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Scarce 18th Century French Historical Interest Antique Silver Monogrammed Intaglio Seal Ring
This antique signet ring was made in Paris during the French Revolution (1789-1799). It is engraved with one of the symbols of the First French Republic. It is carved in negative so when used as a seal and pressed against wax, the image is displayed in positive. Similar examples of this monogrammed intaglio can be found on seal and numismatic objects dating from 1791 to 1795 in the Museé Carnavalet, a museum of Paris dedicated to the history of Paris (see final photo).
During the French Revolution, all traditional heraldry was abolished and the First French Republic had no definite coat of arms. Furthermore, during the first few years there were many experiments and trials of new types of coinage and currency. One of particular interest, is the silver ‘Republicain’ created in 1793 which features a design very similar to that of this ring.
In the centre of the designer rests a fasces (also known as a Lictor’s axe), a symbol that has its origin in the Etruscan civilisation and was passed onto Ancient Rome. Simply put, it’s a bundle of sticks around an axe, traditionally a symbol of the authority of civil magistrates. The French Revolution reinterpreted this symbol; the bundle now represents the union and strength of French citizens united to defend Liberty.
Resting on top of the axe is a Phrygian cap, also known as a Liberty Cap. They were worn by libertarians during the enlightenment and have remained a national symbol of France ever since. By 1793, all members of the Assemblies of Paris were obliged to wear one.
A wreath of oak leaves borders the lictor’s axe to symbolise justice, and the initials AP as well as the phrase ‘republicain français’ (French Republican) are also engraved to identify the owner of this seal, possibly a minister or deputy of the French First Republic.
This tangible piece of French history is a true collector’s item!
UK size S, US size 9, 18.14g silver (heavy!), bezel measures 23mm x 19mm
Scarce 18th Century French Historical Interest Antique Silver Monogrammed Intaglio Seal Ring
This antique signet ring was made in Paris during the French Revolution (1789-1799). It is engraved with one of the symbols of the First French Republic. It is carved in negative so when used as a seal and pressed against wax, the image is displayed in positive. Similar examples of this monogrammed intaglio can be found on seal and numismatic objects dating from 1791 to 1795 in the Museé Carnavalet, a museum of Paris dedicated to the history of Paris (see final photo).
During the French Revolution, all traditional heraldry was abolished and the First French Republic had no definite coat of arms. Furthermore, during the first few years there were many experiments and trials of new types of coinage and currency. One of particular interest, is the silver ‘Republicain’ created in 1793 which features a design very similar to that of this ring.
In the centre of the designer rests a fasces (also known as a Lictor’s axe), a symbol that has its origin in the Etruscan civilisation and was passed onto Ancient Rome. Simply put, it’s a bundle of sticks around an axe, traditionally a symbol of the authority of civil magistrates. The French Revolution reinterpreted this symbol; the bundle now represents the union and strength of French citizens united to defend Liberty.
Resting on top of the axe is a Phrygian cap, also known as a Liberty Cap. They were worn by libertarians during the enlightenment and have remained a national symbol of France ever since. By 1793, all members of the Assemblies of Paris were obliged to wear one.
A wreath of oak leaves borders the lictor’s axe to symbolise justice, and the initials AP as well as the phrase ‘republicain français’ (French Republican) are also engraved to identify the owner of this seal, possibly a minister or deputy of the French First Republic.
This tangible piece of French history is a true collector’s item!
UK size S, US size 9, 18.14g silver (heavy!), bezel measures 23mm x 19mm
This antique signet ring was made in Paris during the French Revolution (1789-1799). It is engraved with one of the symbols of the First French Republic. It is carved in negative so when used as a seal and pressed against wax, the image is displayed in positive. Similar examples of this monogrammed intaglio can be found on seal and numismatic objects dating from 1791 to 1795 in the Museé Carnavalet, a museum of Paris dedicated to the history of Paris (see final photo).
During the French Revolution, all traditional heraldry was abolished and the First French Republic had no definite coat of arms. Furthermore, during the first few years there were many experiments and trials of new types of coinage and currency. One of particular interest, is the silver ‘Republicain’ created in 1793 which features a design very similar to that of this ring.
In the centre of the designer rests a fasces (also known as a Lictor’s axe), a symbol that has its origin in the Etruscan civilisation and was passed onto Ancient Rome. Simply put, it’s a bundle of sticks around an axe, traditionally a symbol of the authority of civil magistrates. The French Revolution reinterpreted this symbol; the bundle now represents the union and strength of French citizens united to defend Liberty.
Resting on top of the axe is a Phrygian cap, also known as a Liberty Cap. They were worn by libertarians during the enlightenment and have remained a national symbol of France ever since. By 1793, all members of the Assemblies of Paris were obliged to wear one.
A wreath of oak leaves borders the lictor’s axe to symbolise justice, and the initials AP as well as the phrase ‘republicain français’ (French Republican) are also engraved to identify the owner of this seal, possibly a minister or deputy of the French First Republic.
This tangible piece of French history is a true collector’s item!
UK size S, US size 9, 18.14g silver (heavy!), bezel measures 23mm x 19mm
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