Henry VIII Signed Document Sold for $66,435 at Auction

Boston — A King Henry VIII signed document discussing sponsoring the feast day of St. George sold for $66,435 according to Boston-based RR Auction. 

The one-page vellum manuscript signed "Henry R," is dated July 26, 1536. The document by which King Henry VIII orders the treasurer and chamberlain to pay Edmund Peckham, accountant of the Royal House, the sum of nineteen pounds and thirteen shillings to cover the expenses of the feast held on the occasion of the solemnity of St. George, patron saint of England. 

St. George's Day was a major feast and national holiday in England on a par with Christmas from the early 15th century through the 17th century, but its popularity as a tradition waned by the end of the 18th century after the union of England and Scotland. 

"King Henry VIII's autograph is rare and highly sought in any form," said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction, "and this is an especially significant document pertaining to St. George's Day."

Additional highlights from the sale include, but are not limited by:

Abraham Lincoln signed document as President rebuilding the North-South economy in 1865 sold for $41,321. 

Marilyn Monroe early document, signed twice by the soon-to-be icon, sold for $32,103.

Karel Capek signed first edition of Capek's R.U.R.—the play that introduced 'robot' to the global lexicon, sold for $30,244.

George Washington letter signed as President in 1791, sold for $27,500.

Benjamin Franklin Signature display sold for $21,403.

Marilyn Monroe signed photograph for the 1954 movie ‘River of No Return’ sold for $20,660.

The Fine Autograph and Artifacts auction began on July 20 and concluded on August 10. For more information, go to www.rrauction.com.