c1599 DOUBLE-ENDED BISHOP OF SAINT-PAUL-TROIS-CHÂTEAUX DESK SEAL

Seal Detail

A 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 Cros family, under a mitre and crozier and outer circumscription within a lined border reading:

ANT. D. CROS. EPISCOPVS. ET. COMES. TRICASTIN

The smaller oval matrix comprises a armorial shield under a bishop's mitre and decoration within a beaded border.

The seal of Antoine (Antonius) de Cros, 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.

Seal Specification

Height: 57mm

Diameter of larger matrix:  49mm  Diameter of smaller matrix: 24mm x 30mm

Weight:  132g