CAROLUS IV (1316-1378, Holy Roman Emperor). Bulla aurea 1356, in German:...

CAROLUS IV (1316-1378, Holy Roman Emperor). Bulla aurea 1356, in German: Die guldin bull – FRIDERICUS III. Reformation und Ordnung vom 14 August 1442. Ulm: Lienhart Holle, [6 September 14]84.

Fourth edition in German of Charles IV’s Golden Bull of 1356, which devised the fundamental laws of the Holy Roman Empire, remaining in effect until the empire's final dissolution in 1806. It established the mechanism for electing a Holy Roman Emperor and the ceremonies for his installation; it also includes sections on gold, silver, and coins. According to RBH/ABPC, no copies have appeared at auction. H *4080; BSB-Ink K-19; CIBN C-250; Amelung, Frühdruck I, 143; not in Goff.

Chancery folio (265 x 190mm). With final blank but without the first, initials, paragraph marks and capital strokes in red (marginal repairs in 6 leaves touching a few letters in d1, small wormholes touching text, small marginal tear in d6, light staining and thumb-soiling). Modern vellum. Provenance: H. Vanhansis (16th-century inscription).