UK

AS LORD NELSON AND LADY HAMLTON BEGIN THEIR LOVE AFFAIR

NELSON WRITES TO THE HUSBAND OF HIS MISTRESS, SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON A FULL RECOUNTING OF THE BRITISH FLEET’S ACTIVITIES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AGAINST THE FRENCH FLEET.  HIS PHYSICAL EXHAUSTION IS EVIDENT, STATING: “I AM SERIOUSLY UNWELL…I KNOW NOT WHAT SLEEP IS SINCE I LEFT PALERMO”

NELSON, HORATIO. (1758-1805).  Legendary British Naval officer;  Admiral.  Intriguing and Important Autograph Letter Signed “Nelson”, with a lengthy Autograph Postscript also Signed “Nelson”.  To Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803).   Written aboard his ship, The Vanguard, “off Trapani, 27 May [1799]”. Three very full pages, quarto.

A 17^TH CENTURY LETTER OF CREDIT WITH GOOD NUMISMATIC OVERTONES

VYNER, SIR THOMAS. 1ST BARONET (1588–1665).  Wealthy English businessman and politician who served as the Lord Mayor of London; James I appointed Vyner to the office of comptroller of the mint; under Oliver Cromwell, Vyner and a partner purchased a large quantity of Spanish bullion to be converted into coins for both the English government and the East India Company; in 1656, he became the Lord Mayor of London and was knighted by Cromwell.  Exceedingly-rare Autograph Letter Signed, “Thos. Vyner”. 1/3 page, legal folio.  London, September 1, 1653.

EARLY IN HIS POLITICAL CAREER WINSTON CHURCHILL REPORTS:  “[LORD ROSEBERY] IS BEING APPROACHED BY THE LIBERAL ASSOCIATIONS OF GLASGOW TO SPEAK THERE AS A COUNTERBLAST TO [BALFOUR] THE PRIME MINISTER.”

CHURCHILL, SIR WINSTON S.  (1874-1965).  British politician and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1940-1945, 1951-1955).  Enlightening and early Typed Letter Signed, “Yours very truly, Winston S. Churchill”, on his imprinted 105, Mount Street, W. stationery.  One full page, quarto.  London, September 8, 1904. 

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON REPORTS: ”SUBJECTS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE WILL BE SUBMITTED FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF PARLIAMENT”.

WELLESLEY, ARTHUR, 1^st DUKE OF WELLINGTON (1769-1852).  British soldier and statesman. Manuscript Letter Signed “Wellington” as Leader of the House of Lords. One page, quarto. London, January 12, 1842. To George Sackville-West, 5th Earl De La Warr and Lord Chamberlain.

HILAIRE BELLOC TO A.P. HERBERT ON SOCIAL REFORM OF PRIVATELY HELD ENTERPRISES

BELLOC, HILAIRE. (1870-1953). Franco-English writer, historian, orator, poet, sailor, satirist, and political activist.   Uncommon Autograph Letter Signed, “HB,” on his imprinted Kings Land, Shipley, Horsham black-bordered mourning stationery. Two pages, quarto. No place. [Horsham], October 10, 1933. To “My dear [Alan P.] Herbert.” Herbert (1890-1971) was an English humorist, novelist, playwright, and law reformist.  

RARE SIGNATURE OF THE NOTED ENGLISH JURIST SIR WILLIAM BLACKSTONE

BLACKSTONE, SIR WILLIAM. (1723-1780) English jurist, judge, and professor; Blackstone produced Commentaries on the Laws of England, a highly successful treatise on common law that remains an important source on classical views of the common law.  His rare Signature, and sentiment: “Your most obedt. Servt. W. Blackstone,” as cut from a larger letter / document.  Approximately 2 ¼ x 1 inch.

“THESE LONDON TRADES EXERCISE NO SORT OF INFLUENCE OVER THE OPINIONS AND CONDUCT OF THE GREAT BODY OF THE WORKING WORLD.”

DISRAELI, BENJAMIN.  1ST EARL OF BEACONSFIELD. (1804-1881).  British statesman and conservative politician; Prime Minister (1868 and 1874-1880); only Prime Minster to have been of Jewish origin.  Good Autograph Letter Signed, “D.”  Four full pages, octavo.  Grosvenor Gate, [London] April 23, 1850.  Very fine condition.