WILL YOU BE THE ONE BIDDER THAT RECEIVES THIS 

COLONEL'S COMMISSION?

If you're the ONE AND ONLY winning bidder and you act quickly before this auction listing ends you can be commissioned as a Colonel in the Bohemia Royal Guard and receive this military Complete Colonel's Commission Package.

Unlike most other auctions of this nature, by special arrangements with the Monarch of the Duchy of Bohemia, as the successful bidder you will actually receive a commission in the Duchy of Bohemia's Royal Guard.

The duties of the Royal Guard include (only if called for active duty) safeguarding and protecting the Royal Family and their residences, and service in time of military conflict or other state emergency when called for active duty. Because the Duchy is neutral (like Switzerland) and a government in exile, actual active service, armed conflict or national emergency is most unlikely. At all other times this Colonel's Commission is an unpaid honorary sinecure. Special Note: both men and women are accepted and encouraged for this commission.

And if you WIN this auction you'll be getting a special $127.54 TOTAL VALUE - but ONLY if you're the one and only winner of this auction! Here's the value that ONLY the one winning bidder of this auction will receive...will YOU be the ONE Winning Bidder?

#1  Your Colonel's COMPLETE COMMISSION PACKAGE. You don't have to take our word for the value here, because you can CLICK ON THIS LINK and see for yourself!	VALUE: $69.97
#2  You'll also get the valuable bonus items shown here, FREE! (but only for the winning bidder - will that be YOU?)	VALUE: $57.57
#3  TOTAL VAULE OF EVERYTHING YOU'LL GET IF YOU WIN THIS AUCTION:	TOTAL VALUE FOR THE WINNING BIDDER: $127.54

Here's something IMPORTANT: You don't have to wait till this auction ends, or watch as other bidders drive up the price till it's over your budget! You can get your own Colone's Commission RIGHT NOW (standard version without all the bonus items shown here) just click to the right and grab yours NOW   Get Commissioned as a Colonel

By the way, in addition to the Commission as Colonel, the following ADDITIONAL Military Commissions, Appointments and Titles are also available, but ONLY to those who act promptly before the limited quantities are gone:

If you're the ONE winner of this auction, in addition to your Commission as Colonel in the Duchy of Bohemia Royal Guard, look at these FREE bonus you'll also receive together with your Commission package:

General Information and History of the Military Rank of Colonel:

Colonel is a military rank of a commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every country in the world. The rank of Colonel is one of the oldest in existence, dating as far back as the time of the Roman Empire, and it is also even used in some police departments.

Today, a Colonel is usually a military title rated as the highest, or the second-highest field rank below the general grades. In some small military forces, it can be the highest rank held.

The term colonel derives from Latin columnella 'small column'. However, it was never actually a Roman rank. The system of ranks in the Roman military was quite different. As a rank the term arose in the late sixteenth century Italy where it referred to the officer in charge of a column (Italian colonna, plural colonne) or field force. The term is first attested as colonnello, but it is perhaps a truncation of something like capitano colonnello 'captain of the column, the captain designated to command the column'. In this context colonna seems to refer to a force marching in column, rather than to a battle formation - a battle or battlation of pike.

As the office of Colonel became an established practice, the Colonel became the senior Captain in a group of companies which were all sworn to observe his personal authority - to be ruled or regimented by him. This regiment was to some extent embodied in a contract and set of written rules, his regiment or standing regulation(s). By extension, the group of companies subject to a Colonel's regiment came to be referred to as his regiment as well.

With the shift from primarily mercenary to primarily national armies in the course of the seventeenth century, a Colonel (normally a member of the aristocracy) became a holder (German Inhaber) or proprietor of a military contract with a sovereign, as here with this commission from the Duchy of Bohemia. The Colonel purchased the regimental contract - the right to hold the regiment - from the previous holder of that right or direct from the sovereign when a new regiment was formed or an incumbent was killed.

In French usage of this period the senior Colonel in the army or in a field force - the senior military contractor - was the Colonel General and, in the absence of the sovereign or his designate, the Colonel General might serve as the commander of a force. The position, however, was primarily contractual and it became progressively more of a functionless sinecure.

While this in not allowed by the Duchy of Bohemia, in times past the Colonel managed his (or her) regiment as a sort of pyramid scheme, and he would in turn receive money from another individual for the right to serve as his designated Lieutenant - 'assistant' - in full the Lieutenant Colonel. In fact the Colonel and his Lieutenant Colonel and the (Sergeant) Major were all Captains of their own companies within the regiment and the Lieutenant Colonel and Major and the other Captains were, in effect, all subcontractors or junior partners in a commercial enterprise. They received in return for their investment - the purchase of their office - a more or less regularly paid salary and certain formal and informal benefits - payments from captured towns, the value of captured military gear, etc.[vague] These emoluments might at times degenerate into mere looting and pillaging, or in better organized cases into something like a protection racket.

There were also naturally opportunities for other forms of corruption (strongly prohibited by the Duchy of Bohemia) - misappropriation of regimental or company funds, the collection of excessive payments from prospective holders of an office, and unlawful kick-back payments extorted from subordinates. Sovereigns naturally instituted procedures to rein in the more heinous of these activities, especially the falsifying of musters, or claiming non-existent soldiers 'paid men' in order to appropriate their pay (French solde) and allowances 'money allowed for some purpose'.

The funds to pay and maintain the troops of the regiment were provided by the sovereign; the Colonel was responsible for the whole, and his subordinates for the portions passed on to them. If any were thought to have failed in this or to have been otherwise negligent of their military duties, they were subjected to a court-martial 'military court', and, if convicted, were dismissed ("cashiered"), losing their investment, and allowing the sovereign to resell the office to another holder. Otherwise, the holder could himself sell out when he left the service or moved to higher rank. He thus retrieved his investment, the only pension he could generally expect to receive. To some extent pensions can be seen as quit-claims offered to survivors of an office-holder, or as retainers paid to an office-holder in a decommissioned unit, a man whose services are not needed now but might be needed in the future.

The ownership of offices tended to revert to the national authorities as military systems became better managed and offices in a commercial venture became ranks in a government service. However, in intermediate cases a consideration might still need be paid to the previous holder of a position, or to the government, if the incumbent was killed. This attenuated system is usually called purchase. In the United Kingdom, supporters of the practice said that the country had been ill-served by the professional non-purchase army created by Cromwell and that the country could only be "safe" from political intervention by the army if it were officered by men "with a stake in the country", that is, propertied men who could afford to purchase a commission. See the comments on the "Proprietary Colonel" below. Also see the section "Colonel (United Kingdom)" below.

By the late 19th century, Colonel was a professional military rank though still held typically by an officer in command of a regiment or equivalent unit. Along with other ranks it has become progressively more a matter of ranked duties, qualifications and experience and of corresponding titles and pay scale than of functional office in a particular organization.

As European military influence has expanded throughout the world, the rank of Colonel became adopted by nearly every nation in existence under a variety of names.

With the rise of Communism, some of the large Communist militaries saw fit to expand the Colonel rank into several grades, resulting in the unique Senior Colonel rank which was found and is still used in such nations as China and North Korea.

In modern English, the word Colonel is pronounced similarly to kernel (of grain) as a result of entering the language from Middle French in two competing forms, dissimilated coronel and colonel. The more conservative spelling colonel was favored in written use and eventually became the standard spelling.

Proprietary Colonel

A proprietary colonel owed his regimental command not to promotion through the ranks, but to a venal mode of appointment by the crown. The colonelcy of a regiment formerly implied a proprietary right in it. Whether the colonel commanded it directly in the field or not, he always superintended its finance and interior economy; the emoluments of the office, in the 18th century, were often the only form of pay drawn by general officers. The general officers of the 17th and 18th centuries were invariably colonels of regiments, and in this case the active regimental command was exercised by the lieutenant colonels.

Colonel (United Kingdom)

Colonel is a rank of the British forces, ranking just below Brigadier. They are not usually field commanders, instead typically serving as staff officers in between field commands at battalion and brigade level. The insignia is two diamond shaped pips (properly called stars) and a crown. The crown has varied in the past with different monarchs; the current Queen's reign has used St Edward's Crown.

In the British Army, Colonel may also refer to the ceremonial head of a regiment; this is almost always a general officer or Brigadier, often retired, with a close link to the regiment in question. Some non-military personnel may be appointed to the position, thereby holding a Honorary rank of Colonel for the duration of the appointment, though usually with the Territorial Army units. This position is often described as Colonel of the Regiment to distinguish it from the rank of Colonel. When attending functions as a 'Colonel of the Regiment' the officer would wear the rank insignia of a Full Colonel, regardless of their official rank. This position may also be held by members of the Royal Family, who would then be known as 'Royal Colonels'. However this position would not be held unless the Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment was of a senior royal position.

From 1 April 1918 to 31 July 1919, the Royal Air Force maintained the rank of colonel. It was superseded by the rank of group captain on the following day.

Colonel-in-Chief is also a ceremonial title of the British Army and various Commonwealth armies. Usually a member of the Royal Family.

The Colonel of the Regiment often has a closer involvement with the regiment and its Regimental Association.

Colonel-in-Chief

In the British and other Commonwealth armies, the Colonel-in-Chief of a regiment is its (usually royal) patron. This position is distinct from that of Colonel of the Regiment. They do not have an operational role. They are however kept informed of all important activities of the regiment, and pay occasional visits to its operational units.

Currently in the British Army, two foreign monarchs hold the position of Colonel-in-Chief of British regiments:

· HM King Abdullah II - The Light Dragoons

· HM Queen Margrethe II - The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshires)

While it is traditional for a royal personage to hold the position, it is at the discretion of the regiment or corps whom they invite to be their Colonel-in-Chief. This can be seen by the fact that the Duke of Wellington was Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment that bore his name, and through the invitation to Adrienne Clarkson, the former Governor General of Canada to be Colonel-in-Chief of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

Oberst

Oberst in German is a military rank in several German-speaking and Scandinavian countries, equivalent to Colonel. It is currently used by both the ground and air forces of Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and Norway. The Swedish rank överste is a direct translation, as are the Finnish rank eversti and the Icelandic rank ofursti.

Oberst is a German word. Spelled with a capital O, "Oberst" is a noun and defines the military rank of colonel or group captain. Spelled with a lower case o, or "oberst", it is an adjective, meaning top, topmost, uppermost, highest, chief, head, first, principal, or supreme. Both usages derive from the superlative of ober(e), "the upper" or "the uppermost".

As a family name, Oberst is common in the southwest of Germany, in the area known as the Black Forest (Schwarzwald). The name is also concentrated in the north-central cantons of Switzerland (Aargau & Zurich). Here the Swiss version of Oberst is spelled Obrist. The name first appeared in the thirteenth century CE in the German-Swiss border area, and early forms were Zoberist and Oberist. The name most likely refers to the "tribe that lives the highest on the mountain" or "the family that lives the highest in the village".

Translated as "superior" or "supreme", the rank of Oberst can trace its origins to the Middle Ages where the term most likely described the senior knight on a battlefield or the senior captain in a regiment. With the emergence of professional armies in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, an Oberst became the officer in charge of regiment or battalion-sized formations.

By the eighteenth century, Obersts were typically afforded aides or lieutenants, often called by the title Oberstleutnant. This led to formation of the modern German rank of the same name, translated as Lieutenant Colonel.

Medieval Ranks

High command in medieval armies:  The king's army was placed under the command of the High Constable as commander-in-chief. The High Constable had authority over the local constables, commanders of the garrisons of major castles. The High Constable had the help of the Field Marshal, an officer that set up the army's camp. (Marshals acted as chiefs of logistics and were also employed by royal and noble courts.) The High Constable derived his authority over the army from his role of head of the cavalry.

Origins of Modern Ranks

As the Middle Ages came to an end, the rank structure of medieval armies became more formalized. The top officers were known as commissioned officers because their rank came from a royal commission. Army commissions were reserved for the elite - the aristocracy of mainland Europe and the aristocracy and gentry. This is not an American commission or United States commission or appointment; it is issued solely and exclusively by and from the Duchy of Bohemia and is in no way connected in any manner with any other recognized government, country, soverign or nation. Any and all persons receiving a Colonel's Commission in the Bohemian Royal Guard through this auction are NOT agents, principals or employees of the Duchy of Bohemia and are not authorized to make any statements of any nature, or take any independent action or any action of any nature whatsoever as a Colonel of the Bohemia Royal Guard or otherwise, unless specifically called to active service in writing, and provided with written orders by the Commander in Chief of the Bohemia Royal Guard or his duly authorized agent. This Colonel's Commission is an unpaid honorary sinecure. Neither the seller nor the items referred to in this listing are in any way associated with The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, its Crown, Offices, or Officers.

The low resolution pictures above can't do justice to these fine items you'll receive should you be a successful bidder in this auction!

Here's what the successful bidder will receive in their Complete Colonel's Commission Package:

• The winner of this auction will receive a COMPLETE COMMISSION PACKAGE, including a personalized printed Certificate of Commission as a Colonel in the Bohemia Royal Guard, personalised with your name printed on it (or if a gift, the name of the recipient). The Commission is a large, full sized 8.5" x 11" IMPRESSIVE document, with a GOLD seal embossed with the wappen of the Duchy, signed by the Commander in Chief, and suitable for framing. A truly magnificant document framed on the wall of your home or office!
• In addition, you'll receive a laminated identification card bearing your name...this i.d. card is LAMINATED and sealed in plastic.
• Finally, you'll receive a FULL COLOR EMBROIDERED SHOULDER PATCH as shown in the picture above, it's large, over 3" in height and beautiful. It's expected that the embroidered patch alone is destined to become a collector's item, and collectors know the anticipated value of this patch alone may well exceed the final price for this entire Commission Package.
• AND REMEMBER, ONLY THE ONE WINNER OF THIS AUCTION WILL RECEIVE THE $57.57 VALUE IN FREE BONUS ITEMS SHOWN ABOVE INCLUDED WITH THEIR COMPLETE COMMISSION PACKAGE, BRINGING THE TOTAL VALUE YOU'LL RECEIVE - IF YOU WIN THIS AUCTION - TO $127.54!

Your Complete COLONEL'S COMMISSION PACKAGE will be rushed to you by USPS Delivery Confirmation, in a sturdy protective Document Portfolio, containing the above items.

IMPORTANT:

ARE YOU IMPATIENT? DON'T WANT TO WAIT? DON'T WANT TO RISK LOSING OUT TO A LAST SECOND "SNIPER" HIGH BIDDER? WANT YOURS RIGHT NOW?

You don't have to wait till this auction ends, or watch as other bidders drive up the price till it's over your budget! You can get your own RIGHT NOW (but without all the valuable bonus items described above) just click to the right:   Get Commissioned as a Colonel

Total this all and you're getting a $127.54 value...that you can only get if you're the one and only winner of this auction!

What should you do now? That's 'brain dead simple' -ACT NOW and enter your Maximum Auction Bid (and let eBay automatically bid for you, in increments up to your maximum bid) BEFORE somebody else beats you out

There will only be ONE successful winning bidder - Will it be YOU?

Wait a minute - perhaps you'd rather receive your commission at  the coveted rank of Brigadier General or Naval Commodore? Maybe you'd like the title of a Scottish Laird ("Lord") with your own Mini-Estate in the Highlands? Or do you desire a Noble or Aristocratic Knighthood or other Title? If so, Just CLICK on the appropriate link below:

 Get Commissioned as a Colonel  colonel commission be a colonel in the Royal Guard, WHO ELSE WANTS A COLONEL'S COMMISSION?  If you act quickly before this auction listing ends and these Complete Colonel Commission Packages sell out, you can be commissioned as a Colonel in the Bohemia Royal Guard. Unlike most other auctions of this nature, by special arrangements with the Monarch of the Duchy of Bohemia, successful bidders will receive a commission in the Duchy of Bohemia's Royal Guard.   The duties of the Royal Guard include (only if called for active duty) safeguarding and protecting the Royal Family and their residences, and service in time of military conflict or other state emergency when called for active duty. Because the Duchy is neutral (like Switzerland) and a government in exile, actual active service, armed conflict or national emergency is most unlikely. At all other times this Colonel's Commission is an unpaid honorary sinecure. Special Note: both men and women are accepted and encouraged for this commission. Here's what the successful bidder will receive in their Complete Colonel's Commission Package: The winner of this auction will receive a COMPLETE COMMISSION PACKAGE, including a personalized printed Certificate of Commission as a Colonel in the Bohemia Royal Guard, personalised with your name printed on it (or if a gift, the name of the recipient). The Commission is a large, full sized 8.5" x 11" IMPRESSIVE document, with a GOLD seal embossed with the wappen of the Duchy, signed by the Commander in Chief, and suitable for framing. A truly magnificant document framed on the wall of your home or office!  In addition, you'll receive a laminated identification card bearing your name...this i.d. card is LAMINATED and sealed in plastic.  Finally, you'll receive a FULL COLOR EMBROIDERED SHOULDER PATCH as shown in the picture above, it's large, over 3" in height and beautiful. It's expected that the embroidered patch alone is destined to become a collector's item, and collectors know the anticipated value of this patch alone may well exceed the final price for this entire Commission Package. Your Complete COLONEL'S COMMISSION PACKAGE will be rushed to you by USPS Delivery Confirmation, in a sturdy protective Document Portfolio, containing the above items. Military Certificate, Commission, Get Colonel's Commission, Certificate, Military ID, THIS MAKES A WONDERFUL GIFT FOR A VETERAN, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET COMMISSIONED AS A COLONEL! , APPLY FOR YOUR COMMISSION AS A COLONEL TODAY AND HAVE IT HANGING ON YOUR OFFICE WALL NEXT WEEK! Take into consideration that these days to be called, "Colonel" you must have either have sold a lot of chicken, reached that rank in the military, Salvation Army, be an Auctioneer in the South, or be made a "Col" by the Gov. of Kentucky. Now there's an easier way. Be commissioned a Colonel you too can have the title of Colonel and all honors that go with it.

Should you be the successful bidder in this auction, just check out using the normal PayPal procedure. After you receive your PayPal receipt, please e-mail it to us using the "forward" function of your email program, and in the body of your email include the full name of the individual being commissioned so the documents can be properly prepared, issued and registered with the Duchy's Royal Guard. And get this: you have no risk and you're completely protected with this Full Year "No Questions Asked" Money Back Guarantee - here it is:

Here's Your FULL YEAR No Risk Money Back Guarantee:

You have no risk, you're protected with our FULL YEAR, MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! It's simple...no "fine print" or "catches"...just enjoy your Colonel's commission for a Whole Year! Then, after a year passes and (if for ANY reason) you're not completely 100% satisfied, just return your Commission Package and all materials for a full refund, No Questions Asked! (less shipping & handling)