King of England and Lord (later King) of Ireland (1491–1547) from 1509 until his death. The second monarch of the Tudor dynasty, Henry attained the status of legend among British monarchs, not only for his virtually untrammeled power (including the break with Rome that led to the formation of the Anglican Church), but for his six marriages. Ultimately unsuccessful in his wish for a male heir, he was instead succeeded by his daughter, Elizabeth I, who would prove to be one of the most influential figures in the history of the monarchy. Scarce Manuscript DS on vellum, signed “Henry,” adding his cipher, one page, approximately 5.5 x 8.25, January 22, 1514. A directive to “Our trusty and well-beloved Sir Andrew Wyndesor, Knight Keeper of Our Greate Wardrobe,” ordering some material to be made into clothes. The blank portion at lower left has been clipped, a standard “cancellation” of the period indicating that the order had been carried out. At the time he signed this document, Henry was in his fourth year on the throne and still married to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon; in December of the same year, Catherine bore him a third son—who, like the previous two, died within weeks. Accompanied by an attractive late-eighteenth- or early-nineteenth-century portrait engraving published by John Thane (1748–1818). Top edge of reverse hinged to display card, light allover soiling, and faint vertical fold touching cipher, otherwise fine condition. Both the text and signature are clear, dark and otherwise unaffected. An attractive and scarce example from this most elusive and coveted of British monarchs! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
