An interesting and uncommon original British passport from 1912: Type: British passport issued in 1912; Single sheet as was standard practice in Britain between 1855 and 1914 Issued to: Mr. Edmond John Hay, British subject Accompanied by: Mrs. Isabella Smith Henderson Hay (his wife) Signed by: Sir Edward Grey, who at the time was His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (presumed printed signature) Date of Issue: 2nd April 1912 Age of Bearer: 27 years Profession of Bearer: (Left blank) Passport Number: 67461 Signature of Bearer: Edmond J. Hay. Signed on separate affixed paper with blind embossed seals, as per standard practice Motto on Coat of Arms: "De bon vouloir servir le roy"– "With good will to serve the king" Sir Edward Grey, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon (1862–1933), served as British Foreign Secretary from 1905 to 1916. He was notably the longest-serving holder of that post and was in office during the critical period leading up to World War I. As Foreign Secretary, he was responsible for the issuance and authorization of British passports. He was a British Liberal statesman and foreign secretary best known for his role during the lead-up to World War I. Educated at Winchester and Balliol College, Oxford, he entered Parliament in 1885 and quickly rose within the Liberal Party. Appointed Foreign Secretary in 1905 under Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Grey served in the role until 1916, making him the longest-serving Foreign Secretary in British history. Grey is often remembered for his diplomatic efforts to maintain peace in Europe while strengthening Britain’s ties with France and Russia. Despite his commitment to avoiding conflict, his tenure culminated in Britain’s entry into World War I in 1914. His famous remark on the eve of war – "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime" – captured the gravity of the moment. After stepping down from office in 1916, Grey served briefly as ambassador to the United States and later entered the House of Lords as Viscount Grey. A keen ornithologist and writer, he retired to Northumberland and published several works on nature.  Overall, the document is in very good condition with some light creasing and wear. Dimensions: Approximately 38cm high x 27.3cm wide (15" x 11"). Date: 1912.