Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna/Cuna, second half of the 20th century CE. This adorable mola has a burgundy background and features two cats and two other animals (possibly fish?) in bold, outlined colors. Each cat holds what appears to be an egg and their bodies are decorated with small radiating stitches. There is a flower in the center of the mola. Molas are folk art cloth panels attached to the fronts and backs of women's blouses that are the cultural dress of Kuna women, along with gold nose rings, beaded arm and leg bands, and patterned wrap-around skirts. Size: 15" W x 13" H (38.1 cm x 33 cm).We are honored to present a selection of molas from the important Kit Kapp collection. According to Tom Hannaher in his text from a debut exhibition of Kuna Molas from the Kit Kapp collection, "Between 1963 and 1971, Kitt Kapp and his wife Valerie conducted over 35 expeditions of the San Blas Islands, as well as remote Kuna villages in Colombia and along the Bayano River in the Darien Peninsula of Panama. Kit's book, Mola Art of the San Blas Islands, was one of the first publications to treat molas as an art form." (Molas from the Collection of Kit Kapp," by Tom Hannaher, 2008) The folk craft of creating molas began about 125 years ago when the Kunas moved from the mainland to the islands. In their new environment, cooler nights necessitated warmer clothing. At first, women created blouses adorned with simple applique borders, but as time went on, they increased the scale of the decorative areas until the entire front and back panels were comprised of multi-layered, quilted textile designs. This distinctive art form has evolved into a tradition of exceptionally fine needlework and meaningful symbolism. Provenance: Ex-Kit Kapp collection formed in the very early 1970's. Mr. Katt acquired the world's largest and best documented collection of Molas, with numerous examples being published. Condition: Colors are very vibrant and there is little wear; some fraying/loose stitches are around the edges where it was attached to a shirt. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #111446
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Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna/Cuna, second half of the 20th century CE. This is an interesting example of this folk art form created by Kuna women. Molas are cloth panels attached to the fronts and backs of women's blouses that are the cultural dress of Kuna women, along with gold nose rings, beaded arm and leg bands, and patterned wrap-around skirts. This particular mola has black as its dominant color with details in orange, pink, yellow, green, red, blue, and white. It depicts a figure wearing a large headdress and holding what appear to be maracas. It is surrounded by other small human and animal figures. Size: 17.5" W x 13.75" H (44.4 cm x 34.9 cm).We are honored to present a selection of molas from the important Kit Kapp collection. According to Tom Hannaher in his text from a debut exhibition of Kuna Molas from the Kit Kapp collection, "Between 1963 and 1971, Kitt Kapp and his wife Valerie conducted over 35 expeditions of the San Blas Islands, as well as remote Kuna villages in Colombia and along the Bayano River in the Darien Peninsula of Panama. Kit's book, Mola Art of the San Blas Islands, was one of the first publications to treat molas as an art form." (Molas from the Collection of Kit Kapp," by Tom Hannaher, 2008) The folk craft of creating molas began about 125 years ago when the Kunas moved from the mainland to the islands. In their new environment, cooler nights necessitated warmer clothing. At first, women created blouses adorned with simple applique borders, but as time went on, they increased the scale of the decorative areas until the entire front and back panels were comprised of multi-layered, quilted textile designs. This distinctive art form has evolved into a tradition of exceptionally fine needlework and meaningful symbolism. Provenance: Ex-Kit Kapp collection formed in the very early 1970's. Mr. Katt acquired the world's largest and best documented collection of Molas, with numerous examples being published. Condition: The colors are vibrant; there are some loose threads around the edges where it has been removed from a shirt. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #111447
Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna/Cuna, second half of the 20th century CE. This is a beautiful example of this folk art form created by Kuna women. Molas are cloth panels attached to the fronts and backs of women's blouses that are the cultural dress of Kuna women, along with gold nose rings, beaded arm and leg bands, and patterned wrap-around skirts. In this mola, four tropical birds of different colors are perched on branches inside a swirling pattern and over a black background. Size: 18.25" W x 14" H (46.4 cm x 35.6 cm).We are honored to present a selection of molas from the important Kit Kapp collection. According to Tom Hannaher in his text from a debut exhibition of Kuna Molas from the Kit Kapp collection, "Between 1963 and 1971, Kitt Kapp and his wife Valerie conducted over 35 expeditions of the San Blas Islands, as well as remote Kuna villages in Colombia and along the Bayano River in the Darien Peninsula of Panama. Kit's book, Mola Art of the San Blas Islands, was one of the first publications to treat molas as an art form." (Molas from the Collection of Kit Kapp," by Tom Hannaher, 2008) The folk craft of creating molas began about 125 years ago when the Kunas moved from the mainland to the islands. In their new environment, cooler nights necessitated warmer clothing. At first, women created blouses adorned with simple applique borders, but as time went on, they increased the scale of the decorative areas until the entire front and back panels were comprised of multi-layered, quilted textile designs. This distinctive art form has evolved into a tradition of exceptionally fine needlework and meaningful symbolism. Provenance: Ex-Kit Kapp collection formed in the very early 1970's. Mr. Katt acquired the world's largest and best documented collection of Molas, with numerous examples being published. Condition: The colors are vibrant; there is some fraying and loose threads at the edges, presumably where it was removed from a shirt. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #111445
North America, the Columbia Plateau, Nez Perce, ca. 1875 CE. A flat twined cornhusk bag adorned with contrasting woven design programs on each side. One one side, a diamond pattern of red, orange, blue, green hues on a natural background. On the verso, a repeated triangular motif of red, blue, pink, and pale lavendar also against the natural ground. On this side, two tan leather loops were sewn presumably through which a strap could be threaded. A light beige leather and suede trim with some plaited cording attached lines the rim of the bag as well. The indigenous peoples of the Columbia Plateau have a longstanding tradition of woven bags and basketry created in the winter months, following the spring and summer harvests and food processing activities. As far back as 1805, Lewis and Clark were gifted with berries and roots contained in such woven works. Native weavers made flat twined cornhusk bags adorned with beautiful geometric designs, sometimes with different design motifs on each side, as we see in this example. Because these woven bags demanded great labor and skill, and the resulting finished pieces were so beauteous, examples like these were prized possessions, passed along from family to family, from tribe to tribe, and from generation to generation. Size: 16-1/2" x 11" (41.9 x 27.9 cm).According to the Nez Perce National Historical Park Museum Collections website, "Reservation life limited access to wetlands where raw materials had always been gathered. Commercial fibers such as cornhusk, wool and cotton twine replaced gathered materials. These were available at first through trade, and then in general stores. Weavers made flat twined cornhusk bags and round 'sally' bags from cornhusk, wool, and cotton twine." Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, James Caswell, Santa Monica, CA Condition: Normal wear and fading to weaving. One small hole on diamond side. Otherwise in excellent condition. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #111113
Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A beautifully painted Russian icon on a wood panel depicting the resurrection of Jesus when Christ rose again on the third day after his death, one of the most important themes in religious art. Christ is depicted floating in the air in a stylized mandorla, with two apostles beside him, and three soldiers in recumbent positions, two shading their eyes from the bright aura that surrounds the figure of Christ, beneath. A beautiful icon depicted in vivid hues of red, blue, green, turquoise, brown, and gold. Size: Size: 8.5" L x 7" W (21.6 cm x 17.8 cm). Icons were some of the first religious artworks brought to Russia from Byzantium. These sacred pictures of the Greek Orthodox church reached a high point in the Byzantine era, however, the Russians brought their own style to the art of the icon. Icons were initially created for use in churches and processions. In time they became smaller and were used increasingly within households. To this day they remain an important form of visual culture in Russia's orthodox religious community. Provenance: Ex. M. Reiniger collection, Chicago, IL Condition: Intact with minor surface wear as shown. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #111191
Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A small and brilliantly painted Russian icon on wood depicting the Crucifixion with bystanders, the death of Christ on the cross being the central image of Christian art. Included are figures who are traditionally featured in this scene, ie. the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist. The skull at the foot of the cross alludes to Golgotha (the place of the skull) and also represents the skull of Adam, the first man, upon which the blood of redemption flows. The cross is interpreted as a bridge between the earth and the heavenly realm. A sacred composition rendered with fine line and jewel toned hues against a golden ground. S Size: 5.25" L x 4.25" W (13.3 cm x 10.8 cm).Icons were some of the first religious artworks brought to Russia from Byzantium. These sacred pictures of the Greek Orthodox church reached a high point in the Byzantine era, however, the Russians brought their own style to the art of the icon. Icons were initially created for use in churches and processions. In time they became smaller and were used increasingly within households. To this day they remain an important form of visual culture in Russia's orthodox religious community. Provenance: Ex- M. Reinigercollection, Chicago, IL Condition: Intact with minor surface wear as shown. Overall excellent. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #111275
Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A gorgeous Russian icon painted on wood depicting the Theophany based upon the gospel narrative of the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist at the Jordan River. Just as Jesus was heading toward the river, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove, seen above with rays of the Trinity light radiating down over Christ. A voice stated, "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased." Immediately three personages of the Holy Trinity later called the Theophany appeared. A naked Jesus stands in the waters of the Jordan River. To his left we see John the Baptist facing Jesus and touching his head. On the right bank are angels witnessing the sacred scene. A lovely depiction finely painted in deep jewel tone hues of red, blue, and gold. Size: 7" L x 5.5" W (17.8 cm x 14 cm).Icons were some of the first religious artworks brought to Russia from Byzantium. These sacred pictures of the Greek Orthodox church reached a high point in the Byzantine era, however, the Russians brought their own style to the art of the icon. Icons were initially created for use in churches and processions. In time they became smaller and were used increasingly within households. To this day they remain an important form of visual culture in Russia's orthodox religious community. Provenance: Ex. M. Reiniger collection, Chicago, IL Condition: Intact with minor surface wear as shown. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #111189
Latin America, Mexico, Spanish Colonial, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A beautifully painted Mexican retablo depicting the Holy Trinity dressed in robes of rich, deep red and blue hues with golden details to enhance the majesty of the subject. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are depicted as three identical personages in accordance with Byzantine tradition, distinguished only by the symbols on their breasts. The Father with a sun and holding a sceptor at the center; the Son at his right with a lamb (albeit somewhat difficult to decipher in this example); the Holy Ghost at his left with a dove. All three have brilliant golden triangular halos, a form that first appeared in the Renaissance, behind their heads adding an unusual touch. Their feet rest upon a blue terrestrial orb symbolizing a globe with human figures, perhaps signifying their dominion over the universe. Icons like these were placed above household altars to venerate the saints (retablo literally means "behind the altar"). The retablo became wildly popular in the 19th century due to the introduction of tin as an affordable medium. Size: 13-5/8" x 9-1/4" (34.6 x 23.5 cm); framed 15-3/4" x 11-3/8" (40 x 28.9 cm) Provenance: Ex-private T. Jones collection acquired in El Paso, TX before 2000. Condition: Intact retablo and frame. Normal surface wear to retablo. Small area of paint loss to frame. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #110631
Latin America, Mexico, Spanish Colonial, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful, wooden cross, painted a lustrous black, with undulating details of shaft and crossbar turned on a lathe. The mechanized lathe was first used in the 18th century and became very important to the Industrial Revolution growing more popular in the early 19th century. The terminals of the crossbar are embellished with bone finials. A hollow cast silver crucified Christ is attached to the front; below a silver skull and cross bones applique, above a silver astral motif. Perforation on bottom, presumably for attaching to a staff for processional use. Size: 15-5/8" x 6-3/4" at widest (39.7 x 17.1 cm) Provenance: Ex-private New Orleans, LA collection. Condition: Wooden cross intact save for negligible hairlines on underside, with normal wear and minor paint loss as shown. The Christ figure has a small perforation at the feet, perhaps initially created to indicate stigmata, but later enlarged. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #110714
TOULOUSE-LAUTREC HENRI DE: (1864-1901) French Painter. A.L.S., with his initials T-L, three pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to 'Mon Cher Theo' (van Rysselberghe), in French. Toulouse-Lautrec writes, in full, 'Please be kind to tell again to my stupid artisan the way in which the Faience tiles are placed above the mantle piece and the design for the elevation. Does Georges Le Comte have a similar one designed by you? I now leave for eight days to the country, therefore I would ask you to write directly to that man Werthmuller 13 rue Ramey, Paris. My homage to Madame van Rysselberghe, and to the infant Dona Pepita (I believe that means Elisabeth?)' and with a brief postscript to the head of the first page, 'Tomorrow you will get your Verlaine'. A letter of interesting association and good content. Rare. A couple of very minor spots of foxing, 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.
JOHNSON SAMUEL: (1709-1784) English Writer, Poet, Biographer and Lexicographer whose work A Dictionary of the English Language was published in 1755 and remained the pre-eminent English Dictionary until the Oxford English Dictionary was published 173 years later. Extremely rare Autograph Free Front panel, unsigned, addressed in Johnson's hand in bold ink 'To Mrs Thrale at Brighthelmstone, Sussex'. VG Dr. Johnson's correspondent was Hester Thrale (1741-1821) British Diarist, Author and Patron of the Arts whose first husband was Henry Thrale (1724/1730?-1781) English Politician and close friend of Johnson. Hester Thrale's diaries and correspondence have proved an important source of information about Johnson and 18th century life.
WOOLF VIRGINIA: (1882-1941) English Novelist. A good T.L.S., Virginia Woolf, two pages, oblong 8vo, n.p. ('As from 52 Tavistock Square, London, WC1'), 22nd March 1930, to Mr. Grubb. Woolf states 'I shall be delighted to help you if I can. I am in the country at the moment and cannot be quite certain when my books were published, but think that the following list is correct.' and continues to provide a list of nine of her works, the publisher and date, including her first novel The Voyage Out ('Duckworth. 1915'), and Mrs Dalloway ('Hogarth Press 1922'), To the Lighthouse ('Hogarth Press 1927') as well as the extended essay A Room of One's Own ('Hogarth Press. 1929') etc. She further writes 'The Voyage Out was my first book. The Hogarth Press reprinted it this autumn in a five shilling uniform edition'. Woolf also informs her correspondent 'The time I take in writing a book varies greatly. Mrs. Dalloway took I think two years; Orlando five months. I have so many plans always for future books that I am afraid it is useless to count them. A Room of ones Own has sold best of my books in England. In America Orlando is, at this moment, the best seller. Doran printed my first the first novel to appear in the USA. It was Night and Day' and concludes 'I do not know of any personal note about me'. A letter of excellent literary content, with several holograph corrections. Some light staining (including minor rust stains caused by a paperclip), G G. H. Grubb - London Agent of the American Publishers G. P. Putnam's Sons.
SITWELL SACHEVERELL: (1897-1988) English Writer. Small series of six A.Ls.S., Sacheverell Sitwell, nine pages (total), oblong 8vo (and one brief letter to the verso of a postcard), Towcester, Northamptonshire, 1967-1972, all to Paul Turok in New York. Sitwell, a noted music critic, writes to his correspondent on a variety of subjects relating to classical music, in the first letter referring to Hector Berlioz‘s compositions, in part, ‘You have noticed what is obviously a very silly misprint. It is very odd I should have missed it. Obviously I meant Symphonie Fantastique, the Grande Messe des Mortis, and Te Deum. But now I wd. Say Les Troyens was his masterpiece. Wouldn’t you?’ (9th November 1967), and in subsequent letters stating, in part, ‘Thank you very much indeed for sending me your Fantasia on Liszt’s “Grey Clouds”. It looks very interesting’ (18th January 1970), ‘Your Three Transcendental Etudes, Op.30 came this morning. I have got one or two friends who are good pianists, and I must get one of them to play them to me….I am wondering if The Bell of Arcos is about the Spanish town Arcos de la Frontera in Andalucia!’ (20th March 1970), ‘…I have been grappling with the typewritten proofs of an immensely long book (200,000 words) which have driven me nearly crazy - but now they are finished!…Death of a Fly is the opening chapter of the book I mentioned, and I will be sending you a copy of it when it appears’ (10th July 1972). Together with a vintage folding oblong 8vo Christmas greetings card inscribed by Edith Sitwell (1887-1964) British Poet & Critic, elder sister of Sacheverell Sitwell, the card featuring a facsimile signature and greeting although with an ink inscription by Sitwell, also adding the first name of her brother, Osbert Sitwell (1892-1969) English Writer, in her hand. Generally VG, 7 Paul Turok (1929-2012) American Composer & Music Critic.
MAUGHAM W. SOMERSET: (1874-1965) English Playwright & Novelist. Ink signature and inscription ('For Lillian W. Somerset Maugham') with a lengthy statement immediately beneath, in full, 'who has lived (and loved) in Spain & wishes he could at least live for a while at least in the romantic countries south of the Panama Canal', dated 14th October 1942 in his hand, on an 8vo page removed from an autograph album. With an A.M.Q.S. by Josefa Rosanska (1904-1986) American Pianist, to the verso. Together with Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973) American Writer and Novelist, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1938. Autograph Statement Signed, Pearl S. Buck, on an 8vo page removed from an autograph album, n.p., n.d., in full, 'I hope to see for myself someday, not too long distant, the beautiful countries of South America. But especially I want to know the peoples'. Also signed in bold blue indelible pencil by Malcolm Sargent (1895-1967) English Conductor, to the lower half of the page. Also including a third 8vo page removed from an autograph album individually signed by American First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (dated 23rd October 1941 in her hand) and signed and inscribed by violinist Mischa Elman and pianist Vladimir Padwa and one other to the verso, 21st & 22nd August 1934. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG, 3
JEROME JEROME K.: (1859-1927) English Writer & Humorist. A.L.S., Jerome K Jerome, two pages, 8vo, Alpha Place, n.d. (1891-93), to McIntyre. Jerome announces 'We were unfortunate - or at all events I feel I was. I trust I shall have better luck next time we are in the same city' and continues 'Can you think of any subject connected with Germany & the Germans likely to make a light interest article. How about an article on German dwelling illustrated by photos or otherwise on the German equivalent for our boxing - or a Lager Beer Brewery'. A couple of stains to the first page, just affecting a few words of text, and two tears to the edge of the central fold. Together with a L.S., J. K. Jerome, two pages, 8vo, Earls Court Road, 27th November 1922, to Mr. Grubb. Jerome writes in reference to a recent conversation regarding the American book rights of his Reminiscences and asks 'Could your people make me an offer for these soon. What advance would they make me on a royalty of twenty %', further commenting 'The matter seems so simple that I do not see why I should not act as my own agent....'. Also including an unsigned hardback edition of Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) by Jerome K. Jerome. First Edition (Second Issue) published by J. W. Arrowsmith, 11 Quay Street, Bristol, 1889. With illustrations by A. Frederics. Adverts to front and rear pastedowns and concluding three pages. Bound in grey cloth with black lettering and design to the cover. Spine loose and with some age wear. G to about VG, 3
MILNE A. A.: (1882-1956) English Author, creator of Winnie-the-Pooh. Book signed, a hardback edition of Michael and Mary, First Edition published by Chatto & Windus, London, 1930. Signed by Milne in ink with his name alone to the limitations page and numbered 106 of 260. Bound in the publisher's green buckram and with gilt title to spine (some discoloration). Top edges gilt and the others uncut. One very slight, minor stain just beneath Milne's signature and some light overall age wear, about VG
PRUDHOMME SULLY: (1839-1907) French Poet, the first ever winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, 1901. A good A.L.S., Sully Prudhomme, four pages, 8vo, Paris, 6th October 1891, to a colleague and friend, in French. Prudhomme announces 'I was beginning to be troubled by your extended absence because the Parisians are all coming back to the big city' and refers to having recovered from a congestion of the lungs, before continuing 'How kind you are to have thought about the autographs. On reflection I thought that my request had been very indiscreet and I was intending to make my excuses to you but well, you have put me completely at ease....Ah! If you unearth a couple of lines by Musset or just his signature, I will let you off with the rest....After Musset, a few lines by Saudeau, a few verses by Laprade (I have some handwritten prose of his), an autograph of Dumas pere would be a delicacy. In general a few verses signed by their authors are always sought after....I haven't given up hope of receiving from Madame Jacques a little rhyme autographed by Autran (you write to Mr. Autran, but you hold a respect for him, which I don't hold myself). You see, I push her shamelessly to the limit. To tell the truth I make out that I'm brave but at heart I'm confused and I find it hard to accustom myself to begging'. Prudhomme also writes of his correspondent's own work, 'Ah! Yes! I miss your little rhyming stories and I'm very annoyed to see that the best literary revues can't defend themselves much longer against the total invasion of prose. The Minister of Public Education appreciates the excellent French in your poems....' A letter of charming content, not least for its references to autograph collecting. About EX Alfred de Musset (1810-1857) French Dramatist, Poet & Novelist. Victor de Laprade (1812-1883) French Poet & Critic. Alexandre Dumas pere (1802-1870) French Writer. Joseph Autran (1813-1877) French Poet.
SEWARD ANNA: (1747-1809) English Romantic Poet. Ink signature ('A. Seward') and fourteen lines of holograph text, to the recto and verso, on a slim oblong 12mo piece neatly removed from the conclusion of a letter to Mr. [Edward] Sneyd. Seward's text reads, in part, 'I have a blamable impetuosity in my temper which often hurries me into speaking my sentiments too freely, even when they are oppos'd by those for whose judgements I have the highest veneration. The intimacy & connection which has always subsisted between you, & my Father & Mother has made me look upon your children as my sisters, I love them all, but for Honora & for my poor Nancy I had the warmest affection, in the first I promise myself such future happiness…..' and in a postscript Seward writes 'Poor little Honora full of sorrow sends her duty to you'. An interesting association piece. A couple of small, light stains, just affecting a few words of text (which remain perfectly legible) but not the signature. About VG Edward Sneyd (d.1776) Major in the Royal Horse Guards. In 1764 Anna Seward's sister, Sarah, died and subsequently Canon and Mrs. Seward, Anna and Sarah's parents, adopted Honora Sneyd (1751-1780). Sneyd was nine years younger than Anna, and the two shared a household for thirteen years. Anna and Honora formed a close attachment; when Honora's father had her return to his household when she was nineteen, Anna was stricken, though relieved that Honora did not move far away and they could still spend time together.
DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) British Author. A.L.S., Daphne, six pages, 8vo, Steeple Aston, Oxford (although on the printed stationery of Old Rectory House, Frimley, Surrey), n.d. ('Wednesday'), to [Foy Quiller-Couch]. Du Maurier announces 'Congratulations on wonderful strategy', remarking 'And then people say minds work slowly in the West Country!' and continues 'The thought of our Committee of Little Ladies intrigues me immensely, and I look forward to the meeting. I can see ourselves walking the countryside with pamphlets, and it will be more embarrassing than any General Election which is rather typical of us both, but nevertheless we will WORK FOR THE CAUSE'. Du Maurier further states that she is sure they will raise £550 ('even if you and I and Miss Dove have to dance a jig in Trevalgan Square to the strains of wireless from Charles Poole's shop - I see myself playing the lute to an Alexandrine potentate, while he hands me a ruby in exchange - while you, more prosaically perhaps, broadcast an appeal (with loudspeaker) from Ready Money Beach to crowd of indifferent trippers…') and further urges Quiller-Couch to obtain an essay by Max Beerbohm on Dr. Johnson and a clergyman, explaining 'I switched on the wireless last night and found this thing being read by Clinton Baddely (sic) He did not say what book it came from, simply an essay by Max Beerbohm; but I'm sure Father would know. It was absolutely perfect, all about a little clergyman….who was bold enough to ask Dr. Johnson a question at an evening party, and he was annihilated in consequence. I believe the essay is famous, but I have never read it before. I feel Father must know it, and if not, would wallow in it. But it really ought to be read aloud'. A couple of very minor, small stains to the edges of a couple of pages, not affecting the text or signature, 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, apparently around the time of the present letter, 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. Max Beerbohm (1872-1956) English Essayist, Parodist and Caricaturist. His essay, A Clergyman, to which Du Maurier refers to in the present letter, was first published in 1918. It has been written that the essay captures Beerbohm 'at his funniest, most humane and most tender'.
DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) British Author. Partial A.L.S., Daphne, ten pages (only the first two pages missing), 8vo, n.p., n.d. (c.1940), to [Foy Quiller-Couch]. The largely complete letter begins with the third page and Du Maurier discusses the death of a mutual acquaintance, in part, 'I believe great changes would have come to her, with her father's death, the burden of care, the leaving of Tredudwell, going away perhaps to uncongenial surroundings, and I believe that the accident in which that man was killed would have left a permanent shadow upon her. The only possible consolation, Foy, and a thing in which I passionately believe, and I think I have told you so before, is that people die when their moment has come, and their work is finished. I believe that there is something mysteriously merciful in this particular case, and that Anna was going to experience a lot of personal unhappiness had she lived. You may think this nonsense. I don't know. It is just what I feel. Some rare and very precious plants cannot bear another soil, they become withered and dulled. This might have happened to Anna had she been obliged to live a different sort of life. Now you can be certain that she is all right. If we cannot believe this, then there is no hope for you or I or any living soul, and mass suicide may as well be committed by humanity at once. As to personal grief of those who still go on living in this world, you know, from bitter experience, that there is no ready made consolation. I know what a hard and really hurtful blow this is to you, who have already had so many. And the very fact that you are not strong at the moment, and that the things that are happening in the world are almost unbearable anyway, makes the living daily routine practically a Hell….I wish I could join you on a quiet and simple holiday somewhere in the West, but at the moment, as you know, I am tied. The Guardsman (her husband, Frederick Browning) is, I think, worried about all these moves in Norway, and we feel any moment he may be called….I have my own small problem ahead of me, in that I think another infant is on its way. This is for your information only, I have said nothing even to my family. The realisation that if this should be so, it would arrive about November 11th, adds to the irony of life in general. It is hard to be optimistic of the future, I had a deep-rooted feeling before this war started, that our particular country might be going to face its greatest test, and the feeling is still with me. But, whatever happens, we have been born into this particular period of time for some particular purpose, and must, of course, endure whatever comes and achieve whatever we are meant to achieve….' An emotional letter of fine content, encompassing birth and death. Some very light, minor age wear to the final page of the letter, otherwise 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, apparently around the time of the present letter, 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. Frederick Browning (1896-1965) British Lieutenant-General of World War II, deputy commander of the First Allied Airborne Army in Operation Market Garden, 1944. Husband of Du Maurier from 1932. Comptroller and Treasurer to Princess Elizabeth from 1948-52 and later Treasurer in the Office of the Duke of Edinburgh. Du Maurier gave birth to her third child, and only son, Christian 'Kits' Du Maurier Browning, a photographer and film-maker, on 3rd November 1940.
DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) British Author. An excellent T.L.S., Daphne, eight pages, 8vo, Menabilly, Par, Cornwall, 15th September 1967, to 'My dear' (Foy Quiller-Couch). Du Maurier announces 'Surely it's a case of Many Happy Returns on Monday morning?' and continues 'I have seen a review of what I think must be a charming book on Victorian Childhood Tales, with illustrations, and am considering sending for it to foreward (sic) to you for a birthday mackerel. I am hoping something by Mrs Molesworth might be amongst them. Don't you remember Hoodie, and The February Boys, and The Cuckoo Clock?….Personally, I want to see how the children of then and now differ!' Du Maurier further informs her friend 'I have just been reading the latest very full Life of Charlotte Bronte, and although it cannot compare with the original Mrs Gaskell's Life, Miss Winifred Gerin has marshalled all the facts so well, and with the present information about how the young Brontes wrote as children and lived that intense imaginary world, it is, in a sense, the better book. Mrs Gaskell knew so little of this because I don't think Charlotte herself discussed it much with her. But the Bronte story never palls, and what a tragedy for poor Charlotte when she was bereft of both the sisters and poor Branwell. Miss Gerin is certainly unfair to the Aunt, making out she was a dragon, for which there is no evidence at all. The little snuff-taking lady always sounds eccentric and very lively and intelligent to me, and I cannot believe she frightened them all with tales of Hell fire and damnation'. Du Maurier also writes amusingly of a proposed trip Cousin Dora is making to Plymouth escorted by Osmond Clamp to buy woollen underwear, 'I have warned him to be discreet and avert his gaze if she wants to try them on behind the counter. As she invariably carried her money in a purse stuffed in her stocking it is all going to be rather awkward', adding that she will find changes in Plymouth after not having visited for about 50 years, 'She tells me she worked for Military Intelligence there in the First War, and was successful in tracing a German spy. I somehow cant believe this, but doubtless the coach party will all be agog at the tale, and little Mr. Clamp as well'. She continues to write 'A. L. Rouse (sic) came to tea last week. He was very pleasant but I was exhausted when he left, he is such a talker, and never drew breath. All about himself, and how he has so little faith in humankind these days, or the future of this country, that for two pins he would up sticks and live the rest of his life in America. Personally, I wouldn't have much faith in America either. He appeared to enjoy his visit here however, and kissed me on both cheeks when we parted, so I felt flattered!' and also recounts an amusing incident, '….I had a letter from the Cornish Nationalist party Mebyon Kernow, asking if I would like to become a member!! I have written back asking if it meant I had to attend meetings (I am a recluse, I said, and never leave the grounds of Menabilly) also, I enquired, would it mean I might have to blow up the bridge across the Tamar at some future date to keep out invaders? I expressed sympathy with such a project, but felt we all might get into trouble if we did so. I have so far had no reply. Actually, I would enjoy blowing up bridges, but don't want to have to learn Cornish, and would feel very silly in a black kilt'. Du Maurier concludes her letter, 'Will you tell your London friends who might be interested that Kit's film on Vanishing Cornwall will appear at the Curzon cinema….I daresay it will not be advertised or even noticed, as it is not the main feature, but it is at least a step on the road' although adds a two page postscript, exclaiming 'Post just arrived. I have been elected to Mebyon Kernow, and a badge has been sent me to wear on my lapel! If you hear of a bridge being blown up by gunpowder to prevent that thing called Overspill, it will be the members of the brotherhood. I am thinking of ordering my black kilt. The Mebyon Kernow treasurer who wrote me….is packing his bags, he tells me, and dashing to London for important meetings (I do wonder with whom? Will he do something on the 5th of November like Guy Fawkes?) and he is going to make a point of seeing Kit's film! I have written in reply that I think it should be made obligatory for all the members of Mebyon Kernow to doff their hats when they cross the Tamar into Cornwall, as dear Guardsman (her husband, Frederick Browning) used to do! A. L. Rowse will be rather sour grapes, do you think? I don't think he is a member' and also referring to another piece of mail, 'A letter from an old man at Saltash who lived in Polkerris as a boy. He says in his day peacocks walked the grounds at Kilmarth. My dear, must I import a pair? What would happen with the dogs? And that fearful scream they give before fluttering up on to a hedge. My nerves would not stand it'. A fine letter of wonderful content. EX 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, apparently around the time of the present letter, 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. Elizabeth Gaskell's biography The Life of Charlotte Bronte was published in 1857 and represented an important step for a leading female novelist to write a biography of another. Winifred Gerin (1901-1981) English Biographer of the Bronte sisters and their brother Branwell. Her extensively researched biography, Charlotte Bronte: the Evolution of Genius was published in 1967 and received the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, amongst others. A. L. Rowse (1903-1997) British Author and Historian from Cornwall. Rowse had been encouraged in his pursuit of an academic career by Arthur Quiller-Couch. Mebyon Kernow - The Party for Cornwall is a Cornish nationalist, centre left political party, founded in 1951. It primarily campaigns for devolution to Cornwall in the form of a Cornish Assembly. Du Maurier was perhaps the best known supporter of the party.
DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) British Author. T.L.S., Daphne, five pages, 8vo, Menabilly, Par, Cornwall, 20th May 1969, to 'My dear' (Foy Quiller-Couch). Du Maurier announces 'I am going to need those biscuits' and explains 'I have just had a cup of tea in the Long Room without any furniture except the piano, which won't fit into the Long Room at Kilmarth - and although a resplendent new carpet is down in the room the other end, and the rest of the stuff for that room awaits me, and beds are even in the bedrooms, with curtains hanging, the kitchen equipment has not yet come for the Kilmarth kitchen, so that when the final move takes place I shall be sitting in grandeur there but unable to eat or even boil a kettle. I may telephone you to send me up a couple of pasties by passenger train', further writing 'Life is chaotic, and dear Miss Tod has just departed by train, having packed a lot of china ornaments and been very useful, but the monastic peace is soothing after her non-stop prattle, though it is mean of me to say so. I have just told my mincy builder….that I intend turning Kilmarth into a Retreat for the Dumb, and people who come to stay with me will take a vow of silence. He looked rather distressed and asked if it meant I would henceforth communicate with him and his henchmen in sign language, because it might make things rather difficult. I said that it would and watched him hurry off with bowed shoulders to whisper to the carpenter and the decorator in the unfinished or rather un-started kitchen, the three of them gesticulating to one another like monks…..Meanwhile, here at Menabilly, with rooms almost stripped, I keep forgetting that a year ago I told various people they could come and see the grounds when the rhodies were in bloom. I was drinking a cup of coffee after a meagre lunch a few weeks ago when three ambulences (sic) and six cars filled with spastics from Redruth came up the drive - I had promised to show the poor spastics the inside of the house as well - and a few evenings ago I was boiling an egg for supper when 50 ladies from St. Blazey Women's Institute came to the front door and were immediately attacked by my furious barking dogs. The Guardsman (her husband, Frederick Browning) always said I ought to keep a Dairy (sic) for engagements a year ahead…' Du Maurier further sympathises with her friend's own residential problems, 'If you….like, I will instruct the underground of Mebyon Kernow (of which I am a leading light) to come with bombs and blow all the camping sites to smithereens, and to put smoke bombs under the beds of the airmen and their wives from Culdrose…..Truly, I am very distressed for you….' She concludes her letter with an amusing anecdote, 'I must tell you a lovely remark that Mr. Burt made to Kits (who came down for my birthday) after he had been shown round Kilmarth for the first time. He waited until the mincy builder was out of earshot, and then he said - he is now 87 - “Well, t'is all very nice I'm sure, and I only hope I live to see the day when Lady Browning is settled in, but when I think of the money she has spent on Menabilly and on this place, its my firm opinion she could have built a blinkin' cathederal.“ '. A letter of amusing content. EX 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, apparently around the time of the present letter, 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. Mebyon Kernow - The Party for Cornwall is a Cornish nationalist, centre left political party, founded in 1951. It primarily campaigns for devolution to Cornwall in the form of a Cornish Assembly. Du Maurier was perhaps the best known supporter of the party.
JAMES E. L.: (1963- ) Pen name of Erika Mitchell. English Author of erotic romance novels. Set of three paperback books signed, being the Fifty Shades trilogy comprising Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, each First Vintage Books Editions, published in New York, April 2012. Each of the three books are signed by James with her name alone in black fountain pen ink to the title pages. All of the books are in removable clear protective covers. VG to EX, 3
SIGNED BOOKS: Selection of signed hardback editions by various writers, novelists and a few other famous individuals etc., including Ted Hughes (a complete set of Collected Animal Poems, Volume I The Iron Wolf, Volume II What is the Truth?, Volume III A March Calf and Volume IV The Thought-Fox, First Editions published by Faber & Faber Ltd., London, 1995. With illustrations by Chris Riddell (Vol.I) and Lisa Flather (Vols. II - IV). The first volume is signed by Hughes with his name alone in black ink to the half title page. All volumes are accompanied by their dust jackets and contained in the original slipcase), Edward Ardizzone (hardback edition of Saint Luke's Life of Christ, translated by J. B. Phillips and with illustrations by Edward Ardizzone, First Edition published by Collins, London, 1956. Limited Edition number 83 of 150. Bound in gilt blocked leather over cloth backed boards. Signed by both Phillips and Ardizzone in fountain pen inks with their names alone to the limitations page. Contained in the original decorative printed slipcase), Maid in Waiting by John Galsworthy (First Edition, 1932) Limited Edition 38 of 525, signed by Galsworthy to the limitations page, Sard Harker by John Masefield (First Edition, 1924) signed by Masefield to the fly leaf and dated October 1924, Little Plays of St. Francis by Laurence Housman, Collected Plays by L. du Gurde Peach (Volumes I to IV, First Editions, First volume signed only), The Man of Kerioth by Robert Norwood (First US Edition, 1919), Plain Girl by Arthur Miller (First Edition, 1995), The Lion and the Unicorn by Clemence Dane (Limited Edition number 355 of 1000, 1943), The Army of the Shadows and other stories by Eric Ambler, The Greek Islands by Lawrence Durrell, The Persian Ransom by Evelyn Anthony (loosely inserted A.L.S.), Curtmantle by Christopher Fry, Down with Superwoman! by Shirley Conran, Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years by Sue Townsend, A Child in the Forest by Winifred Foley, Plain Girl (First Edition, 1995) and A View from the Bridge/All My Sons (paperback) by Arthur Miller, The Eye of the Tornado by Chapman Pincher, London by Beryl Cook, Susan's Story by Susan Hampshire, Orson Welles - The Stories of His Life by Peter Conrad etc. Many are First editions and some are accompanied by the dust jackets. G to generally VG, 37
EIFFEL GUSTAVE: (1832-1923) French Civil Engineer & Architect, famous for the Eiffel Tower, constructed in 1889 for the Universal Exposition in Paris. A.L.S., G. Eiffel, two pages, 8vo, Rue Fouquet, 10th January 1889, to Gaston Tissandier, on the printed stationery of Eiffel Cosntructions Metalliques, in French. Eiffel states that it would be with the greatest pleasure and the greatest eagerness that he should accept his correspondent's kind invitation to dine in such good and beautiful company, although remarking 'However, you will perhaps have heard that I was recently elected President of the Society of Civil Engineers. Friday the 18th is precisely my first day as actual president, and it is impossible to arrange a replacement for me'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Eiffel. An attractive letter with good association, written in the same year as the Eiffel Tower was erected. A couple of small, very neat tears to the edges of the folds, only very slightly affecting one letter of text and not the signature, VG Gaston Tissandier (1843-1899) French Aviator and Chemist.
CHICHESTER FRANCIS: (1901-1972) British Sailor and Aviator, the first person to sail single handed around the world by the clipper route, 1966-67. Book signed and inscribed, being a hardback edition of Atlantic Adventure, First Edition published by George Allen & Unwin Ltd., London, 1962. Signed by Chichester in bold blue fountain pen ink to the front free endpaper with an interesting inscription, in full, 'To Frank Bates, with many thanks for valuable help with some of my gear such as marine and bubble sextants which functioned perfectly. From Francis Chichester', and dated Christmas 1962 in his hand. Accompanied by the dust jacket (some tears and overall age wear). Together with a second book signed, being a hardback edition of the autobiography The Lonely Sea and the Sky, published by Hodder and Stoughton, London, 1965 (third impression). Signed by Chichester in bold blue fountain pen ink with his name alone to the front free endpaper. Accompanied by the dust jacket (some slight tears and minor age wear). G to about VG, 2
TITANIC: Small selection of signed postcards (3) and First Day Covers (2) by various survivors of, or other individuals related to, the Titanic disaster of 1912 including Bertram Dean (2), Edith Haisman, Robert Ballard etc. Each of the images relate to the Titanic and both of the First Day Covers commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Titanic's maiden voyage and feature colour images of the ship. VG to EX, 5
KRAY REG: (1933-2000) English Gangster who, with his brother Ron, were the foremost perpetrators of organised crime in London during the 1950s & 60s. Group of five A.Ls.S., Dad, twelve pages (total), 4to, n.p. (various prisons including Nottingham), August - December (1991), all to Brad Lane. In the first letter Kray states that he and Brad's mother must get together to 'patch up our differences as the way it is it is no good to any of us….Your mother and I can sort out our differences easy enough with a bit of give and take both ways. I know this.', in further letters referring to money, telling Brad 'Don't ever doubt me', enquiring about a page of manuscript from a book about villains which he has mislaid etc., also including a further two A.Ls.S., Reg, five pages (total), 4to, 1st March 1991 & 26th June (1991), each to Kim, in the letters referring to various friends and business associates ('Terry went bankrupt'…..'I have no wish to see Rose….my visits are too precious'…..'Tell him he owes me a favour. don't trust him at all. He is dangerous and does not keep word….') etc. Five of the letters are accompanied by the original envelopes. Generally VG, 7
MCCARTNEY LINDA: (1941-1998) American Musician & Photographer, husband of Paul McCartney. Book signed, a hardback edition of Photographs, First Edition published by Pavilion Books, London, 1982. Signed by McCartney in blue ink to the front free endpaper, 'For you my friend! love Linda' and dated 1982 in her hand. Accompanied by the dust jacket. VG
STEPHENSON GEORGE: (1781-1848) English Engineer who built the first public inter-city railway line in the world to use steam locomotives, 1830. Known as the Father of Railways. L.S., Geo: Stephenson, two pages, 4to, London, 30th July 1835, to Henry (?) Vickers. Stephenson informs his correspondent 'that every day appears to confirm the expectation of the Great Line from Leeds to the London & Bhm. Railway being carried forward immediately', further referring to the Sheffield branch which 'must either be embodied in the general scheme or brought forward simultaneously so that the capital and influence of each may assist the other'. In concluding Stephenson tells his correspondent that he must keep his subscribers together, and get others in addition, 'to give efficient support to the General Line'. Some extensive dust staining to a large portion of the first page, making some of the text a little challenging to read, and with some age wear and minor tears at the folds, about G
BELL ALEXANDER GRAHAM: (1847-1922) Scottish Scientist, credited with inventing the first practical telephone. An excellent vintage signed and inscribed sepia 10 x 14 photograph of Bell in a profile head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Harris & Ewing of Washington DC and bearing their blindstamp at the base. Signed by Bell in dark fountain pen ink to the lower border, 'To Mrs Roland Granville Fortescue with much love from her uncle Alexander Graham Bell'. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, not affecting the image or signature, otherwise EX
SAUNDERS WILLIAM: (1743-1817) Scottish Physician. A.L.S., Wm Saunders, two pages, 4to, London, 15th May 1816, to Monsieur Le Chevalier [Antoine] Portal. Saunders commences ‘The high reputation which you have so justly acquired by your various and useful publications, and the very handsome manner in which you have made mention of my work on the Diseases of the Liver, have induced me to write to you by the present opportunity’ and continues ‘Doctor Tupper who is the bearer of this letter is well known to many of the first medical characters in London and I beg leave to introduce him to your notice. I have given him a copy of my book on mineral waters of which I request your acceptance’, further concluding ‘Doctor Tupper has expressed to me his desire of having the honour to become a member of the school of medicine in Paris. He will be proud of your interest on the occasion and I have no doubt you will find him worthy of that honourable distinction’. With integral address leaf (small area of paper loss to one corner) bearing a small red wax seal. A few minor, neat splits at the edges of a couple of folds, otherwise VG Baron Antoine Portal (1742-1832) French Anatomist, Doctor and Medical Historian.
BAILLIE MATTHEW: (1761-1823) Scottish-born Physician and Pathologist. A.L.S., M Baillie, two pages, 4to, London, 8th February 1814, to [Antoine Portal]. Baillie states that he is flattered to have received his correspondent’s letter and treatise ‘as a testimony of approbation from one of the most celebrated Anatomists and Physicians in Europe’ and continues ‘I have been for many years acquainted with your high reputation and have read some of your excellent works with instruction - I had not seen however your admirable work, Cours d’Anatomie Medicale till lately and therefore I have not been able to derive advantage from it, in publishing the last edition of my Treatise upon Morbid Anatomy - should this book ever come to another Edition, I shall not fail to take advantage of so ample a source of information’. With blank integral leaf. VG Baron Antoine Portal (1742-1832) French Anatomist, Doctor and Medical Historian. Baillie’s The Morbid Anatomy of Some of the Most Important Parts of the Human Body (1793) is considered the first systematic study of pathology, and the first publication in English on pathology as a separate subject.
PAVLOV IVAN: (1849-1936) Russian Physiologist, Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or Medicine, 1904, thus becoming the first Russian Nobel Laureate. Rare A.L.S., I. Pavlov, two pages, 8vo, Rue Wedenskaya, 16th August 1898, to a colleague ('Monsieur et tres honore collegue'), in French. Pavlov states that he has learned with great pleasure about his correspondent's kind proposal concerning the translation of his Lessons into French and continuing 'Your proposal is still the first one. I must tell you that there is already a German translation, in which there are some supplements that are not in the Russian edition. However, in the French translation, it is also desirable that you introduce some new supplements, according to the new results that we have obtained in our laboratory'. A couple of very small, extremely minor pinholes to the upper edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise EX
NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS: Selection of signed First Day Covers by various Nobel Prize winning scientists comprising Francis Crick, James D. Watson (Physiology or Medicine 1962), Godfrey Hounsfield (Physiology or Medicine 1979), Frederick Sanger (Chemistry 1958), Cesar Milstein (Physiology or Medicine 1984) and Max Perutz (Chemistry 1962). Each of the covers feature attractive colour designs and most commemorate Medical Discoveries. Generally EX, 6
GEORGE III: (1738-1820) King of the United Kingdom 1760-1820. D.S., George R, as King, at the head, one page (vellum), oblong folio, Court at Saint James's, 30th October 1793. The partially printed document is a military commission appointing Andrew Ross to be a Captain in a Regiment of Foot commanded by Major General William Edmeston. Countersigned at the foot by Henry Dundas (1742-1811) 1st Viscount Melville. Scottish Politician, Home Secretary 1791-94 and the first Secretary of State for War 1794-1801. With blind embossed paper seal affixed. The ink is a little light, although perfectly legible. Framed and glazed to an overall size of 17 x 13. VG William Edmeston - British Veteran of the French and Indian War who served as Colonel of the 95th Regiment of Foot from 1793-96. The town of Edmeston in New York is named after William and his brother Robert.
WILLIAM IV: (1765-1837) King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland 1830-37. A.L.S., William, one page, 4to, Admiralty, 19th June 1827 ('Late at night'), to a gentleman. The Duke acknowledges receipt of his correspondent's letter, remarking '….this is the first letter I have yet received from yourself', and continuing 'I shall have very sincere pleasure in ?????? Mr & Mrs. John Hughes Lloyd the moment I can with propriety….' Very slightly irregularly torn to the left edge and with repairs to some of the folds to the verso, otherwise about VG
EDWARD VIII: (1894-1972) King of the United Kingdom January - December 1936. Later Duke of Windsor. An interesting, original typescript (unsigned) of a speech given by Edward, Prince of Wales, with numerous holograph corrections in pencil, five pages, 4to, n.p. (London), n.d. (April 1919), on the printed stationery of Buckingham Palace. The speech was delivered by the Prince of Wales to the Royal Academy on 26th April 1919 and reads, in part (bold words representing the Prince's holograph corrections), 'Mr President, Your Excellencies, My Lords & Gentlemen It is with feelings of considerable diffidence that I address this distinguished assembly. During the past sixty years the dinner given by the Royal Academy has rarely taken place without the presence among its guests of my Grandfather or of my Father. To follow in their footsteps is a great responsibility. I have not got their long experience.....With all my heart I thank I am deeply grateful to the President for the kind and appreciative terms in which he has coupled with this toast the names of my dear Mother, of Queen Alexandra, and of the other members of my Family......The past four & a half years and a half of war have led me into paths far distant from those of the Arts. I wonder in what impression way this great world struggle will leave its impress upon the artistic 20th of the 20th century Art? What for instance will be the effect of the experiences of trench warfare, its monotonous, strenuous, undramatic life, but yet one calling forth all the dogged resistance and the heroic self-sacrifice of manhood? And again take the weapons & appliances of modern warfare, the aeroplane, the tank, the submarine, the gigantic battleship - the asphyxiating gasses will they appeal to the creative genius of the artist?....My Lords and Gentlemen, I do can not presume to offer any opinion upon Art....But perhaps I may be allowed before to remind this this eminent body of Royal Academicians to refer to of one new branch of art which has not only played an important part in our naval & military achievements, but has created a new name - borrowed it is true from our neighbours the French - but so strong, so apt in its meaning as to have been that it has also been adopted as a designation of an art, or shall I say a science an art more profitable than noble, that power of deception as old as the story of Esau and Jacob. Truly history repeats itself, and the triumph of the camouflage both on at sea and on land, the development of which we in this country owe so much to a distinguished Royal Academician....The President has been kind enough to associate my name with that great national movement which today so much occupies our minds so much today, and which it is hoped will take result in prompt and drastic measures to provide adequate, sanitary and cheerful homes for all classes of the population people....The wonder is, if I may be allowed to say so, that only now have we been brought to realise that this pressing need must be boldly faced and boldly handled. May Can not this representative Society of Art be able to bring its powerful influence to bear upon the scheme by giving to those & ensure to the new homes, designs, not only utilitarian in character, but attractive to the eye? And having this object in view, it is indeed a happy coincidence that such a distinguished Architect has, for the first time in the life of the Royal Academy now been now chosen as its President....Once more I thank you very sincerely for‘ Together with a second typescript copy of the same speech, also unsigned and with no corrections, six pages, 8vo, n.p. (London), n.d. (April 1919), being a revised copy of the speech with the Prince's alterations included. Some very light, minor age wear, generally VG, 2 Aston Webb (1849-1930) English Architect and President of the Royal Academy 1919-24.
EDWARD VIII: (1894-1972) King of the United Kingdom January - December 1936. Later Duke of Windsor. A fine, long A.L.S., David, (twice; at the conclusion and again at one interval in the letter), twelve pages, 4to, at sea, 5th - 11th August 1919, to his mistress Freda Dudley Ward ('My very own darling darling beloved little Fredie'), on the printed stationery of H. M. S. Renown. The Prince writes his letter, in pencil, over a period of six days at the start of his tour to Canada, beginning in a romantic vein, 'it's hell for me to-night (& is going to be till my return) loving you, wanting you & missing you! You just can't think what a huge whole in my life our parting & your absence makes sweetheart & I now have to face "the great blank" & feel so so terribly lost & lonely without you darling & the thought that I can't see you for over 3 months!! I'm so so miserable to-night & am on the verge of crying. It's a cruel separation as we both love each other & it all seems so unnatural somehow after the last 5 months when we hardly missed a day that we didn't meet at least once!! And this last 3 weeks has been heaven angel the most marvellous weeks of all don't you think?….we both mean every thing to each other, everything that really matters….I just can't tell you how much more than ever your crying & being so upset at our parting has made me love you love you sweetheart mine. How I loathe myself now darling for seeming so cold about it all as I know I did the last 24 hrs in London; I can't think what came over me as I was so crammed full of love….you were so divinely sweet to really mind my leaving England had a little to do with my pulling myself together so as not to be too "sloppy" as I didn't want to upset you any more!! My last sight of you sweetheart is more divinely marvellous than any that man could hope for parting from the woman he loves….its such a joy to think that the last bed I got into in England was yours, I couldn't get into mine at St. James's Palace yesterday at 6.00 & I'm so so glad that I didn't now!!', continuing to apparently refer to a keepsake from his mistress, 'Mrs. Thpider is worrying me to death from my watch chain trying to get back to Mr. Thpider in his house & she is vewy angwy with me for taking her away from him. Sweetheart I'm so so happy with all my precious sacred little souvenirs of YOU; first all my photos, then all my 3 rings, my disc which you've scratched & bitten & my cigarette case with your divine scratches & last but not least that lovely match box which I love so & then there's your sweet little sponge…' and further writing 'This is a marvellous ship & I have a very comfortable & luxurious cabin….the officers seem a nice lot tho' I haven't seen much of them as I've been keeping away from every body as much as possible….got some exercise after tea playing "medicine ball" on the quarter deck…I must keep fit for Canada, otherwise I shan't be any good.' (6th August), 'I've only just got away from the ward room sweetheart where I dined this evening; they are a nice cheery crowd & we've been bear fighting & playing vewy wough games ever since. 2 films of the ship's cinema (one even Charlie Chaplin) which were put on directly after dinner!!…I'm learning such a lot in this marvellous ship or rather rubbing up my scanty naval knowledge, it bores me stiff really darling…' (7th August), 'I'm more bored & restless & lonely than I've ever been in my life!! I'm just longing to get across & land on the other side & to start work; speeches etc. will keep me busy & I shall welcome them as they will help me in my loneliness & prevent my brooding a little tho. not much….oh! I am a thoroughly hopeless case for which there is only one cure & that is to be returned to England at once!!….Piers Legh is keeping (& is going to keep) the staff diary my copy of which I'm going to send you sweetheart to keep for me; he asks to be remembered to you darling….he's far more of a friend to me than Claud Hamilton is or ever could be!! Claud is so cold & hard & he just doesn't know that the word sympathy exists!!…'(8th August), '…we've only been steaming at 16 knts. since we left England on account of the "Dragon" & to-night we are only doing 10 knts. as we expect to see ice bergs in the early morning & shall be amongst them all to-morrow. I wonder if you've ever seen one sweetheart?….this afternoon we had some revolver practice & there was the cinema going after dinner as usual….you have my very latest programme haven't you sweetheart? I'm really hopelessly vague about it all & don't know the sequence of the cities, towns & places I am to visit let alone the dates!! But I don't care & am not worrying about anything much….except perhaps all the _ _ speeches I shall have to make everywhere & they won't be any worse than in England I don't suppose!! But its going to be hell having to make them far from my darling little mummie, a thing I've never had to do before; oh! why are fate & the way of the world so unkind sweetheart to prevent us living & travelling about together TOI et MOI!!….this is my very first ocean trip sweetheart I'm ashamed to say & so altho brought up in the Navy its all a new experience for me!!…' (9th August), '….its…been Sunday & I've been & am so terribly home sick beloved one thinking of last Sunday & I'm more lonely and miserable than ever; what a divine day that was & my memories of it are as sacred as all my memories of very own darling precious little Fredie Wedie….I simply loathe being separated from YOU like this sweetie its too bl_ _d_ for words & is so terribly depressing & I do feel so hopelessly lost….' (10th August), 'I enclose all the photos & the diary (no longer present) written up to yesterday tho the latter is too ridiculously pompous for words darling & will bore you to death; in fact I know you won't even read it tho I only send it to you to keep for me as it will be a useful record. It's more or less official & is sent to H.M. tho' I call it balls!!…to think that but for a hard fight on my part (knowing it was the right thing for me to do) I shld. never have set out on this trip at all. But I suppose we all have a job in the world tho mine is a bl_ _d _ one & no mistake & how I loathe it & all these camouflaged stunts & having to do the dud hero!! It does go against the grain…' and concluding 'Mrs. Thpider joins me in all I say & hopes that Mr. Thpider is not going out too much during her absence. She is nearly as jealous as I am darling….Bless you bless you for ever & ever sweetheart all all my great huge love which is far more desperate than ever. Your loving & devoted & adoring & upwardly heartbroken & miserable little David tho deep down he's the happiest man in the whole wide world knowing that his Fredie Wedie loves him!! But if only SHE would read HIS heart!!' (11th August). Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by the Prince in ink and bearing a black wax seal to the verso. A letter of excellent content. VG Freda Dudley Ward (1894-1983) Marquesa de Casa Maury. English Socialite, the mistress of Edward, Prince of Wales from 1918-23. Ward remained a close confidante of Edward's until 1934 when his relationship with Wallis Simpson began. Piers Legh (1890-1955) British Soldier and member of the Royal Household, equerry to the Prince of Wales from 1919-36. Lord Claud Hamilton (1889-1975) British Soldier and Courtier, equerry to the Prince of Wales from 1919-21.
DIANA: (1961-1997) Princess of Wales. Rare book signed, an 8vo hardback edition of Noddy Goes to Toyland by Enid Blyton, published by Sampson Low, Marston & Co. Ltd. and D.V. Publications, Ltd., London, First Edition, 1949. The book, with colour illustrations by Harmsen Van der Beek, is Noddy Book 1 and bears the ownership signature ('Diana') of the young Diana in bold red ink to the front endpaper bearing a colour printed design and the words This book belongs to….. Together with similar hardback editions of Noddy Has An Adventure (Noddy Book 17) bearing the ownership signature ('Sarah') of Lady Sarah McCorquodale (1955- , Elder Sister of Princess Diana) and You Funny Little Noddy (Noddy Book 10) bearing an ink inscription by a nanny to Jane Fellowes, Baroness Fellowes (1957- , Elder Sister of Princess Diana). Some overall age wear and various largely minor faults. An extremely rare trio of books bearing an exceptionally early example of Princess Diana's signature. Contained in an attractively presented custom fitted box and with a loose letter of provenance stating that the books were originally acquired by Ian Scott Hunter, employed by the Royal Household as a Footman, who had been given the books by the Housekeeper at Park House on the Sandringham Estate after the Spencer Family left there for Althrop following the death of Diana's grandfather, and her father inheriting the Earldom. G, 3
CHAMBERLAIN NEVILLE: (1869-1940) British Prime Minister 1937-40. T.L.S., with his initials N. C., one page, 4to, Eaton Square, London, 8th May 1931, to Lord Beaverbrook ('My dear Max'), marked Personal. Chamberlain states that he has observed from his correspondent's last letter that 'you haven't quite got the position right as regards South Paddington' but doesn't want to engage in correspondence and would prefer to clear matters up with Beaverbrook when he is back in town. He continues 'I should like to hear what you think of Scarborough. Personally, I am delighted. The first-fruits of the Lib-Lab alliance was Ashton; the second, Scarborough. I cannot see how either Wing of the alliance can derive any satisfaction from such results.' In a postscript Chamberlain writes 'I have just been informed that Taylor is issuing an appeal for funds in South Paddington, accompanied by a claim to be considered the official candidate. I hope this is not true. If it is, it will lead to untold trouble. Unprovoked aggression of this kind would make all co-operation quite impossible.' Two file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, VG
![[CHURCHILL WINSTON S.]: (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1953. MARSH E](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/da8e5011-655f-494e-ae0a-a55b00f69ed6/46d6919c-cb02-4481-d7f5-c06d9de67a4b/468x382.jpg)
[CHURCHILL WINSTON S.]: (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1953. MARSH EDWARD (1872-1953) British Polymath & Civil Servant, Private Secretary to Winston Churchill for many years. Autograph Manuscript, unsigned, three pages, 8vo, The Palace, Khartoum, 24th December 1907. Marsh’s manuscript recounts the funeral of Scrivings, which had taken place earlier that evening, in part ‘The funeral procession left the Civil Hospital at 5.30. It was headed by the band of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers; then followed a detachment of the men; and after the coffin, which was placed on the gun carriage and covered with the colours, then walked Mr. Churchill, Col. Wilson, Mr. Marsh, Capt. Dickinson, an officer who had accompanied Mr. Churchill through Uganda and down the Nile…..Mr Churchill had put a cross of white chrysanthemums & other flowers on the coffin. The cemetery is about half a mile from the hospital & the procession went at a foot’s pace, the band playing Chopin’s Funeral March….the coffin was placed on the shoulders of six men of the Royal Dublins, who carried it to the grave. Mr. Gwynne proceeded to read the burial service, during which the sun set and darkness came gradually on. At the end, the Last Post was sounded on the bugles, and three volleys of blank cartridges were fired into the air’. Some light age wear and a few neat splits at the folds, only very slightly affecting a few words of text. Together with three A.Ls.S. by Marsh (‘E Marsh’), five pages (total), 8vo, [Khartoum] & Whitehall, 1st February (1908) - 19th May 1911, all to Mrs. Scrivings, on the printed stationery of the Colonial Office and the Home Office. Marsh writes on behalf of Winston Churchill, sending his correspondent some photographs and a letter (none present), stating that Churchill has carefully considered her request and writing ‘He thinks there would be a great deal of risk in committing the annual pension by a lump sum now. You might invest it in a business which wd not prosper & you wd then be left without any support at all….Mr Churchill knows that you are a very good cook, & he cannot understand why, with the testimonials you have received & the recommendations which he is quite prepared to renew, you cannot keep a good situation….’ and in another letter sending a cheque (no longer present) for £25 on behalf of Churchill. Further including an interesting Autograph Manuscript Signed by Frederick Temple Barrington-Ward, a barrister and the Recorder of Hythe, two pages, folio, 24th June 1909, being an Opinion on Churchill and stating, in part, ‘This is a case which naturally arouses in any one who reads the papers relating to it the greatest possible sympathy for Mrs. Scrivings in her unfortunate position. There can be no doubt at all but that Mr Churchill and some of his relations made definite promises to provide for the widow of his former valet and the only question for consideration is whether or not such promises are valid in law - Being promises made otherwise than by deed they are not binding unless there is sufficient consideration to support them - if the first proposal made by Mr Churchill came after his servants death I fear that there is no consideration at all for his promise and that it is only morally binding in the court of conscience alone. If on the other hand it should be that Mr Churchill induced Scrivings to accompany him to Africa by a promise to provide for his wife and children in case anything should happen to him while away from England - then I think that the subsequent promise would be supported by the consideration of Mr Scrivings undertaking the risks upon the faith of Mr Churchill’s word……In any event it is quite clear that a gentleman of Mr Churchill’s position should be given an opportunity of doing what is morally right towards the widow of his former servant and the first step I should advise is for Mrs Scrivings to write a letter in her own language putting the matter before Mr Churchill in a respectful manner and asking for an early reply.’ The lot also includes a small number of A.Ls.S. and documents relating to Mrs. Scrivings etc., being letters of testimonial etc., one written by an official at the Board of Trade on 27th July 1909 on behalf of Churchill and informing Scrivings that ‘the matter is receiving attention’. Some light overall age wear, generally G to about VG, 12 George Scrivings accompanied Winston Churchill on a journey to East Africa in 1907 but was never to return as he caught an illness and died there.
THATCHER MARGARET: (1925-2013) British Prime Minister 1979-90. Book signed, being a hardback edition of Let Our Children Grow Tall - Selected Speeches 1975-1977, First Edition published by the Centre for Policy Studies, London, 1977. Signed by Thatcher with her name alone in bold blue ink to the front free endpaper. Accompanied by the dust jacket. VG
CHARLES V: (1500-1558) Holy Roman Emperor 1519-56 and King Charles I of Spain 1516-56. D.S., Charles, as Emperor and King, at the foot, one page, folio, Augusburg, 16th March 1547, addressed to an unidentified individual ('Dear and Faithful one'). The document states, in full, 'For reasons concerning Our service, the common wealth of the country, and particular profit of the subjects, We have ordered the convocation of the estates of Our county or Burgundy to Lyon on Monday after next Quasimodo, and We require you to stay there and attend, and do the duty and office in accordance with the trust and your affection toward Us and the country. So, dear and faithful one, God keep you'. Some very light foxing, a few neat splits at the folds and with the usual document slits to the left and right edges. With remnants of a red wax seal to the verso. G Quasimodo Sunday is the first Sunday after Easter, in 1547 Quasimodo Sunday was on 17th April.
AMELIE OF ORLEANS: (1865-1951) Queen Consort of Portugal 1889-1908. A.L.S., Amelie, two pages, oblong 8vo, Naples, 10th January 1928, to Mr. Greenfield, in French. The former Queen Consort writes a charming and polite letter concerning a Mrs. Jarratt ('knowing her, her extreme generosity does not astonish me, I admire her none the less') and remarks 'If the intentions of the Prince towards me may happen, it is primarily because of her...I am so happy to have always understood and appreciated the heart's generosity & the devotion of Mrs. Jarratt...'. With an ink annotation, presumably in Greenfield's hand, to the upper right corner of the first page, offering an explanation as to the contents of the letter, in full, 'Mrs. Jarratt a great friend of the Duc d'Orleans was left an annuity of £6000 a year & the residue of his Estate to his sister Queen Amelie but the residue was insufficient to provide for Q A & Mrs. Jarratt voluntarily renounced her annuity in favour of the Queen'. VG Prince Philippe d'Orleans (1869-1926) Duke of Orleans and the Orleanist claimant to the throne of France. Brother of Amelie of Orleans.
CONSTANTINOVNA OLGA: (1851-1926) Russian Grand Duchess, later Queen Olga of the Hellenes, wife of King George I of Greece. Grandmother of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. A.L.S., Olga, four pages, Athens, 13/25 January 1895, to Lady De La Warr, on her personal printed mourning stationery. The Queen commences her letter 'The King & I beg you to accept our heartfelt thanks for yr. kind thought of us & the lovely little Xmas presents, wch. gave us very great pleasure' and continues 'Will you also accept my thanks for yr. kind sympathy in our great loss; I was much touched by yr. taking such a warm part in my grief!' The Queen further enquires about her correspondent's husband and family, and also comments on her own, 'Andrea is very tall for his age & learns very well, tho' he is very wild & always full of fun' and concludes 'I'm sure Fig writes to you from time to time & gives you accounts about my sweet little grandchildren - Fig is excellent!' EX Muriel Sackville (1873-1930) Countess De La Warr, first wife of Gilbert Sackville (1869-1915) 8th Earl De La Warr. British Landowner, Politician & Soldier. Alexander III (1845-1894) Emperor of Russia 1881-94, a first cousin of Queen Olga, had died on 1st November 1894. The Andrea to whom the Queen refers to in the present letter is her son, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark (1882-1944), the father of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Fig is undoubtedly a member of household staff, most probably a nanny.
PERON EVA: (1919-1952) First Lady of Argentina 1946-52, second wife of President Juan Peron. A good vintage signed 9.5 x 13.5 photograph, the image depicting Peron in a smiling head and shoulders pose. Signed ('Eva Peron') in fountain pen ink to the lower photographer's mount, beneath a calligraphic inscription and date, Buenos Aires, 7th August 1951. Peron's signature is a little light although legible. Some light age wear, minor creasing to the photographer's mount and slight silvering to the image, about VG
CASTRO FIDEL: (1926- ) Cuban Prime Minister 1959-76 and President 1976- 2008. D.S., Fidel Castro Ruz, one page, folio, Havana, 29th July 1959. The typed document, in Spanish, is issued in the name of Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado, President of the Republic of Cuba, and relates to a new law sanctioned by the President and the Cabinet following a report by the Minister of Communications regarding shipping lanes and resolving that extra funds will be granted to the special budget of the Ministry of Communications for the funding of transport by both sea and air routes. Signed by Castro at the conclusion in his capacity as Prime Minister and countersigned by Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado and Rufo Lopez-Fresquet, Minister of Hacienda. With a blind embossed blue paper seal and two ribbons affixed. Three file holes and a series of smaller file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, and with some very light age wear, about VG Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado (1919-1983) President of Cuba 1959-76. Rufo Lopez-Fresquet (1911- ) Cuban Minister of Hacienda, Castro's first Minister of the Treasury. Lopez-Fresquet was one of the few members of Castro's ministry to survive the tumultuous times following the revolution and Castro's placing in power. However, he was later identified as a secret source of anti-Castro information for the Americans
CASTRO FIDEL: (1926- ) Cuban Prime Minister 1959-76 and President 1976- 2008. An historic D.S., Fidel Castro Ruz, six pages, folio, Havana, 7th July 1959. The typed document, in Spanish, is issued in the name of Manuel Urrutia y Lleo, President of the Republic of Cuba, and states, in part, '...The Fundamental Law prohibits the confiscation of chattel and real estate, but authorises the confiscation of those of The Tyrant....and his collaborators, be they natural persons or legal entities responsible for crimes committed against the National Economy and the Public Finance and those that have illegally enriched themselves under the protection of the Public Power....The investigations conducted by the Ministry of Recovery of Misappropriated Assets and by the Ministry of Public Works....have evidenced that diverse natural persons who have maintained ostensible ties directly or indirectly with The Tyranny and have been protected by said relations and have received protection that the Usurper Power granted them, constituted numerous corporations through which they obtained public contracts for public works and public services and conspired with the corresponding officials, monopolised the major part of the public works projects realised during the tenure of the disastrous regime, through prices so excessive and with profit margins so fraudulent that the works constituted situations which are considered scandalous and which transcended public knowledge....The Provisional Revolutionary Government is obligated not only to to ensure the quick reintegration of said illegally obtained goods and assets to the National Patrimony, but also to impose the corresponding legislative sanctions on those who directly or through corporate entities did profit and gain so scandalously through the protection of the Tyranny that governed through terror and crime....The Cuban state has available the right to confiscate and adjudicate all of the goods which constitute the Patrimony....related to the previous article....the dissolution of the corporations and companies will be registered in the Registry of companies and businesses....the Ministry of Public Works will proceed to occupy and utilise said equipment for public works projects....It is declared that all Public Works contracts are hereby rescinded....' Signed by Castro at the conclusion in his capacity as Prime Minister and countersigned by Manuel Urrita y Lleo and Faustino Perez in his capacity as Minister of Misappropriated Asset Recovery. All three men have also individually signed their initials in the clear left margin of each of the first five pages of the document. With a blind embossed seal to each page and the final page with a blue embossed paper seal and two ribbons affixed. Three file holes and a series of smaller file holes to the left edges of each page, not affecting the text or signatures, and with some very light age wear, about VG Almost immediately after coming to power Castro's government created the Ministerio de Recuperacion de Bienes Malversados (Ministry for the Recovery of Misappropriated Assets), charged with carrying out the Agrarian Reform Law of 17th May 1959. Under the new law, private property, including farms and businesses, was appropriated by the state. Within a year the new regime had nationalised private property valued at more than $25 billion, and also included Castro's own family plantation. The present document authorises the confiscation of property belonging to the former Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista (1901-1973), referred to as The Tyrant and the Usurper Power, and his collaborators and incorporated into the document is a list of 107 such companies, including casinos, construction companies, real estate agencies, airlines, architectural firms, manufacturers, and import & export businesses. Manuel Urrutia y Lleo (1901-1981) President of Cuba January - July 1959. Faustino Perez (1920-1992) Cuban Revolutionary and Politician, Minister of Misappropriated Asset Recovery.
MACDONALD CLAUDE: (1852-1915) British Diplomat, best known for his service in China and Japan. In 1899 MacDonald was the author of a Diplomatic Note which resulted in the Macartney-MacDonald Line, which still forms the basis of the border between China and Pakistan. A good A.L.S., Claude M MacDonald, four pages, 8vo, Tokyo, Japan (although on the blind embossed stationery of the British Legation at Peking), 19th January 1901, to 'My dear Treherne'. MacDonald informs his correspondent that their letter has finally found him at his headquarters in Peking, commenting 'It is certainly pleasanter in many ways than Peking and I think I shall be able to carry on without sandbagging myself round about and being shot at by the “Government to which I am accredited” though really one never knows one's luck' and further wishing his correspondent good fortune and happiness and also enquiring about his Godson ('is there anything I can do for the young man….what are you going to make of him'). A light tape stain to the upper edge of the first and final pages, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG
NOLAN LOUIS: (1818-1854) British Army officer, an authority on cavalry tactics best known for his controversial role in launching the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Battle of Balaclava. He was the first casualty of that engagement. Extremely rare A.L.S., L E Nolan, four pages, 8vo, Maidstone, 10th November n.y. [1842, incorrectly dated in pencil in another hand 1835], to 'My dear Sir George' [Berkeley]. Nolan informs his correspondent, 'The mare is at your service. I only hope you will try her well yourself and only keep her if she suits you perfectly.' He continues 'I have ridden her & driven her & tried her with a skirt & she goes perfectly quiet & well all ways. The mare has corns from which she goes tender at first starting but she is in all other respects quite sound…' Nolan further discusses his correspondent's current mare, which he suggests is sent to Tattersalls to be sold by auction, and the arrangements for delivering the new mare, which Nolan 'can send up to the London Bridge station any day you mention & you send your coachman to the station to ride her home.' Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG General Sir George Berkeley (1785-1857) British Soldier and Politician. Berkeley, a Colonel of the 35th Regiment and a General in the British Army served as the Duke of Wellington's liaison officer at the Prince of Orange's headquarters at the start of the Waterloo Campaign of 1815.
![[WATERLOO BATTLE OF]: An interesting D.S., Fredr. de Hartwig, by Lieutenant Colonel Frederick de Hartwig, Commander of the la](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/da8e5011-655f-494e-ae0a-a55b00f69ed6/5aaf8b05-7c62-4daa-97ef-f6225dc4abfb/468x382.jpg)
[WATERLOO BATTLE OF]: An interesting D.S., Fredr. de Hartwig, by Lieutenant Colonel Frederick de Hartwig, Commander of the late First Battalion of Light Infantry Kings German Legion, one page, oblong 4to, Hannover, 14th March 1817. The partially printed document is a Certificate of the Waterloo Prize Money issued to Corporal Frederick Dorje and entitling him to 'the share of Prize or Bounty Money which may become due from Captures made by the Army under the Command of His Grace the Duke of Wellington, in Flanders and France, in the Months of June and July One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifteen' and confirming that Dorje's name has been inserted in the Prize Lists as No. 10 of 6th Class and that he was discharged on 24th February 1816. Some very light staining and minor age wear, otherwise VG Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) Anglo-Irish Field Marshal & British Prime Minister 1828-30, 1834.
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