Stamp/seal Of General Swiney, Commander In Algeria/corsica

Important and very beautiful seal of General Swiney (1830-1918).

800 silver (hallmarks)
30.84 g.
46 x 33 mm.
In its original brass box with an old handwritten label.

General Swiney (1830-1918) entered Saint-Cyr in 1850 as part of the 34th class, "De Kabylie" (1850-1852).
His career, primarily in Algeria and Tunisia, was marked by significant responsibilities:
- 1889, Military Governor of Corsica,
- 1890-1891, Command of the Occupation Brigade in Tunisia,
- 1891, Command of the 2nd Infantry Division in Algiers.
He received the following distinctions: Commander of the Legion of Honour (1892), Grand Cordon of the Order of Nichan Iftikhar, Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sword of Sweden, and Commander of the Order of Christ of Portugal.

This stamp relates to his duties in Algeria during the last quarter of the 19th century: 2nd Zouave Regiment, columns of Saida, Sfid, and Kreider (1881), Algiers Division.

Colonel Swiney is mentioned in a book by Jules Renard, "The Stages of a Little Algerian in the Province of Oran" (1888): "...the three battalions of Zouaves, under the command of the excellent Colonel Swiney, climbed the mountain where the enemy had retreated..."

This is a moving seal with a very fine and particularly decorative engraving.
The shape of the handle is symbolic of the East (crescent).

The inscription can be translated as : "He who puts his trust in God and loves justice - General Swiney - Commander of the Algiers Division"