An interesting ALS (Autograph Letter Signed) by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (1850–1942), son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, dated 20 January 1891. Written in English on official Headquarters, Southern District, Portsmouth stationery, the paper is headed by a blind-embossed royal device and monogram. The letter is written on a folded double sheet forming four pages, three of which are written, entirely in Prince Arthur's hand. He addresses the recipient: “My dear Davies” and thanks him for his letter concerning an interesting new tool invented by Lieutenant-Colonel Hall. Arthur states that he would be pleased to give the invention a proper practical trial once the frost had passed: “I shall be very glad to give it a good trial as soon as the frost goes…” explaining that at present “the ground is like iron.” He goes on to observe that it would be a considerable advantage to have a better tool than their existing spade, which he describes candidly as “a poor thing at the best.” Arthur further states that he will see Colonel Hall and give him all the assistance he can. The letter concludes with his autograph signature: “Arthur.” At the date of the letter Prince Arthur held senior military command in Britain. He subsequently attained the rank of Field Marshal and later served as Governor General of Canada from 1911 to 1916. An appealing royal military manuscript combining three written autograph pages by Queen Victoria's son, his original signature, official military stationery with blind-embossed royal insignia, and substantive content concerning military equipment and the practical testing of a new invention. Dimensions of each page: 17.9 × 11.3 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