EDWARD VII: (1841-1910) King of the United Kingdom 1901-10

EDWARD VII: (1841-1910) King of the United Kingdom 1901-10

‘I enclose my check for £110,000….in exchange of which

please send me the letter of H.R.H’

 

EDWARD VII: (1841-1910) King of the United Kingdom 1901-10. An intriguing, small collection of Ls.S. (2) and one A.L.S. by, and relating to, the future King Edward VII, comprising - 

 

(i) Baron Maurice de Hirsch (1831-1896) German Jewish financier and philanthropist; L.S., Moritz Hirsch, one page, 8vo, Rue de l'Elysee, Paris, 15th January 1894, to Sir George Lewis, stating, in full, 'I enclose my check (no longer present) for £110,000 (One hundred and Ten thousand Pounds) in exchange of which please send me the letter of H.R.H.' With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original registered envelope.

 

(ii) King Edward VII - L.S., Albert Edward P, as Prince of Wales, one page, 8vo, Sandringham, Norfolk, 19th January 1894, to Sir George Lewis, stating, in full, 'Please pay the sum of £110,000 in your hands in such manner as I have personally directed you'. With blank integral leaf.

 

(iii) King Edward VII - A.L.S., with his initials A. E., as Prince of Wales, three pages, 8vo, Pall Mall, London, 9th April n.y. (presumably 1894?), to Sir George Lewis ('My dear Lewis'), on the printed stationery of the Marlborough Club. The prince thanks his correspondent for their letter and 'for giving me a so full account of all the arrangements…..you were good enough to make by my desire', continuing 'Everything seems most satisfactory, but should there be any points hereafter concerning which I should like to speak to you, I shall not hesitate in asking you to come & see me concerning them as you suggest', and further writing of social and sporting activities, 'I had a most enjoyable stay in the South of France & enjoyed my yachting immensely wh. did me a world of good. "Britannia" was fortunate enough in winning all the races she sailed for. Next week I am going to Guernsey for a great family wedding'. 

 

(iv) [George Lewis] (1833-1911) English lawyer of Jewish extraction. A slim oblong 8vo envelope (suitable for a cheque to be sent in) addressed in an unidentified hand to George Lewis at 10 & 11 Ely Place, Holborn, and marked Confidential. With the attractive red, blue and gold cipher of the Prince of Wales to the verso. Somewhat dust stained.

 

An interesting group of letters, not least for their associations. Some light age wear, generally VG, 4

 

 

Both Baron Maurice de Hirsch and Sir George Lewis were a part of the future King Edward VII's close circle of friends and confidantes, the latter frequently associated with criminal 'causes celebres' including the Royal Baccarat Scandal in which the Prince of Wales was called as a witness. Lewis was well known as a tidy disposer of skeletons in closets.

 

Why Baron de Hirsch felt compelled to pay such a handsome fortune (£110,000 is the equivalent of over £15m today) for a letter of the Prince of Wales only serves to conjure up all kinds of possibilities, particularly given the Prince's reputation as a playboy. Indeed, his mother, Queen Victoria, viewed her son with distaste as frivolous, indiscreet and irresponsible, writing to her eldest daughter 'I never can, or shall, look at him without a shudder'.