Description:

CHEVALIER d'EON
(1728 - 1810) French diplomat, spy, soldier and Freemason who lived the first half of his life as a man and the second half as a woman. In 1756, d'Éon joined the secret network of spies called Le Secret du Roi which worked for Louis XV. The monarch sent him on a secret mission to Russia in order to meet Empress Elizabeth and intrigue with the pro-French faction against the Habsburg Monarchy. Later tales claim that he disguised himself as a lady to do so, and that he became a maid of honour to the Empress. In 1761, d'Éon returned to France. The next year he became a captain of dragoons under the Marshal de Broglie and fought in the later stages of the Seven Years' War. In 1763 d'Éon became plenipotentiary minister in London and used this position also to spy for the king. Exiled for publishing his papers in London, d'Eon sought to return to France and in the negotiations claimed that physically he was a woman. The court agreed but demanded that he dress appropriately, with Louis XVI granting him funds for a new wardrobe. Upon his death, it was determined d'Eon was found to be a male anatomically, but had ceased all maturation at puberty. Rare A.L.S. "La Ch're D'Eon", 1p. 8vo., Lourdes, June 20, 1801 to Mr. Gold, in French. The famous transvestite (?) confirms that he has received a Bank of England note and asks that his thanks be sent to the remitter. He also promises to refund his friend the postage, sends his compliments, and notes: "...I have given a shilling to the little carrier of your letter". Light soiling, else very good.

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May 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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