^Lot 419 Hans Christian Andersen

Beloved Danish author (1805–1875) best known for such classic fairy tales as The Ugly Duckling, The Red Shoes, and The Emperor’s New Clothes. ALS in Dutch, signed “H. C. Andersen,” one page, 5 x 8, May 22, 1874. Letter to Erik Lassen Oksen. In full (translated): “Dear Friend! Please do come to me today so that we could arrange exactly when to meet in my home early for the departure.” Under his signature Andersen adds, “To Candidate in Theology Oksen.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Andersen’s hand, “Mr. Candidate in Theology Oksen lives in Count Moltke Bregentved’s Estate in Bredgade. Copenhagen.” In very good condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, and scattered light wrinkling, creasing, and toning. Erik Lassen Oksen (1849-1924) was a theology student who lived on the second floor in Nyhavn 18. His fellow student Mathias Weber (1850-1933) also lived on the second floor when Andersen moved into a first floor apartment in October 1871. After falling out of his bed and severely injuring himself in 1872, the two theology students became frequent guests in Andersen’s home and took short walks with him.