Seal Detail

A fine wood and brass desk seal of unusual form dating to the late 18th century, the handle of turned fruitwood with two bands of brass at top and base, the circular brass matrix engraved with a central armorial shield depicting a unicorn standant with inscription reading:

HEINRICH FREY STATTHALTER ZU SISSACH

The seal of Henry Frey, Governor of the town of Sissach, the capital of the district of Sissach in the canton of Basel-Country, Switzerland.  The shield is most likely to be his personal arms rather than the town's, which comprise a pair of opposed arms and hands; one red, the other white.

Seal Specification

Height 37mm

Diameter of matrix  31mm 

Weight 63g