Beschreibung:

[QUEEN VICTORIA (1819-1901)]. –– [GLADSTONE, William Ewart (1809-1898)]. Letter patent issued by Queen Victoria to William Gladstone, dated 6 September 1873. Oblong folio manuscript (530 x 695 mm) on vellum with two paper tax stamps, printed arms and border, and attached to Queen Victoria’s pendant wax seal appointing William Gladstone Chancellor of the Exchequer and housed in a black leather case with the Royal Coat of Arms and the inscription “Her Majesty’s Patent” stamped in gilt. Rubbing to box, seal lacking black metal case as originally issued. William Ewart Gladstone’s political career spanned seven decades and saw him serving as both Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer over a course of twelve years each, at times with the offices overlapping. He is today remembered for his unique political philosophy, which would come to be known as “Gladstonian liberalism,” and is hailed as one of the greatest British statesmen in history. Previously sold by Christie’s on 6 May 2008.