Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #340
Napoleon Letter Signed from Cairo, Egypt - Days Before the French Discovery of the Rosetta Stone

Scarce letter signed by Napoleon Bonaparte during his campaign in Egypt, preceding the discovery of the Rosetta Stone by mere days

Estimate: $4000+

The 30 Minute Rule begins October 16 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By October 16 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT

Server Time: 9/28/2024 08:12:22 PM EDT
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid

Description

Scarce letter signed by Napoleon Bonaparte during his campaign in Egypt, preceding the discovery of the Rosetta Stone by mere days

LS in French, signed “Bonaparte,” one page, 8 x 12.5, Republique Francaise letterhead, July 4, 1799. Untranslated letter signed by Napoleon Bonaparte at his headquarters in Cairo, during his campaign in Egypt, ordering the organization of customs in Egypt for his financial administrator Jean-Baptiste-Étienne Poussielgue. Notably, Bonaparte makes two rare handwritten corrections to the letter's text. In fine condition.

This letter dates to Napoleon's campaign in Egypt and Syria, which he proclaimed to 'defend French trade interests' and to establish 'scientific enterprise' in the region. One of the campaign's enduring legacies was discovery of the Rosetta Stone on July 15, 1799—mere days after the present document—inspiring a burst of Egyptomania across Europe.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: September 28, 2024 - October 16, 2024





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $200.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.