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Offered for sale is an important 1817 French military document from the Bourbon Restoration period bearing the ink signature of Marshal Étienne Macdonald, Duke of Tarente, one of the best-known French commanders of the Napoleonic era.Issued by the Grande Chancellerie of the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour under King Louis XVIII, this official circular is dated Paris, September 11, 1817.HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE & SIGNATURE• Signed by: Marshal Étienne Macdonald, Duke of Tarente (Le Maréchal Duc de Tarente)
• Position: Grand Chancellor of the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour
• Date: September 11, 1817
• Location: Paris, France
• Period: Bourbon Restoration / Reign of Louis XVIII
• Office: Grande Chancellerie — 1st Division, Bureau Circulaire
• Letter No.: 4992Marshal Étienne Macdonald (1765–1840) was one of the prominent military commanders of the Napoleonic era and was elevated by Napoleon to Marshal of the Empire and Duke of Tarente. His military career extended across the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods, including major campaigns and battles such as Wagram and Leipzig.Following the Bourbon Restoration, Macdonald continued to occupy an important position in French public life and served as Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honour.DOCUMENT CONTENTThe circular concerns the administrative distribution of Royal Legion of Honour diplomas and associated financial retention fees following a royal ordinance of 1816. The document specifically references a fee of 20 francs.The recipient is individually calligraphed at the bottom as:“A M. Rajon”He is identified as an Officer of the Legion of Honour residing in Vienne, Isère, France.DOCUMENT FEATURES• Period French Legion of Honour document
• Ink signature attributed to Marshal Macdonald, Duke of Tarente
• Additional counter-signature of the Secretary-General
• Official Grande Chancellerie letterhead
• Royal Legion of Honour administrative content
• Individually addressed recipient
• Dated September 11, 1817
• More than 200 years old
• Original period paperThe combination of an early Restoration-era Legion of Honour document, identified recipient, and prominent Napoleonic military association makes this a particularly interesting example of early 19th-century French military and administrative history.CONDITIONThe document remains well preserved for its age, with strong ink visible in the signature and handwritten portions. It displays natural age toning, minor edge and handling wear, and other characteristics expected of an original document dating from 1817.Please examine all photographs carefully for the exact condition, signatures, handwriting, printing, folds, edges, toning, and other details. Photos are considered part of the description.An outstanding display and research piece for collectors of Napoleonic Wars memorabilia, Marshal Macdonald autographs, Legion of Honour material, Bourbon Restoration documents, French militaria, antique manuscripts, and historic European autographs.SHIPPINGThe document will be shipped flat with rigid protective backing and a waterproof protective layer to help prevent bending and moisture damage during transit. Tracked shipping available.Buy It Now or Send an Offer.
