Description:

King George IV of England
[Carlton House, London, England], [ca. December 23, 1797]
Rare George IV ALS! 70+ Words In His Hand
ALS

An unusual 1p autograph letter signed by George (1762-1830), the future King George IV and then Prince of Wales, as "G" at the bottom of the page. N.d., but date-docketed December 23, 1797 verso. Carlton House, London, England. The text, which is comprised of more than 70 words, is inscribed on laid watermarked bifold paper. The blank third page and outer leaf are tipped into a slightly larger stock paper mount. With several paper strips/patches only visible in the gutter. Expected wear including toning, scattered smudges and stains, and flattened transmittal folds. Else very good to near fine. The sight size of the letter is 7.5" x 9.5" while the mount is 8.125" x 10.25." Provenance: Ex-Kenneth Rendell.

The Prince of Wales wrote this letter to an unidentified correspondent named Erskine, in full, with original usage:

"Dear Erskine,

Pray call upon me Tomorrow morning, eleven if convenient will fit me best, I know that Tomorrow is a day of Rest with You, + I am therefore most unwilling to trouble You, however I shall not detain you above a few minutes. I hope You will not feel Yourself under any inconvenience, by the short visit I wish You to make me.

Most sincerely Yrs

G

Carlton House
Saturday night."

Carlton House was George IV's London residence between 1783-1820. The heir apparent and later Prince Regent spent a fortune redesigning and redecorating the palace. "The first gentleman of England" formed a lavish court there that attracted the intelligentsia and social celebrities of the age. George IV and this coterie shaped the fashions of Regency-era Britain.

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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  • Dimensions: overall: 8.125" x 10.25"
  • Medium: ALS

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