Ehrsames Strumpfweber-Handwerk (Heidelberg Stocking-Weavers’ Guild) (ca. 1700-1820).

Eines ehrsamen Strumpfweber-Handwerks in der uralten churfürstlich pfälzischen Haupt- und Residenzstadt Heidelberg.

Heidelberg, St John’s Day (24 June), 1747.

Manuscript on vellum (ca. 23.9 × 54.9 cm). Partly coloured, written in German Kurrent script with large calligraphic title, decorative initials, and fine pen flourishes. Verso blank. With paper-covered wax seal. With four fabric samples (detached).

          A richly decorated apprenticeship certificate (Lehrbrief), issued by the masters and wardens of the honourable stocking-weavers’ guild of Heidelberg in 1747 to Johann Michael Hoffmann, who had “honestly and diligently learned” the trade under master Johann Jacob Sommer between 1739 and 1743, and had faithfully completed his apprenticeship. Johann Michael was the son of Johann Gerhard Hoffmann, apothecary in Wiesloch. Notable for this Lehrbrief is the inclusion of original textile samples, illustrating the stocking-weaver’s craft, a rare survival among German guild certificates.

Condition: fold marks with occasional rubbing, somewhat stained, fabric samples detached and discoloured.