Description:

Louis-Auguste de Bourbon
n.p., February 14, 1729
Louis-Auguste de Bourbon Signed Military Order - Louis XIV and Madame de Maintenon's Illegitimate Son!
MDS

A 1p manuscript document signed by Louis-Auguste de Bourbon (1670-1736), the illegitimate son of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan, as "L.A. de Bourbon" near the bottom of the first page; there also appear to be two sets of "LA" initials near the signature. February 14, 1729. Signed at the Château de Marly, a royal residence located west of Versailles, in present day Marly-le-Roi, France. The document is inscribed in multiple secretarial hands. Two unidentified additional signatures can be seen at left and bottom. An impressed paper seal with three Bourbon fleurs de lis is located at bottom left. Expected wear including transmittal folds, including some well-worn, and with two tiny holes at center along creases. Ghost impressions of the seal are located at top recto and at center verso. Else very good to near fine. 9.375" x 14.5."

At top, a list of the signer's titles appears in large and elaborate script (translated) as: "Louis Auguste de Bourbon, Duke of Maine, Legitimate Prince of France, by the grace of God Sovereign Prince of Dombres, Count of Eu, Duke of Aumale, Commander of the King's Orders, Colonel General of the Swiss Guards and Grisons, Governor and Lieutenant General for his Majesty in his Provinces of High and Low Languedoc, Grand Master et General Captain of the Artillery of France."

The military order commands one Seigneur de Maze to report for military duty on March 1, 1729, and to serve as Artillery Superintendent at a designated place or at Seigneur Descroix's estate. Seigneur de Maze is "to stay there in residence until a new order. To pray that Monsieur the Governor of the said place, or of whomever commands there, recognizes and has recognized the said Seigneur de Maze of said quality, and of him to give convenient lodgings to your officers… In your present order that we have signed with our hand, and sealed with the seal of our arms, and countersigned by the General Secretary of the Artillery of France, from Marly the fourteenth day of the month of February one thousand seven hundred twenty nine… "

Louis-Auguste de Bourbon was the illegitimate son of Louis XIV (1638-1715) and Madame de Montespan (1640-1707). The Sun King took steps to legitimate Louis-Auguste and other siblings mothered by Madame de Montespan. He granted Louis-Auguste honorary titles, including the rank of Colonel General of the Swiss Guards at age 4, to further legitimate his offspring.

In 1729, Louis XV was well-established in his monarchy, but eager to secure the succession. Our document reveals that the French military was sophisticated, bureaucratic, and overseen by a clear chain of command. At the conclusion of our document, Louis-Auguste adopts the royal "we" to further bolster his authority.

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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  • Dimensions: 9.375" x 14.5"
  • Medium: MDS

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