Magnificent Complete Original 1825 Austrian Imperial Nobility Diploma for Bernhard von Petersilka with Illuminated Coat of Arms and Original 6-Inch Brass Seal Capsule
Offered is the original presentation Adelsdiplom granting hereditary Austrian nobility to Bernhard von Petersilka.
Historical Importance:
Granted by His Imperial and Royal Apostolic Majesty Franz I, Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, Bohemia, Lombardy and Venetia, in Vienna on 10 November 1825 - dated in text as "Eintausend achthundert und fünf und zwanzigsten."
Granted in recognition of nearly thirty-five years of distinguished military service as stated on pages 1-2: "eine beinahe fünf und dreyßig jährige Militar-Dienstleistung" and honored as "ein sehr braver, unter den Waffen ergrauter Krieger" - a very brave warrior grown grey under arms - who proved special bravery.
Countersigned by Franz Graf von Saurau, Imperial Minister, Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, and by the Imperial Chancery with the clause "Nach Seiner K. K. Majestät höchst eigenem Befehle" and "Nach Seiner Majestät höchst eigenem Befehle."
Physical Description - Measured:
• Complete bifolium on heavy laid paper in original red velvet portfolio
• Portfolio measures approx 17 inches wide x 12.5 inches tall as shown with tape measure
• German calligraphy in Fraktur / Kurrent throughout, 6 pages of text
• Full-page hand-painted and heavily gilt Coat of Arms: red shield with armored arm holding a scimitar, tournament helm with black eagle crest, elaborate red and gold mantling, blue sky landscape ground. Five crowns including central double-headed Habsburg eagle.
• Rich blue marbled endpapers, intact
• Two TAX CONTROLE blind revenue stamps at top of first page
• Signatures: "Franz" in iron gall ink - "Unserer Reiche im vier und dreissigsten Jahre" - plus two countersignatures and secretarial endorsement "Franz Freiherr von..."
• Original black and gold bullion cord laced through document
• Original massive turned brass seal capsule / Siegeldose approx 6 inches diameter, housing the original red wax Great Seal of Majesty. Legend around seal reads FRANCISCUS I D G AUSTRIAE IMPERATOR etc. Wax shows stable age cracks and minor edge fritting as photographed, 100% normal for 200 years, no major loss, still fully presentable in capsule.
Condition:
Excellent for age. Pages clean with only light age toning and minor foxing. No tears to text block. Velvet portfolio shows honest age wear, light soiling and rubbing as shown in measurement photos, but boards are solid. Brass capsule has patina and minor dings. Cord intact. A truly well-preserved, complete example with seal and portfolio together, which is rare.
This is the original chancery issue, not a later copy or excerpt.

About the Collection: This item originates from the extraordinary estate of Ronald "Ron" Gonty (1944–2025) of Brandon, Manitoba, acquired directly from the auction of his estate. Ron was widely known as a passionate, deeply knowledgeable collector with an eye for the rare and unusual. His massive, curated collection gained attention for its incredible breadth—ranging from 17th-century documents and antique post office wax seals to vintage railway memorabilia and specialized outdoor gear. He cared for his items with the utmost respect for their history, making this a stellar addition to any serious collection.