1817 Lord Castlereagh Signed Free Frank Autograph Napoleon Byron Congress Vienna

1817 LORD CASTLEREAGH SIGNED FREE FRANK WITH CONTEMPORARY HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPT PRESENTATION

An exceptional early nineteenth-century historical presentation centered on an original autograph address panel signed by Lord Castlereagh (Robert Stewart, 1769–1822), Britain's Foreign Secretary during the defeat of Napoleon and one of the principal architects of the Congress of Vienna.

The mounted address panel is dated London, March 3, 1817, and bears Castlereagh's bold signature as a free frank.

Surrounding the autograph are carefully executed manuscript extracts preserving contemporary opinions of Castlereagh from several notable historical figures, including:

Napoleon Bonaparte (St. Helena)

Lady Hester Stanhope

Lord Byron

Catherine Hatton (dated March 20, 1836)

Facing the manuscript page is an engraved view of North Cray, Castlereagh's country residence.

Unlike ordinary autograph panels, this is an early collector's historical presentation that combines an authentic signature with contemporary historical commentary and illustration, creating an outstanding display piece documenting one of the most influential—and controversial—statesmen of the Napoleonic era.

Included

Original signed Castlereagh address panel

Original nineteenth-century manuscript quotations

Original engraved view of North Cray

Complete mounted presentation leaf

Condition

Very good overall with expected age toning, minor edge wear, and evidence of previous album mounting. The autograph is clear and attractive, and all manuscript text remains highly legible.

A scarce and visually impressive artifact relating to the diplomacy that reshaped Europe following the Napoleonic Wars. Collectors of British political history, Napoleonic material, and important historical autographs will find this a particularly appealing and unusual example.