Latest Arrivals
Röntgen, Wilhelm Conrad (1845-1923)
Autograph letter signed re: a barrel of cider
German mechanical engineer and physicist, who, on 8 November 1895, produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays, an achievement that earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. Wonderful autograph letter signed “W.C. Röntgen”. Personal “Geheimer Rath Röntgen” card. 2 pages, recto and verso, 4.5 x 3.5 inch, Munich, 1909 May 13. To Rendant (Accounting officer) Donges in Friedberg Oberhessen. In German, in full: “Sehr geehrter Herr Rendant! Es war ein sehr freundlicher Gedanke von Ihnen, der Sie veranlasste uns ein Fässchen Apfelwein zu schicken, und ich danke Ihnen herzlichst dafür. Das Fässchen ist angekommen und bleibt nun einige Tage ruhig liegen um dann abgefüllt zu werden. Dass sich der junge Ehemann gleich eine Rippe hat brechen müssen war recht überflüssig. Wir vernahmen es mit Bedauern, dachten aber gleich, dass ein Rippenbruch meistens bald und ohne Nachtheil geheilt wird. Meine Hoffnung hat sich glücklicherweise bewahrheitet! Mit der Bitte mich Ihrer Frau Gemahlin bestens zu empfehlen und mit nochmaligem besten Dank verbleibe ich. Ihr ergebener W.C. Röntgen”. Translated: “Dear Mr. Rendant! It was a very kind thought on your part that prompted you to send us a barrel of cider, and I thank you very much for it. The barrel has arrived and will now rest for a few days before being bottled. It was quite unnecessary for the young husband to have to break a rib. We heard about it with regret, but immediately thought that a broken rib usually heals quickly and without any complications. Fortunately, my hope has been realized! With the request that you please recommend me to your wife, and with my most sincere thanks again, I remain. Yours sincerely, W.C. Röntgen." Excellent condition.
Price: $ 2,750 / € 2.500
Röntgen, Wilhelm Conrad (1845-1923)
Hand addressed envelope
German mechanical engineer and physicist, who, on 8 November 1895, produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays, an achievement that earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. Hand addressed envelope (unsigned). 4.75 x 3.75 inch, May 1909, postmarked in Munich. Addressed in Röntgen’s hand “Herrn Rendant (accounting officer) Donges in Friedberg Oberhessen” and “frei” lower left edge. Note on verso in pencil: “23.7.54 mir geschenkt von Frl. M. Donges, Fbg”. Translated: “23.7.54 gifted to me by Mrs. M. Donges, Fbg.” Handling wear, minor stains, else good condition. A CARBON COPY of the letter shipped in this envelope is included.
Price: $ 330 / € 300
Grimm, Jacob (1785-1863)
Autograph letter signed to his brother
German author, linguist, philologist, jurist and folklorist. He formulated Grimm's law of linguistics, and was the co-author of the “Deutsches Wörterbuch”, the author of “Deutsche Mythologie”, and the editor of Grimms' Fairy Tales. He was the older brother of Wilhelm Grimm. Together, they were the literary duo known as the Brothers Grimm. Autograph letter signed “Jacob”. 1p., 7.0 x 9.0 inch, no place, no date (28th at morning). Written in dark black ink. A fine letter to his brother Ferdinand. In German, in full: "Lieber Ferdinand Hier sind drei Bilder, eins für Dich, die beiden anderen nebst. Briefen an Savigny abzugeben. Wie beurtheilst du die Ähnlichkeit? Das schreib und doch bald. Ausserdem hat der Luis weder das geringste geschickt, noch von seinen vorhabenden Arbeiten etwas erwähnt: Wenn er nur wieder völlig gesund wäre! Gott erhalte dich." Translated: “Dear Ferdinand, here are three pictures, one for you, the other two, along with letters, to be given to Savigny. How do you judge the resemblance? Write to me soon. Besides, Luis hasn't sent anything, nor mentioned anything about his planned work. If he were completely healthy again! God bless you." Written in an unknown hand at the bottom: “Von Jacon Grimm an seinen Bruder Ferdinand in Berlin, von welchem ich dies Schreiben erhielt.” Translated: „From Jacon Grimm to his brother Ferdinand in Berlin, from whom I received this letter.” Some stains, paper strip on the left, handling wear, else good condition. A fine personal family letter. Ferdinand (Philipp) Grimm (1788-1845) was a German collector of legends. He is also called the "unknown brother" of the Brothers Grimm. Ludwig Emil Grimm (1790-1863) was a German painter, art professor, etcher and copper engraver and also a brother of the Brothers Grimm. Friedrich Carl von Savigny (1779-1861) was the Brothers Grimm's law teacher; it was he who encouraged them to devote themselves to literature and Fairy Tales.
Price: $ 3,300 / € 3.000
Grimm, Jacob (1785-1863)
Hand addressed envelope
German author, linguist, philologist, jurist and folklorist. He formulated Grimm's law of linguistics, and was the co-author of the “Deutsches Wörterbuch”, the author of “Deutsche Mythologie”, and the editor of Grimms' Fairy Tales. He was the older brother of Wilhelm Grimm. Together, they were the literary duo known as the Brothers Grimm. Hand addressed front panel of an envelope. 5.0 x 2.75 inch, no place, no date. Addressed in Jacob Grimm’s hand “Herrn Ferdinand Grimm in München Promenadeplatz no – 177. / mit einem Pagurt in blau Papier, signiert”. (Handschrift Jakob Grimms) written at the top let side in unknown hand. Handling wear, else good condition. Ferdinand (Philipp) Grimm (1788-1845) was a German collector of legends. He is also called the "unknown brother" of the Brothers Grimm.
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Sade, Donatien Alphonse Francois, Marquis de (1740-1814)
Autograph letter signed
French nobleman, revolutionary politician, philosopher and writer, famous for his libertine sexuality. Autograph letter signed “de Sade”. 1p., 7.25 x 9.0 inch, Chateau de Vincennes, 1781 October 12. Sade writes to his mother-in-law Madame de Montreuil to give financial assistance to his wife. In French: „… peut etre genée si elle n'a pas d'argent. … Votre tendresse pour elle me fait esperer que vous voudres bien pour cette fois lui eviter ce petit soin … J'en appelle a cette meme tendresse pour vous supplier instamment madame de ne la laisser manquer de rien et surtout de ne lui rien epargner. … lui tout fournir, au dela meme de ses besoins, et de ses desirs, … Il signera toute reconnaissance qu'on voudra. … Je n'ai de cher et de sacré, qu'elle dans le monde, sang, fortune, liberté, enfans, je suis pret a tout sacrifier non pour sa vie, rien de tout cela ne la pourrait payer, mais pour l'allegement de sa moindre douleur, ou la satisfaction de son plus leger desir…“. Translated in full: “In my wife’s situation, I hope, Madam, that you will find it appropriate that I am coming to you for the collection of the attached money order. She may be inconvenienced or bothered if yhe has no money, and in any case I do not wish to hinder her in any way under the circumstances. Your fondness for her makes me hope that you will spare her this small problem this one time, which I would have put off willingly anywhere else but here. I would call on that same fondness to beg of you, Madam, to let her have all she needs and to keep nothing from her. Please consider this letter an authorization to supply her with everything, even beyond her need, or desire, and I will be grateful for anything you can do to that end. And if this letter is not sufficient for you, and you require some other paper, note, act, blank signature, may that model or parchment be sent to me and I am ready to sign everything to this end. She is all I have in this world that is dear and sacred. Blood, wealth, freedom. I am ready to sacrifice everything not for her life , nothing like that could pay for it, but for the easing of the slightest pains, and the satisfaction of her smallest desire. I beg that you give me news, and to be sure of my respectful sentiments with which I have the honor of being. Your humble and very obedient servant”. The letter was written again by Sade for his wife, as can be seen from the postscript: "Voila ce que j'ecrivois a ta mere…" (Madam Here is what I wrote to your mother…). Madame Montreuil was his mother-in-law and had obtained a “letter de cache” for his arrest earlier. Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 3,025 / € 2.750
Hitler, Adolf (1889-1945)
Photograph signed co-signed by Werner von Blomberg
Austrian-born German politician who was the leader of the Nazi Party (German: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei - NSDAP). He was chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945 and Führer (leader) of Nazi Germany from 1934 to 1945. Werner von Blomberg (1878-1946) was German Generalfeldmarschall, Minister of War, and Commander-in-Chief of the German Armed Forces until January 1938. Signed photograph “Af Hitler” & “vBlomberg”. Photograph, 9.0 x 6.75 inch, no place, no date. Signed in dark black ink below a photograph of the ship “Aviso Grille”. Photo taken by A. Klein, Kiel. Minor handling wear, else fine condition. Uncommon signed photograph and signature combination. Aviso Grille was built in Nazi Germany for the Kriegsmarine (War Navy) in the mid-1930s for use as a state yacht by Adolf Hitler and other leading individuals in the Nazi regime. 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: $ 3,850 / € 3.500
Catherine II., The Great (1729-1796)
Excellent document signed
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. Partly-printed vellum document signed "Ekaterina". Ornate Document on vellum, 15.75 x 11.0 inch, St. Petersburg, Summer 1774. Wax and paper seal is affixed at lower left. In Russian, military commission, appointing Alexander Sytina Captain of Artillery. Vertical fold, faint scattered soiling, docketing verso. Excellent document, especially with the fine wax and paper seal.
Price: $ 3,300 / € 3.000
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921)
Caricature signed
World renowned Italian tenor usually considered the greatest operatic tenor ever and the first opera star to make best-selling recordings. Caricature signed “Enrico Caruso Boston”. 5.0 x 8.0 inch, Boston, no year. Boldly drawn in dark fountain pen ink. Horizontal fold, handling wear, else good condition. For other similar caricatures see Caruso's Caricatures, New York: Dover Publications, 1977. Caruso was highly talented as a caricaturist and illustrator. This is a wonderful example!
Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.200
Napoleon I. (1769-1821)
Excellent letter signed (issuing an order in Italy)
Napoléon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and its associated wars. Interesting letter signed “Nap”. 2 pages, 8.0 x 12.25 inch, Milan, 1805 May 27 (Milan 7 Prairial an 13). On the top left corner a four line note in secretary hand: “Renvoyè au Minstre de la Guerre pour autoriser le General (Jean-Antoine) Verdier à tenir un detachement de cinquante hommes dans ce port. Milan 7 prairial an 13.” And signed in Napoleon’s hand with his typical “Nap” in dark black ink. Translated: “Sent to the Ministry of War to authorize General (Jean-Antoine) Verdier to hold a detachment of fifty men in this port”. The note is on an interesting letter from Claude-Joseph-Parfait Derville-Maléchard, diplomat and chargé d'affaires under Napoleon (1774-1842). Autograph letter signed “Derville-Malèchard”. 2 pages, 8.0 x 12.25 inch, black wax seal, Milan, 1805 May 25 (Milan 5 Prairial an 13). As “Ministre plénipotaire” of Lucca (1803-1806) to Louis Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) Minister of War and Marshal of France. The letter in French, in part: “L’occupation et la défense des cotes de la Mediterranée, qui, depuis Vado jusques à Livourne, embrassent le littoral des Etas de Génes, royaume d’Italie et de Toscane, viennent d’etre confiées aux troupes francaises. Il est probable que le petit port de Viareggio, qui est compris dans cette ligne militaire, n’aura pas fixè l’attention de Sa Majesté, vu le peu d’étendue et d’importance de la cote Lucquoise. J’ai l’honneur de faire remarquer à Votre Excellence que la mer entre Massa et Livourne forme une anse circulaire dont le port de Viareggio est le centre …” He then describes the favorable meteorological and strategic position of the port of Viareggio and proposes that the fort of the city be manned with 50 men. Emperor Napoleon issued the appropriate order with the four line note as described above. With a further marginal note and initial signature by the Minister of War: "M'général pour présenter les Ordres d'exécution. Mal. B.”. Mailing folds, black wax seal with two small holes, else good condition.
Price: $ 2,860 / € 2.600
Liebig, Justus von (1803-1873)
Autograph letter signed
German scientist who made major contributions to the theory, practice, and pedagogy of chemistry, as well as to agricultural and biological chemistry; he is considered one of the principal founders of organic chemistry. Autograph letter signed “JvLiebig”. 1p., bifolium, 5.5 x 8.5 inch, Paris, (18)67 April 16. Addressed to Monsieur le Baron de Wattevielle, Chairman of the Jury of Groupe X at the Paris World Exhibition, regarding an upcoming meeting. In French: “Une indisposition légère qui m’importunait déjà hier s’est tellement accrue que mon médecin ne pense pas que je puisse assister demain à la réunion de Jury du Groupe 10…”. Translated: “A slight illness that was bothering me yesterday has worsened so much that my doctor does not think I can attend the Group 10 Jury meeting tomorrow…”. The original mailing envelope, addressed in Liebig’s hand, is included. Mailing folds, handling wear, slightly discolored, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,540 / € 1.400
Schumann, Robert (1810-1856) & Schumann, Clara (1819-1896)
One of a kind document signed
Robert Schumann was a German composer, pianist, and music critic of the early Romantic era. Clara Schumann was a German pianist, composer and piano teacher, one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era and wife of Robert Schumann. One of a kind document signed “Dr. Robert Schumann”. 1p., 8.75 x 5.25 inch, Dresden, 1847 February 7. Document is written and dated by Clara Schumann. Extension of the lease for the apartment at Große Reitbahngasse 20 in Dresden. Clara and Robert Schumann moved into the apartment in September 1846. in German, in full: “Unterzeichneter bescheinigt hiermit von dem Herrn Fritsche die erste Etage in Nro 20 große Reitbahngaße aufs Neue von Ostern bis Michaelis 1847 zu dem Preis von 70 Thalern gemiethet zu haben.“ Translation: “The undersigned hereby certifies that he has rented the first floor in No. 20, Große Reitbahngaße, from Mr. Fritsche again from Easter to Michaelis 1847 at the price of 70 Thaler.” Handling wear, else good condition. A one of a kind document signed by Robert Schumann and written by Clara Schumann. Schumann Letter Edition Series II Volume 22 p. 775, online letter database ID 2097.
Price: $ 6,050 / € 5.500
Jahn, Friedrich Ludwig (1778-1852) „Der Turnvater“
Autograph letter signed
German gymnastics educator and nationalist. His admirers know him as “Turnvater” Jahn, roughly meaning "father of gymnastics" Jahn. Autograph letter signed “F.L. Jahn”. 2 pages, bifolium, 8.25 x 10.0 inch, Freyburg a. d. Unstrut, 1837 October 15, with a fine lithographic city view at the head. Addressed on verso to his friend, the theologian and philologist Gottlieb Mohnike in Stralsund, to whom he recommended the student Hermann Doeleke, who was going to Greifswald with ministerial permission. In German: „Hermann Döleke, Sohn eines Gymnas. Directors zu Schleusingen … hat auf der Hochschule Unglük gehabt, doch stammen alle seine Irrnisse aus irre geleiteten Ehrgefühl, und der Übersetzer der Frithiofs Sage wird schon darum ihm väterlich die Hand bieten. Schlechte Streiche hat er nicht verübt, wenn er auch zu mittelalterisch gewesen, so hat er wenigstens dann sich folgerecht durchgeschlagen. Es wird ihm knapp gehen, suche ihm zu helfen, es giebt ja Freitische und dergleichen … Zu Ostern wenn Gott will, wird die Probe von meinem Mittelgard erscheinen, Forschungen über den allgemeinen Zusammenhang der gesammten Germanischen Welt in der Zeit vor dem Christenthum…“ Translated: „Hermann Döleke, son of a gymnasium director in Schleusingen... had misfortune at the university, but all his errors stem from a misguided sense of honor, and the translator of Frithiof's legend will offer him a fatherly hand for that reason alone. He didn't commit any bad tricks; even if he was too medieval … He'll be in trouble, try to help him; there are free tables and the like... At Easter, God willing, the proof of my Mittelgard will appear, research into the general connection of the entire Germanic world in the time before Christianity...“. Slightly discolored, mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition. Probably not just "misfortune”. Doeleke, a native of Thuringia, was persecuted by the police for a duel and eventually fled to Switzerland, where he attracted attention through his political activities. "In 1845, he was expelled from Waadt and deported to Algeria. Missing" (Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, version dated April 19, 2005).
Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.200
Liebknecht, Wilhelm (1826-1900)
Scarce autograph letter signed
German socialist activist and politician. He was one of the principal founders of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). He was the father of socialists Karl Liebknecht and Theodor Liebknecht. Autograph letter signed “W. Liebknecht”. 1p., bifolium, 5.5 x 8.5 inch, Offenbach, 1883 July 1. To a friend in Frankfurt/M. with the request to look after one of his daughters, who apparently had problems with her employer. In German: “Es ist viel was ich gestern von Ihnen verlangte, aber es blieb mir nichts anderes übrig. Ich muß - laut Arrangement mit der Leipziger Polizei - morgen Abend in Leipzig sein, und man hat mich hier so vollständig in Beschlag genommen, daß ich nicht mehr nach Frankfurt kommen kann. An meine Tochter habe ich geschrieben, daß ich mit Ihnen gesprochen, und daß Sie sich ihrer annehmen wollten. Sie wird wahrscheinlich morgen - Montag - kommen. Sie ist schüchtern und unerfahren, und man bringt schwer etwas aus ihr heraus. Es wird aber Ihnen und Ihrer Frau gelingen, sie reden zu machen: Unbedingt wichtig ist, daß wenigstens Ihre Frau - an die ich vertrauensvoll die Bitte richte! - meine Tochter einmal besucht; ein weibliches Auge sieht da klarer und sichrer, als wir. Ich halte die Stellung auf die Dauer für unmöglich, will jedoch Ihrem Urtheil nicht vorgreifen.” Handling wear, right edge minor damages, else good condition. From the time of the Socialist Law after his expulsion from Leipzig (1881).
Price: $ 1,760 / € 1.600
Röntgen, Wilhelm Conrad (1845-1923)
Autograph postcard signed
German mechanical engineer and physicist, who, on 8 November 1895, produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays, an achievement that earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. Autograph postcard signed “Dr. W.C. Röntgen”. Postcard, 5.5 x 3.5 inch, Würzburg, 1896 February 9. Addressed to Pastor Redslob in Strasbourg. In German, in full: „Empfangen Sie den herzlichen, wenn auch nothgedrungen kurz gefassten Dank für Ihre freundlichen Glückwünsche. Mit bestem Gruss von Haus zu Haus”. Translated: “Please accept my sincere, necessarily brief, thanks for your kind congratulations. Best regards from house to house”. Handling wear, creases right edge, else good condition. Röntgen publicly presented his discovery of "X-rays" in a lecture to Kaiser Wilhelm II. on January 12, sparking great enthusiasm. At the suggestion of the anatomist Albert Kölliker, the rays were subsequently named "Röntgen rays" or "X-rays“.
Price: $ 2,420 / € 2.200
Grimm, Jacob (1785-1863)
Beautiful autograph letter signed
German author, linguist, philologist, jurist and folklorist. He formulated Grimm's law of linguistics, and was the co-author of the “Deutsches Wörterbuch”, the author of “Deutsche Mythologie”, and the editor of Grimms' Fairy Tales. He was the older brother of Wilhelm Grimm. Together, they were the literary duo known as the Brothers Grimm. Beautiful autograph letter signed “Jac. Grimm”. 1p., bifolium, 5.5 x 8.75 inch, Berlin, 1854 December 22. Written in dark black ink. Very likely to the pedagogue Anton Hermann Reis, who taught in Krefeld and who had sent him several “writings and treatises” in the summer of that year. In German, in full: “Hochgeehrter herr Rector, gegen den ablauf des jahrs pflegt ein guter haushalter seine stehenden schulden zu überschauen und wo möglich zu berichtigen. ich hätte Ihnen schon längst dank zu erstatten gehabt für die gewogentliche übersendung mehrerer schriften und abhandlungen, die mich alle anzogen; unter vielen arbeiten muste aber aller briefwechsel ausgesetzt bleiben. Fahren Sie löblichst fort unserer vorzeit theilnahme und aufmerksamkeit zu beweisen; es kann nicht fehlen, dasz in Ihrer gegend Ihnen manches schätzbare denkmal zu handen kommt, das uns andern entgeht. Für Ihr gütiges urtheil über meine leistungen bin ich sehr erkenntlich, da mir auch manche ungunst widerfährt. ich arbeite so sorgsam und unverdrossen als ich nur vermag.“ Mailing folds, else fine condition. In this year, the Brothers Grimm's "German Dictionary" began to be published by Hirzel in Leipzig and, to Grimm's annoyance, was subjected to public criticism.
Price: $ 3,300 / € 3.000
Schliemann, Heinrich (1822-1890)
Autograph postcard signed
German businessman and a pioneer of field archaeology. He was an advocate of the historical reality of places mentioned in the works of Homer. Schliemann was an archaeological excavator of Hissarlik, now presumed to be the site of Troy. Autograph postcard signed “HSchliemann”. Postcard, 4.75 x 3.0 inch, London, 1886 July 1. Addressed in Schliemann’s hand to Julius Ruhm in Berlin. In Germn, in full: “In Beantwortung Ihres Schreibens vom 28 v Mts. werde ich nicht vor Ende Juli nach Berlin kommen. Meine Adresse bis dahin ist care of Messrs John Henry Schröder & Co London.” Translated: “In reply to your letter of March 28, I will not be coming to Berlin before the end of July. My address until then is care of Messrs. John Henry Schröder & Co., London”. Slightly discolored, handling wear, else good condition. In the mid-1840s, Schliemann worked as an accountant and correspondent in the banking and trading house Gebrüder Schröder & Co. in Hamburg and St. Petersburg.
Price: $ 935 / € 850
Mascagni, Pietro (1863-1945)
Cabinet card photo with autograph musical quotation “Zanetto”
Italian composer primarily known for his operas and his 1890 masterpiece Cavalleria rusticana. Fine cabinet card photograph signed “P. Mascagni”. Cabinet card photograph, 4.25 x 6.5 inch, Firenze, (18)96 July 5. Inscribed and dated with an autograph musical quotation “Piccina bionda” from his opera “Zanetto”. Photo by G. Zaccaria of Florence showing the young composer in full-face and wearing a suit and a large striped tie. Minor handling wear, else fine condition. Pietro Mascagni’s “Zanetto” was premiered in Pesaro in 1896 and played throughout Italy in that year. It marked a return to the one-act format of Mascagni’s great success Cavalleria rusticana (1890). Surely one of the finest signed photographs of Mascagni you can hope to find, especially with this fine autograph musical quotation.
Price: $ 1,100 / € 1.000
Koch, Robert (1843-1910)
Autograph postcard signed
German physician, pioneering microbiologist and the founder of modern bacteriology. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905. Autograph postcard signed “R. Koch”. Postcard, 5.5 x 3.5 inch, Berlin, 1904 November 17. Addressed in Koch’s hand to the pediatrician Adolf Baginsky (1843-1918), since 1890 director of the Kaiser- and Kaiserin-Friedrich-Children's-Hospital in Berlin, which he founded together with Rudolf Virchow. In German, in full: “Das Manuscript der Arbeit des Herrn Dr Sommerfeld nehme ich mit bestem Dank für die Zeitschr(ift) f(ür) Hyg(iene und Infectionskrankheiten) an und habe dasselbe bereits zum Druck abgesandt.“ Translated: “I accept the manuscript of Dr. Sommerfeld's work with my sincere thanks for the Journal of Hygienism and Infectious Diseases and have already sent it off for printing." Handling wear, minor creases and stains, else good condition. The article “On formalin milk and the behavior of formalin towards some bacterial species” by Paul Sommerfeld appeared in 1905 in volume 50 of the journal published by Koch.
Price: $ 1,760 / € 1.600
May, Karl (1842-1912)
Rare cabinet card photograph signed
A popular German writer, noted mainly for adventure novels set in the American Old West. Best known for the characters of Winnetou and Old Shatterhand. Cabinet card photograph signed “Dr. Karl May”. 7.5 x 6.0 inch, n.p., n.d., written in dark black ink. Vintage albumen print mounted on original studio's cardboard “Photographie Verlag von Adolf Nunwarz Urfahr-Linz”. The photo shows May in his office in the Villa Shatterhand. Lower left corner slightly damaged and professionally repaired. Small part at the end of the signature scraped off, else good condition. In April 1896, the amateur photographer Alois Schiesser in Radebeul took 101 pictures of Karl May in civilian clothes and in the costumes of Old Shatterhand and Kara Ben Nemsis. The photographer Adolf Nunwarz (1868-1931) from Linz later received the negative plates of these photos and took over the distribution. May and Nunwarz had an agreement that only photos personally signed by May could be sold, but this agreement was probably broken by Nunwarz. May is very common in signed postcard photographs, cabinet card photos of this quality rarely appear on the market.
Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.200
Verne, Jules (1828-1905)
Fine autograph letter signed matted with photograph
French novelist, poet, and playwright. Bestselling adventure novels including Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864), Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (1870), and Around the World in Eighty Days (1872). Fine autograph letter signed “Jules Verne”. 1p., 4.0 x 2.25 inch (visible), Amiens, (18)90 December 2. A Letter to Percy Wallace MacKaye. In French, in full: “Mon jeune ami, A votre aimable lettre, je suis heureux de vous répondre par ces quelques lignes, qui vous porterons l’assurance de toute ma sympathie”. Translated: “My young friend, I am happy to respond to your kind letter with these few lines, which will bring you the assurance of all my sympathy”. A CARBON COPY of the original hand addressed mailing envelope is included. Handsomely matted in gray with a photograph of Verne to an overall of 11.75 x 7.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. Fine condition. Percy Wallace MacKaye (1875-1956) was an American playwright and poet who was 15 years old at the time of their exchange. Percy MacKaye is considered the first poet of the atomic age because of his sonnet "The Atomic Law", published in the 1945 Christmas issue of The Churchman.
Price: $ 2,200 / € 2.000
Zweig, Stefan (1881-1942)
Fine content typed letter signed re: Frederick The Great
Austrian writer. At the height of his literary career, in the 1920s and 1930s, he was one of the most widely translated and popular writers in the world. Fine content typed letter signed “Stefan Zweig”. 1p., 8.75 x 11.25 inch, Salzburg, 1931 December 10, on his personal SZ stationery. Three handwritten additions in Zweig’s hand. To the Polish-born American historian Nathan Ausubel (1898-1986), whom he thanks for sending his book “Superman: The Life of Frederick the Great”. In German, in full: “Ich danke Ihnen vielmals für die Zusendung Ihres Buches über Friedrich den Grossen, das ich bereits begonnen habe und das mich durch seine Auffassung überaus interessiert. Merkwürdigerweise hat seine erbittertste Feindin, Maria Theresia, ihn aus einer katholischen Anschauung wirklich als eine Art Abgesandten des Teufels betrachtet und die in Deutschland national gefärbte Fassung, als ob er für das Wohl der Menschen bedacht gewesen wäre, ist historisch selbstverständlich nicht haltbar. Er war eine unfreudige Natur, dem Bosheit und Bösesein die Fähigkeit zur Freude ersetzte und die eine erstaunliche Helligkeit seines Geistes niemals an ein wirklich ethisches und weltgiltiges Ziel gewandt hat. Im Vergleich zu den andern Herrschern seiner Epoche ist er natürlich weit überdimensional und im ganzen Raum der Geschichte zweifellos eine der allerinteressantesten Persönlichkeiten; ich bin furchtbar neugierig, wie Sie das Buch gestaltet haben und kann Ihnen dann, sobald ich es gelesen habe, sofort sagen, ob Aussichten in Deutschland bestehen, wo durch das Buch Hegemanns, in den letzten Jahren viel Interesse abgeschöpft wurde. Nichts ist so sehr unsere Pflicht als gerade den Vergessenen wieder die Aufmerksamkeit der Welt zu erobern, nur dadurch wird Schreiben und Schaffen zu einem wirklich moralischen Akt, welcher der letzten ausgleichenden Gerechtigkeit dient. Wenn Sie nach Europa kommen, werde ich mich freuen Ihnen zu begegnen …“. Mailing folds, minor fold breaks expertly repaired on verso, else good condition. Great content!
Price: $ 2,640 / € 2.400
Queen (1970)
Fully signed program from Queen's epic 1975 “A Night at the Opera Tour”
British rock band formed in London in 1970 by Freddie Mercury (1946-1991/ lead vocals, piano), Brian May (1947/ guitar, vocals), and Roger Taylor (1949/ drums, vocals), later joined by John Deacon (1951/ bass). Their earliest works were influenced by progressive rock, hard rock and heavy metal, but the band gradually ventured into more conventional and radio-friendly works by incorporating further styles, such as arena rock and pop rock. Scarce original program for the UK leg of Queen’s 1975 “A Night at the Opera Tour”. 16 pages, 10.5 x 8.25 inch, signed and inscribed on their respective musician pages in ballpoint: “Freddie Mercury”, “Brian May, to Kim”, “To Kim with love, John Deacon, x,” and "Love to Kim, Roger Taylor.” The front cover is also signed by Elton John drummer Roger Pope and manager John Reid, and the last page of the program is signed by members of the supporting act, Mr Big. In very good to fine condition, with creasing and handling wear to the covers. To support their landmark fourth studio album, A Night at the Opera, Queen embarked on a massive 78-show world tour that began on November 14, 1975, and concluded on April 22, 1976. The tour, which marked the debut of the classic Queen rock epic “Bohemian Rhapsody” included a total of 26 shows in the United Kingdom that ran from mid-November to late December. A rare piece of music history.
Price: $ 5,500 / € 5.000
Stevenson, Robert Louis (1850-1894)
Autograph letter signed “I am the innocent occasion”
Scottish novelist, essayist, poet and travel writer. He is best known for works such as “Treasure Island”, “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, “Kidnapped” and “A Child's Garden of Verses”. Closing of an autograph letter signed “Robert Louis Stevenson”. 5.0 x 1.5 inch piece of paper, no place, no date. In Stevenson’s hand: “… I am the innocent occasion, and believe me ever your affectionate nephew Robert Louis Stevenson Please send this to Mr. Jones”. Matted in green with a photograph of Stevenson to an overall size of 8.0 x 10.25 inch. Minor handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,925 / € 1.750
Liebig, Justus von (1803-1873)
Autograph letter signed
German scientist who made major contributions to the theory, practice, and pedagogy of chemistry, as well as to agricultural and biological chemistry. Autograph letter signed “DrJustLiebig”. 1p., bifolium, 4.25 x 5.5 inch, n.p., n.d. To an unknown person. Untranslated letter in German. Fine condition.
Price: $ 880 / € 800
Liebig, Justus von (1803-1873)
Autograph letter signed
German scientist who made major contributions to the theory, practice, and pedagogy of chemistry, as well as to agricultural and biological chemistry; he is considered one of the principal founders of organic chemistry. Autograph letter signed “JvLiebig”. 1p., 5.5 x 8.75 inch, Munich, 1866 June 11. A nearly impossible to read handwritten letter. To Jos(eph) Bennert in Antwerpen. In German, in full: “beifolgend beehre ich mich Ihnen ein Schreiben von … (Max von) Pettenkofer zu übersenden, welches mich, in Beziehung mit … nur vom hiesigen Absatz nicht wenig beruhigt, es lag mir wie ein Stein auf der Brust aber die Berichte der .... waren offenbar übertrieben. Ich bitte vorläufig keine Änderungen zu treffen, bis die Zufuhren sich vergrößern. Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,540 / € 1.400
Royalty
Six cabinet card photographs signed
Very fine collection of six cabinet card photographs signed. (1) Frederick Augustus III. of Saxony (1865-1932) - 6.0 x 8.5 inch cabinet card photograph by Klinkhardt & Eyssen, Dresden. (2) Frederick I. of Baden (1826-1907) - 5.0 x 8.0 inch cabinet card photograph by Schuhmann & Sohn, Karlsruhe. (3) Albert of Saxony (1828-1902) - 4.0 x 8.25 inch cabinet card photograph by Otto Mayer, Dresden. (4) Tommaso of Savoy (1854-1931) - 4.25 x 6.5 inch cabinet card photograph by Le Lieure, Turin. (5) Amedeo I. of Savoy (1845-1890) - 4.25 x 6.5 inch cabinet card photograph by Sole et arte, Montabone. (6) Unknown lady - 4.25 x 6.5 inch cabinet card photograph by Oscar Suck, Karlsruhe. Handling and corner wear, else good condition. A fine and rare collection!
Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.200
Wilhelm I., Emperor (1797-1888)
Very rare imperial cabinet photograph signed
King of Prussia from 1861 and first Emperor of Germany from 1871 until his death in 1888. A member of the House of Hohenzollern, he was the first head of state of a united Germany. During the reign of his grandson Wilhelm II, he was known as Emperor William the Great. Very rare imperial cabinet photograph signed “Wilhelm Imp(erator) Rex”. 4.75 x 6.5 inch photograph on his original 8.25 x 11.0 inch photo mount, n.p, n.d. (about 1880). Signed in dark black ink. A fine bust portrait in uniform with rich decorations. No stamp of a photo studio. Discolored, corner wear, else good condition. Wilhelm I. is very rare in signed photographs, especially of this large size.
Price: $ 2,200 / € 2.000
Verne, Jules (1828-1905)
Hand addressed envelope matted with photograph
French novelist, poet, and playwright. Bestselling adventure novels including Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864), Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (1870), and Around the World in Eighty Days (1872). Hand addressed envelope. Envelope, 4.5 x 2.75 inch, postmark Amiens, (18)90 December 2. Addressed in Jules Verne’s hand to Monsieur Percy Wallace MacKaye in Shirley Massachusetts, U.S.A. A CARBON COPY of the original letter shipped in this envelope is included. Handsomely matted in gray with a photograph of Verne to an overall of 7.75 x 11.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. Fine condition. Percy Wallace MacKaye (1875-1956) was an American playwright and poet who was 15 years old at the time of their exchange. Percy MacKaye is considered the first poet of the atomic age because of his sonnet "The Atomic Law", published in the 1945 Christmas issue of The Churchman.
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Fleming, Alexander (1881-1955)
Autograph letter signed year he received the Nobel Prize
Scottish physician, microbiologist and pharmacologist. His best-known discoveries are the enzyme lysozyme in 1923 and the world's first antibiotic substance benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G) from the mould Penicillium notatum in 1928, for which he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 with Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain. Autograph letter signed “Alec. Fleming”. 1p., 7.25 x 10.5 inch, New York, 1945 August 2. On “Hotel Chatham” stationery, date stamp AUG 6 1945 at the top. Addressed to “My dear Ethel”. In full: “I have just been down to the office to settle my affairs prior to sailing and I received the package you so kindly sent. You have a pretty taste in ties. Perhaps I shall be allowed to wear them but I suspect that young Robert will want to wear them on every special occasion. We embark Sunday evening + leave early Monday morning. Now that my work is over I am looking forward to getting back home but again I want to thank you all for your kindness. Yours very sincerely.” Mailing folds, minor stains, else fine condition. Robert Fleming (1924-2015) was the only child of Alexander Fleming. Uncommon and rare letter from the year Fleming received the Nobel Prize.
Price: $ 1,980 / € 1.800
Richthofen, Manfred von (1892-1918)
Rare signed photograph
Known in English as Baron von Richthofen or the Red Baron, was a fighter pilot with the German Air Force during World War I. He is considered the ace-of-aces of the war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories. Very rare signed photograph “Frhr. v. Richthofen”. The famous W. Sanke 450 postcard, 3.25 x 5.25 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in black ink. Minor silvering, signature in small parts faded, else fine condition. The most sought after aviation autograph!
Price: $ 4,950 / € 4.500
Churchill, Winston S. (1874-1965)
Typed 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. Typed letter signed “Yours sincerely, Winston S. Churchill”. 1p., 7.5 x 9.5 inch, London, 1946 September 13, on his 28, Hyde Park Gate stationery. Sent from Villa Choisi in Switzerland, a letter to J. H. H. Gaute of publishers George G. Harrap and Co. In full: “Thank you very much indeed for your letter of September 11 and its good news. I am so much obliged to you for the assistance you have given me. When are the new volumes coming out? I am looking forward so much to seeing them.” Churchill adds the salutation in his own hand. Mailing folds, else fine condition. Churchill and his wife left Chartwell in late August 1946 for three weeks in Switzerland, staying first at the Villa Choisi, on the shore of Lake Geneva. The press and public were carefully kept at bay while he painted and worked on his war memoirs. In this letter Churchill may be referring to his book “The Secret Session Speeches” published on September 26.
Price: $ 3,190 / € 2.900
Elizabeth II., Queen (1926-2022)
Autograph letter signed
Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. Autograph letter signed “Elizabeth R”. 1p., 4.75 x 7.5 inch, red embossed Windsor castle letterhead, April 25,1960. Handwritten letter to "Mrs. Tannar". In full: "Very many thanks for remembering me on my birthday with such a very useful present, for which I am most grateful. I hope you are keeping quite well." Mailing fold, else fine condition. Mrs. Tannar was the widow of Hubert Tannar the headmaster of the Royal School, Great Park, Windsor who notably produced wartime pantomimes in which Elizabeth and Princess Margaret starred. Hubert Tannar wrote and directed all the shows. A fine handwritten letter with excellent provenace and in great condition.
Price: $ 2,475 / € 2.250
Uecker, Günther (1930)
Original nail drawing signed
German painter, sculptor, op artist and installation artist. He is best known for his signature use of nails arranged into sculptural paintings. Original nail drawing signed “Uecker 2023”. 8.25 x 11.75 inch, no place, thin drawing cardboard, drawn and signed in pencil. Fine condition and excellent for framing.
Price: $ 1,980 / € 1.800
May, Karl (1842-1912)
Rare cabinet card photograph signed
A popular German writer, noted mainly for adventure novels set in the American Old West. Best known for the characters of Winnetou and Old Shatterhand. Cabinet card photograph signed “Dr. Karl May”. 8.5 x 5.25 inch, n.p., n.d., written in dark black ink. Vintage albumen print mounted on original studio's cardboard “Atelier Nunwarz Urfahr-Linz”. The photo shows May in his office in the Villa Shatterhand. Pictured is Winnetou's silver rifle, at the window the double-barreled bear killer, his chieftain's flag hangs down from his desk, below left a self-shot grizzly bear and so on. Two inch crease on the right edge between the studio name and studio logo, else fine condition. In April 1896, the amateur photographer Alois Schiesser in Radebeul took 101 pictures of Karl May in civilian clothes and in the costumes of Old Shatterhand and Kara Ben Nemsis. The photographer Adolf Nunwarz (1868-1931) from Linz later received the negative plates of these photos and took over the distribution. May and Nunwarz had an agreement that only photos personally signed by May could be sold, but this agreement was probably broken by Nunwarz. May is very common in signed postcard photographs, cabinet card photos of this quality rarely appear on the market.
Price: $ 1,760 / € 1.600
Picasso, Pablo (1881-1973)
Attractive autograph letter signed in red pencil
Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, stage designer, poet, playwright and one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century. "I’m sending you four letters from collectors" -Picasso to his friend and financial advisor. Attractive autograph letter signed in red pencil, in French, signed “Picasso”. 1p, 8.25 x 10.5 inch, Vallauris, September 30, 1953. A fine handwritten letter to his friend and financial advisor Max Pellequer. In full (translated): “I shall return to Paris on Saturday, probably. I’ll come and see you immediately. I’m sending you four letters from collectors. See you soon my friend, and all the best.” Mailing folds, handling wear, else fine condition. Banker and collector Max Pellequer was introduced to Picasso in 1914 by his uncle by marriage André Level. He quickly became one of Picasso's most important collectors and his financial advisor for over 30 years. Pellequer's interest in his art began as early as the 1910s when he purchased a Picasso bronze from the art dealer Ambroise Vollard. During the 1930s and 1940s, as Picasso's personal banker, he secured and enhanced the painter's wealth and allowed him to settle comfortably in the South of France. Picasso created a superb ex-libris on copper for him, bought him paintings including La Mer à L'Estaque by Cézanne (now in the Picasso museum), and offered him a few other works. Pellequer assembled a vast collection of paintings by the great masters of modern art: Degas, Raoul Dufy, Paul Gauguin, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Modigliani, and Maurice Utrillo, which are today preserved in the most important international museums.
Price: $ 6,050 / € 5.500
Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) & Madison, James (1751-1836)
Document signed by both
3. President of the United States and 4. President of the United States. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Document signed “Th:Jefferson” as President and “James Madison” as Secretary of State. 1 page, partly printed, 15.75 x 9.5 inch, City of Washington, 1806 April 3. Large wax-based paper seal intact. Vellum document grants land to Henry Mayser of Northumberland County Pennsylvania at Steubenville. In parts: “...it appears that he has made full payment for the Lot on Section number Thirty Two of Township number Ten in Range number Three … of the lands directed to be sold at Steubenville by the act of congress…”. Folds, slightly discolored, else good condition. Fine signature combination!
Price: $ 9,900 / € 9.000
Behring, Emil von (1854-1917)
One of a kind autograph Schiller aphorism signed
German physiologist who received the 1901 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the first one awarded, for his discovery of a diphtheria antitoxin. One of a kind autograph Schiller aphorism signed “E vBehring “. 4.0 x 2.75 inch piece of paper, Marburg (19)03 December 29. Witten in dark black ink. In Behring’s hand: “Schiller sagt: ‘Vernünftig handelt die ganze Natur; des Menschen Prärogativ ist nur, daß er mit Bewußtsein und Willen vernünftig handelt.’ Schopenhauer behauptet genau das Gegentheil: Wie reimt sich das?” Translated: “Schiller says: ‘All of nature acts rationally; man’s prerogative is only that he acts rationally with consciousness and will.’ Schopenhauer claims exactly the opposite: How does that rhyme?” Fine condition. Remarkable Behring autograph and surely one of kind.
Price: $ 2,145 / € 1.950
Hesse, Hermann (1877-1962)
Original ink drawing with autograph poem signed
German-Swiss poet, novelist, and painter. His best-known works include Steppenwolf, Siddhartha, and The Glass Bead Game, each of which explores an individual's search for authenticity, self-knowledge and spirituality. In 1946, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature. Original black ink drawing signed “HHesse”. 8.75 x 11.0 inch, Montagnola, 1957 September 14 (postmark). Beautiful ink drawing on thin cardboard with a fine autograph poem in Hesse’s hand. The first part of his famous poem “Allein”. In German, in full: “Es führen über die Erde Strassen und Wege viel, aber alle haben Das selbe Ziel“. Excellent drawing done by a German artist/ collector. Hesse was very likely happy with the drawing, he signed it with the poem and sent it back to the collector. Part of the envelope is mounted on the drawing, also another stamp with an image of Hesse. The rest of the envelope, addressed by Hesse, is enclosed. Minor mounting residue on verso, handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,650 / € 1.500
Ramsay, William (1852-1916)
Important autograph letter signed “… argon passes through iron”
Scottish chemist who discovered the noble gases and received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1904. Autograph letter signed “W. Ramsay”. Written on a postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 inch, Paris, 1895 April 2. In full: “Dear Sir, Thanks for your letter. I have had my eye on Gratams observation for some time, but have had no time to repeat it. Your letter will bring me to this scratch; & it may prove a good means of separation. My impression is that argon passes through iron, but it is not proved. I think I lost a lot in using iron tubar; & I have always intended to repeat it & to use platinum, but I have not had time as yet. There is too much to do. Believe me.” Card is addressed on verso in Ramsay’s hand to “Anshby Esq. Grammar School”. Two folds, handling and corner wear, mounting residue on verso, else good condition. On the evening of 19 April 1894 Ramsay attended a lecture given by Lord Rayleigh. Rayleigh had noticed a discrepancy between the density of nitrogen made by chemical synthesis and nitrogen isolated from the air by removal of the other known components. After a short conversation he and Ramsay decided to investigate this. In August Ramsay told Rayleigh he had isolated a new, heavy component of air, which did not appear to have any chemical reactivity. He named this inert gas "argon". A handwritten letter mentioning argon is of great rarity.
Price: $ 990 / € 900
Menzel, Adolph (1815-1905)
Autograph letter signed
Adolph Friedrich Erdmann von Menzel was a German Realist artist noted for drawings, etchings, and paintings. Along with Caspar David Friedrich, he is considered one of the two most prominent German painters of the 19th century and was the most successful artist of his era in Germany. Autograph letter signed „A. Menzel”. 1p., 5.75 x 9.0 inch, Berlin, 1902 May 18. In pencil, in German, in full: “Ich erbitte mir höflichst aber bestimtest jede Zusendung oder Widmung - auch jede persönliche Vereinbarung“. Letter is written on a letter of a person with the name F. Menzel in Leipzig regarding a family relationship. The original mailing envelope (registered mail), addressed in Adolph Menzel’s hand, is included. Discolored, minor fold breaks, otherwise good condition.
Price: $ 550 / € 500
Buchanan, James (1791-1868)
Autograph letter signed (co-signed by Senator S. McKean)
15. President of the United States. Autograph letter signed recommending a Doctor for a Position in the Land Office. Autograph letter signed “James Buchanan”. 1p., bifolium, 8.0 x 9.75 inch, Washington, 1836 December 12, as U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania. Countersigned by Samuel McKean (1787-1841), Pennylvania's second senator. Addressed to Hon. James S. Whitcomb (1795-1852), U.S. senator from Indiana, who had been appointed by President Andrew Jackson as Land Commissioner (1836-41). Buchanan and McKean recommend Dr. William Wallace, whom they believe to be well qualified to be a clerk in the Land office. In full: “We take pleasure in recommending to you the appointment of Dr. William Wallace as a clerk in the Land Office. We believe him to be well qualified for the situations of which he applies. He is the son of a highly respectable citizen of Pennsylvania who has recently removed to this City: and is himself a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. His appointment would give satisfaction to many friends." Clearly written in Buchanan's neat hand. Small mounting remnants on integral address leaf, else fine condition.
Price: $ 770 / € 700
Schweitzer, Albert (1875-1965)
Original ink drawing signed
German theologian, musician, philosopher, physician, and medical missionary in Africa best known for his interpretive life of Jesus. He received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his philosophy of "Reverence for Life”. His philosophy was expressed in many ways, but most famously in founding and sustaining the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in Lambaréné, French Equatorial Africa (now Gabon). Original black ink drawing signed “Albert Schweitzer”. 8.75 x 11.0 inch, n.p., n.d. (about 1957). Beautiful ink drawing on thin cardboard. Three stamps of Albert Schweitzer mounted on the lower edge. Excellent drawing done by a German artist/ collector. Minor mounting residue on verso, handling wear, else fine condition. Uncommon autograph!
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Byron, George Gordon “Lord” (1788-1824)
Rare hand-addressed free frank
Highly influential British poet, politician, soldier, and adventurer, sexual and otherwise, who takes a place as the most colorful literary figure of the Romantic era. His works include such classics as Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage and Don Juan. Hand-addressed free frank, measuring 10.0 x 6.5 inch overall, with the address panel measuring 5.0 x 3.25 inch. Hand-addressed by Byron: “1813 London December eighteenth Dr. S. Butler Shrewsbury” and franked in the lower left “Byron”. Remains of red wax seal, red stamped “Free” in the upper right. On reverse a draft letter from Dr. Butler in the hand of his daughter Harriet. Scattered soiling to panel, minor folds and creases, else good condition. Also included is a fine condition engraving of Byron. Dedication and signature on the engraving is PRINTED. Samuel Butler (1774-1839) was an English classical scholar and schoolmaster of Shrewsbury School, and Bishop of Lichfield. His grandson was Samuel Butler, the author of the novel Erewhon. First mentioned relating to a correspondence between Byron and Dr. Butler, referring to Butler's translation of Lucien Bonaparte's, Charlemagne. A fine association and rare autograph.
Price: $ 2,750 / € 2.500
Stein, Heinrich Friedrich Karl Reichsfreiherr vom und zum (1757-1831)
Letter signed
Known as Baron vom Stein, a Prussian statesman who introduced the Prussian reforms that paved the way for the unification of Germany. Letter signed “Stein“. 1p., 7.25 x 9.0 inch, bifolium, Berlin 1806 June 1, address and red wax seal on verso. To George Tönniges in Paris. In German, in full: „Euer Hochwohlgeboren danke ich vielmals für die gefällige Mittheilung des mit ihrem Schreiben vom 21.ten April d.J. erhaltenen interessanten … über die Pariser Bank, auch für die bei der Gelegenheit mir gegebenen Nachrichten, und werde Ihnen sehr verbunden seyn, wenn sie fortfahren wollen, mir dergleichen Nachrichten über die dortige interessantesten Finanz und … zu ertheilen. Es freut mich übrigens, Euer Hochwohlgeboren benachrichtigen zu können, daß die Angelegenheit wegen Ihrer Ernennung zum königlich preussischen Consul nach dem mir nun des Grafen von Haugwitz Excellenz gegebene Versicherungen reashumirt ist, und sie können darauf rechnen, daß ich die Sache unterstützen werde“. Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition. Stein is rare in any form!
Price: $ 1,375 / € 1.250