Framed 1873 French "Certificate of Good Conduct" - Military Document 13" x 9"

This framed "Certificat de Bonne Conduite" (Certificate of Good Conduct) was issued on July 15, 1873, for a soldier named Sorrinel. The certificate was provided by the 1st Regiment of Artillery under the approval of a General of the Brigade, confirming the soldier’s exemplary behavior during his service. It notes his discipline, obedience, and good conduct during his time in the military, emphasizing that he served with honor and distinction.

The certificate is written in French and signed by military officials, carrying official stamps that authenticate its legitimacy. The document is framed behind glass, preserving its historical significance and providing a window into the life of a soldier during a tumultuous period in French history. The timeworn certificate dates from the early 1870s, a period of significant upheaval in France. Following the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), France experienced the fall of the Second Empire and the establishment of the Third Republic.

The war was a disaster for France, leading to the siege of Paris, the fall of Napoleon III, and ultimately the harsh Treaty of Frankfurt, which ceded Alsace and part of Lorraine to Germany. The country was also plagued by the Paris Commune, a radical socialist government that briefly ruled Paris before being violently suppressed by the French Army. In the aftermath of these events, the French military was in a state of rebuilding and reform. The issuance of certificates like this one was part of the effort to maintain morale and discipline among soldiers who had endured the difficulties of the war and its aftermath.

This certificate is a poignant reminder of a soldier's personal commitment to duty during one of the most challenging periods in French history. This authentic "Certificat de Bonne Conduite" from 1873, issued by the 1st Regiment of Artillery, is a valuable historical document, framed and preserved behind glass. The certificate honors a soldier for his exemplary service and behavior during a critical period in French history. The document’s age and the patina of the paper, along with the official stamps and signatures, add to its authenticity and historical value.

This piece would be an excellent addition to any collection of military memorabilia, offering a tangible connection to the tumultuous events of the Franco-Prussian War and the subsequent rebuilding of the French military. It serves as both a personal memento of a soldier's honorable service and a broader symbol of the resilience of France during a time of great national challenge.