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                    April 17, 1977

 Dear Mr. Chance:
Dear Mr Chance:
 A short time ago, my old friend, Mr. Rudolf Ernst, a banker of Basel, asked for my advice as to the best method of disposing of two Italian paintings, a TITIAN and a GHIRLANDAIO belonging to a friend of his, Mr. Georges Schmid, of Zurich.

Mr. Schmid thought at first of offering them in New York. I immediately wrote Mr. Ernst that in my opinion the best market would be London and the Firm of Christie, Manson & Woods. I further mentioned that in view of our most pleasant relationship I would communicate with you on this matter and that I felt sure this question would have your personal attention. 

I understand from Mr. Ernst's indications that these two Italian paintings have a good pedigree and should be of merit. Furthermore, Mr. Schmid, of St. Moritz, which estate also contains paintings, so that introducing first these two important Italian works may lead to further business with Mr. Schmid. May I thus recommend to you this proposition which might turn out to be a fruitful one. 

Let me add that Mr. Ernst is a very dear friend of ours and that any courtesy you could show him would be much appreciated

Hearing from you on this topic would oblige me.

With best personal regards,
                                  Sincerely yours,



                                  Germain Seligman

P.S. I just learned from Mr. Ernst that he had written to your Firm on April 1st giving you all details as I had recommended him to do - which letter may not be yet in your hands.

          I.o. Chance, Esq.
          Christie, Manson & Woods
          S King Street
          St. Jamess'
          London S.W. 1

[[handwritten note]] CC on letterhead to Mr. Ernst
[[handwritten initial in bottom right corner]]