An historically interesting private cover from Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869) to Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881), dated according to the accompanying documentation to approximately 1851–1852. The cover is handwritten to: “Right Hon. B. Disraeli M.P.” and prominently marked “Private.” At the lower left appears Lord Derby’s autograph signature, “Derby.” According to the original documentation accompanying the item, the cover was privately carried rather than transmitted through the postal system. The reverse bears a crowned paper seal incorporating the letter “D” and the motto “Sans Changer, ” associated with the Derby/Stanley family. Lord Derby was one of the leading Conservative statesmen of Victorian Britain and served three times as Prime Minister. In February 1852, he formed his first government and appointed Disraeli Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the House of Commons. Their long political partnership was central to the development of the Victorian Conservative Party, and Disraeli eventually succeeded Derby as Prime Minister in 1868. The earlier documentation dates the cover to circa 1851 and suggests that it may have been sent during Derby’s first premiership. As Derby did not become Prime Minister until February 1852, a cautious dating of c.1851–1852 is preferable; the cover itself does not establish whether it was sent shortly before Derby took office or during his first administration. An attractive autograph item directly linking two of the principal figures of 19th-century British Conservative politics – Lord Derby and Benjamin Disraeli.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art