William Henry Smith Signed (2 results)

Paper. Condition: Good. First Edition. An Original Handwritten Clipped Letter Base and Signature Signed by Newsagent/Politician William Henry Smith. Undated. William Henry Smith, 1825-1891 was an English bookseller and newsagent of the family firm W H Smith, who expanded the firm and introduced the practice of selling books and newspapers at railway stations. He was elected a Member of Parliament in 1868 and rose to the position of First Lord of the Admiralty less than ten years thereafter. Because of his lack of naval experience, he was perceived as a model for the character Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore. In the mid-1880s, he was twice Secretary of State for War, and later First Lord of the Treasury and Leader of the House of Commons, among other posts. Size is 123mm x 97mm. Condition is good. Light finger usage. More images can be taken upon request. Ref17349. Signed by Author(s).

Full leather. Condition: Near fine. Signed first edition of The Entailed Hat by George Alfred Townsend, with an inscription to former Ohio Secretary of State William Henry Smith. (illustrator). First Edition. Octavo, x, 565pp. Full red morocco, covers double ruled and embellished with gilt. Five raised bands, title in gilt with decorative compartments. All edges gilt, gilt turn-ins, vibrant marbled endpapers. Finely bound by Zaehnsdorf of London with binder's imprint to front endpaper. Previous ownership stamp to front flyleaf. Solid text block, occasional touch of foxing throughout. Inscribed by the author on a front flyleaf: "Mr. William Henry Smith / from / Geo. Alfred Townsend / 1884.". Signed.