomas Estrada Palma (1835-1908) First President of Cuba 1902-1906, and previously during the Ten Year´s War. Remembered for allowing the Platt Amendment which ensured American dominance over Cuba. An exceptional and very attractive multiple D.S., `José Martí´, and `T. Estrada Palma´, two pages, large folio, New York, 20th January 1895, to Frederick W. Ramsden, in Spanish. The partially printed document bears the printed heading of the New York delegation of the Cuban Revolutionary party, being a title given to contributors in favour of the cause, a patriotic assistance fundraising to finance the war in favour of the Independence and for the Freedom of Cuba. The attractive document, printed in red ink, bears palms and a coat of arms to the front page. The document is signed by Marti and Estrada Palma in their capacity as delegates and is also signed by Gonzalo de Quesada as Secretary of the delegation. The lengthy handwritten text, is a manifesto in favour of Cuban Independence and freedom, against the Spanish occupancy and slavery, concluding with the motto ''Homeland and Freedom''. The document bears beneath the signatures a large black paper seal affixed of the Delegation of the Cuban Revolutionary Party. Small overall minor age wear, with small remnants of a former red wax seal to the lower edge. G to VG The present document is signed by Jose Marti on 20th 1895, only one week before drawing up the Uprising order. A month later, on 24th February, the uprising took place, and three months later Marti was killed at the battle of Dos Rios only a month after having returned to Cuba. Gonzalo de Quesada y Arostegui (1868-1915) was the key architect of Cuba´s Independence Movement with Jose Marti. Appointed Special Commissioner of Cuba to the United States in 1900. He later entered the diplomatic service, becoming minister to the United States. De Quesada authored ''A History of Free Cuba'' (1898) and ''Cuba'' (1905). He also edited Marti's literary works 1900-11.
CASTRO FIDEL: (1926-2016) Cuban revolutionary and politician who served as Prime Minister of Cuba 1959-76 and President of Cuba 1976-2008. Autograph Manuscript draft of an interview written and signed by the Spanish journalist Enrique Meneses (1929-2013), two pages, 8vo, n.p. (Cuba), 9th January 1958, in Spanish. The text states, in part, 'In an exclusive interview granted by Fidel Castro to Enrique Meneses for “Le Figaro” of Paris, the rebel leader answers the declarations…..of 8th January. Castro: To whom should I hand over the weapons that we have taken from the army? To the same army that has been fighting us for a year?......Those that we have captured from the army will be handed over when all possibility of dictatorship is discarded. We do not aspire to any political position, so we do not represent any danger of dictatorship. When the armed forces are reorganised and the dignified military have them under their control, when all fear that a military junta will replace Batista is discarded; the July 26 movement will hand over its weapons to those armed forces. Meneses: What do you think of the acceptance of Manuel Urrutia as provisional President? Castro: We are very happy that everyone agrees that Urrutia is the ideal person to preside over the Repubic…..Carlos Prio no longer counts for anything in Cuba. The revolution is in the hands of the new generation and not in those who want to chain their destiny to a disgraceful past. Meneses: Do you think that without the help of the rest of the opposition you will be able to defeat Batista? Castro: It will take longer but we will achieve it. The days when the troops came to look for us in the mountains are over. Today we have to go and look for them……here it is already safer than in the rest of the Republic. This is free Cuba'. Signed by Meneses at the conclusion and countersigned by Fidel Castro with his name alone in fountain pen ink. Some light overall creasing, minor age wear and a few stains, otherwise about VGEnrique Meneses (1929-2013) Spanish journalist, writer and photographer. In 1958 Meneses became the first reporter to live, for four months, with the Cuban revolutionaries in Sierra Maestra, at which time he met and interviewed Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. His reports on the Cuban revolution which appeared in French publications caused a worldwide sensation. The present document dates from just a few months before the military dictator Fulgencio Batista (1901-1973) fled from Cuba in the early hours of 1st January 1959. News of the fall of Batista's government was met with a jubilant reaction by Cubans and Fidel Castro and his army rolled victoriously into Havana on 8th January 1959.
VARGAS GETULIO: (1882-1954) Brazilian politician who served as President of Brazil 1930-45, 1951-54. Signed First Day of Issue envelope by Vargas, featuring a postage stamp commemorating the United Nations and post marked at the United Nations, New York, 10th December 1952. A newspaper portrait of Vargas is affixed to the left side of the envelope and has a brief typed caption beneath. Signed ('Getulio Vargas') by the President in dark fountain pen ink with his name alone, the conclusion of the signature slightly obscured by the postal cancellation. Some glue staining to the portrait and light age wear, G
BEN BELLA AHMED: (1916-2012) Algerian politician, soldier and socialist revolutionary who served as Prime Minister of Algeria 1962-63 and as the first President of Algeria 1963-65. Vintage signed 5 x 6.5 photograph of Ben Bella in a head and shoulders pose. Signed ('Ben Bella') in fountain pen ink with his name alone across a slightly darker area of the image although reasonably legible. Rare. VG
BHUTTO BENAZIR: (1953-2007) Pakistani Politician who served as Prime Minister of Pakistan 1988-90 & 1993-96. Assassinated. Bhutto was the first woman to head a democratic government in a country with Muslim majority. She is widely regarded as an icon for women´s rights due to her political success in a male-dominated society. Rare signed 5 x 7 photograph `With good wishes Benazir Bhutto´, the image showing the Pakistani politician seated in a head and shoulders smiling pose. Signed in bold black ink to a partially darker area of the image. VG Bhutto was assassinated following the tragic deaths of other members of the family. Benazir Bhutto´s father, Zulfikar Bhutto (1928-1979), also served as Prime Minister of Pakistan 1973-77, and before that as President of Pakistan 1971-73. During his mandate as Prime Minister, he was arrested after a military coup in July 1977. He was imprisoned and sentenced to death, and after a long trial, he was executed by hanging. Benazir Bhutto´s brother, Murtaza Bhutto (1954-1996) was also assassinated, shot on a police encounter.
WORLD LEADERS: A good selection of vintage signed postcard photographs and slightly larger etc. by various world leaders and politicians including Seretse Khama (first President of Botswana 1966-80), Vernon Mwaanga, Michel Anchouey, Habib Bourguiba Jr., Abdelhadi Boutaleb, Lance Smith, John Vorster (Prime Minister of South Africa 1966-78, President of South Africa 1978-79), Omar Bongo (President of Gabon 1967-2009), Yigal Allon, Raul Maldonado Mejia, Eric Williams etc. Some of the photographs are accompanied by letters of transmittal etc. (13). Facsimile & unsigned photographs (13). Some FR, generally G to about VG, 50
MOUNTBATTEN LOUIS: (1900-1979) British Admiral of World War II, later serving as the last Viceroy of India of British India (1947) and as the first Governor-General of the Dominion of India (1947-48) & MOUNTBATTEN EDWINA (1901-1960) English heiress & socialite, the last Vicereine of India as wife of Viscount Mountbatten of Burma. Vintage signed Christmas greetings card by both Louis and Edwina Mountbatten individually, the stiff cream small oblong 8vo folding card featuring a photograph to the front of the couple standing in full-length poses, the Earl wearing his uniform, in their living room at Broadlands, signed ('Mountbatten of Burma') by the Earl and signed ('Edwina Mountbatten of Burma') by the Countess, each in fountain pen inks beneath a printed greeting, the Countess further adding the remark 'We hardly dare send you this card!!' in her hand. About EX
NEHRU JAWAHARLAL: (1889-1964) Indian anti-colonial nationalist and statesman who served as the first Prime Minister of India 1950-64. A very fine vintage signed 8 x 11 photograph of Nehru seated in a three-quarter length pose. Photograph by A. J. Patel of Bombay and dated 26th April 1948 by the photographer to the border. Signed ('Jawaharlal Nehru') by Nehru to the lower photographer's mount and dated April 1950 in his hand. Some very light, minor uniform age toning to the photographer's mount, otherwise VGThe present portrait of Nehru was taken whilst he was in office as Prime Minister of the Dominion of India (1947-50) and just a matter of months after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on 30th January 1948 (on which day Nehru delivered 'The light has gone out of our lives' speech; often cited as one of the greatest speeches in history). Nehru signed the portrait a few months after having become the first Prime Minister of the Republic of India once the Constitution of India came into effect on 26th January 1950.
RAMSEY ALF: (1920-1999) English football player and manager of the England national team 1963-74, during which time he guided them to victory in the World Cup, 1966. Signed First Day Cover issued to commemorate England's victory in the World Cup, featuring an England Winners postage stamp postmarked at Harrow and Wembley, 18th August 1966. Signed by Ramsey in bold blue fountain pen ink with his name alone to a clear area. Matted in red and framed and glazed in a plain black frame to an overall size of 9 x 6.5. VG
TOLAND GREGG: (1904-1948) American cinematographer, Academy Award winner. Toland worked on a number of classic Hollywood movies including The Grapes of Wrath (1940), Citizen Kane (1941), The Outlaw (1943) and The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). D.S., Gregg Toland, two pages, 4to, Los Angeles, California, 6th March 1935, on the printed stationery of Samuel Goldwyn Inc. Ltd. The typescript document takes the form of a letter addressed to Toland from Abraham Lehr and confirms an agreement between the two parties, stating, in part, 'This agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with that certain agreement known and designated as “Cameraman's Agreement”…..between “American Society of Cinematographers Inc” and the “producers”. We hereby employ you to render your sole and exclusive services for us…..upon the same terms and conditions as are set forth in paragraphs 1 to 15, both inclusive, of that certain agreement between us dated October 11, 1928…..On condition that you fully and completely keep, perform and observe each and every term, covenant and condition of this agreement…..we agree to pay you….at the rate of Three Hundred Fifty Dollars ($350.00) per week until the equivalent of fifty-two (52) weeks compensation at that rate has been paid to you, and thereafter at the rate of Four Hundred Dollars ($400) per week….' Signed by Abraham Lehr (1880-1952) in his capacity as Vice President of Samuel Goldwyn Inc. Ltd, and countersigned by Toland indicating his approval and acceptance of the agreement. Also signed by both Toland and Lehr with their initials to the head of the first page, acknowledging a change in the date. Autographs of Toland are scarce as a result of his untimely death at the age of 44. Four file holes to the upper edge of each page, not affecting the text or signatures. VG
ENGLAND FOOTBALL: An excellent signed colour 10 x 8 photograph by all eleven members of the England national football team who played against Moldova on 1st September 1996, comprising Paul Ince, David Beckham, Andy Hinchcliffe, Gareth Southgate, David Seaman, Gary Pallister, Paul Gascoigne, Stuart Pearce, Alan Shearer, Gary Neville and Nick Barmby. The image depicts the players standing and crouched in two rows before the game. All have signed with their names alone in black inks, largely to clear areas of the image. EXEngland played Moldova at Kishinev on 1st September 1996 in a World Cup qualifying match. Barmby, Gascoigne and Shearer each scored to give England a 0-3 victory. The game was significant as it saw David Beckham play his first England International, thus winning the first of his record-breaking 115 caps for England. It also marked the first game of Glenn Hoddle's reign as England manager.
MARVIN LEE: (1924-1987) American actor, Academy Award winner. D.S., Lee Marvin, one page, 4to, n.p. (Los Angeles, California), n.d. (February 1980), on the printed stationery of The American Film Institute. The document takes the form of a letter addressed to Marvin by Howell Begle of the AFI and concerns the James Stewart Life Achievement Award and states, in part, 'On February 28, 1980, The American Film Institute will honor James Stewart with its eighth annual Life Achievement Award. The award will be presented at a dinner at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to be attended by nearly two thousand members of the film community……The Institute's presentation to Mr. Stewart will include a screening of selected clips from his more important films. Among the films to be included in this screening is “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”. All required consents for the use of clips from this film are being obtained from Screen Actors Guild. Your cooperation would also be appreciated by consenting to AFI's use of clips in which you appear…..' Signed by Marvin in blue ink at the foot of the document, granting his consent. VGJames Stewart (1908-1997) American actor, Academy Award winner.The Western film The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) was directed by John Ford and starred James Stewart and John Wayne, in their first film together, and the supporting cast included Lee Marvin (as Liberty Valance).
AZARENKA VICTORIA: (1989- ) Belarusian tennis player. Signed colour 8 x 10 photograph of Azarenka standing in a three-quarter length pose wearing a plain pink dress and forming a 'time out' symbol with her hands. Signed in bold blue ink with her first name only to a clear area at the centre of the image. About EX
BARRYMORE ETHEL: (1879-1959) American actress, Academy Award winner. Book signed, being a hardback edition of Memories, First Edition (as stated 'C-E') published by Harper & Brothers, New York, 1955. Limited edition number 88 of 265, signed and numbered by Barrymore to a printed 8vo limitations page neatly tipped in to the verso of the half title page. Bound in black linen boards with gilt stamped facsimile signature of the actress and with black cloth spine with gilt stamped title. Lacking the slipcase. Some light age wear, about VG
ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS: A good, small selection of three vintage signed postcard photographs by various Oscar winning actresses comprising Sophia Loren (photograph by Sam Levin; a slightly hurried signature with her first name only), Rita Moreno and Lila Kedrova. All are signed in blue fountain pen inks to clear areas of the images and two are inscribed. VG, 3
GARBO GRETA: (1905-1990) Swedish-American actress, the recipient of an Honorary Academy Award. D.S., Greta Garbo, being a signed cheque, n.p. (New York), 13th July 1967. The partially printed cheque, completed in typescript, is drawn on the Chase Manhattan Bank and is made payable to the Consolidated Edison Company for the sum of $23.33. Signed by the actress in bold green ink, with just a couple of very light bank cancellations touching the first letter of her signature. Scarce. VG
O'TOOLE PETER: (1932-2013) British actor. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of O'Toole in a half-length pose in costume from his celebrated role as T.E. Lawrence in the epic historical drama film Lawrence of Arabia (1962). Signed by O'Toole in bold blue ink with his name alone to the image, his surname partially running across a darker area. It was for his performance in this film that O'Toole received his first nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. EX
CAMPBELL DONALD: (1921-1967) British car & motorboat racer, World Land and Water Speed Record Holder in the 1950s and 1960s. An oblong 8vo printed brochure issued for the Proteus Bluebird Project 1963 World Challenge, signed and inscribed by Campbell in bold blue fountain pen ink to a clear area of his image on the first introductory page. Two file holes to the left edge of the brochure, not affecting the image or signature, and some light creasing and age wear to the paper covers, which also feature a red ink annotation in the hand of a previous owner. G
HAYWORTH RITA: (1918-1987) American actress. Vintage signed and inscribed 10 x 8 photograph of Hayworth in a head and shoulders pose, in costume as Anne Shankland, opposite actor Burt Lancaster, in costume as John Malcolm, in a scene from the American drama film Separate Tables (1958). Signed by Hayworth in bold blue fountain pen ink to a light area of the image. Hayworth's first attempt to sign the photograph, with a slightly inferior pen, is just visible beneath the beginning of her second signature. VG Provenance: The present photograph originates from the collection of Pierre Goulliard, a French gentleman who, for over 50 years, dedicated himself to obtaining in person autographs of British, American and European movie stars, always obtaining the signatures in fountain pen ink.
DUVALL ROBERT: (1931- ) American actor, Academy Award winner. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Duvall standing in a half-length pose in costume as Chief of Scouts Al Sieber from the historical Western film Geronimo: An American Legend (1993). Signed twice by Duvall in black ink with his name alone to the image, the first signature a little light having obviously experienced some pen trouble. Together with Walter Hill (1940- ) American film director. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Hill in a half-length pose on the set of his Western film Geronimo: An American Legend. Signed in black ink with his name alone to the image. The signature is a little light in places, evidently a result of some pen trouble. VG to EX, 2
COMANECI NADIA: (1961- ) Romanian Gymnast. Five times Olympic individual gold medallist. Comaneci is the first Gymnast to be awarded with a score of 10 at the Montreal 1976 Olympic games. A good signed 8 x 10 photograph, the attractive image depicting Comaneci in a full length pose during one of her gymnast performances. Boldly signed in black ink to a clear area of the image. EX
REINHARDT DJANGO: (1910-1953) Romani-French jazz guitarist and composer, one of the first major jazz talents to emerge in Europe. An extremely rare vintage signed and inscribed sepia 6.5 x 8.5 photograph of Reinhardt in a head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Studio Harcourt and issued by Swing as a promotional portrait. Signed ('D. Reinhardt') by Reinhardt in fountain pen ink with his name alone to the image, across a slightly darker area although still fairly legible. Autographs of Reinhardt are extremely rare in any form as both a result of his lack of formal education and his untimely death at the age of 43. A few light, minor stains to the image (one just affecting the conclusion of the signature) and with a few pinholes to the corners, G
THALBERG IRVING: (1899-1936) American film producer. D.S., I Thalberg, two pages, 4to, Culver City, California, 28th May 1930, on the printed stationery of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. The typescript document takes the form of a letter addressed to Samuel Goldwyn Inc., and confirms an agreement made between Goldwyn and M-G-M regarding the loan of the exclusive services of the cameraman George F. Barnes and stating, in part, 'The present term of Mr. Barnes employment with you is for a period of two (2) years commencing April 15, 1930. The term of his employment with us shall be deemed to have commenced on May 26, 1930 and shall continue for the full duration of the unexpired portion of the present term of his employment with you……We agree to pay you as compensation in full for Mr. Barnes services at the same rate as you are obliged to pay him, to-wit: Five Hundred Dollars ($500) per week for the balance of the first year…..and Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($550) per week for the second year……We agree that you shall be entitled to the services of Mr. Barnes at such time or times as you may desire provided that you give us at least four (4) weeks' notice in writing….' Signed by Thalberg at the conclusion in his capacity as Vice President of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Corporation and countersigned by Abraham Lehr (1880-1952) Vice President of Samuel Goldwyn Inc. Scarce. Two file holes to the upper corners of each page and with some very minimal age wear, VG
LIBERACE: (1919-1987) American pianist, singer & actor. Vintage signed 8 x 10 photograph of the entertainer standing in a three-quarter length pose with his hands before him as he imitates playing a piano with his fingers. Signed in black ink to the image, also adding a drawing of a piano and candelabra in his hand. Together with a second vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph of Liberace in a three-quarter length pose leaning against his piano. Signed in black ink to the image, again adding a drawing of a piano and candelabra, and the date 1957 in his hand. One small tape stain to the left edge of the first photograph and the second with some heavy surface creasing and tears to the edges. FR to G, 2
WILSON NANCY: (1937-2018) American singer. Vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph of Wilson standing in a three-quarter length pose besides a large bouquet of flowers. Signed in bold blue fountain pen ink to a clear area of the image. Together with Dionne Warwick (1940- ) American singer. Vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 8.5 photograph of Warwick in a head and shoulders pose. Signed, with her first name, in blue ink, to the image. Some corner creasing, and Warwick's photograph neatly trimmed to the lower edge. G, 2
LENNON JOHN: (1940-1980) English singer and musician, co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. An excellent original blue ink self-portrait drawn by Lennon on a partially printed 12mo (approximately 3 x 5.5”, 8 x 13.5 cm) page removed from a bartender's notepad (advertising Liqueurs Bardinet and Rhum Negrita), the appealing image depicting Lennon in a profile portrait pose wearing a pair of glasses. Signed ('John Lennon') in blue ink to the verso and further signed by Ringo Starr (1940- ) English musician, drummer with the Beatles, in blue ink with his first name only. Accompanied by an original 12mo printed ticket stub from a Beatles concert held at the Sporthall in Eskilstuna on 29th October 1963 during the band's Autumn 1963 Sweden Tour. A superb piece of original artwork by Lennon, enhanced by the presence of Starr's signature. Very slightly irregularly torn to the lower edge, VGProvenance: The present drawing is accompanied by a handwritten letter of provenance signed by the original recipient, Irene Carlsson, stating, in full, 'After the Beatles concert in Eskilstuna Sporthall on Tuesday the 29th October 1963, I was invited to meet the Beatles in the bar at the Eskilstuna Staff Hotel. There in the bar John Lennon made this drawing'.
STING: (1951- ) English musician and actor, lead singer and bassist of the new wave rock band the Police. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Sting in a head and shoulders pose alongside his first wife, the actress Frances Tomelty. Signed by Sting and Tomelty in blue ink with their names alone to a light area at the head of the image. Some minimal age wear and a few very minor, extremely light creases, VG
CARPENTERS THE: Signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph by both Karen and Richard Carpenter individually, the promotional publicity portrait depicting the siblings in head and shoulders poses together. Signed and inscribed by Karen Carpenter, with her first name, in bold black ink to a light area of the image, Richard Carpenter adding his full signature alongside. Some slight surface and corner creasing, otherwise VG
STYLES HARRY: (1994- ) English singer, songwriter and actor, a former member of the English-Irish pop boy band One Direction. Signed colour 8 x 10 photograph of Styles standing in a half-length pose singing. Signed in bold black ink with his first name only to a clear area of the image. Autograph obtained in person by a collector in Venice. EX.
FRAZIER JOE: (1944-2011) American boxer, the first to defeat Muhammad Ali. World Heavyweight Champion 1970-73. Signed colour 8 x 10 photograph of Frazier standing in a full-length boxing pose. Signed in blue ink with his name alone to the image. With a small oval authentication sticker affixed to the lower right corner. Some very light, extremely minor surface creasing, VG
LISZT FRANZ: (1811-1886) Hungarian composer, Pianist virtuoso and Teacher of the Romantic period. A.L.S., F. Liszt, four pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d., in French. Liszt explains firstly to his correspondent that he went to visit him to his hotel, but couldn´t meet him, stating `Je vous ai promis mon cher…. De vous donner de mes nouvelles à Arnhem, qu´elles vous intéressent peu ou prou ce n´est point la question. Je tiens à garder ma parole! D´autant plus que c´est la seule façon de causer un peu avec vous, ce qui m´est toujours un plaisir. Midi et demi Dimanche, j´étais à votre hotel d´Utrecht, pour vous faire mes plus sincères compliments - Vous veniez de partir pour Arnhem´ (Translation: `I promised you my dear…. To give you news about me in Arnhem, whether they interest you more or less, that is not the question. I want to keep my word! Especially since it's the only way to talk a little with you, which always gives me pleasure. Half past twelve Sunday, I was at your hotel in Utrecht, to give you my most sincere compliments - You had just left for Arnhem´) Liszt further refers to his correspondent´s forthcoming concerts and expects to meet him this time, saying `Probablement Dimanche j´arriverai dans cette ville et en repartirai probablement aussi dans la nuit. Vendredi prochain aura lieu votre dernier concert à Amsterdam dans la salle Pascal, comme les précédents. Peut-être vous y reverrai-je. Vous pardonnerez à mon goût des susceptibilités, si momentanément je ne me permets pas de vous faire d'autres propositions, mais j'espère bien que notre connaissance ne se bornera pas à ces quelques jours, et que nous aurons lieu d'être réciproquement contents l'un de l'autre…´ (Translation: `I will probably arrive on Sunday to this city and will probably also leave it in the night. Next Friday will be your last concert in Amsterdam in the Salle Pascal, like the previous ones. Maybe I'll see you there. You will forgive my taste for susceptibilities, if for the moment I do not allow myself to make other proposals to you, but I do hope that our acquaintance will not be limited to these few days, and that we will have reason to be reciprocally happy. one of the other…´) Liszt adds a post-scriptum the fourth page, asking his correspondent to forward a message on his behalf before his arrival. Overall staining not affecting the signature. Corner creases to the upper right corner of the first page and to the bottom right corner of the third page, affecting the signature. F to G
WAGNER RICHARD: (1813-1883) German Composer. A.N.S., `Rich. Wagner´, one page, 12mo, n.p., n.d., in French. Wagner sends an urgent and important message to his correspondent, stating `[Vo]us m´oubliez! Je suis très embarrassé. Vous me comprendrez et agirez? N´est-ce pas? Votre Rich. Wagner´ (Translation: `You are forgetting me! I am very embarrassed. Will you understand me and act? Will you? Your Rich. Wagner´ Small overall creasing, with upper left corner clipped, only affecting the first two letters of the first word. About G
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