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MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II & VITTORIO EMANUELE III (1869-1947) King of Italy 1900-46. Multiple D.S., Mussolini, and Vittorio Emanuele, two pages, folio, Santa Anna di Valdieri, 14th August 1936, year XIV, in Italian. The partially printed document being a decree according to which the King of Italy cancels a decree approved in 1928 which ordered the suspension of Captain Roberto di Angelo. Signed by the King and by Mussolini in bold black ink to the verso. With two official contemporary ink stamps to the verso, one of the war Minister. Small pinholes to the left edge as a result of its detachment. About VG

MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II. T.L.S., Mussolini, two pages, folio, Rome, 17th December 1925, to Sire, on the printed stationery of the Minister of War, in Italian. Mussolini writes in connection with the discipline of Luigi Nasi, a member of the Alpine Guards, who is to be suspended from military privileges for very grave reasons. Some small file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG

EICHMANN ADOLF: (1906-1962) Nazi SS-Obersturmbannfuhrer, known as the 'architect of the Holocaust.' An extremely rare, lengthy and significant Autograph Manuscript Signed, with his initial E, four pages, folio, n.p. (Jerusalem), n.d. (c. June 1961), in German. The manuscript represents Eichmann's instructions, in seven numbered sections, to his Defence Attorney, Robert Servatius, ahead of the day's proceedings at the Jerusalem District Court during Eichmann's trial and state, in part, '1.) ….concerning the documents of the 24.6.61, pages 12 to 25, a) Factual inaccuracies b) Important things aren't mentioned at all, [in fact] important documents are ignored c) Namely the Lidice-issue is inside, but my compilation “special treatment” was not given to me by Dr. Wechtenbruch, because he believed “Lidice” didn't come in today yet. 2.) To save what can still be saved a) Please don't ask me about what I said about document 912 (testimony Sievers)…..it complicates the whole matter and resolves nothing…..Therefore today I am compelled to answer mostly by my own way. 3.) Please do not discuss the document 396….because it is hung in limbo without coherence; while the documents 1254 + 1255 (“According to the order RFSS the Jews are hanged”) are recorded as dropped. Why that???? It should be brought!!! 4.) Namely the “Lidice” instance is on turn, but instead and for nothing else I would need my special elaboration about the special treatment; Poles….Jews. Today I gave the file to Dr. Wechtenbruch, so he can incorporate it, but unfortunately it wasn't done; I shall get it back tomorrow. I couldn't have guessed, that “Lidice” wasn't [scheduled] for today because Dr. W. [withheld] my special treatment note, nevertheless for today no “program” remains and “Lidice” is scheduled for tomorrow…….6.) After these “preparations” I have the biggest concerns, because we didn't discuss this matter yet. Therefore I beg you, to ask me as few as possible…..I wish to skip “Lidice” (doc. 557 to 914) to skip “Ganzenmuller” (doc. 1253 + 1537) to skip “Execution” (doc. 1254 to 396) the only solution would be to schedule it for tomorrow. Because then the matter would be cohesive and [could be] discussed and submitted in more detail…..therefore to avoid giving the impression as if I want to hide something, when nothing is to hide. 7.) Doc. 1531….does not respond to that, what the indictment accused me in this regard. Namely if SS Leaders Burger and Linka (?) are my subordinates, as the indictment claims…..' Signed by Eichmann at the conclusion of the third page. The fourth page bears a further brief note (later crossed through) concerning documents numbered 1129 to 1140 which are in brown folder number 2. An exceptional document relating to one of history's most important war crimes trials which resulted in Israel's only judicial execution to date. Accompanied by a complete English translation. VG Robert Servatius (1894-1983) German Lawyer known for his defence of Nazi war criminals including Adolf Eichmann. Servatius was assisted at Eichmann's trial by the legal assistant Dieter Wechtenbruch. The Lidice Massacre took place in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (now the Czech Republic) in June 1942 and saw the whole village destroyed on the orders of Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler. The massacre was an act of reprisal for the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich and the genocide totalled 340 deaths including 82 children who were later exterminated after having been transferred to the Chelmno concentration camp on the orders of Adolf Eichmann. During his trial Eichmann faced four counts of crimes against humanity against non-Jews, including his participation in the Lidice Massacre. He was found guilty for deportation of part of the population of Lidice, but not for the massacre itself.

HIMMLER HEINRICH: (1900-1945) Nazi German Politician, Reichsfuhrer of the Schutzstaffel (SS) 1929-45. An important war-time D.S., H. Himmler, in bold lack ink, two pages, folio, Berlin, 16th January 1939. The partially printed typed document, in German, bears the printed heading “Der Reichsfuhrer - SS - Chef der Deutschen Polizei in Reichsministerium des Innern”, (“Reichsfuhrer SS, Chief of the German Police in the Ministry of the Interior”, and is addressed to the Reich Commissioner in Vienna for the Reunification of Austria with the German Reich. The document refers to the order of taking over the budget of the Austrian federal police and gendarmerie, stating in part `Mr. Reich Commissioner, Mr. Klausner informed you of these questions, and….informed the Inspector of the Office in Vienna about this order, obliging you to take over the Austrian Federal Police and Gendarmerie budget. With regard to such urgent regulation, which I consider..´ Bearing alongside Himmler´s signature a Nazi ink stamp with the eagle and swastika. With few official ink stamps and contemporary hand registry annotations to both pages. Four binder holes to the left border, not affecting the text or signatures. G to VG

[HIMMLER HEINRICH]: (1900-1945) Nazi German Politician, Reichsfuhrer of the Schutzstaffel (SS) 1929-45. An exceptional D.S. by fifteen high ranking members of the Schutzstaffel (SS) individually, one page, large folio (12 x 15), n.p. (Berlin?), 7th October 1937. The document, in German, takes the form of a letter presented to Himmler on the occasion of his birthday and states, in full, 'All the department chiefs and inspectors at the S.S. Head Office remember you today with the warmest best wishes for the following year. All of us know no finer duty than to be allowed to work in the SS organisation, under your command, for the Fuhrer and for Germany. We have only the single wish - that you may always, in dark hours, feel how firmly your closest colleagues stand behind you, as a sworn company, prepared for any action'. The fifteen signatories comprise August Heissmeyer (1897-1979; German SS functionary, commanded the SS Main Office 1935-39), Friedrich-Wilhelm Kruger (1894-1945; German SS-Obergruppenfuhrer, Higher SS and Police Leader 1939-43), Theodor Eicke (1892-1943; German SS functionary, one of the key figures in the development of Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust serving as the second commandant of Dachau concentration camp 1933-34. Eicke was also one of the executioners of SA Chief Ernst Rohm during the Night of the Long Knives purge), Walter Schmitt (1879-1945; German SS-Obergruppenfuhrer, Chief of Personnel at the SS Main Office 1934-42), Oswald Pohl (1892-1951; German SS functionary, head of the SS Main Economic and Administrative Office and the head administrator of the Nazi concentration camps), Paul Hausser (1880-1972; German General, a high-ranking Commander in the Waffen-SS), Richard Herrmann (1895-1941; German Brigade Leader and Major General of the Waffen-SS), Ernst Sachs (1880-1956; German SS-Obergruppenfuhrer and General of the Waffen-SS, Chief of SS Communications and German Police 1940-44), Leo Petri (1876-1961; German SS-Gruppenfuhrer, Head of the Office for Security Tasks at the SS Main Office), Friedrich Hauser (1898-1943; German SS-Brigadefuhrer, Commander of SS Sector Koblenz 1940-43), Heinrich Gartner (1897-1963; German SS Major General, Chief of Supply at the SS Main Office 1937-40), Friedrich Dermietzel (1899-1981; German SS Major General, Chief Medical officer at the SS Main Office 1936-40), Hermann Haertel (1893-1970; German SS Major General, Chief of Welfare at the SS Main Office 1939-44), Rudolf Creutz (1896-1980; Austrian Nazi SS Major General, involved in the implementation of racial resettlement programmes in the Occupied Territories) and Paul Scharfe (1876-1942; German SS General, Chief of the SS Legal Department 1936-42). Professionally matted in black above a printed English translation and brief biographical details of the signatories and framed and glazed to an overall size of 17.5 x 28. Rare. Some very minor, light staining, otherwise VG

DANTON GEORGES: (1759-1794) Leading figure of the French Revolution and first President of the Committee of Public Safety. Danton voted for the death of Louis XVI in 1793. Guillotined by the advocates of revolutionary terror. An exceptional and rare multiple D.S., Danton, three pages, large folio, Paris, 15th September 1792, in French. The hand written decree states to the heading "Au Nom de la Nation - Le Comité Exécutif Provisoire" ("In the name of the Nation - the Provisional Executive Committee") and is signed by Danton in his capacity as President of the recently created committee, stating in part `Considering that some locations have been given after treason to the enemies of the homeland, who distress and devastate our boundary and with numerous armies threaten the inside of the Kingdom. Considering that in a time when the danger to our Homeland is imminent, no extraordinary decision has to be avoided..´ Danton further appoints citizen François Joseph Westermann as commissar and assistant to the head-quarters of the Ardennes army under Commandant Dumouriez, expecting a daily report and the execution of the decrees issued by the Executive Committee.Also signed by several members of the Provisional Executive Committee, including GASPARD MONGE (1746-1818) Count de Péluse. French Mathematician, credited as the inventor of the descriptive geometry. Monge served as Minister of the Marine from August 1792 to April 1793. The present letter is signed during this short period of eight months; ETIENNE CLAVIERE (1735-1793) Genevan-French Financier and Politician. Minister of Finance in 1792. In August 1792 he was given charge of the finances in the provisional Executive Committee. Arrested in June 1793 for unknown reasons, he remained in Prison until December, when he committed suicide the day before appearing before the Revolutionary Tribunal; PIERRE-HENRI LEBRUN-TONDU (1754-1793) French Foreign Minister in 1792, and same year and temporarily of the Minister of war. A strong advocate of the immediate peace with Prussia and of the annexation of Belgium and the Netherlands. Lebrun-Tondu signed the execution of King Louis XVI. Arrested and executed in 1793; JOSEPH MARIE SERVAN DE GERBEY (1741-1808) French General. He served twice as Minister of War. The letter bears an attractive Pro Patria watermark. Folded. Small repair to the verso to the union of the two pages, otherwise G On 10th August 1792, only a month before the present letter was signed, the popular forces marched on the Tuileries ending with the French monarchy the day after. With the fall of the King, the six existing ministers created the 12th August 1792 the Provisional Executive Committee in charge of converting into law the decrees approved by the citizens representatives.Danton was also appointed Minister of Justice on 10th August 1792, holding the post only until 9th October same year. The present document was signed by Danton during that very short period of two months.

WIRION LOUIS: (1764-1810) French General of the Gendarmerie. Rare A.L.S., Wirion, one page, folio, Verdun, 23rd January 1804, to the Minister of war, in French. The document bears at the heading an attractive and rare French Revolution vignette "In Legibus Salus". Wirion, in his capacity as Commandant of the Verdun position, supports a request received from `Edouard de Ste-Croix, English from Jersey, prisoner in Verdun, demanding an authorization allowing him to return to Laval, in the Mayenne department…It has been attested that this prisoner suffers an illness that is called Epilepsy..´ The document bears a large watermark. Folded. Very small, minor overall age wear. VG   Wirion shot himself in the head at the Bois de Boulogne after having been accused of prevarication and exploitation of English prisoners in Verdun.

BERTHIER LOUIS ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. A very interesting D.S., Alex Berthier, a large and good signature example, one page, folio, Milan, 9th December 1796, to General Dumas, in French. The partially printed document bears the heading of the General Chief of Staff, Milan Head-Quarters, and states in part `The General in Chief orders General Dumas to consider as null and void the order he was given to replace General Dallemagne, commander of one of the divisions of the siege of Mantua..´ With blank integral leaf. Three pinholes not affecting the text or signature. VG                          Thomas Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie (1762-1806) French General during revolutionary wars. Father of Alexandre Dumas the Author. Dumas was one of the highest-ranking men of African descent ever to lead a European army, and the first person of color in the French military to become General.Claude Dallemagne (1754-1813) French General who fought in the American Revolutionary War and later in the French revolutionary wars, and took part in the 1796 Italian campaign under Napoleon Bonaparte.     The Siege of Mantua lasted from July 1796 to February 1797. French forces under Napoleon Bonaparte besieged and blockaded a large Austrian garrison at Mantua until it surrendered. This surrender, together with the heavy losses incurred, led the Austrians suing for peace in 1797.

[DUNDAS HENRY]: (1742-1811) 1st Viscount Melville. Scottish Politician who served as Secretary of State for War 1794-1801. Contemporary manuscript copy of Secret Intelligence, the original having been sent with a letter from Dundas dated 16th June 1798, four pages, folio, n.p., n.d. (1798). The secret intelligence report, in an unidentified hand, states, in part, 'A Monsr. Faujas de St. Fond (known as a man of letters before the Revolution) arrived at Frankfort a few days ago. He is employed by the French Government to make enquiries into subjects of natural History. The Abbe de Lisle is here likewise in his way to Brunswick, he was visited by Faujas…..who in conversation informed him that the Expedition from Toulon was certainly destined to Egypt, that it had long been in agitation; that Buonaparte had formed the plan……the army under Buonaparte consisted of 40,000 men, the elite of the French Troops, which would be gradually reinforced, and that all the principal officers in every Corps and Department of the Army were chosen by Buonaparte; that the project was, after having secured possession of certain parts of Egypt, to take the nearest route by Arabia, thro' Persia, cross the Indus nearly where Alexander did, and from thence advance into the British Territories……He observed that this enterprise embraced a number of great public objects, as well as many private views; that Buonaparte saw in it an ample field for gratifying his ambition and perhaps a prospect of establishing himself in some great and independent situation, which he could scarcely have done in Italy. Mr. Foujas pretended also that the projected Invasion of England was intended merely to create expense, excite apprehension, and cover this expedition so as to prevent the British Ministry from taking measures for the security of their Asiatic Dominions'. A few neat splits to the edges of some folds, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, G Barthelemy Faujas de Saint-Fond (1741-1819) French Geologist & Traveller.

BERNADOTTE JEAN BAPTISTE: (1763-1844) Marshal of France, Prince de Pontecorvo and King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway 1818-44. D.S., `J.B. Bernadotte´, two pages, folio, Paris, 16th August 1799, to the administrators of supplies, in French. The partially printed document shows the heading of the war ministry, and Bernadotte requests  `..the maximum order in the way we have control of the use of funds which will be given to us for the purchase of the equipments and goods for the military convoys..´ With blank address leaf, bearing an ink stamp of the Minister of war, and with very small area of paper loss due to the opening. G

BERNADOTTE JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1763-1844) Marshal of France, Prince de Pontecorvo and King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway 1818-44. L.S., J.B. Bernadotte, with large flourish underneath, with holograph sentence, two pages, folio, Hanover, 3rd September 1804, to General Rivaud, in French. Bernadotte announces that `The Bremen Senate has accepted to make a loan of one million to the Hanover States..´ further saying `..please inform that I wish to have the first five hundred thousand paid in three weeks time... Because we need money to grant the troops salaries..´ The document bears a watermark dated 1801. With blank integral leaf, folded. With two small tears to the lower edge and fold, otherwise VG    Olivier Rivaud (1766-1839) served the Hanover States since 1803, and was later appointed commandant of the 2nd division in the Grande Armée under Bernadotte.

EBLÉ JEAN BAPTISTE: (1758-1812) French general in charge of bridge equipment in the Grande Armée. Credited with saving Napoleon´s Grande Armée from destruction in 1812. Eblé leaded the building of two of the three bridges built over the Berezina river in November 1812. He waited as long as he could before burning them, allowing the maximum number of troops crossing. Appointed General for his behaviour and achievements, he died of exhaustion thirteen days after. An excellent and attractive L.S., Eblé, one page, folio, Cassel, 8th January 1809, in French. The document bears to the heading a rare and attractive vignette of the Westphalia Kingdom, Ministry of war. Eblé, in his capacity as Minister of war of the Kingdom of Westphalia, under King Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, orders `Monsieur Gerard, aide de camp, must reach Amsterdam to deliver dispatches, one to H.E. the Minister of war of H.M. the King of Holland, the other one to H.E. Baron of Munchausen, Plenipotentiary Minister and Envoy Extraordinary of H.M. the Kink of Westphalia. Military and civil authorities will give assistance..´ At the base of the document, Baron of Munchausen has annotated three lengthy lines in his hand, acknowledging receipt and returning response. Bearing to the front two red wax seals in fine condition. Small overall minor age wear, mostly to upper edge, slightly trimmed. G Louis Bonaparte (1778-1846) King of Holland 1806-10. Younger brother of Napoleon Bonaparte.

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. 

OUDINOT NICOLAS: (1767-1847) Marshal of France. Duc de Reggio. L.S., `Le Ml. Duc de Reggio´, one page, folio, Paris, 26th June 1811, to Count of Montesquiou, President of the legislative corps, in French. Oudinot kindly requests to his correspondent the appointment of a Deputy of La Meuse, recommending the grant of the Legion d´Honneur award, and stating in part `..I recommend my compatriot and friend for his virtues, his education and his loyalty to the Emperor…I would see with great pleasure that a deputy of my department receive such a honour granted several times in the past by His Majesty to members of this respectable corps..´ With blank integral leaf. Very small overall minor age wear and creasing. Folded. G  Pierre de Montesquiou-Fezensac (1764-1834) French Politician and Soldier. Montesquiou was appointed Grand Chamberlain of the Empire in 1809, replacing Talleyrand.

WELLINGTON DUKE OF: (1769-1852) Anglo-Irish Field Marshal, the Victor of Waterloo, 1815. British Prime Minister 1828-30, 1834. A good 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.

RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN 1812: An excellent selection of three documents signed by three French Generals, all of them killed during the Russian Campaign of 1812, comprising Jean Louis Romeuf (1766-1812) Brigade-General, Governor of the Duchy of Warsaw and friend of Lafayette. Romeuf died after a cannon ball hit him at the Battle of Borodino (Bataille de la Moskova). Napoleon´s surgeon, Dominique Larrey, tried in vain to save his life on the battle field. Rare A.L.S., Romeuf, one page, 4to, Hamburg, n.d., to a military inspector, in French. Romeuf reports on `..the new organization of the 1st, 3rd & 5th divisions of Cuirassiers..´; Jean-Claude Roussel (1771-1812) French General killed at Ostrovno, by a French outpost sentinel who thought by mistake that Roussel was an enemy. Attractive multiple D.S., `Roussel´, one page, folio, Reggio, 19th July 1800, to Benjamin Battu, in French. The document, showing the printed heading of the infantry army of Italy, being a certificate indicating that Battu cannot continue serving `..because of his woundsas a result of the Khoel affair, on 2nd Frimaire, year five..´ Countersigned by several members of the administration Council. Bearing an attractive red wax seal to the left border in fine condition; and Jean-Victor Tharreau (1767-1812) French General killed at the Battle of Borodino (Bataille de Moskova). L.S., J.V. Tharaud, one page, 8vo, n.p., 9th March 1800, in French. The document, bearing the heading of the Army of the Rhine, is an order given by Tharreau to evacuate Plobsheim which has been by mistake occupied by the 3rd battalion, instead of Plaishem, stating in part `…I order to evacuate it as well as the location of Eschau..´ Small repair to the verso, due to clipped small area where correspondent´s name was.  Very small overall age wear, otherwise VG, 3

GOUVION SAINT-CYR LAURENT DE: (1764-1830) Marshal of France, Marquis de Gouvion Saint-Cyr. L.S., `Le M.al Gouvion St Cyr´, two pages, folio, Paris, 12th February 1819, on the Ministry of War printed stationery, to Baron Dubreton, Lieutenant General and Commandant of the 5th military division, in French. Gouvion refers to his predecessor´s order to all Lieutenant Generals of the military divisions, indicating that it was forbidden to add anything to the published proclamations unless it was authorized by the war ministry, and further states in part `The King has been informed that several officers or chiefs of corps have allowed themselves to publish daily orders which were not related to the service…´ Gouvion Saint-Cyr further reports on the King´s orders related to these proclamations. The letter bears a very small ink collection stamp at the base. VG 

BONAPARTE ELISA: (1777-1820) Grand Duchess of Tuscany 1809-14. Younger sister of Napoleon Bonaparte. Wife of Felix Baciocchi. A good L.S., 'Elisa', one page, small 4to, 15th December 1812, to the Minister of War, in French. Elisa gives him the information he needed 'about the alleged engaging attempts with the enemy on the Island of Elba…' It seems that there is no evidence to confirm General Duval's opinion. She further states 'General Duval's assumptions seem to be contradicted by some circumstances recalled in the attached report…'. And before concluding she states that if this would have happened 'the culprits would be immediately brought before a military commission…' Overall creasing with repair to verso. Together with Felix Baciocchi (1762-1841) General of the First French Empire, Prince of Lucca and Piombino.  L.S., 'Félix', one page, folio, Massa, 20th January 1808, to the Crown treasurer of Westphalia, Monsieur Duchambon, in French. Félix regrets to see him leaving his post as Head Intendant of his House, and states 'moving to the service of the beloved Monarch to whom I am linked by the ties of blood, you remain close to me…' Folded. With blank integral leaf. Small overall age wear. About G, 2  Henri Jacques Clarke (1765-1818) Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24. Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon.

MARIE LOUISE DUCHESS OF PARMA: (1791-1847) Austrian Archduchess, the second wife of Napoleon. Empress of the French 1810-14. A good, large D.S., Marie Louise, as Regent Empress on behalf of Napoleon, one page (vellum), large oblong folio, Imperial Palace, St. Cloud, 3rd July 1813, in French. The partially printed document relates to Louis Pierre de Sainson, Lieutenant Colonel serving the King of Westphalia in his engineer topographic cabine, who is authorized to remain under the service of the King, having consulted a report given by the Minister of Justice, he `..Swears the oath to H.M. the King of Westphalia..´ under the rules given according to Imperial decree of the 6th April 1809 and 26th August 1811. Signed by the Empress at the foot, also bearing several countersignatures. A document in very fine condition. With the reputed Crawford collection ink stamp provenance to the bottom right corner. VG Jerome Bonaparte (1784-1860) King of Westphalia 1807-13 as Jerome I. Youngest brother of Napoleon I. 

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14,1815. Autograph annotations in the hand of Napoleon I, to a written document entitled “List of persons who request the honour of being introduced to His Majesty the Emperor & King”, two pages, folio, Paris, 21st February 1813, in French. The cleanly written document lists nine persons, including a short description of each of them. Napoleon annotates `X´, a bold cross alongside six of these requests, may be refusing the meeting as each of these six names are crossed in pencil in another hand.  To a further one Napoleon annotates `faire faire un rapport´(“order to make a report”) alongside the request of “Mr. de Choiseul Meuse, aged 43, grandson of a Knight of the Order, has been Cavalry Captain before Revolution, aide-de-camp to Marshal de Choiseul Bainville, and embassy attaché to Constantinople. He is the cousin of C. Choiseul Praslin, Chamberlain of the Emperor”; Napoleon further annotates `idem´, requesting a report for “Mr. de Sorbin-Janson, aged 30, son of the Colonel of the Anjou regiment, a man with a very good family from Provence, having in his family Cardinals, Admirals, etc… with a considerable fortune..”. Among the persons requesting the meeting were included “Mr. Maurice de Balincourt, Chamberlain of Her Majesty the Queen of Spain”, and “Monsieur le Chevalier Suchet, brother of Marshal Duke of Albufera…general Administrator of Tobacco. He owns a considerable fortune..”.  To the centre of the front page, annotated by Edouard Mounier `Renvoyé par ordre de l´Empereur au Grand Chambellan, à Paris le 21 Février 1813´(“Sent back by order of the Emperor to the Grand Chamberlain, at Paris 21st February 1813”). At the base of the second page, a second list of seven names is written, beneath the underlined title “Taking the Oath”. The second name listed being “Mr. Baron de Flahaut, Brigade General, aide-de-camp to the Emperor". Paper with attractive Pro Patria watermark. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the detailed report requested by Napoleon I about Mr. de Choiseul. Small overall minor age wear, otherwise about VG, 2                                                                                               Edouard Mounier (1784-1843) French Politician. Appointed Baron by Napoleon I in 1809 when Mounier was previously appointed his secretary. Charles Joseph de Flahaut (1785-1870) Count of Flahaut. Son of Charles Maurice de Talleyrand. French statesman and General during the Napoleonic Wars. Former aide-de-camp to Joachim Murat, he was later appointed aide-de-camp to the Emperor. Later in life French Ambassador to England.

CHARLES V: (1500-1558) Holy Roman Emperor 1519-56, and King Charles I of Spain 1516-56. Grandson of the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand & Isabella. He brought together such extensive territories in western, central and southern Europe, and the Spanish colonies in America and Asia. So large were his domains that they were described as 'The Empire on which the sun never sets'. A fine L.S., `Yo el Rey´, a bold and large good signature example, one page, folio, Valladolid, 22nd February 1523, to Rodrigo Celdran, in old Castilian. Writing in his capacity as King Charles I of Spain, the King orders to give this letter to his General Lieutenant in the principality of Catalogne and counties of Roussillon and Sardinia, ordering to send to `..father Pedro de Cardona, Archbishop of Tarragona, fifty halberdiers who we send to him so he keeps them as guards of his person, in order that he can in a better way and more freely administrate justice..´, further referring to the payment and amounts of their salaries, their ranks, their Captain in charge of the weapons, the horses, etc…. Countersigned by Raphael de Soannes. Overall minor age wear, with three extremely small holes not affecting the signature and slightly trimmed edges with few stains. G Pedro de Cardona (1445-1530) Appointed Bishop of Urgel in 1472, and further of Tarragona in 1515. General Lieutenant of the principality of Catalogne.

FERDINAND II: (1578-1637) Holy Roman Emperor 1619-37. As a zealous Catholic, Ferdinand wanted to restore the Catholic Church as the only religion in the Empire and to wipe out any form of religious dissent. His acts against Protestantism caused the Thirty Years´ War which left the Holy Roman Empire devastated, its cities in ruins, and its population took a century to recover. Rare L.S., `Ferdinandus´, two pages, folio, Graz, 29th July 1606, to Cardinal Visconti, in Italian. Ferdinand II reports on the excellent work achieved by Pater Marco Antonio Gabiano with the children of the San Francisco order `..in the provinces of my states of Styria and Carinthia, with a good governing, religious behaviour and monastic observance…considering his zeal of his and to my full satisfaction, I pray from deep in my heart your S[ignoria] I[llustrisima] to make me a favour so that the said father is confirmed for another three years…´ Bearing to the adress leaf a five lines annotation in the hand and signed by the Emperor´s correspondent, Archbishop Visconti, and a small red wax seal. Small repair to the Edge, otherwise G

PHILIP IV: (1605-1665) King of Spain 1621-65 and King Philip III of Portugal 1621-40. A very interesting L.S., `Yo el Rey´, one page, folio, Madrid, 29th June 1621, addressed to Antonio de la Cueva, in Spanish. The King refers to the truce time expired and to the attacks his navy is suffering, and states in part `Don Antonio de la Cueva, in charge of the galleys of Spain, you know how many days have past since the truce agreed with the rebel islands of Holland ended, and that they have started with hostile acts, leaving the whole in the same situation it was before the truce was established. We inform you that we have learned, after receiving a letter dated 7th, that the ships of the islands which were remaining at the port of Venice will, twenty-five of them leave Venice in the next few days…with the intention of making the maximum harm to my ships..´ The King further reports on the tactics used by the enemy, orders received and how they try to remain unnoticed. The present letter was written only three months after Philip III passed away and Philip IV ascended to throne Countersigned by Martin de Arostegui. Overall age wear and creasing with left edge trimmed. FR

JOANNA OF AUSTRIA: (1535-1573) Princess of Portugal. Daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and mother of King Sebastian of Portugal. She served as Regent of Spain to her brother King Philip II, during his trip to England to marry Mary I of England. Rare L.S., `Yo la Princessa´, one page, folio, Valladolid, 7th February 1559, in old Spanish. On behalf of her brother the King of Spain, Princess Joanne authorizes Don Rodrigo de Narvaez y Rojas, Mayor of Antequera, to bind his belongings for the purchase of a land property. A lengthy and carefully written text. Countersigned. Bearing to the verso a large royal paper seal affixed. A large water stain to the upper and lower borders, although not affecting the signature. Overall creasing and age wear, with few tears to the centre fold. F to G  At the age of sixteen Joanna married the fourteen years old Prince John Manuel of Portugal, her double first cousin. Less than two years later, aged sixteen, Prince John Manuel died of tuberculosis, however Joanna was pregnant. Four months after giving birth to future King Sebastian, Princess Joanna aged nineteen, returned to Spain, leaving her new-born son with her mother-in-law and aunt Catherine of Austria, Queen of Portugal and younger sister of Charles V. Joanne died at the early age of 38, and few years later her son Sebastian, King of Portugal, aged 24, died at the Battle of the Three Kings in Morocco. As a result of his death, Philip II of Spain became King of Portugal.

ALFONSO XIII: (1886-1941) King of Spain 1886-1931. An excellent L.S., `Alfonso RH´, one page, folio, Palace of Madrid, 11th July 1912, to the President of the Peru Republic, in Spanish. The document bears the heading “Don Alfonso XIII, by the grace of God and the Constitution, King of Spain” in bold black ink large letters. Alfonso XIII, as King, announces the appointment of his plenipotentiary Minister to the Republic of Peru, Mr. Andres Lopez Muñoz, a Knight of the Charles III Royal Order and Commander of the Royal Order of Isabel the Catholic. Alfonso XIII grants his Ambassador´s loyalty and serious work and expects he will approve such appointment. Countersigned at the base by the Minister of State Manuel Garcia Prieto. Quality paper with A. Pirie & Sons 1905 watermark. With blank integral leaf. Two binder holes to the left border. VG

WILLIAM I: (1533-1584) Prince of Orange 1544-84, Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland and Utrecht 1559-67, 1572-84. The Prince, also known as William the Silent, was the main leader of the Dutch Revolt against the Spanish Habsburgs that set off the Eighty Years’ War 1568-1648. L.S., Wilhelm Printz zu Oranien, Graff zu Nassau Catzenelnbogen, two pages, folio, Brussels, 20th June 1559, to Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, in German. William I states that his loyal servant, George Lange, has arrived in Brussels with him and has handed Ferdinand I’s letter to him, referring to repeatedly sought contributions to the Reichshulffen and emphatically answering that the outstanding debts and claims do not affect him, but rather the King of Spain, and also mentioning Margaret of Parma. With integral address leaf bearing a blind embossed paper seal. Some light staining and minor age wear and with a few small tears to the edges, G A wealthy nobleman, William the Silent originally served the Habsburgs as a member of the court of Margaret of Parma, Governor of the Spanish Netherlands. Unhappy with the centralisation of political power away from the local estates and with the Spanish persecution of Dutch Protestants, William joined the Dutch uprising and turned against his former masters. The most influential and politically capable of the rebels, he led the Dutch to several successes in the fight against the Spanish. Declared an outlaw by King Philip II of Spain in 1580, William was assassinated in Delft in 1584.

[LOUIS XIII OF FRANCE]: (1601-1643) King of France 1610-43 and King of Navarre 1610-20. Son of Henry IV. Louis XIII ascended the throne at the early age of nine when his father was assassinated. His mother the Queen Marie de´ Medici acting as Regent. Louis XIII took power in 1617 by exiling his mother and executing her Italian followers. An interesting D.S., Louis, by his secretary, one page, folio, Camp de la Rochelle, 27th September 1628, to the Finance department in Bordeaux, in old French. The cleanly written document refers to the cities of Bordeaux and Montpelier, and further states in part `… of the necessity of our affairs, and on the occasion of the siege of my city of La Rochelle for the payment of salaries… For this reason we have issued a decree containing our intentions´ A letter of interesting content, written during the last days of the long siege of La Rochelle. Countersigned by Raimond Phelypeaux, Treasurer and Secretary of State under King Louis XIII. Addressee to the verso. Small overall age wear, with heavy creasing and one small tear only to the lower edge, but only affecting in part the countersignature, otherwise G The Siege of La Rochelle, alsoº known as the “Grand Siege of La Rochelle” was a result of a war between the French Royal forces of Louis XIII and the Huguenots of La Rochelle in 1627-28. The siege marked the height of the struggle between the Catholics and the Protestants in France, and ended with a complete victory for King Louis XIII and the Catholics.In August 1628, only a month before the present letter was written, a third English fleet was dispatched under the Admiral Earl of Lindsey, consisting of 29 warships and 31 merchantmen. In September 1628, the English fleet tried to relieve the city. But after bombarding French positions and failing to force the sea wall, the English fleet had to withdraw. Following this last disappointment, the city surrendered on 28 October 1628..

ANNE MARIE LOUISE D'ORLEANS: (1627-1693) Duchess of Montpensier, known as La Grande Mademoiselle. One of the greatest heiresses in history, the Duchess died unmarried and childless. D.S., Anne Marie Louise Orleans, one page (vellum), large oblong folio, Chateau de Saint-Fargeau, 28th April 1657, in French. The elegantly penned document is addressed to the Treasurer of the Household and is a warrant relating to the appointment of Paul Piercot as a valet de chambre to the Duchess following the departure of Joseph Neron. With a red wax seal affixed and encased in a paper wrapper. A few minor holes, repaired to the verso, only very slightly affecting two words of text and a small part of the signature. About VG

MARIA THERESA: (1638-1683) Queen of France as spouse of King Louis XIV. Maria Theresa of Spain was by birth Infanta as daughter of Philip IV of Spain, and Archduchess of Austria. Her marriage to her cousin Louis XIV was made with the purpose of ending the lengthy war between France and Spain. A good L.S., `Marie Terese´, one page, vellum, oblong folio, Versailles, 8th September 1676, to François Duran, Treasurer General of the Royal house, in old French. The document being the approval and receipt `for the sum of thirty six thousand Louis during the year one thousand six hundred and seventy five, used for our menus-plaisirs according to the King´s wish..´ Countersigned at the base by Guillaume de Brisacier. Folded. Overall age wear, with small area of paper loss to the left border and two pinholes, none affecting the text or signatures. G  The Menus-Plaisirs were an important part of the King´s House organization of ceremonies, parties, court spectacles and King´s pleasures.Guillaume de Brisacier (?-1676) French secretary to the Queen of France.

[LOUIS XVI]: (1754-1793) King of France and Navarre 1774-1791, King of the French 1791-92. The only King of France to have been executed. A good D.S., `Louis´, secretarial, one page, folio, Fontainebleau, 12th November 1770, to Monsieur Louis Henry de Villeneuve, infantry Colonel or the Roussillon regiment, in French. The partially printed document being the appointment of Louis Henry de Villeneuve as Knight of the order of St. Louis, stating in part `I write to you this letter to inform you that I have ordered M. de la Suze, Lieutenant General of my army and Knight of the order, that on my behalf will receive you and admit you as a dignified Knight of the St. Louis order..´ The document bears an attractive paper seal affixed to the left border. Countersigned by `Le Duc de Choiseul´. With addressee to the verso. Few very small tears to the right edge, otherwise G to VG 

BERRYER NICOLAS RENE: (1703-1762) Count of La Ferriere. French Magistrate and Politician. In charge of protecting the relations between the King and Madame de Pompadour. Berryer is well remembered for his service during the Seven Year´s War as Minister of Marine. A good L.S., `Berryer´, with a holograph sentence, one page, folio, Versailles, 7th March 1761, to Mr. Groignard, in French. Berryer reports having received his correspondent´s letter dated 23rd February, explaining his trip to Auray in Bretagne to meet Mr. Mistral and to `.. estimate the fluyt La Fortune that this negotiator asked me to purchase. I was prevented by Mr. Mistral that the negotiator during the inspection of the fluyt had changed his mind and had renounced to the project of purchasing it. I will make the necessary to reimburse you for your expenses as soon as possible.´ Berryer further refers to the lack of funds and to the unavoidable delay for the reimbursement. Above and alongside his signature Berryer adds in his hand `et que Mr. le controleur general que cela regarde directement voudra bien y pourvoir´ (“and that Mr. the general Controler who is directly in charge of this would want to provide”). Paper with a crowned attractive watermark. With left edge trimmed and slightly clipped left bottom edge. Overall age wear and small creasing to edges, otherwise G Berryer was a friend of Madame de Pompadour. She had him named Lieutenant General of police when she became the “Maitress en titre”, (“Official Mistress") to King of France Louis XV. He was later charged with protecting the relations between the King and Pompadour. Berryer created a "cabinet noir" (“black cabinet”), in order to keep postal correspondence between their enemies under surveillance. To this cabinet has been attributed the disgrace of several enemies of madame de Pompadour. According to Tocqueville, Berryer was "a hard, haughty, cruel man, with much ignorance and even more presumption and stubbornness" ("un homme dur, hautain, grossier, avec beaucoup d'ignorance et encore plus de présemption et d'entêtement"). His brutality won him the hatred of the people of Paris.  

CHRISTIAN VII: (1749-1808) King of Denmark and Norway 1766-1808. D.S., Christian, as King, two pages, folio, Copenhagen, 10th December 1772. The manuscript document is untranslated although apparently relates to the Bishopric of Christiania (i.e. Diocese of Oslo) and features the names of Diderik Otto von Grambow (1732-1773; Norwegian Judge) and Frederik Nannestad (1693-1774; Norwegian Theologian, Author & Bishop). With a blind embossed paper seal affixed and also with an oval engraving of the King affixed at a later date. A few tears and minor paper chips to the upper edge, about VG

FREDERICK IX: (1899-1972) King of Denmark 1947-72. D.S., Frederick R, as King, two pages, folio, Amalienborg, 25th June 1948, in Danish. The partially printed document, with an engraved heading, is completed in typescript and is a letter of appointment for the associate professor at Slagelse Municipal High School, Kristen Morten Alfred Brudsig, to be Rector of Nykobing Mors Municipal High School from the 1st July 1948. Countersigned by Hartvig Frisch (1893-1950) Danish Politician who served as Minister of Education 1947-50. With a large blind embossed paper seal affixed. With blank integral leaf. Some light overall creasing, about VG

CHARLES XIII OF SWEDEN: (1748-1818) King of Sweden 1809-18 & King of Norway 1814-1818. With no natural heir, King Charles, the last King of the house Holstein-Gottorp, chose Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, a Napoleon´s Marshal, as his successor King Charles XIV John. An excellent L.S., `Carolus+´, two pages, folio, Stockholm, 22nd October 1816, to the King of the Two Sicilies Ferdinand I, in Latin. Charles XIII sends a friendly letter to Ferdinand I, announcing him the appointment of  J.C. Lagersvard as plenipotentiary Minister of Sweden to the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Countersigned at the base by Gustavus Baron of Wetterstedt. Accompanied by the original envelope bearing an attractive  and large paper seal affixed. With blank integral leaf. The paper bears a “C. Willmott 1814” watermark. Very small tears to the upper and lower edges as a result of the letter opening, not affecting the text or signature. Very small overall minor creasing, otherwise G to VG

ERNST II: (1745-1804) Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg 1772-1804. D.S., as reigning Duke, one page, folio, Gotha, 24th June 1799, in German. The manuscript document is addressed to the Duke's Chamber Councils and regards the inheritance of the spouse of Lotze zu Rada. With integral address leaf (small area of the lower edge neatly excised) and bearing a good red wax seal. VG 

FREDERICK WILLIAM: (1771-1815) German Prince of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel and Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg and Oels. The Prince, known as The Black Duke, served as a military officer who led the Black Brunswickers against French domination in Germany. D.S., at the foot, one page, folio, 26th April 1815, in German. The untranslated manuscript document is a patent relating to Friedrich Stutzer. With a blind embossed seal and blank integral leaf. About VG 

FREDERICK AUGUSTUS III: (1865-1932) King of Saxony 1904-18. The last King of Saxony, Frederick Augustus III voluntarily abdicated following the defeat of the German Empire in World War I. D.S., Friedrich Augustus, as King, one page, folio, Dresden, 15th May 1914, in German. The partially printed document awards the Komturkreuz 2nd Class Order of Merit medal to Privy Councillor Hans Feine, Justiciar of the War Ministry. Also bearing two countersignatures and a blind embossed seal. With a small typed description neatly affixed to the lower edge. VG

WILHELM I: (1797-1888) King of Prussia 1861-88 and the first German Emperor 1871-88. D.S., Wilhelm, three pages, folio, Berlin, 14th March 1885, in German. The manuscript document relates to a Patent dated 5th October 1883 for Colonel Ernst v. Twardowski, Commander of the 1st Bodyguard Grenadier Regiment of Baden. Lightly tipped at the left edge to a card. Some light age wear, VG 

WILHELM II: (1859-1941) German Emperor & King of Prussia 1888- 1918. D.S 'Wilhelm II', one page, folio, Huis Doorn, Holland, 27th January 1936, to Professor Dr. Johann Plesch, London, in German. The partially printed document is a Royal telegram bearing the printed heading “His Majesty the Kaiser and King” beneath a Royal Coat of Arms. Wilhelm II states in full “Thank you very much for the good wishes for my birthday”. Signed at the base in purple pencil. With two binder holes to the left border, not affecting the signature. Small overall age wear, mosstly to edges and two minor tears to the right Edge. G Huis Doorn, was the final residence of Wilhelm II, the last German Kaiser. Exiled after the German defeat in the First World War, Wilhelm II fled to neutral Holland where he lived from 1920 until his death.

WILHELM II: (1859-1941) German Emperor & King of Prussia 1888-1918. D.S., Wilhelm R, three pages, folio, Muncheberg, 19th September 1888, in German. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript relates to a Patent for Lieutenant-Colonel von Podbielski, Commander of the 3rd Hussars regiment of Brandenburg. With a blind embossed seal. Lightly tipped at the left edge to a card. VG

UMBERTO I: (1844-1900) King of Italy 1878-1900. Assassinated. D.S., Umberto, one page, folio, Monza, 21st October 1878, in Italian. The partially printed document is a decree approving a proposal by the Minister for war, relating to infantry second Lieutenant Carlo Bernacchino who has ceased serving the mobile militia as per his request. Signed by the King, on his first year of reign, at the foot. With countersignature. With blank integral leaf. Extremely small pinholes to the spine as a result of its detachment. G to VG

VITTORIO EMANUELE II: (1820-1878) King of Sardinia 1849-61 & King of Italy 1861-78. D.S., Vittorio Emanuele, one page, folio, Florence, 15th December 1870, in Italian. The partially printed document, bearing the heading of “Vittorio Emanuele II - King of Italy” with flourish, is a decree approving a proposal by the Minister of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce relating to the appointment of Alfonso Gossa professor of chemistry at Udine as associate professor at the Italian Industry Museum in Torino. Signed by the King at the foot. With two countersignatures. With blank integral leaf. Small overall age wear, most evident to the edges, otherwise G 

FERDINAND I OF ROMANIA: (1865-1927) King of Romania 1914-27. Nicknamed “The Unifier”. An excellent D.S., `Ferdinand´, one page, folio, Bucarest, 7th June 1916, to Joan Gheorghian, in Romanian. The document, bearing a large printed heading “Ferdinand I, King of Romania” beneath an attractive Royal coat of arms, is a military appointment, stating that according to a decree approved on 17th March 1916, Joan Gheorghian has been appointed as Colonel. Countersigned at the base by the Minister of State. Bearing to the front a large paper seal affixed. VG 

MOVILA IEREMIA: (1555-1606) Voivode of Moldavia 1595-1600 & 1600-06. Very rare L.S., `Hyeremia Boebo´ (“Ieremia Voivod”), two pages, folio, Zuchovica, 20th September 1596, to Reverend Bishop Alphonso, Apostolic Nuncio in Transylvania, in Latin. Movila, in his capacity as Voivode of Moldavia presented to the heading as `Ieremia Movila, By the Grace of God, Prince and life heir of Moldavia….´, refers to the letters received from his correspondent, to the Secretary Simon who has reported a number of messages, and states in part `..Finally, and regarding the Christian Princes, we hope that your Holiness will intercede on our behalf and with insistence, and for this and similar matters dealt we thank to your Illustrious Holiness…´, further saying `..Your Holiness has supported us, and we could value your blinding and abundant affection, which as we expect between Christian Princes will bring and maintain good friendship and peace, and that God with his grace will reward us and our Kingdom…´, and before concluding says `We received the letters from Joanis de Marini, from Prague, and we learned the news and also that our old friendship was well remembered. We deeply rejoice learning that the Christian army… and will become powerful. And we pray God so that he will always concede everything because of the Christian offerings..´ With address leaf, bearing remnants of a former wax seal. Small overall age wear and creasing, otherwise G     

MARIA CHRISTINA PRINCESS OF TRANSYLVANIA: (1574-1621) Princess Consort of Transylvania 1586-98, as spouse of Sigismund Bathory. Maria Christina was elected in 1598, for a period of four months, Sovereign Princess regnant of Transylvania. Rare L.S., `Maria Christierna´, one page, folio, Vynar?, 2nd of December 1596, to Reverend Alphonso, Bishop of Cervia, Italy, in Latin. To the heading, Constance is referred to as Princess of Transylvania, Voivode of Valaquia and `Born Grand Duchess of Austria´. The Princess refers to news received from Poland and to the letters taken in return by her sister to Poland. Marie Christine most probably refers to her elder sister Anne of Austria, Queen of Poland as spouse of King Sigismund III. Anne of Austria would pass away a year later at the very early age of 24.  With address leaf. Slightly irregular edges and overall age wear, with small professional repair to the left edge, otherwise G  In August 1595 Maria Christina married Sigismund Bathory, Prince of Transylvania. The marriage was regarded as a major political gain, as Sigismund, formerly a vassal of the Ottoman Empire, formed close ties with the Holy Roman Emperor. Emperor Rudolf II appointed Sigismund Prince of the Holy Roman Empire and also secured the possession of Transylvania, if the couple remain without offspring. However, this union proved to be completely unhappy. Sigismund, after a disastrous wedding night, refused to consummate the marriage and sent his wife to a fortress in Kovar Vara, where Maria Christina was kept as prisoner. 

SIGISMUND BATHORY : (1573-1613) Also known as SIGISMOND PRINCE OF TRANSYLVANIA. As a child he succeeded his father as Voivode or ruler of Transylvania. Sigismond abdicated in favour of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, and although he returned to his pillaged territories in 1601 with a Polish army, he could not strengthen his position and settled in Poland. In 1605, Holy Roman Emperor and Spanish King Philip III tried to persuade him to return and claim Transylvania, but he refused. He would later be accused of conspiracy and imprisoned by Rudolf II. Rare L.S., `Sigismundus Princeps´, a bold large and attractive signature with flourish, one page, folio, Timisoara, 10th June 1596, to an Italian Bishop Visconti, in Latin. Sigismund refers to his previous two letters and states in part `..what we have insistently requested and once again request… When we did establish our head-quarters at Tomor, and I tried to hinder the struggle, I managed to do so rushing the move, and I managed to do so in a way that they could not expect the move…´ To the heading “Sigismundus by the Grace of God, Prince of Transylvania, Moldavia, Wallachia, and of the Holy Roman Empire, Lord of part of the Kingdom of Hungary…” With address leaf, bearing paper seal affixed in good condition, and remnants of a former red wax seal. Edges very slightly trimmed with very few minor small holes, only one affecting partially the large signature, otherwise G

CONSTANCE OF AUSTRIA: (1588-1631) Queen of Poland 1605-31. Second spouse of King Sigismund III Vasa and mother of King John II Casimir. Very rare L.S., `Constantia´, a bold black ink signature, one page, folio, Tykocin (small town north-east of Poland), 28th October 1630, to Archbishop Larissano, Apostolic Nuncio to Poland, in Latin. To the heading, Constance is referred to as Queen of Poland, Sweden, Grand Duchess of Lusatia, Rusia, Prusia, Masovia, Samogitia and Livonia, `Born Grand Duchess of Austria´. The Queen welcomes the new appointed nuncio to Warsaw, stating in part `..To what an extent your very clean origin and the excellent fame of your qualities precedes you.. We welcome you and your philosophy in this our Royal House.´ Queen Constance died of a stroke few months after the present letter was signed, at the early age of 42. With address leaf, letter from the `Regina´, bearing a royal paper seal affixed. Overall foxing, the text remaining fully legible, otherwise G

VASA JOHN ALBERT: (1612-1634) Polish Cardinal. Son of Sigismund III Vasa and Constance of Austria. Prince Bishop of Warmia and Krakow. Very rare L.S., `Joan Albertus Cardinalis´, one page, folio, Warsaw, 18th August 1633, to Apostolic Nuntio and Archbishop of Larissa Visconti, in Latin. A year before the present letter was written the King of Poland Sigismund III passed away and his elder son Wladyslaw IV, and brother of John Albert, was crowned King of Poland. John Albert thanks his correspondent `Most Illustrious and Reverend and appreciated friend, your singular letters so benevolent towards us..´ and refers to sad news about some individual in Lithuania, to their work to finish and to Lithuanians. With address leaf, bearing a paper seal affixed. Overall age wear and staining. Professionally repaired. F to G John Albert Vasa died at the very early age of 22 in Padua Italy. He was sent by his brother and King of Poland Wladyslaw IV on a diplomatic mission. The cause of his death remains uncertain.

CECILIA QUEEN OF POLAND: (1611-1644) Cecilia Renata of Austria. Queen consort of Poland 1637-44 as spouse of King Wladyslaw IV Vasa. An extremely rare L.S., `Cecilia Regina´, one page, folio, Warsaw, 8th February 1641, to Reverend Monsignor Visconti, Bishop of Larissa, in Italian. The letter states to the heading `Cecilia Renata, by the Grace of God, Queen of Poland and Sweden, Princes of Hungary and Bohemia and Archduchess of Austria´, the Queen thanks her correspondent for the letter received and for the new year´s greetings and sends her best wishes. With address leaf bearing a Royal paper seal affixed. Very small overall creasing. G

ALEXANDER II OF RUSSIA: (1818-1881) Emperor of Russia 1855-81. Assassinated. A good D.S., Alexander, in Cyrillic, two pages, folio, Moscow, 26th August 1856, to Privy Councillor Baron Kridener, in Cyrillic. The partially printed document is a decree according to which Alexander II as Emperor and Autocrat of all Russias bestow the Royal Order of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Prince Vladimir, in recognition of ".. the fifty-nine year zealous service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and for the constant work as Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Minister to the Old Swiss Confederacy, you deserve our Royal recognition..´ Bearing to the second page, beneath the Emperor´s bold black ink signature, a Royal paper seal affixed in fine condition. Countersigned at the base by the Minister of the Imperial Court, Vladimir Adlerberg. With blank integral leaf. VG  

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.

FREDERICK: (1763-1827) Duke of York and Albany, son of King George III. Commander-in-Chief of the Forces 1795-1809. D.S., Frederick FM, one page (vellum), oblong folio, n.p., 25th July 1797. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is a military commission appointing Scheider to be a Cornet in Hompesch's Chasseurs a Cheval. Signed by the Duke of York at the foot and countersigned by his two military secretaries Robert Brownrigg (1758-1833) British General who served as Governor of British Ceylon 1812-20, and Captain Edwin Hewgill (c.1761-1809). Some light overall age wear, about VG The Hompesch Hussars were an auxiliary French regiment of the British Army formed during the French Revolutionary Wars as part of the Armee des Emigres.  

GEORGE IV: (1762-1830) King of the United Kingdom 1820-30. D.S., George R, as King, at the head, one page (vellum), oblong folio, Court at Carlton House, 25th March 1824. The partially printed document, completed in manuscript, is a military commission appointing John Austin to be a Major of the 97th Regiment of Foot commanded by Major General Sir James Lyon. Countersigned at the foot by Robert Peel (1788-1850) British Prime Minister 1834-35, 1841-46, who also served as Home Secretary 1822-27, 1828-30. With blind embossed paper seal affixed. Some very light, extremely minor mottling and a few minor traces of former mounting to the verso, VG

VICTORIA: (1819-1901) Queen of the United Kingdom Great Britain & Ireland 1837-1901.D.S., Victoria R I (minor ink blot to the initial letter), as Queen, at the head, two pages, folio, Court at St. James's, 26th April 1897. The partially printed document grants the Dignity of an Honorary Member of the Fifth Class of the Royal Victorian Order to Monsieur Julien Albert Hully, Station Master at Nice. Countersigned at the foot by Edward Bootle-Wilbraham (1837-1898) 1st Earl of Lathom, in his capacity as Chancellor. With blind embossed circular seal and blank integral leaf. Together with Fleetwood Edwards (1842-1910) English Lieutenant-Colonel, Keeper of the Privy Purse to Queen Victoria 1895-1901. L.S., Fleetwood I. Edwards, one page, folio, Buckingham Palace, 20th May 1897, to Monsieur Julien Albert Hully. The partially printed letter transmits the Queen's warrant 'granting to you the dignity, rank and privileges appertaining or belonging to the Class of the Order into which you have been admitted. With the blind embossed seal of the Royal Victorian Order and blank integral leaf. Also including Francis Knollys (1837-1924) English Courtier, Private Secretary to the Sovereign 1901-13. A.L.S., Francis Knollys, two pages, 8vo, Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London, 15th May 1897, to [Julien Albert Hully]. Knollys states that he has been instructed by the Prince of Wales to acknowledge receipt of Hully's letter 'and to inform you in reply that it gave His Royal Highness much pleasure to hear that the Queen had been pleased to appoint you a Chevalier of the Royal Victorian Order'. With a French translation in an unidentified hand to the integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope (postage stamps neatly removed) hand addressed by Knollys. VG, 3

GEORGE V: (1865-1936) King of the United Kingdom 1910-36. D.S., George R I, as King, at the head, one page, large oblong folio, Court at Saint James, 10th October 1915. The partially printed document appoints Nigel Walter Law to be a Third Secretary 'in Our Diplomatic Service at any of Our Embassies or Legations abroad' and further granting him 'all Power and Authority to do and execute all necessary Writings, Memorials, and Instruments, as also to assist Our Ambassador or Minister at the place where he may be appointed to reside….' . Countersigned at the foot by Edward Grey (1862-1933) 1st Viscount Grey of Falloden, British Statesman who served as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1905-16 and was the main force behind British foreign policy in the era of World War I. With a blind embossed seal. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG

GEORGE V: (1865-1936) King of the United Kingdom 1910-36. D.S., George R I, as King, at the head, one page, folio, Court at Saint James's, 3rd June 1931. The partially printed document grants the Dignity of an Additional Companion of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire to Barry Charles Alfred Lowther, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North West Frontier Province, India. Countersigned at the foot by William Wedgwood Benn (1877-1960) 1st Viscount Stansgate, British Politician who served as Secretary of State for India 1929-31 and Secretary of State for Air 1945-46. With blind embossed seal. VG

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. Fine L.S., `P.Imperador´, a large and bold signature, one page, folio, Palace of Rio de Janeiro, 31st May 1870, to Cardinal Milesi, in Portuguese. The Brazilian Emperor sends a friendly letter to Cardinal Milesi, thanking him for his greetings last Christmas letter. With address leaf bearing a red wax seal, and very small area of paper loss as a result of the letter opening. VG

MAHMUD II: (1785-1839) Sultan of the Ottoman Empire 1808-39. A large folio (20.5 x 29) manuscript document bearing the signature of Mahmud II, the text formed of over twelve lines of untranslated Ottoman Turkish. Some light overall foxing and wear to the faults, resulting in several small holes. About G 

HIROHITO: (1901-1989) Emperor Showa. Emperor of Japan 1926-89. D.S., in Japanese, two pages, folio, n.p. (Fukiage Palace, Tokyo?), 16th August 1960, to Roberto Francisco Chiari Remon, in Japanese. The document is an official diplomatic letter in which Hirohito sends congratulations to Chiari upon his election as President of Panama and further reassures him of the good standing relationships enjoyed by the two countries. Signed by Hirohito in dark black ink beneath the blind embossed Imperial seal of Japan and above a large red chop. Countersigned by Hayato Ikeda (1899-1965, Japanese Prime Minister 1960-64) and Zentaro Kosaka (1912-2000, Japanese Politician, Minister of Foreign Affairs 1960-62, 1976), each in bold black inks and with red chops beneath their signatures. Four file holes to the edge and a heavy vertical fold to each page, only very slightly touching Kosaka's signature, otherwise VGRoberto Francisco Chiari Remon (1905-1981) President of Panama 1949, 1960-64.

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