Bavarian Royal Officer Commission Document Signed by King Ludwig I – Unterlieutenant Appointment with Embossed Seal (c. 1840s)

This rare and striking framed document is an official Royal Bavarian commission patent signed by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, appointing an Unterlieutenant (Second Lieutenant) in the Bavarian infantry. Dated to the 1840s, this document stands as a significant piece of German 19th-century history, blending royal protocol with military formality.

The top of the document reads:

"Ludwig von Gottes Gnaden König von Bayern..."
"Ludwig, by the Grace of God, King of Bavaria..."

This is the standard formal opening used in Bavarian royal documents, affirming the divine right and authority of the monarch.

From the translated visible section of the body text:

"...ernennen Wir hiermit [...] den [...] zum Unterlieutenant im 6ten Linien-Infanterie-Regiment König..."
"...We hereby appoint [...] to the position of Second Lieutenant in the 6th Line Infantry Regiment 'König'..."

The document goes on to grant full military privileges and rank, requiring him to swear loyalty and obedience to the king and country. It is dated and signed in Munich, with the large blind-embossed seal of the Kingdom of Bavaria in the center—placed on a raised diamond-cut paper for emphasis.

Further text at the bottom reads:

"Unterlieutenants Patent" – “Commission of Second Lieutenant”
And the name of the regiment is repeated: 6tes Linien-Infanterie-Regiment König

There is also a phrase indicating royal command:

"Auf Allerhöchsten Befehl Seiner königlichen Majestät"
“By the Highest Command of His Royal Majesty”

It is followed by the signature of the General-Sekretär and countersigned by officials of the royal military chancellery.

Condition:
This document is in excellent historic condition with only light folds and minor creasing. It has been professionally mounted and framed under UV-protective glass with a soft cream mat and golden-toned wood frame. The detailed embossing of the royal seal remains crisp and deeply impressed.

Historical importance:
King Ludwig I (reigned 1825–1848) was one of Bavaria’s most influential rulers, known for his patronage of art and architecture and his military reforms. Documents bearing his personal signature are highly desirable, especially those tied directly to military appointments. This officer’s commission predates the unification of Germany and reflects the structure of the Kingdom of Bavaria’s independent military.

Display Suggestions:
A perfect centerpiece for a collection focused on German royal documents, 19th-century military history, or signed monarchial ephemera. Ideal for wall display in a library, den, or collector’s gallery.

Framed Dimensions (approx.): 21.5 in x 16 in
Document Size (visible): Approx. 15 in x 10 in

Key clues:

1. "Unterlieutenants-Patent" – This confirms it's an officer commission.

2. "6ten Linien-Infanterie-Regiment 'König'" – The recipient is assigned to the 6th Line Infantry Regiment "King".

3. The name just above the final flourish and the word "König" appears to read:

   "Joseph Keufs" or possibly "Joseph Neufs" (19th-century "K" and "N" can look very similar in script).

   It's written in older German Kurrent-style script, which can make reading certain letters tricky — especially 'K', 'N', 'f', and 's'. However, the full name looks most like:

   Joseph Keufs (or Keuß, which is also plausible given Bavarian orthography)

Most Likely Recipient:

Unterlieutenant Joseph Keufs (or Keuß)
Appointed to: 6th Bavarian Line Infantry Regiment “König”