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Antique 1735 Georgian Mortgage Penal Bond with Wax Seal & Revenue Stamps
Original George II era English mortgage-performance bond dated February 20, 1735. This bond binds Jonathan Nash, a maltster of Watlington, Oxfordshire, to John Breading of nearby Shirburn in the penal sum of £200. The condition states that the obligation becomes void upon faithful performance of the covenants and payments contained in a separate pair of mortgage indentures made between the two men.
Partly preprinted legal form, likely engraved plate, then completed and endorsed in manuscript, multiple pens/hands. Printed and written on a single sheet of handmade laid rag paper, deckled edges, visible chain lines and watermark impressions in both halves. Three blind-embossed 'VI PENCE' revenue impressions and a crowned 'One Penny Sheet' fiscal stamp. Hand signed, witnessed, original red wax seal.
Approx 15.5" by 12.25" fully opened, historically folded into 8 sections. The names are transcribed from the period handwriting, matched to documented surnames from the general region and geographic distance between Watlington and Shirburn. They are a tad difficult to makeout. Absolute attribution would require seasoned professional paleographic comparison and archival records.
Condition
- Modest, relatively even toning, with the historically protected inward-folded section slightly lighter.
- Very little foxing, scattered minor speckling and light surface soiling, particularly along folding creases.
- Handling wear, edge folds, small bends and dings, best represented in the daylight photographs.
- Paper remains soft and pliable, with clear printed and manuscript text.
- Original red wax seal remains attached, with visible compression, cracking and peripheral losses.
- No cleaning, flattening, repair or conservation has been performed.
Fulfillment
Folded in half with the complete text exposed and facing forward, then fitted in an archival Mylar sleeve with an acid-free backing card for long-term storage or until next displayed. Ships USPS Ground between protective backers in a rigid mailer. Typically ships within 1 business day. Rates to Alaska and Hawaii differ from continental US; please message for quote. International shipping available through 's Global Shipping Program.
Historical Notes
The document records the date as February 20, 1735 under the English calendar then in use. At the time, the legal year began on March 25, the date is conventionally written 1735/36 and falls in 1736 by modern year reckoning.
