Washington, October 13, 1855. 1p. Folio; 17 x 14 inches, 432 x 371mm. Signed by Pierce as President of the United States appointing Leonard Paulding Lieutenant in the [U.S.] Navy, from September 14, 1855; countersigned by Secretary of the Navy James C. Dobbin. Partly printed document with engraved vignettes, filled in with manuscript, and intact paper seal. On vellum. Pierce's signature strong and clear; lightly creased along old folds, glued to mat but face of document largely clean and unaffected, margins slightly affected.