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245

Winston Churchill

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Winston Churchill

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Auction Date:2013 Feb 13 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : 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
Churchill had a miniature poodle named Rufus. After Rufus was run over and killed while Churchill was attending the Conservative Party Conference at Brighton, England, in October 1947, the former prime minister was given another miniature poodle by Walter Graebner, his Life magazine editor for his war memoirs. When Churchill introduced his new poodle he would say, “His name is Rufus II–but the II is silent.”

Collection of seven TLSs, six signed “Winston S. Churchill,” and one signed “W. S. Churchill,” all one page, various sizes, all written to Miss B. Lobban who cared for Rufus II at the Duke Street Kennels.

January 27, 1948. In full: “I am so sorry that Rufus has developed this distressing complaint, and I hope you will let me know at the end of the three weeks whether or not he has recovered. After the said loss of the first one, I feel that I would rather not have another dog just now. Please do not therefore look for another poodle for me. I will write to Mr. Graebner about this. I am very grateful to you for the trouble you have taken in looking after Rufus during my absence abroad. Pray let me know what is owing in the way of veterinerary [sic] fees.”

December 14, 1953. In full: “Thank you so much for your gift and for remembering my birthday. I was so glad to see Rufus back looking so well and happy.” Three days earlier, his wife Lady Clementine Churchill, accepted the Nobel Prize in Literature in his name because he was at a meeting with President Eisenhower and French Prime Minister Joseph Laniel in Bermuda. On November 30th, Churchill had celebrated his 79th birthday.

December 4, 1956. In full: “Rufus is delighted with his new blue collar and lead, and it suits him very well. It is so kind of you to remember him again and to send him such a lovely present. Thank you very much.”

December 5, 1957. In full: “How very kind of you to think of Rufus again on my birthday, and to send him such an attractive and useful present. Thank you so much.” On November 30th, Churchill had celebrated his 83rd birthday.

December 2, 1958. Fine condition with 5.25 x 4.25 Prime Minister envelope postmarked December 2, 1951, stained at right edge. In full, “It was indeed kind of you to remember my birthday, and to send Rufus a new collar and lead. It suits him well, and he is most proud of it. Thank you so much.” On November 30th, Churchill had celebrated his 84th birthday.

December 2, 1960. In full: “How very kind of you to remember my birthday again and send Rufus such a lovely coat. It will be most useful to him in the cold weather. Thank you so much.” On November 30th, Churchill had celebrated his 86th birthday.

December 2, 1961. In full: “How very kind of you to remember my birthday again, and to send Rufus a smart new collar and lead, which he is wearing with pleasure. Thank you so much.” On November 30th, Churchill had celebrated his 87th birthday.

In fine overall condition, with most of the letters showing typical mailing folds. Most are accompanied by their original mailing envelopes, and all are housed in a quarter navy morocco over blue cloth slipcase.

Churchill was well known for his love of animals. He had a ginger tom he adored but none was more beloved than his miniature poodle, Rufus, on whom he doted. The two were inseparable and he couldn’t stand to be parted from his dog. He was even known to have left debates being argued in the House of Commons to check on Rufus’ welfare.

Rufus spent the war years and retirement at his master's feet, following him around the house, and even joining Churchill in bed. He also dined with the family: ‘The poodle [Rufus] ate in the dining room with the rest of the [Churchill] family. A cloth was laid for him on the Persian carpet beside the head of the household, and no one else ate until the butler had served Rufus's meal. One evening at Chequers [Churchill’s country estate] the film was ‘Oliver Twist.’ Rufus, as usual, had the best seat in the house, on his master's lap. At the point when Bill Sikes was about to drown his dog to put the police off his track, Churchill covered Rufus's eyes with his hand and said, "Don't look now, dear. I'll tell you about it afterwards.’ A fabulous collection of letters with wonderfully personal canine association.
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