1815 BRITISH MILITARY DOCUMENT

George III era British military paper appointing Samuel Paul Bagot Gent to the rank of Cornet, signed and dated 1815, sheet size 22.2 x 33cm (8 3/4 x 13in); framed; Note: from 1683 to 1870, the standard practice of the British army was for officers to buy their rank right up to the level of colonel; an aspiring officer would join the regiment as the lowest grade officer, including ensign in the infantry or cornet in the cavalry; scholars note the system was unfair to those with ability but little money, and was open to abuse and manipulation in many ways; however, supporters point out it produced great officers such as General Wolfe and the Duke of Marlborough