Extremely rare LS in French, signed “Henry R,” one page, 7.75 x 10.5, no date, but possibly 1520. A letter to Madame De La Ferte. In full (translated): “I have commanded sire John Hervey, one of the gentlemen of my Chamber, to present you from me, as a token of the friendship I have for you–these hawking birds, to amuse you by their flying. And I would have much wishes to [be] with you, if I were not a little sick with fever. You will find…in the Consignment three haggard gerfalcons, and one white; four other sore gerfalcons; two tercels; and three falcons, of which one is haggard and the other two sore [hawk of the first year which has not moulted and still has its red plumage]; all of which I have been well pleased to choose myself as worthy to be placed in your falconry. And you do not need to be surprised to see me thus as your falconer, when such birds go to submit to the dove, which is an example to be imitated by all and first of all by your good friend.” Written next to Henry’s signature is (translated): “If one must, one might leave them to take some young partridges…the arrival so that…because it is a long while that one has not made them fly. From Calais this 3rd after dinner.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, two through single letters of signature, reinforcement to several folds on reverse, two restored areas of paper loss at intersection of two folds, one affecting several words, and scattered light toning, creasing, damp staining, and soiling. All writing is bold, and the signature is virtually unaffected by any of the letter’s flaws.
Henry VIII was among England’s most prominent falconers, who had the Royal Mews at Charing's Cross—by design the stables of the Royal Family—fitted to house his birds. His Royal Highness was following ancient tradition by embracing the art, as Kings of England were presented with a falcon at the time of their coronation. Here, Henry presents to Madame De La Ferte, “as a token of the friendship I have for you–these hawking birds, to amuse you by their flying.” Detailing the consignment, the King assures her that all of the birds had been personally chosen by him “as worthy to be placed in your falconry.” Among the birds of prey were tercels (male peregrine falcons), haggard gerfalcons (large wild female falcons), gerfalcons (large falcons).
This letter is possibly written in 1520, as Henry visited Calais between May 31 and June 4. Madame De La Ferte is known to have received other correspondence from the king, including a December 1519 letter where her eldest son is identified as being among some French hostages. Fantastic falconry content as one of England’s most legendary kings details the various types of birds being dispatched at his request. Letters from Henry VIII are excessively rare in any format, with this one made all the more desirable by the personal content written in lesser-seen French! This document was originally offered by Ken Rendell and sold at Sotheby’s in 1976. Accompanied by a printed page defining the various falconry terms. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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