H.M. KING GUSTAV VASA, SIGNED LETTER TO THE
QUEEN OF ENGLAND

A signed letter by H.M. King Gustav Vasa of Sweden. Written in Latin in 1556, addressed to H.M. Queen Mary I of England, in regard to sending two ambassadors who would argue for a cessation of English trade with Russia and, instead, for a resumption of trade with Sweden. At the time when the letter was written, Sweden was at war with Russia – The Russo-Swedish War (1554–1557) – which was ruled by Tsar Ivan IV of Russia, also known as “Ivan the Terrible”.

The letter in full, translated in English from Latin: “Gustavus, by the grace of God, King of the Swedes, Goths, and Vandals, to the Most Serene Lady Mary of England, France, and Ireland, with the same grace of God our dearest Queen of Germany, wishes health and the greatest felicity, and if anything, good in addition, a blessing from God Almighty so he could grant what is prayed for and desired. Most Illustrious Sovereign, dearest German Lady, we sent to your Serenity, under determined circumstances with knowledge of our affairs, trustworthy and apt, as well as in the first place esteemed & kind, our devoted ministers. Doctor Arnold Rosenberger, skillful jurist, & Martin Helfring, our secretary, to whom we entrusted our affairs so they would present and uncover them in our name to Your Serenity. For this reason, in a brotherly and friendly way, we ask Your Serenity so that in all things, they in our name to Your Serenity announce, to have the same faith which we have. So we have addressed the heart of Your Serenity, that we in similar or greater things, wherein such way occasion was given, won’t burden Your Serenity again. To God Almighty, we entrust the health and felicity of Your Serenity. Sent from our royal castle Gripsholm, September 9, in the year of our Lord 1556.”

Signed materials by H.M. King Gustav Vasa are extremely uncommon yet highly demanded. There are only nine signatures known to exist by Gustav Vasa, making this one of the nine. However, this is not only a signature nor a signed letter with somewhat uninteresting content; this is a signed letter with absolutely incredible content. Note that the letter also bears the seal of H.M. King Gustav Vasa, which is placed below the signature.

Size: Approximately 8.25 x 12.75 in. / 21 x 32 cm.

Condition: Fine condition; toning and soiling creases; horizontal and vertical folds; ragged on the left and lower side.

Provenance: Private collection, Sweden; Private collection, USA. Letter of Authenticity from Alexander Bitar History.