COLLECTING

[‘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.

[Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.] 37 items, including 21 ALsS from librarian W. S. Brassington to one of the Theatre’s governors, Dr E. M. Boddy, regarding his gift of portraits to Shakespeare Memorial, and resulting disagreement.

Author: 
Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon [William Salt Brassington (1859-1939), archaeologist; Evan Marlett Boddy (c.1847-1934), FRCS; Stewart Dick; Edgar Flower; Archibald Flower]
Publication details: 
20 of Brassington’s 21 letters from between 1899 and 1902, and on letterheads of Shakespeare Memorial, Stratford-upon-Avon; the other is from 1910. Among the other items are ones dated from between 1899 and 1928.
£650.00

The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre was founded through the efforts of local brewer Charles Edward Flower (1830-1892), after whose death its management was taken over by his brother Edgar Flower (1833-1903), also Chairman of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. On Edgar’s death these duties fell to his son Archibald Flower (1865-1950), several times mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon. The present correspondence concerns a gift to Shakespeare Memorial Association by the appropriately-named anatomist Evan Marlett Boddy.

[Rev. Thomas Farr, traveller in Spain during the First Carlist War.] Autograph Letter Signed, presenting Dawson Turner with a copy of his ‘Reminiscences’, and Spanish autographs, and referring to the ‘finest gallery in the world’ and other matters.

Author: 
Rev. Thomas Farr (c.1796-1855), traveller in Spain during the First Carlist War, and economic pamphleteer [Dawson Turner (1775-1858) of Great Yarmouth, banker, botanist and antiquary]
Publication details: 
31 July 1838; Mendham [Suffolk].
£120.00

See the entry for the recipient Dawson Turner in the Oxford DNB. Farr’s entry in ‘Alumni Cantabrigienses’ reads as follows: ‘FARR, THOMAS. Adm. pens. (age 18) at TRINITY, Apr. 8, 1814. S. [and h.] of Thomas. B. at Beccles, Suffolk. School, Bury St Edmunds (Mr Malkin). Matric. Michs. 1814; B.A. 1818. Ord. deacon (Norwich) June 17, 1821; priest, Mar. 3, 1822 ('T. Farr, the younger'). Travelled in Spain during the Carlist War, 1S35-7. In 1S38 published A Traveller's Rambling Reminiscences of the Spanish War, in which he defends De Lacy and the British Legion. Died Feb. 8, 1855.

[Major Book Sales; Libri, etc; Book Trade History] Seven Autograph Letters Signed, five signed William Boone and two signed Thomas Boone, all to the Duke of Newcastle, with additional lists.

Author: 
William and Thomas Boone, booksellers [Henry Pelham, 5th Duke of Newcastle, statesman and collector]
Publication details: 
29 New Bond Street, [London], 1859 (William) and 1862 (Thomas).
£350.00

Total 18pp., 8vo (letters), 3pp., 4to (lists), and one page 8vo (list). The dealers are giving advice and information to the collector, particularly relating to the Dawson Turner Sale (1859) and the Libri Sale (1859), often illegibly or nearly so. A. William Boone (4 June 1859) advises that a holograph letter of Napoleon will attract interest enough to justify two guineas and would sell for more in Paris. He believes a volume on Scottish affairs would realize fully ?420.

[Wife of George Cruikshank] Autograph Letter Signed from 'E. Cruikshank' to Wright with autograph initials of George.

Author: 
Eliza Cruikshank (wife of the English caricaturist George Cruikshank, 1792-1878); William Henry Kearley Wright (1844-1915), Plymouth antiquary and librarian and editor of the Ex Libris Society journal
Publication details: 
26 July 1877; 263 Hampstead Road.
£40.00

One page, on paper roughly four and a half inches by seven wide. Very good on lightly aged paper. She is enclosing her husband's signature. '[H]e desires me to thank you for your clever and truthful verses of An appeal to the Protestants of England [Plymouth, 1873]; which he has seen before; and which we both most highly approve of.' The Cruikshanks are glad to hear that the Wrights have 'arrived Home safely'. George Cruikshank has written G.C. | born | Sep 27th 79. See Image

[Simon Nowell-Smith, bibliographer, book collector and Librarian of the London Library.] Autograph Letter Signed to Philip Dosse, publisher of ‘Books and Bookmen’, expressing an unwillingness to review all but expensive books he wishes to possess.

Author: 
Simon Nowell-Smith [Simon Harcourt Nowell-Smith] (1909-1996), bibliographer, book collector and Librarian of the London Library [Philip Dosse (1925-1980), publisher of ‘Books and Bookmen’]
Publication details: 
13 January 1975; on letterhead of Quarry Manor, Headington, Oxford.
£56.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The recipient Philip Dosse was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. See ‘Death of a Bookman’ by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’ at the time of Dosse’s suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018. The present item is 2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once for postage. Signed ‘Simon Nowell Smith’.

[Lord Coleridge, jurist and Liberal politician.] Autograph Letter Signed, lamenting that the recipient ‘Dickenson’ is having to sell his library, discussing his own and the love of books, their friendship and his Devon home.

Author: 
Lord Coleridge [John Duke Coleridge, 1st Baron Coleridge] (1820-1894), jurist and Liberal politician; Solicitor General, Attorney General, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas and Lord Chief Justice
Publication details: 
[?] 1886; 1 Sussex Square, on the letterhead of the Royal Courts of Justice.
£65.00

An evocative artefact of a bygone age of well-read men with substantial libraries. See Coleridge’s entry in the Oxford DNB (in addition to his achievements he was the great-nephew of the poet). 3pp, 12mo. On a bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Signed ‘Coleridge’ and addressed to ‘My dear Dickenson’. Coleridge’s hand is not an easy one, and the following rendition is in parts tentative. He begins by stating that he is touched ‘not a little’ by Dickenson’s letter, not having forgotten ‘old days in Harley Street & [St George’s?] Square’. He grieves at ‘the necessity you mention [i.e.

[A.. N. L. Munby, Librarian of King’s College and historian of British book collecting.] Autograph Letter Signed to London bookseller Andrew Block, sending a collection of ‘Lyceum ballad-operas’ for his perusal.

Author: 
A. N. L. Munby [Alan Noel Latimer Munby] (1913-1974), Librarian of King’s College, bibliographical historian and book collector [Andrew Block, London bookseller]
Publication details: 
11 January 1954. On letterhead of King’s College Library, Cambridge.
£56.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The obituary of the recipient Andrew Block (1892-1987) in ‘The Private Library’ was subtitled ‘the doyen of booksellers’; his business was established in 1911. 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged. Signed ‘A N L Munby’ and addressed to ‘Dear Block’. Folded twice. He is sending ‘the volume of playbills, all Lyceum ballad-operas’, which he estimates comprises fifty-eight in total. ‘Send me along whatever they are worth to you.’

[Sir Walter Mercer, Scottish orthopaedic surgeon.] Autograph Letter Signed (‘Walter Mercer’), thanking ‘Dr Goodwin’ for ‘War Effort Canadian stamps’, praising the surgery of Goodwin’s colleagues, and finding things ‘pretty hectic’.

Author: 
Sir Walter Mercer (1890-1971), Scottish orthopaedic surgeon, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh who donated his collection of anatomical specimens to Surgeon's Hall in Edinburgh
Publication details: 
19 July 1945; on his letterhead (‘Consultations by Appointment’) of 'MR. WALTER MERCER', 12 Rothesay Terrace, Edinburgh 3.
£38.00

See Mercer’s entry in the Oxford DNB. 20 lines on both sides of a 12mo landscape letterhead. In fair condition, lightly aged. Folded once. Mercer has the proverbial handwriting of a doctor, rendering the present item somewhat difficult to read. He begins by thanking Goodwin for the ‘lovely surprise’ of ‘a packet of the War Effort Canadian stamps in mint condition’, which (illegible name) ‘didn’t get the length of Edinburgh as he has been called to the Pacific’.

[Percy Muir, Antiquarian Bookseller; ILAB; Pamphlet] Minutes of the First International Conference of Antiquarian Booksellers held at Amsterdam September 18-20, 1947

Author: 
[Percy Muir, Antiquarian Bookseller; ILAB]
Publication details: 
[1947 or 8]
£400.00

Pamphlet, printed wraps, 24pp., cr. 8vo, some staining and wear but good condition. 1 unnumbered leaf of plates (photograph of the representatives). Printed sticker inside front wrap From the Library of Percy Muir. Muir was the major force in the establishment of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers, an organisation that still thrives. Transcription of minutes include comments of, then Conference Chair, P.H. Muir (Great Britain); five countries were represented at the Conference: Denmark, France, Great Britain, Holland, Sweden. The only copy recorded is at the Lilly, inevitably.

[John Watson Gordon, Scottish portrait painter] Autograph Letters Signed John Watson Gordon to JSH Bromhead Esq (no further details known) about requesting autographs from his contacts in the Art World for Bromhead's collection.

Author: 
John Watson Gordon [Sir John Watson Gordon PRSA RA (1788 – 1864), Scottish portrait painter and President of the Royal Scottish Academy.
Publication details: 
12[3] George Street, Edinburgh, 20 April 1850. To Bromhead at 'Walton le Soken by Colchester, Essex'..
£100.00

Two pages, 12mo, black-bordered. Text: I think I shall have it in my power to procure you all the autographs you mention, I have enclosed a note of Sir Willm Allans [not present] & intended to hae sent only the signature but as it relates to his last illness it may be interesting to you on that account. I think I have some letters of Sir David Wilkier, and will look out for them.

[German and English Victorian wood engraving.] Album containing 'Geo. F. Tabram's Specimens of Wood Engraving 1842-8', including grotesque figures and chivalric scenes, with an original drawing and two German specimens loosely inserted.

Author: 
[German and English Victorian wood engraving.] George Frederick Tabram (1825-1891) of Gloucestershire
Publication details: 
[German and English engravings, collected in Gloucestershire, between 1842 and 1848.]
£150.00

An attractive collection of 76 engravings, laid down over 34pp, on the first seventeen brown-paper leaves of a 22.5 x 29 cm landscape album. Also laid down, on the rear pastedown, is a nice original drawing (by Tabram himself?) of two girls, one in a bonnet and the other (her daughter or sister?) with ringlets. Loosely inserted are two German engravings, each laid down on a piece of coloured paper and each with caption on reverse.

[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.

[Rev. Dr Robert Rainey of New College, Edinburgh, Presbyterian divine.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Robert Rainey') to 'Mr Willie', responding humourously to a request for an autograph, while exhorting him to be a good Christian.

Author: 
Robert Rainy (1826-1906), Scottish Presbyterian divine after whom Rainy Hall in New College, Edinburgh (the Divinity faculty in Edinburgh University) is named
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 23 Douglas Crescent, Edinburgh. 12 October 1886.
£50.00

2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Given the contents of the letter, the recipient 'Mr Willie', whose father is a minister ('of the manse'), may well be 'Master Willie', i.e. a youth named William. He is 'much flattered' by the value Willie puts on his autograph, and he hopes that his collection 'will prosper, & become extensive & distinguished'. He remembers 'that Tom Hood replying to a similar application professed to be in doubt what style of signature was wanted.

[William Wadd, surgeon-extraordinary to George IV and medical author.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Wm. Wadd') to 'Henry Dewey' [in fact the Yarmouth physician Henry Davey], regarding his 'Universal' print collection and 'Nugae Chirurgicae'.

Author: 
William Wadd (1776-1829), surgeon-extraordinary to George IV and medical author [Henry William Robert Davey of Yarmouth]
Publication details: 
Park Place [London]; 24 April 1825.
£400.00

4pp, 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf, which is addressed by Wadd, with his seal in red wax (the breaking of which has caused slight loss to a couple of words), to 'Henry Dewey Esqr | Surgeon | King Street | Yarmouth | Norfolk'. The recipient is in fact the surgeon Henry William Robert Davey (1798-1870) of Yarmouth, son of surgeon Henry Sallows Davey (1781-1855) of Beccles. An interesting letter, casting light on print and autograph collecting in Georgian London.

[ Earl of Haddington ] Autograph Letter Signed "Haddington" to an unnamed correspondent [a Campbell?]

Author: 
Charles Hamilton, 8th Earl of Haddington DL (1753–17 March 1828) Scottish nobleman and apparently Collector.
Publication details: 
"Tyn." [Tynninghame] 8 Jan. 1815.
£80.00

One page, cr. 8vo, good condition. He taks health to start off with. Then "I am very glad you have found all I want of the Luxembourg Gall[e]ry. As for the Marquis of Annandale & Lord Glasgow [miniatures?], you did well not to buy them as I believe I can get them here from the families. The first vol[ume] of Valmont [presumably Laclos's" Les Liaisons Dangereuses" ], I am glad you have found. As to Grangers Biography. I am not sure if my Son has not got a copy. at all events let me know the price, as a friend of mine wants it.

[John Evelyn of Wotton House, Surrey, seventeenth-century diarist, writer and gardener.] Autograph ownership inscription of book, with shelfmarks, reading: 'Catalogo Evelyni inscriptus. | Meliora Retinete.'

Author: 
John Evelyn (1620-1706) of Wotton House, Surrey, diarist, writer and gardener
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£250.00

On one side of 14 x 2 cm slip of paper, cut from the flyleaf of a book. Aged and with contemporary blotting to one corner. The slip is neatly placed in a paper windowpane mount. Reads: 'Catalogo Evelyni inscriptus. | Meliora Retinete' Two shelfmarks deleted: 'N. 16' and 'J: 231'. A good brief description of Evelyn's book collecting is given in his entry in the Oxford DNB. As there are four catalogues of his books, identifying the work to which the two present shelfmarks are assigned should not present any difficulty.

[Philip Hofer, book collector and curator at the Houghton Library, Harvard University.] Autograph Letter Signed and Typed Note Signed to Stephen Harrison, regarding his collection of drawings by Edward Lear

Author: 
Philip Hofer (1898-1984), book collector and founder of the Department of Printing and Graphic Arts in the Houghton Library of Harvard University [Stephen Harrison; Edward Lear]
Publication details: 
Both on letterheads of The Houghton Library, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Autograph letter dated 19 October 1966. Typed note dated 28 November 1966.
£100.00

See Hofer's obituary in the New York Times, 12 October 1984, in which it is stated that 'Mr. Hofer, who was secretary of the Fogg Museum at Harvard for 12 years, was a recognized book collector focusing on 18th-century German, Iberian and Italian publications. Mr. Hofer put together an Italian book collection considered the finest outside Italy. | Konrad Oberhuber, professor of fine arts at Harvard, said of Mr. Hofer: ''He was one of the most farsighted collectors that Harvard ever had. [...]”'. Two airmail letters, both in good condition.

[ T. H. Watkins of Kensington, Victorian art collector. ] Manuscript 'Inventory' of the contents of Watkins' three-story Victorian house, compiled by E. Sainsbury, including a section describing his 44 'Pictures' and 'Contents of Laboratory'.

Author: 
Thomas Henry Watkins (b.1831, fl.1895), of Kensington, Victorian art collector, educated at Christ's College, Cambridge [ E. Sainsbury of Bayswater, cataloguer ]
Publication details: 
Inventory of the contents of 90 Kensington Park Road, London, compiled by E. Sainsbury of 95 Westbourne Park Road, Bayswater. Undated, but late Victorian.
£500.00

The proprietor, T. H. Watkins, was a private tutor in Kensington, west London, who over a number of years placed a series of advertisements in The Times, the last of which, 9 September 1895, boasted that his 'pupils during 25 years have taken the highest places for I.C.S., F.O., Interpreterships, Woolwich Staff Coll., Sandhurst, Coopers-hill, Woods and Forests, Militia, &c.' Watkins was educated at Christ's College, Cambridge, and his entry in Peile's 'Biographical Register' of the college (1913) states that he was 'son of Thomas: born in London. Educated at Bonn University.

[ Richard Slate of Preston, Congregational minister. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('R. Slate') to Samuel Walker Alliot, regarding collecting and exchanging of nonconformist letters, with printed notice listing wanted 'Wesleyan Presidents'.

Author: 
Richard Slate (1787-1867) of Preston, Congregational minister, biographical writer and temperance campaigner
Publication details: 
Autograph Letter: Preston [ Lancashire ], 25 November 1863. Printed text undated.
£250.00

For information on Slate, see his entry in the Oxford DNB. The present item is a 12mo bifolium, with the two-page autograph letter to Alliot on the first leaf, and the printed notice on the recto of the second. In good condition, lightly aged. He thanks Alliot and names the authors of three letters he would like, adding: 'I take it for granted they are letters similar to Dr. Buntings, which I have enclosed and not mere autographs. Walter Griffith's letter (which I will send when I hear from you) is quite equal to Dr. Bunting's but longer.

[ Charles Schreiber, connoisseur and Conservative Party politician. ] Autograph Letter Signed

Author: 
Charles Schreiber (1826-1884), academic, connoisseur and Conservative Party politician, husband of Lady Charlotte Guest
Publication details: 
On his monogrammed letterhead. From the Queen's Hotel, Ventnor, Isle of Wight. 12 October 1883.
£35.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged. He wishes to explain the '2. things' he forgot in closing his letter of the day before: '1st. to mention that I enclosed a Cheque for £10 . 10s . 0d. in aid of yr. Fund for sending Poole Fishermen to see the Fisheries' Exhibition in London - & next that at the above Address I shd. be glad to receive the acknowledgment of my Cheque.' Pencil note in a contemporary hand at foot of last page: '2nd. Husband of Sir John Guests widow. (Sir J. G.

[ Richard Slate of Preston, Congregational minister. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('R. Slate') to Samuel Walker Alliot, regarding collecting and exchanging of nonconformist letters, with printed notice listing wanted 'Wesleyan Presidents'.

Author: 
Richard Slate (1787-1867) of Preston, Congregational minister, biographical writer and temperance campaigner
Publication details: 
Autograph Letter: Preston [ Lancashire ], 25 November 1863. Printed text undated.
£120.00

For information on Slate, see his entry in the Oxford DNB. The present item is a 12mo bifolium, with the two-page autograph letter to Alliot on the first leaf, and the printed notice on the recto of the second. In good condition, lightly aged. He thanks Alliot and names the authors of three letters he would like, adding: 'I take it for granted they are letters similar to Dr. Buntings, which I have enclosed and not mere autographs. Walter Griffith's letter (which I will send when I hear from you) is quite equal to Dr. Bunting's but longer.

[ William Upcott, antiquary and autograph collector. ] Autograph Letter Signed to Dr J. B. Brown

Author: 
William Upcott (1779-1845), antiquary and autograph collector
Publication details: 
'Islington - | 102 Upper Street'. 10 October 1839.
£120.00

H2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with the blank second leaf placed in a windowpane mount. The letter gives a good impression of Upcott's questionable character, well-described in Janet Ing Freeman's entry on him in the Dictionary of National Biography. It reads: 'My friend will not part with his Autograph of O. Cromwell – He purchased it for 5 Guineas – the usual price – To his signature in my possession is attached that of his Secretary Thurloe – by no means a common Autograph – Dr. R.

[ Charles de Coetlogon, divine. ] Manuscript 'Inventory of Mr De Coetlogon's Books'.

Author: 
Charles de Coetlogon [ Charles Edward de Coetlogon ] (1747-1820), Church of England clergyman, preacher and theologian, vicar of Godstone, Surrey
Publication details: 
Undated [ post 1800 ].
£150.00

3pp., 4to. On bifolium of watermarked laid paper. With additional slip of paper listing around twenty titles loosely inserted. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. The first page is headed: 'Inventory of Mr De Coetlogon's Books.' Beneath the main heading is a list of 25 titles, with the subheading '1st. Shelf Drawing Room Right hand Corner of fire Place.' The second page continues with two more columns of similar books. The third page, also in two columns, is headed 'Shelf of Books. - left hand of fire-place'.

[ William Roscoe of Liverpool. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W Roscoe') to a picture and print seller, regarding payment for prints and an exchange of two paintings for a small Cranach.

Author: 
William Roscoe (1753-1831) of Liverpool, historian, art collector and abolitionist
Publication details: 
'Saty. Morning' [ no date or place ].
£50.00

2pp., 4to. On aged and worn paper. An interesting letter, casting light on Roscoe's collecting activities. He begins by settling the account for 'the lists of the last Prints', before remarking: 'I observe there are only 3 circles by Domenichino - the set consists of 4, all of which you have, besides the odd print by Bartolozzi, but you have probably packed them up & cannot get at the print wanting. I have sent you the 3 prints back & deducted 16/6d.

[ Sir Ashton Lever, natural history collector. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Ashton Lever') to 'Mr. Harrop', regarding a plan to send 'a Cargo of Potatoes' to 'our brave friends at Gibraltar'.

Author: 
Sir Ashton Lever (1729-1788) of Alkrington Hall, Rochdale, Lancashire, natural history collector [ The Great Siege of Gibraltar, 1779-1783 ]
Publication details: 
'Alkrington' [ Alkrington Hall, Rochdale, Lancashire ]. 20 October 1782.
£200.00

1p., landscape 8vo. On aged and worn paper, with a couple of light ink stains. A small cutting carrying a biography of Lever is laid down at bottom left. His 'intention relative to sending a Cargo of Potatoes to our brave friends at Gibraltar' has not met with the support he expected, so he is forced to 'give up the plan, the Subscription being no way adequate to the expence that would attend'. He asks Harrop to insert the list of subscribers in his newspaper, and to 'return those Gentlemen their Subscription with my best Compliments'.

[ Sylvain Van de Weyer, Belgian diplomat and book collector. ] Autograph Signature ('S. Van De Weyer').

Author: 
Sylvain Van de Weyer [Jean-Sylvain Van de Weyer ] (1802-1874), Belgian minister and ambassador to London, a noted book collector
Publication details: 
Place and date not stated.
£25.00

On 1.5 x 4.5 cm piece of paper. In good condition, lightly aged. Cut from letter with mourning border.

[ Father Edmond Nolan, Catholic priest, Vice-President, St Edmund's College, Ware. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Edmond Nolan') to 'Miss Haig' of Basildon, regarding autographs in his collection and his duties tutoring boys.

Author: 
Father Edmond Nolan, Vice-President of St Edmund's College, Old Hall, Ware, and founder of (the Roman Catholic) St Edmund's House (now St Edmund's Hall), Cambridge
Publication details: 
On letterhead of St Edmund's College, Old Hall, Ware. 12 and 14 November 1894.
£100.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Since his return from Basildon three friends have promised him 'letters from the illustrious' for her collection. He has also 'looked for a collection I made myself once - but altho I have found all kinds of things which I thought I had lost for ever I cannot find it'. He lists seven 'minor autographs' he is sending her, including '(7) The late Earl of Denbigh to Bish of Patterson - This letter led to the capture of a famous impostor, who died immediately afterwards in Clerkenwell Gaol'.

[ J. Stelfox Gee, Manchester philatelist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. Stelfox Gee') to 'Autolycus', regarding a document concerning 'the Manchester Mail Coach in 1805'.

Author: 
J. Stelfox Gee [ James Stelfox Gee ], philatelist [ H. Verity & Sons Limited, 67 Mosley Street, Manchester ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of H. Verity & Sons Limited, 67 Mosley Street, Manchester. 19 May 1924.
£45.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper. He is sending 'the two accounts or whatever you like to call them for the Manchester Mail Coach in 1805', but 'cannot make out exactly what they are beyond being a monthly return of the takings and division of profits of the running of the Machester to Derby Coach for August 1805'.

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