Bidspirit auction | Charles II. Exemplification of a

Charles II. Exemplification of a Fine for Lands in Dunstable. 1676. - This 17th-century English legal manuscript is an Exemplification of a Fine executed on a single large sheet of vellum. Dated to the Trinity Term of the 28th year of the reign of King Charles II, approximately 1676, the document features an elaborate calligraphic heading reading Carolus Secundus Dei gratia in large Gothic-style script. The first initial C is highly ornate, enclosing the British Royal Coat of Arms surrounded by the Order of the Garter motto Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense and the royal motto Dieu Et Mon Droit. The top border is decorated with intricate penwork, scrollwork, and floral emblems including roses, thistles, and lilies, as well as depictions of the royal lion and unicorn supporters. The body of the text is written in a dense Latin legal hand on red-ruled lines. A circular embossed duty stamp is present on a bottom fold, displaying a crown, a lion, the number 27, and the letters N and O. The exterior verso bears handwritten docketing identifying the parties as Christian Ginger, Philippa Ginger, and John Andrews as plaintiffs against Owen Holtham, Esq. and his wife, and Charles Pigeon, Esq., concerning lands in Dunstable. A parchment tag for a seal is attached at the bottom edge.