January 26th Rare Autograph & Book Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/26/2023
World-champion Cuban chess player (1888–1942) considered one of the greatest of all time.
Two Handwritten and signed letters in English signed by Cuban former world chess champion José Raúl Capablanca (1888-1942), as "Raoul" along the bottom edge. Written in Havana, Cuba on Aug 28/1938 and September 17/1938. Both 2 ALS’s in English, to his wife Olga Chubarova Chagodaev. Both letters are signed “Raul,” with the original transmittal; envelope all in his hand with his full signature on the front " from J. R. Capablanca with address in Havana Cuba". There are three 5"x7" pages in total. One letter written on August 28, 1938, talks about the government of Cuba in trouble and govermental turmoil with constant changes in the Secretary of Treasury and was concerned about getting his pay for his foreign service for Cuba and missing his wife. The next letter dated from September 17/1938 he is discussing not only the government issues of Cuba at the time, but also that “the new secretary of the treasury has already placed the money for the foreign service. I expect to get my money in the next few days. There is yet one other point a few days ago Congress passed, and the president sanctioned a law giving me $5000 for the purpose of arranging the championship match."
Capablanca did start a comeback to playing chess in this period from 1934-1938. Both letters In very good to fine condition. José Raúl Capablanca y Graupera (19 November 1888 – 8 March 1942) was a Cuban chess player who was world chess champion from 1921 to 1927. A chess prodigy, he is considered by many one of the greatest players of all time, widely renowned for his exceptional endgame skill and speed of play.
With One of a Kind Collectibles LOA
José Raúl Capablanca (Rare Chess Champion)Gets $5000 from President of Cuba to Create a Chess Match!
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