Description:

Cromwell Oliver

Scarce Oliver Cromwell Autograph on a 1655 Military Commission  — Signed as Lord Protector, Three Years Before His Death

 

A superb military commission on parchment, 14" x 10.5." Dated "May 28, 1655," and boldly signed by Oliver Cromwell as "Oliver P," as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland (using his abbreviation of "P" for "Lord Protector"). Original remnants of the red seal present. Small repair to one corner of loss, archival support to the folds on verso. Else near fine with the typical toning commensurate with age.

 

Rising to power at the end of England’s Civil War and the dismantling of the monarchy after Charles I’s regicide, Cromwell was known as a polarizing, controversial force during this fraught time in the country’s history; upon the Royalists return to power in 1660 after Cromwell’s death, his body was dug up and put in chains.  From that day to this, the controversy surrounding his extraordinary career has divided professional historians and the general public alike. Some see Cromwell as the defender of principles and liberties, the champion of religious diversity and toleration, while for others he was nothing more than a tyrant, a murderer and a bigot.

 

The document is shown transcribed below with efforts to retain the original spelling and wording:

 

"Oliver P

Oliver Lord Protector of the Comon Wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions otherwise belonging to Robert Scoulden, ~ Greeting we doo hereby institut & appoint you Ensigne of that Company of ffoot + whard of Captains Thomas Barett,  ~  is Captain … of One Hundred ~  ~  of such .. Assored Persons as shall voluntarily list … under the said Captain Barett  ~ in the Citie and Country of Norwich, Which company you are by virtue of this commission to  (illegible) into your Charge and Ensignes and dilligently … the same in good order and discipline Commanding the … officers and souldiers of the said Company to obey you as their Ensigne. And you are to observe and follow such order  … as you shall from tyme to tyme from  our (illegible) or the Superior Officers of the Army of the said company according to discipline of Warr: Given at White Hall the 28 of May 1655"

 

Oliver Cromwell autographs are quite scarce with the few that have come up for auction over the recent years selling for over $8,500. The one offered here is a particularly important example in highly collectible condition. Provenance: William F. Gable  Collection sold in 1932.


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