Lot 51
![[German legal handbook - Brandenburg]](https://media.app.artisio.co/media/104cbde6-0d38-43cb-9e0f-bb721ef57bcf/inventory/df0f64c0-ccf4-4736-bfc6-16f2d691eaf4/2c4ad2b5-5a2f-4c4f-8698-c60d79cdc0c4/0001_NjykZA_original.jpg)
[German legal handbook - Brandenburg]
Manuscript Sammelband, possibly 17th century
Auction: 02 October 2025 from 10:00 BST
Description
comprising 347 manuscript leaves (mostly written on both sides), commencing with ‘Ordnung über alle Bericht und Rathserneuerung im ganzen fünften ? Branbenburg… Anno 1454’ [ordinance concerning all legal courts in Brandenburg, created in 1454, issued by Friedrich, Margrave of Brandenburg], and continuing with various texts written in several hands, such as ‘In der hohe und hals Berichte, ’Anfenglichs Fragt der Richter den Berichts Knecht', and including a section on examination instructions, vellum manuscript waste binding, 15.5 x 19.5cm
Footnote
Seemingly an interesting legal code or handbook for officials in Brandenburg, Germany. Written in at least two, possibly more, hands, the work contains legal notes such as a questionnaire for travellers ("der reisende ist zu fragen"), an ordinance for capital trials ("Halsgerichte"), addressing crimes such as blasphemy ("Gotteslästerung") or stealing from a church ("Kirchen Raub") and instructions for writing reports on capital trials.