We found 86082 price guide item(s) matching your search

NO RESERVE Calligraphy.- Shelley (George) Natural Writing in all the hands, with variety of ornaments, engraved portrait & title by George Bickham, engraved dedication and 27 plates, one letterpress leaf, [1709]; The Second Part of Natural Writing..., engraved portrait & title by Bickham, 2 engraved dedications, 7pp. letterpress printed in double-column, final leaf with engraved illustration of quills, 29 engraved plates, one folding at foot, a few shaved at lower edge, text also slightly cropped, [1714], together 2 vol. in 1, the second part with some foxing, the first very clean, later half morocco, [Berlin Kat. 5052], oblong folio, Thomas & John Bowles

NO RESERVE Mining.- Shiers (William) A Familiar Discourse or Dialogue concerning the Mine-Adventure, 2 parts in 1, first edition, 2 folding sheets (pp. numbered 1-4) of a reprint from the folio of 'An abstract of the present state of the mines of Bwlchyr-Eskir-Hyr' (Wing A139), lacking sig. a, title rather browned, some staining and spotting, 20th century half red morocco, spine gilt, rubbed, [Goldsmiths' 3641; Kress 2265], 8vo, no printer, 1700. sold not subject to return. ⁂ Rare at auction. The second part is 'The second abstract of the state of the mines of Bwlchyr-Eskir-Hyr'.

India.- Simpson (William) & Sir John William Kaye. India Ancient and Modern, 2 vol., chromolithographed decorative dedication heightened with gold, 50 chromolithographed plates after Simpson mounted on thin card, light spotting to tissue guards, vol.1 broken and loose with some plates soiled and frayed/chipped at edges, one plate with slight adhesions from guard, vol.2 with a few plates loose, contemporary half morocco, g.e., rubbed, vol.1 worn and upper cover & spine detached, large folio, Day & Son, 1867.⁂ Simpson arrived in Calcutta in October 1859, having been commissioned to illustrate a work on India. Over three years he visited much of the subcontinent, including the Himalayas, Kashmir, Ceylon, Tibet and its Buddhist temples.

Glass.- Slade (Felix) Catalogue of the Collection of Glass...with Notes on the History of Glass Making by Alexander Nesbitt, 22 chromolithographed plates, some heightened with gold, wood-engraved plates and illustrations, an excellent clean copy, contemporary half morocco, spine gilt, t.e.g., others uncut, rubbed, folio, privately printed, 1871.

NO RESERVE Ceramics.- Solon (Louis M.) The Ancient Art Stoneware of the Low Countries and Germany: or "Grès de Flandres" & "Steinzeug", 2 vol., number 144 of 270 copies on Dutch hand-made paper signed by the author, 25 etched plates, contemporary half morocco, uncut, rubbed, spines a little faded, printed at the Chiswick Press for the Author, 1892 § Garnier (E.) Dictionnaire de la Céramique, contemporary half calf, spine gilt, upper cover detached, Paris, n.d. § Ris-Paquot. Manuel du Collectionneur de Faïences Anciennes, contemporary half roan, Amiens & Paris, 1877-78 § Barber (E.A.) Tulip Ware of the Pennsylvania-German Potters, Philadelphia, 1903 § Chaffers (W.) The Keramic Gallery, 2 vol., mounted photographic plates, 1872, plates and illustrations, many colour, the last two original cloth, the last rebacked preserving original spines, all rubbed; and 7 others on ceramics, mostly continental, folio & 8vo (14)

Spitzer (Friedrich) La Collection Spitzer, 7 vol. including Atlas, number 321 of 600 copies, 342 photogravure or chromolithographed plates, some heightened with gold, wood-engraved illustrations, Atlas with 68 photogravure plates, contemporary half morocco, t.e.g., others uncut, slightly rubbed, Paris & London, 1890-92; and with the 2 vol. sale catalogue and bound list of prices, folio & 4to (10)⁂ Friedrich Spitzer (1815-90) was an art dealer who assembled one of the largest and most impressive private art collections of his time. After his death the collection was dispersed at auction in Paris, much of it being purchased by the Australian collector Georg Salting (1835-1909) who bequeathed it to the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.The main work comprises: vol.1 Antiques, ivoires, orfèvrerie religieuse, tapisseries; vol.2 Emaux peint, meubles et bois sculptés, faïences de Saint-Porchaire, faïences de Bernard Palissy, serrurerie, cuirs; vol.3 Orfèvrerie civile, incrustations sur métal, verrerie, vitraux, bijoux et bagues; vol.4 Faïences italiennes, plaquettes, médailles, dinanderie; vol.5 Gemmes, horloges et montres, instruments de mathématiques; vol.6 Armes et armures. Rare to find complete with the Atlas volume.

Russia.- Stroganov (Sergei Grigorevich) Drevnosti Rossiskago Gosudarstva, 5 vol. text bound in 1 and 6 plate vol. in 5, together 11 vol. in 6, text with some spotting, contemporary morocco-backed boards, plate vol.1 with additional title in English: Antiquities of the Russian Empire. Published by Imperial Command. Description of the Plates translated by W.S.Mirrielees...and R.Harrison..., London 1855 (Reprinted 1892), chromolithographed decorative titles in Russian and additional general title in French, lithographed lists of plates in French and letterpress lists in English, 508 magnificent plates with captions in Russian and French by Feodor Grigoriev Solnstev (112, 101, 147, 37, 72 & 39 per volume respectively), mostly chromolithographed, some heightened with gold, occasional foxing, light water-staining at beginning of each volume affecting titles of first volume but otherwise marginal, handsomely bound in contemporary green morocco, gilt, by F.Bedford, covers elaborately tooled with borders of rules, floral rolls and corner-pieces, spines gilt in compartments with floral tooling and six raised bands, g.e., a little rubbed at edges but a fine set, folio, 1849-53 and 1892.⁂ Magnificent work documenting Russian life and society through its regal, domestic and ecclesiastical objects and treasures including jewels, costumes, weapons and armour, commissioned by A.N.Olenin, President of the Academy of Arts and Director of the Public Library, and approved by Tsar Nicholas I.

Ornament.- Beauvallet (P.N.) & Charles Normand. Fragmens d'Ornemens dans le Style Antique, 2 vol. in 1, half-titles, 144 engraved plates including frontispiece and 2 pictorial titles, some foxing, contemporary half calf over paste-paper boards with L-shaped calf corner-pieces edged in gilt, t.e.g., rebacked preserving old spine, rubbed, folio, Paris, 1820.⁂ Collection of Neoclassical designs for silver, furniture, carpets etc.

Trade Catalogue, 101 engraved plates of designs for silver on 95 sheets, many depicting single objects, some multiples, one folding, the first four plates numbered in manuscript, the rest in the plate (ranging from 20 to 902), one plate with crease across image, another with small tear to image repaired (slight loss), a few shaved at fore-edge with slight loss, a couple frayed and reinforced, later half red morocco, g.e., slightly rubbed at edges, folio, [?Birmingham], [late 18th century].⁂ Rare trade catalogue featuring candlesticks, candelabras, wine coasters, bowls, tankards, cruet sets, trays, urns, coffee pots, toast racks, tea caddies, sauce boards, spoons, teapots, cutlery and other silver tableware.

Trade Catalogue, 22 engraved plates incorporating 65 designs for silver numbered 1-65 (missing nos.6, 7 & 8), the last 2 plates numbered in manuscript (one folding at foot and with partial hand-colouring but defective at fore-edge), prices supplied in manuscript, a little soiled, first plate stained and with small section cut out not affecting image (repaired), contemporary ink signature of Benjamin Stockes and note to front free endpaper plus later notes on Stokes to later endpaper, old roan-backed boards, rubbed, spine ends chipped, oblong folio, [?Birmingham], [late 18th century].⁂ Benjamin Stokes, merchant in Birmingham in the late 18th century.

[Treatise of all Sorts of English Weights used in England], manuscript, 176pp. excluding blanks, ruled in red, a few ff. with some brown stains, slightly browned, 18th century engraved bookplate of Isaac Foxcroft of Weld Court on front free endpaper, ink library reference and price of 1 guinea on fly-leaf, original calf, gilt centre diamond ornaments and two-line gilt borders with cornerpieces, edges rubbed, corners bumped and 1 repaired, gilt spine, laid down preserving original spine, rubbed, folio, [c. 1650].⁂ Provenance: Offered for sale by T. Osborne and J. Shipton as item 2796 1l 1s in Catalogue of the Libraries of the Revd. Mr Luckyn, the Revd. Mr Boys, and of Counsellor Boys of Essex, vol. II, 1757.

Calligraphy.- Van den Velde (Jan) Spieghel der Schrijfkonste..., engraved throughout with pictorial title by Matham after Karl van Mander and 49 plates ?only, lacking engraved portrait, title and one plate trimmed and laid down, foxed and soiled, final plate a little stained, later half morocco, rubbed, oblong folio, Rotterdam, 1605; sold not subject to return

Architecture.- Vardy (John, publisher) Some Designs of Mr. Inigo Jones and Mr. Wm. Kent, engraved throughout with decorative title by Kent, 2 leaves Table of Plates and 53 plates by Vardy after Jones or Kent, some light soiling and very faint water-staining, mostly marginal, nineteenth century half red roan, spine gilt, slightly rubbed at edges, [Berlin Kat. 2279; Harris 881], folio, John Vardy, 1744.⁂ Comprising 17 designs by Jones, mostly for chimneypieces, the rest by Kent of a variety of subjects: urns, candelabra, garden buildings etc. including Merlin's Cave at Richmond. Vardy took over the building of Horse Guards following Kent's death in 1748.

Economics.- Violet (Thomas) A True Narrative of Som [sic] Remarkable Proceedings Concerning the Ships Samson, Salvadore and George, and severall other Prize-ships, depending in the Admiralty; humbly presented to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, and Councell of State, and the Councell of Officers of his Excellency the Lord Generall..., first edition, title with engraved armorial device, folding table, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, title trimmed at head and foot affecting first two words of title and imprint, lacking d2 (blank) and final 2ff. (author's postscript), ink library stamps of the Patent Office Library, browning and occasional staining (heavier to title), 19th century half calf, Patent Office library blindstamp to upper cover, [Goldsmith 1308; Kress 899; Wing V593], William Du-Gard, 1653; An Appeal to Caesar: wherin Gold and Silver is Proved to be the Kings Majestie's Royal Commodity, first edition, woodcut initials, occasional light spotting, contemporary calf, rebacked, spine ends and corners chipped and bumped, rubbed, [Goldsmiths 1524; Kress 1043; Wing V580], 1660, small folio & 4to (2)⁂ Two works by Violet (1634-1662, goldsmith, alderman and sometime spy), both concerning his views on the gold and silver trades, especially the illegal exportation of the metals (Violet was found guilty of illegally exporting gold and silver in 1634, for which he obtained a pardon by assisting in the apprehension of like miscreants).

Economics.- Violet (Thomas) Proposals humbly presented to his Highness Oliver Lord Protector ... for the calling to a True and Just Accompt all Committee-men... Excise and Custom-commissioners ... and all Other Persons that have been entrusted with the Publick Revenue, first edition, engraved allegorical frontispiece, woodcut initials and head-pieces, occasional light marginal dampstaining, a few ff. frayed at margins, first H2 with small hole to text, affecting 1 letter, 18th century calf, rubbed and scuffed, spine chipped at head, [Goldsmiths' 1378; Kress 948; Wing V-585], small folio, 1656.

Economics.- Violet (Thomas) A True Narrative of the Proceedings in the Court of Admiraltie, against the Ships Sampson, Salvador, and George, their Silver and Lading, first edition, engraved frontispiece, title and frontispiece trimmed and laid down, woodcut initials and decorations, occasional browning, 18th century calf, rebacked, preserving original backstrip, [Goldsmiths 1456; Kress 1007; Wing V594], [no publisher], 1659; Mysteries and Secrets of Trade and Mint-Affairs: with several reasons against transporting treasure, and waies set down for preventing the same ..., and humbly presented to this present Parlament of the Commonwealth of England, in Aug. 1653, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition, title with engraved armorial device, woodcut initials and head-pieces, lacking final 4 index ff., 20th century half calf, [Goldsmiths 1307; Kress 898; Wing V583], William Du-Gard, 1653, 4to & small folio (2)

Wallis (Richard) London's Armory...all the Arms, Crests, Supporters, Mantles & Mottos of every distinct Company and Corporate Societie in the Honourable Citie of London, first edition, engraved frontispiece with central armorial completed in pen and ink and with manuscript inscription from the author to Sir Robert Viner, engraved title, engraved Royal arms, engraved arms of the City of London and 25 engraved plates each with 4 coats-of-arms of the Liveried Companies etc., engraved arms of the Artillery Company at end, 3ff. letterpress only (?of 4), some marginal soiling, later bookplate of Sir William Augustus Fraser of Ledeclune and Morar, contemporary calf, gilt, worn, [Wing W620], folio, Printed for the Author, 1677.⁂ Rare work with only 2 copies appearing at auction in the last 35 years. The engraved frontispiece incorporates the manuscript arms of and inscription to the recipient, Sir Robert Viner (1631-88). Viner was a goldsmith, sheriff of London at the time of the Great Fire in 1666 and later Lord Mayor. He enjoyed a close relationship with King Charles II and was appointed the King's goldsmith in 1661 and became his principal banker, arranging loans for enormous sums of money which, owing to the extravagance of the court and the Dutch war ultimately lead to his bankruptcy.

NO RESERVE Waring (John Burnley, editor) Art Treasures of the United Kingdom, chromolithograph title and 100 tinted and chromolithograph plates, some heightened with gold, a couple with short marginal tears, original brown calf onlaid with Grolier strapwork in dark brown calf outlined in gilt, title and coat-of-arms in gilt in centre of both boards, by Leighton, Son and Hodge, spine gilt, g.e., rubbed, rebacked preserving original spine, Cox and Wyman for Day and Son, 1858; Examples of Metal-Work & Jewellery, essay by M. Digby Wyatt, additional chromolithograph title and 17 plates by F. Bedford, original cloth, decorated in gilt, rebacked, [c.1858]; and 3 others, Digby Wyatt, folio (5)

Illuminated Manuscripts.- Warner (George F.) Illuminated Manuscripts in the British Museum. Miniatures, Borders and Initials..., 4 vol., vol.1 one of 300 copies, the rest one of 500, 60 chromolithographed plates by W.Griggs, most heightened with gold, note to binder slip bound at end of vol.4, contemporary half crimson roan, original printed wrappers laid down and bound in (a little soiled), all mounted on stubs, t.e.g., rubbed, a good clean set, folio, 1899-1903.

Calligraphy.- Watson (Thomas) Copy Book Enriched with Great Variety of the most Usefull & Modish Hands....fitted for the profit and delight of Ingenious Youth, engraved throughout with decorative title and 26 plates (numbered 1-17), the last signed by Elder, some light spotting and soiling, mostly marginal, later half morocco, [cf. Berlin Kat. 5046, 1683 edition], small oblong folio, H. Overton and I. Hoole, [c.1726].⁂ Rare work by the teacher of a writing school at Newport Pagnell, originally published in 1683 and distinguished by the large capital letters on each page. This edition is not listed by ESTC.

NO RESERVE Guns.- Weigel (Johann Christoph) Unterschiedliche Stücke vom Büchsenmachen..., engraved throughout with pictorial title and 14 plates, most c.180 x 265mm., all trimmed and tipped to blank leaves, rather soiled and stained, some slightly torn and/or defective at corners, later half red roan, oblong folio, [?Augsburg], [18th century]; sold as a collection of plates, not subject to return⁂ Designs for the decorating of guns.

NO RESERVE Ornament.- Westwood (J. & O., Birmingham traders) Album with 24 plates from trade catalogues illustrating designs for stamped metal work, engravings, several with numerous designs to each sheet, all numbered in the plate (ranging from 100 to 459), not ordered sequentially, all laid onto album leaves, visible old folds, some nicks and tears, repaired splitting, spotting and browning, later half morocco, spine splitting, slightly rubbed at edges, oblong folio, [Birmingham], c. 1776-1777

NO RESERVE Illuminated Manuscripts.- Westwood (John Obadiah) Fac-similes of the Miniatures & Ornaments of Anglo-Saxon & Irish Manuscripts, chromolithographed decorative title, 53 lithographed plates with guards, most chromolithographed, one or two plates loose and frayed at edges, original decorated cloth, gilt, soiled, spine worn and defective, lower joint split, folio, 1868.

Ornament.- Bérain (Jean) & others. [Livre de Desseins], collection of plates from various series, manuscript title within mounted engraved architectural surround and 129 engraved plates after Bérain, Rudolph, Le Pautre, Blasset, c.80 double-page and mounted on stubs, one plate trimmed and tipped to blank leaf, some foxing and soiling, John Gregory Crace's copy with his ink signature on front free endpaper and his bookplate, text-block loose in binding, later half morocco, spine labelled "Grotesques after Berain &c.", rubbed, small folio, Augsburg, [early 18th century]; sold as a collection of plates, not subject to return⁂ Designs for interiors and wall panels, friezes, column capitals, urns, candlesticks, tables, chimneypieces, memorials and ironwork.John Gregory Crace (1809-89), interior designer and decorator who worked on the Houses of Parliament and the Great Exhibition with Pugin.

India.- Birdwood (Sir George C.M., editor) Indian Art at Marlborough House and Sandringham, chromolithographed coat-of-arms, double-page pedigree printed in red and blue, 28 collotype or photo-chromolithographed plates by W.Griggs, a few heightened with gold, original roan-backed decorated boards, rubbed, corners and spine ends a little worn, folio, 1892.⁂ A record of the gifts bestowed on the Prince of Wales during his tour of India in 1874.

Afghanistan.- Afghan Boundary Commisssion. 18 Plates of Ornamental Tiles collected by the Afghan Boundary Commission, 18 chromolithographed plates by W.Griggs, no text (as issued), loose as issued in original cloth portfolio, new flaps, rubbed, lacking ties, splits to joints and spine, folio, [c.1890].⁂ Scarce; Library Hub lists only 2 UK copies (BL and V & A).

NO RESERVE Cornwall.- Borlase (William) The Natural History of Cornwall, first edition, folding engraved map with short tear at fold, 28 engraved plates, errata leaf at end, list of subscribers, some foxing and browning, especially to last few leaves, contemporary mottled calf, gilt, rebacked, extremities worn, folio, Oxford, for the Author, 1758.⁂ A comprehensive account covering the climate, geography, flora, fauna, minerals and mining for tin, iron, copper, silver, lead and gold.

Boulton (Matthew, manufacturer and entrepreneur, 1728-1809).- Banks (Sir Joseph, Baronet, naturalist and patron of science, 1743-1820).- Minutes of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Coin..., manuscript, title and 272pp. excluding blanks, ruled in red, title and first 10pp. stained, page 9 a few words and part of margin torn with loss and repaired, later endpapers, modern half morocco, gilt spine, folio, 1798-1802.⁂ With numerous mentions of Matthew Boulton in his role as an engineer of new coinage; he built a "mint to supply copper coinage to the government... established at Soho Manufactory." - Oxford DNB. Also mentions Sir Joseph Bankes as one of the commissioners sitting on the Committee and Samuel Garbett (1717-1803), industrialist and ironmaster; published a report in 1837, showing "the authors' intimate knowledge of the trade in precious metals, offers suggestions for more economical methods of coinage... ." - Oxford DNB."Matthew Boulton Esqr. attending, was called in... [to] prepare a Report... 1. What are the apparatus which Mr Boulton would recommend for Coining, in a given time a greater number of Pieces than are usually now coined at the Mint? 2. what is the Plan which Mr Boulton would recommend to improve the workmanship in Coining, so as to make the Coin of such a Construction, as will render it more difficult to be counterfeited and more easy of Detection of false, and to reduce the Expence of Coining... ." - Minutes.

Mining & metalurgy.- Agricola (Georgius) De re metallica Libri XII, collation: α6 a-g6 h-i6+1 k-z A-Z Aa-Bb6, title with woodcut printer's device, 2 folding woodcut plates, numerous magnificent woodcut illustrations, some full-page, woodcut historiated initials, final f. with colophon recto and woodcut printer's device recto, α6 blank, Basel, Hieronymus Froben and Nicolaus Episcopius, March, 1561 bound with Agricola (Georgius) De ortu & causis subterraneorum Lib. V - De natura eorum quae effluunt ex terra Lib. IIII - De natura fossilium Lib. X - De veteribus & novis metallis..., collation: a-g6 h4 i-z6 A-P6 Q8 R6 S4 T-X6 Y8, woodcut printer's device to title and verso of final f., woodcut historiated initials, g6 and M6 blank, early ink marginalia, Basel, Hieronymus Froben and Nicolaus Episcopius, September, 1546, together 2 works in 1 vol., occasional staining or spotting, 17th century mottled calf, gilt spine in compartments, upper joint split, but holding firm, lower compartment of spine detaching, corners worn, rubbed, folio (307 x 201mm.) ⁂ The second edition in Latin of the 'first systematic treatise on mining and metallurgy and one of the first technological books of modern times' (PMM), together with the first edition of the 'first handbook of modern systematic Minerology' (Grolier / Horblit). Literature: I. Adams A350; Ferguson I, p.9; Wellcome I, 67; cf. Duveen pp.4-5; PMM 79 (first edition). II. Adams A345; Ferguson I, p.9; Grolier/Horblit 2a; Hoover 14; Wellcome I, 62.

Japan.- Brinkley (Captain Francis) Japan. Described and illustrated by the Japanese, 10 vol., number 554 of 750 copies, 10 colour collotypes of flower studies by Ogawa Kazumasa, profusely illustrated with mounted hand-coloured original albumen prints by various photographers, stencil plates printed in different colours, original publisher's Japanese-style decorative cloth, corners bumped, spines a little discoloured, light surface soiling to covers, folio, Boston, 1897-98.

Mining.- Brown (Edward) A Brief Account of some Travels in divers parts of Europe...with some Observations on the Gold, Silver, Copper, Quick-silver Mines and the Baths and Mineral Waters..., second edition, 16 engraved plates, 5 folding, engraved illustrations, advertisement leaf at end, near contemporary ink inscription "W.Wentworth 1714" at head of title, a little soiled and stained, mostly text, tear to G2 & 3 (repaired), paper flaw hole to foot of I3 causing slight loss to final line, contemporary calf, a little worn, rebacked, [Goldsmiths' 2575; Wing B5111], folio, for Benj. Tooke, 1685.

NO RESERVE Budé (Guillaume) De asse et partibus ejus libri quinque, ab ipso authore novissime et recogniti et locupletati, collation: a-z8 A-E8 F-G6, large woodcut decorative initials, final f. blank, the odd instance of later red ink underlining or marginalia, lightly stained at head in places, occasional spotting, 17th century blind-stamped vellum over boards, soiled, folio (320 x206mm.), Paris, Michel de Vascosan, Robert Estienne & Jean de Roigny, 1542.⁂ On ancient coins and measures. Budé was held in high esteem by François I and was a frequent correspondent with Erasmus and Thomas More.Literature: Adams B3106.

NO RESERVE Greek Vases.- Burlington Fine Arts Club. Catalogue of Objects of Greek Ceramic Art, number 9 of 25 copies on Japon, contemporary half morocco, spine gilt, t.e.g., spine faded, 1888 § Harrison (J.E.) & D.S.MacColl. Greek Vase Paintings, original pictorial cloth, soiled, spine ends worn, 1894 § Pottier (E.) Vases Antiques du Louvre: Salles A-E & E-G, 2 vol., contemporary half morocco, original wrappers bound in, Paris, 1897-1901, plates, some photogravure, all a little rubbed, folio & 4to (4)

Mining & metallurgy.- Agricola (Georgius) Opera de l'arte de metalli partita in XII. libri, collation: *6 a-z6 A-V6, title with woodcut printer's device, numerous woodcut illustrations, some full-page, penultimate f. with colophon recto otherwise blank, final f. with woodcut printer's device verso otherwise blank, browning and foxing to varying degrees throughout, 19th century half morocco, rebakced, preserving original worn backstrip, corners worn, rubbed, folio (335 x 229mm.), Basel, Hieronymus Froben et Nicolaus Episcopius, [1563].⁂ First edition in Italian. 'The magnificent woodcut illustrations are a feature of this great work which remained unexcelled for generations. It marks the beginning of scientific method through observations as distinct from the purely scholastic approach of the Middle Ages.' (Annan, Historic books on mining, p. 6).Literature: Hoover 27; EDIT 16 CNCE 528; cf. Duveen pp.4-5 and Ferguson I, pp.9-11.

Cardanus (Hieronymus) De Subtilitate Libri XXI, collation: α4 β4 γ4 a-z A-Z Aa-Zz4 Aaa6, title with woodcut printer's device recto and portrait of the author verso, woodcut illustrations, diagrams, and historiated initials, final f. blank, Basel, Ludovicus Lucius, 1554 bound with Cardanus (Hieronymus) in C.L. Ptolemaei...de Astrorum Iudiciis...quae non solum Astronomis & Astrologis, sed etiam omnibus philosophiae studio..., collation: a6 b4 A-Z aa-ee6 ff-gg4 hh6 Aa-Hh6 Ii4 Kk6, title with woodcut portrait of author within ornate cartouche, woodcut diagrams, historiated and decorative initials, final f. colophon recto and woodcut printer's device verso, Basel, [Henricus Petri], [March, 1554], together 2 works in 1 vol., some staining or spotting, some light browning, contemporary pigkin over wooden boards, lacking metal clasps, corners worn, soiled, folio (313 x 201mm.)⁂ Cardanus' encyclopedia of natural sciences, which DSB calls 'a mine of facts, both real and imaginary; of notes on the state of science; of superstition, technology, alchemy, and various branches of the occult', bound with a first edition of his compilation of astrological texts. Literature: I: Adams C670; VD 16, C 932; Riccardi I, 252, 6.3 - Wellcome I, 1291. II: Adams C680; Houzeau and Lancaster 4856; VD 16 P 5255. Provenance: Ink ownership inscription of a Basel citizen dated 1560 to foot of title of second mentioned and 'Sum Jacobi ?Ryf..' (contemporary ink inscription beneath colophon of second mentioned.

Architecture.- Chambers (William) Designs of Chinese Buildings, Furniture, Dresses, Machines and Utensils, first edition, with text in both English and French, dedication to George, Prince of Wales, list of subscribers, 21 engraved plates and plans by Fourdrinier, Sandby and Grignion, some spotting, mostly to final plate and text, contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt with red roan label, rubbed, joints and corners a little worn, [Colas 592; Fowler 85; Harris 113-114], folio, for the Author, 1757.⁂ Important early work on Chinese architecture and design including plates of furniture, teapots and bowls.

ENGLISH CIVIL WAR a cont. copy of a speech by John Pym dated 20.11.1640, noted by a parliamentary clerk, 1 M/S folio sheet of the speech on the impeachment of the Earl of Stafford, plus An Ordinance… For the selling of the Lands of all the Bishops… 1646, London, 8vo disbnd. plus An Act Giving Power to the Committee of Indempnity… Articles or Information… 1649, London, fol. disbnd. (3)

FOLIO SOCIETY LANG, A. The Pink Fairy Book plus The Green Fairy Book plus 13 other Folio Soc. incl. 5 P. O’Brian, all but 1 in s/cases (15)

NICHOLAS I OF RUSSIA: (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55. L.S., Nicholas, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 8th May 1832, in Cyrillic. The document being a decree to the Chapter of Russian Imperial Royal Orders, stating in part `According to the acknowledgement made by Our dear spouse Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, regarding the dedicated service of the treasurer of the Moscow House of Diligence first-class merchant Gubin, and his relevant donations to this house and to other charities, We appoint him and award with the St. Anne Order of second class´. A bold signature example by the Emperor, with flourish. Countersigned by State Secretary Taneev. Repaired to the edge, otherwise VG    £800-1200    

ALEXANDER III OF RUSSIA: (1845-1894) Emperor of Russia 1881-94. A good D.S., `Alexander´, a good and large signature example, in Cyrillic and in purple pencil, two pages, folio, Gatchina, 27th October 1890, in Cyrillic. The partially printed document being a decree to the Chapter of Russian Imperial and Royal Orders, to issue insignias and credentials to the Knights and bestowing the Imperial and Royal Orders for their fifty years services. The document bears a list of names, related to different churches all over the country, being granted several insignias such as the Imperial and Royal Order of Saint Grand Prince Vladimir and the Order of Saint Anna. VG  £800-1200     

ALEXANDER I OF RUSSIA: (1777-1825) Emperor of Russia 1801-25. L.S., Alexander, in Cyrillic, a good signature example with large flourish, one page, folio, Krasnoye Selo, Saint Petersburg, 8th July 1825, in Cyrillic. The document being a decree to the Chapter of Russian Imperial and Royal Orders, to issue insignias and credentials to several Lieutenant Colonels, bestowing them Knights with the Royal Order of Saint Grand Prince Vladimir or the Imperial Order of Saint Anna. With left edge very slightly trimmed, otherwise VG  £600-900      The present document is signed only four months before Alexander I passed away.

NICHOLAS II OF RUSSIA: (1868-1918) Emperor of Russia 1894-1917. Assassinated. A good L.S., `Nikolai´, in Cyrillic, two pages, folio, Tsarskoye Selo, 19th November 1901, to the President of Chile, 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 Chile, 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 Chile. God bless you.´ At the base, copy to Count Lamsdorf. Minister of Foreign Affairs. Small overall minor age wear. Professionally repair to the centre folds with left border damaged, although not affecting the signature. About G  £1200-1800      German Riesco Errazuriz (1854-1916) President of Chile 1901-06.Count Vladimir Lamsdorf (1845-1907) Russian statesman of Baltic descent who served as Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire 1900-06 a crucial period which included the Russo-Japanese War and the Russian Revolution.

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  £1500-2000      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.

ELIZABETH I OF RUSSIA: (1709-1762) Empress of Russia 1741-62. L.S., Elizabeth, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 24th January 1737, in Cyrillic. The manuscript document is a Decree to the Patrimonial Chancery, instructing that attention to Piotr Novikov´s horses has to be maintained and that the same money he was receiving when he was working for the chancery as salary has to be paid in future. Further also instructing that the sum of 150 roubles has to be paid annually to the notary Bogdanov, as well as 800 kilos of flour and oat every four months, first the flour at the beginning of each period and after, at the end of each period, the money. Very small minor age wear, otherwise VG £1000-1500     

MARQUIS DE SADE: (1740-1814) French Writer, Nobleman and Revolutionary Politician. Best-known for his erotic works and sexual fantasies with violence and lack of morality. Author of The 120 Days of Sodom. Sade spent thirty-two years of his life imprisoned and most of his works were written while incarcerated. The word sadism was coined from his name. Rare A.L.S., `De Sade´, four pages, folio, n.p., [May-June 1795], to his notary Charles Gaufridy, in French. Sade needs money urgently and states ´..sixty thousand francs, to pay urgent debts, and for an advantageous investment waiting for me in Paris.´ Sade further explains that he has put for sale his land of Mazan and suggests three deals to get funds, the first being a loan `..payable after my death with my Mas de Cabane as guarantee..´, the second being a partial sale done `..very secretly..because of the main mortgage of Madame Sade who fortunately is not very keen on Arles..´, and the third being a full sale. He further reports on each of the options, mentioning that he has found a money lender, farmer Lombard, and a second one named Chassanis for the sale. Further again, and referring to his properties manager in Arles, Sade says in part `..on the other hand , Lion might get angry if we do not meet him, and could noise about these deals and with such comments affect them…´ Before concluding Sade recommends Gaudifry to meet `..the son of the former innkeeper of the Cheval Blanc.. one of my friends for the last thirty years..´ Folded, with overall age wear and creasing, mostly to borders. F to G  £1000-1500 

LIEBIG JUSTUS VON: (1803-1873) German Chemist. Considered the "father of the fertilizer industry". A.L.S., `Dr Ju. V. Liebig´, one page, slim folio, Giesen, 24th March 1849, to Werner Bardeleben, in German. Liebig certifies the assistance and studies of Bardeleben, stating in part `Dr. Werner Bardeleben from Berlin dealt with the studies of natural sciences at the University and attended the winter semester 1928-29 of practical-analytical at the local laboratory and also my lecture bout physiological chemistry..´ further saying `..and in my own perception, Dr. Bardeleben has also wide and thorough knowledge in chemistry, and I expect he will get great success because of his talent..´. The document bears at the base and beneath Liebig´s signature a four lines annotation in the hand of a University secretary certifying that the signature corresponds to professor Liebig, also bearing an attractive paper seal affixed. Folded, with very small overall age wear and creasing, otherwise about VG  £200-300    

EDISON THOMAS: (1847-1931) American Inventor of the phonograph and light bulb among many other items. Signed page, `Thos A Edison´, using his ''umbrella'' signature, folio, 13th June 1921. A bold black ink signature beneath a collector´s annotation to the heading stating "Autographs of the Leading People of the Whole World", and beneath, also in the collector´s hand the names of Guglielmo Marconi and Alexander Graham Bell, as future expected autographs. Folded, with overall minor age wear, otherwise G  £250-350 

LAENNEC RENÉ: (1781-1826) French Physician. Inventor of the stethoscope. D.S., `Laennec DM´, a bold ink large and good signature example,one page, folio, Nantes, 11th September 1810, to Pierre Jacques Antoine Gueriot, in French. The partially printed document being a medical certificate, issued by the 12th military division, indicates that Lieutenant Gueriot, aged 43, has been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, to left side, but concludes that he is fit to return to service. Folded. With small overall minor age wear and staining. G  £800-1200     

CURIE MARIE: (1867-1934) French Physicist and Chemist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1903 (with her husband, Pierre Curie), and Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry, 1911. The first person to be honoured with two Nobel prizes. A very interesting and rare D.S., M. Curie, as director of the laboratory, one page, folio, Paris, 20th July 1931, on the printed stationery of the "Institut Du Radium - Laboratoire Curie - 1, Rue Pierre-Curie, Paris" in French. The partially printed document being a Certificate of "Dosage de Radium par le Rayonnement" ("Radium Dosage by Radiation"), and refers to all the tests done to the samples received from the Belgium Radium on 1st of July and returned on 21st of July, with hand-written annotations referring to thickness, gamma radiations, weight, etc… This radium came from the Belgium mines in Katanga, Belgium Congo, and at today´s date the Democratic Republic of Congo. An excellent document of good association. Extremely small creases to some corners, otherwise about EX  £5000-8000     

HEISENBERG WERNER: (1901-1976) German Theoretical Physicist, one of the key pioneers of Quantum Mechanics. Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1932. A fine T.L.S., `W. Heisenberg´, one page, folio, Munich, 7th January 1964, to Dr. Hans Dichgans, in German. Heisenber g states in part `..You can use both contents, the one of the letter attached and addressed to the Minister of Education, as well as the one of my speech to the members of Parliament…´ and further referring to funds destinated to science and investigation, Heisenberg says ` I would regret if more than half of this sum, as it was reported to me, would go abroad, because the amount of the "membership fees" which we give to international science, is overreaching in comparison with the science contributions in Germany. Anyway, a real cooperation in international science enterprises, which I appreciate very much, is only possible if the direction of science in question within Germany is organized with great energy and resources.´ With two binder holes to the left border, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG  £500-800    

PARK KEITH: (1892-1975) New Zealand Air Chief Marshal of World War II, played a significant role during the Battle of Britain. D.S., K R Park, one page, folio, France, 29th June 1918. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is a combat report (headed Combats in the Air) relating to the destruction of an enemy aircraft by Captain J. E. Drummond of 48 Squadron, piloting a Bristol Fighter C.926. Drummond's narrative states, in part, 'While on O.P. over HANGEST, in conjunction with another flight of the Squadron, and with a formation of S.E.5's of 41 Squadron, I observed a red light fired by the S.E.5's, which were the lowest of the three formations, while my flight was the highest. I took my flight down, and as we swerved outwards to avoid our other flight, I came across a stray E[nemy] A[ircraft] which was going East at a great pace. As we passed down my Observer fired 100 rounds into the E.A. at 200 yards range; I then did a climbing turn and dived on the E.A. firing about 100 rounds…..The E.A. went at once into a vertical dive. I followed it down and when it flattened out, I put another 100 rounds into it…..Smoke started streaming from the E.A. which went over on its back and then fell into a slow, wide spin, smoke still streaming from it. When I saw it next it was diving vertically again…..We circled round the crash and saw it lying there, still smoking'. Park has signed his name at the foot in his capacity as a Major Commanding 48 Squadron, Royal Air Force, and in approval of Drummond's account. Several file holes to the left edge and corner, none of which affect the text or signature, and with a few pencil annotations. About VG  £300-400    

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. Napoleon approves a proposal, signing `Np´ to the upper left corner of a L.S., Victor, by Claude Victor-Perrin (1764-1841) Marshal of France and Duc de Belluno, three pages, folio. Signed by Napoleon in Paris, 12th April 1809, and by Victor-Perrin in Villanueva de la Serena, Spain, 29th March 1809, in French. The document states to the heading `Situation of the Officers and particulars who distinguished themselves during the Battle of Medellin and for whom I ask for rewards´, and further lists over forty names, including Generals, Colonels, Commandants, Captains, etc.. with their current ranks and the upgrade ranks proposals. Napoleon signs beneath a short written text stating `Send to the Minister of war to suggest promotions for those who would have not yet obtained in this campaign..´ Hole to Napoleon´s approval due to heavy ink, only partially affecting it. Small overall minor age wear and creasing, otherwise F to G  £800-1200     The Battle of Medellin, 28th March 1809, resulted in a victory of the French army under Marshal Victor against Spanish. The battle marked the first major effort to occupy Southern Spain.

BRITISH MILITARY: A good, small series of A.Ls.S. by various British military officers comprising Dighton Probyn (1833-1924) English General, Victoria Cross winner for his numerous actions during the Indian Mutiny 1857-58. Keeper of the Privy Purse, Secretary to Edward, Prince of Wales and Comptroller of the Household. A.L.S., D. M. Probyn, four pages, 8vo, Marlborough House, London, 1st November 1879, to Dr. Stedman. Probyn expresses his concerns about his wife's health, stating 'She never complains, but I know that at times she is worse, or at any rate feels much worse, than she allows she is' and continuing 'You know her case, and what treatment she has received. I want her to see Sir William Gull before she goes to Sandringham, and Sir William has kindly promised to see her', adding 'I told Sir Wm. however that I would ask you to write to him….telling him what you know about Lady Probyn's ailment. Will you please do this for me, without fail' and further providing Gull's address at Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, concluding 'Nobody knows as much about Ly. Probyn's health as you do, and she kicks against seeing anybody else, but you will pardon a husband's anxiety in wanting a second opinion. I don't think she has ever been really strong since that illness she had at Milford, in 73 I think, when you were so kind to her'; Francis Grenfell (1841-1925) 1st Baron Grenfell. British Field Marshal who fought in the Battle of Ulundi during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Grenfell also served as aide-de-camp to the Commander-in-Chief, South Africa. A.L.S., Grenfell, four pages, 8vo, Wantage, Berkshire, 3rd January n.y. (c.1902-03), to [T. Douglas] Murray. Grenfell states that he would be very interested in his correspondent's book on Joan of Arc 'as I really know but little of her true life' and remarking 'I was looking at her Gilt Statue in the Rivoli last week & thinking of her wonderful achievements'. The Field Marshal continues 'Her canonization could be very popular in France', adding that he had an interesting sight of the Borgia apartments and 'As regards the canonization I should fear that the presence of Royalty could, while being good as regards the "Entente" - might alarm the non-conformist conscience'; Frederic Thesiger (1827-1905) 2nd Baron Chelmsford. British Imperial General who served in the Anglo-Zulu War, Commander in the defeat to the Zulus at the Battle of Isandlwana. A.L.S., Chelmsford, four pages, 8vo, Knaresborough Place, Cromwell Road, London, 2nd May 1890, to Dr. [Herbert Armitage] James. Chelmsford states that he and Lady Chelmsford will be staying with the President of Magdalen College in Oxford on 17th May and will therefore not be able to be present at the meetings his correspondent mentions, further adding 'I am very sorry not to be able to support the movement for initiating a mission in South London in connexion with Cheltenham College by my presence on the occasion; but you may rest assured that the movement has my hearty sympathy'; Courtney Chambers (d.1848) British Lieutenant-Colonel who served at the Battle of Waterloo under the Duke of Wellington and later Commanded the 25th Regiment of Foot at the Cape of Good Hope. A.L.S., C Chambers, three pages, folio, Cape Town, 10th August 1842, to [Abraham Josias] Cloete. Chambers states 'It occurred to me a few days ago that from your having had 400 of the 25th Regiment under your command at Natal you might probably wish to have my opinion upon the measures you carried into effect when employ'd upon a service of no ordinary nature, but one that required as much discretion and sound sense as any that ever perhaps agitated the minds of the Colonists at the Cape - English and Dutch' and continues to inform Cloete that, having considered the matter with close attention, he is 'quite satisfied that the course you pursued was not only the best, but the only judicious right and just one', further remarking 'I cannot understand the motives or views of those who have manifested so much hostility to your proceedings'. In a postscript Chambers also adds 'Major D'Urban who was with you fully concurs in my opinion and indeed so do all the officers of the Regiment whose age and experience enable them to form a correct judgement'; and Peregrine Maitland (1777-1854) British General who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, later a Colonial Administrator serving as Governor of the Cape Colony 1844-47. An interesting A.L.S., P Maitland, four pages, 4to, Romney, Hampshire, 1st January 1848, to [Abraham Josias] Cloete. Maitland states that he is obliged to his correspondent for their letter 'and Sir H. Pottinger's proclamation against Sandille' and continues to explain that he has made use of the document in a letter to Lord Grey 'who has been pleased to affirm on the faith of Sir H. Pottinger's despatches, that I have made much too favourable representations of affairs in Kafirland, and conveyed to him very erroneous information on that subject' further reflecting 'Hence, I suppose arises one difficulty that stands in the way of my getting anything done for the officers I recommended by the Duke of Wellington's permission, for some mark of Her Majesty's favour', explaining 'Three or four times have I written, and three or four times I have seen Fitzroy Somerset on this subject, but still nothing has been done. I thought some demur might arise from the notion that to confer honours or promotion on the officers immediately under me, while I was passed over, might be considered as casting a shade on my conduct, and to obviate this, I assured Fitzroy Somerset, that I desired nothing for myself. Still nothing has been done'. Maitland further makes reference to the Cape Colony, 'The accounts I have seen from the Cape have seemed to me highly corroborative of my position that British Kafirland was virtually subjugated. If the Savages can't be provoked into any fresh hostilities after the lapse of nine months but submit to the marching of the troops through their fastnesses without attempting retaliation on the Colony, it is clear they have had enough of War and had already given in. In my despatch from Block Drifts…..I said "They are now fully convinced that though they may elude us in the bush for a time, and plunder the Colony in small parties with some success, yet when we encamp in their Country and scour it, they cannot hold out but must starve or submit." I seem to have had said this truly of them, with the exception of Landilli and his few followers…..' VG to EX, 5   £150-200      

BISMARCK & WILHELM I: OTTO VON BISMARCK (1815-1898) Prussian Statesman, first Chancellor of the German Empire 1871-90, and President of Prussia 1862-90 under King Wilhelm I. With his negotiations and alliances, he used his diplomatic skills to maintain Germany's position and used the balance of power to keep Europe at peace in the 1870s and 1880s, & WILHELM I (1797-1888) German Emperor 1871-88 & King of Prussia 1861-88. A good D.S., `Wilhelm´, and countersigned `V.Bismarck´, three pages, folio, Berlin, 16th March 1870, in German. The partially printed document shows a very attractive printed heading ''Wilhelm by Grace of God, King of Prussia'', being the accreditation letter appointing Theodor von Busen as General Consul of the Northern German Confederation to Lima, in Peru. The document bears beneath the Emperor´s signature a large and attractive blind embossed Imperial seal. Folded. With partial repair to the fold verso. Very small tears to the fold edges. G  £300-400    

KONEV IVAN: (1897-1973) Russian General of World War II, Marshal of the Soviet Union. D.S., I Konev, one page, folio, n.p., n.d., in Cyrillic. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, features a multi-coloured design (including an image of Stalin on a red flag) and is an award document issued to Military Regiment 7044, consisting of Comrades Zakarukin, Linkov, Kuznetsov and Beltov, and rewards them for their excellent result achieved during a relay race for an army summer sport competition at which they finished in second place with a time of 3.41 minutes and 9 seconds. Signed by Konev at the foot, part of his signature slightly obscured by a circular purple stamp, in his capacity as Commander of Troops of the 2nd District, Red Army. Some heavy creasing and a few tears and small areas of paper loss to the edges and corners, none of which affect Konev's signature, FR  £100-150   

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, one page, folio, Rome, 15th April 1929, in Italian. The partially printed document being a decree according to which the King of Italy grants a new infantry post to Captain Andrea Secco d´Aragona. With two official contemporary ink stamps, one of the war minister, to the verso. Folded, with extremely small damage to the left edge as a result of its detachment. About VG  £100-150     

HITLER ADOLF: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1934-45. An excellent and rare early D.S. by Hitler, one page, folio, Berlin, August 1936, in German. The document being an official directive from Hitler, bestowing the honorary title “SSW - Sturm 2 Hans Purps” upon Sturm 2 of the 81st SS Standarte Wurzburg. The bestowal is given `..in memory of the sacrifice of SS - Unterscharffuhrer Hans Purps who died during the political march on January 22nd 1933.´ Signed in bold black ink at the base of the letter. Various divisions and regiments were made up of sturms, which only on rare occasions were honoured by Hitler with such titles. Two file holes to the left border, not affecting the text or signature. Small overall creasing, otherwise VG  £1500-2000     

HIMMLER HEINRICH: (1900-1945) German Nazi official of World War II, Reichsfuhrer of the SS. A very fine D.S., H. Himmler, one page, large heavy folio, Berlin, 5th September 1938, to Leonhard Jensen, in German. The partially printed document being the appointment of Police Master Sergeant and Oberjunker Leonhard Jensen to the rank of lieutenant of Police. Signed in bold black ink at the base of the document by Himmler, in his capacity as Reich Minister of the Interior, and as stated to the heading in the name of the Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor. The document bears to the lower left corner a large blind embossed Nazi eagle and swastika. With blank integral leaf. Folded. EX  £600-900

HENRY III OF FRANCE: (1551-1589) King of France 1574-89. Last French king of the House of Valois. Assassinated. A good D.S., `Henry´, one page, parchment, oblong folio, Paris, 26th February 1578, to Robert de la Vieuville, in old French. The King grants salaries and confirms payments agreed to Robert de la Vieuville from the Comté of Rethélois, as Lieutenant General. Countersigned by the Secretary of State Pierre Brulart. Folded. Small overall creasing, and a tear to the left edge not affecting the text or signature. G £600-900     

[LOUIS XIV]: (1638-1715) Also known as Louis the Great or The Sun King. King of France 1643-1715. Son of Louis XIII. His reign of more than 72 years is the longest recorded of any monarch in European history. A good content L.S, secretarial, one page, folio, Versailles, 12th December, in French. The ocument being a saufe-conduit, ordering to all Officers, Governors and Mayors, to `We wish and order that you permit safely and freely pass and travel through our territories and jurisdictions the so called De Solarin, prisoner, soldier serving as volunteer in the Catholic King troops…returning to his country..´ With blank integral leaf, with tear to the fold. Folded. Overall age wear, small staining and small hole to the centre fold. G  £250-350      Louis Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon.