Tauf Zedel [Taufpatenbrief]

[Lancaster, PA?], not after 1835. As issued.. Fair; severe old folds with repaired splits; minor separation at juncture in a blank area; faint damp stain; color somewhat muted.. Single leaf of milled paper, no watermark, meas. appx. 203 x 178 mm. Printed recto only. The wood block illustrations are highlighted in contemporary color (red, yellow, and green).

A scarce piece of PA German ephemera. A printed acknowledgement of a baptism by godparents or "sponsors" known by its generic name as a Taufpatenbrief and usually accompanying a gift. The tradition began in Germany during the 16th century. Here, offered in the PA German American version (corruption of the German "Zettel" to PA German "Zedel" as clear evidence). See Spamer, Das kleine Andachtsbild ....