France - Document - NAPOLEÓN III — DIPLOMA DE OFICIAL DE...

Diploma nominative of the Imperial Order of the Legion of Honor, issued during the reign of Napoleon III. A piece of notable visual presence that combines imperial ornamentation, calligraphic text, and handwritten completion. DOCUMENT DATA • France, Second Empire. • Issue date, according to document reading: Tuileries Palace, January 21, 1854. • Appointed as officer with seniority from October 20, 1853. • One sheet of approximately 41 × 40 cm. • Text in French. GOLDEN HEADING AND IMPERIAL ORNAMENTATION The title “Ordre Impérial de la Légion d’Honneur” stands out, rendered in lettering with a golden appearance whose shine is evident in the detail photographs. The composition presents an elaborate crowned imperial shield, eagles, allegorical figures, botanical motifs, and the order’s insignia. The mottos “Honneur” and “Patrie” complete a decoration of great appeal for collectors of the Second Empire and of French historical documents. At the lower margin there is the mention of Campan as designer and engraver of the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honor. A relief seal is also visible, shown in close-ups. APPOINTMENT AND ADDRESSEE The document grants the rank of “Officier,” higher than chevalier within the Legion of Honor. It is the grade of the decoration, which does not by itself imply a military rank. The recipient appears to be identified as Jean-Baptiste-Marie-Pierre Cadet, director of the Postal Service of Saint-Omer. This reading is offered as provisional identification, pending cross-check with his archival file. SIGNATURES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Features the signature “Napoléon,” the subscription “Duc de Plaisance” under the office of grand Chancellor, and a signature corresponding to the General Secretary of the order. The autographic character of the imperial signature or of the remaining subscriptions is not guaranteed, as their execution method has not been the subject of expert examination. CONSERVATION The decorative composition and the golden header are preserved. It shows creases, wrinkles, stains, edge wear, and areas of faded handwritten text. General and detail photographs form part of the description and allow assessment of its condition. An item of interest for collections of the Legion of Honor, the history of the Second Empire, administrative documentation, and French postal history. The lot includes only the described diploma, on one sheet. It does not include decorations or portraits.

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