RODGER DAVE: (1918-2004) Canadian Flight Lieutenant, Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED825/G AJ-T of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Rodger was a crew member of the first aircraft to attack the Sorpe Dam. An interesting A.L.S., Dave Rodger, one page, 4to, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, 18th January 1977, to [Alan] Cooper. Rodger states that he is glad to see that his correspondent is still working hard on a book and continues 'I am enclosing a photostat (still present) of the page in my log book as is from 1943. Reading down the aircraft type you will see that we had to take the spare aircraft that night. Maybe that was good luck and we needed all we could get'. Rodger further writes 'Sorry, I can't tell you too much about Guy [Gibson] but I was never in his social presence very much. I must say that he was a very capable young man and no one had any doubts who the leader was'. Accompanied by the oblong 4to photocopy of a page from Rodger's Log Book covering 16th May 1943 and his low level attack on the Sorpe Dam. Some light creasing and minor staining, only very slightly affecting the text and signature, otherwise about VG, 2 Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982). Guy Gibson (1918-1944) British Airman of World War II, Wing Commander of 617 Squadron. Victoria Cross winner for his actions during Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) on the Mohne and Eder Dams in Germany, 16th May 1943
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SMITH DICK: (1886-1950) British Boxer, British Light Heavyweight Champion 1914-16, 1918. Vintage signed and inscribed 12 x 18 photograph of Smith standing in a full length boxing pose wearing his Championship belt. Signed in bold fountain pen ink to a clear area of the image, additionally adding the words 'Light Heavyweight Champion of Gt. Britain 1914-15-16-18 - Winner outright of the First Light Heavyweight Belt' in his hand beneath his signature. Mounted and with slightly irregularly trimmed edges and some corner creasing, G
Cavell declares her favourite quality in a man is courage CAVELL EDITH: (1865-1915) British Nurse of World War I, arrested and found guilty of treason for harbouring Allied soldiers and helping them to escape, Cavell was executed by a German firing squad on 12th October 1915. An unusual small 4to hardbound ruled notebook belonging to Eveline Francois of Brussels, the first page bearing a holograph list of twenty questions, in French, comprising What is your favourite flower?, bird?, animal?, colour?, name for a man?, name for a woman?, favourite quality in a man? and in a woman?, the fault that you detest most in a man?, and in a woman?, your best female friend?, and male friend?, the country that you would like to live in?, the trip that you would like to take?, your dream of happiness?, your favourite study subject?, book?, pastime?, your greatest fault? and greatest quality? The following pages in the book are completed by Francois herself and other female friends and colleagues whom she invited to answer the questions, and also included is a page bearing Cavell's holograph responses, in French, providing the following answers - '1. The reseda. 2. The partridge, 3. The horse, 4. Pink, 5. Jack, 6. Dorothy, 7. Courage, 8. Intelligence, 9. Egoism, 10. Impatience, 11. Eveline, 12. Max, 13. England, 14. To go to Italy, 15. To have a yacht, 16. History, 17. "Little Folks" (?), 18. Making dolls dresses for Eveline, 19. Anger, 20. Knowing how to speak English'. Cavell has neatly penned her answers in purple fountain pen ink, signing her name at the foot and adding the date, 21st September 1894, in her hand. The book contains a total of fifteen sets of responses, all signed and most to individual pages, dating from 1894-1962. Together with a large 37 x 29 black cloth embroidered with various signatures in different brightly coloured threads, including that of Edith Cavell and a number of other individuals (Eveline Francois being one of them), and also including a few original unsigned photographs and other related ephemera, one of the images showing Cavell standing outdoors in a full length pose alongside several other individuals including Eveline Francois and her siblings. Autographs of Edith Cavell are rare in any form, and the present example is particularly interesting and unusual. G to about VG, 7 Cavell's entry in the present album was written and signed at an interesting point in her life. In her mid-twenties, she was left a small legacy, and used it to travel around Europe and Edith was appointed governess to the children of Mr & Mrs Paul Francois, a prominent lawyer in Brussels. Whilst educating Eveline Francois and her siblings, so began Cavell's association with Belgium. However, her time in Belgium was short lived, for in June of 1895 news reached her that her father was seriously ill, forcing her to resign her post and return home, and nurse him back to good health. It was during these months, whilst nursing her father she realised she needed to be in charge of her own future, no longer a governess but a nurse. In the December of 1895 she started work at the Fountains Fever Hospital in south-west London, and was accepted in April 1896 for nurses training at London Hospital in Whitechapel.
WALKER DANNY: (1917-2001) Canadian Flying Officer, Navigator of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Walker was a crew member of the first aircraft to attack the Eder Dam. A.L.S., “Danny” Revie Walker, one page, 4to, London, Ontario, n.d. ('Sunday', 1977), to Alan [Cooper]. Walker confirms that he grew up in Blairmore, Alberta and adds 'At the time of enlistment I was a Ast Forest Officer (Assistant) for the Department of Lands & Mines, Province of Alberta', further continuing 'The squadron (617) meets late September in England to honour Sir Barnes Wallis on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Nine of us plan on attending & if you have any questions David Shannon will have my whereabouts. We have requested accommodation in the RAF Club, Piccadilly, London but understand accommodation is somewhat limited'. One extremely small stain and a few very light creases to the upper edge, not affecting the text or signature, VG Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982). Barnes Wallis (1887-1979) English Scientist & Inventor of the bouncing bomb used in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943. David Shannon (1922-1993) Australian Bomber Pilot of World War II who took part in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943.
PELE: (1940- ) Brazilian Footballer. Book signed (twice), a hardback edition of Pele - My Life in Pictures, First Edition published by Simon & Schuster, London, 2008. Signed by Pele in bold black ink with his name alone to both the colour front cover featuring an image of the footballer in a half length pose wearing his Brazil jersey and again to the title page. Contained in the original slipcase. About EX
MOUNTBATTEN LOUIS: (1900-1979) British Admiral of World War II. Book signed, being a paperback edition of Combined Operations 1940-1942, prepared for the Combined Operations Command by the Ministry of Information, First Edition published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1943. Signed ('Louis Mountbatten') in bold fountain pen ink by Mountbatten with his name alone to the half title page. With the ownership signature ('Wren G. Jones') of Miss Grace Jones, employed at the Admiralty during World War II, to the front cover. Some light overall age wear and some creasing to the colour printed paper wrappers, G
DAMBUSTERS THE: Small selection of signed First Day Covers (2) etc., by various members of 617 Squadron, all of whom participated in the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943, comprising Danny Walker (1917-2001, Canadian Flying Officer, Navigator of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L), George Chalmers (1921-2002, Scottish Flight Sergeant, Wireless Operator of Lancaster ED886/G AJ-O) individually signed First Day Covers commemorating the 44th Anniversary of the Dams Raid; David Shannon (1922-1993, Australian Flight Lieutenant, Pilot of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L) signed 6.5 x 4.5 photograph depicting Shannon and a number of fellow 617 Squadron members standing together in full length poses outside Buckingham Palace on 22nd June 1943. Signed by Shannon in blue ink with his name alone to the verso. Some heavy traces of former mounting to the verso, only very slightly affecting the signature, and with a large tear to the image (repaired to the verso); Harold Martin (1918-1988) Australian Air Marshal of the RAF, Pilot of Lancaster ED909/G AJ-P of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Signed and inscribed Christmas greetings card, also signed by him on behalf of his wife. FR (1), VG, 4
HIMMLER HEINRICH: (1900-1945) German Nazi official of World War II, Reichsfuhrer of the SS. D.S., H. Himmler, four pages, 4to, Field Command Post, 9th April 1943, in German. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is a Recommendation of Appointment for Captain of Police Wilhelm Radtke to become a Major of the Police, the document providing various details of Radtke's educational background and career to date etc. Signed by Himmler to the first page of the document beneath a typed statement, 'No objection to the appointment has been raised by the head of the chancellors'. The front page also bears several official ink stamps, one issued in the name of Dr. Otto Meissner given at the Presidential Chancellery, Berlin, 16th April 1943 and another indicating that Radtke's promotion came into effect on 20th April 1943. Several file holes to the left edge, most with small tears, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, but not the signature, otherwise VG
ROYAL CHILDREN: Louise (1867-1931) Princess Royal and Duchess of Fife, eldest daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and a younger sister of King George V. A charming, early A.L.S., Louise, two pages, 8vo, n.p. (although on the blind embossed stationery of Buckingham Palace), 19th August 1877, to John Neale Dalton. The Princess writes, in full, 'I hope you are enjoying yourself very much. We are going back to the Osborne to day. I send you a picture of a ship. Good bye Mr. Dalton please write me a little note. From your affectionate friend...' With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original picture referred to, being a pencil and coloured paint drawing on an 8vo sheet of printed stationery from Marlborough House, depicting HMY Osborne at sea, with a further illustration at the head of the page of a red brick house and three individuals, each wearing hats, walking in between trees at the side of the house. Signed and inscribed ('From Louise to Mr Dalton') by the Princess in pencil and dated 19th August 1877 in her hand; Maud (1869-1938) Princess of Wales, youngest daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and a younger sister of King George V. Queen Consort of Norway 1905-38. An original, early pencil drawing signed and inscribed by Princess Maud on an 8vo sheet of plain stationery, comprising two images, the first identified in her hand as being of the Royal Yacht Osborne and the second depicting a house, with smoke billowing from the chimneys, and three stick men, seemingly brandishing swords, standing either side of the house. Signed and inscribed ('From Harry to Mr. Dalton') by the Princess in pencil, using her family name, and dated 20th August 1877 in her hand. Accompanied by a vintage unsigned sepia cabinet photograph by Georg E. Hansen of Copenhagen, the image depicting the five young children of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra standing and seated together in a group pose, and another vintage unsigned sepia cabinet photograph by W & D Downey of London, the image showing John Neale Dalton in a formal head and shoulders pose. A rare grouping. G to generally VG, 5 John Neale Dalton (1839-1931) English Clergyman, Chaplain to Queen Victoria and Canon of Windsor. Dalton was tutor to Prince Albert Victor and his brother, the future King George V.
COLE NAT KING: (1919-1965) American Jazz Singer & Pianist. Vintage bold fountain pen ink signature ('Nat King Cole') on a page removed from an autograph album. Together with a small selection of vintage signed album pages by other jazz and popular musicians and singers comprising Lena Horne, Benny Goodman, The Andrews Sisters (Patty Andrews with a full signature in pencil and Maxene and LaVerne signing with their first names only in ink) and Lita Roza. Generally VG, 5
ENGLAND FOOTBALL: A First Day Cover issued to commemorate England's victory in the World Cup of 1966 individually signed by ten members of England's winning team comprising Gordon Banks, Jack Charlton, Martin Peters, Bobby Charlton, George Cohen, Nobby Stiles, Geoff Hurst, Alan Ball, Ray Wilson and Roger Hunt. The cover features an attractive colour design including images of a football and the Jules Rimet trophy and is postmarked at Wolverhampton, 18th August 1966. Signed by each of the players in blue inks with their names alone to clear areas of the cover. Together with Alf Ramsey (1920-1999) English Footballer and Manager of the English national football team 1963-74 with whom he won the World Cup in 1966. Bold black ink signature ('Best wishes, Alf Ramsey') to a clear area at the head of a printed promotional card issued by the American & Canadian Reunion
![[BURNS STEPHEN]: (1921-1943) British Flight Sergeant, Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/410b8b89-0977-40b2-b4a8-a62c00be0328/94847dce-478b-44cb-f75d-56525d9e8c07/468x382.jpg)
[BURNS STEPHEN]: (1921-1943) British Flight Sergeant, Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Two War date A.Ls.S. written to Burns by male friends, the first letter from Jim, two pages, small 4to, Staffordshire, n.d. ('Friday'), to 'Dear Ginger', in pencil, thanking him for a welcome parcel ('...you've been a better pal to me than anybody I've ever known...') and stating, in part, '....and as for the oranges etc., I was astounded when I got in Lampitts on Monday and seen the parcel I wondered where it came from because it was wrapped up so well I think some tart must have wrapped it up for you. When I opened it I was surprised and I gave most of them to Elsie and a few to Mrs Lampitt and I finished the rest off myself, they were delicious. I'll bet you had more weight in your aeroplane coming back from N. Africa than you had going....'; and the second letter from Bill Bannister, three pages, 8vo (folding Air Mail letter card), RAF India Command, 29th October 1943, thanking Burns for his letter, referring to mutual friends (one of whom had died from an 'illegal operation') and also enquiring 'How's the aircrew these days? Still kicking I presume'. Some light age wear, G, 2
SUMPTER LEN: (1911-1993) British Flight Sergeant, Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Sumpter was a crew member of the first aircraft to attack the Eder dam. A.L.S., Len Sumpter, two pages, 8vo, Luton, Bedfordshire, 9th July 1982, to Alan [Cooper]. Sumpter states that he has been looking out for his correspondent's book, and also comments on another by John Sweetman, 'I found a lot of it pretty hard going, although some parts were interesting enough'. Sumpter further writes 'Now we have lost our spiritual home Scampton, where we had some fine reunions, the chance of get-togethers are about non-existent now, except for the few that meet at the RAF Club in London. We in the “sticks” are getting out of touch with things'. He also mentions a book Cooper is writing about the Battle of Berlin, commenting 'A good subject, but after my Berlin days. My three there were in '42'. VG Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
GANDHI MAHATMA: (1869-1948) Indian Political and Spiritual Leader during the Indian Independence Movement. Book signed, a hardback edition of Speeches and Writings of M. K. Gandhi, published by G. A. Natesan & Co., Madras, May 1922 (third edition). Signed ('M K Gandhi') in bold black fountain pen ink with his name alone to the front free endpaper. Bound in the publisher's brown cloth boards with extensive printed black text and title. Contained in a handsome custom made box. Rare. Some light age wear, largely to the spine, otherwise VG The present book was signed for Donald Coats Gates when he met Gandhi in Madras. Indeed, direct reference can be found in the Gandhi Archive to the Indian leader having signed the present book, where it is noted that a letter from Gates was received by Gandhi on 8th April 1928, in which Gates wrote of 'recollections of his first meeting in Madras and Gandhiji's autographing a copy of his writings'.
ENTERTAINMENT: Selection of signed album pages, cards, a few signed photographs (some of them magazine photographs) etc., by various film stars and entertainers etc., including James Stewart (2; signed cheque and signed First Day Cover), Jennifer Jones, Marlene Dietrich, John Huston, Gracie Fields, Jack Warner, Simon Cowell, David Attenborough etc. A few FR, generally G to VG, 18
ELGAR EDWARD: (1857-1934) English Composer. A.L.S., Edward Elgar, three pages, 8vo, Forli, Malvern, 21st March 1895, to Messrs. Novello & Co. ('Dear Sirs'). Elgar writes to answer his correspondent's enquiry, explaining 'I don't think much is gained in the way of facility to the players in printing the two violin parts together as in the specimen (now returned) (no longer present) If, in setting out the pages, the engraver can leave sufficient 'rest' for turning over it might be a slight advantage to print together: however, the 'turning over' is of vital importance & I suggested 'separate' parts as this is generally so much easier to manage in setting out a single line.' In concluding the composer thanks his publishers for their courtesy in referring these points to him. With a partial received date stamp at the head of the first page, only very slightly affecting the place and date, which remain quite legible. VG
TROTSKY LEON: (1879-1940) Russian Marxist Revolutionary & Theorist, the founding leader of the Red Army. T.L.S., L. Trotsky, one page, 4to, Constantinople, 26th October 1929, to Mr. Rosenthal, in French. Trotsky states that, after months of trying, he has been unable to make any progress with the publishers Rieder, and continues to outline his concerns in five numbered paragraphs, in part, '1. You found out by happy coincidence of the poor translation of my autobiography. Since then I agreed with Rieder that the translator be changed and it was agreed he would send me three chapters of the new translation so I could judge the value of it. Despite his formal promise, Rieder has not sent them to me. I have told him twice that I wished the publication of my book to be absolutely out of the question until I have assured myself of the value of the translation. But it is possible that Rieder wishes to publish the book as it is, perhaps even in its first translation. If he were to do so it would mean a rupture of our contract and legal proceedings. 2. Another conflict, less important, has occurred concerning the autobiography. Rieder, contrary to my proposition, has chosen the sub-title….I in no way accept the sub-title: Memoires which, along with the title: Half a Century, implies that I write of anything that possibly happened during that half-century and not about my life, which would mislead the reader. 3. The most important question is about my book on the International Communist. Despite my insistence, reminding him for months and months he does not deliver the text to be translated and tells me nothing precise regarding the publishing date of my book, which is of the upmost importance to me. I intend to check the translation myself and to make annotations, which this delay is rendering twice as necessary. 4. I wish to receive precise communications regarding Rieder's drafts with the foreign publishers concerning the publishing of my works. 5. My agreement with Rieder is between Mme. Madeleine Marx, to whom I delegated my powers, and himself. Not wanting to impose any further on Mme. Marx, I wrote to Rieder inviting him to make another agreement again between him and myself', further stating 'As it was already agreed between Rieder and I for this new agreement, my book about the Red Army is to be excluded, as the autobiography is composed of two volumes, because the agreement must only concern three books: 'The Disfigured Revolution', the autobiography and The International Communist'. Trotsky concludes by asking Rosenthal to make the necessary arrangements to settle his concerns. A letter of interesting content. VG
![[BURNS STEPHEN]: (1921-1943) British Flight Sergeant, Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/410b8b89-0977-40b2-b4a8-a62c00be0328/4a70d8f3-3353-4302-b8d9-47faf8a238fc/468x382.jpg)
[BURNS STEPHEN]: (1921-1943) British Flight Sergeant, Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Small selection of three War date A.Ls.S. (one on a picture postcard) and a signed souvenir card by various relatives of Burns, the first letter written by his cousin Mary, thanking Burns for a basket and stating, in part, 'When my mother took a lemon & a tangerine to work to show them, somebody persuaded her to raffle them for the Red Cross so she did & the proceeds were five pounds....We had a letter of Aunty Sally too & she says how thankful she is that you made another safe landing, we all join in with her...', also with a postcard from Mary addressed to Burns at RAF Scampton, 3rd August 1943; the souvenir card bearing a printed religious statement and image, signed and inscribed to Burns by his Aunt Clara to the verso ('...hoping God will guide you through always...'); and the second letter written by his cousin Charles Hinton to Burns' parents ('Dear Uncle Jack and Aunt Sally') on 9th May 1944 having learnt of the death of Burns, in part, 'It is with deep grief and sorrow that I receive the news about dear Steve. It is unbelievable that such a gay and charming personality in the bloom of manhood should be taken from our midst....Dear, noble Steve overcame so much in his early manhood. I believe he confounded everyone, for he mastered fear and himself....I pray for his brave courageous soul and that it now rests with our other glorious comrades beyond...' . Some light age wear, G to about VG, 4
DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) British Author. Typed Manuscript, unsigned, two pages, 4to, n.p., n.d. The manuscript, which features a few small holograph corrections by Du Maurier, is entitled Doctor Carfax discusses the Long Stone with the Notary from Brittany, Monsieur Ledru and was evidently used by Du Maurier in preparation Castle Dor. The manuscript states, in part, 'Why, man, I pass that long Stone (as we call it) almost every day of my life : have examined it many times with the aid of a ladder - for it has been planted upright since its removal from its original site, a rood or two distant, and was a funeral slab carved to lie horizontally - in which position it was found. You have seen it. I helped your fingers trace the Cunomori or Cunowori filius. The jacet can be deciphered by aid of faith. The full inscription begins at the top of the up-ended stone and is actually undecipherable. I have tried it with a magnifying glass, under various altitudes of the sun. I have taken rubbings. But the granite is so eroded that nobody can faithfully report of that part of the inscription. Knowing what I do of granite I avow that the erosion has been considerable even in my lifetime……' Two paperclip rust stains to the right edge of the first page, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, and with some light creasing. Together with an A.L.S., Syb, by an unidentified friend of Du Maurier, four pages, 4to, Garrick Avenue, London, 14th March 1940, to Du Maurier ('Dearest Daph'). The lady writes a largely social letter to Du Maurier, referring to a payment for a statuette and the illness of a mutual acquaintance, 'You know, Daph, it sounds to me like delayed concussion, which is bad….Angela says if I go down, it might frighten her, which is such rot - people must know when they are ill, I never do believe in hiding facts….I know Mo is a bad patient, very irritable, bless her heart, but to say it may make trouble with the servants if I go is silly….The Dr. says she must be kept cheerful - that's a tall order these days of this foul war. The papers don't help one to be very cheerful, do they?' Some light age wear, G to about VG, 2 Castle Dor is a historical novel by Daphne Du Maurier, published in 1961 after she had completed the unfinished manuscript of Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch's last novel. Quiller-Couch's daughter, Foy, had given her blessing for Du Maurier to complete the work.
FLEMING IAN: (1908-1964) British Author, creator of James Bond. T.L.S., with his initials I F, one page, 4to, n.p. (London), 9th July 1951, to Michael Parker at the Land Commissioner's Office in Hamburg. The carbon typed letter is an original copy of a letter from Fleming, thanking Parker for their letter although remarking 'but are we not getting rather at cross purposes?' and continuing 'we are already handsomely represented throughout the British Zone and have no further accreditation available for that territory. As I understood from….our later correspondence, you had suggested representing us in Munich and the United States Zone where we could do with some additional coverage in case of emergencies. In the circumstances I think the best course would be for you to ascertain first of all if there is any hope of obtaining authority to work in the United States Zone, bearing in mind that British accreditation is, in fact, of no interest to the American authorities….' Fleming concludes by suggesting 'Perhaps on your next visit to Berlin you would like to have a talk with Anthony Terry, our chief representative in Germany. He will at any rate be able to explain to you our coverage in the British Zone and perhaps give you some hints on how to penetrate into the American sector.' The letter is marked at the head 'Copy to Mr. Terry'. Two file holes to the left edge, small staple holes to the upper left corner and with some light creasing to the edges, none of which affect the text or signature, about VG Antony Terry (1913-1992) British Journalist, a former European Editor of The Sunday Times who was first hired in 1949 by Fleming (at the time the Foreign manager for the newspaper). Terry's obituary in The Independent stated that he was 'one of the paper's most valuable assets, a one-man listening post, a fastidious checker of facts, a burrower into dark corners and a traveller who never complained of fatigue'
'...a look of being throttled by a very small collar...' SARGENT JOHN SINGER: (1856-1925) American Portrait Painter. A.L.S., John S. Sargent, three pages, 8vo, Tite Street, Chelsea, n.d. ('Monday'), to Mrs. [Margot] Asquith. Sargent states that he chooses 25th May, being the first of the three days she mentions, 'in case we have to have more than one sitting', although adding that the drawings 'ought to come off at one go'. The artist further remarks 'I thought Solomon's Mr. Asquith good excepting for a look of being throttled by a very small collar' and concludes by referring to two mutual acquaintances, one of whom 'suffers at the R.A.'. A letter of good content and association. VG Margot Asquith (1864-1945) Anglo-Scottish Socialite, wife of H. H. Asquith (1852-1928) British Prime Minister 1908-16. Sargent executed a chalk drawing of Margot Asquith in 1897, now housed in the National Portrait Gallery, London. Solomon J. Solomon (1860-1927) British Painter who had painted Asquith's portrait whilst Prime Minister in 1909.
DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) British Author. Incomplete A.L., unsigned, being the first four pages of a longer letter, 8vo, n.p. ('Sister-in-law's flat'), n.d. ('Friday 12th', May 1944), to 'My dear' (Foy Quiller-Couch). Du Maurier, writing in pencil, states that she is spending three nights with the Guardsman (her husband, Lieutenant General Frederick Browning) and that Nanny had telephoned her 'a little while ago to tell me what had happened', continuing 'I think I am too fond of you, and know you too well, to write you a real letter at such a time, but would like to be of practical help above all. If Menabilly would be any use to you or your mother or Betty, I want you to….just arrive there….I am so worried that your mother will be very shaken, and you might feel that she ought to be got out of the Haven. I will not enlarge upon anything but just remember that Menabilly is there. I will say nothing more about what has happened. I had rather feared that this might come about - and somehow the birthday was such a great event that everything afterwards must have seemed to him rather anti-climax. I shall always be so proud that I came to supper on that day and saw the telegrams. There will be so much for you to do. Can I be any help in answering letters with my type-writer? Anything of this description I will do for you, if you want me to'. Some light age wear and a small sellotape stain to the head of each page, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, otherwise about VG Foy Quiller-Couch - daughter of British writer Arthur Quiller-Couch (1863-1944), and a life-long friend of Du Maurier. Indeed, Du Maurier was accompanied by Foy Quiller-Couch when she became inspired with the storyline for her novel Jamaica Inn. In 1930 the two ladies were staying at Jamaica Inn and went riding on Bodmin Moor. They became lost in bad weather conditions and apparently sheltered for some time in a derelict cottage on the moor but were eventually led back to Jamaica Inn by their horses. The present letter was evidently written on the occasion of the death of Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch on 12th May 1944. He had celebrated his 80th birthday in November 1943 and died after being hit by a jeep near his home in Cornwall.
ELGAR EDWARD: (1857-1934) English Composer. A.L.S., Edward Elgar, three pages, 8vo, Forli, Malvern, 8th April 1895 (the day lightly struck through and altered to 10 in another hand), to Messrs. Novello & Co. ('Dear Sirs'). Elgar informs his music publishers that, by registered post, he has sent them Number Six 'of the set of six part songs for Chorus & Orchestra completing the set Mr. Tours kindly took charge of Nos. 1-5 which I left with him when I called at your establishment ten days ago' and further writes 'The collective title 'From the Bavarian Highlands' is intended to go on each number - there are subsidiary titles also. My idea was that the set should be published together in book form & that they should be also procurable separately'. The composer also states 'Nos. 1, 3 & 6 wd. make a very useful suite for orchestra alone, or for piano -duet or solo. I submit the work to you with confidence as I believe from the character of the music it will find easy acceptance in many quarters'. Elgar explains in a postscript 'The words only are partially arranged….from Volkslieder - the music is my own'. With a purple ink received stamp to the verso of the final page and with a few ink and pencil annotations (most erased) at the head of the first page. Some slight creasing and a few small pinholes, only very slightly affecting a few words of text but not the signature, about VG From the Bavarian Highlands (Op.27) is a work for Choir and Orchestra by Elgar. The set of six choral songs were composed by Elgar as a remembrance of a holiday he and his wife had spent in Upper Bavaria, mainly at Garmisch, in the autumn of 1894. The song lyrics were adapted to Elgar's music by his wife Alice to imitate the spirit of the dances from the folk songs Volkslieder and Schnadahupfler. Interestingly, Novello initially rejected the work and the songs were first published by Joseph Williams & Co. in December 1895. The songs were first performed just over a year after the present letter was written, on 21st April 1896, by the Worcester Festival Choral Society conducted by Elgar.
APOLLO XI: An excellent, large vintage signed colour 19 x 15 photograph by all three crew members of Apollo XI individually comprising Neil Armstrong (1930-2012, Commander, the first man to walk on the moon), Buzz Aldrin (1930- , Lunar Module Pilot, the second man to walk on the moon) and Michael Collins (1930- , Command Module Pilot). The image depicts the boot of Armstrong leaving a footprint in the moondust at Tranquility Base on 20th July 1969. Signed by each of the astronauts in bold black inks with their names alone to clear areas, partially across the left border of the photographer's mount and the edge of the image. Inscribed in an unidentified hand to the upper photographer's mount, 'To His Excellency Ambassador Mario Gibson Barboza, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rio de Janeiro'. Matted in white and framed and glazed in the original plain metal frame to an overall size of 23 x 20. Some very light, minor age wear, VG Mario Gibson Barboza (1918-2007) Brazilian Diplomat and Ambassador.
ELGAR EDWARD: (1857-1934) English Composer. A.L.S., Edward Elgar, four pages, 8vo, Forli, Malvern, 14th February 1897, to Messrs. Novello & Co. ('Dear Sirs'). Elgar informs his music publishers that tomorrow he will send them 'the final portion of the p.[iano] f.[orte] score of 'St. George' completing the work' and adds 'I suggested to Mr. Manns that he shd perform the Imperial March at his own (benefit) Concert….If the March were played at the Opening of the Exhibition it would be well unless you have any views: I imagine it is hopeless to think of the Earls Court (or wherever it is) Exbn?', also adding 'If you wd. like me to proceed with Mr. Manns concerning the March I wd. send him the proof (p.f.) copy you let me have to orchestrate from' and further asking 'Will you let me at once know the 'note' or otherwise you wish to prefix to 'St. George' in reference to the orchestration: I remember there are some limitations proposed'. With a light purple ink received stamp to the head of the first page, only very slightly affecting the date and name of the recipients. About EX The Banner of St. George (Op.33), a ballad in two scenes for chorus and orchestra and with a libretto by Shapcott Wensley, was commissioned by Novello & Co. as they hoped to profit from celebrations throughout the United Kingdom (and, indeed, the Empire) in Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee year. It was first performed on 18th May 1897 at St. Cuthbert's Hall Choral Society in London. In the present letter Elgar also refers to his Imperial March (Op.32), a piece composed for full orchestra and also commissioned by Novello & Co. for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The first performance of the work was at a Crystal Palace concert on 19th April 1897, conducted by August Manns. It was also played at a Royal Garden Party on 28th June (the actual anniversary of the Queen's Coronation) and created a great impression as popular music for the mood of the public at the time, firmly establishing Elgar's name in London.
DICKENS CHARLES: (1812-1870) English Novelist. A.L.S., Charles Dickens (a good, bold example with paraph), one page, 8vo, Devonshire Terrace, York Gate, Regents Park, 16th May 1843, to N[assau]. W[illiam]. Senior, marked 'Private'. Dickens writes, in full, 'Circumstances have come to my knowledge, which induce me to think, in common with some other friends of Mr. Black, that it will be better to postpone for the present, that proposed friendly and private dinner to him, (involving no other question of any kind) in reference to which I troubled you with a note a few days since'. With blank integral leaf (some slight traces of former mounting to the verso). An attractive and boldly penned letter. VG Nassau William Senior (1790-1864) English Lawyer & Economist. John Black (1783-1855) British Journalist and Newspaper Editor of the Morning Chronicle from 1817-43. Black employed the young Dickens who later referred to the Editor as 'my first hearty out-and-out appreciator'.
ALI MUHAMMAD: (1942-2016) American Boxer, World Heavyweight Champion. Book signed, a hardback edition of The Greatest - My Own Story by Muhammad Ali, First Edition published by Hart-Davis, MacGibbon Ltd., London, 1976. Signed ('Muhammad Ali') in bold black ink with his name alone to the title page. Accompanied by the dust jacket (a few light stains and minor age wear). Binding loose, otherwise about VG
NELSON THOMAS: (1786-1835) 2nd Earl Nelson, nephew of Admiral Horatio Nelson, hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. A.L.S., Nelson, three pages, 8vo, Mundesley, 8th July n.y., to a gentleman. Nelson thanks his correspondent for having sent an account of a Lieutenant's services ('which are indeed meritorious') and continues 'I have not seen the letters you refer to written by him in the Naval & Military Gazette but shall certainly take the first opportunity of looking at them knowing the interest which you take in everything concerning my great Uncle & the navy'. VG
SHAW GEORGE BERNARD: (1856-1950) Irish Playwright, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1925. A.L.S., G. Bernard Shaw, to the lower half of the second page of an original typed manuscript prepared by Shaw, two pages, 4to, Adelphi Terrace, 2nd August 1926, to Leonard Woolf ('My dear Woolf'). Shaw writes, in full, 'Here is my expansion of your questionnaire. Many of the original questions were ambiguous. I don't think any of these can be answered by a double entendre. I am just starting for Italy, dead beat'. The typescript is entitled Suggested Amendment of The Nation Questionnaire on Religious Belief by Bernard Shaw and comprises seventeen numbered questions including '1. Do you believe in an anthropomorphic God, external to his creatures?....3. Do you believe in personal immortality? 4. Do you desire personal immortality; and if so, is it for your own sake or for the sake of some beloved deceased whom you wish to meet again?....7. Are you an active member of a Church?....9. Do you believe that the Universe is a product of accidental physical and chemical action, cold, indifferent and meaningless? If so, to what do you attribute the difference between a dead body and a living one? 10. Do you believe in heaven or hell as actual spatial localities in the Universe in which immortal souls spend eternity?.....12. Do you believe in any form of evolution?.....14. Do you accept the first chapter of Genesis as historical?.....' An interesting letter and manuscript. A slight paperclip rust stain appears to the upper left corner of each page, not affecting the text or signature, and with some slight creasing, otherwise about VG Leonard Woolf (1880-1969) English Political Theorist & Author, husband of Virginia Woolf. The Nation was a political weekly newspaper formed in 1921. Woolf served as literary editor from 1923-30.
PRIER PIERRE: (1886-1950) French Pioneer Aviator & Designer, the first pilot to fly non-stop from London to Paris, 12th April 1911. Vintage fountain pen ink signature ('Pierre Prier') on a 12mo page removed from an autograph album. Prier has added the words 'Flight from London to Paris on 12 April 1911' in his hand beneath his signature. To the verso appears a signed piece by Thomas W. Burgess (1872-1950, English Swimmer) neatly laid down to the page. VG
LOPOKOVA LYDIA: (1892-1981) Russian Ballerina, wife of the economist John Maynard Keynes. An interesting autograph M.S., Lydia Lopokova, three pages, 4to, n.p. (London), n.d. (July 1929). The manuscript is a review of The Ball, a Russian Ballet at Covent Garden, which Lopokova prepared for publication in The Nation, and states, in part, 'After the throbbing "Prodigal Son" M. Diaghileff has presented us again with a sort of patisserie in a lighter vein; This time I find the a new ballet whose form it is difficult to understand, because it is so modern or perhaps because there is not much in it. The ingenuity of Balanchin's poses and movements is over-startling; there are so many different elements in his composition, steps and positions movements coming once and never repeated or developed, that they seem, sometimes, to lose significance'. Lopokova further expresses her views on the choreography ('lively, muscular and pretty - but not inspiring'), praises the dancing of Dolin and Danilova and criticises the music of Rieti ('too thin for the occasion') and also writes of the set design, 'The joy and beauty of this ballet is to be found in Chirico's décor. One could foresee that his talent would be suited to the stage, but the effects surpassed expectations. The vision to the eye is fascinating, chic and beautiful at the same time. This is the smartest ballet we have seen for many seasons'. She concludes with her thoughts of Boris Kochno, 'The public is getting used to seeing Mr. Kochno's name on the programme, but they may not appreciate how much the new ballets owe to him. He has played a much greater part in devising and putting on these ballets than used to belong to the writers of the scenarios. Though I do not like "The Ball" so well, I think that in "The Prodigal Son" M. Kochno has brought very important touches to the ballet, and one hopes he will continue along these lines, and perhaps, join with Balanchine to bring back some kind of new classical ballet which shall absorb the inspiration of the new technique in the same sort of way that the painters to-day have absorbed the lessons of Cubism'. With several light pencil annotations in an unidentified hand and also with various ink alterations (marked in bold in the above description), most likely in the hand of John Maynard Keynes. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG The Ball is a ballet written by librettist Boris Kochno to music by Vittorio Reiti and choreographed by Georges Balanchine. It was first performed at the Monte Carlo Opera on 7th May 1929 and was performed eight times during July 1929 at Covent Garden. Boris Kochno (1904-1990) Russian Poet, Dancer & Librettist. In 1920 Kochno became Sergei Diaghilev's secretary, librettist and eventually main collaborator.
ATHLETICS: A First Day Cover issued to commemorate the IXth Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, 1970, individually signed by Roger Bannister (1929- ) English Athlete who ran the first sub-four-minute mile, 1954, Chris Brasher (1928-2003) British Athlete, pacemaker to Bannister when he ran the first sub-four minute mile, 1954 and Christopher Chataway (1931-2014) English Athlete who also ran as a pacemaker to Bannister when he ran the first sub-four minute mile, 1954. The cover features an attractive design and is postmarked at Leicester, 15th July 1970. Signed by each in bold blue inks with their names alone to a clear area of the cover. VG
BENTHAM ETHEL: (1861-1931) British Suffragette, Doctor & Politician. A.L.S., Ethel Bentham, two pages, 8vo, Beaufort Street, London, 6th July 1929, to [B. A.] Campbell. Bentham suggests a provisional date of 20th October to her correspondent and continues 'I should be glad however of some particulars - i.e. the kind of subject you specially want from me - and the length of time - and whether or not you have questions &/or discussions afterwards. All these make a great deal of difference….'. Neatly annotated in red ink at the head of the first page. VG
HARRISON GEORGE: (1943-2001) English Guitarist, a member of The Beatles. A printed slim 4to First Class menu issued by Qantas Airlines for flight QF108 Los Angeles to Sydney, signed by Harrison in blue ink with his name alone to a clear area at the base of an inside page. A neat pencil annotation to the opposite page in the hand of a collector indicates that the signature was obtained in person on the flight on Sunday, 24th October 1993. About EX
LUCAS JEAN JACQUES ETIENNE: (1764-1819) French Naval Captain, famous for his role in the Battle of Trafalgar. A.L.S., J: Lucas, one page, 4to, Paris, 2nd October 1809, to Denis Decres, in French. Lucas informs his correspondent 'The deterioration of my health from various injuries that I received during our most recent events, from which I have poorly recovered, has put me absolutely out of condition to go to Toulon to follow the itinerary that Your Excellency gave me' and asks to be allowed six weeks period of rest in Paris to continue his recovery, further remarking 'I pray your Excellency to kindly take into consideration that in thirty three years that I have had the honour of serving, it is the first time that I see myself forced into circumstances where I find myself asking not to follow the itinerary that has been prescribed for me'. VG Denis Decres (1761-1820) French Naval Officer and Count, later Duke of the First Empire. Minister of Marines and the Colonies 1801-14, 1815. The present letter was written in the months following the Battle of the Basque Roads during which Lucas was grounded in his ship Regulus for two weeks and heroically managed to repel four attacks by the British.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Small selection of signed First Day Covers by various Nottingham Forest footballers including Peter Shilton, John Robertson, Ian Bowyer, Nigel Clough, Neil Webb, Bryan Roy etc. Multiple signed (1). Each of the covers have attractive colour designs and images commemorating various European matches and domestic cup finals. VG to EX, 5
TURNER J. M. W.: (1775-1851) English Painter. An extremely rare, early ink signature, William Turner, on a slim 8vo page removed from the Attendance Book of the Plaister Academy at the Royal Academy, London, n.d. (16th October 1790?). The fifteen year old Turner's bold signature appears at the foot of the page, and above his signature appear those of twelve other fellow students, with a further fifteen signatures to the verso. Included are the signatures of artists John Naish, Thomas Nugent, William Hobday, John Mowson, James Oliver, James Earl, Francis Wingrave, James John Russell, Robert Saunders, Thomas Kearsley, Robert Porter, Matthew Haughton, Thomas Hellyer, James Chapman and Thomas Hargreaves, a few appearing more than once. Some very light, extremely minor age wear and very slight traces of former mounting to the right edge of the verso, otherwise VG Joseph Mallord William Turner, known within his family as William, entered the Royal Academy Schools as a promising student at the age of 14. The young Turner first worked in the Plaister Academy, drawing from casts of antique sculpture. In the biography Turner In His Time (1987) Andrew Wilton notes that Turner's 'name appears fairly frequently in the registers between 21st July 1790 (the earliest record extant) and 8th October 1793. Provenance: Some of the Attendance Books now in the Library of the Royal Academy were once the property of the renowned British collector Charles Fairfax Murray (1849-1919) and bear his Ex-Libris to the inside boards. Upon the dispersal of his large collections, the Registers, with a number of pages removed, were apparently re-acquired by the Royal Academy. The present, previously missing page, were re-discovered in Australia, tipped into an old Victorian album.
ALBERT PRINCE: (1819-1861) Prince Consort of the United Kingdom, husband of Queen Victoria. D.S., Albert, as Steward for his son Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, two pages, folio, n.p., 6th May 1842. The manuscript document appoints George Freeth of Lincolns Inn Fields to be a Deputy Steward for the Duchy of Cornwall and authorises and empowers him 'to do all things belonging and appertaining to the Office of Steward....in as full and ample a manner as I myself could do if personally present at the doing thereof.....' Boldly signed by Prince Albert at the conclusion alongside a small red wax seal. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, minor age wear and some slight splitting at the folds (neatly and professionally strengthened in a few places). About VG Queen Victoria had given birth to Prince Albert Edward on 9th November 1841. Being her first son, he became the Prince of Wales, Duke of Saxony and Duke of Cornwall. His father, Prince Albert, as illustrated by the present document, was Steward of the affairs of the Duchy of Cornwall until his son became of age. The young Prince would have only been six months old when his father signed the present document.
BOWIE DAVID: (1947-2016) English Singer & Musician. A printed 4to First Class Captain's Club menu issued by Qantas Airlines, signed ('All my best wishes, Bowie') by Bowie to a clear area of the Singapore-Bahrain sector of the menu and dated 15th March 1983 in his hand. About EX The present menu was issued for the Qantas flight QF1 from Sydney to London and the date on which Bowie signed the menu is of particular interest; the singer had been in Australia to shoot the video for one of his biggest hits, Let's Dance. Bowie had driven 650km from Sydney to a pub in Carinda, New South Wales, and arrived in the small parched, dusty outpost unannounced to make the video. Let's Dance was released on 17th March 1983, just two days after Bowie signed the present menu. The single, taken from his album of the same name, went on to become one of the musician's biggest selling tracks, as well as fastest selling, topping the United Kingdom and United States charts, and reaching number two in Australia itself. The album Let's Dance has been described as the commercial peak of Bowie's work.
WILDE OSCAR: (1854-1900) Irish Playwright & Novelist. A good A.L.S., Oscar Wilde, one page, 8vo, Salisbury Street, London, n.d. (c.1880), to Bram Stoker ('Dear Stoker'). Wilde writes, in full, 'I am anxious to accompany some friends to the Lyceum tonight. If you could place a seat anywhere at my disposal I would be very much obliged'. A boldly penned letter with a fine and interesting association. Some very light age wear and a small tear to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise about VG Bram Stoker (1847-1912) Irish Author of Dracula. Personal Assistant to actor Henry Irving and Business Manager of the Lyceum Theatre, which Irving owned. The relationship between Stoker and Wilde is an interesting one; the two had first met at Trinity College, Dublin, when Stoker, President of the university's Philosophical Society, proposed Wilde for membership. Their friendship grew from strength to strength and Stoker was invited to literary parties hosted by Wilde's mother. However, after leaving Trinity, the two men both fell in love with the same woman, Florence Balcombe (1858-1937), a celebrated beauty. Wilde apparently became engaged to Balcombe, however she was to choose Stoker as her husband, the couple marrying in 1878 and moving to London in order that Stoker could take up his position as manager of the Lyceum Theatre. Wilde was heartbroken and upset at Balcombe's decision, however within a few years (as the present letter illustrates) the two men had renewed their acquaintanceship. Wilde came to live in London in 1879, taking quarters off The Strand at 13 Salisbury Street, from where the present letter was written. He shared the residence with the artist Frank Miles, whom he had known at Oxford. The actress Lillie Langtry described the house, characterised by serpentine hallways, shadowy corners and awkwardly shaped rooms, as 'untidy and romantic'.
TOULOUSE-LAUTREC HENRI DE: (1864-1901) French Painter & Illustrator. A.L.S., T-Lautrec, three pages, 8vo, Paris, n.d. (1898?), to 'Mon cher Theo' (van Rysselberghe), in French. The artist informs his friend that he has returned from Spain, where he met Dario, and is now leaving for London in four days, asking van Rysselberghe to supply him with the address of a dealer in London where he can buy some items. Toulouse-Lautrec also enquires as to when his correspondent will be in Paris next as they must go to see a home when it is finished. In concluding he remarks that a mutual acquaintance will be going to Brussels shortly and will meet van Rysselberghe. Autograph letters of Toulouse-Lautrec are rare as a result of his untimely death at the age of 36. One slight paperclip rust stain to the first page, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG Theo van Rysselberghe (1862-1926) Belgian Neo-Impressionist Painter who played a pivotal role in the European art scene at the turn of the 20th century. Co-founder of Les XX (1883). Rysselberghe had first met Toulouse-Lautrec in 1887 and was highly appreciative of his talent. Toulouse-Lautrec's family were Anglophiles and, though not as fluent as he pretended to be, the artist spoke English well enough to travel to London, exhibiting works at Goupil's Gallery in May 1898. Whilst in London Toulouse-Lautrec made posters, including the 'Confetti' poster, and the bicycle advert 'La Chaine Simpson'. It was at this time that he also met and befriended Oscar Wilde.
BAKER JOSEPHINE: (1906-1975) African-American Dancer and Singer. Vintage signed and inscribed 7.5 x 10 photograph of Baker in an elegant head and shoulders pose. Signed, with her first name only, in blue fountain pen ink, largely to a clear area of the image, 'Pour mon cher ami Sandros, avec un baiser de votre Josephine', and dated Barcelona, 1949, in her hand (across a dark area of the image). Some very slight surface and corner creasing and some very light staining to the upper edge, caused by previous mounting to the verso. About VG
617 SQUADRON: An extremely rare, complete set of vintage signed cards by the seven Commanding Officers of No. 617 Squadron RAF during World War II comprising - Guy Gibson (1918-1944) British Wing Commander, the first Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 21st March - 3rd August 1943. Victoria Cross winner for his actions during Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) on the Mohne and Eder Dams in Germany, 16th May 1943. Rare, bold pencil signature ('Guy P Gibson W/C') on an oblong 12mo card. George Holden (1913-1943) British Squadron Leader, the second Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 3rd August - 16th September 1943. Extremely rare, dark fountain pen ink signature ('G. W. Holden S/Ldr') on an oblong 12mo card. Harold Martin (1918-1988) Australian Air Marshal, the third (Temporary) Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 16th September - 10th November 1943. Pilot of Lancaster ED909/G AJ-P of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Martin was a crew member of the third aircraft to attack the Mohne Dam. Dark fountain pen ink signature ('Mick Martin') on an oblong 12mo card. Leonard Cheshire (1917-1992) British Group Captain, the fourth Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 10th November 1943 - 12th July 1944. Victoria Cross winner for his flying operations during World War II. Dark fountain pen ink signature ('G L Cheshire') on a 12mo card. James Tait (1916-2007) British Group Captain, the fifth Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 12th July - 29th December 1944. Dark fountain pen ink signature ('J. B. Tait') on a 12mo card. John Fauquier (1909-1981) Canadian Air Commodore, the sixth Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 29th December 1944 - 28th March 1945. An amusing fountain pen ink signature ('J. E. Fauquier, Bomber Command') on an oblong 12mo card, with the additional words 'vs. P. McLaughlin, Coastal Command' beneath his signature, alongside a small original pen and ink colour cartoon sketch by Fauquier showing him standing in a full length pose, in uniform, heavily hitting McLaughlin, also in uniform, over the head with a baseball bat. John Grindon (1917-2002) British Wing Commander, the seventh Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 28th April - 8th August 1945. Blue ink signature ('John Grindon, C.O. 630') on a small, slightly irregularly clipped piece, neatly laid down to an oblong 12mo card. Each of the signatures are professionally and attractively matted together in blue, each above individual commemorative covers issued for the Commanding Officers of 617 Squadron and featuring their colour oval portraits. Also included within the frame is a colour reproduction of 617 Squadron's badge, depicting the bursting of a dam, in honour of Operation Chastise, and the amusing double entendre French motto Apres moi le Deluge ('After me, the flood'). Framed and glazed in a wooden frame to an overall size of 34 x 28. VG to EX The present unique set of signatures represent the only time a complete set of autographs of the Wartime Commanding Officers of 617 Squadron have ever appeared at auction. Provenance: The present signatures originated from the Wartime collection of Wing Commander W. J. Cleasby O.B.E. Two copies of newspaper articles from 1949 relating to the collection are included with the lot.
ARSENAL: A printed small 4to menu card for the Fifty First Dinner & Cabaret to the Honorary Stewards of Arsenal Football Club at the Park Lane Hotel, London, 7th December 1987, signed to the verso by over 30 players and other individuals associated with Arsenal including Peter Hill-Wood, Ken Friar, Theo Foley, Clive Carr, David Dein, Jack Kelsey, Michael Thomas, Paul Merson, Gus Caeser, Graham Rix, Pat Rice, Tony Adams, George Graham, Niall Quinn, Viv Anderson, John Lukic, Alan Smith, David O'Leary, Kenny Sansom etc. Each of the signatures are numbered in a small, unidentified neat hand. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG The present menu was signed in the same season that Arsenal won the League Cup under the guidance of manager George Graham in his first season in charge.
BRITISH PRIME MINISTERS: A good, small selection of individually signed First Day Covers by various British Prime Ministers of the 20th century comprising Anthony Eden (signed in both forms, 'Avon (Anthony Eden)'), Alec Douglas-Home, Harold Wilson and Edward Heath. All are signed in bold inks to clear areas and each of the covers feature different attractive designs, images and postage stamps commemorating Winston S. Churchill. VG to EX, 4 Winston S. Churchill (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1953.
On the marriage of the Duke of Wellington DISRAELI BENJAMIN: (1804-1881) British Prime Minister 1868, 1874-80. A good A.L.S., with his initial D, eight pages, 8vo, House of Commons, London, n.d. ('Friday', 19th April 1839), to 'My dearest'. Disraeli informs his correspondent that he understands the House will be divided tonight 'and that the majority is to be under 20', further remarking 'Nothing can be conceived more wearisome' and continuing 'Morpeth the only exception for tho' bombastic in his manner….for anyone but a Cabinet minister who may try & do anything, he has imagination & command of language, & tho' occasionally ludicrous from his manner…he always interests & never bores'. Disraeli also writes of a marriage which took place the day before, 'a great concourse, & much cheering in the streets; & would have been in the church, had not the Dean of Carlisle with apostolic naiveté preliminary warned the audience; church crowded, 3 or 4 ladies in the pulpit; pews engaged weeks before', also adding 'I have not seen the Lady, but according to Douro she weighs 11 stone 5lb - I hear a beautiful face, but somewhat ungainly figure….Douro….dined at the Carlton the day before, for he sat next to me. They were married before 12 and at four he was resting in the Park - There I suppose, as Sir Hugh says, are affections….during the ceremony the Lady agitated & went to bed afterwards. At ½ past five they drove off to Stratfield Saye. The Duke walked into the church star & gartered & walked home, much cheered; the mob wanted to take the horses out of Douro's carriage…'. An entertaining letter of fine content. Some light uniform discoloration to the first page and with some light age wear, including a lengthy, although neat vertical split to the central fold of the final pages, about VG George Howard (1802-1864) 7th Earl of Carlisle. Viscount Morpeth. British Politician and Orator. Chief Secretary for Ireland 1835-41. Arthur Wellesley (1807-1884) 2nd Duke of Wellington. Marquess of Douro. British Soldier and Politician, eldest son of the 1st Duke of Wellington. On 18th April 1839 he married, as recounted in the present letter, Lady Elizabeth Hay (1820-1904) Duchess of Wellington. Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria 1861-68 and 1874-80.
WARHOL ANDY: (1928-1987) American Pop Artist. Book signed, being a hardback edition of the Exhibition Catalogue for Warhol at The Tate Gallery, 17th February - 28th March 1971, First Edition published by The Tate Gallery, 1971. With a foreword by Norman Reid and an essay by Richard Morphet, the catalogue also features numerous illustrations (a few in colour, most are black and white). Signed ('Andy Warhol') in bold black ink with his name alone to the front free endpaper. Bound in the original publisher's aquamarine cloth with silver titles to the upper board and spine. Although lacking the dustwrapper, the hardback edition of this catalogue is rare as most were published as paperbacks. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, about EX
CLEVELAND GROVER: (1837-1908) American President 1885-89, 1893-97. Fountain pen ink signature ('Grover Cleveland') and date, 5th March 1889, in his hand on a slim oblong 8vo piece. Also signed by Frances Cleveland (1864-1947) First Lady of the United States 1886-89, 1893-97, with her name alone in fountain pen ink. Some light central vertical and horizontal folds, VG The present signatures were signed just one day after Cleveland left the office of United States President for the first time on 4th March 1889.
ZOLA EMILE: (1840-1902) French Writer. A good A.L.S., Emile Zola, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 31st August 1867, to 'Mon cher confrere', in French. Zola informs his correspondent that he will be able to send him the remainder of Un Mariage d'Amour in eight or ten days time, so the typesetters will have all the time they need, and continues 'It had been decided that the novel would be published in three parts. I very much regret that you were not able to publish all of the copy I sent you in the September edition. You must still have twenty to twenty five pages left over. I will be sending you about eighty, so that will make a total of a little over a hundred. Please try, therefore, to set enough space aside for me so that it all goes into the October edition. You will do me a great service, since I would like to be able to publish it all at once and I do not want to wait until December, the month of gift books. The readers really would find it a very long novel if it were published over four months. You will see that I am pleading the case for the magazine as well as for myself'. Zola concludes 'In any case, you know that by counting the pages that you already have and those that I am going to send you, the novel will not amount to more than a hundred or so leaves. You can therefore decide on and finalise your page layout, no matter what'. A letter of good literary content. Some very light, minor age wear and a small, neat split to the left edge of the central horizontal fold, otherwise VG Un Mariage d'Amour, better known by its alternative title Therese Raquin is a novel by Zola which was first published, as the present letter illustrates, in serial format in the journal L'Artiste in 1867. It was published in book format in the December of the same year. The novel was a commercial and artistic success for Zola and achieved additional publicity when the critic Louis Ulbach described it as 'putrid' in a long diatribe. A play of the novel was first performed in 1873.
CLAY & COOPER: CLAY CASSIUS (1942-2016) Muhammad Ali. American Boxer, World Heavyweight Champion & COOPER HENRY (1934-2011) English Boxer, British & European Heavyweight Champion 1970-71 and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion 1959-71. Individual vintage ink signatures by both boxers; Clay a rare bold blue ink signature ('Cassius Clay') on an oblong slim 8vo piece and Cooper a good bold blue ink signature ('Henry Cooper') on a page removed from an autograph album. A very light vertical central fold and some light overall creasing to the piece signed by Clay, otherwise about VG to EX, 2 The present signatures date from around 1963 when Clay and Cooper met in the boxing ring for the first of their two memorable bouts. The fight on 18th June 1963 was staged at Wembley Stadium in London, Clay winning when the referee stopped the fight in the fifth round.
McCARTNEY & STARR: McCARTNEY PAUL (1942- ) & STARR RINGO (1940- ) British Musicians, both members of The Beatles. An excellent pair of vintage blue ink signatures by both Paul McCartney ('love Paul McCartney') and Ringo Starr ('Love Ringo Starr') individually on an oblong 8vo card bearing the printed word Autographs at the head, neatly clipped from the verso of a Qantas airlines First Class menu. Dated in the hand of a Qantas crew member 19th February 1968 alongside the signatures. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG McCartney and Starr flew from London to New Delhi on 19th February 1968, the day on which the present signatures were obtained.
DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) British Author. Incomplete A.L., unsigned, being the first four pages of a longer letter, 8vo, n.p. (at sea, en route to Egypt), n.d. ('Monday 16', 1936), to [Foy Quiller-Couch], on the printed stationery of S. S. Cameronia. Du Maurier states that she is reaching the end of her voyage, but has no complaints as the sea has been calm the whole time, informing her friend, 'The first day out - at least the day after we sailed - I kept to my bunk as the ship appeared to have a rolling sort of motion that I wasn't too happy about. Also we were in the Bay of Biscay, also the day was cold and grey, and bearing Miss. Robert's maxim in mind I decided “There was nothing to get up for“' and further referring to her young daughter and husband ('a little pale about the gills') and the rest of the trip, 'Off Spain the weather grew lovely, and ever since we have had blue skies and brilliant sunshine. We passed Gibraltar, and wished we had been going there instead of Egypt. It was rather like St. Austell Bay.', and providing an anecdote, 'Only excitement so far was yesterday afternoon when the little ships' doctor, a pink & white shy fellow, came up rather nervously and said “Mrs. Browning, can you sew baby clothes“? “No“, I answered, rather taken a back. “Oh dear“, he said, “I'm in rather a predicament. I have just delivered a child into the world, and the mother did not know she was expecting“!! All the ladies of the ship were immediately summoned, and we searched our trunks for old vests and odds & ends. I went down to see the unfortunate woman, who was lying in bed with an expression of bewilderment'. Some light creasing, otherwise about VG Foy Quiller-Couch - daughter of British writer Arthur Quiller-Couch (1863-1944), and a life-long friend of Du Maurier. Indeed, Du Maurier was accompanied by Foy Quiller-Couch when she became inspired with the storyline for her novel Jamaica Inn. In 1930 the two ladies were staying at Jamaica Inn and went riding on Bodmin Moor. They became lost in bad weather conditions and apparently sheltered for some time in a derelict cottage on the moor but were eventually led back to Jamaica Inn by their horses. Du Maurier accompanied her husband, Lieutenant General Frederick Browning (1896-1965), to Egypt when the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, of which he was the Commanding Officer, were deployed to Egypt in 1936.
ROBERTS FREDERICK: (1832-1914) British Field Marshal, Victoria Cross winner for his actions at the Indian Mutiny on 2nd January 1858. Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in South Africa, 1900. A.L.S., Roberts, two pages, 8vo, The Royal Hospital, Dublin, 9th April 1899, to Sir William Broadbent. Roberts states that he would have supported his correspondent's brother's application for the appointment of Military Secretary to the India Office had he not already written in favour of another candidate, also adding 'Another reason is that (I am told) Sir Oliver Newmarch's succession has been decided upon. I gather that my nominee is not the lucky man, in which case I hope your brother has been selected, as I believe him to be well fitted for the position'. Some light dust staining to the edges of the first page. Together with Redvers Buller (1839-1908) British General, Victoria Cross winner for his actions at Zululand on 28th March 1879. A.L.S., Redvers Buller, one page, 8vo, Crediton, Devonshire, 23rd December 1879, to Lady Northcote. Buller states that it was kind of his correspondent to allow him to delay in replying to her invitation, which he now adds he will be glad to accept. With blank integral leaf (slight traces of former mounting to the verso). Generally VG, 2 William Broadbent (1835-1907) English Neurologist, Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. Oliver Newmarch (1834-1920) British Major General, Military Secretary to the India Office 1889-99. He was succeeded in the post by General Sir Edward Stedman (1842-1925). Alice Maude Stephen (d.1934) Lady Northcote. Wife of Henry Stafford Northcote (1846-1911) 1st Baron Northcote. British Politician and Colonial Administrator, Governor-General of Australia 1904-08.
ELGAR EDWARD: (1857-1934) English Composer. Illustrated A.L.S., Edward Elgar, four pages, 8vo, Forli, Malvern, 16th April 1895, to Messrs. Novello & Co. ('Dear Sirs'). Elgar informs his music publishers that he is returning the proofs (no longer present) of two part songs for Ladies voices and requests 'that some footnote goes on the first page of each of them to the effect that the violin accompaniments are procurable separately', further continuing 'It might be as well to print also a note (on the Violin copies) something like the following “If the Chorus is numerous these accompts. may be played by two or more Violins to each part” This might eventually assist the sale of extra Violin copies'. The composer further states 'I have made a note on the proofs of the places where the turn-over for the Violins is not well managed, if possible it would be best to print those parts to lay open [at this point of the letter Elgar has added a simple illustration in his hand of two numbered pages opened to the viewer] so as to avoid the turn'. Elgar also asks that the works be ready in early May so that they can be introduced during the next school term and encloses a list (no longer present) of schools affiliated to the Royal College of Music and Royal Academy of Music examinations 'which gives a useful list for any purposes of special advertisement of this class of music'. With a purple ink received stamp to the head of the first page and a few other ink and blue indelible annotations, not affecting the main body of text or signature. VG
SCARPA ANTONIO: (1752-1832) Italian Anatomist. A good A.L.S., A. Scarpa, one page, 4to, Pavia, 29th October 1808, to Giorgio Passega, in Italian. Scarpa states that he received his correspondent's letter whilst in Milan to attend a Royal birth, and thanks Passega for their expressions of friendship and helpful information, further referring to various mutual acquaintances and the benefits he hopes to receive for his retirement, the payments of which are slow and irritating to Scarpa. The anatomist also informs his correspondent 'My work on hernias is about to be published in fascicles, if there is a sufficient number of subscribers. I enclose the Prospectus (no longer present) so that according to this in Ferrara and the surrounding area you will be looking for surgeons and physicians who will give their names. The expense is high and distribution every three months will be slight, and finally each one will have the work without even noticing to have paid for it. It will not be less bulky than the one on aneurisma and I hope no less useful than that. However, be quick in collecting the names of the subscribers, since I have to make good checks before undertaking the print'. A letter of interesting content relating to one of Scarpa's medical treatises. Addressed in Scarpa's hand to the verso and with the remnants of a red wax seal attached (small area of paper loss to the lower edge where the seal was originally broken, not affecting the text or signature). About VG As the present letter suggests, Scarpia published a treatise on hernias entitled Sull'ernie memorie anatomico-chirurgiche in 1809. This was supplemented by Sull'ernie del perineo, the first ever discussion of the perineal hernia, and Traité pratique des hernie, ou, Mémoires anatomiques et chirurgicaux sur ces maladies in 1812. Both Scarpa's fascia and Scarpa's triangle were derived from these works.
KHRUSHCHEV NIKITA: (1894-1971) Premier of the Soviet Union 1958-64 & First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union 1953-64. An excellent vintage signed 8.5 x 11 photograph, the image depicting Khrushchev in a formal head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold black fountain pen ink to the lower white border and dated 1964 in his hand. Signed portraits of the Soviet Premier are extremely rare. Very slightly neatly trimmed to the right edge and with a few minor surface and corner creases, otherwise VG
A collection of four brooches The first, a Victorian 15ct gold and turquoise brooch, with several stone deficient, rope-twists borders, and applied gold spheres, a Victorian hair work brooch, the circular design suspending a double sided open locket, a Victorian oval mourning pendant/brooch, with a vacant glazed compartment, decorated with black enamel, an imitation pearl and white paste bar brooch, a 9ct gold plain bar brooch, together with, a set of three cased seed pearl studs (6)
A collection of Victorian spectacles cases The first a white metal reticulated example, the rounded rectangular form case, suspending from chains and hanging from a pierced roundel terminal, 16.5cm long, together with an early 20th Century faux tortoiseshell and silver London hallmarked edged case, 15cm long, and a leather clad and silver edged spectacles case, stamped, Birmingham, 1879. (3) CONDITION REPORT: Faux tortoiseshell - small crack to the top, hallmarks rubbed, scratching to the faux tortoiseshell throughout, chain not marked. White metal example - scratching and wear to the silver plate throughout, small dents to the base of the case Leather clad and silver - small scratches to the leather and wear at the upper rim.
An early 20th century Suffragette pendant/brooch With alternating circular-cut peridot and amethysts set centrally to the open framework, flanked by seed pearl set angular arms, suspending a seed pearl and amethyst drop, length 4cm Footnote: Mrs Pethwick-Lawrence first proclaimed the WSPU's colours of green, white and purple in the Spring 1908 edition of “Votes for Women”. Purple symbolised dignity, white purity and green hope. The WSPU presented specially commissioned pieces of jewellery to leading suffragettes, using stones such as peridot, amethyst and pearls. It was popular to see these stones in jewellery during the late 19th century, before 1903, therefore these pieces cannot be connected with the suffragettes. Also a popular myth that colours green, white and violet to spell GWV as an acronym for “Give Women Votes.” CONDITION REPORT: No apparent damage to mount or setting The steel clasp looks original and works well, no 'wobble' at all Some lustre wear to the seed pearls Stones in fair condition, good saturation, lively 2.5cm x 4cm
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