1884 Autograph Letter Signed by the son of Karl Oktavio, Graf zur Lippe-Weissenfeld, (1808–1885).

“The noble frame broken — his intellect veiled”


A solemn and dramatic letter written from the perspective of a son returning to the noble “ancestral halls” of his family to visit his father, near death. The letter is autographed at its conclusion “Lippe-Weissenfeld” and we infer the deteriorating father to be Karl Oktavio, Graf (Count) zur Lippe Weißenfeld, born November 6, 1808 and died February 13, 1885.

This letter is written about 4 months before this man’s death. The son writes a poignant evaluation of his father and his health upon seeing him in this saddened state of decline:

I found my dear old father alive: but how sadly changed! The noble frame broken — his intellect veiled — his raven hair and beard bleached — his body partially paralyzed. Our meeting was touching. What a blessing not to have come too late. The hour of danger has gone by, but it is only too evident that the invalid, who is sinking slowly, is preparing himself for the solemn journey to that land where no wanderer ever returned.

The letter carries on with these sentiments and the writer tells of other feelings and family news. The letter is addressed to a Miss Tunstall.


Description: 1884 Autograph Letter Signed by the son of Karl Oktavio, Graf zur Lippe-Weissenfeld, (1808–1885).

Friedegg [Mauthausen, Upper Austria]. November 5th, 1884. 8vo, bifolium. 4 manuscript pages. Without transmittal envelope. Fine condition.

[3725779]

Price: $85.00