Frederick II of Prussia
Potsdam, Germany, May 18, 1743
Frederick the Great LS Re: Fortification Plans, 1743
LS

A letter signed by Frederick II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great, Potsdam, dated May 18, 1743. Written in German and signed by Frederick as "Fh" at the conclusion. Addressed to Prussian major general Karl Ludwig Gottlob L?wenberger von Sch?nholz, the letter concerns fortification plans. 1p, measuring 7.25" x 9" (sight). The letter has been matted along with a portrait of Frederick dressed in his uniform to the overall size of 16.5" x 11.75". With flattened mail folds and scattered foxing. Large, bold signature. Accompanied by a COA from Markus Brandes.

Translated to read:
"I have received your letter of the 12th of this [month] together with the fortification plan sent with it, and have replied that you can only send the drawing offered to me to Major-General von Walrave."

Frederick II (1712-1786) was the monarch of Prussia from 1740 until 1786 and the last Hohenzollern monarch titled King in Prussia. He became an influential military theorist, and during his reign he had numerous military successes in the Silesian wars. Frederick was also a lover of music and the arts and is well-remembered for his patronage of the arts and the Enlightenment.

At the time this letter was written, Frederick was concerned with the possibility that Maria Theresa might resume war in an attempt to recover Silesia, a rich Austrian province. To circumvent a surprise attack, Frederick renewed his alliance with France and preemptively invaded Bohemia the following year, in August 1744, which would begin the Second Silesian War.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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Letter 7 1/4 x 9 in. (18.4 x 22.9 cm.), Mat: 16 1/2 x 11 3/4 in. (41.9 x 29.8 cm.)