HENRY IV: (1553-1610) King of France 1589-1610 and King of Navarre 1572-1610. First French Monarch of the House of Bourbon. Assassinated. A good and clean D.S., `Henry', one page, vellum, oblong 4to, Fontainebleau, 20th November 1602, in French. The document being a Patent by which the King of France grants the widow of François de Mandelot the exemption of the tax payment, known as the « Droit de Marc d´Or », as a reward for the important and loyal services given by her husband to the Kingdom. Countersigned by his secretary of State Louis Potier. Extremely small hole at the base of the letter, not affecting the text or signature. Also including a complete transcription of the document. Very small overall minor age wear. VG

 

François de Mandelot (1529-1588) Governor of Lyon and bailiff of Macon. He distinguished himself at the siege of Metz in 1552 and during the Italian wars against Charles V in 1555.