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Noblesse et royauté: Souvenirs from history, tableware, letters

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Salle 6 - Hôtel Drouot - 9, rue Drouot 75009 Paris, France
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369 results

Lot 204 - LOUISE-MARIE, reine des Belges, princesse d'Orléans (1812-1850) - Set of 18 L.A.S.: "Louise", dated April 10, 1842 to May 1, 1844, sent from Buckingham Palace, London, Ostend addressed to her mother, Queen Marie-Amélie of the French, née Princesse de Bourbon-Siciles (1782-1866), 66 pages folio, with her embossed monogram under royal crown, text in French, curls and folds, as is. They bear no. 190 to 210, missing no. 206, 208,209. Very long and fascinating correspondence between two queens, Queen Louise-Marie of Belgium and her mother Queen Marie-Amélie. The young sovereign recalls her stay with her cousin Queen Victoria; her travels, her daily life, her encounters, her children and her family. She talks politics, details her day-to-day life, the balls and parades she attends, etc... -Laeken, April 26, 1844: "I've just come back from church, dear, dear Mama, where I prayed for you and thanked God for having given me such a good mother (...) It is with great regret that I am unable to present her to you in person (...) This morning I received a ring and a small gift that the good duchess was kind enough to give me. I was very touched by this attention. Victoria has also written me a letter and offers you and Albert her warmest regards. The poor child is very sad today. One of her dogs, old Islay, well known to the whole family, died suddenly while I was at mass, a good hour before he was due to go for another walk with us. I am sure the Duchess will be (...) of Victoria's sorrow. I am reassured with all my heart, dear Mama, of your good letter of the 24th, and I am at ease to know that the unfortunate father has not suffered too much physically from his unfortunate thigh. Here we all are thinking of him. Le drawing rom, a été du plus brillant de la journée d'hier, j'ai bien et la parure d'hier (...) Nous devons avoir plus tard la visite de la princesse Sophie-Mathilde de Gloucester qui vient exprès de Blackheath pour nous voir, on ne sait rien de la reine Douairière (...) Victoria me fait appeler, je fini ma lettre pour plus de (...), je vous embarrasse chère maman de toute la tendresse de mon cœur". -Buckingham Palace, April 25, 1844: "It's a great day here today, dear Mother, so much excitement at the moment because of the birthday, which is a party, but not a very important one. This morning at 10 a.m. there was a big parade to which Leopold went with Albert and I stayed almost the whole time with Victoria. On returning from the parade I went with the Prince to the Duchess of Gloucester's, it's her real birthday: she's 68 today. Queen Adelaide joined us (...) now Leopold is doing his fourth toilet of the day to go to the drawing rom, and thank God I'm not getting dressed and I'm staying quiet, but I'm sharing the general air a little. Right in the middle of my peregrination, I received your kind letter of the 23rd (...) I can't wait to hear about poor Father (...) what a journey it will be for him. I also received this morning the white hat which arrived just as I was going out, and the toy for Alice [daughter of Queen Victoria] which had a great effect. A thousand thanks, dear Mom. There was also in the crate an engraving of our beloved Marie [her sister, Princess of Orleans] I thought it was for Victoria and I gave it to her. (...) I have just seen Victoria in her big white toilet she looked very well, better so and I am charged to tell you that she had your bracelet and your collar. She gave it to me this morning (...)" etc.

Estim. 1 500 - 2 000 EUR

Lot 206 - LOUISE-MARIE, reine des Belges, princesse d'Orléans (1812-1850) - Set of 4 L.A.S.: "Louise", dated September 26, 1839 to November 27, 1840, bearing no. 46, no. 49 and no. 52, sent from Laeken and Brussels addressed to her sister Princess Clementine, 17 pages, on headed paper with her monogram embossed under royal crown, text in French, foxing and folds, as is. Interesting correspondence, in which the young queen talks about her daily life, tastes and grooming style. She also talks about her fatigue after the birth of her last child, Princess Charlotte. Laeken, November 27, 1840: "I have come to ask you, dear Amie, to send me as soon as possible a pretty chair (...) in the price range of 2, 3, 500 francs and above. I don't want to exceed 550 to 600 francs. I'll send the box back the day after I receive it. I don't want just a chair, I want a nice chair; I'd like to find something nice between 200 and 400 francs. I'm sure you'll find what I need, it's to surprise Princess Thérèse d'I... Something for the daughter of Countess F... to whom I want to make a present. Thank you for your letter of the 25th". - Laeken, November 19, 1840: "I don't have much to tell you this morning, dear Amie. Léopold, who had a small attack the other day, is better, (...), irresistible for part of the day. The kids are fine. I'll go and say hello to them in a little while. I won't tell you about the details of the capture of A.. and the details of the address. I can't talk about it or think about it calmly, and it all agitates me and makes me sick in my heart, but silently, what I can't understand is (...) our government. (...) I also have good news from V.R. [Queen Victoria]. I'll write to you, send a letter to (...). I would ask you when you have time to answer the various questions in my last letter (...) if the Queen [her mother, Queen Marie-Amélie] could send me 2000 frs which I would be very happy to have, or if she has no francs at my disposal. Adieu, chère amie, je suis un peu fatigué par ma tête. All yours". etc.

Estim. 300 - 500 EUR

Lot 207 - CLÉMENTINE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907) - L.A.S.: "Clémentine" Laeken, July 22, 1833, 3 pages, addressed to a member of her family, text in French, folds, as is. "Dear friend, I have received a very long letter from you which gave me great pleasure except for the end which pained me, when I saw that you had tired your sight to write to me. I would rather be deprived of a letter from you, which would be a great privation, than to know that you were tired in the least. I received the wallet, which seemed very convenient, and I thank you very much for it. As for what you told me about Mr Boismelin, I knew nothing about it, you know how mysterious we are, and perhaps Mama herself knows nothing about it. I'm upset, I think it's a loss for Chartres, but I'm not at all surprised. For a long time, he had been complaining about his very false position, especially when traveling. Now that Chartres is going to spend some time at the Compiègne camp. Mr Boismelan would have had nothing to do. I am very happy that Chartres is angry about this departure (...) unfortunately I will not be able to go and see the churches in Brussels that you have indicated. We're not moving from here, now less than ever, Mama wouldn't want to leave Louise, but that's for another time (...) last night, after dinner, we had the whole French and Belgian household, and we circled with them for more than an hour and a half (...) farewell dear friend, I still have to write to the little queen, it's bothering me a bit (...)".

Estim. 180 - 250 EUR

Lot 211 - CLÉMENTINE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907) - L.A.S.: "Clémentine", Cobourg, March 10, 1847 addressed to his sister-in-law, the Duchesse de Nemours, née Princess Victoire de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1822-1857), 2 1/2 pages, in-4°, text in French, creases, but overall good condition. "I thank you very much, my dear Vic, for your kind letter and for the constant affection you show us. Like you, I am also beginning to have politics over my ears, although here we only hear about it in the newspapers, and as for the Spanish marriages, they knock me out, yet I am quite happy that there is still no hope for Fernande, and I groan that it is the same for the Queen, especially as I fear that it will always be so! The whole interior of the Spanish family is distressing, and the details I have learned make me blush for our blood. What do you say in the midst of all this to Christine's arrival in Paris with her ten children! (...). One of the great occupations of Germany at the moment is the ridiculous passion of the King of Bavaria [Louis I] for Lola Montés, a passion that outrages the country and may lead to revolution. I think "the old man is mad". The cold has returned, sharper than ever, with a chill of 8 degrees, thick snow and a violent wind. Ernest and Alexandrine are coming back here next week; they're not going to Berlin anymore. Auguste calls me for a walk. I leave you with a heartfelt kiss, as do Tan and the Moutards, a thousand kindnesses from Auguste. Tonight we're having a big dinner of the breed of doctors that abounds in Coburg. Would you be so kind as to send me a pair of Gaston's pants in a letter? I'll need them as a model for the ones I have to make for Philippe".

Estim. 200 - 300 EUR

Lot 212 - CLÉMENTINE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907) - L.A.S.: "Clémentine", Cobourg, March 17, 1847 addressed to his sister-in-law, the Duchesse de Nemours, née Princess Victoire de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1822-1857), 2 pages, in-4, text in French, creases, but overall good condition. "Mille remerciements ma chère Vic de ta bonne lettre qui m'a fait comme toutes les autres grands plaisirs. I hope that Lina's future will be more beautiful and stronger than this poor little bandit who, as far as I know, is green (...) my three children are thank God wonderful now and are enjoying the fine weather we are having; but we have jumped from winter to summer. 4 days ago it was 13 degrees cold, today it's 15 degrees hot... I could only get out in a gros-de-naples coat, and I was suffocating. The children spend all day in the garden, where they even eat their meals after this long winter (...) makes it all the more pleasant, but I'm afraid it won't last, the weather is too nice. I was sorry to hear that my dear (...) had been a little unwell, but thank God it wasn't too bad. I heard that he ... had a camp in the south of France and that you would be going? If that's true (...) Auguste is still infinitely bored by all these troop meetings. Christine will be in Paris on Thursday with her large family, and I think the Salernos will come for September. Here we expect all the Herrschaften from Gotha next week and the ...returns after Easter. Adieu my dear Vic, J. sends his love to you and ... and the children (...) best wishes from Auguste".

Estim. 200 - 300 EUR

Lot 214 - LOUIS, prince d'Orléans, duc de Nemours (1814-1896), second fils du roi Louis-Philippe - Set of 7 L.A.S.: "N" and "Louis d'Orléans", dated July 3, 1882 to August 16, 1886, sent from Paris (19, avenue du Bois-de-Boulogne) and The Hague, addressed to his sister, Princess Clementine of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1817-1907), 33 pages, text in French, folds, curling, but overall good condition. - July 3, 1882: "Dear Clem, it will be a great satisfaction for me to see you again and to go on pilgrimage with you to Ebenthal [the place where Prince Auguste of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, husband of Princess Clementine, died on July 26, 1881 at the age of 65], so full of memories for us and now painful (.... Blanche [his daughter, Princess Czartoryski (1846-1893)] is doing better, thank you, she is going to Fontainebleau for the summer, where Marguerite [his daughter (1857-1932)] will join her...". - July 23, 1882: "It has been a real satisfaction for me, my dear Clem, to share quietly with you your sadness, the extent of which I well understand, and from which I personally take my share, also to see Ebenthal again, so full of dear and painful memories. My thoughts and prayers will be with you for the painful return of the 26th. In such an affliction, which is without parallel and without cure ... in this world, one can indeed only ask God to give the spirit of submission to his will which alone can help to bear such blows and enable us to pursue the duties which still fall to us. Before leaving Paris, I gave the instruction we're sending you, La vie de Saint-Pierre, indicating where to find the chapter relating to our eldest brother. I had it sent to Cobourg, where I hope it will reach you. My return journey went smoothly without the Sleeping-car, which also contained the Duc de Sabran. His wife and Count Kalnoerki accompanied him to the carriage. I saw Blanche at Fontainebleau looking much the same...". -November 5, 1885: "(...) your departure has completed the return to the ordinary routine of our life that the Waldemar wedding [reference to the marriage of Princess Marie d'Orléans to Prince Waldemar of Denmark, celebrated at Château d'Eu on October 21] had ... taken us out of. The young couple continue to live in St Firmin [residence of the Duke and Duchess of Chartres, parents of Princess Marie d'Orléans], from where they are said to come every day to tour Paris bourgeoisement. In my humble judgement, I thought it preferable, in the interest of the future of the household, that the new spouses should, from the very beginning of the marriage, join the place which is theirs in the country and the family to which they belong... it is true that I am from the past and that we have changed all that". - December 15, 1885: "Dear Clem, the main purpose of this letter is to recommend the Marquis de Pange, who is going to Vienna as 2nd military attaché. You will no doubt remember that he is the son of Adolphine de Laboue, the son and grandson of the late Marquis de Pange whom you probably remember, the nephew of the ladies Mu.... La Tour-Maubourg (Septime) and Caraman (Adolphe). These ladies are dead, but not Adolphine, whom her son was to visit in Pange near Metz, a country that has fallen into Prussia. The Mquis is married to a local, who will join him in Vienna. They have six children. He has long been an artillery captain, highly esteemed as a conscientious and capable officer, and decorated during the war... This very year, he was part of the mission to Pilsen in Bohemia, headed by General Fay. A few days ago, I received your letter of the 7th from Vienna (...). I hope that the pain of resentment is now forgotten. It is a wise precaution to take. I also very much hope that the treatment you have decided on for your ??? will be pursued, by you with perseverance, and that it will lead to a cure, but you must be careful to wait for its effects. You should also have someone carry you up the stairs when you go out (...), especially as high as the one at Coburg Palace (...). The year is drawing to a close, and it's been a sad one. Will the new year bring compensation? God willing. In politics, despite the progress shown by the elections, we still can't see what to hope for (...) we can, however, hope for better days in the distant future (...). The unjust violence of the invalidations, the persecution of the clergy and of religion are sure signs of this, and we still have in (...). A relatively moderate minister. (...) Our dear brother-in-law Ferdinand has just come to the sudden end of his painful illness and his existence (...), the summary account (...) in the French newspapers (...) not without concern as to the manner in which he will

Estim. 400 - 600 EUR

Lot 216 - FRANÇOIS, prince d'Orléans, prince de Joinville (1818-1900) - Third son of King Louis-Philippe. Set of 10 L.A.S.: "F" and "FO", dated March 21, 1880 to July 29, 1882, sent from Paris, Chantilly and Arc (Château d'Arc-en-Barrois), addressed to his sister, Princess Clementine of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1817-1907), 61 pages, text in French, folds, brown spots, but overall good condition. Attached is a photograph of the prince signed by L. Angerer in Vienna. Business card size. - Chantilly, February 1, 1882: "(...) Aumale has much recovered from political annoyances. He lives much more outdoors than in the past, and is much better for it. Melle's presence is more absolute than ever. For her part, it's becoming a jealous passion. She doesn't leave him, she comes with him every time he comes to Paris, she always goes to the theater with him, especially to the opera where everyone sees them, she (...) dresses up in a big dress. She accompanies him on walks and hunts just to keep an eye on him (...) Chica is well, with a few migraines and a toothache here and there. The Chartes are fine, thank God. The Parises are going to Cannes, where Isabelle will give birth on February 24 [birth of Princess Louise], (...)". - Paris, February 13, 1882: "(...), Nothing to tell you from here. I don't yet know the extent of the consequences of the (...) I've heard that he's been pulling some dreadful scams. I don't know if Riant, Emmanuel d'Harcourt and the Prince de Broglie are also involved. I don't know if Beau... will also be splashed. What is certain is that as a result of the changes (...) there are a lot of bitter people (...) The theaters are all amusing. Lili at the variety show is hilarious and admirably acted (...) The Empress of Austria is having a good time in England and is doing some fine hunting, including obstacle courses, filling the English performances and everyone is impressed (...)". -Chantilly, March 21, 1880: "Time flies my good friend, I hope it passes gently for you in Fiume with this excellent Joseph and his charming children. Here we have a quiet life. I have been entrusted with Jean for some time (...) He is very kind (...) I went to Rouen where everything is going well. But we've tired the little ones out too much, too much riding, too much hunting at .... We'll need constant care to put everything back in order. (...) We had here the event of the Empress's [Elisabeth of Austria's] hunt, which went very well. Knowing that she had her horses in Paris. Aumale offered a hunt, which was accepted. The weather was fine, the stag (...) a fine gallop, with a few obstacles to overcome. She rides admirably, but as an amazon in a blue home-speed, terribly sticky all over. Not a crease, what courage. (...) she was not frightened by the horses. Aumale had wanted to go alone to the station with Melle to welcome her. I thought it would be more appropriate for Chicita [his daughter, Françoise] to meet him there. It was only Melle who was supposed to arrive on horseback with her for the hunt, but for lack of a princess, the Duchess of Uzès, a great hunter, was brought in. It was also more appropriate. Don't you think so too (...). As for the poor Countess Festecis, we entrusted her to ... We were all present, the men of the family, even Ernest who was dying of fatigue (...) You say that Philippe and Louise are due to appear here at Easter. I'd love to see them. You tell me that Gusty is in Nice with Ferdinand (...)". -Chantilly, March 5, 1882: "I see, my good friend, that you are all doing well in Fiume. Your descriptions make my mouth water (...) I remember all the places you visit. If you go for a walk in Italy, go to Capo d'Istria, it's only a 2-hour drive from Trieste. It's a charming place and the town hall square is a marvel. There are only a few words in the Hand-books about Italy and Dalmatia, in Murray Southern germany and Baedeker Eastern Alps, nothing. Charles Yriarte published articles on Dalmatia in the Deux Monde magazine. They have been restored to their original value. Finally, here are the names of 3 English books I've read N°1 is learned, N°2 is amusing, full of legends, N°3 very superficial. If you want any of these books, I can get them for you and send them to you. I also believe there are books on Dalmatia in the blue travel library (...) Marie has been suffering from a sore throat, following too many violent horse races (...), but she's getting better. The rest of the family seems to be in good condition. Antoine and Eulalie's marriage, if consummated (...), will only produce monsters. This is another attempt on Victoria's life, it's awful. The perpetrators of such acts should be shot on the spot without (...) publicity or comment (...).

Estim. 800 - 1 200 EUR

Lot 222 - CLÉMENTINE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907) - Set of 2 L.A.S.: "Clémentine", Hotel Baur au lac, Zurich, August 5, 1865 and August 10, 1865, addressed to her husband, Prince Auguste de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1818-1881), 2 1/2 pages, on headed paper, text in French, good condition. -August 5, 1865: "We have arrived well here my dear friend, after having had driving rain all the way, a very biting cold during the night and a violent wind on Lake Constance which made the boat roll quite strongly. Here we found fine weather, walked around town, took a little boat trip on the lake, had an excellent dinner and now Philippe is smoking on the deck of the boat and Amélie is drawing. Philippe finds Zurich charming and it's already looking better to me. Montpensier doesn't arrive in Linz until 10 p.m. this evening. I saw Clothilde, but only for a moment because our train was so late. The boiler of our locomotive had burst after Meidlingau, which had stopped us for a long time. My heart and my thoughts are in Ebenthal with you, my dearest friend, and with my Baby, and I enjoy nothing, not having you with me. It is so sad to find myself back in this charming hotel where I was so happy with you and the four children two years ago. May God bless you and my Baby, and may he protect you both (...)". - August 10, 1865: "The Saint-Théodule pass is over, my dear friend, we're all safe and sound down there! But I wouldn't go over it again, no matter how magnificent it is. We left Zermatt this morning at 4 a.m. in magnificent weather, and rode for 3 hours over extremely steep slopes, very narrow paths and precipices far more frightful than those on the Grimsel. By 7 a.m. we were at the foot of the glacier. We had to make a climb on the ice, with the guides walking in front of us with their axes. I crossed this supported by two guides, then once on the ice, I took the sedan chair, installed Amélie on another and we were for two hours on an admirable glacier, attached by ropes, four by four surrounded by all the peaks of Switzerland walking between the Matterhorn and the Breuil. Unfortunately, before we reached the summit at 11,000 feet, we were overcome by fog and bitter cold. At the top, we had lunch in a hut in the middle of the fog, and at 12 ½ we met up with the Joinvilles here in a rather nice hotel. Tomorrow we leave for Châtillon. In the middle of the descent from the pass, in the steepest part and in pouring rain, we were stopped by Piedmontese customs officers who wanted to visit our safes at 10,000 feet. There was a general revolt, and I told them that such a thing would never have happened in Austria. Finally they agreed to escort us back to the hotel, where they opened our handbags. Yesterday in Zermatt I had a visit from Philippe Flandres, who sends his regards. Montpensier didn't come to the ball, being a little tired. He will join us at the Saint Bernard. All health is good. Philippe looks well and eats like an ogre. Adieu, mon cher ami, je t'aime et t'embrasse avec tout mon cœur ainsi que mon trésor. All yours"

Estim. 200 - 300 EUR

Lot 224 - HENRI, prince d'Orléans, duc d'Aumale (1822-1897) - Fourth son of King Louis-Philippe. Set of 9 L.A.S.: "H O", Le Nouvion, Palermo, rue de l'Élysée, Brussels, London, dating from June 8, 1882 to December 27, 1886, addressed to his sister Princess Clementine of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1818-1907), 20 ½ pages, text in French, folds, good condition. -June 8, 1882: "(...), I hope that Ferdinand has returned to you in good health, I regret that he was not able to make more stays at Chantilly. For my summer and autumn plans, I will spend the last 10 days of this month in England; in July I will make a study trip on military history with Gumoth, then finally from July and at the beginning of August my cancelled stay at Le Nouvions. If at that time you are in Sheveningen, I'll try to see you there. This autumn I don't intend to have any "festivities" in Chantilly, there will be a few hunting lunches, but without the ladies. I'm telling you this right now, to put you at your ease, if you have any inclination to come, for which I'd be very happy and grateful. So, from August 15, Chantilly will be open, without hubbub or parties, until an unspecified time. All you have to do is let me know you're coming. If Ferdinand can accompany you, I'd be delighted. Of course, you can bring whoever you like (...) I send you my warmest love". - August 10, 1882: "(...) I would like to take advantage of your stay in Holland to go and kiss you. I propose to arrive in Zandvoort on Thursday the 17th (...) if this suits you, please send this telegram to Chazelle (...) "Expect you on Thursday Murany", if I have received this dispatch before the 16th, I will arrive on the 17th at the appointed time (...) if I have not received it by the 16th, I will send this telegram to Chazelle (...).... If I have not received it, I will conclude either that you are no longer in Zandvoort or that you prefer not to be disturbed there, and I will wait for you in Chantilly in October or November, depending on the instructions you give me, on which I am counting (...)". - August 14, 1882: "(...) I have been somewhat reserved in all my arrangements by various circumstances, and as I have promised the Belgian majesties to come to dinner on the 18th at Laeken, I cannot prolong my stay in Zandvoort, where I have absolutely nothing to do but chat with you for two or three hours (...)". - August 17, 1882: "(...) I deeply regret being deprived of the pleasure of embracing you and not being able to receive your instructions for this autumn, trusting that you will live only with me both in Paris and Chantilly and wanting everything to be arranged in accordance with your every wish. Write to me or have one of your children write to me. I am on my way to Beauvais via Chantilly, where all letters and messages should be addressed. The Montpensiers come on August 27. The hunting season opens on September 3 (...)". - July 10, 1885: "(...) I'm very sorry to have missed you. I hope you and Ferdinand are well. This is to recommend that you let me know when you and Ferdinand will be coming to Chantilly. I'm staying in Chantilly myself on Sunday morning and don't intend to leave any time soon. Everything I can tell you is in the papers (...)". - December 27, 1886: "Happy New Year, my dear friend, and I hope to see you soon. I'll be in Brussels, 125 chaussée Charleroi, on the evening of the 2nd or 3rd, close by to hear from you first, then from you whenever you like. In the meantime, I send my love to you and Ferdinand". etc.

Estim. 600 - 800 EUR

Lot 225 - ANTOINE, prince d'Orléans, duc de Montpensier (1824-1890). sixième et dernier fils du roi Louis-Philippe. - Set of 25 L.A.S.: "Antoine d'Orléans", Sanlucar de Barrameda, Paris, Château d'Eu and Venice, dated September 10, 1879 to September 21, 1882, addressed to his sister, Princess Clementine of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1817-1907), 93 pages, headed with his monogram of the Sanlucar residence, Château d'Eu, etc. Text in French, folds, traces of moisture, good overall condition. -San Lucar de Barrameda, February 9, 1882: "The letter of January 27, for which I cannot thank you enough, my dearest Clémence, found me in Madrid just as I was writing to you, and I wanted to wait to give you news of my return to the place I love so much, where I regret more and more every day that you could not decide to come this year! We are living wonderfully here, and as happy as we can be after this moment, in the sadness caused us by the death of poor Pepita Vallejo, taken in 4 days in Madrid by one of those pulmonias or pleurisies of the chest that has claimed more victims at the moment than Cholera. She was due to return here with us; on January 30, she was still doing her duty for Fernande [Infanta of Spain, wife of the Prince] and dining at the palace, and on February 7 she was dead! We lost in her a rare friend of 30 years Fernande a zealous and assiduous companion in devotion and I the last living memory of my beloved Christine [Marie-Christine her daughter, wife of King Alfonso XII]! And then Ramuna grew weaker and weaker, physically and morally, and Fernande found it very difficult to choose a lady! The elderly Calderon died at the Palace of the same illness and on the same day as Pepita: the Infanta Isabel is very saddened. We're still expecting the King, the Queen and their daughter on February 20. I think they will stay here until the 27th or 28th, then the three infantes will come in March; I don't know if Paquita [Francis of Assisi, husband of Queen Isabella II of Spain] will decide to come at the same time as them. I think the Flanders [Count and Countess of Flanders] will come in April. Our trip went wonderfully well (...) from Cordoba to the middle of the descent of Guadalupe. We heard mass at San Pedro between the tombs of Amélie and Christian; the statue of the latter is striking and so is what Millet has done: I am sending you the idea of these Tombs, very beautiful and very well rendered. Delighted to know Ferdinand that you will embrace for me in condition to leave Coburg where I had still addressed you my letter from Madrid, I hope you have as good weather in Vienna as here: it's really splendid. Everyone's health is perfect. Antoine is drawing in the garden at the moment, and Fernande sends her love and best wishes. So much to you. -San Lucar, March 1, 1882: "How good of you to write to me at such length, my dearest Clemence, and how pleased I was with your letter of February 18. Thank you for everything you said about poor Pepita's death, which touched us all so deeply. I have sent your message directly to the Majesties, who send me their warmest regards for you and yours, especially Ferdinand, whom we are all very happy to know is doing so well. We drank to his health on the 26th; I think he will have received my letter in time, and I'm still writing to you in Frium, even though there are rumors that you're about to leave for Corfu; I think you'll let me know when you want my letters to change direction. Chuita, who is very good and very kind and seems very happy with her stay here, was very touched by what you told me about her mother and her Paula Maria. I am overwhelmed only by the weight of all the arrangements for the trip, the stay and the movements of the Court, which never stops and which I must... and feed everywhere except in the City where we gave them splendid parties, the one in Jerez the day before yesterday, and especially the lunch of a hundred place settings in the great Botega de Gonzales where all the zena plants mingled with the barrel of wine and made a tropical garden in the middle of the horseshoe table, it was truly fabulous. I accompanied LL. MM. with Antoine, who is still with them today, and Eulelia in Fea. Fernande to the Admiral de la Camera, my orders to the King. We also both went to Puerto Santa Maria Chetila Chaver: Fernande only went to the entablatures de Bienfaisance and the cutlery with the Queen and Eulalia and to the Carnaval de la Piñata which was very successful and where the Bishop of Oviedo and all the parish priests attended and which finished at midnight. Cristian had a great time: there was also a beautiful pigeon shoot with many elegant ladies where the King won our prize, which gave him intense pleasure: he went on to win two autr

Estim. 800 - 1 000 EUR

Lot 226 - AMÉLIE, duchesse en Bavière, née princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1848-1894) - Set of 19 L.A.S.: "Amélie", Biederstein, Possenhofen, Norderney, Kohlgrub, dated February 14, 1882 to September 17, 1882, addressed to her mother, Princess Clementine of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1817-1907), 70 pages including some on headed paper with her monogram under crown, bordered in black, text in French, folds, good overall condition. Two photographic portraits of the princess, one with her sister Princess Clothilde of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, in business card format, signed Louis Angerer (1827-1879) in Vienna and J. Prökl in Franzensbad. -February 14, 1882: "(...), the Philippe's arrived Saturday evening with strong ... and poor Philippe is suffering a lot with his face. Thank you for the tapestry, dear Maman, for the shoes, the photo, the frame, which is very nice. The big photo of dear Dad is ... I often look at it with tears in my eyes. All the paintings have arrived, and there are so many memories attached to them! I've started my ugly cure with the doctor here and I'll consult Brauer in Vienna; it's making my nerves suffer and annoy me terribly (...)". -February 21, 1882: "(...) I'm very glad to see you settled in Fiume, which must be nice and warm. Here we also have the thaw with storms and then snow, and my head has suffered a lot. The Philippe family are leaving the day after tomorrow. Louis already wanted to leave on Sunday, but Philippe is in no hurry; he thinks their trip will be very long. On Sunday we had dinner at my mother-in-law's with them. Yesterday, Dada and Louis dined with us. Louise has a terrible cough and hardly sleeps at all. Giselle's son has diphtheria. Tomorrow we're going to see some paintings with Dada and Alix from Tuscany (...) the children are doing well despite the bad weather. I've read the little book you sent me, there are some very beautiful passages (...)". - February 27, 1882: "(...) I've been in bed all day with terrible headaches. Max has taken the Philipps to Bayerische Zell (near Tegernsee), from where they are driving to Innsbruck via Kufstein, while Max is staying in the mountains for a few more days (...) I'm taking it easy here in the meantime, but the quieter it gets, the better it suits me, and I feel that I've become a very serious and tiresome company for the others! Dear Cloth [his sister, Princess Clothilde] also wrote me that she had made room for us, and I think we'll come in two weeks (...) This evening I'm dining at my mother-in-law's [Ludovica, Duchess in Bavaria] and I'm spending part of the evening there (...)". March 20, 1882: "(...) I saw the Empress [her sister-in-law, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (1837-1898)] last week, who asked a lot about you, as did Marie Festetics [the Empress's lady-in-waiting]. Arnoulf's wedding [to Princess Liechtenstein] is taking place at the beginning of April in Vienna. Dada is also going (...) The daughter of the Prince of Hohenlohe (of Paris) died yesterday of diphtheria, leaving 3 small children, which is very sad (...)". March 30, 1882: "(...) the children are well, Mary went fishing and hunting near Possenhofen for a few days, and I led a quiet life at my daughter-in-law's and took my lessons, in which I have regained interest. Thank you for the pictures of our beloved father. I'm sure the Empress will be touched to receive one (...)". - June 11, 1882: "(...) since we've been here it's been very cold, I'm freezing in my room after the heat of Munich. My sister-in-law is well, thank God. The Charles family are still in Schivalbach. Antoinette Hohenzollern came to see me and have tea, shortly before I left, which pleased me, she's so nice, but I was frightened by how thin she was. She's feeling better, though. I said goodbye to our old horses who are going to Vacs, which made me sad, how many good memories were attached to them! What lovely horse rides I took with Dad yesterday on his good old grey. I understand everything you have suffered, dearest Mama! Everything here reminds me of the cruel hours I have spent (...)". - June 26, 1882: "(...) alas yes! my dear mother, what a contrast the 15th is this year with the old days when we were all so happily gathered around our beloved father! What good times those were in Walterskirchen, when Gusty [Auguste de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha] would render his verses under the tent! And how sad have these days been, recalling the heartbreaking days of last year! Today my mother-in-law's abbot read a mass for our late father. I'm writing to you from the garden, the weather has been superb for several days (...) on Friday all the children had lunch at the Empress's house. On Saturday I went to Biederstien to finish a life drawing, and then we went on a boat trip with my mother-in-law and the Imp.

Estim. 600 - 800 EUR

Lot 227 - AMÉLIE, duchesse en Bavière, née princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1848-1894) - Set of 2 L.A.S.: "Amélie", dated April 26, 1885 and May 1, 1885, addressed to his mother, Princess Clementine of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1817-1907), 14 pages, one on Kronprinz Palace letterhead, text in French, folds, good overall condition. A lithograph signed U. Druck & V. Weger in Leipzig, depicting her as a young girl. April 26, 1885: "(...), on the 23rd we arrived after a very warm night, the Imperial Prince [future Emperor Wilhelm II] was at the station (who kissed me on both cheeks) and the Bavarian ambassador, at the palace waiting for Vicky [Princess Victoria of Great Britain, wife of Emperor Frederick III] and her daughters, all very affectionate. My unfortunate head was hurting just as I thought it would! After lunch we went to their Majesties [Wilhelm I and Augusta] also very kind, the Empress [née Princess of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach] quite imposing, then I went out in the car with Louis de Hohenzollern while Max went riding with Vicky and her daughter in the Thiergarten, then dinner with the Countess de Pourtalès and a .... Catholic, during which I already suffered martyrdom with my head and was obliged to go to bed immediately afterwards while Max went to the theater with the Majesties which had interested me very much, as being the only opportunity to see society here. Friday for lunch really well bored, in the afternoon Vicky took me to Charlottenberg to see the tomb of Queen Louise, superb statue, in the evening family dinner and opera. Yesterday morning visit to the stables (...) walk with Vicky, dinner at 5 o'clock at the Majesties. Max led the Empress, the Emperor, Vicky and I, Princess Frederick Charles to many of your news requests, in the evening an operetta (...) Vicky charming and one must admire in her this truly superior spirit taking an interest in everything, taking care of everything (...)". -May 1, 1885: "Yesterday I returned to my home, where I found the children well and very calm after the turmoil of the Berlin days, which I will continue to tell you about: on Monday morning, Fritz [future Frederick III] took me to see the castle, which has lovely old rooms with lots of woodwork, turrets with windows decorated with colored stained glass, dark alcoves where the black lady appears, and picturesque views of old Berlin, which would have made Dad very happy (...)".

Estim. 300 - 500 EUR

Lot 228 - AMÉLIE, duchesse en Bavière, née princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1848-1894) - Set of 9 L.A.S.: "Amélie", Biederstein, Hanover, Tegernsee, dated December 23, 1885 to December 20, 1886, addressed to his mother, Princess Clementine of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1817-1907), 35 pages including some on headed paper with her monogram under crown, bordered in black, text in French, folds, overall good condition. An old postcard of Biederstein Castle and an old postcard of Tegernsee are enclosed. December 30, 1885: "(...) the shopping and Christmas days have made me very tired, and now I sit dreadfully before the mass of letters to be written, so forgive us dear mother these few lines. The mother-in-law's tree was very beautiful, she gave me the children's portrait and Hélène [her sister-in-law, the Princess of Tour et Taxis] gave me splendid presents (...)". -January 14, 1886: "(...) I'm writing from bed, I've been quite ill, it started with a cold, then again this nasty inflammation of the mucous membrane with eye and face pain (...)from morning till night I was vomiting blood, we were afraid for the poor thing to come, I hope it won't happen again (...) Domestic politics are very serious here, I'm not sure what we'll see this winter, a crisis seems almost inevitable, but nobody dares to talk about it openly (...)". - January 20, 1886: "I'm resuming my life with a little weakness, a little pain and all the stay the odious nose job that Ferdinand knows so well! Yesterday I was even able to go to the Queen's [his sister-in-law, the Queen of Naples] luncheon, it gave me pleasure to see poor Paz, always so kind, but she looks poor, she's also a family lot! Louis-Ferdinand, with Ferdinand's head turned, told me that he had pledged eternal friendship! (...) If you'd like to bring me the King of Thessaly when you come to see me, I've already heard about it, otherwise I have a lot of books in preparation, because you know that I read more and more slowly, the weaker the nerves in my head. Now I'm reading La Cour à Compiègne (The Court at Compiègne), which is curious and makes you wonder how the court ... is Bonapartist after all the tricks Napoleon III played on it! Mme de Coleimine is here, and we find her very beautiful! I was saddened by Duloi's death, which is a great loss for us! The Baroness de Rothschild sent me a plush pink horse covered with roses and hummingbirds, it's delicious! Prince Guillaume de Wurtemberg is getting married, just as I thought he would in Hohenbourg (...)". - January 20, 1886: "(...) it was high time the Rudolphs [Archduke Rudolph of Austria and his wife Princess Stephanie of Belgium] became kind to you! The Zigeuner's music has made me deeply sad since Dad's death; it awakens the best memories of our happy past life (...) I think the Greeks are a bit crazy to want to launch themselves into a war against Turkey with the great powers against them! I haven't had any response to my New Year's wishes for Aunt Victoria and Beatrice, which is a first. I can't tell you all the gossip in society here about Countess Fugger's stay with me, about what's wrong with her ... I'm beginning to get annoyed, is it jealousy? I hardly understand the purpose (...)". - February 8, 1886: "Amélie's engagement to Carlos from Portugal, which Paris telegraphed to me yesterday, gave me great pleasure, for I was very interested in the happiness of this charming child. God grant that she may be happy, the position is beautiful, and he... (as a character). Uncle Aumale sent me his history of the Condés, which I am very touched by (...)". -April 26, 1886: "I'm sorry about the paper, but I'm writing in the garden on my deckchair, where I spend most of the day enjoying this wonderful weather (...) I almost felt ill on Holy Saturday. The Philippes arrived on Thursday, he left again for Schladming, Louise is very good and kind here, Max arrived shortly after them, looking very well and satisfied with his military service and the great kindness we had for him there. The Empress, my sister-in-law, is here, but she said she didn't want to see us because of the smallpox (the children have been out of quarantine for 15 days). My mother-in-law comes every day, the Hohenzollerns, I've had so many visits these days that I've been completely stunned (...)". - September 22, 1886: "(...) I don't know if I've told you about the Montpensiers' good visit, only so short that their retinue missed the train, it was (...) noise, running about, Eulalie fainting, my mother-in-law seized and the young ladies laughing themselves to tears! (...) Tomorrow we're going to Munich, perhaps the day after tomorrow to Hohenschwa.

Estim. 400 - 600 EUR

Lot 229 - AUGUSTE, prince de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1847-1907) - Set of 27 L.A.S.: "Gusty", dated May 2, 1880 to August 27, 1882, sent from Schladming, Paris, Cannes, etc., addressed to his mother Princess Clementine d'Orléans (1817-1907), 77 1/2 pages, text in French, folds, freckles, but overall good condition. "I hope my dear mother that you have arrived safely in Vienna without too much strain on your poor knee. Let me once again thank you for your kind visit and all your kindnesses to us (...), send it to Furne to relieve Louis' pain a little and make him see the situation from a new point of view (...)". - May 2, 1880, Schladming: "(...) I'm sorry to see Uncle Joinville so weak, trying to persuade him to take care of himself. I read in the papers that everyone, including the deputies (...) Lisbon, Paris and Robert, is staggering! (...)" - Marseille, February 19, 1882: "My dear Maman, having not heard from you for some time, I have learned that you have been traveling and that you are settled in Fuime in magnificent, warm weather, which I am delighted about. We are in Marseille, which I like very much. I had a good walk with Pierre in the mountains on the heights of Marseille, and we passed through some magnificent viewpoints (...)". - February 20, 1882: "Thank you, my dear mother, for your letter from Fuime of the 15th. As I told you, I'm going to Trieste on the 6th. If you want to go to Corfu, you must take a steamer on Friday at 2 p.m., or on Sunday the 12th (...) Corfu is very pretty (...)". - Cannes, March 9, 1882: "We've been in Cannes since yesterday, after a very pleasant stay in Nice, where Ferdinand was physically very well, but his morale is deplorable: he enjoys nothing, is amused by nothing, is perpetually angry with everyone, sees himself hated and pursued by everyone (...) - or what I'm writing to you about.) - or what I write to you remains between us - We dined with Uncle Ernst, good and admirable as always, he urges me to pay his respects, the weather is ideal (...), We went to Monte-Carlo with Mr d'Eppinghofen who is very kind and gentle, Ferdinand liked him very much (...), we leave this evening for Marseille, where I embark on the 21st for Persia (...)" etc.

Estim. 800 - 1 000 EUR

Lot 230 - AUGUSTE, prince de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1847-1907) - Set of 27 L.A.S.: "Gusty", dated February 11, 1883 to April 19, 1886 and undated, sent from Paris, Château d'Eu, Schladming, Wallsee, Innsbruck, etc., addressed to his mother Princess Clémentine d'Orléans (1817-1907), 77 pages, text in French, folds, foxing, but overall good condition. Schladming, April 30, 1885,: "Thank you my dear mother for your good letter of the 29th and your kindness for my payments, fortunately it is not lost money. Enthusiastic about not going to Italy, I was shuddering about this trip for this torrid storm you did well not to go, Uncle Aumale will not embark in Bologna, as he is unable to walk (...)after that fall he took in Palermo. I will therefore be in Vienna as I telegraphed you on the 4th, leaving on the 6th for Paris. You would do well to reserve a coupé in the wagon if comfortable on the 6th. A morning or sleeping car on the 6th in the evening. There are also lines to Nuremberg, Mayenne, Metz, Ferrand and Paris, which is the shortest (...) in the afternoon at 3:40 a.m., or the next day at 9:40 p.m. to Paris. Then we'll visit Innsbruck (...). The garden is opening up, but it still lacks greenery, as in is only shaving the lawn. My furniture from England has not yet arrived or even been announced (...) Adieu, my dear maman, we'll see you in a few days(?)". - Paris, 21 (undated): "Thank you, my dear mother, for your last letter, which reached me just before I left Courterets. I have made a good journey to a Senegalese temperature...To arrive in Cobourg on the 24th at about half past nine in the evening. You will accommodate me or find room for me at the hotel, which will be the least painful for you. I'll leave Cobourg on the morning of the 28th for Paris with Ferdinand after dinner or lunch, and we'll see about that when I have the pleasure of embracing you in Cobourg. Nothing interesting to summarize, nobody was in Paris during this period. I shudder to think (...) how many hours I'll have to spend on the railroad. I saw Uncle Nemours in Paris on his way to Courterets, so I can communicate with him (...). Adieu, my dear Maman, see you soon. All yours" - Paris, February 11, 1883: "Ma chère Maman, merci de votre lettre du 9 qui vient de m'arriver. Poor Ebenthal must be very sad and desolate at this time of year. Dubus has paid me the 3000 florins of disbursements, we have all remitted the money, I will reimburse them to you next month, I am myself very embarrassed because I was counting on a reimbursement from Pierre who owes me money, real only found there only by your kindness to finance my debts and that I will pay you in full in the installment of the year, I owe you 8125 florins for all expenses made during the summer or I was absent from Paris for 8 months. I have a terrible cold and plan to leave on the 17th for Marseille and from there to Fiume (...) Goodbye my dear mother, all yours". - Paris, December 5 1883: "Thank you, dear Maman, for your letter of the 2nd, which came this morning. Why this sadness and why these gloomy thoughts? You are no one's burden and all your children love you and want you at home as long as possible. Why should you bury yourself all winter in Vienna? No one is forcing you to do so, there are so many other places where winter is much more pleasant (...). Joseph's children are stupid, yet charming (...)". -Paris, February 30, 1885: "(...) the death of this poor King of Spain saddens me greatly; I always see him before me. His widow's position will be very painful, and I think we'll see a lot of upheaval in Spain. What will become of Antoine's household? I don't yet see the day of my return to Vienna. I think towards the end of December, perhaps to spend three days in B... with the Philippe family, that's not very certain, but all in all I'd stay there from December 18th to 28th, and after that I'd advise you to go and get some sun and not settle in Vienna for the whole winter, as Ferdinand is no longer keeping you there. It is extraordinarily hot in Paris, only 14 degrees, and it rains night and day. Adieu chère maman je vous embrasse de tout cœur." -Château d'Eu, January 5, 1885: "My dear Maman, the death of poor Dubois makes me very sad, he was more than an employee, he was like a real friend to me. Before joining you, I decided to go to his funeral. I had 3 wreaths laid at his home, but I don't know the day yet. When I get back, I'll look after your affairs with Bordier; but for the last 2 years there has been in Duclar's office an ex-general guard who was to replace him and who worked with him.

Estim. 800 - 1 000 EUR

Lot 231 - FISCHHOFF Georges (1859-1914) - Portrait of Prince Auguste Léopold de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha in naval officer's uniform. Oil on canvas signed lower right and dated 1908, preserved in a modern carved and gilded wood frame. Good condition, minor damage to frame. H.: 145 cm - W.: 88 cm. History: Prince August Leopold de Saxe-Cobourg et Gotha (1867-1922), a member of the Imperial House of Brazil, was the grandson of Princess Clementine d'Orléans on his mother's side, Princess Leopoldine (1847-1871), daughter of Emperor Peter II, and of Prince August de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1845-1907) on his father's side. When his mother died when he was just 3, Emperor Peter II took him under his wing in Brazil. At the time, the emperor's eldest daughter, Princess Isabelle of Brazil, had no children, and Leopoldine's eldest sons, Pedro and August Leopold, were considered heirs presumptive to the throne. August Leopold entered the Naval Academy (1882-1886) and served in the Imperial Brazilian Navy. On November 15, 1889, August Leopold was on board the Almirante Barroso when a coup d'état ended the monarchy in Brazil. After the death of his grandfather Emperor Peter II in 1891, August Leopold moved to Vienna, where, with special permission from Emperor Franz Joseph, he joined the Austrian navy. August Leopold was considered by Brazilian monarchists to be heir to the Brazilian throne, and was received on several occasions by European royal families, including Queen Victoria. On May 30, 1894, August Leopold married Archduchess Caroline Marie, daughter of Archduke Carl Salvator and Princess Maria Immaculata de Bourbon-Deux-Siciles, sister of Maria Pia Bourbon-Deux-Siciles whose daughter Maria Louise Bourbon-Parme married Clementine's son, Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria in 1893. August Léopold and Caroline Marie had eight children. The entire family moved to the Palais Cobourg in Vienna. Prince August Leopold died in 1922, aged 54. He is buried in the crypt of the Augustinian Church in Coburg.

Estim. 5 000 - 7 000 EUR

Lot 232 - CLOTHILDE, archiduchesse d'Autriche, née princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1846-1937) - Set of 22 L.A.S.: "Clot" and "Clothilde", dated February 8, 1882 to September 27, 1882, mostly on headed paper with her monogram under royal crown, sent from Villa Giuseppe in Fiume (Croatia) and from Alscuth Castle (Hungary), addressed to her mother, Princess Clementine d'Orléans (1817-1907), 90 pages, text in French, folds, foxing, but overall good condition. A photographic portrait signed by E. Rabending in Vienna, visiting-card size, a large engraving of her signed by Victor Hornyamszky, and three postcards are included. -Alscút, April 11, 1882: "Ma bien chère Maman, merci de vos deux bonnes lettres, une de Florence et l'autre de Rome, merci aussi des trop jolis monuments de Florence pour les enfants, sinon que des chocolats, vous êtes trop bonne de toujours penser à nous. We left Fiume on the 3rd, much to my regret, it was a delightful summer there, the oak woods all green, the Dresden Valley all green, your lilac in full bloom, the benches in front of Joseph's in full bloom, our terrace under the big pine tree, so pretty, I'll always think of you there, dear Mama. We've found the cold here, one that hurts like the aftermath of summer. These days, 6 degrees, cold, today it's snowing, everything is white! The walls are beautiful, the rooms and the house seem so big. Joseph and the children are happy to be here, but I really miss the beautiful sea and the good sunshine; I'm losing all the colors it gave me. We spent Holy Week devoutly, for me very sadly, the first without this beloved Father and thinking of you, my mother, what you must be suffering, I made a Passover with Joseph, Mary praying well for you. (...) I kiss you tenderly and I am your devoted daughter". - Alscút, April 15 1882: "My dearest mother, thank you for your kind letter from Vienna, I couldn't wait to hear from you! How the return to this sad palace must have hurt you, everything talks about him, everything is there except him. Last year I was the only one to celebrate Easter with you, with my beloved father, at Sainte-Anne! The stories from Rome interested me, the audience with the Pope, thank you in advance for all the lovely things from there, you're too good. I'm afraid that the trip to Coburg will tire you, dear mother, will hurt you, I would have gladly come to spend this day with you, to talk and pray with you, for him and I would have had the joy of seeing you, of thinking that I could do you a little good. Tell me, telegraph me, if you like me to come. To God my dearest mother, I embrace you with all my heart and I am your most devoted daughter". -Alscút, May 22, 1882: "My dearest Mama, here we are again after a 15-day stay in town, the Majesties [Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth of Austria] and everyone have been very kind to us, the weather was sadly cold, even today, but it froze here, the dear children are well and were very happy to see us again. I had my week of great weakness hardly able to stand, I thought well of Marie, Ferdinand in Buda, she told me she found Amélie well, how did you find her? Poor darling, are you still there? How is Ferdinand? How lonely and sad you must be without him. Messieurs les abbés are overjoyed by these letters and souvenirs from Rome, it was very kind of him to have thought of them. The Majesties have asked for your news, the Emperor in great detail, and very kindly. Joseph has been very busy lately, and leaves before June 20 for a month's tour. I will then be alone to go (...) Mother dear, how my thoughts are always with you, so alone without this beloved father. Ah, why did he leave us so soon! I kiss you" -Alscút, August 7, 1882: "My dearest mother, I have had a good journey, thinking all the time of you, of Cobourg, of those sad days that I loved so much, of our devotions and prayers in that dear vault. I arrived here very tired and quite late to prepare the feast, on the 2nd and the following days the guests have already arrived. The first had already arrived on the 5th, we had decorated the driveway and the castle with flags and triumphal arches, he was so kind and friendly, as were the other 4 bishops and many canons from the dioceses of Grau and those of the 4 bishops, all happy to have been invited, The ceremony on the 6th was not too long, very beautiful, the Prima's speech superb, a mass of people, peasants, the whole village and the garden were full of them. August 12, I resume my let

Estim. 800 - 1 000 EUR

Lot 233 - CLOTHILDE, archiduchesse d'Autriche, née princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1846-1937) - Set of 24 L.A.S.: "Clot" and "Clothilde", dated September 20, 1885 to December 7, 1886, much of it on headed paper with his monogram under a royal crown, sent from Villa Giuseppe in Fiume (Croatia) and Alscuth Castle (Hungary), addressed to his mother, Princess Clementine d'Orléans (1817-1907), 103 pages, text in French, folds, foxing, but overall good condition. A lithograph signed U. Druck & V. Weger in Leipzig, depicting the princess as a young girl, another lithographic portrait, an old postcard showing her posing surrounded by her family and a handwritten note "Codicille à mon testament", made in 1880. H.: 29.5 cm - L.:20.5 cm H.: 28 cm - W.:20 cm. -Alscút, December 1886: "My dearest mother, I've come to wish you a happy new year, praying that the Lord will keep you in good health for many more years of our joy and happiness, because for you, my dearest mother, happiness is all about cherished memories. Alas, how long it seems since our beloved father left us, the years go by so quickly! I always pray for you these days as the girls and I make our Christmas devotions. Thank you for all the lovely things you sent us, which I distributed to the delight of the children. Our tree was very pretty, the children so happy, the midnight mass so beautiful, Irène and her fiancé were also at the tree, all happy with their gifts. I know how much all this turmoil is hurting you. I hope it will all come to an end (...) Joseph sends me his best wishes, I told him about the slander. The weather is cold and sad, thank you for your letter, the last ones are amusing, I'm sending you a cross containing some of my father's hair (...)". -Alscút, July 19, 1886: "My dearest mother, thank you for your beautiful letter, I was counting on verni by ... 9-47-8 Vienna, change station, and arrive ...9-59, but since yesterday and today I've had a dreadful headache (...) so I won't be able to come, I'll regret it very much, it's been so long since I've seen you, but I'm too ill then to think of setting off. And this fiancée, I knew we'd get him married young, whatever the Phils say. What do you mean? What do they say? We're going to have, I'm expecting these majesties here for 3 days and the laborers, we're hard at work arranging the château. Adieu, my dear mother, I kiss you tenderly." - Alscút, July 20, 1886: "My dearest Mama, I cannot come to see you, I am very sorry, but I am too ill to move from here, as I feared I would yesterday. I would have been so happy to see you again and to listen to your stories of your travels, at last of your whole life, since January when I saw you in Vienna. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and especially for the dear sad 26! I hope the sea baths will do Amélie good, that this trip with her will be pleasant, how I would have loved to join in, but how many duties keep me here! (...) Farewell dear mother, bon voyage dear mother, I embrace you with all my heart and I am your most devoted daughter". - Fiume, February 11, 1886: "My dearest Mama, we had a very good trip, quite good in fact, we arrived here a long way late because of the dreadful, icy Bosa wind. Yesterday Clot. had a fever and was very upset, today she's better. Thank God for that. Marie and Paula have colds and coughs, one wanted to go and see the sea, not this Bosa, and the other is telling her acquaintances about her stay in Vienna, it is said that the Empress is arriving here today (...) we are going round looking at Fiume and Abazia in the distance, out to sea, the wind must be even stronger and roaring movements, full tide. Ferdinand will be very ill. It's very cold, though not as cold as in Vienna (...). Adieu, my dearest mother, I think back with joy to the good times spent with you, I kiss you tenderly." etc.

Estim. 800 - 1 000 EUR

Lot 235 - PHILIPPE, prince de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1844-1921) - Set of 28 L.A.S.: "Philippe", dated February 13, 1882 to September 23, 1882, sent from Biederstein, Innsbruck, Venice, Château de Laeken, Szent-Antal-Selmeczbanya, Oberhof, etc., addressed to his mother Princess Clementine d'Orléans (1817-1907), 121 pages, on headed paper with her monogram, Château de Laeken, Selmeczbanya, etc., text in French, folds, foxing, but overall good condition. -Biederstein, February 1882: "I hope you will have been able to leave quietly on the evening of the 11th, and that Ferdinand's pains will soon have ceased. It must be lovely in Fiume, even too hot in the sun, because even here it gets hot around noon. It's true that in the morning it's 9-11 degrees cold, and we're skating a lot, but we haven't been there yet, Louise still coughing a lot morning and evening. My pains are better too. We had a very bad breakfast in Linz on a tray brought in the carriage, a coffee in Salzburg in weather that made the big mountains even more beautiful, and finally we were here at 7 o'clock for dinner. Amélie is well, and so are the children. Fortunately there is snow, which prevents that horrible dust from Vienna, we went to make our visits yesterday finding only Dada very cheerful and excited. Louis was asleep, having returned late from the ball, so we had him woken up, it was almost 5 a.m., the Queen very good as always asking about you having had to wait for the King until 2 a.m. and spend from 2 to 4 in conversation with him, strange hour! We paid a visit to the Duchess Max and the Charles family for dinner, and she looked very well. So did Marie José. Who is to marry his sister? Didn't you tell me that? The Louis Wallersee [Prince Louise of Bavaria and his wife, née Henriette Mendel, titled Baroness of Wallersee] came after dinner, then we all went home. All Amélie's paintings arrived, and were already there when you got there. Amélie saw two crates and thought only of 2 paintings. Our best wishes to everyone at Villa Giuseppe. Louise and I embrace you from the bottom of our hearts" -Biederstein, February 15, 1882: "My dearest Mama, delighted with our happy arrival in Fiume, learned from a dispatch from Joseph, here too is the thaw, great mud and warm wind which will do Louise's cough good. I have approached the King [Louis II of Bavaria], who replies that he wants to invite us to dinner. We replied familiendiner yes, gala dinner no, because of the mourning. He thought it was desire. Yesterday evening, 6 o'clock, arrives General ..., Count .... To bring me in the name of the King the Order of St. Hubert, I thanked well, it is extremely kind, he does not give it often. Max and Amélie are ..., no one expecting it, having already come so often to Munich from this ... I received a very good letter from Uncle Ernest asking me to represent him at the wedding in Windsor to which he was invited and does not want to go. He tells me it is delayed, I hope not. Finally, he wants me to take no one with me but one of these gentlemen (relieved), so he lends me Baron Ruep..., I'm very pleased with him, he's a convenient man and never unhappy (...)". - April 9, 1882: "Thank you for your interesting letter from Rome of the 6th. I envy you all our beautiful walks and the visit to the pope's house. I had thought you would go to another hotel, Ferdinand having declared "Europe" infectious. I am still signing this letter to Rome to tell you that our lunch in Cannes was charming. The Parisians were very kind. We ate at the Villa Saint Firmin, whose garden is superb, and the Hotel Montfleury is also very good. We went to services at Notre-Dame-des-Pins, 7 pains, then concerto, which is really not bad (...) We went for a charming walk with the Paris family, to Canne, Vallauris and California (...° after 3 hours of walking on very steep steps in the sun, Louise was very hot. Bought lots of lots, perfumes, hats, olive wood (...) had lunch on the grass (...) We delayed our departure until the 12th and came back here to accept Chambrun's invitation, then we went to Monte Carlo on the new road, which is superb. Louise to win and uncle lost, excellent dinner at the Hotel de Paris (...) We were invited to lunch with Léopold in Menton. We went on the 5th; he's still in bed, but suffering less. We had lunch with him. Beatrice was there too, but I didn't see the tired queen. The kings of Saxony were there too, they came here on purpose to see us on Thursday, I was very sorry not to have gone (...)". - April 24, 1882: "My dearest Mama, I'm signing this letter again for your sake.

Estim. 800 - 1 000 EUR

Lot 236 - PHILIPPE, prince de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1844-1921) - Set of 8 L.A.S.: "Philippe", dated May 2, 1885 to December 30, 1886, sent from Budapest, Szent-Antal-Selmeczbanya, Vienna, Gömör, Laxenburg, Abbazia, etc., addressed to his mother Princess Clémentine d'Orléans (1817-1907), 35 pages, one letter is preserved with its envelope, text in French, folds, foxing, but overall good condition. -Budapest, May 2, 1885: "I have just returned from the opening of the [Universal] Exhibition, which went off wonderfully in superb weather, sunny but with a violent wind. In front of the royal pavilion where we were with the Archduke and Archduchess Rodolphe promoted a (...) the Emperor replied, Tina thanked him and then we set off, the Emperor leading Stephanie, the princesses following, then the princes, all the ambassadors, ministers and in full regalia. We went through the central building, the forest pavilion, the Albert pavilion [Archduke of Austria, Duke of Teschen (1817-1895)] and the Croatian pavilion. By 1 a.m. everything was finished in perfect order, and the almost-finished exhibition is superb. Tomorrow at 6:45 a.m. we have to be there for the Emperor's walk, who is also visiting my three exhibitions: agriculture, forests and forges. Tonight at Andrassy's [Count Gyula (1823-1890), former minister-president of Hungary], tomorrow lunch for the Josephs on the island, then shopping, an evening at court (...) the toilette was very beautiful today, Stéphanie in blue, Isabelle in black, the little Clots [daughters of his sister, Clothilde] in pink, Clot in red with hat as well, Louise in green and pink. Yesterday for the party, the Rodolphe family came to congratulate me and give me a cane and a cigarette case. The Josephs [his sister and brother-in-law], the Fritzes during the big convention and (...) de faille, arrival of the Emperor, who congratulated me very kindly. In the evening, there was a familiendiner, but we were not invited, as we were told there would have been thirteen of us. Moltke's aide-de-camp fell from his horse in Joseph's house and lay on the ground in his blood, he's very ill (...) Charles-Louis, Louis-Victor, Albert [brothers and cousin of Emperor Franz Joseph] looked pretty good as Hungarian generals (...)". - July 4, 1885: (...) Clot's sons are doing very well at Isch..., but Clot had to go too. I read in the papers that Z... was in Budapest doing the honors for King Milan. (...) we're having lovely horse-rides in the morning, and hunting in the afternoon, and I'm fishing for crayfish. The children are out most of the day. (...) Beatrice [Princess of Great Britain, daughter of Queen Victoria] telegraphed me to be at Osborne on the 22nd, wedding in uniform on the 23rd [this refers to Beatrice's marriage to Prince Henry of Battenberg], departure on the 25th. I think we'll leave here on the 14th, but I don't know yet where we'll go to sea. If there is no reply from Brussels. I'm thinking of Boulogne. The Rodolphe family are in Brussels from the 7th to the 14th. (...) Aunt Alexandrine wrote to me to send a fan to Beatrice (...)". -Szent-Antal, August 1, 1886: "(...) I heard you had left for Hanover and Laeken. I hope the trip went well without too much heat. Through a letter from Wladimir, I learned that you were not in Hastings, but in Brighton where you went to find Uncle Montpensier and the Rainiers (...) Thank you for your kind letter of July 23, the storms at Ebenthal must have been terrible, I knew nothing of Ebersdorf. Here we haven't had a single storm, not a drop of rain, delightful weather since our arrival. After a few hot days, the cooler weather has returned, and we can no longer dine out. We continue to enjoy our walks and runs, discovering new paths and forests. The other day we went to Vichuye, took a walk with 3 doctors, a bath director and 2 friends from ztefult, to the Kachelmann forges, then to the Sea of Stones, which I hadn't seen before, and finally had dinner under the trees with the gypsies. Found in Kihnge the painter Vastagh, master of Clot, who will come to see the Antal. Today there was to be a ball at Izlirais for the Queen of Serbia; we wanted to go, but her sudden departure, recalled by telegraph, meant the party fell through. Hasch, the painter who sketched and painted with Louise, is an excellent occupation. We're still very excited in Hungary about the useless Edelsheim-Zunsky affair, today in Budapest, a great absurd demonstration. Uncle Montpensier gives me good news of everyone, he's going to Bayreuth and seems in high spirits. Adieu ma chère Maman, Louise, les enfants et moi nous vous embrasseons de tout cœur Your most devoted sonHave you read the story of the bottle of dyn

Estim. 300 - 500 EUR

Lot 237 - LOUISE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha, née princesse de Belgique (1858-1924) - L.A.S.: "Louise", Szent-Antal-Selmczbanya, July 15, 1882, addressed to her mother-in-law, Princess Clementine d'Orléans (1817-1907), 4 pages, text in French, on headed paper with the monogram of her husband Prince Philippe, edged in black, creases, good overall condition. Attached is a photographic portrait of the princess circa 1890 wearing a large hat, signed Karoly Koller in Budapest, cabinet size. "My dear mother, Philippe, tells me that you are offended and pained by what you believe to be indifference and forgetfulness of your person. To prove to you that I am not as incorrigible as you think, I am hurrying to send you these few lines again today. You know how rarely I write, even to my mother and sister, whom I love so dearly. For my part, I know that you receive all your news via Philippe, and that what I can tell you will not be of much interest to you. I wouldn't have written about you now during this trip precisely to speak to you in this place filled with memories so sweet once and so painful now. My intention was good too, and I regret that you took my silence for a lack of interest. Philippe was wrong not to tell you how much we talked about you and dear Papa, and how sad the thought often made us. You would have been less severe then. I wept before the portrait of Purzto Pole1, so striking and one of the most lifelike! I found the children in very good condition. Léo [her son, Prince Léopold (1878-1916)] kisses your hand, he's very handsome, grown-up, fortified and very mischievous. Dora [his daughter, Princess Dorothée (1881-1967)] is very fat, especially in the face, and a little pale, but otherwise very healthy. The Antal air is doing them a world of good, and they are outside most of the day, enjoying the weather, which is once again superb and, fortunately, not so hot. Our little stay at Schmexs was a great success: we made some superb excursions in the mountains on horseback and on foot, the part at the ... is delightful, and the lake itself, high up in the Carpathian foothills, surrounded by fir trees and suddenly visible, is a delightful sight. We saw the villa that had been allocated to the Rudolphs [his sister Princess Stephanie and her husband Archduke Rudolph of Austria] and the land that the Josephs [his sister-in-law Princess Clothilde and her husband Archduke Joseph of Austria] were to buy or have already bought! I think we'll arrive in Coburg on the 23rd or 25th, as I want to stay here as long as possible and have things to do in Pest [Budapest] and Vienna. Goodbye then, see you soon, dear Mum and kissing you tenderly. I ask you to excuse my long silence and to believe me always your devoted daughter."

Estim. 200 - 300 EUR

Lot 238 - CLÉMENTINE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907) - Set of 6 L.A.S.: "Princesse Auguste de Saxe-Cobourg" addressed to Mr. de Bellevue, dated August 6, 1886 to September 19, 1886, 11 pages, on headed paper decorated with a crown and bordered with mourning, text in French. Stamp in blue ink. Private collection - C. Cau. Good condition.-Brighton, August 6, 1886: "Merci Monsieur, de votre lettre du 31 reçue ici avant-hier. I regret the new difficulties, but I can see that they will soon be ironed out. The deed of sale is not admissible, the confidential letter is the only one possible, but I believe, as I tell you, that it will be abandoned. The Baron wrote to my son: "In a few weeks at the latest, the deed will be completely in order. The latest delay is due solely to a difficulty, surely of form, on the part of the English banks". Tell Mr. Fontana, as I wrote to you, I'm staying in England until the end of April. I'll be staying at the Hastings Queens Hotel from the 9th. Letters may be addressed to me under cover, Mr. Cautts. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter, which I am sending by acknowledgement. Yours faithfully (...)" - Hastings, August 14, 1886: "I received your letter yesterday Sir. I am of the opinion to accept the Fontana proposal, which seems to me to be the firmest, although the interest is quite high. But before making up my mind, I wanted to consult my sons, who will send you their answer directly, as soon as possible, as I believe there is no more time to lose. Yours faithfully (...) - Ebenthal, August 18, 1886: "The loan affair is now over and done with. I have asked my son Auguste to thank Mr. Fontaine. As for the sale, I would ask you to consider it further. Certainly, it's the price of 7 million that should be asked for. Here is the signed power of attorney. Philippe Auguste de Saxe-Cobourg. If Monsieur Bacher advises me to sell, please ask him for his opinion. -September 19, 1886: "I came to an agreement in Vienna with Baron Heinsk and the Anglo Bank. The loan of 4,000,000 francs at 4/100 interest is a done deal, all that remains is to draw up the deed, as soon as possible, and notify me, in Vienna, of the day when the deed can be signed, an employee of the Anglo bank will then go to Paris to sign the deed with my proxy. Wouldn't it be better if this proxy were you, Monsieur? However, if you think that your name would be compromising in such a matter, I accept Mr. Fontana's first clerk. I believe that the power of attorney will be valid for this act only, and that it will be cancelled after the signature. I ask Mr. Fontana to hasten the drafting of the deed. It is to be hoped that everything will be completed and registered before the Chambers return to Paris. When the sum of 4,000,000 francs is paid in Paris, I would ask you to have it deposited with Mr. Mallet. One of my sons will go to Paris around October 15th and will then settle on my behalf the use to be made of this sum. I repeat, please explain to Mr. Fontana. The Anglo bank in Vienna is lending me on mortgage a sum of 4,000,000 francs payable in Paris at 4/100 interest, repayable in five years at the extended rate agreed by mutual agreement. Letters and telegrams should always be addressed to me in Vienna. Your devoted Princess Auguste of Saxe-Coburg" - August 28, 1886: "I beg you, Sir, to send Louis Alexis 300 francs for the orphans' winter clothes, and to send to (...) the surrounding communes from (...) the sum I give for the poor every winter. I am very pleased that the matter of the loan is completely settled and over. The loan interest payments were to be made for the funds available at Mr Mallet's, which are increased by the income from sales purchased with the loan sum. I have left the papers and the income on deposit with Mr. Mallet. Let's not hurry the sale, if a buyer (...) is known, let me know".

Estim. 300 - 500 EUR

Lot 241 - BÉATRICE, princesse de Grande-Bretagne (1857-1944) - L.A.S.: "Béatrice", Windsor Castle, March 7, 1882, addressed to Princess Clementine of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1817-1907), 6 pages on headed paper with her monogram under wreath, bordered in mourning, text in French. Folds, good condition. "My dear Aunt, Maman was very pleased to receive your kind letter, and very much regrets not being able to answer it herself at present, owing to the many occupations with which she is burdened, especially since Thursday's event (1). She therefore asks me to send you her best regards and to give you some news. I don't need to tell you how moved we were by the attack, which, thank God, caused no harm! But the more we think about it, the more we tremble at the thought of what might have been! Fortunately, as we didn't know anything at the time, Mum wasn't very frightened, and her health didn't suffer. My sister-in-law Louise has certainly been very seriously ill, and it's only in the last few days that she's really started to feel better. Just today she tried to take a few steps in her room, and as soon as she can walk she is to go with Arthur to Biarritz, which I hope will make her quite well again. The little girl is charming and makes them very happy. She is to be christened here next Saturday. As for Léopold, he spent 7 weeks with his fiancée, where unfortunately he sprained his knee and spent 3 weeks on the couch. He returned with Hélène to spend ten days with her, and I'm happy to say we're delighted with her. We hope the wedding can take place towards the end of next month when we return from the Continent. I'm looking forward to this trip. Having never been this far south, and everything we hear about Menton, makes me want to go there. We leave here on the 14th and our address will be Chalet des Rosiers. Maman travels under the name of Comtesse de Balmoral. We are very happy to hear that Ferdinand is gradually recovering and we hope that the beautiful climate where you are will do him good. I beg you to say many affectionate things from me to those of your Children who will be near you, when you receive this, and to believe me, my dearest Aunt, your most devoted niece." 1Roderick MacLean (1854-1921) attempted to assassinate Queen Victoria on March 2, 1882 in Windsor with a pistol. It was the last of eight attempts against the Queen over a period of forty years. MacLean's motive was allegedly a curt reply to a poem he had sent to the Queen

Estim. 200 - 300 EUR

Lot 244 - VICTORIA, reine de Grande-Bretagne (1819-1901) - Set of 3 L.A.S.: "VRI", addressed to Princess Clementine d'Orléans de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907), Osborne, October 27, 1885: 2 pages; Osborne, January 1, 1886, 4 ½ pages; Osborne, August 11, 1886, 1 ½ pages, on headed paper with her monogram under crown, mourning borders, text in French. Enclosed is a photographic portrait of Princess Clementine, signed Victor Angerer (1839-1894) in Vienna, depicting her posing in profile, in widow's attire, with her autograph signature: "Clementine, Osborne, 1885". Cabinet-sized, cardboard-mounted vintage print, with the photographer's name at the bottom and on the back. Good condition. "My dearest Clém, This letter is only to send you the details of our dear Ferdinand's death as you did not receive any during ( ). You can show them to your children and (...) who must painfully repent the loss of all these dear Pupils. All beautiful and strong. I will write to you in a day or two. Jane thanks you for your kind letter of the 22nd. Always, your devoted cousin and friend. Alphonse might like to read you this sad letter" - "My dearest Clém, receive all my warmest and most fervent wishes for the New Year! May you have as much happiness and consolation as possible in this journey of joys and sorrows! When you see Archduchess Elisabeth, tell me how much I pity her poor young daughter, who is in the same state as my poor daughter-in-law Hélène was when my dear son was taken away! But in what difficult position is she? They say she's behaving admirably. I only fear that too much is being done for her health. Christmas is now for me a very sad time - because (...) season reminds me more of the memories of other times - of what had been and what is no more! Arthur's wife and children, Hélène ... and her poor children, the eldest of whom is lovely, and (of course) Beatrice and Henri, whose happiness is perfect, who are always with me - they were all here, and still are. We also had my daughter-in-law Louise's very nice younger brother for Christmas. We are very proud of the Prince of Bulgaria, who is truly a Hero - and has made a name for himself in the history of our times. Have you heard from Marie Waldemar? Now farewell my dear Clém, may God bless you and all your dear children and believe me forever, your all, devoted cousin and friend" - "Dear Clém, you told me that you admired the gold and silver Indian objects. I'd like to offer you two as a souvenir (...). Always your devoted cousin and friend". History: Queen Victoria named Prince Alexander Battenberg, brother of Henry Battenberg and husband of her daughter Princess Beatrice, Prince of Bulgaria. In September 1885, Prince Alexander Battenberg unified Bulgaria, and even the Turkish Sultan Abdul Hamid II had to recognize him as Governor General of the southeastern part of Bulgaria, which the Ottoman Empire claimed as its own. In November 1885, Bulgaria won the war against Serbia, and Alexander was considered a true hero. This is probably exactly what Queen Victoria meant on January 1, 1886. However, the Russian emperor insisted that Alexander be removed from the Bulgarian throne, and the Russians staged a coup d'état in September 1886. Alexander I Battenberg was forced to leave Bulgaria, and Parliament sought another "Prince of Bulgaria". This was Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Clementine's youngest son. Queen Victoria was against the idea, hoping that Alexander I Battenberg would return to the Bulgarian throne. The emperor was also against, as Bulgarian politicians rejected the prince proposed by Russia.

Estim. 600 - 800 EUR

Lot 245 - AMÉLIE, princesse d'Orléans, reine de Portugal (1865-1951) - Set of 5 L.A.S.: "Amélie", dated from October 29, 1885 to September 8, 1886, addressed to her aunt Princess Clémentine de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907), 23 pages, on headed paper from the rue de Varenne (residence of the author's father, the Comte de Paris), the Château d'Eu and her monogram under a crown, text in French, good condition. Paris, undated (late July 1885): "My dear Aunt, by the time this letter reaches you, you will long since have received Papa's dispatch announcing my marriage. My respectful affection for you is so deep, you have always shown me so much kindness, that I cannot help but associate you intimately with the greatest event in my life. I'd like to talk to you at length about what interests me so much. I haven't forgotten how precious your advice and affection have often been to me, and I have only one regret, that of knowing you are so far away from me. I would also like to say that I am very happy with my parents' choice; the Duke de Bragance combines all the serious qualities I so much wished to meet. In marrying him I become your niece once again, but I do not believe that my affection and devotion to you can increase. Would I dare, my dear aunt, to ask you to kindly preserve for me the affection you have shown me so many times and which will always be precious to me. My father has telegraphed all the aunts and uncles, the Emperor and Archduchess Marie. I'll write to Aunt Louise as soon as I have a minute. I would be very grateful if you could, if you have the opportunity, to announce my marriage to Archduchess Elisabeth, whose kindness to me I have not forgotten, to Stephanie, to Marguerite, to Charles-Louis, to Archduke Wilhelm, to the Stephans and if possible to Hilda, to Louis-Victor, not forgetting Archduke Albert; in short, to everyone I have known during my stay in Vienna. I would also like to thank you for your letter of June 29th, which interested and amused me. I was delighted to read about the Hofball in the Tremden Blatt. Aunt Clotilde must have looked superb in her yellow satin toilette. Please, my dear aunt, tell her about me, that I think of her very often and that I would be very happy to see her again. Please announce my marriage to Mariska, whom I haven't seen for a long time, but for whom I still have great affection. Farewell, my dear aunt, please don't forget me with Uncle Ferdinand, telling him that I will respect him doubly from now on, and asking him to always keep his affection for me (...). I am very anxious to announce my marriage to Joseph, for whom I have always had great affection." - October 6, 1885: "(...). I am sure, my dear aunt, that you were also very saddened by the death of our poor king [Alfonso XII of Spain]. It's awful, you think you're dreaming when you think about it. And it happened so fast, so quickly. We had known he was unwell for a long time, but we were far from expecting this terrible blow. Poor Queen Christine [of Spain, born Archduchess of Austria] is to be pitied, what a sad and worrying future. I would be very grateful if when you see Archduchess Elisabeth [mother of Queen Christine of Spain] you would tell her how much I share her pain, I dare not address her directly, but I have not forgotten her kindness to me and my sympathy for her is deep. I hear that two of her sons are currently in Madrid. I learned of Charles-Etienne's marriage to Therese of Tuscany with great astonishment, recalling the conversation that followed lunch at the Palais de Cobourg. Thérèse's knees have probably rounded since then. I hope Archduke Albert is happy! From what Bon-Papa wrote, poor Crista didn't share this satisfaction. Antoine's wedding is set for February 10. My parents are planning to go and I'm thinking of accompanying them. But as everything will be sad (...) I'm sure, my dear aunt, that you're not taking care of him and I'd like to be with you to scold you and force you to be careful. Uncle Gusty has also told you that Uncle Ferdinand has left the Linz garrison. I'm due to spend a few days in Cannes around the 15th of this month. My parents are godparents to the new little Caserta, and Mother has asked me to represent her at the christening. I bid you farewell, my dear aunt, and ask you not to forget me with Uncle Ferdinand. My parents send me their respectful regards for you (...). A thousand regards to the Baroness de Pach". - October 29, 1885: "My dear aunt, I don't want to let the New Year begin without coming to offer you my most tender wishes. Please allow me to

Estim. 400 - 600 EUR

Lot 257 - LOUIS (PHILIPPE VII), prince d'Orléans, comte de Paris (1838-1894) - Set of 12 L.A.S: "L P d'Orléans", Cannes, Eu, Paris, Glenspean, dated March 26, 1882 to August 24, 1886, on letterheads for Villa St Jean in Cannes, Château d'Eu, 57 rue de Varenne, 40 pages, addressed to his aunt Princess Clementine of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1817-1907), text in French, creases, foxing, but overall good condition. - March 26, 1882: "My dear aunt, Ferdinand [Prince of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha], has just given Isabelle and me the precious pictures drawn by Amélie [Princess of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1848-1875)]. The thought is very beautiful and touching. I thank you most sincerely for sending us these souvenirs. I think the stay in Cannes will do Ferdinand good. He needs to forget his health sometimes. I do my best to distract him and we go on great botanical explorations together. But I'm sorry you couldn't decide to come back to Cannes. The first moment would have been painful, but it would have been good for you afterwards. I'm delighted to hear that Philippe and Louise are coming here. It will be a great joy for us to see them; but I regret not being able to accommodate them under our roof. As the visitors' rooms are not yet habitable, we have only one room available, Ferdinand's, as my son is due to arrive on Saturday and occupy the one Mummy has at the moment. If Philippe and Louise happen to be in Genoa on Friday 31st, they should ask the Duchess of Galliera for lunch. We'll have lunch at her house in the Palais Ferrari that day at half past eleven (...)". - June 26, 1882: "I take the liberty of addressing you as the only person who can, I believe, help me in an important search. It concerns finding a German valet for my son. He has learned English from the maids, so he needs someone to speak German with him all the time. The college courses are insufficient. I'm all the more anxious to talk to you as I would very much like to have an Austrian. I prefer the minor inconvenience of the accent to the greater inconvenience of having a subject of Kaiser Wilhelm. Besides, I think Austrian servants are safer and better behaved than those of the German Empire (...)". - July 12, 1882: "(...), I would be happy to meet Baron Pack, he is going this year to the maneuvers of the 3rd Corps which I am to follow as territorial Lieutenant-Colonel, but I confess that I would rather have verbal relations with him than epistolary commerce, for I had a prodigious difficulty in deciphering his handwriting and ended up copying his note in a legible manner to grasp its meaning. (...) The new valet probably doesn't know a word of French, so he won't be able to start work straight away. This service consists not only in dressing and caring for my son, but also in serving the small table in the rue de Babylone on his own. Here's how things are arranged. In the house at the end of the Duchesse de Galliera's garden, I have organized the entire establishment of M. Laurent's family with my son. My son lives with this family. As long as he lives there, a cook of mine, at my expense, cooks for everyone, and my son's valet serves at table (...) To familiarize himself with this service, as well as the language, I would take him for the start here in the Château d'Eu house, having him serve at table as my wife's valet, and with me to answer him in German for the start. He'll have to learn a bit of French, but with my son he'll only have to speak German. The conditions would be one hundred francs a month, i.e. 1,200 francs a year, plus 41 frs 50 a month, i.e. 500 frs a year for clothing, in return for which he must always have clean black clothing for service. No livery, as he is dressed in black. New Year's gifts on January 1. After two years' service, I'd raise it to 110 frs a month, or 1320 frs a year, the current rate for a valet de chambre. Of course, housed, heated, lit and fed at the first service table. That, my dear Aunt, is just about all we need to move the business forward (...)". - August 10, 1882: "(...), you will have learned with pleasure that my son won first prize in Latin version at the Collège Stanislas. I am delighted, and hope he will continue in this vein (...)". - August 27, 1882: "(...) I am very touched to see that in the midst of all your sadness you have thought of my 44th birthday and this anniversary of August 24, which takes you back to times already long gone? I'm delighted with the good news you've given me about Amélie and her children. Here too, the whooping coughs are getting better, although they're not over yet. Little Louise, for

Estim. 400 - 600 EUR

Lot 259 - ROBERT, prince d'Orléans, duc de Chartres (1840-1910) - Set of 6 L.A.S.: "R d'Orléans", Le Nouvion, Fredensborg, Château d'Eu, Balmoral, Glen Spean Lodge, dated July 15, 1885 to April 22, 1886, addressed to his aunt Princess Clémentine d'Orléans de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907), 20 1/2 pages, text in French, folds, overall good condition. -September 17, 1885: "Fredensborg (...) it is agreed that the religious marriage of Marie [Princess Marie d'Orléans with Prince Waldemar of Denmark] will take place in Eu on Thursday, October 22. We will have previously held the civil wedding in Paris only with Waldemar, Marie and the witnesses. The Queen of Denmark, the King (or Prince Royal) of Denmark, the Prince and Princess of Wales and probably the Duchess of Cumberland will attend the religious wedding in Eu and represent the future's family. I don't know what arrangements my father will make, but I hope that all my uncles will attend the wedding, especially as they will probably be able to come and go from Paris on the same day. I don't know if any of your sons will be in France then, but I'm glad that you and your part of the family will be represented. The Prince of Wales leaves, I believe, next week for Hungary. The Princess remains here - will go to Eu with her mother and meet the Prince there to return to England. Marie continues to be very happy and we are very pleased with everything we see here (...)". - October 3, 1885 "Eu (...) we ask you to come from Paris to Eu with my father-in-law and mother-in-law on the 20th. If you are in Paris on the 19th, come and dine with us. Arrangements have been made here for you and Ferdinand to stay with my in-laws. The Danish family arrives on the 21st. There's a hunt on the 23rd and they leave again on the 24th (...)". - November 30, 1885: "I'm off to Gmunden tomorrow to bid farewell to Marie and to accept the Cumberlands' kind invitation. I expect to arrive in Gmunden on Thursday morning and leave on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. I regret that this time I cannot push on to Vienna to pay my respects [he refers to the death of King Alfonso XII on November 25, 1885], but that would take me too far. I wrote to Ferdinand that if he was in Linz I would go and see him on Saturday or Sunday morning (...) I spent two days in Paris with my brother and Isabelle at the time of King Alfonso's death. Isabelle was deeply affected by it, and in many ways it was a great loss for her non-brother. We're having some lovely hunts here in this dreadful weather of rain and wind (...)". - April 5, 1886: "Balmoral (...) I would have liked so much to talk with you. Uncle Aumale had asked ... to speak only at this hour if and I had let him arrange the whole affair from Paris. I had written from Paris to Uncle Montpensier and Antoine to tell them to have dinner. Only on false information and I had sent (2 letters) to the London hotel (...) did my letters arrive? We had a good trip, we all visited a new exhibition which is charming (...) I am sad that my Marie who had a little accident after I left Copenhagen. It's all over now, but she'd rather we didn't talk about it. I was very happy to kiss Aumale's hand and I would also have liked to have a chat with him, would you please tell him (...)-July 15, undated (1886): "Le Nouvion, My dear Aunt, you will no doubt allow me to give you some news without commenting on Uncle's admirable letter, which so well defended all the family's servicemen, nor on the decree which ...., a real lettre de cachet served yesterday without even being published nor on all the lies ... in the gallery of the Chamber on July 13. I came here as soon as I heard about the decree the night before last. Uncle is in good health, very calm and composed. I'm afraid he's suffering a lot inside, but he doesn't want to show it. He wanted to leave as simply as possible, the luggage will leave and we'll drive to Belgium to take the train. We'll be at the Hotel de Flandre in Brussels at 6am. Uncle thinks he'll stay there a few days and then go to England to the Norton (...) I'll leave him in Brussels and go get Chiquita and the children to take them to England too, probably on Sunday (...)". History: the last undated letter was written at 5 a.m., no doubt alluding to the Duc d'Aumale's letter of protest addressed to the President of the Republic, Jules Grévy, on July 11, 1886, in response to the exile law promulgated on June 22, 1886, condemning all members of the family who had ruled France to exile. The Duc d'Aumale wrote to Jules Grevy: "It is my duty to remind you that military ranks are above your reach".

Estim. 300 - 500 EUR

Lot 269 - FERDINAND, prince de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1861-1948) - Set of 12 L.A.S.: "Ferdinand", Paris, Chantilly, Kissingen, Plombières, dated May 18, 1882 to August 27, 1882, addressed to his mother, Princess Clementine of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1817-1907), 55 pages on headed paper with her monogram under crown, text in French, folds, foxing, but overall good condition. Attached is a photographic portrait of the prince signed Koller Karoly, in Budapest, showing him posing in civilian clothes. Vintage print, circa 1880, mounted on cardboard, with the photographer's name at the bottom and on the back. Good condition. H.: 21 cm - W.: 10 cm. Paris, May 18, 1882: "As I don't know where you are now, I'm writing to Biederstein to give you some news. I am sad and overwhelmed by the sight, the noise, the movement of Paris! After 2 years, to see it all again, the dear stores, the Champs-Élysées, the Bois, it hurts you terribly and the memory follows you everywhere. I'm still very weak, but my stomach lets me rest a little. I made the trip from Munich to Paris with Mr and Mrs de Villeneuve, freezing night, snow and frost at Avricourt, very polite customs, Gusty at the station without a car, which I found at the hotel. Elegant grooming, went up to the Philippes: "What are you doing here, it was perfectly useless for you to come to Paris". These were the encouraging words of our beloved brother. Pale Louise, dressed like a comforter, always going out alone with Pack the necessary "repoussoir", Phil. After cutting with Robert! 7hr dinner in Rue d'Antin at Joinville La Tante, l'oncle Pierre very kind, full of sympathy for our misfortune and my misfortunes. Entrance of Flanders completely changed towards me; not talking to me and irritating me. Nemours, very cheerful, invites me to the theater and to dinner. I ostentatiously refuse, which causes extreme anger in Philippe, who was going to the "Thousand and One Nights" this evening! Yesterday morning visit from Mr Fournier with 5000 frs, many thanks! Then 11 hr dej. Chez Durand given by Robert and (???); me, Gusty, Pierre, the Phillippes. Great laughter and infernal noise, while I looked on sadly at this fishy evening, thinking of our quiet breakfasts 4 years ago. Robert invited me to go to Rouen and stay at Rue Jean Goujon; I ...Promenade sur le boulevard plus jolies que jamais. The stores are delightful, but without money, they make me feel bad. After visits to Nemours, Hôtel Lambert; home for evening. Dinner 7 hr at Hôtel Lambert; Marguerite hasn't said a word about Papa! Suzanne (???) my neighbor asked me about Nosty. Phil. told me in no uncertain terms that when he arrived in Vienna he was going to have my apartment emptied, as he wanted to start the work; I'm not allowed to tell you this in Paris when I could have been told in Vienna; he was so scheming with me about it that even Gusty was offended. Finally, he said he'd telegraph me when it was time to move, so I could go back to Vienna! What a horseman! This morning Assumption mass at St. Roch, evening at the Jardin d'Acclimatation. Saturday dinner Nemours, Sunday Chantilly. I'll go to Kissingen around June 20. I'm thinking of coming back to Vienna on the 4th for this obnoxious accommodation. I bought a yellow sapphire ring in Chantilly, 60 fr! The Phil. left this morning at 6 a.m. for Brussels, furious at this hour, the King having forbidden them to come in the evening! The weather is still cool and I think Kreuth must be very unpleasant. Uncle Nemours is talking about coming to see you in Ebenthal! I'm going to see Dr. Leclere in Plombière to organize the cure. I'm going to St. Roch's mass to pray for you and for dear Papa! I'm sending you the letter from the ??? which will interest you and Amélie. Please send it back to me. My love to you and Amélie (...) Louise told me that returning to the despicable Palais de Vienne was a nightmare for her. It promises to be". - Kissingen, July 20, 1882: "My dear Mother! Thank you for your kind, but so sad letter of 17/18. I hope you are well and that your insomnia has ceased. I am very ill with a dreadful cold and my 2 hips hurt very much. I do not know how or when I shall be delivered from this plague. I lead my usual life here. Spending my days with Klei... And afternoons with the beautiful Maria Pavlovna, who looks after me with touching kindness, last night we went for a walk in the twilight of the woods. I forced myself (???) to kneel before the Grand-Duchess Wladimir. It broke her back. Gerhard is arriving tomorrow to see the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, who's arriving on the morning of the 23rd, and it was difficult for me to leave on the 23rd, as the Grand Duchess had asked me to stay until he arrived, which I couldn't do.

Estim. 800 - 1 000 EUR

Lot 270 - FERDINAND, prince de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1861-1948) - Autograph document signed: "Ferdinand", Lisbon, January 22, 1884, entitled: Mon voyage à Moscou pour le corononnement impérial, 12 pages, folio on headed paper with his monogram under a royal crown, text in German, good condition. Attached is a photographic portrait of the prince at this time, signed Koller Karoly, in Budapest, showing him posing in hussar uniform. Vintage albumen print mounted on cardboard, with the photographer's name on the back. Cabinet size. A fascinating text recounting the coronation ceremonies of Emperor Alexander III and Empress Maria Feodorovna, celebrated in Moscow in May 1883, in which he participated as his uncle's official representative. This memoir is the king's only known biographical and autograph text. It was written when he was the guest of his uncle, Ferdinand II, King Consort of Portugal (1816-1885), his father's brother, to recount his experiences at the Imperial Court of Russia. It is therefore a historical play of the utmost importance. A complete version translated into German and Bulgarian will be given to the purchaser. - Translation of part of the text: My uncle, His Royal Highness the Duke of Saxony Coburg-Gotha, entrusted me with the mission of representing him at the Emperor's coronation in Moscow. So I left Vienna with my retinue at 11 a.m. on May 18. From Vienna to Warsaw, the Kaiser Ferdinand-Nordbahn provided me with a magnificent lounge car. The weather was magnificent, which added to the pleasure of the journey through the beautiful landscapes of Lower Austria, Moravia and Silesia. By 9 o'clock in the evening, we were at Granica, the border post between Austria and Russia, where I was solemnly received by the Russian military and civil authorities. After an hour's stop for supper, we continued our journey. The region is suddenly flattening out and losing all its relief. On the 19th, we arrived in Warsaw at 7 a.m., having slept well in our comfortable Northern Railway lounge car. But the weather had changed completely: it rained in the morning and was very cool. In the courtyard lounge of Bromberg station, I was received on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor of Russia by the Chief Warrant Officer, Colonel Baranoff, who welcomed me on behalf of the Emperor. This gentleman remained at my service throughout my stay in Russia. I only parted company with him in Warsaw, on June 17. It was in the aforementioned court salon that we had breakfast, served by officials of the Imperial Russian Court. We then travelled to Prague station, half an hour's drive away, in waiting court carriages. The court coachmen and lackeys all wore long, bright red coats with yellow silk trimmings, on which the imperial coat of arms was woven. The city of Warsaw, which in part has wide, beautiful streets with tall, handsome buildings, was often decorated with flags. But Praga, the suburbs, is more like a large, sprawling village. From Prague station, we left at 9.20 a.m. for Moscow on an imperial train. In this courtyard train, I found a magnificent lounge car, decorated in pale blue silk and equipped with every comfort. At the head of the train were the directors of the relevant railroads, in full uniform. The region from here on is equally monotonous. The train passes through miles of swampy landscape and coniferous forests with little wood growth. The entire region from Brest-Litowskii to Borisov on the Berezina, where Napoleon fell on November 27, 1812 - some 400 kilometers - is of this character. On the other hand, this region is renowned for its abundance of game, especially poultry. In the vicinity of human settlements, which are extremely rare in the landscapes I've just mentioned, you could see the fruit trees in full bloom, which are also found here. Unfortunately, it rained for most of the day. After Borisov, and especially around Smolensk, the region becomes more pleasant, and we are delighted to see a few rows of hills near the latter town, which unfortunately are rapidly disappearing. Smolensk, although partly situated on low hills, gives a rather pleasant impression from afar; the numerous (25) churches in Russian-Eastern style, with their many colorful domes, are particularly interesting, while the buildings themselves are whitewashed with fertilizer. The dwellings contrast sharply with these buildings and are po

Estim. 8 000 - 10 000 EUR

Lot 277 - CLÉMENTINE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907) - L.A.S.: "Cl", Sofia Palace, March 2, 1892, addressed to her son, 8 pages on headed paper with Saxe-Coburg and Orleans alliance arms under crown, mourning border, text in French, folds, good overall condition. Attached is a photographic portrait signed Ivan A. Karastojanow in Sofia, depicting the princess posing in full-length bust, in widow's attire. Period print mounted on cardboard, circa 1885, cabinet format, with the photographer's name at the bottom. See illustration on page 128. "Ash Wednesday, thank you for your kind letter of the 26th, my dear son, and for sending the curious ceremonial which I shall communicate to Ferdinand when I see him. He is quite unwell at the moment with rheumatism in his foot, which is causing him great pain and has even given him a bit of a fever. He nevertheless wanted to go to Philippopoli yesterday for the funeral of the unfortunate Voulkovitch, who died as a victim of his devotion to his country and his Prince, as it is certain that this was yet another political attack. Voulkovitch had been warned that one of the Emigrants fed and cared for by Russia had left Odessa after making threatening remarks. He warned the Turkish police minister. He should have guarded himself, but he didn't, and was stabbed in Pera at 7pm, at the door of his house. The dagger left in the rain by the assassin had pierced the entrails, was snatched up by Dr. Voulkovitz who threw it to the ground, barely home, he ordered to pick up the dagger. It had disappeared, so the murderer had complexes. How awful! When will the Powers succeed in destroying this hotbed of crime, where murder is preached! Ferdinand deeply misses Voukovitch, who was so devoted to him, rendering the most eminent services to Constantinople through his skill, intelligence and knowledge of business. I hear that the funeral ceremony in Constantinople was magnificent, with a huge crowd, the entire diplomatic corps in uniform, and a mass of flowers. Fortunately, Ferdinand was not too badly affected by his sad trip to Philippopoli. He's still in bed this morning. Since my letter of the 22nd, I have been very ill for two days with one of my violent stomach attacks, leaving me a little weakened. On the 25th I went with your brother to the ball for the Austro-Hungarian Society. The hall, lit by electricity, was well decorated. Mr. de Bunian and his pretty wife graciously did the honors. They gave me a beautiful Tony Andorming enclosed in a red Velvet case with my number and a beautiful Con... At midnight (26), a canvas went up, and one by one, Ferdinand's bust and his cipher were illuminated between two pretty ladies representing Austria and Hungary, all surrounded by flowers lit by green and white red lights. On the 26th, the day my dear son was born, may God protect him! At 8 a.m. mass at the Palais, offering from my very modest table. At 10 a.m. Te Deum on Place Alexandre, the troops forming the square, parade of the garrison. Then, superb weather. Dark blue skies, warm sunshine, superb troops, a much more enthusiastic welcome than in previous years. Your brother then received the Authorities and Officers. At 3 a.m. lunch was served with the entire civilian and military household, and C de Faras praised the Prince's health in a lovely speech in Bulgarian, to which your brother replied in the same language. In the evening there was to be a dance, which was cancelled on the sad news of Voulkovitch's death. Since then, the Sofia palace has been quiet and peaceful. I go out every day either on foot in the garden, where the flowers are beginning to grow, or in Victoria on the surrounding roads. Today I'm back from mass, the whole town is decked out for the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of S. Stefano, the weather is dreadful, rain and sleet; there was however a parade of the garrison, near the church, held by the Minister of War in view of Ferdinand's indisposition. Aunt Fernande has been dying. She's better, thank God, but still very weak. Isabelle has been telegraphing news to your brother every day. The latest, the day before yesterday, was reassuring. Have you heard that Margit denies having said anything against her mother, whom she cherishes and respects? She's going to Fiume with Albert, and from there probably to Ostia. The little ball on the 18th must have caused you some painful annoyances, all the more odious because you mustn't let anything show. M. Abeille's death is awful; but it's his fault and especially that of the beautiful American girl. M. Abeille was one of those professional seducers, those so-called irresistible men, whom I detest. The German Emperor's strange speech

Estim. 200 - 300 EUR

Lot 278 - CLÉMENTINE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907) - L.A.S.: "Cl", Sofia, December 14, 1892, addressed to her son, Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg, 4 pages on headed paper of Saxe-Coburg and Orleans alliance arms under crown, bordered with mourning, text in French, folds, good overall condition. Attached is a photographic portrait signed Ivan A. Karastojanow in Sofia, depicting the princess posing in profile, in widow's attire, with her autograph signature in facsimile: "Clémentine". Vintage print mounted on cardboard, circa 1885, cabinet format, with the photographer's name at the bottom. Good condition. "Commissions. I beg you my dear son to buy me for my Christmas presents. A high footed lamp in the style of the one you gave me, quite pretty, elegant, hat. A mantelpiece Pendulum and candelabras for an officer's room, pretty, effective. A cassette for storing papers, an F with a copper Count's crown, another on the cassette, something nice. These three items will be for Markoff, Strogonoff and Farus. For Bourboulon, you'll try to find some elegant novelty from Paris or Budapest, Puch tells me about a marvelous silver cane holder, tell me if it's really so pretty, "it's very expensive". For these three items, lamp, cassette mantelpiece trim, I open you a credit (including Bourboulon) of 400 fl. (or 500 fl. at the most.) You can choose small new items of the year from Forster for 40 fl; a small folding screen with legs like the one I gave Louise, if you can find some nice new ones, at the most 80 fl. Finally a selection of New Year's cards, 24 cards. Loibl has lost his father, he leaves today for Vienna, and returns here before Christmas. He'll bring whatever you choose for my commissions. If you have any doubts or choices to suggest, please telegraph me? Thank you for your kind letter from Vars and your telegram from .... We have been here for three days without letters or newspapers, the railway being intercepted between Pesti and Semlin, which was very annoying, especially at this time when the proposed revision of the Constitution is causing so much agitation among the powers, who are especially afraid of anything that might disturb their rest. The agitation is much greater on the outside than on the inside. It was a necessity; no marriage was possible for Ferdinand without this revision. The Holy Father refused Catholic priests permission to celebrate any marriage without the promise of the Catholicity of the Children. A special brief, making the Pope's will known, was sent to Sigmaringen. The promise has been given. Will it be kept? I'm very agitated by all this. Yesterday was given for your brother the second great dinner of deputies, there were 80 at each dinner, they were very good and good. We've had some delightful days with warm sunshine, now it's quite cold and very foggy. Mimi's death made me very sad as I already told you, she was so loving and devoted." Background: Stefan Stambolov (1854-1895) was Prime Minister of Bulgaria at the time, and is considered one of the most important figures in modern Bulgaria. In this letter, Ferdinand refers to the convening of the Grand National Assembly to amend the religious aspect of the Constitution (modification of article 38), despite the anger in Bulgaria of pro-Russian circles and the Orthodox clergy.

Estim. 200 - 300 EUR

Lot 279 - CLÉMENTINE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907) - L.A.S.: "Cl", Philippopolis, November 8, 1892, addressed to her son, Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, 4 pages on headed paper with Saxe-Coburg and Orleans alliance arms under crown, mourning border, text in French, creases, good overall condition. Enclosed is a photograph depicting the princess signed Lock & Whitfield in London, business-card size. "Merci mon cher fils de ton tout petit mot de St Joharm où j'étais seul en famille cette année. Thank you for your care for my commission (...) unfortunately not let pass the service which remained in distress at the Semlin customs, where I told Klinkosch [goldsmith to the Austrian court] to claim it and then keep it in Vienna until all these mishaps are lifted, which I hope will not be long. The heat seems to be abating in Hungary and, thank God, will not have taken hold in Vienna. I told Peter to ask you to sell the horses if the merchant doesn't want to change them: they have already cost me over 200 florins to care for and treat in Vienna, and will never be of any use to me. Since my last letter, we have had a week of warm, charming weather. We took the opportunity to run a few errands in the countryside, including a lunch on the 3rd in a village (...). at the home of a wealthy Greek landowner, the site is very picturesque, the table was set under a large chestnut tree on the banks of a stream, it was charming. After lunch, we went to another garden for coffee and jams, and returned on a beautiful, balmy evening. The setting sun lit up the rocks of Plaudire, and we followed the movements of the balloon in the sky, carrying Mr. Gadorf and Major Stroganoff, who returned delighted from his aerial journey. On the 1st and 2nd we followed the officers to church, where the archbishop was officiating pontifically. On the 2nd I took an excursion (...) driven by 4 Bulgarian horses, then the railroad, the road was excellent. Meanwhile, your brother was going to visit a large island (...) that the commune of xy (I forget the name) has given him and where he is going to organize a hunt, especially of pheasants. Today he's in Sofia to receive (...)'s address in response to the throne speech. I'm going to bid farewell to the Austro-Hungarian exhibition, weather permitting, as it's been raining for three days (rain was much desired the day before yesterday). There was an evening at the Club Militaire where we had been asked to go, mass of officers, some councils and civilian employees, few ladies. Sunday 12, closing of the Gala exhibition, then I'm thinking of going back to Sofia. I'm not telling you about our three-day lunch in Sofia and the bitterness of the (...), it's all ancient history. (...) off on a lovely trip so Bertie was very busy and (...) kindly busy. As always, Pippa regained her strength and health for the funeral ceremony in Stuttgart. I missed Queen Olga, so beautiful, such a great lady and at the same time so gracious and benevolent. What a horror the shipwreck of the (...) on the coast of Portugal, and what barbarians those Portuguese (...)".

Estim. 200 - 300 EUR

Lot 280 - CLÉMENTINE, princesse de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1817-1907) - L.A.S.: "Clémentine", Vienna, August 16, 1892, addressed to her son, Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, 2 ½ pages on headed paper with his monogram under crown, bordered with mourning, text in French, creases, good overall condition. Enclosed is a photograph depicting the princess signed L. Angerer in Vienna, business-card size. "Here's the dispatch I just received. You said we wouldn't let him come to my house! Clot writes me that he's in camp and will stay there until tomorrow, the dispatch is from (...)? I came here this morning, my dear son, leaving Ebenthal scented and very pretty indeed. I found Vienna reeking and the heat is so intense that I'm sitting around in my robe instead of putting my things away. I leave the day after tomorrow at 8am. I find Joinville and Pierre in Schladming. Isabelle arrives on the 19th. I hope you're not so hot in (...) and that you're avoiding the pretty Russians. Give my regards to Ernest. Love, my dear son. Ebenthal is embalmed and very pretty indeed. (...) The military ceremony at the camp for the 14th was very beautiful, and Stambuloff's speech [Stefan Stamboloff, Bulgarian statesman, revolutionary and poet] at the grand dinner at the Palace magnificent. The welcome given to Stambuloff by the Sultan is a great achievement, and a courageous response to Russian infamy. All honors were paid to the Prime Minister of the Prince of Bulgaria, and carried over to the sovereign."

Estim. 200 - 300 EUR

Lot 284 - FERDINAND, prince de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1861-1948) - L.A.S.: "Ferdinand", Sofia, March 6, 1894, addressed to Professor Edmund von Neusser (1852-1912), 4 pages on headed paper with his monogram under a crown, text in German, preserved with its envelope, with red wax seal, folds, curling, but overall good condition. Attached is a photographic portrait of King Ferdinand signed J. Löny, in Vienna, showing him posing with his young bride, Princess Marie-Louise de Bourbon-Parme, on the occasion of her engagement. Vintage print, circa 1892, mounted on cardboard, with the photographer's name at the bottom and on the back. Cabinet format. Good condition. Translation: "Dear professor and friend, Thank you most warmly for your friendly letter, which moved me deeply! I know how sympathetic you are to us and your presence is always a joy for me, but now it's an inestimable comfort: we're faced with the unknown: previously the patients have experienced drops in temperature, but for 3 days and despite quinine, the temperature has remained constant between 38° and 39° with a pulse of 88 to 108! The temperature rose steadily from 9 to 11 a.m., then fell slightly. Yesterday, (...) the temperature rose from 2 to 6 in the afternoon, and by 5 o'clock it had risen to 39.5° with a pulse of 100. 1 gram of quinine was given, but nevertheless we're still at 38.3° at 9:35 this morning! The thrombus is regressing, but the tumor is as big as an egg. The urine is completely normal (Naidenov chemist's test). Personally, I'm not sure it's a malaria attack, because quinine is ineffective! (...) Even if the general condition shows signs of good health, the greenish-yellow coloration of the face tells me otherwise! The great inflammability of the brain is also interesting to observe! Don't we have a case of septicemia here (my instinct has been telling me so for a long time)? Transportation to Ebenthal actually seems very necessary, because here, in this plague-like air, I don't see any auspicious development! I look forward to your suggestions and expect to see you here in the near future! Always your grateful and devoted friend" Background: Although the name of the sick person is not mentioned, by the end of the letter it becomes clear that it is Princess Clementine who is to be transported to Ebenthal. On March 6, 1894, the young Crown Prince Boris was less than 2 months old. Clearly, Princess Clementine had come for his birth and to be by Princess Marie-Louise's side, so as not to be alone, having lost her own mother at the age of 12.

Estim. 200 - 300 EUR

Lot 285 - [CONFIRMATION OF PRINCE BORIS OF BULGARIA]. Bound in black and brown morocco, decorated in the center of the cover with the inscription in gold letters "Cérémonie de la confirmation du prince Boris de Bulgarie, Sofia 12-20 février 1896", folio (230x160 mm), containing: a photographic portrait of Princess Louise-Marie (cabinet size), a photographic portrait of the Prime Minister, Constantin Stoilov (1853-1901), (cabinet size), a photographic portrait of Archbishop Gregorius (1828-1898), who anoints Prince Boris on February 2, 1896, (cabinet size), a photographic portrait of Prime Minister Dragan Tsankov (1828-1911), a photographic portrait of Prime Minister Theodor Theodorov (1859-1924), (cabinet size), a pre-stamped postcard depicting the young Prince Boris dated February 2, 1896, the invitation card to the dinner on January 31, 1896 in the name of H. E. Kostaki Karathe. E. Kostaki Karatheodori Pasha (ambassador of H.M.I. the Sultan), the agenda for the ceremony held at Sofia Palace on February 1, 1896, the invitation card for the dinner at Sofia Court on February 1, 1896 in the name of H.E. Kostaki Karatheodori Pasha (ambassador of H.M.I. the Sultan). Kostaki Karatheodori Effendi, the menu for the dinner served on February 1, 1896, the program for the show that followed on the same day, the program for the Gala presentation in the salons of the military school on February 1, the invitation card for the dinner on February 2, 1896 in the name of H. E. Kostaki Karatheodori Pasha, the menu for the dinner served on this occasion as well as the program for the show, the agenda dated February 4, 1896, the menu for the dinner and the program for February 5, 1896. Contemporary wear, accident to spine, as is. History: this album was given as a souvenir of the celebrations organized in Sofia for the conversion of Prince Boris (1894-1943), to the official representative and ambassador extraordinary of Sultan Mahmoud II, Alexander (Kostaki) Karatheodori Pasha. It shows the celebrations of the conversion to the Orthodox Church of the heir to the Bulgarian throne, who had originally been baptized Catholic. Despite the opening photograph of Queen Louise-Marie, she did not actually attend the ceremony. Instead, she took refuge in Vienna at the Palais Cobourg, as her sister-in-law, Princess Louise Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, explained in her Memoirs. With this act of conversion, the Pope had excommunicated Prince Ferdinand. He had simply applied the rules of the Bulgarian constitution, requiring the future monarch to be baptized in the Orthodox Church, even though Ferdinand and Marie-Louise were Catholics. Biography: Alexander (Kostaki) Karatheodori Pasha (1833-1906), was a Constantinople-born statesman from a prominent Phanariot family, and his father Stefanos Karatheodori was the sultan's personal physician. Alexandre Karatheodori Pacha studied law in Paris, then pursued a career in the civil service of the Ottoman Empire. In 1874, he was appointed ambassador to Rome, and in 1878 took part in the preliminary negotiations with Russia on the Treaty of San Stefano. He was then appointed chief commissioner of the Sultan at the Congress of Berlin, where he succeeded in modifying the terms of the Treaty of San Stefano in favor of the Ottoman Empire. In December 1878, he became the Sultan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and subsequently held various high posts as the Sultan's official representative in Bulgaria and Greece. He died in Constantinople

Estim. 400 - 600 EUR

Lot 296 - KING FERDINAND I OF BULGARIA. Domed silver with hammered decoration, round silver matrix engraved with the interlaced monogram of King Ferdinand (FF) surrounded by the collar of the Order of Merit of the House of Ernestine of Saxony under a royal crown. This was the monogram the king used on his letterhead. Attached is a L.A.S. from King Ferdinand featuring the monogram visible on the seal. Wear from use, but overall good condition. Marked: 800. H.: 9 cm - Diam.: 4 cm. Weight: 55 g. History: This seal was used by the King for half a century, from 1900 until his death in 1948. After his abdication from 1918 to 1948, it was the only seal he used, and was kept on his desk at Coburg Palace. It was subsequently acquired and presented by a private institution in Munich, the ZAM (Zentrum für Aussergewöhnliche Museen), and put up for sale in the early 2000s. The order of the House of Ernestine of Saxony on this seal was presented in 1879 by the Duke of Saxony, first as Prince of Saxony-Coburg-Gotha, then a few years later when he became Sovereign Prince of Bulgaria. Text: "My dear niece, still under the impression of my visit to the Augen-Clinck and the warm welcome of the nuns, I beg you to give the oberin the sum of 300 goldens marks in memory of my visit. I can't tell you enough how much our good talks did my heart good and how happy I was to see you again and especially to have been able to see the cure (...). I give this letter to your son, bidding you farewell with God's help, your most affectionate uncle."

Estim. 8 000 - 10 000 EUR