2115

Peter the Great Signed Document

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Peter the Great Signed Document

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Auction Date:2015 Jan 22 @ 13:00 (UTC-5 : 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
Russian czar (1672–1725) who ruled from 1682 until his death. Peter was an instrumental force in the Westernization and expansion of Russia into a major European power. Rare manuscript DS in Cyrillic, signed “Peter,” one page, 12.25 x 8, Saint Petersburg, December 17, 1717. The czar grants Artillery Major Johnson Henning permission to recruit craftsmen in Germany. A German translation is affixed to the reverse of the document. In very good condition, with a few small separations along intersecting folds and scattered light toning and foxing. The paper and wax seal are uniformly toned with a couple of small separations to lower portion. With precise writing, a bold signature, and the superb large seal, this is a very attractive piece.

This is an incredibly meaningful document in view of Peter’s efforts to develop a modern Russia, as it concerns the increasing connectedness with the Western world. Peter famously studied shipbuilding in the Netherlands in the late 1690s, where he gained practical skills as well as a profound respect for European craftsmanship. He then traveled to England, where he studied urban planning in Manchester. These experiences proved important in expanding the Russian Navy and in developing Saint Petersburg into a world-class city. This document, signed shortly after one of Peter’s tours through Europe, was issued as part of an effort to engage skilled workers from abroad to train Russian laborers and assemble a workforce capable of completing the the nation’s ambitious projects.