A 1p military document signed by Victoria I (1819-1901) as "Victoria Rg" [Regina] at upper right. Issued from Buckingham Palace, London, England, on April 24, 1844. The royal signature measures 3.3875" x 1.375" alone. Also countersigned by Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (1799-1869), Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, as "Stanley" at lower right. The partly printed and partly handwritten document on vellum bears Victoria's red wax and embossed paper royal seal beneath her signature, and also a dark blue embossed revenue stamp for one pound, ten shillings. Neatly docketed on central panel verso, and with a printed "VR" stamp verso corresponding to the revenue stamp recto. Expected wear including gentle weathering, soiling, and wrinkles, else near fine and quite legible. 13.25" x 9.25." From a recently discovered collection that has not seen the light of day for over 70 years!

"Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen Defender of the Faith &c. To Our Trusty and well beloved Henry Jobling Wallack, Gentleman Greeting - We do by these Presents Constitute and Appoint you to be Ensign in Our Ninth Regiment of Foot from the twenty second of July 1843…"

Ensign Henry Jobling Wallack (1823-1900) is indeed listed as one of eight ensigns of the 9th Regiment of Foot stationed at Subathoo, Bengal, India in Hart's Annual Army List published in 1844. The 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment of Foot was an infantry line regiment established in 1751 that had recently distinguished itself in the First Anglo-Afghan War. Wallack was promoted to Lieutenant in the 9th Regiment of Foot in 1847, and would purchase a captaincy in the 77th Regiment of Foot in 1852.

The 9th Regiment of Foot fought in the First Anglo-Sikh War, also known as the Sutlej Campaign, of 1845-1846. This conflict pitched the Sikh Empire of Punjab against the East India Company, reinforced by British Army units. Henry Jobling Wallack participated in three of the most famous battles of the First Anglo-Sikh War: the Battle of Mudki (December 18, 1845); the Battle of Ferozeshah (December 21-22, 1845); and the Battle of Sobraon (February 10, 1846). We know these details about Wallack's service record because Wallack was selected to serve as one of "Her Majesty's Body Guard of Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-At-Arms For Public and State Occasions." In the 1894 listing of the honor guard, Wallack's entry notes that he was awarded a Sutlej Medal and two clasps in recognition of his First Anglo-Sikh War service.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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