November 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, November 20th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/20/2014
Unique lot of seven typed letters signed by Winston Churchill, all addressed to a Miss Lobban, who took care of Churchill's dog Rufus at the Duke Street Kennels. Charming lot of letters all deal with Rufus II, Churchill's beloved poodle whom was given to him as a present after his first dog Rufus was killed. Churchill would say of the second Rufus, ''His name is Rufus II -- but the II is silent.'' Churchill was so taken with Rufus that he ate in the dining room with the rest of the Churchill family and sat on his master's lap while watching movies. According to one story, while watching ''Oliver Twist'', Churchill covered Rufus' eyes during the scene where the dog was about to be drowned. He said to Rufus: ''Don't look now, dear. I'll tell you about it afterwards.'' This lot consists of the following seven letters: (1) typed letter signed ''Yours sly. / Winston S. Churchill'' from Hyde Park Gate, London on 25 January 1948. In full, ''I am so sorry that Rufus has developed this distressing complaint, and I hope you will let me know at the end of the three weeks whether or not he has recovered. After the said loss of the first one, I feel that I would rather not have another dog just now. Please do not therefore look for another poodle for me. I will write to Mr. Graebner about this. I am very grateful to you for the trouble you have taken in looking after Rufus during my absence abroad. Pray let me know what is owing in the way of veterinerary [sic] fees.'' Single page measures 7.5'' x 9.5'', with original envelope. Near fine. (2) Typed letter signed ''Winston S. Churchill'' as Prime Minister, from Downing Street, Whitehall on 13 December 1953. In full, ''Thank you so much for your gift and for remembering my birthday. I was so glad to see Rufus back looking so well and happy.'' Single page measures 4.75'' x 7.5'', with original envelope. Near fine. (3) Typed letter signed ''Winston S. Churchill'' from Chartwell, Kent on 4 December 1956. In full, ''Rufus is delighted with his new blue collar and lead, and it suits him very well. It is so kind of you to remember him again and to send him such a lovely present. Thank you very much.'' Single page measures 5'' x 8'', with original envelope. Near fine. (4) Typed letter signed ''Winston S. Churchill'' from Hyde Park Gate, London on 5 December 1957. In full, ''How very kind of you to think of Rufus again on my birthday, and to send him such an attractive and useful present. Thank you so much.'' Single page measures 5'' x 8'', with original envelope. Near fine. (5) Typed letter signed ''Winston S. Churchill'' from Chartwell, Kent on 2 December 1958. In full, ''It was indeed kind of you to remember my birthday, and to send Rufus a new collar and lead. It suits him well, and he is most proud of it. Thank you so much.'' Single page measures 5'' x 8'', with original Prime Minister envelope. Near fine. (6) Typed letter signed ''Winston S. Churchill'' from Hyde Park Gate, London on 2 December 1960. In full, ''How very kind of you to remember my birthday again and send Rufus such a lovely coat. It will be most useful to him in the cold weather. Thank you so much.'' Single page measures 5'' x 8'', with original envelope. Near fine. (7) Typed letter signed ''W S Churchill'' from Hyde Park Gate, London on 2 December 1961. In full, ''How very kind of you to remember my birthday again, and to send Rufus a smart new collar and lead, which he is wearing with pleasure. Thank you so much.'' Single page measures 5'' x 8'', with original envelope. Near fine. All letters are housed in a quarter navy morocco over blue cloth slipcase, spine lettered in compartments with five raised bands: ''Winston S. Churchill / Letters to Miss Lobban Regarding 'Rufus' 1948-1961.''
Wonderful Archive of Letters by Winston Churchill Regarding His Beloved Dog Rufus
Click above for larger image.