WILBRAHAM

An evocative artefact of one of the most successful British charities of the Great War. The Silver Thimble Fund was founded by Hope Elizabeth Hope Clarke of Wimbledon in 1915, and run from her house. Damaged trinkets made of precious metals, including 60,000 silver thimbles, were collected and melted down, paying for fifteen ambulances for the front and other medical transportation and equipment. The recipient is Mrs. Evelyn Julia Allan, listed in 1918 in the London Gazette as Honorary Secretary, Chelsea Division, British Red Cross.

The recipient Roger Wilbraham (1743-1829) was a Member of Parliament, Fellow of the Royal Society, antiquary, dilettante and member of the bibliophile Roxburghe Club. 1p, 4to. On bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the blank second leaf. Folded three times. The letter begins: 'Very dear Sir, | If I do not err in recollection I have to reproach myself with not having sent you my little encomium on the Character of Your old Friend Mr.

Full title: 'Report of the Committee of the Society of Dilettanti, appointed by the Society to superintend the expedition lately sent by them to Greece and Ionia; containing an Abstract of the Voyage of the Mission, a List of the Materials collected by them, and a Plan to facilitate the Publication of those Materials.' At end of last page: 'Signed, by order of the Committee, | H. C. ENGLEFIELD, | Secretary.' [2] + 18pp., 4to. Stabbed, but with stitching gone.

3pp., 12mo. 27 lines. Fair, on aged paper, with some closed tears along crease lines.