An attractive ALS (Autograph Letter Signed) by Victoria, Duchess of Kent (1786–1861), mother of Queen Victoria, written at Windsor Castle on 28 December 1841. Written in the Duchess's native German, the letter extends densely over three pages of a folded sheet, entirely in her hand. The first page is headed by an exceptionally attractive coloured decorative device, depicting a brightly coloured bird against a landscape within an elaborate gilt Rococo-style frame, giving the stationery a particularly personal and luxurious appearance. The Duchess dates the letter: “Windsor Castle den 28 Dec. 1841” The correspondence is personal and familial in character, written in a warm and extensive manner. The manuscript contains references to individuals within the Duchess's immediate circle, including Albert. The letter concludes with the Duchess's clear autograph signature, “Victoria.” Victoria, Duchess of Kent, was the widow of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, son of King George III, and mother of Queen Victoria. At the date of this letter in December 1841, her daughter had been Queen for approximately four years and had been married to Prince Albert since February 1840. The letter was therefore written at Windsor Castle during the early years of Victoria and Albert's marriage, by which time the young Queen had already become the mother of her first two children. An appealing royal manuscript combining substantial autograph content by Queen Victoria's mother, her signature, an important royal provenance of place and date, and three densely written pages on exceptionally decorative stationery. Dimensions of each page: 20 × 13 cm. The letter is written on a folded double sheet forming four pages, three of which are written.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art