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Letter signed by Hans Stern (1963)

Letter signed by Hans Stern (1963)

Regular price R$ 1.000,00 BRL
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Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Digital Warranty ©

Knee Braces founder Hans Stern borrowed the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro's antique watch collection for a book.

  • Letter signed by Hans Stern to Mr. Marshal Ângelo Mendes de Morais.
  • One page.
  • In Portuguese.
  • 21.2 cm x 29 cm.
  • Rio de Janeiro, March 29, 1963.
  • Good general condition conservation, small holes on the left side and a slight stain in the upper right corner that do not affect the text of the letter.
  • Unique piece.

We hereby present to Your Excellency a copy of the book JÓIAS published by our firm.

We would like to express our gratitude to Your Excellency for kindly allowing us to photograph your valuable and original collection of antique watches, the graphic reproductions of which in our book have enhanced the value of this publication.

We would be very honored to receive your criticisms or suggestions about this work, which we believe will contribute to the jewelry craftsmanship in Brazil.

Hans Stern.

Born in Germany, Hans Stern (1922 - 2007) arrived in Brazil in 1939, at the age of seventeen, fleeing Nazi persecution with his parents. He found a job at a small stone importing and cutting company, which he fell in love with. Seeing a business opportunity, he traveled all over Brazil to buy colored stones directly from prospectors and, in 1945, he opened his first small store in Rio de Janeiro. This was the first stage of H. Stern's great business success, which ended up revolutionizing the history of the jewelry industry in Brazil and worldwide. After more than 50 years at the helm of H. Stern, Hans left his family to run the company in Brazil and in more than 30 countries.

Surprisingly, far from this world of money and luxury, Hans Stern was admired for his simplicity and discretion, he drove a Beetle and did not want private security; he rarely gave interviews and avoided photographers.

Passionate and very grateful to Rio de Janeiro, his adopted city, he promoted the city and Brazil abroad throughout his life, as expressed in this letter to Marshal Ângelo Mendes de Moraes (1894 - 1990). He was a Brazilian military man and politician known for his position as mayor of Rio de Janeiro in the late 1940s, when the Maracanã Stadium was built, inaugurated in 1950 for the World Cup. He was also a delegate to the Paris Peace Conference, a founding member of the Latin American Parliament and a member of the Parliamentary Commission of Geneva, Switzerland... perhaps the country where he began (or expanded?) his watch collection, the subject of this letter.

The content of this letter - the first we have found in 7 years - is particularly interesting because it deals with the company's expertise through its famous books and catalogues, published in limited editions, which were eagerly awaited by customers, collectors and journalists.

Another point that draws attention is 1963, a decisive year for the brand, which opened its first store in the United States, in New York, the starting point for the spectacular expansion into Europe (Frankfurt, Lisbon, etc.).

Finally, important details, the beautiful heading and the elegant signature of H. Stern complete the interests of this document.

Letters from the founders of large multinational companies are highly sought after by collectors, but they rarely appear on the market, being carefully preserved by the companies themselves; H. Stern, one of Brazil's emblematic companies, known throughout the world, is no exception.

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Frequently asked questions about the GLÒRIAS COLLECTION

Is there a physical store where I can see the items in person?

No. Glórias operates exclusively online because we serve collectors throughout Brazil and also abroad. If you wish to examine an item before purchase, we will be happy to send high-resolution photographs or additional information. Our team is located in Belo Horizonte (MG).

Do the items sold come with a certificate of authenticity?

Yes. All items available at Glórias have been carefully selected, studied, and certified before being offered for sale. Each purchase comes with a digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee, which we send via email. It is signed and stamped by Mathias Meyer, a French autograph expert since 2010 and a member of the ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers).

Who selects and certifies the items sold?

All items are selected and certified by Mathias Meyer, a French specialist in autographs, manuscripts, and historical documents since 2010. Throughout his career, he has studied thousands of pieces related to Brazilian history, sports, science, literature, and arts, and is now a member of ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers) and founder of Glórias.

How do I make a purchase?

You can purchase directly from the Glórias website, 24 hours a day, quickly and securely. If you prefer personalized service or have questions before purchasing, you can also contact us by email at contato@glorias.com.br or by WhatsApp at +55 (31) 98221-5758.

What are the payment methods?

We accept payment via Pix or bank transfer, both with a 3% discount for upfront payment, as well as credit card in up to 3 interest-free installments, offering convenience and security for customers across Brazil.

Can I pay for my purchase in installments?

Yes. You can pay in full via Pix or bank transfer with a 3% discount, or pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card, with immediate shipping after payment confirmation. It is also possible to pay in up to 10 installments via Pix; in this case, shipping will be carried out after the full payment of the purchase.

Can I ask for a discount?

We offer a 3% discount for payments made in full (via Pix or bank transfer) or the option to pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card. Furthermore, the prices of our pieces are carefully determined based on international market supply and demand, the specific characteristics of each item, and sales results of similar pieces. For this reason, we typically do not grant additional discounts. However, if you wish to purchase multiple pieces or make an exceptionally high-value purchase, we would be pleased to consider a special commercial arrangement.

How is delivery made? What will I receive?

Delivery time varies from approximately 1 to 10 business days, depending on the recipient's location. In Brazil, we primarily use SEDEX, and for international shipments, FedEx. The document is placed in an elegant laid paper folder and sent in completely discreet packaging. The digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee is sent via email in PDF format for security reasons. Shipping is free throughout Brazil. For international shipments, the shipping cost is a fixed R$ 500.00. For some exceptionally valuable or specially sized pieces, delivery may be carried out personally by Mathias Meyer, in Brazil or abroad.

Can I return my purchase?

Yes. For online purchases, the Consumer Protection Code guarantees the right of withdrawal within 7 days of receiving the item. If you are not satisfied, simply contact us and we will respond promptly to find the best solution, which may include a full refund after the return and verification of the item.

What warranties come with the items?

All items sold by Glórias have a permanent guarantee against eventual certification errors, provided that such error is subsequently demonstrated and confirmed by Mathias Meyer. In this event, the buyer will be fully reimbursed. To date, this situation has never occurred. The guarantee does not cover natural alterations or damage caused by improper storage, exposure to light, humidity, insects, or any other external factor that may compromise the preservation of the paper or ink.

Can I resell this piece in the future?

Yes. Should you wish to sell your piece in the future, please contact us. We will be happy to guide you and help you find a new collector, either through a direct sale or through a specialized auction organized by Glórias.

How can I add value to my collection?

If your goal is to go beyond an isolated purchase, the ideal is to build a coherent collection around a theme, a personality, or a historical period, such as aviation pioneers, women who made history, love letters, old photographs of Rio de Janeiro, Oscar Niemeyer, Pelé, or Ayrton Senna. Mathias Meyer can guide you in forming a consistent collection, according to your interests, objectives, and budget.

How should I store my document or autograph?

To preserve your document in the best condition, we recommend against laminating it or keeping it permanently framed, as paper needs to breathe and prolonged exposure to light can accelerate its deterioration. Ideally, store it in a dry, dark, and clean place, protected from humidity, extreme temperatures, dust, and insects, ensuring its preservation for many decades.

Why aren't these pieces in museums?

Throughout history, much of the world's documentary heritage has been preserved thanks to private collectors and dealers. These enthusiasts of historical documents play a fundamental role in the discovery, study, and preservation of pieces that can later be loaned, donated, or sold to museums and other institutions. In Brazil, where many museums have limited financial resources and staff, this collaboration is even more important. Glórias maintains relationships with public institutions, museums, and researchers, both in Brazil and abroad, sharing discoveries, knowledge, and, in some cases, documents for exhibitions.

Can I offer you a part to buy?

With pleasure. The first step is to conduct a preliminary assessment, which will determine the level of authenticity, market value, and the best strategy for your piece. Depending on the outcome, there are several possibilities, such as certification, direct sale, consignment, or a specialized auction.

Where do the parts sold by Glórias come from?

Behind every rare document lies a unique trajectory, which makes collecting a fascinating way to preserve and transmit history. Most of the pieces offered by Glórias were inherited by families who contacted us, while others were acquired at auctions, where they were misidentified or undervalued, or came from collectors, antique dealers, or autograph document merchants.