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1780 Savoy Judicial Manuscript – Ornate Crowned Fiscal Stamp, Signed Court Judgment
An impressive original eighteenth-century French-language judicial manuscript, dated August 4, 1780, featuring an elaborate crowned fiscal stamp, elegant period calligraphy and a prominent judicial signature. This substantial document offers an intriguing glimpse into the legal proceedings, property disputes and administrative practices of Savoy during the final decade before the French Revolution.
Historical Significance
Dating to a period when Savoy formed part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, this manuscript records judicial proceedings involving several named litigants, including members of the Blancheray family. The text references earlier legal proceedings, disputed claims, documentary evidence and the allocation of court costs. Its contents provide a tangible record of eighteenth-century civil litigation and the administration of justice in continental Europe.
Distinctive Crowned Fiscal Stamp
One of the manuscript’s most striking features is its large, intricately engraved fiscal stamp, incorporating a royal crown, heraldic devices and elaborate lettering. The stamp is prominently impressed in black ink and provides an attractive example of the official stamped paper used in eighteenth-century legal administration.
Unlike an ordinary handwritten letter or commercial receipt, this manuscript combines a substantial judicial text with a decorative official stamp and a bold, sweeping signature. Together, these elements give the document considerable visual appeal and historical interest.
Manuscript and Physical Characteristics
Executed entirely by hand in flowing eighteenth-century French cursive, the manuscript displays elegant penmanship, elongated letterforms and distinctive flourishes characteristic of formal legal documents of the period.
Written in dark ink on substantial laid paper, it retains its original folds, irregular deckled edges, manuscript page numbering and marginal annotations. The concluding judgment bears a large, elaborate signature. Additional surviving leaves document related legal proceedings, further contributing to the manuscript’s historical context.
The document measures approximately 11 inches in height, with an opened width of approximately 14 inches. Its generous format, attractive handwriting and prominent fiscal stamp make it particularly suitable for an antiquarian manuscript collection or historical display.
Condition
Good antique condition for its age, with expected fold lines, light toning, minor edge irregularities and evidence of historical handling. The manuscript retains its attractive period appearance, with the principal handwriting, decorative stamp and signature clearly visible. Please examine all photographs as part of the condition description.
Collector Interest
A distinctive addition to a collection of eighteenth-century manuscripts, European legal history, historical fiscal stamps, heraldry or French-language documents. Its combination of dated judicial content, named historical participants, ornate official stamping and decorative manuscript features offers several areas of interest for collectors and researchers.
