PBA Galleries

First letter, 8 lines, signed "humboldt" to the engraver François Forster (1790-1872) and reads: "It will give me the greatest pleasure to receive Mr. Forster...and to repeat to him how much I appreciate and esteem his talents." 7¼x4¾". Likely Paris, circa 1815-22. * Second letter, 16 lines, signed "A. Humboldt" to be given to Christian Charles Josias, Baron von Bunsen (1791-1860), Prussian diplomatist and scholar. Reads: "Since I'll be leaving for Teplitz with the King in a few days, I ask you the favor of being so kind as to see that this letter gets to Mr. Bunsen....But if your unlucky star should not lead you to the Eternal City, then please have this letter mailed to him." (Minor foxing, mounting traces on verso). 5x4¼". Likely Berlin, circa 1836. * Plus, a special commemorative postage envelope of Humboldt, issued December 9, 1969, with various printed markings and two postal cancellation stamps containing his printed autograph. Together, 3 items.

Humboldt was a German naturalist and explorer who traveled through South America, describing it from a scientific point of view for the first time. Humboldt County, California is named after him as well.