1718 INDENTURE DOCUMENT (three century old calligraphy on a parchment of natural vellum - calf skin)

Veck (John)

Description:

Large (+/- A1 folded to A5) Indenture document dated 1718. Hand-written on heavy parchment of natural vellum with accompanying seal and stamp. Of historical interest.

Some interesting information on indentures;

An indenture is a contract between two parties, most commonly assumed to be for labor or an apprenticeship. While it was certainly issued for that, known as indentured servitude, the indenture was also used to purchase land or buildings and even to contract for military officers as far back as the 14th century.

Each indenture is “escalloped,” that is the rounded edges at the top are actually cut from a larger piece of parchment, or vellum. The part cut from the indenture is, in fact, a duplicate made specifically for the other party under contract or deposited in the requisite land office or local court as an official copy. If there were more than one party to the contract, an additional copy was made and given to the other party as well.

What’s really important, though, is the stamp. Anything that was written or official had to have a stamp as a tax. As part of the tax, the stamp had to be included on the document or it wasn’t legal. This tax stamp is coveted by collectors.

At times there are usually red wax impressions at the bottom of the document. It is just a wax stamp, that generally didn’t belong to anyone in particular. It is an 18th century version of the “X,” a generic stamp.

There are large indentures, small ones, even double-page ones. (This particular indenture is one of the larger ones as they go.)

As an early collectible, they are fun, interesting, and were issued until the early 19th century. Each one is unique, distinctive and is particularly decorative for any room. History can be fun after all!

Details:

  • Publisher: John Veck
  • Publisher Place: Great Britain
  • Date of Publication: 1718
  • Overall Condition: Very good plus
  • Size: A1
  • Lot No: 21
  • Hammer Price: $142
  • Bids: 21
  • Visits: 99
  • Estimate: $200/400
  • Reserve: $50

Have a similar item to sell? Please Contact Us or one of our sellers with the details.


Seller Details:

  • Name: BOOKTOWN AFRICANA
  • Address: P.O.Box 117, Richmond (Northern Cape), South Africa, 7090
  • Contact Person: Chris Shelton
  • Country of Origin: South Africa
  • Email: chris@paarlmark.co.za
  • Website: www.antiquarianauctions.co.za
  • Preferred Payment Methods: Internet banking transfer (EFT), credit card
  • Trade Association: AA Approved. SATU. Paarl Media. Paarl Marketing
  • Additional Information:

    BOOKTOWN AFRICANA (formerly trading under the banner of Richmond Books & Prints) is based in South Africa's one and only booktown, Richmond, situated in the heart of the Great Karoo. All our books are housed in a historical (pre Boer War) building in the centre of the town. We are closed to the public. All book sales are conducted strictly online.

    BOOKTOWN AFRICANA specializes in Antiquarian books, mostly Africana.

    With his 30 years of experience in print media (from print production management to print marketing and sales), all books listed by BOOKTOWN AFRICANA are personally appraised, photographed and accurately described by qualified Photo-lithographer, Chris Shelton (of Paarl Media / Paarl Marketing).

    PACKAGING & POSTAGE:

    (Note: Great care is taken in our packaging to ensure that your books reach you in exactly the same condition as described. Depending on our workload at the close of each auction, careful packaging could take anything upto 6 working days to conclude.)

    RATES

    Within South Africa (counter to counter) = R55 per 1kg parcel plus R5 per additional kg to be included in the parcel.

    Approximate foreign postage = $25.00 SURFACE MAIL or $45 AIR MAIL per 1kg parcel plus half again per additional kg to be included in the parcel.

    All parcels are insured.

    PAYMENT OPTIONS:

    EFT - South African buyers only.

    Credit Card - Oversees buyers only.