FRANCE (Anatole). - Lot 111

FRANCE (Anatole). Born in Paris. 1844–1924. French writer. Nobel Prize in Literature in 1921. 2 handwritten letters from “Anatole France” to “Mr. Director General.” Paris, December 19 and 23, 1898. 2½ pages in-8 and 2 pages in-8. Anatole France had a “16th-century carved door” brought back from his trip to Italy, but it was held up at Customs…Please excuse me for taking the liberty of bringing to your attention a matter that is, in truth, very minor, but one in which I am in great need of your help—which I am sure you will grant me. Here is the situation: I had purchased a door adorned with carved bas-reliefs in Naples. Upon learning that the package was at the Bercy train station, I wrote a note stating that this door was “a 16th-century Italian work,” and I sent this note to the head of the Bercy customs office, with instructions to have the crate delivered to my home. However, on December 17, I received a new notice from the head of the Bercy customs office stating that the customs agents “dispute my declaration” and are asking me to go to Bercy to “take the necessary steps”… He is reluctant to have any discussion with the customs officials and asks his friend to intercede on his behalf. Letter of December 23: Since the dispute with the customs officials was quickly resolved, France thanks his friend for the kindness he showed in this matter.