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OUEST ENCHERES PUBLIQUES NANTES & RENNES

57 - [War of 1870–1871] Patrice De MAC-MAHON (1808–1893); Preside…
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Estimate €70 - €90
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Description
[War of 1870–1871] Patrice De MAC-MAHON (1808–1893); President of the Republic from 24 May 1873 to 30 January 1879. A curious telegram sent whilst in captivity by Marshal Mac-Mahon, who was taken prisoner at Sedan and interned in Wiesbaden. He was released in March 1871 and put in command of the Army of Versailles, which crushed the Paris Commune. This telegram (sent to the mayor of Montargis), written in gibberish by a German postman who was not very good at French, was sent from Wiesbaden on 4 February 1871, a few days before the Marshal’s release: ‘As a prisoner of war, I cannot accept a mission which I am unable to fulfil. I wish to express my thanks to the electors who thought of me. Marshal de Mac-Mahon’. Commentary and transcription by Claude Seignolle. Copy mounted with its envelope onto card. A fine copy. Dimensions: 22 x 14 cm. Provenance: Claude Seignolle. Appraisal carried out by Pascal GUILLEBAUD. Lot from a voluntary sale.
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About the sale Manuscripts, Philately and Bibliophilia
Auction location
Auction time 06/30/2026 at 2:00 PM
Lot description modified on 06/18/2026 at 5:10 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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