Description:

Frederick I of Prussia
n.p., March 21, 1677
Scarce Frederick I MDS As "Frederick Elector-Prince"
MDS

A 2pp manuscript document in German signed by the future Frederick I (1657-1713), King of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg after 1701, as "Frederick Elector-Prince" at the center of the second page. March 21, 1677. N.p. Secretarially inscribed on laid watermarked bifold paper with an integral address leaf. The third page is blank. Various dockets and philatelic marks. Expected wear including toning, scattered ink ghost impressions, and a former collector's isolated pencil inscriptions recto and verso. Flattened transmittal folds, a few chipped edges and areas of margin loss, and a large hole at center where the seal has been cut out. Else very good to near fine. 7.625" x 11.5." Provenance: Ex-Paul Richards, 1982. Accompanied by a former auction catalog description providing a detailed summary of the document in English.

The future Frederick I addressed this disapproving letter to a fellow prince. Frederick had learned that a priest had been installed in the village of Saurede, and that the abbess - with the help of the imperial dragoons - had unsuccessfully tried to interfere. Frederick urges his correspondent to do everything possible to protect Saurede so that no further trouble will result. He thinks it strange that imperial soldiers were called in and suggests that the commanding officer be warned.

The use of the terms "priest" and "abbess" do not necessarily mean Roman Catholic; in some places, Lutherans could employ these terms also. Nevertheless, it serves as a good reminder that the religious landscape of pre-unified German states was a complex one. Although Brandenburg-Prussia was predominantly Protestant, there were also Catholics and even Jews.

Frederick I served as King of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg, in present day northeastern Germany, from 1701 until his death in 1713.

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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  • Dimensions: 7.625" x 11.5"
  • Medium: MDS

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