Auction 109 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Megillot and Jewish Ceremonial Art
General Privilege of the Jews – Magdeburg, 1730 – Two Royal Proclamations of Frederick William I – Restrictions on Living Quarters, Occupations and Legal Status of the Jews of Prussia
Opening: $400
Sold for: $2,000
Including buyer's premium
Two official royal proclamations on the legal status of the Jews of Prussia in the first half of the 18th century, under the rule of Frederick William I. Magdeburg, 1730. German.
• General-Privilegium und Reglement, Wie es wegen der Juden In Sr. Königl. Majestät Landen zu halten [General privilege and regulations regarding the conduct of the affairs of the Jews in the lands of His Royal Highness], printed decree of King Frederick William I of Prussia. Magdeburg: Christian Leberecht Faber, [1730]. German.
Printed booklet (uncut sheets).
The General Privilege of the Jews, promulgated in Berlin on September 29, 1730, is regarded as the first general decree arranging for the status of the Jews throughout the kingdom. Its 28 sections set forth strict taxes for privileged Jews allowed to reside within the kingdom (up to 100 families in central areas), conditions for inheriting privileges, the status of public institutions and strict restrictions on economic activity and vocation.
The present item contains two uncut sheets of the booklet as produced by the press before cutting, folding and binding. [26] printed pages. 35 cm. Overall good condition. Light stains. Light creases and wear to margins.
• Declaration des General-Privilegii und Reglements der Juden [Declaration regarding the general privileges and regulations of the Jews], printed decree of King Frederick William I of Prussia. Magdeburg: Andreas Müller, [1730]. German.
Clarification promulgated in Berlin on December 24, 1730, with amendments to the General Privilege of the Jews. Three sections are amended: the Jews are permitted to trade in tobacco and dye; a taxpaying Jewish family with no male children may include one or two daughters in their privilege and marry them off, provided they or their sons-in-law are promised a sum of at least a thousand reichsthalers; and a Jew's burial shall not be delayed due to debt, although his parents or heirs are responsible to repay them immediately.
At top of first page, illustration (woodcut) featuring the Prussian eagle in the center.
[4] pages. 34 cm. Good condition. Light creases and stains.
Regulations, Historical Decrees and Antisemitic Works
Regulations, Historical Decrees and Antisemitic Works