Beschreibung:

Custody Letter (Schutz Brief) given by prince Ludwig of Nassau for the establishment of a Jewish community in his city. Gothic German in clear and readable writing, signed in handwriting and carries the seal of the Royal House. Dated 31/1/1792. A rare and important document for the history of the Jewish communities in the South Germany Duchies. Content of letter: In the name of G-d, we, Ludwig prince of Nassau, Duke of Dillingen, Knight of Saarbrucken… hereby order we accept the request of Jew Ya'akov Weiler of Ottweiler, to give him custody in our city, on condition he occupies himself with trade and does not arrive at the market on Sunday and other Christian holidays, and pays 20 Gulden every quarter of a year… he can purchase along with other Jews land outside the city for the purpose of a cemetery… this custody does not pass to his successors… 4 leaves / 7 pages. 32.5 cm. Fair condition. Tears to middle folding line in all pages with minor loss of text. Sewn with thread attached to notary seal of Royal House on page 7.