1819 William Charles Keppel 4th Earl of Albemarle Autograph Heraldic Wax Seal For Sale

1819 AUTOGRAPH LETTER – WILLIAM CHARLES KEPPEL, 4th EARL OF ALBEMARLE

Early 19th-century autograph letter attributed to William Charles Keppel (1772–1849), 4th Earl of Albemarle, addressed to James McDonald in Paris.

The accompanying old collector’s note identifies the writer as William Charles Keppel and dates the postal marking to 20 September 1819.

A particularly attractive feature is the large original red heraldic wax seal, displaying the Keppel family arms and the motto:

“NE CEDE MALIS”

The motto and heraldic design correspond with the arms of the Keppel family, Earls of Albemarle.

William Charles Keppel was a British aristocrat and politician of the prominent Keppel family.

The Keppel family is also historically connected with later members of British high society, including Alice Keppel, well known for her relationship with King Edward VII, and the family is present in the ancestry of Camilla, Queen Consort.

Contents / postal history

The manuscript is written in English and addressed to Paris. The writing is faint and difficult to decipher in places.

Postal markings are present on the outer panels, together with the original folded-letter format.

Important note

The letter is sold with the accompanying old descriptive note. No modern autograph certificate is supplied, so the attribution is based on the historical identification, handwriting, postal context and heraldic seal.

Condition

Original period manuscript with normal folds, light staining, age-related wear and faint ink. The red wax seal remains largely intact but has age cracking and small losses.

Please inspect all photographs carefully.

Date: 1819
Writer: attributed to William Charles Keppel, 4th Earl of Albemarle
Destination: Paris, France
Type: Autograph folded letter
Seal: Original heraldic red wax seal
Motto: Ne Cede Malis
Certification: Uncertified