Description
For your consideration is an exceedingly rare and historically significant original antique c.1723 Austrian Habsburg Empire broadside royal decree, issued under the authority of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. This extraordinary document is formally hand-signed "Carolus" (Charles) and by Emperor Charles VI in black gallic fountain pen ink, representing a remarkable artifact from the height of Habsburg power.
The decree, issued from Vienna on April 25, 1723, outlines Charles VI’s alliance with the Russian Empress in a joint war effort against the Ottoman Empire. The document emphasizes the Emperor’s role as a Christian monarch, committed to safeguarding his territories and subjects from harm and securing the Christian world from Ottoman aggression. The decree further directs officials and subjects within Ottoman-controlled regions to support these military actions and calls for steadfast dedication to this cause.
The document is an original broadside of significant historical and diplomatic importance. Its condition is fine, with the authenticity of the royal signature and the original seal intact, attesting to its unparalleled provenance and historical value. Measuring approximately the size of a royal proclamation, the document retains its period-specific craftsmanship, including laid paper and the royal seal of Charles VI, underscoring its status as a museum-quality piece.
Translation of the document: We, Charles VI, by divine favor, Chosen Roman Emperor, forever Augustus, and King of Germany, Spain, both Sicilies, Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, etc., Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, and Württemberg, Count of Habsburg, Flanders, Tyrol, and Gorizia, etc., etc., make known and testify by the power of these presents to all whom it may concern or who may in any way be able to know. For reasons made abundantly clear to the entire world by the letters, which, by our command, were written by the President of our Aulic War Council, Count von Kinsky, to the Grand Vizier, and which indicate that the faith of the Most Serene and Mighty Empress of Russia is required. It is necessary that we enter into alliance with her in the war against the Ottoman Empire, as it befits a Christian Prince to direct our utmost efforts to ensure that, when we take up arms, not only the peoples and territories over which our authority extends, but also all our subjects in general may be spared from severe harm and disastrous troubles, to the extent possible. It has seemed appropriate to us that all to whom these letters patent, signed by our own hand and with our Imperial, Royal, and Archducal Seal, may be addressed, and who may receive these by means of one of our couriers, should make it known to turn aside from their journey and return directly to the place intended, to report back to our clemency. With this purpose in mind, those who reside in territories and provinces subject to the Ottoman Empire within those same boundaries, for whom it is necessary to become aware of many things sent between our efforts and theirs, shall know that we all—and we shall by no means cease in our endeavor—will strive to fulfill their aims, and if not, to push forward our initiatives. By force of necessity and by our devices, the iron will, which was once tainted with crime and foul deeds, is being stirred up with rage and hatred, as it demands to be uprooted. And in crossing over, they shall dare to hope for the destruction of this very fury through an unstoppable force. For this purpose, we reserve for our supreme Empire all rights as before; nor shall we cease to call upon all things necessary until the annual movements of the universe shall universally bring about the highest virtue in its entirety. Given at our castle in Vienna, Austria, on the twenty-fifth day of the month of April, in the year of Our Lord 1723, and the twenty-seventh year of our reign over Bohemia. Signature: [CHARLES]. By the Command of His Sacred Imperial and Catholic Majesty. Joh. Christophorus Bartelsheim.
Charles VI (1685–1740) was one of the most influential Holy Roman Emperors and ruler of the Austrian Habsburg monarchy from 1711 until his death. His reign was marked by significant military campaigns, including conflicts with the Ottoman Empire and efforts to assert Habsburg dominance in European affairs. Despite his accomplishments, his death without a male heir led to the War of Austrian Succession, as his daughter Maria Theresa assumed the throne under the Pragmatic Sanction. This document provides an exceptional glimpse into the geopolitical strategies of the early 18th century, the military alliances formed to combat Ottoman expansion, and the intricate administrative practices of the Austrian Habsburg court. With its rare combination of imperial authorship, royal seal, and exceptional condition, this artifact is a one-of-a-kind treasure for collectors of royal manuscripts, Habsburg history, or European military and political history. A piece of unparalleled historical significance, it represents both the grandeur and the challenges of the Holy Roman Empire under Charles VI.
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