Episcopal Appointment Document – Bishop Dupont des Loges – Diocese of Metz – 1864

Episcopal Appointment Document – Bishop Dupont des Loges – Diocese of Metz – 1864 Episcopal Appointment Document – Bishop Dupont des Loges – Diocese of Metz – 1864

Rare original episcopal appointment document issued by the Diocese of Metz in 1864, bearing the printed heading, heraldic coat of arms, and signature of Bishop Paul-Georges-Marie Dupont des Loges, one of the most prominent Catholic prelates of Lorraine in the mid-19th century.

The document formally confirms the nomination of Franciscus Raverius Bourguignon to the office of Curé Archiprêtre of Longuy-Haut, written in elegant Latin chancery script.

Issued at Metz (Metis), 2 March 1864, the document carries the episcopal authority formula:

Miseratione Divina et Sanctae Sedis Apostolicae gratia Episcopus Metensis.

Physical Characteristics

• Large folio ecclesiastical document on laid paper
• Printed episcopal heading and coat of arms
• Manuscript Latin text in chancery hand
• Original handwritten signatures
• Embossed diocesan seal of the Diocese of Metz
• Folded archival sheet typical of official diocesan documents of the period

Historical Significance

Paul-Georges-Marie Dupont des Loges (1804–1886) served as Bishop of Metz from 1843 to 1886 and became a major ecclesiastical and political figure during the turbulent years surrounding the Franco-Prussian War and the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine. Documents issued under his episcopate are sought after by collectors of church history and 19th-century French manuscripts.

Condition

Very good historical condition with original folds and light age toning. The embossed diocesan seal remains clearly visible.

Estimated Collector Value

€350 – €450

Comparable signed episcopal documents from prominent French bishops of the 19th century typically trade within this range depending on condition and provenance.