A 1860s private cover from Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869), three-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, to Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881). According to the original documentation accompanying the item, the cover was privately hand-delivered rather than transmitted through the postal system. It is marked “Private” at the upper left and addressed in manuscript to: “B. Disraeli Esq. M.P. Grosvenor Gate” At the lower left appears the clear full autograph signature of Lord Derby – “Derby.” The envelope has a distinctive black border, while the reverse retains a particularly striking large original black wax seal bearing a heraldic device. The black border and black sealing wax are characteristic of Victorian mourning stationery; however, in the absence of a precise date or the original contents, their use cannot be associated with a specific bereavement. Lord Derby was one of the leading Conservative statesmen of Victorian Britain and served as Prime Minister in 1852, 1858–1859 and 1866–1868. Disraeli was his principal political lieutenant and served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in Derby's governments. During the decade to which this cover is attributed, their political partnership reached its height, and in 1868 Disraeli succeeded Derby as Prime Minister. The fact that the cover was addressed directly to Disraeli at Grosvenor Gate, marked “Private” and hand-delivered gives it a particularly personal character, reflecting the direct relationship between two of the principal figures in the leadership of the Victorian Conservative Party. An attractive Victorian autograph and political-history item combining Lord Derby → Benjamin Disraeli association, Derby's full autograph signature, private hand delivery, a “Private” designation, black-bordered stationery and a large original black heraldic wax seal.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art