When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Original 1679 French Manuscript — Louis XIV / Sun King Era
Offered here is an original 17th-century French handwritten legal/financial manuscript dated 9 March 1679, created during the reign of Louis XIV (1643–1715).
The document is handwritten in period French script on handmade laid paper and bears surviving royal fiscal/stamped-paper impressions (papier timbré). These include a particularly interesting radiant sun device as well as an additional ornate royal/heraldic impression.
The handmade paper also contains a clearly visible period watermark, best seen when illuminated from behind and shown in the listing photographs.
The manuscript appears to concern a “Compte et quittance générale” (account/general receipt or release) and includes references to Dommartin and a Maître Martine, identified within the manuscript as a “notaire royal” (Royal Notary).
Research suggests a possible association with Dommartin in the historic Bresse region of France. This geographic attribution has not been independently authenticated and is presented as research rather than a definitive identification.
The document is a large multi-fold manuscript sheet densely handwritten across multiple panels/sides and concludes with impressive original signatures/paraphs and elaborate 17th-century pen flourishes.
Notable features include:
• Clearly dated 9 March 1679
• Original 17th-century French manuscript
• Dating to the reign of Louis XIV / the Sun King
• Period handwritten French script
• Papier timbré / royal fiscal impressions
• Distinctive radiant sun fiscal device
• Additional ornate royal/heraldic fiscal impression
• Handmade laid paper
• Visible period watermark
• References a notaire royal / Royal Notary
• Original signatures and elaborate pen flourishes
• Large multi-fold format with extensive handwriting on multiple panels/sides
• Approximately 347 years old
Condition: Original 1679 manuscript in antique condition with wear consistent with approximately 347 years of age. The document has age-related toning, scattered staining/spotting, multiple original fold lines, creasing, bent/folded corners, irregular/frayed edges and small areas of edge/corner loss. There is a small tear/split extending inward from one edge, as clearly shown in the photographs, along with localized wear/separation at some fold and edge areas. The paper remains substantially intact, and the period handwriting, signatures, fiscal impressions and watermark remain visible. No restoration has been performed by the current owner. Please enlarge and review all photographs carefully, as they are considered an important part of the condition description.
An unusual surviving piece of Ancien Régime French legal, social and documentary history, with appeal to collectors of antique manuscripts, French history, Louis XIV, genealogy, legal history, early handmade paper, fiscal stamps and historical ephemera.
Research note: Historical information in this listing is based upon examination and partial transcription of the manuscript and comparison with period sources. The document has not received professional archival authentication or a complete scholarly transcription. Please use the detailed photographs to independently evaluate the manuscript, handwriting, fiscal impressions, watermark and condition.
