A 1p manuscript document boldly signed by Frederick William (1831-1888), then Crown Prince of the German Empire; he would later become German Emperor Frederick III. The royal signature appearing at center measures 7.125" x 1.75" alone. Issued from Potsdam on October 24, 1876. Inscribed in a beautiful secretarial script (a non-modern German cursive, possibly a Kurrent or Sütterlin subvariant) on bifold paper. A crisp Reichsadler "Imperial Eagle" seal is blind-embossed at top. The inner pages are blank. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds and isolated edge darkening, else near fine. The document measures 8.75" x 11.125." The document is accompanied by its original transmittal envelope bearing a gorgeous red wax seal verso. Letter-opened at top and with various philatelic markings. Previously sold at International Autograph Auctions, Ltd. in 2014.

The document is untranslated and appears to be an official appointment or perhaps an award. Frederick William's long tenure as Crown Prince included his time as Crown Prince of Prussia from 1861-1888, and as Crown Prince of the German Empire from 1871-1888. The only son of German Emperor William I, Frederick William was passionately devoted to liberalism and had many plans for the Empire. He was married to Victoria, Princess Royal of Great Britain, and fathered eight children including his successor, the future German Emperor William II. Frederick III reigned for only 99 days, from March to June 1888, before dying of laryngeal cancer. The rapid succession of German emperors within a three-month-long period (William I, Frederick III, William II) have led scholars to name 1888 the "Year of the Three Emperors."

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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