A manuscript document, in a secretarial hand, signed by Gustavus Adolphus (1594-1632) and with the remnants of his royal seal, dated 17 August 1616. The document requests safe passage for a messenger sent urgently to summon a local infantry captain (Knechtehöfidsman) Olaf Olafsson and his troops to Stockholm likely for deployment in the Ingrian War
Written on a sheet of laid paper (210 × 240 mm), folded into six for posting; trifling wear at the intersection of the folds; some faint marks and other signs of age and handling; remnants of wax seal below the signature; in excellent condition overall.
The letter relates to the Ingrian War, early in the reign of Gustavus Adolphus, in which he attempted to assert his brother's claim to the throne of the Russian Empire. While this aim was not achieved, Gustavus was able to annexe significant territory around the Baltic coast, effectively turning the Baltic Sea into a 'Swedish Lake', and laid the foundation for his reputation as one of the greatest military leaders of the day. Also mentioned in the document is Åke Oxenstierna, scion of the important Oxenstierna family and later commander of the Dalarna regiment.
Item #146656
Price (AUD):
$4,000.00