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A folio of approximately thirty etchings and pencil sketches of figures and landscapes in a Liverpool Gas Co Plans of Works binder.

A selection of 19th and 20th century oils, watercolours and prints to include a colour lithograph after Ernest George 'Segovia' in an ebonised and gilt frame, an early 19th century portrait of a woman in distress and a folio of etching, engravings and prints.

Folio of unframed technical drawings

Folio editions of The Canterbury Tales, John Ruskin "The Stones of Venice" and other books.

A folio of artist's sketches

A Hioshiga Later Days portfolio of twelve prints in a clam shell box with a Chinese design folio

FOLIO SOCIETY: A collection of various volumes including 'Betjeman's Selected Poems' and other books

Large quantity of folio size black and white engravings (some double and triple folio size) including plates from ' Description de L'Egypte ', published Paris, 1823 and various others from other contemporary volumes depicting various ancient Egyptian architecture and antiquities

Folio of 18th Century engravings, engraved for Bankes New system of Geography published by Royal authority including various of Captain Cook, together with a small quantity of other engravings

Folio containing a small quantity of various pastel chalk and pencil life drawings

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Collins (nd), ills.Charles Robinson, colour frontis and other colour plates, decorations around the text, pictorial red cloth, gilt titles, "No. 3 Joy Street", Basil Blackwell, contributions by Walter de la Mare, A.A. Milne, Hilaire Belloc, Eleanor Farjeon, etc, colour plates and illustrations throughout, decorated cloth,De Brunhoff, Jean"The Story of Babar The Little Elephant" with a preface by A.A. Milne, Methuen 1934, binding loose, the ffep repaired attached to the title page, back strip missing, Folio, and various other volumes (1 box)

A quantity of Folio Society books including "The Best of Dorothy Parker", "Coleridge", "Mapping the World", all within their slip cases (17)

Box of mixed books including folio society, Jane Austen, etc.

Macquoid, Percy "A History of English Furniture, the Age of Oak", Lawrence & Bullen 1904 and "The Age of Mahogany and Satinwood", Lawrence & Bullen 1906, colour frontis, various b/w photographic ills and colour pls with tissue guards, F, half leather, rather bumped and worn R W Symonds "English Furniture from Charles II to George II...", the Connoisseur Ltd 1929, colour front, various photographic ills and pls (3 vols) Long, Basil "British Miniaturists", London, Geoffrey Bles, 1929, plates at the back of the book, blue cloth, gilt titles, Folio and Williamson, George, C "Andrew and Nathaniel Plimer Miniature Painters, their lives and their works", George Bell & Sons 1903, plates throughout with tissue guards, blue cloth, gilt titles, very faded (5) Live Bidding: note: every page of every book is not checked, if you are unable to view yourself please ask for detailed information

Borlase, William - Antiquities, Historical and Monumental of the County of Cornwall, 2nd edition, 2 rebacked calf, folio, with 2 maps, 1 of them folding and 25 plates, London 1769

Larking, Lambert Blackwell - The Domesday Book of Kent, 1st edition, elephant folio, maroon leather, London 1869

Philipot, Thomas - Villare Cantianum or Kent Surveyed and Illustrated, 1st edition, folio, rebound half calf with marbled boards, with folding uncoloured map, 53 x 78cms, by Philip Symonson, dated 1659, repairs to title page and dedication, London 1659

Wycherley, William - Miscellany Poems, rebound, 17th century style, folio, London 1704

Hermann Struck, 'Safad', three original lithographs, in folio case, overall 40 x 30cm

Houghton, William - British Fresh-Water Fishes; 2 vols, folio, original cloth, with 41 chromolithograph plates, title page and plates foxed, London [1879]

SPONTINI GASPARE: (1774-1851) Italian Opera Composer. An excellent A.M.Q.S., `Spontini´, one page, oblong folio, Berlin, 8th January 1842, with written text in French. The bold and very carefully penned musical quotation, is entitled `Prière de Vestale´, (“Pray of Vestale”), and contains twenty five bars on three staves, and is marked by Spontini as `Andantino Espressivo´. Beneath the musical notes Spontini has added the lyric, in French, stating in part `Listen to my pray, my last wish will wither you. Deign, before I fall, listening from my tomb…´ The page has been neatly removed from a musical album. Extremely small stain to the left border, otherwise EX £1000-1500During the 20th century, Spontini's operas were only rarely performed, but the most famous modern production was the revival of La Vestale (1807) with Maria Callas at La Scala at the opening of the 1954 season, to mark the 180th anniversary of the composer's birth. The stage director was cinema director Luchino Visconti, and that premiere was also the La Scala debut of tenor Franco Corelli. Callas recorded the arias "Tu che invoco" and "O Nume tutelar" from La vestale in 1955.

LEO XIII : (1810-1903) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1878-1903. He was the oldest Pope reigning. L.S., `Leo P.P XIII´, one page, folio, Rome, Saint Peter, 30th January 1885, to Joanni Baptistae, in Latin. A lengthy letter, referring to `We are living sad times, with violence,..´ further expressing what is their duty and in which way they can help. A cleanely written document. With integral address leaf, bearing a red wax seal. Very small area of paper loss to the address leaf due to the opening. VG £600-900

BENEDICT XV: (1854-1922) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1914-22. A very good D.S., Benedictus PP XV, boldly signed with a large flourish beneath, one page, folio, Saint Peter, Rome, 10th December 1921, to Cardinal Lualdi, in Latin. The partially printed document being an Apostolic blessing given by Pope Benedict XV to Presbyterian Cardinal Lualdi of St Andrea and Gregorio at Monte Caelio. The document bears in very large and bold printed capital letters the Pope´s name `Benedictus PP XV´, the blessing being carefully penned with several underlined words. Accompanied by the original 4to envelope bearing to the verso a Papal red wax seal in very fine condition. With blank integral leaf. Folded. EX £400-600Alessandro Lualdi (1858-1927) Roman Catholic Cardinal who served as Archbishop of Palermo. On 1907 he was appointed Presbyterian Cardinal with title of Saint Andrea and Gregory of Monte Caelio.

JOHN PAUL II: (1920-2005) Pope of the Catholic Church 1978-2005. Canonized in 2014. D.S., + Karol Card Wojtyla, as Cardinal, one page, folio, Lublin, 19th September 1976. The attractively printed document, in Polish, is a diploma presented for participation in a celebration of Christian Song Contest entitled Sacrosong. Signed by the future Pope in blue ink with his name alone at the foot of the document, in his capacity as President and Chairman of the Sacrosong contest. Unusual in this form, VG. £200-300

HOFMANN AUGUST WILHELM VON: (1818-1892) German Chemist. First Director of the Royal College of Chemistry in London. His name is associated with multiple discoveries and processes, including the Hofmann voltameter. D.S., `A.W. Hofmann´, one page, 11 x 17 folio, London, 18th March 1865, on a Royal School of Mines printed title, to E.L. Mackmurdo. The attractive partially printed document, bearing at the heading a large printed coat of arms, being a certificate given by the Committee of Council on Education of the Royal School of Mines to E.L. Mackmurdo, having passed an examination with the highest degree of satisfaction. Signed by Hofmann in bold black ink at the base of the document. Folded. With two extremely small stains not affecting the text or signature. VG £100-120

BRITISH SCIENTISTS: A good set of three Ds.S., by Andrew Ramsay (1814-1891) Scottish Geologist, Robert Willis (1799-1878) Scottish Physician and medical Historian, and Warington Smyth (1817- 1890) British Geologist. Signed `And. Ramsay´, `Rob. Willis´, and `Warington W. Smyth, Lecturer on Mineralogy´ respectively, one page each, 11 x 17 folio, London, different dates, March and April 1865, to E.L. Mackmurdo. The attractive partially printed documents, bearing at the heading a large printed coat of arms, being certificates given by the Committee of Council on Education of the Royal School of Mines to E.L. Mackmurdo, having passed Geology, Applied Mechanics and Mineralogy examinations. Signed by Ramsay, Willis and Smyth respectively in bold black ink at the base of the documents. Folded. VG,3 £150-200

VOSTELL WOLF: (1932-1998) German Painter and Sculptor. A pioneer of Happening and Fluxus. A rare and attractive signed and inscribed 14,5 x 21 abstract drawing by Vostell, the large folio work depicting an aerial view of the Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite. Signed `Vostell´ to the lower right corner, also dated 23rd October 1990, in his hand. Inscribed in Spanish `To Sebastia and Conchita of Girona´. The German artist has also added an annotation in an artistic way, stating `Madame du Barry, dreaming about a night at the Olite Palace!´ also in Spanish. A very artistic bold black ink drawing. Folded, with very small remnants of former mounting to the four corners verso, otherwise VG £800-1200The Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite was begun around the 13th century. At one time it was regarded as one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe, but was later abandoned and burned in 1813 to prevent it from falling into the hands of the French. Countess du Barry (1743-1793) Jeanne Beçu, was the last mistress of King Louis XV of France. Known for her great beauty and extravagant dresses. She was beheaded during the Reign of terror following the French Revolution.

ALECHINSKY PIERRE: (1927- ) Belgian abstract Artist. An attractive F.D.C., signed and inscribed by Alechinsky, one page, oblong folio card, Paris, 12th October 1985, in French. Signed and inscribed in pencil by Alechinsky (`For Axel, Alechinsky´) and dated 30th March 2009 in his hand. The document being the commemorative presentation of a 5,00 Francs French Republic stamp showing an Alechinsky´s work. With three binder holes to the left removable border. A numbered copy of an attractive document, with a printed short biography of Alechinsky. EX £200-300The stamp is depicting a work by Alechinsky, being a tribute to Michel Butor (1926-2016) a French writer. To the stamp background Alechinsky features a Butor´s manuscript. Butor, as well as Alechinsky, was a passionate of the book the wheel and the snake, an esoteric symbol of the movement and the eternity.

HERGÉ: (1907-1983) Georges Prosper Remi. Belgian Cartoonist. Best known for creating the series of comics The Adventures of Tintin. T.L.S., Hergé, one page, folio, Brussels, 27th October 1976, on the “Studios Hergé” printed stationery, to J.R. Paques, in French. The letter bears at the heading an attractive embossed sketch of Tintin and his dog Milou alongside the company name. Hergé thanks his correspondent for his kind letter and his enthusiastic words for the Tintin magazine and for the film Moi, Tintin (1976). Accompanied by the original printed stationery envelope. EX £600-900

BENJELLOUN ABDELMAJID: (1944- ) Moroccan Writer, Poet and Historian. A.L.S., Benjelloun, one page, folio, Rabat, 2nd October 1993, to Martine Lopez, in French. Benjelloun thanks his correspondent for her letter and states in part `Your magnificent letter will be kept together with the letters I have received from great poets such as André de Bouchet, Guillevic.. Obviously when the street where you live has the name of a poet, you love poetry! There is something like a happy predestination…´ The letter bears to the upper left corner a printed stamp with Benjelloun address and phone in Morocco. Folded. VG £80-100André du Bouchet (1924-2001) French Poet . Eugène Guillevic (1907-1997) Known as Guillevic. One of the better known and most popular French poets of the second half of the 20th century.

NERUDA PABLO: (1904-1973) Chilean Poet. His real name being Ricardo Reyes Basoalto, he derived his pen name from Jan Neruda a Czech Poet. Neruda won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. Autograph statement signed `Pablo Neruda´, one page, folio, Madrid, July 1937, in Spanish. Written in bold dark blue ink by Neruda, with large letters, stating `Faith in life, in people, in the community of thought and happiness´. Also dated `return from Madrid, July 1937´ in is hand. Written in the hand of a collector to the upper edge, “Statements of contemporary Great Writers - chile - Pablo Neruda - 16th July 1937” and to the lower edge “Noble Prize in Literature 1971”. None affecting Neruda´s statement. Few small tears to the right edge, otherwise VG £400-600

HIMMLER HEINRICH: (1900-1945) German Nazi official of World War II, Reichsfuhrer of the SS. D.S., `H. Himmler', four pages, folio, Berlin, 11th December 1944, to the Fuhrer´s headquarters office for the attention of State Minister and chief executive of the Fuhrer´s office, in German. The partially printed document being a proposal of appointment, and Himmler in his capacity as Chief of the German police, suggests promoting Erich Wichmann, Captain of police to the rank of Major. Pages two to four report on Erich Wichmann military career during World War one, his police career since 1919, his political engagements with the NSDAP since 1933, and also his family members, residence, etc.. With two ink stamps from the Fuhrer´s office, having received and filed the document from 12th and 14th December. With four binder holes to the left border, having this area repaired and reinforced for the binder. Some small overall, minor age wear to the edges with few very small tears not affecting the text or signature. G £400-600

GÖRING HERMANN: (1893-1946) German Political & Military Leader of the Nazi Party. A very good and clean D.S., `Hermann Göring´, one page, folio, the Führer Headquarter, Berlin, 28th March 1944, in German. The attractive partially printed document bears at the heading a gilt German eagle perched upon a swastika, the printed text stating “In the name of the German people, I give to Professor Walter Kersting [the name being in typed letters], the retirement, at the Führer Head Quarter, the 28th March 1944, given by the Führer”, with a Hitler´s stamped signature beneath. Signed in bold black ink at the base of the document by Göring. Also bearing a large blind embossed seal with the German eagle perched upon a swastika. With blank integral leaf. Folded. EX £800-1000

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. N.S., Napol, to the right margin of a D.S. by several officers, three pages, folio, Paris, 1st December 1810, in French. The partially printed document from the War Minister, provisions department, is a letter addressed to the Emperor referring to previous Napoleon´s orders related to a large purchase of wheat, with a lengthy explanation regarding the different prices options as well as the provenance and port where the wheat could be shipped. To the right margin, annotated in the Emperor´s secretary hand `Ancona is the most favourable place, unless we can make the purchase in Hungary and make them shipped through Trieste… because there is apparently no hostilities, we could get half of the supply now and the other half next year, and therefore by 1812 we would have received the whole requested.´ Small overall, minor age wear to the edges. Folded. VG £1000-1500The day after the present letter was signed, Napoleon lost the Ile de France, today Mauritius, captured by the English, and few weeks after the alliance between France and Russia was broken.

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. L.S., `Bonaparte´, one page, folio, Milan, 7th November 1797, to Citizen Faipoult, French plenipotentiary Minister and special Envoy to Genoa, in French. The partially printed document bears a large and very attractive heading by Mercoli featuring Marianne, France's national symbol of liberty, seated surrounded by all the French republic symbols. Napoleon in his capacity as Chief General of the Italian Army, sends an urgent message to his correspondent fixing an immediate and prompt meeting, and states `I wrote to you, citizen Minister, last day 12th of this month, inviting you to travel to Milan. Apparently you did not receive my letter. As it is important that we meet and talk about the Genoa affairs, I kindly request you to depart as soon as my courier delivers this letter to you´. With blank integral leaf. Folded. Overall creasing and few tears to the edges, not affecting the text or signature. F to G £2000-3000Guillaume Charles Faipoult French plenipotentiary Minister and special Envoy to Genoa

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. Rare D.S., Danton, one page, folio, Paris, 10th September 1792, in French. The document being a decree issued by the Provisional Executive Committee, signed by Danton in his capacity as President of the recently created committee, and stating `In execution of the 13th November 1791 law, the commissars of the National Treasury will grant the payment of the expenses, ascending to eighteen millions and three hundred and thirty seven thousand and four hundred and seventy two pounds, for the purchase of gold and silver done by the National Treasury in foreign countries, including the period from February to first of September of the present year.´ The document is dated `Paris, the tenth September 1792, fourth year of the freedom and first of the equality.´ The document is countersigned at the base by the six commissars, members of the National Treasury Committee comprising Dutramblay, Devaines, De la Fontaine, Savalette, Lermina and Gaudin. The last would later be appointed Finance Minister under Napoleon I. A very interesting Revolutionary date document. Some overall, minor age wear, with a very small tear to the lower edge, otherwise VG £2000-3000Danton acts as President of the Provisional Executive Committee, holding therefore the executive power for a very short period of one month immediately after the fall of King Louis XVI. On 10th August 1792, only 30 days before the present letter was signed, the popular forces marched on the Tuileries ending with the French monarchy the day after. With the fall of the King, the six existing ministers created the 12th August 1792 the Provisional Executive Committee in charge of converting into law the decrees approved by the citizens representatives. Danton was also appointed Minister of Justice on 10th August 1792, holding the post only until 9th October same year. The present document was signed by Danton during that very short period of two months. The National Treasury Committee was at the time of the present letter in charge of granting the transfer from the past fiscal regime to the new revolutionary system.

SONTHONAX LEGER-FELICITE & POLVEREL ETIENNE: (1763-1813) and (1740-1795), both French Abolitionists Legislators at Saint Domingue. The first civil Commissioners and de facto rulers of Saint Domingue promulgating the total abolition of slavery on August 1793. An interesting D.S., Sonthonax and Polvorel, one page, folio, Port-aux-Princes, 1st May 1793, to vice-Admiral Sercey, in French. The attractive partially printed document states at the heading “French Republic - In the name of the Republic - Civil Commission”, and shows to the base an ink stamp stating “In the name of the Nation”. Sonthonax and Polvorel authorize vice-Admiral Sercey by the present document to `..take all the measures which he will consider necessary in order to keep the peacefulness and discipline on board and to send handcuff to prison cell the insubordinates if he judges convenient, until all passengers will safely reach France..´ Folded. Very small, minor age wear to the edges, not affecting the text or signatures, otherwise VG £80-100Pierre Charles de Sercey (1753-1836) French Admiral and Noble.

JOURDAN JEAN BAPTISTE: (1762-1833) Marshal of France. An excellent and very interesting A.L.S., Jourdan, one page, folio, Coblenz, 5th August 1795, to General Kleber, in French. On a partially printed page bearing the heading of the French Republic army, Jourdan in his capacity as Chief Commandant of the Sambre & Meuse army, writes an interesting and lengthy military letter in his hand to General Kleber, stating in part `The report of the assistant to Adjutant General Ney has surprised and worried me. Your letter of the 17th [4th August], reassures me.´ further saying `I am determined to attempt the passage. I am prepared to do so, I am only waiting for the artillery and the moment when the bridge from Holland will arrive. Because I want to attack the same day as you. You will inform me as I have requested.´ and further again `If the Rhine does not get lower soon… Finally it is the case to say “The more there are, the more we will kill”´ Jourdan concludes stating `I am authorized to bring up the expenses for the bridge coming from the Meuse up to twenty thousand pounds, you will inform General Bonnard about this, although I have to save as much as possible in order to pay another bridge coming from the Moselle.´ A letter of very interesting content. Folded, with very small creasing and two extremely small tears to the edges not affecting the text or signature. G to VG £500-600Jean Baptiste Kleber (1753-1800) French General during the French Revolutionary wars and Architect. Kleber returned to military service to accompany Napoleon in the Egypt campaign in 1798-99. When Napoleon returned to France, he appointed Kleber as commander of the French forces. He was assassinated by a student in Cairo in 1800. Michel Ney (1769-1815) Marshal of Napoleon. Duc d´Elchingen and Prince de la Moskowa.

DAVOUT LOUIS NICOLAS: (1770-1823) Marshal of France, Duc d´Auerstaedt and Prince of Eckmuhl. Known as the Iron Marshal, Davout was the only Napoleonic Marshal not to have been defeated in battle by 1815. L.S., M. Pr d´Eckmul, one page, folio, Paris, 2nd June 1815, to Chief of Battalion Gaspard Deschamps, in French. The partially printed document bears the printed heading of the Minister of war with a printed coat of arms. Davout in his capacity as Minister of war, and on behalf of Napoleon, Emperor of French, appoints officer Deschamps to the headquarters of the North army. Small overall, minor age wear. Few very small tears to the edges, some professionally repaired to the verso, none affecting the text or signature. Ink stain to the lower left corner, G £200-300The present letter was signed by Davout during the Hundred Days, the period between Napoleon´s return from exile on the island of Elba to Paris and the second restoration of King Louis XVIII. Napoleon considered Davout indispensable to reorganize the French army as a matter of urgency and appointed him Minister of war, although Davout was the only possible candidate who had not sworn loyalty to the Bourbons. Two weeks after the present letter date, took place the Battle of Waterloo. Napoleon kept his loyal Marshal Davout in Paris at the head of the war minister and in charge of Paris control. After the Waterloo defeat Napoleon was criticized for his failure to avail himself in the field of the services of the best general he then possessed.

LOWE HUDSON: (1769-1844) Anglo-Irish Officer and colonial Administrator. Best known for his time as Governor of St. Helena as gaoler of Napoleon Bonaparte. D.S., `H.Lowe M.General´, one page, folded folio, Brussels, 28th December 1814, to William Smith Deputy Paymaster General. Also signed by WILLIAM I (1772-1843) First King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg 1815-1840. Former Prince of Orange. Signed in bold black ink `William, Prince of Orange´. The partially printed document being a warrant given by `His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, commanding His Majesty´s forces in the United Provinces of Holland,.. authorizing payment to Major General H. Lowe, as Colonel Royal Corsican, Rangers regiment,..´ Folded. Professionally repaired to the left edge verso, otherwise VG £600-900Lowe, at the time of the present letter, is in charge of the duties of quartermaster-general of the army in the Netherlands. Prince William of Orange would be crowned less than three months after.

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. An excellent bold ink signature, with apostille, `Approuvé Np´, on the right margin of a L.S., Marshal of the Empire `Duc de Valmy´, two pages, folio, Mayence, 4th November 1813, to His Majesty the Emperor Napoléon I, in French. Marshal Kellerman, Duc de Valmy, in his capacity as Head Commander of the Observation Corps of the Rhin, states ´There is no General Commanding the town of Strasbourg, and I have temporary entrusted the duty to the retired Colonel Duchesnoy. Considering the situation, and before Your Majesty´s arrival, I had ordered to besiege this town and those of Landau and Huningue too.´ further requesting a decision regarding the proposal of the farmers of the low-Rhin, who wish to form a cavalry corps comprising 150 to 200 cavaliers, and states `These National guards with horses know well their country and would be very useful for our Defence and our Police.´ Small overall, minor age wear, with left lower edge very slightly irregularly trimmed, not affecting text or signatures. otherwise about VG £1200-1500The present letter is written shortly after Napoleon´s crucial defeat at the Battle of Leipzig, also known as Battle of the Nations, the largest battle in Europe prior WWI, with 600.000 soldiers involved. Two days after Napoleon decided to return to Paris.

ELIZABETH I OF RUSSIA: (1709-1762) Empress of Russia 1741-62. L.S., Elizabeth, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 20th December 1737, in Cyrillic. The manuscript document signed by Her Imperial Majesty is an edict Cabinet Chancery payment stating in part `Our above mentioned Chancery has paid to Our Cabinet seven hundred roubles, amount which has been received.´ Bearing to the base of the document two contemporary additional lines written in another hand. Some very small, minor age wear, VG £1500-2000

ALEXANDER I: (1777-1825) Emperor of Russia 1801-25, the first Russian King of Poland 1815-25. Fine D.S., Alexander, in Cyrillic, one page, oblong folio, Saint Petersburg, 29th December 1802, to Lieutenant Colonel Leonti Triden, in Cyrillic. The partially printed document being a title recognition given to Lieutenant Colonel Leonid Triden, who was appointed Colonel in March 1800 by former Emperor Paul I, Alexander´s father, although the title was never issued. Three written lines to the verso, dated 1803. With very small traces of former paper seal, not longer present. Folded to the centre. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, otherwise VG £1000-1500

NICHOLAS I: (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55. L.S., Nicholas, in Cyrillic, two pages, folio, Peterhoff, 17th May 1854, to Duke Mikhail Semionovich, in Cyrillic. Nicholas states `By following with steady attention the progress in agriculture in Russia, and as the main source of national wealth, with special pleasure I read the part taken from the report of the Society of Agriculture from South Russia over the last 25 years presented to me by Minister of State saying that the efforts of this Society are of benefit to the State in general, and to the Novorossiysk Region in particular. By fully evaluating this beneficial course I express with pleasure my sincere appreciation to you as the Chairman, and one of the first founders of the Society, and entrust you the task of notifying active members about my benevolence, and to communicate to them my desire that they would continue such beneficial activities, putting special attention to the practical application of them to the branches of economy which are related to the Novorossiysk Region.´ A bold signature example by the Emperor, with flourish. With blank integral leaf. Folded. With few small tears to the edges, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £600-900

[RUSSIA]: An excellent selection of Autograph Statements signed by a variety of famous Russian personalities, beneath an original pen and ink drawing by the German-Swiss artist Robert Kastor, the well executed works depicting each Russian personality in head and shoulders poses, each one page, large folio, various places and dates, including GEORGY LVOV (1861-1925) Russian Statesman and the first post-Imperial Prime Minister of Russia in 1917. Lvov states `I testify that Great Russia is alive and recovering.´, in Cyrillic, 1918; Pavel Milyukov (1859-1943) Russian Politician and founder of the Constitutional Democratic party, the "Kadets". He was at the head of the foreign policy during the Russian provisional government. Milyukov states `Witness of two revolutions in Russia and enemy of both despotisms, I still hope to see my homeland politically free and socially released´, in French, 1921; Alexander Guchkov (1862-1936) Russian Politician, Chairman of the Third Duma and Minister of war. Guchkov states `It is with my life that I would lose my life in Russia resurrection´ in French, 1919; Sergey Muromtsev (1850-1910) Russian Politician and Chairman of the first Imperial Duma in 1906. A lengthy statement in French, 1906; Count Pierre Heiden (1840-1907) Russian Poitician and member of the first Duma, and Minister of Justice; Mikhail Khilkov, Russian Prince and Minister; VG, 6 £100-150

[RUSSIA]: An excellent selection of Autograph Statements signed by a variety of famous Russian personalities, beneath an original pen and ink drawing by the German-Swiss artist Robert Kastor, the well executed works depicting each Russian personality in head and shoulders poses, each one page, large folio, various places and dates, including BORIS SAVINKOV (1879-1925) Russian Writer and a revolutionary Terrorist. Responsible for the assassinations of high-ranking Imperial officers. It is unclear if he was killed in prison when returning to the Soviet Union or if he committed suicide. Savinkov states `On these sorrowful days, when disdain, derision, and mockery of the fools have fallen to the diseased and prostrated Russia, I proudly call myself Russian, and I have a strong belief in Russia´s coming glorious life.´, in Cyrillic, 1919; VLADIMIR KOKOVTSOV (1853-1943) Prime Minister of Russia 1911-14 under Tsar Nicholas II. Kokovtsov states `Feri-quod potui - Faicant meliora potentes´, in latin, Saint Petersburg January 1914; Nikolay Tchaikovsky (1850-1926) Russian Revolutionary and leader of the Narodnik movement. Tchaikovsky states in part, in English `…the future belongs to those who know how to construct a better, a more harmonious and more beautiful human society.´ dated in Paris, 1919; Mikhail Muravyov (1845-1900) Russian Statesman, he initiated the Hague Peace Conference; Alexey Yermolov (1847-1917) Russian Politician; Nicolay Mouraviev, Russian military figure under the Tsars; Arthur von Mohrenheim (1824-1906) Russian Diplomat, credited as the responsible of the success of the Alliance of France and Russia of 1894, called “Two Dressing”. Eugene Bogdanovich, Russian military figure; Constantine Pobebonostsev (1827-1907). VG, 9 £100-150

ISABELLA I OF CASTILE: (1451-1504) Queen of Castile 1474-1504. Catholic Monarch who ruled jointly with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon as The Catholic Monarchs 1475-1504. They are recognised for laying the foundations for the political unification of Spain, and also for completing the Reconquista as well as their support and financing of Christopher Columbus´ voyage of 1492 which led to the opening of the New World. An excellent L.S., Yo la Reyna, one page, unusually large 12 x 17.5 folio, Trujillo, 22nd May 1477, to Alonso Ramirez de Villaescusa, in old Castilian. The document being the appointment of Alonso Ramirez de Villaescusa as fiscal attorney of the Kingdom, states in part `Doña Isabel, by the grace of God, Queen of Castile, of Leon, Toledo, of Sicily, of Portugal, etc., by my goodwill and mercy towards you, Don Alonso Ramírez Guillén de Villaescusa, and trusting in your competence and loyalty, believe that is in my favor and my blessing that you be, from now on and for the rest of your life, my Royal Fiscal Attorney and Promoter of Justice, and you make use of such office in procuring any rights and [legal] actions that are suitable and merited to the King and I, and to our chamber and treasury, and in filing lawsuits, and in taking action or civil or criminal actions against any council and knights, and individual persons who have committed and are committing crimes against the King and I.´ further concluding `And I determine that you should have yearly salary of thirty thousand maravedís for the said offices. Granted in the city of Trujillo, on 22 May, of the year 1477.´ Countersigned by Diego de Santander, Secretary of the Queen, and by her order. Also bearing to the verso several contemporary countersignatures. Folded with professional restoration of prior fold tears. Very small overall, minor age wear, two stains not affecting the signature, otherwise very fine condition for a document of this age. VG £1500-2000It was around the time of the present letter that Isabella became convinced of the existence of crypto-Jews, which helped set into motion the Spanish Inquisition, a powerful political weapon that allowed Ferdinand and Isabelle to intimidate and eliminate their enemies. Alonso Ramirez de Villaescusa (1450-?) Royal Corregidor of the Kingdom, was a converted Jew and author of the 1493 work “Espejo de corregidores y jueces” a manual for corregidores and judges.

FERDINAND II OF ARAGON: (1452-1516) King of Castile 1474-1504, and King of Aragon 1479-1516. Monarch who ruled jointly with his wife Isabella I of Castile as The Catholic Monarchs 1475-1504. They are recognized for laying the foundations for the political unification of Spain, and also for completing the Reconquista as well as their support and financing of Christopher Columbus´ voyage of 1492 which led to the opening of the New World. Fine D.S., Yo el Rey, as King, one page, folio, Madrid, 19th October 1510, to his Major funds controllers, in Spanish. The King instructs his controllers in the Kingdom of Galicia to facilitate and provide the required money for the renewal of the `Lanzas´ of the General Captaincy of the Galician regiments, and to do so each time there is a vacancy. The king insists in the importance of such request explaining that such troops under the General Captain orders are the ones which defend, protect and provide security to the Kingdom. With a hole corresponding to the original space occupied by the seal, no longer existing, although not affecting the text or signature. Written in another hand beneath the King´s signature `By his Highness mandate´. With borders irregularly trimmed, and few very small tears to the edges. VG. £800-1200Ferdinand refers to `Las Lanzas´, which were a regiment created in the Kingdom of Galicia by the Catholic Kings in 1480 due to the permanent problems in the region with bandits, pillage and insecurity. Each `Lanza´, (meaning Spear) was composed by a single Knight and his shield bearer.ᅜ

CHARLES V: (1500-1558) Holy Roman Emperor 1519-56, and King Charles I of Spain 1516-56. L.S., Yo el Rey, one page, folio, Burgos, 16th July 1524, to the Councillor of the Royal House, in old Castilian. Writing in his capacity as King of Spain, King Charles I states `I hereby instruct you to register in the Royal House books and apply the corresponding food rations to Juan de Quirós, as the newly appointed young server in charge of the whippets.´ further adding that de Quiros will replace 'our master Martin from Mallorca, after his death, who was long since in charge of our whippets, and this with his same salaries, robes and food rations....for two whippets.´ Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG £600 - 900In 1524, in the same year as the present letter was signed, the Peasants Revolt broke out in Germany, and was to last for a further two years. At the end of April 1524 Emperor Charles V and King Henry VIII formed a new league to support the Duke of Bourbon in a fresh attack on France and in July 1524 the Emperor prohibited the holding of the proposed German synod at Spires. Grandson of the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand & Isabella, Charles V was ruler of both the Holy Roman Empire (for 37 years) and the Spanish Empire ( for 40 years). Through inheritance 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'

MARIA OF AUSTRIA: (1528-1603) Holy Roman Empress. Daughter of Emperor Charles V and sister of Philip II King of Spain and of England. A good L.S., `Yo la Princesa´, two pages, folio, Valladolid, 3rd June 1559, in Spanish. The document refers to salaries due to an artillery officer, the Princess in her capacity as Regent of Spain stating in part `Whichever salaries are due by my Kingdoms, and for past and present services are paid to officer Juan de Aturia and in future make sure they are duly paid in time.´ and further insisting but not extending the order to other similar cases `And in order to fulfil this order you will give to him the necessary payment letters and provisions, even if this is not done to other artillery officers in same situation..´ Countersigned by Francisco de Ledesma `By mandate of her Majesty´. To the verso a written text dated in Toled, 2oth December 1559, saying that nothing is due to Juan de Aturia who is not even an artillery officer and who was in fact acting on behalf of Juan de Villarreal, carpenter of the this artillery regiment `Having explained so, Juan de Villarreal is due twenty thousand maravedis for the past ten months..´. The document states at the heading in a secretary´s hand `El Rey´, the King being absent and his sister acting as Regent. Folded, with the right edge only very slightly trimmed. VG £100-150Maria of Austria served twice as regent of Spain. While her father Charles V was occupied with German affairs, and Prince Philip being absent, Maria and her husband Maximilian II, future Holy Roman Emperor, acted as regents of Spain from 1548 to 1551. During another absence of her brother, now King Philip II, from 1558 to 1561, the present letter was signed during this period, Maria was again regent of Spain.

PHILIP V: (1683-1746) King of Spain 1700-24 & 1724-46. A fine L.S., Yo el Rey, with three lines of holograph text at the conclusion, two pages, folio, El Buen Retiro Palace, Madrid, 25th April 1705, to Marquis Jacques de Puységur, in Spanish. King Philip V states `I have received your letter reporting the positive news regarding the location of most of the enemy´s troops, and that they were ready to start military operations close to Badajoz. Because the Marquis was without enough troops to resist or defend an invasion, I decided to send an extraordinary envoy to Maréchal de Tessé, instructing him, notwithstanding the King, my grandfather, orders for him to march straight to Extremadura where, according to these days reports, their presence is more necessary´ further adding `I specifically order that as soon as you receive this letter, you march to Extremadura with all the French troops located in the Old-Castile….and you will only leave to defend Castile all the infantry and cavalry Spanish troops.´ He concludes `I expect your zeal, and knowing that you are dealing with an affair which the King and I consider of the utmost interest, you will not delay a single instant in the prompt accomplishment of all orders instructed, and that you will report back on all you achieved´. Beneath his signature the King has added a further, severe instruction in his own hand, `The situation is too much under pressure, it´s not the time for you to have fun playing roles: therefore I want that you obey me absolutely and with no delay´. A letter of good content. With integral address leaf, bearing the remnants of a seal. VG £600 - 900Jacques François de Chastenet de Puységur (1656-1743) Marquis de Puységur. French Lieutenant Général and military tutor of King Louis XV. Appointed Marshal of France in 1734. René Mans IV de Froullay (1681-1746) Marquis of Lavardin and Tessé, Grandee of Spain. Appointed Marshal in 1707. Louis XIV (1638-1715) King of France 1643-1715. The longest reigning monarch in European history. Grandfather of King Philip V. The Spanish city of Badajoz, in Extremadura, was besieged in October 1705 during the War of the Spanish Succession 1701-15. Triggered by the death of the childless King Charles II of Spain, the major European conflict was to determine who should be the next King of Spain and whether a Bourbon or a Habsburg would take control of Spain's very extensive possessions. It was well known that the union of France and Spain under one monarch would upset the balance of power in Europe, such that other European powers would take steps to prevent it. The War concluded with the Treaty of Utrecht which forbade any future possibility of unifying the French and Spanish thrones. Philip V, Duke of Anjou, was born at the Palace of Versailles and was the Heir apparent to the throne of France. The grandson of King Louis XIV, Philip was the first member of the House of Bourbon to rule as King of Spain. The sum of his two reigns is the longest in modern Spanish history.

CATHERINE DE´MEDICI: (1519-1589) Queen consort of France 1547-59, as spouse of King Henry II. Catherine de Medici saw during her life time three of her sons becoming Kings of France, Francis II, Charles IX and Henry III. Rare L.S., Catherine, one page, folio, n.p., n.d., in old French. The carefully written document being the last page of a notary document. Signed by Catherine de´Medici in bold black ink beneath the text. Also bearing two additional unidentified signatures. One line contemporary annotation the verso. Small overall, minor age wear to the edges and two extremely small holes not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £500-600

FRANCIS I: (1708-1765) Holy Roman Emperor and German King 1745-65. Founder of the House Habsburg-Lorraine with his wife Maria Theresa. Unusual L.S., with holograph subscription, `Your most devoted Brother - Franz´, eight pages, three of them with written text, folio, Vienna, 28th November 1763, to his brother Duke Karl of Lorraine, in German. On a boldly and carefully written letter, the Emperor announces the birth and premature death of his grand-daughter and of his daughter in law passing away after giving birth too. An unusual document written and signed in German by Emperor Francis I. Bearing an attractive black wax seal in very fine condition to the address leaf to the verso. With blank integral leaf. Folded. Bounded with a slim yellow and blue cordon. VG £400-600The present document is a rare testimony of the birth of a heir to Prince Joseph of Austria (1741-1790), future Emperor Joseph II 1765-90 who left no descendants. His wife Isabella of Parma was six months pregnant with a baby girl in 1763 when she contracted smallpox. On 22 November brought on premature labour ending in the death of the child a few hours after birth, she was given the name Maria Christina.

FRANZ JOSEPH I OF AUSTRIA: (1830-1916) Emperor of Austria & King of Hungary 1848-1916. A good D.S., Franciscus Josephus, two pages, large folio, Vienna, 22nd January 1911, to Valdemar von Alth, in Latin. The partially printed document bears a large and attractive printed coat of arms at the heading and is the appointment of Valdemar von Alth as Consul General of Austria in Bari, Italy. Also bearing a large blind embossed seal with the Emperor´s titles and coat of arms. With blank integral leaf. EX £150-200

GEORGE III: (1738-1820) King of the United Kingdom 1760-1820. D.S., George R, as King, at the head, one page, oblong folio, Court at St. James's, 27th June 1810, “in the fiftieth year of our Reign”. The document being an appointment as ensign to the thirty fourth Company. Signed at the base by the Secretary at War, and two further countersignatures. Traces to the left border of a former seal no longer present. Small overall, minor age wear. G £200-300

GEORGE IV: (1762-1830) King of the United Kingdom 1820-30. L.S., Georgius P.R, two pages, folio, Carlton House, London, 1st July 1812, to King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, in Latin. George IV, in his capacity as Prince Regent, congratulates King Ferdinand I for the birth of his grandson, Carlo Ferdinando, son of future King Francis I, and states `We received with joy Y.M letters, by which we learned that the Spanish Infanta Maria Isabel, Crown Princess of both Sicilies, and beloved daughter in law and granddaughter of Y.M, gave birth to a Prince, whose name is Carlo Ferdinando…´. George IV signs beneath the signing formula, which bears also at the heading `In the name and Vice-King´. Countersigned Castlereagh at the foot. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope bearing a paper seal affixed. VG £200-300Ferdinand I (1751-1825) King of the Two Sicilies 1816-25, after his restoration following victory in the Napoleonic Wars. Before that he had been, since 1759 Ferdinand III of the Kingdom of Sicily and Ferdinand IV of Naples. Francis I (1777-1830) King of the Two Sicilies 1825-30. .Maria Isabella of Spain (1789-1848) Queen of the Two Sicilies, as second wife of King Francis I. Prince Charles Ferdinand (1811-1862) Prince of Capua. Royal Prince whose birth is mentioned in the letter, born 10th November 1811. Robert Stewart (1769-1822) Marquess of Londonderry, known as Lord Castlereagh. Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1812-1822.

EDWARD VII: (1841-1910) King of the United Kingdom 1901-10. A.L.S., Edward, as King, two pages, folio, Buckingham Palace, 10th July 1903, to Monsieur Paul Loubet, Secretary to the President of the French Republic. The document being an appointment given to Paul Loubet as Honary Member of the Fourth Class of the Royal Victorian Order, bearing to the left border the blind embossed seal of Royal Victorian Order. Signed and underlined by the king at the head of the front page. Also signed at the end of the text, by the Sovereign´s command, by the Chancellor Clarendon. With blank integral leaf. Few stains although not affecting the text or signatures, otherwise VG £150-200

YIKUANG, PRINCE QING & LI HONGZHANG: YIKUANG, PRINCE QING: (1838-1917) Manchu Noble and Politician of the Qing dynasty. First Prime Minister of the Imperial cabinet in 1911, & LI HONGZHANG: (1823-1901) also known as Li Hung-Chang. Chinese Politician, General and Diplomat of the Imperial Court and late Qing Empire. Minister and Viceroy. Very rare A.L.S., with red ink Chinese stamp, and beneath `Li Hungsing´, Pechino (Beijing), in Italian, one page, card folio, April 1892, in old Chinese characters. The written text entitled `Cina´ (“China”), in Italian, being a memorial poem of four verses on the occasion of the four hundred years celebration of the discovery of the new continent of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492, Yikuang stating `Four hundred years ago America was discovered by Humans in the very far horizon, on our maps we had the Divine Land, and now the New World, with great extension, as big as the world known till then.´ and further saying `Colon´s feat discovering the new continent deserves veneration from each generation. His fight and his achievement in the middle of the huge extensions of sea deserve praise.´ Further concluding with a question `leaving aside Magallanica and other lands, who will be able to discover the two other continents that the legend talks about?´ The document contains two written sentences in a slightly smaller letter size, explaining what Prince Qing´s statement refers to. The document bears a contemporary translation into English affixed to the verso. Very small overall, minor age wear, otherwise, VG  £1000-1500        The poem is written in a very old Chinese language, a dead language not in use since many centuries, but which was kept in the Imperial Court only in the written form. A similar situation to Latin in Europe. Prince Qing refers in a poetic way to the old belief that after discovering America, men would conquer Magallanica. Terra Australis, or Magallanica, was a hypothetical continent first posited in antiquity and which appeared on maps between the 15th and 18th centuries. The existence of Terra Australis was based on the idea that continental land in the northern hemisphere should be balanced by land in the south. When he mentions the Divine Land he probably refers to China also in a poetic way. The year date is written as the eighteenth year of Guangxu throne. Guangxu (1871-1908) was the eleventh Emperor of the Qing dynasty. He ruled, under Empress dowager Cixi who launched a coup in 1898, after which he was put under house arrest until his death.

NAPOLEON III: (1808-1873) Emperor of the French 1852-70, the nephew and heir of Napoleon I. First President of France 1848-52, therefore holding the distinction of being the first titular president and the last monarch of France. L.S., Napoleon, one page, folio, Paris, 31st January 1869, to an unidentified Cardinal, in French. Napoléon III thanks his correspondent for his greetings and states in part `..I receive with pleasure this year your kind wishes and I thank you for your prayers to heaven for my happiness and for my family too..´ Countersigned at the base of the front page by La Valette. With blank integral leaf. Folded, otherwise EX £250-350Charles Jean de La Valette (1806-1881) Marquis de La Valette. French Politician and Diplomat. Minister of Interior and Foreign Affairs under Napoleon III. In 1869 he was appointed French Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

[FOUR EMPERORS ORDER]: A very attractive D.S., one page, large 10 x 13.5 folio, Saint-Denis, 25th October 1843, to Baron Lamothe Langon, in French. The carefully hand written document being a Catholicism certificate issued by the Four Emperors Order, bearing a large and very attractive 6 x 4 printed drawing heading coat of arms showing the four German Emperors. Signed at the base with handwritten annotation by the Order Commander Jean Baptiste Notret de Saint-Lys. The document also bears at the base a red wax seal in very fine condition, alongside the order paper seal affixed, showing the foundation year of the Order, 1308. With blank integral leaf. Small age wear and very small tears to the edges, otherwise VG £80-100