DEEDS

On one side of a piece of vellum (roughly 15 x 37 cm). In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. In Latin. In an attractive close hand.

On one side of a small skin of vellum (circa 28 x 29 cm). In fair condition, aged and worn. In English, with signed Latin note on reverse by a notary public. Boundaries given. Scan on application.

On one side of a strip of vellum (circa 40 x 18 cm). In fair condition, aged and worn. In English. Scan of part on application

On one side of a piece of vellum (roughly 32 x 43 cm). In fair condition, aged and worn, with the remains of the seal sewn up in a cloth bag. With monogram signature in customary place on gutter tab. Ruled with red lines, and with ornate initial capital and decorative margin at head. Docketed on reverse. In Latin. Scan on application.

On both sides of a piece of vellum (approximately 11 x 27 cm). In fair condition, aged and worn, with seal removed. In English. Concerning the fulfilment of articles mentioned in a pair of indentures of the same date (not present). The various signatures include the marks of two of the parties. Scan on application.

On one side of a long strip of vellum (circa 80 x 13.5 cm), made up of two pieces attached together. In fair condition, aged and worn. In English. The locality is not stated, but John Dunkin's 'Oxfordshire' has a reference to a will witnessed by both Hunt and Brooks.

The five documents are all in good condition, on five half-skins, the vellum having discoloured and aged in the usual way. Eton College was granted Chalcots by Henry VI in 1448. The history of the estate is dealt with in detail in the Victoria County History for Middlesex, vol.9 (Hamstead, Paddington), which includes the following relating to the present five items: 'In 1615-16 Eton leased Chalcots and Wyldes for 21 years to Philip Barrett (d. 1630), who left it to his wife Elizabeth.

Folio, 3 pp. With two embossed government stamps, and government half penny tax stamp in black ink. The five signatures on p.3 are each accompanied by a red wax seal.

Vellum Deed, 11pp., 4to, sewn with green ribbon, formal and elaborate deed, fold mark, some staining, but text clear and complete. Lord Iveagh and Sir Ernest Cassel to The Honourable Walter Edward Guinness Felix Cassel Esq. K.C., M.P., Sir Frederick Treves, and Others re. trust premises, patronage of the King, investments, funds, brief, staff, appointments, administration, other clauses (total 14). With: Schedules giviing Particulars of the Leasehold Hereditaments, and the said Building Agreement above referred to ... Part II.

From the papers of Pinfang Hsia, whose death ('Bank of China aide') was recorded in the New York Times of 23 December 1970.In the 1961 'Diplomat's Annual' the Bank of China's head office was said to be in Peking, China, with the London office at 147 Leadenhall Street. The collection is in good overall condition, with all texts clear and complete on lightly-aged paper. The fourteen deeds are customary English legal documents of the period, all typewritten and filled in in manuscript, with the dimensions of each around 37 x 24 cm. Some are attached with green ribbon.