Charles IX of France – Signed Royal Document Register, 1567
Exceptional multi-page manuscript document signed “Charles” by Charles IX, King of France (1550–1574), son of Henry II and Catherine de’ Medici. Dated March 6, 1567, this official register comprises a series of royal commands and acknowledgments of appointments, written in French in a formal chancery hand. The document spans multiple folio-sized pages (each approximately 9" x 13"), and includes the king’s bold signature on the final leaf, along with those of royal secretaries.
Titled “Modèle d’aucunes expéditions commandées par le Roy et Remerciement,” the document details various administrative actions undertaken by order of the crown. These include the appointment of royal officers, guardians, and local officials—recorded in the days and weeks leading up to March 6, 1567. The entries are carefully itemized, with annotations and marginal notations marking categories or offices.
This document was issued during a period of intense political and religious tension in France, with the second of the French Wars of Religion erupting just months later in September 1567. As such, the register provides valuable insight into the functioning of royal governance and military organization on the eve of civil conflict.
Beautifully preserved, with crisp ink and well-maintained paper bearing minor wear to edges and expected fold lines. The large signature of Charles IX is striking and clear, making this a rare and desirable example of a 16th-century royal document with strong historical and visual appeal.
Charles IX (27 June 1550 – 30 May 1574) was King of France from 1560 until his death in 1574. He ascended the French throne upon the death of his brother Francis II in 1560, and as such was the penultimate monarch of the House of Valois.
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