A Rare and Tangible Link to Seventeenth Century England

This listing offers a genuine and historically significant artifact from seventeenth century England. It is an English indenture document from the year 1672, a remarkable survivor from the reign of King Charles II. Written on vellum, or calfskin, this document features the exquisite calligraphy typical of seventeenth century legal manuscripts. The document names Thomas Smith and John Martin among the parties involved in this legal agreement.

The document has been carefully folded for centuries, a common method of storage and presentation for such important papers. Its condition shows age-appropriate wear, including creases, some discoloration, and minor material loss, all consistent with a document of this vintage.

Historical Context: The Seventeenth Century Indenture

Indentures were the primary legal documents used in England for centuries to record agreements, land transfers, leases, and other binding contracts. The term indenture comes from the practice of cutting the top of the document in a jagged, toothed line. The legal contract was written in duplicate on a single sheet of vellum, and then the copies were separated by that jagged cut. The two pieces could be fit back together to verify their authenticity, a clever anti-forgery measure of the time.

The 1672 date places this document in the reign of Charles II, a period of significant change in England following the Restoration of the monarchy. Vellum, or calfskin, was the material of choice for such documents due to its durability, which is why this piece has survived for over 350 years.

Design and Condition

This document features the distinctive indented or toothed top edge that gave indentures their name, a design feature intended to prevent forgery by allowing matching halves to be verified. The calligraphy is rendered in seventeenth century English Secretary Hand, the script commonly used in legal documents of the era. The document shows age-appropriate wear, including folds, creases, discoloration, and minor material loss, all consistent with a vellum manuscript that has survived for more than three and a half centuries.

Product Specifications

Date: 1672
Country of Origin: England
Material: Vellum, or calfskin
Type: Indenture, legal document
Script: Seventeenth Century English Secretary Hand
Condition: Age-appropriate wear, including folds, creases, discoloration, and minor material loss
Language: English

Why This Document Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This is a historic artifact, a genuine seventeenth century legal document from the reign of King Charles II. It features the traditional indented, toothed top edge used to prevent forgery by matching halves, a clever anti-fraud design of the era. It offers a tangible connection to the legal and social history of seventeenth century England, showing the importance of land ownership and contract law. It is written on vellum, a durable material made from animal skin that was standard for important documents before the widespread use of paper. Most of all, it is a direct connection to a period of significant change in English history, having survived for more than 350 years.

This document is more than an old piece of vellum. It is a piece of English history, offering a rare glimpse into the legal and social fabric of seventeenth century life. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Documents of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.

Dimensions:
Height 14, Width 17, Depth 0.1 inches
Weight 0.5 lbs

Condition:
Good, with age-appropriate wear including creasing, discoloration, and minor material loss. The wax seal is partially intact.

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

• Low Estimate: 400.00
• High Estimate: 800.00