Lot 156
Lot of Two Late 17th-Early 18th Century English Indentures. This pair of handwritten documents on vellum detail the legal transfer of land ownership. The term indenture refers, in fact, to any legal contract. Such documents are characterized by their wavy, "indented" upper margins which were contrived to prevent counterfeiting. The copies distributed to all engaged parties were gathered together and cut at once along their upper margins in a unique, irregular pattern, thereby authenticating each copy.
The first indenture included in this lot, dated July 5, 1782, outlines the transfer of a cottage at Seasholo, Gaydon, in the County of Warwick, from Richard Lancaster to John Upton for the sum of 40 pounds 19 shillings. This 2-page document is authenticated with the signature of Richard Lancaster and the red wax seal beside his name. Both pages bear a blue tax seal from the County of Warwick at the upper left. The pages measure approximately 24 x 30". With only some light creasing, this document is in very good condition.
The second document, dated October 3, 1833, describes the transfer of land ownership in the County of Warwick, England from George Goodwin Barrett, by William Adams, to John Toone of Leamington Prior for the sum of 2,395 pounds, paid by several parties, each of whom has signed along the bottom alongside his red wax seal. All six pages bear one pound tax stamps from the County of Warwick at the upper left. The pages measure approximately 23 x 30". With some light creasing and curling, as well as some moisture staining along the lower margin, this document remains very good. Estimated Value $500 - 800
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