^Lot 158 Winston Churchill

TLS signed “Winston S. Churchill,” one page, 5 x 8, Board of Trade letterhead, December 31, 1909. Letter, marked at the top by Churchill “Private,” and addressed in his hand to his brother, “My dear Jack.” In full: “Many congratulations on your speech, which seems to be excellent in style. I hope you had a great success. It will be a tremendous coup for you if you can win the seat.” Churchill also adds, “Yours sincerely,” before his signature. In very good condition, with scattered creasing and wrinkling from mounting remnants on reverse, a bit of light toning and soiling, and a couple surface impressions.

Churchill writes to his younger brother, John Strange “Jack” Spencer-Churchill, with whom he was very close. John rose to the rank of major in the British Army and became a successful London businessman, and he and his children were often found with his older brother’s family at Chartwell and Winston’s other residences. Here, Winston may be referencing a seat on the London Stock Exchange, which his brother eventually held. In 1909, Winston was a member of Parliament and the president of the Board of Trade. An excellent letter written to a close family member and confidant.