DOROTHEA OF COURLAND: (1793-1862) Baltic German noblewoman, the ruling Duchess of Sagan 1845-62. The Princess married Edmond de Talleyrand-Périgord in 1809, although they separated in 1818 and Dorothea subsequently spent a long time accompanying Edmond´s uncle, the French statesman Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754-1838). A scarce, attractive partially engraved small oblong 8vo invitation card issued to Mr. Vail, to be received by the Duchess of Dino at home, on ´Friday the 7th of February, Early´, with the printed address at 21 Hanover Square (London) to the lower left corner. Also annotated in ink with Vail´s address at 13 Old Cavendish Street to the verso. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG

Aaron Vail (1796-1878) American diplomat who served as chargé d'affaires in the United Kingdom (1832-36) and Spain (1840-42).

When Talleyrand became French ambassador in London in 1830, the Duchess of Dino accompanied him. She served as his hostess at the Hanover Square residence, where Talleyrand received both Tory and Whig politicians.