ANTIQUARY

[J. R. Planché [James Robinson Planche], dramatist, antiquary and officer of arms.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Miss Blackburne’, complaining that he has been ‘completely floored with an attack of influenza’.

Author: 
J. R. Planché [James Robinson Planche] (1796-1880), dramatist, antiquary and heraldic officer of arms (Rouge Croix Pursuivant)
Publication details: 
21 December 1877. On letterhead of 10 St Leonard’s Terrace, Chelsea [London].
£45.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, in trimmed windowpane mount, with glue marking on blank reverse. He thanks her for her letter, adding ‘I am completely floored with an attack of influenza and can only just manage to scribble this and assure you that I am / Very sincerely yours / J. R. Planché’.

[George Chalmers, Scottish antiquary and author.] Autograph Letter Signed to the bookseller William Ford, regarding a 'curious Tract' and his 'MS. Catalogue'..

Author: 
George Chalmers (1742-1825), Scottish antiquary and author [William Ford (1771-1832), Manchester bookseller]
Publication details: 
‘(nr. Buckingham Gate) 3 James Street 25 Octr. [1820]’
£80.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB, with that of the presumed recipient, the Manchester bookseller William Ford. 1p, 4to. On recto of first leaf of bifolium, the verso of the second addressed, with two postmarks, to ‘Mr. Wm. Ford / 11 Strangates / Lambeth.’ In good condition, lightly aged, with spots of paper from mount at corners on address page. Folded for postage. Signed ‘Geo: Chalmers’. He begins by thanking him for his ‘obliging Note’ of the previous day, before stating that he has ‘the curious Tract, which was printed, by Raban of Aberdeen’.

[Charles Isaac Elton,and B. F. C. Costelloe; Markets.] Printed work, inscribed by Elton to William Bliss.] ‘Royal Commission on Market Rights and Tolls. Report on Charters and Records relating to the History of Fairs and Markets [UK]'.’

Author: 
Charles Isaac Elton (1839-1900), lawyer, antiquary and Conservative politician, and B. F. C. Costelloe, Assistant Commissioner [William Bliss]
Publication details: 
Drophead title with printed date at foot of page '1/89', i.e. January 1890. [London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office.] Inscription by Elton dated 14 January 1890.
£600.00

Rare: The BL has a copy (not annotated) and there's a copy on JISC at Reading, with the entry stating that consists of 104pp, rather than the 231pp of the present copy. See Elton’s entry in the Oxford DNB. He first served as a Conservative MP for Somerset in 1884-5, and the present item was composed during his second term, 1886-92. No title-leaf: drop-head title. At foot of first page: ‘A 55729. 30.?1/89. Wt. 6590,’. Introductory section credited on p.30 to 'Charles Elton. / B. F. C. Costelloe, / Assistant Commissioner.' Folio, 231pp.

[‘Collector and preserver of Autographs’: William Upcott, antiquary and autograph collector, Assistant Librarian of the London Institution.] Autograph Document Signed, with four pieces of advice in life.

Author: 
William Upcott (1779-1845), antiquary and autograph collector, Assistant Librarian of the London Institution
Publication details: 
‘London Institution / Finsbury Circus. / January 17. 1834’. On paper watermarked ‘GATER / 1815’.
£120.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB, together with A. N. L. Munby’s entertaining ‘The Cult of the Autograph Letter in England’ (1962). 1p, 4to. No fold. In good condition, on lightly aged paper extracted from a notebook. Signed at foot: ‘William Upcott / a collector and preserver of Autographs. / London Institution / Finsbury Circus. / January 17. 1834’. The four memoranda are neatly written out over fifteen lines in Upcott’s distinctive hand.

[William Upcott, antiquary and autograph collector, Assistant Librarian of the London Institution.] Autograph Document Signed, listing English sovereign, to show that 'not one has ascended the Throne in the blooming month of May'.

Author: 
William Upcott (1779-1845), antiquary and autograph collector, Assistant Librarian of the London Institution
Upcott
Publication details: 
‘London Institution, / Finsbury Circus. Jan. 18. 1834.' On paper watermarked 'GATER / 1815'.
£180.00
Upcott

See his entry in the Oxford DNB, together with A. N. L. Munby’s entertaining ‘The Cult of the Autograph Letter in England’ (1962). 1p, 4to. No fold. In good condition, on lightly aged paper extracted from a notebook. Signed at foot: ‘William Upcott / London Institution, / Finsbury Circus. Jan. 18. 1834.' Very neatly written out in Upcott’s best hand, which is more like type (including the signature) than the document offered separately, on the same watermarked paper.

[Sir John Graham Dalyell, Scottish antiquary and naturalist.] Autograph Letter Signed undertaking to promote the recipients' ‘views & interests’.

Author: 
Sir John Graham Dalyell (1775-1851), Scottish antiquary and naturalist
Publication details: 
‘H[?] Street 17 Nov 1820’.
£56.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 4to. In his expansive hand, with a good bold signature. On worn and aged leaf of laid paper, with two small punch holes to inner edge, affecting one word of text. Reads: ‘Dear Sirs / I feel quite at a loss to express my sense of this mark of your attention. I can only assure you that my best exertions shall not be wanting to promote your views & interests. / Meantime / I am Dear Sirs / Yours faithfully / John Graham Dalyell’.

[John Timbs, antiquary and author.] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Mr Hogg', complaining of poor health and asking him to write prescriptions for him and his 'poor friend Bates'.

Author: 
John Timbs (1801-1875), antiquary and author
Publication details: 
‘40, Bartholomew Villas, / Kentish Town, / Jan. 17 1874’.
£56.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with thin strip of mount adhering to one edge. Folded for postage.

[F. W. Fairholt [Frederick William Fairholt], artist and wood-engraver.] Autograph Letter Signed to fellow-antiquary Edwin Keet, postponing a meeting, on reverse of Autograph Letter Signed from Keet to ‘Dr. Bell F.R.S. F.S.A.’, postponing the meeting

Author: 
F. W. Fairholt [Frederick William Fairholt] (c.1813-1866), artist, wood-engraver and antiquary [Edwin Keet]
Publication details: 
Neither item dated or with place (Fairholt’s is headed ‘Wednesday’). On paper with 1850s watermark.
£80.00

See Fairholt’s entry in the Oxford DNB. The letters on either side of a 12mo leaf. In good condition, neatly placed in windowpane mount. On one side is the response: ‘Wednesday / Dear Mr Keet / I find I must not go out at night for a week to come. I ventured last night & am worse to day in consequence / You must excuse me with many thanks for your intentions / Yours very try / F. W. Fairholt’. On the reverse is a hurried and smudged ALS signed ‘Edwin Keet’ and addressed to ‘Dr. Bell F R. S. / F. S.

[F. W. Fairholt [Frederick William Fairholt], artist and wood-engraver.] Autograph Receipt Signed for payment from 'Mr Clements' for 'a drawing in wood of a Candelabra'. With IOU to Fairfholt signed by 'C. Rimbault'.

Author: 
F. W. Fairholt [Frederick William Fairholt] (c.1813-1866), artist, wood-engraver and antiquary
Fairholt
Publication details: 
Fairholt's receipt with neither date nor place. Rimbault's IOU dated 20 October 1883.
£120.00
Fairholt

See Fairholt’s entry in the Oxford DNB. ONE: Receipt by Fairholt. 1p, landscape 12mo. In good condition, in windowpane mount. Good firm signature. Reads: 'Received of Mr Clements the sum of fifteen shillings for a drawing in wood of a Candelabra. / F. W. Fairholt / £- 15s . 0d'. TWO: IOU by Rimbault. 1p, 16mo. In good condition, in windowpane mount. Reads: 'I. O. U. / Thirty pounds / Oct 20 . 1883 / C. Rimbault / to F. W. Fairholt'. Rimbault's identity (a relation of the musicologist Edward Francis Rimbault?) has not been established. See Image.

[Sir John Easthope (1784-1865), proprietor of Morning Chronicle, employer of Charles Dickens.] Autograph Note Signed 'J E', with full signature in frank, to Thomas Joseph 'Mummy' Pettigrew.

Author: 
Sir John Easthope (1784-1865), proprietor of Morning Chronicle, Whig politician, employer of Charles Dickens as a reporter [Thomas Joseph Pettigrew (1791-1865), doctor, antiquary and Egyptologist]
Publication details: 
'Barnet June five / 1831', with frank of 6 June 1831.
£45.00

See his entry, and that of Pettigrew, in the Oxford DNB. Easthope was a difficult employer, nicknamed ‘Blast-hope’. Dickens worked for him as a parliamentary reporter between 1834 and 1836. 1p, 12mo, on recto of first leaf of a bifolium. In fair condition, aged and discoloured. Reads: 'My dear Pettigrew / Will you please to leave out Lancaster letter which I'll send for tomorrow / haste / Yrs. / J E / Sunday'. The letter is addressed on the reverse of the second leaf, with slight loss to one corner from the breaking of the red wax seal. Black 'BARNET' postmark and customary frank in red.

[Sharon Turner, historian and Anglo-Saxon scholar.] Autograph Letter Signed

Author: 
Sharon Turner (1768-1847), historian, author of an influential four-volume ‘History of the Anglo-Saxons’
Publication details: 
'32 Red Lion Sq. / 18 [Fy.?]' [No year; London.]
£45.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged; laid down on part of a leaf removed from an album. The male recipient is unnamed, and he signs 'Sho. Turner'. Begins: 'Dear Sir / I shall have great pleasure in accompanying you to Mrs [?]. But I would much rather go with you than meet you - and will therefore call upon you to morrow at No 24 Chapel Street Grosvenor Square at 1/2 past 5 precisely - unless you wish me to make it any other hour'. He thanks him for apologising for the short notice, 'But it happens to be a day on which I have no opposing engagement'.

[Joseph Bosworth, Old English scholar; Anglo-Saxon] Autograph Letter Signed to the antiquary T. J. Pettigrew, discussing Pettigrew's autobiography and the reception of his own ?Dictionary of the Anglo-Saxon Language'.

Author: 
Joseph Bosworth (1788-1876), Old English scholar, author of ?Dictionary of the Anglo-Saxon Language [Thomas Joseph Pettigrew (1791-1865), surgeon and antiquary, Librarian to the Duke of Sussex]
Publication details: 
?Rotterdam March 23d. 1840?.
£220.00

See the two men?s entries in the Oxford DNB. 3pp, 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged paper with slight discolouration to top corners of second leaf, with a panel along the bottom of the second leaf cut away. Folded for postage. Addressed in the customary manner on reverse of second leaf, to ?T. J. Pettigrew Esqr. Dr. Phil. F.R.S. &c / Saville [sic] Row / London?, and signed ?Josh Bosworth.? With two postmarks (one of ?Dockhead / 1D. PAID?), and seal with small impression in red wax. He is happy to have received Pettigrew?s ?interesting Autobiography?: ?I sat down & cd.

[Joseph D'Arcy Sirr, Irish antiquary.] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Sir Henry', discussing antiquarian information relating to his living of Yoxford in Suffolk.

Author: 
Joseph D’Arcy Sirr (1794-1868), Irish antiquary, vicar of Yoxford in Suffolk, son of Henry Charles Sirr (c.1764-1841), Mayor of Dublin who killed Lord Edward Fitzgerald during the 1798 Irish rebellion
Publication details: 
1 August 1845. Yoxford [Suffolk].
£120.00

See his entry in the Dictionary of Irish Biography, and his father’s entry in the Oxford DNB. 4pp, 12mo. Bifolium. 72 lines, closely written. In good condition, lightly aged and folded for postage. Addressed to ‘My dear Sir Henry’ and signed ‘Joseph D’Arcy Sirr’. In response to an invitation to write, there are ‘two or three points’ on which Sirr would seek information. These relate to what appears to be a mistake by ‘Mr Davy’ on publishing a manuscript regarding ‘Lady C. Grey’ who is buried at Yoxford. He is also ‘enclosing [not present] a curious copy of a MS made for me, but wh.

[Sir Francis Palgrave, archivist and scholar, Deputy Keeper of the Public Record Office.] Autograph Letter Signed to Sir George Cornewall Lewis, regarding the assistance he can provide to Lewis's wife Lady Theresa Lewis's researches.

Author: 
Sir Francis Palgrave [born Francis Ephraim Cohen] (1788-1861), archivist, scholar, Deputy Keeper of the Public Record Office [Sir George Cornewall Lewis (1806-1863), Chancellor of the Exchequer]
Publication details: 
'Rolls. [i.e. The Rolls House, Chancery Lane, London] 10 June 1850'.
£80.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB, and that of the recipient, who is not named, but is Sir George Cornewall Lewis (1806-1863), Liberal Chancellor of the Exchequer, husband of the author Lady Theresa Lewis (1803-1865; ODNB), with whom he lived in Kent House in Knightsbridge. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once for postage. 3pp, 12mo. Signed ‘F. Palgrave’. Written in a difficult hand. Begins: ‘My dear Sir / I should never think of [?] upon Lady Theresa the labour of searching through our dusty records’.

[Sir Francis Palgrave, archivist and scholar, Deputy Keeper of the Public Record Office.] Two Autograph Letters Signed and an Autograph Letter in the third person to Lady Theresa Lewis, aiding her in her biographical investigations.

Author: 
Sir Francis Palgrave [born Francis Ephraim Cohen] (1788-1861), archivist and scholar, Deputy Keeper of the Public Record Office [Lady Theresa Lewis (1803-1865), author]
Sir Francis Palgrave
Publication details: 
13 June 1850, 14 May 1851, 5 February 1852. All from the Rolls House [Chancery Lane, London].
£180.00
Sir Francis Palgrave

See his entry in the Oxford DNB, with that of the recipient Lady [Maria] Theresa Lewis (1803-1865), who lived in Kent House in Knightsbridge with her second husband Sir George Cornewall Lewis (1806-1863), Bart, Liberal Chancellor of the Exchequer, her first husband having been the novelist Thomas Henry Lister (1800-1842). The three items are in good condition, lightly aged. Written in a difficult hand. ONE (13 June 1850, ‘Rolls House’): AL in the third person. 1p, 12mo. ‘Sir F.

[Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, Scottish antiquary and collector.] Autograph Letter Signed, thanking William Frazer and 'Mr Mackenzie's Trustees'.

Author: 
Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe (1781-1851), Scottish antiquary and collector [William Frazer of Edinburgh]
Publication details: 
18 January [1818?]. 28 Drummond Place [Edinburgh].
£35.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. On first leaf of a bifolium, with the second leaf carrying a broken seal in red wax, and the address in Sharpe’s autograph, ‘William Frazer Esqre / 12 Duke St.’ In good condition, lightly aged, with glue to one edge of second leaf from mount. Folded several times. Signed ‘Chas. Kirkpatrick Sharpe’. He asks him to accept his ‘sincere thanks for the great favour you have conferred on me, respecting the old [stone?]’. He asks him to mention his ‘obligation to Mr Mackenzie’s Trustees, on the same account’.

[Thomas Wright, antiquary and historian.] Autograph Letter Signed to Jerdan [William Jerdan, editor of the Literary Gazette] on topics including Charles Roach Smith’s excavations at Hartlip.

Author: 
Thomas Wright (1810-1877), antiquary, historian and editor of medieval texts [William Jerdan (1782-1869), editor of the Literary Gazette; Charles Roach Smith (1807-1890), antiquary and archaeologist]
Publication details: 
16 September [no year]. 18 Gilbert Street, Grosvenor Square [London].
£100.00

See his long and appreciative entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. Worn and aged, with part of paper mount adhering over half of the reverse. Written in a tight close hand. Begins: ‘My dear Jerdan / The inclosed is for you to do what you like with. / I am off to Lord Albert’s tomorrow morning - the weather is improving.’ He suggests that ‘Smith [i.e.

[James Robinson Planché, dramatist, antiquary and herald.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Dear [Derrick?]’, regarding Charles Dance and a benefit.

Author: 
J. R. Planché [James Robinson Planché], dramatist, antiquary and herald [Charles Dance (1794-1863), playwright]
Publication details: 
8 July [1843]. Garrick Club [London].
£56.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. LETTER: 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, in remains of windowpane mount. Folded twice. Addressed to ‘Dear [Derrick?]’ and signed ‘J: R: Planché’. The year has been supplied in another hand in pencil. He informs him that ‘Charles Dance is out of town’, and that ‘the price would be one guinea - but I am sure that being for a benefit he will make no charges’. Planché is ‘of course not authorized to say so’, but he has ‘no doubt upon the subject’ and will tell Dormer so on his return.

[Thomas Crofton Croker (1798-1854), Anglo-Irish antiquary.] Autograph Letter Signed (to the editor of the Gentleman’s Magazine, John Bowyer Nichols), regarding mistakes in an article on Winchester House, London, with reference to Thomas Baylis F.S.A.

Author: 
Thomas Crofton Croker (1798-1854), Anglo-Irish antiquary [John Bowyer Nichols (1779-1863), part-editor of the Gentleman’s Magazine; Winchester House; Thomas Baylis FSA, of Pryor’s Bank, Fulham]
Publication details: 
‘Admiralty [London] / 23rd. March 1839.’
£80.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. In good condition, on lightly discoloured paper, with thin neat strip from windowpane mount adhering to edges. Sixteen lines in a neat and stylish hand. Signed ‘T. Crofton Croker’. The recipient is not named, but is clearly John Bowyer Nichols, editor of the Gentleman’s Magazine, in whose number for April 1839 appeared an article, with engraving, by ‘E. I. C.’, on ‘Winchester House, Broad-street, London.’ Croker begins his letter: ‘My dear Sir, / I return E. I. C’s account of Winchester House.

[Lord Stanhope, historian, antiquary and Tory politician.] Autograph Letter Signed to the editor of The Times, J. T. Delane, bewailing the state of Paris following the Franco-Prussian War, criticising French typography, and praising ‘Dr. Russell’.

Author: 
Lord Stanhope [Philip Henry Stanhope, 5th Earl Stanhope] (1805-1875) [styled Viscount Mahon between 1816 and 1855], historian and Tory politician [John Thadeus Delane (1817-79), editor of The Times]
Publication details: 
‘Chevening [Chevening House, Sevenoaks, Kent] | Oct. 14. [1870]’ No year, but with 1869 watermark.
£120.00

See the two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB. 4pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin neat strip from windowpane mount adhering to the outer edges. Folded twice for postage. Writing during the Siege of Paris, he begins by thanking him ‘for the specimen of the present Paris printing. Alas how different is this blurred & blotted mass of types from the beautiful pages of typography which that brilliant city afforded!

[John Parsons Earwaker, Cheshire antiquary.] Autograph Letter Signed (‘J. P. Earwaker.’) to genealogist T. E. Strangwayes, regarding the activities of the Lancashire and Cheshire Record Society.

Author: 
J. P. Earwaker [John Parsons Earwaker] (1847-1895), Cheshire antiquary [Thomas Edward Strangwayes; Lancashire and Cheshire Record Society]
Publication details: 
24 November 1894; on his (Welsh) letterhead as Honorary Secretary of the Record Society for the publication of Original Documents in Lancashire & Cheshire.
£56.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. Strangwayes published his ‘Materials for a Genealogical History of the House of Strangwayes sometime of Strangwayes Hall, in the County of Lancaster’ in two parts, 1894 and 1895. 4pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount laid down along inner and outer top edges. With large bold signature. He explains that Strangwayes’ name was sent to him by ‘Mr Ryland’ a few weeks before, but he has delayed in replying, having been ‘laid up all this month’.

[John Timbs] Autograph Letter Signed from the antiquary John Timbs to an unnamed correspondent, regarding a portrait in the Illustrated London News.

Author: 
John Timbs (1801-1875), antiquary and journalist, editor of The Literary World and sub-editor of the Illustrated London News
Publication details: 
66 Pentonville Road, London. 29 November 1864.
£40.00

1p., 12mo. Good, on lightly-aged paper, with small scrap from white label adhering to a margin. He explains that the reason that a letter has not been forwarded to him is that he has not, 'for years, had to do with the management of the Illustrated London News', although he does contribute to it. Nevertheless he will try to get the recipient 'a proof of the Port[rai]t. - with great pleasure'. He adds, in a postscript at the head of the page: 'I think the Memoir was cut out from the Times'.

[Strickland Gibson; Bodleian] Autograph Note Signed S. Gibson to H.T. Morley about a memorial to Tho. Hearne, antiquary, sometime assistant keeper at Bodley.

Author: 
Strickland Gibson, (1877 – 1958), librarian and bibliographer [Bodleian].
Publication details: 
[Headed] Bodleian Library, Oxford, 28 May 1934.
£30.00

One page, 12mo, fold mark, good condition. I thank you for your kind invitation to the unveiling of a memorial to Tho. Hearne at White Waltham on Saturday which I have great pleasure accepting. He adds that his wife will 'drive him over' and adds a Postal Order for 7s because they'll be staying for tea.

[John Harris Backhouse, classical scholar and antiquary, educated at the Manchester School.] Long Autograph Letter Signed ('J. H. Backhouse'), on matters relating to Richard Montagu, Bishop of Norwich, with reference to Sir Thomas Browne and others.

Author: 
John Harris Backhouse (1826-1882), Rector of Laverton, Somerset, classical scholar, editor and antiquary, educated at the Manchester School [Richard Montagu, Bishop of Norwich; Sir Thomas Browne]
Publication details: 
27 September 1881. Laverton Rectory, Bath.
£45.00

See his entry in J. F. Smith, 'The Admission Register of the Manchester School'. 6pp, 12mo. Written in a neat, close hand. In fair condition, lightly aged. Folded three times. A vivid example of the methodology of the nineteenth-century English clerical antiquary. The main subject is the controversialist Richard Montagu (1577-1641), Bishop of Norwich, about whom, in January of the following year (that of his death), Backhouse would publish a letter in 'The Academy' under the title 'The Abbreviations in Bishop Mountagu's [sic] Dedication'. The recipient is not identified.

[[C. R. Cockerell [Charles Robert Cockerell], Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Arts.] Autograph Note Signed ('C. R. Cockerell') regarding the paying of a subscription.

Author: 
C. R. Cockerell [Charles Robert Cockerell] (1788-1863), architect, archaeologist and author, Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Arts
Publication details: 
8 May 1848. No place.
£35.00

1p, 12mo. On a bifolium endorsed on second leaf '1848 | C R Cockerell R A | 8 May'. Reads: 'My Dear Sir | I hope you have recd. my subscription paid by cheque on London & Westymr. Bank. & forwarded to Mess. Drummond on the 14 Feby. 1848. | Your's truly | C. R. Cockerell'.

[ John Harland; The Guardian newspaper ] Autograph Letter Signed J Harland to Rev W. Thornber, wearing his antiquary's hat.

Author: 
John Harland [ (1806–1868), newspaper (Guardian) reporter and antiquary ]
Publication details: 
[ Printed heading ] Guardian Office, Manchester, 12 May 1852.
£45.00

Two pages, 8vo, battered and two small closed tears and fold marks, but text legible. Your packet was most welcome. What you have sent will suffice for one article. I will send a proof & the MS. when in type. You can then send me the 2nd portn. As to [Diculares?] Abbey Chartulary you are under a mistake.

[Joseph Sams of Darlington, Quaker bookseller and traveller.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. Sams.'), explaining his practice with regard to the return of items, and including a list of 'fine & curious coloured prints' and drawings.

Author: 
Joseph Sams (1784-1860) of Darlington, Quaker bookseller, dealer in antiquities, traveller in Egypt and Palestine
Publication details: 
'Darlington 21/7mo (July) 1853'.
£150.00

See Sams's entry in the Oxford DNB. 4pp, 12mo. On a bifolium, the second leaf of which has had a rectangle, almost amounting to half, cut away from the bottom. The text of the letter is complete, but the priced list of the prints and drawings on the last page, lacks the lower half. A long letter, closely written. Signed 'J. Sams.' Aged, worn and lightly stained, but nevertheless in passable condition. The recipient, saluted as 'Esteemed Friend', is not named.

[Joseph Sams of Darlington, bookseller and traveller.] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'J. Sams'), to prospective customer Godfrey Meynell, describing the merits and deficiencies of 'a rare edition of Chaucer', and another book, in his catalogue.

Author: 
Joseph Sams (1784-1860) of Darlington, bookseller, dealer in antiquities, traveller in Egypt and Palestine [Godfrey Meynell]
Publication details: 
Both from Darlington. 15 and 17 August 1847.
£280.00

See Sams's entry in the Oxford DNB. Two letters providing an interesting glimpse of the practicalities of Victorian antiquarian bookselling. Both letters 3pp, 12mo, and bifoliums addressed on reverse of second leaf, with broken seals and postmarks, to 'Godfrey Meynell Esqre | at Mr Stamp's, | Surgeon, | Seaton Carew, | nr Hartlepool.' Both addressed to 'Respected Frd.' In fair condition, aged and worn. ONE: 15 August 1847. He begins by explaining that he was 'from home in the city of Durham' when Meynell's letter came.

[Philip Yorke, 2nd Earl of Hardwicke, Whig politician and writer of the 'Athenian Letters'.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Hardwicke'), asking Thomas Astle to request the aid of John Topham on a projected third volume of his 'Miscellaneous State Papers'.

Author: 
Philip Yorke, 2nd Earl of Hardwicke (1720-1790), Whig politician and author [Thomas Astle (1735-1803), antiquary; Thomas Cadell the elder (1742-1802), publisher; John Topham (1746-1803), antiquary]
Publication details: 
Bath. 22 November 1783.
£500.00

The Athenian Letters, primarily written by Hardwicke and his brother Charles, enjoyed considerable vogue on the publication in 1781 of the second edition (a first edition of ten copies had appeared in 1741). The present item relates to a projected third volume of the 'Miscellaneous State Papers', the first two volumes of which had been published by Strahan and Cadell in 1778. John Topham (later Librarian to the Archbishop of Canterbury) and Thomas Astle worked together on the public records at Westminster. The present item is 1p, 4to. Bifolium.

[ F.W. Fairholt; Engraving ] Autograph Note Signed "F.W. Fairholt", to "Smith", about a Cut.

Author: 
F.W. Fairholt [Frederick William Fairholt (1814–1866), antiquary and wood engraver].
Publication details: 
11 Montpelier Sq[uare] | Friday.
£35.00

One page, 16mo, small tear on fold mark, ow good condition, hand showing signs of haste. "Here is the bit I promised you about the Trumpet, if you commence the article with a dewscription of it; this will add on very well. | They want at Richards that Cut of the Roman glass with flowers on it, which I left with you a week or two ago, and which they wait for."

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