Description:

von Bunsen Christian Charles

Baron von Bunsen, Prussian Diplomat, Scholar, Linguist, and Tutor of John Jacob Astor's Son

 

Small archive of two German language letters 2x signed by Prussian polymath Christian Karl Josias, Baron von Bunsen (1791-1860) as "Bunsen," along with a fragment of another letter. With pencil annotations. Expected wear including paper folds and light overall toning, else near fine. A complete translation of the material should yield interesting discoveries related to political content. From the Collection of Norman Boas of Seaport Autographs and purchased at Christie's December 5, 2017 sale.

 

The first letter, a 2pp ALS with integral address leaf, was written in Rome on August 18, 1836. Signed "Bunsen" at the top of the last page. Bifold cream watermarked stationery, each page measures 5.125" x 8". Addressed to a "Monsieur le Docteur Schulz" of Naples. Baron von Bunsen refers within the first paragraph of the letter to "Herr Galley Knight, member of Parliament"; this may be John Galley Knight, a member of the House of Commons, who represented constituents of Aldborough in Yorkshire in 1784 and 1790.

 

The second item, a paper fragment, is dated August 31, 1845 from Berlin. It is probably the outer endorsement of the original letter. It bears Bunsen's name at lower left. Torn left edge. Measures 4.25" x 6.25".

 

Last, a 4pp ALS written in Heidelberg on December 23, 1857. Signed "Bunsen" at the top of the last page. Bifold pale pink stationery with crowned "B" monogram embossed in the upper left corner. Each page measures 5.25" x 7.75". Addressed to an unknown "Herr Director." Also appears to relate to politics in some way.

 

Christian Karl Josias, Baron von Bunsen had many scholarly interests including philosophy, world religions, Egyptology, archaeology, literature, and Scandinavian and Middle Eastern languages to name a few. Early in his scholastic and teaching career, von Bunsen served as tutor to William Backhouse Astor, Sr. (1792-1875), son of millionaire American businessman John Jacob Astor. Baron von Bunsen's intelligence and facility with languages made him an ideal candidate for the diplomatic service. He served as Prussian envoy to the Vatican, Switzerland, and the Victorian Court at St. James's throughout his career.

 

Provenance: Ex-Christie's December 5, 2017 sale; Ex-Norman Boas, Seaport Autographs

 

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