CHEKHOV ANTON: (1860-1904) Russian Playwright and short-story writer

CHEKHOV ANTON: (1860-1904) Russian Playwright and short-story writer

CHEKHOV ANTON: (1860-1904) Russian Playwright and short-story writer. Autograph envelope, unsigned, being a significant fragment of the front panel only, addressed by Chekhov in bold dark fountain pen ink to Captain Alexander Ivanovitch of the 22nd East Siberian Front Regiment, 10th Company, and with an affixed postage stamp and several cancellations, one dated 13th April 1904. With light overall creasing, some tears and irregularly torn edges, none of which significantly affect the text. Neatly laid down. Together with Olga Knipper (1868-1959) Russian Stage Actress, wife of Chekhov. A.L.S., Olga Tchekhova Knipper, three pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to a gentleman, in French. Knipper sends her correspondent the front panel from her husband's envelope and explains that it was sent by Chekhov from the Crimea, in the south of Russia, whilst he was serving in the Manchurian Army in the war against Japan in 1904. To the verso of the second page Knipper provides an English translation of her husband's text from the envelope. Some light overall staining and age wear, G, 2

 

Chekhov's envelope is post marked a little over three months before the writer's death which has since become known as one of 'the great set pieces of literary history'.