**Originally Listed At $500**

Europe, United Kingdom, 1767 CE (7th year of the reign of George III). A land indenture, written in an ornate hand on vellum, describing the sale of land in the County of York (Yorkshire) between two master mariners: Abel Chapman and John Wilkinson. Chapman paid eighty-seven pounds to Wilkinson, quite a sum in those days. The land was near Appleton (Appleton-le-Moors), in the parish of Whitby. The indenture was signed and sealed in red wax by both; on the back, records of it having been received and registered have been written by others. Size: 24.6" W x 18.25" H (62.5 cm x 46.4 cm)

On the back is a stamp of King George III from the Stamp Act of 1765, indicating that the duty had been paid on the transaction. The Arago project at the Smithsonian describes this stamp: "The embossed revenue stamp could be impressed upon ordinary paper; however, it was not possible to impress the stamp on vellum. Instead, for documents prepared on vellum, the revenue stamp was impressed upon either beige or dark blue paper, which had been glued and stapled to the vellum. The back of the staple was covered with a cypher bearing the Coat of Arms of George III, probably to prevent reuse of the embossed stamp. These cyphers are thought to be the inspiration for the first adhesive postage stamps."

Provenance: Ex-Hagar Collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#120759

Ink is slightly faded but entirely legible; fold marks and slight wear to edges of paper. Seals and revenue stamp are in nice condition.