Description:

Benjamin Disraeli Archive, 10+ Original Signed Letters & Manuscripts

An archive of eleven letters and manuscripts penned by British politician Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), addressed to friends, fellow politicians, business associates, and literary connections. The dating of the material is either incomplete or problematic, but ranges from at least 1837-1860. Also included in the archive is a small group of seven pieces that were either addressed to Benjamin Disraeli by correspondents, or related to him or British politics in some way.

In the first group of material written in the hand of Benjamin Disraeli, totaling 25+ pages, his signature appears as "B" (2); "D" (6); and "B Disraeli" (4). Inscribed in pen on a variety of stationery papers including mourning stationery. Condition is generally very good to near fine, with expected folds and light wear. Isolated foxing and occasional mounting traces. Scattered closed tears along folds and repairs. The average size of the letters is 4.5" x 7.125."

Over the period of the correspondence included here, Disraeli would serve as a member of the House of Commons and as Chancellor of the Exchequer. He would undertake terms as British Prime Minister in 1868 and between 1874-1880.

The archive is not exhaustively described and should be closely inspected. Please refer to catalog images for further details.

The archive is comprised of:

Disraeli's signed letters and manuscripts, arranged in chronological order when possible.

- Bradenham Manor, High Wycomb, October 9, [n.y.] but identified in another hand as 1837. A 3pp autograph letter signed by Disraeli as "B Disraeli" and addressed to an unknown correspondent. Relating to Disraeli's busy schedule. Disraeli's father Isaac resided at Bradenham Manor until the latter's death in 1848. Minor to moderate chipping, isolated fading and water stains. Previous repairs and partial splits along folds, else fair.

- N.p., n.d. but identified in another hand as 1843. A 1p autograph letter signed with integral address leaf, both the letter and the address panel signed as "D." Addressed to "the Reporter of 'the Times'" and partly laid down on a construction paper mount. A vertical split has been taped.

- House of Commons, London, n.d. but identified in another hand as 1856. A 3pp autograph letter signed as "D" and addressed to a fellow politician, unnamed. Regarding his hope that he will have the politician's support, and about the political reversal of a certain Mr. Whiteside, whose downfall was assured "after a speech of 4 1/2 hours wh: the 18th Centy never surpassed…"

- N.p., February 3, [n.y.] but identified in another hand as 1860. A 1p autograph manuscript signed as "D" appearing to be notes for a speech. Regarding the case of "Clarke v. Ld Clifden," a complaint involving forgery. Laid down on a larger sheet of paper. On the reverse are two clipped signatures belonging to two career soldiers, Sir John Malcolm (1793-1873) and William Napier (1785-1860).

- Grosvenor Gate, London, July 7, [n.y.]. A 3pp autograph letter signed as "B Disraeli" and addressed to an unidentified recipient. Concerning Disraeli's regret that he had missed a friend's visit. The pages have been tipped into a larger piece of bifold paper. Disraeli lived at 1, Grosvenor Gate between 1839-1872.

- N.p., n.d. except for Friday. A 2pp autograph letter signed as "B Disraeli" and attributed to be addressed to John Copley, 1st Baron Lyndhurst (1772-1863), who was Disraeli's mentor and served as Lord Chancellor three times between 1827 and 1846. The subject of the letter is "Coningsby, or The New Generation" (1844), Disraeli's twelfth novel, which commented on contemporary British politics.

- Carlton Club, London, February 11, [n.y.]. A 3pp autograph letter signed as "B Disraeli" and addressed to William Charles Macready (1793-1873), the British stage actor known for his Shakespearean roles. Regarding the recommendation of an unnamed play.

- "Long's Inlet (?)," n.d. except for Saturday. A 4pp autograph letter signed as "D" and addressed to an unknown correspondent. Concerning the delayed distribution of copies of Disraeli's latest work to friends due to illness. Several folds have split and have been professionally repaired, and overall toning.

- 2, Whitehall Gardens, London, June 2, [n.y.]. A 1p autograph letter signed by Disraeli as "B." Addressed to someone whose name is illegible. Relating to an imminent meeting.

- N.p., n.d. except for Saturday morning. A 2pp autograph letter signed as "D," along with an integral address leaf addressed to the recipient, James Emerson Tennent (1804-1869), the Irish politician and historian who had served as Colonial Governor of Ceylon between 1846-1850. Regarding Disraeli's approval of Tennent's work, and his hopes for its "dispersion."

- 2, Whitehall Gardens, London, March 24, [n.y.]. A 4pp autograph letter signed by Disraeli as "B" and addressed to an unknown recipient. In part, "My doctors have sent me out of town today: even if it be for only 8 + 40 hours I must go tho' you may have though, from the papers, I have been pretty active - alas! it is not so - I have never left my house, + make no progress - I really have not eaten a meal for these ten days: I am now a creature of mutton broth + arrah-root [arrowroot], + manage them with enthusiasm…"

Other correspondence addressed to Disraeli, or miscellaneous autographs.

- A clipped signature belonging to Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784-1865) as "Palmerston." Lord Palmerston predated Disraeli as Prime Minister and also served two terms.

- A 2pp autograph letter signed addressed to Benjamin Disraeli written by William H. Dixon. Newton Heath on Manchester, England, June 3, 1845. Dixon appears to have sent Disraeli a literary manuscript (not included here) and asked for the famous novelist's opinion of his work.

- A 1p autograph letter and integral address leaf directed to Disraeli by attorneys Burley & Carlisle regarding business in Ceylon. Lincoln's Inn, London, January 4, 1856.

- A contemporary fair copy of a 2pp letter addressed to Benjamin Disraeli written by Captain William Fisher, an attorney involved in Disraeli's business affairs in Ceylon Kandy, [Sri Lanka], April 20, 1858.

- 2pp photocopy of a German language contract involving "Herr B. Disraeli" dating from October 20, 1858.

- A 2pp autograph letter signed addressed to Benjamin Disraeli written by an unidentified correspondent from Frankfurt am Main, Germany on September 5, 1862.

- An envelope addressed to "The Right Honble B Disraeli / 1 Grosvenor Gate / London."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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