Lot 757
Victoria (1819-1901) Queen of Great Britain (1837-1901) during Britain's great age of industrial expansion, economic progress and empire. Manuscript document signed as Queen, 4pp, 12½ x 8", St. James Palace, Mar. 19, 1858. Giving John Linton Arabin Simmons leave to accept the French Legion of Honor awarded to him by French Emperor Napoleon III "in testimony of His Imperial Majesty's approbation of your distinguished services before the enemy during the late war. We being graciously pleased to approve thereof…give and grant unto you…our Royal Licence and Authority that you may avail yourself of the said mark of His Imperial Majesty's favor and accept and wear the said insignia…." Fine. Countersigned by Home Secretary H.S. Walpole.
Accompanied by the actual French order awarding Simmons the Legion of Honor, signed by the order's grandchancellor, the Duc de Plaisance, and two further letters in French to Simmons transmitting the award, signed by Counts Walewski and Persigny. Also included is a lengthy printed biography of Simmons which gives great detail of Simmons' Crimean War service. Count Walewski was Napoleon's natural son by Madame Walewska and a noted naturalized French statesman; Count Persigny was later Ambassador to Great Britain.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
The Arden Family Holdings of Beverly Hills.
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| Realized $455 |
