{"product_id":"18thc-bronze-double-ended-french-bishops-desk-seal","title":"c1599 DOUBLE-ENDED BISHOP OF SAINT-PAUL-TROIS-CHÂTEAUX DESK SEAL","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeal Detail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA brass double-ended bishop's desk seal dating to c1599, the handle of baluster form with larger circular matrix and one end and smaller oval matrix at the other.  The larger matrix is well engraved with a central shield and arms for the \u003cstrong\u003eCros\u003c\/strong\u003e family, under a mitre and crozier and outer circumscription within a lined border reading:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eANT. D. CROS. EPISCOPVS. ET. COMES. TRICASTIN\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe smaller oval matrix comprises a armorial shield under a bishop's mitre and decoration within a beaded border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seal of \u003cstrong\u003eAntoine\u003c\/strong\u003e (Antonius) \u003cstrong\u003ede Cros\u003c\/strong\u003e, Bishop of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux,  in southeastern France in the region of Drôme.  He was appointed this position in 1599 which is the supposed date of this seal, and was also Count of Tricastin which was a temporal title attached to that bishopric.  He died on February 24th, 1630 aged circa 65 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSeal Specification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 57mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiameter of larger matrix:  49mm  Diameter of smaller matrix: 24mm x 30mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight:  132g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sigillum Seals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56676697145722,"sku":null,"price":885.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0755\/3626\/9597\/files\/20260311_123031-2.jpg?v=1773312272","url":"https:\/\/sigillumseals.co.uk\/products\/18thc-bronze-double-ended-french-bishops-desk-seal","provider":"Sigillum Seals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}