"Confidential" Typed Letter Signed by WINSTON CHURCHILL: with handwritten additions by Churchill.

CHURCHILL "BUYS" BALFOUR A CAR!

CHURCHILL, WINSTON S. "Confidential" typed letter signed by "Winston S. Churchill" as Chancellor of the Exchequer, with the name of the recipient "Bran" and part of the date "13" handwritten by Churchill.

One page with the blind-stamped stationery "Treasury Chambers, Whitehall, S.W.," dated August 13, 1928. 4to.


The letter concerns funds that Churchill raised to purchase a car and cover living expenses for former Prime Minister Arthur Balfour:

"The subscription list is the Balfour Testimonial Fund being now closed. I feel that you, who so kindly subscribed to that fund, will like to know how much was subscribed and to what purpose it has been put. The total amount received from members of both Houses of Parliament was £4,918.6.6. [~$450,000 in 2021] The car has been paid for and the balance has been handed to Lord Balfour to be used for his personal benefit in any way he may think fit. I may add that I have received from him a letter expressing his grateful thanks to the subscribers and his pleasure that their gift should have taken the form of a motor car. Please do not dream of acknowledging this communication." [emphasis added]

Churchill had been acquainted with Balfour since the 1890s and the elder statesman would prove instrumental in helping him rise in British political life. Unfortunately, Balfour would get little enjoyment from the gift as his health was in rapid decline and he would die only a year and a half later. The letter provides a wonderful association between two of the greatest prime ministers in the history of the United Kingdom.

In fine condition with minor spotting and creasing. Nicely matted and framed, under glass. 16½ by 17½ inches. The maroon mat has a 4¼-inch metal silhouette of Churchill smoking a cigar incorporated into the design on the right side. Rare.