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ANNA OF RUSSIA: (1693-1740) Anna Ivanovna, Empress of Russia 1730-40. D.S., `Anna´, one page, folio, 25th April 1732, in Cyrillic. The handwritten document is a decree to the Military Collegium referring to the Polish borders, the situation of them and its improvement in order to prevent people escaping, and states in part `A line and an abatis had been built along the Polish border in order to prevent peasants from escaping. Regiments outposts have been established in appropriate locations, but we do not know in what condition the line and the abatis are. Therefore, for its full examination, send officers from the Military Collegium, who are to be instructed to inspect the whole boundary line and abatis, make a thorough plan of the actual description of the situation and measures… That is to say, in which conditions and under whose custody the line and the abatis are, so that, according to that thorough plan, it can be possible to do an exhaustive evaluation to renew the line and the abatis to prevent runaways from escaping. Bring that plan and description immediately to my cabinet…´ The document has been professionally restored to the left edge. Extremely small hole and very small crease to the upper left corner, not affecting the signature, otherwise G   The abatis were the ramparts of felled trees bound together and placed with their branches outwards which were used on the boundaries.

CATHERINE II THE GREAT: (1762-1796) Empress of Russia 1762-96, Catherine the Great. An excellent and very attractive D.S., `Ekaterina´, in Cyrillic, a bold and good signature example, one large page, oblong 15 x 21 folio, Saint Petersburg, 8th August 1769, in Cyrillic. The document bears to the front a splendid and very large paper seal with coat of Imperial arms and is signed by the `Empress and Sovereign of All Russias..´, being a title given, appointing a representative to the Pope Clemens XIV, who will carry out his duties from the Russian consulate established in the port city of Ancona on the Adriatic Sea. Countersigned at the base by Prince Alexander Golitsyn. It is likely that this appointment was postponed or canceled, the name of the diplomat having never been completed. It was probably part of a political strategy of Catherine II who, after the occupation of Poland, had waited only a spark to launch a war of expansion against Turkey, under the false pretext of providing help to Christians against the unbelievers. It will be done in September 1768, and the port of Ancona, natural gate to Turkey, will serve as a base for the Russian fleet already installed in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1771, Russia will seize Crimea and the Turks will finally sign peace in 1774. Accompanied by an official contemporary translation into Latin, attached to main document signed by Catherine II. Very small overall minor age wear. VG   Prince Alexander Golitsyn (1718-1783) Russian Marshal and Diplomat. Governor of Saint Petersburg. One of the main Russian military leaders involved in the war against Turks.

NICHOLAS I OF RUSSIA: (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55. L.S., Nicholas, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 7th May 1832, to Baron Pahlen, in Cyrillic. The document being a decree to the Chapter of Russian Imperial Royal Orders, with the attestation of the Archpriest of Riga´s St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Ioann Diakonov, by the honour bestowed by the Most Holy Synod, and by which Baron Pahlen is awarded with the St. Anne Order of second degree. A bold signature example by the Emperor, with flourish. With a small tear and creasing to the upper edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG     Fyodor Petrovich Pahlen (1780-1863) Russian Diplomat. Russian Ambassador to the United States 1811-15. General-Governor of Novorossiya.

ALEXANDER II OF RUSSIA: (1818-1881) Emperor of Russia 1855-81. Assassinated. An excellent L.S., Alexander, a good and bold signature example, two pages, folio, Saint Petersburg, 30th April 1855, "On the first year of our reign", to King Ferdinand II, in Cyrillic. Alexander II as Emperor and Autocrat of all Russias congratulates his correspondent stating `We have received a letter from Your Majesty addressed to the Emperor Nicholas Pavlovich of blessed memory, our dear father, in which You inform that Your spouse gave birth to a Princess…´ Countersigned to the bottom of the second page, beneath the Tsar´s signature, by State Chancellor Nesselrode. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope, addressed to King Ferdinand II, with an extensive presentation in Cyrillic, and bearing a large paper seal affixed in very fine condition. EX     Alexander II responds to a King Ferdinand II letter received, a letter which was sent to Emperor Nicholas I after the Italian Princess birth on 21st January, but in the meantime, in February 1855, Nicholas I passed away and Alexander II responds as heir and new Emperor of Russia, although his coronation would only take place few months later. Ferdinand II (1810-1859) King of the Two Sicilies 1830-59. He succeeded his father Francis I at the early age of twenty. Princess Maria Luisa of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (1855-1874) Youngest daughter of King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies and Maria Theresa of Austria. Princess Maria Luisa was known for her charity to the poor. The Princess died at the very early age of 19 shortly after her return from Egypt suffering high fever. Karl Nesselrode (1780-1862) Russian Count and Diplomat.

NICHOLAS II OF RUSSIA: (1868-1918) Emperor of Russia 1894-1917. Assassinated. A good D.S., `Nikolai´, in Cyrillic, two pages, folio, Tsarskoye Selo, 13th February 1913, to the President of the Republic of Peru, in Cyrillic. On a letter bearing the printed heading ''By the Grace of God, We Nicholas the Second, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias'', the Tsar congratulates his correspondent for his Presidency election, stating `We have received the letter in which you inform Us that you have been elected President of the Republic of Peru, and express your commitment to the maintenance of friendly relationships with Our Empire. We are pleased to express Our willingness to contribute to everything that can strengthen the affection between our subjects and the Republic of Peru. We pray to the Almighty He may keep You Mister President and the Republic of Peru, in His Holy protection´ At the base, copy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, also countersigned by Lazonow. With blank integral leaf. Small overall minor age wear with two binder holes to the left border, only one very slightly affecting the flourish of the signature, otherwise about VG    

MARIA ANNA OF AUSTRIA: (1683-1754) Queen consort of Portugal 1708-50 as spouse of King John V of Portugal, and Regent of Portugal 1742-50. A very good L.S., `Rainha´, one page, oblong folio, Lisbon, 3rd February 1736, to Cardinal Lanfridini, in Portuguese. The Queen of Portugal thanks her correspondent for his letter and for the blessing and wishes on the occasion of Christmas. With address leaf bearing a large and attractive royal paper seal. Very small overall minor age wear, otherwise G to VG    

JOHN VI OF PORTUGAL: (1767-1826) King of Portugal and Brazil 1816-25. Nicknamed "The Clement". After the Brazilian independence John VI became Emperor of Brazil for life. His death may have been caused by poisoning. A good L.S., `O Principe´, with large and artistic letters, and paraph, two pages, folio, Rio de Janeiro, 5th October 1810, to King Ferdinand I King of the Two Sicilies, in Potuguese. John VI, in his capacity as Regent, respond to the letter received from his correspondent King Ferdinand I announcing the birth of his son the heir and future King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, and sends him and to the new born Prince his best wishes. Countersigned `Conde  de Linhares´ by Rodrigo de Sousa Coutinho. With blank address leaf, bearing a large paper seal affixed. Folded, with area of paper loss to the blank leaf. G    Ferdinand IV (1751-1825) King of Naples 1759-1806 & 1815-16. King of the Two Sicilies (as Ferdinand I) 1816-25. Ferdinand II (1810-1859) King of the Two Sicilies 1830-59. He succeeded his father Francis I at the early age of twenty.     Rodrigo de Sousa Coutinho (1755-1812) 1st Count of Linhares, Minister of war and Foreign Affairs in the government in exile. 

LUIS I of PORTUGAL: (1838-1889) King of Portugal 1861-89. Known as The Popular. D.S., `El R. Luis´, one page, folio, Palacio da Ajuda, Lisbon, 5th January 1878, to Cardinal Bilio, in Portuguese. The King thanks his correspondent for his Christmas greeting letter and forwards his best wishes stating in part `I received with great pleasure the letter in which Your Eminence wishes me well on the occasion of the festivity of the Holy Nativity, and very sensible to this proof of interest in my person´ With address leaf, bearing a paper seal affixed, addressed to Illustrissimo e reverendisso em Christo Padre Cardeal Bilio..´ Small minor creasing to the upper edge. VG    Luigi Maria Bilio (1826-1884) Italian Cardinal.

PEDRO II OF BRAZIL: (1825-1891) Emperor of Brazil 1831-89. Also known as ''the Magnanimous'', second and last ruler of the Empire of Brazil. A very good L.S., `Imperador´, a large and bold good example signature, one page, folio, Rio de Janeiro, 17th December 1847, to Cardinal Bofondi, in Portuguese. Pedro II, in his capacity as Constitutional Emperor and Perpetual Defender of Brazil, thanks his correspondent for his letter dated 11th June, announcing his appointment as Cardinal and for the present received. With address leaf bearing a Royal paper seal affixed. Small creasing, mostly to the upper edge, not affecting the signature. G to VG   

TERESA CRISTINA EMPRESS: (1822-1889) Brazilian Empress 1843-89, consort of Emperor Pedro II. Also known as "The Mother of the Brazilians".Teresa Cristina was greatly loved by her subjects, and has been widely admired for her behaviour and sponsorship of Brazilian culture. A good L.S., `Imperatriz´, one page, folio, Palace of Rio de Janeiro, 11th May 1859, to Cardinal Piccolomini, in Portuguese. The Empress refers to his correspondent´s greetings on the occasion of the former new year, and sends to him her best wishes and warm regards. The letter bears to the verso a Royal paper seal affixed in very fine condition. Very small creasing to borders, otherwise VG

ISABEL OF BRAZIL: (1846-1921) Princess Imperial of Brazil, heir to the throne of the Empire as the eldest daughter of Pedro II of Brazil and Regent on three different occasions. Known as Dona Isabel, also nicknamed "The Redemptress", she signed during her last regency the Lei Aurea or Golden Law emancipating the slaves in Brazil. Isabel spent the last 30 years of her life in exile in France. A very fine and cleanly written L.S., `Isabel Princeza Imperial Regente´, a very attractive and large signature, one page, folio, At the Palace of Rio de Janeiro, 30th May 1888, to Cardinal Luciano Bonaparte, in Portuguese. In her capacity as Princess Imperial and presumptive heir and Regent on behalf of His Majesty D. Pedro II, sends her best wishes to her correspondent and acknowledges receipt of his letter on the occasion of last Christmas. She deeply thanks his correspondent´s for his blessing and for the prosperity of the Empire. Paper with a Cowan & Sons Ivory watermark. Accompanied by the original envelope, bearing a black wax seal to the verso. VG 

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   €3000 - 4000 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.

LESLIE WALTER: (1607-1667) Scottish Field Marshal and diplomat, a Count of the Holy Roman Empire who served as Imperial Ambassador to Naples, Rome in 1645 and to Constantinople in 1665-66. A curious L.S., W Leslie, five pages, folio, n.p., 31st December 1644, (‘ultimo dell’Anno nuovo 1644’), to His Excellency. The first three and a half pages of the letter are written in code, comprising sixty-five lines of numerals, closely written and without obvious breaks, immediately continuing with Italian text, in which Leslie reports of the enemy having taken possession of the town of Pegau, thereby extending the area of occupied territory to the borders of Bohemia, also making reference to Raimondi Montecuccoli, Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, who is travelling to seek the assistance of the Elector, and further writing of the esteem in which his correspondent is held (‘There is no Prince in the whole of Germany who shows so much affection towards Your Excellency’) and that there is no one in the Court who do not wish to see him return to the command of the army, including those who previously spoke badly of him, and also seeking license to travel to Spain. It is possible that the second half of Leslie’s letter is a transcript of the first half, although this would seem illogical, and therefore a more probable explanation of the code is that it contained content of a more sensitive nature than Leslie was prepared to write conventionally. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, and a couple of small tears to the edges, VG    Raimondi Montecuccoli (1609-1680) Italian-born soldier who served the Habsburg Monarchy. He was also a Prince of the Holy Roman Empire and Duke of Melfi, in the Kingdom of Naples.

[GUNPOWDER PLOT]: HOWARD THOMAS: (1561-1626) 1st Earl of Suffolk. English Admiral who commanded the Golden Lion in the attack on the Spanish Armada in 1588. Howard later served as Lord Chamberlain of the Household (c.1603-14) and as Lord High Treasurer 1614-18. In 1605 Howard was privy to communications relating to the Gunpowder Plot and examined the cellar in the House of Lords where he discovered the brushwood concealing the gunpowder and the plot subsequently collapsed. Howard was commissioned to investigate and try the plotters. A good D.S., T Suffolke, one page, slim folio, n.p., 25th August 1613. The manuscript document is a warrant for payment and states, in part, 'Henry Marten doctor of the Civil laws the king's advocate and Levynus Munck Clerk of his majesty's signet employed commissioners into the Palatinate for the settling of the Princess Elizabeth her jointure, humbly demand allowance for their charges of transportation to and fro according to the Privy Seal of his majesty dated the eighth April 1613 the sum of £150 14s 0d. They further demand allowance for their entertainment of diet at four marks by the day, beginning from the first of March last past, and ending the twentieth of August inclusive, according to the said Privy Seal £922 13s 4d', the warrant totalling £1073 7s 4d. Signed by both Marten and Munck at the foot, acknowledging receipt of £400 0s 0d, and signed by Suffolk beneath and further countersigned by Julius Caesar (1558-1636) English lawyer, judge and politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer 1606-14. With blank integral leaf. Some light age wear and minor staining at the folds, about VG    Sir Henry Marten (1562-1641) English judge and politician who served as Judge of the High Court of Admiralty 1617-41. Marten was made King's advocate on 3rd March 1609 and in March 1613 was sent abroad in connection with the marriage settlement of the Lady Elizabeth. Levinus Munck (c.1568-1623) English politician, Member of Parliament for Great Bedwyn in 1601. Munck served as Chief Secretary to Sir Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, from 1602-12. In 1613 he was sent on diplomatic business to the Low Countries and afterwards accompanied the Princess Elizabeth to Heidelberg following her marriage to the Elector Palatine. By this time he held the appointment of Clerk to the Signet and was also receiving interest on money loaned to the Crown. Elizabeth Stuart (1596-1662) Electress consort of the Palatinate 1613-23 and Queen consort of Bohemia 1619-20, known as the 'Winter Queen'. Eldest daughter of King James VI and I of Scotland, England and Ireland and his wife, Anne of Denmark.  A significant intention of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 was to assassinate Elizabeth's father and the Protestant aristocracy, kidnap the nine-year-old Elizabeth from Coombe Abbey, and place her on the throne of England - and presumably the thrones of Ireland and Scotland - as a Catholic monarch.

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