This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
On February 21, 1863, with the United States in the depths of a long and terrible Civil War, Abraham Lincoln signed this presidential order that bestowed the rank of Lieutenant Commander on a Union Naval officer named Robert Boyd. This extremely rare and historically valuable document is written on a 13 1/2" x 17" parchment that is mounted and encased in a magnificent framed display that also features a 5 1/2" x 7 1/2" illustrated color screen print of Lincoln holding in his hand the Emancipation Proclamation. The commission order has an American eagle at the top above "Abraham Lincoln" which is done in calligraphy, an artistic rendering of the words "President of the United States of America", and a bold-faced inscription, "To all who shall see these presents, Greetings." The text of the order begins, "Know ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of Robert Boyd, I have nominated and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy." The order is witnessed and signed by the Secretary of the Navy and has Lincoln's signature at the bottom in black fountain pen, rating a near ten. The document has an orange seal on the bottom With a few light fold marks but otherwise the document is in excellent condition, as is the picture. Both are mounted within brown borders and set against a deep blue background within a 28" x 31" gold frame.