1840 Spanish Queen Isabella II Signed Yo La Reina Royal Document Spain Royalty

For your consideration is an exceedingly rare and historically significant original antique c.1840 Spanish royal handwritten manuscript military appointment commission document, boldly hand-signed "Yo La Reina" (I the Queen) in black gallic fountain pen ink by Queen Isabella II of Spain. This exquisite document, featuring the royal wax seal with the crown, cipher, and embossed royal coat of arms of Spain, serves as a remarkable artifact from the reign of Spain's only queen regnant in its unified history.

The manuscript, written on period-laid paper with a royal watermark, measures approximately 17.5 by 12.5 inches. Its preserved condition highlights the meticulous care taken to safeguard this one-of-a-kind piece of Spanish history. Bearing Queen Isabella II’s distinctive signature, the document also includes her official decree concerning military appointments and commands. The attached royal wax seal, along with the intricate handwriting and period-specific materials, enhances the document's authenticity and historical significance.

Isabella II (1830–1904) ascended to the Spanish throne in 1833 at just three years old, following her father King Ferdinand VII's issuance of the Pragmatic Sanction to allow a female succession. Her reign was a transformative period for Spain, marked by political turbulence, including the Carlist Wars that arose from her uncle's refusal to recognize her sovereignty. Under the regency of her mother, Queen Maria Christina, Spain transitioned from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy, adopting the Royal Statute of 1834 and the Constitution of 1837.

Declared of age in 1843, Isabella’s personal reign was characterized by political intrigues, military uprisings, and profound social changes. Her governance faced significant challenges, from palace conspiracies to military pronunciamientos. Isabella’s controversial marriage to Francisco de Asís, Duke of Cádiz, and the surrounding rumors further complicated her rule. Her reign ended with the Glorious Revolution of 1868, forcing her into exile in France. Isabella abdicated in favor of her son Alfonso XII in 1870, leading to the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy in 1874.

This document provides a rare glimpse into the administrative and military affairs of her reign, reflecting the personal authority exercised by the queen through her handwritten decrees. It symbolizes not only the political structures of 19th-century Spain but also Isabella II's active role in governance despite the challenges she faced. For historians, collectors, and enthusiasts of European history, this museum-quality piece offers a tangible connection to a transformative era in Spanish monarchy and governance.

The translation of the document, though partially illegible due to the cursive handwriting, reveals it as an official royal order for a military appointment. The decree mandates the recipient's proper induction into a military post, with corresponding privileges and salaries to be recorded in official reviews. The text also reflects the formal and ceremonious language typical of royal proclamations during the period.

This document stands as a testament to Queen Isabella II's enduring legacy and provides an invaluable addition to any collection of royal artifacts, military history, or 19th-century European memorabilia. Its authenticity, historical relevance, and exceptional condition solidify its status as a rare and treasured artifact.