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CHARLES II: (1630-1685) King of England, Scotland (1649-51) and Ireland 1660-85. An unusual D.S., Carolus R, at the foot, as King, in exile, one page, oblong folio, Brussels, 4th July 1657, in Latin. The manuscript document, to which the King has added one word in his own hand, is addressed to 'The most serene, powerful, elevated, and illustrious, emperors, kings, princes, marquises, counts, orders, barons, dynasties and all their inheritances….from military camps, divisions, provinces, walled cities, rivers' ships, ports, roads and bridges' administrators and all the relative….' and regards Lord Jacob, Count of Castlehaven (whose name, Jacobus, King Charles inserts in his own hand), requiring that he and his servants, horses and weapons are able to move safely and freely on their journey, and concluding 'And above all these friends, the benevolence, the favour, and protection of the duties surround them and turn out; and according to their facts for this, it will be very pleasant for us, when the opportunity will come, to return the same grace to them'. Countersigned at the foot by Sir Edward Nicholas (1593-1669) English politician who served as Secretary of State to both King Charles I and King Charles II. With blind embossed paper seal affixed. With blank integral leaf. Some light staining and age wear and with a few small holes and areas of paper loss at some folds, none of which affect the King's signature. About VG    James Tuchet (c.1617-1684) 3rd Earl of Castlehaven. Irish soldier who played a prominent role in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

ANNE: (1665-1714) Queen of England, Scotland & Ireland 1702-07 and Queen of the Kingdom of Great Britain 1707-14. D.S., Anne R, as Queen, at the head, one page (vellum), oblong folio, given at the Court at St. James's, 1708 (the day and month not stated). The manuscript document is a military commission appointing Simon Parry to be a Captain of a Company in the Regiment of Portuguese Foot, led by Lieutenant Colonel Constantine de Magny, and 'to take the said Company into your care and charge and duly to exercise as well the officers and soldiers thereof in arms and to use your best endeavours to keep them in good order and discipline'. Countersigned at the foot by Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland (1675-1722) English statesman who served as Secretary of State for the Southern Department 1706-10 and later as First Lord of the Treasury 1718-21. With remnants of the blind embossed paper seal. Some light staining and age wear and small areas of paper loss to the lower edge, G  Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland, was one of the five Whigs, collectively called the Junto, who dominated the government from 1708-10. However, the Earl had many enemies and was disliked by Queen Anne who dismissed him in June 1710.

GEORGE II: (1683-1760) King of Great Britain and Ireland 1727-60. Manuscript D.S., George R, as King, at the head, two pages, large folio, n.p. (London), n.d. (c.1747-48), headed Abstract of the Charge of the Guards &c and detailing the accounts (listed both daily and annually) for the staff officers, Horse and Grenadier Guards, Royal Regiment of Horse Guards, Dragoon Guards, Foot Guards, Regiment of Invalids etc., totalling £838,582.18.2 per annum. Countersigned at the foot of each page by three Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, two of whom also served as British Prime Ministers, Henry Pelham (1694-1754) British Prime Minister 1743-54, Henry Bilson-Legge (1708-1764) Chancellor of the Exchequer 1754-55, 1756-57 & 1757-61 and George Grenville (1712-1770) British Prime Minister 1763-65. Some light, minor age wear and staining to the edges and a few small tears, otherwise about VG   

GEORGE IV: (1762-1830) King of the United Kingdom 1820-30. D.S., George PR, as Prince Regent, on behalf of King George III, two pages, folio, Carlton House, 15th June 1818. The manuscript document is addressed to Lord Eldon and is a Warrant for affixing the Great Seal to the acceptance, in duplicate, of the King of Wurttemberg's Accession to the General Treaty signed in Congress at Vienna on the 9th June 1815, and to the Acts thereunto annexed. Countersigned at the conclusion by Viscount Castlereagh (1769-1822) British Statesman, who served as Secretary of State for Foreign Affais (1812-22) and was central to the management of the coalition that defeated Napoleon Bonaparte. With blank integral leaf and blind embossed paper seal affixed. About EX    The present document relates to the settlements made at the Congress of Vienna, which met from the end of September 1814 to June 1815 in order to re-organise and settle the shape of post-Napoleonic Europe.

ELIZABETH II: (1926-   ) Queen of the United Kingdom 1952- . D.S., Elizabeth R, as Queen, at the head, one page, large oblong folio, Court of Saint James's, 26th March 1966. The partially printed document, completed in typescript and manuscript, appoints Harold Halliwell to be a Consul in Costa Rica and grants him 'full power and authority under the superintendence of Our Consul-General there by all lawful means to aid and protect Our Merchants and others Our Subjects who may trade with or visit or reside within his Consular District'. Countersigned at the foot by Michael Stewart (1906-1990) British politician who served as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 1965-66, 1968-70. With blind embossed circular seal. Some light age wear and a few small stains to the edges, not affecting the text or signatures. About VG  

[QAJAR AHMAD SHAH]: (1898-1930) Shah of Iran 1909-25, the last ruling member of the Qajar dynasty. QARAGOZLU ABU'L-QASEM KHAN (1856-1927) Naser-al-molk. Regent of Persia 1911-14 who had previously served as Prime Minister of Iran October-December 1907. L.S., as Regent, on behalf of the Shah, one page, folio, Tehran, June 1914, to Ismael Montes, in Persian. The letter states that the communication from Montes announcing that he had been made President of Bolivia was received with great joy, and continues 'The good intentions of Your Excellency concerning the consolidation of the bonds of friendship between Persia and Bolivia have touched us deeply. On our side We would like to assure Your Excellency that all Our efforts also tend towards the same goal'. Signed by the Regent at the conclusion alongside an official Tughra and countersigned by Hassan Vossug ed Dowleh (1868-1951) Iranian Foreign Minister 1911-1915 and later Prime Minister of Iran 1916-17, 1918-20. Accompanied by a contemporary French translation of the Persian text, typed on a 4to sheet of official printed stationery of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran. Several filing holes to the left edge of both pieces, not affecting the text or signatures. VG, 2    Ismael Montes (1861-1933) President of Bolivia 1904-09, 1913-17.

JAURES JEAN: (1859-1914) French Politician. Antimilitarist. A French Left historical figure. Assassinated. A good D.S., Jaures, one page, large folio, Toulouse, 30th July 1892, on the Toulouse Townhall heading letter, to the President of the Chamber of Commerce, in French. Jaures, in his capacity as Mayor of the city of Toulouse, informs his correspondent that the awards will be given to the children of the communal schools on Sunday 7th August and expects that the President of the Chamber of Commerce will be able to attend such event. Two tears to the bottom edge not affecting the text or signature and small creasing to corners, otherwise G to VG    

METTERNICH PRINCE KLEMENS VON: (1773-1859) Politician and Statesman, one of the most important diplomats of his era. Austrian Empire's Foreign Minister and Chancellor 1821-48. A good L.S., `Le Prince de Metternich´, one page, folio, Paris, 19th October 1815, to Monsieur Celz, in French. Metternich, in his capacity as `Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of his Imperial and Royal Apostolic Majesty´, states `…The Emperor, my Master, has decided to grant the authorization to get the title of Gardener nurseryman of his Imperial Majesty.´ Metternich refers to his Majesty, Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, later Emperor of Austria Francis I. The document bears a good red wax seal to the left border. With overall staining to the bottom half front page not affecting the text or signature. Very small tear to the upper edge. With blank integral leaf. G to VG   The present letter is written only three days after Napoleon landed at Saint Helena.

METTERNICH KLEMENS VON: (1773-1859) Austrian Statesman, 1st State Chancellor of the Austrian Empire 1821-48. A good L.S., `Metternich´, one page, large folio, Paris, 24th October 1807, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Italy, in French. An unusual early letter signed by Metternich, in his capacity as recently appointed Austrian Ambassador to France, who acknowledges receipt of his correspondent´s `…letter related to the sum of 500 florins left to the widow Jeanne Voltini and deposited at Gratz and that she is claiming… I do not doubt that the matter can promptly be sorted out, as soon as the claimant will present the documentation requested.´ With blank integral leaf bearing a crowned Van der Ley watermark. Very small creasing, mostly to edges, otherwise G to VG    

DOLLFUSS ENGELBERT: (1892-1934) Chancellor of Austria 1932-34. Assassinated. A fine original pen and ink drawing of Dollfuss by the German-Swiss artist Robert Kastor, executed on a folio (9.5 x 12) sheet of art paper, the image depicting the fascist politician in a head and shoulders pose. Signed by Dollfuss with his name alone beneath the image and also bearing the signature of the artist. Rare. A few small tears and light age wear to the right edge, otherwise VG    

DOWNING GEORGE: (c.1625-c.1684) Anglo-Irish statesman, soldier, diplomat and spymaster, after whom Downing Street (including the residence of the British Prime Minister) in London is named. Downing is also credited with being responsible, more than any other man, for arranging the acquisition of New York from the Dutch. D.S., G Downing, one page (vellum), slim oblong folio (14 x 2.25), n.p., 18th September 1658. The manuscript document is a receipt for the sum of five hundred pounds and relates to the counties of Northampton and Rutland. Some very slight, minor age wear, VG   

CARTERET JOHN: (1690-1763) 2nd Earl Granville. British Prime Minister for four days in February 1746. A rare D.S., Carteret, one page, folio, Whitehall, 11th May 1721. The manuscript document is a bill of accounts totalling £325 submitted and signed by Abraham Stanyan in Constantinople, 20th September 1718, and states, in part, 'Abraham Stanyan Esq., his Majesty's Ambassadour & Plenipotentiary for the mediation of a Peace between the Emperour, the Republick of Venice, and the Grand Signior, humbly craves allowance of the following Extraordinary Expences from the 24th June to the 10th August 1718. 1. Gratuitys to Two Druggermen for their Services during the Campaign…..150:0:0. 2. Presents to a Vizur Aga and two Chiauses who attended him during the Campaign……120:0:0. 3. To the Waggoners, Mule and Camel Drivers…..20:0:0. 4. To the Chief of the Arabs who pitch the Tents 10:0:0….', Carteret has approved the accounts at the foot beneath a statement, 'I allow this Bill amounting to three hundred and Twenty five Pounds by his Maj.tys special Command'. The lower half of the document is neatly inlaid. One minor, neat split at the edge of a fold and with some minor age wear, otherwise VG    Abraham Stanyan (c.1669-1732) British diplomat and politician who served as Ambassador to Austria 1715-16 and as British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire 1718-30.  These posts came in a period when England held the role of mediator between the Habsburgs and the Ottomans, and having worked in the capitals of both powers Stanyan was an influential part of the negotiations.

BLANCO RAMON: (1833-1906) 1ST Marquess of Pena Plata. Spanish Brigadier and Colonial Administrator, appointed Governor of Cuba and Santo Domingo 1858-1861 and of the Philippines 1866-1871. D.S., `Ramon Blanco', in his capacity as Governor General of Cuba, one page, large oblong folio, 19 x 14, Havana Cuba, 14th July 1879, to Ricardo de Sierra y de la Cruz, in Spanish. The partially printed document is a diploma given by “The Governor General of the Isle of Cuba” to Ricardo Sierra as a recently graduated Doctor-Surgeon, bearing to the heading a coat of arms of Cuba, and certifying below his age and his outstanding qualifications, in accordance with the Regulations of the University of Havana Faculty of Medicine and Surgery with Distinction. The document bears also at the base several countersignatures. Folded. Small overall staining and creasing, one small hole, and few tears to edges. F   

CESPEDES DEL CASTILLO CARLOS MANUEL: (1819-1874) Cuban Revolutionary. Known as the ''Father of the Motherland'', Cespedes is considered a Cuban hero who freed slaves and leaded the declaration of Cuban Independence in 1868. An attractive signed printed document, one page, folio, Bayamo, 27th December 1868, in Spanish. The document being a decree is entitled ''Slavery Conditioned Abolition Decree - Carlos Manuel de Cespedes - Captain-General of the Liberator Army of Cuba and Leader of the Provisional Government'', and bears a very attractive and large vignette to the heading. The decree contains nine articles, and starts stating `The Cuban Revolution, proclaiming the independence of the Homeland and with it all freedoms, cannot accept the inconsistency of restricting it to only one part of the country´s population. A free Cuba is incompatible with a proslavery Cuba..´ further saying in its first article `All slaves are declared free..´. Boldly signed by Cespedes at the base of the document `C. M de Cespedes´. Bearing a large blind embossed seal to the head and an ink stamp of the ''Ilustre Ayuntamiento Libre de Bayamo'' (“ Illustrious Free Townhall of Bayamo”) at the base. The document grants freedom to `Tomas, Labourer, 23 years old, black,..´ Overall age wear and toning, with edges trimmed. Partially repaired to the verso. F to G   

MARTI JOSE: (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''. A rare and attractive L.S., `Jose Marti´, two pages, large folio, New York, 15th April 1892, to Juan Domingo Stoble, in Spanish. The partially printed document bears the printed heading of the Delegation of the Cuban Revolutionary party, being a title given to contributors in favour of the cause, the Revolution and the Independence of Cuba. The attractive document, bears two printed palms to the left border, and a blind embossed seal of the Cuban Revolutionary party and acknowledges at the base the receipt of ten pesos. The document is signed by Marti in his capacity as delegate and is countersigned by Gonzalo de Quesada as Secretary of the delegation and by Benjamin Guerra as Treasurer. The written text, entitled ''El Club Aguilera'', is a manifesto in favour of Cuban Independence and freedom, and refers to a wealthy Cuban who had to go into exile to Florida, and about to die in misery, he explains to one of his sons what he is legating to him in Cuba, and asks him to create the Club Aguilera in order to support the Cuban Revolutionary Party. With remnants of a former red wax seal. Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G to VG    

BOLIVAR SIMON: (1783-1830) Venezuelan-born Military and Political leader. President of Gran Colombia 1819-30, President of Bolivia 1825 & President of Peru 1824-27. Bolivar played an important role in Latin America´s successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire, and is today considered one of the most influential politicians in the history of the Americas. Rare D.S., `Simon Bolivar´, a bold and large example of his signature, one page, folio, Magdalena, 20th May 1826, in Spanish. The partially printed document bearing the heading “Simon Bolivar Libertador - Presidente de la Republica de Colombia, Libertador de la de Peru, y encargado del supremo mando de ella” (“Simon Bolivar Liberator - President of the Republic of Colombia, Liberator of the Peru Republic, and in charge of the Supreme Command”), being a grant-diploma given to Juan Basilio Cortegana, Captain of the first Battalion of the Regiment of Ayacucho as a testimony of the gratitude of Peru for his participation in the victory of Ayacucho and cooperation in the freedom of Peru. With a countersignature at the base of the document and two registration annotations to the verso. Overall age wear, very small holes and warm small holes and two very small areas of paper loss to the bottom edge. One stain to the upper part of the document only affecting partially the identity of Captain Cortegana. F   

‘You will also have the luxury of vegetarian food’             1497    [GANDHI MAHATMA]: (1869-1948) Indian Political and Spiritual Leader during the Indian Independence Movement. A.L.S., M M Gandevia, by the Honourable Secretary of the Indian Volunteers Committee, one page, 4to, Trebovir Road, Earl's Court, London, 7th June 1917, to Mr. Venkatraman, a fellow executive member of the Indian Volunteers Committee. Gandevia states that he was pleased to receive his correspondent's note and looks forward to having the pleasure of meeting him, further explaining 'Our friend Mr. K. S. Jassawalla (also an executive member of the Committee) is now running my house and is through his interest and devotion to the business, giving very good satisfaction to visitors who seem to be all pleased with his able management and pleasant and affable disposition' and also adding 'I have not the slightest doubt that he will make your and your friend's stay a very pleasant one. I have handed him over your letter and he will gladly provide accommodation to you & your friends. You will also have the luxury of vegetarian food, if you are still a vegetarian'. In a postscript, signed with his initials MMG, Gandevia remarks 'You know Mr. Jassawalla very well. He was the oldest member of our Indian Volunteers Corp to which he was a Corporal'. Together with a printed folio sheet issued by the Indian Volunteers Committee based at 60 Talbot Road, Bayswater, London, c.1914, listing the Honorary Members of the organisation (including the Aga Khan) and the Executive Members (with Mahatma Gandhi as Chairman and M. M. Gandevia as Honorary Secretary) including Venkatraman and Jassawalla. Both pieces are laid down, the letter with extensive splits to the central horizontal fold and the folio sheet with heavy creasing and tears to the folds. Only FR, 2    Gandhi studied law at University College London between 1888 and 1891, during which time he joined the London Vegetarian Society and was elected to its executive committee. Following some time in South Africa, Gandhi returned to London in 1914 where he stayed at first in the 'ageing rooming house of his student days' at 60 Talbot Road, Bayswater, and later, in early October, he moved to M. M. Gandevia's hostel at Trebovir Road, from where the present letter was written.

BAKER JOSEPHINE: (1906-1975) American-born French entertainer. A printed 8vo programme ('Livre d'or des Folies Bergere') for a performance of Feeries & Folies in two acts and forty scenes featuring the Folies Bergere with Baker appearing in various acts including A Surprise, The Train for Paris, Scotch Parade, The Garden of Eden, Josephine de Beauharnais, The Midnight Bolero etc., signed by Baker in blue fountain pen ink to an inside page featuring her image, in a head and shoulders pose. Baker has also added the place and date beneath her signature. Together with an unsigned printed folio souvenir programme for Feeries et Folies, illustrated with many images of the Folies Bergere dancers and including colour images of Baker in costume from Scotch Parade etc. Some light staining and age wear and a few pages of the larger programme neatly detached. G to about VG, 2    

AMERICAN GOSPEL MUSIC: A square folio printed programme for an American Spiritual & Gospel Festival tour of Europe in January - February 1965, individually signed to the inside pages (largely to their images) by the majority of performers comprising Inez Andrews, James Conley, Dolores Davis, Bettie Jones Sims (The Andrewettes), Henry Johnson & Rev. Willie Mincy of the Original Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, Lena Jones of the Congregation of Temple Church of God in Christ, Charles Williams, Rev. John Little, Bishop Samuel Kelsey and La Monte Flowe. With text in English and German. Centre pages neatly detached and with some light age wear, VG

AMERICAN GOSPEL MUSIC: A square folio printed programme for an American Spiritual & Gospel Festival tour of Europe in January 1966, individually signed to the inside pages (largely to their images) by the majority of the performers comprising Gospel Joe Williams, Michael Rogers, Lonnie Smith, Ellis Johnson (The Harmonizing Four of Richmond, Virginia), Dorothy Norwood, Melvie Jean Latham, Shirley Peppers, Roxanna Watkins & Melton McClendon (The Dorothy Norwood Singers of Atlanta, Georgia), Paul Arnold, Charles McClean, Robert Lattimore & Johnny Hawkins (The Gospelaires of Dayton, Ohio), Rev. John Little and Bishop Samuel Kelsey. With text in English and German. Centre pages neatly detached and with some light age wear, VG

PONCHIELLI AMILCARE: (1834-1886) Italian Composer. Best remembered for his opera La Gioconda (1876) based on a play by Victor Hugo. An exceptional and rare M.S., `Ponchielli´, seven pages, oblong folio (12 x 9) stave paper, n.p., n.d. Signed by Ponchielli to the heading of the front page. The full autograph working manuscript is in the hand of Ponchielli and corresponds to the complete score of his work Dio Amore as he entitles to the heading. He also annotates to the front page heading `Parole di Silvio Pellico´ ("Words by Silvio Pellico"). Ponchielli has penned over 90 bars of music, on three staves, adding tempos alongside and the Romanza voice text beneath the musical notes, bearing also multiple annotations, crossed words and amendments. Attractively bound within modern decorative boards featuring sea horses and with a gilt stamped leather title to the front. Small overall minor age wear and staining otherwise VG   Dio Amore! is a work for choir and pianoforte by Ponchielli, opus 277. Musical critics have widely commented about this Romanza that it highlights the innate sense of Ponchielli's theatre as well as his uncommon lyrical vein.Silvio Pellico (1789-1854) Italian Writer, Poet and Patriot active in the Italian unification.

SEISS ISIDOR: (1840-1905) German Composer, Conductor and Pianist. A very fine and attractive A.M.Q.S., `Isidor Seiss´, one page, folio, score sheet, Amsterdam, 12th December 1873. Seiss has very carefully penned a seven bars of music on two staves which he identifies as the `Andante Spianato von Chopin, op.22´ An excellent and clean autograph musical quotation in Seiss´ hand. VG   

KABALEVSKY DMITRY - [ROLLAND ROMAIN]: (1904-1987) Russian Composer. Signed letter `D. Kabalevsky´, in Cyrillic, at the base of a typed letter sent by Romain Rolland to Kabalevsky, one page, folio, Villeneuve, 27th November 1937, in French. In a letter of very interesting content, Rolland states in part `I safely received the musical score of your “Maitre de Clamecy” and I read it several times with great pleasure. I do think that you can expect a great success, because the work is neat, full of life and movement. The use of popular songs is a hit. No need to say that my French hearing did not have difficulty to identify them… In general, your work is one of the best that I know of the new Russian music written for scene´ Rolland further asks Kabalevsky to forward to him the Overture and Preludes missing so he can have a proper and complete knowledge of the full work, and adds `Regarding the poem…. there are anachronisms, not only in the situation, but also with the characters. But that is the right of the poet as well as the one of the Soviet musician who write for a different audience than the one of Bourgogne´ before concluding and to a post-scriptum, Romain disagrees with the choice of French names, stating and advising `Why have you renamed Martine (the daughter of Colas) and Céline (Belette)? In French, the two names sound musical and rhyme like bells ring. I miss them. Germaine and Marcelle are not names of this time and country´ G to VG      Romain Rolland (1866-1944) French Dramatist & Novelist, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1915. 

KIPNIS ALEXANDER: (1891-1978) Ukrainian-born American operatic Bass. Kipnis was regarded throughout the inter-war years as being one of the greatest basses in the world. An excellent A.L.S., `Alexander Kipnis´, one page, folio, Charlottenburg, 1st September 1922, to Tischer & Jagenberg, in German. Kipnis states in part `Following your letter dated 26th July 1922, I inform you that at the time I got in touch with Mr. Von Pander, for the instrumentation of the four lieder of Mussorgsky, so that he could transcribe for me the 4th lied, “Der Feldherr”. Unfortunately, to date, I have not received any response from him.´, further saying `Now I have decided to sing the first three lieds of Mussorgsky here in Berlin, on the 5th & 6th November, and possibly on 1st of January next year at the gewandhaus in Leipzig under the direction of Furtwangler.´ VG   Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954) German Conductor and Composer.

NAGEL CONRAD: (1897-1970) American Actor, a founding member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who also served as the fourth President of the Academy from 1932-33. Vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph of Nagel in a head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Clarence Sinclair Bull and bearing his blindstamp to the lower right corner. Signed by Nagel in bold black fountain pen ink to the image, partially across a darker area although reasonably legible. Neatly and lightly mounted to a folio page removed from an album and with some light mottling to the image, G    The present photograph was originally included (along with thirty-six others) in a folio calf leather bound presentation album which was one of just fourteen (as far as our research indicates) that were presented to the individual members of a delegation of British journalists who visited America for a two-month tour in 1928. Funded by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the objective of the tour was to improve Anglo-American relations and the presentation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the Roosevelt Hotel on 7th November 1928 (just over six months before the first Oscar was presented at the very same venue) was a major highlight of the tour. The album from which the present photograph was extracted had been presented to F. Lawrence Johnson, a journalist associated with the Northeastern Daily Gazette, and the photograph bears an inscription to him.

CLEMENT XIII: (1693-1769) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and Ruler of the Papal States 1758-69. One of the few early Popes who favoured dialogue with Old Catholic Protestants. Rare L.S., `Carlo Cardinale Rezzonico´, one page, folio, Rome, 26th November 1740, to the Queen `Reale Maesta´, in Italian. The future Pope, states in part `Nel ricevere Vostra Maesta, l´annunzio, che riverentemente le porgo di ogni piu abbondante felicita in congiuntura delle prossime Solennita Natalizie, trovera altrettanto animata la mia divozione a sperare l´onore de suoi Reali Comandamenti..´ (“In receiving your Majesty's announcement, that reverently I offer you the more abundant happiness in conjuncture of the upcoming Christmas solemnities, you will find likewise lively my devotion to hope for the honour of Your Royal Commandments…´ Paper with watermark. With blank integral leaf. Very small minor age wear and creasing, mostly to edges, otherwise G to VG   Maria Amalia of Saxony (1724-1760) She married King Charles III at the early age of 14 and became Queen consort of Naples and Sicily 1738-59, and Queen consort of Spain from 1759 until her death. She was the daughter of King of Poland Augustus III, and the mother of King of Spain Charles IV.

VALLOIS MATHURINE DE: (fl.1589-fl.1627) French jester at the courts of Kings Henry III, Henry IV and Louis XIII of France. L.S., Mathurine de Vallois, five pages, folio, Paris, 19th July 1618. The letter relates to a quotation for carpentry work to be undertaken at a house in Paris, located on the Rue des Petits-Champs where Vallois had an apartment. Boldly signed at the conclusion and countersigned by three unidentified individuals. Accompanied by a carbon typed copy of a letter from an unknown collector, most likely a previous owner of the jester's letter, to Henry D. Sedgwick, dated 5th March 1934 and stating, in part, 'Not long since, I procured a fine autograph of Mathurine de Vallois, who was Henri's jester or “fool”. You will doubtless remember that she figured in the assault on Henri by Chastel, her quick wit causing Chastel's immediate capture. It is great fun to from time to time complete the picture of Henri's life and background. Probably these autographs have no value in this country, as no one would be interested in them, but their acquisition gives me a great deal of pleasure'. The pages of Vallois's letter are neatly joined together by a strip of old tape at the left edge, and with some light age wear, a few small holes and tears, otherwise VG, 2  In 1594 Mathurine de Vallois was present when King Henry IV was wounded by the assassin Jean Chatel and it was the jester herself who arrested him. The occasion was later recounted 'Mathurine it was who arrested the youth who attempted to assassinate Henri IV, on the 28th of December. This youth, who had glided into the apartment unperceived, struck at the King with his dagger. “Devil take that fool with her tricks,” cried his Majesty… Mathurine sprang to the door, and barring the passage, prevented the escape of the King's assailant'. However, the King, well aware of his jester's Catholic sympathies, had her arrested as a suspected accomplice. She was nevertheless able to prove her innocence and was welcomed back to her position at court.

‘Merits are fine, but for myself what remains is the memory' GROTIUS HUGO: (1583-1645) Dutch Humanist, Diplomat, Lawyer, Theologian, Jurist, Poet & Playwright. A rare A.L.S., H Grotius, one page, folio, n.p., 12th January 1645, to Ludwig Camerarius, in Latin. Grotius states that he has received his correspondent's noble letters mentioning the Burweiler goods and remarks 'I have not considered yet how much all this could benefit the more King Gustav; not so much because of my will, but because of them. Merits are fine, but for myself what remains is the memory', further adding 'And as far as I know this same process has served us well. To have put to the test everything that I always was, at most someone cultivated for the post of Camerlengo'. With integral address leaf bearing two small red wax seals. Some light overall damp staining, minor uniform age toning to the body of text and signature, a lengthy, neat horizontal split to the centre, a few other smaller neat splits at folds and some evidence of repairs to the integral leaf, G  Ludwig Camerarius (1573-1651) German Statesman & Lawyer, head of King Frederick V's government in exile in the Hague. Camerarius also served Swedish interests later in his life. In the present letter Grotius would appear to refer to Gustavus Adolphus (1594-1632) King of Sweden 1611-32, credited for the rise of Sweden as a major European power.

MANSON CHARLES: (1934-2017) American Criminal who led the cult based Manson Family, responsible for multiple deaths (including the murder of Sharon Tate) and the subject of Quentin Tarantino's film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. A.L.S., Charles MacManson, the signature incorporating a swastika, one page, large folio, Corcoran, California, n.d. (1981?), to Nuel Melton Emmons. Manson writes in bold maroon crayon and states, in part, 'MeL…OVE brother cool. Mel you cool brother & pluss that assholes still good. All the demons in hell razed there hands for you but god still wouln't want to go for that shit. You know how we do it home town boy. I gave you a car to fix…..a Blue 1952 cat with a big wheel in the back…..or I'll just take my RR & go home on my silver cloud'. Accompanied by the original envelope. VG   Nuel Melton Emmons (1927-2002) American photojournalist and biographer of Manson. Emmons first met Manson briefly when he was imprisoned for automobile theft in 1956, and again under similar circumstances in 1960. In 1979, he contacted Manson and began extensive interviews and his correspondence with Manson resulted in the book In His Own Words - The Shocking Confessions of the Most Dangerous Man Alive (1986).

Matisse on the Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence MATISSE HENRI: (1869-1954) French Artist. An important typed manuscript, with extensive manuscript additions by Matisse, unsigned, one page, folio, n.p. (Vence), n.d. (c.1950), in French. The typed manuscript, evidently prepared by a journalist following an interview with the artist, is entitled An Hour with Matisse, and provides details of Matisse's work at the Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence as it reaches its final stages of decoration, explaining that the eminent architect Auguste Perret has supervised the project, and that Matisse's studio is currently a replica of the chapel's interior with a huge amount of drawings affixed to the walls, many in yellow, green and blue, representing the colours to be used in the stained glass, further describing the position of the altar, the white marble floor, and the black and white ceramic tiles which Matisse is creating. The manuscript continues with several questions posed to Matisse, which he responds to in his own hand, explaining that the square ceramic tiles are to be decorated in black and white in order to strike a balance with the colours of the stained glass, and expressing his view that the hardest challenge in building and decorating the chapel was to fill a relatively small space with the monumental and expressive concept that he wished to achieve. Matisse also states that he has not felt the need to change his religious views in order to create the chapel, and that all of his life his work has been made with the religious feeling of the mystery of nature. Finally, the artist remarks that he has not had time to consider future projects as the chapel has not yet been completed. The final third of the page was originally part of a separate sheet and is now neatly affixed to the base of the primary sheet. VG    In 1941 Matisse, living in the south of France, developed cancer and underwent surgery. During his long recovery he was assisted by a young nurse, Monique Bourgeois, who also served as a model for several of the artist's drawings and paintings. In 1943 Bourgeois entered the Dominican convent in Vence and became Sister Jacques-Marie. In due time Matisse bought a house in Vence and remained in touch with the young nun. She told him of the plans the Dominicans had to build a chapel and sought Matisse's help with the design of the building. Matisse agreed and the project commenced in 1947. Over the next four years the artist worked on the chapel, its architecture, stained glass windows, interior furnishings, murals, and the priests' vestments. The chapel features three sets of stained glass windows which Matisse dedicated much of his time to. All three sets make use of just three colours: an intense yellow for the sun, an intense green for vegetation and cactus forms, and a vivid blue representing the Mediterranean Sea, the Riviera and the Madonna. For the walls Matisse designed three murals to be made by painting white tiles with black paint and then firing the large sections of tile. Although Matisse had been baptised a Catholic, he had not practised the religion for many years. The artist had never undertaken work of the kind before, and upon completion Matisse himself declared the chapel to be his 'masterpiece'.

ROCKWELL NORMAN: (1894-1978) American painter and illustrator. A signed 14 x 11 black and white reproduction print of an illustration by Rockwell, the image depicting a fisherman in a full-length pose, happily walking and accompanied by his two dogs, with another gentleman, a travelling salesman looking rather forlorn and carrying a folio case and briefcase, in a full-length pose walking in the opposite direction. Signed ('Norman Rockwell') by the artist in bold black ink to a clear area at the base of the image. A couple of very light, extremely minor scuffs to the left edge, VG    

COSTA LUCIO: (1902-1998) Brazilian Architect. A renowned urban Planner, best known for his plan of Brasilia. An exceptional A.L.S., `Lucio Costa´, four pages, folio, Rio de Janeiro, 23rd May 1966, on the “Ministerio da Educaçao e Cultura” printed heading, to Anthony Krafft, in French. A very interesting letter, fully related to architecture, with Costa´s thoughts, and with multiple references to history, works and architects. Costa states in part `Indépendamment de la fonction, il y a “in abstrato” et sous-jacente, une intention que commande la création architecturale - soit-elle un objet, un batiment, une ville -, de sorte que l´adaptation de la forme a la fonction peut conduire a des résultats singulierement différenciés. Je vous donne un exemple historique Brésilien. Au XVIII siecle…´ (“Independently of the function, there is “in abstrato” and underlying, an intention that the architectural creation commands - be it an object, a building, a city - so that the adaptation of form to function can lead to singularly differentiated results. I will give you a Brazilian historical example. In the 18th century…”) Costa continues with historical references and examples, saying `Dans la premiere moitié du siècle dominait encore l´esprit d´ostentation et d´opulence a la Louis XIV, - courbes et contre-courbes lourdes, de l´or, du bleu foncé, du rouge et du noir; dans la seconde période c´était déja l´élégance et la grace de l´esprit Louis XV qui prévalait: courbes et contre-courbes acquirent de la souplesse, l´emploi de l´or se fit moins ostensif, le bleu devint clair, le rouge rose, le blanc et le gris remplacerent le noir. Cela montre que la relation forme-fonction doit etre envisagée en tenant compte de l´intention qui commande le processus d´intégration formelle´ (“In the first half of the century, the spirit of ostentation and opulence in the Louis XIV style still dominated - heavy curves and counter-curves, gold, dark blue, red and black; in the second period it was already the elegance and the grace of the Louis XV spirit which prevailed: curves and counter-curves acquired suppleness, the use of gold became less ostensive, the blue became clear, pink instead of red, white and grey replaced black. This shows that the form-function relationship must be considered taking into account the intention that drives the process of formal integration”) Lucio Costa further refers to today´s date concepts and to Le Corbusier, stating in part `L´idéal de clareté et de pureté formelle géométrique de la Renaissance a refoulé en Europe la conception formelle dynamique (gothique). Aujourd´hui, grace a la technologie moderne qui permet des structures où la tension prédomine, on observe, un peu partout, le retour au dynamisme formel. Il y a meme les prétentieux de l´art dit prospectif qui prétendent ensevelir, des maintenant, avec son corps, l´oeuvre de Le Corbusier. Ils oublient sa belle structure (gothique) du toit suspendu de la grande salle du Palais des Soviets, le Pavillon improvisé de “L´Esprit Nouveau” (1937) et le Pavillon Philips de Bruxelles. Le Corbusier avait l´esprit ouvert a tous les vents. Dans sa premiere phase de conception statique prévalait, avec le contrepoint dynamique de sa peinture; apres Ronchamp l´intégration des deux concepts s´établit. L´intégration qui est le fondement meme de l´art des temps nouveaux´ (“The Renaissance ideal of clarity and geometric formal purity drove dynamic formal design (Gothic) back to Europe. Today, thanks to modern technology which allows structures where tension predominates, we can observe, almost everywhere, a return to formal dynamism. There are even the pretentious of the so-called prospective art who claim to bury, from now on, with his body, the work of Le Corbusier. They forget his beautiful structure (Gothic) of the suspended roof of the great hall of the Palace of the Soviets, the improvised Pavilion of “L´Esprit Nouveau” (1937) and the Philips Pavilion in Brussels. Le Corbusier was open to all new visions. In his first phase of static design prevailed, the dynamic counterpoint of his painting; after Ronchamp the integration of the two concepts was established. Integration which is the foundation itself of the art of the new times”) Further again Costa adds his conclusions on his function and form theory. VG    Anthony Kraft (1928-1991) Swiss journalist and editor of architecture works.

'Now would'ja mind turnin' your head…..’ AVERY TEX: (1908-1980) American animator and director, known for producing and directing animated cartoons during the Golden Age of American animation and for his crucial role in the creation and evolution of many famous characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Droopy and others. A wonderful original vintage pen, ink and watercolour drawing executed and signed by Avery on a folio sheet of light art card, n.p., 1932. Avery has drawn a young baby boy, with bright blonde hair, standing in a full-length pose, with an angry expression on his face, directed at the viewer, as he tries to fix a white cloth diaper around his groin. With an ink caption at the base, 'Now would'ja mind turnin' your head so's I can get this thing on?'. Signed and dated by Avery at the foot of the drawing. Autographs of Avery are extremely rare in any form, and examples of original art work from this early period of his career are very seldom encountered and are highly desirable. Very slightly irregularly trimmed edges and with a few light stains and minor age wear, otherwise VG    At the time of creating the current drawing Avery was employed with the Walter Lantz Studio where he worked on most of the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons from 1931-35.

GUS: (1911-1997) Gustave Erlich. French comic Cartoonist. Well remembered for his publications in French newspapers Le Figaro, Le Canard Enchainé, and many others. An excellent signed original watercolour, `Gus´, one page, oblong folio, drawing paper, n.p., dated August 1990 in his hand, in French. Gus has drawn a funny sketch showing Leonid Brezhnev courting Marianne, the national personification of the French Republic and Liberty, wearing a dress with the French flag colours. VG   

DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Fils (1824-1895) French Author and Dramatist. Autograph Manuscript, unsigned, two pages, folio, n.p., n.d. (watermark of 1857), in French. The substantial fragment of manuscript, with extensive corrections, is an unused portion of the comedy L'Ami des Femmes and represents dialogue between J[ane de Simerose] and de M[ontegre], the final version of which sees Jane passionately asking Montegre whether, if her husband has broken his word, that is a reason to break hers, in part, 'So long as I am to keep his name, I must respect it. Would she still be a wife who at my age had said to two men that she loved them, who belonging legally to one, should calmly give herself to the other, and whom each of the two would have this right to despise, for you would despise me in spite of yourself if I were to believe you, and already, to expect that I can believe you is to despise me - I am married, as you are - and you talk to me of love. Who do you take me for? To put me in a web of lies, terrors, insults, adulteries, to make me blush before another, before you, before myself, to lower myself in the esteem of others and my own - Never. Die if you have not the courage of duty - I do have - and I am alive'. Rare in this form. Some light overall creasing and minor age wear, G     The passage contained in the present manuscript fragment may have been a trial for part of Act IV. In the published play, Act I introduces de Royes, the 'friend' of the title, who claims to be an expert on women, and de Montegre, who has briefly met Jane two or three times before. She loved but is separated from her husband, who was unfaithful after a month of marriage, On meeting de Montegre again she wistfully thinks he might be someone she could trust and writes a note asking him to meet her 'tomorrow - I love you'. However, her husband turns up towards the end of Act III with adoption papers for a young orphan whom he hopes Jane will bring up with his support, and Jane is given pause. In Act IV she is followed by de Montegre to Paris, where she manages to evade him. On returning home she upbraids him for trailing her in secret rather than declaring himself openly, and refuses to trust him. At the end of Act V de Montegre arranges for Jane's note of assignation to be put in the hands of the husband, as if from Jane herself, de Royes 'expert' knowledge is confounded, and Jane and her husband are reconciled. The present manuscript fragment suggests an alternative which Dumas could not use, possibly because it seemed too final at this stage of the play.

Flaubert’s research notes for Salammbo FLAUBERT GUSTAVE: (1821-1880) French novelist. A significant autograph manuscript, unsigned, three pages, folio, n.p., n.d. (c.1857), in French. Flaubert's extensive manuscript notes are entitled Un repas de noces - Lettre d'Hyppolochus a Lincée('A wedding meal - Letter from Hyppolochus to Lincée') and were prepared by the novelist as research notes for chapter one ('The Feast') of his historical novel Salammbo. The text states, in part, (translated) 'Caranus making a nuptial feast in Macedonia invited twenty parasites there. As soon as they were seated at table each of them was given a bottle of silver. They had each received before entering the room a gold band estimated at five gold Ecus….. For us happy for the rest of our days, with what we took from the feast of Caranus, we seek goods, country houses, slaves to buy, with the presents with which he has showered us'. Rare in this form. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG     Hippolochus was a Macedonian writer and student of Theophrastus, who addressed in a letter to his fellow student Lynceus of Samos a description of a wedding feast in Macedon in the early 3rd century BC. The bridegroom was a certain Caranus, most likely a relative of the Caranus who had been a companion of Alexander the Great.  Flaubert's Salammbo is a historical novel which was published in 1862. Enormously popular in its day, the novel opens with a feast to celebrate the victory of the battle of Eryx, won against Rome, and was praised for its style and story. Provenance: It is believed that the present manuscript was originally included with a series of other research notes made by Flaubert, totaling some 26 pages, and entitled Letters of Alciphron. As well as including extracts relating to a wedding feast, the manuscript also featured observations relating to courtesans and the manners of the people of Greece (see Les Amis de Flaubert, bulletin 12, 1958).

AUDIBERTI JACQUES: (1899-1965) French playwright, poet and Novelist. Audibert is widely regarded as a leading exponent of the Theatre of the Absurd. Three attractive surrealist drawings by Audiberti, to three separate folio sheets, light brown paper, in lead pencil. The drawings and sketches showing all sorts of figures, bodies and creatures. Two of the pages with very slightly trimmed right edge, otherwise VG    

ANNUNZIO GABRIELE D´: (1863-1938) Prince of Montenevoso. Italian Writer, Poet and WWI Soldier. Known as "The Prophet". A.L.S., Gabriele d´Annunzio, (a large and attractive signature), two pages, folio, n.p., 16th October 1926, to Giovanni Rizzo, in Italian. On a large folio letter bearing to the heading one of his printed devises "Io ho quel che ho donato" ("I have what I have given"), d´Annunzio states in part `..Your Excellency will see how my fasting doctrine, when we will be at the Vittoriale table, allows me to wait… My House is full of workers.. I have temporary a table at the Grand Library..´  Accompanied by the original 11 x 8 envelope written in D´Annunzio´s hand, adding at the base the word `Urgentissimo´ ("Very Urgent"), which he underlines repeatedly. Also bearing an attractive blue wax seal to the verso. Very small overall age wear and few pinholes to the upper edge, otherwise. VG     Giovanni Rizzo (1885-1965) Superintendent and Prefect, close to Mussolini, both as protector and overseer. Attilio Teruzzi (1882-1950) Italian Fascist Politician. Minister of Italian Africa. D´Annunzio refers to him as `His Excellency´.

GIDE ANDRE: (1869-1951) French Author, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1947. A good unpublished draft article manuscript by Gide related to the World War One foyer Franco-Belgian. A lengthy and interesting draft, two pages, to different sheets, folio, n.p., n.d., in French, including multiple corrections, amendments, slightly untidy, stating in part `I have had to end up going there to see by myself. Because beneficence is the school of mistrust..  Philanthropy has often only a distant connection with true charity. “We cannot please everybody” they respond to me when I transmit the complaints of some particularly mistreated refugees…´ further referring to the Franco-Belgian foyer and to the denounces related to the cloakrooms saying in part `..we have had a lot of trouble to persuade people that the Franco-Belgian foyer attends equally the French.. Nevertheless the complaints about the cloakrooms became lately so numerous that files were full. I know it is a scabrous matter, very difficult and irritating, this is why the assistance must work and fight against such kind of abuse..´ Overall age wear with trimmed edges. G    

RUSSELL BERTRAND: (1872-1970) British Polymath. Philosopher, Mathematician, Historian and a political Pacifist Activist. Awarded with the Nobel prize in literature, 1950. A good and unusual L.S., `Bertrand Russell´, with annotations in his hand, one page, folio, Richmond & Twickenham, 23rd November 1954, to Henri Corbiere, in French. Russell responds to his correspondent´s four philosophical deep questions related to "L´Intelligence Humaine" ("Human Intelligence"), and he does so in French, at the end of each question, responding with a laconic "Non" or "Oui" on each of the four occasions. Accompanied by the original typed envelope post-marked and stamped. Very small minor creasing to edges, otherwise G    

QUASIMODO SALVATORE: (1901-1968) Italian Novelist and Poet. Nobel Prize in Literature in 1959. The Sicilian writer is widely considered one of the foremost Italian poets of the 20th century. A good A.L.S., `Quasimodo´, one page, folio, Milan, 11th February 1943, to Bonetti, in Italian. A cleanly written letter, Quasimodo stating `Dear Bonetti, thank you. A book about my work will soon be issued, edited by Cedam from Padova; the author is Mario Stefanilo. A useful volume for consultation for your work is Lirici nuovi by Luciano Anceschi…´, further and before concluding states `For 1943 I do not prepare anything.´ With a small partial trace of a purple ink stamp at the base, not affecting the text or signature. VG    Luciano Anceschi (1911-1995) Italian literary Critic and Essayist.

ROOSEVELT THEODORE: (1858-1919) American President 1901-09. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1906. A good L.S., Theodore Roosevelt, as President, two pages, folio, Washington, 6th December 1905, to [Tomas Estrada Palma] the President of the Republic of Cuba. Roosevelt announces 'I have made choice of Edwin V. Morgan, one of our distinguished citizens, to reside near the Government of Your Excellency in the quality of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America' and continues 'He is well informed of the relative interests of the two countries and of our sincere desire to cultivate to the fullest extent the friendship which has so long subsisted between us. My knowledge of his high character and ability gives me entire confidence that he will constantly endeavour to advance the interest and prosperity of both Governments and so render himself acceptable to Your Excellency. I therefore request Your Excellency to receive him favorably and to give full credence to what he shall say on the part of the United States and to the assurances which I have charged him to convey to you of the best wishes of this Government for the prosperity of Cuba'. Countersigned by Elihu Root (1845-1937) American Lawyer & Statesman, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1912. Very slightly irregularly trimmed to the upper edge, one neat tear to the right edge of the central fold, several large reddish stains to the blank lower half of the second page, and with some other light overall staining and age wear, about G     Tomas Estrada Palma (1832-1908) Cuban politician who served as the first President of Cuba 1902-06. Edwin Vernon Morgan (1865-1934) American diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to Brazil 1912-33 and also as Minister to Portugal (1911-12), Paraguay (1910-11), Uruguay (1910-11), Cuba (1906-10) and Korea (1905).Theodore Roosevelt had led the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War of 1898 and gained fame for his role in the capture of Kettle Hill in Cuba in July 1898. In 1906, following a disputed election, an insurrection ensued in Cuba. The first President, Palma, faced an armed revolt by independence war veterans who defeated the meagre government forces. The United States intervened by occupying Cuba and named Charles Edward Magoon as Governor for three years.

WAKSMAN SELMAN: (1888-1973) Russian-born American Inventor. A Biochemist and Microbiologist best-known for discovering the streptomycin and several antibiotics. Awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or medicine in 1952. A good content T.L.S., `Selman A. Waksman´, one page, folio, n.p., 4th November 1962. Waksman responds beneath three lengthy autograph questions in French, sent by a collector referring to Alfred Nobel and to Nobel awards. To the second question "On receiving the Nobel prize, what thoughts did you have regarding the founder of this award?", Waksman responding `My thoughts were that this was the best possible use that funds accumulated in a single lifetime should be distributed to those who made the greatest contribution to the development of present-day science, which served for the benefit of the human race.´ To the third question "Despite the material satisfaction, what moral satisfaction have you experienced?", and Waksman answers `I felt extremely happy that my life work has served towards the saving of human lives and toward the improvement of human health and that this has been given final recognition by so important a prize.´ VG    

Signed by the first Russian to circumnavigate the globe KRUSENSTERN ADAM JOHANN VON: (1770-1846) Baltic German admiral and explorer who led the first Russian circumnavigation of the globe. A charming A.L.S., Krusenstern, two pages, folio, Saint Petersburg, 20th March 1841, to a gentleman, in French. Krusenstern writes that, at the moment he takes his pen to respond to his correspondent's letter, he fears that he will be accused of extreme negligence in not having replied sooner, but explains that he can justify the delay as he has been on a two month trip overseas, further adding that his correspondent's beautiful work has been appreciated by the Academy of Science, and also referring to a report that he has the pleasure of sending, remarking 'By going through the report yourself, you will see that here, as elsewhere, we have been able to do justice to your merit'. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG    Auguste Jal (1795-1873) French author who wrote on maritime archaeology and history.

APOLLO XI: A large folio (14 x 20.5) printed cover from an edition of the Neue Ruhr Zeitung (NRZ) German newspaper, dated Monday, 21st July 1969, and featuring the headline For the first time a person has set foot on the Moon above an image of Neil Armstrong on the moon's surface alongside the Apollo XI lunar module Eagle, signed and inscribed in blue ink by Neil Armstrong (1930-2012, American Astronaut, Commander of Apollo XI, 1969, and the first man to walk on the moon) to a clear area of the image and also signed by Buzz Aldrin (1930-   , American Astronaut, Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo XI, 1969, and the second man to walk on the moon) and Michael Collins (1930-2021, American Astronaut, Command Module Pilot of Apollo XI, 1969), the latter two with their names alone in bold silver inks, also to the image. Some very light, minor age toning to the edges, evidently caused by previous framing, and light central folds, otherwise VG   

TEUFEL ERASMUS VON: (c.1480-1552) Baron de Gundersdorf. Austrian General in the service of Emperor Ferdinand I of Habsburg who was present at the first siege of Vienna by the Turks and the Battle of Plastovcu in 1552. At the latter he was captured by Suleiman the Magnificent's forces and executed, apparently by being thrown to sea. An extremely rare D.S., Eras Teufel, one page, folio, n.p., 6th April 1546. The boldly penned manuscript document, in an unidentified hand and untranslated language, is signed by Teufel at the foot and apparently originated from the collection of the 19th century German philographer Carl Kunzel (1808-1877). Some light overall age wear and a few small, minor tears, creases and areas of paper loss to the edges, otherwise VG    

COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY: A good D.S., by seven members of the Committee of Public Safety, one page, folio, 18th August 1794, in French. The document, bearing an attractive vignette of the "French Republic - Commité de Salut Public" to the heading, is an order issued to release citizen Thecle-Pieters, a woman who had been arrested, stating in part `The Committee of Public Safety, orders that Citizen Thecle-Pieters, spouse of Citizen Douche, arrested at the Pélagie  house-arrest, will be here and now released, and the handcuffs, if they were used, will be taken off on the receipt of this order..´ Boldly signed at the base by seven members of the Committee of Public Safety, comprising Lazare Carnot (1753-1823) French Physicist and politician. Known as the Organizer of Victory in the French Revolutionary Wars; Jean-Baptiste Robert Lindet (1746-1825) Lindet is best remembered for his response to Saint-Just, only few months before signing the present letter, when he refused to sign the arrest decree against Danton, stating `Je suis ici pour secourir les citoyens, non pour tuer les patriotes´ ("I am here to rescue the citizens, not to kill patriots"); Jean-Jacques Bréard (1751-1840) President of the National Convention in 1793; Joseph Eschasseriaux (1753-1824); Pierre-Antoine Lalloy (1749-1846); Jean-Baptiste Treilhard (1742-1810) Minister and President of the National Convention 1792-93, and Jacques Alexis Thuriot (1753-1829) President of the National Convention in 1793. Small overall age wear, mostly to edges, and creasing to the upper right corner, otherwise G

COUTHON, CARNOT & BILLAUD VARENNE: Georges Couthon (1755-1794) French Politician and Lawyer. President of the National Convention 1793-94. A proficient speaker who often exploited his condition as a paraplegic in order to gain the Assembly`s approval of his proposals. A close associate to Robespierre and Saint-Just in the Committee of Public Safety. Couthon, responsible of the huge increase of executions, was himself guillotined alongside Robespierre; Lazare Carnot (1753-1823) French Physicist and politician. Known as the Organizer of Victory in the French Revolutionary; Jacques-Nicolas Billaud Varenne (1756-1819) French Revolutionary, often considered a key architect of the period known as The Reign of Terror. Nicknamed ''Le Tigre'' (''The Tiger''). Billaud-Varenne was member of the Committee of Public Safety. He was later sentenced to deportation to French Guiana after is involvement in the 12th Germinal insurrection (1st April 1795).  A good multiple D.S. by Couthon, Carnot and Billaud Varenne as members of the Committee of Public safety, of the National Convention, two pages, folio, Paris, 8th January 1794, in French. The partially printed document bears the to the heading a vignette of the Committee of Public Safety, and states that having informed `..that among the citizens arrested as a result of the disturbances at Coulommiers, there is a large number of workers, craftsmen, of citizens who are strayed or were cheated by several conspirators and contra-revolutionaries..´ The Committee of Public safety orders that Mr. Maure, representative of the people, will travel to Coulommiers with full capacity to deal with this matter. Small overall minor age wear, with small creasing to edges. G  Nicolas Maure (1743-1795) Member of the Convention. He was guillotined as a former supporter of Robespierre.The peasants uprising of November-December 1793, known as the "Petite Vendée Briarde" took place in Brie and nearby, including Colummiers, and was mainly caused because of the anti-religious measures adopted by the Convention, closing churches and forbidding priests to teach. The uprising was repressed with hundreds of arrests and some guillotined.

KLEBER JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1753-1800) French General during the French Revolutionary wars. Kleber was also a trained architect. Best remembered for suppressing the Vendée Revolt. He accompanied Napoleon in the Egyptian Campaign. When Napoleon appointed Kleber as Commander of the French forces he was assassinated in Cairo. A very attractive multiple signed D.S., with holograph line `Vu par le General de division Kleber, one page, large folio, 10 x 16, Toulon, 9th May 1798, to Jean Antoine Bart, in French.´ The document, being a permanent retirement leave granted to Sargent Bart, bears the 2nd Company of engineering miners heading. Countersigned by the members of the administration council, Captain Commandant, Commissairs, etc..  Bearing to the upper left corner a red wax seal in fine condition. Uneven bottom edge. Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G    

BERNADOTTE JEAN BAPTISTE: (1763-1844) Marshal of France, Prince de Pontecorvo and King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway 1818-44. A good L.S., `avec amitiéJ.B. Bernadotte´, with flourish, one page, folio, Head-Quarters of Hannover, 11th November 1792, to Mr. Real, Councillor of State, in French. Bernadotte states in part `I am sending you the answer of 1st General Inspector of the artillery to the letter I wrote to him in favour of Captain Charue. You can read that he informs me that nobody will be promoted to the rank of battalion chief this year. I deeply regret that the circumstances prevent my recommendation letter from being as successful as hoped´ With blank integral leaf. Overall age wear, mostly to edges, and several tears to the edges. F to G   

BERTHIER LOUIS-ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. An exceptional vignette D.S., `Alex Berthier´, one page, large folio, Milan headquarters, 31st July 1797, to the administrators of the French departments, in French. The partially printed document bears an exceptional and large vignette to the heading. The vignette was created by Andrea Appiani for Alexandre Berthier as General of Division and Chief of the Headquarters of the Army of Italy, one of the most spectacular and appreciated vignettes of the Napoleon era. Bearing to the heading the printed text "Armée D´Italie - Republique Française - Liberté - Egalité". The document states in part `I send you attached the detailed report of the events occurred in all Military divisions of the Army of Italy on the 26th Messidor anniversary of the 14th July 1789. Let all Citizens know that at same time and in all parts of the Army, the same wish, the same shout has been listened to, and this cry has been "Relentless war against the Royalists, and inviolable loyalty to the Republican Government and to the Constitution of the year Three". The department the present document was sent to seems to have been erased. Lightly affixed to a larger sheet of paper. Overall age wear mostly to edges, with creasing and very small tears to edges. Few small repairs to the verso. About G   Andrea Appiani (1754-1817) Italian neoclassical Painter. Appiani was full of joy when Napoleon freed Lombardy from Austrian occupancy and returned freedom to Italy and again when his vignettes were chosen and appreciated for the use of French different military documents headings and he was appointed court painter. Although created a pensioned artist to the Kingdom of Italy by Napoleon, Appiani lost his allowance after the fall of the Kingdom in 1814 and fell into poverty. During his period as court painter he rendered portraits of Napoleon and the chief personages of his regime, among the most graceful of which are his oil paintings Venus and Love, and Rinaldo in the garden of Armida.

LEFEBVRE FRANÇOIS: (1755-1820) Marshal of France, Duc de Dantzig and Prince d´Essling. A.N. to a L.S., `Lefebvre´, with six lines in Lefebvre´s hand at the base of the letter, one page, folio, Head Quarters of the avant-garde of the Danube Army at Pfullendorf, Germany, 18th March 1799, to Brigade General Soult, in French. Lefebvre, in his capacity as Division General, states in part `I send to you, my dear General, the 4th regiment of Hussars.-.´ further referring to the lack of fodder in his area due to the artillery, and asking for a report back regarding the location of the regiment. At the base of the letter, a six lines holograph, Lefebvre adding an important warning and advice `In case of attack, you will only keep with you the number of cavalry troops which you will need to retreat… and you will send to the camp the remaining…´ Overall age wear, mostly to the uneven left edge, with very small area of paper loss to the bottom edge only affecting one word, and not affecting the signature. Stain to the upper left edge. F to G    Nicolas Jean de Dieu Soult (1769-1851) Marshal of France, Duc de Dalmatie. Prime Minister of France 1832-34, 39-40 & 40-47.

DEBELLE JEAN-FRANÇOIS: (1767-1802) French General. Debelle fought at the Battle of Fleurus and headed the Army of Italy in its retreat to France after the Battle of Novi. Debelle died at the very early age of 34 during the Saint-Domingue expedition. L.S., `Debelle´, one page, folio, Bologna, 1st of May 1801, to French Minister, in French. The document bears the printed heading of the “French republic - Army of Italy - Lieutenant General Debelle”, and states in part `The Cisalpine government, not fulfilling the administrative processes of the Departments, will convene that first of a.ll the new basis on which the Public safety must be settled have to be established. This foresight will avoid the disadvantages which would come out of the disgust and the discouragement of the administrators.´ Very lightly affixed to the left edge to the verso, to a folio card. Small overall minor staining, otherwise G to VG    Provenance from the Brenda Young McPeake (1857-1937)

DAVOUT LOUIS NICOLAS: (1770-1823) Marshal of France, Duc d´Auerstaedt and Prince of Eckmuhl. Known as the Iron Marshal, Davout was the only Napoleonic Marshal not to have been defeated in battle by 1815. L.S., `Le Mal. Duc D´Auerstaedt´, with four lines holograph, two pages, folio, n.p., 26th February 1809, to General Intendant Villemanzy, in French. Davout annotates his response to the left border of a letter received from General Intendant Villemanzy, dated at Erfurt on 12th February 1809, who requests Davout´s decision, forwarding also a letter from the Prince Frederick, Duke of Nassau, referring to the location chosen for a hospital which would oblige many families to abandon their houses and remain homeless. Villemanzy refers to the promise of the Minister of war to visit the location but informs that this never happened, and expects an order related to the hospital from Marshal Davout. Davout states `To return to the General Intendant who will proceed according with what he will consider fair.´ Small overall creasing, mostly to edges and corners, otherwise G    Jacques-Pierre Orillard de Villemanzy (1751-1830) French General. Friedrich August (1738-1816) Duke of Nassau, Prince of Nassau-Usingen.

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. A fine D.S., `Napol´, one page, folio, Imperial Palace of the Tuileries, 15th February 1809, in Italian. The partially printed document, bearing the printed heading "Napoleon, by the grace of God, and by the Constitution, Emperor of the French, King of Italy, Protector of the Rhin Confederation”, is a decree containing two articles. The first article stating `We grant to Virginia Mustapich, born in Cesarotti, an annual lifetime pension of 500 Lire.´ The second article reports on the Ministers of the Reign of Italy who will be in charge of executing the present decree. Signed at the base in bold black ink by the Emperor. VG to EX    

PONIATOWSKI JOZEF: (1763-1813) Polish General, Minister of War and Army Chief. Marshal of the Empire. An excellent L.S., `Joseph Prince Poniatowski´, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, Warsaw, 30th July 1810, on the Minister of war printed stationery, in Polish. Poniatowski, in his capacity as General of division and Chief Commander of the Polish army refers to the report received from Colonel Hornowski, Commandant of the 17th Regiment of infantry, regarding the prefect of Plock, that it has been forbidden to take the content of the warehouses and `…the intention to transport of all them to Warsaw…´ further detailing the content of them and saying `… such are the reserve stocks.. ´ Small overall minor age toning, mostly to right edge, and small staining, otherwise G to about VG

MASSENA ANDRE: (1758-1817) Marshal of France, 1st Duke of Rivoli and 1st Prince of Essling. An interesting content L.S., Massena, two pages, folio, Fort de la Conception, Salamanca, 14th September 1810, to Ordonnateur Clapiers, in French. Massena, in his capacity as `Marshal, Prince of Essling, Chief Commandant of the Portugal army´, reports on the lack of supplies and urgent needs of the troops in Spain, stating in part `... I am obliged to depart and go to Portugal, I leave the two positions of Almeida and Rodrigo very far from having the supplying which they require and which I expected to be able to leave sorted out. I have given the order to General Rouyer to make the biggest efforts to put together biscuits, flour and wheat to be distributed in these two locations… before the enemy will encircle them, and before the raining season. We will prevent this way the misfortune to see them falling again in the enemy´s hands. The task is huge but honourable; it is a matter of keeping safe the result of a great military campaign of the Portuguese army and to preserve the north of Spain from the danger of becoming the prey of the enemy…´ With blank integral leaf bearing small remnants of former affixing to corners. Small overall creasing, mostly to left edge, otherwise about G    

DUROC GÉRAUD: (1772-1813) French Diplomat and General of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. First Duke of Frioul. A close friend of Napoleon Bonaparte who appointed Duroc as first Grand Marshal of the Palace and Head of the Emperor´s Military Household. A very important content L.S., `Le Duc de Frioul´, one page, folio, Compiegne, 24th March 1810, to H.E. the Count of Montesquiou, in French. Duroc states in full `Monsieur le Comte, His Majesty wishes that Your Excellence come to Compiegne and that you bring with you… with all the Diamonds prepared and with the Crown of the Empress, in case there are changes to be made. His Majesty wishes that Your Excellence arrive here during the day of tomorrow, and that you also bring with you the seal which has been done for the Empress.´ Paper with an attractive Pro Patria watermark.Very small overallminor age wear, otherwise G to VG    Pierre de Montesquiou-Fezensac (1764-1834) French Politician and Soldier. Montesquiou was appointed Grand Chamberlain of the Empire in 1809, replacing Talleyrand. 

[SOULT NICOLAS JEAN DE DIEU]: (1769-1851) Marshal of France, Duc de Dalmatie. Prime Minister of France 1832-34, 39-40 & 40-47. A good set of five documents, comprising a “Bulletin Analytique” with the printed heading of the Marshal Duc de Dalmatie, one page, small 4to, Seville, 16th October 1811, the document states that the file includes General Lery´s report regarding the works done at Alhama to complete the barracks and accommodation for the sick soldiers who will receive water treatments; also including a four pages letter, folio, signed by Lery, same place and date, reporting lengthly on the Alhama engineering works; also including an eleven pages report, folio, Granada 3rd October 1811, addressed to General Dufour, Governor of the city of Granada, being a detailed report of works, distance, requirements and needs, elaborated by the engineers of the French army in Soult´s corps; also including two attractive colour croquis of the location and works to be done in Alhama, distances, geographical references, and explanations of the works to achieve. F to G, 5 

WELLINGTON DUKE OF: (1769-1852) Anglo-Irish Field Marshal, the Victor of Waterloo, 1815. British Prime Minister 1828-30, 1834. A good A.L.S., Wellington, four pages, folio, Villatoro, 2nd October 1812, to Sir Home Popham. Wellington states that he has received his correspondent's letter and conversed with the messenger regarding his plans and their execution, remarking 'The great object for me is that you should draw the attention of the enemy by your operations from those which we are carrying on this side; & that you should prevent Caffarelli from detaching Troops to aid Marmont's Army. It would be desirable, for many reasons, that you should get possession of Santona & also of Guataria; but I confess that I entertain so bad an opinion of the Spanish Troops that I don't think you can rely upon them; & the body of Marines which you have with you is not sufficiently large to do much by themselves, or to be a very efficient example to the Spanish troops'. Wellington also writes of his own military activities, 'I am very much afraid that I shall not take this Castle. It is very strong, well garrisoned and well provided with artillery. I had only three pieces of cannon of which one was destroyed last night; & not much ammunition, and I have not been able to get on as I ought. I have however got a mine under one of the works, which I hope will enable me to carry the exterior line; and when that is carried, I hope I shall get on better. But time is wearing apace, and Soult is moving from the South; and I should not be surprised if I were obliged to discontinue this operation to collect the Army' and further reflects 'It is unfortunate that you should have plenty of cannon & ammunition, but that you want good soldiers, & I no want of the latter, but very little of the former. The means of transport, however, required to move a train from the coast or from Madrid where we have plenty, are so extensive, that the attempt would be impracticable'. A letter of good military content. Some very light age wear and extremely minor damp staining to the margins, only very slightly affecting a few words of text and not the signature. G    Home Riggs Popham (1762-1820) British Rear Admiral who saw service in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Marie-Francois Auguste de Caffarelli du Falga (1766-1849) French General who served as aide-de-camp to Napoleon Bonaparte. Auguste de Marmont (1774-1852) French General, Marshal of the Empire. Jean-de-Dieu Soult (1769-1851) French General, Marshal of the Empire.