Latest Arrivals
Elizabeth II., Queen (1926-2022) & Philip, Prince (1921-2021)
Charming signed photograph
Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign statesover the course of her lifetime and remained the monarch of 15 realms by the time of her death. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. Charming attractive matte-finish official royal family portrait. Signed photograph, 6.0 x 8.0 inch depicting Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip posing outdoors with their two young children Charles and Anne. Affixed to the original 7.5 x 10.0 inch mount, n.p., 1954. Signed below in fountain pen “Philip 1954” in Philip’s hand and “Elizabeth R” in Elizabeth’s hand. Fine condition.
Price: $ 2,850 / € 2.400
Tolstoy, Leo (1828-1910)
Perfect signature matted with photograph
Russian writer. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential authors of all time. Tolstoy's notable works include the novels War and Peace (1869) and Anna Karenina (1878). Perfect signature “Leo Tolstoy 26 July 1898”. Signed and dated in Tolstoy’s hand. Piece of paper, probably from an autograph album, 3.5 x 2.25 inch, n.p., 1898 July 26. Excellent signed in dark black ink. Handsomely matted in gray with a glossy photograph of Tolstoy to an overall of 11.75 x 7.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. Fine condition. Excellent display item.
Price: $ 2,200 / € 1.850
Chagall, Marc (1887-1985)
Autograph letter signed
Russian-French artist. Autograph letter signed “Chagall”. 1p., 8.0 x 8.75 inch, 3 allée des Pins, (Paris) Boulogne, 1926 October 5. Addressed to the Gallery Briant-Robert. Chagall writes in French that the majority of his works are held by the Galerie Granoff. The gallery probably has invited Chagall to exhibit his works or perhaps to be published there, because the gallery was producing art books at the time. Indistinct signature at the foot of the page, possibly “Robert” offset from another document. Mailing folds, two pinholes near the top edge, a few light creases and marks, overall in good condition, with the large Chagall signature in excellent condition.
Price: $ 1,670 / € 1.390
Lafayette, Marquis de (1757-1834)
Attractive document signed during the French Revolution
Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette often known simply as Lafayette, was a French aristocrat and military officer born in Chavaniac, in the province of Auvergne in south central France. Lafayette was a general in the American Revolutionary War and a leader of the “GARDE-NATIONALE-PARISIENNE” during the French Revolution. Rare and attractive partly-printed document signed in French, signed “Lafayette”. 1p., 9.25 x 12.25 inch, Paris April 7, 1791. A handsomely engraved official military document from the Parisian National Guard issuing a holiday certificate for the soldier Jean Baptiste Dupuis. Signed at the conclusion by the Marquis de Lafayette as Commander of the Paris National Guard and countersigned by four other officials. The upper left retains the original red wax seal. With intersecting folds, minor staining and soiling, else good condition. A very attractive document and a fine signature of Lafayette during the French revolution.
Price: $ 1,740 / € 1.450
Saint-Exupéry, Antoine de (1900-1944)
One of a kind document signed (his tax declaration)
French writer, poet, aristocrat, journalist and pioneering aviator. He became a laureate of several of France's highest literary awards and also won the United States National Book Award. He is best remembered for his novella “The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)”. Partly printed document signed “Antoine de Saint-Exupéry”. Declaration form signed by Saint-Exupéry for the general tax of 1938 on the income of 1937. 4 pages, bifolium, no place, 1938 July 13. Handwritten filled in his name, date and place of birth, address (15 place Vauban), the maiden name of his wife Consuelo Suncin, his professions "Pilot-aviateur-écrivain" with the name of the employer (Air France), the amounts received as "liner pilot" (70,502.90 francs), and from Paris-Soir, the Société des Auteurs, Téléfrance (73,705 francs), the deduction of professional expenses (60,880 francs) etc. Slightly discolored, parts of the middle fold broken, otherwise good condition. Very uncommon and a one of a kind document signed.
Price: $ 3,100 / € 2.600
Chiang Kai-Shek (1887-1975)
Signed photograph
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, 3.5 x 5.0 inch, n.p., n.d., signed in dark black ink in Chinese. Probably slightly trimmed, minor mounting residue on verso, else good.
Price: $ 1,440 / € 1.200
Verdi, Giuseppe (1813-1901)
Wonderful cabinet-card-photograph signed
Italian composer of operas. Verdi came to dominate the Italian opera scene after the era of Gioachino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini and Gaetano Donizetti, whose works influenced him and his operas remain extremely popular. Wonderful cabinet-card-photograph signed and inscribed “A Anton Giulio Barrili con simpatia e l'altra stima St Agata 19 Maggio 1892” (“To Anton Giulio Barrili with sympathy and esteem St Agata 19 May 1892”). St Agata (Villa Verdi), 1892 May 19. A fine gold edge photograph marked “SEBASTIANUTTI & BENQUE, MILANO” on the front and on verso. Minor paper loss at the top, else fine condition. Surely one of the finest Verdi signed photographs you can hope to find. Villa Verdi is the estate house that composer Giuseppe Verdi ordered built in 1848 and where he lived from that year until the end of his life. It is in the village of Sant'Agata 3.5 km north of the town of Busseto, which itself lies 4.5 km west-north-west of the tiny village of Le Roncole.
Price: $ 4,650 / € 3.900
Fleming, Alexander (1881-1955)
Signature matted with photograph
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. Perfect signature “Alexander Fleming 1954”. Signed and dated in Fleming’s hand. Card, 4.0 x 3.25 inch (visible), n.p. 1954. Excellent signed in dark blue ink. Handsomely matted in gray with a glossy photograph of Fleming to an overall of 11.75 x 7.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. Fine condition. Excellent display item.
Price: $ 1,140 / € 950
Rommel, Erwin (1891-1944)
Document signed
German general and military theorist - known as the Desert Fox. Partly printed document signed “Rommel”. 1p., 8.25 x 11.5 inch, Goslar, 1935 February 1. Signed by Rommel in pencil as “Truppenkommandeur”. Provisional acceptance certificate for service in the “Reichsheer” for the volunteer Walter Lampe. Walter Lampe’s work book and ID card from the Reich Chamber of Culture is included. Mailing folds, minor handling wear, else fine 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: $ 1,500 / € 1.250
Talleyrand, Charles Maurice (1754-1838)
Document signed in the name of Napoleon I.
French diplomat. He worked successfully from the regime of Louis XVI., through the French Revolution and then under Napoleon I., Louis XVIII., Charles X., and Louis-Philippe. Known since the turn of the 19th century simply by the name Talleyrand, he remains a figure that polarizes opinion. Some regard him as one of the most versatile, skilled and influential diplomats in European history, and some believe that he was a traitor, betraying in turn, the Ancien Régime, the French Revolution, Napoleon, and the Restoration. Partly printed document signed “Charles Maurice”. Document signed “Décret Impérial”. 1p., 11.25 x 17.25 inch, 1808 July 27, blind embossed seal at the bottom. Excerpt from the minutes of the State Secretariat. Imperial Decree concerning the convocation of a town meeting in Charente Maritime on 01.10.1808. Signed by Talleyrand in dark black ink and countersigned by the secretary of the interior Emmanuel Crétet (1747-1809). Folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 750 / € 625
Edward VIII., King (1894-1972)
Signed photograph (famous Hugh Cecil photo)
King of the United Kingdom . Vintage signed photograph “Edward P 1925-“. 7.5 x 9.5 inch, n.p., 1925. Original photograph on photo cardboard by famous royal photographer Hugh Cecil with the original red label “Portrait by Hugh Cecil Number 7825.A” on verso. Handling wear, slightly wavy, surface scraped off on two places, minor silvering, else good condition with excellent dark signature.
Price: $ 900 / € 750
Eiffel, Gustave (1832-1923)
Bookpage signed and matted
A French civil engineer and architect. He is best known for the world-famous Eiffel Tower. Bookpage signed “Hommage de G. Eiffel”. 1p., 7.25 x 5.0 inch (visible), n.p., n.d. Page from the book “ÉTUDES PRATIQUES DE MÉTÉOROLOGIE”. Signed at the top in ink by Eiffel. Handsomely matted in gray with a fine photograph of Eiffel to an overall of 9.0 x 11.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. Excellent condition.
Price: $ 950 / € 790
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 “Sade”. 1p., bifolium, 6.75 x 8.5 inch, n.p., 1809 December 5. Addressed on verso in Marquis de Sade’s hand to “Monsieur Niepert - pere in Carpentras”. A fine letter regarding a payment of 410 frcs. In French, in parts: “…il m’est absolument impossible d’attendre davantage, et vous m’affligerez véritablement si vous me faites éprouver de plus longs délais…”. Mailing folds, minor hole from opening the wax seal on verso, handling wear, else fine. A very uncommon autograph, rarely seen on the autograph market. Provenance : collection Aristophile.
Price: $ 3,300 / € 2.750
Nelson, Horatio (1758-1805)
Wonderful content autograph letter signed
British flag officer in the Royal Navy. He was noted for his inspirational leadership and superb grasp of strategy and unconventional tactics, which resulted in a number of decisive naval victories, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. He was wounded several times in combat, losing one arm in the unsuccessful attempt to conquer Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the sight in one eye in Corsica. He was shot and killed during his final victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Exceptional and wonderful content autograph letter signed only three days after Nelson's triumph at the Battle of Copenhagen and signed “Nelson & Bronte”. Three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.25 x 8.75 inch, St. George, April 5, (1801) 10 at night. Letter to Sir Thomas Warburton, in full: "I had truly the pleasure & satisfaction of having your son on board this day at dinner. He is without a compliment a very fine Lad and he minds as not no more than his Father. The Messengers for peace came off this day. Sir Hyde (Parker) sent for me and whether these people paid me too much attention as for what cause I cannot say but it did not appear very agreeable, and from my heart I hope never to be sent for again but it has invariably been my misfortune to be slighted when no longer thought to be useful. My heart is broken I can assure you and God knows I am fag‘d to death. I hope I may have provisional leave to quit my place whenever my state of health or other causes may make me think it necessary. On all occasions I have endeavour’d to do my best in the station in which I am placed, but my heart is tender and cannot bear what I feel undeserved rubs, but enough of my misfortunes. Capt. Bligh deserves a better ship than the glutton. No man in the world could acquit himself better in every respect. Poor Retschik wants to be removed from the Defiance and I am trying to get him into the Monarch & for Capt. Birchall to take the Jamaica as I am told Capt. Rose wishes to get into the Defiance. Under my present feelings I send you a copy of a letter I wrote some time past. I wrote another the same evening offering my services such as they were to command the attack and gave in the place with scarcely a shade of difference on the 25th but time and patience the world will do me justice. Let who will try to pull me down. In confidence you may shew the enclosed to Lord St. V(incen)t and then burn it." In a postscript, Nelson has added: "Do not think me particularly pipped. If you was here you would go mad and the description will make you half so." Excellent and professionally inlaid into a slightly larger sheet. In fine condition. Three days earlier, Nelson and his British fleet fought a large contingent of the Dano-Norwegian Navy in the pivotal Battle of Copenhagen on April 2, 1801. The British aim was to force Denmark from the Second League of Armed Neutrality, a coalition of the north European naval powers designed to protect shipping against the Royal Navy's wartime policy of unlimited search of neutral shipping for French contraband. On the strength of Britain’s superior gunnery, Nelson’s fleet overwhelmed the Danes and negotiations were reopened the following day in Copenhagen. News of Paul I of Russia’s assassination hastened the discussions and the final peace agreement was signed on October 23rd. As a reward for the victory, Nelson was created Viscount Nelson of the Nile and of Burnham Thorpe in the County of Norfolk, on May 19, 1801.
Price: $ 7,800 / € 6.500
Saint-Exupéry, Antoine de (1900-1944)
Rare book signed “COURRIER SUD”
French writer, poet, aristocrat, journalist and pioneering aviator. He became a laureate of several of France's highest literary awards and also won the United States National Book Award. He is best remembered for his novella “The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)”. Book signed “Antoine de Saint-Exupéry”. Book “Courrier Sud”. Softcover, 4.75 x 7.25 inch, Librairie Gallimard, Paris, 1929, 227 pages. Dedicated in French in Saint-Exupéry’s hand “En hommages respectueux d’ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry”. The name of the dedication recipient has been cut out. The defect has been professionally repaired. Housed in a wonderful custom made box especially for this book. Book discolored, stained, handling wear, writing dark and fine. Box in mint condition.
Price: $ 2,340 / € 1.950
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” and “James Madison”. 1 page, partly printed, 14.75 x 9.5 inch, City of Washington, 1803 November 18. Uncommon fine and dark Jefferson signature, paper seal intact. Appointment of Isaac Briggs as United States Surveyor "of the Lands of the United States South of the State of Tennessee." A fine document signed by Thomas Jefferson and countersigned by James Madison as Secretary of State. Though Jefferson had signed the Louisiana Purchase only seven months earlier, formal surveying for the newly acquired 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River did not begin until 1815. It is likely that Jefferson appointed Briggs to survey lands as part of the ongoing Public Land Survey System created in 1785. Chipping at margins expertly repaired by my paper restauration company, mailing folds, slightly discolored, else good condition.
Price: $ 9,500 / € 8.000
George I., King (1660-1727)
Document signed
King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1 August 1714 and ruler of the Electorate of Hanover within the Holy Roman Empire from 23 January 1698 until his death in 1727. He was the first British monarch of the House of Hanover. Document signed “Guht williger Georg Ludewig Cuhrfürste”. 2 pages, bifolium, 8.0 x 12.5 inch, Hannover, 1700 March 18, fine wax seal and address on the second page of the bifolium. As Elector of Hanover to the Bavarian envoy to the Reichstag in Regensburg, Count Tattenbach, whom he thanks for his services "for the Chursache". In German: "... Wir haben das zuverlassige Vertrawen, derselbe werde … die beforderung Unserer introduction in das Churfürstliche Collegium … sich … aufs Beste recommendiret seyn zulassen belieben …" Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,500 / € 1.250
Gorky, Maxim (1868-1936)
Excellent signature on a card
Russian and Soviet writer and a founder of the socialist realism literary method, a political activist and also a five-time nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Signed card “M. Gorki” and additional in his hand “9.10.24 Sorrento”, written in dark blue ink and Cyrillic. 5.0 x 3.25 inch, Sorrento (Italy), 1924 October 9. Together with a fine and large portrait, 8.25 x 10.5 inch, Hofkunstverleger G. Heuer & Kirmse, Berlin-Halensee. Card in fine condition, portrait slightly discolored, else fine. Perfect example of a Gorky signature.
Price: $ 1,740 / € 1.450
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832)
Document signed
German writer, scientist, and philosopher who takes a place among the central intellectual and artistic figures of his day. Document signed “Goethe”. 1p., 8.0 x 13.25 inch, Weimar 1780 October 13. Goethe as chairman of the “Fürstl: Sächs.: Kriegs-Commission”, signs a discharge certificate for a recruit. In German, in full: “Dem Stadt Rathe, hierselbst, wird andurch nachrichtlich bekannt gemacht, daß von fürstl. Sächs. Kriegs-Commißion allh. (ier) auf geziemendes Nachsuchen, die gänzlich Entlaßung des Recruten Johann Friedrich Meißner, allh. von seinem zeitherigen Militar Engagement resolviret und selbigem der Laufpaß bereits abgenommen worden; es hat demnach Eingangs bemeldter Stadt-Rath genannten Meißner in der Recruten-Liste zu deliren“. Countersigned „von Volgstaedt”. Bottom left a note in unknown hand “583./ praes. d. 18. Octbrs. 1780” and a second note “Goethe signature”. From 1777, Goethe's official activities extended to the renewal of the Ilmenau mining industry and from 1779 to the chairmanship of two permanent commissions, the road construction commission and the war commission (Kriegs-Commission), with responsibility for recruiting recruits for the Weimar army. Left edge slightly trimmed, mailing fold, minor paper loss lower right edge, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 6,900 / € 5.750
Koch, Robert (1843-1910)
Scarce autograph letter signed
German physician, pioneering microbiologist and the founder of modern bacteriology. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905. Autograph letter signed “R. Koch”. 2 pages, bifolium, recto and verso, 4.5 x 7.0 inch, Berlin, 1893 March 10. A fine letter written at the time Koch was the director of the Institute for Infectious Diseases in Berlin. In German, in full: “Hochgeehrter Herr Geheimrath! Wiederholt habe ich es versucht, Sie im Ministerium zu treffen, habe aber kein Glück gehabt. Da ich im Begriff bin, nach Dresden abzureisen, so möchte ich Ihnen vorher noch die kurze Mittheilung machen, daß ich vor zwei Tagen mit den Kuratoren des Bleichröderischen Nachlasses auf deren Einladung eine Besprechung gehabt habe. Dieselben erkannten die Verpflichtung zur Erfüllung der von Herrn v. Bleichröder gemachten Zusage an, wollten aber von meiner Verbindung der Bleichröder-Stiftung mit Einwirkungen, welche vom Kultusministerium ausgehen, nicht erst etwas wissen. Sie verlangten von mir Auskunft darüber, ob der Verstorbene dem Kultusministerium gegenüber bindende Erklärungen abgegeben habe, worüber ich natürlich nichts angeben konnte. Ich glaube, dass wenn die Kuratoren für Ihr Pläne gewonnen werden sollen, dies bald geschehen müsste und zwar auf Grund bestimmter Vorschläge, die ihnen annehmbar erscheinen müssen. P.S. Besten Dank für die erfreuliche Mittheilung über Lebbertis Ernennung zum Sanitätsarzt.“ Translated: “Repeatedly I have tried to meet you at the Ministry but have had no luck. Since I am at the point of going to Dresden, I want to give you this bit of information, that two days ago, upon their invitation, I had a discussion with the trustees of the Bleichröder estate. They recognized their obligation to fulfill the promise made by Mr. v. Bleichröder, but did not want to hear anything about a combination of the Bleichröder-Foundation with arrangements initiated by the Ministry. They demanded that I inform them whether the deceased had made binding declarations to the Ministry. Of course I could not say anything about this. I think that if the trustees need to be won over this has to be done soon and has to be based on certain suggestions which have to seem acceptable to them. P.S. Thank you very much for the pleasant news about Lebberti's appointment as medical doctor.” Mailing fold, else fine condition. The deceased named in the letter was Gerson von Bleichröder (1822-1893) a Jewish German banker.
Price: $ 3,480 / € 2.900
Virchow, Rudolf (1821-1902)
Autograph letter signed
German physician, anthropologist, pathologist, prehistorian, biologist, writer, editor, and politician. He is known as "the father of modern pathology". Autograph letter signed “R. Virchow”. 1p., bifolium, 5.5 x 8.75 inch, Berlin 1894 February 28. The letter is nearly impossible to read. In German: “Verehrter Herr Luther, Besten Dank für die übersandten … Es ist ein richtiger Fall von einer Leukämie. … die Lehren von … genannt. Der … Herr wird noch von mir gegrüßt werden. Besten Gruß”. Mailing folds, handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,080 / € 900
Feininger, Lyonel (1871-1956)
Autograph letter signed
German-American painter, and a leading exponent of Expressionism. He also worked as a caricaturist and comic strip artist. Autograph letter signed “Lyonel Feininger”. 1p., 7.25 x 11.25 inch, Dessau (Germany) (19)28 July 4. A fine handwritten letter to an unknown madam. In German, in full: “Sehr verehrte, gnädige Frau! Ihre Zeilen erhielt ich. Sie dürfen gerne das Photo „Gelmeroda IX“ für Ihren Aufsatz für das Jahrbuch 1929 „Deutsche Welle“ verwenden! Bekomme ich dann vielleicht ein Beleg-Exemplar?“ Translated: „Dear madam! I received your lines. You are welcome to use the photo “Gelmeroda IX” for your essay for the 1929 “Deutsche Welle” yearbook! Can I receive a specimen copy?” Mailing folds, some stains, handling wear, else good condition. Gelmeroda, today a suburb of Weimar, became famous because Feininger repeatedly drew, painted and woodcut printed the village church with its characteristic choir tower.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Grieg, Edvard (1843-1907)
Beautiful Carte-de-Visite photograph signed
Norwegian composer and pianist. He is widely considered one of the leading Romantic era composers, and his music is part of the standard classical repertoire worldwide. Beautiful Carte-de-Visite photograph signed “Edvard Grieg”. Carte-de-Visite, 2.5 x 4.0 inch, no place, April 1882. Signed and inscribed in Grieg’s hand: “Fröken Kai Dekker …” with thanks for tablecloth. Photo by Georg Brokesch, Leipzig. Minor handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,920 / € 1.600
Strauss, Johann (1825-1899)
Autograph note on his personal visiting-card
Also known as Johann Strauss, Jr., the Younger. Austrian composer and known as "The Waltz King". Autograph note UNSIGNED on his personal visiting card. Card, 4.0 x 2.0 inch, n.p., n.d., recto and verso. Printed "Johann Strauss / k.k. Hofball-Musikdirector“ and a fine note in Strauss’s hand, in German: „bittet Herrn Kapellmeister Genée das Klavierarrangement der persischen Hymne u. der Walzer übergeben zu wollen." Richard Genée worked as Kapellmeister at the Theater at the Wien from 1868 to 1878. Also enclosed is the printed obituary of the Vienna Men's Choir for Johann Strauss (Vienna, June 1899) as well as a printed invitation for a "dance evening with the Waltz King" in the ballroom of the Vienna Hofburg on the occasion of the 100th "return of the birthday of Johann Strauss" and a newspaper obituary. All in fine condition.
Price: $ 900 / € 750
Strauss, Johann (1825-1899)
Impressive signed photograph
Also known as Johann Strauss, Jr., the Younger. Austrian composer and known as "The Waltz King". Impressive signed photograph “Johann Strauss”. Platinotypie, 4.0 x 5.75 inch, on 8.5 x 12.0 inch photographers mount. Inscribed by Strauss in German: „Herzliche Glückwünsche dem verehrten Collegen und Freunde Eduard Kremser zur freundlichen Erinnerung / Johann Strauss". Photograph of a paiting by Leopold Horovitz (Ischl 9. 1891). Photo by J. Löwy, Wien 1897. Slightly discolored, minor handling and corner wear, else good condition. Kremser worked from 1869 to 1899 as choirmaster of the Vienna Men's Singing Association, which, among other things, premiered the waltzes "On the Beautiful Blue Danube" and "Wine, woman and Song". Impressive photograph!
Price: $ 2,700 / € 2.250
Erzberger, Matthias (1875-1921)
Typed letter signed
Politician of the Catholic Centre Party. Typed letter signed “M. Erzberger”. 1p., bifolium, 8.75 x 10.5 inch, Berlin, 1915 April 13. To „Seiner Hochwohlgeboren Freiherrn von Droste Hülshoff, Schloss Stapel bei Havixbeck“. In German, in full: „Empfangen Sie meinen besten Dank für die Zusendung des Zeichnungsscheines über M 100,- für das Conto Rom." Mailing folds, else fine condition.
Price: $ 450 / € 375
Erzberger, Matthias (1875-1921)
Typed letter signed
Politician of the Catholic Centre Party, member of the Reichstag and minister of finance of Germany from 1919 to 1920. Typed letter signed “M. Erzberger”. 1p., 8.5 x 10.25 inch, Berlin, 1916 March 4. To the priest Hansjakob in Haslach. In German, in full: “Besten Dank für Ihr freundliches Schreiben vom 29.v.M. Sie dürfen versichert sein, dass ich die von Ihnen mit Recht vorgebrachten Wünsche und Beschwerden vorbringen werde. In meinem Wahlkreis ist noch nicht ein einziges Kupferdach einer Kirche beschlagnahmt worden, da ich mich mit dem Klerus meines Wahlkreises in Verbindung gesetzt habe und die Beschlagnahme immer hinausschrieben liess“. Mailing folds, punch holes, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 450 / € 375
Erzberger, Matthias (1875-1921)
Typed letter signed
Politician of the Catholic Centre Party, member of the Reichstag and minister of finance. Typed letter signed “M. Erzberger”. 1p., 6.75 x 8.75 inch, Berlin, 1916 July 6. To an unknown doctor in Münster. In German, in full: “Sehr verehrter Herr Doktor! Die Korrektur habe ich erhalten. Die 100 gewünschten Abzüge werden Ihnen vom Verlag der ‚Germania‘ dieser Tage zugehen.“ Recipient's name erased, mailing folds, else good condition.
Price: $ 450 / € 375
Frederick III. (1831-1888)
Exceedingly rare letter signed as King & Emperor (1888/ 99 days)
Frederick III. was German Emperor and King of Prussia for 99 days in 1888, the Year of the Three Emperors. Friedrich Wilhelm Nikolaus Karl, known informally as Fritz, was the only son of Emperor William I. and was raised in his family's tradition of military service. Although celebrated as a young man for his leadership and successes during the Second Schleswig, Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars. Rare letter signed “Friedrich”, as King and Emperor. 1p., bifolium, 8.25 x 10.5 inch, Charlottenburg, 1888 April 17. Black border mourning stationery (his father Wilhelm I. died on March 9, 1888). To his nephew Prince Friedrich Leopold, "Premier-Lieutenant à la suite Meines Regiments der Gardes du Corps", regarding his appointment as cavalry captain. In German, in full: “Ich habe seine königliche Hoheit heute zum Rittmeister befördert und demgemäß an das General-Kommando des Garde-Korps verfügt. Es gereicht mir zum besonderen Vergnügen seine königliche Hoheit hiervon in Kenntniß zu setzen“. A large and bold signature, dated during his short reign. Mounting residue on the blank second page of the bifolium, handling wear, else good condition. Exceedingly rare. After 27 years as Crown Prince, Frederick III. became Emperor, but suffering from cancer of the larynx he died aged 56 after reigning for only three months.
Price: $ 2,150 / € 1.800
Frederick III. (1831-1888)
Rare autograph note signed as King & Emperor (1888/ 99 days)
Frederick III. was German Emperor and King of Prussia for 99 days in 1888, the Year of the Three Emperors. Friedrich Wilhelm Nikolaus Karl, known informally as Fritz, was the only son of Emperor William I. and was raised in his family's tradition of military service. Although celebrated as a young man for his leadership and successes during the Second Schleswig, Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars. Rare autograph note signed “Friedrich”, as King and Emperor. 1p., 3.75 x 6.0 inch, n.p., n.d. One of the conversation slips of the terminally ill emperor, written during the 99 days. In German, in full: “Ich bitte um Abschrift der Zeiteinteilung für die Herbstübungen des GardeCorps”. Translated: “I would like to request a copy of the time schedule for the GardeCorps' fall exercises”. Horizontal and vertical fold, minor handling wear, ink name note at the bottom, else fine condition. Exceedingly rare. After 27 years as Crown Prince, Frederick III. became Emperor, but suffering from cancer of the larynx he died aged 56 after reigning for only three months.
Price: $ 1,500 / € 1.250
Elizabeth II., Queen (1926-2022) & Philip, Prince (1921-2021)
Excellent condition Christmas Card signed
Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. Signed Christmas Card “Elizabeth R 1957” in Elizabeth’s hand and “Philip” in Philip’s hand. 15.5 x 9.25 inch (unfolded), n.p., 1957, with an embossed crown on the front, featuring a color family portrait of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with their children, Charles and Anne and a pair of corgis. Excellent condition with mint condition signatures.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Ludwig II., King (1845-1886)
Document signed by the Fairy tale King (Neuschwanstein)
Ludwig II. was King of Bavaria from 1864 until his death. He is sometimes called the Swan King and “der Märchenkönig” - the Fairy tale King. He succeeded to the throne aged only 18 and is famous for the construction of two lavish palaces and the fantastic Neuschwanstein Castle. Partly printed document signed “Ludwig”, 1p., bifolium, 8.0 x 13.5 inch, Munich, 1869 January 8, fine paper seal. Patent for Carl Fortenbach as Major General. Signed in dark black ink by Ludwig and countersigned by Minister of War Sigmund von Pranckh (1821-1888). Mailing folds, slightly discolored, else good condition. Excellent signature.
Price: $ 1,800 / € 1.500
Mussolini, Benito (1883-1945)
“Il Duce” signs a presentation photograph
Benito Mussolini was an Italian politician, journalist and leader of the National Fascist Party - known as Il Duce (“the leader”) ruling the country as Prime Minister 1922 to 1943. He ruled constitutionally until 1925, when he dropped all pretense of democracy and set up a dictatorship that ruled the country until 1943. Mussolini was one of the key figures in the creation of fascism. Signed and inscribed photograph, 10.25 x 13.25 inch, Roma, 1931 March 6. And also dated “IX” for year nine of the fascist calendar (1922 March on Rome). Head and shoulders portrait with a blind stamp “Instituto Nationale Luce Roma”. Signed and inscribed in Mussolini’s hand to the Persian Ambassador “… Fatoullah Khan Pakrevan, Roma 6 Marzo 1931 –IX”. Handling wear, some minor bends, else good condition and excellent signed and inscribed.
Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.100
Gaddafi, Muammar (1942-2011)
Photograph signed
Libyan revolutionary, politician and political theorist who ruled Libya from 1969 until his killing in 2011 by rebel forces. A highly divisive figure, Gaddafi dominated Libya's politics for four decades and was the subject of a pervasive cult of personality. signed, 5.75 x 4.25 inch, n.p. (Tripoli), n.d. (2004). Excellent signed with a green felt-tip pen. Transmittal letter dated July 26, 2004 and regarding the photo is included. Fine with excellent provenance.
Price: $ 660 / € 550
Stravinsky, Igor (1882-1971)
Typed letter signed re: his opera “Rake’s Progress”
Russian composer, pianist and conductor, later of French (from 1934) and American (from 1945) citizenship. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century and a pivotal figure in modernist music. Typed letter signed “I. Stravinsky”. 1p., 6.5 x 10.25 inch, Hollywood, 1950 June 21. Letter to his attorney Mr. L. Arnold Weissberg in New York. In full: “Thanks for your letter of June 19. As it is likely that Mr. Ricketson will not be very long before contacting you in New-York, I have had a copy made of my contract with Hawkes concerning the “RAKE’S PROGRESS” copy that I am enclosing herewith (not enclosed). Waiting now for the next developments, and expecting to hear from you before long.” Punch holes, mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition. The Rake's Progress is Stravinsky's longest work and is widely considered one of the few great operas composed since the 1920s.
Price: $ 900 / € 750
Saint Phalle, Niki de (1930-2022)
Art postcard signed
French-American sculptor, painter, filmmaker, and author of colorful hand-illustrated books. Widely noted as one of the few female monumental sculptors. Russian postcard signed “Niki de Saint Phalle”. Postcard, 5.75 x 4.0 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in dark black ink. Front shows one of her works. Fine condition. Rather rare signature.
Price: $ 600 / € 500
Teresa, Mother (1910-1997)
Photograph signed “God bless you M Teresa mc”
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, commonly known as Mother Teresa. A Roman Catholic religious sister and missionary. Recipient of numerous honours including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize and in 2003 she was beatified as "Blessed Teresa of Calcutta". Glossy photograph signed “God bless you M Teresa mc”. 4.0 x 5.75 inch, n.p., n.d. Excellent signed in blue ink. Fine condition.
Price: $ 1,440 / € 1.200
Yeltsin, Boris (1931-2007)
Signed photograph
Soviet and Russian politician who served as President of Russia from 1991 to 1999. Signed color glossy photograph. 5.0 x 7.5 inch, n.p., n.d. (1995). Excellent signed in dark black ink at the bottom. Minor handling wear, else fine condition. Transmittal letter from the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bonn, dated July 1995 and regarding the photo is included. Fine with excellent provenance.
Price: $ 1,500 / € 1.250
Amin Dada, Idi (1923-2003)
Rare signed photograph
Ugandan political leader and military officer who was the President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. A murderous, oppressive President who was deposed in 1979. Signed black and white photograph “I. Amin Dada”. Photograph, 6.5 x 8.5 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in blue ballpoint pen in the upper left corner. Handling wear, some stains on verso and slightly discolored top border. Rare!
Price: $ 1,500 / € 1.250
Miro, Joan (1893-1983)
Autograph letter signed
Catalan, Spanish painter, sculptor and ceramicist. Autograph letter signed “Miró.”. 1p., 8.25 x 11.75 inch, on his personal Joan Miro Palma de Mallorca stationery, 1976 July 10. Addressed to Georges Raillard in Paris. Untranslated letter in French. The original mailing envelope, addressed in Miro’s hand, is included. Mailing folds, else fine condition. Provenance: Georges Raillard, friend and Miro specialist. Rare in handwritten letters.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Do Muoi (1917-2018)
Signed photograph
Vietnamese communist politician. He rose in the party hierarchy in the late 1940s, became Chairman of the Council of Ministers in 1988 and was elected General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Signed and dated photograph. 8.25 x 6.25 inch, n.p., april 17, 1996. Handling wear, some stains, collector label on verso, else good condition. I couldn't find another autograph of Do Muoi.
Price: $ 600 / € 500
Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924)
Autograph musical quotation signed “Madama Butterfly”
Italian composer whose operas are among the important operas played as standards. Excellent autograph musical quotation signed “Giacomo Puccini”. Photograph (postcard), 3.5 x 5.5 inch, Milano March (1)911. Additional in Puccini’s hand three bars from the first act of his famous opera “Madama Butterfly” and a fine quotation also from the first act of “Madama Butterfly”. In Italian: “Noi siamo gente avvezza alle piccolo cose umili e silenziose”. Translated: “We are people accustomed to small, humble and silent things”. Verso shows a short note in unknown hand regarding the sending of the photograph, dated March 12, 1911. Fine condition. An autograph musical quotation signed on a photograph and with such a fine quotation is surely one of the best Puccini autographs you can hope to find.
Price: $ 3,850 / € 3.200
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921)
Self-caricature signed
World renowned Italian tenor usually considered the greatest operatic tenor ever and the first opera star to make best-selling recordings, beginning around 1903, which are still in print to this day. A fine and characteristic hand drawn self-caricature signed “Enrico Caruso S. Paulo 1917”. 5.75 x 7.75 inch, Sao Paulo 1917. Boldly drawn in dark fountain pen ink. Autograph was previously framed, minor paper loss at the top, small pinhole, else good condition. For other similar self-caricatures see Caruso's Caricatures, New York: Dover Publications, 1977. Caruso was highly talented as a caricaturist and illustrator. This is a wonderful example with a fine and large signature.
Price: $ 1,680 / € 1.400
Fermi, Enrico (1901-1954)
Autograph postcard signed
Italian physicist, renowned for being the creator of the world's first nuclear reactor. He has been called the "architect of the nuclear age” and the "architect of the atomic bomb". Fermi was awarded the 1938 Nobel Prize in Physics. Autograph postcard signed “Enrico Fermi”. Postcard, 5.25 x 3.25 inch, Courmayeur, August 8, 1928. Addressed and with a short greeting in Italian “Saluti cordiali” in Laura Fermi Capon’s hand to Maria Piazza in Rome. Enrico Fermi has signed “Enrico Fermi” below Laura’s signature. Fine condition. Laura Capon Fermi (1907-1977) was an Italian and naturalized-American writer and political activist, she married Enrico Fermi on July 19, 1928 just a few weeks before this postcard was written.
Price: $ 3,300 / € 2.750