Every day Sophie Dupre presents two items from her large stock of signed photographs, autograph letters, autographs for sale, royal memoralbilia and antiquarian manuscripts.
The photographs are presented with the catalogue descriptions.
On this day... see what happened on your special day
December 29
ON THIS DAY
On this day in 1709 Elizabeth Petrovna was born. She was the Empress of Russia from 1741 until her death. She led the country into the two major European conflicts of her time: the War of Austrian Succession (1740–48) and the Seven Years' War (1756–63).
In 1809 William Ewart Gladstone was born. He was a British Liberal and earlier conservative politician. In a career lasting over sixty years, he served as Prime Minister four separate times.
ELIZABETH PETROVNA (1709-1762, Empress of Russia from 1741)
Fine decree document, in Russian with translation, signed ‘Elisavet’ to her Court Office, saying she has appointed “Katerina, daughter of State Councillor Aleksyei Karadochev, to be our Maid-of-honour”, and asking them to enrol her “in the Court establishment, her salary to be in proportion to our other Maids-of-honour”, 1 side folio, the document prepared on the 1st January 1742 but not signed till Moscow, 28th October 1742
38096
GLADSTONE (William Ewart, 1809-1898, Prime Minister)
Fine long Autograph letter signed saying he is concerned that he has only just got his letter and so hastens to reply “I am under no engagement to Mr Parry. He informed me that he acted on the part of the Committee and it was on this information, ... that I acted. Unless the matter can be explained, I think I have serious reason to complain of him. I understand you to write as the Officer of the local Committee which superintends the arrangement under the Science and Art Department for giving prizes to its classes. You will understand my being particular, after what has happened. If I am right in this supposition, I am willing to come to Greenwich .... for the purpose of distribution ... Dr Miller ... who has kindly invited me to his house is aware of my position and of the proceedings of mr Parry and I would venture to suggest your communicating with him ...”, 4 sides 8vo., Hawarden Castle headed paper, 31st October 1875, splits at folds repaired
38690
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