152 - 1728 ENGLISH VELLUM INDENTURE, GUILFORD, REIGN OF KING GEORGE II

1728 ENGLISH VELLUM INDENTURE, GUILFORD, REIGN OF KING GEORGE II A 1728 indenture between John and Mary Hallsnod, and James and Ann Cheesman, written during the reign of King George II. This document not only bears the finely printed Royal Coat of Arms to the top left corner, but also the 3 sixpence tax stamps below it, similar to the tax stamps which would go on to anger the American Colonists later in the century. The lower edge of the indenture is affixed with 5 red wax seals, 4 of which also bear the signatures of the parties involved. Each seal has been imprinted with a signet ring bearing the likeness of the signatory, represented as a bust in profile for each. One will notice at the top of the page a wavy edge, which may at first glance appear to be a decorative choice. In reality, this was a brilliant and simple security feature. The parties involved would have both had their own copy of the contract, both written on the same sheet of vellum. After the contract was finalized, it would have been cut with a wavy line to separate the copies. If there were ever a dispute in regard to the contract both parties would present their copies and match the wavy edges to each other. If the edges fit like a puzzle piece you would know that the document was the unchanged original and not a replacement. July 1, 1728, Guilford, England. Dimensions: 23 1/2 x 29 1/2 in., (59.7 x 74.9 cm.) Condition: Very good overall with minor signs of age. Vellum well intact. Some minor wear to some wax seals but the profiles are largely intact and visible. Some tiny spots of worming at edges. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All statements contained in the catalog, condition reports, invoices, advertisements, or elsewhere concerning the authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, period, culture, source, provenance, authenticity, genuineness, condition, rarity, importance, or value of any lot are statements of opinion only and shall not be construed as representations, warranties, or statements of fact. All lots are sold "as-is", refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not offer in-house shipping. We will provide a list of recommended shippers upon request.