John Collett — senior Admiralty official, appointed Director of Navy Contracts in April 1879, succeeding Francis W. Rowsell after serving as Assistant Director of Contracts. His promotion was publicly noted in The Illustrated London News, 12 April 1879. These two letters show a clear 14‑year career arc, from his promotion moment to his later established professional standing.

1. Admiralty Letter — 9 April 1879

Written from the Admiralty, S.W., only days after his appointment as Director of Navy Contracts. Collett thanks the recipient for “kind congratulations & good wishes on my appointment,” and refers to the “period of uncertainty” he had passed through — a direct reference to the departmental transition. This is a prime‑moment promotion letter, documenting his rise to one of the most important procurement posts in the Royal Navy.

Transcription: “Admiralty, S.W., 9th April, 1879… Very many thanks for your kind congratulations & good wishes on my appointment… how well my advancement has been received on all sides… Very truly yours, John Collett.”

2. South Kensington Letter — 12 February 1893

Written from 12 Topstone Road, South Kensington, arranging a meeting at Walsingham House, Piccadilly to introduce the recipient to Mr. Hewitt. A later‑career networking letter showing Collett functioning as an intermediary — typical of senior Admiralty men who retained influence long after formal service.

Transcription: “12 Feb. 1893… 10.30 tomorrow morning will suit Mr. Hewitt very well & I will meet you at that hour at Walsingham House, Piccadilly… Yours very truly, John Collett.”

Ideal for collectors of Admiralty administration, naval procurement history, or Victorian official correspondence.

Condition as photos. All items can be returned for a full refund if found to be not as described.

John Collett (c.1830s–1890s) — senior Admiralty official who rose from Assistant Director of Navy Contracts to Director of Navy Contracts in April 1879, succeeding Francis W. Rowsell. His promotion was publicly noted in The Illustrated London News on 12 April 1879, marking his arrival at one of the most influential procurement posts in the Royal Navy. By the 1890s he was firmly established in London’s administrative and social circles, still active in professional introductions and departmental networking.


  • PROVENANCE:

    • From a single owner collection of 3,000+ items. A chaotic uncatalogued miscellany of items from 17th to 20th Century. 

    Containing, amongst many other things: ALSs (Autograph Letters Signed); Signed Photos, Posters, Ephemera, Album pages; Clipped Signatures; Signed Free Fronts; Misc Manuscript Items; etc, etc. 

    ______________________________

       Combined Postage 

    UK Based Customers:

    • I can usually combine UK postage, depending on weight and size, usually 50p for each subsequent purchase, on top of highest first post cost. Please ask if in doubt.

    Overseas Customers:

    • I Cannot combine postage on overseas items, as eBay Global Shipping rules don't usually allow it. 

       Shipping Information 

    • I will only post to addresses registered on eBay.

    UK Based Customers:

    • I aim to post items within 4 working days of payment being confirmed by eBay. 
    • I usually pack and post twice a week, so, depending on when payment is received, I may post same day, or, latest 4 working days later.

    Overseas Customers:

    • I will only post outside of the UK if the eBay global shipping programme is available on the listing. This service does not offer combined postage. 

       Returns 

    UK Based Customers:

    • Items can be returned if found not to be as described. 

    Overseas Customers:

    • No returns are accepted from overseas customers. If in doubt, please do not purchase. Sorry!
    Thanks for looking!