Interesting official cover dating from 1874, sent by Montagu Corry (1838–1903), private secretary and close confidant of Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881), to Disraeli while he was staying at the Bath Hotel, Bournemouth. Hand-addressed to: “The Right Honble. B. Disraeli Bath Hotel Bournemouth” with “M. Corry” appearing in manuscript at the lower left. The front bears a red “London Official Paid” postal marking dated 19 December 1874. The reverse bears a Bournemouth arrival mark dated 20 December 1874. The reverse retains an impressive original red wax seal, together with an embossed paper seal bearing the Royal Arms. According to the documentation accompanying the item, the seal is associated with the First Lord of the Treasury. Montagu Corry served for many years as Disraeli’s private secretary and was one of his closest and most trusted associates, remaining at his side until Disraeli’s death in 1881. He was subsequently created Baron Rowton. The cover was sent in 1874, the year in which Disraeli returned to office for his second premiership, adding an interesting political context to the item. An attractive piece of Victorian official postal history directly associated with Disraeli, his private secretary and the office of the British Prime Minister. Montagu William Lowry Corry (1838–1903), later 1st Baron Rowton, was Benjamin Disraeli’s private secretary and one of his closest and most trusted associates. Called to the Bar in 1863, he served as Disraeli’s private secretary from 1866 until Disraeli’s death in 1881, accompanying him through some of the most important years of his political career. Disraeli himself recommended Corry for a peerage, and in 1880 he was created Baron Rowton. Following Disraeli’s death, Corry also served as his literary executor. He later became known for his philanthropic work to improve housing conditions for London’s poor and for the establishment of the Rowton Houses.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art