Grant of Status Document from the Reign of Leopold II with Wax Seal, 1830
Item Details
Title: Grand Duchy of Tuscany Patent of Nobility (Diploma di Nobiltà), Reign of Leopold II (1830)
Item Type: Illuminated Manuscript on Vellum with Suspended Wax Seal in Metal Skippet
Age: 196 Years (Dated January 9, 1830)
Description:
A formal patent of nobility composed of a single large folded parchment sheet (approx. 24.0′ × 18.5′). The text is penned in Italian chancery script, issued in the name of Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany (Habsburg-Lorraine). The document grants the rank of ‘Nobility of San Miniato’ (Nobiltà Sanminiatese) to brothers Dottor Giuseppe and Francesco Del Frate, and their sister Anna.
The heading features elaborate calligraphy with the Grand Duke’s full titulature. The upper center displays the hand-painted, quartered coat of arms of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine (Tuscany) surmounted by a crown. The left margin features a smaller hand-painted armorial shield (presumably the Del Frate arms: Azure, a bend or between two fleurs-de-lis of the same) beneath a knight’s helmet.
Suspended from the document by braided silk cords is a large red wax seal encased in a gilt-brass skippet (seal box). The skippet cover is engraved with the crowned monogram ‘L II’ and the reverse features a detailed trophy of arms.
| Type | Historical Document |
| Period | Early 19th Century, Antique |
| Date | 1830 |
| Origin | Italy |
Condition
- creases; folds; toning and foxing; wear consistent with age.
Dimensions
- measures document.
- Please note: If the winning bidder selects the warehouse transfer option, the item will be available for pickup at the selected warehouse three business days after payment has been finalized.
Item #
ITMGS43211
