Charles Dickens Signed Carte-de-Visite Photograph ("Christmas 1863") Magnificent 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite photo of the author with his head turned to the left, by John & Charles Watkins of London, beautifully signed and dated in blue ink, "Charles Dickens, Christmas 1863." In fine condition, with a tiny tear to the top edge of the image. Signed photographs of Dickens are of the utmost rarity; this is a superior example, especially considering Dickens's fame for his Christmas stories. Consignor notes that this originates from the collection of Dr. James Sheridan Muspratt (1821-1871), Irish-born research chemist and teacher, who lived in Liverpool and organized a visit to the city by Dickens's amateur theatre company in 1847.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.