MANUSCRIPT, RARE 18TH CENTURY ROYAL, CHARLES, Prince of LORRAINE AUTOGRAPH LETTER, WITH SWEDISH ROYAL PROVENANCE
£425
RARE 18TH CENTURY ROYAL MANUSCRIPT: CHARLES, Prince of LORRAINE AUTOGRAPH LETTER WITH SWEDISH ROYAL PROVENANCE
This exceptional antiquarian document presents a remarkable historical artifact featuring a handwrit-ten letter in French by Charles, Prince of Lorraine, dated 1723 and originating from Mendon. Adding to its historical significance, the document is accompanied by an autograph signature of Charles XIV, King of Sweden, dated 4th April 1816.
Measuring 14.5 x 10 inches when folded, this manuscript provides a tangible connection to 18th-century European royal correspondence. The document bears authentic signs of historical handling, including multiple creases and folding marks that attest to its genuineness and age.
1 in stock
Description
Royal Autographs: King Charles XIV Jean of Sweden & Prince of Lorraine
Rare 18th & 19th Century European Royal Manuscripts
An exceptional and museum-quality pairing of two authentic royal documents, spanning over a century of European history and connecting French, Swedish, and Napoleonic-era nobility.
This rare offering brings together two original manuscripts of royal provenance, each signed and dated, representing one of the most fascinating dynastic transitions in European history.
Document I – Charles XIV Jean (Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte)
Date: 4 April 1816
Place: Stockholm
Signature: “Votre bien affectionné Charles Jean”
Status at the time: Crown Prince of Sweden
Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte rose from French Revolutionary general and Marshal of France under Napoleon to become King of Sweden and Norway in 1818. This signature dates from his transitional period, five years before ascending the throne, making it particularly desirable to collectors.
The Bernadotte dynasty continues to rule Sweden today, adding lasting dynastic importance to this autograph.
Document II – Prince of Lorraine Letter
Date: 9 April 1723
Place: Meudon, France
Language: French
Content: Formal court correspondence expressing gratitude, loyalty, and service
This original 18th-century letter bears the elegant script and refined closing typical of aristocratic correspondence of the Ancien Régime, linking to one of Europe’s most powerful noble houses prior to the French Revolution.
Condition:
Both documents show authentic age-related characteristics consistent with their periods:
Natural foxing, toning, and fold lines
Strong, legible ink
Clear and well-preserved signatures
Bernadotte autograph mounted on period paper with later identifying notes
Overall condition is excellent for age, with no losses to text or signatures.
Historical Importance:
Connects pre-Revolutionary France to post-Napoleonic Europe
Illustrates Bernadotte’s extraordinary ascent from commoner to monarch
Represents two major European royal houses
Ideal for collectors of royal autographs, Napoleonic history, European monarchy, and manuscript material
Most objects sold in our gallery are antiques, vintage or used; therefore, they will show signs of being antique, vintage or used. There may be signs of scratches, discolouration, chips, cracks, wear and tear, unknown manufacturers and/or patterns. Please see the photographs as they form part of the description. Overseas buyers in some countries may have to pay any import duties, taxes, or fees that may apply. All items are meticulously wrapped and prepared for both UK and international shipping.
