LAFAYETTE, Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de (1757-1834). Document signed ("Lafayette") to General Louis-Alexandre Berthier, French Minister of War. 5 May 1794. [With:] Lafayette mourning ribbon, 1843.

Stampless cover, 1p, approx. 6 x 7 3/4 in. In French. "Auteuil" [France], "16 Floreal an 11" [5 May 1794, French Revolutionary calendar]. Addressed to "General Berthier" (creasing at folds, later ink markings, toning).

As a favor to "Raimbaud" who at one time helped fund travel for Lafayette to America, Lafayette writes to General Berthier providing a recommendation in favor of Raimbaud's son.

[With:] A Marquis de Lafayette mourning ribbon, approx. 2 3/4 x 4 3/4 in., printed in black on cream silk (fraying at edges, creasing, light soil). "Published by Donald Campbell / Albany 1834." Oval portrait of Lafayette surmounted by an eagle with a patriotic shield and "La Fayette" / "Honor To Whom Honor is Due." Portrait flanked by draped flags and a weeping Lady Liberty. Vessel below reads "Died May 20th / 1834 Aged 77 Years." Ribbon is housed in a handcrafted paper display, being sewn into top and secured to base with a paper wrap. Verso with handwritten notes in two different hands: "Gift No. 227 / With letter from Mrs. Mottet" and "Lafayette memorial badge worn by Hon. Albert Gallup (Mrs. Mottet's grandfather) of Albany at funeral services on the occasion of the death of Lafayette May 20, 1834." A scarce example of this particular style ribbon.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.