Lot 184
Frederick II (1712-1786) Frederick the Great, King of Prussia (1740-1786). An able administrator who liberalized the Prussian legal code and economic systems, he was also a military genius. Frederick's imperial desires resulted warfare and alliances that doubled the size of his country's holdings and established the notion of Prussian nationalism. As a patron of the arts, Frederick supported authors, composers and musical groups and was himself an amateur composer and flautist.
Letter Signed ("Frederick"). In German. One page, quarto, Potsdam, May 15, 1781. Transmittal envelope with intact seal included. Minor toning and foxing, transmittal folds, orange stain from seal below text, smudge in bold signature. Very good condition.
By 1781 Frederick was living a relatively quiet life at San Souci Palace in Potsdam, having faced down Austria one last time in 1778 over possession of Bavaria. With the death of Maria-Therese of Austria in 1780, his circle of enemies and friends was almost gone and he had retired to a more pacific existence. His final great act as sovereign of Prussia was to sign a friendship and trade contract with the brand new United States in 1785 (a treaty that lasted 132 years).
Estimated Value $800 - 900.
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