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Auction: 22066 - Historical Documents, Postal History & Autographs - Featuring the Robin Hunt Collection
Lot: 2067

(x) From the Mayflower Collection
A Rare Stuart Postmaster Placard, With Insight Into the Early Postal System
1603 (9 June), address panel reading "Commission for Sir Wim. Levingstoun knicht and John Levingstoun", further endorsed "To all Mayors, Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Baliffs, Constabls, Heads of Boroughs, Post Masters and all other the King's Majesty's officers and loving subjects to whom it may appertain", instructing that "Sir William Levingstoun of Kilsythe Kinght and Jogn Levingstoun [are to] repair towards London to His Majesty for performing of their orders requiring some hast and expedition. These are therefore to will and demand you in His Majesty's name and authority that you can furnish them sufficient post horses and one horse for their guide for carrying them thence in their said journey upon their reasonable charge as accustomed". Given at Edinburgh and signed "Montrose Can[cellarius]", by the Lord Chancellor of Scotland, the third Earl of Montrose. Complete wafer seal with very minor paper loss, otherwise good and an important early Stuart document.

Notes: At this time, royal mail was sent privately via household employed messengers, Richard Mynsterlee being one such messenger. This is an extraordinary insight into the incredible arrangements of His Majesty's Post.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,000

Starting price
£420