Auction Date:2010 Jul 14 @ 22:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
ALS in French, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.75 x 7.5, Nieuwe Uitleg 16, La Haye letterhead, March 14, 1916 noted in pencil. Mata Hari writes to “Mon Cher Consul.” In full: “I would be very grateful if you could organize my papers anyway. Please read the letter attached that I received last night as you can see. I could still see my friend [male] and have the costume made that I need to dance Mrs. Bangeville’s minuet. Also, please have the letter sent to Jean Le Franc whom I fear wounded or dead and who loved me a lot. I did not receive any news from him for six weeks. And “last not least” [in English in the text] here is the novel. Kind regards with all my thanks in return.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, tiny separation along a horizontal fold, and a few small stains to the first page.
A courtesan as well as a dancer, Mata Hari amassed an impressive catalog of lovers, including high-ranking military officers and political figures from both France and Germany. When she sent this letter, she was still a great star, reflected in her reference to having a friend complete a costume needed “to dance Mrs. Bangeville’s minuet.” Her cavorting with Jean Le Franc, perhaps a French military officer, is also of note, though her proclamation that she fears him “wounded or dead and who loved me a lot” appears sincere...and not linked to her espionage. With the outbreak of World War I, these relationships immediately made her suspicious to French intelligence, which reportedly put her under surveillance.
The circumstances of Mata Hari’s alleged spying activities during the war were and remain unclear: It was said that, while in the Netherlands in 1916, she was offered cash by a German consul to report back information obtained on her next visit to France. When British intelligence discovered details of this arrangement, they passed them on to their counterparts in France; Mata Hari was arrested in Paris in February 1917.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
Previewing Details:
Visit www.RRAuction.com
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Up to $100 $10.00
$101-$500 $15.00
$501-$1,000 $20.00
$1,001-$3,000 $35.00
$3,000-$10,000 $45.00
Over $10,000 $100.00
Payment Details:
Paypal address: mandy@rrauction.com
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- PayPal
Buyer's Premium
A 20% buyer's premium will be added to each winning bid, with a 2% discount for those paying by check, cash, or money order.
Your bid is a contract
Placing a bid online means you agree to abide by the terms and conditions listed by RRAuction.
Payment methods accepted
Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, or Wire Transfer.
Payment for items won in auction 353 is due by Monday, January 25, unless prior arrangements have been made. Late payment may result in suspension of your bidding privileges.
Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Discover are only accepted up to $5,000 without prior arrangement: please contact Mandy Eaton-Casey.
Further descriptions
You can call us or email us if you'd like us to answer questions about these items.