851 - RUSSKAYA SGOVORNAYA ZAPIS’ [RUSSIAN BETROTHAL AGREEMENT – MARRIAGE CONTRACT]

RUSSKAYA SGOVORNAYA ZAPIS’ [RUSSIAN BETROTHAL AGREEMENT – MARRIAGE CONTRACT] Russia, second half of the 17th century, c. 1660-1690s Manuscript private-law document on laid paper, written in Muscovite chancery cursive (skoropis’) in iron-gall ink. 42 x 15 cm. The document records the betrothal agreement concluded between Lavrenty Porshenets and Nikon Elizarov for the marriage of their children, Karp and Nastasya, setting out the terms of the dowry, the witnesses (‘poslukhi’) and a monetary penalty (‘zagovor’) of forty roubles. On the reverse, an additional certifying signature (‘rukoprikladstvo’) of a witness. In good condition. The characteristic parallel folds reflect the traditional way in which 17th-century Russian private deeds were kept – folded, in family document archives (‘gramotnitsy’) – and attest to the authentic use of the document in its own time. A rare example of a pre-Petrine Russian private marriage deed. Upon the buyer’s request, we are pleased to provide a general condition report for the Lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to conduct their own inspection or consult a specialist or restorer of their choice for a comprehensive professional assessment. Any condition descriptions provided in the catalogue or through any correspondence are for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for a firsthand evaluation. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’ IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.