Religious Figures The future Pope Leo XI writes to Pope Clement VIII

167. Pope Leo XI Autograph Letter Signed to Pope Clement VIII. Born Alessandro Ottaviano de Medici in 1535, he served as pope from April 1–27, 1605; his pontificate is one of the briefest in history, having lasted under a month. Incredibly rare ALS in Italian, signed “Il Card. di Firenz,” one page, 8 x 11, March 10, 1596. Untranslated handwritten letter to Pope Clement VIII, addressed to “Beat’mo Padre,” written by the future Pope Leo XI as Cardinal of Florence. In very good to fine condition, with partial separation along the hinge and some tiny losses to the signature area. An extraordinary piece of papal correspondence. Starting Bid $500

Activists and Social Leaders

Autograph letter by Mohandas Gandhi to an American admirer

168. Mohandas Gandhi Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “M. K. Gandhi,” one page, 6.5 x 4, February 15, 1940. Handwritten letter to an American admirer, in full: “Dear sister, I thank you for your letter and the sentiments expressed therein.” Gandhi has struck through “Maganwadi” in the letterhead and written “Segaon” above. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, with “Passed by Censor” label and Indian postage stamps, addressed in another hand to Mrs. McMillan Seely of Seattle, Washington; this was likely Harriet McMillan Seely, the granddaughter of Minnesota Senator Samuel J. R. McMillan, an autograph collector. Housed in a handsome custom-made clamshell box with slipcase. Starting Bid $1000