1837 Kingdom of Greece Passport — Nafplio to Tripoli — Early Reign of King Otto
Original internal passport or travel permit issued by the Municipal Police of Nafplio on September 2, 1837, during the formative years of the modern Kingdom of Greece.
Printed in Greek beneath the imposing heading “Kingdom of Greece,” the document authorizes its bearer, apparently Michael Dynamis, to travel from Nafplio to Tripoli. The bearer is recorded as approximately 24 years old and appears to be identified as a potter or ceramic worker. Additional entries record his place of origin and residence.
The passport bears an official 25-lepta fiscal stamp, the circular seal of the Nafplio municipal authorities and the manuscript signature of the issuing police officer. Further handwritten endorsements and stamps on the reverse document its presentation during travel.
Greece adopted its first formal passport regulations in 1830, with Nafplio designated as one of the principal issuing jurisdictions. This example was issued only seven years later and just four years after the arrival of King Otto, making it a particularly early document from the newly established Greek monarchy.
Nafplio had served as a capital of the emerging Greek state until the transfer of the royal government to Athens in 1834. The document provides a compelling record of government administration, policing and regulated travel in post-independence Greece.
Condition is good overall, with original folds, moderate toning, scattered soiling, minor marginal wear and some fading. The printed text, manuscript entries, fiscal stamp and official seal remain substantially legible.
Original internal passport or travel permit issued by the Municipal Police of Nafplio on September 2, 1837, during the formative years of the modern Kingdom of Greece.
Printed in Greek beneath the imposing heading “Kingdom of Greece,” the document authorizes its bearer, apparently Michael Dynamis, to travel from Nafplio to Tripoli. The bearer is recorded as approximately 24 years old and appears to be identified as a potter or ceramic worker. Additional entries record his place of origin and residence.
The passport bears an official 25-lepta fiscal stamp, the circular seal of the Nafplio municipal authorities and the manuscript signature of the issuing police officer. Further handwritten endorsements and stamps on the reverse document its presentation during travel.
Greece adopted its first formal passport regulations in 1830, with Nafplio designated as one of the principal issuing jurisdictions. This example was issued only seven years later and just four years after the arrival of King Otto, making it a particularly early document from the newly established Greek monarchy.
Nafplio had served as a capital of the emerging Greek state until the transfer of the royal government to Athens in 1834. The document provides a compelling record of government administration, policing and regulated travel in post-independence Greece.
Condition is good overall, with original folds, moderate toning, scattered soiling, minor marginal wear and some fading. The printed text, manuscript entries, fiscal stamp and official seal remain substantially legible.
