Description:

Bernard Law Montgomery
various, ca. 1948-1965
Bernard Law Montgomery Archive, 12 ALSs Signed As "Montgomery of Alamein" & "Monty" - 13 Pcs, 14pp Total! Ex-Forbes
Archive
A superb archive comprised of twelve autograph letters signed, and one document (card) signed, by Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein (1887-1976). With 13 Montgomery signatures total, nine signatures as "Montgomery of Alamein" and four signatures as "Monty." One letter is only partially dated, while the rest date ca. 1948-1965. Written in various places in the United Kingdom and France. On six types of stationery paper. Expected surface wear including flattened paper folds. Isolated coffee stains and some ink run. Else near fine. The average size is 5" x 8.125." 13 pieces, 14pp total. Ex-Collection of Steve Forbes.

Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition.

The archive of letters and cards was exchanged between Montgomery and the Hardings: fellow Field Marshal John Harding, 1st Baron Harding of Petherton (1896-1989), his former pupil at the Staff College at Camberley; and Harding's wife, Mary Harding née Rooke. This congenial collection of letters highlight Montgomery's growing friendship with the Hardings, as well as Monty's humor, graciousness, and thoughtfulness as a friend and correspondent.

The lot includes:

- 1p autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Montgomery of Alamein." October 1, [n.y.] [London, England.] On laid stationery with "7, Westminster Gardens / Marsham Street, S.W.1" letterhead. 5.5" x 7.25." In part: "It was very pleasant to meet you as I have had such close associations with John of recent years…"

- 1p autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Montgomery of Alamein" August 9, 1948. London, England. On lightweight embossed stationery paper. 6.5" x 8." Recounting the details of a disastrous and rainy car ride.

- 1p autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Montgomery of Alamein." July 18, 1952. N.p. On watermarked stationery with "Allied Powers Europe / Deputy Supreme Commander" letterhead. 7.125" x 9.125." Regarding the gift of a "'horse-hair' garment" purchased for 3£.

- 1p autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Montgomery of Alamein." October 27, 1952. [Islington Mill, Alton, Hampshire, England.] On watermarked stationery with "Islington Mill / Alton / Hampshire" letterhead. 5" x 8.125." Regarding a package of Turkish delight, "the real genuine article, straight from Ankara."

- 1p autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Montgomery of Alamein." November 6, 1952. [Château de Courance, France.] On laid watermarked stationery with "From: Field Marshal the Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, / K.G., G.C.B., D.S.O." letterhead. 7.5" x 9.5." Pertaining to a proposed luncheon before Montgomery meets Harding at the War Office.

- 1p autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Montgomery of Alamein." November 17, 1952. [Islington Mill, Alton, Hampshire, England.] On watermarked stationery with "Islington Mill / Alton / Hampshire" letterhead. 5" x 8.125." Thanking the Hardings for wishing Montgomery a joyous 65th birthday.

- 1p autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Montgomery of Alamein." November 30, 1952. [Islington Mill, Alton, Hampshire, England.] On watermarked stationery with "Islington Mill / Alton / Hampshire" letterhead. 5" x 8.125." Regarding a pair of earrings and an upcoming wedding.

- 1p autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Montgomery of Alamein." October 1, 1953. [Islington Mill, Alton, Hampshire, England.] On watermarked stationery with "Islington Mill / Alton / Hampshire" letterhead. 5" x 8.125." Cautioning Mary Harding against allowing her husband to overeat "very fattening" Turkish delight.

- 1p autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Monty." May 5, 1955. [London, England.] On stationery with "Room 9, 2nd Floor, / Ministry of Defence, / Storey's Gate, / London, S.W.1" letterhead. 6.5" x 8." Mentioning the business ventures of son David Montgomery (1928-2020) "in the Argentine."

- 2pp autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Monty." December 30, 1957. [Islington Mill, Alton, Hampshire, England.] On watermarked stationery with "Islington Mill / Alton / Hampshire" letterhead. 5" x 8.125." Regarding travels to Scotland and France, as well as the Cypriot memoir "Bitter Lemons" by British novelist Lawrence Durrell.

- 2pp autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Monty." December 2, 1958. [Islington Mill, Alton, Hampshire, England.] On watermarked stationery with "Islington Mill / Alton / Hampshire" letterhead. 5" x 8.125." Montgomery requests lodging with the Hardings while he is in the area to present "Prizes at Sherborne School Speech Day" the following June.

- 1p autograph letter signed by Montgomery as "Monty." June 28, 1959. [Islington Mill, Alton, Hampshire, England.] On watermarked stationery with "Islington Mill / Alton / Hampshire" letterhead. 5" x 8.125." A gracious thank-you note from Montgomery and his wishes for a reciprocal visit.

- A Christmas card, "With best wishes / for / Christmas 1965 / from -" signed by Montgomery as "Montgomery of Alamein" on the front cover, and additionally inscribed by him at upper left as "To you both." The card printed on glossy stock opens to reveal two black and white photographs, of Montgomery and Winston Churchill at left; and Montgomery at Churchill's grave at right. 6.375" x 8.125."

Please see our terms and conditions for large lots.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Provenance: The archive was purchased from one John Wilson in London, England. Ex-Collection of Steve Forbes.
  • Dimensions: average size: 5" x 8.125"
  • Medium: Archive

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

September 18, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000