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Historic Signed Free Frank – Viscount Melbourne to the Earl of Dartrey – c.1830s
This is an original free frank (hand-addressed envelope panel) bearing the bold signature of William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne (1779–1848)—Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the early reign of Queen Victoria. The document is addressed in Melbourne\'s hand:
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Transcription:
To the Earl of Dartrey
Berkeley Square
v. Melbourne
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Biographical Note – Viscount Melbourne:
William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, was a towering figure in 19th-century British politics. A member of the Whig Party, he served as Prime Minister in 1834 and again from 1835 to 1841. He was Queen Victoria’s first Prime Minister, playing a key mentorship role during her early reign. Melbourne\'s tenure helped shape modern constitutional monarchy, and he is remembered for his calm demeanor during turbulent political times. The city of Melbourne in Australia is named in his honor.
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About the Recipient – Earl of Dartrey:
The title \"Earl of Dartrey\" was held by members of the Dawson family, prominent Irish peers. The most likely recipient of this address is Richard Dawson, 1st Earl of Dartrey (1817–1897), who held the title from 1866 and was active in Parliament and public life. The letter is addressed to Berkeley Square, a prestigious London address often associated with nobility and political figures.
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Item Details:
Authentic hand-addressed envelope panel
Bold signature: v. Melbourne
Addressed to titled peer at Berkeley Square
Expected date: circa 1830s–1840s
Size: approx. 4.5 x 3 inches
Some wear/loss to edges; signature remains bold and fully intact
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Historical Significance:
This item is a classic example of 19th-century British postal and political history. Free franks were a privilege extended to members of Parliament and officials, allowing them to send correspondence without postage. As a Prime Minister and key figure in the early Victorian era, Melbourne’s autograph is highly sought after by collectors of political, royal, and postal history.
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Ships securely with archival protection. A fine addition to any autograph, royalty, or British political collection.
