Elizabeth I

Estimate

2,000 - 3,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

Elizabeth I
Document, granting a monopoly for the manufacture of white salt in England
vellum

To Jasper Seler "borne in Germany under the obedience of Themperour" for a period of twenty years, in a legal hand, 1 parchment membrane (260 x 500 mm), near-contemporary endorsement, with an impression of Elizabeth's first Great Seal attached in white wax (125 mm diameter), Westminster, 14 March 1563; seal discolored with loss at edges and some wear. Red morocco gilt box by Sangorski and Sutcliffe; split at hinge.

Provenance

acquisition: Maggs

Catalogue Note

Jasper Seler or Seiler was a merchant from Augsburg. He was encouraged by William Cecil to come to England in the hope that his innovative process of salt extraction would provide valuable revenue to the government. This was one of the first monopolies issued by the Elizabethan administration.