Fine 1780 French LE HAVRE Town Desk Wax Seal - Chevalier Bayard

Seal Detail

A fine large wood and brass desk seal, the handle of tall baluster form with rounded top, tapering stem to a tall banded brass collar and large circular matrix, engraved with a central armorial shield under a face in its glory, surrounded by mantling and inscription reading:

SANS PEUR SANS REPROCHE 1780 (Without fear nor reproach)

A seal with the arms of "Le Havre" city, with a salamander under three fleur de lys.  The salamander symbolising the the French King, Francois I, who build the city.  It is supposed that the motto relates to the king's most famous Chevalier, Bayard (1476-1524) who is widely known as a knight without fear nor reproach although the date and connection to Le Havre city is not yet clear. What is clear is that this is a fine looking desk seal with presence; presented in excellent condition 

Seal Specification

Height:  118mm    

Diameter of matrix:  45mm 

Weight:  121g