Autograph Letter Ordering Strings and Dog Biscuits, with TLS from his Wife

Autograph letter in French from the legendary violinist, instructing an associate to ship dog biscuits to his home in Berlin and ordering violin strings. Paris, September 1, 1939. 2 pp. Writing days after the outbreak of World War II and very shortly before he moved to the United States to settle, Kreisler requests a Mr. Bottenheim (apparently S.A.M. Bottenheim, Dutch musicologist and secretary to Wilhelm Mengelberg) to "repeat the shipment of Spratt's Biscuits for big dogs, the next time perhaps 20 kilos and ... after a few weeks still another package." Kreisler continues to ask Bottenheim to order violin strings from two luthiers in Berlin and Dresden, and finishes by mentioning that he and his wife will leave for America in 3 days. Together with a typed English translation, transcribed in full below. A related letter from Kreisler to Bottenheim, dated August 29, is held at the Royal Academy of Music Library. Light toning but overall in fine condition, 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.2 cm). Autograph letters from the great violinist are uncommon.

Sold together with a typed letter signed from Kreisler's wife Harriet to Bottenheim, reporting that their dogs have arrived in the United States. November 6, 1939. 1 p. Translated from the German: "Dear Mr. Bottenheim, I would like to let you know that Jerry and Rexie have arrived safely, very worn-out and tired, but here. Now after a week they are slowly recovering and making us very happy. I deposited your check immediately, but your letter has not yet arrived. We are as well as can be expected these days; we must be satisfied that we are here, where Fritz can practice his art..." Jerry and Rexie were the Kreislers' two dogs, an airedale and a wire-haired terrier. Toning and folding creases; overall fine. 8.5 x 11 inches (21.5 x 27.8 cm).

Autograph letter from Kreisler, translated from the French in full:
"Dear Mr. Bottenheim, 
This morning I received your good letter of September 1st, for which I thank you warmly. As soon as you receive word that the mailing has been delivered as addressed, repeat the shipment of Spratt's Biscuits for big dogs, the next time perhaps 20 kilos and (when receipt of that mailing has also been confirmed) after a few weeks still another package. Each time you make a mailing, write to Miss Magdalene Hammer to advise her, and wait for the answer.
Also kindly write to Mr. Hammig, violin maker, Berlin-Zehlendorf, Busse-Allee, to ask him to send you the strings Re=D (wound red-white and wound white) as well as the La=A (wound yellow-white) which he has received from Pirazzi. I sent him a check, but it may be that it did not arrive. In that case tell him to ship C.O.D. or to send you the invoice, which will be paid immediately.
Also write to Richard Weichold (violin maker and string manufacturer) in Dresden and ask him to send you C.O.D. twenty (20) Sol=G silver "Dartos," either directly or, if he prefers, through a violin maker in Amsterdam. Do not mention my name, either to Weichold or to the violin maker in Amsterdam (in case you make use of him) for a special reason, but you may give it to Hammig. Perhaps you can double the Weichold order between yourself and a violin maker hoping that one of them will be filled.
We, my wife and I, are leaving for American next Saturday (Sep. 9) on board the U.S. Liner Washington from Le Havre. My address in New York is c/o Carnegie Hall or c/o National Broadcast Co. (Radio Center). Cable address: Kreislaria New York. I shall appreciate it very much if you will always keep me informed and will immediately send you a check for your disbursements.
Thanks in advance.
Always very cordially yours, F. Kreisler."

After serving briefly in the Austrian army, Kreisler spent the post-World War I years in the United States, before returning to Europe to live in Berlin from 1924 to 1938. Shortly after the outbreak of World War II, he returned to the United States again, where he would remain, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1943. He gave his last public concert in 1947.  (16395)

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Autograph Letter

TLS

Classical Music

• Sold