A remarkable Consular Commission, signed upper left by King William IV, countersigned by the Duke of Wellington, appointing Sidney Smith Saunders to be Consul in Albania by WILLIAM IV and the DUKE OF WELLINGTON, 1835

Given at Our Court at St. James’s, 18 April 1835. On thick vellum, in fine clean condition, Royal wafer seal affixed, folded, opening to 16 x 20 inches. With a separate vellum copy of the document. King William IV (reigned 1830-1837). Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) signs as Foreign Secretary. Sidney Smith Saunders (1809-1884), diplomat, was was Consul in Albania from 1835, and later at Corfu and Alexandria. “We have thought it necessary for the protection and encouragement of Our Subjects trading to or residing in Turkey, to appoint a Consul for the Province of Albania ...”