Ink signature, “Nelson & Bronte” on an off white 6.5 x 1.5 slip clipped from a larger document. Inscribed and initialed by Thomas Masterman Hardy in the bottom right hand corner, “T. M. H.” Written above the signature in another hand is the line, “Given on board the Victory of Cadix. 10th October 1805,” and below Nelson’s signature, in Hardy’s hand, reads the line, “Taken from the Pendant sheet issued to the Mediterranean Fleet.” In very good condition, with a few vertical creases, two affecting Nelson’s signature, uniform toning, and a stray ink mark. An extraordinary relic given by Nelson’s most loyal companion and taken from one of the admiral’s last signed documents—a chart of flag pennants (pendants) to be used in the forthcoming battle of Trafalgar. Hardy is best remembered as second principal actor in one of the most famous scenes in English history—at Trafalgar when Nelson gave him his last messages, with the celebrated request ‘Kiss me, Hardy.’ Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
