1788 French Notarial Manuscript Amsterdam Paper Watermark – Pre-Revolution Document

1788 French Notarial Manuscript — Amsterdam Watermark

An original 18th-century French handwritten legal manuscript dated 23 October 1788, created during the final years of the Ancien Régime, less than a year before the French Revolution of 1789.

The two-page document was drafted before a notary and concerns a legal declaration or inventory relating to testamentary and estate matters. The manuscript refers to the opening and verification of documents deposited with the notary and records individuals involved in the legal proceedings.

Written entirely in French 18th-century cursive script, the manuscript provides a fascinating example of the legal and notarial practices of France immediately before the revolutionary period.

One of its particularly interesting features is the “AMSTERDAM” paper watermark. This identifies the paper as Dutch-made paper produced in the Amsterdam paper industry, reflecting the widespread circulation and use of Dutch paper throughout Europe during the 18th century.

Several handwritten signatures appear on the reverse of the manuscript.

Historical Context

Dated 23 October 1788, this document belongs to the final months of the French Ancien Régime, shortly before the French Revolution began in 1789.

Notarial manuscripts from this period offer an unusually direct connection to everyday legal and administrative life in pre-revolutionary France. Rather than being a later historical account, this is an original contemporary document created as part of a legal process.

The combination of its 1788 date, French notarial content, estate-related subject matter and Amsterdam paper watermark makes it an especially interesting piece for collectors of French history, legal manuscripts, historical documents and pre-Revolutionary material.

Key Details

• Date: 23 October 1788
• Country: France
• Period: Ancien Régime
• Language: French
• Document type: Notarial legal manuscript / estate record
• Subject: Testamentary and estate matters
• Paper: Dutch paper with “AMSTERDAM” watermark
• Format: Two pages
• Writing: Original 18th-century cursive handwriting
• Reverse: Several handwritten signatures
• Condition: Good antique condition
• Condition details: Natural paper toning, archival folds, scattered foxing and minor edge wear
• Legibility: Period handwriting remains clear and readable

A remarkable 1788 French historical manuscript from the final years of the Ancien Régime, preserving an original example of pre-Revolutionary French notarial practice on Dutch watermarked paper.