History O - S


Paul VI., Pope (1897-1978)

Rare autograph letter signed

Paul VI. (Latin: Paulus PP. VI; Italian: Paolo VI), born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini, reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church from 1963 until his death. Succeeding Pope John XXIII., he continued the Second Vatican Council and fostered improved ecumenical relations with Orthodox and Protestants, which resulted in many historic meetings and agreements. Autograph letter signed “GB. Card. Montini Arciv.”. 1p., 8.25 x 11.25 inch, Milano 1960, April 28. On “Il Cardinale Arcivescovo di Milano” (Archbishop of Milan) stationery. In Italian, translated: “Excellency! I must thank you once again for your kind invitation, and again my apologies if I do not accept it. May 12th is already full of commitments for me and I can't afford to be your guest. I am even more sorry that I cannot give my heart to Cardinal Tisserant at the moment that he is your guest. To your Excellency the expression of my respect.” Mailing folds, else good condition. Eugène-Gabriel-Gervais-Laurent Tisserant (1884-1972) was a French prelate and cardinal of the Catholic Church. Elevated to the cardinalate in 1936, Tisserant was a prominent and long-time member of the Roman Curia.

Price: $ 1,100 / € 920

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Paul VI., Pope (1897-1978)

Typed letter signed WW II. dated “confidenziale”

Paul VI. (Latin: Paulus PP. VI; Italian: Paolo VI), born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini, reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church from 1963 until his death. Succeeding Pope John XXIII., he continued the Second Vatican Council and fostered improved ecumenical relations with Orthodox and Protestants, which resulted in many historic meetings and agreements. Typed letter signed “GBMontini”. 1p., recto and verso, 8.0 x 10.75 inch, Dal Vaticano, 1942 October 3, Segretaria di Stato stationery. Confidential letter “Riservata confidenziale”. Fine letter regarding the approval for a pontifical honor to Mr. Ferruccio Pergolesi, distinguished professor of Constitutional Law. In Italian, in full: “Nel mese di Giugno fu chiesto all’E.mo Card. Nasalli Rocca di Corneliano, Arcivescovo di Bologna, il benestare per il conferimento di una onorificenza pontificia al Sig. Ferruccio Pergolesi, distinto professore di Diritto Costituzionale in quella R. Universita e Consulente della Commissione Centrale Laureati Cattolici. L’E.mo Sig. Cardinal si riservò di assumere informazioni e di dar poi una risposta. Fino ad oggi però nulla é pervenuto a questo Ufficio. Le sarei pertanto molto grato se Ella volesse prendere a cuore la cosa e dire una buona parola all’E.mo Sig. Cardinale affinchè questo Ufficio sia in grado di corrisponde re alle premure che gli sono fatte per questo caso. Si tratta di ottima persona, di cui qui si hanno molte e buone referenze. Se l’E.mo volesse far Sua la proposta, o almeno si compiacesse di dare il suo autorevole assenso, farebbe certo cosa grata a chi ha proposto il Prof. Pergolesi e a quanti lo raccomandano tanto caldamente. Nutro fiducia che Ella con la delicatezza e la premura che la distinguono possa condurre la cosa a buon fine. Grato fin d’ora dei Suoi cortesi servigi, con sensi di sincera e destinta stima ho il piacere di confermarmi.” Mario Nasalli Rocca di Corneliano (1903-1988) was an Italian Cardinal of the Catholic Church. Mailing folds, minor handling wear, else good condition.

Price: $ 1,050 / € 875

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Paul VI., Pope (1897-1978)

Typed letter signed

Paul VI. (Latin: Paulus PP. VI; Italian: Paolo VI), born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini, reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church from 1963 until his death. Succeeding Pope John XXIII., he continued the Second Vatican Council and fostered improved ecumenical relations with Orthodox and Protestants, which resulted in many historic meetings and agreements. Typed letter signed “Dev.mo GBMontini”. Card, 5.5 x 4.25 inch, Vaticano, 1950 June 23. On his “Mons. Giovanni Battista Montini” card and addressed to Eccellenza Mons. Thomas Walsh in Newark. In Italian, in full: “devotamente ossequia Sua Eccellenza Rev.ma Monsignor Thomas Walsh, Arcivescovo di Newark, e si permette presentare e raccomandar alla Sua cortesia il Rev.mo Mons. Carlo Carbone, Vice Assistente Ecclesiastico Centrale dell’U=nione Uomini di Azione Cattolica Italiana, il quale si reca in Americaper ragione di sacro ministero.” Translated: "… devoutly pays homage to His Excellency Monsignor Thomas Walsh, Archbishop of Newark, and takes the liberty of introducing and recommending to your courtesy Mons. Carlo Carbone, Deputy Central Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Union …”. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Fine condition.

Price: $ 720 / € 600

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Pershing, John J. (1860-1948)

Typed letter signed from Paris

General officer in the United States Army who led the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. Fine typed letter signed “John J. Pershing”. 1p., (bifolium), 4.5 x 7.0 inch, Paris, 1932 October 4, on Hotel de Crillon, Paris stationery. Addressed to Mrs. John Clarke Graff in Illinois. The letter in full: “Due to my continued absence from Paris, I have been unable to handle my correspondence until recently. I was very glad to receive your letter and to have news of you and your children. As to your son’s condition I have no doubt that he will be very well looked after and think that you should not worry as to the kind of attention he will receive. There is nothing that I could do at this time to assist but if there should be later, please call on me and I shall be most willing to help. Thanking you for your letter and hoping that you will disabuse your mind of any reticence you may have about writing me, I remain as always.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Mailing fold, else fine condition.

Price: $ 470 / € 390

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Pius IX., Pope (1792-1878)

Document signed with handwritten addition

Born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, who ascended the papal throne in 1846 and served until his death. Document Signed “Pius PP. IX”. 1p., 8.0 x 12.75 inch, bifolium, 1869, February 18. Date and last line in Latin in the hand of the Pope. Being a request supplied by the Chapel and Castle of Aigremont and the friends of the supplicant for a Plenary Indulgence to be granted to Hyacinthe de Clercx d'Aigremont and her parents. Mailing folds, else fine condition.

Price: $ 660 / € 550

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Pius X., Pope (1834-1914)

Autograph letter signed and fabric on which the Pope died

Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto served as pope from 1903 until his death in 1914. Known for his conservative, anti-modernist philosophies, he became, in 1954, the first pope to be elevated to sainthood since Pius V. in 1712. Autograph letter signed “Pius PP. X”. 1p., bifolium, 6.75 x 9.0 inch, with a wonderful Pius X. portrait watermark, Vatican, 1908 November 26. Addressed to bishop Fortunato Vinelli (1832-1910) in Chiavari. Following a probable request by the Canons of Chiavari to affix with a crown of gold the miraculous Crucifix venerated in the city, the Pope replied that no crown could replace the real crown of thorns that Jesus held. After that a couple of lines in Latin and the conclusion of the letter has the typical apostolic blessing. Also included is a fantastic relic, a piece of fabric on which the Pope died with a note regarding the authenticity. The note in Italian: “Brano del lenzuolo sul quale morì … Pio X.” and a stamp “Il Reggente la Floreria” it is signed by Pietro Costa (1855-1933). The fabric is affixed with a red wax seal on verso of the short note regarding the authenticity. On May 29, 1872, seventeen years old Pietro Costa, was admitted as a supernumerary in the Computisteria of the Apostolic Palaces. In 1901 he held the position of adjunct in the auditing office of the Palatine Company when he was appointed provisional regent of the Apostolic Floreria, becoming effective in 1903. As director of the pontifical warehouse (therefore assigned to the custody of household goods, furnishings, furniture, decorations and everything needed for papal functions), Cav. Costa took care of the delivery of several gifts made by Pius X. for the new churches that Don Guanella was building: a splendid ciborium, a gift from the city of Pisa to Leo XIII. for his jubilee, and two golden angels for the church of Vicosoprano, an altar complete with mahogany for the church of Pianello Lario, an altar in walnut for the church of S. Giuseppe al Trionfale. Also included is the original mailing envelope addressed in a different hand and with a red wax seal as well. The letter and relic is in fine condition, the envelope is stained. The relic was found in a small envelope inside the larger mailing envelope with the letter. It was probably sent to the successor of Fortunato Vinelli after the death of Pius X. as a reminder. Bishop Vinelli had already died at this point. Handwritten letters by Pius X. with such a fine content are rare, together with a relic and the statement of Pietro Costa a one of a kind item.

Price: $ 2,940 / € 2.450

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Pius XII., Pope (1876-1958)

Document signed

Born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli, who reigned from 1939 until his death. Large and impressive document signed “E. Card. Pacelli”. 1p., 18.0 x 12.25 inch, Rome (Dal Vaticano), 1931 October 26. Appointment of the cross “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice“ ("For Church and Pope") for Giovanni Wolpert. On February 7, 1930, Pope Pius XI. appointed Pacelli as Cardinal Secretary of State, responsible for foreign policy and state relations throughout the world. He signed this document as “Il Cardinal Segretario di Stato”. Handling wear, some tears expertly repaired on verso, else good condition.

Price: $ 780 / € 650

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POLITICS

Lot of 10 autographs

1. Aristide Briand (Nobel Peace Price 1862-1932) - Signed postcard photograph / 2. Aristide Briand (Nobel Peace Price 1862-1932) - Visiting card with handwritten note and initial signed / 3. Philippe Pétain (French General 1856-1951) - Card signed and dated / 4. Philippe Pétain (French General 1856-1951) - Autograph note signed 1918  / 5. Charles de Gaulle (Statesman 1890-1970) - Visiting card with handwritten note and initial signed / 6. Randolph S. Churchill (Politician + son of Winston Churchill 1911-1968) - Typed letter signed 1965 / 7. André François-Poncet (French politician 1887-1978) - Autograph note signed and Visiting card with handwritten note (unsigned) mounted together on a piece of paper / 8. Louis XV. (King of France 1710-1774) - Document SECRETARY signed 1744 / 9. Benedetto Croce (Italian Politician 1866-1952) - Autograph letter signed on a card / 10. Joseph Ludwig Colmar (Bishop 1760-1818) - Autograph letter signed 1811. Minor handling wear, else good condition.

Price: $ 1,440 / € 1.200

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Riefenstahl, Helene Bertha Amalie "Leni" (1902-2003)

Photograph signed

German film director, producer, screenwriter, editor, photographer, actress and dancer. Vintage signed photograph “Leni Riefenstahl”. 5.0 x 7.0 inch, n.p., n.d., signed in black felt tip pen. Handling wear, else fine condition.

Price: $ 190 / € 160

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Robespierre, Maximilien de (1758-1794)

Important document signed “certifié conforme Robespierre”

French lawyer and politician, as well as one of the best known and most influential figures associated with the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. Printed document signed “certifié conforme Robespierre”. 2 pages + integral address page, bifolium, 8.25 x 10.5 inch, Paris, le 12 Germinal, l’an 2 de la Republique Française (1794 April 1). On “COMITE DE SALUT PUBLIC. BUREAU DE L’ACTION” letterhead. - N° 48. ÉGALITÉ. LIBERTÉ. at the top. Addressed in ink “Aux administrateurs de District”. Announcement concerning the suppression of attorneys general within the public administration. Countersigned by Bertrand Barere (1755-1841) a French politician, freemason, journalist, and one of the most prominent members of the National Convention, representing the Plain (a moderate political faction) during the French Revolution. Slightly discolored, handling wear, loss of paper on the address page due to opening of the wax seal, red wax seal residue still visible. A fine document from the top of the Reign of Terror. On July 27, Robespierre was overthrown and executed the next day. Georges Danton was guillotined only four days after this letter on April 5, 1794. Rare - especially from this time.

Price: $ 5,400 / € 4.500

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Stein, Heinrich Friedrich Karl Reichsfreiherr vom und zum (1757-1831)

Autograph letter signed

Known as Baron vom Stein, a Prussian statesman who introduced the Prussian reforms that paved the way for the unification of Germany. Rare autograph letter signed “Stein“. 1p., 7.75 x 9.5 inch (unfolded), bifolium, no place (probably Paris), (18)14 April 29, red wax seal. To “L’amiral Kinckel a l’hotel des Ambassadeurs” in Paris. Most likely Hendrik August baron van Kinckel, born as Heinrich August Künckelin (1747-1821) a Dutch naval officer and reformer, diplomat, and British confidential agent. In French: “Je sors rarement avant 11. heures, et suis par consequence toujours pret a parler aux personnes qui veulent me honorer de leur presence et me parler d’affaires”. Translated: “I rarely go out before 11 a.m., and am therefore always ready to talk to people who want to honor me with their presence and talk to me about business”. Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition. Stein is rare in any form.

Price: $ 1,375 / € 1.145

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Suu Kyi, Aung San (1945)

Signed photograph

Burmese politician, diplomat, author and a 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate who served as State Counsellor of Myanmar and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2016 to 2021. Photograph signed “Thanking you for your words of support with all good wishes,  Aung San Suu Kyi”. 4.0 x 5.75 inch, n.p., n.d. Photograph shows Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband Michael Aris (1946-1999). Photograph a bit blurry, else fine condition.

Price: $ 1,140 / € 950

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Suu Kyi, Aung San (1945)

Signed photograph

Burmese politician, diplomat, author and a 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate who served as State Counsellor of Myanmar (equivalent to a prime minister) and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2016 to 2021. Excellent color photograph signed “With all good wishes. Aung San Suu Kyi”. 5.25 x 4.25 inch, n.p., n.d., signed in blue ink below her image. Fine condition and a rare autograph.

Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.100

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