dating: circa 1859 - 1860 provenance: Duchy of Parma, Tipped, single-and short false-edged blade, for a good part of its length with fuller, engraved at the forte with racemes and trophies, also engraved on the back. The tang is marked 'F.HÖRSTER' and the signature in italics 'Fur Jung / Wien'. Fine iron hilt with knuckle guard pierced with racemes and featuring the Bourbon fleur-de-lis in the centre. Long cap, grip covered with fish-skin, with metal wire binding. Iron scabbard provided with two lugs decorated with faceting. Interesting, given its good state of preservation, and rare. The Ussari di Piacenza regiment was formed in 1859, at the time of the Provisional Government, and later passed into the ranks of the Italian army after unification.Cf.: see a similar model in 'Storia dell'Arma Bianca Italiana' by Calamandrei (p. 410 with photo), the sabre is listed as one of those in the regiment's possession before unification. length 100 cm.
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dating: Third quarter of the 19th Century provenance: Italy, Rifled, 18 mm cal. barrel with octagonal breech (signs of use inside, clean bore, visible rifling), dated and marked '1862 M.S.' on the breech (from the owner's research: Michele Salerno, Bourbon controller), with foresight and clutch for the bayonet. Tang with fixed rear sight, screw numbered '20'. Lock converted to percussion, with Savoy type hammer. Working mechanism. Full stock with a few filled woodworm holes, but solid. Brass mounnts, brass and iron trigger guard. Various numbered screws en suite. The mouthpiece tends to come loose. Iron ramrod. Socket bayonet with Neapolitan-style department numbering '15R.2. B 103' on the base. Remains of other marks on the tang. Bayonet length: 57.2 cm. According to the owner, a Bourbon gendarmerie musket from war reused and converted after the unification of Italy. length 115 cm.
dating: Mid 19th Century provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Straight blade of triangular section, with hollow sides, the wider side with double fuller. At the forte small trophy and floral engravings with remains of gilding, on one side a monogram 'PD'', at the base 'S H'. Brass hilt with remains of gilding. The upper side of the sword-shell well worked in relief with cornucopias and Staffs of Asclepius. Guard with florals in relief. Grip bearing the crowned royal monogram 'FII' of Ferdinand II, on the back the Bourbon three-lily shield. Leather scabbard (damage, signs of use and time) with brass mounts. See a similar example in Calamandrei 'Storia dell'Arma Bianca Italiana' (Ed. Olimpia 1999), p. 482 (at the center, with photo). length 90,5 cm.
dating: circa 1850 provenance: Duchy of Parma, Straight blade of triangular section with hollow faces, engraved at the forte with small trophies and racemes, gilded and on a background with remains of blueing, at the base signature of a Solingen manufactory. Minor signs of use and time. Silver-plated brass hilt, featuring shell-guard decorated with a Bourbon lily in relief surmounted on a shield surmounted by a lion and with a trophy of arms. Guard shaped as a lion's head and floral motifs in relief, also the pommel shaped as a lion's head. Grip with mother-of-pearl grip scales. Earlier leather scabbard (some repaired parts) with brass mounts, engraved and silver-plated en suite. Cf. a very similar model in 'Storia dell'Arma Bianca Italiana' by Calamandrei (ed. Olimpia 1999), A p. 412 with photo. Probably for court dignitaries. length 94,4 cm.
dating: Third quarter of the 19th Century provenance: Italy, Straight, single-and short false-edged blade, with signs of use and time, decorated in the first half with raceme engravings and bearing the Royal Factory of Naples mark at the tang. One-piece, brass hilt, with typical quillon decorated with florals in relief on the front side. Pommel with Savoy cross. Leather scabbard (signs of use and time) with brass mounts. Interesting is the pommel from which the 'GN' monogram was removed in the period of use to replace it with the Savoy cross, a sure sign of reuse after the unification of this short sword of Bourbon origin. length 61,2 cm.
dating: First half of the 19th Century provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Straight blade ribbed in the middle, bearing remains of trophy and floral engravings at the forte, with a thin fuller. Slight signs of time and pitting. Brass hilt with remains of gilding. Shell-guard with Bourbon shield with three lilies in relief, surmounted by a crown and placed on flags. Pommel with warrior's head. Twisted, horn grip with copper wire and wire binding. Without scabbard. length 98 cm.
dating: Second quarter of the 19th Century provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Thin, straight blade, ribbed in the middle, with fuller at the forte. Gilt bronze hilt (mercury?). Shell-guard with crowned Bourbon fleur-de-lis in relief placed between the Trinacria and the rampant horse of Naples, guard with lion's head, cap with cylindrical button. Leather scabbard (earlier?) slightly loose with gilt metal mounts. See a similar example in Calamandrei 'Storia dell'Arma Bianca Italiana' (ed. Olimpia 1999) p. 481, where it is suggested that it may be for the 'Stato Maggiore' (General Staff). The example we propose has a mother-of-pearl grip, the one in the book has a horn or ebony grip. length 99,3 cm.
dating: Early 19th Century provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Straight blade of hexagonal section, with some pitting and signs of time, bearing at the forte the clearly visible inscription 'VIVA FERDINANDO QUARTO', this followed by the Bourbon fleur-de-lis on one side and 'RE DELLE DUE SICILIE' on the other. Bronze hilt with remains of mercury gilding, sword-shell with forked end, smooth quillon and pommel, metal grip worked like the wire binding. Without scabbard. length 99 cm.
dating: 1846 provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Wide, curved, single-and short false-edged blade, with fuller, tang with mark of the Royal Factory, 'S' mark and date '1846'. One-quillon hilt, stirrup guard, langets and long cap. Rear quillon marked '1.32' (1st regiment). Leather-covered grip (small missing parts). Iron scabbard with two lugs and remains of markings such as Broad Arrow, 'S', '13 C.' Mounts of English manufacture, Bourbon blade. Light pitting. Rare. See a similar item in 'L'ESERCITO BORBONICO DAL 1830 AL 1861 tomo II' by Boeri/Crociani/Fiorentino, Rome 1998, pages 196-197. length 94 cm.
dating: 1859 provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Elegant, double-edged, straight blade of lozenge and hexagonal section at the forte, engraved with racemes at the first part and featuring the signature and date 'Mendoza / 1859 Napoli' at the forte. Minor pitting. Fine brass hilt keeping most of its antique gilding. Shell-guard with anchor in relief on flags and trophies between lion's heads. Guard decorated with lion's head and floral motifs, pommel with heraldic dolphin's head. Grip with mother-of-pearl grip scales, the front one with plain shield. Earlier leather scabbard (a couple of repairs, apparently of the period of use) with mounts gilt en suite and engraved with floral motifs. Rare. Probably for officers of the Italian Engineer Corps or the Political Chief. See a similar model (of lower quality) sold in our auction No. 62 lot 647 (y. 2016) from G. Fiorentino's Bourbon Arms Collection. length 91,2 cm.
dating: Second quarter of the 19th Century provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Blade of triangular section with hollow sides; engraved and gilded on a blue background with trophies and floral motifs at the first part, marked 'K&S' the base. Gilded brass hilt. Shell-guard finely decorated with Bourbon fleur-de-lis at the center encircled by the collar of St. Janarius, surmounted by under crown and on anchor, framed by oak leaves and on a finely granulated background. The loop-guard finely carved depicting a coiled halliard, the pommel featuring an antique-style helmet. Grip with four mother-of-pearl plates and gilded-brass staves. Leather scabbard with engraved, gilded-brass mounts. The gilding on the rear part of the cap partly faded due to use. Very rare. length 103.5 cm.
dating: 1841 provenance: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Straight blade of triangular section with hollow sides, the wider side with double fuller. The first side with beautiful gilded engravings on a blue background with trophies and floral motifs. Brass hilt keeping all its gilding. The upper side of the sword-shell beautifully worked in relief with cornucopias and rods of Asclepius, the lower part engraved with fine floral motifs on the border. Guard with floral motifs in relief. Pommel with palmettes and floral motifs. Grip bearing the crowned royal monogram 'FII' of Ferdinand II, with Bourbon three-lily shield on the back. Linen-covered wooden scabbard painted in white (damaged parts, signs of use and time) with gilt and engraved brass mounts, the cap signed 'Labruna 1841 Napoli'. See a similar sword in Calamandrei 'Storia dell'Arma Bianca Italiana' (Ed. Olimpia 1999), p. 482 (at the center, with photo). Such a beautiful work with engravings even under the sword-shell suggests that it could be a sword for the king's private doctors. length 91 cm.
Matchbox Models of Yesteryear a group of Y3 1912 Ford Model T Tankers - colour trial models (1) "Fresh Milk" dark green body, black chassis, red tank, white ridged roof; (2) "Jim Beam" similar livery with "The World's Purest Bourbon" on header board and additional lower body decals; (3) "Unigate" blue body, tank and roof, red cab, gold parts, tan seat, red 12-spoke wheels - Excellent to Near Mint unboxed. (3)
The French Monarchy and the Constitutional Cabinet of Louis XVI - an engraved bust length portrait miniature, the Bourbon king with the motto Une Foi, Une Loi, Un Roi, Ordre de Famille, 7cm x 5.5cm, the 19th century gilt brass easel frame retailed by West of St James's St [London], 8cm high overall
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, one bottle, Distiller's Select, 43.2% vol, 70cl, boxed; Early Times Old Reserve Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, bottled 40% vol, 70cl; Jim Beam Black Sour Mash (43% vol), Apple (35% vol) and Rye (40% vol), all 70cl; Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey Triple Distilled, one bottle 40% vol, 1l; and Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky, one bottle Legend, one bottle, 41% vol, 70cl, boxed. (7)
A Georgian mourning ring, comprising a glazed hair compartment of plaited hair within a border of half pearls, setting approx 10 x 13mm, split shoulders with ornate scroll decoration, under bezel initialled L.J.C.D, size K, total gross weight approx 2.9gms in a case marked W. Stokes Dublin provenance - French origin- passed down the family line by the Grandmother who was a French girl who's father was Conte de Guistiline of Bourbon who escaped both escaped France during the French revolution Further details: good- pearls intact, hair compartment a little scratches, otherwise good
Miniature Medal: Waterloo 1815, 21.5mm, silver (Lieut. Col. Parkinson, 33d. Regt.) contemporarily engraved in running script, with ball and wide silver wire bar suspension, good very fine £400-£500 --- Edward Parkinson was gazetted ensign in the 33rd Foot in February 1796; captain, July 1805; major, March 1814. He served with the 33rd in India, and was on the staff of the expedition which captured the island of Bourbon. He served in the campaign in Holland in 1814 and was second-in-command of the 33rd at Waterloo, where he was severely wounded at Quatre Bras and made brevet lieutenant-colonel. Placed on half-pay in September 1817, he was made C.B. in July 1831, and granted a distinguished service reward in November 1849. He attained the rank of lieutenant-general and was colonel-in-chief of the 93rd Highlanders from December 1852 until his death at Pall Mall, London, on 14 January 1858.
MAXIMILIAN, COUNT OF MERVELDT: (1764-1815) Westphalian noble. Austrian General of Cavalry. Served as Ambassador to Russia under Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, and later as extraordinary envoy to Great Britain. Maximilian fought with distinction against the Ottoman empire, in the French Revolutionary wars and in the Napoleonic wars. A very fine L.S., `Merveldt´, four pages, 4to, London, 29th March 1814, to Wilhelm von Genotte, in Madrid, in French. A very interesting content letter with good association, written the day the allies and the Tsar Alexander I entered Paris, and only few days before Napoleon signed his abdication. Maximilian states in part `Le Baron de Wessenberg en partant d´ici il y a trois semaines m´a prévenu que vous adréssiez vos rapports à S. A. le Prince de Metternich par le canal de l´Ambassade à Londres, adréssés encore sous le couvert du Baron de Wessenberg…´ (Translation: ` The Baron of Wessenberg, when leaving here three weeks ago, informed me that you were sending your reports to H.H. the Prince of Metternich through the channel of the Embassy in London, still addressed under cover of the Baron de Wessenberg…´ Maximilian further refers to the allies negotiations with the French representatives, stating in part `Les dernières dépêches que j´ai reçues de Chaumont m´annoncent que les negotiations de Chatillon continuaient encore alors que le duc de Vicence ayant tardé à répondre au projet de paix préliminaire qui lui a été remis par nos plénipotentiaires où était convenu avec lui que le 27 suivant que la réponse ne pourrait être différée au-delà du 10 Mars. Les explications que le négociateur français a donné ce jour-là, n´accordant ni ne refusant rien et étant visiblement calculées pour trainer la négociation en longueur, nos plénipotentiaires ont eu ordre de demander itérativement et dans les vingt quatre heures ou l´acceptation ou le refus purs et simples de nos propositions…´ (Translation: `The latest dispatches that I have received from Chaumont inform me that the negotiations at Chatillon were still continuing while the Duke of Vicenza having been slow to respond to the preliminary peace draft treaty which was given to him by our plenipotentiaries, where it was agreed with him until the following 27th that the answer could not be deferred beyond March 10th. The explanations that the French negotiator gave that day, neither granting nor refusing anything and being visibly calculated to drag out the negotiation, our plenipotentiaries were ordered to request iteratively and within twenty-four hours either the acceptance or the pure and simple refusal of our proposals...´) Further again Maximilian refers to an initial treaty signed, stating `… ont arrêté entre elles un traité daté du 1er mars et signé le 9 entre le Prince de Metternich, le comte de Nesselrode, Lord Castlereagh et le Baron Hardenberg. Le traité est destine à remplir le double objet d´une coopération plus forte, plus intime encore, dans le cas où nos efforts pour le rétablissement de la paix resteraient sans effet et d´une garantie mutuelle entre les Puissances pour le maintien de l´ordre des choses qui sera le résultat de la negotiation. Un article particulier stipule d´inviter les Puissances les plus exposées à une invasión de la France à acceder au dit traité d´alliance défensive et on compte beaucoup que l´Espagne et le Portugal y prendront part´ (Translation: `… have concluded between them a treaty dated March 1st, and signed on the 9th, between the Prince of Metternich, the Count of Nesselrode, Lord Castlereagh and Baron Hardenberg. The treaty is intended to fulfil the double object of a stronger, even more intimate cooperation, in the event that our efforts for the restoration of peace should prove ineffective, and of a mutual guarantee between the allies for the maintenance of peace order which will be the result of the negotiation. A particular article stipulates to invite the allies most exposed to an invasion of France to accede to the said treaty of defensive alliance and it is expected that Spain and Portugal will take part in it´) A letter of extremely interesting content on the days of the occupation of Paris and few days before Napoleon´s abdication. When Maximilian died in 1815, the British government proposed to bury him at Westminster Abbey. However, his widow took into account his last wishes and had the remains sent to Germany. Small overall age wear with a small tear to the fold edge, otherwise G Wilhelm von Genotte (1764-?) Austrian Diplomat.Baron Johann von Wessenberg (1773-1858) Austrian Diplomat Statesman. He was appointed second Austrian delegate, after Prince Metternich, at the Congress of Vienna.Prince Klemens von Metternich (1773-1859) Politician and Statesman, one of the most important diplomats of his era. Austrian Empire's Foreign Minister and Chancellor 1821-48.Karl Nesselrode (1780-1862) Russian Count, Diplomat and Foreign Affairs Minister 1816-56.Karl August von Hardenberg (1750-1822) Prussian Statesman and Prime Minister of Prussia 1804-06, 1807 & 1810-22 Viscount Castlereagh (1769-1822) Anglo-Irish Statesman, Foreign Secretary 1812-22 and a central figure in the coalition which defeated NapoleonArmand de Caulincourt (1773-1827) Duke of Vicence. French military Officer, diplomat and close advisor to Napoleon I. Former aide de camp to Napoleon, he was later appointed Ambassador to Russia, during which time he developed a close friendship with Tsar Alexander I. His tasks as Ambassador included attempting to arrange a marriage between Napoleon and one of the sisters of the Tsar. He strongly advised Napoleon against his proposed campaign into Russia but was unsuccessful in dissuading the Emperor. Caulincourt also served Napoleon as Grand Marshal of the Palace and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The provision for Napoleon on the island of Elba after his abdication is credited to Caulaincourt, who reportedly was able to influence the Tsar Alexander I for this disposition. The Treaty of Chaumont was a series of separately-signed but identically-worded agreements in 1814 between the Austrian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, the Russian Empire and the United Kingdom. They were dated in March 1814. The treaty was intended to draw the powers of the Sixth Coalition into a closer alliance in case France rejected the peace terms they had recently offered. Each power agreed to put 150,000 soldiers in the field against France and to guarantee for twenty years the European peace against French aggression. The resulting Treaty of Chaumont was signed by Emperor Alexander I, Emperor Francis II, King Frederick William III, and British Foreign Secretary Viscount Castlereagh. The treaty called for Napoleon to give up all conquests and thus to revert France to its pre-revolutionary borders in exchange for a ceasefire. If Napoleon rejected the treaty, the Allies pledged to continue the war. If Napoleon accepted, he would be allowed to continue to rule as the Emperor of the French and to keep a dynasty. The following day, Napoleon rejected the treaty, which ended his last chance of a negotiated settlement. The decisions were again ratified and put into effect by the Congress of Vienna of 1814-1815. The terms were largely written by Lord Castlereagh. Key terms included the establishment of a confederated Germany, the division of Italy into independent states, the restoration of the Bourbon kings of Spain and the enlargement of the Netherlands to include what in 1830 became Belgium. The treaty became the cornerstone of the alliance that formed the European balance of power for decades.
![[CATHERINE DE' MEDICI]: (1519-1589) French and Italian noblewoman, Queen of France 1547-59 by her marriage to King Henry II.](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/490e7209-4b7e-4aa3-9ba4-afab011e768f/bfdb0b01-cb2b-4bb0-b2fa-afac00d95611/468x382.jpg)
[CATHERINE DE' MEDICI]: (1519-1589) French and Italian noblewoman, Queen of France 1547-59 by her marriage to King Henry II. A good, historic A.L.S., Loise de bretaigne, by Louise de Bretagne (d.1602; Baroness of Castelnau and of Clermont-Lodeve, one of the ladies of honour who accompanied Elisabeth of Valois to Spain for the festivities following her marriage to King Philip II), three pages, folio, Toledo, Second Day of Lent [15th February?] 1561, to Catherine de' Medici, in French. Louise de Bretagne sends news to the Queen on a variety of events including Elisabeth of Valois's recovery from small-pox, the death of Francois II and Queen Mary's return to Scotland, in part, 'Madam, the health of the queen your daughter grows better and better since I wrote to you; because two days after I sent you the last despatch they made her take a little medicine to finish purging her, which has done her so much good that she has no ailment in the world since……It is now several days since she complained of anything; and the day before yesterday, which was Shrove Tuesday, she went to dine in the garden, by order of the doctors…..I fomented her with milk and saffron, and was obliged then and there to give her a clyster…..the doctors have bidden her to begin every meal with Prunes from Tours…..which makes me beg of you, Madam, to send us some of them by every courier. They have ordered her a bath today to make her menses come on, the date of passing we had noted, the ninth of this month…..Her face is quite free of crusts now, and we wash it every day with asses milk; and yesterday we began to anoint her nose with balm, where she has some pits. I hope the balm will make them disappear. The reason for these is that when she got the small-pox she had a cold and blew her nose so much that the pustules got broken. She is much freer of the migraine than she used to be, but I am in great need of marjoram seeds……the season for sowing them here has passed, and it is not possible to get any more. The King has not come to sleep with her yet, for which I am very glad for she is not quite well enough…..The Prince [Don Carlos] has his fever again rather badly, the cause being I think the great army which they say the Turks are preparing to bring this summer to Goletta [Tunis]……From the last couriers who came…..there is much comment here about the story that the funeral of the late King [Francis II] was conducted with one little candle, which is thought very strange. It is also said for about a fortnight, that Monsieur the Cardinal of Lorraine is going to Metz after Easter, and Queen Mary either to Joinville or to Scotland……Our Lenten services last five hours every morning, and they do not finish until between one and two, which makes fasting easier for us. The Queen your daughter is dispensed from it this Lent on account of her illness and eats meat. They make no difficulty about it. However, none of the Frenchwomen eat it except her and mademoiselle, who is very well. We are told here that she is soon to be married. They are very anxious to know the truth about it, for the King is resolved to make her a very handsome present…..You will be informed of everything. At present I know of nothing more except that all are very well at this court and very glad at the power you have, and greatly wish that it may last long…..' With the address panel to the verso of the final page, 'A La Raine, ma souveraine daime'. Loosely contained within a dark brown morocco presentation folder (slight wear and damage to the inside) with gilt decorations to the borders of the interior and exterior and with a gilt stamped title to the front Louise de Bretagne - Letter to Catherine de Medicis relative to the Queens of Spain & of Scotland 1561. Also included are a series of interesting typed research notes and a French transcript and English translation of the letter, apparently prepared for (or by) Frank Lester Pleadwell (1872-1957) American physician and autograph collector. A letter of fascinating content, including intimate details from within the Royal court. Neatly inlaid and with some minor slits and a small area of paper loss to the left edge as a result of the letter having originally been tied with ribbon. About VG A remarkable, intimate letter relating to Elisabeth of Valois, Queen of Spain, who was recovering from small-pox, the death of Francis II, and Queen Mary's return to Scotland. Elisabeth, the daughter of Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici, was born at Fontainebleau in 1545. Henry VIII was her Godfather and she was at first destined to be the wife of Edward VI, who had previously, by Treaty, been engaged to marry Mary, Queen of Scots. Edward's death, in 1553, put an end to this project, and a marriage was then arranged between her and Don Carlos, the son of Philip II of Spain. Philip's wife, Mary I, died in 1558, and in the year following he himself married Elisabeth, ignoring the engagement to his son, to whom Elisabeth appears to have been attached. The marriage was an unhappy one. The bride was not yet fifteen years of age and had been brought up with every care in a refined and luxurious Court. Philip, although only thirty-two years old, was morose and severe. The marriage took place (by proxy) in the Church of Notre Dame at Paris in June 1559, Philip being represented by Ferdinand de Toledo, Duke of Alba. Elisabeth first met her husband in the following year, on 2nd February 1560, at Guadalaxara, but the meeting was unfortunate. She died in October 1568, and the cause of her death was not without suspicion, especially as her former lover, Don Carlos, had died under very suspicious circumstances just a few months earlier. Francis II, whose funeral is mentioned in the present letter, had died on 5th December 1560, and the occasion was perhaps the most important event in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, when her power and prospects in France were shattered in one blow, and her life-long enemy Catherine de' Medici again placed in a position of authority. Hence forward the struggles between Catherine and the Guises went more in her favour since she possessed absolute power over her young son, Charles IX, who succeeded to the throne, and usurped complete control of the Kingdom. The forecast given in the present letter regarding Queen Mary's future movements proved correct. Mary, who had lived in complete seclusion since her husband's death, spent Easter at Rheims and then set out to Joinville to visit her grandmother, Antoinette de Bourbon, dowager Duchess of Guise. Thence she returned to Rheims and spent some weeks in seclusion in the Convent of St. Pierre with the Abbess, her aunt, Renee de Lorraine. Finally, she went to Paris where she stayed until July, when she set out for Scotland. At the time when the present letter was written, early in 1561, great endeavours were being made by Mary's relatives to bring about a marriage between her and Don Carlos, a scheme very nearly concluded, in which case she would have become a step-daughter-in-law of Elisabeth, Queen of Spain, who was still supposed to be in love with her stepson herself. This scheme was strongly opposed by Catherine de' Medici, who wanted Don Carlos to marry her younger daughter, Margaret, who is referred to in the present letter as 'Madame your little daughter' Louise de Bretagne was one of the maids-of-honour who accompanied Elisabeth to Spain. The 'mademoiselle' of the letter was another maid-of-honour, Anne de Bourbon Montpensier.
![[LOUIS XV]: (1710-1774) King of France 1715-74. Manuscript document issued in the name of King Louis XV and bearing a secreta](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/490e7209-4b7e-4aa3-9ba4-afab011e768f/e8933b32-012c-4024-bbd5-afac00d966ae/468x382.jpg)
[LOUIS XV]: (1710-1774) King of France 1715-74. Manuscript document issued in the name of King Louis XV and bearing a secretarial signature ('Louis'), one page (vellum), large oblong folio, Paris, 4th May 1720, in French. The document gives orders for, in part, 'Provisions de Capitaine de la Capitainerie du Havre pour le S. de Cauville.....[charge entre autres de]......faire faire le Guet et Garde pour empecher les descentes et desseins d'Ennemis et Pirattes' (Translation: 'Captain's provisions of the Harbour Master's office at Le Havre for the S. de Cauville…..[responsible for, amongst other matters]……having the Watch and Guard made to prevent the raids and designs of enemies and pirates'). With contemporary endorsements to the verso countersigned by Louis-Alexandre de Bourbon (1678-1737) Count of Toulouse, Grand Admiral of France, the son of King Louis XIV and his mistress Francoise-Athenais, Marquise de Montespan, Joseph Fleuriau d'Armenonville (1661-1728) French politician who served as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs from 1716 and as Secretary of State for the Navy from 1718-22, and several others. Some light damp staining and a few other minor faults, G
GOYA FRANCISCO JOSE DE: (1746-1828) Spanish Painter. Goya is considered the most important Spanish Painter of the late 18th and early 19th centuries and is regarded as the last of the Old Masters and the first of the moderns. A precursor of the Expressionism. His masterpiece portrayal of a naked woman, La Maja Desnuda ("The Naked Maja"), now in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, was a remarkably daring nude for the time, renowned for the unashamed gaze of the model towards the viewer without negative connotations. An exceptionally rare L.S., `Fran[cis]co de Goya´, three pages, 4to, Bordeaux, 30th November 1824, to the Duchess of San Fernando, in Spanish. Goya apologies for his hasty departure from Paris preventing him from saying goodbye to her himself, stating in part `Cuando salí de Paris para venir a esta [ciudad], dispuse atropelladamente mi viaje; el tiempo urgía, me hallaba sin dinero, y admití la oferta de unos amigos que me anticiparon los gastos del camino…´ (Translation: `When I left Paris to come to this [city], I hastily organized my trip; time was urgent, I was without money, and I accepted the offer of some friends who anticipated the expenses of the trip…") Goya is still not sure about his near future and explains that his has requested to the King of Spain an extension of his permission to leave his court painter obligations, saying `Aqui estoy, sin saber lo que debo hacer de mi. He pedido una prórroga, siquiera para poder pasar el invierno al calor de la chimenea, y no se si S[u] M[ajestad] tendrá a bien de concedérmela…´ (Translation: "Here I am, not knowing what I should make of myself. I have asked for an extension, at least that I can spend the winter in the warmth before a fireplace, and I don't know if H[is] M[ajesty] will be good enough to grant it to me…") Further again, Goya explains in full detail what the present he has sent to his correspondent is, being some drafts, drawings and figurines of three dwarfs, stating in part `Me tomo la libertad de remitir a V.E. esos tres comisionados, a quienes doy el encargo especial de asegurarla cuan agradecido estoy a la memoria que conserva de mi, y cuanto deseo complacerla y servirla. Son tres enanos que se presentaron en la feria de Burdeos dos meses hace, y me pareció conveniente sacar un tanteo de sus caras y sus figurillas. El de los pantaloncitos tiene 18 pulgadas, de los otros dos (que son marido y mujer) ella tiene 21 pulgadas y el esposo 20. Celebraré que cumplan su comisión, según los deseos del invalido que los envia´ (Translation: `I take the liberty of sending to Y.E. those three commissioners [referring to his three dwarfs figurines], to whom I give the special charge of assuring you how grateful I am to the memory you keep of me, and how much I wish to please and serve you. They are three dwarfs who appeared at the Bordeaux fair two months ago, and I thought it convenient to make a test of their faces and their figurines. The one with the short trousers is 18 inches, and the other two (who are husband and wife) she is 21 inches and the husband is 20. I will celebrate that they fulfil their commission, according to the wishes of the invalid who sends them" [Goya refers here to himself]) Goya has a lengthy list of important portraits paintings of dwarfs. An exceptional document, with very interesting content related to Goya´s last years, short after his arrival to France, and referring to his work on three dwarves he met at a fair in Bordeaux. A letter in very fine condition. VG Goya became a court painter to the Spanish Crown in 1786 and this early part of his career is marked by portraits of the Spanish aristocracy. In 1793 an illness left him deaf, after which his work became progressively darker. In 1799 Goya became the First Court Painter, the highest rank for a Spanish court Painter, under King Charles IV of Spain. During the Peninsular War and Napoleon´s invasion of Spain, Goya remained in Madrid, and his series of paintings Disasters of War, or his painting The Second of May 1808, show how much this war affected him deeply, fearing for his country´s fate. He also painted important portraits of the Royal Spanish family and of Lord Wellington.His late period is marked by the Black Paintings, on the plaster walls of his own house "La Quinta del Sordo" ("The House of the Deaf Man") where disillusioned by political and religious corruption, and by social developments in Spain, he lived near isolation. He also painted dwarves, and persons with insanity or in mental asylums, as well as themes related with witches and fantastical creatures. Goya abandoned Spain in 1824, the year of the present letter, to retire to the French city of Bordeaux from where the present letter is written. He was accompanied by his maid and companion Leocadia Weiss, 42 years younger than him, although it remains unclear if she was or not his lover.It was at that time and in Bordeaux where Goya completed his well-known series of paintings La Tauromaquia, depicting bullfighting scenes. Goya died and was buried in Bordeaux, but was later re-interred in the Royal Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida in Madrid. Famously, the skull was missing, and the Spanish consul to Bordeaux reported so to his superiors in Madrid, who wired back "Send Goya, with or without head". The present letter is most probably in the hand of Leandro Fernández de Moratín (1760-1828) Spanish Dramatist, Poet, and translator of works of Moliere and Shakespeare into Spanish. Goya made his friend´s portrait in his late years in Bordeaux. Fernandez de Moratin lived his late years in exile in France and died in Paris only two months after Goya passed away in Bordeaux. The present letter is written to Maria Luisa of Bourbon and Villabriga (1783-1846) Duchess of San Fernando de Quiroga. She was directly related to several Kings of Spain, being the grand-daughter of Philip V, the niece of Charles III, and cousin of Charles IV. Maria Luisa and her husband, first duke of San Fernando, went into exile in 1823 to Paris.
MARGUERITE DE NAVARRE: (1492-1549) Also known as Marguerite of Angoulême. Princess of France and Queen of Navarre by her second marriage to King Henry II of Navarre. Marguerite was the sister of French King Francis I. Marguerite is the ancestress of the Bourbon Kings of France. A patron of humanists and culture, she is regarded as "The First Modern Woman". Rare L.S., `Votre bonne cousine et amie, Marguerite´, one page, 4to, Jarnac, (Charente, Southwestern of France), 12th March 1543, to Monsieur de Jarnac, in old French. Marguerite will intervene and write to the King so that the Sire de Jarnac is compensated for the expenses incurred for the trips made for the service of the King, stating `Mon cousin, j'ai vu la lettre que vous m'avez écrite et suis bien aise que vous n'êtes encore parti pour aller à La Rochelle. Je vous assure que je ne manquerai d'écrire au roi la dépense que vous avez faite aux voyages et autres choses pour son service car il est raisonnable que vous en soyez récompensé, et aussi le roi ne voudrait pas que l'on se fit pauvre à son service et principalement vous qu'il a en si bonne estime. Quant à l'affaire de monsieur de Caumont, j'en ai écrit… J'écris présentement aux deux qu'ils me viennent trouver à Béziers et que je tiens prêt qu'ils me fassent compagnie jusqu'à Bordeaux. J'avais délibéré de vous mander là avec madame de Jarnac et votre fille mais j'ai avisé qu'il sera meilleur savoir avant quelle volonté à monsieur de Caumont…´ (Translation: "My Cousin, I have seen the letter you wrote to me and am very glad that you have not yet left to go to La Rochelle. I assure you that I will not fail to write to the King about the expense you have made for travel and other things under his service because it is reasonable that you should be rewarded for it, and also the King would not want people to become poor at his service and especially you whom he holds in such good esteem. As for Monsieur de Caumont's affair, I have written about it... I am currently writing to the two who are coming to find me in Béziers and I am ready for them to accompany me to Bordeaux. I had deliberated to summon you there with Madame de Jarnac and your daughter, but I advised that it would be better to know beforehand what will Monsieur de Caumont…") Also annotated to the heading `De la mesme reyne pour les mesmes affaires des mesmes moys et an. Mars 1543´ (Translation: "From the Queen for the affairs of the same month and year, March 1543") Neatly inlaid, otherwise VG
FERDINAND VII: (1784-1833) King of Spain 1808 & 1813-33. D.S., `Yo el Rey´, with small flourish, one page, folio, Madrid, 22nd August 1816, in Spanish. The printed heading states "Don Fernando, by the grace of God, King f Castile, Leon, Aragon, the Two Sicilies, Jerusalem, Granada, Toledo, Valence, Galicie, Majorque, Algarve, Gibraltar, Canaries Islands, Oriental Indias, Archduke of Austria, Duque of Borgogne, Brabant, and Milan, Flanders, Tyrol and Barcelona…". The partially printed document is the appointment of Colonel Ignacio Ramirez Estenor, Commandant of the first Battalion of the Bourbon infantry regiment, who is additionally appointed as Commandant of the first Battalion of the infantry regiment of Navarre. Countersigned at the base of the front page by Francisco Bernardo. Bearing to the left bottom corner a paper seal affixed, partially damaged. Countersignatures to the verso, dated in Cadiz the 6th September 1816. With blank integral leaf. Overall age wear, mostly to edges, with a very small water stain at the base of the document, not affecting the text or signature. About G
![[DUCHESS OF BERRY]: (1798-1870) Marie-Caroline of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. Italian Princess, daughter of King Francis I of the T](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/490e7209-4b7e-4aa3-9ba4-afab011e768f/16559228-d52a-4b9c-86c3-afac00d969f0/468x382.jpg)
[DUCHESS OF BERRY]: (1798-1870) Marie-Caroline of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. Italian Princess, daughter of King Francis I of the Two Sicilies and grand-daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II. She was a Patron of the Arts. In 1816 she married the Duke of Berry, Charles-Ferdinand, a nephew of King Louis XVIII and son of King Charles X. They lived at the Elysée Palace and had a happy marriage until the Duke was assassinated in 1820. The Duchess was pregnant when her husband was stabbed when leaving the Opera House in Paris, and she gave birth seven and half months later to a child who was dubbed “The Miracle Child” (“L´enfant du Miracle”). As his birth continued the direct Bourbon line of King Louis XIV, he was the eventual heir to the throne of France as Henri V. The Duchess of Berry instigated the failed Vendée insurrection of June 1832, she was arrested and incarcerated, giving birth to a child during her incarceration. The present letter refers to the birth of “The Miracle Child”. A.L.S., `Sassenay´, by Claude Bernard Marquis de Sassenay (1760-1840), Secretary of the Duchess of Berry, one page, 4to, Paris, Elysée Palace, 19th October 1820, to Chevalier de la Motte, Consul General of His Majesty the King of Naples, in French. The letter bears the printed heading of the “Cabinet of Her Royal Highness Madame la Duchesse de Berri”. The Marquis de Sassenay states `J´ai fait part a S.A.R. Madame la Duchesse de berry, de vos felicitations au sujet de son heureux accouchement et de la naissance de M. le Duc de Bordeaux. S.A.R. les a accueillies avec bienveillance et a témoigné sa satisfaction de savoir que vous soyez resté Consul Général du Roi son grand père. Je vous prie de croire, Monsieur, que je me félicite aussi de voir que les troubles de votre pays n´ont pas influé sur votre position et que je souhaite sincerement qu´ils ne vous atteignent pas..´ (Translation: “I have informed H.R.H. Madame la Duchesse de Berry of your congratulations on the occasion of the happy birth of the Duque de Bordeaux. H.R.H. welcomed them with kindness and expressed her satisfaction at knowing that you remained Consul General of the King his grandfather. Please believe, Sir, that I am also happy to see that the troubles in your country have not influenced your position and that I sincerely hope that they do not affect you”) With address leaf. VG Henri, Count of Chambord (1820-1883) Duke of Bordeaux. Known as the Miracle Child. He was the disputedly King of France in August 1830 as Henry V. He was the last legitimate descendant in the male line of King Louis XIV of France.The letter is addressed to King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies (1751-1825) grandfather of the Duchess of Berry. Her father, Francis I would succeed Ferdinand I in 1825.The troubles and revolts the letter refers to relate to July 1820 when a military revolt broke out under General Guglielmo Pepe, which obliged Ferdinand I to sign a constitution. A second revolt occurred in Sicily in favour of its independence but this one was suppressed by Neapolitan troops.
ISABELLA II: (1830-1904) Queen of Spain 1833-68. A.L.S., Isabelle de Bourbon, one page, 8vo, Paris, 7th December 1874, to 'Madame la Duchesse', in French. The former Queen writes, in full, 'Profitant de votre graciosite je me suis rendu hier, avec mes filles, au conservatoire entendre le concert, et j'y ai passe deux heures fort agreables. Je viens encore me fais vous remercier de votre aimable attention et vous renouveler en meme temps l'expression de ma plus vive symphatie et de mes meilleures amities pour vous ainsi que pour le Marechal' (Translation: 'Taking advantage of your kindness, I went yesterday, with my daughters, to the conservatory to hear the concert, and I spent two very pleasant hours there. I again thank you for your kind attention and at the same time renew to you the expression of my deepest sympathy and my best friendship towards you as well as for the Marshal'). With blank integral leaf. About EX
HENRY IV: (1553-1610) King of France 1589-1610 and King of Navarre 1572-1610. First French Monarch of the House of Bourbon. Assassinated. A very fine A.L.S., `Votre bon oncle Henry´, one page, 4to, Fontainebleau, 23rd October, n.y., to his nephew the Prince of Piedmont, in French. The King states `Mon neveu envoyant vers mon frère le Duc de Savoye… Je lui ay comandé vous vysyter de ma part et vous rafrechyr les assurances que je vous ay fet doner par luy mesmes de la bone volonté que vous porte´ (Translation: `My nephew, sending to my brother the Duke of Savoy... I ordered him to visit you on my behalf and to update you with the assurances that I asked to be given to you by himself of the good will I forward to you´) A small area of paper loss to the left border as a result of the opening, although not affecting the text or signature. G to VG Henry IV probably addresses the present letter to Victor Amadeus I (1587-1633) Prince of Piedmont 1605-30 and Duke of Savoy 1630-37. In 1619 he married Christine Marie of France, a daughter of King Henry IV and Marie de´ Medici.
SPRINGBANK 1991 12 YEAR OLD BOURBON WOODSingle malt.There are very few distilleries left in Scotland that have the capacity to carry out 100% of the whisky making process onsite, but Springbank can make that claim. Situated in Campbeltown (the former whisky capital of the world) the distillery produces three distinct styles of single malt: lightly peated Springbank, heavily peated Longrow, and triple distilled, unpeated Hazelburn.Despite being a relatively small distillery, Springbank has cultivated a global cult following, with older expressions such as their legendary Local Barley series commanding eye-watering sums at auction.Distilled: December 1991Bottled: February 2004One of only 5986 bottles released.58.5% ABV / 70cl
BRUICHLADDICH 1990 27 YEAR OLD RARE CASK SERIES HB '90Single malt.Given Islay’s peaty reputation, the assumption might be that the islanders themselves favour big smoky whiskies. However, it’s actually Bruichladdich with its traditionally unpeated style that has earned the reputation as the local favourite. It’s only relatively recently that the distillery has dabbled in peated whisky with their Port Charlotte range, as well as the ultra-heavily peated Octomore releases.This expression was initially matured in Bourbon wood before being transfered to wine barrels in 2007 for a finishing period.Bottle Number: 13 / 12,00049.5% ABV / 70cl
ARDBEG KELPIE COMMITTEE RELEASESingle malt.Located on the island’s rugged south coast, Ardbeg distillery represents the peatier end of the Islay spectrum. While it has endured some tough times, spending several years mothballed, the distillery has undergone a bit of a renaissance since being bought over by Glenmorangie and is now on a stable footing.While it still retains its signature sooty spirit, Ardbeg has also adopted its new parent company’s fondness for experimental cask finishes, arguably increasing its appeal.The Kelpie has been matured in a combination of Bourbon wood and Virgin Black Sea Oak casks.51.7% ABV / 70cl
HIGHLAND PARK TRISKELIONSingle malt.Orkney’s Highland Park distillery is situated in the town of Kirkwall on the site of an illicit still thought to have been operated by Magnus Eunson, a smuggler, local butcher and former priest who was directly descended from Viking settlers. With that heritage, it’s fitting that today they frequently draw from Scandinavian mythology when it comes to naming their whiskies.The distillery is known for its signature style that utilises Orcadian peat in the malting process, resulting in a fragrant, heathery spirit that is most often left matured in Sherry wood.As the name suggest, the Triskelion has been aged in a trifecta of casks:1st Fill Spanish Oak Sherry Seasoned Butts1st Fill American Oak Sherry Seasoned Butts1st Fill Bourbon Barrels & Hogsheads54.1% ABV / 70cl
HIGHLAND PARK 16 YEAR OLD TWISTED TATTOOSingle malt.Orkney’s Highland Park distillery is situated in the town of Kirkwall on the site of an illicit still thought to have been operated by Magnus Eunson, a smuggler, local butcher and former priest who was directly descended from Viking settlers. With that heritage, it’s fitting that today they frequently draw from Scandinavian mythology when it comes to naming their whiskies.The distillery is known for its signature style that utilises Orcadian peat in the malting process, resulting in a fragrant, heathery spirit that is most often left matured in Sherry wood.The Twisted Tatto has been matured in a combination of 1st fill Bourbon and Rioja casks.46.7% ABV / 70cl
JURA 18 YEAR OLD 'ONE FOR YOU'Single malt.With deer outnumbering people by around 25 to 1, it’s surprising the isle of Jura can sustain a distillery at all, let alone a decent sized one capable of supplying 2.2 million litres of spirit per annum. Although it was originally founded in 1810, the distillery closed at the turn of the century and wasn’t revived until the 1960 when it was completely rebuilt by two of the island’s local landowners.Despite the abundant peat available on the island, Jura’s style has tended to be somewhat lighter, as dictated by the blending requirements of its owners over the years. Today it is operated by Whyte & MacKay, under the Emperador umbrella."One for You" has been matured in Bourbon barrels before being finished in Virgin Oak Quarter casks.52.5% ABV / 70cl
ABERLOUR 1985 23 YEAR OLD WAREHOUSE NO.1 CASK #2752Single malt.Named after the small Speyside town in which it resides, Aberlour distillery has cultivated a dedicated following, particularly in France where it is frequently the top selling single malt. The spirit it produces ages extremely well in Sherry casks and has a distinctive note of blackcurrant.Although it boasts an extensive core range, the expression it is perhaps best known for is the consistently excellent small batch A’Bunadh.Distilled: 21/07/1985Bottle Number: 120Matured in Bourbon cask #275247.6% ABV / 70cl
JURA 20 YEAR OLD 'ONE AND ALL' Single malt.With deer outnumbering people by around 25 to 1, it’s surprising the isle of Jura can sustain a distillery at all, let alone a decent sized one capable of supplying 2.2 million litres of spirit per annum. Although it was originally founded in 1810, the distillery closed at the turn of the century and wasn’t revived until the 1960 when it was completely rebuilt by two of the island’s local landowners.Despite the abundant peat available on the island, Jura’s style has tended to be somewhat lighter, as dictated by the blending requirements of its owners over the years. Today it is operated by Whyte & MacKay, under the Emperador umbrella.This expression has been matured in whole host of different casks; including Bourbon, Sherry, sparkling Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Savignon and Pinot Noir. It's a party in your mouth, and everyone's invited!51% ABV / 70cl
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