August 2021 Catalogue

Rare Large Photograph Of Painter And Inventor Samuel F.B. Morse, Inscribed By Him 41. (MORSE, Samuel F.B.) CLAUDET, A. Photograph inscribed. London, circa 1865. Salt paper print photograph measuring 10 by 12 inches; mounted, framed and presented in a shadow box with an original telegraph key, entire piece measures 22 by 22 inches. $12,500. Large photograph of painter and inventor Samuel F.B. Morse, inscribed: “Samuel Finley Breese Morse, to his cousin Esther Elliott Finley. Po’keepsie June 1869.” Framed with an original telegraph key. Born in Massachusetts in 1791 and professionally trained at the Royal Academy in London, Morse initially gained fame as a portrait painter. It was only his later 30s that he developed an interest in the idea of long-distance communication, after finding out by letter of hiswife’s death and arriving home after she was already buried. In 1844, his famous first message—“What hath God wrought!”—sent fromWashington D.C. to Baltimore is the beginning of the telegraph age and one of the signal moments in the making of the modern world. A few slight scratches to surface. Rare and desirable inscribed. Beautifully presented. Letter Patent Signed By Napoleon In 1812 42. NAPOLEON. Document signed. Paris, December 30, 1812. One vellum leaf measuring 17 by 22-1/2 inches, printed on the recto and finished by hand, handsomely framed. $8500. Large letter patent boldly signed by Napoleon (“Np”) in 1812 renewing the military appointment of Provençal soldier Jean-Joseph Dejoannier, assigned to Jerome Bonaparte, King of Westphalia’s army. This document, issued on December 30, 1812 at the Tuileries Palace in Paris, states that Jean- Joseph Dejoannier, a 42-year old Postal Director of the Army of the King of Westphalia, born in Nice, may remain in that position. Cosigned by Claude Ambroise Régnier, Duke of Massa as the Minister of Justice, and by the Interim Secretary of State Jean-Baptiste de Nompere, Duke de Cadore. Text in French. Document near-fine, with light expected folds, a few slightly darkened edges, and one manuscript line slightly rubbed, likely due to a contemporary correction. Napoleon’s signature bold. F r a m e d ! 2 0 2 1 B a u m a n R a r e B o o k s 35 34