Personal Seal Of The French Ambassador To Switzerland

First Restoration, circa 1814–1818

Rare official diplomatic seal made of solid silver, mounted on an elegant turned wooden handle, bearing the engraved inscription:

“ AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE TO SWITZERLAND”

The circular die, featuring remarkable engraving, reproduces the Royal Great Coat of Arms restored under Louis XVIII: the shield bearing three fleurs-de-lis, surmounted by the closed royal crown and surrounded by the collar of the Order of the Holy Spirit, an emblem reserved for the highest dignitaries of the kingdom.

This heraldic composition is directly comparable to the official models of the First Restoration, notably the Great Seal of Louis XVIII engraved by Nicolas-Pierre Tiolier for the Royal Chancellery, now housed at the Carnavalet Museum. The coat of arms and insignia depicted therein correspond to the official designs adopted as early as 1814. (Paris Museums Collections)

The exceptional quality of the engraving, the precision of the lettering, and the balance of the composition attest to the work of a Parisian engraver of the very highest order, most likely specializing in commissions from the royal administration.

The typology of this die is also confirmed by the rare French diplomatic seals preserved in public collections, notably that of the French Legation in Hamburg, mounted according to an identical design (turned wooden handle, metal ferrule, and engraved circular die), though of inferior craftsmanship. (Paris Museum Collections)

Historical research leads to the attribution of this seal to Auguste-Louis (Augustin-Louis) de Talleyrand-Périgord (1770–1832), head of the French diplomatic mission in Switzerland during the First and then the Second Restoration. To date, no other French ambassador to Switzerland appears to correspond so precisely to the title, chronology, and heraldic characteristics of this die.

No other seal bearing the inscription “AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE TO SWITZERLAND” has been identified in the public collections, heritage databases, or auction catalogs consulted, which makes this piece extremely rare.

Dimensions

• Height: 8.9 cm
• Handle diameter: 3.6 cm
• Die diameter: 20 mm
• Solid silver die

Condition

In very fine condition. The engraving is particularly sharp, with no major damage. Uniform antique patina. Original handle showing normal signs of wear.

Provenance

Former private collection.

Expert Estimate

Given its historical significance, exceptional rarity, condition, and the absence of any known comparable piece to date, this die can be estimated at between €12,000 and €18,000.

For presentation on the international market (TEFAF, BRAFA, PAD, or to a clientele specializing in diplomatic history and heraldry), a listing price of €16,500 seems appropriate to me.