Description:

World War II
various, ca. 1945-1984
WWII Archive Signed by British Field Marshals & Generals, 9 Signers, Incl. Auchinleck, Montgomery, Slim, Wavell & More!
Archive

A large dealer's lot featuring autographed material signed by 9 British World War II field marshals and generals including Claude Auchinleck, Michael Carver, John D. Frost, John Hackett, Bernard Law Montgomery, Ronald Scobie, William J. Slim, Robert Urquhart, and Archibald Wavell. Various places, ca. 1945-1984. Expected light surface wear consistent with careful handling. Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition, which is overall very good to near fine. Approximately 14 pieces total. The largest item is Field Marshal William J. Slim's typed letter, measuring 8" x 10."

The lot includes (in alphabetical order):

1. The autograph of Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck (1884-1981) as "C.J. Auchinleck / F.M. / 8.11.45." N.p. Auchinleck's signature and inscription are found on a simple sheet of notepaper affixed with a reduced-scale image of his "Time" Magazine front cover from December 1941. A few wrinkled edges, else near fine. 3.5" x 6."

2. A 1p autograph letter signed by Field Marshal Lord Michael Carver (1915-2001) as " Michael Carver / F.M." at lower right. [London, England.] January 8, 1979. Inscribed on a leaf of watermarked stationery embossed with the "House of Lords" seal at top. Flattened transmittal folds, else near fine. 5.875" x 8.25."

Addressed to a "Mr. Sutherland," Carver wrote in part: I knew General Eisenhower when he was SACEUR, but not during the war. If the U.S. had not dropped the A bomb on Japan, the war would have gone one for perhaps another 6 months to a year. The biggest mistake the Germans made was to attack Russia…"

3. A black and white photo reprint boldly signed by Major-General John D. Frost (1912-1993) as "JD Frost" at lower right. N.p., n.d. 5.25" x 4."

4. A 1p typed letter signed by General Sir John Hackett (1910-1997) as "J.W. Hackett" at lower right. [Coberly Mill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England.] March 10, 1984. On custom stationery. A few mounting traces verso resulting in a few paper abrasions. Transmittal folds, else near fine. 5.875" x 8.25." Accompanied by the original stamped, postmarked, and letter-opened envelope. Also contains a black and white pocket-sized photo signed as "J.W. Hackett."

Hackett wrote this letter to an Ellington, Connecticut well-wisher named D.W. Paul, in part: "In answer to your question, I did not think very much of Cornelius Ryan's book. It is too much like instant journalism masquerading as history…" Hackett was almost certainly referring to Irish journalist Cornelius Ryan's book "A Bridge Too Far" (1974). Hackett had commanded the 4th Parachute Brigade during Operation Market Garden.

5. A vintage official semi-matte black and white press photograph signed by Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery (1887-1976) as "Montgomery of Alamein" at upper right. N.p., n.d. Hand-stamped verso: "Official War Office / photograph / passed for / publication / by Press & Censorship Bureau." Isolated inscriptions in pencil and colored pencil verso, with gently curling, else near fine. 5.875" x 4." Accompanied by an Auction Certificate from RR Auctions.

6. A 1p autograph letter signed by Lieutenant-General Sir Ronald Scobie (1893-1969) as "Ronald M. Scobie" at lower right. [Hockleys House, North Warnborough, Basingstoke, Hampshire, England.] April 26, 1955. Inscribed on watermarked stationery with custom letterhead reading in part: "From Lieut.-General Sir Ronald MacK. Scobie, K.B.E., C.B., M.C." at top. Flattened transmittal folds, else near fine.

Scobie wrote to one "Ashley Cole" in part: "I was interested to hear of your remarkable collection of letters and documents relating to the Second World War…"

7. A 1p typed letter signed by Field Marshal William J. Slim (1891-1970) as "M.J. Slim" at lower right, and also inscribed with a salutation at top. [Canberra, Australia.] December 21, 1959. On watermarked stationery with "Government House / Canberra" letterhead. Flattened transmittal folds and a former collector's pencil inscriptions, else near fine. 8" x 10." Accompanied by a large double-sided color portrait excised from a magazine, 8.25" x 11."

8. A black and white photo reprint boldly signed by Major-General Robert Urquhart (1901-1988) as "R.E. Urquhart" at lower right. N.p., n.d. 3.5" x 5."

9. The autograph of Field Marshal Archibald Wavell (1883-1950) as "Wavell / F.M. / 19-4-49" on a paper slip accompanied by a transmittal cover typed "From Field Marshal Earl Wavell / with compliments." Slightly unevenly trimmed, else near fine. Comes with the original transmittal envelope, stamped, postmarked, and letter-opened, addressed to a Hanover, New Hampshire autograph collector.

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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: largest piece: 8" x 10"
  • Medium: Archive

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July 16, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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