Charles I—Commission of Trustees for the Sale of the late Kings goods.

Ordering the payment £40 in favour of Edward Bass, assignee of Francis Dodsworth, signed by Wither and five other Commissioners for the King's goods, 1 page, folio (270 x 195 mm), 10 October 1651, endorsed on receipt of funds and signed by Bass, 30 June 1652, also docketed; trimmed at edges, slight remains of seals, neat repairs. Red morocco-backed folder.

Sotheby's, 26 May 1988, lot 1479 Sotheby's, 15 November 1991, lot 1023. acquisition: Purchased at the foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch

CELM WiG 74

The committed Parliamentarian George Wither was one of the trustees responsible for the sale of King Charles I's art collection and other goods for the payment of royal creditors, and his signature appears on documents authorising payments to creditors from 1649 to 1656. Major Edward Bass was pre-eminent amongst the King's creditors, and his recorded purchases from the sale included Charles I's coronation robes. Bass also acquired the debts owed to many smaller creditors such as Francis Dodsworth, who had held minor office at court - including that of Yeoman Pricker of the Bloodhounds - and will have been owed back-wages.