King of France (born 1754) from 1774 to 1792. In the wake of increasing unrest that developed into full-fledged revolution, Louis and his queen, Marie Antoinette, were executed in 1793. Scarce manuscript DS, signed “Louis,” one page, 18.75 x 12.5, April 25, 1792. Crisply penned untranslated judicial appointment document neatly signed at the conclusion in black ink by the king and countersigned by the Minister of Justice, Antoine Duranthon. In very good to fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds, paper loss and a repaired separation to lower right, and a bit of mild toning. This particular document is especially interesting as it was signed on April 25, 1792—the day that the first person ever was guillotined. The document is even more eerie when you consider that the other man who signed the document, Minister of Justice Antoine Duranthon, would be guillotined on December 20, 1793. The fact that both Louis XVI and Duranthon would be guillotined in 1793, and the document was signed on the day of the first ever guillotining, makes this document especially interesting and a true piece of history! RR Auction COA.
