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λ An early 18th century ivory fan, circa 1740, with carved and pierced guards and sticks, all profusely inlaid with the finest of intricate silver pique work, the skin leaf mounted ‘a l’anglaise’ and painted with a scene of David the humble shepherd and talented musician, presenting the head of the Philistine Goliath to King Saul of Israel, two children amongst the entourage carry Goliath’s own sword with which David had beheaded the giant, numerous flowers to the verso, typical of early 18th century fans, 28cm long

A Royal Doulton Blue Children vase, inverse baluster form, 47cm high

Hannah Barlow for Doulton Lambeth, a stoneware biscuit barrel, 1879, cylindrical form, sgraffito decorated with children and sheep in a cottage landscape, between raised borders, silver plated mounts, 23cm high

Three Chinese ginger jars, comprising: a famille rose example decorated with a Manchu / Chinese mother waving her fan at two children; a blue and white prunus jar with domed cover; and a dragon decorated jar in famille rose (3)

SET OF THREE ORIENTAL BLACK LACQUERED PAPER MACHE BOWLS, DECORATED WITH GILT DOGS OF FO ETC, LARGEST APPROX 26CM, TOGETHER WITH A PRINT DEPICTING CHILDREN COLLECTING EASTER EGGS

MEISSEN GROUP, 20th century, modelled as three children around a large vase, blue crossed sword marks, incised 1649, height 15cm

Lladro Hand Painted Porcelain Figures ( 4 ) In Total. All Featuring Children Holding Farm Animals, One Holding a Chicken, One Holding a Baby Pig, The Other Two Holding Lambs. Tallest Figure 11 Inches - 27.5 cm. All Figures are 1st Quality and Mint Condition, Please Confirm with Photo.

Pair Of Early 20thC Oak Framed Prints Portrait Of Children, 9 x 7 Inches, Frames 15 x 13 Inches

TWO ROYAL DOULTON GROUPS: HN1342 'Flower Sellers Children' 20cm high; and HN2484 'Past Glory'

SEVEN ROYAL WORCESTER MODELS OF CHILDREN FROM THE 'DAYS OF THE WEEK' SERIES comprising 3519 'Monday's Child', 3534 'Tuesday's Child', 3521 'Wednesday's Child', 3260 'Thursday's Child', 3261 'Friday's Child', 3524 'Saturday's Child', 3518 'Sunday's Child'

SEVEN ROYAL WORCESTER MODELS OF CHILDREN FROM THE 'DAYS OF THE WEEK' SERIES comprising 'Monday's Child' (girl in white dress and blue ribbon), 'Tuesday's Child' 3254 (ballerina in yellow), 'Wednesday's Child' 3259 (girl in pink dress), Thursday's Child' 3522 (girl in turquoise dress with satchell), 'Friday's Child' 3523 (girl in yellow seated with bird), 'Saturday's Child' 3262 (girl in white dress with ball of wool), 'Sunday's Child' (child in blue dress with ball)

TWELVE ROYAL WORCESTER FIGURES OF CHILDREN FROM THE MONTHS OF THE YEAR SERIES: 3452, 3453, 3454, 3416 April, 3455 May, 3456 June, 3440 July, 3441 August, 3457 September, 3417 October, 3418 November, 3458 December

A SET OF FOUR MEISSEN MARCOLINI PERIOD FIGURES OF CHILDREN polychrome enamelled with gilt highlights, standing on Neo-classical plinth bases, underglaze blue, incised and impressed marks, 15cm high

English School, watercolour, Children on the Shore, initialled and dated 1933, 9ins x 13ins

Joyce Roybal (b.1955). Children playing trumpets, oil on canvas /board. 24.5 x 19.5cm. Framed.

Joyce Roybal (b.1955). Children playing flutes, oil on canvas /board. 38 x 29cm. Framed.

Late 19th/early 20th century English School, landscape with mother and children outside a cottage, unsigned, watercolour, 33cm x 52cm,

Barbara Firth (1928-2013), six original artworks by Barbara Firth. Underwater in the lily pond with tadpoles and other aquatic creatures, illustration from Leapfrog written by William Mayne published Walker books, Water-colour on paper, 24 x 39 cms. Underwater in the lily pond with tadpoles and other aquatic creatures, illustration from Leapfrog written by William Mayne published Walker books,Water-colour on paper, 24 x 39 cms. Underwater in the pond with tadpole, clam and other aquatic creatures, illustration from Leapfrog written by William Mayne published Walker books, water-colour on paper, 24 x 39 cms. An adder, illustration from Leapfrog written by William Mayne published Walker books, Water-colour on paper, 24 x 39 cms. A bridge over a stream with a farm-house in the distance, illustration from Leapfrog written by William Mayne published Walker books, water-colour on paper, 24 x 39 cms. Trout and a crayfish, illustration from Leapfrog written by William Mayne published Walker books, 24 x 39 cms (6). Barbara Firth (1928-2013) was a children’s book illustrator specialising in animal paintings She was born in Cheshire and enjoyed drawing as a child but had no formal art education. When she was three, she began drawing plants and animals, and when she was eleven years old, her family moved to the country, enabling her to spend even more time sketching the flora and fauna around her. Firth delighted in her lack of training: and stated I have been very lucky, as my career in drawing is also my favourite hobby. She qualified in pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion and worked for 15 years for Vogue as production director on books on crochet, knitting and dressmaking. She moved to Marshall Cavendish, and there met Amelia Edwards who commissioned her to illustrate some non-fiction work. Her long term partnership was with publishers Walker Books She collaborated regularly with Martin Waddell on his Little Bear books. She won the 1988 Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded by the Library Association for distinguished illustration in a book for children, for her work on Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep Little Bear, which has been called as perfect a picture-book as anyone could hope to makeFirth lived much of her life in Harrow, with her sister Betty and a household full of pets including Waldo the tortoise. She was survived by her sister Betty and the centenarian WaldoProvenance; This Studio collection was acquired from her estate by the vendor after the Artist’s death, and comprises original art-work from various books that she illustrated. Many of the works are annotated with studio instructions and none are signed. Very few of her water-colours have ever come on to the open market and this collection provides a unique opportunity for buyers

Barbara Firth (1928-2013), Eight original artworks by Barbara Firth. Heron with an eel in its mouth flying over a lily pad with Rowley the frog and a lizard, illustration from Leapfrog written by William Mayne published Walker books, 24 x 39 cms. Hron wading in a stream, illustration from Leapfrog written by William Mayne published Walker books, Water-colour on paper, 24 x 38 cms. Frog and a lizard, illustration from Leapfrog written by William Mayne published Walker books, water-colour on paper, 24 x 39 cms. An eel chasing a frog and a lizard, illustration from Leapfrog written by William Mayne publ Walker books, 24 x 39 cms. Two water-colour landscapes and another small water-colour illustration from Leapfrog written by William Mayne published Walker books, two 15 x 12 cms one 3 x 11 cms. Barnabas the guinea pig in school class-room, illustration for Barnabas Walks by William Mayne Illustrated by Barbara Firth, water-colour on paper, 25 x 20 cms, annotated p 10/11. (8). Barbara Firth (1928-2013) was a children’s book illustrator specialising in animal paintings. She was born in Cheshire and enjoyed drawing as a child but had no formal art education. When she was three, she began drawing plants and animals, and when she was eleven years old, her family moved to the country, enabling her to spend even more time sketching the flora and fauna around her. Firth delighted in her lack of training: and stated I have been very lucky, as my career in drawing is also my favourite hobby. She qualified in pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion and worked for 15 years for Vogue as production director on books on crochet, knitting and dressmaking. She moved to Marshall Cavendish, and there met Amelia Edwards who commissioned her to illustrate some non-fiction work. Her long term partnership was with publishers Walker Books She collaborated regularly with Martin Waddell on his Little Bear books. She won the 1988 Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded by the Library Association for distinguished illustration in a book for children, for her work on Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep Little Bear, which has been called as perfect a picture-book as anyone could hope to makeFirth lived much of her life in Harrow, with her sister Betty and a household full of pets including Waldo the tortoise. She was survived by her sister Betty and the centenarian WaldoProvenance; This Studio collection was acquired from her estate by the vendor after the Artist’s death, and comprises original art-work from various books that she illustrated. Many of the works are annotated with studio instructions and none are signed. Very few of her water-colours have ever come on to the open market and this collection provides a unique opportunity for buyers

Barbara Firth (1928-2013). Six original artworks by Barbara Firth. Barnabas the Guinea pig going through the School door, illustration for Barnabas Walks by William Mayne Illustrated by Barbara Firth, Watercolour on paper, 24 x 39 cms, annotated p18/9. Barnabas the Guinea pig with dog, puppies and children, illustration for Barnabas Walks by William Mayne Illustrated by Barbara Firth, Watercolour on card, 24 x 39 cms, annotated p 29. The school gates, illustration for Barnabas Walks by William Mayne Illustrated by Barbara Firth, Watercolour on card, 39 x 48 cms, annotated p 30/31 and end papers. The Duchess in a bath with Waldo sitting on a pile of towels, also with a vignette of Waldo, illustration for Waldo the tortoise Great Escapes, by David Lloyd ill. Barbara Firth, The hero was based on Barbara's own tortoise Waldo, who was said to be over 100 years old when she died., water-colour on card, 28 x 39 cms annotated 10/11 the vignette p5. a line of tortoises walking on a beach, illustration for Waldo the tortoise Great Escapes, by David Lloyd ill. Barbara Firth, The hero was based on Barbara's own tortoise Waldo, who was said to be over 100 years old when she died., water-colour on card, 28 x 39 cms annotated 14/15. Waldo being fired from a cannon, illustration for Waldo the tortoise Great Escapes, by David Lloyd ill. Barbara Firth, The hero was based on Barbara's own tortoise Waldo, who was said to be over 100 years old when she died., water-colour on card, 28 x 39 cms annotated 16/17 (6). Barbara Firth (1928-2013) was a children’s book illustrator specialising in animal paintings. She was born in Cheshire and enjoyed drawing as a child but had no formal art education. When she was three, she began drawing plants and animals, and when she was eleven years old, her family moved to the country, enabling her to spend even more time sketching the flora and fauna around her. Firth delighted in her lack of training: and stated I have been very lucky, as my career in drawing is also my favourite hobby. She qualified in pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion and worked for 15 years for Vogue as production director on books on crochet, knitting and dressmaking. She moved to Marshall Cavendish, and there met Amelia Edwards who commissioned her to illustrate some non-fiction work. Her long term partnership was with publishers Walker Books She collaborated regularly with Martin Waddell on his Little Bear books. She won the 1988 Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded by the Library Association for distinguished illustration in a book for children, for her work on Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep Little Bear, which has been called as perfect a picture-book as anyone could hope to makeFirth lived much of her life in Harrow, with her sister Betty and a household full of pets including Waldo the tortoise. She was survived by her sister Betty and the centenarian WaldoProvenance; This Studio collection was acquired from her estate by the vendor after the Artist’s death, and comprises original art-work from various books that she illustrated. Many of the works are annotated with studio instructions and none are signed. Very few of her water-colours have ever come on to the open market and this collection provides a unique opportunity for buyers

Barbara Firth (1928-2013). The Duchess parachuting and landing on the ground, with a vignette of her and Waldo, illustration for Waldo the tortoise Great Escapes, by David Lloyd ill. Barbara Firth, The hero was based on Barbara's own tortoise Waldo, who was said to be over 100 years old when she died., water-colour on card, 28 x 39 cms annotated 24/25. Waldo the tortoise with a small dog, with a vignette of Waldo on his back, illustration for Waldo the tortoise Great Escapes, by David Lloyd ill. Barbara Firth, The hero was based on Barbara's own tortoise Waldo, who was said to be over 100 years old when she died., water-colour on card, approx 28 x 39 cms annotated 26/27. Man holding a dog biscuit, from the great Escapes Series, Jack written by David Lloyd, water-colour on paper, 14 x 16 cms annotated Jack p14 and (not used). Elderly man on a bicycle with a small trailer with Jack seated on top, from the great Escapes Series Jack. written by David Lloyd, water-colour on card, 32 x 55 cms annotated Jack p 6 -7. Itinerant man bedding down under the stars with Jack the terrier, from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on card, 34 x 26 cms annotated Jack p9. A montage of four illustrations of Jack the terrier, from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on card, various sizes, annotated Jack p10, three of the four marked to be used on overlay (6). Barbara Firth (1928-2013) was a children’s book illustrator specialising in animal paintings. She was born in Cheshire and enjoyed drawing as a child but had no formal art education. When she was three, she began drawing plants and animals, and when she was eleven years old, her family moved to the country, enabling her to spend even more time sketching the flora and fauna around her. Firth delighted in her lack of training: and stated I have been very lucky, as my career in drawing is also my favourite hobby. She qualified in pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion and worked for 15 years for Vogue as production director on books on crochet, knitting and dressmaking. She moved to Marshall Cavendish, and there met Amelia Edwards who commissioned her to illustrate some non-fiction work. Her long term partnership was with publishers Walker Books She collaborated regularly with Martin Waddell on his Little Bear books. She won the 1988 Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded by the Library Association for distinguished illustration in a book for children, for her work on Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep Little Bear, which has been called as perfect a picture-book as anyone could hope to makeFirth lived much of her life in Harrow, with her sister Betty and a household full of pets including Waldo the tortoise. She was survived by her sister Betty and the centenarian WaldoProvenance; This Studio collection was acquired from her estate by the vendor after the Artist’s death, and comprises original art-work from various books that she illustrated. Many of the works are annotated with studio instructions and none are signed. Very few of her water-colours have ever come on to the open market and this collection provides a unique opportunity for buyers

Barbara Firth (1928-2013). Elderly man with Jack the terrier, from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on card, 35 x 24 cms annotated Jack p 12. Two men with Jack the terrier, from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on card, 14 x 14 cms annotated Jack p 14. Jack the terrier with a man kneeling down near him, from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on card, 32 x 28 cms annotated Jack p 16. Man forcibly taking Jack the terrier, two vignettes (one marked on overlay don't use), from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on paper, approx. 8 x 23 cms overall annotated Jack p 17. Man forcibly taking Jack the terrier, and abandoned rubbish, two vignettes (marked on overlay not used), from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on paper, approx 28 x 23 cms max overall annotated Jack p 18. girl tying a rope to a brick and a broken rope, two vignettes, from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on paper, approx 28 x 30 cms overall annotated Jack p (6). Barbara Firth (1928-2013) was a children’s book illustrator specialising in animal paintings. She was born in Cheshire and enjoyed drawing as a child but had no formal art education. When she was three, she began drawing plants and animals, and when she was eleven years old, her family moved to the country, enabling her to spend even more time sketching the flora and fauna around her. Firth delighted in her lack of training: and stated I have been very lucky, as my career in drawing is also my favourite hobby. She qualified in pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion and worked for 15 years for Vogue as production director on books on crochet, knitting and dressmaking. She moved to Marshall Cavendish, and there met Amelia Edwards who commissioned her to illustrate some non-fiction work. Her long term partnership was with publishers Walker Books She collaborated regularly with Martin Waddell on his Little Bear books. She won the 1988 Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded by the Library Association for distinguished illustration in a book for children, for her work on Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep Little Bear, which has been called as perfect a picture-book as anyone could hope to makeFirth lived much of her life in Harrow, with her sister Betty and a household full of pets including Waldo the tortoise. She was survived by her sister Betty and the centenarian WaldoProvenance; This Studio collection was acquired from her estate by the vendor after the Artist’s death, and comprises original art-work from various books that she illustrated. Many of the works are annotated with studio instructions and none are signed. Very few of her water-colours have ever come on to the open market and this collection provides a unique opportunity for buyers

Barbara Firth (1928-2013). Jack the terrier with a broken rope round his neck escaping his captor, three vignettes, from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on paper, approx 24 x 24 cms overall, annotated Great Escapes Jack p 22. Panoramic garden view with Jack the terrier and his angry captor brandishing a spanner, from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on paper, 5 x 38 cms annotated Jack pps 22/23. Jack the terrier with friends at the top of a hill, from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on paper, 30 x 55 cms , annotated Great Escapes Jack p 28/9. Jack title page, from the great Escapes Series written by David Lloyd, water-colour on paper, 5 x 10 cms, annotated Great Escapes Jack title page marked on overlay not used.  Mr and Mrs Munro carrying a ladder, illustration from The Munros' new house written by Jonathan Gathorne-Hardy illustrated Barbara Firth, water-colour on paper, 17x 39 cms. Barbara Firth (1928-2013) was a children’s book illustrator specialising in animal paintings. She was born in Cheshire and enjoyed drawing as a child but had no formal art education. When she was three, she began drawing plants and animals, and when she was eleven years old, her family moved to the country, enabling her to spend even more time sketching the flora and fauna around her. Firth delighted in her lack of training: and stated I have been very lucky, as my career in drawing is also my favourite hobby. She qualified in pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion and worked for 15 years for Vogue as production director on books on crochet, knitting and dressmaking. She moved to Marshall Cavendish, and there met Amelia Edwards who commissioned her to illustrate some non-fiction work. Her long term partnership was with publishers Walker Books She collaborated regularly with Martin Waddell on his Little Bear books. She won the 1988 Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded by the Library Association for distinguished illustration in a book for children, for her work on Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep Little Bear, which has been called as perfect a picture-book as anyone could hope to makeFirth lived much of her life in Harrow, with her sister Betty and a household full of pets including Waldo the tortoise. She was survived by her sister Betty and the centenarian WaldoProvenance; This Studio collection was acquired from her estate by the vendor after the Artist’s death, and comprises original art-work from various books that she illustrated. Many of the works are annotated with studio instructions and none are signed. Very few of her water-colours have ever come on to the open market and this collection provides a unique opportunity for buyers

Barbara Firth (1928-2013). A house of cards, illustration from The Munros' new house written by Jonathan Gathorne-Hardy illustrated Barbara Firth, water-colour on paper, 30 x 11 cms. Bear and a cat with Grumpalump, illustration from Grumpalump written by Sarah Hayes ill Barbara Firth,water-colour on paper, 27 x 43 cms. First of all Mr Munro took off all three chimneys, illustration from The Munros' new house written by Jonathan Gathorne-Hardy illustrated Barbara Firth, water-colour on paper, 23 x 37 cms, overall. Mr Munro made the ladder longer , illustration from The Munros' new house written by Jonathan Gathorne-Hardy illustrated Barbara Firth, water-colour on paper, 20 x 35 cms. That night in the middle of the night , illustration from The Munros' new house written by Jonathan Gathorne-Hardy illustrated Barbara Firth, water-colour on paper, 24 x 39 cms. In the morning he found more cracks , illustration from The Munros' new house written by Jonathan Gathorne-Hardy illustrated Barbara Firth, water-colour on paper, 24 x 34 cms (6). Barbara Firth (1928-2013) was a children’s book illustrator specialising in animal paintings. She was born in Cheshire and enjoyed drawing as a child but had no formal art education. When she was three, she began drawing plants and animals, and when she was eleven years old, her family moved to the country, enabling her to spend even more time sketching the flora and fauna around her. Firth delighted in her lack of training: and stated I have been very lucky, as my career in drawing is also my favourite hobby. She qualified in pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion and worked for 15 years for Vogue as production director on books on crochet, knitting and dressmaking. She moved to Marshall Cavendish, and there met Amelia Edwards who commissioned her to illustrate some non-fiction work. Her long term partnership was with publishers Walker Books She collaborated regularly with Martin Waddell on his Little Bear books. She won the 1988 Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded by the Library Association for distinguished illustration in a book for children, for her work on Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep Little Bear, which has been called as perfect a picture-book as anyone could hope to makeFirth lived much of her life in Harrow, with her sister Betty and a household full of pets including Waldo the tortoise. She was survived by her sister Betty and the centenarian WaldoProvenance; This Studio collection was acquired from her estate by the vendor after the Artist’s death, and comprises original art-work from various books that she illustrated. Many of the works are annotated with studio instructions and none are signed. Very few of her water-colours have ever come on to the open market and this collection provides a unique opportunity for buyers

Barbara Firth (1928-2013). ), Down crashed the whole house , illustration from The Munros' new house written by Jonathan Gathorne-Hardy illustrated Barbara Firth, water-colour on paper, 24 x 36 cms. Illustration from Grumpalump written by Sarah Hayes ill Barbara Firth, cover with animals, water-colour on card, 31 x 56 cms. Illustration from Grumpalump written by Sarah Hayes illustrated Barbara Firth, title page depicting Grumpalump, cover, water-colour on card, 31 x 56 cms. illustration from Grumpalump written by Sarah Hayes illustrated Barbara Firth, title page depicting Grumpalump, cover, water-colour on card, 31 x 56 cms. Bear and a cat with Grumpalump, illustration from Grumpalump written by Sarah Hayes ill Barbara Firth,water-colour on paper, 27 x 43 cms. Bear gazing up at Grumpalump, illustration from Grumpalump written by Sarah Hayes ill Barbara Firth,water-colour on paper, 27 x 43 cms, annotated pp 6/ (6). Barbara Firth (1928-2013) was a children’s book illustrator specialising in animal paintings. She was born in Cheshire and enjoyed drawing as a child but had no formal art education. When she was three, she began drawing plants and animals, and when she was eleven years old, her family moved to the country, enabling her to spend even more time sketching the flora and fauna around her. Firth delighted in her lack of training: and stated I have been very lucky, as my career in drawing is also my favourite hobby. She qualified in pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion and worked for 15 years for Vogue as production director on books on crochet, knitting and dressmaking. She moved to Marshall Cavendish, and there met Amelia Edwards who commissioned her to illustrate some non-fiction work. Her long term partnership was with publishers Walker Books She collaborated regularly with Martin Waddell on his Little Bear books. She won the 1988 Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded by the Library Association for distinguished illustration in a book for children, for her work on Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep Little Bear, which has been called as perfect a picture-book as anyone could hope to makeFirth lived much of her life in Harrow, with her sister Betty and a household full of pets including Waldo the tortoise. She was survived by her sister Betty and the centenarian WaldoProvenance; This Studio collection was acquired from her estate by the vendor after the Artist’s death, and comprises original art-work from various books that she illustrated. Many of the works are annotated with studio instructions and none are signed. Very few of her water-colours have ever come on to the open market and this collection provides a unique opportunity for buyers

Barbara Firth (1928-2013). Lady Loudly the goose being taken by a man in a snowy landscape, illustration for Lady Loudly the Goose written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 30 x 48 cms, annotated pp 10/11. Tumult the rabbit asleep in a flower meadow, illustration for Tumult the rabbit, written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper 24 x 34 cms, Annotated p 12/13 . Tumult the rabbit escapes again, illustration for Tumult the rabbit, written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper 28 x 38 cms, Annotated p 16/17 . Romeo and Juliet, illustration for Romeo and Juliet the love birds written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 24 x 38 cms. Scruff Oliver the cat attacks Romeo and Juliet, illustration for Romeo and Juliet the love birds written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 24 x 38 cms, Annotated 16/17. Feathers flew. Fur flew, illustration for Romeo and Juliet the love birds written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 24 x 38 cms, Annotated 18/19. (6)Barbara Firth (1928-2013) was a children’s book illustrator specialising in animal paintings. She was born in Cheshire and enjoyed drawing as a child but had no formal art education. When she was three, she began drawing plants and animals, and when she was eleven years old, her family moved to the country, enabling her to spend even more time sketching the flora and fauna around her. Firth delighted in her lack of training: and stated I have been very lucky, as my career in drawing is also my favourite hobby. She qualified in pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion and worked for 15 years for Vogue as production director on books on crochet, knitting and dressmaking. She moved to Marshall Cavendish, and there met Amelia Edwards who commissioned her to illustrate some non-fiction work. Her long term partnership was with publishers Walker Books She collaborated regularly with Martin Waddell on his Little Bear books. She won the 1988 Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded by the Library Association for distinguished illustration in a book for children, for her work on Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep Little Bear, which has been called as perfect a picture-book as anyone could hope to makeFirth lived much of her life in Harrow, with her sister Betty and a household full of pets including Waldo the tortoise. She was survived by her sister Betty and the centenarian WaldoProvenance; This Studio collection was acquired from her estate by the vendor after the Artist’s death, and comprises original art-work from various books that she illustrated. Many of the works are annotated with studio instructions and none are signed. Very few of her water-colours have ever come on to the open market and this collection provides a unique opportunity for buyers

Barbara Firth (1928-2013). Mot at the base of a tree, illustration for Mot the mouse, written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 35 x 46 cms, Annotated p 15. Lady Loudly, illustration for Lady Loudly the Goose written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 11 x 16 cms, annotated pp 12/13. Lady Loudly, escaping from a thieves' van, illustration for Lady Loudly the Goose written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 27 x 28 cms, annotated p14. Two crowned geese in flight, illustration for Lady Loudly the Goose written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 30 x 48 cms, annotated pp 16/17. Lady Loudly, with crows , sheep and woodland animals in a snowy landscape, illustration for Lady Loudly the Goose written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 30 x 48 cms, annotated pps 20/21. Lady Loudly, in a snowy woodland landscape, illustration for Lady Loudly the Goose written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 30 x 48 cms, annotated p 24/25. (6)Barbara Firth (1928-2013) was a children’s book illustrator specialising in animal paintings. She was born in Cheshire and enjoyed drawing as a child but had no formal art education. When she was three, she began drawing plants and animals, and when she was eleven years old, her family moved to the country, enabling her to spend even more time sketching the flora and fauna around her. Firth delighted in her lack of training: and stated I have been very lucky, as my career in drawing is also my favourite hobby. She qualified in pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion and worked for 15 years for Vogue as production director on books on crochet, knitting and dressmaking. She moved to Marshall Cavendish, and there met Amelia Edwards who commissioned her to illustrate some non-fiction work. Her long term partnership was with publishers Walker Books She collaborated regularly with Martin Waddell on his Little Bear books. She won the 1988 Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded by the Library Association for distinguished illustration in a book for children, for her work on Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep Little Bear, which has been called as perfect a picture-book as anyone could hope to makeFirth lived much of her life in Harrow, with her sister Betty and a household full of pets including Waldo the tortoise. She was survived by her sister Betty and the centenarian WaldoProvenance; This Studio collection was acquired from her estate by the vendor after the Artist’s death, and comprises original art-work from various books that she illustrated. Many of the works are annotated with studio instructions and none are signed. Very few of her water-colours have ever come on to the open market and this collection provides a unique opportunity for buyers

Barbara Firth (1928-2013). Dog finds an ailing Lady Loudly in a snowy woodland landscape, illustration for Lady Loudly the Goose written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 30 x 48 cms, annotated pps 26/27. A young boy with Mot in a cage, illustration for Mot the mouse, written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 36 x 42cms, Annotated p 6/7. Mot being chased out with a broom, illustration for Mot the mouse, written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 16 x 28 cms, Annotated p 11. Mot, illustration for Mot the mouse, written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 10 x 10 cms, Annotated p 16. Mot at the base of a tree, illustration for Mot the mouse, written by David Lloyd illustrated by Barbara Firth,.water-colour on paper, 35 x 46 cms, Annotated p 15 (6). Barbara Firth (1928-2013) was a children’s book illustrator specialising in animal paintings. She was born in Cheshire and enjoyed drawing as a child but had no formal art education. When she was three, she began drawing plants and animals, and when she was eleven years old, her family moved to the country, enabling her to spend even more time sketching the flora and fauna around her. Firth delighted in her lack of training: and stated I have been very lucky, as my career in drawing is also my favourite hobby. She qualified in pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion and worked for 15 years for Vogue as production director on books on crochet, knitting and dressmaking. She moved to Marshall Cavendish, and there met Amelia Edwards who commissioned her to illustrate some non-fiction work. Her long term partnership was with publishers Walker Books She collaborated regularly with Martin Waddell on his Little Bear books. She won the 1988 Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded by the Library Association for distinguished illustration in a book for children, for her work on Martin Waddell's Can't You Sleep Little Bear, which has been called as perfect a picture-book as anyone could hope to makeFirth lived much of her life in Harrow, with her sister Betty and a household full of pets including Waldo the tortoise. She was survived by her sister Betty and the centenarian WaldoProvenance; This Studio collection was acquired from her estate by the vendor after the Artist’s death, and comprises original art-work from various books that she illustrated. Many of the works are annotated with studio instructions and none are signed. Very few of her water-colours have ever come on to the open market and this collection provides a unique opportunity for buyers

NATHANIEL BAIRD (1865-1936) - Children with a Butterfly, watercolour heightened with body colour, signed with a monogram, framed, 61cm x 20.5cm.

A mid 19th century Japanese netsuke okimono from Edo period. Signed Tomochika on the base. In carved ivory depicting a group of family members ready to start a trip. The group is omposed of a mother, who is seated on the horse carrying two children in baskets while waiting for her husband, who is tying his shoelaces, 4,20 cm. high. With an expert's report issued by the Spanish Federation of Antique dealers attached.

A Meissen chinoiserie group of a woman with two children, mid 18th centuryModelled by P. Reinicke, the seated mother wearing pink robes over a white skirt embellished with flowers, a child holding a hat seated on her left knee, a second child on her right, the base applied with leaves and flowers, 14.5cm high, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue (her head and arm restuck)Footnotes:Provenance: European Private CollectionThe figure is based on engravings after François Boucher's series 'Les Délices de L'Enfance' (The Delights of Childhood) inspired by engravings by J.J. Balechou.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A pair of Meissen figures of children in Turkish costume, circa 1756-60The girl wearing a lavender hat, puce long jacket and flower-decorated dress edged in blue over a yellow underskirt, the boy wearing an iron-red turban, lavender long jacket, flower-decorated tunic with a sword and dagger, puce breeches and yellow boots, the base moulded with gilt-edged scrollwork, 13.5cm high, impressed 25 to both (her right arm restuck at shoulder and right hand restored, minor chips and restoration) (2)Footnotes:Provenance: Private European CollectionFrom a series of 'Türkenkinder' or children in Turkish costume; a watercolour depicting the designs for eight such figures including the present one was supplied to the Meissen manufactory in 1756 by the Paris dealer Gilles Bazin (published by J. Weber, Von Moskau bis Lissabon [...], in Keramos 212 (2016), p. 8, ill. 2).For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

An important Meissen silver-gilt-mounted tankard with Saxon crossed swords and AR monogram in gilt carouches, circa 1725-30Finely painted with a chinoiserie scene depicting figures and children around two fountains, with another figure suspended on drapery from rockwork above, within an elaborate gilt scrollwork cartouche filled with Böttger lustre, forming a balcony on each side with two figures seated below a multi-tier pagoda roof, each with a gilt and lustre banner displaying crossed swords and an eagle, respectively, the reverse with two branches of indianische Blumen flanking the handle, similar decorated with flowers, formal gilt floral border to rim, the silver gilt mounts, each marked for Elias Adam, Augsburg, 1729-33, applied with four classical profile medallions against chased bands of strapwork, the top of the cover with a quatrefoil medallion depicting a seated figure and a crocodile, emblematic of Africa, within a similar strapwork border, the thumbpiece with two lion's head terminals, 20.2cm highFootnotes:Provenance:Property from the collection of the Hon. Evelena Rothschild and the Behrens Family, sold at Christie's London, 4 July 2017, lot 157The banners on the sides of the cartouche on this tankard bear the Electoral crossed swords of Saxony and the Polish Eagle, respectively, suggest - together with the exceptional quality of the decoration - that it may have been made for a member of the court or as a gift from the Elector.Similar fine silver-gilt covers are on a chinoiserie tankard in the Arnhold Collection, New York (M. Cassidy-Geiger, The Arnhold Collection of Meissen Porcelain (2008), no. 164); another in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (U. Pietsch, Johann Gregorius Höroldt (1996), no. 108; another in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (inv. no. C.995-1919, with Augsburg mark for 1737-39 and maker's mark for J.E. Heuglin); as well as another from this collection, sold in these Rooms, 2 July 2019, lot 16.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

After Hyacinthe Rigaud, 18th CenturyPortrait of Frederick Augustus II, later Augustus III, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (1696-1763), standing full-length, attended by a page oil on canvas80.3 x 64cm (31 5/8 x 25 3/16in).Footnotes:The present work is after the original portrait by Rigaud which is now in the Staatlische Kunstsammlungen, Dresden (inv. no. 760). This painting was executed in 1715, when Frederick Augustus was 19 years old.Frederick Augustus was the only legitimate son of Augustus II (the Strong) and converted to the Roman Catholicism in 1712 to secure his candidacy for the Polish throne. In 1719 he married Maria Josepha, daughter of Joseph I, Holy Roman Emperor. The nuptials fulfilled a dual function. On the one hand, it was to forge an alliance between Saxony and Austria for mutual protection against the rising power of Prussia.At the same time, Augustus the Strong hoped that this diplomatic alliance to the eldest child of one of the most powerful catholic nations in Europe would increase the likelihood of the Imperial Crown coming to Saxony. Frederick Augustus II became Elector of Saxony following his father's death in 1733. He was elected King of Poland by a small minority on 5 October 1733 and was crowned in Kraków on 17 January 1734. Augustus III and Maria Josepha had fourteen children, among them Maria Josepha of Saxony who married Louis, Dauphin of France.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

[ALEXANDER III & ROMANOV FAMILY]: An excellent and rare original 9 x 6.5 photograph, unsigned, [c.1893], the Jongh Freres image showing twenty four Russian Royal family members related to Emperor Alexander III and his wife Empress Maria Feodorovna, including Alexander III (1845-1894) Emperor of Russia 1881-94; his spouse Empress Maria Feodorovna (1847-1928) Empress of Russia 1881-94, Princess Dagmar of Denmark; their children Grand Duke Nicholas (1868-1918) future Tsar of Russia Nicholas II. Assassinated; Grand Duke Michael (1878-1918) Heir presumptive 1894-1904. He deferred acceptance of the throne when Nicholas abdicated in 1917; Grand Duchess Xenia (1875-1960) and Grand Duchess Olga (1882-1960); also including Olga Constantinovna (1851-1926) Queen Consort of Greece 1867-1913. Regent of Greece in 1920. Grand Duchess of Russia; Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich (1847-1909) son of Emperor Alexander II and brother of Emperor Alexander III. He was the senior Grand Duke of the House of Romanov during the reign of his nephew Nicholas II; Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich (1860-1919) youngest child of Tsar Alexander II and brother of Alexander III; Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich (1891-1942) son of the last. Through his friendship with Yusupov, he took part in the assassination of Rasputin. He lived in Paris where he lived during the 1920s a notorious affair with the famous French fashion designer Coco Chanel; Grand Duchess Alexandra Iosifovna (1830-1911) wife of Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich; Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich (1869-1918), etc… Matted in grey, glazed and framed in wood, to an overall size of 17 x 13. Framing being easily removable. Very small overall age wear and few creases. G

SEMBRICH MARCELLA: (1858-1935) Polish Coloratura Soprano. A.L.S., Marcella Sembrich-Stengel, four pages, 8vo, Breslau, 27th October 1887, to a friend, in German. Sembrich announces 'You know there is no second woman in the world who is as lazy to write letters as I am, and therefore you should not be surprised that you have not heard from me for so long' and continues to thank her friend for having taken care of her brother ('He wrote to me that you are so kind and kind'), further asking if he might be able to help Leon find a job and enquiring if his wife and children are healthy. Sembrich also states 'We will definitely be in London next season. I will give concerts. When I'm back in Germany and you have the time, maybe we can meet on 21st November. Leon has the list of cities I will be in. Thank goodness I have great success everywhere' and concludes by referring to her correspondent's mother in Dresden whom she hopes he will meet and send warm greetings to. Some light overall age wear, two small tears to the edges and with a couple of minor traces of former mounting to the final page, not affecting the text or signature, G

BARNARDO THOMAS JOHN: (1845-1905) Irish Philanthropist, the founder and director of homes for poor children. A very fine T.L.S., Thos. J. Barnardo, two pages, 4to, St. Leonard's Lodge, Surbiton, 7th May 1901, to Miss. Theodora L. Prankherd at Royal Holloway College, Egham. Barnardo informs his correspondent that her letter provided him with much joy and delight and also adds that he has not been actively participating in his work ('so as to give complete rest to a dilated heart'), further congratulating Prankherd on her scholarship and remarking 'I haven't followed closely your career as a student, but I have heard a little now and then, when I have met your father, about you, and am proud to remember that the small child whom I knew so well in Hackney ten or twelve years ago has developed into a successful student who has already made her mark and won some of the prizes of life. But perhaps I am more pleased to discern in your letter the undercurrent that tells of one who is seeking to follow and to serve Christ'. Barnardo continues to express his thanks for a donation, explaining '….as we are just now preparing a party of girl emigrants to Canada who will probably (God willing) sail some time in June, it will not be difficult to comply with your wish…..I shall have to communicate with my lady helper who has the preparation of the Canadian parties in her hands…..I will tell her of your kindness, and I have no doubt you will have such a photograph as you wish, and a short account of the child, so that you may be led to take a continued interest in her welfare, and to pray for her amid the difficulties which are sure to meet a young girl making her first start in life in a distant land'. Letters of such good content by Barnardo seldom appear on the market. A couple of very small, extremely minor neat splits to the edges of folds, otherwise VG                                                   

BARNARDO THOMAS JOHN: (1845-1905) Irish Philanthropist, the founder and director of homes for poor children. A very fine, rare manuscript D.S., Thos. J Barnardo, four pages, folio, Stepney Causeway, Ratcliff, London, 13th January 1877, on the printed stationery of the East End Juvenile Mission. The document is in the form of a letter to Orlando Reeves Prankhard and outlines his contract of employment as the Medical officer of the Infirmary in Stepney Causeway and Medical Superintendent of the Mission and states, in part, 'The practical and thorough oversight and professional care of the Infirmary for sick children in Stepney Causeway and of the girls in Church House Home Bow Road whenever that last Institution shall be placed under your care. Your duties will include at least two professional visits to the Infirmary and Home each day…..Upon the occasion of each visit each patient will be seen and attended to and if no dispenser be appointed the medicines dispensed by you…..You undertake….to lose no opportunity of speaking earnest words of Christian exhortation to the patients whom you shall see in private and also to undertake the responsibility of the daily address to be delivered to the patients collectively…..You will undertake the periodical inspection (say once a month) of the sanitary arrangements of our various Institutions…..In the event of epidemics prevailing…..you will of course feel it to be your duty to give unceasing personal attention to the special necessities of the case. You will institute and carry out under my direction a thorough system of registration and “case taking” of all patients admitted to the Infirmary…..These services….will I am sure be conscientiously rendered by you more for the Lord's sake and for the Work's sake than for the sake of any pecuniary consideration but you have consented to receive in return for them a salary of two hundred pounds per year……You are I think fully aware that the East End Juvenile Mission…..about to be established….is carried on by means of faith and prayer and is wholly dependent under God on the free will offering of the Christian Public…..' A highly unusual document of excellent content. One small spindle hole to the upper left corner of each page, not affecting the text or signature, and some light age wear. About VG

ERNST MAX: (1891-1976) German-born, further American and French Painter and Sculptor. A short and clean A.L.S., Max Ernst, one page, to a postcard photograph, Seillans, 27th March 1970, to René, in French. Ernst states `A word from you would please me a lot. A visit even more! I have had news regarding our book… your silence worries me.´ To the front, the postcard photograph shows a colourful work by Ernst entitled Mother and Children on the Globe (1953). VG

BREKER ARNO: (1900-1991) German Sculptor & Architect, best known for his public works created in Nazi Germany. Signed Christmas greetings card, the oblong 8vo folding card featuring a printed illustration to the inside of a small group of three naked ladies in full length poses and also with a facsimile greeting and signature of Breker, in German, also on behalf of his wife and children. Signed ('Arno Breker') in pencil by the sculptor to a clear area alongside his illustration. About EX

ATTWELL MABEL LUCIE: (1879-1964) English Illustrator & Artist, noted for nostalgic drawings of children. A.L.S., Mabel Lucie Attwell, one page, 8vo, Roland Gardens, London, n.d., to a lady. Attwell thanks her correspondent for their very kind letter, remarking 'It's always nice to know that someone is loving my babies' and further adding 'Some one wrote the other day that he had over a hundred different postcard ones!'. With blank integral leaf (very slight traces of former mounting to the head of the verso). VG

ROUSSEAU JEAN-JACQUES: (1712-1778) French Writer and Philosopher. An interesting autograph manuscript, three pages, 4to, n.p., n.d., in French. Rousseau writes a text, being related to remarriages, and states in part `Nobody ignores that the ecclesiastical and civil Laws have some time ago too much extended the chapters of the remarriages in order to disadvantage them, only admitting as marriage principles the intention of having children…and isn´t it an abuse of the Law authorities to add difficulties to an honest union, so simple on its own..´ The Rousseau manuscript includes close to the conclusion two paragraphs in the hand of Madame Dupin, stating in part `..the satisfaction of women of making themselves the choice..´, and referring to remarriages she concludes `And that this word will not be particularly convenient to women as well as to men.´ Overall minor age wear, with edges irregularly trimmed. G     The present text corresponds to Rousseau´s work about the history of women, written between 1745 and 1751 for his benefactress Mrs Louise Marie Madeleine Dupin, and which would never be published.

SADE MARQUIS DE (1740-1814) French Writer, Nobleman and Revolutionary Politician. Best-known for his erotic works and sexual fantasies with violence and lack of morality. Author of The 120 Days of Sodom. Sade spent thirty-two years of his life imprisoned and most of his works were written while incarcerated. The word sadism was coined from his name. Rare A.L.S., `Sade´, three pages, and 6 lines to fourth, 4to, [Charenton], 10th September [1810], to his farmer François Ripert, in French. Sade expresses his satisfaction knowing that Ripert has bought his land of Mazan and that it will remain in friendly hands, and in future will be Ripet´s son property, and referring to him states `..a son who is the charm and honour of your life, while Heaven has treated me quite differently..´,  and referring to his own children Sade employs hard words to describe them, stating `.. my daughter a mixture of foolishness and devotion, and although devoid of any necessary quality to make a mother of family, she will probably die as virgin as she was born.´, further referring to his son, Sade distrusts him and states `..he is extremely shrewd and clever, litigant and harassing, this one has never a sol in favour of his father, but his pockets are full of gold for his lawyers and procurators..´ Sade compares the well-being of Ripert´s family with his own `..the plagues overwhelming me..´ Further again, and regarding the sale of Mazan, Sade states `..If my son is creditor, Madame Quesnet is creditor too, her rights are as powerful as well granted.´ Sade adds a post-scriptum saying `Madame Sade having passed away last July 7th, you will have to deal with my son Armand..´ With blank address leaf, small remnants of a former seal, and an extremely small area of paper loss due to the letter opening. Small overall age wear and creasing, otherwise about VG   Marie-Constance Quesnet (1757-1814?) French actress, Sade´s mistress since 1790.

TOLSTOY ALEKSEY: (1817-1875) Count Tolstoy, Russian Poet, Novelist and Playwright. A main figure of the Russian 19th century literature. Aleksey Tolstoy was a childhood comrade of Crown Prince Alexander II, later appointing him on the day of his coronation his personal aide-adjutant. Tolstoy died of a self-administered lethal dose of morphine. A good D.S., signed twice `Comte Alexis Tolstoi´, four pages, Paris, 26th March 1920, in French. The partially printed document being a loan request, given by the Franco-Russe Company of Loans in Paris, to Count Alexis Tolstoy. The document reports that Count Tolstoy applies for a loan of nine thousand francs, and responding to a list of printed questions, states in part `Russian citizen - Married - Playwright and Man of Letters - arrived to France on 19th June 1919..´. The document further includes 12 written lines listing the properties and guarantees Count Tolstoy can submit, saying `A) Property at Starsdoub, Toula, close to Kachira….B) Product of my royalties for seven works… C) Product of the sale of twelve volumes of my works… E) A new novel “Le Chemin des Tourmentés” which is being published in four languages..´ Further again the document includes the name and age of his wife and children. To the last page, the Loan Company Committee concludes the approval of only two thousand francs, with two guarantors, and stating that `..for the last time, loan non-renewable..´ Small overall minor age wear, otherwise VG

STEVENSON ROBERT LOUIS: (1850-1894) Scottish Novelist of Treasure Island, Kidnapped and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. A.L.S., Robert Louis Stevenson, two pages, small 8vo, n.p. (Paris), 19th January 1877, to Walter L. Palmer. Stevenson writes an intriguing letter seeking a private meeting with Palmer and states, in full, 'I shall be obliged to you for an early interview. I have called on you already this morning; I shall call again after four this afternoon; and should I be again unfortunate, I should be glad to hear from you when you will be in the house, or where else I can conveniently speak with you alone. I am, Sir, your obedient servant'. Some light staining and wear to the folds (professionally and neatly repaired) only very slightly affecting a few words of text, but not the signature. G Stevenson's correspondent is most likely to have been Walter Launt Palmer (1854-1932) American Impressionist Painter. Palmer was in Paris in 1876-77 where he was studying with Carolus-Duran and encountered the artist colony of Grez-sur-Loing with Stevenson. The Scottish novelist was in Paris in early 1877 with his future wife, Fanny Osbourne, and spent much of the following year in the company of his lover and her two children.

CORNER JULIA: (1798-1875) English Author of Plays for Children whose series of plays Little Plays for Little People were published by Dean & Son in 1854. The plays consisted of Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Puss in Boots and Dick Whittington, all fairy stories which have now become classic pantomimes. A good A.L.S., Julia Corner, three pages, 8vo, Bayswater, 3rd November n.y., to a lady. Corner thanks her correspondent for her good opinion of her little plays and continues to explain that she has 'no intention of bringing out any more of them having discontinued writing for children as my time is wholly engrossed by works of another description.' The author further informs her correspondent that 'there are three other plays of mine published by Mr. Dean, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Puss in Boots. These have all been frequently acted…' In concluding Corner adds 'There are some others with my name to them but they were not written by me. I never wrote any but the three I mention and Whittington'. A letter of good content making reference to all of Corner's important works. Some slight traces of former mounting to the verso of the final page, causing slight wrinkling at the head of the page, just affecting two lines of text but not the signature, about VG

HIMMLER HEINRICH: (1900-1945) Nazi German Politician, Reichsfuhrer of the Schutzstaffel (SS) 1929-45. D.S., H. Himmler, in bold green indelible pencil, one page, 4to, n.p., 8th November 1936, in German. The partially printed document provides confirmation that August Heissmeyer has, as 'a keeper of the law of blood and life of the Schutzstaffel' taken an oath of loyalty before Himmler following his promotion to SS-Obergruppenfuhrer, the oath stating, in part, 'I obligate myself as Gruppenführer of the SS, with the utmost of my ability, that regardless of the individual person or of the merits of his parents and ancestors, only such candidates can be taken in the Schutzstaffel, who fulfill the strictest requirements of the SS. I will defend this even it is about the repudiation of my own children or the children of my clan…..I swear these liabilities with the loyalty to our leader Adolf Hitler and with the honor of my ancestors - so help me God'. Four file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG August Heissmeyer (1897-1979) German SS-Obergruppenfuhrer, Commander of the SS Main Office from 1935-39. After World War II Heissmeyer was tried and convicted as a 'major Nazi offender'.

ELIZABETH OF BAVARIA: (1876-1965) Queen consort of the Belgians 1909-34, as spouse of King Albert I. Mother of King Leopold III of Belgium and grandmother of Kings Baudouin and Albert II of Belgium. A.L.S., Elisabeth, one page, 8vo, La Panne, 29th July 1916, to Mrs. Wallace. A boldly and cleanly written letter by the Belgian Queen, in English, during World War One, stating in full `I thank you and all the ladies who have worked so faithfully for the splendid portable house which is the delight of one hundred children saved from danger. I am deeply touched by the generous help which American women and children have given to this work to which I am attached with all my heart.´ With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope. Post-marked with an ink stamp stating "Service du Roi". VG

VICTORIA: (1819-1901) Queen of the United Kingdom Great Britain & Ireland 1837-1901. An exceptionally fine A.L.S., The Queen, in the third person, four pages, 8vo, Windsor Castle, 26th February 1873, to Alfred Tennyson, on black bordered mourning stationery. The Queen writes, in full, 'Though Lady Augusta Stanley has already conveyed the expressions of the Queen's warmest thanks for high admiration of the beautiful Epilogue he has so kindly inscribed to herself, she wishes to repeat again herself to Mr. Tennyson these feelings on the occasion of the arrival of the copy of the very fine new edition of the Idylls of the King. Pray accept the renewed thanks of the Queen for the noble, heart stirring words addressed to her, & which were a complete surprise. It would give the Queen much pleasure, could she, some day, when he is within reach of Windsor, show him the Mausoleum she has raised over the Earthly remains of her dear Husband whom he knew how to appreciate & so beautifully described - as she feels sure he would admire it & think it worthy of Him who wore "…The white flower of a blameless life". She also hopes that Mr. Tennyson will not find Osborne too far a drive from Osborne'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Queen Victoria and signed ('The Queen') by her to the lower left corner. A letter of remarkable content and association. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG    Idylls of the King is a cycle of twelve narrative poems by Tennyson which were published between 1859 and 1885 and retell the legend of King Arthur. The poems were dedicated to the late Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, and in the very brief final section of the work Tennyson praises Queen Victoria, and her recently deceased husband, and prays that she, like Arthur, is remembered as a great ruler long after her reign is over.Provenance: The present letter is accompanied by the original Sotheby's description, clipped from their catalogue (lot 440, 22nd July 1980) which states that it was the first letter written by Queen Victoria to Alfred Tennyson. Indeed, this is the first of only eleven letters from the Queen to the Poet Laureate recorded by American Book Prices Current as having appeared at auction, and the earliest in date. The other recorded letters range from 1883-90 and cover subjects including her children Prince Leopold and Princess Beatrice, John Brown, the death of General Gordon and her suggestion that Tennyson might try to persuade William Gladstone to retire from politics. In their description Sotheby's also state that 'Tennyson visited the Mausoleum at Windsor on 6 March. In her journal the Queen recorded her satisfaction with the meeting: "….When I showed him some of the details of the decorations in the building he said the whole effect was very beautiful & worthy of what it was intended for…"'

BRITISH ROYAL CHILDREN: A fine and extremely rare vintage signed sepia 4.5 x 3.75 photograph by all six children of King George V and Queen Mary individually comprising Prince Edward of Wales (1894-1972, later King Edward VIII and afterwards Duke of Windsor), Prince Albert of Wales (1895-1952, later King George VI), Princess Mary of Wales (1897-1965, later Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood), Prince Henry of Wales (1900-1974, later Duke of Gloucester), Prince George of Wales (1902-1942, later Duke of Kent) and Prince John of Wales (1905-1919), the private family image dating from around 1909 and depicting the siblings standing and seated together in full length poses, most in formal attire and Princes Henry and George both wearing sailor's uniforms. Signed by each in bold, dark fountain pen inks with their names alone to clear areas of the image. Signed photographs by all six children of King George V and Queen Mary are extremely rare owing to Prince John's tragically early death from an epileptic seizure at the age of 13. Neatly laid down, VG

LLOYD-GEORGE DAVID: (1863-1945) British Prime Minister 1916-22. A fine A.L.S., D Lloyd-George, four pages, 8vo, 10 Downing Street, Whitehall, 29th December 1918, to James Louis Garvin ('My dear Garvin'), on the blind embossed stationery of the Prime Minister. Lloyd-George writes a warm letter of sympathy following the death of his correspondent's first wife, commencing 'I wish I could express to you how much I feel for you in your dark sorrow. Fate has indeed dealt cruelly by you these last years & to have thus stricken you in the hours of national rejoicing is double bitterness', and continuing to reflect 'I was once called upon to pass through the valley of grief when I lost a little girl that was most dear to me. The real sympathy of friends helped me. That I know you can command abundantly. I have heard it expressed in many quarters. What saved me however from distraction & despair was hard work', further adding 'I know you are a brave & high souled man with a real mission in life & I know you will find comfort' before concluding 'My wife wishes to join me in profoundest sympathy with you & your motherless children'. Accompanied by the original envelope partially addressed in Lloyd-George's hand and marked 'Private'. VG James Louis Garvin (1868-1947) British Journalist & Author, editor of The Observer 1908-42. Garvin had married Christina Ellen Wilson in 1894 and his first wife bore him a son and four daughters. Their son Roland, known to the family as Ged, died in a night assault on German lines in 1916. Garvin was heartbroken at his loss and never fully recovered from his son's death which also shaped many of his attitudes to subsequent events. David Lloyd-George's daughter, Mair (1890-1907) died at a tragically young age during an appendectomy.

KENNEDY JACQUELINE & ONASSIS CHRISTINA: Jacqueline Kennedy (1929-1994) Wife of American President John F. Kennedy, First Lady 1961-63; & Christina Onassis (1950-1988) American-born Greek heiress to the Aristotle Onassis fortune as his only daughter with Tina Onassis Niarchos. Very rare and exceptionally interesting Typed Contract Signed, `read and approved Jacqueline Bouvier Onassis´ individually and as Guardian of her children, and  `Read and Approved Christina Onassis´ individually and as Personal Representative of her Father´s Estate, twenty-three pages, folio, London, 7th May 1975. The document being the original Agreement of Family Compromise and Settlement between Christina Onassis (herein called the "Daughter"), and Jacqueline Bouvier Onassis (herein called the "Wife"). The very interesting contract content, in its preliminary part, states in part `Whereas, the Daughter is the sole surviving issue of the late Aristotle S. Onassis…Whereas, the Wife is the surviving spouse of the Father, having been married to him on October 10th 1968 on the Island of Skorpios, Greece… Whereas, on November 25th 1972 in New York, the Father and the Wife each executed and delivered a Mutual Waiver and Release…(copy attached).. Whereas the Father died on March 15th 1975… Whereas, the Wife has claimed that the Waiver was and is invalid… by reason of her status as surviving spouse to share in the Father´s Estate…and the Daughter…has disputed all such claims made by the Wife.. Whereas the Wife and the Daughter each desires…a legally valid and binding compromise, settlement…and discharge for all time under the present and future laws of every jurisdiction throughout the world of any and all claim, right, title…past, present or future..´ Further listing the thirteen agreements clauses, stating in part `..2) Payment to Wife. .. by way of compromise and settlement and on a lump sum (forfaitaire) basis, the Daughter, individually and as the Personal Representative of the Father´s Estate to the Wife in London, England, the sum of $20,500,000 (U.S.) by banker´s draft, issued by a non-United States bank and payable in London…3) Obligations of Wife…4) Children of the Wife. During the marriage of the Wife and the Father, the Wife´s two children by her prior marriage, John Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy, resided with the wife. The Wife, as Guardian of said children, hereby acknowledges on behalf of her children that the Father at no time had any obligation for the support of her children, but that he nevertheless contributed to their support, maintenance and welfare during the marriage…´ Also signed by four witnesses at the conclusion, each party chosen two, and to the front page by the English Notary Public James Malcolm Waugh. Bearing to the front a red notarial seal affixed with bounded green ribbon. A historical document with extremely interesting legal content. EX   Christina Onassis, diagnosed with clinical depression, died at the early age of 37. She was found in her bathtub in Buenos Aires. She had lost her entire immediate family in a three years period, her brother, Alexander, died in a plane crash in 1973 at the age of 24, her mother Tina died of a suspected drug overdose in 1974, and her father Aristotle died in March 1975.

BATISTA FULGENCIO: (1901-1973) President of Cuba 1940-44 & 1952-59. T.L.S., one page, 4to, Presidential Place, La Habana, 13th May 1954, in Spanish. The document bearing the printed heading “Republic of Cuba - Executive Power”, is a decree, number 1911, according to which Batista in his capacity as President, and following the advice of the Health Ministry, states `I accept Armando Garcia Porras-Pita renounce to the post of Chief of Administration…of the Children Orientation Centre, of the Ministry of Social Assistance and Health; and I name for such task Pedro Vazquez Sanchez…´ Countersigned by the Minister of Health. The document bears alongside Batista´s signature a blind embossed seal of the Presidency of the Cuban Republic. Small overall age wear and creasing, with a very small tear to the edge and trace of former staple to the upper left corner. G

HUSSEIN SADDAM: (1937-2006) President of Iraq 1979-2003. D.S., Saddam Hussein, in Arabic, one page, 4to, Republic of Irak, 23rd October 1995, also in Arabic, 1416. The partially printed document, bearing at the heading a printed eagle seal, is a Presidential decree stating that Sabri Younes Mohamed Ali, who passed away, is from now on considered a martyr, and therefore his children will get all their rights and privileges as established in favour of the martyrs of the Popular Army of Irak. Signed in dark ink by Saddam Hussein in his capacity as President of the Republic. Four small pinholes to the right border, otherwise VG

A PLAUE GROUP OF CHILDREN ON A SEESAW, THREE OTHER GERMAN PORCELAIN GROUPS, INCLUDING GRAPE HARVESTERS AND WINE MAKERS AND TWO CONTINENTAL GROUPS OF THREE CHILDREN PLAYING BLIND MAN'S BUFF OR CHILDREN WITH A WHEELBARROW, SEESAW GROUP 28CM H, PRINTED OR PAINTED MARKS, LATE 20TH C Plawe group - some repair to branches of tree but no substantial damage. The other items in the lot in good condition

SIX SITZENDORF, VOLKSTEDT AND OTHER GERMAN GROUPS OF CHILDREN, INCLUDING THE SEESAW, DANCERS AND FLOWER GATHERERS, ON OVAL GILT BASE, 12 - 16CM H, PRINTED OR PAINTED MARK OR UNMARKED, EARLY 20TH C AND LATER Good condition

A PAIR OF SITZENDORF FLORAL ENCRUSTED POT POURRI VASES AND COVERS OF PEAR SHAPE AND PRINTED AND PAINTED WITH FLOWERS, 23CM H, UNDERGLAZE BLUE PAINTED CROSSED LINE, EARLY 20TH C AND A JOHN BEVINGTON FLORAL ENCRUSTED FIGURAL CANDELABRUM WITH TWO SEATED CHILDREN, C1870 (5) Vases and covers - slight faults and wear to gilding. Candelabrum - old restoration

SEVEN VOLKSTEDT AND SITZENDORF GROUPS OF CHILDREN, INCLUDING FLOWER GATHERERS, MUSICIANS OR ITINERANTS, 11 - 16CM H, PAINTED PARALLEL LINES OR PRINTED MARK, FIRST HALF 20TH C AND LATER Good condition

A MEISSEN GROUP OF FOUR DANCING CHILDREN, 14CM H, INCISED 2728, UNDERGLAZE BLUE CROSSED SWORDS, 20TH C One boy broken off above the knee and restuck, the same figure also lacking right forearm, two girls each lacking a thumb, some chipping of the ferns on the base, no other damage or restoration detected

THREE PAIRS OF VOLKSTEDT FIGURES OF CHILDREN AND A GROUP OF MUSICIANS, INCLUDING DANCERS AND A HURDY GURDY PLAYER, 13 - 16CM H, PRINTED MARK, LATE 20TH C Good condition