SPALLANZANI LAZZARO: (1729-1799) Italian Catholic Priest, Biologist and Physiologist. Kown for his important and pioneering researches on biogenesis. A.L.S., L. Spalanzzani, one page, 4to, Venice, 18th September 1792, in Italian. Spallanzini tells his correspondent that he received his letter and states `I inform you that I will advance my arrival few days. Therefore, next week, on Wednesday afternoon, I will be able to satisfy my wish of embracing you again full of happiness.´ and further referring to his work `It is not the shores of the river Po, but Venice itself which has retained me and keeps on retaining me, as I am still touching up my travel´s manuscript, from which only one volume has been printed, however not published yet. I send you a copy of the cover presentation´. Spallanzani concludes asking about his correspondent´s health and wishing him a good recovery. Very small age wear and right edge slightly irregularly trimmed, otherwise VG £500-800
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MESMER FRANZ: (1734-1815) German Physician and Astronomer. He theorised on animal magnetism, technique later named hypnosis, today´s meaning of Mesmerism. Rare A.L.S., Mesmer, one page, 4to, Versailles, 29th June 1802, to citizen Aubry, in French. Mesmer refers to his new living city, Versailles, and asks his correspondent about his health and about his plans for next summer, stating `If you still intend to go ahead with your plan of going to Eaux de Bains, and if it is convenient to you to do so via Versailles, I could accompany you: I would like to make a trip to Alsace while you are at the Bains to look for a small property which I may acquire.´, further requesting a prompt response from Aubry. With the adressee´s name to the verso in Mesmer´s hand, and a blind embossed stamp to the left heading bearing "Bibliotheque Occulte du Cte d´Ourches". Left edge irregularly trimmed and paper loss to the upper edge, not affecting the text or signature. G. £1500-2000 Aubry was a Doctor in Medicine, pupil and friend of Mesmer who practised magnetism with him. Provenance: from the collection of Count of Ourches (1787-1867) Eminent Esoterist who spent most of his fortune in magnetic experiments and putting together a very large private library with thousands of occultism volumes.
WATT JAMES: (1736-1819) Scottish Inventor & Mechanical Engineer. An interesting D.S., James Watt, four pages, folio, Heathfield, near Birmingham, 23rd July 1795. The manuscript document is the ‘Proposed Description for Mr Buc[hanan’s] Specification in the event of his obtaining H[is] Majestys Letters Patent for a Pump up[on] an Improved Construction…’ and describes in detail the uses and construction of the pump, in part, ‘This Pump like the common Pump acts by the pressure of the Atmosphere, but differs from it in….essential particulars which constitute its excellence….The Water is discharged from this Pump….by means of a valve….which is situated in the side….[com]municating with the Cistern….These valves need not be confined to any….dimensions and are placed in an inclined posi[tion] by wh[ich] means gravel dirt or other things are prevented from lodg[ing] in the Pump….This Pump may be occasionally used as an….for extinguishing fire….These are the excellencies which distinguish this Pump but the following instructions in regard to construction will more fully explain its nature….This Pump in its body and parts may be made of Wood, Copper, Cast Iron, or any other Metal or Material suited….The Valves best suited to the purposes of this Pump are of the kind called Clack Valves….because it has been found that where the apertures are of this shape the Valves have less Water at each shutting than when the apertures are of a circular form. The Valves may be made of any metal but Brass is recommended as least apt to rust - a flat piece of leather is fixed on the under part of the lid, having a piece of cork interposed between the leather and the lid to render it more elastic. The lid of each of the Valves turns upon two pivots, which have freedom in their Sockets to rise a little upwards that any small substance which happens to intervene near the hinge may not prevent any part of the lid from lying close to the Box. The Bore of the lower or suction Pipe may be made of any shape…For the purpose of allowing a more easy passage to the water and for the better discharge of oblong pieces of wood and other things which may be brought up along with the water, the Bore of the suction or lower pipe should receive a bended or curved form as it approaches the Inner Valve so as to make its ultimate direction nearly at right angles to the inclined position of the Water Valves….’ , and continuing to give the particulars of outer valves, pistons, brass lined barrels etc., and concluding ‘Motion may be given to this machine by means of the Common Brakes, or by what are commonly called Ball ropes, or by ropes led horizontally from a bended lever, or by any other method practiced in working the Common Pump, which it resembles excepting in the particulars above stated. In order to render this Pump occasionally useful as an Engine for the purpose of extinguishing fire it is only necessary to make the Piston air tight in descending as well as in ascending, and to fix an air Vessel communicating with Pipes made of Leather or any other material over the Cistern’. At the conclusion of Buchanan’s text Watt has added a holograph statement, in full, ‘This draft of Mr. Buchanan’s specifications laid before me and referred to in my opinion of this date’, signing his name and adding the place and date in his hand immediately beneath. A further statement appears beneath Watt’s, signed by a Nicholas Smith, and stating, in full, ‘This paper writing was produced and shewn to Roobertson Buchanan and is the same mentioned and referred to in his Affidavit sworn this 25 day of July 1795 before me’. Together with an associated D.S., Roberston Buchan[an], one page, folio, Public Office, Symonds Inn, 25th July 1795. The manuscript document states, in part, ‘Robertson Buchanan Engineer, and….Manager of the Cotton Mills or Rothsay Island of Bute in that part of Great Britain called Scotland Maketh Oath & Sayeth [that the] annexed Description is that which he…will allude…Specification of a Pump invented by him [in the] event of his obtaining His Majestys Letter[s Patent] for the sole use, benefit & advantage of [the] Invention’. Countersigned by Nicholas Smith as a witness. With integral leaf. A rare document of good content relating to an early example of a fire extinguisher. Each of the documents have been professionally and expertly repaired at the margins where originally heavily damp stained (some purple spotting still evident) and suffering from paper loss (affecting some words of text). Watt’s own bold ink signature and holograph statement are, however, largely unaffected and remain entirely legible. About G £1500-2000 Robertson Buchanan (1770-1816) Scottish Civil Engineer whose interests spread from mill machinery to pumps (as illustrated by the present document) and heating. As well as being involved in bridge construction, in 1811 Buchanan worked on an early railway proposal in Scotland. The first fire extinguisher of which there is any record was patented in England in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, a celebrated chemist of the time, and the modern fire extinguisher was invented by Captain George William Manby in 1818. Buchanan’s own suggestions for a fire extinguisher, based on a Pump, as outlined in the present document, falls in between these two dates.
HAMILTON JAMES: (1749-1835) The Elder. Doctor and Physician. A well-known public figure in Edinburgh. A.L.S., James Hamilton, two pages, 4to, Edinburgh, 8th September 1817, to Doctor Portal, in French. Hamilton writes to his correspondent and colleague `Mr Davidson, Doctor in Medicine will give you this letter. He travels at today´s date both for his own health as well as for the young man´s one who travels with him. He kindly asked me to give him the opportunity to meet you on his passing by Paris. Please forgive me for according to such request…You will find out that Mr. Davidson is an honest person, well instructed.´ further reporting `Our old friend M. May passed away a year and a half ago. His son who you met in Paris practices surgery in that city, he is a young man with good future expectation.´ With blank integral leaf. Some overall, minor age wear, with creases to the upper right corner, otherwise VG £200-300
GREGORY JAMES: (1753-1821) Scottish Physician, Doctor in Medicine and President of the Royal college of Physicians of Edinburgh. A.L.S., Jacobus Gregory Domino Portal, I.P.D´, at the head, one page, 4to, Edinburgh, July 1816, to an unknown friend, in Latin. The letter states `My elder son, young, tall, nineteen years old, is on his way to France (Galia), and Switzerland (Helvetia), and might go to Germany and Belgium. I have given him these letters and instructed him that as he will first arrive to Paris, that he visits you and your relatives, and that he gives you with my own words, my best regards. I trust you and esteem you and your support, after fourty two years..´. With blank integral leaf. One tear to the fold of right edge and small creasing to the same border, otherwise VG £250-350 John Gregory (1797-1869) Elder son of James Gregory. Gregory is mostly remembered for the “Gregory´s powder, a mixture of pulverized rhubarb, ginger and magnesia, prescribed as a laxative.
LACEPEDE BERNARD DE: (1756-1825) French Naturalist . He is known for his contribution to the Comte de Buffon's great work, the Histoire Naturelle. A fine A.L.S., Lacepede, three pages, 4to, from the countryside, 5th January 1793, to Citizen Saint Pierre, in French. Lacepede responds to his correspondent´s note and explains that he will do all the necessary to please him, stating `I enclose to this letter a note to Citizen Valenciennes, who knows very well the location of all my belongings in my apartment, he will be honoured giving you the plants drawings you wish to have…and I will also ask Valenciennes to inform Citizens Daubenton and Van Spaendonck about this changes, as they would be very astonished if I do not explain them about this.´ and further saying `I have the honour to send you a report list of the travelers books that I have got. Some of them are in Paris and some others are here… All the ones you wish to have will be delivered to you by Citizen Valenciennes. I share with you the pleasure of reading travelers books, and I consider them very useful, specially for Naturalists.´ Lacepede lists beneath his signature a long list of travelers books, including some such as Travel to England, Travel to the North, translated from English…Memoire about China by Le Comte, Voyage de Lesseps from Kamtchatka to France, travel to Madagascar…. and many more. With an attractive red wax seal to the fourth page, bearing a naked woman, standing and drinking with a cup in her hand, an eagle at her foot. Small paper loss to the last page due to the opening of the seal, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £400-600 After the French Revolution Lacépède became a member of the Legislative Assembly, but during the Reign of Terror he left Paris to the countryside, his life having become endangered by his disapproval of the massacres. Bernardin de Saint-Pierre (1737-1814) appointed responsible of the Jardin des Plantes (“Garden of plants”), former Jardin du Roi (“Garden of the King”). Pierre Henri de Valenciennes (1750-1819) French Painter. Louis Jean Daubenton (1716-1800) Doctor in Medicine and Zoologist. Cornelis van Spaendonck (1756-1840) Portrait Painter. Provenance: Formerly part of the collection of Sir Thomas Phillipps (1792-1872) British Bibliophile.
HENSLOW JOHN STEVENS: (1796-1861) English Clergyman, Botanist & Geologist, the friend and mentor of Charles Darwin. A.L.S., J S Henslow, one page, 4to, Hitcham, Bildeston, Suffolk, 28th December 1858, to a gentleman. Henslow requests that his correspondent forward 'one of your advertisements for Microscopic Objects' to Dilke, explaining 'When I saw him last week in town he said he should like to have the same….that you have sent me, & I have in consequence forwarded to him the Nos. But I think he may perhaps prefer a greater variety….& not quite so many Botanical specimens.' Some light creasing and minor dust staining and a few small, neat tears to the edges, only very slightly affecting a few words of text but not the signature, GSir Charles Wentworth Dilke (1810-1869) English Art Patron, Horticulturist & Politician, one of the chief promoters of the Great Exhibition of 1851. £200-300
KOCHER EMIL THEODOR: (1841-1917) Swiss Physician and medical Researcher. Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1909 for his work in the surgery of the thyroid. First Swiss citizen and first Surgeon to ever receive a Nobel prize. A.L.S., Kocher, two pages, small 8vo, Bern, 17th August 1888, to a colleague, on his printed stationery, in German. The letter contains Kocher´s medical tips regarding his colleague´s patient. Kocher is not sure if the symptoms described by his correspondent is cancer or not and states `I can´t consider the swelling as cancer now, although cancer often results from swellings like this. If so, the surgery will be too late´. Kocher hopes that the patient will recover and gives further medication advice `0,2 Iodine-potash´, and recommends Aachen (Aix-La-Chapelle) for convalescence therapy. VG. £250-350
EDISON THOMAS: (1847-1931) American Inventor of the phonograph and light bulb among many other items. An amusing A.N.S., Edison, in pencil, one page, 4to, to his son Charles. Written at the bottom of a T.L.S., A. Pedersen, [New Jersey], 15th July 1919, to W.J.O´Dair, on Edison Storage Battery Company letterhead. On the typed letter, Arthur Pedersen protests Edison´s `memorandum in which he states that we are losing a large amount of nickel in the wash water of filter press-Iron-nickel mud´, and attempts to correct the record saying `the wash water from this press does not go into the brook at all but is caught in a tank and used in our platting. The nickel which remains in the mud is sold at a very good figure.´, and ends stating that they need `a few filter presses and pumps in order to prevent a large amount of nickel and copper from running out of the factory.´ Edison forwards the letter to his son and states in full `Charles, This man is a Lemon, I will follow it up until we save every bit of it but I want nothing to do with this man.´ A good note associated with Edison´s works. Very light crease and few small edge tears none affecting the texts or signatures. VG £400-500 Charles Edison (1890-1969) United States Secretary of Navy under Roosevelt, Governor of New Jersey and Businessman. Son of Thomas Edison and Mina Miller, a daughter of inventors and an important partner on Thomas´ career. Charles became president of his father's company Thomas A. Edison, Inc. in 1927, and ran it until it was sold in 1957. Arthur Zentgraf Pedersen (1885-1959) worked for Edison from 1915-20 and 1939-52. Seems like Pedersen finished working for Edison shortly after this letter was written. W.J.O´Dair was an Edison Storage Battery Company product Engineer.
EDISON THOMAS: (1847-1931) American Inventor of the phonograph and light bulb among many other items. A.L.S., Edison, (a somewhat hurried example), one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. (1921), to [Jaffrey P.] Buchanan. Typically writing in bold pencil, Edison announces 'I want 3 booths in Machines 21 made sound proof like those up plains & with ventilation' and adds 'Do it as soon as possible. Driscoll can do it if you tell him what to do. Hurry it'. Some very light, minor age wear, otherwise VG. £600-900 Jaffray P. Buchanan was employed by Edison as Manager of his Record Disc Division. The present note refers to Edison and Buchanan´s works on the production of the phonograph records.
KOVALEVSKAYA SOFIA: (1850-1891) Also known as Sonya Kowalevski. Russian Mathematician and Writer. First woman appointed to a full professorship in Northern Europe. Known for her important contributions to differential equations. A very fine A.L.S., Sophie Kowalevski, two pages, written on the first and third leaves, Kristiania (Oslo), 13th July 1886, to Mr. Bertrand, on her embossed colourful monogramme stationery, bearing an attractive `S´, in French. Sofia Kovalevskaya thanks her correspondent for his welcome and his kindness during her stay in Paris, and states `Believe me when I say that I have been deeply touched, more than I could express with words, and I will always keep a precious remembrance for the rest of my life.´ further explains that she is just back to Kristiania and continues `I joined the congress close to its conclusion, but my wise colleagues warmly welcomed me. M. Broch is also here…..Tomorrow I will start a little trip around Norway together with some friends, but I didn´t want to wait till my arrival to Stockholm to write you and thank you.´ A rare autograph document, following her early death at the age of 41. Small tears to the fold edges not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG. £250-350 Joseph Bertrand (1822-1900) French Mathematician. Ole Jacob Broch (1818-1889) Norwegian Mathematician, Physician and Politician
ADER CLEMENT: (1841-1925) Fren Engineer and Inventor. Known for his pioneering works in aviation. A.L.S., Ader, one page, 8vo, Muret, Haute Garonne, 10th June 1921, to Jacques Mortane, on his printed stationery, in French. Ader states `I have just written a letter to Mr. Briand regarding the mediocre situation of the Aviation at today´s date and I enclose a copy to you. If you publish it on “La vie au Grand Air” on your next issue, you will render a big service to your country. All aviators and myself will be much obliged to you.` A good content letter. With blank integral leaf. The letter bears a light red ink stamp, dated 13th June 192, over part of the text and not the signature, although the whole remaining perfectly legible. About VG £500-800 La Vie au Grand Air was a weekly magazine which was published first time in April 1898. After WWI it was printed every three months, and ended in April 1922.
FONCK RENE: (1894- 1953) French Aviator, the top Allied Fighter Ace of World War I. Signed and inscribed 3.5 x 7.5 card by Fonck, being the verso of a printed menu entitled `Great Air Party´, at St. Dizier, on 12th June 1937. Signed and inscribed in bold black ink by Fonck (`To the aviation section of the air club of the Police Prefecture. Rene Fonck´), and dated 12th June 1937 in his hand. Bearing a second unidentified signature in blue ink beneath Fonck´s one. Some overall, minor age wear, few small stains and small creasing to the upper border, none affecting the text or signature, G £100-150
AERONAUTICAL INVENTORS: Small selection of signed photographs by various aeronautical inventors, comprising Hermann Oberth (1894-1989) Austro-Hungarian-born German Physicist and Engineer . Considered one of the founding fathers of rocketry and astronautics. Signed 9.5 x 12 photograph by Oberth, the image showing a US rocket shuttle. Signed in blue ink to the lower white border. Also signed by Oberth to the verso with a short annotation; William Hayward Pickering (1910-2004) New Zealand born rocket Scientist. A pioneer of the exploration of space. His group launched Explorer I on a Jupiter-C rocket. Under Pickering´s direction the NASA flew Explorer 3 and other pioneer missions. Signed 8 x 10 photograph, the image depicting Pickering in a head and shoulders pose; and Pierre Debroutelle (1886-1959) French Aviator. Considered the father of the inflatable boat Zodiac. Signed postcard photograph, the image showing Debroutelle on his Zodiac biplane. VG, 3 £100-150
FOUQUIER-TINVILLE ANTOINE QUENTIN: (1746-1795) French Revolutionary and Prosecutor during the Revolution and Reign of Terror periods. Sentenced to death and guillotined. Rare D.S., Fouquier de Tinville, two pages, oblong 4to, Paris, 27th April 1779, in French. The partially printed document, vellum, is a judicial decision on which Knight Marquis de Boulainvilliers explains that the case was heard between December 1778 and February 1779, and states that `Sieur Deslez´ has been sentenced to pay to `Sieur Duclos´ the sums reported and this certified by the King´s Counselor at the Chatelet. Signed at the base of the document by Fouquier-Tinville in his capacity as procurator attached to the Chatelet. An early signature form including the “de” which Fouquier-Tinville would later remove during the Revolution. With several countersignatures. To the verso a hand written text corresponding to the judicial court decision, referring to procurator Antoine Quentin Fouquier de Tinville, with two more signatures, dated 29th April 1779. Heavy fold to the center not affecting Fouquier-Tinville´s signature. Overall age wear and creasing. G £600-900
LA FAYETTE GILBERT DU MOTIER: (1757-1834) Marquis de La Fayette. French Aristocrat and Military Officer. Close to George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, La Fayette fought in the American Revolutionary War. He later became a key figure in the French Revolution of 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830. D.S., Lafayette, one page, 4to, Paris, 5th February 1790, to `Gentlemen´ [Members of the Commune of Paris?], in French. La Fayette, in his capacity as the recently elected Commander-in-chief of the National Guard of France, states `I prize your kindness and your letters so highly that I cannot but rejoice with you about the King´s decision, who, in order to consolidate our Liberty and to deny any attempt against his People and himself, has decided to make public his sentiments and his principles. I am glad to note that this declaration will have a salutary influence on the pledge of public order. It is only by assuring obedience to the Decrees of the Assembly, the upholding of the Laws and the essential collection of Taxes of the State, that we will be able to reaffirm our celebrated Constitution of which the King desires to be the most zealous Defender…….´. Double matted in brown, alongside a 5.5 x 7.5 printed portrait of La Fayette, in uniform, seated in a full length pose and framed and glazed in a golden wooden frame to an overall size of 19.5 x 14,5. A fine document dated only a few months after the French Revolution. Together with A.L., two pages, small 4to, n.p., n.d., apparently a draft of the letter addressed to La Fayette `M. Le General´, responding to his, and stating in part `We have taken all possible interest in the steps the King has taken to guarantee the people´s Liberty….We are most grateful to the King for the steps he has taken, Now, the National Assembly will see that its decrees will enhance the happiness of the French people...´. VG, 2 £400-600 Louis XVI (1754.1793) King of France 1774-91 & King of the French 1791-92. Executed in January 1793. The Constitution La Fayette refers to saying ´the King desires to be the most zealous Defender..´ was rejected by the King four months before this letter´s date. Few days after, an angry and hungry Parisian crowd marched to Versailles. When the crowd broke into the palace, La Fayette took the Royal family onto the palace balcony and attempted to restore order. The King accepted first the Constitution and finally returned to Paris where the crowd received him chanting `Vive le Roi´. It has been reported that the crowd kept on shouting to shoot the unpopular Queen, but when La Fayette kissed Marie Antoinette´s hand it turned into cheers and La Fayette could escort the Royal family safely back to Paris.
![[BANK OF FRANCE]: D.S., by seven Bankers of the Treasury, two pages, 4to, Paris, 2nd July 1802, to citizen Pichon, in French.](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/0420788b-cb7c-49a3-ab49-a4fe01233117/652c64a5-fbb7-49ff-a20e-fb384b93c4a7/468x382.jpg)
[BANK OF FRANCE]: D.S., by seven Bankers of the Treasury, two pages, 4to, Paris, 2nd July 1802, to citizen Pichon, in French. The partially printed document is issued by the new appointed Bankers of Treasury, including J. Recamier, J. Fulchiron, A. Barrillon, L. Bastide, M. Desprez and L. Naurissart, and addressed to Citizen Pichon, in his capacity as representative of France and in charge of French Affairs to the United States in Philadelphia, stating in part `Citizen, we have the honour to inform you that from 21st May 1802, we are in charge exclusively of all the different services supplied by the Treasury. We have issued a public deed of society under the name Bankers of the Treasury.´, ending with `You will find hereafter samples of our signatures and of Mr. Jouty´s signature: we direct you to honour only the afore mentioned signatures´. To the verso bearing six signatures alongside their printed names and Pierre Jouty´s signature as Money Holder for the Bankers of the Treasury. An interesting document related to the very early years of the Bank of France. Some overall creasing and a very small ink hole only very slightly affecting a word and the flourish of a signature to the verso, otherwise VG £200-300. Jacques-Rose Récamier (1751-1830) French Banker. Founder shareholder of the Bank of France in 1800. Jacques-Aimé-Gabriel Fulchiron (1740-1817) French Banker. Bail responsible of the Bank of France. Alexandre Barrillon (1762-1817) French Banker. One of the founders of the Bank of France in 1800. Louis-Barthélémy Bastide (1768-1821) French Banker. Founder of the Bank of France. Died in poverty. Médard Desprez (1764-1842) French Banker. Member of the Bank of France Regents since 1801. Louis Naurissart ( ?- 1809) French Banker
TALLEYRAND-PÉRIGORD CHARLES MAURICE DE: (1754-1838) French Diplomat and Statesman. Prime Minister of France July-September 1815. L.S., Ch.-Mau. Talleyrand, two pages, folio, Paris, 17th September 1805, to Pierre Chauvin, in French. Talleyrand refers to his correspondent´s talent which awakened his interest in the past and explains that he has learned about the loss he has recently suffered, stating `I wish to compensate such loss and to replace myself the person who allowed you to live and study in Rome. It would be unfortunate for the Art and for you if you had to suspend such studies, and if your situation was not allowing your talent growing.´ and further continues `Do not have, Sir, any kind of concern regarding your present nor your future´, and ends with an elegant sentence `Let me please take care of your present, and all the admirers of beautiful landscapes will take care of your future.´ Talleyrand further explains that he is ready to accept the same commitment had by his correspondent with Mr. Morin and this from the same day the previous deal ended and instructs `Would you please give full information regarding all these matters to Mr. Alquier, Ambassador to Naples, who I am going to write to about this same decision.´ A good content letter referring to Talleyrand´s philanthropic activities. With blank integral leaf. Few small tears to the folded edges and small overall creasing. G £150-200 Pierre Athanase Chauvin (1774-1832) French Painter, a protected of Talleyrand. From this date on, Chauvin would send to Prince Talleyrand two paintings per year.
MARSHALS OF NAPOLEON: Selection of three Ds.S., and one L.S., by various Marshals of France, comprising Louis-Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. D.S., Alexandre, one page, 4to, Dresde, 14th May 1813, to Chief of squadron Labroyere, in French. On a partially printed document Berthier as Major General of the Grande Armée informs his correspondent about the Emperor´s decree upgrading his rank to Major. Few creases to the corners and one stain slightly affecting few words, not the signature; Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke (1765-1818) Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24. Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon. L.S., Duc de Feltre, one page, folio, Paris, 8th January 1813, to General Count Caffarelli, in French. The manuscript document, marked “duplicate”, on the printed stationery of the Minister of War, informs Caffarelli of the Emperor Napoleon´s intentions regarding the General of the Dubreton Division and orders him to go to Paris without delay. With blank integral leaf; Edouard Mortier (1768-1835) Marshal of France, Duc de Treviso. Prime Minister of France 1834-35. D.S., Ed Mortier, with holograph subscription, one page, 4to, Paris, 30th March 1794, to the President of the war Council, in French. The letter bears the printed heading of the State Major General, and Mortier writes in his capacity as General and Chief Commandant of the 1st military Division. Mortier instructs his correspondent to convene the members of the second war Council to judge Caporal Louis Dissovre because of his threats and insults towards officers of the Gendarmerie Nationale. A good bold signature example; Etienne Jacques Joseph Alexandre Macdonald (1765-1840) Marshal of France. Duc de Tarante. D.S., Macdonald, one page, folio, n.p., 1st November 1828, in French. The partially printed document bears the printed heading “Ordre De La Legion D´Honneur” and is issued by Macdonald in his capacity as Grand Chancellor, certifying that the King has appointed Miss Duhousset as boarder of the Saint Denis Royal House. Countersigned, and with a blind embossed seal. G, 4 £150-200
MARSHALS OF NAPOLEON: Selection of two Ls.S., and two Ds.S., by various Marshals of France, comprising Louis Gabriel Suchet (1770-1826) Marshal of France. Duc d´Albufera. One of the most brilliant of Napoleon´s Generals. D.S., L.G. Suchet, one page, 4to, Milan, 10th November 1798. Suchet signs in his capacity as General on a printed document bearing a large flourished heading of the Army of Italy, General offices. The signature and lower part of the document has been professionally glued to the upper part; Louis-Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. L.S., M Berthier, one page, folio, Paris, 18th August 1802, to the Prefet of the Meurthe department, in French. On a partially printed document with the heading of the Republic of France, war department, Berthier signs in his capacity as Minister of war, and respond to his correspondent announcing the sending of funds to cover the troops salaries. Foxing stains to the upper part of the document, tears to the edges and corner repaired, only slightly affecting the signature; Nicolas Oudinot (1767-1847) Marshal of France. Duc de Reggio. D.S., Oudinot, one page, folio, Schillen Ken, 24th June 1807, in French. The document lists nineteen officers along with other brief details of their former ranks and the new upgraded ranks they have been appointed. Signed by Oudinot at the base in his capacity as General. The upgrades correspond most probably to the relevant officers achievements ten days earlier at the Battle of Friedland. A faded document although largely legible; Claude Victor-Perrin (1764-1841) Marshal of France. Duc de Belluno. L.S., De Belluno, one page, folio, Paris, 16th June 1821, to Baron Mounier, in French. On a letter bearing the heading of the Royal Guard, Victor informs his correspondent about the money award he has approved for citizen Chenard, who deserves it for his intelligent way of acting and his great services supplied. G, 4 £150-200 Battle of Friedland, 14th June 1807, was a major confrontation of the Napoleonic Wars between the armies of the French Empire commanded by Napoleon the Russian Empire. The battlefield is located in modern Kaliningrad, and the French obtained a decisive victory that routed much of the Russian army, which retreated chaotically by the end of the fighting. Edouard Mounier (1783-1843) Baron of the Empire and cabinet secretary of Napoleon I. Became General Director of the French police in 1919.
MARSHALS OF NAPOLEON: Selection of three Ls.S., and one A.L.S., by various Marshals of France, comprising Jean-Baptiste Bessieres (1768-1813) Marshal of France, Duc d´ Istria. L.S., Le Ml Duc D´Istrie, one page, 4to, Valladolid, 1st April 1811, to General Thiebauld, in French. Bessieres authorizes his correspondent´s request about getting fodder supply from Ciudad Rodrigo. The letter has an attractive watermark featuring an image of a crowned eagle; Nicolas Jean de Dieu Soult (1769-1851) Marshal of France, Duc de Dalmatie. L.S., Mrl Duc de Dalmatie, one page, folio, Paris, 7th August 1843, to second lieutenant Margnin, in French. Soult, in his capacity as Minister of War, informs his correspondant that the King has awarded him for his services with the sum of 150 Francs. With blank integral leaf. Edges trimmed and with some areas of paper loss to the borders, not affecting the text or signature. Auguste Marmont (1767-1847) Marshal of France. Duc de Raguse. A.L.S., Le Ml Duc de Raguse, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d.(Monday), to a lady, in French. Marmont in his usual very small writing sends some documents requested. Folded; Bon Adrien Jeannot de Moncey (1754-1842) Marshal of France, Duc de Conegliano. A prominent soldier in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. L.S., Le M.al Moncey, two pages, 4to, La Vaivre, 23rd December 1833, to General Odiot, in French. Moncey writes to his comrade correspondent, to Naples, and refers to his meeting at the Tuileries with a young lady who reported to him about Odiot´s travel through Milan, Rome and Naples. With a paper seal affixed to the integral address leaf, and a small loss of paper corresponding to the opening of the seal, not affecting text or signature G,4 £200-300 Ciudad Rodrigo is a Spanish cathedral small city near Salamanca.
KELLERMAN FRANÇOIS CHRISTOPHE: (1735-1820) Marshal of France, Duc de Valmy. L.S., Duc de Valmy, two pages, 4to, Mainz, 2nd July 1813, to Prince of Neuchatel Major General, in French. Kellerman informs his correspondent stating `Following the letter Your Highness made me the honour to send me, I send you the situation of the Observation Corps in Bavaria at today´s date, including troops arrived to Mainz, those on its way…´. Kellerman continues with his report and further ends `Nothing will be spared in order to accelerate the departure of the troops of this Observation Corps as well as all those intended to join the Grande Armée´. A stain to the front upper right not affecting the text or signature. Together with a D.S., Duc de Valmy, one page, large folio, Mainz, 2nd July 1813, in French. The attractive document being the report about the Observation Corps in Bavaria, sent by Marshal Kellerman to the Prince of Neuchatel. The report is an extremely interesting and cleanly presented document with detailed information, including number of officers, ranks, troops, artillery, cavalry, soldiers in hospital, and even deserters. Also including a list of expected arrival dates for additional troops, etc. A stain to lower border not affecting the text or signature. VG, 2 £300-400. Louis-Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. In July 1813 Napoleon I was in Dresde and about to visit Mainz to take the troops salute. Only 8 days before, Napoleon met Metternich in Dresde, an important historical meeting, trying to avoid Austria´s involvement into the coalition. A decision often reported as the beginning of the end of Napoleon´s Empire.
BONAPARTE LUCIEN: (1775-1840) Younger brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. A.L.S., at the head, in the third person, The Prince of Canino, one page, 4to, 34 Brompton Square, London, 15th April 1834, to M. Mackenzie, in French. Lucien Bonaparte writes ´The Prince of Canino thanks Mr. Mackenzie for his kindness; he is very sensible to S. Robert Peel politeness, and wishes to know when would the visit to the paintings gallery disturb less its illustrious owner..´ Two areas of paper loss to the upper edge corresponding to the opening of the letter. With remnants of red wax seal to the verso. G. £80-100 Robert Peel (1788-1850) British Statesman, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1834-35 & 1841-46.
PAER FERDINANDO: (1771-1839) Italian Composer, employed by Napoleon from 1807. Paer composed the bridal march for Napoleon´s wedding to Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma, in 1810. A good A.L.S., Paër, one page, 4to, Paris, 27th May 1835, to a friend, on the printed stationery of the Director of the King´s Music. Paër states `LL MM wishes to have tomorrow evening at 8pm precisely, some music at the Tuilleries. I am in charge of inviting you too; they wish to listen to the beautiful Septet of Beethoven; bring some music, a quartet in case they wish any additional performance...´. Some light overall age wear and uniform age toning, G. £100-120
NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. Rare N.S., Bonaparte, to the lower part of a L.S., Alex Dumas, one page, folio, Cairo, 13th September 1798, in French. The document sent from the Cairo headquarters is a request signed by Thomas-Alexander Dumas addressed to General-in-Chief Bonaparte. Dumas, in his capacity as General of Division, states `Citizen General, I send you a request of the veterinarians; which I consider righteous, and I kindly ask you to grant. Salutations and Respect´. Napoleon´s response is dated the following day, 14th September 1798. A bold example of Napoleon´s signature. An unusual document featuring an early signature by the future Emperor alongside Alexandre Dumas´ one. Some overall age wear and creasing to the upper border a few small tears to the edges, one repaired, and a very small area of paper loss to the bottom corner, none affecting the text or signatures. G £1200-1500 Thomas-Alexandre Dumas (1762-1806) Father and grandfather of the illustrious writers. French General. The highest-ranking black man of all time in a European army, and the first to become general-in-chief of a French army. Dumas served as Commander of the French cavalry forces on Napoleon´s Egyptian campaign. In August 1798, shortly before the present letter was written, Dumas discovered a significant cache of gold and jewels beneath a house in Cairo, which he turned over to Napoleon, and a little later, in October, he put down an anti-French revolt in Cairo by charging into the Al-Azhar Mosque on horseback. Dumas died at the age of 43 in deep poverty.
MURRAY GEORGE: (1772-1846) British Army Officer, and Politician. Secretary of State for War and the colonies. L.S., G. Murray, one page, folio, Paris, 12th February 1817, to Count of Chabrol, in French. Murray states `Responding to your letter that you honoured me sending yesterday, I have here in hand the officers list, and other persons, composing the General Major State and the ones going with His Highness the Duke of Wellington, at today´s date in Paris, and ordered by their military grades.´ With blank integral leaf. VG £100-120 Count of Chabrol, State Councelor, and Prefect of police in Paris. Lord Wellington (1769-1852) Duke of Wellington. Anglo-Irish Field Marshal & British Prime Minister 1828-30, 1834.
GALLIENI JOSEPH: (1849-1916) French General, Military Commander and Administrator of French colonies. Minister of War 1915-16. A.L.S., Gallieni, one page, 8vo, Bakel, 14th November 1887, to a Commandant, in French. Gallieni states `The Governor´s proposal regarding Doctor Rascol has been sent to the Ministry. I also enclose herewith a letter dated last June; it might be useful to you´. With blank integral leaf. One very small tear to the edge. VG £100-150. Bakel is located in Senegal, close to the Mauritania and Mali borders, also known as Fort Bakel for its French fort.
DE GAULLE CHARLES: (1890-1970) French General of World War II. Later President of the French Republic 1959-69. Signed 3.5 x 5.5 photograph of De Gaulle, the Piaz image showing the General in a head and shoulders pose, wearing his uniform. Signed (`C. de Gaulle´) in fountain pen ink to a light area of the image. Accompanied by a letter, on De Gaulle´s secretariat office printed stationery, signed by his personal secretary Xavier de Beaulaincourt, related to the signed photograph, and dated 29th December 1949. Together with a wool shield of the Interior French Forces, which was originally pinned to the photograph. VG, 2 £300-400
NIEMOLLER MARTIN: (1892-1984) German Pacifist and anti-war Activist. Former anti-Nazi Theologian and Lutheran Pastor. One of the founders of the Confessional Church. He was imprisoned in Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps from 1937 to 1945. A.L.S., Martin, four pages, 8vo, Wiesbaden, 21st June 1972, to Marlene, on his printed stationery, in German. Niemoller tells his correspondent that he is really sorry as he will not be able to attend her birthday because `I have a speech at the Zentrum der Evangelischen Jugend´, further stating `I have problems to understand young people´s modern language, am getting too old and have enough of life! I don´t understand the world no longer..´. Niemoller reports also his schedule and states `I will arrive to Geneva next week, June 26th for a Peace talk with U.N. After that I´ll visit the WWC building…After that my real retirement when I only want to preach…July in Berlin. Last Sunday 18th I was in the DDR near Merseburg for a speech “Christiandom in the World”…And I intend to visit the War Resistance International Conference in Sheffield, this will be my last conference.´ A lengthy clean letter, reporting all his scheduled program and personal thoughts. EX £80-100
PAVELIC ANTE: (1889-1959) Croatian Fascist Politician and Axis collaborator. Leader of the Independent State of Croatia 1941-45. Died from wounds caused by assassination attempt in Madrid. D.S., Ante Pavelic, one page, folio, Zagreb, 11th January 1945, in Croatian. The partially printed typed document is a decree awarding seven German officers. The document stating to the heading `The Leader of the Independent State of Croatia…Award - Leader Ante Pavelic Silver Award for Courage´, further listing seven officers along with other brief details of their rank etc.., and concludes with `For the very brave behavior during the struggle against rebels´, referring to Tito´s partisans, and `Always Ready for the Country´. Signed at the foot by Ante Pavelic beneath his signatory formula “Leader of the Independent State of Croatia”. Countersigned by the Minister of the Armed Forces and Vice-Admiral Nikola Steinfel. Very small creasing to the upper border and corners, otherwise VG £200-300 Nikola Steinfel (1889-1945) Croatian Vice-Admiral and Minister of the Armed Forces. Executed.
SKORZENY OTTO: (1908-1975) Austrian SS-Standartenführer of World War II. T.L.S., Otto Skorzeny, two pages, 4to, Madrid, 17th April 1972, to Miguel Rojas Martin-More, in Spanish. The letter is Skorzeny's retained carbon copy and concerns an employee of Skorzeny's, Jose Gonzalez Haro, a gardener, with whom Skorzeny has not been satisfied, in terms of the work that he has done, and questioning whether or not he really has to pay him the full salary for a period of three months. Together with a second T.L.S., with his initials O Sk., one page, 4to, Madrid, 10th May 1972, also to Miguel Rojas Martin-More, in Spanish. The letter is another retained carbon copy on the same subject matter. Also including several other carbon copies of related letters. All are stapled together at the upper left corner and have multiple file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signatures. Further including four signed blank folio sheets of paper, with different names, by Skorzeny. Each with a different printed heading, the first "Dipl.Ing. Otto Skorzeny, Madrid" and the three others being "Dipl. Ing. Rolf O. Steinbauer, Madrid". Skorzeny using his two different identities signs (`Otto Skorzeny´) and (`Rolf O. S Steinbauer´), in blue ink to the lower right borders. Four blank signed documents left to his wife to be used in case of necessity. The Skorzeny signature one with creases to the corners, not affecting the signature. Further more including a small selection of other letters and printed ephemera etc., relating to Skorzeny, some signed by his wife Ilse, a small printed 8vo World Health Organisation Vaccination Card issued in Spain to Otto Skorzeny and bearing his name, 1965, a brown leather wallet etc.. G to VG, 17 £200-300
SKORZENY OTTO: (1908-1975) Austrian SS-Standartenführer of World War II. Book signed and inscribed, a hardback edition of Misiones Secretas (`Secret Missions´), Spanish edition published by Destino, Barcelona, December 1955 (fourth edition). Signed ('Otto Skorzeny') in blue ink to the front free endpaper and dated Madrid, June 1960 in his hand. Lacking the dustjacket. Spine detached and with some light age wear. Together with D.S., two pages, 4to, the printed card being a certificate, given by the Führer supreme commander of the Wehrmacht, to Major Otto Skorzeny, awarded with the Knight´s Cross of the Iron Cross, 12th September 1943, at Führer Headquarters, Adolf Hitler. To the verso bearing 'This certificate is issued as a result of the loss of the original', signed by Adolf Dickfeld as President. With blank integral leaf. Small tear to the central folder. G and VG, 2 £400-600 Adolf Dickfeld (1910-2009) German World War II Luftwaffe Flying ace. Recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.
HESS RUDOLF: (1894-1987) German Reichsminister, Adolf Hitler´s Deputy in the Nazi Party. Vintage signed 5.8 x 7.5 printed photograph by Hess, the image depicting the Nazi Deputy in a close-up portrait, in uniform. Signed in bold dark fountain pen ink to a partially clear area of the image. Neatly affixed to a larger beige card to an overall size of 9 x 12. Accompanied by the original letter, signed by Adjutant Winkler, bearing the heading “Nationalsozialistische – Deutsche Arbeiterpartei”, Munich, 26th May 1936, in German. VG £600-900
BLOCH FELIX: (1905-1983) Swiss Physicist. Nobel Prize winner for Physics 1952. T.L.S., Felix Bloch, one page, 4to, Palo Alto, California, 18th August 1977, to Mrs Alice Engel. Bloch answers his correspondent´s letter and informs her that he is not able to contribute at this stage to Rabbi Kiner´s book. Accompanied by the original envelope. Two minor holes to the upper left corner corresponding to a former staple. VG £150-200. Edward D. Kiner was the Temple´s Israel Rabbi from 1973 to 1977.
LEOPOLD I: (1640-1705) Holy Roman Emperor, King of Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia. L.S., Leopoldus, one page, folio, Vienna, 29th August 1678, to Angelo Maria Flavio Comneno, Prince of Macedonia, in Latin. The emperor announces the birth of his son, born a month earlier, and refers to the joy and hope in his family is experiencing with the continuation of the lineage. He also thanks his correspondent for his letters received and for his devotion and affection which they really appreciate and value. Countersigned by Leopoldus Guillielmus , Count of Kinigsegg, and by His Majesty´s mandate, Christopher Beuer as personal Secretary. With integral address leaf, bearing to the verso a large and attractive paper seal affixed in very fine condition. A small hole and tear to the address leaf, not affecting the text or signatures. A stain to the front due to the seal and some small overall age wear, otherwise VG. £250-350 Angelo Mario Flavio Comneno (1634-1678) Prince of Macedonia and Tessaglia, Count of Drivasto and Durazzo and Grand Maestre of the Sacred military order San Constantiniano of Saint Giorgio. Joseph I (1678-1711) Elder son of Emperor Leopold I, and future Holy Roman Emperor 1705-1711, succeeding his father after his death. Joseph I died at the early age of 32 victim of the smallpox epidemic. Leopold Wilhelm von Konigsegg-Rothenfels (1630-1694) Count of Konigsegg-Rothenfels
CHARLES VI: (1685-1740) Holy Roman Emperor, King of Germany, Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia, and Archduke of Austria 1711-40. L.S., Carl, three pages, folio, Vienna, 8th October 1721, to Ernst Ludwig, in German. The Emperor sends to his correspondent documents concerning Von Ratmannsburg debts, with documents received from lawyers `Georg Nicolaus and the jew Moses Benjamin Wulff´, and claims demanding payments of such debts. Charles VI orders that the debts must be paid stating `..remind you to take care that from the debtor´s assets, both creditors must be paid. This way, no more regulations and costs for legal process will happen…´. With two large countersignatures at the foot of the third page and with a large paper seal affixed to the address leaf. Overall age wear, with small tears to the trimmed edges, and a stain due to remnants of the wax seal. G £250-350 Ernst Ludwig I (1672-1724) Duke of Saxe-Meiningen 1706-24, and uncle of the Emperor.
ISABELLA I OF CASTILE: (1451-1504) Queen of Castile 1474-1504. Catholic Monarch who ruled jointly with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon as The Catholic Monarchs 1475-1504. They are recognized for laying the foundations for the political unification of Spain, and also for completing the Reconquista as well as their support and financing of Christopher Columbus´ voyage of 1492 which led to the opening of the New World. Fine D.S., `Yo la Reyna´, as Queen, one page, folio, Alcala de Henares, 4th March 1503, to the Kingdom´s Treasury office, in Spanish. The Queen instructs her Treasury controllers to register in the official accountancy books the annual payment that will have to be paid to brothers Anton and Gonzalo Galindo, living in Caceres, for the amount of six thousand maravedis to each of them, and from today´s date. With a hole corresponding to the seal space no longer existing, not affecting the text or signature. Written in another hand beneath the Queen´s signature `By the Queen´s mandate´. With borders irregularly trimmed, and a very small tear to the edge. VG. £1200-1500
FERDINAND II OF ARAGON: (1452-1516) King of Castile 1474-1504, and King of Aragon 1479-1516. Monarch who ruled jointly with his wife Isabella I of Castile as The Catholic Monarchs 1475-1504. They are recognized for laying the foundations for the political unification of Spain, and also for completing the Reconquista as well as their support and financing of Christopher Columbus´ voyage of 1492 which led to the opening of the New World. Fine D.S., Yo el Rey, as King, one page, folio, Madrid, 19th October 1510, to his Major funds controllers, in Spanish. The King instructs his controllers in the Kingdom of Galicia to facilitate and provide the required money for the renewal of the `Lanzas´ of the General Captaincy of the Galician regiments, and to do so each time there is a vacancy. The king insists in the importance of such request explaining that such troops under the General Captain orders are the ones which defend, protect and provide security to the Kingdom. With a hole corresponding to the original space occupied by the seal, no longer existing, although not affecting the text or signature. Written in another hand beneath the King´s signature `By his Highness mandate´. With borders irregularly trimmed, and few very small tears to the edges. VG. ££800-1200 Ferdinand refers to `Las Lanzas´, which were a regiment created in the Kingdom of Galicia by the Catholic Kings in 1480 due to the permanent problems in the region with bandits, pillage and insecurity. Each `Lanza´, (meaning Spear) was composed by a single Knight and his shield bearer. ᅜ
BORJA Y ARAGON FRANCISCO DE: (1581-1658) Spanish Writer, an official in the court of King Philip III of Spain. Viceroy of Peru 1615-21. L.S., Francisco de Borja, one page, 4to, Madrid, 23rd October 1632, to Francisco de Cardona, in Spanish. Borja y Aragon thanks his correspondent for their letter and wishes, he refers also to Cardona´s reports and to his good services. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, minor staining, largely to the left edge, only very slightly affecting a few words of text but not the signature. G. £80-100
PHILIP III: (1578-1621) King of Spain 1598-1621. D.S., Yo El Rey, one page, 4to, Valladolid, 23rd September 1603, to Hernando Ganoguera, Lieutenant and Captain General of the Kingdom of Mallorca, in Spanish. The King dictates an order, sentencing Gabriel Serra to ten years in prison, and instructing to send him to the Oran Fortress. Further indicating that the present orders have to be sent also to the fortress Captain Count of Alcaudete. Countersigned by the King´s secretary Villanueva. With a paper seal affixed to the verso alongside a contemporary annotation. Some small show through of ink and several minor holes in the text caused by oxidization, only very slightly affecting few words of the text, but not the signature, G £150-200
ISABELLA II: (1830-1904) Queen of Spain 1833-68. Fine L.S., Isabel de Bourbon, four pages, 8vo, Lequeitio, 13th August 1883, to General Polavieja, on the Queen´s personal stationery showing an attractive embossed golden monogram, in Spanish. The Queen writes to her old friend General Polavieja about personal and State matters, including the King, her children and the uprisings in Spain, and states `On my way I stopped in Madrid, very happy the days I was with children, I did talk a lot to Alfonso about you, he respects you as much as you deserve it, and I also told him about your requests about the Armies, and am sure he has been thinking about it knowing how many of your predictions became a reality´, further referring to the uprisings `It is a shame, most of all because of the effect the uprisings of the regiments of Badajoz, Santo Domingo, and Seo Urgel have in the foreign countries; may be it is not so important, and could even be for good in the future, but we should regret that although the King is not the Queen, the troops can keep on uprising´. The Queen further comments her intention to stop again in Madrid on her way from San Sebastian to Sevilla, to meet her children, and concludes with a request from the General about an appointment of a municipality judge, a matter which she promised to talk about with the Regent. A letter of excellent content and good association. EX. £120-150 Camilo García de Polavieja (1838-1914) Marquis of Polavieja, Spanish General and Politician, known as The Christian General. Alfonso XII (1857-1885) King of Spain 1874-85. He was the only son of Queen Isabel II.
![[ALFONSO XIII]: (1886-1941) King of Spain 1886-31. A curious and unusual L.S., Moret, two pages, folio, Madrid, 13th August 1](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/0420788b-cb7c-49a3-ab49-a4fe01233117/b4f94825-2224-4ef6-eff3-29f83b1adbbf/468x382.jpg)
[ALFONSO XIII]: (1886-1941) King of Spain 1886-31. A curious and unusual L.S., Moret, two pages, folio, Madrid, 13th August 1886, to the Bolivian Minister of foreign affairs, in Spanish. The document bearing the heading of the State Ministry, is a letter sent by Spanish State Minister Moret to his Bolivian counterpart, stating `I have the honour to send you, together with a copy, the Royal letter that H.M. the Queen Regent has sent to the President of the Republic of Bolivia, informing him about the joyful birth of H.M. the King Don Alfonso XIII, entrusting you to make it reach its destiny.´ The letter, although announcing a birth, is written on a black bordered mourning paper due to King Alfonso XII death few months earlier. An interesting document unusually announcing the birth of a King. Irregularly trimmed to the left border, otherwise VG £150-200 King Alfonso XIII was born in May 1886. His father King Alfonso XII died, seven months earlier, in November 1885. This is the reason why the present letter announces the birth of a King. Segismundo Moret (1833-1913) Spanish Politician and Man of Letters. President of the Council of Ministers 1905-06, 1906, 1909-10. He was also at the head of several Ministries under Alfonso XII, Queen Regent Maria Cristina and Alfonso XIII. Alfonso XII (1857-1885) King of Spain 1874.85. Alfonso XIII (1886-1941) King of Spain 1886-1931. King Alfonso XIII was proclaimed King of Spain from his birth. María Cristina of Austria (1858-1929 <) Queen of Spain 1879-85 as second wife of King Alfonso XII and Queen Regent 1885-1902 during her son´s, King Alfonso XIII, childhood. Gregorio Pacheco Leyes (1823-1899) President of Bolivia1884-88.
JUAN CARLOS I: (1938- ) King of Spain 1975-2014. D.S., J.Carlos Borbon R, one page, folio, Madrid, 6th March 2001, to President Hugo Banzer Suarez, in Spanish. On a partially printed document bearing at the heading a golden embossed Royal coat of arms, King Juan Carlos I informs President Banzer about the recent appointment of Victor Luis Fagilde Gonzalez as new Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Spain to the Republic of Bolivia. Signed by Juan Carlos I in bold blue ink. Countersigned by Josep Piqué. With a large blind embossed seal alongside the King´s signature. Two file holes to the left border not affecting the text or signature. An attractive document. EX £200-300 Hugo Banzer Suarez (1926-2002) Bolivian military General and President of Bolivia 1971-78 as a Dictator, and 1997-2001 as constitutional President. Josep Piqué Camps (1955- ) Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister 1996-2004.
![[LOUIS XIII]: (1601-1643) King of France 1610-43 and King of Navarre 1610-20. Contemporary manuscript, vellum, signed by sec](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/0420788b-cb7c-49a3-ab49-a4fe01233117/b07b341a-8cb5-4d77-a0d5-7af91807ba7f/468x382.jpg)
[LOUIS XIII]: (1601-1643) King of France 1610-43 and King of Navarre 1610-20. Contemporary manuscript, vellum, signed by secretary Louis, one page, oblong folio, n.p.(?), 10th February 1611, in old French. The document being a King´s donation to Captain De Berton including all taxes and rights of selling corresponding to His Majesty on the land mentioned. Signed at the foot of the document by Nicolas Brulart de Sillery, in his capacity as Chancellor of France and Royal Seals keeper. Overall age wear, with a tear and minor pinholes to the left folded border, not affecting the text or signatures. G £100-150 At the time of the present document´s date, Louis XIII is a nine years old King of France, and his mother Marie de Medici acts as Queen Regent of France. Nicolas Brulart de Sillery (1544-1624) French Statesman, Royal Seals keeper and French Chancellor. Close to Henri IV, and to his second wife Marie de Medici. When she was crowned in May 1610, and the day after Henri IV was assassinated, Brulart made all necessary to accomplish the appointment of the Queen as Regent of France, instead of Henri II.
LOUIS XVIII: (1755-1824) King of France 1814-15 & 1815-24, & CHARLES X (1757-1836) Count of Artois. King of France 1824-30. Rare L.S., Louis Stanislas Xavier, and Charles Philippe, one page, 4to, Schönbornslust, 11th November 1791, to Count François de Soustain, in French. The two Princes in exile refer to the declaration of the Royal-Guyenne regiment officers received from Count Soustain, stating `..we have responded that we approve the officers behaviour regarding their oath; we also approve the steps taken since then in order to get closer to the Kingdom´s boundary, and we order them to remain with their regiments until they receive our new order, unless they experience riots among their corps..´ Charles Philippe adds the place and date in his hand before signing. An unusual revolution date letter signed by the two brothers of King Louis XVI and future Kings of France. With blank integral leaf. Some overall age wear and creasing, otherwise VG £800-1000 Louis Stanislas could leave Paris only few months earlier, while his brother King Louis XVI and family were arrested and taken back. Louis Stanislas and Charles Philippe, in exile at the Schönbornslust castle were they receive worrying news from Paris, try to get closer to France´s boundary and organize troops intending to return to Paris. Louis XVI (1754-1793) King of France 1774-91 and King of the French 1791-92. Elder brother of future Kings Louis XVIII and Charles X. Executed in January 1793.
ORLEANS FERDINAND OF: (1844-1910) Duc of Alençon, grandson of French King Louis Philippe. An interesting set of four Ls.S., Ferdinand d´Orleans, one letter of two pages, and one page the rest, 4to, Claremont, from 19th December 1860 to 16th May 1861, to the Colonel of the Hussars Cavalry Regiment of the Princess, in Spanish. A young Ferdinand d´Orleans, just arrived to Spain from school in Scotland, and not allowed to go back to France as a Royal family member, enters the military school in Segovia, Spain. On the first letter Ferdinand thanks his Colonel for his welcome, and states `I am the one who feels proud serving such a glorious Regiment which has recently obtained laureate conquests in Africa…It is a honour to wear such a glorious uniform…´. On the second letter Ferdinand renounces to his Second-Lieutenant salaries and indicates `Please share them out freely between the Regiment members you will consider and in the most fair and useful way..´. On the third and fourth letter Ferdinand thanks his Colonel for the Queen´s letter received, authorizing him to choose the military camp where to serve in order to allow him to pursue and finish his studies in the city of Segovia. A few years later he would be offered the crown of Spain but he rejected the offer. A few small foxing stains only to the first letter, otherwise VG, 4 £80-100
WILLIAM IV: (1765-1837) King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of Hanover 1830-37. L.S., Le bon Frere William R, one page, folio, St. James´s, 18th December 1830, to His Majesty the King of the Two Sicilies Kingdom, in French. On a black bordered mourning letter and in his capacity as King of Hanover, the recently crowned King William IV sends his deep condolences to the King of the Two Sicilies stating `The painful event that Your Majesty announced to me on the 9th of November letter referring to His Majesty the King´s François I decease has deeply affected me´ and further explains `I know the deep impression and the bitterness that such a cruel loss leaves in your heart.´ Countersigned by Count Münster. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope addressed to The King of the Two Sicilies in Naples with remnants of a black wax seal. A clean letter. EX. £200-300 Ferdinand II (1810-1859) King of the Two Sicilies 1830-59. He succeeded his father Francis I at the early age of twenty. Francis I (1777-1830) King of the Two Sicilies 1825-1830. Died on 8th November 1830. Ernst Friedrich Graf Münster (1766-1839) German Statesman, Politician and Minister at the service of the House of Hanover.
WILLIAM II: (1792-1849) King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg. L.S., Le Confrere Guillaume, one page, 4to, Brussels, 2nd September 1827, to the King of the Two Sicilies, in French. The King explains that he has received his correspondent´s letter with the joyful news, and congratulates the King of the Two Sicilies and his spouse the Queen, for the birth of a Royal Prince. Further sending their best wishes for the mother´s prompt recovery and for the son. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope bearing a black wax seal to the verso. Very small, minor age wear, otherwise VG £100-150 Francis I (1777-1830) King of the Two Sicilies 1825-30. Maria Isabella of Spain (1789-1848) Queen of the Two Sicilies, as second wife of King Francis I. Prince Francis (1827-1892) Count of Trapani. Royal Prince whose birth is mentioned in the letter. Last of the 25 children of King Francis I, born 13th August 1827.
MARIA ANNA OF AUSTRIA: (1683-1754) Archduchess of Austria and Queen consort of Portugal 1708-50. Regent of Portugal 1742-50 during the illness of her husband King John V of Portugal. L.S., Raynha, one page, folio manuscript, Lisbonne, 11th June 1709, to Cardinal Gozzadini, in Portuguese. The Queen sends her regards to the Cardinal and her congratulations for the news received on her correspondent´s letter, and states `The new about your appointment as Cardinal by His Holiness was very pleasant, most of all because you deserve it for your virtues serving God´. With an attractive paper seal affixed to the address leaf. Some small creasing to the right border and a few extremely small tears not affecting the signature. VG. £100-150 Cardinal Ulisse Giuseppe Gozzadini (1650-1728) Appointed Cardinal by Clement XI on 15th April 1709.
MANUEL II OF PORTUGAL: (1889-1932) King of Portugal 1908-10. Known as "The Unfortunate". Last King of Portugal, & AMELIE OF ORLEANS (1865-1951) Princess of Orleans and Queen Consort of Portugal. Two A.D.S., Comte d´Ourem, and Amelie, the documents being two embarkation cards to and from Calais, dated in Dover, 8th September 1923 and 2nd July 1931. The partially printed documents are fulfilled by the King and Queen, the first writing `Ourem Manuel´ and the Queen `Reine Amelie de Portugal - Marie Amelie´, and both writing as address in the United Kingdom `Fulwell Park Twickenham´. With immigration dated ink stamps to the verso. G, 2 100-150 Manuel II was in exile since 1910, and often used some of his peerages looking for discretion. He was the Count of Ourem, having inherited it after his brother´s assassination.
AMELIE OF LEUCHTENBERG: (1812-1873) Empress Consort of Brazil 1829-31 as spouse of Emperor Pedro I. A.L.S., Amelie, three pages, 8vo, n.p., [Paris], 27th March [1833], to her aunt, in French. Amelie tells to her aunt how much she regrets not having been at home when she visited her, and explains that she has been and still is ill and not feeling well. She thanks her correspondent for her continuous support and states `How good you are, sharing always with me our sorrows and our joy! Alas! I am now just living sorrow times and in all ways. My last letters received from Brazil have announced me that my daughter Paula was seriously ill. This has deeply affected me, even more when I can imagine in advance the Emperor´s affliction if we had the misfortune to lose her, because he loves his children with a special tenderness, and the last newsletter leaves me very small hope of seeing this poor child back to life.´ Amelie continues explaining the health problems of Paula and apologizes for sharing all this with her aunt, and concludes this matter with `Therefore I am now living a waiting time full of anxiety, and I fear that the next boat coming from Brazil will just confirm all my fears´. Amelie further refers to Portugal, where her husband the Emperor is, and states `I am also without direct news from Porto and this is due to the storms and winds of the season close to the Portuguese coast.´ With a blind embossed seal at the head. A good content letter. VG £200-300 Amelie would learn shortly after that her adoptive daughter Paula was already dead at the time of this letter. Amelie will move to Portugal few months after to join the Emperor, and as she was announcing on this letter, her sorrows would continue with her husband the Emperor Pedro´s decease the year after.
PETER I: (1844-1921) King of Serbia 1903-18, and King of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes 1918-21. L.S., Pierre, one page, 4to, Belgrade, 17th September 1911, to the President of the Republic of Bolivia, in French. The king informs his correspondent about his daughter´s recently celebrated wedding and states `I report to your Excellency about my beloved daughter´s marriage, her Royal Highness Princess Helen of Serbia, to his Royal Highness Prince John Constantinovich, celebrated at Peterhof the 21st August….´ Two small file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature. VG £200-300 Eliodoro Villazón Montaño (1848-1939) Constitutional President of Bolivia, 1909-13. Princess Helen of Serbia (1884-1962) Daughter of King Peter I and his wife Princess Zorka of Montenegro, and sister of Alexander I of Yugoslavia. Known as Elena Petrovna, after her marriage. Prince Ioann Konstantinovich of Russia (1886-1918) Also known as Prince John, was the eldest son of Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich of Russia. Murdered by Bolsheviks at the early age of 32 along with his brothers.
BORIS III: (1894-1943) Tsar of Bulgaria 1918-43. T.L.S, Boris, one page, 4to, Sophia, 26th June 1937, to Colonel Gruson, on his silver embossed monogrammed stationery, in German. The Tsar thanks his correspondent and the association of former officers of infantry he represents, and states `I cordially thank you for the respects you have sent to me on the occasion of my son´s birthday´, and further continues `I am very touched learning that the officers of the regiment I belonged to when I was Heir Prince still remember me´, concluding by sending his warm regards to his comrades. Accompanied by the original envelope. VG. £150-200 Simeon Borisov Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1937- ) Son of Boris III of Bulgaria. Tsar Simeon II of Bulgaria 1943-46 as a minor. In 1946 the monarchy was overthrown and Simeon was forced into exile. He returned in 1996 and as leader of the nation, acted as Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria 2001-05.
NOOR OF JORDAN: (1951- ) Queen Consort of Jordan 1978-99, widow of King Hussein. T.L.S., in Arabic, with holograph salutation and subscription in French, one page, 4to, Amman, June 1999, to Alexandre, in French. Noor writes to her Paris hairdresser thanking him for his kind words `which were most helpful to me and my family in such sad times.´, adding `In his death as well as during his life, his humanity and message of peace has helped to bring people closer in our world..´. The Queen´s letter evidently refers to the death of her husband, King Hussein (1935-1999). VG. £80-100
ZAKREVSKY ARSENY: (1783-1865) Russian Statesman and Minister of the Interior 1828-31 under Nicholas I, & POTAPOV ALEKSEI (1772-1847) Russian General, Commander of Nicholas Pavlovich headquarters. A set of two very interesting and excellent content historical letters signed, the first being L.S., Aleksei Potapov, with a lengthy autograph postscript, three pages, 4to, Saint Petersburg, 1st December 1825, to Arseny Andreievich [Zakrevsky], in Cyrillic. The letter, on a black bordered mourning paper, is dated the day of the Emperor´s Alexander I death, and states `By the order of His Imperial Highness Grand Duke Nikolai Pavlovich the following information must be communicated to His Highness.Whatarrangements have been done about the administration of the oath of allegiance by the Troops of the Finnish Independent Corps under your command; Have Finnish Troops already sworn allegiance; and when are you planning to send the communication of this oath and of the other Troops of the Finnish Corps. His Highness wants it to be done as soon as possible, specially by the Finnish Troops under your command.´. Potapov further adds a postscriptum saying `His Highness wants the oath of allegiance to His Majesty Konstantin Pavlovitch to be done as soon as possible. I would immediately communicate it to his Highness.´ The letter is addressed to Zakrevsky in his capacity as Commander of the Finnish armies. Written in another hand to the upper part of the letter ` Received on December 3, 1825 at 11:30 a.m.´. The second letter being a L.S., Arseny Zakrevsky, six pages, 4to, n.p., 3rd December 1825, to Aleksei Nikolaevich [Potapov], in Cyrillic. Zakrevski starts saying `Answer to Potapov´s letter, received 1st December, directed to His Imperial Highness Grand Duke Nikolai Pavlovich.´ and refers to the news received `I have been informed about His Majesty Emperor´s Alexander Pavlovich death by the State Secretary of the Grand Duchy of Finland Count Rehbinder.´. Zakrevsky continues with a lengthy response explaining all steps performed with full detail and starts with a very interesting information saying `On 30th November, at 5 A.M, we received the Minister of War dispatch, dated 27th November….with the decree and form of the oath.´ and ` The same day I did communicate to the Troops of the Finnish Independent Corps the order about the oath of allegiance, and suggested to the Imperial Senate of Finland that the oath of allegiance to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Konstantin Pavlovich should be sworn in the Senate and all over Finland.´ Zakrevsky continues referring to all steps taken to get the oath of allegiance and ends with `A package under the number 3534 in the name of His Majesty Emperor Konstantin Pavlovich has been sent on December 1 together with my report number 3533 about the administration of oath of allegiance of the Senate of Finland and other Helsinki departments and officers, and about the command to fulfill this duty in the rest of Finland.´ An interesting reference to Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich when Zakrevsky ends his letter referring to him as “His Imperial Majesty Emperor Konstantin Pavlovich”. The two letters are tied together at the left edge with the original thin coloured ribbon. VG £800-1200 Alexander Pavlovich (1777-1825) Alexander I, Emperor of Russia 1801-25. Died 1st December 1825. Nicholas Pavlovich (1796-1855) Nicholas I, Emperor of Russia 1825-55. Konstantin Pavlovich (1779-1831) Second son of Emperor Paul I. He was the Tsesarevich of Russia throughout the reign of his elder brother Emperor Alexander I. The Grand Duke Konstantin had secretly renounced to the throne in 1823. This two interesting letters show how a day prior the Emperor´s death, his brother Nicholas presses Zakrevsky in order to get urgently the Finnish troops oath of allegiance to his elder brother Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich, the Tsesarevich, as he wasn´t aware of Konstantin renounce. For 25 days, from 1st to 26th December, he was known as His Imperial Majesty Konstantin I Emperor of all Russias. This succession controversy became the cause of the Decembrist Revolt.
FEODOROVNA ALEXANDRA: (1798-1860) Princess Charlotte of Prussia. Empress Consort of Russia 1825-55, wife of Emperor Nicholas I and mother of future Emperor Alexander II. A.L.S., A[lexandra], two pages, 12mo, n.p., n.d. [1825-6], to Countess Orloff-Tchesmensky, in French. The Empress writes to her correspondent on a black bordered mourning paper stating `Tell me dear Countess if you still feel indisposed, and if this has prevented you to pay tribute to our Angel in his tomb? You might know that I had the inexpressible joy of receiving communion in the same chapel where the coffin was….´ and further continues saying `I have prayed to God to hallow me against the sorrow of this poor world, and I like to believe that the Angel watches over me from high in heaven as he was doing on earth….´ and concludes with `..I would like to meet you again so much once all these sad days finish..´. An excellent content letter, written short after Tsar Alexander I death. With integral addressee leaf. Small corner paper loss to the last page due to the opening of the seal. VG £250-350 Alexander I (1777-1825) Emperor of Russia 1801-25. Alexander died 1st December 1825. He is the Angel the Empress Alexandra, wife of Alexander´s brother Nicholas, refers to
FEODOROVNA ALEXANDRA: (1798-1860) Princess Charlotte of Prussia. Empress Consort of Russia 1825-55, wife of Emperor Nicholas I and mother of future Emperor Alexander II. A.L.S., Alex, one page, small 8vo, n.p., n.d.[1831-32], to Countess Olga Orloff, in French. Alexandra sends a short message to her correspondent and states in full `It is going to be impossible for me to meet you today, don´t blame me for this, I will explain to you the reason tomorrow if you come to meet me at home at 8h1/2.´. With integral address leaf bearing a red wax seal with a good impression of the Princess´s initial A. With a small area of paper loss to the fourth corner page not affecting text or signature. VG £200-300
![[FEODOROVNA ALEXANDRA]: (1798-1860) Princess Charlotte of Prussia. Empress Consort of Russia 1825-55, wife of Emperor Nichola](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/0420788b-cb7c-49a3-ab49-a4fe01233117/3dad0374-d2b2-4551-e801-55afba6625ca/468x382.jpg)
[FEODOROVNA ALEXANDRA]: (1798-1860) Princess Charlotte of Prussia. Empress Consort of Russia 1825-55, wife of Emperor Nicholas I and mother of future Emperor Alexander II. Q.S., with monogramme [A?], one page, small 8vo, n.p., n.d., the document bearing a poem by Vasily Zhukovsky dedicated to Prince Orlov, in Cyrillic. The eighteen verses poem, carefully penned in another hand, reads in part `There lives a Count Orlov in the Russian Kingdom - He is kind, clever, good-looking and healthy; But the bad thing is that for a whole year - He has had a good time - In his white peak cap-……His Excellency Count Orlov - Has no money to buy a new one - But a charitable soul - Bought a new peak cup - And gave it to the Count..´ The poem ends with a kind of signature which is part of the poem and the rhyme `Name to be spoken´. With blank integral leaf. VG £250-350 Provenance: from the Orlov´s family archives. This poem was included in the archives together with letters received from Empress Alexandra Feodorovna and addressed to the Orlov family. Vasily Zhukovsky (1783-1852) Leading figure in the Russian literature. Credited with introducing the Romantic Movement into Russia. Zhukovsky became the personal tutor to Grand Duchess Alexandra Feodorovna, and later to her son Tsar Alexander II. Many of Zhukovsky's translations from German, including most of Goethe, were made as practical language exercises for Alexandra. The present poem belongs to Zukhovsky. The draft poem, unpublished in his lifetime, is dated 1837, and is dedicated to Count Alexander Feodorovich Orlov. Alexander Feodorovich Orlov (1787-1862) Prince Orlov, Major General and Commander of the Regiment of the Life Guards, he was one of the most important Russian Diplomats of his time, close to Tsar Nicholas I.
NESSELRODE KARL: (1780-1862) Russian Count and Diplomat. An interesting A.L.S., Nesselrode, two pages, 4to, St. Petersburg, 5th April 1819, to an unnamed foreign Diplomat, in French. An elegantly phrased and flattering letter by Nesselrode, Russian Foreign Minister at the time of this letter, announcing `Allow me that after congratulating you officially, I express the pleasure I feel reporting to you the benevolence of the Emperor.´, Nesselrode continues explaining all his efforts in order to get the Emperor´s decoration for his correspondent, and states `Since long ago I was feeling the need of reporting to Him about your merits, your zeal and loyalty. I have been quite lucky seizing the favorable opportunity this morning; a precious occasion giving me the proof of the good opinion His Majesty keeps of you.´ A good content letter reporting about the influence Nesselrode had on Emperor Alexander I. Some overall age wear. Left border with a small loss of paper and former mounting trace not affecting the text or signature. G £150-200 Alexander I: (1777-1825) Emperor of Russia 1801-25.
NESSELRODE KARL: (1780-1862) Russian Count and Diplomat. L.S., Nesselrode, one page, 4to, St. Petersburg, 4th October 1847, to Mr. Shepard, in French. Nesselrode responds to his correspondent´s letter sent from Berlin days ago and states `Responding to your wish of getting by the Imperial Government a privilege, allowing you to introduce your invention in Russia, I have to inform you that your request is not to be addressed to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and that if you wish to pursue with such process you will have to send it to the competent authorities´. With small blind embossed seal to the upper left corner. The letter has been neatly affixed to a larger leave. Some overall creasing, otherwise VG £100-150
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