Sold For: $1,880
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ALS in French, signed “Louis,” one page, 5.5 x 7.25, January 4, 1762. Addressed from Versailles, a tender handwritten letter from the King of France, penned as a grandfather to his 10-year-old grandson, Ferdinand I, the future Duke of Parma. In full (translated): “I am much pleased, my very dear grandson, that you reminded me of you on the occasion of the New Year. I am upset that my present from last year was too large for your apartments, and that a new one had to be done on purpose. This year's present will not be in the same case, I hope. Be sure, please, that I tenderly love you. I kiss you from the bottom of my heart, my dear grandson.” The reverse bears the original red wax seal. In fine condition, with scattered light foxing.
In this letter, King Louis XV refers to a 3D map that he presented to Ferdinand to educate him on the art of war. The map was too large for his grandson’s quarters, but, with Ferdinand’s birthday just days away, the king promises not to repeat the same mistake. Considered the favorite grandson of King Louis XV, Ferdinand was the son of Louise Elisabeth, Louis XV's eldest daughter, and Philip, Duke of Parma, the son of Philip V of Spain. Owing to the early deaths of his mother and father, Ferdinand became an orphan at the age of 14 but quickly benefited from the invaluable sagacity of his grandfather.
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