There are 534297 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribeBAXTER WARNER: (1889-1951) American Actor, Academy Award winner. Vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph of Baxter in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold green fountain pen ink to a light area of the background, 'To Patrick, All my very best wishes, Warner Baxter' and dated 1938 in his hand. Some very light, minor staining to the background at the right edge, otherwise VG
MELBA NELLIE: (1861-1931) Australian Soprano. A.L.S., Nellie Melba, two pages, 8vo, Great Cumberland Place, London, n.d., to Mr. Bealey. Melba states that it is kind of her correspondent to offer to accommodate her whilst she is in Middlesbrough and continues to remark 'if you are quite sure it will not inconvenience you my maid & I will arrive on the day of the concert & leave early the next morning'. Two areas of paper loss at the head of the first page, slightly affecting a few words of text, and some light age wear, G
STORCHIO ROSINA: (1876-1945) Italian Soprano. Storchio created roles in several operas by Puccini, Leoncavallo, Mascagni and Giordano including Mimi in Leoncavallo´s La Boheme (1897) and Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly (1904). A rare and excellent vintage signed and inscribed 9 x 12.5 photograph of Storchio, the Esommariva image from Milano showing the Italian soprano standing in a full length pose, in costume. Signed in bold black fountain pen ink to the lower matted border `Rosina Storchio´, also dated beneath in her hand, Milano 1936. Inscribed to the upper border `A Marina Scialapen, Fiore di gioventu e bellezza con l´augurio d´ogni bene´(“To Marina Chaliapin, Flower of youth and beauty with the wish of all the good´) Very light corner crease and few small stains to the matted border, otherwise VG Marina Chaliapin (1912-2009) was the daughter of Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), widely regarded as one of the best bass singers of the 20th century.
GABLE CLARK: (1901-1960) American Actor, Academy Award winner. Vintage signed and inscribed sepia 9.5 x 12.5 photograph of Gable in a head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Clarence Sinclair Bull and bearing his M-G-M credit stamp to the verso. Signed by Gable in fountain pen ink to the image, 'To Dorothy, Here's wishing you happiness always, Clark'. A couple of very light, minor stains to the lower edge and some minor mottling to the image, otherwise VG
NUREYEV RUDOLF: (1938-1993) Russian Ballet Dancer. Signed 8 x 8 photo page removed from a programme, the image depicting Nureyev in a full length pose dancing with Margot Fonteyn. Signed ('R Nureyev') in bold black ink with his name alone to the image. Together with a printed slim 8vo programme for a performance by Nureyev, Fonteyn and the Royal Ballet at the International Festival of Santander, 2nd, 3rd & 4th August 1968, signed ('R Nureyev') in bold black ink to a clear area of the front cover, also signed by the ballerina Lucette Aldous, with her name alone and in blue fountain pen ink to the front cover. Some very light, minor age wear and foxing, otherwise G, 2
NAGEL CONRAD: (1897-1970) American Actor, a founding member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who also served as the fourth President of the Academy from 1932-33. Vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph of Nagel in a head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Clarence Sinclair Bull and bearing his blindstamp to the lower right corner. Signed by Nagel in bold black fountain pen ink to the image, partially across a darker area although reasonably legible. Neatly and lightly mounted to a folio page removed from an album and with some light mottling to the image, G The present photograph was originally included (along with thirty-six others) in a folio calf leather bound presentation album which was one of just fourteen (as far as our research indicates) that were presented to the individual members of a delegation of British journalists who visited America for a two-month tour in 1928. Funded by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the objective of the tour was to improve Anglo-American relations and the presentation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the Roosevelt Hotel on 7th November 1928 (just over six months before the first Oscar was presented at the very same venue) was a major highlight of the tour. The album from which the present photograph was extracted had been presented to F. Lawrence Johnson, a journalist associated with the Northeastern Daily Gazette, and the photograph bears an inscription to him.
OLIVIER LAURENCE: (1907-1989) English actor, Academy Award winner. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Olivier standing in a half-length pose in costume as Othello from the 1965 film based on the National Theatre Company's staging of William Shakespeare's Othello (1964-66). Signed ('Laurence Olivier') in bold black ink with his name alone to the lower white border. It was for his performance in this film that Olivier received one of his thirteen Oscar nominations (a Best Actor nomination for Othello), being honoured on four occasions. A couple of very light, extremely minor corner creases, VG
[CHALIAPIN MARINA]: (1912-2009) Russian ballerina & actress, daughter of Feodor Chaliapin and wife of Luigi Freddi, the Italian Minister of Culture. Marina Chaliapin was crowned Miss. Russia in 1931. The personal autograph album of Marina Chaliapin, the leather bound 4to album containing 48 signatures (most with personal inscriptions to Chaliapin) by a variety of famous individuals including musicians, singers, actors, artists etc., including (in order of appearance) Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938, Russian opera singer; signed Daddy and with a lengthy inscription in Cyrillic, in part, 'To my dear daughter Marinka - Words, words…where to find them…. No! I have to sum up my life, multiply my love, fuse my feelings, to share all this with you….. Then, I will maybe get to what I want to say…', Kitzbuhel, 1st August 1934), Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962, Austrian-born American violinist and composer; dated at Salzburg, 22nd August 1935), Charles B. Cochran (1872-1951, English theatrical manager and impresario; 'To the daughter of my greatest hero, Charles B Cochran', 1935), Gianna Pederzini (1900-1988, Italian mezzo-soprano; April 1936), Louis Jouvet (1887-1951, French actor & theatre director), Max Dearly (1874-1943, French actor; Salzburg, July 1936), Lotte Lehmann (1888-1976, German soprano; Salzburg, 1936), Bronislaw Huberman (1882-1947, Polish violinist; August 1936), Hannes Schneider (1890-1955, Austrian ski instructor), Joseph Paul-Boncour (1873-1972, French Prime Minister 1932-33), Luigi Freddi (1895-1977, Italian journalist and politician, husband of Marina Chaliapin; Venice, August 1937), Ugo Ojetti (1871-1946, Italian writer, journalist & art critic; Venice, August 1937), Vittorio Cini (1885-1977, Italian entrepreneur and politician), Italo Balbo (1896-1940, Italian fascist politician, Marshal of the Air Force 1929-33 and Governor-General of Italian Libya 1934-40), Rouben Mamoulian (1897-1987, Russian-born American film director; a fine example in Cyrillic, 1937), Luis Trenker (1892-1990, Austro-Hungarian film producer, director & actor; November 1938), Trilussa (1871-1950, Italian poet, writer & journalist; 1942), Edward VIII (1894-1972, King of the United Kingdom January - December 1936. Later Duke of Windsor; A.N.S., Edward P, as Prince of Wales, in pencil, on a small oblong 12mo card, n.p., n.d., in full, 'With many thanks for a most charming evening from Edward P', neatly laid down to the page), Massimo Bontempelli (1878-1960, Italian poet, playwright, novelist & composer; A.M.Q.S., being two bars of music which he identifies as being from Monescia), Eleonora Duse (1858-1924, Italian actress; A.N., unsigned, on her personal printed visiting card, in Italian, neatly laid down to the page), Issay Dobrowen (1891-1953, Russian-Norwegian pianist, composer & conductor; Rome, 1946), Alexander Borovsky (1889-1968, Russian-American pianist; 1946), Tullio Serafin (1878-1968, Italian conductor; A.M.Q.S., being several bars of music, with words beneath, marked Proprio cosi ('Just like that') in his hand and with a further sentiment in his hand, Musica - ragione di vita ('Music - reason for life'), Rome, 31st October 1947), Gino Cervi (1901-1974, Italian actor famous for his performances as 'Peppone' in the Don Camillo movies of the 1950s and 1960s, and later as the detective Maigret), Akim Tamiroff (1899-1972, Russian-born American actor), Paul Robeson (1898-1976, American singer and actor; ink signature on a small piece a little crudely cut from a printed programme for Black Boy, neatly laid down), Tullio Carminati (1894-1971, Italian actor), Ronald Colman (1891-1958, English actor, Academy Award winner), Umberto Spadaro (1904-1981, Italian actor), Renato Rascel (1912-1991, Italian actor & singer), David Lichine (1910-1972, Russian-American ballet dancer and choreographer; 1953), Jean Cocteau (1889-1963, French poet, playwright, novelist, designer & artist), Jose Greco (1918-2000, Italian-born American flamenco dancer; the page also signed by his sister Norina Greco, and Nila Amparo), Gina Cigna (1900-2001, French-Italian soprano), Oswald Mosley (1896-1980, British politician, leader of the British Union of Fascists), Witold Malcuzynski (1914-1977, Polish pianist; A.M.Q.S., being several bars from an unidentified work, November 1961), Earl Warren (1891-1974, American jurist and politician who led the Warren Commission that investigated the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy), Roloff Beny (1924-1984, Canadian photographer; an original black ink drawing of several long, elegant leaves, inscribed 'For Marina, Remembering “Death is a name for Beauty not in use”, with admiration and affection, Roloff Beny', April 1981) etc. The vast majority of the signatures are on individual leaves, and most are neatly annotated to the lower corners in ink by Marina Chaliapin. Her Ex-Libris plate appears to the front free endpaper and her initials ('M.F.C.') are stamped to the upper right corner of the front cover. An interesting collection of signatures with fine provenance. Some very light, extremely minor age wear and slight age toning at the edges of the pages, the covers slightly worn and stained. VG
[INNOCENT XI]: (1611-1689) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1676-89. An interesting A.L.S., Jo. Lytcott, by the British Diplomat, three pages, 8vo, Rome, 21st February 1688, to a gentleman, seemingly Sir Richard Bulstrode. Lytcott states, in part, '….what I chiefly have to plead is the very great distance of place & my very little capacity & post, wherein I might be usefull to you; for tho Rome sounds high, yet a poor agent is so low & unregarded a creature in it, as if he were quite lost there; but since you can find out so small an object so far off I shall a350lways strive to acknowledge yr. kind regard of me…..The present scene here is indeed very particular: & tho hitherto it has seemed to some only comical, yet God knows how it will end. The thunder from the Vatican you see the French despise…..The Pope now is moved to hear his Cardinals wch he does dayly two by two; as to what passes in the conference their Eminences themselves cannot tell, they being obliged to secrecy under censures, but by their looks they bode little good', further referring again to the problems between France and the Vatican, an excommunication, the resolute approach of the Pope and daily processions ('instead of a Carnival [we] shall have a Jubilee') before concluding 'We had at the English College high Masse & other devotions for a Prince of Wales & same day the thanksgiving was all over England; A concurrence of so many prayers will I hope prevail'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG Sir Richard Bulstrode (1610-1711) English Author, Diplomat & Soldier, the resident agent of King Charles II at Brussels from 1673. The present letter was written in the months leading up to the Cologne controversy and the election for the Prince-elector of Cologne which took place on 19th July 1688. Pope Innocent XI was granted the final decision in the election, as neither candidate received the required number of votes, and his choice angered King Louis XIV of France and King James II of England. The French king retaliated by taking possession of the papal territory of Avignon and imprisoning the papal nuncio. Louis XIV also made little secret of his intention to separate the French church from Rome, however the Pope remained firm. The subsequent fall of James II in England destroyed French preponderance in Europe and shortly after Pope Innocent XI's death the struggle between Louis XIV and the papacy was settled in favour of the Church.
The first Papal air flight JOHN XXIII: (1881-1963) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1958-1963. Beatified in 2000 and Canonized in 2014. A highly unusual D.S., + Ange Roncalli, twice, as Apostolic Nuncio to France, two pages, 4to, Ankara, 26th December 1944. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is an United States Air Transport Command Priority Identification Certificate in which authority is requested for Roncalli to travel on an Air Transport Command aircraft from Ankara to Cairo on 27th December 1944, detailing the reason for travel as 'To take up post as Papal Nuncio at Paris'. The document is also signed by various officials, one of whom certifies that 'the movement of this passenger is necessary and essential to the successful prosecution of the war, and that the mission of this passenger is of such urgency that transportation by air is necessary' and also provides details of Roncalli's permanent address at the Vatican City and records his personal weight as being 95kg and an authorised baggage allowance of 50kg. The second page of the document is a release declaration signed by Roncalli stating that the flight will be made at his own risk and responsibility, and in consideration of the permission extended to him by the United States he discharges the American government and its officers and agents 'from any and all claims, demands, action or causes of action, on account of my death or on account of any injury to me which may occur by reasons of the said flight….', further stating that the Vatican City should be notified in case of an emergency. A rare document relating to what is understood to be the first flight to have been made by a Pope, and a Saint. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG On 22nd December 1944, during World War II, Pope Pius XII named Roncalli to be the new Apostolic Nuncio to the recently liberated France. In this capacity he would negotiate the retirement of bishops who had collaborated with the German occupying power. Roncalli left Ankara on 27th December 1944 and made a series of short haul flights taking him to Cairo, Beirut and Naples. On 28th December 1944 he arrived in Rome and the next day left for France to begin his new role.
JOHN PAUL II: (1920-2005) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1978-2005. Canonized in 2014. A good signed colour 7 x 9.5 photograph by John Paul II, as Pope, 1984, the image depicting the Pope in a half-length pose. Signed `Giovanni Paulus II´, to the lower light matted border, beneath a written blessing stating `A Mong. Osvaldo Balducci nel 50º anniversario della sua ordinazione presbiterale rivolgo fervidi voti augurali e, invocando da Cristo Sommo ed Eterno Sacerdote nuova effusione di grazie celesti perché il suo servizio ecclesiale continui ad essere allietato da copiosi frutti spirituali, gli invio di cuore l´implorata Benedizione Apostolica che volentieri estendo a tutti I suoi Cari.´, dated `Dal Vaticano, 22nd December 1984´. The photograph bears to the bottom matted border an attractive blind embossed Papal seal. VG
FAMOUS MEN: William Morley Punshon (1824-1881) English Nonconformist Minister, President of the Methodist Conference 1874-75. A fine L.S., W. Morley Punshon, two pages, 4to, Camborne, 30th July 1874, to Rev. Samuel Romilly Hall, on the printed stationery of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference. Punshon expresses, on behalf of the members of the conference, the sincere sorrow felt at Hall's inability to attend and continues 'Your brethren remember without ceasing your work of faith and labour of love in connection with our Itinerant Ministry, as also the ability and zeal with which you have discharged high official duties. The Conference renews to you its assurance of deep sympathy; and fervently prays that, in your retirement, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ may be exceeding abundant toward you, and that, according to His glorious power, you may be strengthened unto all patience and long-suffering, with joyfulness'. Signed by Punshon in his capacity as President and countersigned by Gervase Smith (1821-1882, Wesleyan Minister, President of the Methodist Conference 1875-76) in his capacity as Secretary; Spencer Timothy Hall (1812-1885) English Mesmerist & Writer. A.L.S., Spencer T. Hall, four pages, 4to, Stonefield Street, Cloudesley Square, 3rd December 1847, to J. H. Beale ('My dear Friend'). Hall informs his correspondent that he is unwell ('and in a very excited state of mind from domestic and other causes') although continues to acknowledge their letter and offers his warm sympathy, however adding 'It does not appear to me now how I can be of any use to you; - but if any thing turns up you will be in my mind. Nearly all the advocates of our cause are gratuitous ones, and many of them very able, which makes it difficult for paid ones to get engagements' and advising 'I do not think you can do better than get a Mechanics' Institute connexion: for although they pay but little, that little is pretty certain. At the same time keep on the look-out for advantages. The fact is, there is too much brains in the market, at present, for the demand. Anything pays better than sound intellectual merchandise: but perhaps after all this is right. The things of the spirit should be exchanged for that which is spiritual, and not for dross - which in this grovelling age would soon be the payment for them if a market could be found'. In concluding Hall refers to having been in Nottingham and Sutton the previous week ('and have got the heart-ache') and asks to be remembered to his correspondent's lady and friends. A small spindle hole appears to the upper left corner and with some light overall creasing and minor age wear to Hall's letter, about VG, 2 Samuel Romilly Hall (1812-1876) British Methodist Preacher, President of the Methodist Conference 1868-69.
GUINNESS ALEC: (1914-2000) English Actor, Academy Award winner. Guinness's personal working script for the stage production of Wise Child by Simon Gray, the 4to printed script bearing the address of the production company Michael Codron Ltd to the title page and also bearing the ownership signature ('Alec Guinness') of the actor to the head of the title page, with his London address at Ennismore Garden Mews added in his hand beneath, and further initialled ('A.G.') in his hand to the orange front cover paper wrapper. Guinness has made extensive underscores in various coloured inks to the dialogue on almost every page and also made numerous alterations and corrections to the text. The final blank page of the script is filled with various abstract doodles by Guinness in blue and black inks and the inside back cover bears several notes in the actor's hand relating to various individuals including his wife, Merula. Rare in this form. Some light overall age wear, about VG Provenance: The script was gifted by Guinness to David Denyer, a theatrical dresser in London's West End. Wise Child was first staged at Wyndham's Theatre in London on 10th October 1967 with Guinness playing the role of Mrs. Artminster. Directed by John Dexter, the other cast members comprised Gordon Jackson (Mr. Booker), Simon Ward (Jerry) and Cleo Sylvestre (Janice).
VALLOIS MATHURINE DE: (fl.1589-fl.1627) French jester at the courts of Kings Henry III, Henry IV and Louis XIII of France. L.S., Mathurine de Vallois, five pages, folio, Paris, 19th July 1618. The letter relates to a quotation for carpentry work to be undertaken at a house in Paris, located on the Rue des Petits-Champs where Vallois had an apartment. Boldly signed at the conclusion and countersigned by three unidentified individuals. Accompanied by a carbon typed copy of a letter from an unknown collector, most likely a previous owner of the jester's letter, to Henry D. Sedgwick, dated 5th March 1934 and stating, in part, 'Not long since, I procured a fine autograph of Mathurine de Vallois, who was Henri's jester or “fool”. You will doubtless remember that she figured in the assault on Henri by Chastel, her quick wit causing Chastel's immediate capture. It is great fun to from time to time complete the picture of Henri's life and background. Probably these autographs have no value in this country, as no one would be interested in them, but their acquisition gives me a great deal of pleasure'. The pages of Vallois's letter are neatly joined together by a strip of old tape at the left edge, and with some light age wear, a few small holes and tears, otherwise VG, 2 In 1594 Mathurine de Vallois was present when King Henry IV was wounded by the assassin Jean Chatel and it was the jester herself who arrested him. The occasion was later recounted 'Mathurine it was who arrested the youth who attempted to assassinate Henri IV, on the 28th of December. This youth, who had glided into the apartment unperceived, struck at the King with his dagger. “Devil take that fool with her tricks,” cried his Majesty… Mathurine sprang to the door, and barring the passage, prevented the escape of the King's assailant'. However, the King, well aware of his jester's Catholic sympathies, had her arrested as a suspected accomplice. She was nevertheless able to prove her innocence and was welcomed back to her position at court.
[CIRCUS]: SAQUI JULIEN (1786-1825) French impresario, husband of Madame Saqui (1786-1866) the French acrobat and tightrope dancer who was a favourite of Napoleon Bonaparte. A.L.S., Saqui, one page, 4to, Boulevard du Temple, Paris, 7th August 1824, to Monsieur de Verneur, in French. Saqui states that, from the observations his correspondent has made to him, 'I beg you to be persuaded that by suppressing the gun fire of the platoon, the fireworks, the music and the drums, the expenditure of the 2 ascensions that I propose will amount to more than the 200 francs costs needed to assemble and disassemble' and further adds 'I will be personally recommending to you that you obtain the authorisation that I am requesting and my wife and I will experience extreme satisfaction if we are permitted to prove our love and devotion to Her Majesty without attaching any value to it.' Very slightly irregularly trimmed and with some light wrinkling and a few small tears to the right edge, only very slightly affecting a few letters of text, otherwise about VG
TALABOT PAULIN: (1799-1885) French railway and canal engineer, a friend of Robert Stephenson with whom he surveyed a route for a Suez Canal in 1847. A.L.S., Paulin Talabot, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 9th July n.y., to Manby, in French. Talabot states that he is sending his letter by Monsieur de Kuolz, the Inspector General of Railways in France, who is on a mission to England to study the production of coal, and asks Manby to be useful to him. With blank integral leaf. Some light creasing and a few small tears and minor stains to the edges, not affecting the signature, otherwise about VG Talabot's correspondent was most likely to have been Charles Manby (1804-1884), son of Aaron Manby (1776-1850) the ironmaster and civil engineer. Charles Manby was Secretary of the Institution of Civil Engineers from 1839-56 and engineer of the first iron steamer to cross the English Channel. Fluent in French, he installed gas piping into Paris and advised on the construction of the Suez Canal.
[VENEREAL DISEASE]: An unusual T.L.S. by eight individuals including H. G. Wells (1866-1946; English Writer of Science Fiction novels), Bertrand Russell (1872-1970; British Philosopher, Mathematician and Historian, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1950), Julian Huxley (1887-1975; English Evolutionary Biologist), Norman Angell (1872-1967; British Lecturer, Journalist & Politician, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1933), Basil Peto (1862-1945; British Businessman and Unionist Politician), one page, 4to, Fitzroy Street, London, 13th December 1937, to the Editor of the News Chronicle, on the printed stationery of the National Society for the Prevention of Venereal Disease. The letter states that in 1923 the report of the Trevethin Committee on Venereal Disease was published by the Ministry of Health and continues 'The findings of the Committee were definitely favourable to the policy of the education of the public in scientific methods of Prevention, but not only has nothing been done towards implementing them but this Society, the only organisation working for the diffusion of such knowledge, has met with unremitting hostility from certain quarters. We desire to bring to the notice of your readers a striking instance of this hostility. This Society is sponsoring a film entitled “The Prince of Ignorance” and application was made to the L.C.C. for authority to exhibit it in that body's area. This authority was granted subject to the excision of all reference to the possibility of Prevention, so that those seeing the film…..are not permitted to learn that these diseases can be prevented….This is, we suggest, a particularly harmful kind of censorship, and one entirely out of step with contemporary thought'. Countersigned by Robert Lyster (Chairman), Alva Benjamin (Honorary Treasurer) and Angus Grant (Honorary Secretary). The letter has been heavily annotated in pencil by an editor, evidently in preparation for newspaper publication, including his guidance as to the order in which the signatures should appear. Some light overall creasing and minor age wear, about VG
GRIFFITH HUGH: (1912-1980) Welsh Actor, Academy Award winner. Vintage signed 9.5 x 7 photograph of Griffith standing outdoors in a three-quarter length pose in costume as Squire Western alongside actress Edith Evans, in costume as Miss Western, in a scene from the film Tom Jones (1963). Signed by Griffith in blue ink to a light area of the image. The actor received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in this film. Rare in this form. EX Provenance: The present photograph originates from the collection of Pierre Goulliard, a French gentleman who, for over 50 years, dedicated himself to obtaining in person autographs of British, American and European movie stars, always obtaining the signatures in fountain pen ink.
‘Merits are fine, but for myself what remains is the memory' GROTIUS HUGO: (1583-1645) Dutch Humanist, Diplomat, Lawyer, Theologian, Jurist, Poet & Playwright. A rare A.L.S., H Grotius, one page, folio, n.p., 12th January 1645, to Ludwig Camerarius, in Latin. Grotius states that he has received his correspondent's noble letters mentioning the Burweiler goods and remarks 'I have not considered yet how much all this could benefit the more King Gustav; not so much because of my will, but because of them. Merits are fine, but for myself what remains is the memory', further adding 'And as far as I know this same process has served us well. To have put to the test everything that I always was, at most someone cultivated for the post of Camerlengo'. With integral address leaf bearing two small red wax seals. Some light overall damp staining, minor uniform age toning to the body of text and signature, a lengthy, neat horizontal split to the centre, a few other smaller neat splits at folds and some evidence of repairs to the integral leaf, G Ludwig Camerarius (1573-1651) German Statesman & Lawyer, head of King Frederick V's government in exile in the Hague. Camerarius also served Swedish interests later in his life. In the present letter Grotius would appear to refer to Gustavus Adolphus (1594-1632) King of Sweden 1611-32, credited for the rise of Sweden as a major European power.
BRANDEIS LOUIS: (1856-1941) American lawyer and associate judge on the Supreme Court of the United States 1916-39. A brief A.L.S., Louis D Brandeis, one page, 8vo, Washington D.C., 30th October 1939, to his cousins, Misses Betty and Louise Brandeis. Brandeis sends his relatives a cheque (no longer present) for $80, with his best wishes. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Brandeis. Some very light, minor age wear, VG Brandeis had assisted in the immigration to America of his Viennese cousins, sisters Louise and Betty, in 1938 shortly after the Anschluss. Brandeis swore out an affidavit in May 1938 that he had ample resources and would be willing to sponsor them in the United States so they would not become public charges.
FRANKFURTER FELIX: (1882-1965) American lawyer and jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States 1939-62. Dark fountain pen ink signature ('Felix Frankfurter') on a printed card from the Supreme Court of the United States, Washington D.C. A couple of light, minor stains close to, but not affecting, the signature. About VG
HOOVER J. EDGAR: (1895-1972) American law enforcement administrator, the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 1924-72. T.L.S., J. E. Hoover, one page, 4to, Washington D.C., 14th August 1939, to Miss. Judith E. Alstead, on the printed stationery of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Hoover writes in relation to his correspondent's desire to be considered for the position of Stenographer in the Juneau Alaska office of the FBI and informs Alstead that he has 'already advised Special Agent in Charge Vogel who at the present time is en route to Alaska to contact you upon his arrival in Juneau to ascertain whether you are desirous of being considered for employment at this time. I am sure Mr. Vogel will contact you at an early date and you may rest assured your application will be given most serious consideration in the filling of the stenographic vacancy in that city'. Some very light, minor surface creasing, otherwise VG
LAW ENFORCEMENT: An unusual vintage signed 9.5 x 7.5 photograph by John Du Rose, Detective Chief Superintendent of Scotland Yard, and five of his investigating officers individually, being members of the team who investigated the Hammersmith nude murders of 1964-65, the image depicting the officers, alongside several other colleagues, standing together in full-length poses in a car park, most taking down notes. Signed in bold blue or black fountain pen inks. Together with a selection of small signed cards, pieces, printed book images etc., by various other police officers including Frederick R. Cherrill (1892-1964, Chief Superintendent of the Fingerprint Bureau at New Scotland Yard), Ranulph Bacon (1906-1988, Assistant Commissioner 'A', Metropolitan Police 1961-63, Assistant Commissioner 'C', Metropolitan Police 1963-66 and Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis 1966), Robert Fabian (1901-1978, English police officer, a Detective Superintendent in the Metropolitan Police known as 'Fabian of the Yard'; 2), Richard Jackson (1902-1975, British police officer who served as Assistant Commissioner 'C', Metropolitan Police 1953-63 and as President of Interpol 1960-63; 2) and Edgar Lustgarten (1907-1978, British broadcaster and noted crime writer who hosted Scotland Yard from 1953-61). Generally VG, 8 The Hammersmith nude murders was the name given to a series of six murders in West London in 1964 and 1965. The victims, all prostitutes, were found undressed in or near the River Thames, leading the press to nickname the killer 'Jack the Stripper'. Despite 'intense media interest and one of the biggest manhunts in Scotland Yard's history' the case remains unsolved. Two of the murdered prostitutes were believed to have been peripherally connected to the Profumo Affair of 1963 and the suspects included British light heavyweight boxing champion Freddie Mills.
LAW ENFORCEMENT: A rare set of four black fountain pen ink signatures on a slim 12mo autograph album page by each of the original 'Big Four' police officers, each of them Superintendents in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Scotland Yard from 1919 onwards, comprising Frederick Wensley (1865-1949, Chief Constable of the Criminal Investigation Department 1922-29 who had earlier been involved in street patrols during the investigation of the Jack the Ripper murders), Albert Hawkins (d.1929), Francis Carlin (d.1930) and Arthur Neil (1867-1939). Together with George Cornish (Police Superintendent who worked under Arthur Neil at Scotland Yard and was assigned to the Whitechapel division) black fountain pen ink signature ('G W Cornish') on a small oblong 12mo closely clipped piece. Also including Edward Bradford (1836-1911) English Colonel who served as head of the London Metropolitan Police 1890-1903. A.L.S., E R C Bradford, four pages, 8vo, New Scotland Yard, London, 3rd November 1897, to Buckland. Bradford thanks his correspondent for their congratulations 'on my honour which was far greater than I deserved' [Bradford had been appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath] and continues to write 'I am afraid that there is no chance of a vacancy for that extremely nice fellow Paget. The appts are so few that vacancies occur at very long intervals only & I don't suppose any man is likely to leave during my time', further referring to his son who has just returned from Crete and adding that his regiment leave for Egypt almost immediately. Some light age wear, generally VG, 4 The Flying Squad, a branch of the Serious Organised Crime Command within London's Metropolitan Police Force, was originally formed on an experimental basis by Detective Chief Inspector Frederick Wensley in October 1919.
KALASHNIKOV MIKHAIL: (1919-2013) Russian General, Engineer and small arms Designer. Best known for his AK-47 assault rifle creation. Signed 6 x 4 card, with his name alone, in Cyrillic. Signed in dark ink, with slightly light ink to the end of his signature. Matted in black, easily removable, beneath a 5 x 5 colour photograph of Kalashnikov, the image showing the Russian General in a half-length pose holding his rifle creation, to an overall of 8 x 12 (20cm x 30cm). VG
MATA HARI: (1876-1917) Gertrud Margaretha Zelle being her real name. Dutch exotic Dancer, with stage name Mata Hari, who was convicted of being a spy working for Germany during World War I. She was executed by firing squad in Paris. A good A.L.S., `Mata Hari´, a bold ink attractive signature, three pages, 8vo, n.p., [Paris], n.d., [1908], on the Hotel Majestic, Paris, printed stationery, to Monsieur Gerson, in French. Mata Hari kindly asks her correspondent to give her back tomorrow the photograph she forwarded to him for the lithographs, and describes the one she specifically wants, stating in part `The one wearing the Hermine coat, with the head bowed, I wish to give it to Coquelin.´, further saying `You will find 24 similar in Berlin, in my home, which are ready yet.´ Extremely small overall minor age wear, with very light creasing, otherwise VG Nicol Gerson was a Parisian impresario and artistic director in charge of Mata Hari´s tours and spectacles. The present letter provenance is from his correspondence archive. Mata Hari most probably refers to Benoit-Constant Coquelin (1841-1909) known as Coquelin “l´ainé” (“The Eldest”). French prominent actor.
CHRISTIE ETHEL: (1898-1952) English wife of murderer John Reginald Halliday Christie, herself one of his victims who was later discovered strangled under the floor boards of their house at 10 Rillington Place. An extremely rare A.L.S., Ethel, three pages (separate leaves), 8vo, 10 Rillington Place, St. Marks Road, London, 6th & 14th December 1945, to Lil [Bartle, her sister]. Christie writes a social letter, remarking that she is pleased to hear that E is home and commenting that she hopes he does not go back, 'I think that he has every grounds for release', further adding 'You are not well enough to manage the shop on your own. Every small shop I know has someone to help them', and also writing 'I suppose you will be busy just now for Christmas. There does not seem to be anything extra here for Christmas unless one has plenty of money & the prices of 'presents' are outrageous'. Christie concludes her letter on the 14th December, explaining 'I am sending you a parcel & hope you will like it. Let me know when you get it.' Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
WAYNE JOHN: (1907-1979) American Actor, Academy Award winner. Signed and inscribed 10 x 8 photograph of Wayne standing in a full-length pose, in uniform, as Tom Wayne in a scene from the American film serial The Three Musketeers (1933). Signed by Wayne in black ink to the centre of the image. Some light surface and corner creasing and a minor vertical crease to the centre of the image, otherwise about VG
FROMME LYNETTE: (1948- ) American Criminal, a member of the infamous Manson Family who was imprisoned for her attempted assassination of American President Gerald R. Ford in 1975. A lengthy A.L.S., with her initial R ['Red' being her name within the Manson Family], seven pages, 4to, n.p., n.d. ('Wed. nite - 19th'), to [Charles Manson]. Fromme commences her letter by sending news of some parcels which had been stopped by the postal authorities ('She's had to make a lot of calls on that. The other day when she called Mels someone told her that he'd gone to see you but maybe he just didn't want to talk to her. She's not calling him anymore. He didn't send the money (the second 300.00)') and continues, in part, 'Her trip on the train costs 233.00 & she'll figure it out from there but it doesn't leave her much to find a place to live. I told her to get into her Xmas box savings if necessary. She acts like she doesn't have it…..We've got some new thoughts on things to get too. As soon as she's in Berdoo we'll know how much she can afford for those. I'm telling you to keep you appraised of the situation…..Not because I want you to solve anything. She will solve it. I sent some mark & color cards with her that I made for them and special picture books…..Art books. Also a book for Bluegum [presumably Fromme's friend, Sandra Good, known as 'Blue' within the Manson Family] that is really nice. It is architecture of primitive time & type…..There are pages of photos in it of houses built in or under rock & boulders. Indian cities. Desert & mountain…..Lots of interesting structures in various countries & with various advantages for climate etc. It reminded me of the time eagle man told of wanting to build a house like a big skull on a hill & the eyes & nose would be the windows. Whenever the lights were on one could see the skull face from miles away…..I'm sending your package the day I send this…..I feel to leave the necklace Blue made you out of the pkg. I feel that if you can't get it, it would cause confusion……It's a lot of copper pieces with enamel on them & looks almost Indian. Your Indian name is Miwok (Mee-walk) language for “your friend” (as I remember it). It starts with M. I think it is Minsky Haskum……In the package there are 2 scarves from Blue…..Also 2 sweatshirt things, something for your bed…….I wonder where the word remember comes from. To member sounds like to join together. A member is a “part” of something. Like to be dis-membered is torn apart. So re-member should mean - put back together. There are things I would like to remember. Good article on your parole hearing. The reporter said you danced. The picture painted in her words was an interesting scene. Made me smile…..Oh yeah - I was thinking that a lie to oneself is a lie whether in the past or future. Like: I was thinking before that to say you'll do something & not do it is not as much lie as to say you did something when you didn't. But then I thought - a lie is a lie whether a person fools themselves before they do or don't do whatever it is, or after. It's illusion. In that light, I was a liar all along……..To agree to do anything in the future is to bind oneself with heavy responsibility, to keep track of time etc. So-called good intentions are illusion. Mel thinks he's good because he has good intentions. People agree or offer to do things to be good guys. To save face. Then when they don't they say they meant to. It's part of that social stuff this society teaches to avoid facing themselves. Like when you told Mike Feeney you liked him but you liked your beard more & you'd have to shave it to visit…..that really has stuck in my mind the past few years. It's so simple & clean. But society people will go to all kinds of pretenses to turn down an invitation. Like they'll make up a lie - & then if they think the person may find out, they'll get someone else to tell a story or turn out the house lights to pretend they're not home or take the phone off the hook - until the whole life is structured around alibis. Yes, I'd have to say that those of us raised in society have all been psychologically sick in the true sense. Divided in mind not by regard for other people's feelings as much as defense of our own personalities in fear of what others will think of us & worse, what we may think of ourselves…..' In a postscript Fromme further writes 'I meant to ask you for new cuss words. Fungus sounds pretty bad. But fungus serves a purpose.' A letter of good association. VG
GOUZENKO IGOR: (1919-1982) Russian cipher clerk for the Soviet embassy to Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, who defected on 5th September 1945, just three days after the end of World War II, with over 100 documents detailing the USSR's espionage activities in the West. Gouzenko also exposed Joseph Stalin's efforts to steal nuclear secrets and the 'Gouzenko Affair' is often credited as a triggering event of the Cold War. Book signed, being a hardback edition of Gouzenko's novel The Fall of a Titan, First Edition published by W. W. Norton & Company Inc., New York, 1954. Special prepublication edition signed by Gouzenko to the limitations page beneath a printed statement, 'This Special Edition, autographed by the author for American Booksellers, is limited to 950 copies, of which this copy is number 369'. Bound in half white cloth over mauve boards and accompanied by the dust jacket. Some light age wear and minor tears to the dust jacket. Together with Oleg Gordievsky (1938- ) Russian Spy, a KGB Colonel who became KGB resident-designate and bureau chief in London, and was a double agent, providing information to MI6 from 1974-85. The USSR subsequently sentenced him to death in absentia. Black ink signature ('Best wishes, Oleg Gordievsky') on a 12mo white card with a collector's neat ink annotations to the upper and lower edges. G to VG, 2
MACLEAN DONALD: (1913-1983) British Diplomat & Spy, a member of the Cambridge Five. A rare printed 4to edition of the Cambridge University literary periodical Contemporaries, edited by John Kaestlin, Summer 1933, featuring various poems and other literary contributions by individuals including Donald Maclean. Signed ('Donald Maclean') by Maclean with his name alone in bold fountain pen ink to the lower margin of an inside page which features his own contribution entitled Puppet. Bound in the original yellow printed paper wrappers. Autographs of Maclean are rare in any form. Front cover neatly detached and with some light overall age wear and minor foxing and with a few small neat tears to the edges and spine. About VG Donald Maclean studied modern languages at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, arriving at the university in 1931. Whilst there he became a member of the Communist Party and was a relatively well-known figure on campus. His literary efforts, as well as his contribution to the present magazine, included a book review in 1933 for Cambridge Left, a journal to which other communists contributed, and in 1934 he became the editor of Silver Crescent, the Trinity Hall students' magazine. In his last year at Cambridge Maclean became an agent of The People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD), the interior ministry of the Soviet Union, and graduated with a First in modern languages before entering the Diplomatic Service.
MACLEAN DONALD: (1913-1983) British Diplomat & Spy, a member of the Cambridge Five. An extremely rare original pencil drawing signed by Maclean, one page, 4to, March 1933, on the printed stationery of The Union Society, Cambridge. Maclean has executed an accomplished drawing, most likely a self-portrait, the image showing a young man, seated in a profile head and shoulders pose with a pensive expression on his face. Signed ('Donald Maclean') by Maclean in bold pencil at the foot of the drawing and dated March 1933 in his hand. Above the signature MacLean appears to have written the words 'I am'. A few very light, minor stains. About VG Donald Maclean studied modern languages at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, arriving at the university in 1931. Whilst there he became a member of the Communist Party and was a relatively well-known figure on campus. His literary efforts included a book review in 1933 for Cambridge Left, a journal to which other communists contributed, and in 1934 he became the editor of Silver Crescent, the Trinity Hall students' magazine. In his last year at Cambridge Maclean became an agent of The People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD), the interior ministry of the Soviet Union, and graduated with a First in modern languages before entering the Diplomatic Service.
HILL HENRY: (1943- 2012) American Mobster whose life was immortalized in Martin Scorsese's 1990 film Goodfellas in which Hill was portrayed by Ray Liotta. A cardboard box originally containing a deck of Black Jack brand Premium Casino playing cards, signed by Hill in bold black ink with his name alone to a clear area of the front. Together with a three of hearts Palace Station Hotel Casino playing card boldly signed by Hill in black ink with his name alone to the verso. Also including a small black and white casino die signed by Hill with his name alone in black ink to the number one facet. Some light overall age wear, largely to the lid of the box where the original seal was broken. Generally VG, 3
MAXWELL GHISLAINE: (1961- ) British socialite known for her association with financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A rare book signed, being a hardback edition of Nineteenth Century Britain 1815-1914 by Anthony Wood, published by Longmans, London, 1969 (eighth impression). Signed ('G. Maxwell') by Ghislaine Maxwell in bold blue ink to the front free endpaper across an official Marlborough College second hand book department stamp indicating that she purchased the book for 75p on 14th July 1978. With two other similar stamps above, each signed by previous owners, 1973 & 1974. Together with seven further books individually bearing the ownership signatures or presentation inscriptions of Ghislaine's mother and six of her siblings, comprising Elisabeth Maxwell (1921-2013, French-born researcher on the Holocaust, husband of publishing tycoon Robert Maxwell; hardback edition of the British Red Cross Society Nursing Manual No.2. by Elisabeth M. Gravelius, ninth edition published by Cassell and Company Ltd., 1951, signed by Maxwell to the front free endpaper with her ownership signature and address below, also including some pencil notes in her hand to the margins of some pages), Christine Maxwell (1950- , British internet content pioneer and educator; paperback edition of An Unknown Woman - A Journey to Self-Discovery by Alice Koller, published by Bantam Books, February 1986, with a presentation inscription to the inside front cover signed by Christine Maxwell with her first name only, to her sister Anne, 'To dearest Annie, in love & admiration of your courage & your quest to reshape your own life, love, Christine' and dated Christmas 1986 in her hand), Isabel Maxwell (1950- , French-born entrepreneur and the co-founder of Magellan with her twin sister Christine; paperback edition of The Growth of the British Party System, Volume I 1640-1923 by Ivor Bulmer-Thomas, second edition published by John Baker, London, 1967, with Isabel Maxwell's ownership signature to the head of the half title page), Kevin Maxwell (1959- , British businessman who was charged with, and acquitted of, financial crimes related to the business practices of his father in the 1990s; paperback edition of Winston Churchill As I Knew Him by Violet Bonham Carter, published by Pan Books Ltd, London, bearing the youthful ownership signature of Kevin Maxwell to the half title page, with a few additional words ('If found please return') in his hand, the signature and additional words lightly struck through in green), Anne Maxwell (1949- , Daughter of Robert Maxwell; hardback edition of Hygiene for Nursing Students by Agnes E. Pavey, eighth edition published by Faber and Faber Ltd., 1961, bearing the ownership signature ('Anne Maxwell, Lower VI') of Maxwell to the front free endpaper), Michael Maxwell (1946-1967, Eldest child of Robert and Elisabeth Maxwell who fell into a coma aged 15 after being injured in a car crash and never regained consciousness; hardback edition of A Higher School Inorganic Chemistry by E. J. Holmyard, revised in collaboration with W. G. Palmer, published by J. M. Dent and Sons Ltd., London, 1958, bearing the ownership signature of Maxwell to the head of the front free endpaper) and Philip Maxwell (1948- , Son of Robert and Elisabeth Maxwell; hardback edition of True Brit by Clive Irving, First Edition published by Jonathan Cape, London, 1974, with a presentation inscription to the half title page signed by Maxwell to his father, 'To Dad on your birthday, 10th June 1974, This would be hilarious if we were Frenchman, Germans or Italians - but we ain't. Love, Philip'). Two of the books are accompanied by their dustjackets. A rare grouping of signed books. Some light overall age wear, generally G, 8 Ghislaine Maxwell attended Marlborough College where she studied modern history with languages before going on to earn a degree from Balliol College, Oxford, in 1985. Provenance: From the library of Robert Maxwell (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster.
[MAXWELL ROBERT]: (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster. An unusual selection of books, mainly hardbacks, each with presentation inscriptions to Robert Maxwell or his wife Elisabeth, including a hardback edition of God help America! By Sydney Moseley, First Edition published by the Saint Catherine Press Ltd., London, 1952, inscribed by Moseley to the front free endpaper 'To Capt R. I. Maxwell, with the author's best wishes, Sydney Moseley, Bournemouth, Feb/52', a hardback edition of Herbert Morrison - Portrait of a Politician by Bernard Donoughue and G. W. Jones, published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London, 1973, with a presentation inscription to the front free endpaper 'To Bob from the author, conveying best wishes for another 40 years and memories of a great Labour Party', dated June 1985, a paperback edition of Sans Peril…et Sans Gloire by J. P. Norre, Limited Edition number 240 of 250 published by La Renaissance du Livre, with a presentation inscription signed by Georges Luc de Wolenski, 'Please accept a piece of “our war” by another witness who was on the spot but did not see anything of the terror we went through. Serene early X'mas reading whilst the lights are burning', dated 8th November 1984, a hardback edition of Dead Man's Chest - Travels after Robert Louis Stevenson by Nicholas Rankin, published by Faber & Faber, London, 1987 (reprint) with a presentation inscription to the title page, 'For Betty Maxwell, who encouraged me to write 15 years ago, with love & best wishes, Nicholas Rankin', a hardback edition of And So to Bath by Cecil Roberts, published by Hodder & Stoughton, London, 1952 (eighteenth impression), with a presentation inscription signed by Cecil Roberts to the title page, and five other works, mainly foreign text and with unidentified signatures, titles include Germany in a Nutshell, The Kaiser on Trial, Prague Seen from Above etc. Some of the books are accompanied by dust jackets. Some light overall age wear, G, 10 Provenance: From the library of Robert Maxwell (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster.
[MAXWELL ROBERT]: (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster. An unusual, small collection of books bearing the ownership signatures or presentation inscriptions of Maxwell's wife and some of their children, comprising Elisabeth Maxwell (1921-2013, French-born researcher on the Holocaust, husband of publishing tycoon Robert Maxwell; hardback edition of The Maker of Heavenly Trousers by Daniele Vare, published by Methuen & Co. Ltd., London, fourteenth edition, 1951, bearing the pencil ownership signature of Elisabeth Maxwell to the front pastedown), Philip Maxwell (1948- , Son of Robert and Elisabeth Maxwell; paperback edition of the Penguin Special Britain in the Sixties - Housing by Stanley Alderson, published by Penguin Books Ltd., 1962, with a presntation inscription signed by Philip Maxwell to the half title page, 'To Daddy with love from Philip'; a second paperback edition entitled Background to Eastern Europe by F. B. Singleton, published by the Pergamon Press, 1965, bearing the ownership signature of Philip Maxwell to the half title page, dated March 1967 in his hand; and a hardback edition of Greece: A Classical Tour with Extras by Lucile and George Brockway, published by Victor Gollancz Ltd., 1967, bearing the gold ink ownership signature of Philip Maxwell to the front free endpaper, dated August 1968 in his hand) and an unsigned hardback edition of The Story of Poland by Bernard Newman, published by Hutchinson & Co. Ltd, bearing the ownership name and address label of Isabel Maxwell(1950- , French-born entrepreneur and the co-founder of Magellan with her twin sister Christine) to the front pastedown. One of the books is accompanied by a dust jacket. Some light overall age wear, G, 5 Provenance: From the library of Robert Maxwell (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster.
[TITANIC]: STEAD WILLIAM T. (1849-1912) British newspaper editor who, as a pioneer of investigative journalism, became a controversial figure of the Victorian era. Stead died in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. An extraordinary A.L.S., W T Stead, two pages, 4to, Kingsway, London, 2nd January 1912, to Mr. Cochrane (sic; Charles B. Cochran), on the attractive printed stationery of The Review of Reviews. Stead announces 'I have just witnessed “The Miracle”' and continues, in part, 'But the miracle that impressed me most was the fact that in this Protestant land you are not mobbed by zealous Orangemen. Just think of what you are doing twice a day this blessed Christmas tide! Remember the threatened riot which alarmed the Cabinet when it was proposed to take a solemn procession through the streets on the consecration of the new Catholic Cathedral. The protestant drum was beaten & the police were seriously asking whether the Guards would have to be called out to prevent a dangerous & possibly a bloody affray. Yet that was only one short procession whereas you….are exhibiting twice everyday in the week a gorgeous spectacle with every adventitious aid of music & costume to make the Roman rite attractive to the multitude. The other day I secured a bulky pamphlet labelled “Rome & Germany” by “Watchman” who proclaimed about the existence of an informal conspiracy got up by Rome & Germany for the destruction of the British Empire. “Watchman's” evidence was of the slightest. But if he were to bring out a new edition of his pamphlet he would find in “The Miracle” a startling confirmation of his worst surmises. “The Miracle” was “made in Germany” and it is a…..powerful presentation of the most anti-Protestant doctrines. Think Sir of the effect of this twice a day representation of Catholic ritual to eight thousand subjects of our Protestant King…..Has the great Protestant heart that throbs responsive to the Orange drum ceased to beat? Have you had no protests…(against)….this daring challenge thrown down to Protestant prejudice? I fear that if you presented “The Miracle” at Belfast few of your performers would escape with broken heads. How much Sir do you secure from the secret service money of the Vatican or from the coffers of the Jesuits for this imposing & magnificent propaganda in favour of the Roman Catholic Church? I wrote this to you as a friend & not as one sharing the prejudices of my Orange fellow citizens. It is a mere matter of intellectual curiosity. I wonder whether they are going to take it lying down'. A letter of remarkable content, written just three months before Stead perished in the Titanic. Some extensive, although light, water staining, causing minor wrinkling, and with a few minor tears to the edges. Despite the faults, the text of the letter remains completely legible. About G Charles B. Cochran (1872-1951) English theatrical manager and impresario who produced some of the most successful musical revues, musicals and plays in the 1920s and 1930s, becoming associated with the works of Noel Coward. In 1911 Cochran had a success with the play The Miracle. The Miracle is a wordless play written by Karl Vollmoller and tells the story of a wayward nun who deserts her convent with a knight, influenced by the music of an evil minstrel. A statue of the Virgin Mary comes to life and takes the physical place of the nun, who makes her way through the world and its many vicissitudes. She is eventually accused of witchcraft, but escapes. Finally the nun returns to the convent with her dying infant, and is forgiven as the statue of the Madonna resumes its place. Cochran worked closely with Max Reinhardt in the creation of the stage production and the play first appeared as a vast spectacle-pantomime at the London Olympia on 21st December 1911. Reinhardt directed the principal actors, cast and musical performers (who numbered around 1,700) and the music was specially composed by Engelbert Humperdinck.
REYNOLDS JOSHUA: (1723-1792) English portrait painter, a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts. A.L.S., Sir Joshua Reynolds, in the third person, one page, small 4to, Leicester Fields, London, 14th January 1775, to Captain Baillie. Reynolds states that he is very much flattered by Baillie's approbation of the discourse, however remarking 'There are a great many mistakes in the printing but none of them so unhappy as that which he mentions of Parmegiano as that appears to proceed from the ignorance of the Author and not the carelessness of the Printer'. With integral address leaf bearing a red wax seal. Some light overall age wear and minor staining and a few small tears to the right edge, G Francesco Mazzola Parmegiano (1503-1540) Italian Mannerist painter and printmaker.
DELACROIX EUGENE: (1798-1863) French Romantic Artist. A series of original black pen and ink sketches in the hand of Delacroix, unsigned, one page, oblong 4to, n.p., n.d. On a sheet of plain paper Delacroix has executed various preliminary sketches, including a pineapple and other fruit as well as two rough outlines of human figures. With a contemporary annotation signed ('FV') to the verso by Frederic Villot, confirming that the sketches were made by Delacroix, and a more recent pencil annotation to the base of the verso, also confirming that the drawings were made by Delacroix and certified by Villot. Some light creasing to one corner of the page, not affecting the drawings. About VG Frederic Villot (1809-1875) French printmaker and friend of Delacroix. Villot served as paintings curator of the Louvre Museum from 1848-61.
COGNIET LEON: (1794-1880) French Painter. A.L.S., Leon Cogniet, one page, 8vo, n.p., 6th April 1836, to a Baroness, in French. Cogniet states that if his correspondent has a little time to spare on the eve of her departure then he will be happy to receive her at his studio between 3 and 5pm. A few very light, extremely minor creases, VG
GEROME JEAN-LEON: (1824-1904) French painter and sculptor. A.L.S., J L Gerome, one page, 8vo, Coulevon, n.d. ('Jeudi'), to a friend. Gerome states that he has just been in search of a piano, although they don't have any there, and asks his friend to take care of the matter himself and have one sent to him, remarking that if it comes from Paris then they will have the advantage of securing a better one. Gerome further asks for it to be shipped as soon as possible, and for his friend to visit even quicker, and provides the address for it to be sent to. With blank integral leaf (minor traces of former mounting to the verso). Some light foxing to the edges, otherwise VG
STEIGER ROD: (1925-2002) American actor, Academy Award winner. Signed 10 x 8 photograph of Steiger in a head and shoulders pose in costume as Sol Nazerman in a scene from the drama film The Pawnbroker (1964). Signed by Steiger in black ink to a clear area of the image, 'You're very kind - Thank you - Rod Steiger'. Steiger received a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance in this film. A couple of very light, extremely minor corner creases, VG
RENOIR PIERRE-AUGUSTE: (1841-1919) French Impressionist Artist. A good vintage signed 6 x 10.5 photograph, being a reproduction of one of the artist's studies of a naked lady, standing in a full length pose wearing a hat, and with a dog at her side. Signed ('Renoir') in bold black ink with his name alone to the lower border. Also signed by the Mayor of Cagnes beneath a short statement confirming the authenticity of Renoir's signature, dated 10th January 1911. The lower border also features the Mayor's official purple rubber stamp. Neatly mounted to a page removed from a contemporary album. Some extremely minor, light dust staining to the edges, about VG
'All the ladies are little guinea fowls’ TOULOUSE-LAUTREC HENRI DE: (1864-1901) French Painter and Illustrator. An excellent A.L.S., with his monogrammed initials HTL, and a second time Lautrec, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 21st January 1895, to his friend Adolphe Albert ('Old Chum'), on the printed stationery of the milliner Renee Vert (alongside which the artist has written 'Visa aff. Dreyfus'). Toulouse-Lautrec writes his letter largely in English, announcing that he just came to see his correspondent and remarking 'All the ladies are little guinea fowls. I said it was for a very serious thing but it was only to shake your hand', further continuing his letter in a section marked Private and writing 'I am very happy to tell you that all the ugly affairs I had on the arms are in a very good way. We shall have a good dinner after. Kiss Renee for me and give her my best wishes'. Toulouse-Lautrec adds a two-line postscript in French, again referring to Renee, which he signs Lautrec. Accompanied by the original envelope (separated in two halves) hand addressed by Lautrec and bearing a good red wax seal to the verso surrounded by a number of ink crosses. A letter of good content and associations. Some light age wear, VG Adolphe Albert (1855-1938) French painter and engraver, a close friend of Toulouse-Lautrec. In October 1893 Albert married Leontine Vert (1856-1930), better known as Renee Vert. Toulouse-Lautrec's work La Modiste, Renee Vert ('The Milliner, Renee Vert'), created in 1893, depicts his friend's wife arranging her wares, whilst in the foreground at her feet appears a large hat box labelled with Toulouse-Lautrec's monogram.
HARRISON REX: (1908-1990) English actor, Academy Award winner. Vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph of the actor seated in a full length pose in costume as Julius Caesar in a scene from the American epic historical drama film Cleopatra (1963) in which he starred alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Signed in blue fountain pen ink to a light area of the image. It was for his performance in this film that Harrison received a Best Actor Oscar nomination. VG
SOULAGES PIERRE: (1919- ) French Painter and Engraver. A.L.S., `Soulages´, one page, 4to, n.p., 22nd June 1967, in French. In his usual large writing and in bold black ink, Soulages sends his apologies to his correspondent for his late reply and states in part `…I forward to you enclosed an exhibition catalogue where you will find a bibliography and also one or two documents which will, in part I hope, respond to what you are looking for.´ Very light creasing, otherwise about VG
PICASSO PABLO: (1881-1973) Spanish painter, a co-founder of the Cubist movement. An 8vo softcover edition of the literary quarterly the ADAM International Review, Volume XXXII, Numbers 322-23-24, 1967, signed and inscribed by Picasso in bold black ink to the front cover, 'Pour Miron Grindea, Picasso'. The review features a contribution by Picasso in the form of his ten poems Trozo de Piel ('A Scrap of Skin') printed in Spanish and English and promoted to the cover. A good association piece. Some light age wear, VG Miron Grindea (1909-1995) Romanian-born literary journalist who edited ADAM International Review for more than fifty years.
PICASSO PABLO: (1881-1973) Spanish Painter, a co-founder of the Cubist movement. A rare slim small 8vo colour printed admittance ticket to a bullfight signed by Picasso, the event taking place at the Plaza Toros de Nimes on Sunday, 24th May 1953 and the ticket (marked Premiere B, Rang 1) featuring a colour illustration to the centre of two toreros. Signed ('Picasso') by Picasso in blue ink to the upper border and dated 24th May 1953 in his hand. Very slightly irregularly torn to the lower edge. Together with a printed 4to souvenir programme issued for the centenary of the Feria de Nimes 1853-1953, featuring various images and printed text relating to bullfights and various toreros, including Antonio Ordonez, the blank inside front cover featuring a good, original bold black crayon drawing executed and signed by Edouard Pignon, the image depicting a bull. Signed and inscribed by Pignon at the base of the image. Some light overall age wear, about VG, 2 Signed souvenirs by Picasso related to his great passion for bullfighting are rare and desirable and, as Paloma Alarco of Madrid's Thyssen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional so accurately observed, 'The close relationship between the world of bullfighting and Picasso's oeuvre is unquestionable. From his childhood days in Malaga, where his father often took him to the bullring, he was greatly fascinated by the national sport. In addition to the artistic possibilities of the bullfight…..Picasso regarded it as an expression of Spanishness'. Picasso regularly attended the Plaza Toros at Nimes from the autumn of 1947 until 1955, quite often with the bullfighting chronicler Andre Castel, as well as Picasso's lover at the time, Francoise Gilot, the surrealist writer Michel Leiris, and his friend Jean Cocteau. Edouard Pignon (1905-1993) French artist, a friend of Picasso with whom he shared a workshop in Vallauris from 1951-52.
Inscribed by Picasso to the life-long friend who saved him from drowning PICASSO PABLO: (1881-1973) Spanish painter, a co-founder of the Cubist movement. A good signed and inscribed 6 x 4 postcard photograph by Picasso `Para mis amigos Pallarés, 1917 Picasso´ in Spanish (“To mi friends Pallarés, 1917 Picasso”) Signed and inscribed in bold brown ink to the verso of a postcard showing to the front Picasso´s early work Verre et Bouteille de Rhum (1914) (“Glass and Bottle of Rhum”). Attractively framed and glazed beneath a 6 x 4 image of Picasso´s painting Verre et Bouteille de Rhum, identical to the image shown to the front of the postcard, to an overall of 14.5 x 17.5 (37 cm x 17.5 cm). With very slightly light ink, otherwise G to VG The present autograph provenance is from the Pallarés family collection.Manuel Pallares i Grau (1876-1974) met for the first time Pablo Picasso, five years younger, the first day they assisted to the School of Arts in Barcelona in 1895. Since that day and until Picasso´s death, they remained friends, a friendship which last 78 years. Pallarés worked as assistant to Picasso´s father, teacher at Llotja, and replaced him when he retired. From 1896 to 1899 they spent long periods together, studying and on holidays. Pablo would spend over eight consecutive months at Horta del Ebro, village where Pallarés´ family home was located, to recover from scarlet fever. Later in his life, and during few days journey of Pallarés visiting his friend Picasso, Pablo recalled how Pallarés saved him from falling and dying drowned in a mighty river, mentioning that he didn´t know how to swim at that time, and recalling that he said `I will never forget that you have saved my life”
Picasso’s Christmas dinner PICASSO PABLO: (1881-1973) Spanish Painter. An exceptional illustrated A.L.S., Olga et Picasso (also signing on behalf of his first wife), to one side of a picture postcard depicting a Christmas winter scene to the recto, Paris, 2nd January 1919, to Mr & Mrs [Henri] Defossé, at the Coliseum Theatre in London, in French. At the head of the letter Picasso has executed a wonderful, charming original pen and ink drawing of a Christmas dinner, apparently for four people with a turkey, two bottles of wine accompanied by four glasses and several bunches of grapes and other fruits laid out on a table. A decorative, dark flowing line adorns the upper part of the exquisite drawing with the year 1919 at the head. Beneath his drawing Picasso writes a brief message to his friends, presenting them with the Christmas dinner, 'Dear friends, here you have, with this well-served table, our best wishes', also adding the address of his Parisian home and workshop at Rue la Boetie in his hand beneath his signature. Such detailed original ink drawings by Picasso, particularly from this earlier stage of his career, rarely appear at auction and the present example is enhanced by an interesting association. Some very minor, light age wear, otherwise VG Henri Defossé (1883-1956) French Conductor, Pianist & Composer. Sergei Diaghilev's favourite conductor, Defossé was chosen to lead the Ballets Russe at London's Coliseum Theatre in 1918 & 1919. Olga Khokhlova (1891-1955) Russian Ballet Dancer, the first wife of Pablo Picasso and one of his early artistic muses. Khokhlova first met Picasso whilst dancing in Diaghilev's Parade in 1917 for which the artist had designed the set and costumes. They married in July 1918 and in July the following year they travelled to London together for the performance of Diaghilev's Le Tricorne for which Picasso had again designed the costumes and stage.
DALI SALVADOR: (1904-1989) Spanish Surrealist Painter. An excellent vintage signed 7 x 5 photograph of Dali in a head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Philippe Halsman. Signed ('Dali') by Dali in blue ink with his surname only to a clear area of the background. A couple of very light, extremely minor surface creases, otherwise VG Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) American portrait photographer. The present image of Dali was captured by Halsman in 1964 and appears on the front cover of the dustjacket to the American first edition of Dali's Diary of a Genius (1965).
VIEIRA DA SILVA MARIA HELENA: (1908-1992) Portuguese abstract Painter. A leading figure of the Art Informel. A.L.S., `Vieira da Silva´, one page, light paper, 4to, Paris, 1959, in French. Vieira da Silva, expressing her dissatisfaction with herself, responds to her friend´s message stating `Thank you for your card. I hasten to respond to your letter…´, she further annotates her telephone number and says `I could not answer you. I was discontented with myself, and too much and hustled, now your visit will be a joy for us. We wait for you´ Small overall minor creasing. G to VG
KOLLWITZ KATHE: (1867-1945) German artist. A.L.S., K. Kollwitz, on one side of a plain postcard, n.p. (Berlin), n.d. (25th January 1922), to Gerda Rosenthal, in German. Kollwitz writes, in full, 'For today a greeting and handshake. Just now I received your letter with the drawing, which I like very much. Onwards!.....and thank you!' Hand addressed by Kollwitz to the verso. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
SARGENT JOHN SINGER: (1856-1925) American Painter. A.L.S., John S. Sargent, on two sides of a correspondence card, Tite Street, Chelsea, n.d. ('Saturday'), to Mr. Kelly. Sargent returns the Quintero plays lent from his correspondent, commenting that they are dainty and remarking 'when I next go to Spain I must watch the play bills'. Together with a second A.L.S., John S. Sargent, on two sides of a correspondence card, Tite Street, Chelsea, n.d. ('Sunday', annotated 1914 in pencil in another hand), to Mr. Kelly. Sargent enquires if he and Mrs. Hunter may come to see him on Tuesday afternoon, explaining that 'We both want to see you and also to see…..pictures that Maurice Baring has told me you brought back with you'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG, 2 Serafin Alvarez Quintero (1871-1938) and Joaquin Alvarez Quintero (1873-1944) Spanish dramatists who wrote almost 200 plays and gained fame as the Golden Boys of the Madrid theatre.
BRANDO MARLON: (1924-2004) American Actor, Academy Award winner. Vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph, the image depicting the handsome Brando standing in a half-length pose, in American air force uniform, in costume as Major Lloyd 'Ace' Gruver from the 1957 film Sayonara. Signed in blue ink across a light area of the image, 'To Carol, Best Wishes, Marlon Brando'. Brando was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his performance in this film. The ink is a touch light in places, although remains perfectly legible. Neatly mounted and with some light overall surface creasing, G
BROWN FORD MADOX: (1821-1893) British painter of moral and historical subjects. A.L.S., F Madox Brown, one page, 8vo, Fitzroy Square [London], 14th March 1874, to [John] Linnell. Brown writes, in full, 'Though we have not yet had the pleasure of an introduction to your wife, we have made free to include her in the invitation, in the event of her being in Town & caring to accompany you'. With blank integral leaf. Together with three individual printed 8vo leaflets issued by Manchester Town Hall and relating to panels number 10 (John Kay, Inventor of the Fly Shuttle), 11 (The Opening of the Bridgewater Canal) and 12 (Dalton Collecting Marsh-Fire Gas) of the Mural Paintings in the Great Hall by Brown. Some light age wear to the leaflets, G to VG, 4 John Linnell (1792-1882) English engraver and portrait and landscape painter. Brown had spent the latter years of his life painting the twelve works known as The Manchester Murals, depicting Mancunian history, for Manchester Town Hall.
ROCKWELL NORMAN: (1894-1978) American painter and illustrator. A signed 14 x 11 black and white reproduction print of an illustration by Rockwell, the image depicting a fisherman in a full-length pose, happily walking and accompanied by his two dogs, with another gentleman, a travelling salesman looking rather forlorn and carrying a folio case and briefcase, in a full-length pose walking in the opposite direction. Signed ('Norman Rockwell') by the artist in bold black ink to a clear area at the base of the image. A couple of very light, extremely minor scuffs to the left edge, VG
DINE JIM: (1935- ) American Artist. His works over sixty years include painting, printmaking, woodcuts, sculpture and photography. Throughout his career he has been associated to Neo-Dada, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, etc.. A good signed 8 x 10 photograph by Dine, the artistic image showing the artist in a head and shoulders pose with his hand hiding in part his face, being part of his work “I never look away”. Signed in bold blue ink to a light area of the image. Autograph obtained in person by collector in Vienna. EX
GULLY JOHN: (1783-1863) English prize-fighting boxer, sportsman and politician. Signed Free Front envelope panel, addressed in his hand to Mrs. Sinclair in Edinburgh and dated Pontefract, 27th August 1834. Signed ('J Gully') to the lower left corner. Neatly laid down to a portion of a page removed from an album and with a newspaper clipping and collector's annotations neatly laid down beneath. Some light age wear, about VG
Loading...
![[CHALIAPIN MARINA]: (1912-2009) Russian ballerina & actress, daughter of Feodor Chaliapin and wife of Luigi Freddi, the I](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e436c509-4a40-43ec-a5ed-add500ceb156/e39e41fc-a106-4302-9c78-add700dbed33/468x382.jpg)
![[INNOCENT XI]: (1611-1689) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1676-89. An interesting A.L.S., Jo. Lytcott, by the British Dipl](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e436c509-4a40-43ec-a5ed-add500ceb156/993b92cf-ac1d-4061-a36b-add700df9516/468x382.jpg)
![[CIRCUS]: SAQUI JULIEN (1786-1825) French impresario, husband of Madame Saqui (1786-1866) the French acrobat and tightrope da](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e436c509-4a40-43ec-a5ed-add500ceb156/bb3a4a9e-9eff-439f-ae42-add700dfbcf9/468x382.jpg)
![[VENEREAL DISEASE]: An unusual T.L.S. by eight individuals including H. G. Wells (1866-1946; English Writer of Science Fictio](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e436c509-4a40-43ec-a5ed-add500ceb156/65445378-a47a-4554-8f7d-add700dfc6d1/468x382.jpg)
![[MAXWELL ROBERT]: (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster. An unusual selection of books, mainly ha](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e436c509-4a40-43ec-a5ed-add500ceb156/4dd1011c-765c-4d08-9d22-add700dff51e/468x382.jpg)
![[MAXWELL ROBERT]: (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster. An unusual, small collection of books be](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e436c509-4a40-43ec-a5ed-add500ceb156/78a624da-217f-43a3-8353-add700dff6ea/468x382.jpg)
![[TITANIC]: STEAD WILLIAM T. (1849-1912) British newspaper editor who, as a pioneer of investigative journalism, became a cont](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e436c509-4a40-43ec-a5ed-add500ceb156/ef9f3e4f-03c7-466a-9cff-add700dff8c8/468x382.jpg)
