Envelope of a letter sent by Hans Christian Andersen to his friend Dorothea Melchior (letter not included); addressed in handwriting by Andersen himself. Autograph envelope addressed to "D. Melchior" (Dorothea Melchior), residing at No. 21 Højbroplads, Copenhagen, Denmark, with Hans Christian Andersen's signature appearing in lower left corner. The envelope bears, on the front, a postmark from the town of Skjelskør (Skælskør) on the western shore of Zealand (Sealand) Island, Denmark, and on the back, a postmark from Copenhagen, as well as a paper label bearing Hans Christian Andersen's handwritten initials, "H.C.A." Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), author, native of Denmark. Composed novels, poetry, and travelogues, but was most noted for his fairy tales – typically original works influenced by traditional folk tales – including such classics as "The Princess and the Pea, " "The Little Mermaid, " "The Ugly Duckling, " "The Emperor's New Clothes, " and a host of other legendary tales. Andersen gained a level of international acclaim equaled by almost no other author, with his works representing a foundational element of classic Western literary culture, translated into almost every language, and adapted for theater, ballet, musical composition, cinema, and other media. Dorothea Melchior (1823-1885) and her husband, the businessman Moritz Melchior (1816-1884), were among Andersen's closest friends; for a brief period of time, he even took up residence in their home, the famed Ploug House, located at No. 21 Højbro Plads, Copenhagen. The Melchiors lent their support to the bachelor author when his physical health deteriorated, and he spent his last year of life in their company at the Rolighed country house, where he passed away. Approx. 9.5X12.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Tears to top, including some open tears, some reinforced with adhesive tape. Additional marks and notations in pencil. Ink slightly smudged.