Description:

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi
n.p., July 31, 1899
Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi 1899 ALS: "…I am always a slave to my word"
ALS

A boldly penned letter from prolific French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, signed at conclusion as "Bartholdi". 2p (front and back) on monogrammed card, measuring 4.5" x 3.5", n.p., July 31, 1899. Addressed to an unknown recipient, Bartholdi references an unpublished project and expresses conviction at honoring his word. Exhibits light age toning throughout, with scattered dealer's notes in pencil on verso. Minor creasing to front right corner. Overall, very good to near fine. Accompanied by an engraving of Bartholdi featuring a printed letter regarding the Statue of Liberty.

A rough translation reads in part:

"31 July 1899
Monsieur M_
You haven't remarked in my letter that I had refused to publish the monument to two young [illegible] who are also friends! You, you are free, because you only promised that you would not be able to promise having done so.
Excuse me therefore, I beg you, I am always a slave to my word, you have all the documents [illegible].
Accept the very cordial expression of my better sentiments
Bartholdi"

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904) was a French sculptor and painter best known for designing Liberty Enlightening the World, commonly known as the Statue of Liberty.

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!

  • Dimensions: 4.5" x 3.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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 world-wide 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 that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, 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.

August 27, 2025 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