Item: Original 1893 French Legion of Honour Two-Page Letter – Foreign Orders Bureau
Date: December 26, 1893
Subject: Formal Rejection of Authorization to Wear the Portuguese Order of Christ (Ordre du Christ)
Signatory: Grand Chancellor of the French Legion of Honour
Description:
An authentic, complete two-page official handwritten letter issued in 1893 by the French Grande Chancellerie de la Légion d’Honneur, Foreign Orders Bureau (Ordres Étrangers).
The letter documents a fascinating historical case involving a French citizen who requested authorization to wear the insignia of Commander of the Portuguese Order of Christ (Ordre du Christ).
The second page contains the formal rejection issued by the Grand Chancellor, explicitly stating that the recipient did not hold the high-ranking status required under French protocol regulations to wear the breast star (plaque). Such eligibility was reserved for individuals holding distinguished positions, including General Officers, members of the Academy of Medicine, and Chief Hospital Doctors.
The document concludes with the bold ink signature of the Grand Chancellor, adding to its historical and collectible appeal.
This two-page correspondence offers a rare glimpse into the diplomatic protocol, foreign decorations regulations, and administrative procedures governing the wearing of foreign orders in France during the late 19th century.
Condition:
Good vintage condition for a late 19th-century historical document set. Both pages feature clear, legible handwritten ink on original Grand Chancery stationery. Standard horizontal folding creases are present, consistent with historic storage and filing. The top edge displays rough, uneven areas associated with historical binding or storage. The text remains completely legible. Please review the photographs for a detailed assessment of the exact condition.
Shipping & Handling:
Both pages will be housed together in an acid-free archival sleeve and carefully packed flat between thick, rigid cardboard sheets to help prevent bending, creasing, or damage during transit. Tracked shipping is included.