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King Henry VIII

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:NA
King Henry VIII

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Auction Date:2017 Aug 09 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Amazing LS in French, signed “Vre loyal frer cousin et bon compere, Henry,” one page, 16.5 x 12, August 25, 1514. Letter to King Louis XII of France, in part (translated): "Very high and mighty prince our very dear and beloved brother cousin and good compere, very cordially to you, we recommend your ambassador sent to us, the president of your high court of parliament in Rouen [Jean de Selve] returns now toward you, and he will be able to tell you our good news of health and prosperity. We cannot avoid this opportunity to confirm to you, very high and mighty prince, that the said president has shown great wisdom and prudence in his actions and all his affairs regarding us, and we want to tell that we are very satisfied with his conduct." Boldly signed at the conclusion by King Henry VIII with a scarce autograph subscription, "Vre loyal frer cousin et bon compere [Your loyal brother, cousin, and compere]," and countersigned by "Meautisart," a courtier. The scarce, crisply embossed royal seal affixed to the left side remains intact. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, and tiny binding holes along the left edge.

This extraordinary letter dates to just after the Treaty of London, signed on August 7, 1514, sealed peace between the kingdoms of England and France; as part of the negotiations, a marriage contract was made between King Louis XII and the sister of Henry VIII, Mary Tudor. Other stipulations included that Tournay remain in the hands of the English, and that King Henry receive one million crowns, being arrears to a previous treaty. Jean de Selve was France's chief negotiator for the treaty, and King Henry VIII, who was pleased with its conclusion, sent this letter to de Selve's 'boss'—King Louis XII himself—to express his satisfaction. This letter was rediscovered only four years ago in the archives of the family of Jean de Selve, and was previously unknown and unpublished. As a letter between major European monarchs concerning a treaty between their nations, it is of the utmost significance and is undoubtedly one of the most important Henry VIII letters to come to market in decades.