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Original 1703 Queen Anne Vellum Deed with Original Attached Lead Great SealAn exceptional original English vellum legal document dating to the reign of Queen Anne, issued during Michaelmas Term, 2 Anne (1703). The document retains its original attached lead Great Seal, suspended by its original vellum tongue.Executed in period court hand on vellum, the document features a finely engraved portrait of Queen Anne, elaborate Baroque ornamentation, the Royal Arms, and the royal motto “Semper Eadem.” The reverse retains its original contemporary docket identifying the legal proceeding, including references to Henry Bertram, Robert Loder, Andrew Pitt, and a Common Recovery, the legal method commonly used for transferring landed property in early eighteenth-century England.The document also retains its original embossed revenue stamp, adding another authentic period feature.⸻ProvenanceAcquired from the private collection of Ronald (“Ron”) Gonty (1944–2025), whose collection focused on British royal seals, historical manuscripts, heraldic documents, and other important antiquarian material assembled over many decades.⸻ConditionVery good antique condition for a manuscript more than 320 years old.* Original vellum document
* Original attached lead Great Seal
* Original vellum seal attachment intact
* Original engraved portrait of Queen Anne
* Original contemporary docket on reverse
* Original embossed revenue stamp
* Historic folds from centuries of storage
* Age toning, scattered staining, and handling wear consistent with age
* Minor edge wear and small imperfections typical of documents of this periodPlease review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.⸻Measurements* Folded document: approximately 33 × 17 cm (13 × 6.7 inches)
* Lead Great Seal: approximately 13 cm (5.1 inches) diameter⸻ClosingOriginal Queen Anne documents retaining their original attached Great Seals are increasingly scarce. Combining an engraved royal portrait, complete legal manuscript, original lead seal, and documented private provenance, this is an outstanding example of early eighteenth-century English legal and royal history.
