Description:

Napoleon III Emperor 1808 - 1873 Napoleon III rewards war veteran and appoints official silversmith and jeweler.

Small archive comprised of two documents, one signed and inscribed by Napoleon III, and an engraving of the French emperor. The first document signed and inscribed by Napoleon III is a cream bifold pay voucher in fine condition including minor browning and isolated minor tears at bottom, measuring 7.875" x 12.5". The second document is a cream bifold imperial appointment signed by Achille Fould, a minister of Napoleon III, in very fine condition, measuring 8" x 12.5". The period engraving depicts Napoleon III in official military uniform with scattered foxing, plate size: 5.125" x 8.25".

Pay voucher No. 2911 granted 400 francs to Francois Achille Dubois "aged 71 years, old soldier of the Empire, staying in Boulogne, No. 32 Former Coast Road". Below this description, Napoleon III signs his characteristic looping "N" at the center of the page and adds thirteen words of payment instruction: "To M. Fould, the 1 st semester after July 1, to pay in advance". A secretarial note at the page bottom indicates that the veteran will be paid out 200 francs per semester, the first installment being issued after July 1, as per the emperor's directive.

The second document on "Minister of the State and of the Imperial Residence" letterhead is signed by its minister Achille Fould (1800-1867) at center in black ink. Dated from Paris, July 11, 1853, this document granted Parisian Maurice Mayer the title of official Imperial Silversmith and Jeweler: "I hasten to inform you, Monsieur, that after having taken the orders of the Emperor, I authorize you to take the title of Supplier of H.M. ... Receive, sir, the assurance of my perfect consideration ... " This appointment granted Mayer significant prestige and also increased his business, as Napoleon III commissioned many gifts.

The engraving by P. Allais after a painting by Horace Vernet depicts the virile young emperor with sculpted goatee wearing a ceremonial sash, epaulettes, and Neo-Classical head wreath. An auto signature of the emperor appears below his oval portrait.

Napoleon III (1808-1873) was the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. Initially, under the name of Louis-Napoleon, he served as President of the Second Republic. In 1852, he abolished the republic and appointed himself the head of the Second Empire as Napoleon III. Although his overthrow of republican government horrified many, Napoleon III implemented many positive changes during his regime. He promoted an improvement of infrastructure, and also fostered a modern and interconnected economy. Napoleon III's most spectacular legacy was the renovation of the city of Paris, supervised by government official Baron Haussmann (1809-1891) between 1852-1870.

A fascinating look into the inner workings of the Emperor's household!

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