Royal Orléans House manuscript
One of the premier items up for bid in the live auction is Royal Orléans House manuscript recording the payment of "portion of pension" for the benefit of Sieur Hennequin.
This is a chance to bid on a beautiful, rare document that could make a terrific centerpiece in your conference room, dining room - or really anywhere that you want to showcase your NOLA-ties. This kind of unique document has a great story behind it and it sure makes for a great conversation starter!
A close look at the document reveals that the Duke d'Orléans has boldly signed the manuscript L. Philippe of Orléans. The fragile 1752 manuscript, which measures 9.5 x 14.5, also has the signature of Etienne de Silhouette who was a French Controller-General of Finances under Louis XV.
New Orleans is named after the Royal House of Orléans in honor of Philip II, Duke of Orléans who served as the Regent of France, 1715 to 1723. All the Orléans descended in the legitimate male line from the dynasty's founder, Hugh Capet.
It became a tradition during France's ancient régime for the Duchy of Orléans to be granted as an appanage to a younger (usually the second surviving) son of the king. While each of the Orléans branches thus descended from a junior prince, they were always among the king's nearest relations in the male line, sometimes aspiring and sometimes succeeding to the throne itself.
Read the entire history at: House of Orléans