Lot 115

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Description:

George III Napoleonic War-Dated Military Appointment to Foreign Volunteer Regiment, the Chasseurs Britanniques, With Large Signature

A military document signed by George III (1738-1820) as "George R." in the upper left corner; the massive signature measures 2.375" x 1.5" alone. Recorded at the Court of St. James in London, England on August 4, 1804. Also signed by Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs Robert Jenkinson, Lord Hawkesbury (1770-1828) as "Hawkesbury" at lower right. Additionally signed by two minor officials. The partly printed and partly handwritten document on vellum features George's embossed royal seal just beneath his signature, and also a dark blue embossed revenue stamp for one pound, ten shillings. Docketed verso. Expected folds and scattered light scuffs, else near fine. 13.375" x 9.375." Accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity from Custodians of History (Plymouth, Massachusetts).

In 1804, Britain was in the early throes of the Napoleonic Wars, a conflict that would rage on several geographical fronts for ten years more. During the period of 1803-1805, British fears focused on the threat of possible French invasion. How fitting then, that Britain could deploy the Chasseurs Britanniques--a regiment of French volunteers--to defend British shores from Boney's marauding forces!

The military appointment reads in part:

"George the Third by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith &ca To Our Trust and Welbeloved J.N. Steber Gent Greeting. We do, by these Presents Constitute and Appoint you to be Quarter Master to our Chasseurs Britanniques commanded by our Trusty and Welbeloved Colonel John Ramsay…"

Although no historical records pertaining to Quartermaster J.N. Steber are readily forthcoming, we know that he was a member of the Chasseurs Britanniques. This volunteer infantry battalion of mostly French royalist forces--and some French emigres and prisoners--was formed as a branch of the British Army in 1801. The unit served in Egypt, the Mediterranean, Italy and Sicily, Southern France, and in Spain and Portugal under Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington.

Ruling the British Empire for 60 years, George III saw many wars; in addition to the Napoleonic Wars, his empire was embroiled in the Seven Years’ War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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January 6, 2021 10:30 AM EST
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