Description:

William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley
n.p., ca. 1556
William Cecil Signature, Pre-Peerage!
Signature clip
A signature clip belonging to important Elizabethan chief political adviser William Cecil, later 1st Baron Burghley (1520-1598), as "Guillam. Cecill 1556," thus dating before his elevation to the peerage. N.p. The signature clip is affixed to the inner page of a numbered autograph collector's paper wrapper, and the bottom is pencil-inscribed by a former collector as "Written in Queen Mary's reign & in the same year in which Cranmer was martyred" (referring to Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer). Expected wear including isolated scuffs nowhere near the signature. The clip measures 2.75" x 1.875" while the folder measures 10.5" x 8." The wrapper also contains a handwritten biographical description and an old typed catalog description. Accompanied by a handsome engraving of William Cecil after Mark Gerard and W. Freeman, ca. 1829. Scattered foxing and isolated pin holes in the corners, else near fine. 7.25" x 9.75."

A very interesting autograph, as Cecil has Gallicized his name to "Guillaume." This autograph also predates his elevation to the peerage in 1571, after which he signed his name as "Burghley."

In 1556, Cecil was in between his two terms as Secretary of State. He was still involved in politics, however, representing Lincolnshire in Parliament in the House of Commons. Cecil had served as Secretary of State from 1550-1553, during the reigns of Edward VI and Jane Grey; and he would resume his duties in that post from 1558-1572 under Elizabeth I. Cecil also served as Lord High Treasurer from 1572-1598 and as Lord Privy Seal from 1590-1598. Elizabeth relied on Cecil's capable management of both domestic affairs and foreign matters.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: largest item: 10.5" x 8"
  • Medium: Signature clip

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June 26, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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