Description:

Frederick the Great

Frederick the Great Boldly Signed LS Roughly 2 Years before his Death

1p LS in German boldly signed by Prussian King Frederick II (1712-1786) near the top. The signature measures 3.5" x 2.625" alone. Written at Potsdam in the Kingdom of Prussia on May 23, 1784, just a little over two years before Frederick's death in August 1786. On watermarked cream laid paper. Expected wear including edge darkening and minimal tape residue recto. Mounting traces verso. Else near fine. 7.375" x 9". Comes with the collector's receipt from December 1955. Ex Ray V. Denslow (see biography below.)

The letter probably relates to a military promotion or recommendation. It is addressed to a certain "General Lieutenant v. Braun." When fully translated, it should yield fascinating discoveries about the king who famously reorganized the Prussian armies!

The accompanying documentation includes a letter from collector Ray Denslow addressed to Charles Hamilton, an autograph dealer, handwriting expert, and author of many authoritative books on paleography. Denslow had requested five autographs from Hamilton in a December 16, 1955 letter on Missouri Freemason chapter letterhead. The clerical note at the bottom of the letter indicates that only the Frederick the Great was available for purchase for $5.00.

Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great, ruled Prussia between 1740-1786. Under a rulership style best described as "enlightened absolutism", Frederick II blended autocracy with certain Enlightenment reforms. His policies were thus a combination of the reactionary and the progressive. Some of his achievements included greatly expanding the kingdom; modernizing government; and fostering the arts and letters.

Provenance

Ray V. Denslow (1885-1960), a fourth generation Freemason, and internationally renowned Masonic historian, having written over 20 full volumes and 62 booklets on Masonic subjects. He held extensive positions as a Freemason over his lifetime including Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Missouri and as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Missouri. Perhaps his greatest national honor was that of serving as General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, from 1942-46. He was Grand Master of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor in 1949; Grand Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine in 1943; Grand Chancellor of the Grand College of Rites; Great Prior of the Chevaliers Bienfaisants de la Cité Sainte, U.S.A. in 1952; and Grand Abbot of the Society of Blue Friars at the time of his death. He held almost 100 honorary memberships in Masonic groups stretching from France to the Philippines.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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