Description:

King of Prussia Frederick William IV LS Addressed to King of the Two Sicilies Re: Knighthood of Future German Emperor Frederick III

A 2pp letter in French signed at the conclusion by Frederick William IV, King of Prussia (1795-1861), as "le bon frère / Frédéric Guillaume" on the second page. Issued from Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony, a province in Prussia, on October 22, 1853. The bifold paper is beautifully inscribed in secretarial handwriting. Expected paper folds and minor uneven toning, else near fine. Scattered mounting traces on the last page of the letter and the envelope cover. 8.75" x 11." The third and last pages are blank. Also accompanied by the original transmittal envelope bearing a gorgeous red wax seal embossed with the Prussian coat of arms. The letter comes with a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA Authentication Services, certification number AC08343, dated June 7, 2017.

Frederick William IV, King of Prussia sent this effusive letter of friendship to "Monsieur my Brother" Ferdinand II, King of the Two Sicilies (1810-1859). The two kings were not biological brothers. Nevertheless, familial language was deliberately employed to emphasize the tight bonds between the two nations. French was the universal language of diplomacy during this time period.

Paragraph breaks have been added for improved legibility. Translated in part:

"Monsieur my Brother. Monsieur Count Grifev, from whose hands I have received with pleasure the letter of credence, by which Your Majesty confirms him in the functions of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at my Court, gave me at the same time a second letter that Your Majesty addressed to me dated August 20th last and that was accompanied by badges of the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Ferdinand and Merit, with which Your Majesty wanted to decorate my beloved nephew, Frederick William Nicholas Charles.

In hastening to express to Your Majesty, how this new and precious proof of affection has distinctly touched me, I must add that in order to demonstrate all my gratitude towards Your Majesty I have personally decorated my beloved Nephew in the badges with which Your Majesty wanted to honor him.

Witness and interpreter of these sentiments, with which the Prince addressed this mark of favor signaled on the part of Your Majesty, to which he attaches such a great price, it gives me true pleasure to offer to Your Majesty the homage of his respectful thanks. I share the happy conviction of Your Majesty, that this new token of His friendship will only cement the ties of affection that have united, for such a long time, Our Royal houses…"

Frederick William IV served as King of Prussia between 1840-1861. His nephew, referred to in the letter as Frederick William Nicolas Charles (1831-1888), was the only son of Frederick William's younger brother Wilhelm I. The nephew would become better known as Frederick III during his brief 3-month-long tenure as German Emperor in 1888, the so-called "Year of the Three Emperors." Frederick III's son Wilhelm II succeeded to the throne after Frederick III died of cancer of the larynx in June 1888.

Ferdinand II served as King of the Two Sicilies--the area corresponding to modern day Naples, southern Italy, and the island of Sicily--between 1830-1859. The Royal Order of St. Ferdinand and Merit was an order of knighthood of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies established in 1800. It was bestowed on individuals who demonstrated loyalty to the royal household.

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.

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