September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
Lot consists of 5 pieces related to the death of famous figures: (A) A ticket to Lord Horatio Nelson's funeral admitting the bearer to Nelson's funeral at St Paul's (North Door, to the galleries under the Dome), signed and sealed by Dean, the Bishop of Lincoln, on card, dated 9 January 1806 with black wax seal. (B) Ornate partly engraved pass to the procession at William Pitt's funeral filled out by Rev. Henry Whitfield and signed in ink by Isaac Heard of the Order of the Garter, bearing black wax seal. (C) Original issue of the Connecticut Courant, Hartford, June 14, 1809, reporting the death of Thomas Paine and the refusal of the Quakers to comply with his wish to be buried at a Quaker cemetery because he had still affirmed his atheist views. (D) Original issue of the Connecticut Courant, Hartford, Nov. 29, 1809 reporting the death of Merriweather Lewis and describing his suicide in detail. (E) Striking engraving, hand colored by an artist, depicting skeletal remains being consumed by rats and worms, captioned "A Check to Pride and Vanity...My Turn To-day, To-morrow Yours also". A macabre reminder of human morality, suitable for framing. CONDITION: Newspapers heavily worn with legible articles. Pitt funeral ticket has fold lines and 1 tear at top center. Foxing, with clear writing. Death engraving exhibits residue at corners with clear image. Nelson's funeral ticket exhibits 1 significant crease with nice edges and clear words. CONDITION: Fair-good. All pieces are former Dr. John K. Lattimer Collection.