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Auction: 22016 - Important Stamps and Covers of the World
Lot: 54

(x) Great Britain
Mail Carried by Royal Messenger
King James VI of Scotland (Later King James I of England)
1585 (27 September) entire letter over nine lines signed "James R" from Stirling, addressed to "The Laird of Barnbarroche, one of the senators of our college of justice" requesting that the laird [Sir Patrick Vans] be present "at the next meeting of the Checkker [Exchequer] arranged for 6 October ... at that tyme we think maist expedient that it convene agane at Stairling and proceed that all thing be perfect that ye could not ondertake the last tyme...". Complete with integral address panel marked "(20)". One or two professional paper repairs of little significance and minor foxing commensurate with significant age. A highly significant item of postal history and Royal importance, King James VI documents of this nature being rare. Photo

Notes: King James VI and I (June 19th 1566 - March 27th 1625) was King of Scotland as James VI from 24 July 1567, then King of England and Ireland as James I from 1603 until his death.

As son of Mary, Queen of Scots and great-great grandson of Henry VII, James was uniquely positioned to accept the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Sir Patrick Vans, Lord of Barnbarroch (c.1540-1597). As Scottish ambassador to Denmark, Barnbarroch was employed in the arranging of James' potential marriage to Elizabeth of Denmark.

provenance:
Christie's, The Spiro Family Collection, 2003 (lot 53)

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£2,800

Starting price
£1600