Document - Unknown - Antique English Vellum Indenture Hand Written Document, Sale of Land - 1826





Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 122553 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Antique English vellum indenture from the United Kingdom dated 1826 records the sale of land, written in English on vellum with a red wax seal and measuring 38 x 60 cm.
Description from the seller
This rare English vellum indenture, dated 1826, records the sale of land and exemplifies the formal style of early nineteenth-century legal documents. Written in dense brown ink, it features the elaborate title “This Indenture” at the top, a hallmark of such deeds. The contract is authenticated by a single red wax seal accompanied by a handwritten signature, ensuring its legal validity.
A distinctive feature of indentures is their wavy or indented top edge: originally, duplicate copies of the same agreement were written on one sheet of vellum and then cut apart with irregular curves. When placed together, the matching edges served as proof of authenticity and protection against forgery. Beyond its legal purpose, the document illustrates the craftsmanship and ritual of English law, where seals, signatures, and parchment combined to safeguard property transactions in a society deeply rooted in written contracts.
Measurements
38 x 60 cm
Condition
Excellent overall condition, no damage or missing parts. Great natural colour and aged patina.
Provenance
English private collection
This rare English vellum indenture, dated 1826, records the sale of land and exemplifies the formal style of early nineteenth-century legal documents. Written in dense brown ink, it features the elaborate title “This Indenture” at the top, a hallmark of such deeds. The contract is authenticated by a single red wax seal accompanied by a handwritten signature, ensuring its legal validity.
A distinctive feature of indentures is their wavy or indented top edge: originally, duplicate copies of the same agreement were written on one sheet of vellum and then cut apart with irregular curves. When placed together, the matching edges served as proof of authenticity and protection against forgery. Beyond its legal purpose, the document illustrates the craftsmanship and ritual of English law, where seals, signatures, and parchment combined to safeguard property transactions in a society deeply rooted in written contracts.
Measurements
38 x 60 cm
Condition
Excellent overall condition, no damage or missing parts. Great natural colour and aged patina.
Provenance
English private collection

