CAMPBELL ROY: (1901-1957) His name being Ignatius Royston Dunnachie Campbell. South African Poet. A controversial figure, widely considered one of the best poets of the 20´s and 30´s. An excellent signed black ink drawing with annotation, `Roy Campbell´, twice, oblong 4to, the attractive drawing being a Bullfighting scene, showing a bullfighter horse rider confronting the bull, the whole beneath a bull head sketch. Signed in bold black ink `By Roy Campbell, with drawings by Roy & Teresa Campbell´. Annotated at the base of the page `Dear Poet, Forgive me, I forgot to add the autobiographic information on the other envelope.´ Framed in wood and glazed to an overall size of 12 x 9 (30 x 23 cm). VG £200-300 It has often been suggested by critics and his own daughters that his support for Franco´s Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War caused him to be blacklisted from modern poetry anthologies.
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NEMIROVSKY IRENE : (1903-1942) Ukrainian Novelist. She lived a large part of her life in France, writing mainly in French. Arrested as a Jew under the racial laws, although she converted to Catholicism, she died at Auschwitz at the early age of 39. A scarce A.L.S., Irène Nemirovsky, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 25th November 1933, on her personal printed stationery, to Mr. Thibaut in French. The letter bears at the heading the printed initials I E [Irene Epstein], her husband´s name. Nemirovsky thanks her correspondent for having included her as collaborator of his magazine, further referring to her contract with Albin Michel, saying `..I cannot have my novels published in your magazine without his approval..´ Accompanied by the original envelope in her hand, post-stamped, with her name to the verso (`Mme Nemirovsky´). VG £800-1200
NABOKOV VLADIMIR: (1899-1977) Also known as Vladimir Sirin. Russian-American Novelist. Well known for his most noted novel Lolita (1955). Rare A.L.S., `V. Nabokoff´, twice, to the front and verso, one page, to the reverse of a German postcard, Berlin, 24th December 1935, to D. Roche, in French. Nabokov thanks his correspondent for his letter and states in part `.. I like white Christmas because they make any city look like St. Petersburg. As soon as Despair (in Cyrillic) will be published you will of course get a copy. My editor promised it would be ready for Christmas, but you the price of editors´ promises..´ Addressed to the front in Nabokov´s hand, adding his name as sender. VG £1000-1500 Denis Roche, French translator of Nabokov´s works. Despair (1936) Otchayanie. Originally published serially in Russian during 1934, it was further published as a book in 1936, and translated to English by the author in 1937. Most copies of the 1937 English edition were destroyed by German bombs during World War II, only a few copies remain.
COCTEAU JEAN: (1889-1963) French Writer, Playwright and Filmmaker. A.L.S., Cocteau, one page, 4to, 9 rue Vignon, Paris, n.d., to a friend, in French. Cocteau states in part `I am back. I mean the body is back, the remaining is coming back little by little, and badly..´. At the time Cocteau moved to rue Vignon in 1931, and for the following few years, Coteau was an opium addict. Together with Jean Marais (1913-1998) French Actor. Considered the muse of Cocteau. Signed and inscribed 8 x 11 photograph by Marais. Also including Edouard Dermit (1925-1995) French Actor. Adopted son and universal legatee of Cocteau. Signed and inscribed 9.5 x 7 photograph, the image showing Dermit in a scene from Cocteau´s film Orphée, 1950. Letter folded, otherwise VG £250-350
CELINE LOUIS FERDINAND: (1894-1961) French Novelist. Known as Celine, being his real name Destouches, a controversial writer because of his antisemitism. A.L.S., L.F. Celine, grey ink, one page, folio, Copenhagen, 22nd May 1949, to his French lawyer Albert Naud, in French. Celine mentions that Mikkelsen is finally on his way to Paris and states `I am frightened when I think that he might not meet you! Renée Canavaggia will do all she can to make this meeting happen!..´ Celine went into exile in Denmark from 1944 to 1951. G £400-600Thorvald Mikkelsen (1895-1962) was Celine´s Danish lawyer. Renée Canavaggia (1902-1996) French astrophysicist was the sister of Maria (1896-1976), translator and literature secretary of Céline.
MORAND PAUL: (1888-1976) French Author. An early Modernist. A cult favourite in during the interwar period. Morand was a Vichy Ambassador. A.L.S., Morand, two pages, 8vo, n.p., 31st October 1939, on the French Mission in England for war printed stationery, to George Goyau´s widow, in French. Morand has just learned that Goyau passed away and states `France and the French Academy have lost a great person and writer, so deeply and so catholic human being. All those who dealt with him at the Figaro, and am one of them, liked him spontaneously for his kindness and sympathy. The war did not allow me to give my last goodbye to your husband..´. Together with Eugene Morand (1854-1930) Father of Paul Morand. A.L.S., Eugene Morand, one page, 8vo, Paris, 22nd February 1929. VG,2 £150-200
SOUPAULT PHILIPPE: (1897-1990) French Writer, Poet and political Activist. He was active in Dadaism and later founder of the Surrealist movement together with Breton. An excellent content and lengthy A.L.S., Philippe, four pages, on separate sheets, 4to, n.p., 29th July 1956, to Henry-Jacques Dupuy, in French. Soupault mentions that he has taken his correspondent´s letter with him to Italy in order to answer more calmly to the very important and extremely interesting questions. Soupault explains and details the work and way walked together with Breton, including their long conversations about the essence of poetry, stating in part `..about images, their formation, their value, their power. We talked about all this walking in the streets, at the coffee bar..´, further referring that they realized that the poetic images can be created but `..what was surprising me was that the images, spontaneous, those dictated in some way by our unconscious, were always stronger, more unexpected, more striking than those we were building-up..´ Soupault explains that they decided to write as spontaneously as they could, and states `..We were both of us astonished by the richness of the unusual images, by the humour, the bizarre and valuable texts.. I even remember how we burst on laughing sometimes..It was the creation of a world we never had expected. A[ndré] B[reton] reached that level more easily than me…The world I was describing was absolutely unknown, new. I was discovering a world I was creating while I was writing...´. The French poet concludes expressing his certitude that both of them had make a great discovery in the poetry field `..we had the feeling that we had found a liberation..´ A letter of excellent content. VG £200-300
AVIATION PIONEERS: An excellent selection of postcard photographs and A.Ls.S., by six French pioneer Aviators, all dead in their aeroplanes at very early ages, comprising René Bedel (1886-1912) Dead at the early age of 25 when his aeroplane crashed. Signed and inscribed postcard photograph `René Bedel´, Angers, 17th June 1912, on the occasion of the Anjou June 1912 contest won by Rolland Garros; René Cheveau (1891-1914) Dead at the age of 23 on board. Signed postcard photograph, `R. Cheveau´, 29th July 1911, the image showing Beaumont´s arrival to Vincennes; Maurice Guillaux (1883-1917) First to perform an air mail and air freight flight from Melbourne to Sydney. Killed in the crash of a new aircraft he was testing. Signed postcard photograph, `Guillaux´, the image showing a Clement Bayard airplane with his aeroplane; Albert Mezergues (1886-1925) Dead as a result of the injuries suffered when commanding the 37th aviation regiment in Morocco. A.L.S., three pages, 8vo, Gabés, Tunisia, in French. Mezergues commands a Breguet squadron and states `I will be able to work and spend my time after war in the colonial aviation… I do not miss France..´ Accompanied by a tricolor ribbon apparently signed by Mezergues to the white part; Charles Nieuport (1878-1913) Aviator and airplane manufacturer. Dead on board of one of his manufactured airplanes named after him. A.L.S., one page, 8vo, in French. Nieuport states in part `..the Greeks have not signed the armistice, and have made a proposal to Turks..´; Gaston Olivérès (1890-1912) death at the very early age of 22. Signed postcard, Mourmelon-le-Grand, 2nd June 1912, only a month before passing away. Also including several contemporary unsigned postcard photographs related to the pioneer aviators. VG, 6 £300-400 Provenance Emile Lasalle collection. Author of the work `Les 100 premiers aviateurs brevetés au monde et la naissance de l'aviation.´ ("The first 100 worldwide entitled Aviators and the birth of Aviation"). A contemporary colleague of many aviators, disabled and much appreciated, author of several aviators biographies.
GARROS ROLAND: (1888-1918) French Aviator and Fighter Pilot during WWI. First to cross the Mediterranean sea by air. Unusual and attractive signed postcard photograph by Garros, the image showing his monoplane before the Blériot´s hangar. Signed (`Garros´) in dark ink across the image. Garros died at the very early age of 29 when he was shot down by a German fighter pilot only a month before the end of the war. VG £200-300Louis Blériot (1872-1936) French Aviator, the first man to fly across the English Channel, 1909.
GAGARIN YURI: (1934-1968) Russian Cosmonaut. First human to travel in space, 1961. Signed book by Gagarin, in Cyrillic, being a 5.5 x 8 hardback edition of Gagarin´s autobiography Road to the Stars (1961). A Russian text edition, in Cyrillic, published in Moscow, 1961. Signed by Gagarin in bold blue ink to the front free end paper. The 175 pages book featuring 56 pages with photographs of Gagarin, with his relatives, colleagues, and receiving awards from Russian leaders. Original dust jacket still present. Gagarin died at the early age of 34 when the MiG-15 jet he was piloting crashed. Some overall age wear. G £300-400
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 £1000-1500 The 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.
BAKER PASHA: ( 1827-1887) Valentine Baker. British Soldier. Brother of Sir Samuel Baker. A controversial awarded mayor of the Hussards. He was arrested on a charge of indecent assault and after a year´s imprisonment Baker left England and entered the service of the Ottoman Army in the war with Russia. Soon transferred to Mehmed Ali Pasha´s staff, leading an infantry division, and later commanding Suleiman's guard. In his late years he commanded the Egyptian police until his death. Unusual A.L.S., Baker, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. Baker states in part `I have been asked for an opinion about "Bonhommie"…´ The page has been lightly affixed to a slightly larger one. G £100-150
TIBBETS PAUL: (1915-2007) American Brigadier General of the United States Air Force, pilot of the Enola Gay, the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb in the history of warfare. Signed and inscribed 4 x 5 photograph by Tibbets, the image depicting him in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold black ink to a clear area to the left border (`Paul W. Tibbets´), also dated 1980 in his hand. Accompanied by a letter, and original envelope, from the Department of the Army, on the printed stationery of the Department of Defense, one page, 4to, Washington, 21st February 1980, to Emmanuel Cornet. The letter signed by Major Michael J. Shane responds to Cornet´s letter and includes the full addresses of Major General George S. Patton and Brigadier General Paul W. Tibbets. VG £100-150
![[SENTENCE TO DEATH]: An interesting D.S., three pages, large folio, Paris, 19th October 1793, in French. The partially printe](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/b5082990-c6fe-4940-8e2e-a818017e2941/cea06ac6-b2b5-4073-f840-6d049b35d732/468x382.jpg)
[SENTENCE TO DEATH]: An interesting D.S., three pages, large folio, Paris, 19th October 1793, in French. The partially printed document, being a trial decision report, bears the heading of the criminal revolutionary court in Paris, explains that there is no possibility of appeal to the Court of Cassation, and states `..Having been proved that military maneuvers have been ordered with the purpose of giving to the enemy the positions of Armentières, helping this way their move progress on the Republic territory..´. The document further lists the name of the twelve citizens accused, four of them sentenced to death, Pierre François Malingié, Guy Joire, Paul François Joseph Clarisse and Antoine Joseph Delettré. Further again saying `..their belongings will be confiscated, the prints and contra-revolutionary pamphlets found at Joire´s house, and specifically the infamous parody of the Marseille anthem, will be burned…before the scaffold at the Revolution place..´ With remnants of a wax seal to the third page, with a hole to the seal. Folded, and age wear to the edges. Small area of paper loss to the last page. G £150-200Pèlerin Guy Joire (1740-1793) Grocer and bookseller and Antoine Joseph Delettré (1739-1793) Tradesman at Armentieres, were executed at the Revolution place the day of the present letter. Pierre François Malingié (1736-1793) Hosier, was guillotine don 23rd October. Clarisse (1735-1793) was accused for trying to give the city of Lille to the enemy.
HIMMLER HEINRICH: (1900-1945) German Nazi official of World War II, Reichsfuhrer of the SS. A very unusual bold dark fountain pen ink signature ('H. Himmler´) to the white lower border of a 3.5 x 5 colour drawing, showing a face and a skull. The drawing bears to the right upper corner Himmler´s name in red colour. The drawing sheet has been affixed to a larger 4 x 6.5 card. About VG £400-600
GÖRING HERMANN: (1893-1946) German Political & Military Leader of the Nazi Party. President of the Reichstag 1932-45, Minister of aviation 1933-45 and former World War I Fighter Pilot. A fine signed and inscribed 7 x 9 photograph by Göring. The H. Hoffmann photograph, from Munich, depicting the military Leader outdoors, on horseback and wearing his uniform in a full length pose. Signed and inscribed in bold pencil `Till Landsfikalen… Good Guard´ to a largely clear area to the base of the photograph. Signed `H. Göring´and dated 1936 in his hand. Extremely small tear to the upper edge. Also including Carl Alexander von Fock (1854-1938) Swedish Officer and Göring´s father in law. Carl von Fock was father of Göring´s first wife Carin Fock (1888-1931). A.L.S., Carl A. Fock, two pages, 4to, Stockholm, 6th August 1927, to a comrade, in German. A cleanly written letter. Some overall, minor age wear. Folded. VG, 2 £500-800
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 £600-900
KAMIKAZES: Small selection of signed documents by few of the most famous Japanese kamikazes, comprising Mitsuo Fuchida (1902-1976) Captain of the Japanese Navy, and bomber Aviator during WWII. Best known for leading the first air wave attacks on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941. Signed 10.5 x 9.5 press photograph by Fuchida, the image showing torpedo planes before taking off. Signed in bold blue ink to a clear area of the image; Saburo Sakai (1916-2000) Japanese naval Aviator and flying ace of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Signed 9.5 x 7 photograph by Sakai, the image depicting a kamikaze´s headband. Signed twice, in bold black ink, in occidental and Japanese characters, to the white upper and lower borders; and Ryuji Nagatsuka (1924- ) Japanese Kamikaze survivor. Professor at Tokyo University and Author of the work `I was a Kamikaze´. (`The Knights of the Divine Wind´, 1973). Signed 9 x 12 photograph, the image depicting Nagatsuka in a head and shoulders pose, in uniform. Signed twice in bold red ink, also in Japanese characters, to clear areas of the image. Together with an A.L.S., by Nagatsuke, one page, 4to, Nihon university, 1973, referring to his former colleagues Fuchida and Taraoka. Accompanied by a T.L.S., by Lieutenant Colonel Ryuso Yabunaka, one page, 4to, also referring to former Kamikazes. EX, 5 £150-200
![[HUNDRED YEAR´S WAR]: A good 10 x 2.5 piece, on vellum, dated 20th October 1380, the document being a receipt given by Jehan](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/b5082990-c6fe-4940-8e2e-a818017e2941/38463e41-88e7-4bb6-d133-18ca625f1b76/468x382.jpg)
[HUNDRED YEAR´S WAR]: A good 10 x 2.5 piece, on vellum, dated 20th October 1380, the document being a receipt given by Jehan Leure, Captain Squire from Hardentuy who acknowledges having received from Jehan de Flament, the King´s war Treasurer, 47 Pounds as `as loan for the expenses of the Captain and eight armed infantry soldiers of my company, and for the present wars in the Picardie and defence of the said fortress..´ Bearing part of a wax seal showing a coat of arms. The clipped piece is irregularely trimmed to the edges. Overall age wear. G £300-400
FRANCIS DUKE OF GUISE: (1519-1563) Also known as François I of Lorraine. Francis fought against Charles V defending France and the Catholics. Assassinated at the besiege of Orleans by a protestant at the early age of 44. A good L.S., François de Lorr.ne, with holograph `Your companion and friend´ in his hand, one page, folio, Saint-Léger, 4th July 1560, to Sebastien de l´Aubespine, in old French. Francis of Guise, as a result of the peace treaty signed between Spain and France, requests the release of the French prisoners in Spanish galleys, stating `Beside the letter which has been written to you by the Queen Mother asking for the liberation of Captain Lisle, always loyal to the King at war, and of the relatives residing in the Martigues, who have been made prisoners, for six years now, being now in the galleys of Captain Labbe at Palamos, I have decided to write to you and beg that you make all the necessary and all you can to release all the French prisoners, including the Captain de Lisle´s relatives, so they can get full freedom and return without impediments, the whole according to the peace treaty..´ Addressed to the verso. Folded. Right and bottom edges slightly trimmed. With remnants of a former paper seal affixed to the verso. VG £500-800 Sébastien de l'Aubespine (1518-1582) Bishop of Limoges and French Ambassador to Spain 1558-62. Minister under Charles IX. The Peace treaty mentioned in the present letter is the double treaty of Cateau-Cambresis signed on 2nd & 3rd of April 1559 ending with the conflict between France, Spain and the Holy Saint Empire of Charles V. It is widely considered as the most important treaty of the XVI century. 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. She is the Queen mother Francis of Guise refers to in the present letter, as mother of Francis II, the sixteen years old King of France the date this letter was written. Catherine de´Medici wrote a month earlier, in June 1560 to the King of Spain Philip II, as François of Guise mentions in this letter. Palamos is a municipality in Spain, on the Mediterranean sea near Girona.
HENRY IV OF FRANCE: (1553-1610) King of France 1589-1610 and King of Navarre 1572-1610. First French Monarch of the House of Bourbon. Assassinated. L.S., Henry, with holograph `Your affectionate friend and cousin´ in his hand, one page, folio, 5th May 1589, short before ascending the throne, in old French. Henry IV sends a request to his correspondent referring to his special envoy counsellor and chamberlain Sieur De Reau who has to cross his correspondent´s territories, stating `I kindly request your protection and your assistance to protect and secure his passage and crossing as well as the one of those who travel with him. He is on his way to deal with a matter of the greatest importance which he will inform you about, and which is first of all for the service to the King and also for the restoration and maintenance in favour of the good people and state..´ Professionally matted in dark green, framed in dark brown wood and glazed to an overall of 10 x 14. Small overall, minor age wear, mostly to the edges, otherwise G £400-600
![[PHILIP III]: (1578-1621) King of Spain 1598-1621. L.S., `Yo El Rey´, three pages, folio, Madrid, 29th March 1621, to Juan de](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/b5082990-c6fe-4940-8e2e-a818017e2941/f145588f-ff4e-4a83-f64e-229de1ecc368/468x382.jpg)
[PHILIP III]: (1578-1621) King of Spain 1598-1621. L.S., `Yo El Rey´, three pages, folio, Madrid, 29th March 1621, to Juan de Obregon, in Spanish. The King approves the appointment of Juan de Obregon as Court Clerk of the city of Madrid. The document, dated only few days before King Philip III passed away, bears two countersignatures by Tomas Gonzalez and Tomas de Angulo beneath the King´s stamped signature. The letter is lightly attached to a hand written document, 46 pages, folio, being an official notary document and will reporting on the rights and patents given to such appointment. G £100-150
![[PHILIP IV]: (1605-1665) King of Spain 1621-65 and King Philip III of Portugal 1621-40. D.S., `Yo el Rey´, two pages, folio,](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/b5082990-c6fe-4940-8e2e-a818017e2941/40d405f2-c5a7-4f6f-a8f9-4ba475eed016/468x382.jpg)
[PHILIP IV]: (1605-1665) King of Spain 1621-65 and King Philip III of Portugal 1621-40. D.S., `Yo el Rey´, two pages, folio, Madrid, 5th June 1649, in Spanish. The document refers to a court sentence, condemning the nuns of Saint Teresa to return part of a property to Juan Albon, as this domain is under the Kingdom´s protection and was under the King´s predecessors too. Philip IV instructs Captain General of the Kingdom, Count of Montoro to intermediate and explain to the parties the reasons of such sentence. With an embossed paper seal affixed and countersigned by the King´s Counsellor With blank address leaf. De Villanueva. A few tears to the edge and overall age wear not affecting the signature. G £100-150
![[CARLOS III]: (1716-1788) King of Spain 1759-88, and King of Naples and Sicily 1735-59. A defender of Enlightened Absolutism.](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/b5082990-c6fe-4940-8e2e-a818017e2941/934a38d8-d595-4c66-9b62-1159b0ec799b/468x382.jpg)
[CARLOS III]: (1716-1788) King of Spain 1759-88, and King of Naples and Sicily 1735-59. A defender of Enlightened Absolutism. L.S., `Yo el Rey &´, three pages, folio, San Lorenzo del Escorial, 11th November 1764, to Francisco Azcue, in Spanish. The document being an appointment given by the King to Francisco Azcue as Mayor of the city of Segovia. The document bears an ink stamp at the heading showing “Carolus III - Hispania Rex” Bearing to the second page several countersignatures beneath the King´s stamped signature, including the King´s secretary Don Andrés de Otamendi. Very small holes to the centre fold. Small tear to the right edge, otherwise G £100-150
JUAN CARLOS I: (1938- ) King of Spain 1975-2014. Signed colour 10 x 13 photograph, the image depicting King Juan Carlos seated in half length pose, wearing his uniform. A stamp showing Juan Carlos I, being the same image of the photograph, has been affixed to the upper right side of the photograph with an ink stamp beneath from the Philatelic Post service of Madrid, dated 22nd November 1978, commemorating the issue of this post stamp. Boldly signed by the King to the lower photographer´s mount, and dated 1978 in his hand. Also bearing a second identical ink stamp to the lower white photographer´s mount. Attractively matted in beige, framed in dark red wood and gilt, and glazed to an overall size of 12 x 14 (30 x 35 cm). VG £150-200
FREDERICK II: (1712-1786) King of Prussia 1740-86, known as Frederick the Great. L.S., `Friedrich´, one page, 4to, Berlin, 4th June 1743, to Earl of Munchow, Minister of finance, in German. The King refers to his correspondent´s report regarding an important item Frederick II purchased in Presburg and which has arrived to Neustadt, and states `I hereby give you my decision, being that if season and weather allow it, and if it can be transported without any damage, I like to see it brought to [Breslau] at least, and there it should be stored as long as transport is possible without any risk´ further mentioning another purchase saying `Regarding the Turkish tent from Vienna, you should send it to me at first opportunity.´ With blank integral leaf. Some overall age wear, with small area of paper loss and small holes to the upper right corner, not affecting the signature. G £200-300
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 £100-150
GEORGE II: (1683-1760) King of Great Britain and Ireland 1727-60. D.S., George R, as King, at the head, one page, vellum, oblong folio, Court at Kensington´s, 5th October 1757. The partially printed document is a military commission, appointing William Price to be an Ensign in the 25th Regiment of Foot commanded by Major General William Home. Countersigned at the foot by Robert Darcy. With blind embossed paper seal affixed. Some light overall age wear and one small hold at the centre of a fold. The King´s signature is somewhat light, although legible. G £400-500 William Home (1681-1761) 8th Earl of Home. British Governor of Gibraltar 1757-1761. Robert Darcy (1718-1778) 4th Earl of Holderness. British diplomat and politician, and Secretary of State.
GEORGE III: (1738-1820) King of the United Kingdom 1760-1820. D.S., George R, a good and bold example, as King, at the head, one page, vellum, oblong folio, Court at St. James, 14th December 1790. The partially printed document is a military commission appointing Thomas Hardyman to be Captain of `an independent Company of Foot raised for Our Service´. Countersigned at the foot by William Grenville. With a blind embossed paper seal affixed. One small ink blot close to Grenville´s signature, otherwise clean example. G £250-350Thomas Hardyman (1736-1814) William Grenville (1759-1834) 1st Baron Grenville. British Statesman. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1806-07
WILLIAM IV: (1765-1837) King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland 1830-37. A.L.S., William R, as King, two pages, 4to, St. James´s, n.d. (`Friday night´, Lujy 1818), to Lady Sarah. The King thanks his correspondent for their kind congratulations on his marriage, stating `I must thank you sincerely and observe…the amiability and sweetness of the disposition and manners of the Duchess´, and continuing `I lament from the present state of our engagements I cannot at present name a day for introducing your ladyship ; but trust it will be in my powers before we go abroad´. In concluding the King congratulates his correspondent on their success at Southampton. With blank integral leaf. Together with ADELAIDE OF SAXE-MEININGEN (1792-1849) Queen Consort of the United Kingdom and of Hanover, spouse of King William IV. The capital city of South Australia is named after her. Dark ink signature (`Adelaide´) on a piece, neatly laid down. G to generally VG, 2 £200-300
VICTORIA: (1819-1901) Queen of the United Kingdom Great Britain & Ireland 1837-1901. D.S., Victoria R I, as Queen, at the head, one page, oblong folio, Court at Saint James´s, 16th May 1853. The partially printed document is a military commission appointing Arthur Bainbrigge to be a Lieutenant in the 13th Regiment of Foot. Countersigned at the foot by Viscount Palmerston. With pale blue blind embossed paper seal affixed. VG £300-400 Arthur Bainbrigge (1832-1923) Son of General Philip Bainbrigge John Henry Temple (1784-1865) Viscount Palmerston, British Prime Minister 1855-58, 1859-65.
EDWARD VII: (1841-1910) King of the United Kingdom 1901-10. A.L.S., Albert Edward, as Prince of Wales, three pages, 8vo, London, 24th October 1898, to [Sir] Arthur [Ellis], on the printed mourning stationery of Marlborough House. The Prince states that his correspondent´s letter has touched him very much, continuing `After the many years that you have been my Equerry nobody regrets more than I do that force of circumstances oblige you to give up its active duties though I am anxious that you should always consider yourself a member of my Household- & if compatible with the duties of your new post - shall gladly avail myself of your offer to be still of service to me.´ He concludes `You must not really be nervous about your health, but a quiet life & taking care of yourself may I hope assure you a ripe old age. With the renewal of my feelings of true friendship towards you.´ About EX £250-350 Sir Arthur Ellis (1837-1907) British Major General and Equerry to the Prince of Wales from 1867 and later Comptroller of the Accounts to the King´s Household. At the time of the present letter Ellis had been appointed Queen´s Sergeant at Arms in the House of Lords, a post he held until 1901.
GEORGE V: (1865-1936) King of the United Kingdom 1910-36. A.L.S., George, as Duke of York, six pages, 8vo, Mar Lodge, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, 23rd September 1893, to Francis de Winton (`My dear de Winton´). The Duke states that he has received his correspondent´s letter and is pleased to hear that he will be at Sandringham next week, further remarking `It is a pity the black pony has taken to shying after Malet has been driving for so long, but I certainly shan´t keep her, I have already told Probyn so, & it is lucky we haven´t paid for her yet´ and also writing `It is certainly satisfactory that nearly all the silver goes into the plate room & I hope it is all arranged in the cases now, so that we can choose at once what we want to take to the Cottage.´ The Duke also hopes that his correspondent will be prepared to help him with some speeches, commenting `I won´t bother my head about them till I see you, because they only worry me´ and also refers to a Service at York Minster which he should very much like to attend, concluding `You must find out from Ponsonby whether it is usual to receive an address from the Presbyterian Minister on the present occasion before saying yes, otherwise i twill create a president (sic).´ The Duke adds a postscript to the final two pages, signed with his initial G, in response to a further letter from his correspondent, stating `I will keep the Stockton speech you sent me & when we meet we can condense it together, as I think now it is too long… If you will get some notes we can concoct a speech for the lunch at York, but it must be short´. Some very light, minor age wear, otherwise VG £150-200 Sir Francis de Winton (1835-1901) British Army Officer and Courtier, Comptroller and Treasurer of the household of the Duke of York.
EDWARD VIII: (1894-1972) King of the United Kingdom January - December 1936. Later Duke of Windsor. A good vintage signed 8 x 11 photograph, being a reproduction of an artist´s impression of the Prince wearing his naval uniform. Photograph by Vandyk of London. Signed (`Edward P´, as Prince of Wales) in bold, dark fountain pen ink to a clear area at the base of the image, adding President RNU and the date, 1931, in his hand beneath his signature. Some extremely minor, light age wear to the photographer´s mount. VG £400-500
SIJAS PROSPER: (1759-1794) French Officer, adjutant to Bouchotte. Sijas was guillotined, together with Robespierre, at the early age of 35. D.S., Prosper Sijas, one page, 4to, n.p., 6th December 1793, to Lieutenant Caylan, in French. The Partially printed document, bearing the heading of the War Ministry and the printed motto `Liberté, Egalité ou la Mort´, (`Freedom, Equality or Death´), is a certificate granting Caylan´s appointment as Lieutenant. With blank integral leaf. With an ink `bonnet´stamp to the front page. VG £80-100
ELIZABETH II (1926- ) Queen of the united Kingdom 1952- & PRINCE PHILIP (1921- ) Duke of Edinburgh, consort of Queen Elizabeth II. D.S., Elizabeth R, as Queen, at the head, and Philip, as Grand Master, at the foot, one page, large folio, Court at Saint James´s, 15th June 1895. The printed document grants the dignity of an Ordinary Dame Commander of the Civil Division of the Order of the British Empire to Alison, Mrs Munro, CBE. With blind embossed seal. Some extremely light, very minor discoloration at the extreme edges, evidently caused by previous framing, otherwise EX £400-600Dame Alison Munro (1914-2008) High Mistress of St. Paul´s Girls School 1964-74
RANAVALONA III : (1861-1917) Last Sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar 1883-1897. As Queen, she tried to stave off colonization but French captured the Queen´s palace in 1895. Ranavalona was exiled in 1897 first to the island of Réunion and later to Algiers. She was never permitted to return to Madagascar. A.N., on her mourning printed visiting card, Algiers, 2nd August 1902, to Mme Widow of Sarlonde, in French. The printed text stating `Ranavalona - Former Queen of Madagascar - Villa du Bois de Boulogne - Algiers´. The Queen states in the third person `[The Queen] regrets having missed the pleasure of thanking in person Madame Sarlonde for the beautiful vase she has received and sends her best wishes for her trip.´ Accompanied by the original mourning envelope poststamped. Also including a contemporary unsigned stamped printed postcard showing to the front an image of Queen Ranavalo, with an annotation dating July 1901. VG £100-150
HIROHITO: (1901-1989) Emperor Showa of Japan 1926-89. A very rare D.S., in Japanese characters, one page, 6 x 9 card programme, Paris, 3rd June 1921, in French. The attractive printed document is a classical music programme, held by the Parisian Town-Hall, to honour His Imperial Highness the Prince heir of Japan´s throne visit to Paris. Boldly signed in pencil by Hirohito to the upper left corner. Also bearing a pencil signature to the upper right corner, being the authentication of Hirohito´s signature. The present document provenance being from M. Casier-Charpentier´s private collection, painter and contemporary Arts inspector in the city of Paris. VG £500-600
CHURCHILL WINSTON S.: (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1953. A good T.L.S., Winston S. Churchill, with holograph salutation, one page, 4to, 28 Hyde Park Gate, London, 4th August 1950, to Desmond Flower, on his personal printed stationery. Churchill thanks his correspondent for his letter and states in part 'I have sent a telegram to Mr. Laughlin, a copy of which I enclose. You will see that my reason is pressure of public affairs..´ further concluding `If the book of the Month Club´s acceptance turns on a December publication, it would be a great pity to lose it.´ Churchill adds at the head `Private´ in his hand. Accompanied by an original copy of the telegram Churchill mentions in his letter, stating in part `You must realize how heavily the public affairs in the international crisis are pressing upon me.´ Also accompanied by a copy of Henry Laughlin´s letter to Winston Churchill and a letter sent by Churchill´s secretary to Desmond Flower. The four documents bearing a file hole to the upper left corner. VG, 4 £400-600
CHURCHILL WINSTON S.: (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1953. T.L.S., Winston S. Churchill, with holograph salutation, one page, 4to, 28 Hyde Park Gate, London, 17th September 1950, to Desmond Flower, on his personal printed stationery. Churchill states in part 'I do congratulate you on the great sales which you are achieving, and there is no doubt that the English language is spreading so widely in the world that a good many foreigners like to buy the English edition.´ further concluding ` I have had an awful struggle finishing up volume IV in view of the printers´ strike. However, it is now off my hands for good or ill.´ The document bears a file hole to the upper left corner. VG £400-600
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 £1000-1500The 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.
GAMBETTA LEON: (1838-1882) French Minister of interior and foreign affairs and President of the chamber of deputies. A good A.L.S., Leon Gambetta, one page, 4to, Tours, 11th November 1870, to Deputy Scheurer-Kestner´s widow. The partially printed document bears the heading of the National Defense Government, and states `the generous gift of 6.000 francs which you have offered to the Republic to help its government in the huge work of the national defense and the deliverance of the homeland..´ further saying `the invasion reduce us to such painful needs´. The letter is written during the French-German war, when the National Defense Government was created on 4th September 1870 until 12th January 1871, with Gambetta as Minister of war. With blank integral leaf. VG £100-150
HAUTECLOCQUE XAVIER DE: (1897-1935) French Writer and Journalist. Assassinated by the Nazis for his writings denouncing the national-socialism nature. A good and lengthy A.L.S., Xavier de Hauteclocque, four pages, 4to, Berlin, 10th July, n.y., on the Berlin Eden Hotel printed stationery to Henri Beraud´s wife, in French. Hauteclocque thanks his correspondent for the help received, stating `I only have the banal money of the sentences of recognition.. I am again in the country of the Hitlerians. I try to clarify a situation which is almost incomprehensible for occidental minds. How much I would like to have the gift of prophecy and plunge into those dreadfully black clouds..´ Together with an A.L.S., Pas-Hauteclocque, by Hauteclocque´s wife Françoise Le Mesre de Pas, four pages, 8vo, to Mr & Mrs Beraud. VG £100-150
ANNUNZIO GABRIELE D´: (1863-1938) Prince of Montenevoso. Italian Writer, Poet and WWI Soldier. Known as "The Prophet". A.L.S., Gabriele d´Annunzio, (a large and attractive signature), two pages, folio, n.p., 16th October 1926, to Giovanni Rizzo, in Italian. On a large folio letter bearing to the heading one of his printed devises "Io ho quel che ho donato" ("I have what I have given"), d´Annunzio states in part `..Your Excellency will see how my fasting doctrine, when we will be at the Vittoriale table, allows me to wait… My House is full of workers.. I have temporary a table at the Grand Library..´ Accompanied by the original 11 x 8 envelope written in D´Annunzio´s hand, adding at the base the word `Urgentissimo´ ("Very Urgent"), which he underlines repeatedly. Also bearing an attractive blue wax seal to the verso. Very small overall age wear and few pinholes to the upper edge, otherwise. VG £400-600 Giovanni Rizzo (1885-1965) Superintendent and Prefect, close to Mussolini, both as protector and overseer. Attilio Teruzzi (1882-1950) Italian Fascist Politician. Minister of Italian Africa. D´Annunzio refers to him as `His Excellency´.
JEFFERSON THOMAS: (1743-1826) Third President of the United States 1801-09, and former Vice-President 1797-1801 under John Adams. Jefferson was one of the Founding Fathers and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. An excellent D.S., `Th. Jefferson´, as President of the United States, one page, 15 x 18, Washington City, 11th June 1808, to Alexander Macomb. The very attractive document being a partially printed title, appointing Alexander Macomb Major in the Engineer Corps. The title bears at the heading a large printed eagle holding a branch and arrows, alongside the United States of America War Office large paper seal. Also bearing at the base of the document a very attractive flags and cannons pattern engraved by I. Draper. The document states "The President of the United States of America.. That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Patriotism, Valour, Fidelity and Abilities… I have nominated and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate.. Given under my hand… in the thirty second year of the Independence of the United States." Countersigned by the Secretary of State Henry Dearborn. With a War Office registry annotation to the left lower border. Folded. An extremely small hole to the fold, not affecting the text or signatures. VG £3000-4000 Alexander Macomb (1782-1841) Commanding General of the United States army 1828-41. Macomb was the field commander and victorious hero at the Battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812. Awarded with the Congressional gold medal.Henry Dearborn (1751-1829) American Statesman. He served in George Washington´s Army and was present at the British surrender at Yorktown. Secretary of War under Jefferson 1801-09. Further General Commander in the war of 1812. The city of Dearborn, Michigan, was named in his honour.
FORD GERALD: (1913-2006) President of the United States 1974-77. T.L.S., Gerald Ford, three pages, 4to, n.p., n.d. The printed document with the heading `Gerald Rudolph Ford, First Presidential Address, Washington, D.C., August 9th 1974´, is the President´s broadcasted live speech to the nation when he assumed the presidency after Nixon´s resignation. Signed in bold blue ink to the upper right corner. The President states `The oath that I have taken is the same oath that was taken by George Washington and by every president under the Constitution. But I assume the presidency under extraordinary circumstances never before experienced by Americans. This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts our hearts..´ EX £100-150
BOLIVAR SIMON: (1783-1830) Venezuelan-born Military and Political leader. President of Gran Colombia 1819-30, President of Bolivia 1825 & President of Peru 1824-27. Bolívar played an important role in Latin America's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire, and is today considered one of the most influential politicians in the history of the Americas. Rare D.S., Bolivar, one page, folio, Angostura, 17th December 1817, to the Governor and General Commander of the province of Guayana, in Spanish. The partially printed document is an important military commission order appointing `Colonel Vicente Sucre has to be considered from now on, not only as Governor of the fortresses of Old Guayana, but also as military Commandant of the department of Low Orinoco and is entrusted with the command of the line formed by the chain of villages from Caruachi to Piacoa…´ The commission further reports a second order. Few pinholes and an extremely small area of paper loss to the edge not affecting the signature. G £1500-2000 Vicente Sucre (1761-1824) father of Antonio Jose Sucre, Grand Marshal of Ayacucho, and one of Bolivar´s closest friends and allies who became the second President of Bolivia.
SUCRE ANTONIO JOSE DE: (1795-1830) Venezuelan Independence Leader, General and Statesman, one of Simon Bolivar's closest friends. Sucre served as President of Peru June-July 1823 and President of Bolivia 1825-28. D.S., A J de Sucre, one page, 4to, Quito, 29th August 1822, in Spanish. The manuscript document refers to Father Olivera who has not taken the Oath to uphold the Constitution. Sucre asks to be informed about this matter, and says `..the laws of the Republic referring to such refusals must be carried out´. The document also reports on Father Aguirre who `..has to leave the city within a week, with a warning to prevent him and others who are expelled from our territory for the same reasons, causing harm with their opinions or influencing and disturbing people and peace in any way.' To the left of the document appears a further manuscript annotation by Don Calixto Miranda, confirming that a passport will be delivered to Father Domingo Aguirre, so that he can leave the territory, and that Brother Ramon Olivera will be informed that '..he must go to his Convent of San Francisco to make a declaration to his Prelate'. With a third manuscript annotation and various countersignatures including Olivera´s one. Small area of paper loss to the left edge of the blank integral leaf and few ink stains to the circular seals on both pages. About VG £400-600
CHAVEZ HUGO: (1954-2013) President of Venezuela 1999-2013. An extraordinary D.S., H. Chavez, seven pages, 4to, Yare, July 1992. The document being the logo of the Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement MBR-200, together with the test editions for printer. Signed by Chavez beneath the MBR-200 logo `Original elaborado en Yare. July 1992. H Chavez´ ("Original copy elaborated at Yare, July 1992"). The logo showing the shape of the Colombian territory with the MBR-200 text inside. Some of the copy edition tests being coloured with the yellow, red and blue Colombian flag colours. Small overall, minor age wear. Trace of staple to the upper left corner, otherwise VG £600-900 The MBR-200 was the clandestine Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement ("Movimiento Bolivariano Revolucionario") founded in the early 80´s by Hugo Chavez and his former couple Herma Marksman, a History teacher. The Revolutionary Movement was inspired by Ezequiel Zamora (1817-1860) Venezuelan leader of the federalists, Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) Venezuela´s Liberator, and Simon Rodriguez (1769-1854) Venezuelan Philosopher and Bolivar´s mentor, who were known as the "Three Roots of the Tree". The present document was signed from Yare, where Chavez was arrested and imprisoned after his coup attempt on 4th February 1992. With provenance from the private collection of Herma Marksman. Herma Marksman: (1949- ) born of a peasant woman and a German immigrant she was in her 30s when she met the future Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, who was then married and in his twenties. She became his mistress. They both were students of socialism and idealistic and she helped him in his academic studies. After the failed 1992 coup attempt Chavez left both his first wife and mistress. Marksman will later repudiate Chavez, and described his government as imposing a "fascist dictatorship". She has written several essays and a book titled El Otro Chávez, "The other Chavez", describing her relationship with him.
CASTRO FIDEL: (1926- ) Cuban Prime Minister 1959-76 and President 1976- 2008. D.S., Fidel Castro Ruz, one page, folio, Presidential Palace, Havana, 31st March 1959. The typed document, in Spanish, is issued in the name of the President of Cuba and relates to the creation of a new Act (Law No. 192) following the Minister of Public Works requesting an increase in the credit allowed in his budget to ensure full implementation of the Government's plans to intensify public works, the Act stating that the budget be increased by $6,000,000.00 at the rate of $2,000,000.00 per month from April 1959. Signed at the foot by Castro in his capacity as Prime Minister and countersigned by Manuel Urrutia Lleo and Rufo Lopez-Fresquet. Castro and Lopez-Fresquet have both signed their names across blind embossed seals and the document also bears an affixed blue blind embossed seal with the two original blue ribbons. Three file holes to the left edge and a few smaller holes and minor area of paper loss to the upper left corner, none of which affect the text or signatures. About VG £500-800Manuel Urrutia Lleo (1901-1981) President of Cuba January - July 1959Rufo López Fresquet (1911 - 1983) Cuban distinguished Economist who became Castro´s first Minister of the Treasury. In 2005, Rufo Lopez-Fresquet was portrayed in the movie The Lost City (2005)
BERNARD DE SAINTES ANDRE: (1751-1818) André Antoine Bernard. French Magistrate and Convention Deputy. Rare A.L.S., Bernard, one page, 4to, n.p., 9th March 1794, to national Agent Mâcon, in French. The partially printed document bears the unusual heading of André Bernard´s republican name `Pioche Fer Bernard, People´s representative, Delegate of the National Convention´. Bernard de Saintes sends 41 copies of the agent´s declaration to be distributed among the peoples associations. The letter bears also the bonnet printed heading. Folded. VG £80-100
SADAT ANWAR EL: (1918-1981) President of Egypt 1970-81 & Prime Minister of Egypt 1980-81. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1978. Assassinated. A good bold black ink signed card, `A.Sadat´, also signed in Arabic, to a 5 x 3.5 white card, inscribed to Paul, bearing at the head the golden embossed eagle of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and dated 17th February 1979 in Sadat´s hand. Accompanied by the original printed stationery envelope and letter from the President´s Cabinet, Public Relations Department, signed at Cairo, 26th March 1979, referring to the request of this autograph of President Sadat. VG, 3 £100-150
MANDELA NELSON: (1918-2013) President of South Africa 1994-99. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1993 & MADIKIZELA-MANDELA WINNIE (1936- ) South African Activist and Politician, second wife of Nelson Mandela. Head of the African National Congress Women´s League. D.S., N. Mandela, and Winnie Mandela, one page, 8vo, n.p., 27th July 1991, to Rebeca. The 5.5 x 7.5 white card bears at the heading an embossed colourful Venezuelan coat of arms. Winnie Mandela states `Dearest Rebeca, With all our love and our best compliments from appreciative South Africa. We truly value your solidarity & friendship. Winnie Mandela´, also dated in her hand. To the upper right corner, Nelson Mandela adds `Compliments and best wishes, N. Mandela´. Both have written and signed in bold blue ink. To the inside folding white stiff, the Winnie Mandela inscription has been translated into Spanish by the recipient. Also including a white small card affixed with staple, bearing same Venezuela coat of arms, with the recipient´s name Mrs. Reyes, being the invitation to the official gala dinner. VG £400-600
IBRAHIM OF JOHOR: (1873-1959) Malaysian Sultan Ibrahim I 1895-1959. Also known as Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar Al-Khalil. Considered one of the richest men of the world during his reign. Ibrahim I signs to the verso of an 8vo printed card, one page, London, 11th April 1906. The card being an Emergency Meeting call issued by the Empire Lodge, bearing at the heading an attractive gilt embossed Freemasonry monogramme. Boldly signed in pencil and ink by Sultan Ibrahim of Johor at the heading. With four additional autographs beneath the Sultan´s one, including Abdul ?, A. J. Barry, Robert Langton Douglas and William Vincent. VG £400-500 Ibrahim of Johor was the first member of the Malaysian Royalty to become a freemason. His Royal Highness was initiated into Freemasonry on 11th April 1906 in Empire Lodge nº 2108 in London. The present document corresponds to that day meeting call. Robert Langton Douglas (1864-1951) British art Critic, Author and Director of the National Gallery of Ireland.
ZHANG XUELIANG : (1901-2001) Also known as Chang Hsiao-Liang, and nicknamed the `Young Marshal´. Ruler of North and northeast China in 1928, after the assassination of his father Zhang Zuolin by the Japanese. Zhang Xueliang was the instigator of the arrest of Chiang Kai-Shek, leader of China´s ruling party, trying to form a front against Japan which had occupied Manchuria. As a result of this, Zhang Xueliang spent over 50 years under house arrest. Widely considered by the Chines Communist party a hero. A boldly signed 3.5 x 3 card `Chang Hsiao-Liang´, also signed in Chinese characters alongside in his hand. VG £150-200
PANIN VIKTOR NIKITICH : (1801-1862) Russian Count & Minister of Justice 1841-62 under Nicholas I and Alexander II. A controversial figure who opposed to legal reforms and defended serfdom and corporal punishments. A.L.S., C.V. Panin, two pages, 8vo, Bath, 1st of November, n.y., to Monsieur d´Adelung, in French. Panin asks for his correspondent´s help to send a large parcel which has been badly packed. With a Bath blind embossed seal at the head, and with blank address leaf, bearing a Kunzel blue crown seal collection. Very small area of paper loss to the address leaf corner, otherwise VG £100-150
BARATINSKY IVAN: (1772-1825) Russian Prince. Chamberlain and Minister under Alexander I. Well known for the magnificent Maryino palace he made build in the Kursk region. A.L.S., Le Prince Baratinsky, one page, 4to, 12th-24th February 1825, to Count Ferronays, in French. The Prince states in part `An absence of few weeks has prevented me from having the pleasure of responding earlier to your letter dated 12th-24th January..´ further saying `I have never seen, never met, and not even heard about Mr. Simon Condère(?)..´ The present letter was written shortly before Baratinky´s death. With extremely small area of paper loss to the upper edge, not affecting the text or signature. Some creases and small tear to the right edge. G £100-150
LAMSDORF VLADIMIR : (1845-1907) Russian Count and Stateman. Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire 1900-06 under Nicholas II. An important figure during the Russo-Japanese War and Russian Revolution of 1905. A good A.L.S., Lamsdorff, two pages, 8vo, Yelaguine, 14th July 1903, to French Ambassador, on his personal monogrammed paper, in French. The letter bears at the heading Lamsdorf´s golden crowned monogramme with his initials W.L. Lamsdorf, in his capacity as Russian Foreign Minister, refers with sorrow to the `..terrible accident occurred in Paris, on the Metropolitan railway.´ further commenting `You know well the friendship feeling that everything related to the Friend-France invariably finds in Russia.´ With blank integral leaf. EX £100-150
TROTSKY LEON: (1879-1940) Russian Marxist Revolutionary, Founder and first Leader of the Red Army. An excellent D.S., L Trotsky, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, Samara, 6th April, [1919], in Cyrillic. Signed in blue pencil by Trotsky in his capacity as People´s Commissar of Military and Naval Affairs of the Soviet Union, the document is entitled `To foreign soldiers of north-Russia´ and states `British, American, French, Italian, Serbian soldiers! Your situation is becoming more and more difficult. American press is openly reporting about the hopeless perspectives of the Arkhangelsk expedition. Your governments have sent you to our frosty north…despite we made a direct peace proposal which your governments until now have not accepted. Meanwhile they have realized that it is impossible to defeat the Soviet Russia with armed forces. You are the victims..Your resistance is useless. You are warned that if taken as prisoners you will be severely punished.´ Trotsky further says `Soldiers! It is a shameless lie! The Soviet government is aware that you are not guilty and that you were forced by your imperialists governments. If you surrender, you will receive a friendly welcome. None of you will suffer...´ and concludes stating `Trust the word of honour given by Russian workers and peasants! Stop your futile resistance! Put an end to the dishonest slaughter for the benefit of British, French and American capital! Long live the alliance of Russian, American, British, French and Italian workers! Blue pencil cancellation to the upper left corner, two red pencil amendments and many pencil exclamation marks added. Folded. Trimmed left edge with many pinholes, none affecting the text or signature and creasing to the bottom right corner. F to G £1000-1500Samara is a city situated in the southeastern part of Russia, at the confluence of the Volga and Samara rivers. During the October Revolution of 1917, Samara was seized by the Bolsheviks. However, on June 8th 1918, with the armed support of the Czech legions, the city was taken by a "democratic counter-revolution" Committee, strongly supported, who fought against the Bolsheviks. On October 7th 1918 Samara fell to the Fourth Army of the Red Army.Trotsky gave a well-remembered speech in Samara on 6th April 1919, the day the present letter was signed.Arkhangelsk is a city situated in the north European Russia. The city resisted Bolshevik rule from 1918 to 1920 and was a stronghold of the anti-Bolshevik White Army supported by the military intervention of British-led forces along an Allied expedition including a North American contingent.
PETER II OF RUSSIA: (1715-1730) Emperor of Russia 1727-30. Grandson of Emperor Peter the Great. Orphaned at the age of two, his mother died ten days after giving birth and his father, imprisoned by his own father Peter the Great, died in prison in 1718. When Peter the Great died in 1725 he was succeeded on the throne by his second wife, Catherine I who also died two years after, leaving the eleven years old Peter, although ignored and kept till then in seclusion, as the only male-line grandson of Peter the Great. Peter II reigned as Emperor of all Russias only for two years and half and died at the very early age of 14. Extremely rare L.S., Peter, one page, 4to, n.p, 9th September 1727, to the War College, in Cyrillic. The document is issued by the Supreme Council and is signed by Peter II in his capacity as Emperor and Autocrat of all Russias. The document states in part `We order that General von Münnich and Lieutenant-General and Major of our troops Duke Grigory Yusupov become members of our College of War. The state of all our troops… should be reported immediately from this College of War to our Supreme Privy Council, indicating the name of the regiment and the Colonel at the head; only ranks under colonel have to remain according to the former decree and regulations... Do not move troops without an order from our Supreme Privy Council, unless it is needed, in which case, it should be reported; in all other situations, act according to our decree and regulations, and report to Our Supreme Privy Council about any new event that may happen…´ Very small overall age wear, professionally repaired to the left border, not affecting text or signature, otherwise VG £4000-5000 Count Burkhard Christoph von Munnich (1683-1767) German Field-Marshal and Engineer. A historical political figure in the Russian Empire. General-in-Chief by Catherine I, later appointed Governor of Saint Petersburg city while the Imperial court was temporarily transferred to Moscow by Peter II. He prepared the city for the return of Imperial Court upon the coronation of Anna of Russia. In charge of re-organizing the Russian Army, he modernized it and reformed numerous military formations and corps. After many victorious military campaigns he began taking part in political affairs. Sentenced to death by the 1741 revolution, Count of Munnich was pardoned at the scaffold. After few years confined in Siberia, he was released by Pierre III and later recovered by Catherine II Prince Grigory Yusupov (1676-1730) Russian General in Chief and Minister of Defense. A friend of Peter the Great, helping him with the construction of the Russian Navy. Prince Gregory is most remembered for being the first Yusupov owner of the Moscow Yusupov House, a fascinating Palace and a museum at today´s date. He was given the House in 1727, year of the present letter, and the family possessed it until the October Revolution. The House was built in the 17th century and appeared in the times of Ivan the Terrible, when it used to be surrounded by the forest, and the tsar liked to hunt there and stay in the house. The last owner of the Palace, Felix Yusupov left Russia in 1917, after assassinating Rasputin.
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