Four years from becoming emperor, Napoleon signed this gorgeous 13 by 17-inch document to award said soldier the "fusil d'honneur" (rifle of honor). Napoleon signed under the designations first counsul and secretary of state, "Bonaparte" (8/10) at bottom right. The vellum document is rich with an engraving of the Consul and the words Liberte and Egalite, symbols of the new Republic but ironic considering Napoleon's imperial achievements.