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

Spence (Joseph) Polymetis: or, an Enquiry Concerning the Agreement Between the Works of the Roman Poets, second edition, engraved portrait frontispiece and 41 plates, illustrations, occasional faint off-setting, occasional faint spotting and marginal damp-staining, bookplate, contemporary decorative calf, rebacked with original spine laid down, folio, R. and J. Dodsley, 1755.

Dictionaries.- Gardening.- Miller (Philip) The Gardeners Dictionary, sixth edition, engraved allegorical frontispiece and 9 plates, light offsetting onto title, occasional marking to margins, but generally a good, clean copy, contemporary calf, rebacked, corners a little worn, later endpapers, folio, for the Author, 1752.

WIRION LOUIS: (1764-1810) French General of the Gendarmerie. Rare A.L.S., Wirion, one page, folio, Verdun, 23rd January 1804, to the Minister of war, in French. The document bears at the heading an attractive and rare French Revolution vignette “In Legibus Salus”. Wirion, in his capacity as Commandant of the Verdun position, supports a request received from `Edouard de Ste-Croix, English from Jersey, prisoner in Verdun, demanding an authorization allowing him to return to Laval, in the Mayenne department…It has been attested that this prisoner suffers an illness that is called Epilepsy..´ The document bears a large watermark. Folded. Very small, minor overall age wear. VG £300-400 Wirion shot himself in the head at the Bois de Boulogne after having been accused of prevarication and exploitation of English prisoners in Verdun.

[SOULT NICOLAS JEAN DE DIEU]: (1769-1851) Marshal of France, Duc de Dalmatie. An interesting and lengthy contemporary manuscript, nineteen pages, 4to, being the transcriptions of the Cadiz Regency gazette and the Madrid gazette, dated 23rd January and 11th February 1813. The provenance being Marshal Soult´s own personal files. The manuscript mostly reports on the Spanish campaign, London news and Russian campaign. A lengthy part reports on British spies captured in the Morbihan, north of France, and a very interesting chapter reports on the Russian campaign, stating in part `..The French have been dislodged from Kowno after having lost 21 canons and 6000 men were imprisoned.-Marshal Macdonald planned returning through Tilsit.. Prussian peasants are assassinating all French drivers wherever they find them...´ Together with an original printed gazette of Madrid, four pages, folio, dated 23rd January 1813. A hard attack against Napoleon Bonaparte describing him as `..this odious biped that Corsica produced in its rocks to persecute us..´ About VG, 2 £100-150

RITCHIE HENRY: (1876-1958) Henry Peel Ritchie. British Royal Navy Captain. Ritchie received the first Victoria Cross awarded to naval personnel during the First World War for his courageous actions in November 1914, which left him seriously wounded. Attractive signed colour printed oblong 9.5 x 5.5 card `H. Peel. Ritchie´, being a printed drawn map entitled `Local Circuit´. The map shows the « Spare » and « Main » Using Gun Branch Box. Boldly signed by Ritchie to the lower white border. The card has been lightly affiched to a larger folio, easily removable. VG £100-150 The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award for valor that can be given to members of the British armed forces.

NICHOLAS I: (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55. L.S., Nicolas, a good and bold signature example, three pages, folio, Saint Petersburg, 23rd March 1837, to His Majesty the King of Naples, in Cyrillic. The manuscript letter informs the King, 'Our Dear Brother and Friend.. after having accepted the petition received from our Privy Councillor, Chamberlain and Cavalier Count Adam Matushevits, who is residing now at the Court of Your Majesty as our Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Minister, we relieve him from his duty and Envoy..´. Countersigned at the foot by Karl Nesselrode. Accompanied by the original envelope wrapper bearing a large Imperial paper seal. Some extremely light, minor age wear, otherwise VG £1000-1500 Ferdinand II (1810-1859) King of the Two Sicilies 1830-59. Karl Nesselrode (1780-1862) Russian Count and Diplomat. Foreign Affairs Minister 1816-56. Nesselrode served under Tsars Alexander I, Nicholas I and Alexander II.

ALEXANDER I OF YUGOSLAVIA: (1888-1934) King of Yugoslavia 1929-34. Also known as Alexander the Unifier. He previously served as King of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes 1921-29. D.S., `Alexander´, one page, large folio, Belgrade, 1st October 1921, to Tihomir V. Zmajic, in Serb. The partially printed document bears to the heading the imperial printed coat of arms, entitled beneath "Alexander I - King of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes", and is the appointment of Tihomir V. Zmajic as infantry second Lieutenant. Countersigned by Mil Jeremic, Naval and defence Minister. The document bears alongside the king´s signature an imperial blind embossed seal. With blank integral leaf. Folded, with small overall staining. G £150-200

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. Extremely rare L.S., `Bonaparte´, twice, with two lines annotation in his hand, one page, folio, n.p. [Cairo, Egypt], 20th November 1798, in French and Arabic. Napoleon, in his capacity as chief General, signs twice and adds a two lines autograph annotation text to be forwarded to Commissair Poussielgue, stating `The Commander of the place will let go the said man and release him´. Signed to a letter received, both in French and Arabic, from Sheikh Muhammad el-Mahdi, who advocates in favour of Sheikh Ahmed ben Uleich who has been imprisoned by mistake as a result of a dispute between Abdullah Bacha and Muhammad Quinou, stating in part `..several trustworthy witnesses have testified that Sheikh Ahmed ben Uleich, arrested, is not associated, nor representing or legally related to any of them..´ The text in Arabic bears at the bottom of the document the Sheikh´s seal. Folded. Small overall, minor age wear, with creases and slightly trimmed edges. G £8000-12000 Sheikh Mohammed El-Mahdi (1737-1814) Secretary General of the Great Diwan in Cairo. Jean-Baptiste Etienne Poussielgue (1764-1851) General Intendant and Administrator of the finance during the Egypt campaign.

CLARKE HENRI JACQUES GUILLAUME: (1765-1818) Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24. Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon. L.S., Duc de Feltre, with four holograph lines annotation beneath, two pages, folio, Paris, 6th July 1813, to Marshal Jourdan, in French. The document bears to the upper left the printed heading of the Minister of war, and refers to the Emperor orders related to the Dragons, Chasseurs and Hussars troops that have to be sent to Spain, from France and Portugal. Clarke thanks Jourdan for his prompt responses which he will forward to the Emperor, and concludes with a personal post-scriptum asking for Jourdan´s health `It is a new misfortune in this difficult time we are living and it distresses me thinking in your Excellence and in the public situation..´ A good content letter in very fine condition. VG £150-200 Clarke refers to the Battle of Vitoria, 21st June, leaded by Joseph Bonaparte against the advice of Jourdan who was disabled and could not grant a proper command. The battle concluded with a decisive defeat of the French troops.

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, one page, folio, Paris, 20th July 1795, in French. The partially printed document being an extract from the records of deliberations of the Committee of Public Safety, war department, referring to officers salaries. The document bears a large and attractive vignette of the French Republic and Committee of Public Safety. Also signed at the base by Jean Debry (1760-1834) President of the National Convention in 1793. Well remembered for his famous slogan `La Patrie est en Danger´ (“The Fatherland is in Danger”). With blank integral leaf. Small repair to the verso to the centre fold. VG £100-150

BASTILLE WINNER PATENT: An excellent and rare patent title, one page, vellum, oblong folio, Paris, 19th June 1790, to Emmanuel Leriche, in French. The attractive partially printed document is a "Brevet de Vainqueur de la Bastille", bears the printed heading of the National Assembly and is richly ornated with drawings by Nicolas and engravement by Delattre, showing the storming of the Bastille, with the printed text "Freedom conquered the 14th July 1789". The document reproduces the text included in the decree of 19th June 1790, stating in part `The National Assembly struck by a fair admiration for the heroic intrepidity of the winners of the Bastille, and wishing to grant, on behalf of the Nation, a public testimony to those who have risked and sacrificed their lives to shake up the yoke of slavery, and make their homeland free…´ The decree granted to all the citizens awarded arms, clothing, this patent, etc…. Signed at the base by Charles Lameth, Jacques Menou and Jean-Armand Pannetier in his capacity as President of the Bastille winners, and commissairs Borie, Fournier and Déjon. The document bears a red wax seal to the front left border. Very small overall age wear, folded. VG £1200-1500 Jacques Menou (1750-1810) also known as Abdallah Menou, French General. He replaced Kleber as chief General and Commander of the Orient Army. Charles Malo de Lameth (1757-1832) French General. A distinguished officer during the siege of Yorktown.

TAPONIER ALEXANDRE CAMILLE: (1749-1831) French General. At the Storming of the Bastille, Taponier was Sergeant and he leaded the assault to the prison. A.L.S., `Taponier´, one page, folio, Luxembourg, 29thth July 1800, to General Dessolles, in French. The partially printed document of the Army of the Rhin shows an attractive French Revolution vignette at the heading. Taponier requests further information regarding his future post and duties, and reports `General Chateauneuf-Randon, during a meeting we had, proposed to me the commandment of Metz city..´. Signed at the base by Taponier in his capacity as General of division. The document bears to the bottom right corner a Crawford collection stamp. Small overall age wear and creasing to the edges, folded, otherwise G £150-200

ANNE OF AUSTRIA: (1601-1666) Queen of France 1615-43 as spouse of King of France Louis XIII, and Regent of France during the minority of her son Louis XIV, 1643-51. During her regency Cardinal Mazarin served as France´s chief Minister. Anne of Austria was a Spanish Princess, daughter of King of Spain Philip III. Rare L.S., `Anne´, one page, folio, Paris, 6th August 1643, to Baron of Isle, in French. Less than three months before the present letter was written Louis XIII passed away, and Anne of Austria, in her capacity as Regent of France, informs her correspondent that her son The King Louis XIV, aged four, has granted Baron of Isle the patent of Senechal and of Governor of the Baron Noé. The document bears at the base a large and attractive countersignature. With few extremely small holes not affecting the signature. Very small area of paper loss, as a result of the opening of the letter where the former seal was. Small overall, minor age wear, otherwise G £600-900

MINISTERS OF NAPOLEON: A good selection of five Ls.S., one or two pages, folio, by Ministers of Napoleon, on their printed stationery ministry letters, comprising Jean Baptiste Collin de Sussy (1750-1826), Minister of Commerce, letter dated in Paris, 8th July 1812; Claude Ambroise Régnier, duc de Massa (1736-1814), Minister of Police, letter dated in Paris, 29th October 1812; Nicolas François Mollien (1758-1850), Minister of the Treasury, document signed in Paris, 21st February 1812; Dominique Joseph Garat (1749-1833), Minister of Justice as substitute of Danton, and Minister of Interior as substitute of Rolland, document dated in Paris, 8th October 1812, and Martin Michel Charles Gaudin duc de Gaëte (1756-1841), Minister of Finance, letter dated in Paris, 18th August 1810, to Marshal Clarke. VG, 5 £100-120

ROYALTY: A good selection of A.Ls.S., Ls.S., and one signed piece by various members of Royal families including Francis I (1777-1830) King of the Two Sicilies 1825-30. A.L.S., `Francesco´, two pages, 4to, Naples 23rd May 1824, in Italian; John of Saxony (1801-1873) King of Saxony 1854-73. L.S., two pages, folio, 9th November 1855. The document being a patent , bearing alongside the King´s signature an attractive paper seal affixed; Princess Frederica of Hanover (1848-1926) Daughter of George V, last King of Hanover. A.L.S., three pages, 4to, London, 10th July 1881, on her royal printed stationery, in German; Grand Duchess of Tuscany Marie, Princess of Saxony. A.L.S., three pages, 8vo, in French; Princess Caroline-Mathilde of Denmark (1912-1995) Signed piece; Prince Heinrich Reuss of Kostricht (1879-1942) A.L.S., two pages, Newport, 26th May 1929, etc… VG £80-100

ELIZABETH II : (1926- ) Queen of the united Kingdom 1952- & PRINCE PHILIP (1921- ) Duke of Edinburgh, consort of Queen Elizabeth II. D.S., Elizabeth R, as Queen, at the head, and Philip, as Grand Master, at the foot, one page, large folio, Court at Saint James´s, 15th June 1895. The printed document grants the dignity of an Ordinary Dame Commander of the Civil Division of the Order of the British Empire to Alison, Mrs Munro, CBE. With blind embossed seal. Some extremely light, very minor discoloration at the extreme edges, evidently caused by previous framing, otherwise EX £250-350 Dame Alison Munro (1914-2008) High Mistress of St. Paul´s Girls School 1964-74

BARAGUEY D´HILLIERS LOUIS: (1764-1813) French General during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. L.S., `L.B. d'Hilliers´, one page, folio, Weissembourg, 22nd May 1793, to General Alexandre de Beauharnais, in French. The partially printed document of the Army of the Rhin reports about General Vieusseux who is assigned to Beauharnais division orders, stating in part `..the People representants wish that Baraguey is assigned to Porrentruy or neighbourhood countries, because of his relationships with Bienne where he is married and they fear his influence..´ The document bears a large watermark. Folded. VG £100-150 Alexandre Beauharnais (1760-1794) French General. Beauharnais was the first husband of Josephine de la Pagerie, who later married Napoleon Bonaparte and became Empress of the First Empire. Alexandre was arrested in March 1794 and, following his sentence of death during the Reign of Terror, was executed by guillotine in Paris. Jean-Louis Vieusseux (1754-1817) French General. Baraguey D´Hilliers served in the Russian campaign of 1812 where his troops were assigned to guard Smolensk after the city was captured by the French. During the retreat from Moscow, Napoleon ordered Baraguey d'Hilliers to march east to meet him. However, instead of joining Napoleon, his division marched into the jaws of the advancing Russian army. The Russians surrounded his brigades and forced him to surrender. For this incident, he fell into disgrace with the Emperor.

LUDWIG II OF BAVARIA: (1845-1886) King of Bavaria 1864-86. Called the Fairy Tale King for his extravagant artistic and architectural projects, he is also remembered as the devoted patron of the composer Richard Wagner. D.S., Ludwig, one page, folio, Munich, 26th December 1867, in German. The partially printed document shows a very attractive heading "Ludwig II by Grace of God, King of Bavaria", and states in part `We appoint former regiment´s quartermaster of the rifle manufacture board, Heinrich Petzl, as War Commissioner in the Military Chamber, and this because of his services and oath duties. Granted to him by this patent, with our Highest Signature, and with the seal of the war ministry…´ The document bears beneath the Emperor´s signature a large and attractive Imperial paper seal affixed, with embossed coat of arms and title "Ludovicus II". Countersigned by the Secretary General of His Majesty. With blank integral leaf. Folded. VG £500-800

MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II & VITTORIO EMANUELE III (1869-1947) King of Italy 1900-46. D.S., Mussolini, and Vittorio Emanuele, one page, folio, Rome, 10th February 1937, in Italian. The partially printed document being a decree according to which the King of Italy grants a new post to cavalry Lieutenant Colonel Emilio Mesepieri. With two official contemporary ink stamps of the war minister to the verso. The document bears a watermark. Folded, with extremely small pinholes from former staples to the left border, otherwise VG £100-150

PONIATOWSKI JOZEF: (1763-1813) Polish General, Minister of War and Army Chief. Marshal of the Empire. An excellent L.S., `Joseph Prince Poniatowski´, one page, folio, Warsaw, 5th January 1810, to the Minister of War Duke de Feltre, in French. Poniatowski, in his capacity as General of division and Chief Commander of the Polish army, thanks his correspondent for the letter received last month of December and states in part `Your Excellency honoured me informing me about the replacement of Major Wierzbinski, now Colonel, and of Quatermaster Wasitemski accused of embezzlement. Having no doubt that Your Excellency has designated an officer who fulfills required qualifications and who will accomplish his functions properly, I consider superfluous to recommend somebody else for that post….´ Small overall, minor age wear, with small stains at the base of the document, otherwise G £3000-4000 Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke (1765-1818) Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24. Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon.

BLUMENTRITT GUNTHER: (1892-1967) German Officer during Worl War I and further Nazi General during WWII. Blumentritt played a main role on the planning of the invasion of Poland in 1939, and a year later on the invasion of France. He also participated in Operation Barbarossa and planning the defense of Normandy. A lengthy and good A.L.S., `Blumentritt´, two pages, folio, on two slim sheets of paper, Marburg, 4th May 1950, to Felix Steiner, in German. Blumentritt states in part `..our friends from the West can obviously read my letters, these ones too...´ further saying `I am a soldier, I learned that very well since 1911, although now I try to watch things happening with some distance.. Today, Western Europe has only two powerful countries in the continent, the French Nation with great power and the German country without sovereignty.. What Monsieur Francois Poncet wishes we all wish so too since long ago, during wars..´ A letter of very interesting content. Folded. G £150-200

GEORGE III: CONTINENTAL BLOCKADE. On 16th May 1806, England declared the blockade of all French coasts on the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea. In retaliation, Napoleon signed the Berlin decree, 21st November 1806, declaring the British islands under continental blockade. The English responded with the decree signed by King Georges III, referred to in the present letter, 11th November 1807, obliging any neutral vessel to pay rights to the British customs, and a month later Napoleon signed the Milan decree stating that any vessel paying such rights to the British would be considered an enemy and would be arrested. An excellent set of two documents related to the continental blockade, comprising GEORGE III (1738-1820) King of the United Kingdom 1760-1820. D.S., George R., at the heading, one page, large folio, St-James´s Court, 13th April 1808, to Lubbock & Co. The partially printed document, signed by George III as King, is a Royal patent permitting for six months that their vessels could move from Cadiz, Ayamonte and Sanlucar in Spain, to London´s port, with the wine and other cargoes authorized to be imported according to the 11th November 1807 decree, and won´t be affected by the blockade which only applies vessels with weapons and war material cargoes. Countersigned by Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool (1770-1828) British Prime Minister 1812-27, and Secretary of State for war 1809-12. The document bears to the front a paper seal affixed and a blind embossed seal. With blank integral leaf. Few small tears to the edges, not affecting text or signatures. Together with MORTIER EDOUARD (1768-1835) Marshal of France, Duc de Treviso. Prime Minister of France 1834-35. An excellent content L.S., `Ed. Mortier´, three pages, 4to, Anclam, 12th December 1806, to General Michaud in Hamburg, in French. Mortier insists on Napoleon´s orders and states `The Emperor orders repeat and insist on the strict execution of his decree related to the continental blockade … His Majesty´s wish is that no English cargo can go through Altona, nor Hamburg, nor any other location…No English good, nor colonial ones can go through, All letters to England, written by English, must be confiscated..´ VG,2 £600-900

[CLUNY ABBEY]: Benedictine monastery in Cluny, France, dedicated to St. Peter. Its earliest basilica was the largest church one in the world until the St. Peter´s construction began in Rome. Rare 14th century parchment with an extremely attractive large wax seal, one page, oblong large folio, Cesena, 1358, given by Audrouin de la Roche, to Archbishop Petrignano, in Latin. De la Roche was a Benedictine abbot, who was in Cluny from 1351 to 1361, and who would be created Cardinal in Avignon by Pope Innocent VI. At the time of the present document, De la Roche was acting in his capacity as Apostolic Legate and General Governor of the Papal States in Italy. The document is an “Officium Capitaneatus” appointing several members of a diocese. Rare Cluny Abbey seal attached at the base of the document, in fine condition, showing a bishop figure and latin text around. Very carefully and neatly written with attractive calligraphy, and in very fine condition. VG £1500-2000 In 1357 the Papal troops conquered the city of Cesena and in 1360 Abbot Audrouin participated in the Peace Treaty negotiations between France and England

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 £200-300 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.

ZAGHLOUL SAAD: (1859-1927) Egyptian revolutionary and Statesman. Prime Minister in 1924 and Minister of education and Justice. Signed attractive drawing, in Arabic, one page, large folio, beneath an original pen and ink drawing by the German-Swiss artist Robert Kastor, the well-executed work depicting Zaghloul in a head and shoulders pose. EX £60-90 Zaghloul leaded nationalist movements and the Egyptian delegation to the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, demanding that the United Kingdom recognise the independence of Egypt. As a result of his increasing independence actions, the British exiled him to Malta and later to Seychelles.

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 £200-300

ALEXANDER II: (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 £2000-3000 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.

BRUNE GUILLAUME: (1763-1815) Marshal of France. Murdered. L.S., `Brune´, one page, folio, Paris, 3rd November 1801, to General Chabot, in French. The partially printed document bears an attractive coat of arms to the heading, and Brune´s printed name, in his capacity as State Concilor and Chief General. Brune congratulates his correspondent for his new posting, stating in part `..I learn with pleasure that you have been appointed to the [republic] Cisalpine, …You are right thinking that you can count on me and trust me in case you ever need my help.. ´ Large light stain over a large part of the document, although remaining the text and signature very clear and legible. F to G £150-200

CENTURION OCTAVIO & PHILIP III: Octavio Centurion (1589?-1653) Genoese Banker. Centurion was the most important financial ally of Spanish Kings Philip III and Philip IV, & King Philip III (1578-1621) King of Spain 1598-1621. Genoa supported the Spanish monarchy since the Catholic Kings time, with illustrious Genoese citizens welcomed by the Spanish Kings such as Christophus Columbus, Andrea Doria, etc.. Octavio Centurion financed with millions of ducados the imperial plans of the Spanish Kings. The hand written document, eighteen pages, folio, is an official and notary document of a loan given by Centurion to King Philip III and the Kingdom of Spain. Signed by Centurion `Otavio Centurion´, and by King Philip III `Yo el Rey´ to the front page upper right corner and to some inside ones. An interesting Kingdom loan document. With a hole to the centre of the pages, not affecting the signatures. F £150-200

TALLEYRAND-PÉRIGORD CHARLES MAURICE DE: (1754-1838) French Diplomat and Statesman. Prime Minister of France July-September 1815. An interesting and lengthy L.S., `Ch Mau Talleyrand´, four pages, folio, Paris, 8th November 1797, to the French finance Minister, in French. Talleyrand in his capacity as Minister of foreign affairs sends a request to his colleague referring to the free navigation of the Swiss on the Geneva lake, stating in part `..The Swiss and the Genevans have sometimes referred to free navigation on the lake, with respect to the Sardes Kings and to France which succeeded them as proprietors, but pointing that they got it as a free and volunteer permission..´ Talleyrand further refers to this privilege which was created under Henri IV, and explains it saying `..this should be enough to make you take the decision of letting the process of the English goods confiscation continue..´ further concluding `..if the Swiss and Genevans have not presented any claim it is because they prefer to keep on with the smuggling which is so familiar to them..´ Folded. Otherwise VG £150-200 Dominique-Vincent Ramel de Nogaret (1760-1829) French Politician. Finance minister 1796-99. Ramel de Nogaret was forced into exile in Belgium in 1816 where he died without ever returning to France.

BORODIN MICHEL DE: Russian General under King Ferdinand I. A good and cleanly written A.L.S., `Michel de Borodin´, three pages, folio, Naples, 24th May 1802, to the King of Naples and Sicily, in French. Borodin, before leaving, thanks the King for the chest received, explains that he is honoured serving him and further mentions two Russian officer´s names who have helped him in his task as General of the King´s guard. Accompanied by the original envelope bearing to the verso a red wax seal. VG  £80-100  

CLARKE HENRI JACQUES GUILLAUME: (1765-1818) Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24. Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon. L.S., Duc de Feltre, one page, folio, Paris, 20th July 1812, to Marshal Soult, in French. Copy of the letter sent to Marshal Soult, signed by Clarke, related to the Spanish campaign and with the printed heading of the Minister of War, stating in part `The Emperor having granted to King Joseph Napoleon the superior commandment of the Spanish army and all the decisions related to the peninsula affairs..´ further referring to the reports that Marshals and Commanders have to send regularly to the King. One stain and few tears to the upper edge not affecting the signature, otherwise G £120-150

BILLAUD-VARENNE & BARERE: Jacques Nicolas Billaud-Varenne (1756-1819) French Revolutionary, often considered a key architect of the period known as The Reign of Terror. Nicknamed "Le Tigre" ("The Tiger"). Billaud-Varenne was a member of the Committee of Public Safety, later sentenced to deportation to French Guiana after is involvement in the 12th Germinal insurrection (1st April 1795). Bertrand Barere (1755-1814) French Politician, Freemason & Journalist, one of the most prominent members of the National Convention during the French Revolution. A good D.S., `Billaud-Varenne´, and `B. Barere´, one page, folio, Paris, 17th October 1793, in French. Both revolutionaries, in their capacities as representatives of the people at the Committee of Public Safety, forward the partially printed document to all representatives in mission to the different French Departments stating what has been approved by decree, saying in part `..to complete the full purge of all the authorities established in each department, and all civil servants, having to report every eight days about the progress of their missions before being called to return back…´ A document of interesting content during the Reign of Terror. Very small creasing to the edges, otherwise G £150-200

TALLEYRAND-PÉRIGORD CHARLES MAURICE DE: (1754-1838) French Diplomat and Statesman. Prime Minister of France July-September 1815. An interesting and lengthy L.S., `Ch Mau Talleyrand´, three pages, folio, Paris, 20th May 1799, to the French finance Minister, in French. The document bears at the heading an attractive vignette of the `Liberté des Mers´, (`Freedom on the Seas´) French Republic monogramme the heading of the Navy and Colonies Ministry , and Talleyrand in his capacity as Minister of foreign affairs states in part `..above all at this moment when the enemies of the republic are widespread all over the Mediterranean..´ With blank address leaf. The document bears a large attractive watermark. Folded, with small overall minor age wear. VG £150-200 Dominique-Vincent Ramel de Nogaret (1760-1829) French Politician. Finance minister 1796-99. Ramel de Nogaret was forced into exile in Belgium in 1816 where he died without ever returning to France.

ROSSINI GIOACHINO: (1792-1868) Italian Composer. Rare A.M.Q.S., Gioachino Rossini, one page, oblong folio manuscript paper, Florence, 3rd June 1853. In bold dark fountain pen ink, Rossini has neatly penned a quotation for piano forte comprising ten bars of music across two staves, with small annotations, which he identifies as A[ndanti]no. Signed and dated by the composer immediately beneath the quotation. The document bears a watermark. Some light creasing and minor overall age wear, VG £3000-4000

PALOMBINI GIUSEPPE FEDERICO: (1774-1850) Italian General who served under Napoleon and commanded the Napoleone Dragoons of the Cisalpine republic. At the end of the Napoleonic Italian Republic, Palombini joined the Austrian army becoming field Marshal. A very interesting L.S., Palombini, two pages, folio, Otanes, 5th May 1813, to General Foy, in French. Palombini explains his decision to help Foy before returning to Italy, and states `..After having longly thought on the circumstances of the besiege of Castro-[Urdiales] and all the other military actions wisely leaded by you in the Biscaye province…´ further suggesting his participation in the provisioning of his correspondent´s troops, in protecting the city of Bilbao and the surrounding roads. Small overall, minor age wear, creasing and edges very slightly trimmed, otherwise G £100-150

BOURBOTTE PIERRE: (1763-1795) French Revolutionary, Deputy and member of the National Convention. Bourbotte voted in favour of the King´s Louis XVI execution. He also died guillotined at the early age of 32. A good and interesting L.S., `Bourbotte´, one page, folio, n.p., n.d. [summer 1794], to the People´s representatives Ferrand and Neveu, in French. Bourbotte states in part `The wide expanse of borders that you have to defend will expose you at some places if you do not go to the front and forestall the enemy, attacking him with your vigorous behaviour..´ Bourbotte further advices them to gather a great military force, including the Rhine and Moselle armies, for a decisive great victory. He believes in Generals Michaux and Moreau and states `..heat with vigour, only a great battle can grant us the recovery of Trier and the storming of Luxemburg..´ Very small areas of paper loss to the upper edge not affecting the text or signature, and edges very slightly trimmed. Folded. G £200-300 Trier was recovered the 8th of August 1794, , and Luxemburg surrendered after seven months siege, in June 1795.

DE LESSEPS FERDINAND: (1805-1894) French Diplomat and developer of the Suez Canal. Signed autograph statement, Cte de Lesseps, one page, folio, beneath an original pen and ink drawing by the German-Swiss artist Robert Kastor, the well-executed work depicting an attractive portrait of De Lesseps who adds few proverbs, christian and oriental ones, stating in part `An ounce of fear is heavier than a quintal of friendship´ and the Suez Canal motto `Aperire terram gentibus ! (`Open the land to the Nations´), dated 1890 in his hand. Small traces of former framing to the upper border. VG £100-150

[LOUIS XIII OF FRANCE]: (1601-1643) King of France 1610-43 and King of Navarre 1610-20. Son of Henry IV. Louis XIII ascended the throne at the early age of nine when his father was assassinated. His mother the Queen Marie de´ Medici acting as Regent. Louis XIII took power in 1617 by exiling his mother and executing her Italian followers. D.S., Louis, by his secretary, one page, folio, 4th April 1626, to Count of St. Pol, in old French. The cleanly written document addressed to `My Cousin, the Count of St. Pol, Governor and Lieutenant General of the duchy of Orleans,…´, states that `the Sieur de Dison has been elected to the Assemblage of Hospitaliers of the King´s Order of St. Michel..´ The King further sends specific instructions regarding the exact date and location letter delivery, etc…Countersigned by Raimond Phelypeaux, Treasurer and Secretary of State under King Louis XIII. Addressee to the verso. Folded. Small overall age wear, with few extremely small holes not affecting the text or signatures, otherwise G £150-200

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 £400-600

GRUNERT PAUL FERDINAND: (1861-1936) Imperial German cavalry Officer. Grunert served as Quartermaster and top communications officer under General von Hindenburg, a key role during the 1914 remarkable German victory at the battle of Tannenberg. A rare and extremely interesting A.L.S., `Grunert´, four pages, folio, Lenozyca, 28th November 1914, to Erich Ludendorff, in German. A lengthy historical military document, being the report sent by Grunert to Ludendorff, stating in part `Now we just wait for the arrival of the new recruited reinforcements to start the attack again with all our strengths. We plan to put the focus on the left flank which is not blocked by the enemy right now - to move together under extensive protection of Warsaw….. I believe we can hold our previous position against the huge numbers of Russian troops……..we want to do this only in the worst case, no to force our troops to build new fortifications in the now hard ground, and not to induce the Russians to announce quick reports of victory. Tactically it wouldn't be unfavourable to take a step back because we shorten our frontline and won't unprotect the left flank for the advance move displayed, a flank too close to Warsaw.´ Further giving full detail on regiments positions and saying `Hereby it is to be consider that these companies began the invasion in Poland only with 70-80 rifles. The squadrons of the Kav. divisions contain about 70 horses; the II. Army Corps arrived here with 10000 rifles and there they were reinforced with about 4000 reserve troops… The message you received concerning the capturing of two Russian generals is correct..´ and before concluding `Our mood, both in the headquarter and in the companies and divisions, is absolutely confident. We strongly believe in victory. Only one thing worries me, and this is the totally insufficient supply of artillery ammunition. If you could help to get us a considerable supply, that would be very important. Without enough preparation by artillery bombardement, the attack to the strong trenches, partially built on different levels, is merely the murder of our infantry.´ A letter of excellent content. Folded. VG £1000-1500 Erich Ludendorff (1865-1937) German General, the victor of the battles of Liege and Tannenberg. Along with Paul von Hindenburg, the leaders of the German forces during World War I. At the time of the present letter, at the outbreak of World War I, Ludendorff had been appointed Deputy Chief of Staff to the German Second Army. On November 27th 1914, only a day before the present letter was written, German commander Paul von Hindenburg issues a triumphant proclamation from the battlefields of the Eastern Front, celebrating his army's campaign against Russian forces in the Polish city of Warsaw. On November 1st 1914, Hindenburg had been appointed commander in chief of all German troops on the Eastern Front; his chief of staff was Erich Ludendorff.

PERIGNON CATHERINE-DOMINIQUE DE: (1754-1818) 1st Marquis of Grenade. Marshal of France. A very interesting A.L.S., `Perignon´, two pages, folio, Figueres headquarters, 25th December 1794, in French. Perignon, in his capacity as General of the Pyrenees army, makes a lengthy report, addressed to the Public Safety committee, about the siege of Rosas (a port in Catalonia) and gives testimony of this well-known heroic siege, and states `Until the beginning of this month we were working on the preparations…we couldn´t achieve all we planned because our republicans do not use the same ardor working than fighting..since the first day that we blew out two gunboats their navy is keeping distance, but they are advancing with their gunboats and cannons looking for shooting on us without risks..´ Small overall, minor age wear. G £400-600

TALLEYRAND-PÉRIGORD CHARLES MAURICE DE: (1754-1838) French Diplomat and Statesman. Prime Minister of France July-September 1815. L.S., Ch. Maurice Talleyrand, one page, folio, Paris, 7th June 1799, on the printed stationery of the Naval and colonies Minister, to widow Nouette, in French. Talleyrand, in his capacity as Minister of Foreign affairs, and on behalf of the Naval and Colonies Minister, refers to the letter received by Mr. Nouette´s widow requesting a certificate proving the number of years that her husband did work as General Treasurer of the Naval invalids and that he did fulfil his tasks till his death, stating `You will find enclosed the certificate requested, according to your demand, containing the reference to the accountings deposited at the Naval 6th division department..´ Small overall age wear and staining, and a fold at the base of the document, otherwise G £150-200

VICTOR-PERRIN CLAUDE: (1764-1841) Marshal of France. Minister of war. Duc de Belluno. L.S., `De Bellune´, with a three lines holograph post-scriptum, two pages, folio, Paris, 8th July 1822, to General Pamphile de la Croix, in French. The letter bears to the upper left corner three printed heading of the Minister of war. Victor reports on `..the rewards that the King has granted to the officers who proved their valour during Caron´s arrest´, further saying `His Majesty is satisfied with the honourable feelings shown by the 46th regiment… and has kindly authorized me to distribute some drinks among officers..´ One of the four officers awarded is Adolphe Thiers´ brother, and each of them is granted 1.500 francs, total amount which Marshal Victor reports. At the base of the document, Victor adds a post-scriptum in his hand saying `Please let me know the names of the officers who were present with Nicol when Caron was arrested.´ Folded. VG £80-100 Augustin-Joseph Caron (1774-1822) French Colonel. Caron was one of the leaders of the 19th August 1820 complot, remembered as "The French Bazar". Caron would be released after trial, but only two years after Caron planned the evasion from jail of his accomplices and intended a pronunciamiento. The 2nd of July 1822 Caron is arrested after taking the lead of conspirator troops, sentenced to death and executed.

BERNADOTTE JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1763-1844) Marshal of France, Prince de Pontecorvo and King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway 1818-44. L.S., J.B. Bernadotte, with large flourish underneath, with holograph sentence, two pages, folio, Hanover, 3rd September 1804, to General Rivaud, in French. Bernadotte announces that `The Bremen Senate has accepted to make a loan of one million to the Hanover States..´ further saying `..please inform that I wish to have the first five hundred thousand paid in three weeks time... Because we need money to grant the troops salaries..´ The document bears a watermark dated 1801. With blank integral leaf, folded. With two small tears to the lower edge and fold, otherwise VG £250-350 Olivier Rivaud (1766-1839) served the Hanover States since 1803, and was later appointed commandant of the 2nd division in the Grande Armée under Bernadotte.

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.

SAVARY ANNE JEAN-MARIE: (1774-1833) French general under revolution and Empire and minister of Police. The day before the coup d´etat, Malet seized the Minister of police and arrested Savary who was close to be killed by General Guidal, but General Lahorie intervened. An interesting L.S., with two lines holograph, one page folio, dated 25th October 1812, only two days after the coup attempt, to Jean François Dejean, President of the military Commission in charge of Malet´s court-martial. Savary states `I have taken to the Abbaye prison former General Desnoyers, and left him there at your disposal. Partner in crime of Malet, he received in his home, through his pretended aide-de-camp, a spade, a military cap, and a General uniform with a letter note explaining the events and instructing him to go to place Vendôme…´ VG £80-100

CHARLES V: (1500-1558) Holy Roman Emperor 1519-56, and King Charles I of Spain 1516-56. Grandson of the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand & Isabella, Charles V. He brought together such extensive territories in western, central and southern Europe, and the Spanish colonies in America and Asia. So large were his domains that they were described as 'The Empire on which the sun never sets'. An excellent content L.S., Yo el Rey, one page, folio, Barcelona, April [1529], to Count Aguilar, his relative, in old Castilian. Writing in his capacity as King of Spain, King Charles I states in part `As you know, the meetings and negotiations held over the last days between our deputies and those of the King of France to agree a peace treaty between them and us; and for this reason is our arrival to this city.´ Further saying `Wishing to reach a satisfactory agreement for the sake of Christendom and of our Kingdoms, and for this reason make all we possibly can with honesty.´ Further again referring to the King of France and to the Pope stating `..we could not agree a meeting at our Kingdoms´ borders because of the difficulties their negotiators argued and because the King of France did not want to meet me there; we have proposed to meet him together with His Santity near Nice, expecting that with the intermediation of His Santity we could reach a peace treaty and that the whole world would observe that we have done all we could…. His Santity has decided to assist and has departed from Rome. The King is also on his way…´ The Emperor further refers to his instructions to leave the ships, war troops and equipments where they are now, and even horses and court people, in order to attend the meeting with the minimum necessary to work for this peace treaty. Before concluding Charles V mentions the Pope´s demand regarding the Ottoman empire, and instructs that during his absence his correspondent will attend his wife, the Queen´s orders. Countersigned by his secretary. Light, minor age wear, with four small holes as a result of the opening and plagues prevention. G £1200-1500 On 29th April 1529 the treaty of Barcelone is signed between Pope Clement VII and the Emperor Charles V. The Pope appoints Charles V as Emperor of the Kingdom of Naples and accepts the future annexation of the Duchy of Milan. The Treaty of Cambrai or Peace of the Ladies would be signed between François I and Charles V few months later, on 5th of August 1529. Francis I (1494-1547) King of France 1515-47. Francis I was held captive in Madrid in 1525 and on the Treaty of Madrid, 14th January 1526, he was forced to make major concessions to Charles V before he was freed on 17th March 1526. In 1529, Francis I had to make new concessions to Charles V as the present letter refers to. Clement VII (1478-1534) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal states. Clement VII, widely considered one of the most unfortunate Popes, assumed the leadership in a time of crisis, with the Church nearly bankrupt, and with Italy which had become a battleground threatening the Church's freedom. At that time there was a vast power struggle in Italy between Europe's two most powerful kings, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and Francis I of France, each of whom demanding that the Pope choose a side, also with the Turkish invasions of Eastern Europe led by Suleiman the Magnificient, and with Clement's problems exacerbated by King Henry VIII of England with his contentious divorce, resulting in England breaking away from the Catholic Church.

COUTHON GEORGES: (1755-1794) French Politician and Lawyer. President of the National Convention 1793-94. A proficient speaker who often exploited his condition as a paraplegic in order to gain the Assembly`s aprovals of his proposals. A close associate to Robespierre and Saint-Just in the Committee of Public Safety. Couthon, responsible of the huge increase of executions, was himself guillotined alongside Robespierre. A good multiple signed document, being a L.S., `Couthon´, one page, folio, Paris, 3rd June 1794, on the printed heading of the Comité de Salut Public, in French. Also signed at the base by LAZARE CARNOT, BERTRAND BARERE and JEAN-BAPTISTE LINDET. The partially printed document, being a report of the Committee of Public Safety sessions, bears an attractive vignette of the said Committee, and states `..to send citizen Verteuil, infantry Lieutenant, to a battalion as volunteer..´ Folded. VG £200-300 Lazare Carnot (1753-1823) French Physicist and politician. Known as the Organizer of Victory in the French Revolutionary Wars. Bertrand Barere (1755-1814) French Politician, Freemason & Journalist, one of the most prominent members of the National Convention during the French Revolution. Jean-Baptiste Robert Lindet (1746-1825) French Politician of the Revolutionary period.

MURAT JOACHIM: (1767-1815) Marshal of France, brother-in-law of Napoleon Bonaparte. King of Naples 1808-15. L.S., J Napoleone, one page, folio, Naples, 15th September 1811, in Italian. The partially printed document bearing the heading of "Gioacchino Napoleone, King of the Two Sicilies", is a decree containing three articles approved and based on the report given by the Minister of Interior. The decree refers to municipality of San Nicandro, to taxes and amounts corresponding to the previous year 1812. With a very small area of paper loss to the left border not affecting the text or signature, and two small tears to the edges, otherwise VG £150-200

BERNADOTTE JEAN BAPTISTE: (1763-1844) Marshal of France, Prince de Pontecorvo and King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway 1818-44. D.S., `J.B. Bernadotte´, two pages, folio, Paris, 16th August 1799, to the administrators of supplies, in French. The partially printed document shows the heading of the war ministry, and Bernadotte requests `..the maximum order in the way we have control of the use of funds which will be given to us for the purchase of the equipments and goods for the military convoys..´ With blank address leaf, bearing an ink stamp of the Minister of war, and with very small area of paper loss due to the opening. G £200-300

LOUIS XVI: (1754-1793) King of France and Navarre 1774-1791, King of the French 1791-92. The only King of France to have been executed. Rare D.S., Louis, a good signature example, twelve pages, large folio, Versailles, 27th December 1788, in French. The hand written document being a detailed report of the tax receipt incomes and expenses related to 1785. Carefully and cleanly written and presented, divided by area locations, such as Armagnac, Lomagne, etc… and giving exact detail of the Royal Treasury funds. Bearing four countersignatures at the base by Charles de Paule de Barentin (1738-1819) seals Keeper of the Kingdom, Henri Lefèvre d´Ormesson (1751-1808) French Statesman, Antoine Jean-Baptiste Auget de Montyon (1733-1820) French Economist and Philanthropist and Claude Guillaume Lambert (1726-1794) French Magistrate and Minister. Guillotined. The present document is signed only six months before the French Revolution started. VG £800-1200

DROUET D´ERLON JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1765-1844) Count of Erlon. Commander of the 1st Corps of the Armée du Nord at the battle of Waterloo. A lengthy and interesting L.S. `D. Cte d´Erlon´, five pages, folio, Almendralejo, 23rd December 1811, to Marshal Soult, in French. Drouet, in his capacity as Commander of the 5th Corps in Spain, states in part ´There is no change on the positions occupied by the English and Spanish Armies. Apparently they have only sent a considerable number of troops to disturb our communications in Badajoz..´ Drouet D´erlon further explains in detail the measures and works he recommends to achieve on order to defend the city of Merida, and before concluding says `We are doing all the necessary to make Morillo´s troops be aware of the victories the imperial army is obtaining everywhere in Spain…´ The present letter was written only two weeks before the Battle of Waterloo. Small overall, minor age wear, with few small stains not affecting the signature, otherwise G £120-150

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. L.S., `Buonaparte´, one page, folio, Paris, 8th January 1796, to the Navy Minister, in French. The partially printed document bears a large heading of the French Republic and the Interior Army. Napoleon in his capacity as Chief General of the Interior Army states in part `Would you please, Citizen Minister, send me two books of…for the Turkish. My brother will give the names of the Captains. They are men who have already overcome hardship.´ Signed in bold dark ink. Very small hole to the underline beneath the signature, and extremely small ones affecting partially the signature. Few tears to the slightly trimmed edges. F to G £800-1200Only few weeks after the present letter was signed, Napoleon was appointed Commander in chief of the army of Italy, and a week later married Josephine de Beauharnais.

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, 24th 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 Vitry area, stating, in part, `..At 1,55 saw a D.F.W. being shelled over Monchy-le-Prieux by our A.A. I fired 200 rounds at E.A. at ranges varying from 30 to 200 yards. I now saw E.A. gunner leaning into pilot´s cockpit, apparently taking control….' further saying `I fired another burst into E.A., who then went down out of control, alternately diving and stalling until it got to about 4000 feet over Vitry, when E.A. spun and I last saw him at about 2000 still spinning..visibility very poor´ An excellent signed document relating directly to McCudden's 43rd Aerial Victory (from a total of 57 confirmed Victories). Countersigned by Major commanding Squadron 56 of the Royal Flying Corps. VG £600-900

CATHERINE II: (1762-1796) Empress of Russia 1762-96, Catherine the Great. D.S., Ekaterina, in Cyrillic, a bold and good signature example, one page, vellum, oblong 15 x 11 folio, Saint Petersburg, October 1765, to Nikolay Pushchin, in Cyrillic. The partially printed attractive document signed by the `Empress and Sovereign of All Russias..´ is a title given to officer Pushchin serving in Semionovsky Lifeguard regiment, appointing him Lifeguard Lieutenant and discharging him from service because of the pain resulting from his wounds and services given from 19th April 1765. Bearing to the front a large and attractive paper seal affixed. Addressed at the base of the document to Colonel Vadkovsky. Matted in light grey, elegantly framed and glazed to an overall size of 24 x 19. G £3000-4000

PHILIP III: (1578-1621) King of Spain 1598-1621. D.S., Yo el Rey, as King, a bold and large good youth signature example, one page, folio, Royal Palace of Valencia, 1st of February 1602, to Juan Alfonso Pimentel y de Herrera, Count of Benavente, Captain General of the Kingdom of Valencia, in Spanish and Valencian dialect. The King refers to a Royal Supreme Criminal Court decision regarding two sentenced prisonners accused of murder who were not given to the authorities as ordered, and requests the execution of the court decision. The document bears to the lower part of the document several countersignatures and to the verso a paper seal affixed. Folded, with several large tears to the folds and holes, affecting the text but none affecting the signature. Overall age wear. F £200-300

[CHAGALL MARC]: (1887-1985) Russian-born French Artist. A good set of two autograph letters. One A.L.S., `M. Ch¨.´, and one A.L., both autograph letters are written by Bella Rosenfeld Chagall, on behalf of her husband Marc Chagall, two pages each, folio and large 8vo respectively, both from Paris, Avenue Sycomores, Villa Montmorency, November 1933, to Andre de Ridder, in French. To the first, Chagall states in part `We are back from Bale. Your article has pleased a lot and the "Democrate" journal edition has been joined to the catalogue.. It is a pity that the exhibition will not be taken anywhere else. We cannot keep on disturbing the collectors. It is always the same story. There´s nothing we can do. I would like to know your own opinion and the one of few friends. I do not have many. There are no museums in Paris where the exhibition could be presented, with the exception of Jeu de Paume. But try to make react all those bureaucrats..´ To the second Chagall states `..I am not looking for anything except for showing this exhibition to the after war generation who do not know me…´ Chagall concludes with a post-scriptum stating `They tell me from Bale that the exhibition is very much visited and is very successful, even more than the Maillol one of Braque.´ With small remnant of former paper affixing to the upper left edge. G, 2 £80-100 Bella Rosenfeld Chagall (1895-1944) Belarusian Writer and first wife 1915-44 of Painter Marc Chagall. She was the subject of many of Chagall's paintings.

METTERNICH PRINCE KLEMENS VON: (1773-1859) Politician and Statesman, one of the most important diplomats of his era. Austrian Empire's Foreign Minister and Chancellor 1821-48. A very interesting content and excellent L.S., Metternich, three pages, folio, Vienna, 12th December 1811, to Count Otto, Ambassador of His Majesty Napoleon I, Emperor of the French and King of Italy, in French. Metternich, in his capacity as Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, states `I hereby confirm having reported to the Emperor the proposal that the French Ambassador have honoured me giving, dated 15th September, including his Court proposal to achieve a formal convention between Austria and the Kingdom of Italy about the reciprocal abolition of the Droit d´Aubaine.´ This was a rule by which all the properties of a deceased foreigner was confiscated to the use of the state, and to the exclusion of his heirs. Metternich explains that the Austrian Emperor Francis I has received with satisfaction the French Emperor proposal which helps to consolidate the good relationships, and adds `But on the other hand we cannot avoid the divergence in a crucial matter, which is the principle of the nationality.´ Metternich further explains in detail the necessity of a specific clause to add to the treaty referring to the naturalization of citizens and the rights and limits of the law. A letter of very interesting content. With water mark. Very small overall, minor age wear to the edges. Folded. VG £500-800

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 £150-200 Honore 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.