WWI French General Pierre Berdoulat Autograph Military Governor Paris 1919-23 For Sale

Original handwritten autograph sentiment of French Général de Division Pierre Émile Berdoulat (1861–1930) on his official printed calling card as Military Governor of Paris.

The card is printed:

LE GÉNÉRAL BERDOULAT
GOUVERNEUR MILITAIRE DE PARIS

Berdoulat has added the handwritten inscription in blue ink:

“Avec ses bien cordiales félicitations.”

“With his very cordial congratulations.”

Because the card identifies Berdoulat specifically as Military Governor of Paris, it can be dated to approximately 1919–1923, the period in which he held that prestigious command.

Pierre Émile Berdoulat (1861–1930) was a distinguished French Army officer whose career spanned the colonial campaigns of the late 19th century and the First World War.

A graduate of the French military academy at Saint-Cyr, Berdoulat served in colonial theaters including Tonkin, French Sudan, and Madagascar, gaining experience that helped propel him into senior command.

During World War I, he rose to the rank of Général de Division and held several important commands, including:

• 69th Infantry Division
• 1st Colonial Army Corps
• 20th Army Corps, traditionally known as the “Corps de Fer” — the Iron Corps

Berdoulat saw major combat on the Western Front and was associated with important French operations during the Second Battle of Champagne and the Battle of the Somme.

His command during the Somme campaign placed him among the senior French generals directing operations during one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the First World War.

Following the war, Berdoulat was appointed Military Governor of Paris on February 18, 1919.

The position of Military Governor of Paris was one of the most prestigious senior commands in the French Army. The governor oversaw the military forces and garrison of the capital and represented the French Army at major official and state ceremonies.

Berdoulat remained in office until July 20, 1923, when he was succeeded by another famous French general, Henri Gouraud.

This card therefore dates from the immediate post-WWI period, when Berdoulat was serving in one of the highest-profile military posts in France.

This is particularly appealing as a military autograph because it is not simply a detached signature. It is an original handwritten sentiment on Berdoulat’s official Military Governor of Paris calling card, directly linking the piece to his postwar command.

The combination of:

• World War I general
• Somme commander
• Commander of the 20th Army Corps / “Corps de Fer”
• French colonial military service
• Military Governor of Paris
• Original handwritten congratulatory sentiment
• Official printed governor’s card

makes this an excellent piece for a collection of WWI autographs, French militaria, European military history, or senior military commanders.

Original period card with expected age toning and scattered spotting. There is a visible crease/bend near the upper-right corner and minor edge/corner wear consistent with age and handling. The handwritten inscription remains dark, clear, and attractive.

Please review all photographs carefully for exact condition.

Guaranteed original period piece.