MATISSE HENRI: (1869-1954) French Artist. Rare T.L.S., `H. Matisse´, one page, 4to, Nice, 22nd November 1949, to Monsieur Duchemin, in French. Matisse underlines in red pencil few words of his letter and adds a small amendment in blue ink, and states in part `I have not received any point of view at all from the tribunal regarding the Fabiani affair, nor any further information..´ further saying `I also inform you that I have not received the postcards parcel expected from Nomis House, and I would appreciate if you can help with this.´ Matisse further asks few more questions to his correspondent related to paintings, editors and two of his works. Folded, VG £800-1000 Fabiani was an art dealer, who was under famous gallerist Ambroise Vollard´s protection, and who was convicted at the end of WWII for having sold numerous paintings to the German.
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DESGENETTES RENÉ & COSTE JEAN-FRANÇOIS : René Nicolas Dufriche-Desgenettes (1762-1837) Baron Desgenettes. One of the most renowned French military doctors. Desgenettes was the chief doctor of the Grande Armée and was present in Egypt, Russia and Waterloo under Napoleon, later appointed chief doctor of Les Invalides, & Jean-François Coste (1741-1819) French military Doctor. Chief Doctor of the Grande Armée at Austerlitz and Iena. Rare L.S., `Desgenettes´, to an A.L.S., `Coste´, one page, 4to, Paris, 21st June 1809, in French. The document bears the printed heading of the General Inspectors of the Miltary Health Service, and is a certificate in the hand of Coste recommending the upgrade appointment of surgeon Lambert of the 1st Dragons regiment. Small tear to the left edge, otherwise G £200-300 Desgenettes took part in the Russian Campaign. He was taken prisioner at Vilnius in December 1812 during the retreat from Russia. Tsar Alexander I of Russia freed him when he was told of the care Desgenettes had taken of Russian soldiers and ordered his Cossack guard to escort the doctor to the French forward-lines at Magdeburg on 20th March 1813.
FRATELLINI BROTHERS: Italian-French famous circus family. An excellent and rare signed 9.5 x 11.5 photograph by the three brothers, Paul (1877-1940), François (1879-1951) and Albert (1886-1961). Individually signed in bold fountain pen blue ink (`Paolo Fratellini - François Fratellini - Albert Fratellini´) alongside their printed names at the base of the image. Very unusual in this size. Small overall age wear, otherwise VG £200-300
![[CLUNY ABBEY]: Benedictine monastery in Cluny, France, dedicated to St. Peter. Its earliest basilica was the largest church o](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/6e213d9a-c4f6-4d70-959a-a98400d83e70/edbf6462-15e5-467f-9ded-a98400e0c6ec/468x382.jpg)
[CLUNY ABBEY]: Benedictine monastery in Cluny, France, dedicated to St. Peter. Its earliest basilica was the largest church one in the world until the St. Peter´s construction began in Rome. Rare 14th century parchment with an extremely attractive large wax seal, one page, oblong large folio, Cesena, 1358, given by Audrouin de la Roche, to Archbishop Petrignano, in Latin. De la Roche was a Benedictine abbot, who was in Cluny from 1351 to 1361, and who would be created Cardinal in Avignon by Pope Innocent VI. At the time of the present document, De la Roche was acting in his capacity as Apostolic Legate and General Governor of the Papal States in Italy. The document is an “Officium Capitaneatus” appointing several members of a diocese. Rare Cluny Abbey seal attached at the base of the document, in fine condition, showing a bishop figure and latin text around. Very carefully and neatly written with attractive calligraphy, and in very fine condition. VG £1500-2000 In 1357 the Papal troops conquered the city of Cesena and in 1360 Abbot Audrouin participated in the Peace Treaty negotiations between France and England
CREVAUX JULES: (1847-1882) French Explorer, Doctor and former Soldier. Best known for his explorations of French Guiana and the Amazon. Crevaux and all his expedition members were clubbed to death by the Toba Indians tribe when exploring the upper course of the Pilcomayo river in Bolivia. Rare A.L.S., Jules Crevaux, two pages, 8vo, Lorquin, Alsace-Lorraine, 21st October 1881, to `Mon cher Maitre´, in French. Crevaux explains to his correspondent, describing himself as `your devoted student´, his expedition plan and what would end being his last travel exploration, and states in part `..travel from Rio de la Plata to the Amazon, ascending to Paraguay, then descending the almost unknown Tapajos..´ Crevaux explains that because summer is starting in South-America he intends to leave France before six weeks in order to `..enjoy and benefit of the good water to go up this grandiose river..´ Letters of Crevaux are rare after his early death at the age of 35. The present letter explains what was going to be his travel expedition plans, and ended with his assassination. A letter of very interesting content. VG £400-600
NORGAY TENZING: (1914-1986) Nepalese Indian Sherpa Mountaineer, the first man, with Edmund Hillary, to reach the summit of Mount Everest, 1953. An excellent signed 8 x 10 photograph by Tenzing Norgay, the image depicting the mountaineer standing in a three quarter length pose with a large rucksack on his back and an ice pick in his hand, as he prepares to navigate the mountain range which can be seen in the immediate background. Signed ('Tenzing') in blue fountain pen ink with his name alone to a clear area of the image. Signed photographs of Tenzing Norgay of this size and quality are rare and desirable. About EX £300 - 400 Sherpa Tenzing's place as one of the most famous mountain climbers in history was secured when he became one of the first two individuals known to reach the summit of Mount Everest (accomplished alongside Edmund Hillary) on 29th May 1953. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.
TOULOUSE-LAUTREC HENRI DE: (1864-1901) French Painter, Printmaker and Illustrator. Best remembered for his immersion in the colourful and theatrical life of Paris in the late 19th century, producing elegant and provocative images of the decadent affairs of those times. Very rare A.L.S., `Henri´, two pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to his mother, in French. Toulouse-Lautrec states `My dear Mum, I have just seen Georges who has to bring you back here. Please give the keys of my workshop to my friend Robin; who will act as depositary. Only him knows the deep secrets of my studio. Waiting for your visit, I kiss you.´ Written to the first and third page. The document bears an attractive Waverley watermark. VG £2000-3000 Adele Zoe Tapie de Celeyran (1841-1930) mother of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
LORRAINE CHARLES DE: (1684-1751) Grand Squire of France. Member of the House of Guise. He succeeded his father as the Count of Armagnac. Rare L.S., `The Pr[ince] Charles de Lorraine´, one page, 4to, Paris, 9th June 1751, in French. As Prince and General of the French King Louis XV, Charles de Lorraine authorizes `the payment of a bill of exchange of 3000 pounds.. issued in Marseille on 24th March as the initial payment for the purchase of Barb horses for the Grand stable of the King..´ With blank address leaf. Few extremely small pinholes, otherwise VG £150-200 The Barb horse, or Berber horse is a northern African breed with great hardiness. The Barb horses were very appreciated at that time for their fiery temperament.
SCOTT ROBERT FALCON: (1868-1912) British Antarctic Explorer. A very fine, rare vintage signed sepia 7 x 10 photograph, the photogravure image depicting Scott standing in a half length pose, c.1900. Photograph by J. Thomson of London and bearing his blind embossed Royal Warrant to the lower photographer's mount. Signed ('Con') by Scott with his family name in dark fountain pen ink to a light area of the image. Some light age wear and very minor mottling to the photographer's mount and very slightly irregularly trimmed to the left and right edges, about VG £1500-2000 'Scott of the Antarctic' led two expeditions to the Antarctic regions: The Discovery Expedition of 1901-04 and the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition of 1910-13. On the first expedition he set a new southern record and discovered the Polar Plateau on which the South Pole is located. During the second venture Scott led a party of five which reached the South Pole on 17th January 1912 after Roald Amundsen's Norwegian Expedition.On their return journey, Scott and his companions died from a combination of exhaustion, starvation and extreme cold. Following the news of his death Scott became a celebrated hero and national icon.
DORIA ANDREA: (1466-1560) Italian Condottiero. Genoese Admiral and the finest naval Commander of his era. He was the Perpetual Censor of Genoa. Rare L.S., `Andrea Doria´, one page, 4to, Genoa, 11th June 1553, to Ferrante Gonzaga, in Italian. Doria states in part `Since for my own nature I cannot deny my help to whoever asks for it, I cannot deny it, especially to those who are connected to me as relatives, as it is the case of Messer Federico Spinola, master of Casale Mosetta in Dartonese. Therefore, I have to do it, and am forced to beg Your Excellency to be agreeable, on account of your kindness and recommend with my affection, to order that, regarding taxation, the property of my relative…´ further saying `If your Kindness accord this favour to Messer Federico, it will be as if you did it to me..´ In 1553, year of the present letter, and until 1555, Doria returned to the seas in response to the seizure of Corsica by the French. With blank address leaf. Bearing a paper seal affixed to the address leaf. Folded. Very small overall minor age wear with few very small stains to the upper edge. G £2000-3000 Doria was in his youth a soldier of fortune. He then served in the Papal guard and under various Italian Princes. Doria would later join the French army and served under Francis I, relieving Marseille in 1524. But unhappy with the defaults of the King of the French, who did not keep his promises with Genoa he decided to serve the Emperor Charles V. Doria re-established the Republic of Genoa expelling the French. He leaded his navy army fighting until 1555 at the age of 89. Doria died five days before his 94th birthday. Ferrante Gonzaga (1507-1557) Italian Condottiero. Commander in chief of the Imperial Italian army and Viceroy of Italy 1535-46.
EMPRESS AUGUSTA VICTORIA: (1858-1921) Augusta Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein. Last German Empress 1888-1918 and Queen of Prussia as wife of German Emperor, Wilhelm II. Rare and very attractive colourful D.S., `Augusta Victoria´, a good and large bold signature example, one page, 9.5 x 12.5 card, Neues Palais, Postdam, 5th November 1901, to Maria Augusta Gevinig, in German. The partially printed document, bearing a crowned cross with the Empire banners, being the golden cross award given by the Empress in recognition for fourty years service. Small remnants of former affixing to the verso. VG £200-300
LARREY DOMINIQUE JEAN: (1766-1842) French Surgeon of Napoleon´s Grande Armée. Larrey was the Emperor´s favourite surgeon, an innovator in the battlefield medicine and widely considered one of the first modern military surgeons. Rare and extremely interesting lengthy A.L.S., `D.J. Larrey´, four pages, 8vo, Dresden, 7th July 1813, to his wife, in French. Larrey first reports on his recent conversation with the Emperor stating in part `I was waiting for the right moment to talk to H[is] M[ajesty] about this friend and for this reason I was keeping all the time the paper in my pocket. That morning at dawn…the Emperor asked me few graceful questions regarding my wounded soldiers with mutilated fingers, and I responded to all of them. Then he told me “Seems like you have had a great success as I have been told that they were all recovering”, Yes Sir, we have only lost a very small number. “That is good, I am satisfied”. Because Your Majesty is satisfied with my behaviour, would you allow me to ask for a favour? “Yes, What do you want?”..´ Larrey reports the full sentences exchanged with the Emperor, who finally had to refuse to Larrey´s request, further saying `..everybody was astonished, and were commenting the great influence I was having on the Emperor, because he gave to me many details and explanations regarding my request and the reasons for denying it..´ Larrey refers to the difficulty in finding the right moment and having the opportunity to talk to the Emperor, also saying `..in case the Emperor doesn´t change his mind, your sister and family should be happy as they have fortune, while we do not have a sol. I will not complain. I will have so many good souvenirs of my medical career, that as long as you have enough to live when I will die, that my soul will leave satisfied.´ Further on Larrey says `..Everything makes me fear a new war… I hope I will be able to see you before the 19th of November, because if I had to do another winter campaign I would for sure die. I hardly can warm up now.´ Before concluding Larrey refers to the news received from his friend Pelletan who is still at Wilna. A letter of very interesting content. Provenance, Crawford collection. Very small overall, minor age wear. VG £2000-3000 Marie Elisabeth Laville-Leroux (1770-1842) French Painter and wife of Larrey. She was pupil of David, and used to sign her paintings “Larrey” when accompanying her husband during Napoleon´s campaigns. Larrey was right when he writes “Everything makes me fear a new war”. Only a month later, 11th August, Austria would put an end to the armistice, and few weeks later took place the last major victory of Napoleon at the battle of Dresden. Philippe Jean Pelletan (1747-1829) French Surgeon. One of Napoleon´s consultant-surgeon from 1804. Pelletan was present at the crime scene of Marat and signed the minutes on the death certificate and was also responsible of the controversial autopsy of the 10 years older Louis XVII, younger son of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, both executed. It has been reported that during the autopsy, Pelletan was shocked to see the countless scars which covered the body of Louis XVII as a result of the physical abuse the child suffered while imprisoned in the Temple. Napoleon would say about Larrey `If the army ever erects a monument to express its gratitude, it should do so in honour of Larrey.´ At Waterloo in 1815 his bravery under fire was noticed by the Duke of Wellington who saluted his courage and ordered not to fire in his direction so as to "give the brave man time to gather up the wounded". When the battle was lost, Larrey was taken prisoner by the Prussians when he was trying to escape. They were about to execute him on the spot but was recognized by one of the German surgeons because he had saved the life of Blucher´s son when he was wounded and taken prisoner by the French. He was pardoned, invited as a guest to Blucher's dinner table and authorized to go back to France with money and proper clothes.
ROSSINI GIOACHINO: (1792-1868) Italian Composer. Rare A.M.Q.S., Gioachino Rossini, one page, oblong folio manuscript paper, Florence, 3rd June 1853. In bold dark fountain pen ink, Rossini has neatly penned a quotation for piano forte comprising ten bars of music across two staves, with small annotations, which he identifies as A[ndanti]no. Signed and dated by the composer immediately beneath the quotation. The document bears a watermark. Some light creasing and minor overall age wear, VG £3000-4000
ELISABETH OF AUSTRIA: (1837-1898) Empress of Austria, Queen of Hungary and Queen Consort of Croatia and Bohemia 1854-98, spouse of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Assassinated. A rare, attractive signed greetings card, the stiff oblong folding 12mo card (now neatly split into two halves at the central vertical fold) featuring a decorative colour floral design to the front cover and a printed caption ('Besten Gluckwunsch') in German to the inside, signed ('Elisabeth') by the Empress to the verso and with a five line greeting in her hand, in German, in full, 'May the lucky wings fulfil their mission and bring a wholehearted wish to you, from your faithful old friend'. VG £2000 - 3000 Elisabeth of Bavaria (also affectionately known as 'Sisi') was, at 44 years, the longest serving Empress-Consort of Austria and had married her husband, Franz Joseph I, at the age of sixteen. Elisabeth was ill-prepared for the formal Habsburg court life and early in her marriage she was at odds with her mother-in-law, Princess Sophie, who took over the rearing of Elisabeth's daughters. The birth of a male heir, Rudolf, improved her standing at court considerably. However, the death of Rudolf and his mistress in a murder-suicide tragedy at his hunting lodge in Mayerling in 1889 had a huge impact on Elisabeth from which she never fully recovered. She withdrew from court duties and travelled extensively, unaccompanied by her family. Unusually tall, particularly beautiful and with long, flowing hair, Elisabeth became obsessively concerned with maintaining her youthful figure and beauty, spending two or three hours each day on her coiffure. While travelling in Geneva in 1898 she was stabbed to death by an Italian anarchist.
GRUNERT PAUL FERDINAND: (1861-1936) Imperial German cavalry Officer. Grunert served as Quartermaster and top communications officer under General von Hindenburg, a key role during the 1914 remarkable German victory at the battle of Tannenberg. A rare and extremely interesting A.L.S., `Grunert´, four pages, folio, Lenozyca, 28th November 1914, to Erich Ludendorff, in German. A lengthy historical military document, being the report sent by Grunert to Ludendorff, stating in part `Now we just wait for the arrival of the new recruited reinforcements to start the attack again with all our strengths. We plan to put the focus on the left flank which is not blocked by the enemy right now - to move together under extensive protection of Warsaw….. I believe we can hold our previous position against the huge numbers of Russian troops……..we want to do this only in the worst case, no to force our troops to build new fortifications in the now hard ground, and not to induce the Russians to announce quick reports of victory. Tactically it wouldn't be unfavourable to take a step back because we shorten our frontline and won't unprotect the left flank for the advance move displayed, a flank too close to Warsaw.´ Further giving full detail on regiments positions and saying `Hereby it is to be consider that these companies began the invasion in Poland only with 70-80 rifles. The squadrons of the Kav. divisions contain about 70 horses; the II. Army Corps arrived here with 10000 rifles and there they were reinforced with about 4000 reserve troops… The message you received concerning the capturing of two Russian generals is correct..´ and before concluding `Our mood, both in the headquarter and in the companies and divisions, is absolutely confident. We strongly believe in victory. Only one thing worries me, and this is the totally insufficient supply of artillery ammunition. If you could help to get us a considerable supply, that would be very important. Without enough preparation by artillery bombardement, the attack to the strong trenches, partially built on different levels, is merely the murder of our infantry.´ A letter of excellent content. Folded. VG £1000-1500 Erich Ludendorff (1865-1937) German General, the victor of the battles of Liege and Tannenberg. Along with Paul von Hindenburg, the leaders of the German forces during World War I. At the time of the present letter, at the outbreak of World War I, Ludendorff had been appointed Deputy Chief of Staff to the German Second Army. On November 27th 1914, only a day before the present letter was written, German commander Paul von Hindenburg issues a triumphant proclamation from the battlefields of the Eastern Front, celebrating his army's campaign against Russian forces in the Polish city of Warsaw. On November 1st 1914, Hindenburg had been appointed commander in chief of all German troops on the Eastern Front; his chief of staff was Erich Ludendorff.
QUEEN: Rare signed album record sleeve for The Game (1980) by all four members of the English Rock band. Individually signed by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon. Signed by each alongside their photographs, with their names alone in bold black ink to the colour front page. VG £1500-2000
GUYNEMER GEORGES: (1894-1917) French Aviator and national Hero. A fighter ace with 54 victories during World War I. Guynemer was confirmed missed in action at the very early age of 22. An extremely rare signed 7 x 5 photograph by Guynemer, the image showing the ace fighter standing, wearing his uniform in a full length pose, alongside his well-known Vieux Charles ("Old Charles") aircraft, a 180 CV Hispano-Suiza engine. Signed `G.Guynemer´, in bold black ink to the clear upper left corner of the image, and is dated 1st December 1916 in his hand. VG £800-1200 Provenance from the personal collection of Louis Massuger, the Hispano-Suiza aircraft engineer. The aircraft "Vieux Charles" is at today´s date exposed at the Aviation Museum in Bourget.
BREL JACQUES: (1929-1978) Belgian Singer & Songwriter. Rare vintage signed 6 x 9.5 programme, `Brel´, to the front cover, beneath a portrait photograph of a young Brel smoking a cigarette, dated 2nd Mai 1959. The four pages programme correspond to the performance given at the Concert au Cinema de Variété in Brussels. Signed with his name alone in bold blue ink to a clear area of the image. Autograph obtained in person. Autographs of Brel dated in the 50´s are scarce and desirable. Small overall, minor age wear and staining, G £200-300
FLAUBERT GUSTAVE: (1821-1880) French Novelist. Widely considered the leading exponent of the literary realism. Best-known for his debut novel Madame Bovary (1857). An excellent and rare autograph manuscript by Flaubert, two pages, folio, n.p., n.d., entitled Loi Salique ("Salic Law"), in French. A lengthy handwritten text by Flaubert, related to the spirit of the Salic Law, commented by Montesquieu, about its Germanic origin, stating in part `Two texts about the Salic Law, both of them in Latin but the second being full of German words mixed with Latin.. It is a matter of defining which one is the most ancient text..´ further saying `The Salic Law is not a standard code of laws but a simple enumeration of judicial customs… the criminal law holds the main important place.. We can feel at every moment the passage from one society to another, since the tenth century the customs succeed them..´ A curious and interesting lengthy document y Flaubert. Folded. With right edge slightly trimmed, otherwise G £2000-3000 The Salic Law was the ancient Salian Frankish civil law code compiled by first Frankish King Clovis AD 500. The written text is in Latin. It remained the basis of Frankish law throughout the Medieval, and influenced future European legal systems.
ESPAGNE JEAN LOUIS BRIGITTE : (1769-1809) French cavalry General, killed in the Essling battle at the early age of 30. Rare L.S., `Jean Espagne´, one page, 4to, Meuse, 14th January 1798, to the Minister of war, in French. The partially printed letter bears the Cavalry army of Mayence printed heading and states in part `..report on the wounds suffered by Brigadier Helmann, 4th Cavalry regiment, in different combats, which precludes him..´ VG £80-100
STALIN JOSEPH: (1878-1953) Soviet Dictator. Leader of the Soviet Union as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party 1922-52. Rare A.N.S., `J. Stalin´, one page, 8vo, Moscow, 9th March 1930, in Cyrillic. The document bears the printed heading “Office Memorandum - Assistant Commander of the Artillery Regiment of the Moscow Proletarian Rifle Division”. Rare autograph note by Stalin, `I don´t need this document. Let it remain in the archive of the October Revolution.´ Boldly written response by Stalin in blue pencil, beneath the red ink written text stating `I hereby confirm that comrade Voronin served with me in the artillery battalion of the 58th rifle division in 1921´. Very small creasing to the borders, otherwise G £8000-12000
BETANCES RAMON: (1827-1898) Puerto Rican Nationalist, Writer and medical Surgeon. Considered the father of the Puerto Rican independence movement. Also known as "The Father of the Poor". Rare and very interesting A.L.S., `Betances´, twice, the second beneath a post-scriptum with his initials, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 9th October 1896, to Tomas Estrada Palma, future first President of Cuba, on his printed stationery, with a large printed coat of arms to the heading, in Spanish. Betances refers to a diplomatic agreement which was being negotiated by Spanish envoys regarding the independence of Cuba. Betances states in part `..It is a matter of self-esteem for Spain, they would like to keep their flag alongside the Cuban one… All the Spanish forces would leave Cuba, and Cuba would have to continue paying a tribute as a proof of the Spanish sovereignty.´ further expressing his thoughts `I think that in one, two or three years, Spain will settle a rectification of the treaty, retrieving the flag and replacing the tribute by a compensation. Ultimately it is just a matter of words.´ A letter of extremely interesting content. Very small area of paper loss to the upper edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £400-600
LOUIS XVI: (1754-1793) King of France and Navarre 1774-1791, King of the French 1791-92. The only King of France to have been executed. Rare D.S., Louis, a good signature example, twelve pages, large folio, Versailles, 27th December 1788, in French. The hand written document being a detailed report of the tax receipt incomes and expenses related to 1785. Carefully and cleanly written and presented, divided by area locations, such as Armagnac, Lomagne, etc… and giving exact detail of the Royal Treasury funds. Bearing four countersignatures at the base by Charles de Paule de Barentin (1738-1819) seals Keeper of the Kingdom, Henri Lefèvre d´Ormesson (1751-1808) French Statesman, Antoine Jean-Baptiste Auget de Montyon (1733-1820) French Economist and Philanthropist and Claude Guillaume Lambert (1726-1794) French Magistrate and Minister. Guillotined. The present document is signed only six months before the French Revolution started. VG £800-1200
TROTSKY LEON: (1879-1940) Russian Marxist Revolutionary. Founder and first Leader of the Red Army. Rare 4 x 6 signed photograph, `Leo Trotsky´, the image showing Trotsky outdoors, in a profile half-length pose. Signed in bold blue ink to the verso, and dated 12th June 1938. Inscribed `To my “General Editor” M. Schachtmann´ VG £1200-1500
![[HENRY IV]: (1553-1610) King of France. CHARLES DU PLESSIS, Sieur de Liancourt (1551-1620), Counsellor and Squire of King Hen](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/6e213d9a-c4f6-4d70-959a-a98400d83e70/ebe675a5-aab6-4ad5-ada2-a98400e0cf7e/468x382.jpg)
[HENRY IV]: (1553-1610) King of France. CHARLES DU PLESSIS, Sieur de Liancourt (1551-1620), Counsellor and Squire of King Henri IV. Rare L.S., `Ch. Du Plesseys´, one page, vellum, 4to, [Paris], 21st February 1610, in French. The letter being a signed receipt by Du Plessis, acknowledging the payment of his salaries, the receipt states `Received from Charles Frayol, Counselor of the King and House Treasurer, the amount of 3500 sterling, ordered to us by His Majesty ..of our estate, as first squire during the year 1609..´ Bearing to the verso a contemporary three lines annotation. Two extremely small holes not affecting the text or signature, small creasing to the borders with edges slightly irregularly trimmed, otherwise G £200-300 Less than three months after the present letter was signed, Charles du Plessis was accompanying the King of France Henri IV, in his carriage, on 14th May 1610, when the coach was blocked by several carts and Ravaillac climbed on and with a knife stabbed the King to death. Du Plessis, alongside Henri IV was witness of the regicide.
MCCUDDEN JAMES: (1895-1918) English Fighter Ace of World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his flying services over France, August 1917 - March 1918. Extremely rare D.S., `J. B. McCudden´, one page, folio, France, 24th January 1918. The partially printed typed document is a typed letter report relating to Combats in the Air prepared by McCudden following his action in a S.E.5. Aircraft in the Vitry area, stating, in part, `..At 1,55 saw a D.F.W. being shelled over Monchy-le-Prieux by our A.A. I fired 200 rounds at E.A. at ranges varying from 30 to 200 yards. I now saw E.A. gunner leaning into pilot´s cockpit, apparently taking control….' further saying `I fired another burst into E.A., who then went down out of control, alternately diving and stalling until it got to about 4000 feet over Vitry, when E.A. spun and I last saw him at about 2000 still spinning..visibility very poor´ An excellent signed document relating directly to McCudden's 43rd Aerial Victory (from a total of 57 confirmed Victories). Countersigned by Major commanding Squadron 56 of the Royal Flying Corps. VG £600-900
FARMER MYLENE: (1961- ) Canadian-born French Singer and Songwriter. Farmer holds the record with eighteen number one hits in the French carts. Rare signed colour 8 x 10 photograph, the image depicting Farmer standing, in a topless half length pose. Signed in bold black ink to a clear area of the image. EX £150-200
PARMENTIER ANTOINE AUGUSTIN: (1737-1813) French Agronomist well remembered for promoting the potato as a food source in France and Europe. Among his many other contributions to nutrition and health are the mandatory smallpox vaccination campaign under Napoleon. He also studied methods of conserving food, including refrigeration. Rare L.S., `Parmentier´, two pages, 4to, Paris, 30th July 1795, in French. The document is also signed by Nicolas Saucerotte (1741-1841) Surgeon of the King of Poland, and François Vergez fils (1769-1831) Army Chief Surgeon. The document bears an attractive small vignette. The three members of the Health Council respond to a request `..according to citizen Vernet´s opinion, chief surgeon of the Coast of Cherbourg army..´ Countersigned by Grosfier, Le Peux and Rufin. Overall creasing, otherwise G £200-300
CATHERINE II: (1729-1796) Empress of Russia 1762-96, known as Catherine the Great. Very rare A.L., in the hand of the Empress and unusually written in German, one page, 4to, Kiev, 14th April, 1787, to Princess von Lieven. The Empress states how happy she is that the children have not been infected with measles, and recommends that they are taken to countryside, far from town, contaminated with measles and pox. With blank address leaf, bearing a red wax seal in fine condition. One very small hole not affecting the text or signature. Very small area of paper loss to the address leaf as a result of the letter opening and very small overall minor age wear, otherwise G £4000-6000 Charlotte von Lieven (1748-1828) Born Charlotte von Graugeben. Russian Princess and Imperial Governess. Appointed with the task of educating few of Emperor´s Paul I children, and Catherine´s II grandchildren, including Tsar Nicholas I.
GOEBBELS JOSEPH: (1897-1945) German Politician, Reich Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany 1933-45. Rare vintage signed and inscribed sepia 11.5 x 15.5 photograph, unusual in this size, the image depicting Goebbels in a profile head and shoulders pose. Signed ('Dr. Goebbels') in dark fountain pen ink at the base of the image, with a three line inscription in German, the Nazi salute ('Heil Hitler') and date, 18th October 1935, in his hand. Partially written across a darker area of the image although legible. Signed photographs of Goebbels of this size and quality are extremely rare. VG £1000-1500
DELACROIX EUGENE: (1798-1863) French Painter. Regarded as the leader of the French Romantic school, he is also considered one of the last old Masters of painting, and one of the few who was ever photographed. Rare A.L.S., `Eug Delacroix´, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., the 27th, to an unidentified correspondent, in French. Delacroix states in part `I send you back the British magazines that you kindly lent me, and I am ashamed that I kept them for so long. They were of a great help during my convalescence..´ With blank integral leaf. Extremely small foxing stains, folded. G £500-800 Charles Baudelaire wrote about the Delacroix `Delacroix was passionately in love with passion, but coldly determined to express passion as clearly as possible´.
BLUCHER GEBHARD VON: (1742-1819) Prince von Wahlstatt. Prussian field Marshal. Von Blucher leaded the Prussian army against Napoleon At the battles of Leipzig and Waterloo playing a decisive role in the allied victory. He is the highest-decrated Prussian soldier in history. Rare L.S., `G. Blucher´, one page, 4to, Berlin, 19th October 1814, in German. Blucher states in part `I have seen throughout the Prussian provinces so much misery and suffering as a result of the last war, that the most effective and greatest help is needed everywhere….Whole areas are devastated, everywhere widows and orphans of fallen soldiers are calling out for help…´ further saying `I write to you with the request that, when distributing the £100.000 allocated by the English Parliament for the German war victims, you particularly provide well for victims of all kinds in all areas of the Prussian State.´ A letter of very good content. The letter has been lightly affixed to the corners to a larger sheet. G £1000-1500
JOHN II OF ARAGON: (1398-1479) Known as The Great. King of Navarre, Aragon and Sicily. A good and rare L.S., with large medieval signature, four pages, folio, Barcelona, 24th March 1455, in Latin. At the time of the present letter John II is King of Navarre through his wife, and would become King of Aragon three years later when his brother King Alfonso V died in 1458. John II, in his capacity as Governor and Lieutenant of his brother the King, instructs the Xativa justice department to declare null the decisions taken regarding Mr. Sallent and the death of a moor, and recommends that in future they do not interfere and disturb Mr. Sallent. Unusual attractive document. Overall age wear, moreover to the edges, otherwise G £400-600 Alfonso V of Aragon (1396-1458) also known as the Magnanimous. King of Aragon, Sicily and Naples. Count of Barcelona. A prominent early figure of the Renaissance.
PHILIP II: (1527-1598) King of Spain 1556-98. During his marriage to Queen Mary I of England, he was King of England and Ireland 1554-58. Rare L.S., `Yo El Rey´, one page, folio, Madrid, July 1572, to Captain Gil Hernandez de Sotomayor, in old Spanish. The King sends specific instructions regarding the number of soldiers he has to regroup, how much they will be paid, `You will take three hundred men, and lead them until they embark, including ensigns, sergeants, arquebusiers,…you will pay them…all officers and soldiers of the company together with good people of the Mancha territories to San Juan..´ Countersigned by Juan Delgado. A large water stain affecting a large part of the document and text, although remaining legible, but not affecting the signature. Centre tears largely repaired to the verso. Many tears to the irregular edges and small area of paper loss to the left bottom corner. P £250-350
LUCAN LORD: (1934-????) Richard John Bingham, 7th Earl of Lucan. British Peer and suspected murderer, disappeared without trace in November 1974. Rare T.L.S., Lucan, one page, 8vo, Lower Belgrave Street, London, 21st August 1968, to Richard Wingert. Lucan thanks his correspondent for their letter and continues 'I am afraid I cannot help you over Colonel Robert Tracy', explaining 'My family's connection with Patrick Sarsfield is extremely remote; Sarsfield's elder brother William had a grand-daughter, Anne Vesey, who married Sir John Bingham, 5th Baronet, who died in 1749. Sir John's second son, the 7th Baronet, was created Earl of Lucan in 1795'. With a brief annotation and date in the hand of Wingert at the head of the page. About EX £500-800
VOLTAIRE: (1694-1778) French Enlightenment Writer and Philosopher. Voltaire is a pseudonym, his name being François-Marie Arouet. Voltaire is known for his attacks on Catholic Church, and his advocacy of freedom of religion and expression, and separation of church and state. Rare L.S., `Voltaire´, two pages, 4to, Colmar, 12th April 1754, to `Reverend Father´, priest of Menoux, in French. Voltaire, quite concerned, states `All this affair, my dear and reverend Father, is a troublesome to me as it as to you. Not only the city of Paris, but the whole Europe has been flooded with letters allegedly written by us. It is very clear, and I say so to you confidentially, that the Jesuit whom I complained about to you, privately, and I would even say in mild terms, did not show your discretion, nor your wisdom and goodness. He should be blamed for being the cause of a very unpleasant scandal. You wouldn't believe how many anonymous letters, how many memoranda I've received on this subject. I burned all the letters, I do not respond to those who write to me anything else that the letters are fakes, and that I respect you and your friendship..´ Voltaire further refers to his own day by day situation saying ` I am cloistered dedicated to the care that my illnesses require, in my loneliness, and in my work which is my release…´, and before concluding states `Your conversation and friendship would for sure make me feel better than all the mineral waters medical treatments of the world. I will bring for you the annals of the Empire, although I fear that this work is quite empty and far from the eloquence you used to describe the way to write about History.´ Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G £2000-3000
JOHN I, DUKE OF BOURBON: (1380-1434) John I supported the Orleans against the Bourgogne, defended Bourges, but was captured at the battle of Azincourt and died imprisoned in London in spite of promising to support Henry VI King of England. Rare manuscript letter, one page, oblong 8vo, parchment, Menestou-sur-Cher (close to Bourges), 7th June 1412, in old French. The manuscript letter, written on behalf of John I states in part `We, Jehan Duc de Bourbonnais…acknowledge having received a sum.. from Pierre Remer, General Treasurer of my very dear cousin the Duke of Orleans..´, further saying `..to cover the expenses had on missions, to pay the troops to accompany our dear cousin the Count of Vertus.. until the Saone river..´ Edges irregularly trimmed. G £1000-1500 An excellent historic document referring to the disputes between the Duke of Orleans, Charles “The Poet”, father of King Louis XII, and the Duke of Bourgogne, while King Charles VI was besieging Bourges where was the Duke of Berry, allied of the Armagnac. Richard of Bretagne (1395-1438) Count of Vertus. Richard Capet-Dreux-Montfort D´Etampes, Count of Etampes and of Mantes. He married Marguerite of Orleans. His notable ancestors include Henry II of England, William I of England and Charlemagne.
MERLIN DE DOUAI: (1754-1838) Philippe-Antoine Merlin de Douai. French Politician and Lawyer. President of the National Convention and member of the committee of Public Safety. He voted for the execution of King Louis XVI, & GILLET PIERRE-MATHURIN (1762-1795) French Politician. Deputy to the National Convention. Gillet, one of the younger deputies to the National Convention died at the very early age of 33. Rare A.L.S., `Douai´, and `Gillet´, one page, 4to, Lorient, 6th June 1793, to Morard de Galles, Commandant of the Squadron of the republic, in French. The autograph letter in the hand of Douai states in part `Regarding the information we forwarded to you.. what is more important for the safety of the Republic, we trust your talent and patriotism..´ Page with watermark. VG £200-300 Justin Bonaventure Morard de Galles (1741-1809) French Admiral.
![[RED BARON]: An excellent and rare signed colour drawing by Lieutenant Captain Leigh Simpson, Pilot of the 3rd Squadron of th](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/6e213d9a-c4f6-4d70-959a-a98400d83e70/abc3dae2-4bf5-48f3-96fd-a98400e02e99/468x382.jpg)
[RED BARON]: An excellent and rare signed colour drawing by Lieutenant Captain Leigh Simpson, Pilot of the 3rd Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps during WWI. Awarded for bravery under fire with a Distinguished Flying Cross. The colour drawing shows an AR8 airplane firing the back of the Red Baron Fokker airplane. Signed by Simpson in pencil, adding `The End of the Red Baron´, also dated France 1918 in his hand. The page has been removed from an exceptional catalogued WWI aviation autograph album, and has been neatly affixed to a larger page. Folded. VG £600-900 On 21st April 1918 Manfred von Richthofen (1892-1918), the mythical Red Baron, considered the ace of aces fighter pilot, credited with 80 air combat victories, was shot down over Vaux-sur-Somme in France. Although there is still a debate regarding the circumstances of his death, it was the 3rd Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps, controlling the sector, the one that had few of their airplanes engaged that morning in flying fights against the German Fokker triplanes commanded by the Red Baron. Captain Leigh Simpson together with Banks were one of these Canadian pilots that morning who were attacked by the Jasta 11 squadron leaded by the Red Baron few minutes after 10h30.
SALGARI EMILIO: (1862-1911) Italian Writer of adventure swashbucklers. A pioneer of science fiction, he is considered the father of Italian adventure fiction. His work was widely read in Italy and his most popular novels have been adapted as comics, animated series and films. Rare D.S., Emilio Salgari, one page, folio, Genoa, 4th May 1901, in Italian. The cleanly hand-written letter being a contract between Antonio Donath, editor, and Emilio Salgari, the last granting the exclusivity for the publication in Italy of his novel La Capitana del Yucatan, an adventure work set during time of war and revolution. The contract states `Signor Donath has pait to Signor Emilio Salgari the total amount of 666,70 lire..´ Signed by Salgari in blue fountain pen ink, and by Antonio Donath at the base of the document. Together with D.S., Antonio Donath, one page, folio, Genoa, 30th March 1908, being the official registration of the contract for La Capitana del Yucatan of Salgari to the Italian Ministry. With printed typed registration and ink stamp of the Genoa Prefecture. Also included D.S., two pages, 4to, Genoa, 2nd September 1908, being the Genoa Prefecture partially printed document for the La Capitana del Yucatan copyrights. The three documents with blank integral leaf. EX £600-900
POIRET PAUL: (1879-1944) French Fashion Designer. Founder of his namesake “Haute Couture” and widely considered the master Couturier of the first half of the 20th century. A rare signed and inscribed 9.5 x 11.5 sepia photograph by Poiret, the slightly dark image depicting the French fashion designer seated in a formal three quarter length pose. Signed to the large white lower border mount, in bold blue pencil, stating in French `To my best collaborator during these two days of triumph, Vienna, 1st December 1923´. Bearing to the left lower border a printed stamp of the photographer “Residenz-Atelier” of Vienna. The photograph has been lightly affixed to the mount. With mount corners damaged, one of them repaired to the verso, not affecting the photograph, inscription or signature. F to G £300-400
SCHLIEMANN HEINRICH: (1822-1890) German Archaeologist. A Pioneer in the study of Bronze Age. Schliemann supported the idea that Homer´s Iliad and Virgil´s Aeneid reflect true historical events. Rare A.L.S., `H. Schliemann´, one page, folio, St. Petersburg, 5th January 1856, to F.C Quien, in German. The letter bears to the upper left corner a blind embossed stationery seal "Henry Schliemann - St. Petersburg", and relates to the purchase of `72 and 51 Java Indigo crates´, their prices, delivery, etc... At that time Schliemann, through fortunate commercial undertakings, laid the foundation stone for his fortune which later enabled him to excavate in Greece and Asia Minor. With blank address leaf, bearing to the verso few post ink stamps from St. Petersburg, and Amsterdam. Folded, with edges partially trimmed, and corner creases. G £800-1000
STALIN JOSEPH: (1878-1953) Soviet Dictator. Leader of the Soviet Union as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party 1922-52. Rare and unusual A.N., `Drawing by Setanka the Housekeeper´, in Cyrillic, one page, 5.5 x 3,8 page removed from a notebook. The document being a colourful drawing, in the hand of Stalin´s daughter Svetlana Iosifovna, showing a ship with its name in red letters `Aurora´, beneath a childish written text at the heading, in capital red letters, stating `Aurora! Aurora, Hurry to Storm the Winter Palace!´, in Cyrillic. Rare autograph note by Stalin, boldly written in pencil, to the lower border of the document, underlining the last two words. The page shows a wheel and wing watermark. With few extremely small pinholes, and a very small professional repair to the verso, otherwise, G £4000-6000 Svetlana Iosifovna Stalina (1926-2011), also known as Svetlana Iosifovna Alliluyeva, and later known as Lana Peters. Youngest child and only daughter of Stalin and his second wife Nadezhda Alliluyeva. It has often been reported that she was one of the very few persons Stalin deeply loved. Winston Churchill recalled her as `A handsome red-haired girl, who kissed her father dutifully..´ Svetlana was raised by a nanny when her mother committed suicide when she was only six. She did not learn the real cause of her mother´s death until she was fifteen. According to Svetlana´s memoir "Twenty Letters to a Friend" (1967), Stalin used to affectionately call her "Setanka the Housekeeper" as annotated on the present document. Svetlana defected in 1967 and became a U.S citizen. She only returned to the Soviet Union in 1984, and in 1992 became British citizen. Aurora was a 1900 Russian cruiser. It was considered a symbol of the 1917 Revolution for firing the shot to signal the revolutionaries to storm the Winter Palace. The Aurora is currently preserved as a museum ship in Saint Petersburg.
ELUARD PAUL: (1895-1952) French Poet, widely considered one of the founders of the surrealist movement. Very rare signed and inscribed 4.5 x 7 photograph, the silver print image showing the French writer in a head and shoulders pose. Signed and inscribed to `Comrade´ Annie de Coheix in dark ink to a partially clear area of the image. VG £300-400 Annie de Coheix, French author, member of the French Communist party.
POMARE IV: (1813-1877) Queen of Tahiti 1827-77. Also known as “Aimata” (The “eye-eater” after an ancestral custom of the Tahiti ruler to eat the eye of his defeated enemy). Rare A.L.S., `Pomare´, two pages, 8vo, Papava, 13th October 1855, to Adamu, representative of the Papeete chief, in Tahitian. Pomare refers to claim received and states in part `..Monsieur Tapaohia came to file a claim against a young man who would have been accused of stealing money to a man with a big belly..´, further saying `His father would like to send part of the money, but the young man will still be judged in order to make him understand.. There is nothing else I can do..´ Pomare adds before signing `The Mother Queen of the society islands´. With blank address leaf, a small hole to the blank leaf and remnants of a former seal, none affecting the text or signature. VG £300-400
BRANCUSI CONSTANTIN: (1876-1957) Romanian Sculptor whose art emphasizes clean geometrical lines that balance forms. Often referred to as the Patriarch of modern sculpture. Very rare A.L.S., `Brancusi´, one page, to the verso of a postcard, [Marseille], n.d., to Marinitza, in French. Brancusi writes to his correspondent, in poor French, stating in part `..since this morning I travel up to the Pyrenees in an electric train…I write this letter to you laying on the grass…close to the cows in front of the train station, waiting for the one which will take me to Pau.´ further concluding `This country is really poor..´ To the front, the postcard shows an image of the Marseille coasts. Folded, otherwise G £2000-3000
BONNIER D´ALCO ANTOINE: (1750-1799) French Diplomat and member of the National Convention. Bonnier d´Alco voted in favour of the execution of King Louis XVI. Rare A.L.S., `Bonnier´, two pages, Rastadt, 15th March 1799, to his friend Jean François Curée de l´Herault, member of the Council of 500, in French. A lengthy, boldly and carefully written letter by Bonnier, stating in part `..I sincerely thank you my friend for your support during the session, showing also your good judgement and justice sense..´ further saying `..according to what newspaper published, I had accepted my appointment in the legislative administration corps; the truth being that I have been appointed Minister at Rastadt on 6th Brumaire, and that I couldn´t be appointed to the council of the ancients until Germinal, this means five months later..´ With small hole to the blank address leaf as a result of the opening. Lower edge slightly trimmed, otherwise G £200-300 The present letter was written from Rastadt where he was entrusted a diplomatic negotiation to the Rastadt congress, and where he would be assassinated only a month later by Hungarian Hussars.
PRINCE LEOPOLD OF BELGIUM, DUKE OF BRABANT: (1859-1869) Son of King Leopold II of Belgium. His only son and heir apparent to the Belgian throne. The Prince died from pneumonia at the very early age of nine. Extremely rare A.L.S., `Leopold´, two pages, 4to, Brussels, 28th March 1867, in French. Prince Leopold, aged only seven, has very carefully penned a text entitled `The Battle of Presle´, and states in part `..the Verviens and their allies were waiting for the Roman´s attack hidden in the forests existing at that time on the right shore of the Sambre…´ further saying `Despite their great courage and prodigious valour, the Belgians were defeated and almost all died on the battle field..´ Folded. With few small pinholes not affecting the text or signature, and very small foxing stains, otherwise G £800-1200
MICHAEL ALEXANDROVICH ROMANOV: (1878-1918) Russian Grand Duke. Youngest son of Emperor Alexander III and brother of Tsar Nicholas II. Assassinated by the Bolsheviks. When Nicholas II abdicated on 15 March 1917, Michael was named as his successor, however, he deferred acceptance of the throne until ratification by an elected assembly. Rare and very attractive signed sketch by a very young twelve years old Michael, being a greetings sent to his Swiss tutor Ferdinand Thormeyer. To the verso of an attractive colour printed postcard Michael carefully pens in bold black fountain pen ink `Happy new year, Michel´ in French, and draws beneath a flourish with four little persons walking towards the new year 1891. Adding also alongside a fine ink drawing showing a sailboat. EX £1000-1500
![[NICHOLAS II CORONATION PROGRAMME]: A rare and very attractive large 12 x 17 luxury programme for the performances held in th](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/6e213d9a-c4f6-4d70-959a-a98400d83e70/627ec949-a764-4457-81bd-a98400e13fa0/468x382.jpg)
[NICHOLAS II CORONATION PROGRAMME]: A rare and very attractive large 12 x 17 luxury programme for the performances held in the Imperial Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, 17th May 1896, and for the public festivities on the occasion of the Holy Coronation of Tsar Nicholas II, in Cyrillic. The programme, consisting of eighteen pages, contains rich colourful chromolithograph paintings with ornated gilt presentations for the different activities held on the occasion of Nicholas II coronation. The different pages presenting `on the occasion of the Holy Coronation of His Imperial Majesty the Sovereign Emperor Nicholas Aleksandrovich and Her Imperial Majesty the Sovereign Empress Alexandra Feodorovna´, the performances of the Opera `A Life for the Tsar´, (Tsar Mikhail Feodorovich, act 1 and epilogue), music by Mikhail Glinka, words by Baron Egor Rozen; `The Pearl´ ballet in one act, libretto and choreography by Marius Petipa, music by Riccardo Drigo; "Ruslan and Ludmila", music by Mikhail Glinka; "Konyok-Gorbunok" (The Little Humpbacked Horse), "Yermak Timofeyevich or The Conquest of Siberia", etc.. Drawings and paintings by A. Riabushkin, E. Samokysh-Sudkovskaya, etc.. Playbills were printed in Aleksandr Levenson Association and in the Imperial Moscow Theatre printing-house in the chromolithograph technique. Such souvenir programmes were presented to the selected and most extraordinary guests who were honoured to attend the gala concerts at the Bolshoi Theatre. In addition to the gala concert programme, there is a detailed description of the festive events during the coronation public celebration, such as theatrical performances, circus performers with circus of Nikitin Brothers and V.B. Durov (with performing animals and trained bears, acrobats, gymnasts, magicians, jugglers, storytellers, singers, ventriloquists, and others), accordion players and singers, horn players, balalaika players and dancers, choral performances, carousels, and fireworks. Bounded recently in black leather to protect the eleven large contemporary sheets. VG to EX £1200-1500
LAKANAL JOSEPH: (1762-1845) French Politician. Member of the National Convention 1792-95. He voted for the execution of King Louis XVI. Lakanal is well remembered when, as President of the Education Committee, he introduced many important changes in the French educational system. Rare A.L.S., `Lakanal - from the Institut of France - Doctor in Sciences and Literature´, three pages, 4to, Magny, n.d., [1808], to Monsieur Le Rat de Magnetot, prefect of Andelys, Eure, in French. A lengthy and interesting letter full of complaints and reproaches to his correspondent´s behaviour, stating in part `..I am seated on the last step.. comfortably.. I have been assured that during your one before last trip to Paris, you have been intriguing talking to a half-god of the Jour, in order to leave me standing and uncomfortable…´ further saying that such comments do not match with his correspondent´s kind messages, making a parallelism with Cyrano-Bergerac, and stating `..It is easy to raise up your soul, high enough so such abject slanders cannot reach you.. Isn´t it useful that larvae exist? Nightingales eat them and sing even better: I do not sing, and have never crawled..´ With address leaf in Lakanal´s hand to the fourth page with a small area of paper loss due to the opening of the letter, also bearing an ink post stamp and remnants of a former red seal. Very small overall, minor age wear and creasing, otherwise G £600-900 In 1815, after the battle of Waterloo, Lakanal went into exile to the United States. He became a planter in Alabama, owning slaves, and was appointed president of the University of Luisiana which he reorganized, today know as Tulane University.
HENDRIX JIMI: (1942-1970) American Musician and electric Guitarist, one of the greatest icons in the history of popular music. An extremely rare and exceptional vintage colour multiple signed Woodstock 16.5 x 23.5 poster. The iconic Woodstock live concert poster depicting a man and a woman in a psychedelic embrace, their bodies extending into a mixture of flora & musicians faces. Signed upside-down in bold black ink `Jimmy Hendrix´ to the clear upper right corner of the image. Also individually signed by the Jimmy Hendrix Experience band member Mitch Mitchell, `Mitch´, by the members of the Ten Years After British blues rock band, Alvin Lee, Ric Lee, Chick Churchill and Leo Lyons, and by the Canned Heat American rock band musicians Bob Hite "The Bear", Henry Vestine and Fito de la Parra, the last adding beneath `Mi Vida Loca´ in his hand. The document also bears few additional annotations by the collector. Together with an original single copy colour unsigned 3.5 x 3.5 photograph of Hendrix. Also including a booklet comprising vintage single copies photographs of bands Creedence Clearwater Revival and Ten Years After. Autographs in any form of Hendrix are rare as a result of his early death at the age of 27. With intersecting folds and very few small tears to the edges, otherwise about VG, 2 £4000-6000 The present autographs were obtained in person by collector in Berlin, on 4th September 1970, at the time of Hendrix and the Experience "Cry of Love" tour together with Canned Heat, Ten Years After, Procol Harum and others. On 4th September 1970 they performed at the Deutschlandhalle in Berlin for the one day concert "Super Concert 70" Music Festival Jimmy Hendrix would only appear on stage one more time two days later, on 6th September 1970, at the "Love & Peace" Festival in Fehrman, Germany, before passing away two weeks later on 18th September 1970 at the very early age of 27.
POPE ALEXANDER: (1688-1744) English Poet, known for his satirical verse and use of the heroic couplet. Pope is the second most frequently quoted writer in The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations after William Shakespeare. Fine, dark ink signature ('A. Pope') to the verso of a manuscript document signed ('J: Caryll') by John Caryll, one page, slim oblong 12mo, n.p., 2nd September 1717. Caryll's document is addressed to the goldsmith [Richard] Wright of Convent Garden and states, in full, 'Pray pay unto Mr. Alexander Pope or order the sum of thirty three shilings on acct of yr friend'. Signed by Pope to the verso as an acknowledgement of having received the funds. With a partial integral address leaf. Rare. Some light overall age toning and wear, otherwise VG £300-400 John Caryll (1667-1736) The Younger. Second Jacobite Baron Caryll of Durford and friend of Alexander Pope. Richard Wright conducted the business of Wrights & Co. between 1708-29, the private bank having been established as the goldsmithing business of William Wright in 1699, based in Covent Garden, London. Pope published several works in the same year as signing the present document, including Eloisa to Abelard, Three Hours After Marriage and Elegy to the Memory of an Unfortunate Lady. It was also the year in which his father, a linen merchant in London, died.
LOUIS XVI: (1754-1793) King of France and Navarre 1774-1791, King of the French 1791-92. The only King of France to have been executed. A rare A.L.S., Louis, a good signature example, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., in French. The King states `I learn at this precise moment that the Pairs are invited to the Parliament tomorrow, you must send to them immediately the letter which draft copy is here attached… Come back this evening in order to receive my orders about what will have to be done, You must also send a letter to the Commissars of the Pairs not to assemble the Pairs until I give new orders.´ A rare and desirable full autograph letter. With blank integral leaf. Small stain not affecting the signature and small professional repair to the verso centre fold. G £3000-4000
ELIZABETH OF BOHEMIA: (1596-1662) Queen consort of Bohemia 1619-20, known as the Winter Queen. Daughter of King James VI and I and Anne of Denmark. A.L.S., Elizabeth, a flourishing signature, two pages, 4to, The Hague, 10th November n.y. (1636), to Henry Rich, Earl of Holland. In a letter of introduction the Queen informs her correspondent, in part, 'My Lord & his yong Prince Brother to the Lord… gives me occasion to write these to you and intreat you to lett him have all the good usage you can while he remains in England which I think will not be long he means to goe for France and so back to his brother who keeps up a regiment for him, he is an older soldier… and I think has seen more batailes than many in these countries, for since the age of 12 he hath bene always with his brother and in the late King of Sweden armies therefore he can be no great courtier, therefore pray let him have your best counsel how to carry himself for besides the obligation I have to his Brother I love him for his owne worth, for there cannot be a better disposition than he is beside he hath a great deal of wit… And not since I have so rare a messenger I must write freelie to you in what trouble I am because the king my dear Brother doth write to me, that he can doe nothing for my sonne… he will give him a monthlie allowance for his owne person, you know what a dishonnour it would be at this time for him to sit still either here or in England in these active times… and to goe like a volunteer into another armie or take now like another officer would be as dishonourable for him, all this I have freelie written to the king, and beseeched him to think upon it getting him in minde how he did promise 10,000 pound a month to the late king of Sweden and if he would make a good treatie with the Landgrave giving him a summe monthlie and my sonne some money to raise troops to join with him, it would be honourable for him and cannot cost the king much besides I am most confident the state would contribute to it and this must be done speedily…' With a blank integral leaf. Some minor creases and age wear, otherwise G £1000-1500 Henry Rich, 1st Earl of Holland (1590-1649) English Aristocrat, Courtier and Soldier.
COBAIN KURT & NIRVANA: American Rock Band. Rare signed CD for Nevermind (1991) by all five members of the Rock band. Individually signed by three members of the band Kurt Cobain (1967-1994), Krist Novoselic, David Grohl, also signing the touring musicians Pat Smear and Melora Creager. Each have signed in bold black ink to the CD sleeve front cover. Inscribed by Cobain to `Illya´. The present autograph was signed only few weeks before Cobain committed suicide. Autographs were obtained in person in Toulon, France, at the artists lodge, on 12th February 1994, during Nirvana´s 1994 European Tour. Accompanied by the collector´s letter of provenance together with several photographs showing the musicians signing the present CD. VG £1500-2000 Despite releasing only three full-length studio albums in their seven-year career, Nirvana have come to be regarded as one of the most influential and important rock bands of the modern era and have sold over 75 million records worldwide. Cobain is remembered as one of the most iconic rock musicians following his tragic death by suicide at the early age of 27.
ALEXEIEVNA ELIZABETH: (1779-1826) Princess Louise of Baden. Empress of Russia 1801-25 as spouse of Emperor Alexander I. A good and rare A.L.S., `La Bonne Soeur´ (“The good Sister”), two pages, 8vo, Saint-Petersburg, 23rd September 1822, to Marie Louise, in French. The Russian Empress thanks her correspondent, the Duchess of Parma, for her letter which she has received from General Paulucci. Elizabeth Alexeievna explains that the Emperor Alexander I is travelling to Italy to attend the Verona Congress on September 22nd, and is intending to visit the Duchess of Parma, bring this letter in person and share with her their good wishes. Left edge slightly irregularly trimmed, otherwise VG £300-400 Marie Louise (1791-1847) Duchess of Parma. Austrian Archduchess. Napoleon´s second wife and Empress of the French 1810-14.
MARTI JOSE: (1853-1895) Cuban Poet, Writer and Revolutionary Philosopher. Martí is considered a national hero as well as a leading figure in Latin American literature. He became a symbol for Cuba's fight for independence in the 19th century, and is referred to as the "Apostle of Cuban Independence”. An extremely interesting and rare A.L.S., `José Martí´, one page, folio, New York, 29th January 1895, on the attractive New York Delegation of the Cuban Revolutionary Party printed stationery, in Spanish. The document being an internal communication statement to the revolutionary party. Martí states in part `Cuba is embarking upon this war with the full certainty, unacceptable only to the half-hearted sedentary Cubans, of the ability of its sons to obtain a victory through the energy of the thoughtful and magnanimous revolution, and the ability of Cuban people, developed during those early ten years of sublime fusion and in the modern practices of work and government, and the people´s work to save the Patria…´ A letter of excellent content, being a statement by Martí from exile in favour of the Cuban independence. With remnants of a former red wax seal to the upper edge and verso. Also bearing to the verso a printed heading of the Delegation of the Cuban Revolutionary Party in New York. Some very small overall, minor age wear. Folded. VG £1500-2000 Martí returned to Cuba two months after the present letter was written, and was killed in battle against Spanish troops only a month after.
FUNES LOUIS DE: (1914-1983) French Comedy Actor. An excellent vintage signed 9.5 x 12 photograph by Funes, unusual large size, the image depicting a young Funes in a half length smiling pose, making a joke writing with a chalk on a blackboard. Signed and inscribed `With a lot of sympathy and admiration for your photographies, Louis Funes´, in bold blue ink to the lower white border of the image. Large size photographs of Funes are rare and desirable. Small overall stains not affecting the signature. VG £400-600 Only two original copies of the present photograph exist. Taken in 1955, one was given to the Funes family, and the second remained with the photographer the image was inscribed to. The photograph was published in the book “Ne Parlez pas trop de moi les enfants” (¨Children, Do not talk too much about me”) written by Patrick and Olivier de Funes (2005).
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