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5 East 57th St.
New York 22, N.Y.

December 29, 1953

Dear F-G:

Many thanks for your kind letter of December 15. I am happy to know you are doing so much business with your new clients in Italy.

I am sorry to say that there is very little I can suggest along the lines you indicate. I know of no furniture, but I do not doubt that when you get here you will be able to find some at French & Co., and probably also at Rosenberg & Stiebel.

I have not called on the latter in quite a while, but in connection with Soegaard I had to go to French & Co., for he left his things with them, and I was flabbergasted at the quantity of furniture of all types they have in that huge warehouse. Of course it's terrifically mixed.....!

In the line of 18th century Italian paintings the only one I would have is a small delightful Pittoni, which came directly from the famous Cook Collection in London; very bright in colors and most appealing.

Now as regards my small chandelier I am by no means anxious to sell it, but as for the time being I cannot place it I would be willing to part with it for $5,000. (Five thousand dollars).

The story of the Fabres not wanting to let their statue be photographed is truly too funny for words. After all there is such a thing as photographing something which is on the floor, and Gauthier should be able to do this.

As to the acte de partage I have yet to receive explanations, and I do not see why you could not find the few minutes necessary to dictate such indications.

You signed a paper in my name, and which offhand seems to be of considerable importance, and the least you could do, it seems to me, is to advise me of such steps as long as you did not consult me before taking them, and give me the necessary explanations and the reasons for its urgency.

I do hope you will not postpone your trip to New York indefinitely, for you should realize the importance it has, and which in fact in dollars and cents might perhaps amount to a great deal more than some of the business you are after.

With much love,
Yours,
Germain Seligman

Monsieur Francois-Gerard Seligmann
Seligmann & Cie.
23 Place Vendome
Paris
France

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