Description:

SIR FRANCIS DRAKE
(1540 - 1596) English vice admiral, captain, privateer, navigator, slaver, renowned pirate, and politician of the Elizabethan era. Drake was second-in-command of the English fleet against the Spanish Armada in 1588, and was the first Englishman and second seafarer to survive a circumnavigation of the earth, aboard his flagship Golden Hind. Drake's landing at Nova Albion, somewhere north of the Spanish settlement at Point Loma (California), and Protestant service at that location, allowed the British to claim lands in North America "from sea to sea". Drake returned to England with a rich cargo of spices and captured Spanish treasures. The Queen's half-share of the cargo surpassed the rest of the crown's income for that entire year. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth, Drake later served as vice admiral in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Excessively rare manuscript D.S. "Fra: Drake", 1p. 25" x 13 3/4" parchment, [n.p.], Jan. 13, 1582, an indenture or agreement to the sale of Grayhurst Manor in Buckinghamshire to William Mulsho. Drake has boldly signed his name in black ink across the folded bottom margin and seal supporting tab, with the last letter in his signature slightly blotted. In excellent condition, boldly penned, with cracked brown wax seal (repaired). When knighted by Elizabeth in 1581, Drake was granted a coat of arms and soon awarded with extensive properties in recognition of his extraordinary services to the Crown. Among these was the grant to the Manor of Grayhurst. The manor, in northern Buckinghamshire, had reverted to the Crown upon the death of the Nevill family's last heir. Ex: Christie's, 2003, from the Spiro Family Collection. A great rarity!

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June 3, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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