A private cover from Henry Thomas Liddell (1797–1878), 2nd Baron Ravensworth, later 1st Earl of Ravensworth, to Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881). Hand-addressed: “The Right Honble. B. Disraeli M.P. 23 Whitehall Gardens” and prominently marked “Private.” At the lower left appears Ravensworth's autograph initial “R.” The reverse is printed: “Ravensworth House, S.W.” and retains an attractive original red wax seal bearing a crowned heraldic device. The sender is identified as Henry Thomas Liddell, 2nd Baron Ravensworth, a member of the prominent Liddell family associated for generations with Ravensworth Castle and its estates. A Conservative politician and former Member of Parliament, he succeeded his father as Baron Ravensworth in 1855 and was subsequently created Earl of Ravensworth in 1874. Archival correspondence from Lord Ravensworth during this period also contains references to Benjamin Disraeli and his wife, providing additional evidence of the social and political connection between their circles. In the absence of a dated postal marking, a cautious dating is c.1855–1874, corresponding to the period in which Henry Thomas Liddell held the title Baron Ravensworth before his elevation to the earldom. An interesting Victorian autograph item documenting private correspondence between Lord Ravensworth and Benjamin Disraeli, distinguished by its Ravensworth House provenance, Ravensworth's autograph initial “R.”, and an original heraldic wax seal.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art