Bibelotslondon Ltd is a UK registered company based in London Bridge dealing in ephemera and curiosities from Britain and around the world. Our diverse inventory is carefully chosen and constantly evolving. We work very hard to offer the highest quality works at competitive prices. Our inventory is listed online, and we strive to keep our website completely up to date, so our customers can easily check availability. We believe in offering clients items that are unique and rare for aficionados of the antique and collector's world. Bibelot is a late nineteenth century word derived from the French word bel 'beautiful', meaning a small item of beauty, curiosity or interest. The word ephemera is derived from the sixteenth century Greek word ephmera meaning a printed or hand written paper not meant to be retained for a long period of time.
Fine antique signed letter from Queen Mary to Sir Cecil Harcourt-Smith (1859-1944), archaeologist and Director of the British Museum, thanking him for preparing the new catalogue dated 5th January 1921, on her personal stationery embossed in blue with the royal coat of arms for York Cottage, accompanied by its original envelope sent registered from Buckingham Palace, with GVR purple stamp in lower left hand corner.
"Dear Sir Cecil,
I waited, before answering your kind letter, until I had had time to have a good look at my beautiful catalogue which fills me with delight -
It is just what I wanted & your special photographs have come out exceptionally well. I am most grateful to you and to all who have so kindly taken part in the preparation of the catalogue & beg you will convey my thanks to one & all -
With regard to the small defects, which as you say, can be remedied in the other copies, I should like to talk them over with you when we return to London, as several of the questions require a little consideration -
The one thing I can decide upon at once though, is the case for my book, if you will kindly get this made for me, as it will certainly hold the book together -
once again I thank you for all the trouble you are taking about the catalogue.
& I remain
yours very sincerely
Mary R"
Photographs form part of the Description
Envelope Size: 9.5 x 12 cm approx