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Click here to subscribeFolio Society - Cobbett (William), Rural Rides [...], edited by Ian Dyck, 2010, pictorial buckram, slipcased; Fielding (Henry), The History of Tom Jones, 1973, pictorial red cloth, slipcased; others, Hogarth, Dicken's London, Cellini, Michaelangelo, gastronomy, history, literature, various sizes and dates, mostly slipcased; qty [28]
SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM, THE WORKS OF SHAKSPEARE. IMPERIAL EDITION, EDITED BY CHARLES KNIGHT, London, Virtue, circa 1870. Two volumes, large folio, numerous engraved plates, 19th C half morocco, worn, joints split/detaching. Plus: SMITH, GEORGE BARNETT - THE LIFE OF... WILLIAM EWART GLADSTONE. London, Cassell, circa 1880. Two volumes (complete), thick 4to, plates (some colour-tinted), 19th C black half calf, red labels, joints splitting. Plus: THE ENGLISHWOMAN'S DOMESTIC MAGAZINE [1867]. 4to, hand-coloured fashion plates, one leaf of text missing bottom half, plates are good, publisher's green cloth. Plus: TYTLER, SARAH - THE LIFE OF... QUEEN VICTORIA. London, Virtue, [1901], Three volumes bound in six, folio, plates and other illustrations, original publisher's decorative grey cloth. Plus approx 26 other volumes primarily 19th/early 20th C, w.a.f. (circa 37) and seven other books (approximately 44)
Books - Miss Marple, Christie (Agatha), A Caribbean Mystery, first edition, Published for The Crime Club by Collins, London 1964, h/b, d/j, 12mo; Fowles (John), Daniel Martin, first edition, Jonathan Cape, London 1977, h/b, d/j, small 8vo; Barthorp (Michael), The Frontier Ablaze: The North-West Frontier Rising 1897-98, colour plates, h/b, d/j, small folio; Jupp (James), The Gaiety Stage Door: Thirty Years' Reminiscences of the Theatre, first edition, Jonathan Cape, London 1923, red cloth, 8vo; The Plays of J.M. Barrie, In One Volume, first edition, Hodder and Stoughton, London 1928, blue cloth, 8vo; further theatre, stage and drama interest, including plays; etc
35mm SLR with half case, 3 lenses, accessory finder, bag, extended literature.�Beseler Topcon Super D was the combat camera for the US Navy and the US Airforce from the 1960's to the 1980's after winning a competitive test with the Nikon F and several other Japanese and German cameras. This incredibly diverse lot includes: secondary Waist-Level Finder with case and original box;�35mm�f3.5 RE.Auto-Topcor lens with original leather case, caps, box; 100mm f2.8 RE.Auto-Topcor with original leather case, caps, box; and attached�RE.Auto-Topcor 58mm�f1.8 with front cap. LeMans SE bag also contains original manual, several promotional pamphlets and lens guides, a 20 page review and report magazine published about the Topcon D, and a large, fold-out full color folio detailing the Topcon D innovations and several other Beseler models. Condition-wise, the body itself appears quite good overall, with film advance/shutter cock and shutter release occurring reliably at all speed settings- Bulb hold-open works as expected, counter advances, aperture stop down, opening and closing, etc- all appear normal. Speeds are untested, CLA necessary. The attached 58mm prime shows some mild scuffing to front element and has not been fully inspected for fog or dust- aperture slow to close, may require CLA. 35mm and 100mm appear extremely dust free, in VF to EXC condition, with fast, oil-free aperture operation, well-greased focus helicals, and no obvious signs of fogging. All cameras sold by Whitleys Auctioneers are not tested for CLA or electronic/meter functions, but basic condition inspections have been performed. Issued: 1963 Dimensions: 13"L x 9"D x 9"H, in case Manufacturer: Beseler Topcon Country of Origin: Japan Condition: Age and use related wear
OFFENBACH JACQUES: (1819-1880) German-born French Composer. An excellent Autograph Musical Manuscript, two pages, oblong folio musical score, n.p., n.d. The boldly and carefully penned musical quotation in Offenbach´s hand contains over sixty bars on three staves, and is entitled `Croquefer´, corresponding to his Operette Bouffe `Croquefer, ou le Dernier des Paladins´, a one act composition, first performed at the Parisian Bouffes-Parisiennes in 1857. The draft score includes multiple annotations, corrections, tempos and choirs text. To the second page the composer puts music to the chorus `Danse… Au gallop du postillon´. The score bears to the upper left corner an embossed monogramme of the French Printer Lard-Esnault, Paris, 23 rue Feydeau. Very small age wear with edges very slightly trimmed, otherwise About VG £1200-2000
MASSENET JULES: (1842-1912) French Composer. A.M.Q.S., `J. Massenet´, on an oblong folio page, Liege, festival of the 29th April 1879, to Sophie Eybere, in French. The composer has penned eight bars of music, which he identifies and `Incantation - Roi de Lahore - act 3´, from his opera The King of Lahore (1877). Massenet adds tempos to the musical quotation and also the words for soprano voice `Qu´il soit lui! Qu´il ne soit plus lui! Qu´il marche sur la terre et dorme dans la tombe.. Que son ame immortel….le!´ . Signed beneath a three lines inscription. The whole document showing light ink contrast, although fully legible. Overall age wear with edges trimmed although professionally repaired to the verso. F to G £120-200
SAINT-SAENS CAMILLE: (1835-1921) French Composer. A good Autograph Musical Manuscript, four pages, oblong folio musical score, n.p., n.d. The boldly and carefully penned musical quotation in Saint-Saens´ hand contains over a hundred bars on two and three staves. The unidentified draft score includes several annotations and corrections. To the right border of the first page two small drawing sketches of a balloon and a tree leaf in an unidentified hand, in pencil. Very small age wear. VG £1500-2000
CLEMENT IX: (1600-1669) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1667-69. A good L.S., `G. Card le Rospigliosi´, one page, folio, 18th August 1666, in Latin. A boldly penned dark ink untranslated letter. Very attractively matted in red cloth, beneath a colour 8 x 10 portrait of Clement, framed in gilt wood and glazed to an overall of 15 x 29. Small folding, traces of a former seal to the verso, otherwise about VG £600-900
LEO XIII: (1810-1903) Vincenzo Gioacchino Pecci, Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1878-1903. A good and attractive D.S., `Card Epis Perusinus´, 15 x 10.5 oblong folio, one page, Perugia, 26th May 1866, in Latin. The partially printed document being a certificate, bearing a large heading “Cardinalis Joachimus Pecci”, given to Anselmus Anselmi. Signed by Leo XIII in his capacity as Archbishop of Perugia. Folded to the centre. With a blind embossed seal to the front left lower corner and two watermarks, one showing a bird. Showing to the verso a contemporary annotation alongside a Curia Citta di Castello ink stamp. Very small overall age wear, otherwise VG £200-300
JOHN PAUL II: (1920-2005) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1978-2005. Canonized in 2014. A lengthy T.L.S., `+ Karol card. Wojtyla´, one page, 8 x 11 folio, Cracow, 25th October 1973, to a professor, in Polish. On a document bearing the printed heading `Metropolita Krakowski´, Wojtyla sends his regards to his correspondent and explains that the Archdiocese of Krakow celebrates over the last year the jubilee..´ Untranslated. Matted in black alongside a colour 8 x 10 photograph of John Paul II, to an overall of 16 x 12. VG £250-350
HARLEY DAVIDSON: A good D.S., `John A Davidson´, two pages, folio, yellow paper, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 31st July 1965, the partially printed document being a an early dealer agreement contract between Harley-Davidson and the Pennsylvania dealer Paul W. Haines, dba Haines Harley-Davidson Sales. Signed by John A Davidson in his capacity as Dealer Placement Manager before becoming the future President of the iconic firm. The present contract was executed four years before the company merged with AMF. The contract contains interesting customer service aspects which did not appear in earlier versions. Folded. VG £400-600
HILLARY EDMUND: (1919-2008) New Zealand Mountaineer, the first man, with Tenzing Norgay, to reach the summit of Mount Everest, 1953. A good D.S., `Ed. Hillary´, one page, folio, being a numbered certificate of gratefulness for the donation received for the edition of the work Sagarmatha (1991). The typed text stating in part `The presentation edition of Sagarmatha come to you with my special appreciation. It is only with donations such as yours that the Himalayan Trust can continue its environmental work in the Everest region in Nepal. I consider our various projects with the Sherpa people of vital importance, and I am happy that you share in my support of them..´ Signed by "Sir Edmund Hillary, Himalayan Trust, Kathmandu, Nepal". Printed at the base "The paper is hand-made in Nepal from the bark of the daphne shrub..". The document has been cleanly affixed to a larger card. G £150-200
VOLTA ALESSANDRO: (1745-1827) Italian Physicist. A Pioneer in electricity. The electrical unit, volt, is named in his honour. Rare A.L.S., `A. Volta´, one page, folio, Pavia, 15th April 1785, to Count Giambatista Giovio, in Italian. Volta states `With great pleasure, I have understood the resolution made by Y.H to come to Pavia to receive the award, and for what makes me wish the advantage of enjoying your company in a few weeks..´ further saying `..only one or two questions will be asked by some of the professors, the rest will be done by acclamation.. Our magnificient Rector Rezia will perhaps be able to give Y.E a better response and will make his best in all ways to help on this.. I would like to offer Y.E a room in my home..´. Volta addresses the letter to Giovio as `Knight of the Sacred Military Order of San Stefano & Chamberlain of His Imperial Majesty´. With remnants of a former red wax seal to the verso. Small overall minor age wear, folded, with extremely small ink holes, and one hole to the fold as a result of the opening, none affecting the signature. G £3000-4000Count Giovani Battista Giovio (1748-1814) Italian novelist. Giovio wrote under the pseudonym Poliante Lariano. Giacomo Rezia (1745-1825) Italian Surgeon and Anatomist.
LACEPEDE BERNARD GERMAIN DE: (1756-1825) French Naturalist. L.S., Cte de Lacepede, two pages, folio, Paris, 19th November 1813, to Baron Riouffe, in French, on stationery bearing the printed heading Legion d'Honneur. Lacepede replies to a request for funding, stating 'I hasten to reply, Mr. Prefect and dear colleague… to the request made by Mr. Boyer, Cavalier of the Legion of Honour, retired Captain of the 2nd Regt. of Hussars, so that Mr. Boyer, his son, who has been admitted in the 2nd Regt. of the Guard of Honour, be equipped and shod at the expense of the Legion' and finally notifying Riouffe 'I have the honour of informing you… that I have just prayed that His Excellence the Grand Chancellor of the Legion kindly put at your disposition, as soon as possible, the sum of 1798 francs, to be used to clothe, equip and shoe Mr. Boyer the younger'. Some very slight age wear, VG £100-150Honore Jean Riouffe (1764-1813) Prefect of Meurthe, Nancy. The Legion of Honour is the highest French order for military and civil merits, established in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte.
FRISCH OTTO ROBERT: (1904-1979) Austrian Physicist. Designer of the first mechanism for the detonation of an atomic bomb. A key figure in the first nuclear fission theoretical explanation. An excellent A.L.S., `O.R. Frisch´, one page, folio, stating in part `I think my paper with Prof. L. Meitner in which fission was first explained in some detail, and my subsequent paper in which the liberation of very large energies was first demonstrated..´ Frisch concludes with a sentence in French `Auquun(sic) de mes ouvrage je considere comme un chef-d´oeuvre!´ (“I do not consider any of my works a master work!´). To the heading showing the collector´s annotations with questions Frisch responds to, also indicating at the base of the document the date this statement was obtained, 8th November 1947. VG £600-900
PEIERLS RUDOLF: (1907-1995) German-born British Physicist. Peierls played a major role in the Manhattan Project. His co-authored 1940 memorandum with Otto Frisch set out the first step to the atomic bomb construction. Interesting autograph signed thoughts by Peierls about himself and his works, one page, folio, stating in part `I have never done any one great piece of work, but mainly small (but I hope useful) contributions to several branches of quantum theory.´ To the heading bearing the collector´s annotations with questions Peierls responds to, also indicating the date this statement was obtained, 23rd April 1950. VG £400-600
LE CORBUSIER: (1887-1965) Swiss-French Architect, Painter and Urban Planner. A good Autograph Manuscript and sketch by Le Corbusier, two pages, front and verso, folio, n.p., n.d., in French. To one side of the sheet a drawing by Le Corbusier, an attractive modern art sketch, in blue pencil. To the other side bearing an irregularly written text with several corrections and amendments. Le Corbusier annotates nineteen lines of a draft text stating in part `Let´s explain to end with, why…There is always a trampoline for a jumper or a diver. That Summer, August 1956, on my piece of rock to the far end of Roquebrune Cap Martin, I had painted my booth with some colour..´ further referring to a similar situation he lived time ago with some black paint remaining and an idea he suddenly got. One edge trimmed with few tears and a very small area of paper loss to the bottom corner, none of them affecting the drawing and only partially two words of the text. G £2500-3500
ANNENKOV YURI: (1889-1974) Also known as Georges Annenkov. Russian Artist, mostly known for his book illustrations and portraits. He also worked for theatre and cinema. Maxim Gorky´s book, Samovar (1917) was his first work as a book designer. Annekov went into exile in France in 1924 and in the 1950´s he collaborated with the magazine of the association anti-communist `Paix et Liberté´ (“Peace and Freedom”). A good A.L.S., `G. Annenkov´, one page, folio, n.p., 18th September 1958, in French. Annenkov states in part `My artistic debut was very happy because I was very very young..´ Further referring to the work which made him famous `Portrait of Leon Trotsky. But it wasn´t pure Art, because it was done based on nature: Trotsky posed over a week. It is true that Leonardo da Vinci spent 4 years to paint his Gioconda without finishing it (according to his own confession)´. To the heading showing the collector´s annotations with questions Annenkov responds to. VG £400-600
ERTÉ: (1892-1990) Romain de Tirtoff, known as Erté, being his initials. Russian-born French Artist and fashion Designer. Autograph signed statement `To wake-up in the morning full of hope for the starting journey´, one page, folio, in French. To the heading bearing a collector´s annotation, “your life maxim” being the question Erté responds to. Also indicating to the bottom left corner the date this statement was obtained. Very small overall age wear and trace of a former staple to the upper edge, not affecting the statement. VG £250-350
HERGÉ: (1907-1983) Georges Prosper Remi. Belgian Cartoonist. Best known for creating the series of comics “The Adventures of Tintin”. An excellent T.L.S., Hergé, one page, folio, Brussels, 10th July 1973, on the Studios Hergé attractive printed stationery, to Monsieur Van Antwerpen, in French. The letter bears at the heading the black embossed letters of “Studios Hergé” alongside a printed drawing of Tintin and Milou. Hergé states in part `It is exact that next September an album called Archives Hergé which will contain among various “ancient stories”, the one of Tintin in the Soviets country.´ Signed in bold black ink at the base of the letter. With a staple to the upper left corner. VG £400-600
GUS: (1911-1997) Gustave Erlich. French comic Cartoonist. Well remembered for his publications in French newspapers Le Figaro, Le Canard Enchainé, and many others. An excellent signed original watercolour, `Gus´, one page, oblong folio, n.p., 1st March 1982, in French. Gus has drawn a funny sketch showing Leonid Brezhnev holding a dog leash he has fixed around Wojciech Jaruzelski´s neck, inviting him to come in. VG £80-100 On 1st and 2nd March 1982, General Jaruzelski visited Moscow and met twice Brezhnev. The first reinforced his lead, defended the workers national political party and supported USSR international and foreign affairs positions, and the second agreed against financial support.
DUMAS ALEXANDRE Pere: (1802-1870) French Writer whose works include The Three Musketeers. An exceptionally rare and very important A.M.S., `Alex. Dumas´, being the Autograph Manuscript of La Reine Margot (“Queen Margot”), one of his renowned novels, published in 1845, 3rd volume, 14 full chapters, 97 folio pages, light grey paper, all written to front and none to verso, 12.5 x 17 large folio, fully in the hand of Dumas, and inscribed to the last written page `Offered to Madame Porcher. Alex. Dumas´. Dumas unusually carefully pens the 97 pages, including corrections and additions in his hand. Each chapter starting on a new page and showing the title in larger letters and interestingly several chapters are entitled in a different way, or slightly different way than the final known and published version, few examples being `Un Vieux Huguenot´ (“An Old Huguenot”) in this original version, is now known as `Le Manteau Cerise´ (“The Cherry Overcoat”), or `La Chasse´ (“The Hunt”) would become `Le Depart´ (”The Departure”), or ´` La Nuit tous les Chats sont Gris´ (`In the Night All Cats Look Grey´) would be finally published as `Dieu Dispose´ (`God Provides´) and few more. All the pages are numbered, bearing large attractive numbers to the heading in his hand. An impressive and extremely rare manuscript. Attractively and contemporary bounded, in black with title gilt letters “Autographe de la Reine Margot par Alexandre Dumas”. Also including a book box. Very small overall age wear, otherwise VG £40000-60000 La Reine Margot (1845) is a novel based on Margaret of Valois (1533-1615) a French princess, daughter of Henry II of France and Catherine de´Medici, who married in 1572 the King Henry III of Navarre, later Henry IV of France (1553-1610) and became Queen consort of Navarre and later Queen of France. She was a woman of letters and an enlightened mind. She was the first woman to write her Memoirs while imprisoned. This marriage was intended to celebrate reconciliation of Catholics and Huguenots, but concluded with the St. Bartholomew´s Day Massacre. Their marriage was annulled in 1599 by decision of the Pope. The novel starts in 1572 and concludes in 1574 when Henry of Navarre ascended to the French throne as Henry IV, succeeding Charles IX. La Reine Margot was almost immediately translated into English as “Marguerite de Valois: An Historical Romance” Jean Baptiste Porcher (1792-1864) French Theatrical Agent who used to purchase copyrights and ticket passes for his authors, later reselling them at the entrance doors of theatres. He very often was advancing money to Dumas and sometimes keepin some manuscripts in pledge. Dumas wrote about him “The man in Paris who has rendered more services to me.”
FLAUBERT GUSTAVE: (1821-1880) French Novelist. Widely considered the leading exponent of the literary realism. Best-known for his debut novel Madame Bovary (1857). An excellent and rare autograph manuscript by Flaubert, two pages, folio, n.p., n.d., entitled Loi Salique ("Salic Law"), in French. A lengthy handwritten text by Flaubert, related to the spirit of the Salic Law, commented by Montesquieu, about its Germanic origin, stating in part `Two texts about the Salic Law, both of them in Latin but the second being full of German words mixed with Latin.. It is a matter of defining which one is the most ancient text..´ further saying `The Salic Law is not a standard code of laws but a simple enumeration of judicial customs… the criminal law holds the main important place.. We can feel at every moment the passage from one society to another, since the tenth century the customs succeed them..´ A curious and interesting lengthy document y Flaubert. Folded. With right edge slightly trimmed, otherwise G £2000-3000 The Salic Law was the ancient Salian Frankish civil law code compiled by first Frankish King Clovis AD 500. The written text is in Latin. It remained the basis of Frankish law throughout the Medieval, and influenced future European legal systems.
ELUARD PAUL: (1895-1952) French Poet, widely considered one of the founders of the surrealist movement. A good autograph signed poem `Paul Eluard´, one page, folio, n.p., n.d., to the verso of Parisian furniture and refurbishment printed stationery company, in French. A 28 verses boldly written poem in his hand, in bold black ink, being a large part of his poem `Poésie Ininterrompue´, 1946, (“Uninterrupted Poetry”), saying `Pour qu´un seul baiser la retienne… Vers une caresse infinie - Pour qu´elle soit comme une plaine - Nue et visible de partout - Pour qu´elle soit comme une pluie - Miraculeuse sans nuage - Comme une pluie entre deux feux - Comme une larme entre deux rires..´ Accompanied by a printed four pages text by René Char, entitled “Paul Eluard”, Summer 1933. With two crossing-out and corrections in his hand. Folded, with creasing to the borders, otherwise G £600-900
CAMUS ALBERT: (1913-1960) French Author and Philosopher. Nobel Prize winner in Literature, 1957. A.N., by Camus, to a T.L. corresponding to an Albert Maquet work, one page, folio, n.p., n.d., in French. Maquet´s typed text refers to La Peste, (“The Plague”), 1947, by Camus, to revolt and Christian faith. Small pencil annotation in Camus´ hand to the left border stating `May be it´s saying too much. There is a revolt in Jesus.´ An interesting comment by Camus related to Maquet´s draft. EX £400-500 Albert Maquet (1922-2009) Belgian-Walloon Writer. Maquet published several works based on Camus´ works.
GENET JEAN: (1910-1986) French Novelist, Playwright, and political Activist. A good A.L.S., `Jean´, one page, folio, Tokio, n.d., on the Tokyo Hilton printed stationery, in French. An amusing letter, making a joke referring to his birthday, and with text included in a geometrical figure looking like stairs, stating in part `I am happy to have celebrated my 19 years old on 57th December. Tokyo is really a city for me. There are lovely young men, gracious like Japanese porcelain cups.´ further saying `What about Sicily? Live long.´ Matted in black, alongside an 8 x 10 photograph of Genet, the image depicting the French poet outdoors in a half length pose, with the printed text “To achieve harmony in bad taste is the height of elegance”, and to an overall of 16.5 x 12. VG £100-150
RAO RAJA: (1908-2006) Indian Writer. One of the most internationally awarded Indian writers. An excellent autograph signed thoughts by Rao, one page, folio, in French. Rao states in part `According to a Hindu principle, writing is a holy thing.. We must, as some Hindu writings say, work, work with devotion, and the result obtained do not have to bother us.´ further saying `My main work is Kanthapura.´ Dated in his hand 4th April 1948. To the heading bearing the collector´s annotations with questions Raja Rao responds to. VG £300-400 Kanthapura (1938) First and best-known novel of Rao.
CAMUS ALBERT: (1913-1960) French Author and Philosopher. Nobel Prize winner in Literature, 1957. A.N. by Camus, three lines, to a T.L. corresponding to an Albert Maquet work, one page, folio, n.p., n.d., in French. Maquet´s typed text refers to La Peste, (“The Plague”), 1947, and to Camus´ plays. Small pencil annotation in Camus´ hand to the upper border, indicating it corresponds to Maquet´s paragraph `We have spoken about a failed work. We convey that the characters are pure abstractions endowed with mimicry and speech; the dialogues a succession of confronted ideas..´, Camus stating `It is true. But it is a kind of …like in the middle age, or an auto-sacramental like in Spain. And this literary style is based on allegories.´ A very interesting literary annotation by Camus related to Maquet´s draft. EX £400-500 Albert Maquet (1922-2009) Belgian-Walloon Writer. Maquet published several works based on Camus´ works.
MCCUDDEN JAMES: (1895-1918) English Fighter Ace of World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his flying services over France, August 1917 - March 1918. Extremely rare D.S., `J. B. McCudden´, one page, folio, France, 25th January 1918. The partially printed typed document is a typed letter report relating to Combats in the Air prepared by McCudden following his action in a S.E.5. Aircraft in the Cambrai area, over Urvillers, stating, in part, `..All of my patrol got in some shooting, and after Lt Durrent had fired a final burst E.A. went down out of control just S of Cambrai..´ further saying `At 2.45 attacked a Rumpler at 17,000 W of St. Quentin and fired about 200 Rounds at him at varying ranges from 30 to 100 yards. Left E.A. diving almost vertically over Urvillers at about 6000 feet at 2.50 absolutely out of control. Went N climbing and at 3.25 attacked an Albatross fighter who was escorting an L.V.G…´ An excellent signed document relating directly to McCudden's 44th Aerial Victory (from a total of 57 confirmed Victories). Countersigned by Major commanding Squadron 56 of the Royal Flying Corps. One file hole to the upper left corner not affecting the text or signature. VG £600-900
[BEAUCHAMP-PROCTOR ANDREW]: (1894-1921) South-African leading flying ace of First World War. Recipient of the Victoria Cross. Rare D.S. by Sholto Douglas `W.S.Douglas´, in his capacity as Major Commanding Squadron 84 of the Royal Flying Corps, one page, folio, France, 1st of June 1918, signed in pencil at the base. The partially printed document is a typed letter report relating to Combats in the Air prepared by Captain Andrew Weatherby Beauchamp-Proctor following his action in a S.E.5. Aircraft in the Fricourt area, stating, in part, `..Diving down on a balloon S.E. of Fricourt, I opened fire from 300 yds with my Vickers, and when about 50 yds distant, I fired 30 rounds from my Lewis drum of Buckingham. As I passed over balloon, I observed wreaths of blue smoke appearing on the sides of balloon. Enemy observers in two neighbouring balloons now jumped out. Owing to loss of air pressure in petrol tank, I had to return to the lines..´ An excellent signed document relating directly to Beauchamp-Proctor 22nd Aerial Victory (from a total of 54 confirmed Victories). Few file holes not affecting the text or signature, otherwise G £300-400William Sholto Douglas (1893-1969) 1st Baron Douglas of Kirtleside. Marshal of the Royal Air Force, former Pilot, flight Commander and Squadron Commander during the First World War. Douglas played an important role in the Battle of Britain air fighting strategy. He would further be appointed Commander of the British Zone of Occupation after the war.
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 excellent and rare L.S., Danton, one page, large folio, Paris, 13th August 1792, in French. The hand written letter being a decree of the National Assembly related to the 10th August Storming of the Tuileries Palace and the Swiss Guards behaviour, stating `By decree, the National Assembly establishes that the Minister of war will send an urgent report to this Assembly explaining the reasons which have forced Captains Buxdorf, Bourcand and Salis Scevis to resignate and about Lieutenant Colonel Bachman´s behaviour..´ Bearing at the base a red ink stamp. Accompanied by a contemporary 9 x 14 engraving showing Danton´s portrait and biography. Folded. VG, 2 £1200-1500Niklaus Franz von Bachmann (1740-1831) Swiss General of the Napoleonic wars. Brother of Karl Joseph von Bachmann, Commander of the Swiss Guards. Bachman is at the origin of the today´s date flag, being the first during the Second Coalition to re-introduce to his troops the old Swiss symbol of the white cross on a red field which had not been used anymore since the Middle Ages.
ROMME GILBERT: (1750-1795) President of the Convention 1793. French Politician and Mathematician who developed the French Republican Calendar. He voted in favour of the death sentence for King Louis XVI. On 17th June 1795 Romme and five others were sentenced to the guillotine. With a knife hidden, he stabbed himself repeatedly and died on the staircase to the courtroom. His last words are reported to have been "I die for the Republic". L.S., `G. Romme´, one page, folio, Paris, 6th April 1793, in French. The partially printed document bears at the heading a 1792 National Convention vignette and reports on the minutes and decrees issued by the committee, referring to some errors on the 28th March decrees. Signed by Joseph Becker ( 1743-1812) a Moselle convention member, and countersigned together with Romme by Jean-Baptiste Boyer-Fonfrede (1765-1793) Deputy to the National Convention. He voted for the death sentence of Louis XVI. Guillotined at the very early age of 33, only six months after signing the present letter. The document bears an attractive paper seal affixed to the bottom left corner. With blank integral leaf. Very small professional repair to the fold, otherwise VG £300-400
[CUSTINE & FOUQUIER TINVILLE]: Rare contemporary large printed indictment, four pages, large folio, Paris, 14th August 1793, in French. The indictment being issued by Revolutionary Prosecutor Antoine Quentin Fouquier Tinville (1746-1795) French Revolutionary and Prosecutor during the Revolution and Reign of Terror periods, accusing of high treason General Adam Philippe de Custine (1742-1793) French General. The Committee of Public Safety investigated Custine in 1792, but a vigorous defence by Robespierre resulted in his acquittal. A year after he was prosecuted in trial by Fouquier-Tinville, found guilty of high treason and guillotined. The present document being the original indictment. Two years after, Fouquier Tinville himself was sentenced to death and guillotined too. Printed by the printers of the criminal-revolutionary tribunal, rue Saint-Honoré. Folded, with small overall creasing to the edges, the right one being irregularly trimmed, otherwise VG £80-100
TALLIEN JEAN-LAMBERT: (1767-1820) French Journalist and Revolutionary. A radical opposed to Robespierre, who voted in favour of the execution of King Louis XVI. Tallien died of leprosy. L.S., `Tallien´, a bold and good signature example with flourish, two pages, folio, Agen, 26th September 1793, in French. The partially printed document bears an attractive vignette to the heading. Tallien, in his capacity as Deputy of the National Convention, reports having approved seven articles related to the National Gendarmerie. Bearing a red wax seal in very fine condition alongside Tallien´s signature. VG £120-200
[CONVENTION DEPUTIES & DOCTORS]: D.S., by multiple National Convention Deputies, one page, folio, Marseille, 16th November 1794, in French. The document is a health commission report, appointing surgeon Antoine Saury, and signed by Jean-Jacques-Régis de Cambacérès, Lazare Carnot, Antoine-François Fourcroy, Prieur de la Marne, Jean Pelet, Richard, Merlin de Douai, etc.. and by the doctors and scientists Bertrand Pelletier, Pierre Bayen, Etienne-Louis Geoffroy, Marie-François Vergez, Théry, Hego, Chabrol, etc.. Hand written heading of the third battalion at Marseille, Army of Italy. VG £100-150
GOHIER LOUIS-JEROME: (1746-1830) French Politician and Minister of Justice 1793-94 during the French Revolution. In 1799, on his return from Egypt, Napoleon Bonaparte tried to win Gohier, at that time President of the Directory, to his political projects. Gohier´s wife was a close friend to Josephine de Beauharnais. Rare D.S., `Gohier´, two pages, folio, Paris, 18th March 1794, in French. The partially printed document being a decree issued by the National Convention on 20th February 1794, and bears a rare and attractive vignette of the executive council. The decree refers to the request received from the Villefranche sur Saone citizens, related to citizen Prouvereau, which has been forwarded to the Sureté Generale Committee. Bearing an ink stamp of the French Republic alongside Gohier´s signature. Folded. Very small minor overall age wear and light staining, with a small tear to the upper edge fold, otherwise G £80-100
ROBERT JOSEPH LOUIS: (1767-1796) General during the French Revolution. Inspirer of the `Colonnes Infernales´ of Turreau. Robert committed suicide at the very early age of 29. Rare D.S., Robert, one page, folio, Nantes, 25th March 1794, to Adjutant-General Savary, in French. The partially printed document bears the heading of the Headquarters of the West Army with the printed bonnet, and refers to the enemy deserters forbidding to accept them in any Republican troop. He further requests a full detail of the people serving in the corps under his orders. Extremely small hole at the base of the document not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £60-90
CARRIER JEAN BAPTISTE: (1756-1794) French Revolutionary and member of the Convention. Well-remembered for his infamous Drownings at Nantes (`Noyades de Nantes´). He was guillotined on 16th December. Rare D.S., Carrier, one page, folio, Paris, 27th May 1794, to J.F. Gantois, in French. Also signed by five members of the Convention comprising Marie Pierre Francastel (1761-1831) accused by Carrier, Jean Jacques Bréard (1751-1840), Gaspard Joseph Lesage-Senault (1739-1823), Michel-Martial Cordier (1749-1824). The partially printed document bearing the heading of the French Republic, National Convention, reports the approval of a passport approved for a Covention Deputy. With a paper seal affixed to the front in fine condition. Together with a rare bulletin including a very interesting report on the accusation against the Representative of the People Carrier, eight pages, 8vo, stating `..having given to Phelipe, President of the criminal Tribunal of La Loire, the order to execute, without trial, here and now, 24 brigands who were just recently arrested…one of them aged thirteen and two aged fourteen..´ further listing the different accusations, one of them stating `..having ordered the drownings or shooting of a very large number of brigands who went to Nantes expecting a promised amnesty..´ , the sixth and seventh indictment stating `..having ordered or tolerated several drownings, including children and women, few of them pregnant, having given unlimited power to Lambert who has taken profit and ordered the drownings of priests…and for the Republican weddings as he called them, obliging a young couple to undress, then they tied them together and drown them…´ A document of exceptional content. VG, 2 £400-600 In a twenty-page letter to his fellow republicans, Carrier promised not to leave a single counter-revolutionary or monopolist at large in Nantes. His vigorous action was endorsed by the Committee of Public Safety, and in the following days Carrier put large numbers of prisoners aboard vessels with trap doors for bottoms, and sunk them in the Loire river. These executions, especially of priests and nuns, as well as women and children, known as the Drownings at Nantes (Noyades), along with his increasing demeanour, gained Carrier a reputation for wanton cruelty. He was described by Thiers as being "...one of those inferior and violent spirits, who in the excitement of civil wars become monsters of cruelty and extravagance.´
COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY: A good L.S., by four relevant members of the Committee of Public Safety, one page, folio, Paris, 10th August 1794, in French. Signed at the base by Jean Marie Collot d´Herbois (1749-1796) French Actor, Dramatist and Revolutionary. President of the National Convention in June 1793. Although he saved Madame Tussaud from the guillotine, d'Herbois administered the execution of more than 2.000 people in the city of Lyon during the Reign of Terror; Lazare Carnot (1753-1823); Pierre-Louis Prieur (1756-1827), known as Prieur de la Marne, and Jean-Baptiste Treilhard (1742-1810). The four members of the Committee of Public Safety sign at the base of the document approving the proposal received from the Commission of Arms and Powder, recommending to send rifles to the Navy troops in Brest and Rochefort. Small overall age wear, with upper and right edges slightly trimmed, and a very small tear to the upper border, none affecting the signatures. G £200-300
COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY: A good multiple L.S., by various members of the Committee of Public Safety, three pages, folio, Paris, 7th December 1794, in French. The partially printed document being an appointment proposal as adjutant to Brigade General in favour of Jean Laurent Courselles, eleven signatures in total, including Antoine François Fourcroy (1755-1809) Count of Fourcroy. French reputed Chemist. His 1787 publication Méthode de Nomenclature Chimique is considered a pillar of the modern chemistry; Philippe Merlin de Douai (1754-1838) President of the French Convention and Minister of Justice under the French Directory ; Edmond Louis Dubois-Crancé (1747-1814) French Politician and Soldier. President of the Convention 1793 and Minister of war in 1799. He voted in favour of death penalty in the trial of King Louis XVI; Emmanuel Sieyes (1748-1836) also known as Abbé Sieyes. French Clergyman and political writer. His 1789 pamphlet What is the Third Estate ? became the manifesto of the Revolution. President of the National convention in 1795. Sieyes coined the term `Sociology´, and supported Napoleon´s coup d´etat who brought him to power; Jean François Reubell (1747-1807) French Lawyer and politician. President of the Directory 1795. Very small overall minor age wear and light creasing otherwise VG £100-150
CAMBACERES JEAN JACQUES DE: (1753-1824) French Noble, Lawyer and Statesman during the French Revolution and French Empire. Co-Author of the Napoleonic code, which still is at the base of the French and many other countries civil law. D.S., Cambaceres, two pages, folio, Paris, 12th April 1795, in French. The partially printed document being an extract from the records of deliberations of the Committee of Public Safety, referring to Lemarie, Director of supplies, and to the delivery requested for 400 me in Versailles. The document bears a large and attractive vignette of the French Republic and Committee of Public Safety. Also signed at the base by Lesage, member of the National Convention. Very small overall age wear. VG £100-150
EBLÉ JEAN BAPTISTE: (1758-1812) French general in charge of bridge equipment in the Grande Armée. 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. A.L.S., Eblé, one page, folio, Dunkerque, 23rd January 1796, in French. The document bears the printed heading of the “North Army - French Republic - Liberté - egalité - Fraternité - Eblé Division General and Artillery Commandant”. Eblé orders citizen Lefaivre, engineer serving the North army to supervise the installation of the furnace in the arsenal of the city. Countersigned by Major Commandant Despriez. Bearing to the front a red wax seal in fine condition. Folded, with overall minor age wear and edges slightly trimmed. G £200-300
DUBOIS PAUL-ALEXIS: (1754-1796) French General who leaded the cavalry at Lambusart and Fleurus. Killed at the Roveredo battle. A good A.L.S., Alexis Dubois, one page, folio, Mons, 4th March 1796, in French. The document bears an attractive printed vignette to the heading and Dubois states in part `Citizen Henry Duroché, Captain of the 9th artillery regiment has forwarded to me a letter from the Minister of war authorizing him to solicit the post of Commandant mobile in the nine departments, situating him before General Tilly..´ Folded. Small overall minor age wear with small professional repair to the verso. G £150-200
DUGUA CHARLES FRANÇOIS: (1744-1802) French General of the West army, further General Head of Staff under Lecrec at Saint Domingue. Killed during the attack to Fort Pierrot. An interesting L.S., C.F.J. Dugua, two pages, large folio, Caen, 13th May 1796, in French. Dugua, in his capacity as General of Division, responds to the letter received by citizen Canisy who has been arrested by Dugua´s order, stating `I write to you requesting your authorization to remain arrested at home, supervised by a guard, or in the way you decide. I am in a very bad health situation, and can´t make any kind of service, I can´t even dress myself..´ Dugua orders to appoint two health officers. To the verso two doctors report on Canisy´s health, explaining his very bad situation. Folded. Small overall, minor age wear, with edges slightly trimmed. G £150-200
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