CHRISTIE’S • 1997 • THE SEED ROUND

A seed round of quiet conviction.

Offered is a 12% participation in the forthcoming seed round of a venture whose precise nature remains delightfully unspecified. The sole guarantee furnished by the vendor is an unshakeable personal assurance that the enterprise will prove worthwhile.

Executed in the gentleman’s own hand on heavy cream stock, the accompanying letter of feeling is included with the lot and bears the inscription: “I have a very good feeling about this.”

Close detail of heavy cream silk, softly lit

The letter of feeling, rendered in ink on antique silk.

The man himself.

Mr. Reginald Vane, lately of Mayfair and the London Library. Known among his circle for an almost preternatural instinct regarding ventures that have not yet been named. His presence at the table is the only collateral offered.

Distinguished gentleman in evening attire, 1990s

Conditions of sale.

Opening bid: £18,000. Increments of £2,500. The successful bidder receives the letter, the right to participate, and an invitation to tea at which Mr. Vane will elaborate upon the precise nature of his feeling.