#13 • Kentucky Senate Honorary Senator Commission Presented to Colonel Harland Sanders
Part of The Colonel Sanders Artifact Collection (live auction by The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
High bid $1,000.00
Status: Sold
DESCRIPTION Official Commonwealth of Kentucky certificate appointing Colonel Harland Sanders as an Honorary Senator. Issued by the Kentucky Senate and bearing the Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The certificate appoints Sanders "for outstanding citizenship to the community, state and nation" and confers upon him the title of Honorary Senator with all associated rights, privileges, and responsibilities. Signed and sealed at Frankfort, Kentucky. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE This certificate reflects the recognition Colonel Harland Sanders received from the Commonwealth of Kentucky for his contributions to the state and its public image. By the time of this appointment, Sanders had become one of Kentucky's most widely recognized citizens, serving as both a successful entrepreneur and an informal ambassador for Kentucky hospitality and business. STORY & CONTEXT Throughout his career, Colonel Sanders received numerous civic honors acknowledging his contributions to Kentucky and the restaurant industry. The designation of Honorary Senator represents one such recognition, bestowed upon individuals whose achievements brought distinction to the Commonwealth. The appointment illustrates the degree to which Sanders had become identified with Kentucky itself, with his name and reputation extending well beyond the success of his business ventures. PROVENANCE Originating from the Blackwood Hall collection, this certificate remained within the possession of the Settle family following their acquisition of the property directly from Colonel and Claudia Sanders. The document was preserved among other awards, commissions, and civic recognitions associated with Colonel Sanders prior to its public offering. CONDITION NOTES Certificate exhibits age-related toning, creasing, edge wear, and scattered staining. Gold seal remains present. Document is unframed and shows evidence of long-term storage consistent with age.
