c1805 Original King George III British Army Military Commission on Vellum – Napoleonic Wars – Blue Revenue Stamp
A handsome original British Royal Military Commission issued during the reign of King George III, appointing an officer to the British Army during the Napoleonic era. Executed on vellum in the traditional format used by the War Office, the commission bears the impressive oversized royal sign-manual "George R" across the upper left, together with the original embossed blue revenue stamp secured by its original silver staple. The text appoints the recipient to the rank of Captain, empowering him to command according to the Rules and Discipline of War. The commission was issued "at Our Court at St. James's," the official royal residence from which military appointments were granted throughout the Georgian period. The document retains its original folds, period endorsements, and attractive manuscript calligraphy. British military commissions with intact revenue stamps are increasingly sought by collectors of Napoleonic War material, royal documents, and eighteenth- and nineteenth-century military history. Condition: Very good antique condition with expected folds, age toning, light surface wear, and minor edge losses. Original embossed revenue stamp remains attached. An excellent display piece representing Britain's military establishment during the reign of George III. From the text visible, it reads in part: "George the Third by the Grace of God... We do by these Presents Constitute and Appoint you..." The recipient appears to be appointed Captain in a regiment of infantry. The commission is issued at the Court of St. James's, the standard wording for British Army commissions of the Napoleonic era. Notable features Large "George R" royal sign-manual at upper left ("R" = Rex) Printed on vellum (animal skin) rather than paper Original blue embossed revenue stamp Original silver revenue staple/tack securing the stamp Military registration endorsements at lower left Folded as originally carried Contemporary docketing on reverse These commissions were issued under royal authority and are collected by military historians, Napoleonic collectors, and autograph collectors. Similar commissions are preserved in institutional collections and typically retain the distinctive blue revenue stamp and paper seals. Approximate Date Based upon: style of engraving blue embossed revenue stamp wording handwriting format I believe this commission dates to approximately 1803–1813, during the Napoleonic Wars. The exact year is difficult to read from these photographs. Condition Overall: Very Good (-) Positives: Complete vellum Excellent large George III signature Original blue revenue stamp Original silver staple Strong manuscript Detractions: Heavy folds Moderate surface wear Light staining and toning Small edge losses Seal absent (if originally attached) Overall still an attractive display piece.