Personal Seal Of The French Ambassador To Switzerland

Auguste (Auguste-Louis) de Talleyrand-Périgord (1814–1818)

Personal diplomatic seal in solid silver bearing the engraved legend "AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE IN SWITZERLAND". The matrix represents the Royal Great Arms restored under the First Restoration

Shield with three lily flowers, closed royal crown and complete necklace of the Order of the Holy Spirit.

These elements, used exclusively between 1814 and 1818, allow precise dating.

Description

• Height: 8.9 cm • Diameter of the top of the handle: 3.6 cm • Die diameter: 20 mm • Solid silver matrix

Historical context

During the First Restoration (1814–1815), Louis XVIII restored the monarchical protocol as well as royal symbols such as the Great Arms and the necklace of the Order of the Holy Spirit. These emblems are reserved for dignitaries of the very first rank: peers of France, ambassadors, ministers of state.

Only one man officially bears the title of Ambassador of France to Switzerland during the period that corresponds exactly to the style, typology and symbols of this seal: Auguste-Louis de Talleyrand-Périgord (1770–1832) Peer of France - Napoleon I's Chamberlain - Head of Mission in Switzerland • 1808: extraordinary envoy and plenipotentiary minister in Switzerland • December 1813: arrested and expelled by the Austrians • 1814: recalled by Louis XVIII and reinstated to his post • August 17, 1815: appointed Pair of France • 1815–1823: retains the official direction of the French representation in Switzerland