[Napoléon Bonaparte] - Passeport sous l'Empire - Chevalier de Piis - 1808

Passport of the General Police of the Empire -

Rare passport issued under the authority of "Napoleon I, Emperor of the French"

Issued in Paris on 12 February 1808 by the Police Prefecture, under the First Empire. Beautiful watermark of the Emperor. In very good condition.

A large document on paper, bordered by an ornamental frame. In the upper part appears the heading “General Police of the Empire,” dominating the imperial eagle arms.

It commands civil and military authorities to allow the holder “to pass and freely circulate” from Paris to the Department of the Escaut (Scheldt).

The document also bears the signature of Chevalier de Piis (1755-1832), man of letters, poet and playwright, then Secretary-General of the Paris Police Prefecture.

Partial transcription:

"General Police of the Empire

In the Name of Napoleon I,
Emperor of the French.

We Councilor of State, in charge of the 3rd District of the General Police of the Empire, Prefect of Police, etc. one of the Commanders of the Legion of Honour,

Invite Civil and Military Authorities to allow passage and
freely circulate …

Done in Paris, the Twelfth February 1808

For the Councillor of State, Prefect,
The Secretary-General,
Member of the Legion of Honour,
[signature: PIIS]

The passport also bears its red seal of the Police Prefecture, various handwritten signatures, and the detailed physical description of its holder.

Careful dispatch
Return accepted