Sale 1139 — U.S. Treasures of Philately from The Irwin Weinberg Inventory
Sale Date — Wednesday, 9 November, 2016
Category — Autographs and Free Franks
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
10
Fidel Castro. Cuban revolutionary leader, six-page autograph letter signed (three sheets, 4 x 5-1/2in., front and back) to Pedro Luis Diaz Lanz, dated Sierra Maestra Sept. 29, 1958, translated contents reads "Pedro Luis: Zoilo sent the following message: We try operation Tuesday to Thursday. Arrival seven thirty to nine night. Airplane same destroy. Mark direction landing field entrance. The rest condition to exaggeration same agree for operation cancel. Confirm urgent this code. ____Zoilo. This arrived a little delayed where I am. They responded in the plant to come. I send you the paper right now at night, so you have time to prepare everything. Hopefully this time we have a little bit of luck. There is much need for your trips. There is a lot of fighting and the month of October will be of extraordinary activity. The combat at Cerro was heavy. The two 87 mortars work with extraordinary precision. The encampment: tents, the command post, were direct targets of our mortar shots. They defended themselves with cannons, machine guns 50, mortars and other weapons. The object of the attack was to impede the removal of troops from here to Camaguey and other parts. Although we could not make them surrender, the strategic purpose was accomplished and they were defeated - no great number of casualties. Our troop suffered five casualties. All were mortal wounds. The people all performed very well and were valiant. I am sorry you didn't get to see that. Almeida inflicted a defeat to the enemy causing them 25 casualties, occupying 10 weapons and 55 prisoners, among them the Lieutenant Colonel Nelson Carrasco Artiles, wounded and prisoner. A lot of bullets are going to be needed, Pedro Luis. You all can not rest in the coming weeks. Good luck! Fidel Castro"VERY FINE. AN IMPORTANT AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED BY FIDEL CASTRO DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE CUBAN REVOLUTION, WITH FANTASTIC WAR CONTENTS.
The recipient was a commercial airline pilot who smuggled arms from Costa Rica to support Castro. He would become the head of the Cuban air force and Castro's personal pilot. He complained to Castro about the move towards communism and was relieved of his posts; he left for the U.S. right away, where he worked with the C.I.A.
Ex Laurence
E. 2,000-3,000
2,100