Edward IV (king of England 1442-1483), letters patent for Bishop George Neville of Exeter (1432-1476) with royal seal, and other charters, in Latin, on vellum

twenty-one charters, including a royal document of King Edward IV for Bishop George Neville of Exeter (later archbishop of York and chancellor), 118mm. by 316mm., with large and impressive royal seal in white wax (99mm. in diameter) with the king enthroned within an elaborate gothic interior and the inscription 'EDWARDUS DEI GRA[CIA] RE[X ANGLIE & FRANCIE ET DOMINVS HIBERNIE]' on front, and the king in armour on horseback with a raised sword, all before a flower-patterned background on reverse, dated at Westminster 20 February 1450; (b) large writ in Middle English enforcing Thomas Gything and William Laken, and royal justices to carry out the king's will in respect of the above dispute, 427 mm. by 215mm., 23 lines of fine and readable secretarial hand, some minor stains with small loss of text, dated 1448; plus 16 other documents: 10 other documents of the reign of Edward IV (1442-83), 1 of Henry V (1413-22), 4 of Henry VI (1422-61), and a single undated charter of the fifteenth century, 10 of these with one or more seals attached, all with minor stains, folds, small holes and some cockling (three with serious damage), else fair and presentable condition



 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."