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MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II & VITTORIO EMANUELE III (1869-1947) King of Italy 1900-46. D.S., Mussolini, and Vittorio Emanuele, one page, folio, Rome, 10th February 1937, in Italian. The partially printed document being a decree according to which the King of Italy approves Colonel of infantry Felice Pellegrini move to the reserve corps. With one official contemporary red ink stamp of the war minister to the verso. The document bears a watermark. Folded, with extremely small pinholes from former staples to the left border, otherwise VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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KOSSUTH LAJOS: (1802-1894) Hungarian Politician, Regent-President of the Kingdom of Hungary during the Revolution of 1848-49. A good A.N.S., ‘L. Kossuth’, one page, 4to, London, 20th November 1851, to Aurelio Saffi, in French. Kossuth sends a short message request to his correspondent stating ‘My dear Friend, I kindly ask you to give to the bearer a letter for Medici. The bearer goes to Genoa.’ With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope. Folded with very small foxing stains. G £250 - 350 €280 - 400
In August 1851 Kossuth was released by the Ottoman Porte where he was kept under house arrest after his escape from Hungary the year before. He finally landed in Southampton in October 1851. The present note was written by Kossuth during his short three weeks stay in England, between 23rd October and November 1851, where he was received as a hero and acclaimed wherever he went.
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STALIN JOSEPH: (1878-1953) Soviet Dictator. Leader of the Soviet Union as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party 1922-52. Extremely rare signed 9 x 7 photograph ‘J. Stalin’, in Cyrillic, the reproduction photograph print showing Stalin alongside Molotov and Bezymensky. Signed in bold purple ink to the lower left corner of the image. Bearing to the verso a description of the autograph provenance, in Cyrillic. Signed photographs of Stalin are extremely rare and desirable, only very few have been sold through auctions over the last few decades. The photograph has been neatly affixed to a very slightly larger hard board. With a small scratch to the upper edge, not affecting the image or signature and two small pinholes to the board edge. G £5000 - 8000 €5600 - 9000
Vyacheslav Molotov (1890-1986) Soviet Politician and Diplomat. Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars 1930-41 and Minister of Foreign Affairs 1939-49 & 1953-56. A protégé and loyal supporter of Stalin during the power struggles which followed Lenin’s death.
Alexander Bezymensky (1898-1973) Russian Poet and Activist. Editor of the newspaper Red Youth.
The present photograph was purchased by collector and author Valentin Lavrov, as he annotates to the verso in his hand, to Bezymensky in 1973. Bezymensky explained to Lavrov that prior to the meeting with Stalin he could not get a photograph of him so he made a reproduction from a newspaper and asked for Stalin’s signature during their meeting. It is known that Stalin liked Bezymensky’s play titled ‘The Shot’, very popular in the 1930’s. Correspondence dated 1930 between Stalin and Bezymensky related to ‘The Shot’ has been published, Stalin stating ‘Comrade Bezymensky, I am not an expert on literature, and certainly not a critic…The Shot may, for our time, be considered model of revolutionary proletarian art..’
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STALIN JOSEPH: (1878-1953) Soviet Dictator. Leader of the Soviet Union as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party 1922-52. An important and very rare T.L.S., ‘I. Stalin’, adding the annotation ‘Mandate confirmed - Commission of the Defense Council of the Republic’ in his hand, in Cyrillic, one page, cream paper, 4to, [Vyatka?], 20th January 1919, to Mikhail Barandokhin, Battalion Commander, in Cyrillic. The document bears two stamped ink seals, three countersignatures and three signed autograph annotations by Stalin, by Felix Dzerzhinsky dating his countersignature ‘20th January 1919 - F. Dzerzhinsky’ beneath Stalin’s signature, and by Alexander Beloborodov, the Soviet who ordered the execution of Tsar Nicholas II, stating ‘This mandate is confirmed, Comrade Barandokhin is given the right to mobilize all Soviet forces to establish communication and organize the arrears. Chairman of Ural Regional Soviet A. Beloborodov.’ An important Russian Civil War mandate granting authority to secure the districts of Vyatka, every disposable military resource being necessary to overturn the advancing White Army. The purple ink typed document is faded, but nor the bold handwritten annotations and signatures. Repaired to the verso and fold. Overall age wear and creasing, with small tears to the edges. Folded. FR £6000 - 9000 €6800 - 10000
Felix Dzerzhinsky (1877-1926) Director of the Cheka, the Secret Police.
Alexander Beloborodov (1891-1938) Soviet revolutionary. Beloborodov signed the order of execution of Tsar Nicholas II and his family. Head of the Executive Committee of the Ural Regional Soviet. His association with Leon Trotskty disgraced him. He will be imprisoned and executed during Stalin’s purges. Two months after the present letter was written, Beloborodov was elected at the Central Committee and became candidate of the Party Congress in 1920.
The present document was authenticated by Y.S. Beliankin, head of the Documents Researchs Department of the National Library in Russia, stating in part ‘The examined mandate contains genuine signatures of I. Stalin, F. Dzerzhinsky, dated 20th January 1919…also signed by Ural Soviet Chairman Alexander Beloborodov..Documents of that period are particularly rare and were rarely kept.’
Including a third part Cerificate of Authenticity.
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KHRUSHCHEV NIKITA: (1894-1971) First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union 1953-64. T.L.S., N. Khrushchev, one page, 4to, n.p., 7th February 1947, to comrades Secretaries of the regional Committees of the Communist Party of Ukraine, in Cyrillic. Khrushchev, in his capacity as Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ukranian Communist Party, states ‘A series of decisions taken by the Regional Committees and Regional Executive Committees did not fully comply with the instructions of the Council of Ministers of the Communist Party of Ukraine concerning the production of the necessary amount of mobile truck repair machine and tractor stations….Regional Committees and Regional Executive Committees must stop, in the next few days, provisioning machine and tractor stations with mobile truck repair areas, and submit a report on the 10th of April to the Central Committee and the Council of Ministers concerning how many mobile truck repair areas have been created, how many have been equipped, and how they work..’ Signed by Khrushchev in bold green ink, also adding the date in his hand. Small water stain to the date, otherwise VG £400 - 600 €450 - 680
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GORBACHEV MIKHAIL: (1931- ) Soviet Statesman, General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union 1985-91 and Head of the Soviet Union 1988-91. Nobel Prize winner. A good colour signed 8 x 10 photograph, the image depicting Gorbachev in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold black ink, in Cyrillic, to the lower white border of the image. EX £60 - 90 €70 - 100
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WILSON WOODROW: (1856-1924) American President 1913-21. A good D.S., ‘Woodrow Wilson’, eight pages, 4to, Manchester, 29th/30th December 1918, the printed and stapled booklet being an official programme for the “Visit to Manchester of the President of the United States of America. Mr. Woodrow Wilson”. Signed in old black ink by Wilson to the front cover heading. The present document was signed by the President of the United States less than two months after Armistice, on his way to negotiate the Treaty of Versailles. The eight pages programme reports on every meeting, visit, exact time, order of motor cars and carriages, detailing the persons in each of them, the route to follow, etc… Stating ‘The President and Mrs. Wilson will arrive by special train at the railway station, London Road, and will be met by the Lord Mayor, the Lady Mayoress, Councillors, etc…’ G £1000 - 1200 €1100 - 1400
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HOOVER HERBERT: (1874-1964) American President 1929-33. A very interesting T.L., containing several annotations, corrections and insertions in Hoover’s hand, two pages, folio, Paris, 7th April 1919, the historical draft letter being the one sent by President Woodrow Wilson, together with the called “Big Four” to humanitarian Fridtjof Nansen. The “Big Four” being Wilson himself, David Lloyd George, Georges Clemenceau and Vittorio E. Orlando, contemporary leaders in England, France and Italy respectively. Hoover, in his capacity as Director of the United States Food Administration, tries to get the desperately needed food supplies to starving Russians after World War one and Russian revolution. The typed letter starts saying ‘Dear Sir, The misery and suffering in Russia described in your letter of April 3rd appeals to the sympathies of all peoples. It is shocking to humanity that millions of men, women and children lack the food and necessities, which may like endurable. The government and peoples whom we represent would be glad to cooperate, without thought of political, military or financial advantage, in any proposal which would relieve this situation in Russia.’ Hoover in one of his insertions adds ‘The problem of finance would seem to us to fall upon the Russian authorities whose interest should be as great as our own and whose losses have been far less.’ A historical letter and food supply attempt by Nansen and the Big Four, which was first boycotted by French authorities and later by the Bolsheviks’ refusal to stop fighting until they had achieved their objectives and therefore blocked the proposed plan. VG £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930) Norwegian Explorer and Scientist. Nobel Peace Prize in 1922. Former champion Skier he led the team that made the first skiing crossing of the Greenland interior in 1888, and won international fame after reaching a record northern latitude during his North Pole expedition. His techniques of polar travel and his innovations influenced a generation of subsequent Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
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ROOSEVELT FRANKLIN D.: (1882-1945) American President 1933-45. D.S., Franklin D. Roosevelt, being a signed cheque, New York, 7th September 1944. The partially printed cheque is drawn on The Guaranty Trust Company of new York and is made payable to L. Upright for the sum of $6.00. With bank cancellation, only very slightly affecting one letter of the signature, and with two bank ink stamps to the verso. Small file hole to upper left corner. About VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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KENNEDY JACQUELINE: (1929-1994) Wife of American President John F. Kennedy, First Lady 1961-63. A.L.S., ‘Jackie’, one page, 4to, Chilmark, Massachusetts, n.d., [August 1989], on her blue printed stationery, to Roswell Gilpatric. Jackie Kennedy states in part ‘How thoughtful of you to send me two such lovely books for my birthday. I’m reading James Lee now and then Milos will have his turn. I love them…’ Accompanied by two unsigned colour photographs showing Jackie Kennedy and her correspondent at an award reception. Folded. VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
‘A free Cuba is incompatible with a proslavery Cuba.. All slaves are declared free.’
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SLAVERY ABOLITION: Carlos Manuel Cespedes del Castillo (1819-1874) Cuban Revolutionary. Known as the “Father of the Motherland”, Cespedes is considered a Cuban hero who freed slaves and leaded the declaration of Cuban Independence in 1868. An excellent and very attractive multiple signed printed large document, one page, 14 x 16.5, Bayamo, 27th December 1868, in Spanish. The document being a decree is entitled “Slavery Conditioned Abolition - Carlos Manuel de Cespedes - Captain-General of the Liberator Army of Cuba and Leader of the Provisional Government”, and bears a very attractive and large vignette to the heading. The decree contains nine articles, and starts stating ‘The Cuban Revolution, proclaiming the independence of the Homeland and with it all freedoms, cannot accept the inconsistency of restricting it to only one part of the country’s population. A free Cuba is incompatible with a proslavery Cuba..’ further saying in its first article ‘All slaves are declared free..’. Boldly signed by Cespedes at the base of the document. With few additional countersignatures to the borders. Bearing a large black paper seal of the Liberator Cuban Army to the front and in excellent condition, and a blind embossed seal to the bottom right corner. Small overall age wear, with edges very slightly trimmed and a small fold repair to the verso, otherwise G £250 - 350 €280 - 400
‘I have granted freedom to the negro named Nemesio, 16 years old..’
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CESPEDES DEL CASTILLO CARLOS MANUEL: (1819-1874) Cuban Revolutionary. Known as the “Father of the Motherland”, Cespedes is considered a Cuban hero who freed slaves and leaded the declaration of Cuban Independence in 1868. An excellent A.L.S., ‘C.m.de Cespedes’, one page, 8vo, Bayamo, 27th December 1868, in Spanish. The document bears a very attractive revolutionary vignette to the heading and the printed title beneath “Liberator Army of Cuba and its Provisional Government”. Cespedes states ‘On this date, and in my capacity as representative of the Provisional Government, I have granted freedom to the negro named Nemesio, 16 years old…’ The document bears to the front a large blind embossed seal and to the lower left corner an ink stamp of the “free town council of Bayamo”. Overall age wear, with trimmed edges and multiple former tears repaired to the verso. F £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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[CASTRO FIDEL]: (1926- ) Cuban Prime Minister 1959-76 and President 1976- 2008. A good vintage unsigned 7 x 5 sepia photograph, an Alberto Korda original shot. The image shows Castro in the 1960’s, seated before a long table, alongside several journalists, attending a press conference. Bearing to the verso the photographer’s printed name “Korda”. With remnants of former affixing to the verso. Small age wear. G £100 - 150 €110 - 170
Alberto Korda (1928-2001), remembered for his famous images of Che Guevara, and who accompanied Castro to Russia.
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CASTRO FIDEL: (1926-2016) Cuban Prime Minister 1959-76, later President 1976- 2008. A good signed page ‘Fidel Castro’, twice, with unusual inscription, one page, small 4to, Cayo Piedro, 25th September 1982, to the title page page removed from a programme, in Spanish. The signed page bears to the heading the printed text “Fidel Castro – Conclusions at the Extraordinary Professors Cloister of the Superior Institute of Medical Sciences of La Habana”. Castro writes a three lines interesting inscription to himself describing him as ‘To comrade Fidel Castro, eternal utopian, with sincere self-critical spirit.’ Also dated in his hand. Folded, with water stains. Matted in black, although very easily removable, alongside a 5 x 6 photograph of Castro in a head and shoulders pose, to an overall size of 12 x 8. FR to G £250 - 350 €280 - 400
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SAN MARTIN JOSE DE: (1778-1850) Argentine General, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Chile 1817-19 and President of Peru 1821-22. L.S., Jose de San Martin, one page, folio, General Headquarters, Santiago, Chile, 19th November 1820, to the Secretary of State in the Department of War, in Spanish. San Martin writes to fulfil the request of Captain Estevan of the 4th Regiment and concludes by stating ‘I expect that you inform this to the Supreme Director of that State for its resolution’. A few very small areas of paper loss to the right edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £400 - 600 €450 - 680
‘Nothing must be stopped. Whatever happens..’
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CHAVEZ HUGO: (1954-2013) President of Venezuela 1999-2013. A rare A.L.S., ‘Chavez’, two pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d., [4th December 1989], to Herma Marksman, Chavez’ mistress, in Spanish. The very interesting document is written by Chavez underground, having been arrested and questioned for conspiracy against the President Carlos Andres Perez, together with other officers. Chavez lists and numbers nine facts happened, stating in part ‘1) Yesterday I was interrogated during four hours: General Peñaloza, General Heinz.. 2) The first thing that Heinz did was to show me the photograph of Noé Acosta and ask me for Pablo Medina and the R cause. 3) Peñaloza lost control and challenged me to sort this out with guns.. 4) They have called nore than five Majors. As far as I know, none of our own ones.. 6) They believe that the coup d’etat is planned by Majors.. 8) They send me to a new post somewhere else, don’t know where. Will know tomorrow..’ Chavez uses a saying on his last point to express his feeling ‘”The river water flows quick and hard, but not deep”’. And before concluding adds ‘Nothing must be stopped. Whatever happens..’ As a result of the interrogatories, one of the officers arrested being an infiltrate, many officers suspected of being involved in a coup d’etat plan were dispersed. Chavez was moved to Monagas and closely watched over. With three binder holes to the left border. Large overall water stains, mostly to the right border, although the text remaining perfectly legible. FR £150 - 200 €170 - 230
Carlos Andres Perez (1922-2010) President of Venezuela 1974-79 & 1989-93.
With provenance from the private collection of Herma Marksman. Herma Marksman: (1949- ) born of a peasant woman and a German immigrant, was in her 30s when she met the future Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, who was then married and in his twenties. She became his mistress. They both were students of socialism and idealistic and she helped him in his academic studies. After the failed 1992 coup attempt Chavez left both his first wife and mistress. Marksman will later repudiate Chavez, and described his government as imposing a “fascist dictatorship”. She has written several essays and a book titled “El Otro Chávez”, (“The Other Chavez”), describing her relationship with him.
‘..there is no other option than the civic-military insurrection.. We believe that a new uprising is imminent.. Ready for the storm.’
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CHAVEZ HUGO: (1954-2013) President of Venezuela 1999-2013. An excellent T.L.S., ‘H. Chavez’, two pages, folio, Yare, 12th June 1992, to unidentified military authorities, in Spanish. The document is written during Chavez’ soft imprisonment time in Yare in 1992 and is signed at the base as “Commandant of MBR-200”, his clandestine Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement. The present letter was sent to military authorities collaborating with Chavez in the preparation of a near future new coup d’état. Chavez establishes different working lines with six main aspects, and states in part ‘Considering that this is a very urgent matter, I dare requesting from you information regarding the emergency measures to be immediately established by a Transition Government..’ further saying in the fifth point ‘The Transition Government must be based on a Civil-Military Fusion…with an important popular participation in the decision making, civil participation in the administration, Military incorporations to the National and regional governments… we believe that such a government model has not been able to consolidate yet in Latin America…’ In his sixth section and before concluding Chavez states ‘..there is no other option than the civic-military insurrection. The last derision is the blockade to the referendum for the president’s revocation. We believe that a new uprising is imminent… Ready for the storm.’ A very good content historic letter. With few foxing stains to the edges and few very small pinholes, none affecting the text or signature. G £250 - 350 €280 - 400
Chavez was arrested and imprisoned at the Yare prison after his coup attempt on 4th February 1992.
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CHAVEZ HUGO: (1954-2013) President of Venezuela 1999-2013. A good T.L.S., ‘H. Chavez’, one page, 4to, Yare, 4th November 1992, on his personal printed stationery, bearing the colourful MBR-200 logo of the clandestine Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement, to Ramon Cedeno, in Spanish. Chavez keeps on working on his clandestine movement and states in part ‘I apologize for not having been able to reach you and your hope earlier, but I have the certitude that a letter sent from here through unsecure contacts was intercepted and diverted..’ Chavez tries to convince his correspondent, an MBR200 important member, to remain with them and make a moce forward, saying ‘I think in you since a while ago as a promoter of our actions towards the formation, not of a political party, but of a gigantic Bolivarian Popular and Revolutionary Movement, with whivh we will cross the XXI century and contribute to make the deep historical transformations that our people request, or better say, our people claim..’ Folded, with large water stain to the lower part of the letter, although remaining perfectly legible, and very small pinholes to the left edge. G £150 - 200 €170 - 230
The MBR-200 was the clandestine Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement founded in the early 80’s by Hugo Chavez and his former couple Herma Marksman, a History teacher, inspired by Ezequiel Zamora (1817-1860) Venezuelan leader of the federalists, Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) Venezuela’s Liberator, and Simon Rodriguez (1769-1854) Venezuelan Philosopher and Bolivar’s mentor, who were known as the “Three Roots of the Tree”.
The letter is written from Yare, where Chavez was “softly” arrested and imprisoned after his coup attempt on 4th February 1992.
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ALA HOSSEIN: (1881-1964) Prime Minister of Iran 1951 & 1955-57. T.L.S., ‘Hussein Ala’, one page, 4to, Teheran, 26th August 1954, on the ministry printed stationery, to Sandro Rubboli, in French. Ala, in his capacity as Imperial court ministry and on behalf of the Shah, thanks his correspondent for the present received, being a book about Maestro Toscanini. Ala states in part ‘You letter has very much pleased his Imperial Majesty… the Shahenshah has been touched by your present…’ Accompanied by the original printed stationery post-stamped envelope. Two very small tears to the edge, otherwise VG £60 - 90 €70 - 100
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[NASSER GAMAL ABDEL]: (1918-1970) President of Egypt 1952-70. Nasser is widely considered an iconic figure in the Arab world for his social justice and Arab unity. An attractive official greetings card, the beige folding stiff, oblong 4to, bears to the front a printed eagle to the heading above a red printed text “Republic of Egypt”, dated 1958. To the inside and attached to a green ribbon a printed visiting card of Gamal Abdel Nasser alongside a lightly attached pictorial pharaonic motif. Accompanied by the original post-stamped envelope. Small tear to the upper edge, otherwise about VG £80 - 100 €90 - 110
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NASSER GAMAL ABDEL: (1918-1970) President of Egypt 1952-70. Nasser is widely considered an iconic figure in the Arab world for his social justice and Arab unity. A good T.L.S., ‘Gamal Abdel Nasser’, one page, 4to, Cairo, 25th December 1954, on his President of the Ministers Council printed stationery, to Signor Sandro Rubboli, in Italian. Nasser thanks his correspondent for the present received, being a book about Maestro Toscanini. Signed in bold blue ink above the typed text “L[ieutenan]t Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser”. The present letter was signed only two months after a Muslim brotherhood member attempted to assassinate Nasser while he was delivering a speech broadcast to the Arab world celebrating the British military withdrawal. Accompanied by the original printed stationery post-stamped envelope. EX £300 - 400 €340 - 450
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ARAFAT YASSER: (1929-2004) President of the Palestinian National Authority 1996-2004. Nobel Peace Prize winner 1994. An excellent colour signed 9.5 x 7 photograph by Arafat, also signed by Hemut Kohl (1930-2017) German Statesman and Chancellor of Germany 1982-98. The image of the press office of the German federal government shows Arafat and Kohl shaking hands in a three quarter length pose. Signed by Arafat ‘With best wishes - Y. Arafat - 21/5/99’, both signing in bold black ink to clear areas of the image. EX £100 - 150 €110 - 170
Various History
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TUTU DESMOND: (1931- ) South-African Anglican Cleric, Theologian. Former Bishop of Johannesburg and Archbishop of Cape Town, the first black African to hold such position. Best-known as Activist for his anti-apartheid and human rights works. Signed colour 4 x 5.5 photograph, the image showing Tutu in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold black ink ‘God bless you - Desmond - May 2005’, to the lower white border. VG £80 - 100 €90 - 110
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[JAPAN]: Unusual drawn and written attractive document, being a Japanese city map [C.19th century] with lengthy carefully written information. Large foldable city map of Osaka-Kyoto, small 8vo when folded, 31 x 11.5 fully opened, fully drawn and written to recto and verso, partially coloured, in Japanese. The written text details the rickshaw prices in this area. Overall age wear, cover partially loose. F £400 - 600 €450 - 680
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BUDDHIST PALM LEAVE BOOK: A very attractive ancient handwritten book with Buddhist religious text, 8 x 1.5, 58 pages, written to both sides, on 30 palm leaves. Bound with a coeval cord, with tide extremes, two wood cases with engravings of the Qianlong period, dating from 1736 to 1796, entitled “Tantri Ati Darma (Quarto Libre)”, written in bold dark ink in Pali or Thai. Palm leaf books tradition is lost with the advent of printing presses. They were made on Palmyra and Talipot palm leaves, long up to 5 meters, which, after being boiled in a mixture of herbs, were then cut and pressed. This process meant that they could endure hundreds of years even in hot and humid environments. Very small age wear, otherwise VG £400 - 600 €450 - 680
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METTERNICH PRINCE KLEMENS VON: (1773-1859) Politician and Statesman, one of the most important diplomats of his era. Austrian Empire’s Foreign Minister and Chancellor 1821-48. Autograph addressed envelope, signed ‘Metternich’, oblong 4to, n.p., n.d., in German. Addressed to Prince Wittgenstein. Bearing a red wax seal to the verso in very fine condition. G £100 - 150 €110 - 170
Peter Wittgenstein (1769-1843) Louis Adolph Peter, 1st Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Ludwigsburg-Berleburg, known as Peter Wittgenstein. Field Marshal in the Imperial Russian Army during the Napoleonic wars.
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METTERNICH PRINCE KLEMENS VON: (1773-1859) Politician and Statesman, one of the most important diplomats of his era. Austrian Empire’s Foreign Minister and Chancellor 1821-48. A good A.L.S., ‘Metternich’, 4to, Paris, 12th August 1815, to the Duke of Decazes, Prefect of Police in Paris, in French. Metternich states ‘The bearer of the present letter is Mr. the General de Langenau, Headquarters Vice-Chief of the Austrian army, and in charge of anything related to their police.’ Further saying ‘You will notice that he is wishing and willing to collaborate and contribute to keep the good order and to try to alleviate the weight of the war..’ With blank integral leaf. Bearing an attractive watermark. VG £400 - 600 €450 - 680
Elie-Louis Decazes (1780-1860) 1st Duke of Decazes and Glucksburg. Fourth Prime Minister of France 1819-20. Decazes was appointed Minister of Police, succeeding Fouché, only one month after the present letter date.
Friedrich Karl von Langenau (1782-1840) Baron von Langenau. Austrian Field-Marshal. Quartermaster-General of the Grand Army of Bohemia.
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RADETZKY JOSEPH: (1766-1858) Czech Nobleman and Field-Marshal who served under the Austrian Habsburg Monarchy during the Napoleonic Wars and later. Radetzky was immortalized by Johann Strauss I with his Radetzky March always played as the last piece at the New Year’s Concert of the Vienna Philarmonic. A good L.S., ‘Radetzky’, a bold and good example signature, one page, folio, Verona, 7th January 1856, to His Excellency Field Marshal and fortress Commander, Baron of Culoz, in German. Radetzky approves the report received dated the day before. Small overall age wear to the borders, small creasing and a very small tear to the right edge, otherwise about VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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JAURES JEAN: (1859-1914) French Politician. Antimilitarist. A French Left historical figure. Assassinated. A good L.S., Jean Jaures, one page, 4to, Paris, 20th December 1907, on the Deputies Chamber printed stationery, to an Academy inspector, in French. Flattered with the proposal received from his correspondent, Jaures states in part ‘I authorize with pleasure the reproduction in your small edition which you are working on, to be used in rural schools and which will be entitled “Récitation et Composition Francaise”, that part of my speech given about real courage at the awards celebration..’ VG £250 - 350 €280 - 400
‘The poor people are even poorer. And it is not only a little bit.. Things are not getting better, they worsen..’
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CELINE LOUIS FERDINAND: (1894-1961) French Novelist. Known as Celine, being his real name Destouches, a controversial writer because of his antisemitism. An interesting A.L.S., with his real name ‘L.F. Destouches’, two pages, 4to, n.p., n.d., [1942], to a friend, in French. Celine states in part ‘You must be hearing bells... So many regrets since your departure. The poor people are even poorer. And it is not only a little bit.. Things are getting better, they worsen.. All is bursting of hunger and cold..’ further saying ‘Things are happening very quickly now. England is becoming Bolshevik at a glance..’ and before concluding states ‘I find myself almost alone. What a triumph! The way around! Eagle in ruins! Raven! Owl!..’ Celine adds to the left border ‘Gustave is eliminated. That was to be expected.’ Folded, with a small tear to the right edge. G £1200 - 2000 €1400 - 2300
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KUZNETSOV VASILI: (1901-1990) Russian Soviet Politician and Diplomat. Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union 1982-83, 84 and 1985. Signed attractive greetings card. Boldly signed to the inside of the folding 8vo stiff blue card, ‘V. Kuznetsov’, in Cyrillic, beneath the printed text “Best wishes for the New Year”. The printed card shows to the inside a drawing of the Kremlin, and to the back cover the year, 1960. EX £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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[RUSSIAN PROPAGANDA]: Unusual contemporary chocolate large wrapper with the printed text “Chocolate - ‘Life at War’ “ , and beneath a Russian Royal seal “1896 - The George Borman Company”. To the centre showing a large 4 x 2.5 image of Russian soldiers in action during World War I, with the printed text “Crossing by fording - Union-Petrograd”. VG £60 - 90 €70 - 100
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ELIZABETH I OF RUSSIA: (1709-1762) Empress of Russia 1741-62. L.S., Elizabeth, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 24th January 1737, in Cyrillic. The manuscript document is a Decree to the Patrimonial Chancery, instructing that attention to Piotr Novikov’s horses has to be maintained and that the same money he was receiving when he was working for the chancery as salary has to be paid in future. Further also instructing that the sum of 150 roubles has to be paid annually to the notary Bogdanov, as well as 800 kilos of flour and oat every four months, first the flour at the beginning of each period and after, at the end of each period, the money. Very small minor age wear, otherwise VG £1200 - 2000 €1400 - 2300
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CATHERINE II THE GREAT: (1762-1796) Empress of Russia 1762-96, Catherine the Great. An excellent and very attractive D.S., ‘Ekaterina’, in Cyrillic, a bold and good signature example, one large page, oblong 15 x 21 folio, Saint Petersburg, 8th August 1769, in Cyrillic. The document bears to the front a splendid and very large paper seal with coat of Imperial arms and is signed by the ‘Empress and Sovereign of All Russias..’, being a title given, appointing a representative to the Pope Clemens XIV, who will carry out his duties from the Russian consulate established in the port city of Ancona on the Adriatic Sea. Countersigned at the base by Prince Alexander Golitsyn. It is likely that this appointment was postponed or canceled, the name of the diplomat having never been completed. It was probably part of a political strategy of Catherine II who, after the occupation of Poland, had waited only a spark to launch a war of expansion against Turkey, under the false pretext of providing help to Christians against the unbelievers. It will be done in September 1768, and the port of Ancona, natural gate to Turkey, will serve as a base for the Russian fleet already installed in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1771, Russia will seize Crimea and the Turks will finally sign peace in 1774. Accompanied by an official contemporary translation into Latin, attached to main document signed by Catherine II. Very small overall minor age wear. VG £2500 - 3500 €2800 - 4000
Prince Alexander Golitsyn (1718-1783) Russian Marshal and Diplomat. Governor of Saint Petersburg. One of the main Russian military leaders involved in the war against Turks.
Natalya Galitzine – The Queen of Spades – Shocked by Marie Antoinette’s execution
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PRINCESSE MOUSTACHE – NATALYA GALITZINE: (1741-1837) Princess Natalya Galitzine, or Natalia Golitsyna. She inspired Alexander Pushkin’s The Queen of Spades (1834). Known as Princess Moustache, “Whiskered Princess” or “Bearded Fairy”. A Russian noble, born Countess Chernysheva, and lady in waiting of Catherine the Great who awarded her with a gold medal for her dance in the masquerade in 1766 and appointed her with the Order of St. Catherine’s first degree. She also lived in France, participating in the French court life and was known as the “Venus of Moscow” for her skilful dance at balls. Natalya Galitzine was widely considered as one of the most learned women in Russia. A Rare and very interesting A.L.S., ‘Princesse de Galitzin, born Countess Czernichew’, three pages, 4to, St. Petersbourg, 1st of June 1794, to a Marquise, in French. Princess Galitzine first refers to France and its difficult times stating in part ‘.. I have very often lamented the troubles which are afflicting France now, I feel all what good French must be experiencing with bitterness watching this great Kingdom bust by the wars and disorder..’ further expressing his consternation referring to the Marie-Antoinette’s execution saying ‘I will not be able to think, without feeling a strong and deep emotion, the details of the death of this Queen who was beloved by everybody and my personal and precious remembrances..’ Further referring to her children and husbands and thanking her correspondent for her help and kindness during her stay in France. Overall minor age wear and creasing, very small staining and bottom edge slightly trimmed, otherwise G £400 - 600 €450 - 680
The Queen of Spades (1834) is a short story by Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837). The character of the old countess was inspired by Princess Natalya Galitzine who served as the lady-in-waiting for 5 Russian emperors. According to legend, Galitzine had been a successful gambler. When her grandson lost a considerable amount of money playing cards and came to her to beg her for money, Galitzine instead revealed to him the secret three cards that Count Saint-Germain showed to her in Paris. However, while the Countess died in the story, Galitzine outlived Pushkin.
The story was the basis of the opera of same name by Piotr Illich Tchaikovsky.
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EMPRESS MARIA FEODOROVNA: (1759-1828) Empress Consort of Russia, the second wife of Tsar Paul I and mother of Tsar Alexander I and Tsar Nicholas I. L.S., La bone Soeur Marie, one page, 4to, Saint Petersburg, 3rd March 1815, to His Sicilian Majesty, in French. The Empress congratulates His Majesty for the Royal family new-born stating ‘My Brother, I hasten to express to Your Majesty my sincere interest learning by your letter dated 19th December about the Royal Princess and heiress happy childbirth..’ and further continues ‘…I share with you the joy of such an event which brings joy to Your August Family and I beg you to believe in my congratulations for the birth of Your Little Daughter and my best wishes, happiness and prosperity to the Princess new-born…’ With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope bearing a red wax seal. VG £200 - 300 €230 - 340
Ferdinand I (1751-1825) King of the Two Sicilies 1816-25, after his restoration following victory in the Napoleonic Wars. Before that he had been, since 1759 Ferdinand III of the Kingdom of Sicily.
Maria Isabella of Spain (1789-1848) Infanta of Spain and Queen Consort of the Two Sicilies 1825-30 as spouse of Francis I of the Two Sicilies.
Princess Maria Antonia of the Two Sicilies (1814-1898) Born 19th December 1814.
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ALEXANDER I OF RUSSIA: (1777-1825) Emperor of Russia 1801-25. Rare A.L.S., Alexandre, two pages, 4to, Veliki Locnik, 11th September, [1804/05], to an unidentified correspondent, in French. The Tsar states in part ‘I am quite crossed learning that the day before my departure you came to see me at home while I was away. I was hoping to see you the day after..’ further saying ‘..I write to you these lines to tell you that when you will dispatch the Siniatin squadron under Admiral Teth, and once you consider that for the best of the service and duty you should be close to me, I authorize you to join me, at your ease regarding the time you will do so and the time you will spend close to me.’ Paper bearing a J. Honig & Zoonen watermark. With blank integral leaf. Folded. VG £2000 - 3000 €2300 - 3400
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EMPRESS ALEXANDRA FEODOROVNA: (1798-1860) Princess Charlotte of Prussia. Empress Consort of Russia 1825-55, wife of Emperor Nicholas I and mother of future Emperor Alexander II. A.L.S., A, with a flourish, one page, small 8vo, n.p., n.d.[1827], to Countess Olga Orloff, in French. Alexandra sends a short message to her correspondent and states in full ‘How are you feeling my dear Countess? It was sad not meeting you yesterday at the ball, and I was told that you were suffering eye pain. I have been asking about you. I send you my regards and kiss you, and I tell you what you know, I love you very much.’ With integral address leaf and traces of former wax seal. Very small overall age wear, otherwise VG £200 - 300 €230 - 340
‘..it was an unconceivable figure which made Alexis laugh a lot..’
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EMPRESS ALEXANDRA FEODOROVNA: (1798-1860) Princess Charlotte of Prussia. Empress Consort of Russia 1825-55, wife of Emperor Nicholas I and mother of future Emperor Alexander II. A.L.S., ‘Alexandrine’, four pages, 8vo, Pavlovsk Palace, Saint Petersburg, 3rd July 1823, to Countess Orloff, in French. A lengthy and very friendly letter, largely referring to Royal family members, and stating in part ‘Nicolas is at the military camp now, Alexis too, he talks all the time about his trip to Moscow..’ further saying ‘Our Sacha was introduced to your cousin few days ago, wearing his guard uniform, on horse, with a helmet, cuirass, etc.. on his little horse at the garden; it was an unconceivable figure which made Alexis laugh a lot..’ A letter of interesting content. About EX £250 - 350 €280 - 400
Nicholas I (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55.
Alexander II (1818-1881) Emperor of Russia 1855-81. Assassinated. At the time of the present letter “Alexis”, as referred to by his mother Alexandra Feodorovna, was only five years old.
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NICHOLAS I OF RUSSIA: (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55. A good A.L.S., ‘Nicolas’, three pages, 8vo, Tsarkoye Selo, 24th July 1831, to Countess Orlov, in French. The Emperor sends a warm and kind letter to Countess Orlov, referring to her husband and friend of him, stating in part ‘Please allow me Madame to apologize for being the cause of the quite often separations you and your husband suffer… Nevertheless, if it helps in any way to comfort you, I would say that all these difficult tasks entrusted to your husband make him prove his tireless zeal and his talents…on this precise occasion he is rending a service to me and to the Homeland, and he is doing so Madame in an admirable way. However we will still have to wait few more days before everything will be concluded. Please forgive me if I am always a permanent problem for you two...’ The emperor adds an interesting post-scriptum announcing ‘..I have just had the pleasure to watch my wife giving luckily birth to a son Nicolas.’ The document bears a blind embossed seal to the upper left corner. One small tear not affecting the signature, otherwise VG £800 - 1200 €900 - 1400
Alexei Feodorovich Orlov (1787-1862) Russian Diplomat and Count. One of the most trusted agents of Nicholas I as Ambassador and plenipotentiary at the Adrianople and Paris Peace treaties. He would later be appointed by the Emperor head of the infamous Third Section, the Russian secret police.
Nicholas Nikolaevich of Russia (1831-1891) Grand Duke of Russia, third son of Nicholas I. Field Marshal and Head Commander of the Russian Army.
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NICHOLAS I OF RUSSIA: (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55. L.S., Nicholas, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 7th May 1832, to Baron Pahlen, in Cyrillic. The document being a decree to the Chapter of Russian Imperial Royal Orders, with the attestation of the Archpriest of Riga’s St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Ioann Diakonov, by the honour bestowed by the Most Holy Synod, and by which Baron Pahlen is awarded with the St. Anne Order of second degree. A bold signature example by the Emperor, with flourish. With a small tear and creasing to the upper edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £800 - 1200 €900 - 1400
Fyodor Petrovich Pahlen (1780-1863) Russian Diplomat. Russian Ambassador to the United States 1811-15. General-Governor of Novorossiya.
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ALEXANDER II OF RUSSIA: (1818-1881) Emperor of Russia 1855-81. Assassinated. D.S., Alexander, in Cyrillic, a bold and good large example signature, one page, folio, St. Petersburg, 13th April 1862, in Cyrillic. The partially printed document being a Saint Stanislaus Knight appointment decree given to the President of the French Commission Pelouze, stating ‘As an expression of Our special benevolence, We most graciously appoint you a Knight of Imperial and Royal Order of Saint Stanislaus of the Second Class, awarding you a star and forwarding the insignia to you.’ Countersigned at the foot of the document by the Chancellor of Orders Count Adlerberg. Bearing alongside the Tsar signature an attractive paper seal affixed. With blank integral leaf. Water stain to the bottom edge not affecting the Tsar’s signature, and few more stains to the blank leaf, otherwise G to VG £1200 - 2000 €1400 - 2300
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ALEXANDER II OF RUSSIA: (1818-1881) Emperor of Russia 1855-81. Assassinated. An excellent L.S., Alexander, a good and bold signature example, two pages, folio, Saint Petersburg, 30th April 1855, “On the first year of our reign”, to King Ferdinand II, in Cyrillic. Alexander II as Emperor and Autocrat of all Russias congratulates his correspondent stating ‘We have received a letter from Your Majesty addressed to the Emperor Nicholas Pavlovich of blessed memory, our dear father, in which You inform that Your spouse gave birth to a Princess…’ Countersigned to the bottom of the second page, beneath the Tsar’s signature, by State Chancellor Nesselrode. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope, addressed to King Ferdinand II, with an extensive presentation in Cyrillic, and bearing a large paper seal affixed in very fine condition. EX £1500 - 2000 €1700 - 2300
Alexander II responds to a King Ferdinand II letter received, a letter which was sent to Emperor Nicholas I after the Italian Princess birth on 21st January, but in the meantime, in February 1855, Nicholas I passed away and Alexander II responds as heir and new Emperor of Russia, although his coronation would only take place few months later.
Ferdinand II (1810-1859) King of the Two Sicilies 1830-59. He succeeded his father Francis I at the early age of twenty.
Princess Maria Luisa of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (1855-1874) Youngest daughter of King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies and Maria Theresa of Austria. Princess Maria Luisa was known for her charity to the poor. The Princess died at the very early age of 19 shortly after her return from Egypt suffering high fever.
Karl Nesselrode (1780-1862) Russian Count and Diplomat.
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TSESAREVICH NICHOLAS ALEXANDROVICH: (1843-1865) Tsesarevich of Russia, son of Tsar Alexander II. Extremely rare signed piece (‘Nikolai’), underlined, in Cyrillic, on a 12mo page. The Tsesarevich signs in bold black ink and cleanly adds the date, 5th/17th October 1864, six months before passing away. Autographs in any form of Nicholas Alexandrovich are rare and desirable as a result of his tragic, untimely death at the age of 21. A fold to the left border not affecting the signature, otherwise VG £400 - 600 €450 - 680
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ELISABETH OF HESSE: (1864-1918) Princess Elisabeth of Hesse and by the Rhine, granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia as spouse of Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia, son of Tsar alexander II and brother of Tsar Alexander III. After Sergei’s assassination in 1905, Elisabeth departed the Imperial Court and became a nun. She was murdered by the Bolsheviks. In 1981 she was canonized. A good A.L.S., ‘Elisabeth’, to the verso of a postcard, n.p., n.d., to Masha, in French. The Grand Duchess sends her best wishes to her correspondent thanking her for the letters received and states in part ‘I hope to meet you, may be this year in Russia, and will then explain to you our activities. Pray for us. Your Elisabeth’. Showing to the postcard damaged front cover the Tsar Alexander I, standing in a full length pose, in uniform, with large traces of former affixing. Matted in black, beneath a 5 x 7 photograph showing Princess Elisabeth in a head and shoulders pose, to an overall of 8 x 12. G £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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GRAND DUKE NICHOLAS MIKHAILOVICH: (1859-1919) Grand Duke of Russia, grandson of Tsar Nicholas I. Nicholas was an eminent Historian and a Reformist, internationally recognized abroad, but fell from favour under Tsar Nicholas II, mostly because of the Empress Alexandra disliking his liberal views. Nicholas Mikhailovich was shot by Bolsheviks outside the St Peter & St Paul Fortress along with his brother and cousins. A good A.L.S., ‘NicolasM’, one page, small 8vo, St. Petersburg, 6th January 1910, to His Excellency the Russian Ambassador in France, in French. The letter bears an attractive embossed gilt crown at the heading. The Grand Duke states ‘My dear Prince, Allow me to offer you, on behalf of all the children, this tie pin which Papa wore on many occasions..’ Nicholas Michailovich refers to his father the Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich who passed away a month earlier. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope, in his hand, also stamped and post-marked. VG £500 - 800 €560 - 900
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GRAND DUKE KONSTANTIN NIKOLAYEVICH: (1827-1892) Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolayevich of Russia. Second son of Nicholas I and brother of Tsar Alexander II. Admiral of the Russian fleet and Viceroy of Poland 1862-3. Konstantin worked in favour of the emancipation of the serfs. D.S., ‘Konstantin’, one page, mourning paper, 4to, Tsarkoe Selo, 4th May 1844 on the Ascension Day, in Cyrillic. The document being entitled ‘Extract from the last will and testament of Sovereign Emperor Nicholas Pavlovitch who repose with the Lord’, and states ‘Page 23. I sincerely thank all of those Messrs. General-Adjutants, Generals of My Suite and Flugel-adjutants for their faithful service. I ask them to serve my Son with the same love and allegiance.’ Countersigned by Generals Orlov and Adlerberg. With blank integral leaf. EX £150 - 200 €170 - 230
Alexei Orlov (1787-1861) Russian Count, General and Diplomat. Appointed Count and General for his heroic achievements during the uprising of December 1825 defending the Emperor. Ambassador to Constantinople. He became friend of Nicholas I and accompanied the Tsar to many important travels and meetings.
Vladimir Adlerberg (1791-1884) Russian General and Minister. In 1817 he became adjutant and confidant to Grand Prince Nicholas, who he supported during the Decembrist uprising on December 1825 and on whose staff he served as a major general. He backed Nicholas’ authoritarian policies and acted as a personal servant to the Tsar who used him for several secret missions.
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EMPRESS ALEXANDRA FEODOROVNA: (1872-1918) Alix of Hesse. Empress Consort of Russia 1894-1917, wife of Tsar Nicholas II. The last Tsarina of Russia, known for her notorious friendship with the Russian mystic Rasputin. Assassinated. A good A.N.S., ‘Alexandra’, to the verso of a postcard, in pencil, to Masha, in English. The Empress says ‘To Masha wishing you every Easter-blessing. Best love from Alexandra’, and below ‘Many messages from all’, also dated 1911. Showing to the postcard damaged front cover a colorful drawing with printed text in Cyrillic, but with large traces of former affixing. Matted in black, beneath a colour 5 x 7 photograph showing Empress Alexandra, crowned, in a half-length pose, to an overall of 8 x 12. G £300 - 400 €340 - 450
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EMPRESS ALEXANDRA FEODOROVNA: (1872-1918) Alix of Hesse. Empress Consort of Russia 1894-1917, wife of Tsar Nicholas II. The last Tsarina of Russia, known for her notorious friendship with the Russian mystic Rasputin. A.L.S., with her initial A, four pages, 12mo, n.p., Saturday, n.d., in French. The Empress states in part ‘A real bad luck prevented me from responding to you until now…’ further saying ‘..share our little dinner and I would have the pleasure to introduce you to my dear nephew.. the goodness of his lovely face..’ Few extremelly small ink holes. One to the signature. G £500 - 800 €560 - 900
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TSAREVICH ALEXEI NIKOLAEVICH: (1904-1918) Tsarevich of Russia, and heir apparent to the throne of the Russian Empire, the youngest child and only son of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna. Executed alongside his parents and sisters by the Bolsheviks. An exceptionally rare signed 5.5 x 7 photograph by the Tsarevich, the oval image showing the young heir seated, wearing a marine-sailor shirt, holding a book, in a profile half length pose. Signed in bold black ink ‘Alexei’, in Cyrillic, beneath the image to the beige matted card, also dated 1914 in his hand. Very small foxing stains to the card, otherwise VG £10000 - 15000 €11000 - 17000 | END OF SALE | |
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