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Auction 04 - No Reserve Timed Auction of International Autographs and Manuscripts
Lot 122:
HISTORY - DE LESSEPS Ferdinand Marie (1805 - 1894) - Autograph letter signed - Suez Canal
Description
Studied law and held various diplomatic posts in Lisbon, Egypt, Rotterdam, Malaga, Barcelona and Madrid. With the Viceroy of Egypt, Mohammed Said, he undertook the digging of the Suez Canal, which was inaugurated on 17.11.1869. In 1875, he spoke of a canal between the two oceans. At the beginning of 1881, work began in earnest under the direction of the best French engineers, who were able to cope with the technical and climatic problems that led to many deaths. Poor management and a lack of understanding led to the company’s bankruptcy on 04.02.1889. He died in France in 1894. The work was taken over by an American company and the canal was inaugurated on 15.08.1914.
Autograph letter signed and dated Paris, 13.09.1886 to an ambassador: "…Voici ma lettre à Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, insérés dans les Débats de ce matin. Vous voyez que j’ai suivi votre excellent conseil…". ½ p. In-8. – This lot is under temporary import in the UK. 5% VAT is due if delivered in the UK. Imnport VAT will be due if delivered within the EU.
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