Ordine di San Lodovico 1852 (1)

This document is a formal diploma issued by Charles III of Bourbon (Carlo III di Borbone), Infante of Spain, Duke of Parma, Piacenza, and annexed states, and Grand Master of the Royal Order of Merit under the title of San Lodovico (Saint Louis). The document, dated October 14, 1801, in Parma, certifies the conferment of the title of Commander of the Royal Order of San Lodovico upon Count Luigi Douglas Scotti, a General Brigadier in the service of His Majesty, the King of Sicily. The diploma reflects the historical context of the Bourbon dynasty’s rule over the Duchy of Parma and the formal recognition of noble service through prestigious orders of merit.
Detailed Description of the Document
Main Content (Top Section)
The primary text of the document, presented in an ornate and formal typographic style, reads as follows in Italian:
"N° 1": This likely indicates the document's serial number or its designation as the first of its kind in a series.

"CARLO III DI BORBONE / Infante di Spagna / Per la Grazia di Dio / DUCA / di Parma Piacenza e Stati annessi / GRAN MAESTRO / DEL REALE ORDINE DEL MERITO / sotto il Titolo / di SAN LODOVICO"
Translation: "Charles III of Bourbon, Infante of Spain, by the Grace of God, Duke of Parma, Piacenza, and annexed states, Grand Master of the Royal Order of Merit under the title of Saint Louis."

This section identifies the issuer of the diploma, Charles III of Bourbon, and outlines his titles and authority. As Infante of Spain, Charles III was a member of the Spanish royal family, and his role as Duke of Parma reflects his position as the ruler of the Duchy of Parma from 1849 to 1854, though this document predates that period and aligns with his earlier involvement in the region under Bourbon influence. The title of "Grand Master of the Royal Order of Merit under the title of San Lodovico" indicates his leadership of a chivalric order established to honor distinguished individuals for their service.

"A Rossano in Parma": This note at the bottom of the main section indicates that the document was issued in Parma, specifically at the Palazzo di Rossano, a historical location associated with the Bourbon court.

Handwritten Section (Middle)
Below the printed text, there is a detailed handwritten section in Italian, which provides the specific details of the conferment:
Transcription:
"Inostra d’inguale tenore contraccambio. In fede dichiariamo Soscritto di Nostro pugno il presente Diploma, che contrassegniamo col Nostro Gran Suggello verrà munito del Suggello Magistrale. Data a Parma nel giorno quattordici ottobre dell’anno mille ottocento uno, del Nostro Gran Magistero il quarto. Luigi. H. Cancell. Ferdinando Landi."

Translation:
"Our identical tenor in exchange. In faith, we declare, signed by Our own hand, this present Diploma, which we mark with Our Great Seal and which will be affixed with the Magisterial Seal. Given in Parma on the fourteenth day of October of the year one thousand eight hundred and one, in the fourth year of Our Grand Magisterium. Luigi. H. Cancell. Ferdinando Landi."

Analysis:
This section confirms the authenticity of the diploma, as it is signed by the issuer (Charles III, represented here by his officials). The mention of the "Great Seal" and "Magisterial Seal" indicates the official nature of the document, as such seals were used to authenticate royal decrees and honors.

The date, October 14, 1801, places the document in the historical context of the early 19th century, during a period when the Duchy of Parma was under the influence of the Bourbon dynasty, following the Napoleonic era’s disruptions.

The signatures "Luigi," "H. Cancell.," and "Ferdinando Landi" likely refer to officials or representatives involved in the issuance of the diploma. "H. Cancell." may stand for "Head Chancellor" (Capo Cancelliere), indicating a high-ranking administrative official, while Ferdinando Landi could be another noble or official associated with the court.

Lower Handwritten Section