WRIGHT WILBUR: (1867-1912) & ORVILLE (1871-1948) American Aviators who invented and built the world's first successful airplane and made the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight on 17th December 1903. An historically important D.S. by both Wilbur Wright ('Wright Brothers W.W.') and Orville Wright ('Wright Brothers O.W.') individually, being a signed cheque, Dayton, Ohio, 27th January 1908. The partially printed cheque, completed in the hand of a cashier, F. A. Finckhouse, is drawn on The Winters National Bank (marked No.1 to the upper right corner) and is made payable to James Allen, Chief Signal Officer, for the sum of $2500. Signed by Wilbur Wright to the recto and signed by Orville Wright to the verso, the latter with an additional holograph endorsement, in full, 'Returned by James Allen, Chief Signal Officer'. A rare pair of signatures on a highly significant document. With a small tear at the centre, only very slightly affecting the text, and with one file hole close to, but not affecting, Wilbur Wright's signature. Some light overall age wear and minor dust staining, otherwise VG An historic document marking the birth of the United States Air Force - the cheque that launched the company of 'The Wright Brothers' and won them the contract to produce the first American military aircraft. On 17th December 1903, Orville Wright piloted the first powered airplane 20 feet above a wind-swept beach in Kittyhawk, North Carolina. The flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. The event immediately attracted the attention of foreign governments in Europe but it wasn't until some years later that officials within the U.S. War Department recognised the potential. A little over three years had elapsed since their first successful powered 'Flyer' by which time the Wrights were ready to offer their machine to the U.S. Board of Ordnance and Fortification, headed at the time by Chief Signal Officer Brigadier General James Allen. The Wright's agreed to deliver an aircraft to the Boards specifications for a sum of $25,000 (a bargain considering the $50,000 the American Government had given Samuel Langley in 1903, for his unsuccessful flight trials). The Board, however, insisted on putting the contract out to tender, despite the Wrights being the only company working on powered flight. So, in December, the Board released an 'Advertisement and Specification for a Heavier-Than-Air Flying Machine'. This specification was primarily based upon the Wright's machine, to carry two men (a pilot and observer) at a speed of 40 miles per hour, for at least an hour, and which could also be dismantled for transport and quickly re-assembled. The purpose of the contract for tender was to discourage irresponsible or impecunious bidders as each respondent was required to deposit with the Signal Corps a certified check amounting to 10% of his bid, to be forfeited in case of failure. As the Wrights had the only machine that fitted the criteria of the specification, theirs was the only bid expected. In January 1908, the Wright Brothers reorganised their business partnership, changing their accounts at the Winters National Bank in Dayton Ohio from the 'Wright Cycle Co.' to simply 'Wright Brothers'. It was now, at this time of prosperity, that on 27th January 1908, the brothers submitted their formal proposal to sell a flying machine as specified, for $25,000. The present certified cheque, representing 10% of their bid to supply the first powered military aircraft to the U.S. Army, was originally accompanied by their tender, and was the first that the brothers issued and signed having restructured their business.The deadline for tender submissions closed on the 1st February 1908, and, unexpectedly, 41 bids were received by the Army, ranging from $850 to $1 million. Most were unfeasible and at the very least impactable, and just three (like the Wrights') were accompanied by the necessary certified cheque. The Army, however, awarded two contracts, one of which was to the Wright Brothers. As agreed, the present cheque was returned and the funds released on the 29th February 1908, as indicated by Orville Wright on the verso of this historic cheque.Following the completion of rigorous supervised trials at Fort Meyer in Virginia (during which time several speed and endurance records were set) the Wright brother's aircraft was officially accepted on 9th August 1909 by the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, progenitor of the U.S. Air Force.Autographs of both Wilbur and Orville Wright together on one item are extremely rare, and the present signed cheque is of particular interest due to its historical importance.The American brothers and aviation pioneers are credited with having invented, built and flown the world's first successful airplane. The brothers' fundamental breakthrough in achieving this was their invention of three-axis control, which enabled the pilot to steer the aircraft effectively and to maintain its equilibrium. This method became and remains standard on fixed wing aircraft of all kinds. From the beginning of their aeronautical work, the Wright brothers focused on developing a reliable method of pilot control as the key to solving "the flying problem". This approach differed significantly from other experimenters of the time who put more emphasis on developing powerful engines.
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HENRY VIII: (1491-1547) King of England 1509-47. A fine D.S., Henry R, (a good, bold example) as King, at the head, one page (vellum), oblong folio, Westminster, 30th October 1533. The manuscript warrant is addressed to Baron Windsor, Keeper of the Great Wardrobe, and orders him to deliver clothing to John Berwick, Richard Bolton, William Hammond and Thomas Maxson, the 'children of our lease' [leash], each to receive 'oon Dublet of chamlet…any dublet….lyned with fustyan and Canvas….three shyrthendy shyrte….made with draught worke….a gowne of fowre brode yardes of woollen cloth….to bee finred with yrisshe lambe….thre peyre of hosen….fowre peyre of doble soled shoes (or eight peyres of single-soled)…oon hatte…five brace of colers, fowre cheynes of the best…[and]…thre leases'. With a blind embossed paper signet seal at the foot. A very small printed identification slip is neatly affixed at the base. Some extremely minor overall creasing and very light dust staining and two very slight traces of former mounting to the verso, otherwise a clean and attractive document overall, about VG Andrews Windsor (1467-1543) English Nobleman, Keeper of the Great Wardrobe from 1504 until his death. King Henry VIII's household was the home for many animals and pets (he kept ferrets, his first wife Catherine of Aragon owned a monkey; canaries and nightingales could be found in ornamental birdcages hanging in the windows at Hampton Court) however it was his dogs, particularly beagles, spaniels and greyhounds, that the King considered his favourites. As illustrated by the present document, the monarch's dogs were adorned with decorative collars of velvet (permitted only to Royal dogs) and the Royal leash boys were equally handsomely attired. King Henry VIII regularly sent dogs (all garnished with a good iron collar) as gifts to foreign leaders. It has been recorded that some sixty-five dog leashes were found in the King's closet upon his death. Henry VIII was the second monarch of the Tudor dynasty and has been described as 'one of the most charismatic rulers to sit on the English throne'. The monarch notably initiated the English Reformation, thereby greatly expanding royal power, and the scale and complexities of his legacy are such that, in their work Henry VIII in History (2012) Betteridge and Freeman state 'throughout the centuries [since his death] Henry has been praised and reviled, but he has never been ignored'. Provenance: Formerly part of the Enys Collection of Autographs and Manuscripts.
CATHERINE II: (1729-1796) Empress of Russia 1762-96, known as Catherine the Great.An excellent A.L.S., Catherine, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d. (December 1765), to Count von Münnich, in French. The Empress states 'I am very satisfied learning that the horrors of the tradesman….and his fellows of iniquity have been uncovered. Continue with this affair in the same way you have been doing since the beginning. ´ She continues `Here it is not as cold as it was the first days…. but the path between town and here could harm someone convalescent. I am getting better and will return soon', further concluding `You might say that the Empire will not suffer because of my stay here´ With blank integral leaf. Lightly mounted and matted in light beige, and framed and glazed in a decorative frame to an overall size of 14 x 16. VG Count Burkhard Christoph von Münnich (1683-1767) German Soldier and Engineer, a Field Marshal of the Russian Empire. Münnich was the major Russian Army reformer and founder of several elite military formations and also became involved in the politics of the Russian Empire. As a statesman, he is regarded as the founder of Russian Philhellenism, and served underPeter the Great, Catherine I, Peter II, Anna of Russia, Peter III and Catherine II. Catherine the Great, the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia, came to power following a coup d´état when her husband, Peter III, was assassinated. Russia was revitalised during her reign, growing larger and stronger than ever and becoming recognised as one of the great powers of Europe. As a patron of the arts she presided over the age of the Russian Enlightenment and the Catherinian Era is often considered the Golden Age of the Russian Empire.
KING JR. MARTIN LUTHER: (1929-1968) American Baptist Minister, a leading figure in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1964. Assassinated. 'God bless you in our struggle for freedom and human dignity.'An excellent vintage signed and inscribed 10 x 6.5 photograph by King, the image depicting him standing outdoors in a profile half length pose addressing a predominantly African-American crowd who are gathered before him. Signed in blue ink to a clear area of the image `To Ray, God bless you in our struggle for freedom and human dignity. Martin Luther King Jr.´ A pencil annotation to the verso in an unidentified hand (although evidently that of the original recipient of the photograph) states that the photograph was captured in Los Angeles in October 1964 and further indicates that the signature was obtained in person at the Riverside Church in New York City on 4th April 1967. Signed photographs of Martin Luther King Jr. rarely appear at auction and the present example is particularly desirable due to the emotive inscription. Some slight creasing and a few small tears to the edges of the image (repaired with tape to the verso) not affecting the signature or inscription, otherwise about VGMartin Luther King Jr. made a whistle stop tour of Los Angeles on 27th October 1964 when he delivered a series of speeches (or 'pleas' as he described them himself) encouraging people to vote in the upcoming Presidential election and the present photograph was captured at one such speech. In his speeches, King made it clear that he would not be voting for Barry Goldwater, but did not endorse any particular candidate, instead urging his audiences to go to the polls and vote for their convictions.On 4th April 1967, when the present photograph was signed, King made what has been documented as 'the most controversial speech' of his career, and also the one he 'laboured over most', and is known as the Riverside Church speech, or 'Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence'. The anti-Vietnam war and pro-social justice speech was followed by several interviews and other public speeches in which King came out against the war in Vietnam and the policies that had created it. The speech was written by activist and historian Vincent Harding and civil rights leader Ralph Bunche described it as a mistake on King's part, whilst others, including James Bevel, King's partner and strategist in the Civil Rights Movement, labelled it as King's most important speech. Coincidentally the speech was delivered exactly a year before King would be assassinated by James Earl Ray.King became a civil rights activist early in his career, leading the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955 and serving as the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference two years later. King also helped to organise the 1963 March on Washington where he famously delivered his 'I Have a Dream' speech, thus establishing his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history. On 14th October 1964, in the same month that the present photograph was taken, King became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded for combating racial inequality through non-violent resistance. In the final years of his life, when the present image was signed, King expanded his focus to include opposition towards poverty and the Vietnam War.
LINDBERGH CHARLES: (1902-1974) American Aviator who made the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean, 20th - 21st May 1927. A.L.S., Charles A. Lindbergh, four pages (airmail stationery), 4to, n.p. ('In flight over Brazil'), 24th August 1968, to Gladys Bueler, Secretary of the Garden of the Gods Preservation Council in Colorado Springs. Lindbergh informs his correspondent that he had been travelling in Europe for several weeks, and only returned home to Connecticut for one night, before leaving on his current trip to South America, and apologises for the delay in writing to her, commenting 'The Garden of the Gods means a great deal to me, for it, and Colorado, have (been) woven through my family's life, and mine, for many years. One of my great uncles….took a major part in the protection of the fish in Colorado streams. I feel sure he admired the Garden of the Gods as I do in a later generation' and reflecting 'My own first contact with those fantastic rocks came in 1916, when I was driving my mother….on a trip (which took us about forty days) between Minnesota and California. I was then fourteen years of age. My mother had been telling me about the great Rocky Mountains, and the Garden of the Gods, even before we left our Minnesota home. I remember watching the colours unfold as we approached the area - slowly….when we arrived at the rocks themselves, we stopped for several hours, and I climbed one of them….I think I have never seen a more spectacular and magnificent place'. Lindbergh also adds 'Barnstorming in Colorado, in 1925, I flew over and circled the Garden of the Gods; and laying out the transcontinental passenger airline (T.A.T.), in 1928-29, I often detoured far enough from my route to fly above it. I think my last view of the Garden (at least from reasonably low altitude) was from the plane carrying the Air-Force-Academy site-selection Commission, of which I was a member. But my clearest memories come from earlier years, when there was enough time to climb or circle' and further declares 'The Garden of the Gods is one of the most beautiful and spectacular areas in the world. It would be a tragedy of major magnitude to lose, or detract from its great qualities - an…indifference on the part of our generation, and a lack of responsibility for those succeeding us. I sincerely hope the citizens of Colorado are successful in their efforts to preserve it', concluding by explaining that it will be some days before Bueler receives his letter, explaining 'I write in a small plane over the Amazon basin, enroute to the northern frontier of Brazil where I will spend a day or two looking over one of South America's major park areas. Our stops for fuel will be at landing fields so distant from major cities that it may be advisable for me to carry the envelope back to Rio before mailing'. In a postscript, Lindbergh states that he is enclosing 'my check (no longer present) for a hundred dollars, as a contribution to the efforts of your Preservation Council'. A letter of interesting content, written whilst in flight! VG The Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971. Charles Lindbergh emerged from virtual obscurity as a U.S. Air Mail pilot to instantaneous world fame as a result of his solo nonstop flight from New York to Paris in 1927. He became an instant hero and his feat inspired an enthusiastic interest in aviation. (See also lot 121)
BLUNT ANTHONY: (1907-1983) British Art Historian and Soviet Spy, a member of the Cambridge Five.A.L.S., A F Blunt, two pages, 8vo, Portman Square, London, 7th July n.y. (1950s), to a gentleman, evidently a publisher, on the printed stationery of the University of London, Courtauld Institute of Art. Blunt apologises for not having answered his correspondent's letter earlier and also for not acknowledging receipt of Dr. Friedlaender's book which he had kindly sent, further commenting 'I am rather out of touch with journalism now, but I tried to review the book for the Observer & the Spectator. Unfortunately, it had in both cases been given to another reviewer. I am sorry not to have been able to review it, as I read it with very great interest. It is a great achievement to have produced it in the present difficult circumstances'. Annotated in ink in another hand beneath the signature and at the head of the first page. With two file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, VG Walter Friedlaender (1873-1966) German Art Historian who published three works during the 1950s; David to Delacroix (1952), Caravaggio Studies (1955) and Mannerism and Anti-Mannerism in Italian Painting (1957).In 1964, after being offered immunity from prosecution, Blunt confessed to having been a Soviet Spy. A member of the Cambridge Five, he and other spies (including Kim Philby and Guy Burgess) had been working for the Soviet Union from some time in the 1930s to at least the early 1950s. A closely held secret for many years, Blunt's status was revealed publicly by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in November 1979, and he was immediately stripped of his knighthood.
ADAMS MARCUS: (1875-1959) British Society Photographer, noted for his portraits of children. An interesting archive of letters, personal papers, original photographs and drawings etc., previously belonging to Adams, featuring correspondence between Adams and his sitters, most notably the young Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth II, and quite possibly including the earliest signature of the monarch (aged 3 years) to have ever appeared at auction. The archive includes – (i) An extremely early, bold pencil signature (‘Elizabeth’) by Princess Elizabeth, at just 3 years of age and most likely executed with the assistance of her nurse, Clara Knight (1879-1946), known as ‘Allah’ within the Royal household, at the foot of an A.L.S. C Knight, by Knight, one page, 8vo, Piccadilly, 18th December 1929, to Marcus Adams, announcing ‘Your beautiful holly has made us look like Xmas already! The Princess says I am to say “Thank you very much for your lovely holly”. I don’t think I have ever seen such wonderful berries’.(ii) A remarkable and charming series of three folio sheets of paper removed from Marcus Adams’ sketchbook and featuring a series of bold pencil sketches and doodles accomplished by the three year old Princess Elizabeth, with the assistance of the photographer, the first image is open to interpretation and depicts the head and neck of what could either be described as a somewhat fierce looking animal with cat like features, or a human with a rather angry stare, annotated by Adams ‘Drawn by Marcus Adams July 31st 1929 with the aid of Princess Lillybet (sic) in the children’s studio, London’, the outline of the drawing, including the ears, most likely in the hand of the Princess and the facial features, in particular the eyes, most likely in the hand of Adams. A long arched line appears above the drawing, again annotated by Adams, ‘This line was drawn by Princess Lillybet (sic) July 31st 1929’, the page also featuring the surname ‘Adams’ written in capital letters, evidently by the photographer himself. The second page features a pencil list in the hand of Adams (including ‘Bulbs, Seeds, Roses, Sweetpeas’ and other garden and household items) over which appear a series of drawings of animal heads, most resembling cats, again evidently drawn principally by Adams in an attempt to teach the young Princess how to draw, but also with some less well accomplished drawings of animal heads, undoubtedly the efforts of the Princess. The third page features a pencil drawing by Adams of a large country house and gardens, with a sole figure walking across the lawn and with a large tree in the foreground, the page featuring a series of somewhat random and bolder pencil lines, scribbles and circles etc., obviously the work of the young Princess. The name Lilybet appears at the base of the page, in the hand of Adams, and is heavily crossed through in pencil, presumably by the Princess.(iii) A rare, early A.L.S., Elizabeth, one page, 8vo, Piccadilly, 18th December 1933, to Marcus Adams (‘Dear Mr. Adams’), stating, in full, ‘Ever so many thanks for the lovely holly you sent me today, and the Xmas cards. Wishing you a very happy xmas, from Elizabeth’. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by the Princess. Some light overall staining and soiling, slightly affecting the text and signature.(iv) A fascinating autograph manuscript signed (‘Marcus Adams’) by Adams entitled ‘Notes’ on my contacts with the Royal Family from 1928 to present day, nine pages, 4to, n.p., 1958, stating, in part, ‘…the curtain is completely raised to reveal the understanding of prophecy. The world will be awakened to realise the importance of this age and how vital the birth of Princess Elizabeth is in the fulfilment of things come…For this reason I appreciate… and feel highly honoured to have had the opportunity of making exclusive portrait records of the early life of this important personality……I have produced a series of portraits that convey the dignity of Royalty combined with a standard that justify my efforts, they are not just mere snapshots taken in a careless and casual fashion that may be news today and forgotten soon after… but never reach the standard of dignity that the Royal family deserve…Events can be recalled at the time of the Coronation of King George, when in one day over 200 called at the studio for press copies… to say nothing for the telephone calls… It was estimated that one particular group was produced… to some thousand million imprints. Besides the actual press there was always a constant request for right to reproduce… on mugs, jigsaw puzzles, handkerchiefs… babies rattles, almanacs, these all had be considered on their own merits, if any doubt was involved it was always referred to the Controllers of the Palace …I well remember on one occasion at Windsor the leading cable got so warmed up it showed signs of burning…I recall an incident that happened during the sitting my assistant whispered to me that the focussing screen had smashed. I met the circumstance calmly by taking two stamps from my wallet and sticking it together. The King who was always alert, remarked What’s the trouble Adams, Oh only the screen is broken and I am mending the bits with two of your fathers portraits, they acted in a perfect fashion and we can proceed with all speed….I was working with the late Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth, she was in a great hurry, so I lost no time… After I had finished my part Her Majesty turned to Mr. [Bertram] Park and said, As Marcus Adams has been so quick I can spare you time to make some pictures of me, which dress would you like best… Thus Mr. Parks made some interesting studies, whilst I acted as his assistant. She [Elizabeth] was a child and I treated her as a child… a sitting would last about an hour. During one sitting complete with baby Margaret and the parents: my son tells me I exposed about 300 plates, it was probably the most difficult task I had encountered…’ Stapled within stiff card wrappers bearing the ink title and signature of Adams to the front cover.(v) A.L.S., Marcus Adams “Gollywog”, one page, 4to, Swallowfield, Berkshire, Christmas 1931, to ‘H.R. Princess Elizabeth’, stating, in full, ‘A sprig of Holly and a big wish for a very Happy jolly & Bright Xmas from the Hills of Oxfordshire and the sender’.(vi) A collection of ten folio pages removed from a scrapbook belonging to Adams and with various A.Ls.S., T.Ls.S., autograph notes, a few pencil drawings, some original photographs by Adams, Bertram Park and Howard Coster (some loose and most neatly laid down to pages) etc., all relating to the photographer’s work with the British Royal family and others, 1929-34,(vii) A collection of correspondence comprising around 60 A.Ls.S., T.Ls.S., a few telegrams etc., from various individuals, most ladies-in-waiting to various members of the British Royal family but also including some other notable individuals, all to Marcus Adams or his son Gilbert Adams, late 1920s-1990, most on the subject of photographs, thanking Adams for prints or arranging appointments etc.,An exceptional archive of material containing several extremely rare examples of the autograph of the young Queen Elizabeth II in various forms. Some age wear, generally G to VG, Qty. Owing to restrictions imposed by the-saleroom the complete catalogue description can not be shown here. Please contact the auctioneers for further details.
DAVY HUMPHRY: (1778-1829) British Chemist & Inventor. A.L.S., Humphry Davy, three pages, 4to, Montpelier, 17th (?) (January) 1814, to Monsieur Le Baron Delessert in Paris. Davy states that he has 'not yet profited by your letter of credit' and adds that he proposes to stay at Montpelier for a further ten days and would like the letter of credit sent there, explaining 'I am just going to make a journey to the extinct volcanoes in this neighbourhood & on my return I will send you bills of exchange for as much money as I shall want whilst I am in the south of France.' In a postscript Davy remarks 'If you can have the goodness to transmit the enclosed letter (no longer present) to London it will serve as a letter of notice to Messrs Drummond & Messrs Morland & Co in case the other letters should have miscarried'. With integral address leaf (small area of paper loss caused by the seal being broken, not affecting the text or signature). Some very light, minor age wear, VG Jules-Paul-Benjamin De Lessert (1773-1847) French Industrialist, Financier & Philanthropist. Humphry Davy, the Cornish chemist and inventor, is best remembered today for isolating a series of substances for the first time; potassium and sodium in 1807 and calcium, strontium, barium, magnesium and boron the following year, as well as discovering the elemental nature of chlorine and iodine. A President of the Royal Society (1820-27), whose laboratory assistant was Michael Faraday, Davy also invented a very early form of incandescent light bulb as well as the Davy Lamp.
VOLTAIRE: (1694-1778) François-Marie Arouet. French Enlightenment Writer and Philosopher. '...the Russians are already wading in the Prussian snows...' Rare A.L.S., with his initial `V´, one page, 8vo, Les Délices, 23rd November n.y. (1755-60 during which time Voltaire lived at Les Délices, his residence in Geneva), to an unidentified correspondent, evidently another writer, in French. Voltaire begins his letter by referring to his correspondent's novel ('vous aviez sans doute commencé le roman par la queue') and further writes `People say that the 24 thousand soldiers will march and that the Russians are already wading in the Prussian snows. If this is true, send a message…´. Voltaire concludes by asking his correspondent to forward his letter to some colleagues in their own country, and sends his regards ('Je vous embrasse de mon hermitage'). With blank integral leaf. Some light creasing and two extremely small holes in the left margin, not affecting the text or signature, VGVoltaire's reference to the large number of soldiers is in relation to the Seven Years' War (1754-63) which was being fought at the time. It involved every European great power of the time except the Ottoman Empire, spanning five continents, and affected Europe, the Americas, West Africa, India, and the Philippines. The conflict split Europe into two coalitions, led by the Kingdom of Great Britain on one side and the Kingdom of France on the other. For the first time, aiming to curtail Britain and Prussia's ever-growing might, France formed a grand coalition of its own, which ended with failure as Great Britain rose as the world's predominant power, altering the European balance of power. Voltaire, the French Enlightenment Writer, Historian and Philosopher was famous for his wit, his attacks on the established Catholic Church, and his advocacy of freedom of religion, freedom of speech and the separation of church and state. A versatile writer, he produced works in almost every literary form.
RUSHDIE SALMAN: (1947- ) British Indian Novelist & Essayist. Book signed, being a softcover uncorrected advance proof copy of The Satanic Verses, published by Viking, London, 1988. Signed by Rushdie in black ink to the title page, also adding the title 'The Satanic Verses' in his hand above his signature. Although it would appear that there are no differences in the text between the proof and first trade editions of The Satanic Verses, the present proof copy does possess some unique features. There are no ornamental devices separating the sub-chapters and page 549 (the 'Acknowledgements' page) is completely lacking. The beginning of chapter IV entitled Ayesha (page 203) allows for a numerical sub-division although is unnecessary as there are none. Proof copies of the book vary in so much as some have the title printed on the title page and others don't; the present copy does not have the printed title (presumably the reason why Rushdie added the title in his own hand in the present copy). Bound in the publisher's blue wraps and with red lettering to the front cover. Rare in this form. Some slight age toning to the text block, minor creasing to the spine and with some slight age wear and creasing to the edges and corners of the wraps, otherwise VG The 1981 Booker Prize winning Rushdie's work combines magical realism with historical fiction and much of his work is set on the Indian subcontinent. His fourth novel, The Satanic Verses, was the subject of a major controversy which resulted in the British government placing the author under police protection. In 2008 The Times ranked Rushdie thirteenth on its list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945.
FOX CHARLES JAMES: (1749-1806) British Statesman. L.S., C. J. Fox, one page, folio, St. James's, 29th March 1782, to Sir William Hamilton, marked 'No.1' to the upper left corner. Fox informs his correspondent that, following the resignation of Viscount Stormont, King George III has 'been pleased to appoint me to be one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State' and, as such, 'make a new arrangement in the Departments by conferring that for Domestick Affairs and the Colonies on the Earl of Shelburne, and entrusting me with the sole Direction of the Department for Foreign Affairs'. Fox adds that in the future Hamilton should address his letters to him, and that 'I shall not fail to lay regularly before the King' those letters 'and to transmit to you such orders and instructions as His Majesty shall think proper to give for your Guidance and Direction'. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, extremely minor dust staining and age wear, VGSir William Hamilton (1730-1803) Scottish Diplomat who served as British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Naples from 1764-1800. Hamilton's second wife was Emma Hamilton, the mistress of Horatio Nelson.As the present letter confirms, Fox was appointed as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs two days earlier on 27th March 1782. He served in the post until 5th July of the same year and was later reappointed from April-December 1783 and February-September 1806.Great Britain's Prime Minister, Lord North, resigned in March 1782 as a result of the strains of office and the disastrous American war, and was replaced by the new ministry of the Marquess of Rockingham, under whose administration Fox was first appointed as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Rockingham died unexpectedly on 1st July 1782 and Fox refused to serve in the successor administration of the Earl of Shelburne. The ensuing political turmoil culminated in the Fox-North Coalition which came to power on 2nd April 1783, representing the first occasion when King George III had been allowed no role in determining who should hold government office. Charles James Fox, the arch-rival of William Pitt the Younger, rose to prominence in the House of Commons as a forceful and eloquent speaker with a notorious and colourful private life. In a parliamentary career spanning almost forty years Fox's opinions evolved into some of the most radical ever to be aired in the Parliament of his era.
![[POLAR EXPLORATION]: AMUNDSEN ROALD (1872-1928) Norwegian Polar Explorer, the first person to reach both the South and North](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e4a5dd8c-8f10-4d54-b199-a6c800823567/68e0719d-e1d4-47d5-c5dc-c3bca3131332/468x382.jpg)
[POLAR EXPLORATION]: AMUNDSEN ROALD (1872-1928) Norwegian Polar Explorer, the first person to reach both the South and North Poles. PEARY ROBERT (1856-1920) American Explorer. Peary claimed to have been the first to have reached the North Pole with his expedition in 1909. Individual, dark fountain pen ink signatures by both Roald Amundsen ('Roald Amundsen') and Robert Peary ('With pleasure, Peary') on separate pieces, most probably pages removed from autograph albums. Matted alongside each other in cream and framed and glazed in a wooden frame to an overall size of 15.5 x 9. VG The Norwegian explorer Amundsen led the Antarctic Expedition of 1910-12 which was the first to reach the South Pole, on 14th December 1911. He is recognised as the first person, without dispute, as having reached both poles. Amundsen was one of the key figures during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, alongside Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. Peary's exploration career is certainly controversial; the American claimed to have reached the geographic North Pole with his expedition on 6th April 1909, a claim which was widely credited for many years. More recently Peary's claims have been subject to doubt and debate, some polar historians believing that Peary honestly thought he had reached the pole (although in fact was probably 60 miles from his target) whilst others have suggested that he was guilty of deliberately exaggerating his accomplishments.
EDISON THOMAS: (1847-1931) American Inventor of the phonograph and light bulb among many other items.A.L.S., Edison, (a somewhat hurried example), one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. (1921), to [Jaffrey P.] Buchanan. Typically written in bold pencil, Edison writes, in full, 'I want 3 booths in Machines 21 made sound proof like those up stairs & with ventilation. Do it as soon as possible. Driscoll can do it if you tell him what to do. Hurry it'. Some very light, minor age wear, otherwise VG Jaffray P. Buchanan was employed by Edison as Manager of his Record Disc Division. The present note refers to Edison and Buchanan´s works on the production of the phonograph records. The American Inventor and Businessman Edison developed many devices that greatly influenced people's lives around the world, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera and, of course, the long lasting and practical light bulb. A prolific inventor, holding more than a thousand US patents to his name, Edison was one of the first inventors to apply the principles of mass production and is often credited with the creation of the first industrial research laboratory. Edison has often been described as America's greatest inventor.
MORRIS WILLIAM: (1877-1963) 1st Viscount Nuffield. British Automobile Manufacturer, Engineer and Philanthropist.A.L.S., W. R. Morris, one page, 4to, Oxford, 24th November 1906, to some unidentified gentlemen, on the printed stationery of 'W.R. Morris, Motor and Cycle Engineer. Contractor to His Majesty's Government'. Morris writes a letter of testimonial, stating, in full, 'F. Poulter has been with me for the past two years and I have always found him industrious, straightforward and quick at his work. He leaves me through slackness of work.' An early letter, written from one of the first premises Morris operated from. Some extremely light, minor foxing and some very slight age wear to the edges, otherwise VG Morris was the British equivalent of America's Henry Ford, manufacturing cars in mass production whilst acquiring other car companies on the way. Among the cars made by his company were the Morris Minor (launched in 1948). William Morris became the richest man in the United Kingdom, giving away over £30m of his fortune (equivalent to £700m in today). He donated millions to medical research and founded Nuffield College, Oxford. As well as being recognised as a major figure in Britain's motor industry, Morris was one of the greatest philanthropists of modern times, using much of his wealth towards the development of medical equipment and hospitals.
MARCONI GUGLIELMO: (1874-1937) Italian Inventor who developed a radio telegraph system. Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1909. An excellent D.S., G. Marconi, three pages, 4to, Pisa, n.d., [1934], in Italian. The printed document is a proof copy of Marconi's preface to Antonio Pacinotti: la vite e l'opera (edited by Giovanni Polvani and published by Lischi and Sons in two volumes, Pisa, 1934). The text commences `Seventy five years ago, between 1858 and 1859, a young man from Pisa, working on some of his extremely original scientific tests, "dreams" as he used to call them, created for the first time ever a magnetic-electric device, suitable to generate a continuous electric induced power from a permanent mechanic power…this young man was Antonio Pacinotti...and seventy five years of tests and further works have only served to prove all the advantages of such a discovery as its inventor predicted. His creation was simply perfect and represents in the history of the electricity the indispensable element, sought for fifty years, and never achieved…this was the great Italian creation: the battery. ´ Marconi further makes references to Pacinotti´s works, his tests and research, and his permanent lack of funds which made impossible the development of many of his projects and ideas. Marconi concludes `I finish…. expressing my wish that more tributes of this kind will show to Italians and foreigners, with accurate and objective explanation of honest and sincere historical facts, the work and life of many other great geniuses of our country. This way we will be sure that we are collaborating to the tasks that the Duce has called us for, that our beloved Italy will be admired and dreaded, and be at the head of the world. ´ Signed by Marconi at the conclusion. A document of good content and with an interesting association. Some light overall age toning and a few very small, extremely minor tears to the edges, not affecting the text or signature, VG Antonio Pacinotti (1841-1912) Italian Physicist, best known for inventing an improved form of direct current electrical generator, or dynamo, which he built in 1860 and described in a paper published in 1865. Pacinotti also discovered that the device could also be used as an electric motor. The publication in which the present preface by Marconi appeared was entitled Antonio Pacinotti - Life and Work, and was a compilation of writings, drawings, news and other documents compiled and edited by the Italian Physicist Giovanni Polvani (1892-1970). Marconi is recognised for his pioneering work on long-distance radio transmission and for the development of a radio telegraph system. He is often credited as the inventor of radio and shared the 1909 Nobel Prize in Physics (with Karl Ferdinand Braun) in 'recognition of their contributions to the development of wireless telegraphy'. Marconi was also an entrepreneur and businessman who founded The Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company in the United Kingdom in 1897 (which became the Marconi Company) and he succeeded in making a commercial success of radio by innovating and building on the work of previous experimenters and physicists.
ELIZABETH II: (1926- ) Queen of the United Kingdom 1952- . A charming, early A.L.S., Elizabeth, one page, 8vo, Windsor Castle, 25th April 1941, to Prebendary Percival. The young Princess, writing just a few days after her fifteenth birthday, thanks her correspondent for a book although remarks 'I am afraid I have got a copy of it but I would be most delighted with R. L. Stevenson's "Virginibus Puerisque"', adding 'I have not got it and I should love to read it'. Princess Elizabeth continues to add that it was most kind of her correspondent to have remembered her birthday and concludes 'I am sending the book (no longer present) back to you as I did not know what you would like done with it'. An elegantly penned letter. Some very light, extremely minor creasing, VG Launcelot Percival (1869-1941) Anglican Priest who served in the Ecclesiastical Households of Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, King Edward VIII and King George VI. Robert Louis Stevenson's Virginibus Puerisque was published in 1881 and was the first collection of the Scottish writer's essays. The works, including On Falling in Love, Apology for Idlers, English Admirals and Child's Play, promote a spirit of playfulness in defiance of both the hardships of human life and the restrictions imposed by bourgeois Philistinism. Although not selling well, the volume did enjoy a good critical reception which confirmed Stevenson as one of the rising stars of the literary scene. In 2015 Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning British monarch, surpassing the reign of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, and is the longest reigning Queen regnant and female head of state in world history.
SHAW GEORGE BERNARD: (1856-1950) Irish Playwright, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1925. A.L.S., G. Bernard Shaw, one page, oblong 8vo, Adelphi Terrace, 22nd January 1907 to Sir Henry [Norman]. Shaw informs his correspondent of his reluctance to approve Anthony Hope Hawkins as Chairman of the Society of Authors, announcing 'Hawkins has no more sense of the tenue of public life than - shall we say Swettenham?' further stating 'and it would be much safer for us if we could retain you; but if he is willing, and you must retire, I do not see how we can improve on him. I have no such mortal objection - quite the contrary.' Together with Anthony Hope Hawkins (1863-1933) English Novelist and Playwright. A.L.S., Anthony H Hawkins, one page, 8vo, Bedford Square, 16th January 1907, also to Sir Henry [Norman]. Hawkins explains 'You know I do not seek the Chairmanship - and should be very glad if the Committee can and will make another choice. But I leave myself in yours and their hands - and if they think I can again be of use, I will not refuse' and concludes 'You will, I daresay, be kind enough to let me know the result of your enquiries. If, in the result, there is any prospect of my election being discussed, I should propose not to attend the February meeting'. With blank integral leaf. VG, 2 Sir Henry Norman (1858-1939) English Journalist and Liberal Politician. Sir Frank Swettenham (1850-1946) British Statesman, first Resident general of the Federated Malay States.George Bernard Shaw's influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. Having become the leading dramatist of his generation, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925 and is regularly regarded as second only to William Shakespeare among English language dramatists.
CROMWELL OLIVER: (1599-1658) Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland & Ireland 1653-58.Portion of a D.S., Oliver P, as Protector, at the base, one page (vellum), 8vo, n.p. (London), n.d. (1657), to [the Commissioners]. The portion is the left half of a manuscript Warrant instructing the Commissioners to make a payment out of the first moneys received 'by vertue of a certaine Act made in the Parliament… past in the year one thousand Six hundred fiftie & si[x]… in and about the Suburbs of London and within tenn mil[es thereof…to our]… welbeloved Sr. John Wollaston Knight and Alderman ... fyve thousand pounds to our ... Generalls at Sea' and 'foure thousand pounds to William Smithyer'. Lacking the seal and the right half of each line of text. Some overall staining and age wear, largely to the left edge and only slightly affecting a few words of text, Cromwell's signature largely unaffected and perfectly legible. About GThe Parliamentary Act (passed on 26th June 1657) referred to in the present document was created in order to prevent the multiplicity of buildings in and about the Suburbs of London and within ten miles of the same, and commenced 'Whereas the great and excessive number of Houses, Edifices, Out-houses and Cotages erected and new built in and about the Suburbs of the City of London, and the parts thereunto adjoyning, is found to be very mischievous and inconvenient, and a great Annoyance and Nusance to the Common-wealth', It was in effect a barely concealed device to raise money. A Commission was to collect, starting with one half on 29th September 1657, one year's rent of the 'full improved value' of all properties of less than four acres built since 1620, with many interesting exceptions, such as for the Hospitals and for the developments in Covent Garden and Lincoln's Inn Fields. Sir John Wollaston (d. 1658) English Merchant, Lord Mayor of London 1643. He was elected Alderman for Bridge Without ward in 1657. Provenance: The present partial document is accompanied by an 8vo page removed from an album, featuring an image of Cromwell and with a manuscript annotation in the hand of a collector stating, in part, 'This parchment document was sent to me by Rev. Hy Thos Scott M.D. Oxford, England. He obtained it from the famous collection of John Walker, London. Vide Certificate [no longer present] J B Westley.'Oliver Cromwell entered the English Civil War (1642-51) on the side of the 'Roundheads' and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the principal commanders of the New Model Army, playing an important role in the defeat of the royalist forces, is one of the most controversial figures in the history of the British Isles, considered by some a regicidal dictator (he was one of the signatories of King Charles I's death warrant in 1649), thought of as a military dictator by Winston Churchill, but a hero of liberty by John Milton and Thomas Carlyle, and a class revolutionary by Leon Trotsky. Cromwell was selected as one of the ten greatest Britons of all time in a 2002 BBC poll.
WORLD WAR II: An exceptional and extremely rare vintage multiple signed ‘Short Snorter’, the American One Dollar bank note, featuring over twenty five signatures, including ‘The Big Three’ of Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin, and many other leading political and military figures of World War II, all collected by Frank Sawyer, valet to Winston S. Churchill, at various historic meetings between 1939-45. The identified signatories on the ‘Short Snorter’ are -Winston S. Churchill (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. At the outbreak of World War II Churchill was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty and, following the resignation of Neville Chamberlain, became Prime Minister in 1940. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) American President 1933-45. Following the attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Roosevelt obtained the approval of the United States Congress to declare war on Japan and, a few days later, Germany. The President worked closely with Winston S. Churchill and Joseph Stalin (as well as Chinese Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek) in leading the Allies against Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Imperial Japan in World War II. ‘The Big Three’ of Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin met regularly during World War II, most notably at the Tehran Conference (1943) and the Yalta Conference (1945). Joseph Stalin (1878-1953) General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union 1922-52. Stalin met Winston S. Churchill and/or Franklin D. Roosevelt in several conferences during World War II to plan military strategy and, later, to discuss Europe’s post-war reorganisation. King George VI (1895-1952) King of the United Kingdom 1936-52. In 1939, following Britain’s declaration of War on Nazi Germany, King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth, resolved to stay in London and reside at Buckingham Palace despite the German bombing raids (one of which nearly killed them). Throughout World War II King George VI made various morale boosting visits and travelled to see Allied military forces abroad.Anthony Eden (1897-1977) 1st Earl of Avon. British Prime Minister 1955-57, succeeding Winston S. Churchill after having served as his deputy for almost fifteen years. Eden served as Foreign Secretary on three occasions, including a spell for most of World War II from 1940-45, and also briefly served as Secretary of State for War in 1940. Louis Mountbatten (1900-1979) 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma. British Admiral of the Fleet. Mountbatten, a favourite of Churchill, served as Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia Command from 1943-46. Harold Alexander (1891-1969). 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis. British Field Marshal. Alexander oversaw the final stages of the Allied evacuation from Dunkirk and later held high ranking field commands in Burma, North Africa and Italy.Alan Brooke (1883-1963) 1st Viscount Alanbrooke. British Field Marshal who served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff, the professional head of the British Army, during World War II. Arthur Tedder (1890-1967) 1st Baron Tedder. British Marshal of the Royal Air Force. Tedder served as Air Officer Commanding RAF Middle East Command during World War II and directed air operations in the Mediterranean and North Africa, including the evacuation of Crete and Operation Crusader in North AfricaHastings Ismay (1887-1965) 1st Baron Ismay. British Indian Army General and Diplomat. During World War II Ismay served as chief military assistant to Winston S. Churchill, becoming the principal link between the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff Committee. . Max Aitken (1879-1964) 1st Baron Beaverbrook. Canadian Business Tycoon, Politician and Newspaper Proprietor. A friend and confidant of Winston S. Churchill, Beaverbrook was appointed Minister of Aircraft Production (1940-41) by the Prime Minister and also went on to serve Churchill as Minister of Supply (1941-42), Minister of War Production (1942) and Lord Privy Seal (1943-45). Randolph Churchill (1911-1968) British Journalist & Politician, son of Winston S. Churchill. Churchill played an active role during World War II, both in political office and military service. Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) American President 1953-61. A General with the United States Army during World War II, Eisenhower served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe.W. Averell Harriman (1891-1986) American Politician & Diplomat who served under President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a special envoy to Europe and as the U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union 1943-46 and U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain, 1946. Kathleen Harriman (1917-2011) American Journalist, daughter of W. Averell Harriman. Harriman accompanied her father to the Yalta Conference in 1945. Roy W. Howard (1883-1964) American Journalist, President of United Press. Howard was granted an interview by Joseph Stalin in 1936. King Peter II (1923-1970) King of Yugoslavia 1934-45. Following the invasion of Yugoslavia in 1941 by Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary and Italy (all of whom annexed various parts of the country) King Peter II travelled to London where he joined numerous other governments in exile from Nazi occupied Europe. All of the signatures are in fountain pen inks and, by the very nature of the short snorter, some are more legible than others. It is of particular interest, most likely as a deliberate act, that the Soviet Dictator Joseph Stalin chose to sign his name across the image of American President George Washington at the centre of the bank note. The short snorter also features the ownership signature of Frank Sawyer. Some light overall age wear, otherwise about VG An exceptionally rare collection of signatures by some of World War II’s most important political and military leaders, including ‘The Big Three’ of Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin. Provenance: The present short snorter was previously in the possession of Frank Sawyer, who served as Winston Churchill’s valet during World War II, leaving his service after the end of the war. In such a role Sawyer, would have accompanied Churchill on many domestic and foreign trips, not least to the various conferences held in Casablanca, Moscow, Tehran and Yalta during the course of the war. On such trips, Sawyer evidently had access to many of the important individuals in Churchill’s company and took such opportunities to extend the collection of significant signatures on his short snorter. American Book Prices Current record only a small handful of autographs by Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin together on one piece having been previously sold at auction, including a White House card signed at the Tehran Conference ($65,000, Profiles in History, 2014), another White House card signed by all three, from the Forbes Collection and contained in an album ($22,000, Christie’s New York, 2010) and a United States card signed at the Potsdam Conference (£15,000 [$26,258], Christie’s, 2003).Owing to restrictions imposed by the-saleroom the complete catalogue description can not be shown here. Please contact the auctioneers for further details.
DIANA: (1961-1997) Princess of Wales. A good signed and inscribed Christmas greetings card by Princess Diana, the stiff white folding 8vo card featuring a colour photograph to the inside of the Princess and her husband, Prince Charles, standing together in half length poses on the occasion of their wedding. Signed and inscribed ('Evelyn…..with much love, Diana') in bold blue fountain pen ink by the Princess above and below a printed greeting. With two gold embossed crests to the front. Accompanied by the original Registered envelope addressed to Miss Evelyn Dagley at Buckingham Palace. Although the envelope bears a small Registered label, it would appear to have been delivered by hand and there are no other postal cancellations. An excellent signed Christmas greetings card from 1981, the first year of the marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, and with a good association. About EX Evelyn Dagley - Royal Aide, the Personal Dresser to Princess Diana from 1981-92. Dagley was the only female to accompany Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their honeymoon aboard the royal yacht Britannia. From her engagement to the Prince of Wales in 1981 until her tragic, untimely death at the age of 36 in 1997, Princess Diana was a major presence on the world stage, often described as the 'world's most photographed woman'. The Princess was noted for her compassion, style, charisma, and high-profile charity work, as well as her difficult marriage to the Prince of Wales, which ended in divorce in 1996. A fashion icon emulated by women around the world, Diana was cited as one of the all-time most beautiful women in 2004. In 1999 Time magazine named the Princess as one of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th century and in 2002 she was ranked third on the BBC's poll of the 100 Greatest Britons, outranking the Queen and other British monarchs.
WASHINGTON GEORGE: (1732-1799) American President 1789-97. A.L.S., G: Washington, as President, one page, 4to, Philadelphia, 14th November 1796, to Colonel William Deakins in George Town. Washington writes, in full, 'Permit me to recommend the enclosed letter (no longer present) to your care. - And to ask if it be practicable to procure me ten or a dozen Bushels of Oats from the Glades for Seed, by the first of March next? With esteem & regard I am, Dear Sir, Your Obedt. Servant'. With integral address leaf hand addressed by Washington and signed ('President U.S.') by him to the lower left corner of the address panel. With the remnants of a red wax seal and a small area of paper loss where originally broken. Some uniform age toning and a couple of minor stains, not affecting the signature, and some very minor chipping to the right edge and corners of the letter, about VG Colonel William Deakins (1742-1798) Prominent Georgetown Merchant who served as the treasurer for the D.C. commissioners from 1791-96. The present letter was written towards the conclusion of Washington's second term of office as American President, which was to end in March 1797. It is not unreasonable to presume that Washington was already considering, and anticipating with pleasure, his return to Mount Vernon as a working farmer, just as the Roman leader Cincinnatus rescinded the reins of power to return to the land. The Society of the Cincinnati, of which Washington served as the first president, is a historical association which was founded in the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War, by officers of the Continental Army, to preserve the ideals of the military officer's role in the new American republic. 'Bushels of Oats from the Glades of Seed', as mentioned in the present letter, would have figured prominently in his farming plans. Washington served as the first President of America, and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. As such, and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and hero of the Revolution, Washington's legacy remains among the two or three greatest in American history.
MONTGOMERY B. L.: (1887-1976) British Field Marshal of World War II. A good vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph, the engaging image depicting Monty in a formal half length pose wearing his uniform. The official Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) image is by Private D. Moller of the US Army and dates from 19th March 1956 according to the official NATO credit stamp to the verso. Signed by Montgomery in bold turquoise fountain pen ink to a light area of the background, 'To: the Stewart family in memory of my visit to Pekin in May 1960. Montgomery of Alamein'. Some minor corner creasing and a very small tear to the upper white border, about VG Michael Stewart - British Diplomat who served as Charge d'Affaires at the British Embassy in Peking 1959-62 and later as the British Ambassador in Athens 1967-71. Montgomery served as the first Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (Deputy SACEUR) from 1951-58 and after a visit to China declared himself impressed by the Chinese leadership. Montgomery is regarded as Britain's greatest military commander since the Duke of Wellington. One of the most prominent and successful British commanders of the Second World War, Montgomery is most famous for his successful command of the Allies against German Erwin Rommel in the Western Desert Campaign in North Africa, and his role commanding in the invasions of Italy and Normandy.
![JOHN XXIII: (1881-1963) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1958-63. T.L.S., with his initials, + A.[ngelo] J.[oseph] R.[oncall](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e4a5dd8c-8f10-4d54-b199-a6c800823567/439dc415-7662-4bdd-fd69-25492862b964/468x382.jpg)
JOHN XXIII: (1881-1963) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1958-63. T.L.S., with his initials, + A.[ngelo] J.[oseph] R.[oncalli], as Apostolic Nuncio, one page, 4to, Paris, 11th January 1949, to General Charles de Gaulle, in French. The carbon typed letter is Roncalli's retained copy in which he sends New Years greetings to de Gaulle, stating 'The succession of years and events does not detract from the tranquil and serene vision of your honourable person before my eyes and heart', further sending his best wishes to de Gaulle and his family, concluding 'I associate them with those I entrust to our good God for the prosperity of France'. A letter of good association. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970) French General of World War II. Later President of the French Republic 1959-69. Cardinal Roncalli served as Apostolic Nuncio to France from 1944-53 and was unexpectedly elected Pope in 1958 (not least to Roncalli himself, who had come to Rome with a return tricket to Venice). He was the first Pope to take the pontificial name of John upon election in more than 500 years. Pope John XXIII called the historic Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and his passionate views on equality were summed up in his famous statement 'We were all made in God's image, and thus, we are all Godly alike'. Known in Italy as 'Il Papa Buono', the Pope of the children, John XXIII made many passionate speeches during his pontificate, one of which was on the day that he opened the Second Vatican Council in the middle of the night to the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square, 'Dear children, returning home, you will find children: give your children a hug and say: This is a hug from the Pope!'
TALLEYRAND-PERIGORD CHARLES MAURICE DE: (1754-1838) French Statesman. D.S., Ch. Maur. Talleyrand, one page, 4to, Paris, 8th January 1797, in French. The manuscript document was issued at the Ministry of External Affairs and Talleyrand, in his capacity as the Minister of External Affairs, confirms the content of a general receipt issued by the cashier of the Treasury, relating in particular to a man named Palomba who 'is included for the sum of thirty francs, total of one twentieth retained for the aforementioned four month period, on the basis if eighteen hundred francs annual salary, counting from the first of Vendemiaire (September) last.' Signed by Talleyrand with a typically small signature at the conclusion and countersigned by Paganel, the Secretary General. Some light age wear and minor traces of former mounting to the left margin. A small, neat tear at the centre of the head of the page has been repaired to the verso. About VG Talleyrand worked at the highest levels of successive French governments, usually as Foreign Minister or in some other diplomatic capacity. His career spanned the regimes of King Louis XVI, the years of the French Revolution, Napoleon I, King Louis XVIII and King Louis-Philippe I. Those he served often distrusted Talleyrand but, like Napoleon, found him extremely useful.
JENNER EDWARD: (1749-1823) English Physician & Scientist, the pioneer of smallpox vaccine, the world's first vaccine. An extremely rare and significant manuscript notebook, unsigned, the tall 8vo bound volume compiled by Jenner, comprising over 100 pages of holograph text (and some original illustrations and diagrams), n.p., n.d. (c.1822/23), being Jenner's transcripts of contemporary scientific texts relating to meteorology. Jenner's notes explore the various aspects of contemporary meteorology, including the observations and discoveries of leading academics including William Falconer, Luke Howard and Thomas Forster and cover a wide variety of meteorological subjects from instrumentation ('a complete apparatus of meteorological instruments should include the Barometer, Thermometer, Hydrometer, Photometer, Athrioscope, Cynometer') through to the influence of flora and fauna ('Animal effluvia as well as vegetable are capable of being mixed with the air, and suspended in it. These are now generally esteemed to be the cause or source of fevers of the malignant or contagious kind'). The comprehensive notebook includes texts from various publications, essays and papers, a few extracts of which include - 'The analysis of the atmosphere is one of the finest discoveries of modern Chemistry. It appears to consist of two distinct expansible fluids contained in different proportions, a single portion of oxygen gas being united to three parts by weight, or four parts by bulk, of azote. There is also a very slight admixture of carbonic acid gas, accounting perhaps to a thousandth part of the whole', from the Supplement to the Encyclopaedia Britannica written by Sir John Leslie between 1815-24, 'It is the frequent observation of the countenance of the sky, and of its connection with the present and ensuing phaenomena, that constitutes the antient and popular meteorology. The want of this branch of knowledge renders the predictions of the philosopher, who is attending only to his instruments less generally successful than those of the weather-wise mariner or husbandman', from the Philosophical Magazine, (Vol. XVI, London, 1803. Article XVIII), 'On the Modifications of Clouds, and on the Principles of their Production, Suspension and Destruction'; being the substance of an Essay read before the Askesian Society in the Session 1802-3, by Luke Howard, 'One of the principle uses of meteorology is, that it enables us to predict, in some measure, the ensuing changes of the weather. To do this accurately, a familiar acquaintance with the modification of the clouds, and indeed with all the operations which are going on above, appears necessary. When two or more contrary indications appear, the result must be deduced from those which ultimately prevail; & that when several agreeable signs appear, the event may be predicted with additional certainty…some animals express signs of uneasiness previous to an alteration of the weather long before there are any visible signs of a change. Dogs for instance become very drowsy & stupid before rain & their ears are sometimes found considerably inflamed….cats though in a less degree are affected in the same manner - and a leech, confined in a glass of water, has been found, by its rapid motions…to indicate fair or wet weather. Peculiarities in the electric state of the atmosphere may…affect the constitution of animals in the same manner as they appear to do ours, & thereby excite pleasurable or uneasy sensations', from the 'Researches about Atmospheric Phaenomena etc.' by Thomas Forster (London, 1813), 'The sound of bells heard form a great distance is a sign of wind, or a change of weather. When sea fowl and other aquatic birds return to the sea shore or marshes it indicates a change of weather and a sudden storm. When frogs croak much, toad crawl out in the evening, when earth worm come forth, ants remove their eggs, moles throw up earth, asses frequently shake and agitate their ears', from the 'Monthly Magazine or British Register' (Vol. 35, London, 1813) and 'An Account of Ireland, Statistical and Political' by Edward Wakefield,On two pages at the centre of the journal there can be found Jenner's grey & black water colour depictions of cloud types, faithfully rendered in the style of the originals as they appear in Luke Howard's On the Modification of Clouds (1803).A third original illustration has been neatly excised from its page. Bound in the original, plain dark cloth boards (some light staining and age wear) and with a pencil ownership signature and address to the front free endpaper of a Miss Perkins & Dr Perry of 3 Priory Street, Everton. Some light staining and age wear throughout, the text however completely legible and not significantly affected in any way. Generally G A fascinating and remarkable meteorological record compiled by Jenner for his personal reference. Jenner's interest in meteorology is not well documented, however, it would undoubtedly have been a subject of great importance to him in association with his experimentation with ballooning and his studies of bird migration. The present notebook offers a unique insight into the aspects of meteorology he most desired to understand.It was in 1784 that Jenner was to make his first tentative steps at being a balloonist. Influenced by his close friend, the surgeon William F. Shrapnell, Jenner carried out his first aeronautical experiment based on a balloon deign supplied by boyhood friend Dr. Caleb Parry. Jenner wrote 'your directions respecting the Balloon are so clear and explicit, 'tis impossible for me to blunder; but to make it quite a certainty, I intend first to fill it and see if it will float in the Castle-Hall, before the public exhibition. Should it prove unwilling to mount and turn shy before a large assembly, don't you think I may make my escape under the cover of three or four dozen Squibs and Crackers?' Subsequently, Jenner became known for his studies on the migrating Cuckoo, which were published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society (1788) and later in the posthumously published, Some Observations on the Migration of Birds (1824). It was not until the 18th century that significant progress occurred in the study of meteorology, so whilst little is known of Jenner's attraction to this interdisciplinary branch of science we can be sure that in these early days, Jenner was there to appreciate its importance. His forays into ballooning and the serious study of migration were undoubtedly made more pleasurable to his scientific mind by the knowledge he had gained in the study of meteorology. Jenner is frequently referred to as the 'father of immunology' and his work is said to have saved more lives than the work of any other human. A member of the Royal Society, in the field of zoology he was the first person to describe the brood parasitism of the cuckoo. In 2002 Jenner was named in the BBC's list of the 100 Greatest Britons.We are indebted to Mark Beswick, Archive Information Officer of the Met Office National Meteorological Archive and to Owen Gower, Manager of Dr. Jenner's House, Museum & Garden in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, for their assistance with the present lot.
PHILIP V: (1683-1746) King of Spain 1700-24 & 1724-46. A fine L.S., Yo el Rey, with three lines of holograph text at the conclusion, two pages, folio, El Buen Retiro Palace, Madrid, 25th April 1705, to Marquis Jacques de Puységur, in Spanish.King Philip V states `I have received your letter reporting the positive news regarding the location of most of the enemy´s troops, and that they were ready to start military operations close to Badajoz. Because the Marquis was without enough troops to resist or defend an invasion, I decided to send an extraordinary envoy to Maréchal de Tessé, instructing him, notwithstanding the King, my grandfather, orders for him to march straight to Extremadura where, according to these days reports, their presence is more necessary´ further adding `I specifically order that as soon as you receive this letter, you march to Extremadura with all the French troops located in the Old-Castile….and you will only leave to defend Castile all the infantry and cavalry Spanish troops.´ He concludes `I expect your zeal, and knowing that you are dealing with an affair which the King and I consider of the utmost interest, you will not delay a single instant in the prompt accomplishment of all orders instructed, and that you will report back on all you achieved´. Beneath his signature the King has added a further, severe instruction in his own hand, `The situation is too much under pressure, it´s not the time for you to have fun playing roles: therefore I want that you obey me absolutely and with no delay´. A letter of good content.With integral address leaf, bearing the remnants of a seal. VG Jacques François de Chastenet de Puységur (1656-1743) Marquis de Puységur. French Lieutenant Général and military tutor of King Louis XV. Appointed Marshal of France in 1734. René Mans IV de Froullay (1681-1746) Marquis of Lavardin and Tessé, Grandee of Spain. Appointed Marshal in 1707. Louis XIV (1638-1715) King of France 1643-1715. The longest reigning monarch in European history. Grandfather of King Philip V. The Spanish city of Badajoz, in Extremadura, was besieged in October 1705 during the War of the Spanish Succession 1701-15. Triggered by the death of the childless King Charles II of Spain, the major European conflict was to determine who should be the next King of Spain and whether a Bourbon or a Habsburg would take control of Spain's very extensive possessions. It was well known that the union of France and Spain under one monarch would upset the balance of power in Europe, such that other European powers would take steps to prevent it. The War concluded with the Treaty of Utrecht which forbade any future possibility of unifying the French and Spanish thrones. Philip V, Duke of Anjou, was born at the Palace of Versailles and was the Heir apparent to the throne of France. The grandson of King Louis XIV, Philip was the first member of the House of Bourbon to rule as King of Spain. The sum of his two reigns is the longest in modern Spanish history.
BLERIOT LOUIS: (1872-1936) French Aviator, the first man to fly across the English Channel, 1909. T.L.S., L Bleriot, one page, 4to, Suresnes, 26th June 1928, to Monsieur Montfort, in French, on the highly attractive colour printed stationery of Bleriot-Aeronautique featuring a colour vignette of Bleriot's historic flight across the English Channel on 25th July 1909. Bleriot responds to his correspondent's letter and remarks 'I am happy to let you know that I am in my office in Suresnes on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am. You could therefore come and by and see me at that time'. Some very light, extremely minor wrinkling to the extreme edges of the letter, not affecting the text or signature, VG The French Aviator Louis Bleriot, also a noted inventor and engineer, became world famous in 1909 for making the first flight across the English Channel in a heavier than air aircraft, winning the £1000 prize which had been offered by the Daily Mail newspaper.
STRINDBERG AUGUST: (1849-1912) Swedish Novelist and Dramatist. A brief A.L.S., August Strindberg, on one side of a printed postcard, Lund, Sweden, 28th May 1899, to Emil Schering, in Swedish. Strindberg apologises to his correspondent for a brief reply and thanks him for his translation which he is now reading. Hand addressed by Strindberg to the printed address panel. A few very minor ink smudges, not affecting the signature, VGEmil Schering (1873-1951) German Translator who devoted much of his life to translating Strindberg's works. Schering's German translations were in turn used to produce editions in other European languages. The present letter refers to Strindberg's work Gustav Vasa, which was to be published in October 1899. Strindberg's career spanned four decades during which time he wrote over 60 plays and more than 30 works of fiction, ranging from autobiography and history to cultural analysis and politics. An experimenter and iconoclast throughout, Strindberg developed innovative forms of dramatic action, language, and visual composition. He is considered the 'father of modern Swedish literature' and his work The Red Room (1879) has frequently been described as the first modern Swedish novel.
ZOLA EMILE: (1840-1902) French Novelist, Playwright & Journalist. A.L.S., Emile Zola, two pages, 8vo, Medan, 18th August 1893, to a gentleman, in French. Zola informs his correspondent that he has just officially accepted the invitation of the English journalists 'and it is therefore absolutely decided that I shall attend their congress'. The novelist asks that he be kept informed if something untoward should happen and that his correspondent also sends him, as soon as possible, the toast to which Zola will have to respond to, further commenting 'They will also ask me, I believe, to speak anonymously to the press….Would you be so kind as to tell me what you think and what the majority of the journalists think. I want to know the land on which I am to walk'. In concluding Zola remarks that he will perhaps call on the services of his correspondent whilst in London. Some very light, minor age toning to the extreme edges and a few small areas of paper loss and minor tears, largely to the edges of the central vertical fold, otherwise about VGAs the present letter confirms, Zola did indeed travel to London to address the Institute of Journalists at their conference in 1893. Whilst in England's capital Zola was also honoured by one of the regular grand firework displays at Crystal Palace. On his visit the novelist was later to state 'I came away from London with a profound admiration of its wealth, grandeur and immensity. We have nothing in France to equal such things. It is a city made for me'. Zola was to return to London five years later, living in Upper Norwood from October 1898 to June 1899 while in voluntary exile during the Dreyfus affair. Zola was an important figure in the political liberalisation of France and in the exoneration of the falsely accused and convicted army officer Alfred Dreyfus which is encapsulated in the renowned newspaper headline J'accuse. Zola was nominated for the first and second Nobel Prize for Literature in 1901 & 1902.
MILL JOHN STUART: (1806-1873) British Philosopher and Political Economist. A.L.S., J. S. Mill, two pages, 8vo, Blackheath Park, 28th January 1866, to a gentleman. Mill acknowledges receipt of his correspondent's letter and adds that 'though the contemplated exhibition and botanical congress would be very interesting to me, my occupations will preclude me from taking any part in it…..' . Some very light, extremely minor age wear, otherwise VG The present letter is apparently unpublished and does not appear in The Later Letters (ed. Mineka and Lindley, 1972). Mill is considered one of the most influential thinkers in the history of liberalism and widely contributed to social and political theory and political economy. Mill was a proponent of utilitarianism, the ethical theory developed by his predecessor Jeremy Bentham (see lot 47). A member of the Liberal Party, Mill was the first Member of Parliament to call for women's suffrage.
BOTHA LOUIS: (1862-1919) Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa 1910-19. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Botha in a head and shoulders pose intensely looking directly towards the camera. Signed ('Louis Botha') in bold, dark fountain pen ink with his name alone across a clear area of the image. A couple of very light, extremely minor creases to the lower right corner, otherwise VG Botha served as the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa. A Boer war hero during the Second Boer War (1899-1902), he would eventually fight to have South Africa become a British Dominion.
TROTSKY LEON: (1879-1940) Russian Marxist Revolutionary and Theorist, the founding leader of the Red Army. 'All this is a premeditated madness'.T.L.S., Leon Trotsky, one page, 4to, Coyoacan, Mexico, 14th January 1939, to Gerard Rosenthal, in French. Trotsky announces 'Jeanne Molinier sent on the 25th December a letter in which she accuses Cannon to have "shamefully deceived" her in an unworthy way in the case of the Leon's letter affair, letters which she forwarded through her intermediary' and continues 'She expresses suspicions against Naville who was seen in Le Havre when the boat left'. Trotsky remarks 'All this is a premeditated madness. Cannon is our most devoted friend. It is to him that I gave full power of attorney regarding all the things in Paris that are mine and Natalia's….I cannot tolerate any control from Jeanne Molinier over things that do not concern her. I refuse to grant the least trust in her, most of all since she has tried to hand over my documents to Vereecken, Leon's enemy and slanderer, and she has publicly slandered Rudolf Klement, the friend and collaborator of Leon. I cannot permit the person who is capable of such betrayals to touch the documents that are mine. I can even less entrust this person with the education of my grandson and Leon's nephew', further adding 'I grant by this letter full power of authorisation to my friend Jim Cannon to take Sieva to America. I cannot accept any further delay in this matter. I kindly ask you, my friend, to act with extreme vigour. I want to finish as soon as possible with this black mail, behind which I can perfectly identify Raymond Molinier'. Trotsky further explains that he is sending his correspondent copies of the letters (no longer present) from Henri Molinier and Jeanne Molinier, 'which prove that they had no doubt at all about the fact that the documents belonged to me. I will send to you, for the court case, the photocopies of Leon's letters in which he expresses his opinion on the Molinier clique and on Vereecken, whose memory Jeanne Molinier tried to betray. We must finish with this….The most disgusting thing is that all these betrayals are happening under the guise of loyalty to Leon's 'will''. A rare letter of good content and references to many of Trotsky's associates (and some of his enemies). A couple of very minor staple rust stains to the upper left corner, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG Gerard Rosenthal (1903-1992) French Lawyer, a militant Trotskyist and friend of the Russian Marxist Revolutionary.James P. Cannon (1890-1974) American Trotskyist and a leader of the Socialist Workers Party.Leon Sedov (1906-1938) Russian Trotskyist, son of Leon Trotsky and Natalia Ivanovna Sedova. Jeanne Martin de Pallieres - also known as Jeanne Molinier, wife of the French Trotskyist Leader Raymond Molinier (1904-1994) whom Trotsky was to break with. Pierre Naville (1903-1993) French Surrealist Writer. Initially a Communist, and then a Trotskyist, before joining France's Unified Socialist Party (PSU).Natalia Ivanovna Sedova (1882-1962) Russian Revolutionary and cultural writer on Marxism, the second wife of Leon Trotsky.Georges Vereeken (1896-1978) Belgian Socialist who broke with the Trotskyist movement on a couple of occasions during his career.Rudolf Klement (1908-1938) German Communist who became disillusioned with the rule of Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union and became active in the Left Opposition. In 1933 he offered to work for Trotsky and was employed as his secretary whilst in exile in Turkey. Assassinated. Leon Trotsky had two sons by his second wife, Natalia, Leon Sedov and Sergei. When Leon Sedov died (possibly having been killed by Stalin's agents) in 1938 only Zinaida Volkova's (Trotsky's eldest daughter by his first wife) son Sieva was alive and at liberty. After Sedov's death Sieva was in the custody of Sedov's companion and mistress, Jeanne Martin de Pallieres (or Molinier). Trotsky had hoped to have Molinier bring his grandson to him in Mexico, but she was reluctant to do so. The present letter, written to Trotsky's lawyer and friend, relates to the court case he brought against Molinier in an attempt to remedy the situation with his grandson and resolve the fact that Molinier was holding Trotsky's archives 'hostage'. Trotsky eventually won the case and in August 1939 Sieva was reunited with Trotsky in Mexico.Trotsky joined the Bolsheviks shortly before the 1917 October Revolution and eventually became a leader within the Communist Party alongside Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin and others and was one of the seven members of the first Politburo. During the early days of the Soviet Union Trotsky served as People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs and later as the founder and commander of the Red Army. He was a major figure in the Bolshevik victory in the Russian Civil War (1918-23). After leading a failed struggle of the Left Opposition against the policies and rise of Joseph Stalin in the 1920s, Trotsky was removed from power, expelled from the Communist Party and finally exiled from the Soviet Union. As the head of the Fourth International, Trotsky continued to oppose the Stalinist bureaucracy in the Soviet Union from exile. On Stalin's orders, he was assassinated in Mexico in August 1940. Trotsky's ideas formed the basis of Trotskyism, a major school of Marxist thought that opposes the theories of Stalinism.
MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II who served as Prime Minister of Italy from 1922-43. 'He was one of the best among us…'Autograph Manuscript signed, Mussolini, three pages, 4to, n.p., n.d. (February 1930), in Italian. The manuscript is the text for a speech Mussolini made on the death of Michele Bianchi and states, in part, 'Black Shirts of Italy! Michele Bianchi, Quadrumvir of the Republic, has died. With profound sadness, I announce this to you. He was one of the best among us….[he] was among the founders of the Fasci di Combattimento in 1919; secretary of the party in 1922; Quadrumvir during the decisive days of the March on Rome; honoured corporal of the Voluntary Militia for National Security; State Councillor; Fascist Minister; he tirelessly served the cause of the Fatherland and of Fascism for fifteen years….he took from his native land of Calabria his intelligence, his silent perseverance, his active faith….Faithful to his orders, he died fulfilling his duty until his last moments. Black Shirts of Italy, raise your flag to half mast, and honour the memory of this comrade of our first epic vigil, faithful warrior - ready at any time and in any event - of our Revolution'. Signed by Mussolini at the conclusion. Written to the verso of pages of a printed proof of an Italian book entitled Il Dramma di Cannes Mussolini has made a number of corrections to his text. A good, historic manuscript. A few small pinholes to the edges and corners of each page and a couple of small areas of paper loss to the first page, not affecting the text or signature, about VG Michele Bianchi (1883-1930) Italian Revolutionary Leader, one of the founding members of the Fascist movement. As referred to in Mussolini's manuscript, Bianchi was one of the four leaders (Quadrumvirs) that led Mussolini's March on Rome in October 1922. Known as Il Duce, Mussolini was the founder of Italian Fascism and leader of the National Fascist Party. He ruled Italy as Prime Minister constitutionally from 1922 until 1925 at which point he abandoned all pretence of democracy and formed a legal dictatorship. Mussolini's National Fascist Party was outlawed by the post war Constitution of Italy in 1947.
KANDINSKY WASSILY: (1866-1944) Russian Painter. 'I hereby wish to protest against the epithet "Orphiste"´.A.L.S., Kandinsky, one page, 8vo, Murnau, 20th June 1913, to the editor of Le Thyrse, in German. Kandinsky asks his correspondent to forward his notice as he requires it 'to be published in your magazine'. Accompanied by the original holograph statement, signed ('Kandinsky') at the conclusion, one page, 8vo, n.p (Murnau), n.d. (20th June 1913), in German. Kandinsky's statement reads 'Although I do not intend to initiate an argument about this, I hereby wish to protest against the epithet "Orphiste" which has been used to designate me, and this is for the simple reason that the doctrine of such a trend is completely unknown to me'. A contemporary red ink translation of Kandinsky's letter and statement into French (in an unidentified hand, although evidently for the purposes of publication in the French language) appear below each line of the artist's bold black text. A statement of interesting content. VG, 2 Le Thyrse was an Art & Literature magazine published in Brussels from 1899 to 1965. Orphism (or Orphic Cubism), a term coined by French poet Guillaume Apollinaire in 1912, was an offshoot of Cubism that focused on pure abstraction and bright colours, influenced by Fauvism. This movement, perceived as key in the transition from Cubism to Abstract art, was pioneered by Frantisek Kupka, Robert Delaunay and Sonia Delaunay. Critics and biographers of Kandinsky have frequently considered the artist a key contributor to Orphism, however the present statement would suggest that the artist himself distanced himself from the movement, declaring it 'completely unknown' to him. The Russian painter and art theorist Kandinsky is credited with painting one of the first purely abstract works. In 1896 he settled in Munich where he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts before returning to Moscow in 1914 after the outbreak of World War I. Kandinsky was unsympathetic to the official theories on art in Communist Moscow, and returned to Germany in 1921. There, he taught at the Bauhaus school of art and architecture from 1922 until it was closed by the Nazis in 1933. The artist then moved to France, where he remained for the rest of his life, becoming a French citizen in 1939 and producing some of his most prominent art.
![ZEPPELIN FERDINAND VON: (1838-1917) German General and Aircraft Manufacturer. A.N.S., G[raf] V[on] Zeppelin, to the upper par](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e4a5dd8c-8f10-4d54-b199-a6c800823567/b8aeb022-afa5-478d-b118-c1d4a3f700ed/468x382.jpg)
ZEPPELIN FERDINAND VON: (1838-1917) German General and Aircraft Manufacturer. A.N.S., G[raf] V[on] Zeppelin, to the upper part of a letter written to him, comprising five lines of text on the first 4to page of the received letter, Berlin, 25th November 1909, to his private secretary Uhland, in German. Zeppelin's note appears on an A.L.S., H. Mohlau, by Hermann Mohlau, two pages, 4to, Friedrichshafen, 23rd November 1909, to Zeppelin, on the attractive printed stationery of the Hotel Deutsches Haus, in German. Mohlau writes to Zeppelin concerning a mortgage of 45000 Marks and, two days later, the General forwards the letter to Uhland with a corresponding note accepting Mohlau's terms, subject to two conditions, stating '1) Cheaper interest - and that my expenses for the procurement of the capital are covered. 2) Future repayment…´ With staple rust stains and small holes to the upper and lower left corners of each page, not affecting the text or signatures of either Mohlau or Zeppelin, otherwise VG The former German General founded the Zeppelin Airship Company having pioneered rigid airship development at the beginning of the 20th century. Zeppelin's notions were first formulated in 1874 and developed in detail in 1893. They were patented in Germany in 1895 and in the United States in 1899. After the outstanding success of the Zeppelin design, the word 'zeppelin' was commonly used to refer to all rigid airships. In 1909 (the same year as the present letter, and perhaps a reason for the financial transaction it refers to) Zeppelin founded the world's first airline in revenue service, the Deutsche Luftschiffahrts-AG (DELAG). The airships did not provide a scheduled service between cities, but generally operated pleasure cruises, carrying twenty passengers and by mid-1914 DELAG had carried over 10,000 fare paying passengers on over 1,500 flights. During World War I the German military made extensive use of Zeppelins as bombers and scouts, killing over 500 people in bombing raids in Great Britain. The Hindenburg disaster of 1937, along with political and economic issues, hastened the demise of the Zeppelins.
KIPLING RUDYARD: (1865-1936) English Author. Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1907.T.L.S., Rudyard Kipling, with a holograph postscript signed with his initials RK, two pages, 4to, Batemans, 20th November 1927, to Mrs. Sanders (in Brazil). Kipling has annotated the head of the first page 'Own typing, with apologies' and writes to inform his correspondent that 'We are back from a visit to Vichy --- the dullest spot on earth --- where we helped our daughter to get through a fortnights after-cure, with all the hotels shutting up every day all round us, till when we left, we seemed to be the last persons in town.' Kipling continues to comment on the return journey, 'The roads are as perfect as the sunshine, and a most wonderful run into Paris. As with you, it is all luck in France whether you hit a decent road or one that has been “forgotten” for a couple of years' and further reports on the rain, gale and floods of the season ('I marvel that there are such people as water-drinkers in the world') and remarks 'luckily, we have not had any foot and mouth disease in our beasts and all the herds are doing well and selling at not too bad prices'. He also refers to his dogs and their ailments, 'they do not quite understand the connection between medicaments and healing, and they will eat the Boracic acid. But, otherwise, they are very dear and, in their reserved Scottish style, most companionable. I have given one of their breed to a friend of mine in the village' and also explains 'My articles on Brazil --- the very very little that I saw of it --- are to be published in the Morning Post next week, and, I hear, that they are to be translated into Portuguese for one of the Rio papers. Never having read myself in that language, I am naturally much interested. Hope the Brazilians will be, too.' In concluding Kipling again returns to the subject of foot and mouth disease, which 'is raging down in the New Forest…easily brought along by motors' and in a holograph postscriptlists several books with very brief comments on each ('Above all, Ludwig's “Napoleon”'). An interesting and unusually lengthy letter. A couple of small areas of paper loss at the foot of the page, professionally repaired and only slightly affecting a few words of text and a few letters of the signature, otherwise VG Rudyard Kipling travelled through Brazil accompanied by his wife in March & April 1927, writing seven travel letters for the Morning Post in London which were published between 29th November (shortly after the present letter was written) and 20th December 1927. They were also published in Liberty in America from December 1927 - March 1928. Each article was accompanied by a poem and were later published as the Brazilian Sketches.One of the most popular writers in the United Kingdom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kipling's works of fiction include The Jungle Book (1894) and Kim (1901). He is regarded as a major innovator in the art of the short story and his children's books are classics of children's literature. Henry James said 'Kipling strikes me personally as the most complete man of genius, as distinct from fine intelligence, that I have ever known.' In 1907, at the age of 42, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first English-language writer to receive the prize, and its youngest recipient to date.
NORGAY TENZING: (1914-1986) Nepalese Indian Sherpa Mountaineer, the first man, with Edmund Hillary, to reach the summit of Mount Everest, 1953. An excellent signed 8 x 10 photograph by Tenzing Norgay, the image depicting the mountaineer standing in a three quarter length pose with a large rucksack on his back and an ice pick in his hand, as he prepares to navigate the mountain range which can be seen in the immediate background. Signed ('Tenzing') in blue fountain pen ink with his name alone to a clear area of the image. Signed photographs of Tenzing Norgay of this size and quality are rare and desirable. About EX Sherpa Tenzing's place as one of the most famous mountain climbers in history was secured when he became one of the first two individuals known to reach the summit of Mount Everest (accomplished alongside Edmund Hillary) on 29th May 1953. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.
A lot to include; Improved stamp album containing Victoria to George VI British, British Commonwealth and World stamps together with a selection of commemorative Elizabeth II stamp packs and sets including Great Britons medallic first day covers, The Railway Sesquicentennial medallic first day cover etc, together with a small selection of assorted British copper coins.
Eikon Basilike, The Pourtraiture of this Sacred Majestie in His Solitudes..., 1648, small 8vo, old leather, rubbed rear board detached, portrait frontisplate, 302pp plus 15pp prayers, letter, speeches and epitaph (1) Condition Report / Extra Information Binding worn.Last leaf loose.Slight worming to bottom edge of first 3 leaves, not affecting text.
A late Victorian Royal Worcester pedestal vase and cover, shape No.2032, decorated in bright enamels with chrysanthemums on an ivory ground, the whole further embellished in turquoise and gilt enamels, green mark, date code 1899, h.27cm Condition Report / Extra Information In first class condition, no chips, cracks or restoration.Gilt and all paint excellent, 99%+ complete.No obvious handling wear.Minor gilt wear to top of rim only.
A late 19th century English double fronted dolls house and contents, the painted honey coloured stone effect wooden house with two facades, the first with two large glazed bay windows to ground level, paneled front door with glazed fan light, and further three windows above, with balcony and pitched roof with painted tiles and decorative chimneys, the front opens in two wings to four rooms, each with built-in fireplaces, painted walls and floors, the second facade with similar but simpler features, opening to reveal and further four rooms with fireplaces, sold together with some good early furniture, h.104cm, w.81cm, d.77cm.Note: All of the sale proceeds from this lot will be donated to the East Anglian Childrens Hospice (EACH) charity - please bid generously!
MARSHALL John, Royal Naval Biography..., London 1823-1832, first ten volumes (of 12), 8vo original paper on boards, some boards detached but content clean and sound and partially uncut, comprises parts I and II of vols I, II and III, and supplement volumes I to IV 1827-1830 (10) Condition Report / Extra Information Suitable for re-binding.Clean and sound content but mostly lacking spine covering.
Assorted silver flatware, to include; four table forks in the Fiddle pattern, pair of dessert forks in the Fiddle pattern, set of four tablespoons in the Fiddle pattern, set of three tablespoons in the Old English patter; together with seven further dessert spoons and two sauce ladles, principally in the Old English pattern, 38oz, various dates and makers but mainly London first half 19th century
A large quantity of approximately one thousand First Day coversExamples to include marriage of Prince of Wales (several editions), The Pope (several editions), Limited Edition Royal Collection 1982 (several editions), full year's First Day covers and several further examples, all housed in original boxes and packets. (qty)
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