CARTA EXECUTORIA – RAMON ZAZO Y ORTEGA (King of Arms to Charles III, King of Spain 1759-88). Patent of nobility for Don Melchor Ortineri Vega Passpoch y Martinez, issued by Charles III, in Spanish. Madrid, April 1765.

Carta executoria confirming the nobility of Don Melchor Ortineri Vega Passpoch y Martinez. Ortineri was a wealthy citizen of Cuenca, Spain—although he had been born abroad in the region of Bolzano, Italy. The decorated borders include some rather striking entomological motifs.

294 x 198mm. Ff. 23 leaves, on vellum. Full-page coat of arms of Melchor Ortineri, full-page painting of insignia of illuminator with stamp of Charles III; 4 half-page armorials, 4 decorated initials on blue or pink grounds, most with magenta silk veils bound in; each page with elaborate decorated border (some leaves a little faded and fingersoiled). Later gilt-stamped calf with clasps (worn at extremities and spine). Together with a wooden bookstand.