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RS:R

June 1st, 1938

Dear Mr. Bruce:

You have probably already heard that Mr. John M. Schiff is going to sell in London at Christie's in the latter part of June the celebrated collection which was assembled over a number of years by his late father, Mr. Mortimer L. Schiff.

We have already received the illustrated catalogue of the works of art, tapestries and French 18th century furniture and we also have received photographs of the paintings and drawings which will be included in the second sale a few days later.

I was wondering if you would not be interested in receiving a catalogue or in seeing the photographs we have, as we feel that there will be great opportunities at this sale to buy things at a fraction of their cost.

Mr. Schiff who bought a great many years ago and constantly improved his collection, was one of my late uncle's clients and we are very familiar with every item in the sale. Amongst the paintings is a very important masterpiece by van der Weyden in perfect condition, as well as a very fine "Madonna and Child" by Memling. The drawings include works by Watteau, Moreau le Jeune, Boucher, Fragonard. The French furniture includes rare pieces with Sèvres plaques, a celebrated pair of commodes. The works of art comprise marbles by Bouchardon and Houdon and terra-cotta by Marin.

All these pieces have very interesting pedigrees and most of them have been shown at prominent exhibitions in the last few years. As perfect an ensemble as this collection has not come on the market in many years.

Kindly believe me

Very sincerely yours,

(René Seligmann)

David Bruce, Esq.
Jericho Turnpike
Syosset, New York

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