TLS signed “R. Valentino,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, June 10, 1923. Valentino writes to Frederick Schmidt while in his private car aboard the Colonial. In part: “By this time possibly the pup will have been delivered to you and as I told you I am going to give you a list of commands to use with him as he has been trained in Italian and I would like for him to answer to that language His name is Shaitan …You will find the pup very intelligent and very willing to learn if you want to teach him any tricks…Try to place him as often as you can so that he may remain a day and a night with Sheik and a day and a night with Marquise. Also if you take Sheik out for a walk take him along and do the same when you take Marquise out. If you see that either one of them will not hurt him, as I believe they will not, being that Shaitant is such a young pup, and the reason I want him to grow up alternatively with Sheik and Marquise is that when I get back he will be friendly with both of them so that I can take them two at a time.…Let me know in detail how Sheik and Chuckie behaved when they saw each other and also let me know how Sheik and Marquise are behaving towards Shaitan when you put them together. When you have time, I would like for you to take or have somebody take some pictures of Sheik and some of Marquis and send them to me as I imagine Sheik particularly must have grown to be quite big and I am very anxious to see his picture…Mrs. Valentino and I are leaving for Europe July 24th on the SS ‘Aguitania’ for a short vacation abroad.” In very good condition, with a few small separations along intersecting mailing folds, a mild shade of toning, some light creasing, and a staple hole to top corner.
Valentino and his second wife, Natacha Rambova, were in the midst of a cross-country dancing exhibition tour, sponsored by Mineralava Beauty Products, when this letter was sent. The tour was nearing its end as Valentino relaxed onboard the Colonial. Both were growing tired of the routine, and Valentino’s wife had, in fact, been replaced by another dancer during part of the tour. The tour ended in late June 1923 and the Valentinos, exhausted and in much need of a vacation, boarded the Aquitania for a voyage that took them to London, Paris, and back home to Italy for Valentino. We’ve never seen a letter of this sizable length from Valentino, with the subject matter being a well-publicized part of the actor’s illustrious career. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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