An exceptional and historically significant Civil War–era document, this original presidential appointment bears the bold signature of Abraham Lincoln alongside that of his Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton—two of the most consequential figures in American history.
Issued in 1862 at the height of the Civil War, the document appoints a military officer to the rank of Captain. Engraved with an elaborate federal eagle vignette and the formal heading “The United States of America,” the commission reflects the authority and urgency of wartime leadership under Lincoln’s administration.
Lincoln’s signature appears prominently at the lower right, executed in a strong, flowing hand, while Edwin Stanton’s signature as Secretary of War is positioned below, underscoring the War Department’s direct role in military organization during the conflict. The document is further enhanced by its original Presidential seal and ornate engraved military motifs, including crossed flags, weaponry, and patriotic iconography.
Appointments signed by both Lincoln and Stanton are highly desirable, representing not only presidential authority but also the operational command structure that prosecuted the Union war effort. Such documents offer a tangible connection to the inner workings of Civil War leadership and the individuals entrusted with carrying out its strategy.
A rare and compelling artifact, this piece stands as both a collectible of the highest order and a primary historical document from one of the most pivotal periods in American history.
