SOBHUZA II: (1899-1982) King of Swaziland 1899-1982, at 82 years and 254 days the longest ...

SOBHUZA II: (1899-1982) King of Swaziland 1899-1982, at 82 years and 254 days the longest verifiable reign of any monarch in recorded history. A rare T.L.S., Sobhuza II, as iNgwenyama, one page, folio, Kwaluseni, 24th December 1963, to R. E. Donaldson-Rawlins, on printed stationery featuring an image of a lion at the head. The King states that he had wished to write to his correspondent earlier, in order 'to thank you most fervently for the entertainment you accorded me when I visited your District in South Swaziland recently', although explaining that 'other pressing and urgent matters have hitherto precluded the execution of this earnest desire' and continuing 'Even though somewhat belated I cannot resist the urge in me to congratulate you and your staff on the thought and understanding that went to the preparations for this visit which was a complete success', further thanking Donaldson-Rawlins for some photographs which will serve as a living memory of the occasion, 'I am placing one of them in my house at Shiselweni and as sure as I am that it will grace the walls I shall always love to see it. It is one of the first decorations to hang in that house'. The King concludes by sending seasonal greetings and his best wishes for the New Year. Together with the King's official Christmas greetings card, unsigned, the folding 8vo card featuring a colour image to the inside of a young Swati lady and with a printed greeting in both Swazi and English. With the gold embossed coat of arms of Swaziland to the front cover. VG, 2

As well as being a well-known collector of autographs, publishing two books on the subject, Ray Rawlins (1917-1979) worked in the Colonial Service from 1945 and served for thirteen years in Swaziland, retiring as District Commissioner of the South in 1964. The present lot is accompanied by two notes by Rawlins relating to King Sobhuza II, and the letter and Christmas card were previously sold in the auction of Rawlins' collection conducted by Sotheby's in London on 2nd, 3rd & 4th June 1980 (part of lot 295).