Letters Patent signed by Alfonso V of Aragon (1396-1458), in Catalan, Spain (Puçol), 7 March 1456

single sheet, 190x285mm, paper, some minor creases, holes, and stains, not affecting legibility

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."

Addressed on the dorse to “Al magnifich e amat conseller e Vicicanceller nostre micer Johan Pages Doctor en Leys” (on whom see F. Sevillano Colom, ‘Cancillerías de Fernando I de Antequera y de Alfonso V el Magnánimo’, Anuario de Historia del Derecho Español, 1965, pp.169-216, esp.185), the main text begins "Lo Rey Darago deles dos Sicilies etc." and continues "Vicicanceller: Per altres nostres litteres patentes lo dia present spatxades poreu veure con nostra intencio incomutable …"; it concerns a dispute between Francesch Burgues, knight, and Gregori Burgues, his son, on the one part, and Luys de Perellos, knight, on the other part; all three men appear elsewhere in various published documents. It is dated at Puçol (Puzol), about 10 miles north of Valencia, and signed "Car cosa sera de la qual sumament nos scrivren" by the king, "Rex Alfonsus".

Alfonso ‘the Magnanimus’ was various styled Alfonso V of Aragon, Alfonso I of Sicily and Naples, II of Majorca, Sardinia, and Corsica, III of Valencia, and IV of Barcelona. He was a patron of the arts and literature, and owned exceptionally fine illuminated manuscripts, including a copy of Dante’s Divine Comedy illuminated by Giovanni di Paolo, and a personal prayerbook (BL, Yates Thompson 36 and Add.28962, respectively).