Holy Roman Empire, 1698 (January 27 / February 6), dual-sovereign diplomatic entire from the High Chancery, issued jointly by Prince-Bishop
Holy Roman Empire, 1698 (January 27 / February 6), dual-sovereign diplomatic entire from the High Chancery, issued jointly by Prince-Bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn and Christian Ernst of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, boldly calligraphed outer address panel to the Counts of Castell with elaborate looping flourish, manuscript filing note recording receipt on February 2, written in sophisticated chancery Kurrent script, reverse retaining two large crisp blind-embossed paper-covered seals depicting the heraldic arms of the House of Castell, the Wheel of Mainz, and the Schönborn and Brandenburg family shields, light filing folds and minor age-toning, overall quite fresh and fine. The contents comprise a decree summoning an Imperial Convent in Nuremberg, citing "periculum in mora" ("danger in delay"), likely in response to French expansion under Louis XIV, instructing the Counts of Castell on the necessity for decisive resolution regarding Imperial security within the Franconian Circle. The dual-date notation reflects simultaneous use of the Julian and Gregorian calendars within the Empire; the intact Wheel of Mainz and Schönborn Lion seals confirm the joint judicial and spiritual authority of the senders.
