A letter from Marshal Ney to Marshal Berthier recommending the promotion of Colonel Soye to the rank of Brigadier General.  The document, addressed to Marshal Berthier, is dated Chomar, 3 mars 1811 and signed by Marshal Ney on the reverse, Mal duc d’Elchingen. He recommends Colonel Soye of the 39th Regiment of Infantry of the Line, for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.  This letter, ALS, 4to with 1 1/3 pages of script is held in a fold out container nestled within a handsome burgundy morocco drop over box.  Another container under the letter opens to reveal an original Officer’s brass Shako Plate of the 39e Regiment of Infantry of the Line.  This has the Crowned Eagle standing above the half moon plate which has the numbers ‘39’ stamped in ‘pochoir’ stencil manner.  Traces of gilt are visible over much of the surface. The front of the box is enhanced by an antique portrait of Marshal Ney in dress uniform and viewed within a panel cutout. The box itself is decorated with double line gilt borders with Marshal’s crossed Batons in each of the corners; the spine, with raised bands has gilt panel decoration and the title, Promotion to General, and below this Ney, and at the bottom the date, 1811.  The drop over box has a matching burgundy slipcase.  A group of remarkable coincidences.  V.FINE