King Charles XII of Sweden Rare ANS 1700

CHARLES XII OF SWEDEN. Autograph Note Signed, “Carolus”, 1p clipped piece, 8” x 2.75”, Stockholm, April 12, 1700. A 2” tear at the center fold affects the “C” of “Carolus” and a half-inch tear at the bottom edge affects the “s” of “Carolus”. Accompanied by a smaller clip of text measuring 3” x 2”, which may have been attached to the verso of this note. Overall age wear, scattered foxing, browning, and toning, else near Very Good. Untranslated.

Very rare autograph note, hastily written by Charles shortly before his departure for the war, which had just broken out between his brother-in-law, the Duke of Holstein, and Denmark, ordering the movement of his guard officers.

Charles XII (1682-1718) acceded to the throne at age 15 and was King of Sweden until his death. In 1700, the same year this note was written, the monarchs of Denmark-Norway, Saxony, and Russia united in an alliance against Sweden, aiming to draw advantage as the Swedish Empire was unaligned and ruled by a very young and inexperienced King, thus initiating the Great Northern War. Leading the Swedish army against the alliance, Charles won multiple victories despite usually being significantly outnumbered. Charles was an exceptionally skilled military leader and tactician, as well as an able politician. He is quoted by Voltaire as saying upon the outbreak of the war, ''I have resolved never to start an unjust war but never to end a legitimate one except by defeating my enemies''. With the war consuming more than half his life and nearly all his reign, he never married and fathered no children.

Charles XII (1682-1718) was the King of Sweden from 1697-1718. He was killed during the besiege of Fredrikshald.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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