"BY THE KING": FINE MANUSCRIPT DOCUMENT BOLDLY SIGNED BY KING HENRY VIII

HENRY VIII. Manuscript document signed. Greenwich: May 12, 1514. Oblong octavo (measures 8-1/2 by 6-1/4 inches), one vellum sheet, manuscript in a secretarial hand on recto and verso, signature of King Henry VIII on recto at head of document, paper seal affixed, floated and framed with engraved image of Henry VIII, entire piece measures 22 by 14 inches.. $45,000.

Lovely 1514 manuscript document, an order for 25 pounds to be paid to Henry Smythe for the loss of his vessel, boldly signed by Henry VIII as King of England. With original paper seal.

King Henry issued this royal order in the early years of his reign, shortly after his 1513 invasion of the Low Countries where he led his army to capture Thérouanne and Tournai from the French in the Battle of the Spurs. "Henry lived on the fame of this success for the rest of his life… Further campaigning in 1514 was, however, brought to a halt following the desertion of his allies, and under pressure from the Pope, Henry himself made peace with France and sealed it by marrying his sister Mary to the decrepit French king, Louis XII" (ODNB). It was during this time that Thomas Wolsey emerged as Henry's principal minister, "not only because of his boundless energy and undoubted ability, but because Wolsey saw it as his function to give the king what he wanted" (ODNB). With early 20th-century folder of renowned manuscript and autograph dealer Charles Sessler.

Faint creasing, minor occasional dust smudging, slightly larger than one-inch abrasion in body of document, not affecting Henry's signature. A scarce, about-fine document signed by King Henry VIII.