CHARLES DARWIN Handwritten Autograph Envelope NOT Signed * Evolution * JSA

English Naturalist & Evolutionary Biologist CHARLES DARWIN hand-addressed envelope to "W.T. Brigham, Jr. / Boston . U. States". The envelope is unsigned, but retains Darwin's rare embossed Griffin seal on the back flap, depicting the legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle framed by the Darwin family motto: "Cave et Aude" ("Beware and Dare").





William Tufts Brigham was a prominent Boston-born geologist, botanist and author who published highly regarded scientific papers through the Boston Society of Natural History. His scholarly works, including his 1868 treatise on Hawaiian volcanoes, and his catalog of New England earthquakes were sent to, owned and studied by Darwin as part of his personal research collection.





The DARWIN handwritten envelope has been thoroughly examined and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY JSA (James Spence Authentication) EXPERT EXAMINATION – your assurance of authenticity. Purchase includes original JSA Letter of Authenticity. Also included is a 1989 letter from renowned autograph dealer Mary Benjamin detailing her original acquisition of the envelope from Christie's some years before. 




Condition as shown with wear consistent with age, use and handling. Postal cancellations to front and verso. Envelope measures appx. 2.75" x 4.75". Please review photographs carefully for exact condition.




Buy with confidence – Signaturist-Ink is proud to have served a range of private collectors, scholars, and prestigious institutions. Our items can be found and referenced in esteemed institutions such as The Charles Darwin Project, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Patrick Henry's Red Hill National Memorial, and the McKinley Presidential Library, among many others. Please view our exceptional feedback and ratings, and our additional historic autograph and artifact auctions.






Own a remarkable, original piece of American history! The perfect acquisition for the Science, Evolutionary, or History buff. The cornerstone of any truly exceptional collection.





Sold as is, as shown.