a firman of Nasir Al-Din Shah appointing Reza Khan as the Persian envoy to Russia, Dated Ramadan A.H. 1312/February-March A.D. 1895

7 panels of nasta'liq text in black ink in a single column, the text within cloud bands on a gold and coloured ground with a scrolling foliate motif, intercolumnar rules of red, white and blue, the top and right sections with a scrolling foliate motif in colours and gold, a central seal enclosed in a polygonal cartouche framed by a larger foliate cartouche filled with polychrome flowers reserved on the blue ground

some stains to the extremities, some creasing, otherwise overall good condition, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This firman records the moment when Nasir al-Din Shah (r. 1848-1896) bestowed on Mirza Reza Khan (d. 1939) the title of janab or "Excellency", and appointed him the Persian Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia; effectively making Mirza Reza Khan Persia's ambassador to Russia.  The importance of this moment is highlighted by the honour Nasir al-Din Shah showed his minister in personally signing and sealing the document.

A linguist and a politician, Mirza Reza Khan was despatched to Russia in 1876 at the request of the Turkish government to act as a mediator on behalf of captive Turkish citizens.  His performance and success in his role as peace-keeper and arbitrator cemented his future career in the diplomatic corps and he eventually became the Premier Secretary of the Persian Consulate General in Russia, even attending the coronation ceremony of Tsar Alexander the Third.  In 1889, after travelling with the Shah on his third and last trip to Europe he became the Consul General for the Caucasus residing in Tiflis, where he met and married his first wife.  His career continued with several postings including the court of St.Petersburg, and the Hague in 1899 when he was given the title of "Prince" by Nasir al-Din Shah.  In 1910 after many years of dedicated service, Prince Mirza Reza Khan retired to his villa in Monaco where he opened his Gallery for Peace, but in 1913 he was recalled to Iran to act as Minister of Justice.  With the advent of World War I Prince Mirza Reza Khan's ministerial career came to an end, only for him to become the first Iranian delegate at the League of Nations after the War.