Beloved Danish author best known for his 168 fairy tales, including such classics as “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Red Shoes,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” One-of-a-kind 2.5 x 4.25 CDV photo of Andersen with a Hansen, Schou & Weller of Copenhagen backstamp, inscribed (in Danish) on the reverse to Regina Aufdermauer and signed “J. C. Andersen” with the date, “Brunnen, June 26, 1873.” In the spring and summer of that year, Andersen took a trip through Germany and Switzerland, in part to seek therapy for his lingering illness (later determined to be liver cancer). In his diary (published in 1970), Andersen noted that he arrived at the Pension Aufdermauer in Brunnen, Switzerland, on June 17. In his entry for June 26, the day before his departure, he notes that he presented this very photo to the establishment’s proprietress, Regina Aufdermauer. Andersen died of liver cancer two years later, on August 4, 1875. The dated record of this specific item in the author’s own words makes this, without doubt, one of the best-documented Andersen photos ever offered for sale. In fine condition, with mild soiling, small crease to lower right corner of mount, and a small stain to lower portion of image and mount. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
