Following a long-established tradition of conferring power and status through the presentation of a document and seal, Matthias (1557-1619), the Holy Roman emperor, bestowed the rank and privilege of nobility on Leopoldt Pštsch and his heirs. The patent was proof that Pštsch and his family should be "called rightfully born tournamenteers and knightly noblemen and be so held, honored, called and addressed by people of [Matthias'] status, everywhere, in all and any deals, businesses and actions, clerical and secular." The coat of arms and the motto depicted on the document have been awarded by the Emperor, and are carefully described in detail by Matthias. The presence of the Imperial wax seal attested to the document's validity.