October 2013 Auction Ends Tuesday, October 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/29/2013
Typed letter signed "Leon Trotsky" in blue ink. French-language letter is dated 22 September 1938 and addressed to his attorney, Gerard Rosenthal, regarding custody of Trotsky's grandson Sieva. The boy's mother Zinaida, Trotsky's daughter, had her Soviet citizenship revoked and committed suicide in 1933. Sieva then went to live with his mother's brother Leon, who died under mysterious circumstances in February of 1938. Leon Sr. here takes action to obtain guardianship. Letter translates in full, "It appears the simplest solution concerning Sieva is to appoint myself guardian and give you full power necessary as my lawyer. My dear friend, your mission is not going to be easy nor pleasant. But unfortunately there is no other way. You and [French Communist leader Alfred] Rosmer could consult with Henri and suggest to him to do all it takes to prevent repercussions for everyone, above all to the group 'The Commune'. In any case, I am determined to see this matter through. I don't quite understand why Leon's apartment remains sealed. Is it because of Jeanne's [Jeanne Molinier, then custodian of Sieva] attitude? At any rate, I insist that nothing be done in this matter as long as the question of the archives and Sieva is not resolved." Single-page letter measures 7.25" x 11". Toning and creasing, else near fine.
Leon Trotsky Letter Signed in an Attempt to Gain Custody of His Grandson -- "…do all it takes to prevent repercussions for everyone, above all to the group 'The Commune'…"
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