Back Kauf von Offizierspatenten in der British Army German Venta de nombramientos Spanish Achat de commissions dans l'armée britannique French Продажа чинов Russian Officersackord Swedish Para karşılığı rütbe uygulaması Turkish
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, officer's commissions in the infantry and cavalry units of the English and British armies could be purchased. This avoided the need to wait to be promoted for merit or seniority, and was the usual way to obtain a commission in both armies. The practice began in 1683 during the reign of Charles II of England, and continued to exist until it was abolished on 1 November 1871 as part of the Cardwell Reforms. Formally, the purchase price of a commission was a cash bond for good behaviour, liable to be forfeited if the officer in question was found guilty of cowardice, desertion or gross misconduct.