Document signed, German handwriting in cursive clerical script in dark brown ink on vellum
Vienna, anno 1787
Emperor Joseph II (1741-1790) - Archduke in Archduchy Austria, Roman-German king and emperor of the Holy Roman Empire
Diploma of nobility and emblem letter for Captain Simon Bernard de Lellis
From Joseph II signed manuscript with calligraphic ornaments, heraldic painting and Emperor Seal
3 beautifully engraved borders by Franciscus Mayer (fecit 1757)
Magnificent emblem on the whole page of leaf 6 in gold and colors (30.0 x 18.5 cm)
Several ornamental initials and flourishing decorations
Last leaf with autograph signature of the Emperor, including accreditation
Original ruby velvet binding
Overall dimensions: 37 x 31 x 1 cm
In fine to very fine condition

The introduction on the first two leaves is decorated with a total of 3 wonderfully engraved borders by Francis Mayer (fecit 1757). He was a painter in Melk. In addition some designs for the altar and the interior of the parish church of the Abbey of Melk, the contribution also records a painted diploma of nobility, inscribed and dated 1757 in the City Hall of Gars. (see Thieme-Becker XXIV, 4719).

Written in cursive with partly curved initials, ornate borders and flourishing ornaments. The following are a total of 9 more ornate calligraphic initials and ornaments. At the end of the noble letter appears the autographed signature of Joseph II as well as other signatures and accreditations and the registration note.



The full-page magnificent heraldic painting is executed extremely intricate and precise. The predominant colors are gold, red and blue, the emblem and surrounding frame are richly decorated with gold and also heightened in gold. The diploma of nobility is bound into a ruby velvet binding. Attached is a large and perfectly preserved wax seal emblem in brass casket.



Collation: 1 blank flyleaf paper, one blank vellum flyleaf, 10 sheet of vellum inscribed, one blank flyleaf vellum, 2 blank flyleaf laid paper.



The handwriting is neat, tidy and without flaws. Partly, minimally somewhat spotty. The original ruby velvet cover is stronger rubbed and scraped here and there. The velvet is stained, bumped at the corners and partially torn. With remains of yellow hasps. Cord with attached large brass box (diameter 15.0 cm) and perfectly preserved wax seal emblem (diameter about 13.5 cm) in linen bag. The binding is tight.

Dimensions: Sheet size: 36.5 x 29.5 cm; Written script: approx 19 x 15 cm, Diameter wax seal: 13.5 cm; Brass box in the linen bag: 15 cm; Binding: 37.0 x 31.0 x 1.0 cm.



Emperor Joseph II (1741-1790)

Emperor Joseph II, prince of the family of Habsburg-Lorraine, Archduke in Austria Archduchy. Joseph II was Holy Roman-German king in 1764 and was from 1765 to 1790 Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, from 1780 also King of Bohemia, Croatia and Hungary. He was the fourth child and first son of Maria Theresia and her husband Franz Stephan of Lorraine, as Franz I. Roman-German Emperor.



Bernhard Simon de Lellis

Comes from a Styrian noble family originally from Naples, which was ennobled in 1787 (see Adelslexikon).