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Up for sale is a stunning, 100% original historical military document from the Second French Empire under Napoleon III. This official French authorization certificate (Empire Français – Armée d’Orient) grants a French soldier permission to wear the British-instituted Crimea Medal (Médaille instituée par Sa Majesté la Reine d’Angleterre).
Issued in Paris on August 20, 1856, this large-format historical document certifies the military service of Jean Louis Mousette, a Fusilier serving with the 39th Regiment of Line Infantry (39e Régiment d’Infanterie de Ligne), Matricule No. 5754.
HISTORICAL CAMPAIGN CONTEXT
According to the handwritten military registry, Fusilier Mousette served with the French expeditionary forces in Crimea from March 1855 through August 16, 1855.
The certificate explicitly records his participation in the historic Siege of Sevastopol (Siège de Sébastopol), one of the defining and bloodiest campaigns of the Crimean War (1853–1856).
His documented service entitled him to wear the British Crimea Medal, along with the corresponding campaign clasp (agrafe), recognizing his participation in the allied military campaign.
This document provides a remarkable historical connection to the Franco-British military alliance during the Crimean War.
ITEM SPECIFICS & FEATURES
• Conflict: Crimean War (1853–1856)
• Country of Issue: Second French Empire
• Reigning Monarch: Napoleon III
• Document Date: August 20, 1856
• Place of Issue: Paris, France
• Recipient: Jean Louis Mousette
• Military Rank: Fusilier
• Regiment: 39th Regiment of Line Infantry (39e Régiment d’Infanterie de Ligne)
• Matricule Number: 5754
• Campaign: French Expeditionary Army in Crimea
• Battle Listed: Siege of Sevastopol (Siège de Sébastopol)
• Award Authorization: Permission to wear the British Crimea Medal and corresponding clasp
SIGNATURES, STAMPS & AUTHENTIC DETAILS
The document retains distinctive handwritten signatures in ink from members of the regimental council, including the Colonel and Major.
It also features two striking blue-ink institutional stamps:
• The regimental seal of the 39e Régiment d’Infanterie de Ligne on the left side.
• The official imperial eagle seal associated with the Légion d’Honneur administrative division at the bottom.
These original markings add considerable visual character and historical interest to the document.
ORIGINAL COMPLETENESS
The certificate retains its original attached upper folding section, which served as a protective archival wrapper. The reverse displays historical handwritten docketing notes, further enhancing its documentary value and appeal to collectors of original military archives.
CONDITION DETAILS
Excellent vintage condition considering its age.
The document exhibits light, uniform age-toning and original horizontal fold lines consistent with historical storage. The handwritten entries and printed text remain sharp, dark, and clearly legible.
There is no major water damage, significant tearing, or noticeable insect deterioration.
Please review all provided photographs carefully for a detailed assessment of the document’s exact cosmetic condition.
A REMARKABLE PIECE OF MILITARY HISTORY
An exceptional collectible for enthusiasts of the Crimean War, the Second French Empire, Napoleon III, French military history, and 19th-century Anglo-French military honors.
Original documents connecting an identifiable soldier to a specific regiment, campaign, and medal authorization offer a fascinating glimpse into the military administration and service records of the period.
SHIPPING & HANDLING
The document will be shipped completely flat, carefully layered between rigid cardboard backing, and placed inside a moisture-resistant mailer to help protect it during transit.
Full tracking will be included.
Thank you for your interest in this remarkable piece of 19th-century European military history!
