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Nutzbares, galantes und curiöses Frauenzimmer-Lexicon by Amaranthes, 1715
 
'Nutzbares, galantes und curiöses Frauenzimmer-Lexicon' (A Useful, Noble, and Curious Lexicon for Women) by Amaranthes (pseudonym of Gottlieb Siegmund Corvinus) was published in Leipzig in 1715.

It contains an early definition of Taufbriefs / Patenbriefs, which is useful in understanding their physical form and purpose.

Information from Pennsylvania German Blog May 2016.

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The entry for 'Patten-Zettul' (Godparent Letter) reads:

In the original German: 'Pathen-Zettul. Heissen diejenigen in Kupffer gestochenen oder radirten abge druckten Blätter, auf Knäblein oder Mägdlein eingerichtet, und mit allerhand glückwünschenden Reimlein gezieret, worein die Gevattern das Geschenke oder Pathe Geld mit Unterschreibung ihres Nahmens, einzuwickeln und zu versiegeln pflegen.'

In English: 'Patten-Zettul are those printed papers with copper etchings or engravings intended for a baby boy or girl, and are decorated with all kinds of rhyming congratulatory verses. The godparents sign their names on the sheets; tuck their gifts or sponsor money into them; and usually wind something around to make them secure.'

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