BEVILL SKELTON: A CATALOGUE OF THE DUKES

MS 591
MS Short Title BEVILL SKELTON: A CATALOGUE OF THE DUKES
Text BEVILL SKELTON: A CATALOGUE OF THE DUKES, MARQUESES, & EARLES, WITH THEIR ARMES, WIVES AND ISHUE SINCE THE CONQUEST UNTILL THIS PRESENT YEAR 1678
Description MS in English on vellum, England, 1678, 154 ff. (complete), 39x31 cm, single column, (37x27 cm), 30-35 lines in sloping cursive and round roman scripts, headings and running titles in large capitals, decorated title-page listing Skelton's honours in imitation of printed type in architectural framing incorporating the arms of Charles II and the authors, 480 emblazoned coats of arms of superb quality, painted in gold, silver and colours with gold coronets.
Binding England, 1678, red velvet over thick wooden boards, gilt edges, sewn on 5 cords, silver clasps and catches.
Context The text is either autograph or compiled under the author's supervision. 2 other MSS with similar texts by Skelton are known, sold in the Rosebery sale, Sotheby's 26.06.1933: 1127A & B, the latter sold again by Christie's 9.12.1987.
Provenance 1. Sir Bevill Skelton, England (1678-1692); 2. James Graham of Stoneybres House, Lanarkshire (19th c.); 3. Robert McTear, Glasgow cat. 27.03.1925: 299; 4. John Forrester (1925); 5. George Napier (1925-1954); 6. Napier sale 12.04.1954:88; 7. Frances Edwards (1954); 8. Bill Wreden, Palo Alto; 9. W.R. Fletcher, London (1963); 10. J.R. Abbey, London, JA 7215 (1963-1989); 11. Sotheby's 19.06.1989:3048; 12. Sam Fogg cat. 12(1989):29.
Commentary Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Bevill Skelton (d. 1692), Envoy to Vienna and Holland under Charles II, Envoy to Versailles and Lieutenant of the Tower of London under James II, Page of Honour to Charles II at the Restoration. He was a favoured supporter of the Crown, held numerous important diplomatic posts, though rather unsuccessfully, and accompanied James II into exile.
Place of origin England
Dates 1678