FERDINAND MARIA OF BAVARIA (1884-1958) Prince of Bavaria, Infante of Spain & INFANTA MARIA DE LA PAZ (1862-1946) Infanta of Spain, daughter of Queen Isabella II and sister of King Alfonso XIII. Husband and wife 1906-12. A rare vintage signed 9 x 13 photograph by both Ferdinand Maria and Maria de la Paz individually, the image depicting the Infante standing in a full-length pose, wearing his uniform and medals, alongside his wife who is seated in a three-quarter length pose holding their young baby in her arms. Photograph by Franzen of Madrid and bearing their imprint to the lower mount. Signed ('Ferdinand Maria') by the Infante and signed ('Maria Teresa') by the Infanta, both in fountain pen inks to the base of the image. The Infanta has also added the name of their first child, Luis Alfonso, and the date, 1907, in her hand. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
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LOUIS XI: (1423-1483) Louis the Prudent. King of France 1461-83. A rare L.S., Loys, one page, oblong 8vo, Plessis-lez-Tours, 12th February [1481], to 'his cousin' [Louis d'Amboise], Bishop of Albi, in French. Written in the hand of the clerk, Gassault, and with one concluding line of text in another hand (possibly that of the King?), Louis XI instructs the Bishop to bring them both if he sees fit, concluding 'if you think Charles ought to stay, do it'. Countersigned by Gassault at the foot. With address panel and a contemporary endorsement to the verso. Some light staining to the edges and two neat splits at the edges of the folds, one only very slightly affecting the text. G The letter, transcribed in French, reads, in full - 'Monsieur Dalbi j'ay receu voz lettres; s'il vous semble que vous les devez menez tous deux s'il le faictes. Et du tout en faictes ainsi que bon vous semblera. Et adieu monsieur Dalbi. Escript au Plessis du parc les tous tours le xij jour de Fevrier '.Provenance: This letter, then in the possession of M. Mazens, a notary at Lagraisses, Tarn (17 km south-west of Albi), was published in Joseph Vaesen et Etienne Chavaray, Lettres de Louis XI roi de France publiées d'après les originaux pur la Société de l'histoire de France (11) 1481-1482; Paris, Librairie Renouard, 1905, number 1577, substituting the word rester for demorer in the postscript.Louis d'Amboise (1433-1503) Bishop of Albi, son of Pierre d'Ambroise, courtier to King Charles VII and Anne of Brittany, and elder brother to Cardinal George d'Amboise. He had been sent to Savoy to fetch Philibert Duke of Savoy (1465-1482) and his brother Charles Duke of Savoy (1468-1490), children of Louis XI's sister Yolande de France (1434-1478), Duchess of Savoy and her husband Amadeus IX Duke of Savoy. Both children died of tuberculosis.Louis XI died in the Chateau de Plessis-lez-Tours (which he had acquired on 15th February 1463) on 30th August 1483.
CHARLES IX: (1550-1574) King of France 1560-74. He ascended the throne at the very early age of ten years upon the death of his brother Francis II who died at the early age of sixteen. From 1560 to 1563 his mother Catherine de´ Medici held the regency of France. Charles IX died at the age of 23. Very rare and fine D.S., `Charles´, one page, folio, Moulins, France, 23rd January 1566, to the Parliament of Bordeaux and for the Count of Daubijoux, in old French. The document refers to the process request that `… you have listened to and followed since long this matter, and knowing the process the Count of Aubijoux is facing, and the long pursuit that his passed father and mother have made to you, and knowing how important this matter is to them…´ The King further requests and expects a prompt and fair decision, according to justice, which the Count deserves. Countersigned at the base by Robertet. With address leaf. Water stain to the right border, not affecting the signature. About G
ANNE OF AUSTRIA: (1601-1666) Queen of France 1615-43 as spouse of King Louis XIII, she also acted as Regent of France during the minority of her son King Louis XIV 1643-51. Anne was a Spanish Princess and an Austrian Archduchess. Rare D.S., `Anne´, one page, vellum, oblong 4to, Paris, 8th April 1658, in old French. Signed by Anne of Austria `By the Queen mother of the King´ as stated beneath her signature. The document being the rectification and approval by Anne of Austria of the patent letters previously signed and granted two months earlier, on 10th February 1658, by her son the King of France Louis XIV, and which were granting the Baron of Culat the title of Captain and Governor of the town of Ploermel which were vacant since the death of his father. Countersigned by a Secretary. Provenance from the Monge collection. Overall age wear and creasing, with very slightly uneven edges, and left edge with small and professional repair, otherwise G Ploermel is a town situated in Brittany, in the north-western of France. A medieval city situated on the edge of the Broceliande forest which legend proclaims is the home of Merlin the Magician.
MANCINI HORTENSE, DUCHESSE de MAZARIN: (1646-1699) Niece of Cardinal Mazarin and mistress of Charles II King of England, Scotland and Ireland. Rare signed receipt, `La Duchesse Mazariny´, a bold and large signature, one page, 4to, Paris, 6th March 1665, in French. The document being a receipt for an amount received, stating `J´ai reçu de Mr. de Chasseneuil la somme de quinze cents livres pour mes menus plaisirs du present mois de Mars..´ (“I have received from Mr. Chasseneuil the sum of fifteen hundred pounds for my own pleasure expensesof the present month of March..”) Very small minor age wear, with two very small holes at the base of the document, not affecting the text or signature. G Hortense Mancini was the fourth of the five well-remembered Mancini sisters, who, together with two of their cousins were known at the court of King Louis XIV of France as the Mazarinettes. Noted for their great beauty, her mother Girolama Mazzarini, brought her daughters to Paris in the hope of using the influence of her brother, Cardinal Mazarin, to gain them advantageous marriages. Hortense´s sister, Marie, was the first romantic love of King Louis XIV. They all married Princes and Dukes.
LA TOUR D´AUVERGNE HENRI DE: (1611-1675) Viscount of Turenne. French General, one of the only six Marshal General of France, appointed by Louis XIV. His multiple military exploits and battle victories earned him to be considered one of the greatest military commanders in modern history. La Tour d´Auvergne was killed by an Imperial cannonball at the Battle of Salzbach. A very fine rare A.L.S., `Turenne´, two pages, 4to, Collincourt, 9th July 1654, to Monsieur Le Tellier, Counselor to the King and Secretary of his commandments in Court, in French. Turenne states in part `J´envoi a votre Excellence des lettres de Monsieur le Comte Broglie dans lesquelles il compte, outre ce qui était a l´armée des ennemis, l´année passée trois mille Espagnols nouveaux venus, quatre mille Irlandais et quatre nouveaux regiments de Wallons…. on a vu débarquer encore ces jours passes a Dunkerke deux ou trois mille… Il n´I a point de munitions sur ces frontieres ici…´ (“I am sending to your Excellency letters from Count Broglie in which he counts, in addition to what was in the enemy army, last year three thousand new Spaniards, four thousand Irish and four new regiments of Walloons…. They have reported still these last days having seen two or three thousand disembarking at Dunkirk… There is no ammunition on these borders here…”) With address leaf, bearing remnants of a red wax seal. With small area of paper loss to the address leaf. Overall minor age wear, with small water stain to the bottom left corner not affecting the text or signature. About G
LOUIS XIV: (1638-1715) Also known as Louis the Great or The Sun King. King of France 1643-1715. Son of Louis XIII. His reign of more than 72 years is the longest recorded of any monarch in European history. An extremely rare Autograph Letter Signed, `Louis´, three pages, 8vo, Versailles, 29th January 1701, in French. The full manuscript letter, boldly written in the King´s hand, states `Je n´ay point respondu a vos dernieres lettres n´ayant rien a dire sur ce que vous me mandez, je souhaite que vous reveniez promptement et en meilleure sancté, faittes tout ce qui sera necessaire pour cela´ (“I have not responded to your last letters not having anything to say about what you ask about, I wish that you will return promptly and in good health, make all the necessary for this purpose”) Further saying `…me mande qu´il fait des merveilles, je crois, j´espere que le …..que vous avez fait de lui se trouvera véritable, ce nous sera será a tous deux une grande consolation. J´ay reçu la lettre de Dénonville. Je penseray a ce que je pourray faire pour récompenser ses services´ (“… tells me that he makes marvelous things, I think, I hope that the… that you did of him, will end up being true, this will be for both of us a great consolation. I have received the letter from Denonville. I will consider what I will be able to do to reward him for his services”) Small overall age wear, one extremely small hole to the fold and extremely small corner clip, none affecting the text or signature. G to VG
ISABELLA D'ESTE: (1474-1539) Marchioness of Mantua, one of the leading women of the Italian Renaissance as a major cultural and political figure, a patron of the arts and a leader of fashion. A rare A.L.S., Isabella, Marchionissa Mantua, one page, 4to, Mantua, 17th October 1509, to Count Guido. The Marchioness writes, in full, 'I recommend to Your Grace Father Canallaro of His Most Illustrious Highness, the Duke of Urbino, Our Cousin's retinue, who is going to tour the country at the behest of his Lord. I ask you, having heard that the roads are not secure, to be so kind as to act as guide for him, so that his voyage goes smoothly. It doesn't appear to me that he has further wishes but for that which you are prepared to provide, which we request of you'. With address panel to the verso. Some areas of light staining and a few small holes and neat splits (some repaired to the verso), only very slightly affecting the text and signature. G
MAGNANI ANNA: (1908-1973) Italian Actress, Academy Award winner. Rare A.L.S., Anna Magnani, one page, 4to, Rome, 7th August 1961, on her personal printed stationery, in red ink, in Italian. Magnani states in part `Mi serve con urgenza questa lettera per Phil Kellog tradotte in inglese - la prego si legge quelle ricevute da lui….´ (“I urgently need these letters for translation into English - please read those received from him…´ Small trace of former staple to the upper left corner, otherwise about VG
WILLIAM II: (1626-1650) Sovereign Prince of Orange and Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, Overijssel and Groningen in the United Provinces of the Netherlands 1647-50. His only child, William III, reigned as King of England, Ireland & Scotland 1689-1702. An extremely rare D.S., Pr. d'Orange, one page (vellum), large square folio, given at The Hague, 9th June 1649. The attractively penned manuscript document commences with six lines of text listing the Prince of Orange's titles ('William Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau, Katzenelnbogen, Vianden, Dietz, Lingen, Moers, Brieren and Leerdam, Marquis of Veere and Flushing, Lord and Baron of Breda, the city of Grave, the lands of Cuijk, Diest, Grimbergen, Herstal, Cranendonck, Warneston, Arlay, Nozeroy, Sankt Vith, Daesburg, Polanen, Willemstad, Niervaart, Ijsselstein, Sint-Maartensdijk, Geertruidenberg, Chateau Regnard de Hooge en Lage, Zwaluwe and Naaldwijk……….') and is a commission addressed to Jan Herlet, appointing him as a mutter (i.e. toll, custom or tax-gatherer), of the counties of Moers, Heerlychheydes, Krefeld and Frijmorsheym, to succeed Daniel Knouth, at a remuneration of 500 guilders a year. The document further specifies records to be maintained and the rates of toll and duty. Docketed and witnessed to the verso by C [?] Buysen. With the faint impression of a large seal, most likely in a metal skippet, now wanting. Autographs of William II, Prince of Orange, are extremely rare in any form as a result of his death from smallpox at the age of 24. Some very light, extremely minor age wear and a few very small holes at the intersections of some folds. VG
PRINCE BAUDOUIN: (1869-1891) Prince Baudouin of Belgium was the first child and elder son of Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders, and nephew of King Leopold II of Belgium. Leopold II´s eldest and only son, the heir Leopold Duke of Brabant, died in January 1869, leaving the King with only one person in the line of succession, his younger brother Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders. Baudouin´s birth in June 1869 was very much celebrated, as the second in line to the throne after his father. Baudoin died in January 1891, at the early age of 21, and his younger brother Albert became heir presumptive and later succeeded his uncle Leopold II as Albert I of Belgium. Rare A.L.S., `Baudouin´, two pages, 8vo, Brussels, 7th October 1887, to Auguste Scheler, in French. The eighteen years old Prince Baudoin writes to the King´s librarian referring in an amusing way to his tourism trip to Venice, and commenting that he has brought back for him a small present, being a paperweight representing the Lion of St. Marc, the city emblem. He further apologizes for not having found better but `… les boutiques de Venise sont assez pauvres en petits objets´ (“…the shops of Venice are quite poor in small objects”) prince Baudoin signs his letter `Votre éleve tout dévoué´ (“Your fully devoted pupil”) VG Jean Auguste Scheler (1819-1890) Librarian to King Leopold II and professor at the Brussels university. His father was the Chaplain to King Leopold I.
GEORGE I OF GREECE: (1845-1913) King of Greece 1863-1913. Assassinated. Rare L.S., `George R´, one page, oblong 15.5 x 11.5, Athens, 22nd July 1906, to Tomas Estrada Palma, president of the Republic of Cuba, in Spanish. The King congratulates his correspondent for his recent appointment, stating in part `C´est avec une satisfaction sincere que Nous avons reçu la lettre par laquelle Votre Excellence a bien voulu Nous announcer qu´Elle a été élue Président de la République de Cuba pendant la période 1906-1910´ (“It is with sincere satisfaction that We received the letter by which Your Excellency has kindly announced Us that he was elected President of the Republic of Cuba during the period 1906-1910”) With countersignature. Small overall age wear with bottom left corner crease. Repaired to the verso to the fold. G
WLADYSLAW IV VASA: (1595-1648) King of Poland 1632-48. A renowned Patron of the Arts. Wladyslaw gained fame when he defeated the Ottoman Empire and was elected Tsar of Russia by the Seven Boyars in 1610, although he did not accept the Russian throne. Rare L.S., `Vladislaus Rex´, a bold black ink good signature example, one page, 4to, Lublin, 4th September 1634, to the Archbishop of Larissa and Apostolic Nuncio, in Latin. To the heading the document states, ''Wladyslaw Vasa, by the Grace of God, King of Poland, Grand-Duke of Lithuania, Rusia, Prusia, Masovia, Samogitia, Livonia, and elected Grand-Duke of Moskovia''. The King of Poland commences sending his best wishes to his correspondent, and referring to neighbouring provinces who attacked their Kingdom, states in part `…peace with the…, who had prepared themselves against this kingdom, arranged for the safety of the people and of the provinces…. We carry it by divine virtue, not without our own powers, but without happiness,… the more eager he makes to undergo the more perils and hardships for the glory of his name… and the bishops, whose effect we feel will be accompanied by the favourable expeditions…” A cleanly written letter. Bearing to the address leaf a Royal paper seal in fine condition. Overall age toning, although remaining perfectly legible. Very lightly affixed to the spine, inside a folding paper. Professionally repaired. G to VGLublin is a city in the historical Lesser Poland, South-Eastern of the country, and is the capital of the Lublin Voivodeship province.
JOHN III SOBIESKI: (1629-1696) King of Poland & Grand Duke of Lithuania 1674-96. A popular King among his subjects and a respected military leader whose 22-year reign marked a period of stabilization. Very rare L.S., `Jan Krol´, signed by the King of Poland, one page, folio, Warsaw, 14th January 1686, to Jan Benedykt Sapieha, in Polish. The letter states to the heading, “John Sobieski Third, King of Poland by the Grace of God, Grand Duke of Lithuania, Ruthenia, Prussia, Mazovia, …” The letter states in part `…belongings according to the perpetual law of his subordinates in the district of Samogitia in the Wieszniawski poviat... the village of Giergany near Vilnius... We allow Gierhanowi Rennowi and Marcie Blumberkowinie spouses to waive and give up this right of fief on the person of Jerzy Swiechowskiego …” Bearing at the base of the front page a large blind embossed seal of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. With registration annotations to the verso. Small overall creasing and age wear, with two small tears to the lower edge, not affecting the signature or seal. G Jan Benedykt Sapieha, Polish-Lithuanian nobleman and politician. He was appointed Treasurer of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Sapieha was a member of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Parliament and took part in the expedition to Khotyn in 1673. He contributed to and supported the victory of Jan III Sobieski as King.
AUGUSTUS III: (1696-1763) King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania 1734-63. Elector of Saxony in the Holy Roman Empire 1733-63 as Frederick Augustus II. Rare A.L.S., `Auguste´, one page, 4to, Warsaw, first of April 1759, to his son Xavier, in French. The King states in part `...I write this letter to you my dear Son, to send you my compliments on the day of your birthday, praying God for his holy blessings on you..´ further saying `..I have been informed that according to last news received that the Russians have taken possession of the city of Grossen (Grossenhain), and at the same time taken the control of the passageway of…´ With blank address leaf in the King´s hand. Bearing to the address leaf a red wax seal in good condition, and a hole due to the opening of the letter. Very small overall age wear, otherwise VG
One of the first official exchanges between the then mightiest world power and the Republic of China GEORGE V: (1865-1936) King of the United Kingdom 1910-36. An unusual L.S., George R.I., as King, with holograph salutation and subscription, three pages, small 4to, Buckingham Palace, 31st March 1916, to Yuan Shikai, President of the Republic of China ('Our Good Friend'), on stationery featuring a gold embossed coat of arms at the head. The King states that he has received 'with very great pleasure the reproduction of Our Portrait upon porcelain, which You recently caused to be forwarded to Us through Sir John Jordan, Our Minister at Peking' and continues 'We thank You most cordially for this gift which We look upon as a welcome testimony of Your friendliness and of the interest which You take in Us and Our Royal House. Sir John Jordan will have the honour of delivering this Letter to You, and We have commanded him to express to You Our warm appreciation of this pleasing manifestation of Your good-will, which We heartily reciprocate'. Countersigned at the conclusion by Edward Grey (1862-1933) 1stViscount Grey of Fallodon. British statesman who served as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1905-16. An exceptional and extremely rare letter exchanged between the King of the United Kingdom and the President of the Republic of China, two of the largest world empires and powers of the early 20th century. VGYuan Shikai (1859-1916) President of the Republic of China 1912-15, 1916 and Emperor of China 1915-16. Yuan Shikai, a former Qing general, succeeded Sun Yat-sen as President in March 1912 and proclaimed himself as Emperor of China in 1915. In the face of popular condemnation and opposition from his own Beiyang Army, he was forced to abdicate and re-establish the republic in 1916.Sir John Jordan (1852-1925) British diplomat who served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the United Kingdom to the Qing Empire 1906-10 and to the Republic of China 1910-20.
ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER: (1900-2002) Queen Consort of King George VI. An excellent A.N.S., Granny, on one side of a printed Windsor Castle correspondence card, n.p. (Windsor, Berkshire), n.d. (1960s). In blue ink the Queen Mother has penned a brief message, in full, 'Darling Charles, with loving Christmas wishes from Granny', the card evidently having been originally accompanied by a Christmas gift for her grandson, Prince Charles. A rare example with excellent association. Some very light, extremely minor age wear and scuffing, otherwise about VG Charles (1948- ) Prince of Wales, eldest child of Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip.
PETER III: (1728-1762) Emperor of Russia for only six months in 1762. Son of Anna Petrovna, the elder surviving daughter of Peter the Great. Peter III was deposed, most probably assassinated, as a result of a conspiracy led by his wife who succeeded him as Catherine II. Despite his very short reign, Peter III proclaimed religious freedom, a very enlightened move at that time, abolished the secret police and forbid landowners to kill their serfs. An extremely rare L.S., `Grand Duke Peter´, in Cyrillic, a bold ink signature, one page, 4to, Saint Petersburg, 27th February 1756, to His Highness the Duke of Saxe-Hildburghausen, in Cyrillic. The document also includes a page attached with the contemporary translation of the letter into German that accompanied the letter to the Duke. The future Emperor of Russia congratulates his correspondent stating in part `We learned with great pleasure from the letter of Your Grace, dated December last year, that Her royal Highness your dear wife, safely gave birth to a Princess. For this reason, we have a very pleasant occasion to reassure Your Grace that we take a genuine part in each and every of your joys´ Peter III further keeps on congratulating his correspondent and wishing him, his wife and the new born Princess, a long and prosperous life. With blank integral leaf. Very small minor age wear, otherwise VG Ernest Frederick III Karl (1727-1780) Duke of Saxe-Hildburghausen 1745-80. On 5th December 1755 the Duke´s first spouse Princess Louise of Denmark (1726-1756), Daughter of Christian VI King of Denmark, gave birth to their first child Princess Friederike Sophie who died only a month later. When Peter III was sending the present letter the Princess had passed away two months earlier. Princess Louise of Denmark also died eight months later at the very early age of 29.
OLGA & MARIA, GRAND DUCHESSES: Olga Nikolaevna of Russia (1895-1918) & Maria Nikolaevna of Russia (1899-1918), first and third daughter of Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Both sisters were assassinated by a Bolshevik death squad in 1918 together with the entire Imperial family. Very rare contemporary 4.5 x 3.5 photograph, unsigned, [1914], the image showing the Grand Duchesses seated on a carriage, in a full-length pose, and to the background a number of Russian military officers, in white uniforms, during a countryside journey. The photograph was taken by their French tutor Pierre Gaillard. Very lightly affixed, easily removable, to a very slightly large beige card, bearing pencil annotations in Cyrillic, also to the verso of the photograph. In very fine condition. VG
NICHOLAS II OF RUSSIA: (1868-1918) Emperor of Russia 1894-1917. A rare and exceptional signed 7 x 11 photograph by the Tsar, a large and unusual size image depicting Nicholas II in a half length formal pose wearing his uniform. Signed in bold black ink `Nicholas´, in Cyrillic, to the white lower photographer´s mount. Also dated, 1909, in the Emperor´s hand, to the lower right corner. Photograph by the Imperial Russian Court photographers Boissonnas & Eggler of St. Petersburg and bearing their blind embossed stamp to the lower white photographer's mount border, beneath the Emperor´s signature. VG
NICHOLAS II: (1868-1918) Emperor of Russia 1894-1917. A very fine, unusual dark fountain pen ink signature ('Nicolas II, Empereur de toutes les Russies') on an 8vo page removed from an album, dated Peterhof [Palace, Saint Petersburg], 25th August 1904 in his hand. Examples of the Tsar's signature in which he declares himself Emperor of all Russia are extremely rare and desirable. A few minor, light stains caused by ink from another page of the album, otherwise about EX The Tsar's signature is dated just under two weeks after the birth of Alexei Nikolaevich (1904-1918) on 12th August 1904. The last Tsarevich of Russia, Alexei was the youngest child and only son of Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Born with haemophilia, Alexei's parents attempted to treat the condition with the methods of the peasant faith healer Grigori Rasputin. Provenance: The present page was removed from the personal album of Baron Robert Stuker (1863-1940) Swiss historian, interpreter, diplomat and educator, a language specialist who was appointed tutor at the Greek Royal Court under King George I. Stuker was later appointed as Royal Chamberlain, Court Librarian and Personal Secretary to the King. Stuker accompanied members of the Greek Royal family on trips, took on sensitive diplomatic missions and became the King's advisor. Following his service with the Greek Royal family, Pope Pius XI appointed the Reformed Protestant Stuker as master of ceremonies and interpreter at the Vatican in 1924, posts he was to hold until 1935. In later years the album was added to whilst in the custody of Jurg Stuker (1914-1988) Swiss antiquarian bookseller and founder of the Stuker auction house in Bern, stepson of Robert Stuker.
MARIE LOUISE QUEEN OF HAITI: (1778-1851) Marie Louise Coidavid, Queen of the Kingdom of Haiti 1811-20, as spouse of King Henri I of Haiti, the only Monarch of the Kingdom of Haiti. Rare document signed `Marie Louise veuve d´Henric´, acknowledging receipt of a sum of money supplied by her bankers, one page, oblong 4to, Pisa, 7th May 1847, in Italian. The text of the receipt, in Italian, is written in another hand. Uneven upper edge, otherwise G to VG Born into a black free family, she married Henri Christophe, the future King Henri I, in 1793, she was aged fifteen. They moved to the Sans-Souci Palace in 1798. During the French invasion she lived underground until 1803. After the death of the King in 1820, she remained at the palace until she was escorted with her daughters from it by the followers of her husband together with his corpse, Henri I having committed suicide fearing a coup. After their departure, the palace was attacked and plundered. Their son, Jacques-Victor Henry (1804-1820) heir presumptive to the throne of Haiti as King Henri II, was murdered after being bayoneted by revolutionaries at the Sans-Souci palace, ten days after his father´s death. She remained in exile in Pisa, Italy, for 30 years.
RADEK KARL: (1885-1939) Marxist Activist and international Communist leader. In 1917 Radek was one of the passengers on the sealed train that carried Lenin and other Russian revolutionaries through Germany after the February Revolution in Russia. Appointed Vice-Commissar for Foreign Affairs, he took part in the Brest-Litovsk treaty, and planned the distribution of Bolshevik propaganda amongst German troops and prisoners of war. Radek was accused of treason during the 1930s purges and sentenced to 10 years. He was killed in the labor camp. Rare T.L.S., Radek, with holograph annotation referring to the address in his hand, one page, folio, n.p., 14th July, n.y., to Guilbeaux, in German. Radek states in part `Dear Comrade Guilbeaux, we will send you 300 francs, including 200 francs for you, for the Pravda articles and bulletin work…From now on we will underline the articles we want you to translate for the French edition..´ further saying `.. What is important is to have them in French. To be distributed among all socialist French press, without distinction…´ Before concluding Radek states `..and if the means we have assigned were insufficient, we still have more funds for this purpose..´ Folded. With one small stain not affecting the signature. G Henri Guilbeaux (1885-1938) French Politician. A prominent figure against World War I. He published the magazine Demain ("Tomorrow") that became a point of reference for all who were against the war, including articles by Lenin, Trotsky, etc... Because of his political credo he was judged by default in France and sentenced to death but could escape to Russia with the help of Lenin where he became an active communist member of the Comintern, supporter of Trotsky.
MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II. Executed. An excellent and rare Autograph Manuscript by Mussolini,one page, 4to, n.p. [Rome], 23rd January 1931, in Italian. Mussolini´s bold black ink manuscript is written to the verso of a printed proof page from his Dottrina del Fascismo ("Doctrine of Fascism") which would be published a year later, and refers to Balbo´s transatlantic flight, recommending the grant of the gold medal for his aeronautical merits, stating in part `..ad Orbetello per oltre un anno, e in silenzio, uomini e machine, per la crociera transatlantica. A preparazione materiale e morale ultimate, assumeva il Comando della Squadra e attraverso poche tappe difficili e fortunose effetuava con undici apparecchi.. il grande volo oceanico, mai prima tentato in formazione.. esempio altissimo di perizia e di ardimento..´ ("..at Orbetello, for over a year, and in silence, men and machines, worked on the transatlantic cruise. With the material and moral preparation completed, he [Balbo] assumed command of the squad and through a few difficult and fortunate stages he carried out with eleven aircrafts… the great ocean flight, never before attempted in formation .. a very high example of expertise and courage.."), further and demonstrating that the new regime leaders are the first to prove `..nell´adempimento del dovere e nello sprezzo del pericolo´ (".. in the fulfilment of duty and in contempt of danger") Two years later Mussolini, concerned because of the increase of popularity of Balbo, appointed the Marshal of the Italian Air Force Governor-general of the Italian colony of Lybia. Upper corners clipped and pinhole to corners, otherwise G Italo Balbo (1896-1940) Italian Marshal of the Air Force and heir apparent to Benito Mussolini.Balbo led several transatlantic flights. The first, and the one referred to by Mussolini in the present manuscript, consisted of twelve flying boats (initially fourteen), Savoia-Marchetti S-55, departing from Orbetello on 17th December 1930, reaching Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and returning to Italy on 15th January 1931.
BERGMAN INGRID (1915-1982) Swedish actress, Academy Award winner & ROSSELLINI ROBERTO (1906-1977) Italian film director, husband of Bergman 1950-57. A good pair of blue ink signatures by both Bergman ('with many good wishes from Ingrid Bergman') also adding the date, 1950, in her hand, and Rossellini ('Roberto Rossellini') on a slim oblong 8vo page removed from an album. Items jointly signed by Bergman and Rossellini are surprisingly rare. VG Provenance: The present page originates from the personal autograph album of Marina Chaliapin (1912-2009), the daughter of Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), widely regarded as one of the finest bass singers of the 20th century, and his mistress Marina Petsold (1882-1964) who became the singer's second wife in 1927. Chaliapin's daughter was married to Luigi Freddi (1895-1977) the Italian journalist and politician who edited the journal Il Popolo d'Italia and who was also hugely influential in Italian political cinema in the second half of the 1930s and beginning of the 1940s.
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[TREATY OF VERSAILLES]: An 8vo feint ruled page removed from a notebook and bearing a rare set of six fine, bold black fountain pen ink signatures comprising Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924, American President 1913-21, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1919; dated 7th January 1919 in his hand), Edith Bolling Wilson (1872-1961, First Lady of the United States 1915-21, the second wife of Woodrow Wilson), John J. Pershing (1860-1948, American General of World War I), William G. Sharp (1859-1922, American lawyer and diplomat, United States Ambassador to France 1914-19), Alexander I of Yugoslavia (1888-1934, Prince Regent of Serbia from 1914 and later King of Yugoslavia 1929-34, assassinated) and Oscar Straus (1850-1926, American politician and diplomat who served as United States Secretary of Commerce and Labor 1906-09 and as United States Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire 1909-10). To the verso appear a further four black fountain pen ink signatures, each unidentified, although including two French (?) Generals, one attached to the French military mission to Russia, and a Swedish military attaché. Neatly inlaid and with an integral leaf. VG Woodrow Wilson's signature is dated shortly ahead of the meeting of 'The Big Four' (comprising Georges Clemenceau of France, David Lloyd George of the United Kingdom, Vittorio Emanuele Orlando of Italy, and Wilson) at the Paris Peace Conference which commenced on 18th January 1919 with the Allies aiming to establish a common negotiating position. Almost exactly a year earlier, on 8th January 1918, Wilson had issued his Fourteen Points, a statement of principles for peace that was to be used for peace negotiations in order to end World War I. The address was well received in the United States and Allied nations and even by Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin, as a landmark of enlightenment in international relations. Wilson subsequently used the Fourteen Points as the basis for negotiating the Treaty of Versailles, which ended the war and became effective on 10th January 1920. Provenance: The present signatures were obtained by the French aviator Amedee de Flers (b.1885) who saw service during World War I.
Bolivar on Napoleon BOLIVAR SIMON: (1783-1830) Venezuelan-born Military and Political leader. President of Gran Colombia 1819-30, President of Bolivia 1825 & President of Peru 1824-27. Bolivar played an important role in Latin America´s successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire, and is today considered one of the most influential politicians in the history of the Americas. Very rare A.L.S., `Bolivar´, three pages, 4to, Guayaquil, 3rd August 1829, to Count de las Cases in Paris, in Spanish. A unique assessment of the Liberator of South America´s opinion on Napoleon, who dominated Europe for ten years, Bolivar stating `Ha sido en esta ciudad y en este dia que he tenido la honra de recibir la obra inmortal que pasara por entre los siglos llevando juntos los nombres del Grande hombre y del escritor amigo fiel´ (“It has been in this city and on this day that I have had the honour of receiving the immortal work that will pass through the centuries bearing together the names of the Great man and the writer, a faithful friend”) Bolivar further refers to Napoleon and Saint Helena, saying in part `El billete con que se sirve la bondad de usted de enviarme los entretenimientos de Santa Helena, es un documento glorioso que conservaré, mientras viva, en el fondo de mi gratitud. Acercarme al gran Napoleon, aunque en idea, es un efecto de la cortesanía francesa, que pasa los mares para traer sus gracias a nuestras montañas…´ (“The note with which you have so kindly sent to me together with the entertainments of Saint Helena is a glorious document that I will preserve, as long as I live, with deep gratitude. Approaching the great Napoleon, although only in mind, is an effect of French courtesy, which crosses the seas to bring his graces to our mountains”) Accompanied by the original envelope, postmarked, addressed in his hand, and bearing a red wax seal to the verso. Overall age wear and creasing with right edges trimmed with tears, although not affecting the signature and only very slightly few words. Including a contemporary translation into French, done for Count de las Cases. About G Emmanuel-Augustin Comte de Las Cases (1766-1842) French Author and atlas-maker. Best-known for his admiring book about Napoleon Le Mémorial de Sainte-Helene (“The Memorial of Saint Helena”) The work was an immediate literary success and became a founding text in the development of the Napoleon cult and the ideology of Bonapartism.
MACEO Y GRAJALES JOSE ANTONIO: (1845-1896) Guerrilla iconic Leader and second-in-command of the Cuban army of independence. Cubans nicknamed Maceo ”The Bronze Titan” because of his multiple wounds in battle, while Spanish nicknamed him “The elder Lion”. Maceo was killed near Punta Brava by Spanish forces after being betrayed by the physician of his headquarters. Rare L.S., `A. Maceo´, one page, 4to, Republic of Cuba, 8th September 1896, in Spanish. The present letter was signed only three months before being killed. The document bears a blind embossed seal and is the appointment of Sargent Nicolas Yneraite as second-Lieutenant, and signed by Mateo y Grajales in his capacity as Lieutenant General of the Liberation Army of Cuba. Overall age wear, creasing and staining, with few holes and small tears to edges. About F
CIENFUEGOS CAMILO: (1932-1959) Cuban Revolutionary. Member of the 1956 Granma expedition along with Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Juan Almeida Bosque and Raul Castro, which launched the armed insurgency against dictator Fulgencio Batista. Cienfuegos was one of Castro´s top guerrilla commanders. Appointed Head of Cuba´s armed forces in 1959, he disappeared that same year during a nigh flight at the early age of 27. Rare D.S., `Camilo Cienfuegos´, one page, oblong 12mo, La Habana, 10th April 1959, in Spanish. The document bears five typed lines, being a dispatch sent to a judge, is entitled `Diligence from Commandant Camilo Cienfuegos´, stating `Sir Judge, I have the honour to report to you that on the 8th of the present month concluded the time permitted to propose evidences in the present court case´ Cienfuegos signature is beneath the typed text ''Comandante Camilo Cienfuegos''. Countersigned alongside, most probably by the judge. Bearing to the verso an ink collection stamp. Uneven bottom edge. Small age wear and toning, with an extremely small hole, not affecting the text or signature. G In 1957 Cienfuegos became one of the leaders of the revolutionary forces, appointed to the rank of Comandante. In 1958 he was put in command of one of three columns which headed west out of the mountains with the intention of capturing the provincial capital city of Santa Clara. Che Guevara was in command of another column and Jaime Vega was in command of the third. Vega's column was ambushed and defeated by Batista's forces. Cienfuegos' and Guevara's columns reached the central provinces, where they combined their efforts with other groups. Cienfuegos' column attacked an army outpost at Yaguajay and, after a tough fight, forced the garrison to surrender on 30 December 1958. This earned him the nickname ''The Hero of Yaguajay.'' Cienfuegos then advanced against Santa Clara in conjunction with Guevara's forces, together, the two columns captured Santa Clara on 31 December. Batista fled Cuba the next day, leaving the guerrilla fighters victorious. At a rally on January 1959, Castro interrupted his speech to ask Cienfuegos (''Am I doing all right, Camilo?'') His response ''Vas bien, Fidel'' (''You're doing fine, Fidel'') was taken up by the crowd and became a slogan of the revolution.
CHE GUEVARA ERNESTO: (1928-1967) Argentine Marxist Revolutionary and guerrilla Leader. An iconic symbol of rebellion. Guevara joined the Cuban communist revolutionary movement leaded by Fidel Castro. Assassinated. Rare T.L.S., `Che´, in his usual small writing, one page, 4to, La Habana, 10th April 1959, to judge Dr. Rubio y Linares, in Spanish. The document bears to the upper left corner the printed heading ''Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara'', and refers to a court case, stating `Dada cuenta, con el anterior escrito, lista de testigos, interrogatories, y lo demás que se acompaña, formese el cuaderno de pruebas de la parte actora, se admiten las que se proponen y se declaran pertinentes, asi como las poreguntas de los interrogatorios, y asi que conste abierto el segundo periodo de pruebas..´ (“Taking into account, with the previous writing, list of witnesses, interrogatories, and the rest that is attached, form the evidence book of the plaintiff, those that are proposed and declared pertinent are admitted, as well as the questions of the interrogatories, and so the second testing period is open..”) Che Guevara, in his capacity as Minister of Industry, signs and approves the dispatch. The typed letter bears several countersignatures and ink stamp. Overall age wear and creasing with two extremely small pinholes to the left border. G
CASTRO FIDEL: (1926-2016) Cuban Prime Minister 1959-76, later President 1976- 2008. An extremely rare L.S., `Fidel Castro´, two pages, 4to, beige lined paper, Isle of Pines, Cuba, 6th December 1953, in Spanish. The multiple letter signed by the Moncada prisoners, probably smuggled out of the Isle of Pines, was written from prison and very shortly after Castro wrote his well-remembered manifesto "History Will Absolve Me". The letter, written by prisoner Agustin Cartaya, is addressed to a lady and is a letter of appreciation to all supporters of their cause, stating in part `Together with these sincere lines, attached are the affection and respect from all my partners. We read your poem and it inspired all of us.. In these difficult times.. I will remember your beautiful thoughts and incomparable ideals..´ further saying `You know that our tasks are firm to serve the ideals, our formula of action demands continuity of our efforts, that is why from here we will fight continuously…´ Signed by the 27 imprisoned comrades, including Fidel Castro, Raul Castro, Juan Almeida, Andres Garcia, Mario Chaves, Francisco Gonzalez, Gabriel Gil, Eduardo Rodriguez, Armando Mestre Martinez, Ramiro Valdes, etc.. Overall age wear and foxing stains, few traces of former staples and three small areas of paper loss, only affecting a few words of the letter, but not affecting the signatures. F Castro formed a group called "The Movement" in 1952 which operated along a clandestine cell system, while arming and training anti-Batista recruits. Castro stockpiled weapons for a planned attack on the Moncada Barracks, a military garrison outside Santiago de Cuba. The attack took place on 26th July 1953, but ran into trouble and most of the rebels pinned down by machine gun fire. Castro set out for the rugged Sierra Maestra mountains, where they established a guerrilla base. Responding to the attack, Batista's government proclaimed martial law, ordered violent crackdown on dissent and tortures. Rebels were rounded up, some were executed, and others including Castro transported to a prison. The government put 122 defendants on trial on 21st September 1953. Acting as his own defense counsel, Castro cited Jose Martí as the intellectual author of the attack and convinced the three judges to overrule the army's decision to keep all defendants handcuffed in court, proceeding to argue that the charge with which they were was incorrect, as they had risen up against Batista, who had seized power in an unconstitutional manner. The trial ended on 5th October, with the acquittal of most defendants. Castro was sentenced on 16th October 1953, during which he delivered a speech that would be printed under the title of "History Will Absolve Me". He was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment in the hospital wing of the Model Prison on the Isle of Pines (Today called Isle of Youth). Imprisoned with 25 comrades, Castro renamed his group the "26th of July Movement" (MR-26-7) in memory of the Moncada attack. Castro and his comrades were released a year and a half later, on 15th May 1955.
TAYLOR ELIZABETH: (1932-2011) English actress, Academy Award winner. An excellent, extremely rare vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph, the image depicting Taylor in a half-length pose standing alongside her husband Conrad Hilton Jr. on their wedding day, 6th May 1950. Signed by Taylor in bold, dark fountain pen ink to a light area of the image, 'To John, Best wishes, Elizabeth Taylor Hilton'. Autographs of Taylor in this form which date from her short-lived marriage to Hilton Jr., over eight months from 1950-51, are extremely rare. VG
KARZAI HAMID: (1957- ) President of Afghanistan 2001-14. Signed colour 9 x 7 photograph, the official German press information photograph depicting Karzai in a half-length profile pose warmly shaking the hand of the German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder during the International Afghanistan Conference held in Berlin from 31st March to 1st April 2004. Signed by Karzai in bold blue ink with his name alone to the image. Rare. EX
SUN YAT-SEN: (1866-1925) Chinese Revolutionary & Political Leader, the founding father of Republican China. An extremely rare D.S., in Chinese characters, one page, large oblong folio (20 x 17), 15th October 1917, in Chinese. The attractive and colourful document being the appointment of Sun Guang Ming, as a member of the fund raising committee in Hong Kong. Signed by Sun Yat-sen in his capacity as Grand Admiral of the Navy armed forces. Also bearing to the recto the red ink seal of the Grand Admiral to the left border. Sun Wen seal alongside the Grand Admiral seal. Documents signed by Sun Yat-sen in Chinese are of extraordinary rarity and seldom appear at auction. Some minor age wear and staining, otherwise G American Book Prices Current only record five letters, and no documents, signed by Sun Yat-sen as having appeared at auction since 1976.
MANCHESTER UNITED: A good pair of pages removed from the same autograph album, individually signed by eleven members of the 'Busby Babes' Manchester United FC team of the mid-1950s, comprising David Pegg, Johnny Berry, Liam Whelan, Tommy Taylor, Duncan Edwards, Dennis Viollet, Eddie Colman, Bill Foulkes, Roger Byrne, Ray Wood and Jackie Blanchflower. All have signed with their names alone in dark inks. Matted in white, black and cream beneath a reproduction image of the team standing together in full-length poses in a row on a football pitch. 11.5 x 15.5 overall. Rare. About VG Six of the signatories on the present pages, Byrne, Colman, Edwards, Pegg, Taylor and Whelan, were amongst the fatalities resulting from the tragic Munich air disaster of 6th February 1958.
KUBRICK STANLEY: (1928-1999) American film director. Signed 4 x 6 photograph, the image depicting Kubrick in a half-length pose on the set of one of his films with a camera around his neck and a larger one in the background. Signed in bold blue ink with his name alone to a clear area at the head of the image. Rare. VG
VALENTINO RUDOLPH: (1895-1926) Italian actor, a sex symbol of the 1920s. A good large vintage signed and inscribed 10 x 13.5 (25,5 cm x 34 cm) photograph, the image showing The Latin Lover in an early head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold blue fountain pen ink `Rodolfo Valentino´, and inscribed in Italian by Valentino to the lower white border 'A Paravieini, Un salute dalla lontana America´ (“Regards form the far away America”). Annotated in another hand to the verso the date the signed photograph was received, May 1925. Signed photographs of Valentino are rare as a result of his untimely death at the age of 31. Overall age wear with few heavy creases to the photograph, none affecting the inscription or signature. F
VALENTINO RUDOLPH: (1895-1926) Italian actor, a sex symbol of the 1920s. An excellent, large vintage signed 13.5 x 16.5 sepia photograph, the image depicting The Latin Lover in a half-length pose in costume as Louis Philippe d'Orleans, Duc de Chartres, from the American silent romantic historical drama film Monsieur Beaucaire (1924). Signed by Valentino in bold black fountain pen ink to a clear area of the image, with an affectionate inscription in French and signing with his character name, 'A la charmante et sedeusante Audrey, Je vous baise……la main, Louis Philippe d'Orleans'. (Translation - 'To the charming and seductive Audrey, I kiss you……on the hand, Louis Philippe d'Orleans'). Signed photographs of Valentino (especially of this size and quality) are rare as a result of his untimely death at the age of 31 and this example is particularly unusually signed. Some very light, extremely minor age wear to the borders and a couple of small, minor corner creases, otherwise VG Provenance: Valentino inscribed the present photograph for Audrey Evelyn James Coats (later Pleydell-Bouverie) (1902-1968) English socialite who was photographed by Cecil Beaton for TheBook of Beauty. Through her mother she was the illegitimate granddaughter of King Edward VII and herself was the illegitimate daughter of Sir Edward Grey, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon.
MOSJOUKINE IVAN: (1889-1939) Russian silent film Actor. Mosjoukine was considered in Europe as the “Russian Valentino”. He had a very successful career in France and Europe, but short and mostly on second roles in Hollywood with Universal. Rare signed 7 x 9 sepia photograph, the image showing the Russian silent film actor in a close-up head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold dark ink `Ivan Mosjoukine´, to a clear area of the image, also dated 1928 in his hand. Mosjoukine died of tuberculosis at the age of 49. Small overall minor creasing, mostly to corners with slightly damaged upper left corner. About G
ADAMS NICK: (1931-1968) American Actor. A rare vintage signed and inscribed 7 x 9.5 photograph of Adams in a head and shoulders pose, holding a lit cigarette in one hand, in costume as Ben Brown in a scene from Twilight of Honor (1963; alternatively titled The Charge is Murder). Signed in blue fountain pen ink to a light area of the image. Adams was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his role in this film. Autographs of the actor are rare in any form following his early death in somewhat mysterious circumstances at the age of 36. VG
FUNES LOUIS DE: (1914-1983) French Comedy Actor. A rare and excellent 3.5 x 5.5 signed and inscribed photograph `L.de Funes´, the Pierre Manciet from Nice image showing the French comedian in a head and shoulders pose. Signed and inscribed in bold blue ink `Pour M. Klaus Dieter Zoddach, avec mon Meilleur souvenir L.de Funes´ to the lower white border. Also dated in his hand 1970. VG to EX
EAGELS JEANNE: (1890-1929) American actress, posthumously nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1930. A rare vintage signed and inscribed sepia 7 x 9 photograph of the actress standing in a full-length pose and holding a parasol before her. Photograph by Sarony of New York. Signed in fountain pen ink to the image, partially across a darker area although reasonably legible, and with a slight smudge at the conclusion of the signature. Autographs of Eagels are extremely rare in any form as a result of her untimely death from a drug overdose at the age of 39. Neatly mounted and with slightly irregularly trimmed edges, about G
GARBO GRETA: (1905-1990) Swedish-American actress, Academy Award winner. A wonderful, early vintage signed 10 x 13 photograph of the actress in a pensive head and shoulders pose with one hand gently raised to the side of her face. Photograph by Ruth Harriet Louise and bearing her Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer credit stamp to the verso. Signed ('Greta Garbo') by the actress in bold, dark fountain pen ink to the image. Authentic signed photographs of Garbo are notoriously rare, and it is very seldom that images of this size and quality appear at auction. One slight crease and minor closed tear to the lower left corner, otherwise VG Ruth Harriet Louise (1903-1940) American photographer, the first female photographer active in Hollywood. Louise ran Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's portrait studio from 1925-30 (before George Hurrell was given charge of the department) and was one of only seven photographers permitted to make portraits of Garbo.
HARLOW JEAN: (1911-1937) American actress & sex symbol. An exceptionally exquisite vintage signed and inscribed sepia 9.5 x 12 photograph of the platinum blonde in a full-length study, alluringly posing in a figure-hugging plain white dress and with one arm positioned behind her head. Signed in bold, dark fountain pen ink to a light area of the image with an intriguing inscription to Clark Gable, ' “E's” in the port cabin, Just Jean'. Authentic autographs of Harlow are extremely rare in any form and it is hard to imagine a more desirable example than the present photograph, not least in regards to the quality of the image and the association. Some very light, minor thin bands of silvering to the extreme edges of the image, otherwise EX Clark Gable (1901-1960) American actor, Academy Award winner. Jean Harlow starred alongside Gable in a total of six films, including the box office successes Red Dust (1932; Gable also later starring in John Ford's remake of the film, Mogambo) and Hold Your Man (1933). Gable was Harlow's co-star in her final film, Saratoga, which was completed using doubles and released on 23rd July 1937, less than two months after her death. It was to be MGM's most successful film of the year, and the highest-grossing film of Harlow's career. Provenance: Acquired by the present vendor at Christie's Entertainment Memorabilia sale in New York on 25th July 2003 (lot 71).
VILLENEUVE GILLES: (1950-1982) Canadian Racing Driver. Rare signed colour postcard photograph of Villeneuve, the image showing the racing driver in his red Ferrari Formula one, Giacobazzi Lambrusco team, at the Modena circuit, in 1981. Signed in bold dark ink with his full name across the image. Autographs of Gilles Villeneuve are desirable in any form following his tragic death, at the early age of 32, in a crash caused by a collision during qualifying for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. VG
STANISLAVSKI KONSTANTIN: (1863-1938) Russian Theatre Director. The “Stanislavski´s System” is named after him, being a systematic approach to training actors that he developed in the first half of the twentieth century, cultivating the “Art of Experiencing” in contrast with the “Art of Representation”. Rare T.L.S., `C. Stanislavsky´, one page, 4to, New York, 27th February 1924, on the Moscow Art Theatre printed stationery, with their printed logo to the upper left corner. Stanislavski states `Thank you very much for your sending me fifty slips of my forthcoming book, which I received today´ sheet with attractive watermark. Trimmed edges with very small are of paper loss to the upper edge. About G Stanislavski most probably refers to his autobiography which he reluctantly wrote in 1923 at the request of a US publisher.
LUMIERE LOUIS: (1864-1948) French Pioneer Filmmaker, along with his brother Auguste. An excellent and rare A.L.S., `Louis´, to his brother Auguste Lumiere, three pages, 8vo, [16th August], on his printed heading "Les Lucioles - Houlgate - Calvados - Tel 11", in French. Louis Lumiere begins his letter with `Mon cher Vieux´ ("My Old dear") addressing to his brother, and states in part `Combien je suis peiné d´apprendre le gros accroc subi par notre bon vieux Papus. Va t-il s´en tirer…. c´est bien a toi qu´il le devra car sans la diligence que tu as apporté a le faire opérer, il était perdu. Et quelle journée tu as eu mon pauvre vieux! Tu aurais besoin de repos car ce surmenage finira par te jouer de mauvais tours. Crois moi´ ("How sad I am to learn of the big hitch suffered by our good old Papus. Will he get away with it... it is to you that he will owe it because without the diligence that you had to have him operated, he was lost. And what a day you had my poor old man! You would need to rest because this overwork will end up playing tricks on you. Believe me " Louis Lumiere further refers to his own health, saying `Je vais mieux depuis deux jours mais non sans douleurs nerveuses, cette nuit encore, ells m´ont reveillé´ ("I've been better the last two days but not without nervous pains, this night again, they woke me up") A letter of good association, in part relating to family and friends. VG
LESUEUR JEAN-FRANCOIS: (1760-1837) French Composer. Composer of the Royal Chapel and Conductor of the orchestra of the Opera. Among his composition pupils at the Paris Conservatoire were Berlioz, Gounod and Ambroise Thomas. A rare and very fine A.L.S., `LeSueur, M[em]ber of the Legion d´Honneur, Composer and musical Director of His Majesty the Emperor and King´, one page, 4to, [Paris], 8th July 1809, to the Minister of the Interior, in French. Lesueur responds to the Minister´s information request stating in part `I dare assure His Excellency the Minister of the Interior, that I only know Mr. Vieilh-Varenne by reports which are extremely favourable to him; and all I have heard concerning this estimable artist is as creditable as possible, as much for his talent, as for the good conduct which he has always maintained. I believe him worthy to fill with distinction the place which he solicits from your Excellency..´, further apologizing for interrupting his correspondent `..interrupting you Monseigneur in the important affairs which occupy you, from the certainty I feel of the kindness and interest which your Excellency deigns to show towards unfortunate talents.´, and before concluding saying `…is his lively and sincere attachment to the sacred persons of our august Sovereigns.´The present letter was part of the reputed collection of Wilhelm Kunzel (1819-1896). Neatly affixed to a slightly larger paper-card. Accompanied by a full translation of the letter into English. Small overall minor foxing and age wear to the upper part of the letter, otherwise G The present letter is addressed to the Minister of Interior. From June to October 1809 the Minister was Joseph Fouché (1759-1820) Duke of Otranto. Best-known as Minister of Police under the Directory, the Consulate and the Empire. Although most probably the letter was addressed to his predecessor Emmanuel Crétet (1747-1809) Count of Champmol and first Governor of the Bank of France. Minister of the Interior from 1807 until June 09. Crétet spent very important amounts as Minister, encouraging learning and arts. Vieilh-Varenne was a French Painter and Engraver. Pupil of Joseph-Marie Vien, first painter of the King.
BIZET GEORGES: (1838-1875) French Composer. Rare Autograph Musical score by Bizet, four pages, large folio score page, n.p. , n.d., in French, and musical text in Italian. The score corresponds to Charles Gounod´s opera Faust. Bizet has penned 35 bars in two staves, with multiple corrections and words in Italian, being the scene two of the fourth act, almost complete, from `.. Quando a te lieta sorridea la vita... » to « ... io ti sarò fedele amico ognor´, which on the French libretto corresponds to (“Si le bonheur à sourire t'invite... I will remain your faithful friend..”) To the upper edge of the first score page, the editor Antoine de Choudens annotates `Pour remplacer la page 316 - Nouvelle romance de Siebel´, and to a small 8vo note, lightly affixed to the upper right corner Choudens states in French `Deux copies des parties d'orchestre et de la partition depuis l'andante en la jusqu'à fin.. mettre les paroles françaises a prendre dans Marguerite..´ With numerous small tears and chips to the edges and some light blue paper residue to the first page. G Charles Gounod (1818-1893) French Composer. Faust (is an opera in five acts by Charles Gounod. Premiered at the Theatre Lyrique of Paris in March 1859.After Bizet´s return from Rome to Paris, he found a found a supplement of income in work of arrangements, in particular of reductions for piano and songs, and even of copies. He worked especially for the music publisher Antoine de Choudens, who became his friend, and for Charles Gounod, of whom he was close.
FORD JOHN: (1894-1973) American film director, Academy Award winner. An excellent vintage signed 8 x 10 photograph of the director seated in a half-length pose. Photograph by Alexander Kahle and bearing his blindstamp to the lower right corner. Signed by Ford in bold green fountain pen ink to a clear area of the image. Rare. About EX
WEILL KURT: (1900-1950) German-American Composer. Weill held the ideal of writing music that would serve a social purpose. An excellent and rare A.M.Q.S., Kurt Weill, one page, 8.5 x 10.5, (21,5 x 27 cm), on a page removed from an autograph album, in German. In bold, dark fountain pen ink the German composer has carefully penned four bars of music, which he identifies as being from his opera Der Weg der Verheisung, "The Eternal Road". Signed and inscribed beneath the musical quotation `For Marina Chaliapin´ also dated in Salzburg, 1935 in Weill´s hand. Small overall minor age toning to edges, otherwise G to VG Weill´s opera-oratorio in four acts The Eternal Road is based on Franz Werfel´s playwright Der Weg der Verheisung, ("The Way of the Covenant"), a biblical drama. The work was conceived by Zionist activist Meyer Weisgal to alert public to Hitler´s persecution of the Jews in Germany. He enlisted the help of Max Reinhardt who chose Weill to compose the music and Werfel to write the libretto. The Eternal Road premiered at the Manhattan Opera House in January 1937, with a spectacular production involving 245 actors. Provenance: The present page originates from the personal autograph album of Marina Chaliapin (1912-2009), the daughter of Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), widely regarded as one of the finest bass singers of the 20th century, and his mistress Marina Petsold (1882-1964) who became the singer's second wife in 1927. Chaliapin's daughter was married to Luigi Freddi (1895-1977) the Italian journalist and politician who edited the journal Il Popolo d'Italia and who was also hugely influential in Italian political cinema in the second half of the 1930s and beginning of the 1940s
TOZZI ANTONIO: (1736-1812) Italian Opera Composer. Rare A.L.S., `Antonio Tozzi´, one page, 4to, Barcelona, 21st November 1795, to Mariano Tambuini, Bologna, in Italian. Tozzi, to the heading, requests a favour from his correspondent `You will kindly forward the letter enclosed to my son.´ Further saying in part `… we are anxious about the arrival of Mrs. Marcheti, who, should have arrived in Genoa on the nine or tenth..´ Fully addressed to the verso in Tozzi´s hand. Overall creasing with two stains corresponding to the opening of the letter and only affecting the first word Barcelona. G
KOTEK IOSIF: (1855-1885) Russian Violinist and Composer. Best remembered for his relationship with Tchaikovsky. Kotec assisted Tchaikovsky in the writing of the solo part of his acclaimed Violin Concerto. Kotek was also at some point his lover. Rare A.L.S., `J. Kotek´, four pages, 8vo, Davos-Platz, Kurhaus, 2nd December 1884, to an unidentified professor, in German. On a boldly and cleanly written letter, Kotek commences referring to a musical arrangement he has been working on, and states in part `It took me very long until I finished the arrangement for your lovely serenade, and I beg you not be angry with me for this delay! As you know I have been very sick lately and even now I am not allowed to sit too long before my desk! I have done this arrangement work only for pleasure, and I agreed with Hugo Boeck that if you will consider it insufficient it can be thrown to the dustbin. Therefore, play it, or read it, and if you do not like it, please do not worry for me, I already found reward on working on it´ Kotek further refers to Piotr Illich Tchaikovsky, saying `Before yesterday Tschaikowsky left, he was so good to visit me and to spend eight days here. I played with him the serenade and I was happy to find that he liked it very much, especially the first three movements´ Kotek further refers to the Berlin music and its concert clubs and asks his correspondent to send his best regards to professors Joachim and Spitta. Letters of Kotek are rare as a result of his early death of tuberculosis at the age of 29. VG Piotr Illich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Russian Composer. Joseph Joachim (1831-1907) Hungarian Violinist and Composer. A close collaborator of Johannes Brahms.Julius August Spitta (1841-1894) German Musicologist.
YESIPOVA ANNA: (1851-1914) Russian Pianist. One of the main Russian pianists of her time, her virtuosity was highly admired by Liszt and Tchaikovsy. Yesipova was the most brilliant pupil of Leszetycki, years after becoming his spouse. Among his students as teacher of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory were Prokofiev, Borovsky and many others. A rare A.L.S., `A. Yesipova´, three pages, n.p., 6th August, n.y., to Miron Isakovich, in Cyrillic. Yesipova reports on her trip stating in part `We made all our way…. Benz turned out to be a great car, and the driver an expert. Our trip was a pure delight!´, she further describes delighted the location, saying `We could not have arranged better here in the guesthouse Ziminoy, by the very seaside. We were given a room with a balcony with seaview; we are surrounded by a park, and we have our own beach, and a steamship pier is right there. The guest house is very nice. We are delighted with Alupka. I think there is no place more beautiful than this one in the world´ Furter again, Yesipova asks her correspondent a favour and explains what she needs. VG
WUNDERLICH FRITZ: (1930-1966) German Tenor. Rare vintage signed 3.5 x 5.5 photograph of Wunderlich, the promotional Electrola image depicting the opera singer in a close-up head and shoulders pose. Boldly signed in blue ink to a clear area of the image. Autographs of Wunderlich are rare following his tragic death at the early age of 35. Bearing to the verso a printed list of Wunderlich´s recording with Electrola. EX
MALIBRAN MARIA: (1808-1836) Spanish Mezzo-Soprano. Rare A.L.S., `Malibran´, three pages, 8vo, `Passing via Bristol on my way to Exeter´, n.d. 1829, to Baron Denniée, in Paris, in French. A young 21 years old Malibran sends an amusing letter, explaining first her near future timetable `Nous partons demain pour Exeter… Nous serons le 24 en chemin pour Paris. Nous serons le 26 a Calais´ (“We leave tomorrow to Exeter… We will be on our way to Paris the 24th. We will be at Calais the 26th”), further saying that she expects a charming letter from his correspondent and blame him in a funny way, stating `Je vous prie d´adresser une lettre pour moi a l´hotel Meurice, dans laquelle apres m´avoir dit toutes les jolies choses que vous savez si bien dire sans avoir l´air de vous en apercevoir… je termine ma lettre en vous disant que vous êtes un villain, qui n´avez pas voulu me répondre. Je vous ai écrit de Gloucester, de Chester, de tous les coins du monde… mais il parait que l´année n´est pas favorable aux gens qui se dédient a la litérature, aux beaux arts, et qui se dédient comme moi de la maniere la plus dévouée au style épistolaire… Hum!!´ (“Please send a letter for me to the Hotel Meurice, in which, after having told me all the pretty things that you so well know how to express without seeming to notice it… I will end my letter by telling you that you are a villain, who did not want to answer me. I have written to you from Gloucester, from Chester, from all over the world... but it seems that the year is not favourable to people who dedicate themselves to literature, to the fine arts, and who, like me, dedicate themselves in the most devoted manner to the epistolary style… Hum!!” Before concluding, Malibran refers to her own foolishness, saying `Savez vous ce qui me gene toujours au moment de finir vos lettres? C´est d´être oblige de signer Malibran a la suite de toutes les bêtises du monde´ (“Do you know what always bothers me when finishing your letters? It is to be forced to sign Malibran following all my foolery”) With addressee to the verso, with post ink stamps. Letters of Maria Malibran are rare and very desirable after her early death at the age of 28. Very small minor creasing and a very small hole to the third page as a result of the letter opening, not affecting the text or signature. G to VG
STORCHIO ROSINA: (1876-1945) Italian Soprano. Storchio created roles in several operas by Puccini, Leoncavallo, Mascagni and Giordano including Mimi in Leoncavallo´s La Boheme (1897) and Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly (1904). A rare and excellent vintage signed and inscribed 9 x 12.5 photograph of Storchio, the Esommariva image from Milano showing the Italian soprano standing in a full length pose, in costume. Signed in bold black fountain pen ink to the lower matted border `Rosina Storchio´, also dated beneath in her hand, Milano 1936. Inscribed to the upper border `A Marina Scialapen, Fiore di gioventu e bellezza con l´augurio d´ogni bene´("To Maria Chaliapin, Flower of youth and beauty with the wish of all the good´) Very light corner crease and few small stains to the matted border, otherwise VG Maria Chaliapin (1912-2009) was the daughter of Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), widely regarded as one of the best bass singers of the 20th century.
DELACROIX EUGENE: (1798-1863) French Romantic Artist. A.L.S., Eug Delacroix, two pages, 8vo, Champrosay, 17th October n.y. (post 1844), to a friend, in French. The artist states that he is not in Paris and cannot begin to tell his friend how much he shares in their grief at the present time, adding that his friend is one of the rare people for whom he feels a deep affection despite the fact that they haven't seen each other for some time, further remarking that the affection is based on the charming remembrances of their intimacy over many years. In concluding Delacroix states that he is not indifferent from anything that affects his correspondent and asks for his regards to be given to his mother on the sad occasion. With blank integral leaf. VG
COURBET GUSTAVE: (1819-1877) French Painter. An innovator who rejected academic convention and leaded the French Realist movement. Courbet was active in politics and was imprisoned in 1871 for his involvement with the Paris Commune, having to live in exile in Switzerland until his death. Rare A.L.S., `Gustave Courbet´, one page, 8vo, n.p., Friday 22nd July 1870, to Justice of the Peace, in French. Courbet states `I have no knowledge of what you have written to me. If Mr Rossi painter and Mr and Mrs… wish to get an appointment, at home at 11h in the morning, please designate any day, rue Hautefeuille 32..´ Courbet adds a post-scriptum, beneath his signature, asking his correspondent to inform him in time. With blank address leaf. An extremely small tear to the edge, otherwise VG
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