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BEATON DAVID: (c.1494-1546) Scottish Cardinal who served as Archbishop of St. Andrews 1539-46. Beaton was the last Scottish Cardinal prior to the Reformation. An extremely rare L.S., d[avid] Card[ina]lis S[anc]ti Andree, one page, folio, Paris, 17th July 1542, to Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, in Latin. Beaton writes to Farnese in relation to Alfonso Salmeron and Paschase Broet, the Apostolic nuncios to Ireland and the disturbances they have witnessed there, commenting that there is 'still so much cruelty from the English and the barbarian people themselves, and fierceness, from whom I have saved [them] and they have escaped unscathed. [It is] astounding all that I have been able to see' and adding that he will continue to write with reports to Farnese. With integral address leaf. Some very light, minor water staining to the right edge, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, which remain perfectly legible. About VG Alessandro Farnese (1520-1589) Italian Cardinal and Diplomat. Grandson of Pope Paul III and appointed as his principal secretary in 1538, managing most of the papal business until 1549. Alfonso Salmeron (1515-1585) Spanish Biblical Scholar, a Catholic Priest, and one of the first Jesuits. Paschase Broet (1500?-1562) French Catholic Priest, one of the first Jesuits. In late 1538 King Henry VIII of England was excommunicated by Pope Paul III and the constitutional position of the lordship of Ireland remained uncertain. In the autumn of 1541 Pope Paul III sent Salmeron and Broet as Apostolic nuncios to Ireland. Before leaving they met with Cardinal Beaton at Lyon who discouraged them from going to Ireland with stories of the dire state of the Church there. After leaving France they reached Edinburgh on 3rd December 1541. Although warmly received by King James V, he, and everyone else they met agreed with Beaton and also discouraged them from going to Ireland. Nevertheless, Salmeron and Broet made the short crossing on 23rd February 1542. The title of King of Ireland had been re-created in 1542 by King Henry VIII and the English began establishing control over the island. The situation in Ireland proved to be worse than previously thought and Broet wrote 'in a short while we found matters just as we had been told, if not worse'. Bishops who remained faithful were turned out of their dioceses and went on the run. Monasteries and friaries were all in ruins. Pope Paul III's original instructions had stated that if their lives were in danger then they were return and therefore in the summer of 1542 they travelled back to Scotland where the people there were surprised to see them return alive.

GAUGUIN PAUL: (1848-1903) French Post-Impressionist painter. A rare and very interesting lengthy Autograph Manuscript draft article by Gauguin, four pages, folio, n.p., n.d. [late 1889], in French. The draft article is untiltled, although would later be published as "Huysmans et Redon". Gauguin responds in this article to Huysmans's writing on visual arts, stating in part `Huysmans est un artiste, son mouvement d´impulsion se traduit dans une expulsion en littérature. Beaucoup de peintres voudraient être musiciens ou litérateurs. Lui voudrait être peintre. Il l´aime la peinture. A différentes époques des critiques ont paru de lui.... Depuis il s´est fait un grand changement en lui car il a soif d´art et ne craint pas de marcher sur ses erreurs. Nous l´en félicitons´ (Translation"Huysmans is an artist, his impulse movement translates into an expulsion in literature. Many painters would like to be musicians or men of letters. Huysmans would like to be a painter. He loves painting. At different times critics have appeared about him... Since then a big change has taken place in himself because he is thirsty of art and do not fear to walk on his own errors. we do congratulate him for this") Further Gauguin criticises the terms on which Huysmans has written about Odilon Redon and disputing Huysmans's understanding of other artists ancient and modern including Francesco Bianchi, and referring to Rembrandt and Rapahel, states in part `Je ne vois pas en quoi Odilon Redon fait des monstres - Ce sont des êtres imaginaires. C´est un rêveur, un imaginatif.... Voyez l´oeuvre de Rembrandt de Raphael et quelle relation intime entre tous ses modèles femmes et hommes et son portrait...´ (Translation: "I don't see how you can say that Odilon Redon makes monsters - They are imaginary beings. He is a dreamer, an imaginative.... See the work of Rembrandt, Raphael, and what an intimate relationship between all his female and male models and his portrait..."). Further again, Gauguin refers extensively to Gustave Moreau `...Son mouvement d´impulsion est bienloin du coeur, aussi il aime la richesse des biens matériels...´ (Translation "...His impulsive movement is very far from his heart and he loves the richness of material wealth..." and refers also to Puvis de Chavanne with some unconnected notes at the end `Coco de mer - Coco a deux parties qui s´entrouvent comme le sexe femelle d´où sort un énorme fallus qui va se piquer en terre pour germer. Les habitants l´ont considéré lontemps comme le fruit défendu de l´arbre de la science du mal et du bien´ (Translation "...Coconut in two parts which open like the female genitalia, from which emerges an enormous phallus which embeds itself in the earth to germinate. The inhabitants have long considered it as the forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil") An extremely interesting thoughts by Gauguin, saying in differents parts of his manuscript `...Je veux dire par là que le peintre ne opeut illustrer un livre et vice versa. Il peut décorer son livre oui, y ajouter d´autres sensations qui s´y rattachent... De la laideur - Question brûlante et qui est la pierre de touche de notre art moderne et de la critique.... D´un volcan vous en refroidissez la lave et d´un sang bouillonant vous en faites une pierre. Fût-elle un rubis ...mais on veut des rubis et on les vend aux trafiquants de diamants! En somme Gustave Moreau est un beau ciseleur. En revanche Puvis de Chavannes ne vous sourit pas... La simplicité la noblesse ne sont plus d´époque. Que voulez-vous éminent critique d´art, ces gens là seront un jour de leur époque....´ (Translation: "By this I mean that the painter cannot illustrate a book and vice versa. He can decorate his book yes, add other sensations attached to it... Of ugliness - A burning question and which is the touchstone of our modern art and criticism.... Of a volcano you cool the lava and from boiling blood you make a stone. Was it a ruby...but we want rubies and we sell them to diamond traffickers! In short, Gustave Moreau is a great engraver. On the other hand, Puvis de Chavannes does not smile at you... Simplicity and nobility are no longer of the times. What do you want, eminent art critic, these people will one day be of their time...") A letter of excellent contant and association. Extremely small tears to the bottom edge of the second page, otherwise G to VGIn the present letter, Gauguin criticises the art criticism of the "decadent" critic Karl-Joris Huysmans. These typically combative notes, attacking the taste of the great literary champion of the Impressionists, were written when Gauguin was back in Paris after his fraught sojourn with Van Gogh in Arles, and was beginning to turn his mind to Tahiti. At the heart of his argument is the figure of Odilon Redon, who was in fact a friend of both men. Huysmans had written some of the first positive reviews of Redon's art, which had played a vital role in establishing him in the art world. Both Redon and Gauguin had exhibited in the 8th Impressionist exhibition of 1886, and by the late 1880s Redon was one of the few artistic contemporaries of whom Gauguin spoke with unambiguous respect. Gauguin is responding to a chapter of Huysmans's "Certains" on Redon entitled "Le Monstre" (1889). To Huysmans, Redon was an artist of fantasy, creating distorted monsters to express modernity - a visual equivalent of contemporary decadent and symbolist literature. Gauguin refutes this, claiming that Redon's imagination is an expression of nature. This article was dated by Guérin, who notes that it was first published in Les Nouvelles littéraires, 7th May 1953. Interestingly, the manuscript shows significant differences from the published text, with a number of important sentences silently omitted or re-ordered. Karl-Joris Huysmans (1848-1907) French Novelist and art Critic. A founding member of the Academy Goncourt and an early advocate of Impressionism.Odilon Redon (1840-1916) French Painter. Best known for his Dreamlike works inspired by Japanese art.Gustave Moreau (1826-1898) French artist, an important figure in the Symbolist movement.Pierre Puvis de Chavannes (1824-1898) French painter.

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. An exceediling rare early autograph manuscript by Napoleon Bonaparte, one page, folio, n.p. [Nice], n.d. [February-March 1794], in French. Napoleon, recently appointed General of Brigade, plans a military expedition to Corsica, trying to organize the military defence of his native island in order to face the threat of the English navy forces under Horatio Nelson. In an unusually lengthy text in Napoleon´s hand, eleven lines, Napoleon in his usual unclean writing, including few corrections and words crossed, states `Les représ[entants] arrêtent que le général d´artillerie faira préparer un équipage de campagne pour 10000 hommes pour passer en Corse avec les bouches à feu nécessaires pour mettre Saint Florent à l´abri de toute entreprise de la part de l´escadre anglaise. Met pour cet effet cinquante mille francs (a sa disposition) que le payeur de la guerre (mettera) tiendra à sa disposition´ (Translation: "The representatives have decided that the artillery General will prepare a military crew for the transport of 10,000 men to pass into Corsica with the necessary cannons to protect Saint Florent from any attempt military from the part of the English squadron . Allowing for this purpose fifty thousand francs (at his disposal) which the payer of the war deprtment (will put) at his disposal") An excellent historical document related to Napoleon and Corsica which would end up short time later with the occupation of Corsica by the English forces. With blank integral leaf. Right edge very slightly trimmed, not affecting the text. GIn March 1794, the young Bonaparte, just appointed General of brigade, settled in Nice, where the staff commanding the artillery of the Army of Italy was established. He stays with Count Laurenti, route de Villefranche. It was there that he prepared a planned expedition to Corsica at the beginning of 1794. His native island is in the hands of Paoli and has gained independence from the French Republic, but the English fleet in the Mediterranean threatens to take control of it and offers protection to the independent insurgents. We know from a letter dated 24th March 1794 that Saliceti, the representative of the people had instructed General Buonaparte to go to Nice in order to prepare this mission. This expedition did not take place and the English forces led by Horatio Nelson occupied Corsica a few weeks later. This was the birth of the Anglo-Corsican Kingdom. The attempt to take back Bastia led by Bonaparte before his arrest failed and it was not until 1796 that the triumphant General Bonaparte returned victorious to his native land.

ISABELLA I: (1451-1504) Isabella the Catholic. Queen of Castile 1474-1504 and Queen consort of Aragon 1479-1504 as the wife of King Ferdinand II of Aragon. A fine D.S., yo la Reyna, one page, folio, 17th May 1501, in Spanish. The boldly penned manuscript document is an order by the Queen for her chamberlain, Sancho de Paredes, to pay the sum of 530 maravedis, or two florins, to the silversmith Anton de Carrion for the work that he has undertaken on a mirror. With a receipt from the silversmith and a summary of the document at the foot. Two very neat slits to the centre of the document, only very slightly affecting the text and signature, and with some very slight, minor traces of former mounting to the upper edge of the verso. VG

DUMAS ALEXANDRE Pere: (1802-1870) French Writer whose works include The Three Musketeers. A very fine Autograph Manuscript signed twice `Al Dumas´, in bold ink and unusually cleanly written, six pages, to six sheets, folio, blue paper, n.p., n.d., in French. The present manuscript is part of a series of articles published in the Neapolitan journal L´Indipendente (“The Independent”), under the title Dell´origine del brigantaggio, delle cause della sua esistenza, e del modo di distruggerio (“On the origin of brigandage, causes of its existence, and method to destroy it”) Dumas starts the manuscript explaining `En verité nous avons Presque honte de revenir sans cesse sur le même sujet mais c´est que ce sujet es tune question de vie et de mort non seulement pour les provinces napolitaines, mais pour l´unité de l´Italie…´ (Translation: “To be fair, we are almost ashamed of constantly returning to the same matter, but this matter is a question of life and death not only for the Neapolitan provinces, but for the unity of Italy…”) A lengthy and interesting manifesto against brigandage, where Dumas opens subscriptions so that his readers can adhere to the cause. Before concluding this open letter against brigandage, and before signing to the fourth page, Dumas states `Les mauvais Italiens ne donnent que leur or. Les bons donnent leur or et leur sang´ (“The bad Italians only give their gold. The good ones give their gold and their blood”) To the sixth page, signed at the base, Dumas shows his literary style, stating in part `Il semble en verité que nous vivons au temps de Suétone, à l´époque où le secretaire d´Avicen racontait qque Néron avait fait tuer sa mère et était revenue après sa mort la regarder nue pour savoir si elle était aussi bien faite qu´on le disait… sans s´indigner ni du parricide ni de l´impiété, et comme s´il racontait la chose du monde la plus simple. Et bien nous l´avouons, nous, si nous nous taisons sur de pareils sujets… c´est que nous ne trouvons pas assez de paroles flétrissantes pour en fouetter sur la place publique, pour en marquer au front des fonctionnaires qui tendent la main aux brigands, non pour leur donner du pain, mais pour recevoir une poignee d´or. Oh plus que jamais monstres, monstres!´ (Translation: “It really seems that we live in the time of Suetonius, at the time when the secretary of Avicenus said that Nero had had his mother killed and returned after her death to look at her naked to find out if she was as well made as it was said... without being indignant at either the parricide or the impiety, and as if he was telling the simplest thing in the world. Well, we admit it, if we remain silent on such matters... it is because we do not find enough withering words to lash out in the public square, to mark the foreheads of the officials who deal with the bandits, not to give them bread, but to receive a handful of gold. Oh more than ever monsters, monsters!...”) Very small age tone to the edges, otherwise G to VG

[BATTLE OF BRITAIN]: PHILIP (1921-2021) Duke of Edinburgh, Consort of Queen Elizabeth II 1952-2021. Prince Philip served in the Royal Navy during World War II and was presented with his Royal Air Force wings in 1953, becoming a Marshal of the RAF. The Prince also served as Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps 1953-2015. A fine book signed, being a folio hardback edition of The Fell in the Battle, A Roll of Honour of the Battle of Britain, 10 July - 31 October 1940, published by the Royal Air Force Museums and designed and printed by Will Carter of the Rampant Lions Press, Cambridge, 1980, in a limited edition of just eighty copies (the present example numbered 64) for distribution on the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. With a foreword by Prince Philip stating, in part, 'This Roll of Honour commemorates the 435 pilots and 63 crew members of the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm who lost their lives while engaged in operational flying duties controlled by Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain'. Signed ('Philip') by the Duke of Edinburgh at the conclusion in his capacity as Marshal of the Royal Air Force. Printed on Arches Velin mould-made paper and bound by W. T. Morrell of Covent Garden in specially dyed goatskin with a gilt stamped cross device to the front board and gilt stamped title to the spine between two raised bands. Top edge gilt and the others untrimmed. Contained in the plain blue cloth slipcase (some age wear) as issued. Some light spots of foxing to the preliminary blanks and light age wear, the base of the spine a little faded. About VG

CHRISTINE OF FRANCE: (1606-1663) Daughter of King Henry IV and Marie de Medici, and sister of King Louis XIII. Duchess consort of Savoy 1630-37. Upon the death of her husband Victor Amadeus I in 1637, she acted as Regent of Savoy 1637-48. A very fine L.S., `Christinne´, one page, folio, Turin, 18th August 1652, to Cardinal Marquis Villa, in Paris, in Italian. The letter bears the written heading `La Duchesa di Savoya - Regina di Cipro´ (''Duchess of Savoy - Queen of Cyprus''). Christine of France refers to her correspondent´s letter received and states in part `...pur d´hoggi v´habbiamo scritto in risposta della vostra delli 16...´ (Translation: "... even today we wrote to you in response to your letter of the 16th..") Further the Duchess refers to the ennemy army, stating `...essendoci poi capitata quella delli 17 continente nuovi raguagli dell´armata nemica ve ne habbiamo voluto accusare la ricevuta in segno del nostro gradimento...´ (Translation: "...since the news from the 17th came to us with new information from the enemy army, we wanted to acknowledge receipt as a sign of our gratitude...") With a large countersignature at the base. With address leaf. Bearing to the address leaf a paper seal affixed. Very small minor age wear. G

LIFAR SERGE: (1905-1986) Ukranian ballet Dancer and Choreographer. One of the greatest male ballet dancers of the 20th century. A very attractive drawing by Lifar, signed in bold blue ink `Serge Lifar´, one page, folio, n.p., n.d. Lifar has penned a bold black ink sketch which he entitles `Icare´, showing Icare pointing the sun. The whole coloured by Lifar with three difefrent attractive colorful background. Bearing beneath his signature an ink stamp of the "Université de la Danse - Paris". VG

JEFFERSON THOMAS: (1743-1826) American President 1801-09, a Founding Father of the United States of America and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. A good, large D.S., Th: Jefferson, as President, one page (vellum), large folio, Washington, 27th March 1806. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is a military commission appointing Alexander Macomb to be a Captain in the Corps of Engineers in the service of the United States and 'to take Rank as such from the Eleventh day of June One Thousand Eight Hundred and five', further stating that 'He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Captain by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.......And he is to observe and follow such Orders and Directions, from time to time, as he shall receive from me, or the future President of the United States of America or the General or other superior Officers set over him, according to the Rules and Discipline of War'. Countersigned at the foot by Henry Dearborn (1751-1829) American Colonel who fought in the War of Independence, served with George Washington's Continental Army and was present at the British surrender at Yorktown. Secretary of War 1801-09. With a circular blind embossed seal affixed at the head alongside an engraving by John Draper of a large eagle and shield and with another fine engraving at the foot, also by Draper, depicting cannon, crossed flags, drums, weapons and other symbolic militaria. A handsome signed document with good association. The manuscript text is a touch light, although remains perfectly legible. Some light age wear at the folds, one of which runs across Jefferson's signature, although to very little detriment. VGAlexander Macomb (1782-1841) American Major General, Commanding General of the United States Army 1828-41. Macomb received a Congressional Gold Medal for his stunning victory as the field commander at the Battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812.

SIMON CLAUDE: (1913-2005) French Writer. Awarded with the Nobel prize for Literature in 1985. a very interesting A.L.S., `Claude Simon´, one page, folio, Sabres, 17th November 1987, in French. Simon thanks and responds to his correspondent´s letter and to the four questions about his work he was asked about, stating in part `1) Lorsque je commence à écrire, je n´ai pas de plan. Seulement la vague - très vague - idée d´une forme, d´un "ton". Plusieurs plans s´élaborent, se détruisent et se remplacent au cours du travail d´écriture. 2) Un personnage de roman est et reste pour moi un inconnu. 3) Maitres en litérature: Conrad, Proust, Joyce, Faulkner. 4) A partir de L´herbe chacun de mes romans répond de façon différente à des problèmes différents. Je n´en préfère aucun´ (Translation: "1) When I start writing, I don't have a plan. Only the vague - very vague - idea of a form, of a "tone". Several plans are developed, destroyed and replaced during the writing process. 2) A character in a novel is and remains unknown to me. 3) Masters of literature: Conrad, Proust, Joyce, Faulkner. 4) Starting with L´herbe, each of my novels responds in a different way to different problems. I don't prefer any of them") VG​

HOLLIDAY JUDY: (1921-1965) American actress, Academy Award winner for Best Actress in 1950 for her role as Emma ‘Billie’ Dawn in Born Yesterday. A vintage printed folio programme for a Broadway performance of the musical Bells Are Ringing, c.1958, in which Holliday starred in the role of Ella, signed by the actress to a full-inside photo page, the image depicting her in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in blue ink with her name alone to a light area at the centre of the image. The programme is also signed to a further inside page by actor Hal Linden alongside his portrait and brief printed biography. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG

ORDER OF MALTA - PERELLOS RAMON: (1637-1720) Spanish Knight of Aragon, who served as Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta for more than twenty years, from 1697 until 1720. Perellos established foreign relations between Malta and Russia for the first time, and fought against corruption within the Order. The Grand Master also improved and strengthened the coastal fortifications of Malta which was suffering multiple attacks from the Ottoman fleet, organizing himself and building a new war fleet to fight the Turks. Rare l.S. `Perellos´, one page, folio, Malta, 18th April 1703, to the Grand Prior of Aquitaine, in French. The document bears to the heading an Order of Malta ink stamp to the upper right corner, and in large bold letters, in Latin, "Mag[ist]er Hosptis et S[anc]ti sepulchri hiertem" ("The Master of the Hospital and the Holy Sepulchre"). Perellos refers to a process of accpetance of nobility, and states in part `Venerable tres cher et bien aimé Religieux; Nous aiant esté fait instance, qu´il nous plût recevoir au nombre des pages qui sont destinés pour Notre Service Noble, René Vincent de Messenie, fils de noble Louis du même nom et de Dame Caterine de Coué de Lusignan, nous avons volontiers octroié cette grace qui nous oblige a vous advertir de ne faire aucune difficulté de tenir une assemblée Extraordinaire touttes et quantes fois que vous en serez requis, tant pour lui délivrer la Commission nécessaire pour pouvoir faire les preuves de sa Noblesse et légitimation....´ (Translation: "Very dear and beloved Venerable Religious; Having been requested, that we we were glad to receive among the pages which are intended for Our Noble Service, René Vincent de Messenie, son of noble Louis of the same name and Lady Caterine de Coué de Lusignan, we have gladly granted this grace which obliges us to warn you not to make any difficulty in holding an Extraordinary assembly whenever and as many times you are required to do so, both to deliver the Commission necessary to be able to demonstrate the Nobility and legitimation...") With blank address leaf. Small overall age wear, otherwise G Perello´s funerary monument is found at St. John´s Co-Cathedral in Valletta and is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque art in Malta.

LAUPEPA SUSUGA MALIETOA: (1841-1898) King (Tafa'ifa) of Samoa 1875-87, 1889-98. A rare L.S., Malietoa, two pages, folio, Mulinu'u, 9th November 1891, to Henry C. Ide, in Samoan. The King states that he is in receipt of his correspondent's letter 'informing me that you had resigned your position as United States Land Commissioner in Samoa' further acknowledging that the resignation had been accepted by the President of the United States and a successor appointed, and remarking 'I am extremely sorry that family troubles have compelled you to resign a position you are so admirably fitted for. It has been a great pleasure to me to see the work of the Commission go on so smoothly and with such fairness to all parties concerned; my people feel that in you and your colleagues they had judges that would act fairly and fearlessly to all parties interested. I have no doubt your successor will be well worthy the trust his Government has placed in him and he must not think I mean otherwise'. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by a photocopy of a complete contemporary English translation. Some slight traces of former mounting to the inner edges of the central vertical fold of the bifolium, not affecting the text or signature, and with some light creasing, otherwise VGHenry Clay Ide (1844-1921) American judge, colonial commissioner and ambassador who served as Governor-General of the Philippines 1905-06. American President Benjamin Harrison had appointed Ide to be Presidential Commissioner to Samoa in 1891 (Ide's formal title was American Land Commissioner in Samoa) as one of three representatives, along with Germany and Great Britain, responsible for adjuticating land claims by foreigners in the Islands as provided for in the Treaty of Berlin (1889). Ide only stayed in the post six months, leaving Samoa on 12th November 1891.

[PRIZE OF WAR] : An interesting manuscript document, six pages, folio, Burgos, Spain, 11th August 1808, addressed to Marshal Bessieres, in French. The document comprises four pages listing the silverware units taken from the belongings of the chiefs of the insurgents as prize of war. The introductory letter signed states `J´ai l´honneur de rendre compte à Votre Excellence par les états ci-joints, de l´opération relative aux prises faites à Palencia sur les chefs des insurgés…´ (Translation: `I have the honor to report to Your Excellency through the attached statements, the operation relating to the captures made in Palencia of the leaders of the insurgents´) The pages describing the silverware are divided in three groups, `Argenterie d´Eglise – Argenterie de tables – Argenterie à l´usage de la chambre´ (Translation `Church silverware – Table silverware – Room silverware´), the lists including multiple items such as `Un calice doré – un tableau représentant la vierge – un bénitier…. Deux soupières, elles sont à double fond et ont des couvercles, 25 plats d´argent, 148 couteaux à manche d´argent… une montre d´argent, 11 paires de boucles d´oreilles, 2 crachoirs…´ (Translation: `A golden chalice – a painting representing the virgin – a holy water font…. Two soup tureens, they have double base and have lids, 25 silver dishes, 148 silver-handled knives... a silver watch, 11 pairs of earrings, 2 spittoons…´) An interesting and cleanly written document showing the reported prize of war during the Peninsular wars. Signed by Martial Daru (1774-1827) Quartermaster of the Imperial Guards in Spain. Very small minor age wear with uneven left edge as a result of its former light binding. G to VG Jean-Baptiste Bessieres (1768-1813) Marshal of France, Duc d´Istria. Killed in the battle field in Rippach, the day before the battle of Lutzen.With the outbreak of the Peninsular War in 1808, the year of the present document, Bessières had his first opportunity at independent command. He did well against the Spanish, scoring a crushing victory in the Battle of Medina del Rio Seco, but apparently proved slow and hesitant in command of a large force. Bessieres was thus soon recalled to lead the Guard Cavalry during Napoleon's invasion of Spain.

BERTHIER LOUIS ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. A very attractive D.S., Alex Berthier, one page, folio, Paris, 3rd November 1801, to Lieutenant Populus, in French. The document bears to the heading a very large and attractive republican vignette, with the printed motto "Liberté - Egalité - French Government", being a commission for the appointment of Aide-de-camp issued by the war departmentan. Berthier, in his capacity as Minister of war, appoints Lietenant Populus from the 11th regiment of Hussards, as aide-de camp to General of Brigade Musnier. bearing to the upper right part of the document a blind embossed seal. Small overall creasing, otherwise G

CASTLEREAGH VISCOUNT: (1769-1822) Anglo-Irish politician and statesman, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1812-22 and a central figure in the management of the coalition which defeated Napoleon Bonaparte. Conclusion of a L.S., Castlereagh, one page, folio, n.p. (Downing Street, London), n.d. (15th June 1808), to an unidentified correspondent. The final part of the letter comprises eight lines of text stating, in part, 'Private Property beyond the clear spirit of the Capitulation, and the Ordinary Rules of Practice admitted in similar cases'. Some neat splitting to the edges and folds (strengthened in places with old tape to the verso) and with some staining to the edges, FR

RHEE SYNGMAN: (1875-1965) South Korean politician who served as the first President of South Korea 1948-60. D.S., Syngman Ree, one page, folio, Seoul, 26th March 1956. The typed document (marked Translation) appoints the Honorable You Chan Yang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, to be a Special Envoy of the Republic of Korea 'to meet and confer with any persons duly authorized by the Government of the Republic of Chile with the purpose of cultivating and fostering the cordial friendship and mutual understanding between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Chile'. Signed by Rhee at the foot alongside a red stamped chop and countersigned by Cho Chung-whan (1892-1967) Minister of Foreign Affairs 1955-59. VG

DE FUNES LOUIS: (1914-1983) French actor and comedian. An unusual set of eight folio pages (two bifolium) neatly removed from a scrapbook dedicated to De Funes and featuring numerous magazine and newspaper portraits of the actor, many in costume or scenes from his films, signed and inscribed by De Funes to the centre of the first page, in French, sending his good wishes for 1960, further annotated in French by De Funes to two other pages, in one stating that he did not appear in a certain film and in another remarking that his film debut was in La Tentation de Barbizon and that he opened a door. Also featuring various annotations in the hand of the compiler. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG

CZECHOSLOVKIA-SOVIET FRIENDSHIP TREATY: An historically important set of four World War II date Ds.S. by both Zdenek Fierlinger (1891-1976) Czechoslovak diplomat and politician who served as Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia 1945-46 and Vyacheslav Molotov (1890-1986) Russian politician and diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs 1939-49 & 1953-56, being the Treaty on Friendship, Mutual Aid and Post-War Cooperation between the Czechoslovak Republic and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the first of the typescript documents being in Czech, four pages, folio, Moscow, 12th December 1943, issued as a supplement to the Treaty of Mutual Assistance signed between the two countries in Prague on 16th May 1935, and the agreement made on the joint progress in the war against Germany that was signed in London on 18th July 1941, agreeing to post-war cooperation to maintain peace and prevent a new attack by Germany, and ensuring permanent friendship between the two countries, the treaty comprising six articles in which the Czechoslovak Republic and USSR agree to provide each other with military assistance in the 'current war against Germany and all those states that are associated with him in offensive actions in Europe', undertaking that they will not 'enter into any negotiations with Hitler's government or any other government in Germany for the duration of the present war', further agreeing 'on close and friendly cooperation after the restoration of peace, and that they will act in accordance with the intentions of mutual respect for their independence and sovereignty, as well as non-interference in the internal affairs of another state....[and].....that they will develop economic relations on the widest possible scale and provide each other with all kinds of economic assistance after the war' and also undertaking not to enter into any alliance or participate in any coalition directed against each other, and concluding by agreeing that the treaty shall come into force immediately and remain in place for a period of twenty years. Signed by both Fierlinger and Molotov at the conclusion above two official wax seals tied by a red cord. The second typescript document being an identical version in Cyrillic, also four pages, folio, Moscow, 12th December 1943, and again signed at the conclusion by both Fierlinger and Molotov above their official wax seals. The third typescript document represents an addendum to the treaty, one page, folio, Moscow, 12th December 1943, in Czech and states, in part, 'When concluding the Treaty of Friendship.....between the Czechoslovak Republic and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the contracting parties agreed that in the event of any third country wishing to accede to this Treaty, bordering the Czechoslovak Republic or the USSR and resisting the object of German agression in this war, the latter will be given the opportunity, by mutual agreement......to sign this Treaty, which will thus acquire the status of a trpartite treaty'. Signed by both Fierlinger and Molotov at the conclusion. The fourth document is an identical version of the addendum in Cyrillic, also one page, folio, Moscow, 12th December 1943 and again signed by Fierlinger and Molotov at the conclusion. The four documents are tied together with red cord and housed within the original folder with plain maroon coloured boards. Some minor scuffing and age wear, a few very light water stains to the upper borders of most pages and the final document with a small area of paper loss to the upper right corner, not affecting the text or signatures. About VG

CHAVEZ HUGO: (1954-2013) President of Venezuela 1999-2013. Signed manuscript diary, seven pages, folio, Fuerte Guaicaipuro, from 11th to 16th September 1974, in Spanish. Chavez writes his own training camp diary, in Charavalle, state of Miranda. Chavez starts his short period diary on Wednesday 11th stating in part `I was appointed squad commandant, with all the responsabilities attached to the post...Today I learned a lot about engineering military campaign...I have decided to start this short diary during the training camp, it will be a week and a new experience in my life.´ Thursday 12th `With the sound of the rain falling on the tent, breathing the smoke of my cigar, I can´t stop remembering intensively a woman. I take my thoughts back to the last time I saw her, last saturday, in Barinas...´. Friday 13th Chavez refers to his role as Che Guevara `I went later to a camp training activity where I had the role of the commandant Ernesto "Che" Guevara. We were having a guerrilla camp, ambushing the new soldiers, and we were singing protest songs. I enjoyed it a lot, I´m hoarse so much I screamed.... I can´t stop thinking in the same woman. What would she be doing now? I shouldn´t act as I do. She might be happy, and I really hope she is, but I feel "something" inside which put me in fire.´ Saturday 14th, interesting thoughts of Chavez who says knowing very well what he wants and refers once more to Ché `..The new soldiers will be scared tonight, swalling tear gas, creeping underneath the barbed wires, feeling the machine gun bullets close over their heads. "They will feel dying tonight"....I feel the shock of the rain against the ground and the cold in my feet, and I think in how is this life. Today is Saturday and I wonder what would the young people, same age as me, be doing somewhere else, those who live free, without sacrifices. For sure they will be having fun, in a disco with their girlfriends, at the cinema or anywhere else. If they would know what we are doing they would say we are crazy. But I am not crazy. I know very well what I want and what I do, and why I make this sacrifice. I remember now a thought of "Ché": "The present is of fight, the future belongs to us". Sunday 15th `...he suffered an ugly wound in his hand, he falled on the barbed wires full of despair due to the tear gas.... I don´t want to keep on writing, I am tired, I am going to think in my family and in the same woman. She might be thinking in me...´ Monday 16th, on his last training camp day Chavez states `I was the whole day shooting the Afag machine gun with war ammunition, when the new soldiers were crossing the area. It was really good shooting. The feeling and sound of the bursts of gunfire excites you and you don´t want to remove your finger from the shutter.´ Further ending with a predicting statement `It was a good week. It was a further step on the present fight which will transform in a victorious future.´ An excellent content diary on which Chavez expresses his thoughts and his future expectations. Boldly written in blue ink, with multiple corrections and side annotations. Small creasing and left border irregularly trimmed as a result of taken them out of the diary book. Also including Herma Marksman´s transcription. VGWith provenance from the private collection of Herma Marksman and with her own transcription. Herma Marksman: (1949- ) Born of a peasant woman and a German immigrant she was in her 30s when she met the future Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, who was then married and in his twenties. She became his mistress. They both were students of socialism and idealistic and she helped him in his academic studies. After the failed 1992 coup attempt Chavez left both his first wife and mistress. Marksman will later repudiate Chavez, and described his government as imposing a "fascist dictatorship". She has written several essays and a book titled El Otro Chávez, "The other Chavez", describing her relationship with him.

LOUIS XII: (1462-1515) King of France 1498-1515 and King of Naples 1501-04. D.S., Loys, one page (vellum), oblong folio, Orleans, 15th December 1499, in Middle French. The manuscript document is addressed to Jehan Lalemant, receiver general of finances in the Duchy of Normandy, and is a warrant to raise the sum of thirteen thousand one hundred and eighty-eight livres fifteen sols turnois from grain collectors and farmers, commencing on the 1st January, in order to make a payment to Jacques Petremot which has been committed to by the exchequer and further giving instructions for the amount to be allocated within the accounts. Signed by the King at the foot and countersigned by Hobineau. A large portion of the lower right of the document has been neatly excised. A few heavy creases, one just affecting the signature, and some light overall age wear and dust staining, G

HOCKNEY DAVID: (1937- ) English painter, an important contributor to the pop art movement of the 1960s. Book signed, being a folio hardback German text edition of Geheimes Wissen: Verlorene Techniken der Alten Meister wiederentdeckt ('Secret Knowledge: Lost Techniques of the Old Masters Rediscovered'), published by Knesebeck, Munich, 2001, profusely illustrated with many colour reproductions of paintings. Signed ('David H') by Hockney in blue ink to the half-title page. Accompanied by the dust jacket (a few very minor faults). VG

LOUIS XVI: (1754-1793) King of France 1774-92, the last King of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution. Executed by guillotine on the Place de la Revolution at the age of 38. A good D.S., Louis (a fine, large example), as King, one page, large folio (25.5 x 34 cm), Versailles, 13th November 1787, in French. The boldly penned manuscript document confirms the financial state of la Généralité de Soissons as being 'Cent quatre vingt seize mil trois cent quatre vingt cinq livres un sol six deniers' (Translation: 'One hundred and ninety-six thousand, three hundred and eighty five livres, one sol, six deniers'). The document is decreed by the Royal Council of Finances and bears five countersignatures including those of Henri Lefevre d'Ormesson (1751-1808) French politician who briefly served as Finance Minister, and later as Mayor of Paris; Claude Guillaume Lambert (1726-1794) French jurist who served as Comptroller General of Finance, executed by guillotine; Pierre-Charles Laurent de Villedeuil (1742-1828) Controller-General of Finances under King Louis XVI; and two others. Lightly tipped at the left edge to a folio page removed from an album. Some very light, minimal age wear, VGLa Généralité de Soissons was an administrative district composed mainly of countries from the province of Picardy united to the government of Ile-de-France at that time and created in 1595.

PICASSO PABLO: (1881-1973) Spanish painter, a co-founder of the Cubist movement. A good, attractive signed and inscribed 15 x 11 colour print by Picasso, the oval photogravure image lightly affixed to the centre of the card mount, depicting one of the artist’s decorated ceramic plates featuring a bull beneath a colourful sky, with slips to the perimeter, originally being part of the Ceramiques de Picasso art folio published by Albert Skira in Switzerland in 1955. Signed (‘Picasso’) by the artist, with an inscription in French, in bold pencil to the lower right corner of the mount and dated 12th June 1962 in his hand. With the small red ink stamp of the Galerie Beyeler, Paris, to the upper right corner of the mount. Some extremely light, minimal age wear, VG

[THIRD MAN THE]: COTTEN JOSEPH (1905-1994) American actor, portrayed Holly Martins in the British film noir The Third Man (1949). An original vintage colour printed folio copy of the sheet music to The 3rd Man Theme (The Harry Lime Theme) by Anton Karas, published by Chappell & Co. Inc., New York, 1949, signed by Cotten in black ink in later years with his name alone to a clear area of the front cover, which also features his image alongside those of Orson Welles and Alida Valli, all in costume from The Third Man. Some very light, minimal age wear, VG

LENIN VLADIMIR: (1870-1924) Russian revolutionary and politician who served as the first and founding head of government of Soviet Russia 1917-24 and of the Soviet Union 1922-24 & TSIURUPA ALEXANDER (1870-1928) Bolshevik leader and Soviet politician who served as People's Commissar for Food of the RSFSR 1918-21. A rare D.S. by both Lenin ('V Ulyanov (Lenin)') and Tsiurupa ('A Tsyurupa') individually, one page, folio, Kremlin, Moscow, 20th June 1919, with the stamped heading of the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic Workers and Peasants Defence Council, in Cyrillic. The typed document is addressed to Narkomprod (People's Commissariat for Food Supplies) of Crimea and states, in part, 'Considering the severity of the food situation in Russia, and the enormous shortages of food for children, especially for sick children, I suggest that all canned fruits available in Crimea, as well as cheese, should be earmarked solely for feeding sick children in Northern Russia. Products should be sent to Komprod's address'. Signed at the conclusion by Lenin in his capacity as Chairman of the Defence Council and by Tsiurupa in his capacity as People's Commissar for Food Supplies, alongside an official circular purple ink stamp. Some very light, extremely minimal age wear, VGThe People's Commissariat for Food Supplies (also known by it's abbreviation Narkomprod) was originally founded in 1917 and was the ministry of the Russian SFSR in charge of food supplies and industrial goods.Lenin and Tsiurupa signed the present document at a significant time during the Russian Civil War (1917-23) throughout which Crimea changed hands numerous times. Whilst it was governed by the Bolsheviks in June 1919, it would not be long before it became the stronghold of the anti-Bolshevik White Army under the command of General Anton Denikin. It is therefore possible that Lenin and Tsiurupa, aware of the situation facing Crimea, were attempting to get as much food as they could out of the area before it was too late.

JOPLIN JANIS: (1943-1970) American singer and songwriter. A vintage printed folio (approx. 30 x 30 cm) souvenir programme for the Texas International Pop Festival held at Lewsville, Texas, from 30th August - 1st September 1969, signed and inscribed ('To George, Love, Janis Joplin xxo') by Joplin in bold black ink to a clear area of an inside page featuring her image and brief printed biography, further adding a small sketch of a love heart in her hand beneath her signature. Rare. Some very light creasing and minor age wear, VGThe Texas International Pop Festival took place two weeks after Woodstock and Joplin performed on the first day, Saturday, 30th August 1969. Other artists and bands that appeared at the festival included B. B. King, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Winter and Sly and the Family Stone.

ELISABETH OF VALOIS: (1545-1568) Also known as Elisabeth of France. Queen of Spain 1559-68 as third spouse of King Philip II of Spain. She was the eldest daughter of King Henry II of France and Catherine de´Medici. Elisabeth died at the very early age of 23. A very rare Autograph letter signed by the Queen, to her mother. A.L.S., `Elisabeth´, one page, folio, n.p., n.d., to the Queen of France and her mother Catherine de´Medici, in old French. Elisabeth asks for an important favour, stating in part `Madame, j'ai su le bien et faveur qu'il vous a plu faire…de certain arrêt duquel il se soit peiné bien fort, moyennant laquelle révision et fasse lui de justifier son innocence qui est cause que de nouveau je redoive vous supplier faire…il a souffert de dommage en sa personne et biens par la malice de ses ennemis. J'ai prié dieu madame qu'il vous tienne en santé très heureuse et longue vie. Votre très humble et très obéissante fille´ (Translation: "Madame, I have learned the good favour you have been kind to do... of certain judgment which he has suffered himself very much, in return for which revision and make him justify his innocence which is the cause that again I must beg you to do… he suffered damage to his person and properties by the malice of his enemies. I prayed to God madam that he keep you very healthy and long life. Your very humble and very obedient daughter") With address leaf stating `A la Reyne, Madame et mère´ (Translation: "To the Queen, Madame and mother") A very rare latter of good association. Overall age wear, with foxing and creases, mostly to edges. About G King Philip II of Spain was very attached to Elisabeth of France, staying close by her side even when she was ill with smallpox. Both were very close to their two daughters, buying them dolls and toys and both rejoiced at the birth of Isabella as if it had been the birth of a son. Elisabeth had another miscarriage on 3 October 1568, and died the same day, along with her new-born infant daughter. After the death of Elisabeth, Catherine de´Medici offered her younger daughter Margaret as a bride for Philip II, but the King declined the offer

MARTI JOSE & ESTRADA PALMA TOMAS: José Martí (1853-1895) Cuban Poet, Writer and Revolutionary Philosopher. Martí is considered a national hero as well as a leading figure in Latin American literature. He became a symbol for Cuba's fight for independence in the 19th century, and is referred to as the ''Apostle of Cuban Independence''; & Tomas Estrada Palma (1835-1908) First President of Cuba 1902-1906, and previously during the Ten Year´s War. Remembered for allowing the Platt Amendment which ensured American dominance over Cuba. An exceptional and very attractive multiple D.S., `José Martí´, and `T. Estrada Palma´, two pages, large folio, New York, 20th January 1895, to Frederick W. Ramsden, in Spanish. The partially printed document bears the printed heading of the New York delegation of the Cuban Revolutionary party, being a title given to contributors in favour of the cause, a patriotic assistance fundraising to finance the war in favour of the Independence and for the Freedom of Cuba. The attractive document, printed in red ink, bears palms and a coat of arms to the front page. The document is signed by Marti and Estrada Palma in their capacity as delegates and is also signed by Gonzalo de Quesada as Secretary of the delegation. The lengthy handwritten text, is a manifesto in favour of Cuban Independence and freedom, against the Spanish occupancy and slavery, concluding with the motto ''Homeland and Freedom''. The document bears beneath the signatures a large black paper seal affixed of the Delegation of the Cuban Revolutionary Party. Small overall minor age wear, with small remnants of a former red wax seal to the lower edge. G to VG The present document is signed by Jose Marti on 20th 1895, only one week before drawing up the Uprising order. A month later, on 24th February, the uprising took place, and three months later Marti was killed at the battle of Dos Rios only a month after having returned to Cuba. Gonzalo de Quesada y Arostegui (1868-1915) was the key architect of Cuba´s Independence Movement with Jose Marti. Appointed Special Commissioner of Cuba to the United States in 1900. He later entered the diplomatic service, becoming minister to the United States. De Quesada authored ''A History of Free Cuba'' (1898) and ''Cuba'' (1905). He also edited Marti's literary works 1900-11.

SOBHUZA II: (1899-1982) King of Swaziland 1899-1982, at 82 years and 254 days the longest verifiable reign of any monarch in recorded history. A rare T.L.S., Sobhuza II, as iNgwenyama, one page, folio, Kwaluseni, 24th December 1963, to R. E. Donaldson-Rawlins, on printed stationery featuring an image of a lion at the head. The King states that he had wished to write to his correspondent earlier, in order 'to thank you most fervently for the entertainment you accorded me when I visited your District in South Swaziland recently', although explaining that 'other pressing and urgent matters have hitherto precluded the execution of this earnest desire' and continuing 'Even though somewhat belated I cannot resist the urge in me to congratulate you and your staff on the thought and understanding that went to the preparations for this visit which was a complete success', further thanking Donaldson-Rawlins for some photographs which will serve as a living memory of the occasion, 'I am placing one of them in my house at Shiselweni and as sure as I am that it will grace the walls I shall always love to see it. It is one of the first decorations to hang in that house'. The King concludes by sending seasonal greetings and his best wishes for the New Year. Together with the King's official Christmas greetings card, unsigned, the folding 8vo card featuring a colour image to the inside of a young Swati lady and with a printed greeting in both Swazi and English. With the gold embossed coat of arms of Swaziland to the front cover. VG, 2As well as being a well-known collector of autographs, publishing two books on the subject, Ray Rawlins (1917-1979) worked in the Colonial Service from 1945 and served for thirteen years in Swaziland, retiring as District Commissioner of the South in 1964. The present lot is accompanied by two notes by Rawlins relating to King Sobhuza II, and the letter and Christmas card were previously sold in the auction of Rawlins' collection conducted by Sotheby's in London on 2nd, 3rd & 4th June 1980 (part of lot 295).

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. An extremely rare Letter, bearing six autograph lines in the hand of Napoleon at the conclusion, four pages, folio, n.p., n.d., in French. Napoleon. The document, being a decree, and stating at the heading `Napoleon, Empereur des Français, Roi d´Italie, décrète´ (Translation: “Napoleon, Emperor of the French, King of Italie, decrees”), lists fourty-one Imperial Guard officers´ names, with their ranks, their new rank appointment and the location they have been assigned to, Lille, Metz, Grenoble, Versailles, etc… The last three lines of the document are boldly crossed by Napoleon with a bold black ink line, disagreeing with its content which was `Tous ces officiers seront envoyés en France pour être employés à l´instruction des conscrits de l´an 1808 et répartis dans les cinq divisions´ (Translation “All these officers will be sent to France to be employed in the instruction of the conscripts of the year 1808 and distributed among the five divisions”), and instead Napoleon orders, and annotates at the base in very bold black ink `Diviser tout cela en 5. Les 1ers pour la première légion se rendront à Lille – Les 2º à Metz – Les 3º à Versaille – Les 4º à Rennes – Les 5º à Grenoble´ (Translation: “Divide all this in 5 parts. The first for the first legion will be sent to Lille – The second to Metz – The third to Versailles, The fourth to Rennes and the fifth to Grenoble”) Small overall age wear and creasing, mostly to edges, with few minor tears to the bottom edge, none affecting Napoleon´s annotations. G

PONIATOWSKI JOZEF: (1763-1813) Polish General, Minister of War and Army Chief. Marshal of the Empire. An excellent D.S., `Joseph Prince Poniatowski´, one page, large folio, 11.5 x 18.5 (29.5cm x 46cm), Warsaw, 1th August 1808, in Polish. Poniatowski, in his capacity as Minister of war, appoints an infantry officer. The partially printed document bears a large printed coat of arms to the heading, with the printed text heading “Frederick August – By God´s grace, King of Saxony, Duchy and Warsaw, etc.. – Polish Army – Duchy of Warsaw”. The title appoints Tadeusz Wolinski as Major of the First Infantry regiment. Signed by Poniatowski at the base, the first two words with light ink. Overall age wear and foxing, although fully legible. Professionally repaired to the verso to edges. About G

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. An unusual content report signed by Napoleon, L.S., `N´, a large and bold capital letter, three pages, folio, St. Cloud, 30th March 1808, in French. The document being a report sent and signed `Clarke´, by the Minister of war Clarke to the Emperor, reporting on an officer who stabbed himself because he was not accepting his retreat and wished to continue serving the Emperor. Clarke states in part `...lorsque le conseil d´administration a fait les dispositions nécessaires pour renvoyer ces officiers dans leurs foyers, en exécution des ordres que je lui ai adressé à ce sujet, trois d´entre eux ont réclamé tant en leur nom qu´en celui des autres dont l´un d´entre eux s´est poignardé de désespoir, contre leur admission à la retraite, en alléguant que c´était à leur insu qu´ils avaient été proposés pour cette récompense par le colonel, et qu´ils n´avaient aucune infirmité qui pût les empêcher de continuer leur service...´ (Translation: "...when the board made the necessary arrangements to send these officers home, in execution of the orders that I sent to them on this subject, three of them demanded both in their name and in that of the others, one of them stabbed himself in despair, against their admission to retirement, alleging that it was without their knowledge that they had been proposed for this by the Colonel, and that they had not no infirmity which could prevent them from continuing their service...") Further Clarke tries in some way to explain to Napoleon what he considers is an unfair situation, and asks for the Emperor´s decision, stating `..cet officier a élevé les plus vives réclamations contre le despotisme dont il a accusé son chef à son égard, en voulant le forcer de se retirer, quoiqu´il se trouve parfaitement en état de continuer ses services: il m´a remis la déclaration ci-jointe par laquelle il demande à rester au corps. Je trouve que sa demande est fondée et que la justice qu´il réclame a éte´reconnue par le régiment. J´ignore ce que Sa Majesté a pourvu... En attendant j´ai cru devoir suspendre toute décision sur cette affaire pour en soumettre les détails à Sa Majesté´ (Translation: "..this officer raised the strongest complaints against the despotism of which he accused his leader towards him, by wanting to force him to retreat, although he found himself perfectly able to continue his services: he handed over to me the attached declaration by which he requests to remain with the corps. I find that his request is well-founded and that the justice he demands has been recognized by the regiment. I do not know what His Majesty has provided... In the meantime I thought it necessary to suspend any decision on this matter to submit the details to His Majesty...") Napoleon signs to the left border, beneath an annotation dictated by him, stating `Renvoyé au Viceroi pour connaitre ce que cela veut dire´ (Translation: "Forwarded to the Viceroy to learn what all this means"). Accompanied by a letter of the Chief of the 4th military Division, being an extract of a letter written by General Pille reporting on the same matter.Henri-Jacques-Guillaume Clarke (1765-1818) 1st Duc de Feltre. Franco-Irish General in the French Revolutionary Wars. Minister of War under Napoleon, 1807-14, 1815 & 1815-17. Marshal of France.

EDWARD VIII: (1894-1972) King of the United Kingdom January - December 1936. Later Duke of Windsor. A good, large D.S., Edward R I, as King, at the head, one page, large oblong folio, Court at Saint James's, 30th March 1936. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is addressed to Maurice Downer and appoints him to be an officer in the Royal Air Force from the 19th September 1935, and states, in part, 'You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge your Duty as such in the Rank of Flying Officer or in such higher Rank as We may from time to time hereafter be pleased to promote or appoint you to, of which a notification will be made in the London Gazette, and you are at all times to exercise and well discipline in their Duties both the inferior Officers and Airmen serving under you and use your best endeavours to keep them in good Order and Discipline'. With the facsimile signatures of Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick William Bowhill (1880-1960) and Sir Christopher Bullock (1891-1972) at the foot, alongside a circular blind embossed seal. Documents signed by King Edward VIII as King are rare and desirable. Some light overall foxing and minor age wear, about VG

FREDERICK WILLIAM II: (1744-1797) King of Prussia 1786-97. L.S., F Guillaume (minor ink blot to the fisrt letter), one page, folio, Berlin, 31st October 1794, to the King of the Two Sicilies ('Monsieur mon Frere!'), in French. The King writes a diplomatic letter announcing 'a Votre Majeste la naissance d'un Prince donc la Princesse epouse du Prince Louis mon fils est accouchee hier 30 de ce mois' (Translation: 'to Your Majesty the birth of a Prince. The Princess, wife of Prince Louis, my son, gave birth yesterday 30th of this month') and further hoping that his correspondent will take some part in such a happy event for the Royal household. Countersigned at the foot by Count Karl-Wilhelm Finck von Finckenstein (1714-1800) Prussian diplomat who served as Prime Minister of Prussia, and one other, possibly Christian Graf von Haugwitz (1752-1832) German statesman who served as Foreign Minister of Prussia during the Napoleonic Wars. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope bearing a good red wax seal to the verso. Some light creasing and minor age wear, about VGFerdinand I of the Two Sicilies (1751-1825) King of Naples (as Ferdinand IV) 1759-99, 1799-1806 & 1815-16, King of Siciliy (as Ferdinand III) 1759-1816 and King of the Two Sicilies (as Ferdinand I) 1816-25.Prince Frederick William Louis of Prussia (1794-1863) had been born on 30th October 1794, the first son of Prince Louis Charles of Prussia (1773-1796) and his wife Duchess Frederica of Mecklenburg-Srelitz (1778-1841).

[HITLER ADOLF]: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45 & [MEISSNER OTTO] (1880-1953) German civil servant, head of the Office of the President of Germany 1920-45. D.S. in facsimile by both Hitler and Meissner, one page, folio, Berlin, 1st September 1941, in German. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, awards the War Merit Cross 2nd Class to Claus Tonsfeldt. The blue printed facsimile signatures of Hitler and Meissner appear at the foot of the document alongside a circular blind embossed seal featuring the Nazi eagle and swastika. Two extremely small, minor tears to the right edge and a few very light creases, VG

LESZCYNSKA MARIE: (1703-1768) Polish Princess, Queen Consort of France 1725-68 as the wife of King Louis XV. A very fine L.S., Marie, as Queen Consort, one page, large folio, Versailles, 18th June 1753, to the Prince of Sainte-Croix, in French. The Queen thanks her correspondent for his letter and states `Vous vous exprimez d´une manière satisfaisante pour ce qui me regarde que je ne forme aucun doute sur la sincérité des sentiments que vous me témoignez...´ (Translation: “You express yourself in a way that is satisfactory to me, so that I have no doubt about the sincerity of the feelings you give me testimony of…”) Countersigned at the base by Castanier, and addressed to the verso. Paper with watermark. Extremely small creases to the edges and few very small tears to the fold. G Guillaume Castanier d´Auriac (1702-1765) Counselor of state and Secretary of the Queen's commands

NAPOLEON III: (1808-1873) Emperor of the French 1852-70 who also served as the first President of France 1848-52. L.S., Napoleon, one page, folio, Paris, 25th January 1855, to Cardinal Patrizi ('Mon Cousin'), in French. The Emperor states that he had received his correspondent's letter 'au renouvellement des bonnes fetes de la Nativite de notre Seigneur' (Translation: 'at the renewal of the good feasts of the Nativity of Our Lord') and continues 'j'yai reconnu avec plaisir la sincerite de vos sentiments. Les voeux que vous adressez au ciel pour la gloire et la prosperite de la France m´ont vivement touché. Soyez persuadé que je saisirai, en retour, toutes les occasions de vous donner des marques de mon estime et de ma parfaite affection' (Translation: 'I recognised with pleasure the sincerity of your sentiments. Your wishes to heaven for the glory and prosperity of France deeply touch me. Be persuaded that I will seize, in return, every opportunity to give you marks of my esteem and my perfect affection'). Countersigned at the foot by Edouard Drouyn de Lhuys (1805-1881) French diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs 1848-49, 1851, 1852-55 and 1862-66. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope (large area of paper loss to the verso as a result of the seal having been excised). Some very light, extremely minor age wear, and a thin band of staining to the upper edge, about VGConstantino Patrizi Naro (1798-1876) Italian Cardinal who served as Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals 1870-76.

ROBESPIERRE AUGUSTIN: (1763-1794) Robespierre the Younger. French lawyer and politician, the younger brother of French Revolutionary leader Maximilien Robespierre. Robespierre the Younger was arrested (at his own request) along with his brother and subsequently the two were executed by guillotine along with twenty of their supporters. D.S., Robespierre je., one page, small folio, Nice, 16th June 1794, in French. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is issued in the name of the French people by 'Les representans du peuple deputes par la convention nationale pres l'armee d'Italie et les departemens du var et des alpes maritimes' (Translation: 'The representatives of the people deputed by the national convention to the army of Italy and the departments of Var and Alpes Maritimes') and orders that a payment of 'Quinze cent mille livres' (Translation: 'Fifteen hundred thousand pounds') be made by the Paymaster of the Army. Signed by Robespierre at the foot and countersigned by an army inspector. A little roughly torn to the right and lower edges with a few small areas of paper loss, only very slightly affecting the text. GThe present document was signed by Robespierre in the month before his execution by guillotine.

CATHERINE II THE GREAT: (1762-1796) Empress of Russia 1762-96, Catherine the Great. An excellent and very attractive fully manuscript D.S., `Ekaterina´, in Cyrillic, a bold and fine signature, two pages, 10.5 x 16 (26.5 cm x 40.5 cm), large folio, Saint Petersburg, 24th February 1796, on the 34th year of the Reign, to King of The Two Sicilies and Jerusalem, Ferdinand I, in Cyrillic. The document is entitled, "Catherine II the Empress and Autocrat of All the Russias", and refers on the marriage of her grandson Konstantin Pavlovich, stating in part `On the 15th of February, took place the marriage of our most gracious grandson, His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich, to Her Imperial Highness the Grand Duchess Anna Feodorovna of All the Russias, born Princess Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld´ At the bottom of the page it is written `To Count Ivan Osterman´. A cleanly written document. Accompanied with the original large envelope, addressed to the King of Naples, and bearing a large paper seal affixed to the verso, with large remnants of red wax beneath. VGFerdinand I (1751-1825) King of the Two Sicilies 1816-25 (upon his restoration following victory in the Napoleonic Wars) and previously, as Ferdinand IV, King of Naples 1759-99, 1799-1806, 1815-16 and, as Ferdinand III, King of Sicily 1759-1816Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich (1779-1831) Grand Duke of Russia, son of Emperor Paul I. Tsesarevich of Russia during the reign of his brother Alexander I. He secretly renounced to the throne in 1823. After the death of Alexander I, and for 25 days, he was known as “His Imperial Majesty Konstantin I Emperor of all Russias”.Grand Duke Konstantin married in 1796 Princess Juliane of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld (1781-1860), also known as Grand Duchess Anna Feodorovna of Russia, a German Princess of the ducal house of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld .   

SOUBLETTE CARLOS: (1789-1870) President of Venezuela 1837-39, 1843-47, a hero of the Venezuelan War of Independence. D.S., `C. Soublette´, two pages, folio, Bogotá, 29th March 1826, in Spanish. The partially printed document being a decree issued by Carlos Soublette as liberator of Venezuela and Cundinamarca. The decree aproves the retirement of a high rank officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Pedro Torres. With four countersignatures to the verso, including Jose Maria Carreño Blanco (1792-1849) Venezuelan politician and military. Provisional President of Venezuela as interim caretaker in 1837. Soublette will suceed Carreño after his short three months term as President. With blank integral leaf. Small overall age wear with few small stains, otherwise G

FOUCHE JOSEPH: (1759-1820) 1st Duc d'Otrante, 1st Comte Fouche. French statesman and revolutionary, a subordinate of Napoleon Bonaparte who served as Minister of Police 1799-1810, March-June & July-September 1815. A good and attractive L.S., `Fouché´, one page, folio, Commune affranchie (Lyon), 29th January 1794, to the administrators of the Rhone Department, in French. The printed heading showing a vignette of the French Republic, with its motto, and is entitled "Les Représentants du Peuple envoyés dans la Commune-Affranchie pour y assurer le bonheur du Peuple avec le triomphe de la République" ("The People´s Representatives appointed to the Commune-Affranchie to grant People´s welfare with the triumph of the Republic "). The document states `Informés de l´état de dégradation où se trouvent les routes du département du Rhône, Considérant qu´il importe de les réparer sans délai pour faciliter la circulation et pour employer des ouvriers à des travaux utiles, Requierent les administrateurs du département du Rhône de faire procéder sans retard à la réparation des parties dégradées des grandes routes et de rendre compte aux représentants du peuple....´ (Translation: "Informed as we are of the state of deterioration of the roads in the Rhône department, Considering that it is important to repair them without delay to facilitate traffic and to employ workers for useful works, Request that the administrators of the Rhône department proceed without delay with the repair of damaged parts of the main roads and report to the representatives of the people...") Also signed by Jean Nicolas Méaulle (1757-1826) Member of the Comittee of General Security, and François Sebastien Delaporte (1760-1823). Bearing at the base an attractive and in good condition red wax seal, with an additional small red wax stain. Very small minor age to the edges, otherwise about VG ​ On the 9th of October 1793, the city of Lyon was renamed Commune-Affranchie after having rose up against the republic. Same happened with the city of Marseille which was renamed "Ville-sans-Nom" ("Town with no name") Although the document entitles that they were the Representatives of the People to grant welfare in Lyon, Fouché would be the responsible for the 1800 people executed under his orders. For this reason he was known as the "Mitrailleur de Lyon" ("The Machine Gunner of Lyon")In the present letter Fouché sends orders which will not be argued, considering that the former President of the Commune of the Rhône had been guillotined a month earlier.

FOLIO SOCIETY: VARIOUS VOLUMES including 'Malleus Maleficarum', 1968, some in slipcases (1 shelf)

A QUANTITY OF MIXED BOOKS including Cassell's romance of famous lives, Folio society John Buchan vols, etc

Edmund Caswell, 1938-2011, Folio of Drawings etc

James Morrison, Paris in Winter, A Folio of 12 Prints No. 103/200

Folio containing a quantity of early 20th Century pen and ink illustrations by various artists

A Regency rosewood folio or architect's desk, the rectangular top with rising and ratchetting twin flaps, allowing adjustment of angles in two directions, over two glazed brass grilled doors enclosing adjustable shelves, on plinth foot, 108cm wide, 69cm deep, 81cm high***CONDITION REPORT***Overall in honest untouched condition, mid reddish brown rosewood tone in the main although somewhat sunbleached on the left hand side, the top has all of its original supports but lacks brass fittings to support books / pages and has some sections of veneer missing particularly near the top front left corner, doors lack one brass escutcheon and no key present, a later lock has been added, shelves are later plywood examples, minor scuffing and rubbing around the plinth foot.PLEASE NOTE:- Prospective buyers are strongly advised to examine personally any goods in which they are interested BEFORE the auction takes place. Whilst every care is taken in the accuracy of condition reports, Gorringes provide no other guarantee to the buyer other than in relation to forgeries. Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being in perfect condition and some descriptions in the catalogue or given by way of condition report make reference to damage and/or restoration. We provide this information for guidance only and will not be held responsible for oversights concerning defects or restoration, nor does a reference to a particular defect imply the absence of any others. Prospective purchasers must accept these reports as genuine efforts by Gorringes or must take other steps to verify condition of lots. If you are unable to open the image file attached to this report, please let us know as soon as possible and we will re-send your images on a separate e-mail. 

° ° Brigade and General Orders Book, Bombay, 1 March 1784 – 14 March 1785 118 paper folios, most leaves browned, some brittle and with occasional (but not extensive) losses, all repaired, in a buckram binding, 38 x 28cmArmy order book of the East India Company, comprising general orders issued at Bombay between 2 March 1784 and 14 March 1785, compiled in the office of Thomas Marshall, Town Major, and containing orders relating to military administration including notices concerning appointments, movements of troops, postings, promotions, pay, disputes over precedence and sentences of the separate courts martial for European and native troops.Judging by the recurrent signature of the Town Major, in a hand clearly differentiated from that of the clerk or clerks responsible for the main text, this appears to be the original order book rather than a duplicate.Each day’s entry begins with the parole or watchword (in English) and corresponding countersign (in Hindi). As well as military orders, byelaws for the administration of Bombay were entered, such as the revocation of the restriction on the native inhabitants of the city on ‘passing in their hackneys at the Church Gate’, on the understanding that the permission did not extend to unlicensed carts.The context of the entries is the end of the second Anglo-Mysore war (1780-1784), in which the troops of the East India Company fought against Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan and their French allies. The text of the treaty ending the war, signed on 11 March 1784, is copied into the volume; it represents the last occasion when an Indian power was able to dictate terms to the Company. On 24 March is recorded the burial of Lieutenant-Colonel John Campbell (1753-1784), whose epic defence of Mangalore continued from 23 May 1783 until 23 January 1784 and was marked by severe hardships. Campbell was exhausted by his exertions and died of a consumption at Bombay on 23 March 1784. The reduction in the military establishment following the peace was recorded on 9 May 1784, with orders for a series of gun salutes to mark the peace, the king’s birthday and the New Year, including 15 guns for ‘prosperity to Bombay’.The volume is packed with the names of military personnel, including those of the native troops and their officers, and on folio 29 are set out the names of 50 Company cadets in order of rank. Grants of permission are recorded for men to recover their health by taking a sea voyage, visiting ‘the hotwells’, Surat or China, or by returning to England.Proficiency in local languages entitled officers to increased pay, and a committee was ordered to meet monthly to examine candidates. On 20 December 1784 detailed regulations for the management of the Sepoy Battalion Hospitals were entered into the book, with rates of pay; the commanders of the battalions were to provide ‘proper native doctors and assistants’ whose pay was to be increased ‘as an encouragement to men or more knowledge and experience to engage in the battalion service’; however pay was to be stopped ‘to prevent the idle and lazy from skulking in the hospital’. These provisions were made in anticipation of the return to Bombay of prisoners captured in the late war; on 31 December they were congratulated by the President of Bombay ‘for that steady attachment they have shown to the service of their honourable employers and their love for their families and native country, which reflects so much honour on them as soldiers and as men. The committee desire that this may be clearly explained not only to the officers but individually to the Sepoys that they may be made fully sensible, their allegiance to the honourable company from which they could not be seduced by all the arts of the Nabob [Tipu Sultan], has justly merited and received the highest approbation of this government.’ The minute also alluded to ‘the unfortunate expedition under the late Brigadier-General [Richard] Matthews, who with his officers was poisoned after surrendering to Tipu. It stressed ‘one important principle of action, where they cannot conquer it will be better and braver to die with arms in their hands than yield, to trust to the mercy of so faithless and barbarous a foe.’Captain Thomas Marshall was commissioned on 21 June 1784 and served as Town Major of Bengal; he was promoted to lieutenant-general on 4 June 1814 and died on 20 May 1825; he can probably be identified with the Captain Thomas Marshall who married Mrs Mary Bowles, widow, at Bombay on 27 November 1784.A microfilm of this volume, copied in August 1980 by permission of Peter Burton, is held at the British Library, Asian and African Studies, Mss Photo Eur 180; another volume from the series, also signed by Thomas Marshall and covering 5 May 1786 – 14 January 1788, formed Lot 73 at Bonham’s, 7 June 2011, when it sold for £2040 including premium.***CONDITION REPORT***PLEASE NOTE:- Prospective buyers are strongly advised to examine personally any goods in which they are interested BEFORE the auction takes place. Whilst every care is taken in the accuracy of condition reports, Gorringes provide no other guarantee to the buyer other than in relation to forgeries. Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being in perfect condition and some descriptions in the catalogue or given by way of condition report make reference to damage and/or restoration. We provide this information for guidance only and will not be held responsible for oversights concerning defects or restoration, nor does a reference to a particular defect imply the absence of any others. Prospective purchasers must accept these reports as genuine efforts by Gorringes or must take other steps to verify condition of lots. If you are unable to open the image file attached to this report, please let us know as soon as possible and we will re-send your images on a separate e-mail. 

THREE BOXES OF MISCELLANEOUS SUNDRIES, to include eight framed pictures, seventeen 1970's Mr. Men books by Roger Hargreaves, children's annuals, walking sticks, empty perfume bottles, three Folio Society books, comprising 100 Greatest Paintings, Kidnapped, Revolt in The Desert, six Cassell volumes of The Second World War by Winston Churchill, 'The Times' linen backed Sheet 6 Motoring Map of England, etc. (s.d) (3 boxes)

A folio of Japanese woodblock prints, including examples after Utagawa Kunisada and Utagawa Kunisada II, mounted, unframed, 34 x 23cmSix in total.  One damp-stained; one with torn corner.  All very fragile.

Two 19th century colour engravings, Corpus Christi College and Christchurch Cathedral, one published May 1st, 1841 for R. Ackermann's History of Oxford, London, one mounted, unframed, largest 26 x 31cm, together with Eton College, coloured reproductions of four external views, originally published by Ackermann, 1816, folio.

A collection of Folio Society books, to include Edward Gibbon's History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, G.M. Trevelyan's History of England, Gulliver's Travels

Ron Brooker - a folio of various watercolours; together with a small number of other amateur works, all unframedApprox 30 works in total.

Elizabeth Duncan Meyer - Artist's folio of assorted drawings and prints to include black models - pastel, all unframed

The Illustrated London News, 1875, 476 pp, volume 63, July-December 1873, numerous illustrations with a quantity of double-page spreads, half calf, folio, covering the Victorian period.

Léger, Fernand (Argentan 1881 - 1955 Gif-sur-Yvette), Mes voyages avec un poème d'Aragon, Mappe im Folio-Format mit 27 Original-Lithografien Légers, davon 10 farbig sowie 3 in Doppelblattgröße, lose Doppelbögen im Original-Umschlag und Original-Schuber, Paris, Editeurs Francais réunis 1960, Lithographiedruck Mourlot frères, Exemplar 127 von 261, Papier teils mit Bräunungsspuren, Altersspuren, Schuber angeschmutzt und mit Kratzern. 4214-007

Wedmore, Frederick and Short, Frank: 'A Selection from the Liber Studiorum of JMW Turner' The South Kensington Drawing Book suggested by the writings of John Ruskin, illustrated, large folio half calf and gilt lettering

WAUGH Evelyn - Folio Society collection of comedies, six volumes in a presentation slip case. (6)

AUSTEN Jane - Folio Society, three volumes with decorative boards, Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Persuasion, in presentation slip cases. (3)