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CHARLES IX * PSA * Autograph TEEN King of France ROYAL RANSOM Signed circa 1569
$1,750.00
Guaranteed Authentic
Scarce 456 Year Old Royal Ransom Directive Issued by the Teenage Monarch During the French Wars of Religion
CHARLES IX, King of France (1550 - 1574) exceedingly scarce autograph royal ransom directive circa 1569 from the 19-year old monarch. Acceding to the throne at age 10, Charles himself would die young, at the tender age of 23. Charles signs along the left side.
Charles was immediately proclaimed King on 5 December 1560 at the age of 10, upon the death of his brother, Francis II. The Privy Council appointed his mother, Catherine de' Medici, a fervent Roman Catholic, as governor of France, with sweeping powers, acting as regent for her young son. Much of the story of young Charles and his cunning mother were dramatized in the hit historical drama television series, The Serpent Queen.
Charles' reign saw the culmination of decades of tension between Protestants and Catholics – a long, brutal series of civil wars caused by religious conflict, political rivalry, and noble factionalism in 16th-century France frequently resulting in the killing or capture of military leaders on both sides.
According to the document, the teenage monarch Charles directs that they use the money obtained by confiscating and selling the belongings, harvests, and income from the lands of Protestants (Huguenots) to pay 7,700 livres as a compensation for military service and to reimburse this individual for paying the ransom of a prisoner of war [believed to be Louis de Clermont, seigneur de Bussy d'Amboise – a nobleman, military commander and governor during the French Wars of Religion].
The CHARLES IX signed document has been thoroughly reviewed and certified authentic by PSA/DNA expert examination – your assurance of absolute authenticity. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE. Purchase includes original PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity.
Condition is as shown, consistent with a nearly 460 year old document, including stains, wrinkles, folds and tear with paper loss at lower third; Tape and tape residue from unsuccessful vintage tape repair attempt. Document measures appx. 9.75" x 14.25".
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Own a remarkable piece of French royal and world history! The perfect acquisition for the museum, Francophile, autograph enthusiast, executive office, or Royal collector. An excellent addition to any truly fine autograph collection.
Sold as is, as shown.