Auction Name: 2026 March 18 The Dan Madsen Collection of Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain Memorabilia Americana & Political Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 43082

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6335*43082

[Mark Twain] Samuel Clemens: Twice Signed Sympathy Card Following the Death of his Wife. One page of a bifolium mourning card, 4 3/8" x 7 1/8"; Florence, Italy; June 1904. Clemens writes below printed sentiment to his late wife's close friend, Virginia Fraser Boyle, in full: "Few will know better than you the weight of the blow which has fallen upon us." Signed, "S.L. Clemens" just above, with additional signature "SLC" below. Includes original transmittal cover postmarked Tyringham Mass, July 20, 1904.

Written in the immediate aftermath of the death of his wife, Olivia Langdon Clemens, who died of heart failure in Florence on June 5, this card dates from one of the most painful moments of Samuel Clemens's life. Olivia had been his constant companion for more than three decades, and her loss left him deeply bereft.

Condition: Letter has minor toning with flattened fold. Pencil notation on verso. Cover has minor toning, scattered soiling, and wear along edges. Opened along left margins resulting in some loss.

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