Lot 255

Very Rare Lafayette French Rev. Signed Enrollment Document!

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Very Rare Lafayette French Rev. Signed Enrollment Document!

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000

Current Bid: $1,700

(4 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Marquis de Lafayette
Paris, France, May 11, 1791
Very Rare Lafayette French Rev. Signed Enrollment Document!
Document

Extraordinarily rare format partially printed French Revolutionary-era document dated May 11, 1791, bearing the signature of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, one of the most celebrated military and political figures of the eighteenth century. This ornately engraved military certificate, titled "Brevet de Volontaire de la Garde-Nationale non Soldée" ("Volunteer Certificate of the Unpaid National Guard"), was issued in Paris during the height of the French Revolution and features elaborate patriotic imagery including banners, military trophies, allegorical figures, artillery, and revolutionary symbolism associated with liberty and union. The document certifies the enrollment of a volunteer named Louis Lechangeur into the National Guard. Lafayette signs the lower left hand corner of the visually appealing document. Some paper loss, expecting toning, else fine. Measures 13" x 10".

Documents signed by Lafayette are extremely scarce, and this exact format rarely appears at auction. The last comparable example we could trace from a major American auction house surfaced in 2013 and exhibited substantial condition issues.

English Translation:

"District of the Recollects
3rd Division
1st Battalion

Seen and approved by us, Battalion Commander
Rottier de Montalan
2nd Company of Fusiliers

CERTIFICATE Of Volunteer Service in the Unpaid National Guard

We, the undersigned, certify and attest to whom it may concern that Mr. Louis Lechangeur, native of Versailles, aged 21 years, height 5 feet 1 inch, with chestnut-colored hair and eyebrows, blue eyes, medium nose, enlisted on the 9th of August 1790.

In witness whereof we have delivered to him the present Certificate of Enrollment to serve and avail him as reason may require.

Done in Paris on May 11, 1791.

(Signed by Lafayette and additional military officers)

Bottom motto:

"He who serves his country well has no need of ancestors."

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, was one of the defining transatlantic figures of the Age of Revolution. Revered in the United States for his service alongside George Washington during the American Revolution, Lafayette later emerged as a leading figure during the early years of the French Revolution. In 1789 he became Commander-in-Chief of the newly formed National Guard of France, an institution intended to preserve order while advancing constitutional reform.

Documents signed by Lafayette during this volatile revolutionary period are particularly important because they directly connect to the transformation of France from monarchy toward constitutional government. The National Guard played a pivotal role in maintaining public order, protecting revolutionary institutions, and symbolizing civic participation during the early revolution.

This 1791 certificate originates from one of the most historically significant moments in modern European history, issued just months before escalating political instability would dramatically alter the course of the Revolution.

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: 13" x 10"
  • Medium: Document

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000