19thC French Bureau des Postes De Laval Desk Seal

Seal Detail

Rather attractive late 18th century French wood and brass postal seal; the handle of turned fruitwood of mushroom top form, with slightly tapering stem with aged cracked, to a brass collar and integral oval matrix, engraved with a royal coronet above three fleur de lays and inscription reading:

BUREAU DES POSTES LAVAL

The style and inclusion of the royal coronet suggests pre-Revolution.  What is less in doubt is the subject - a postal seal for the town of Laval, in western France. Its appearance would also suggest that it has been used very much for what it was intended.  It shows wear associated with use as well as an aged cracked in the wooden handle, no doubt incurred in its role on the desk!

Seal Specification

Height:  73mm

Diameter of matrix:  26mmx30mm 

Weight:  g