An exceptional autograph royal mourning envelope by Queen Victoria (1819–1901) addressed to Sir Theodore Martin (1816–1909), the writer and biographer personally selected by the Queen to undertake the monumental official biography of her late husband, Prince Albert – Life of the Prince Consort. Queen Victoria addresses the envelope in her own hand: “Theodore Martin Esq. Bryntysilio near Llangollen N. Wales.” At the lower left she signs/identifies herself by her royal title: “ The Queen .” Martin was entrusted with the biography of Prince Albert with Queen Victoria's personal approval and was given extensive access to private royal papers and documentary material. The project developed into a long and confidential relationship and correspondence between Martin and the Queen. Bryntysilio, near Llangollen, was the Welsh home of Theodore Martin and his celebrated actress wife Helena Faucit. Martin wrote substantial portions of the Prince Consort's biography there. In 1889 Queen Victoria herself visited Bryntysilio, where Martin showed her the writing desk at which much of the work had been composed. The envelope is distinguished by a broad black mourning border, with the mourning bands forming an X across the reverse. At the centre remains an original black royal wax seal impressed with the Royal Arms. Of additional postal interest, the front is franked with a British red postage stamp bearing Queen Victoria's own portrait, with contemporary postal cancellation. The reverse postmark dated on the cover to 13 October 1868. The date places the envelope during the important early period in which Martin was already working directly for Queen Victoria on the biography and preservation of Prince Albert's life and legacy. A particularly attractive royal association piece combining Queen Victoria's autograph addressing, her “The Queen” royal-title signature, Prince Albert's official biographer as recipient, Bryntysilio, royal mourning stationery, black royal wax seal, and a postage stamp bearing Victoria's own portrait.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art