LETTER PATENT SIGNED BY NAPOLEON IN 1812

NAPOLEON. Document signed. Paris, March 5, 1812. One vellum leaf measuring 17 by 22-1/2 inches, printed on the recto and finished by hand. Beautifully floated and framed, entire piece measures 25 by 30 inches. $8500.

Large letter patent signed by Napoleon in 1812 authorizing Jean Michel Murat to remain in the honor guard of the King of the Two Sicilies.

This document states that Jean Michel Murat, a 32-year old lieutenant, may remain in the Regiment of Honor Guards of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Joachim Murat, Napoleon's brother-in-law and King of the Two Sicilies from 1808 to 1815. Murat had proven himself to Napoleon during the famous events of 13 Vendémaire 1795, by gathering the artillery to defend the National Convention, firing grapeshot into the ranks of the advancing Royalist mob. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Revolutionary forces defeated the Royalists, killing more than 300. From that day forward, Murat became one of Napoleon's trusted leaders, commanding troops in the Italian, Egyptian, Russian, German and Peninsular campaigns. In 1804 he was made a marshal of France and "First Horseman of Europe." The following year he was created a Prince of the Empire. He ruled the Kingdom of the two Sicilies from 1808 to 1815, when he was executed by King Ferdinand IV after Napoleon's fall from power. Cosigned by Claude Ambroise Régnier, Duke of Massa as the Minister of Justice, and Pierre Antoine Daru as Secretary of State of the Empire. Text in French.

Some manuscript portions of the document are faded, but Napoleon's signature is quite clear;light staining and wear along fold lines. Very good condition.