Manuscript by Rabbi Chaim Efraim of Sudylkow, Author of "Degel Machane Efraim" Only Copy in the World?

Manuscript by Rabbi Chaim Efraim of Sudylkow, author of Degel Machane Efraim and grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. Passage from the Degel Machane Efraim, parshat Chayei Sarah. This is apparently the only extant manuscript in his hand.

Specifications: [1] leaf. 17x21 cm. 25 lines in the hand of the holy author of the Degel.

Background: Rabbi Chaim Efraim of Sudylkow was the Baal Shem Tov's grandson, son of his daughter Udel. He was raised by his grandfather, who wrote that his young grandson was a "great prodigy in [Torah] study." After the Baal Shem Tov's passing, Rabbi Chaim Efraim studied with Rabbi Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezeritsch, but primarily with the rabbi of Polonoye, author of Toldot Yaakov Yosef. He served as rabbi of Sudylkow, a small village close to Mezibuzh, famed in the Jewish world because he lived there. In 1787, he returned to Mezibuzh. He passed away in 1800 and was buried in the same tomb as his holy grandfather in Mezibuzh. He wasn't particularly prominent during his lifetime and did not draw crowds of followers. However, throughout the coming generations he was noted for his Degel Machane Efraim, which is one of the most prominent chassidic works. He is often called the "Baal HaDegel." The book received enthusiastic approbations from all the chassidic leaders of his time.

Unique Features: The entire passage is written in his hand and is apparently the only extant manuscript from this chassidic leader.

This lot includes a report written by expert Rabbi Yitzchak Yeshaya Weiss confirming that this manuscript was written by the author of the Degel Machane Efraim. In his report, Rabbi Weiss notes that the letters are formed in the identical way they appear in the known signature of the author of the Degel. The Degel Machane Efraim that was printed by the author's son, Rabbi Yechiel of Sudylkow, has some editorial changes. Punctilious comparison of the text and style in the manuscript and the printed text indicates that this manuscript was written by the author himself soon after he said these holy words, and editorial changes were made later, as the book was prepared for print. 
Moreover, on the back of the leaf used by the rabbi to write his Torah thoughts, there is text indicating that it was previously used as an envelope sent to Mezibuzh, to the "Baal HaDegel." The text includes his name, Moshe Chaim Efraim, with many honorifics. In the introduction to the new and complete edition of Degel Machane Ephraim with comments, references and comparisons, published by Peer Mikdoshim (2013), there is a photocopy of the unique and rare manuscript before us, and comparisons have been made with the printed version.

Condition: Moderate. Stains. Fold marks and slight tears. Binder holes. Other than a few words, the text is clear and legible.