Reliques

24081 — Autograph Letter Signed "J Thompson Manchester 8 Aug. 1822"; Provenance undated but presumably contemporary; Copy of acknowledgment by Crossley of Thompson's letter. Six pages total tipped onto a folio album leaf detached from album numbered 235 with following description: "Correspondence relating to various articles belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte. Original Documents NOT PRESENT with translations. vide 305 another album page presumably for Napoleon's razor vide 237 for Napoleon's shirt. vide 39 for the Abdication medal." A. Autograph Letter Signed "J Thompson" one page 4to minor losses of text. "I have by 'chance' met with a few rare articles described on the other side.There can be no doubt of their being genuine or I would not take the trouble of introducing them to your notice but think they will be a rare addition to your valuable & numerous collection I writeword lost persons want them but I have obtained the preference & wait upon your answer by return of post. £15.15 is the price asked for the whole but I think I can by taking the whole phrase underlined get them for less money: Should you be here on Saturday I can procure you the inspection of them if not and I have your instructing I will do the best in my power for you. PS I really would not if I had a collection like yours miss those for £20"; B. Provenance in unknown hand 2pp. 4to. "Articles belonging to the later Emperor Napoleon NONE PRESENT and given by the Grand Marshal of the Palace Count Bertrand to M. Charvet Keeper of the Wardrobe on the occasion of Napoleon's abdication at Fontainebleau properly authenticated by Official Documents: which documents accompany the present Articles consisting of thirteen Manuscript Letters &c. belonging to M. Charvet: his nomination to the situation of Keeper of the Wardrobe ; nine notes to him from the Duke De Friard: one from the Count de Turenne his successor inviting M.C. Charvet to come to Fontainebleay also Two passports of Prince Schwarzenberg & Prince Metternich for the Isle of Elba - to which is also added the Instrument of Sale by M. Charvet to Dr Dubays Dubois presumably with the legalization of the different underlined & including a List of them. Turn over. This Collection consists of the following Articles. One Razor with Mother of Pearl handle and gold mounted shield. This is one of Four which were all used by the Emperor who shaved himself daily. One fine Holland Shirt No. 25 marked with the Letter N. and the Imperial Crown. One the Abdication Medal very fine & rare in Bronze. Thirteen Manuscript Letters with of Sale & Act of Sale."; C. Copy note from Crossley toThompson 17 x 11cm 10 Aug. 1822 saying he'll try to get over to Manchester on the following Tuesday to view "the articles in question". See my catalogue entry for Thomas Hampson of Rochdale: "Crossley the commanding officer of the Oldham Regiment of Local Militia built up a notable collection of military memorabilia which was dispersed after his death." [Autograph Letter Signed] "J Thompson, Manchester, 8 Aug. 1822"; Provenance undated but presumably contemporary; Copy of acknowl unknown