Lot 461
Bonaparte, Napoleon. Document Signed ("Napoleon"). As Emperor of France and King of Italy. Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. In French. One page, 15 x 20 ½", Toulouse, July 27, 1808. On parchment. Being appointment to the nobility, in the rank of Chevalier, of a Monsieur de Bry. Signed in black ink.There is a small colored coat of arms in the upper left corner. Included are the original tin tube this document traveled in, and a red wax imperial seal in its tin skippet. Framed and matted for an overall size of 22 x 26½". An easily repaired 9" tear and wrinkles at the bottom left corner do not interfere with the main text of the document or Napleon's signature, but do bisect the counter-signature of Cambaceres, Archchancellor of the Empire. Assorted stamps and notations on the verso are visible. There is some buckling, but the overall condition remains very good.
As Napoleon solidified his hold over much of Europe, he continually rearranged the old order to suit his own purposes. On March 12, 1808, Napoleon issued a document creating four titles to be granted only by himself: Prince, Duc, Comte, Baron and Chevalier. In 1808, the rank Chevalier was automatically conferred on all members of the Legion of Honor (created by Napoleon in 1802). It was on this basis that our Monsieur Jean Antione Joseph de Bry received that very title, as is indicated by the Legion of Honor cross found in the coat of arms. This is the first Napoleon document with an intact wax seal, skippet and carrying cylinder seen by these catalogers. A very unusual document with a very large signature.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500.
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| Realized $4,025 |
