• Half a letter from Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson to Captain William G Rutherford, commander of HMS Swiftsure
• Signed in June 1805, just over five months before Nelson’s death at the Battle of Trafalgar
• Written amidst the British pursuit of the French fleet to the Caribbean 
• Find out more about this fascinating letter here 

Nelson (1758-1805) was a British naval officer famous for his victories against the French during the Napoleonic Wars. He was known for his superb leadership skills and somewhat unconventional strategies. Nelson was involved in battle almost constantly between 1793 until his death in 1805. During this time he lost the sight in his right eye at the Battle of Calvi in Corsica and lost his right arm at Santa Cruz in Tenerife. Admiral Lord Nelson is remembered as one of the greatest British war heroes in history. He died during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

This is the bottom half of a letter Admiral Nelson sent to Captain William G Rutherford (commander of the HMS Swiftsure) in June 1805. That's five months before the Battle of Trafalgar. Rutherford took command of the Swiftsure in May 1805, after Nelson appointed him to the position during the blockade of Toulon.

The British blockaded the port, intending to draw out the French fleet. But the French, under Admiral Villeneuve, gave the British the slip and escaped through the Strait of Gibraltar – heading west to the Caribbean.

Nelson took several ships (including the Swiftsure) and set off in hot pursuit. On June 4, 1805, the British fleet arrived into Barbados. Nelson had received word from the governor of St Lucia that the French had gone to Trinidad and Tobago. He picked up troops from Barbados, intending to smash the French. But on June 9 he learned the information was incorrect. The French fleet had actually gone north to Martinique. There they'd captured a strategic sea fort (Diamond Rock) and headed home.

Dejected, Nelson ordered the fleet to return to Europe. They dropped the extra troops at Antigua on June 13.

But this 6.5 x 8 inch letter dates to June 4-9, when Nelson still believes he's on the tail of the French fleet. He orders Rutherford to give troops the full complement of food and provisions, to steel them for the battle ahead.

Nelson writes: “…any distinction in victualling them would under the present circumstances be in my opinion very improper, it is my intention as we may soon be in Battle with the Enemy and the stay of the troops on board cannot be many days, that they shall be victualled the same as the respective ships companies.

“It is therefore my direction that you cause the troops who may be embarked from Barbadoes onboard his majesty’s ship under your command to be victualled at full allowance of all species of provisions the same as your ships company during their continuance on board.”

Below he signs “Nelson & Bronte”.

Spanish King Ferdinand III appointed Nelson First Duke of Bronte in 1799, in thanks for his help in subduing a rebellion in Naples. Nelson was proud of his new title and incorporated it into his signature. He tried out a few different ways of writing it (including "Bronte Nelson of the Nile”) before settling on the current form. He changed his autograph often throughout his life. This is the last variant he used.

The present example is clear and fine. Its connection to a key moment in British naval history provides enhanced appeal.

The flight of Admiral Villeneuve was the last major naval action before the Battle of Trafalgar. After arriving back to the UK in August, Nelson was hailed the saviour of the British colonies in the Caribbean.

On September 2, he was told the French and Spanish had combined fleets at Cadiz. So began the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Swiftsure would play a decisive role at Trafalgar, taking on four French ships and dealing the final blow to the Achille. After the battle it attempted to tow the Redoubtable, the French ship from whence Nelson’s fatal shot came, but cut it free when it started to sink.

Rutherford was a fascinating character and the only American-born commander at Trafalgar.

Born in North Carolina to loyalist parents, who fled to the Caribbean at the outbreak of the American Revolution, he rose quickly through the ranks of the British Navy – taking his first command post in 1794.

Nelson’s signature is in high demand, with letters relating to his naval career particularly sought after. This is a particularly important specimen, directly connected with the last manoeuvres before the Battle of Trafalgar.   

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• An illustrated portrait of Albert Einstein signed by Einstein himself

Albert Einstein was one of the world’s greatest scientific minds. In the early 1900s he developed the Theory of Relativity, a work that set the template for modern physics. A German citizen, he left the country shortly before Hitler seized power and never returned – choosing instead to spend the rest of his life in America. 

He was instrumental in developing the first atomic bombs in the 1940s, in spite of a lifelong commitment to pacifism. Over the course of his career he published hundreds of scientific papers. His name has become interchangeable with genius.  

This is a 4.9 x 3.9 inch illustration of Albert Einstein by the Danish amateur artist Carl Werner Skogholm. Skogholm drew portraits of celebrities and sent them off with a request they be returned with a signature. Einstein was one of those who obliged. 

Einstein has signed crisply in black pen, dating the piece "48". One of the nicest Einstein autographs you'll see. 

This is a unique piece of considerable charm. Demand for Einstein’s signature has been growing, with one inscribed paper selling for a record $1.5m in 2017.

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• A signed photograph of Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma

Alfred Hitchcock is a hugely influential filmmaker whose unique take on the thriller genre revolutionised cinema. Among his most celebrated movies are Vertigo (1958), North by Northwest (1959) and Psycho (1960).

Here we have a large 10 x 8 inch photograph of Alfred Hitchcock with his wife Alma, having just stepped off the plane in Hawaii circa 1962-1963. A photographer for the Pacific News Bureau, an organisation based in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, took the shot.

To the bottom right Hitchcock has included his wife’s name in his signature: “Alfred Alma Hitchcock”. Alma was a script editor and regularly worked with her husband on his movies.

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• A copy of Interview magazine signed by Andy Warhol and Truman Capote

Andy Warhol’s work explores themes of consumerism, manufacturing and celebrity. His work is enormously popular with collectors. The record at auction stands at $105m, set in 2013 for a canvas titled Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster).Truman Capote was a writer and actor best known for inventing the true crime genre with his novel In Cold Blood (1966), which details the brutal murder of an ordinary family in rural Kansas.

A copy of Interview magazine (measuring approx 17 x 11 inches) from July 1979 signed on the cover in black pen by its co-founder Andy Warhol and the writer Truman Capote - who had a regular column in the publication. 

A rare double outing from two titans of 20th century art and literature.

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• An excellent signed photograph of Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol’s work explores themes of consumerism, manufacturing and celebrity. His work is enormously popular with collectors. The record at auction stands at $105m, set in 2013 for a canvas titled Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster).

An iconic 10 x 8 inch black and white photograph of Andy Warhol (1928-1987) by Richard Schulman, signed on the left side by Warhol in black felt tip pen.

The image is from a 1984 photo shoot, taken three years before Warhol died. Warhol will have signed here between 1984 and 1987. 

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• A unique full Apollo 11 crew-signed block of 32 1969 10c "First Man on the Moon" stamps

The Apollo program was NASA’s third foray into human spaceflight and operated from 1961 through 1972. It succeeded in putting the first men on the Moon with the Apollo 11 landing in 1969, a defining moment in human history.

An original block of 32 1969 10c "First Man on the Moon" stamps signed by all three members of the Apollo 11 crew (Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins) in black ink on the left margin. It is the only known block of the stamps signed by any of the Apollo 11 astronauts. 

The Post Office released this commemorative issue on September 9, 1969. It proved hugely popular. The astronauts actually carried the master die with them on Apollo 11. 

Measures approx 9 x 10.5 inches. 

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• A set of three Apollo 11 crew signed photographs 
• Learn more about this item here 

The Apollo program was NASA’s third foray into human spaceflight and operated from 1961 through 1972. It succeeded in putting the first men on the Moon with the Apollo 11 landing in 1969, a defining moment in human history.

A superb set of three signed photographs from each member of the Apollo 11 mission. Command Module Pilot Michael Collins inscribes his name along with “Apollo 11”. Buzz Aldrin does the same, on a photograph showing him on the lunar surface.

Neil Armstrong writes: “To Robert Gerundo/ Best wishes/ Neil Armstrong”.

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• An original signed Apollo 11 flight plan
• Autographs from astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins
• Also bearing autographs from other essential members of the mission crew

The Apollo program was NASA’s third foray into human spaceflight and operated from 1961 through 1972. It succeeded in putting the first men on the Moon with the Apollo 11 landing in 1969, a defining moment in human history.

This is an original Apollo 11 flight plan, printed for the ground crew at Houston during the historic flight. It’s identical to the plan Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin used from the moment of launch to splashing down in the North Pacific.

The plan is signed on the cover by Apollo 11 astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, as well as other essential members of the mission. These are flight director Gene Kranz, lander CAPCOM Charlie Duke, EVA CAPCOM Bruce McCandless, recovery diver Clancy Hatleberg, post-flight surgeon Dr Bill Carpentier and Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) technician John Hirasaki. The original owner collected the autographs at signings over the years.

An incredible piece of space memorabilia that offers a direct link to the Apollo 11 mission. Another Apollo 11 plan in lesser condition featuring signatures from Aldrin, Collins and Charlie Duke recently sold at Sotheby's for $62,500. 

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• A signed photograph of Audrey Hepburn in her Ascot scene outfit from My Fair Lady (1964)

Audrey Hepburn began her acting career as a chorus girl in the London’s West End during the late 1940s. Her breakout came in 1951, when she was cast as the lead in Gigi – a hugely successful play on Broadway.

A career in film followed, including Roman Holiday (1953), Sabrina (1954) and Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). My Fair Lady, released in 1964, features one of her finest performances as cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle.

This rare 8 x 10 inch full length publicity photograph shows Audrey Hepburn in a wildly over the top dress and hat she wore for the Ascot scene in My Fair Lady (1964).

Hepburn has signed in the bottom right corner, a particularly fine example of her signature in black felt tip. A must for any fan of this legendary star.

We believe the photo is a print of a Cecil Beaton original. Photographer and costume designer Beaton designed many of Hepburn's dresses for the film, including the Ascot dress she wears here. 

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• A Bill Gates signed Microsoft business card dating from his tenure as CEO 

Bill Gates is the founder and former CEO of the Microsoft Corporation, one of the world’s biggest technology companies. Since stepping down in 2000, he has devoted himself to his philanthropic interests with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

A personal 2 x 3.5 inch business card from Microsoft founder Bill Gates, signed just below the company logo.

It identifies Gates as “Chairman & Chief Executive Officer” and dates from 1987-2000. Gates’ business cards are highly prized and signed specimens are rare.

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• A large and exceptional land lease signed by Charles Dickens 

Charles John Huffman Dickens (1812-1870) is regarded as the greatest English writer of his age. His broad body of work includes some of the most celebrated novels ever written - including Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol.

Dickens was born into a middle class family in Portsmouth, but his circumstances changed dramatically when his father was slung into a debtors’ prison in 1824. Dickens was forced to leave school and start work in a boot polish factory to support his family.

While his father was freed a few months later, allowing Dickens to return to school, this formative experience left him burning with a righteous anger at the conditions the working classes had to endure.

Charles John Huffman Dickens (1812-1870) created some of the world's most memorable fictional characters and is generally regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian Period. His works include A Christmas Carol and A Tale of Two Cities, the best selling novel of all time.

This exceptionally large document, measuring 26½ x 22 inches, is dated 21st March 1863. Boasting impeccable penmanship the document is an Indenture made between Charles Dickens ('Of Higham, in the County of Kent') and John Brooker, a local farmer for the lease of land.

It relates to 'a piece or parcel of land or garden ground containing by estimation eight acres and sixteen perches or thereabouts as now stumped off formerly woodland part of a piece of land formerly called or known by the name of "Seeming Ruff" but now called "Scrubby Bushes" situate lying and being at or near a certain place called Gads Hill in the Parish of Higham in the County of Kent..."

The document has been signed by Dickens in bold blue fountain pen at the base, either side of a red wax seal affixed to a small green ribbon.

Dickens association with Gads Hill is well documented. In 1856 he purchased Gads Hill Place for £1,790. He had first encountered the house in 1821 when he was nine years old and would often walk from Chatham to Gads Hill Place.

He later wrote "I used to look at it as a wonderful mansion (Which God knows it is not) when I was a very odd little child with the first faint shadows of all my books in my head - I suppose."

35 years later he purchased the house, initially as an investment, and later as his personal country retreat before moving in permanently in June 1857.

It was at Gads Hill Place that Dickens wrote A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations and his unfinished work The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

One of the main characters in Edwin Drood is Stony Durdles the stonemason, who Dickens based on local farmer John Brooker, referenced in this Indenture. In 1897 Elliot Stock, in his book on Dickens' life, wrote "[In] the late veteran Mr John Brooker, of Higham (whose father planted the famous cedars at gads Hill Place), were recognised some of the better qualities and peculiarities of Stony Durdles"

We've been racking our brains but can't think of another document that mentions both Charles Dickens and the real life inspiration of one of his characters.

A truly interesting and unique item. Huge size makes for a very impressive display piece.

Provenance: Ex Christie's 2008

• A copy of Is This Good-bye Charlie Brown? signed by Peanuts creator Charles Schulz 

American cartoonist Charles Schulz (1922-2000) is best known for his comic strip Peanuts which featured the now iconic characters Charlie Brown and Snoopy.

Peanuts was published in over 2,600 newspapers, in 75 countries and 21 languages and reprints of the strip regularly appear in newspapers today.

Charles Schulz has signed this hard-back copy of Is This Good-bye Charlie Brown? on the inside cover page. 

He writes: "To Matt - Charles M. Schulz". The book is in excellent condition.

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• A Charles Schulz signed copy of Charlie Brown & Charles Schulz 

American cartoonist Charles Schulz (1922-2000) is best known for his comic strip Peanuts which featured the now iconic characters Charlie Brown and Snoopy.

Peanuts was published in over 2,600 newspapers, in 75 countries and 21 languages and reprints of the strip regularly appear in newspapers today.

• A document featuring the autograph of Che Guevara - one of the most significant political figures of the 20^th century

• Discover more about this piece here 

Ernesto 'Che' Guevara (1928-1967) was a writer, guerrilla leader and Marxist revolutionary, who played a major role in the Cuban Revolution.

In 1959 Guevara and Fidel Castro led a group of insurgents to overthrow the government of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, and established Cuba as a Communist state. 

This 'Honourable Mention' certificate was presented to worker Hiram Peres de Alejo in March 1962 for his "endeavour in the increase of production".

Under the new Communist regime, Guevara had abolished all pay raises, and so Cuban workers were encouraged with moral, rather than material incentives.

These included a system of diplomas, medals, certificates, honourable mentions in factory bulletins, and public ceremonies.

The certificate bears Guevara's iconic, instantly recognisable autograph, which reads simply "Che", along with an embossed official government seal.

The document measures 27.8 x 35.3cm, with several separations repaired on the reverse, and slight creasing and toning. These do not affect Guevara's signature.

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• A cowboy hat signed by Cher in silver pen on the brim

Cher began her career in the 1960s alongside then husband Sonny Bono. The duo had a string of hits throughout the decade and a popular TV show.

After they split in 1974, Cher launched a successful solo career – both as an actor and a singer. She has achieved a Billboard number one in every decade from the 1960s to the present, the only artist ever to do so.

Today she continues to tour and star in movies. 

This is a black faux snakeskin cowboy hat, featuring a signature from Cher on the brim in silver pen.

A fabulous piece of memorabilia that totally encapsulates the star's flamboyant style.

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• A signed copy of Clyde Tombaugh's Ten Special Commandments for a Would-Be Planet Hunter 

Clyde W. Tombaugh (1906-1997) is the American astronomer who discovered the dwarf planet Pluto in 1930. During the course of his career, he also discovered nearly 800 asteroids and the first object in the Kuiper Belt.

Tombaugh travelled the United States giving talks on astronomy, in particular, his discovery of Pluto. During the talks he would often share his light hearted version of the Ten Commandments called "Ten Special Commandments for a Would-Be Planet Hunter".

The commandments are as follows:

"Behold the heavens and the great vastness thereof, for a planet could be anywhere therein.

Thou shalt dedicate thy whole being to the search project with infinite patience and perseverance.

Though shalt set no other work before thee for the search shall keep thee busy enough.

Though shalt take the plates at opposition time lest thou be deceived by asteroids near their stationary positions.

Though shalt duplicate the plates with a pair at the same hour angle lest refraction distortions overtake thee.

Thou shalt give adequate overlap of adjacent plate regions lest the planet play hide and seek with thee.

Thou must not become ill in the dark of the moon lest thou fall behind the opposition point.

Thou shalt have no dates except at full moon when long exposure plates cannot be taken at the telescope.

Many false planets shall appear before thee, hundreds of them, and thou shalt check every one with a third plate.

Thou shalt not engage in any dissipation, that thy years may be many for thou shalt need them to finish the job!"

This is a souvenir copy of Ten Special Commandments for a Would-Be Planet Hunter according to Clyde Tombaugh measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. Tombaugh would sell these souvenir copies at talks he gave about his discovery of Pluto so that he could raise money for scholarships for young people to study astronomy.

This sheet has been signed "Clyde W. Tombaugh, 31 July 1984" in blue ink across the bottom. It features some archive folds which do not affect the autograph. Otherwise in excellent condition.

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• A huge press photograph of Coldplay signed by the whole band

Formed in London in 1996, Coldplay were one of the biggest bands of the early 2000s and released many of the defining tracks of the decade.

Today they remain a hugely successful live act. Their most recent album, A Head Full of Dreams, was released in 2017.

This is a very large (12 x 16 inch) photograph of Coldplay at the 2003 Brit Awards, where they were crowned Best British Group. They also received the Best British Album award for A Rush of Blood to the Head.

Each member of the band has signed beautifully in black marker pen.

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• Signed first edition copy of Walt Disney's America book
• Autographs of 12 Disney animators and voice actors, including four of the legendary "Nine Old Men"
• Additional drawings of Disney's most famous characters by those who created them

Walt Disney (1901 – 1966) was a celebrated voice actor, animator, film producer and entrepreneur who became an American cultural icon.

Having founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in 1923, Disney rose to fame with the creation of Mickey Mouse and became a household name across the world.

As a producer he pushed the boundaries of animation, releasing classics such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Dumbo and Fantasia, along with the Oscar-winning Mary Poppins.

Disney currently holds the record for the number of Academy Awards won by an individual, having won 22 Oscars from 59 nominations.

In 1955 Disney also established Disneyland, the most successful theme park ever built, which to date has attracted more than 650 million visitors.

Walt Disney's films have entertained millions of viewers, influenced generations of film-makers, and Walt Disney Studios remains the most famous and successful entertainment company in the world. 

This signed first edition book, Walt Disney's America from NY Abbeville Press's 1978 first printing is signed by 12 Disney animators and voice actors, who have autographed the inside front cover and opening pages in a variety of inks. Some of the signers have inscribed notes addressed to 'Terry', with superb additional sketches of some of the most beloved characters - including Mickey Mouse.

Some light ink transfer from the signatures and mild handling to the book, otherwise in fine condition.

The nickname "Nine Old Men" was given to the core animators at Walt Disney Productions, many of whom were in their thirties and forties at the time. Four of the 'Nine Old Men' have signed this item; Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Marc Davis and Ward Kimball who includes a sketch of Mickey.

Thomas was master craftsman of the 'baddie'; his work includes Cinderella's Stepmother, Alice in Wonderland's Queen of Hearts and Peter Pan's Captain Hook.

Likewise, Davis created Sleeping Beauty's iconic Maleficent and the evil Cruella De Vil from One Hundred and One Dalmatians.

Johnston first worked on Snow White before progressing to work in Peter Pan, Cinderella and Robin Hood.

Ward Kimball created Pinocchio's Jiminy Cricket, Lucifer, Jaq and Gus in Cinderella and the Mad hatter and Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland.

Animator Sam McKim has added a rare sketch of Abraham Lincoln, while Bill Justice, co-creator of Chip N'Dale, has added a sketch of Mickey Mouse.

Likewise, Ken Anderson (art director) and Andreas Deja (supreme villain animator) have also sketched Mickey Mouse, the latter showing slight yellow haloing.

The signatures of Tony Baxter (imaginer/designer), Carl banks (Donald Duck artist) Jack Wagner (original voice of the Magic Kingdom) and Herbert Ryman (background artist and designer of the Disneyland Castle) are also inscribed.

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