Fidel Castro-signed certificate of recognition to his mistress Natty Revuelta Clews

A certificate of recognition handwritten and signed by Fidel Castro for his mistress Natty Revuelta Clews.

Written in 1979.

11 x 8.5 inches.

The document confirms Natty Revuelta Clews’ importance to the Cuban revolution and that she was far more than just “a mistress”. As befitting a woman who:

• Allowed Fidel Castro to use her house for revolutionary meetings in 1953
• Pawned all her gold jewellery and gave the money to Castro to support the Cuban revolution
• Passed key information to the 26th of July Movement about Batista’s troops
• Passed guns and uniforms to the 26th of July Movement
• Took part in the planning of the attack of the Moncada barracks in 1953
• Was responsible for the transfer of secret messages between Fidel Castro and the 26th of July Movement using the Upmann cigar box with secret compartments that Castro employed in prison between 1953 and 1955 (see lot 1)
• Sent Castro books and love letters while he was in prison

The document reads (translated):

That comrade Natty Revuelta was a militant and collaborator of the 26th of July Revolutionary Organisation providing her services in the City ________ ) town of _________.

She carried out the following missions or actions:

In essence; she collaborated prominently in the very difficult months leading up to the attack on the Moncada Barracks on July 26th, 1953, through political work, clandestine contacts, supplying arms and uniforms, and fundraising. She personally contributed to a considerable degree with her personal savings of many years and these funds were decisive in certain circumstances such as the moment of mobilisation of the combatants to Santiago de Cuba. Such help was given at great risk to her personal and family safety. Her support for our fight continued without interruption during the years of prison and exile until the victory of January 1st, 1959. She has always remained faithful to the Revolution. I consider her one of the most loyal and trustworthy people who supported us in the critical moments of our struggle.

And for the record I sign the present on the 25th day of the month of December 1979.

In Spanish:

Que el compañero/a Natty Revuelta fue militante y colaboradora de la Organización Revolucionaria 26th de Julio prestando sus servicios en la Ciudad ________ ) pueblo de _________.

El mismo desarrolló las siguientes misiones o acciones:

En esencia; colaboró destacadamente en los meses muy difíciles que precedieron al ataque al Cuartel Moncada el 26th de julio de 1953, en trabajos políticos, contactos clandestinos, aprovisionamiento de armas y uniformes y recaudación de fondos. Personalmente contribuyó en grado considerable con sus ahorros personales de muchos años y estos fondos fueron decisivos en determinadas circunstancias como fué el instante de la movilización de los combatientes hacia Santiago de Cuba. Tal ayuda fué prestada con gran riesgo para su seguridad personal y familiar. Su apoyo a nuestra lucha continuó ininterrumpidamente en los años de prisión y exilio hasta la victoria del primero de Enero de 1959. Ha continuado siempre fiel a la Revolución. La considero una de las personas que con más lealtad y confianza nos apoyó en los críticos momentos en que se gestó nuestra lucha.

Y para constancia firmo la presente a los 25 días del mes de Diciembre de 1979.

Provenance

Acquired by the previous owner at the estate sale of Fidel Castro's mistress Natty Revuelta Clews, between December 2015 and July 2016.

The previous owner is British businessman Mr Gary Shannon, who knew the Castro family and their associates for 20+ years from circa 2000. Mr Shannon helped provide technology and communications infrastructure to Cuba.

The item formed part of Mr Shannon’s private Jagdamer Museum of Castro and Guevara memorabilia, from 2016 to 2020.

Natty Revuelta Clews (December 26, 1925 – February 27, 2015) was the mistress of Fidel Castro from 1955 until her death. Their daughter, Alina, was born in 1956.

Revuelta - a wealthy socialite - was instrumental in assisting Castro overthrow the Batista regime in Cuba.

Revuelta sold her jewels to support the Cuban rebels, helped plan the 26th of July Movement uprising in 1953 and, crucially, helped Fidel Castro co-ordinate the Cuban Revolution while he was imprisoned between 1953 and 1955, through exchanging secret messages with Castro.

The pair began their affair upon Castro’s release from prison in May 1955.

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