History A - E
Arafat, Yasser (1929-2004)
Photograph signed
Palestinian political leader. Color glossy signed photograph. 5.0 x 7.0 inch, n.p. (Ramallah), 2004 April 21. Signed and inscribed by Arafat “To Gisela with best wishes Y. Arafat 21.04.2004” Old age signature, Arafat died the same year. Accompanied by a letter of the “Special Assistant to Secretary General” forwarding the signed photo, dated 2004 April 21. The original mailing envelope is also included. Fine condition.
Price: $ 460 / € 380
Bebel, August (1840-1913)
Autograph letter signed
Ferdinand August Bebel was a German Marxist politician, writer, and orator. He is best remembered as one of the founders of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). Autograph letter signed “A. Bebel”. 1p., bifolium, Plauen-Dresden, 1887 November 24. To the editors of the "Dresdner Nachrichten". In German: „In der politischen Übersicht der gestrigen Nummer Ihres Blattes erwähnen Sie, daß ich in Fürth gewesen sei, um dort meinen Parteigenossen zur Betheiligung an den Stadtverordnetenwahlen zu rathen. Diese Mittheilung … ist unrichtig. Ich war weder in Fürth noch hat eine solche Beschlußnahme meinerseits überhaupt stattgefunden…“. Translated: „In the political overview of yesterday's number of your paper you mention that I was in Fürth to advise my party comrades there to take part in the city council elections. This communication ... is incorrect. I was neither in Fürth nor did such a decision even take place on my part...”. Mailing fold, slightly discolored, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,210 / € 1.000
Benes, Edvard (1884-1948)
Large signed photograph
Leader of the Czechoslovak independence movement, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the second President of Czechoslovakia from 1935 to 1938 and again from 1940 to 1948. Signed photograph “Dr. Edvard Benes 6.10.38”. 7.5 x 9.0 inch, n.p. Slightly trimmed, else good condition. Uncommon in signed photographs especially of this size.
Price: $ 630 / € 525
Bismarck, Otto von (1815-1898)
Seven pages letter signed
Influential German statesman known as the “Iron Chancellor”, who served as the first Chancellor of the German Empire from 1871-1890. Remarkable letter signed “ergebenster Diener vBismarck”. 7 pages, 2 separate bifolium/ double sheets, 8.0 x 9.5 inch, Frankfurt, 1853 February 6. As the Prussian envoy to the Bundestag, probably to the Austrian General Anton Prokesch “K. K. Federal Presidential Envoy ”. Concerning the presentation of the Prussian officer corps announced by Major General Eberhard Herwarth von Bittenfeld and Joseph von Schmerling. In German, in parts: „…Der König“ (Friedrich Wilhelm IV.), mein Allergnädigster Herr, ist von dem Wunsche beseelt, daß von Seiten Seiner Diener jede sich darbietende Gelegenheit ergriffen werde, um die engen persönlichen und politischen Beziehungen, welche ihn mit Sr Majestät dem Kaiser von Oesterreich (Franz Joseph I.) verbinden, auch in den äußeren Formen zur Anschauung zu bringen. In Ausführung dieser Allerhöchsten Intention wird das Königl. Offizier-Corps morgen Euer Excellenz als K.K. Feldmarschall-Lieutenant seine Aufwartung machen … Ich darf voraussetzen, daß Euer Excellenz von meinem aufrichtigen Wunsche, die Formen des gegenseitigen Verkehrs jeder Zeit zum Ausdruck ebensowohl des innigen Buendnisses unserer Allerhöchsten Regierungen als meiner persönlichen Verehrung für den kaiserlichen Praesidialhof und für Euer Excellenz Selbst zu machen, überzeugt seid …“ Mailing fold, minor mounting residue, tiny pin hole, else fine condition. Uncommon letter and the first time that I see a letter of seven pages signed by Bismarck.
Price: $ 2,100 / € 1.750
Bismarck, Otto von (1815-1898)
Autograph letter signed
Influential German statesman known as the “Iron Chancellor”, who served as the first Chancellor of the German Empire from 1871-1890. Autograph letter signed „vBismarck“. 1p., 8.5 x 10.75 inch, Berlin, 1863 February 5. To an unknown recipient, probably a court marshal. A submissive Bismarck asks for an audience. In German, in full: “Ew. Hochwohlgeboren würde ich sehr dankbar sein wenn Sie die Güte hätten die Befehle Sr. Königlichen des Großherzogs darüber zu erbitten, ob seine Königliche Hoheit die Gnade haben wolle mir eine Audienz zu gewähren…“ Mailing folds, handling wear, else fine condition. After the founding of the empire, Bismarck's letters no longer needed to be written in such a submissive manner.
Price: $ 1,595 / € 1.330
Blomberg, Werner von (1878-1946)
Typed letter signed
German Generalfeldmarschall, Minister of War, and Commander-in-Chief of the German Armed Forces until January 1938. Typed letter signed “vBlomberg”. 8.25 x 11.75 inch, Berlin, 1936 May 14. On “Der Reichskriegsminister” stationery. Appointment for Alois Hartmann as “Oberintendanturrat” im “Reichskriegsministerium”. Near mint condition. Note: We reject Nazism in any form! Nevertheless we offer autographs of this kind, because it is an important part of the history of the 20th Century. To the extent applicable to those affected by German law, particularly § 86a StGB, historical and military items from or relating to the period and personalities of the German Third Reich are offered for only purposes of education and research regarding historical events and military history. Clients who purchase such items agree that they will not use them for propaganda or other purposes that would be punishable under § 86a StGB.
Price: $ 270 / € 225
Blücher, Gebhard Leberecht von (1742-1819)
Autograph letter signed
Fürst von Wahlstatt, Prussian Generalfeldmarschall (field marshal) who most notably led his army against Napoleon I. at the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig in 1813 and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, in alliance with the Duke of Wellington. Autograph letter signed „Blücher“. 1 page, bifolium, 8.25 x 13.25 inch, 1812 September 23 (in a different hand at the top Dresden, 1812 September 29). Addressed on verso to the farmer Hübner, the new tenant of his Kunzendorf estate. With a fine red wax seal on verso. In German: “… aus den anlagen” (not enclosed) “werden sie des mehreren ersehen; u. trage ich ihm auf solche zu bevollgen, auch ihrem bruder zu vackenau auf zu geben”, die Pacht “von vackenau und Acht huben” noch im selben Monat zu begleichen. Mailing folds, slightly discolored, else good condition. In 1812 Blücher had to leave active service for political reasons and leased the above-mentioned estates. A year later, when the war against France resumed, Blücher was activated again.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Bonaparte, Joséphine (1763-1814)
Letter signed regarding poor orphans
Joséphine de Beauharnais, first wife of Napoleon I., and thus the first Empress of the French. Letter signed “Lapagerie Buonaparte”. 1p., 6.75 x 8.75 inch, bifolium, Paris, 4 floral An 8 (April 23, 1796). The future empress, who had married Napoleon scarcely a month earlier, shows her lifetime kindness to endangered children. In French, translated: “The file of Etienne Thomas Maussion is in carton no. 125. I don’t know if it has been examined by the commission. I am taking such interest in these poor orphans because I knew their mother very well and because the justice that is due to them sincerely makes me wish that Citizen La Page employ everything in his power to speed up their case and bring it to conclusion.” With a fine 5.25 x 8.0 inch engraved portrait of Josephine - London: Henry Colburn 1845. Slightly discolored and handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 2,400 / € 2.000
Brandström, Elsa (1888-1948)
Typed letter signed by the "Angel of Siberia"
Swedish nurse and philanthropist. She was known around the world as the "Angel of Siberia". Typed letter signed “Ihre Elsa Brandström-Ulich”. 1p., 9.0 x 11,0 inch, Dresden, 1931 November 22. On “Stiftung: Arbeitssanatorium für ehem. Kriegsgefangene Deutsche” stationery. Addressed to „Mrs. Siniossoglon“. In German, translated in parts: “…Unfortunately, I have to tell you that my time has been so extraordinarily busy through my work that I cannot fulfill your request.” Mailing folds, handling wear, slightly discolored, else good condition. Brandström was married since 1929 with the philosopher and educator Robert Ulich (1890-1977).
Price: $ 540 / € 450
Brandt, Willy (1913-1992)
Handwritten manuscript pages from a Vienna speech
German politician and statesman who was leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) from 1964 to 1987 and served as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) from 1969 to 1974. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971. Unsigned manuscript pages. 2 pages, 8.25 x 11.75, n.p., n.d. (1990). Pages marked 12a und 12b. In German, in parts: "Die Frage, ob wir Truppen an den Golf schicken, stellt sich - schon aufgrund der grundgesetzlichen Lage - nicht. Damit ist nicht vorweggenommen, in welcher Weise sich Deutschland künftig verhält, wenn es aufgefordert wird, an friedenssichernden Aufgaben der Vereinten Nationen teilzunehmen." Translated: "The question of whether we will send troops to the Gulf does not arise - if only because of the constitutional situation. This does not anticipate how Germany will behave in the future if it is asked to take part in the peacekeeping tasks of the United Nations." Probably from his speech given in Vienna on September 3rd, 1990 - "The changes in Central and Eastern Europe: New challenges for social democracy”. Excellent condition.
Price: $ 510 / € 425
Castro, Fidel (1926-2016)
Rare typed letter signed with fine content
Cuban communist revolutionary and politician who was Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976 and President from 1976 to 2008. Typed letter signed “Fidel Castro”. 1p., 8.25 x 11.0 inch, on his “REPUBLICA DE CUBA PRESIDENTE DEL CONSEJO DE ESTADO Y DEL GOBIERNO” stationery, La Habana, 1993 September 21, excellent signed with a blue felt-tip pen. Addressed to a woman in Germany. In Spanish, translated: “First, I apologize for not answering your letters sooner. They were not known to me and have not reached my hands for various reasons. However, now that I have learned of your previous letters and your repeated donations to our country, I would like to write to you immediately, first of all, to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind gestures of solidarity and your generous initiatives. In addition, I am pleased to send you the photo (not included) that you have repeatedly asked for. Like the others, your most recent check will be used to purchase essential medicines, which are currently not available in sufficient quantities due to the trade and economic blockade imposed on our country. Accept, dear friend, my highest regard and best wishes.” The original unpostmarked mailing envelope, probably forwarded through official agencies (embassy), is enclosed. Minor handling wear. else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,925 / € 1.600
Castro, Fidel (1926-2016)
Rare war content autograph letter signed
Cuban communist revolutionary and politician who was Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976 and President from 1976 to 2008. Autograph letter signed “F.”. 1p., 6.0 x 6.5 inch, n.p., (1988 July 2). Addressed to the Generals Polo and Ochoa. In Spanish: “Ochoa y Polo: El Regimiento de pecho se debe dirigir a Lubango. Despues decidieramos su ulterios ubicacion. Seguir inriestiendo con los angolanos la entrega de los grupos solicitados.” Translated: “Ochoa and Polo: The regiment of Pechora (located in Matala) must go to Lubango. We will make a decision later on their position. Keep pushing the Angolans so the designated groups surrender. Greetings. F.” In this rare autograph letter signed Fidel Castro gives instructions for military operations to support the Marxist party in Angola against the United States. He addresses his main generals on the spot: Polo Cintra Fria (Leopoldo Cintra Frias, born in 1941, currently Minister of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces) and Arnoldo Ochoa Sanchez (1930-1989/shot for corruption). Date written in pencil and in a different hand at the top, handwritten note (illegible) on verso, handling wear, else good condition. Rare especially with war content.
Price: $ 1,740 / € 1.450
Catherine II., The Great (1729-1796)
Scarce autograph letter signed regarding allegations
Yekaterina Alexeevna or Catherine II., also known as Catherine the Great, was the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia, reigning from 9 July 1762 until her death in 1796 at the age of 67. Her reign was called Russia's golden age. Autograph letter signed “Caterine”. 1p. (bifolium), 7.25 x 9.0 inch, n.p., 1769 June 19. A fine handwritten letter, probably to the Russian Privy Councilor Ernst Johann Graf von Münnich (1707-1788) with the order to investigate allegations made against an emissary. In French, in full: „Par la si jointe Vous verrés qu’il y a un homme qui pretend que Vos Subdelegué le font mourir de faim, conoissant Votre façon de penser, je voudrois parier qu’il n’en est rien, je Vous prie de voir par Vous meme ce qui en est, et de faire rendre exacte justice a cet homme dont je Vous ai je pense renvoyé l’affaire, Vous me ferés rapport de ce qui se passera, ayé Soin Surtout que cela ce finisse au plutot.“ Mailing folds, else fine condition.
Price: $ 7,200 / € 6.000
Ceaușescu, Nicolae (1918-1989)
Signed photograph
Romanian Communist politician. Signed glossy black and white photograph “N. Ceausescu”. 5.5 x 8.5 inch, n.p., n.d. (1981). Accompanied by the transmittal letter from the Director of Ceausescu’s office, dated April 2, 1981. Fine condition.
Price: $ 275 / € 230
Chiang Kai-Shek (1887-1975)
Signed photograph in mint condition
Chinese political and military leader who served as the leader of the Republic of China between 1928 and 1975. Desirable matte-finish head-and-shoulders signed photo. Black and white, 3.75 x 5.75 inch, n.p., n.d., signed in dark black ink in Chinese. Reverse bears a Hu Chnng Hsien photographer’s stamp. Excellent mint condition.
Price: $ 1,325 / € 1.100
Madame Chiang Kai-Shek (1898-2003)
Excellent card signed
Soong Mei-ling also known as Madame Chiang. Chinese political figure who was First Lady of the Republic of China, the wife of President Chiang Kai-shek. Soong played a prominent role in the politics of the Republic of China and was the sister-in-law of Sun Yat-sen, the founder and the leader of the Republic of China. Excellent card signed "Mayling Soong Chiang". 6.0 x 4.25 inch, n.p., n.d. Singed in black ink below a Madame Chiang Kai-Shek portrait postage stamp. Small stamp on verso erased and surface a little scraped, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,150 / € 960
Churchill, Winston S. (1874-1965)
Early autograph letter signed
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was a British politician, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. Widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century. Autograph letter signed “Winston S. Churchill”. 1 page, 5.5 x 7.0 inch, bifolium, blind embossed “Villa Kazbeck Cannes (A.M.) stationery, 1903 April 12. To an unknown Sir, in full: “Dear Sir, It is with much regret that after consideration, wh I fear has caused undue delay. I find myself unable on account of other engagements and press of work to accept the most kind invitation, wh you have tendered me. Yours very truly.” Mailing fold, minor mounting residue on verso, closed pinholes top and bottom, handling wear, else good to fine condition.
Price: $ 3,850 / € 3.200
Churchill, Winston S. (1874-1965)
Excellent letter signed
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was a British politician, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. Widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century. Letter signed “Winston S. Churchill”. 1 page, card, 4.5 x 3.5 inch, embossed 105, Mount Street at the top, Mayfair (London) 1904 April 23. Signed by Churchill in dark black ink. To an unknown Sir. In full: “Dear Sir, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter and herewith comply with your request. Yours faithfully”. Fine condition. 105 Mount Street has long been linked to Churchill and provided his first "bachelor pad" residence in the heart of Mayfair. He lived here from 1900 until 1905
Price: $ 2,220 / € 1.850
Church's dignitaries
Lot of about 30 autographs
Church’s dignitaries. Lot of about 30 autographs. 1) Helmut Hermann Wittler (bishop/ card signed), 2) Mathias Defregger (bishop/ autograph letter signed + photograph signed), 3) Eduard Schick (bishop/ card and envelope signed), 4) Edoardo Pecoraio (bishop/ card signed), 5) Hermann Volk (bishop/ photo and 2 cards signed), 6) Donald Coggan (bishop/ photo signed), 7) Pedro Arrupe (card signed), 8) Jose Clement Card. Maurer (bishop/ photo signed), 9) Antonius Hofmann (card and photo signed), 10) Langton D. Fox (bishop/ card signed), 11) Bruno B. Heim (bishop/ card signed), 12) Ernesto Civardi (cardinal/ autograph note signed), 13) Eugene Tisserant (cardinal/ photo signed), 14) Josephus Hasler (bishop/ 2 cards and 2 photos signed), 15) Alfred Flury (photo signed and drawing signed), 16) Bruno B. Heim (bishop/ 2 photos signed), 17) Olof Sundby (bishop/ photo signed), 18) Giovanni Benelli (cardinal/ card signed), 19) Heinrich Suso Braun (photo signed), 20) Christopher Butler (card signed), 21) Georg Holzherr (photo signed), 22) Youhanna Kabes (bishop/ card signed). Handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 330 / € 275
Danton, Georges (1759-1794)
Fantastic document signed (15 days after the attack on the Tuileries)
French statesman and one of the leading figures of the French Revolution. He and his followers were charged with conspiracy to overthrow the government and who was guillotined in 1794. Rare document signed “Danton”. 1p., 9.0 x 14.25 inch, Paris, 1792 August 25. A certified copy of a decree by the National Assembly that lays out some rules for troop uniforms. In Frech, “Paris, le vingt cinquième jour du mois d’Aout 1792, l’an quatrième de la Liberté” (Paris, the twenty-fifth day of August 1792, the fourth year of Liberty). Mailing fold, slightly discolored, handling wear, writing and signature dark and unaffected. Danton helped set the stage for the attack on the Tuileries and the overthrow of the monarchy, which took place just 15 days before this decree, on August 10, 1792. In the new republic, he became minister of justice and virtual head of the Provisional Executive Council. A fantastic document in the context of the French Revolution.
Price: $ 4,250 / € 3.540
Daru, Pierre Antoine Noël Bruno (1767-1829)
Autograph letter signed
French soldier, statesman, historian and poet. Autograph letter signed “Daru”. 1 page, 6.25 x 8.0 inch, 1812 Jan. 28 (?), remnants of a red wax seal on verso. Addressed to the “Pigeon commissaire ordonnateur in Paris”. The letter acknowledging the receipt of a letter and presuming to do what he can. Addressed on verso by Daru. Letter is professional inlaid to a slightly larger piece of paper, verso is fully visible, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 275 / € 230
Eisenhower, Mamie (1896-1979)
Fine typed letter signed as First Lady
First lady of the United States from 1953 to 1961 as the wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Typed letter signed “Mamie Doud Eisenhower”. 1 page, 6.25 x 9.25 inch, Gettysburg, 1955 November 19. On gold embossed “The White House Washington” stationery, signed in dark black ink. A fine personal content letter addressed to Mrs. Phleger in Washington, D.C. regarding the health of President Eisenhower. In parts: “… Being back in Gettysburg is wonderful tonic for both of us. The President looks so well now and is able to pursue many of his home and gardening interests here. …” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Mailing folds, else fine condition.
Price: $ 190 / € 160