Percy Bysshe SHELLEY (1792-1822)

Autograph Cheque Signed ("Percy Bysshe Shelley"), drawn on Messrs. Brookes & Co of 25 Chancery Lane, directing them to pay £38.12s.9d. to "I.S. Wright Esqr. or bearer."

1 page narrow oblong 8vo, London 28 February 1818.

The Shelley family, including Claire Clairmont, had spent 1817 at Albion House, Marlow, where Shelley wrote his long revolutionary poem Laon and Cythna, later retitled The Revolt of Islam. By the begining of 1818 financial and health problems decided him to leave Engand for Italy, and after giving up Albion House at the end of January Shelley moved into rooms at 119 Great Russell Street, his last address in England. He, Mary and Claire spent a few cheerful weeks with their children in London visiting the opera, theatres and museums, before leaving for Italy on 11 March. In his last weeks in England Shelley gave instructions to his bankers Brookes for the settling of some of his unpaid bills, and this cheque appears to be an example. Before his departure he displayed considerable ingenuity in his attempts to avoid his father-in-law William Godwin, who was, as usual, asking him for money.Cancellation marks on Shelley's signature, not affecting its clarity. Slightly browned at the left edge, and mounting traces on the verso, but overall a pleasing little manuscript.

Delivery

Autographs can be delivered worldwide. Delivery costs are calculated at the time of order and items will be sent by the most appropriate means, depending on your location and the value of the item. This will usually be by Royal Mail Special Delivery within the UK and Royal Mail Tracked outside the UK. 

The current delivery charges are:

• UK:

  Royal Mail Special Delivery £9.00

• Europe:

  Europe Royal Mail Tracked £15.00
  EU customers should note that, following brexit, local VAT and customs duties may apply to their purchases. 

   USA:

• Royal Mail Tracked £25.00

  Rest of the World:

• Rest of the World Tracked £20.00

   

Export Licensing

Customers should be aware that all letters and documents over 50 years old require an export licence, which may delay delivery by anything from one to three weeks. Signed photographs are not subject to export licence regulations, and can be sent immediately.

There is no charge for the export licence and I will take care of the application, the only inconvenience to you will be the delay.

Authenticity

The authenticity of the letters and documents offered is guaranteed.

Payment

Online sales orders

Payments made via the website are processed by Shopify Inc and can be made using Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Telephone sales orders

Items may be purchased by phone. Please contact me using the website Contact Form and I will call you within 48 hours to discuss your requirements. Payment for purchases ordered by phone can be paid upon receipt of the invoice and must be paid within 7 days. Phone orders can be paid by cheque (in pounds sterling only) or bank transfer.

Items will be reserved for one week following the order confirmation and will be dispatched either within 7 days after full payment has been received, or after any required export licenses have been granted.

Returns Policy

Should you be in any way dissatisfied with your purchase, items may be returned within six weeks of delivery and a full refund will be made upon receipt of the returned item. The item must be received by Richmond Autographs in the same condition as when dispatched.  For full details, please read our Terms and Conditions.