NAPOLEON BONAPARTE Letter Signed as Emperor Autograph Arc de Triomphe Connection
Guaranteed Authentic
At the height of his power, Emperor Napoleon grants his blessing of an aristocratic marriage and "...I shall sign the marriage contract with pleasure."
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE, charming, brief letter signed as Emperor of France dated June 9, 1810 from Saint Cloud with a fine, full signature and dramatic flourish as, "Napoleon". The letter is in the hand of a secretary but authentically and boldly signed at conclusion by Napoleon. Sent from Bonaparte to Marshal Nicolas Oudinot, Duke of Reggio. Oudinot famously has his name inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
In full:
"My cousin,
I have received your letter of May 25.
I strongly approve of the choice you have made of General Lorencez for your second daughter, and I shall sign the marriage contract with pleasure.
With this, I pray to God that he may keep you, my cousin, in His holy and worthy protection.
At Saint Cloud, June 9, 1810.
Napoleon"
Napoleon frequently addressed high-ranking nobles, marshals and members of allied royal families as "Mon Cousin" ("My Cousin") whether or not they were literal relatives as part of the imperial court style. The letter itself comes just a few short months after Napoleon's own marriage to Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria, in April 1810 – one of the most politically important moments of his reign.
Nicolas Oudinot was one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s most celebrated marshals, renowned for his extraordinary personal bravery and relentless battlefield service during the Napoleonic Wars. Nicknamed “the Bayonet of the Empire,” he is known to have been wounded 34 times in battle, having been struck by artillery shells, sabres, and at least twelve bullets over the course of his military career. In recognition of his military achievements and loyalty to the Empire, Napoleon created him Duke of Reggio in 1808, and Oudinot’s name was later immortalized among those inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe, appearing on the eastern pillar, columns 13 and 14.
CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION and encapsulated using PSA/DNA's proprietary sonically-sealed technology. GUARANTEED GENUINE – an investment-quality acquisition for any collection.
In fine condition, as shown with minimal signs of wear, light wrinkles, stains, foxing and folds consistent with the age, use and handling of a 215+ year old document. Please review images carefully for exact condition. Document measures approximately 7.25" x 9" inside 10" x 13" encapsulate.
Image of Arc de Triomphe highlighting Oudinot's name is shown FOR REFERENCE only - you will not receive a copy of the image. The image is included in the listing purely for illustration purposes.
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Own a remarkable, investment-quality original piece of World history! Perfect for the autograph collector, Francophile or History buff. A must-have addition to the investment portfolio, den, Executive Office, Museum or Library.
Sold as is, as shown.