Two French vellum manuscripts, dated 1712 and 1741. From the Pontoise Cathedral in Pontoise, France.

Two delightful 18th century vellum manuscripts from royal notaries. This is a fun opportunity to do a little armchair archaeology. I have not transcribed these, or determined the context of their contents. I did look at the signature portion, to discover that they are from "St. Mellon de Pontoise", an ancient cathedral in Pontoise, France.

There are two manuscripts, both small pamphlets; the 1712 manuscript includes seven pages of manuscript, and the 1741 manuscript again includes seven pages of manuscript. Both note, at the top of the first page, that the notary is a notary of the king ("Roy").

The 1712 manuscript is bound with delightful cloth strips. In both, the script is flowing and attractive. They both include stamps and signatures that add wonderfully to the sense of history.

Physical Attributes -

Each measures approx. 22.5 x 28 cm. Each manuscript is four leaves in length, with manuscript writing on seven of the pages. Each has a paper wrap. Both are signed, dated, and stamped.

Condition -

See pictures. Some wear of time with a little waviness, occasional slight darkening, etc.. The 1741 has the date written in color on the paper wrap. There are two pin holes near the bottom margin gutter that go through the entire manuscript. There are a couple of ink smudges on the back of the paper wrap. The green silk cloth binding ties on the 1712 manuscript are a little frayed, faded, etc. Three pin holes, near the bottom gutter, go through this manuscript. Some darkening to paper wrap. 2 cm. hole on the back of the paper wrapper. The paper wrapper, on both, is chipping at the fore-edge at the rear.