Auguste (auguste-louis) De Talleyrand-périgord (1814–1818)

Personal diplomatic seal in solid silver bearing the engraved legend "AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE IN SWITZERLAND". The die depicts the Royal Arms restored under the First Restoration: a shield with three fleurs-de-lis, a closed royal crown, and the full collar of the Order of the Holy Spirit. These elements, used exclusively between 1814 and 1818, allow for precise dating. Description: • Height: 8.9 cm • Diameter of the top of the grip: 3.6 cm • Diameter of the die: 20 mm • Solid silver die Historical Context: During the First Restoration (1814–1815), Louis XVIII reinstated monarchical protocol as well as royal symbols such as the Royal Arms and the collar of the Order of the Holy Spirit. These emblems are reserved for dignitaries of the highest rank: peers of France, ambassadors, ministers of state. Only one man officially held 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 – Chamberlain to Napoleon I – Head of Mission in Switzerland • 1808: Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Switzerland • December 1813: Arrested and expelled by the Austrians • 1814: Recalled by Louis XVIII and reinstated to his post • August 17, 1815: Appointed Peer of France • 1815–1823: Retained the official direction of the French representation in Switzerland. Bibliography G. Steiner, Napoleons I. Politik und Diplomatie in der Schweiz während der Gesandtschaftszeit des Grafen Auguste de Talleyrand, 1907; E. Guillon, Napoléon et la Suisse, 1803-1815, 1910, 158-324; I. Delgado, La diplomatie française en Suisse pendant les années 1814 et 1815, mém. lic. Neuchâtel, 1983