THE INFAMOUS ‘SPY’ MATA-HARI

RENEWS HER NEWSPAPER CLIPPING SERVICE

[MATA-HARI] Stage name used by MARGARETHA GEERTRUIDA [MACLEOD] ZELLE.  1876-1917. Dutch exotic dancer, courtesan, and alleged World War I spy; rose to fame in Paris circa 1905 with sensual, near nude, Asian-inspired performances; Accused of being a double agent for Germany and France, she was arrested in 1917, tried on largely circumstantial evidence, and executed by firing squad on October 15, 1917; her name endures as a symbol of intrigue and seduction. Surprising rare Autograph Letter Signed, “Mata-Hari” in French.  Written on two pages [adjoining sheets, thus easily displayable] of her personal “Rue Windsor” stationery, and using her characteristic deep lavender ink.  “Dec[ember] 13” no year.  To an un-named gentleman, who evidently ran a newspaper clipping service.  She writes:

 

“I am renewing my subscription — 25 francs—starting now. I am about to go away for a while, so please send the newspaper clippings to this address (which will not change). Once the hundred clippings are used up, I will take out a new subscription. I humbly entrust this matter to you. Mati Hari”.

 

A very displayable, and surprising rare, letter from the ultimate femme fatale!  We have not offered more than 3 in our nearly 50 years of selling the finest in historical autographs.                                                   

 

$2800.00