Seal Detail

A French 19th century wood and silver desk seal, the handle of organ-stopper form, rounded top and tapering stem to a simple brass band collar and silver oval matrix engraved with the arms comprising of a shield under a coronet, capello and tassels, under a motto SIC SALE VIVISCO.

The seal of Antoine de Salinis, Bishop of Amien in 1849-1856 and subsequently Archbishop of Auch 1856-1861.

He was born at Morlas on the 11th of August 1798 and died at Amien on the 30th January in 1861. 

Blazon: Argent, a tree vert upon a terrace of the same, beside it to sinister a bear rampant sable, scattering salt Or from its dexter paw. (the salt is clearer in the recorded blazon than in the engraving! )

Motto: 

SIC SALA VIVISCO, "roughly by salt I come to life". The salt links the motto, the bears action and his name "Salinis" 

Seal Specification

Height: 83 mm

Diameter of matrix:  19mm x 24mm

Weight:  24g