A collection of 140 autographed letters written by King George III (1738-1820) has sold for $130,000 at Profiles in History's December 19 auction in Los Angeles.
The set was the headline lot of the Property of a Distinguished American Private Collector sale.
 The letters reference peace talks with the leaders of the United States |
Most of the letters are addressed to Lord Shelburne (1737-1805), the British prime minister who negotiated peace terms with America after the revolutionary war, and date to between 1766-1768 and 1782-1783.
They offer a fascinating insight into the king's mindset - who makes clear his displeasure at the loss of the colony, writing of America: "Knavery seems to be so much the striking feature of its Inhabitants that it may not in the end be an evil that they will become Aliens to this Kingdom."
Alongside the commentary on the peace negotiations, a range of historical subjects and events from across the king's reign are discussed - including the Spitalfield riots.
We have an authentic strand of hair taken from the head of George III.
A first edition presentation copy of A Defense of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America by John Adams (1735-1826), second president of the United States, achieved $100,000.
It features his signature, along with a dedication to Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794) - who famously tabled the motion for American independence from Britain.
We also have a strand of hair from John Adams.
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