Antique French Napoleon III era bronze wax seal set. Richly decorated with a motif of stylized foliage, flowers and rocailles. The top of the handle pulls out to expose a hidden drawer. Containing 6 changeable matrices or wax seal tiles. Each of the tiles is double-sided, giving you a choice of twelve different images and phrases to choose from. A rare find to your wax seal collection or to make wax seal jewelry and pendants. In good antique overall condition with general wear and discoloration to the metal commensurate with age and use. The wax seal measures 2 3/8" length.
The matrix tiles measure 5/16" x 3/8" and include the following:
An image of an envelope with the phrase "Allez heureuse" / "Go happy".
A depiction of a cliff side battered by a tempestuous storm with the phrase, Calm au sein des orages / Calm in the midst of the storm. A reminder to stay calm even when life gets rocky.
A pictorial of a formidable dog, a bulldog breed perhaps, with the motto 'Ami fidele, Ennemi implacable / "Faithful friend, Relentless adversary". A reminder that loyalty and trust make for a strong lasting friendship, but people have a breaking point. A good friend will stand by you, but friendships can turn into disaster when trust and loyalty are broken.
Jeudi/ Thursday
Samedi / Saturday
Dimanche / Sunday
The opposite side:
With an image of a feather framed by the phrase "Toujours Sincere" / Always sincere.
An image of cupid surrounded by the phrase 'L'amitié est l'amour sans aile' / Friendship is love without his wings. Based on the poem penned by Lord Byron, December 29, 1806.
With the sad tidings of "Plus deuil que joie" / More mourning than joy.
An image of a full heart with the phrase 'Je ne suis pas gai si tu es triste' / I am not happy if you are sad. This is a sweet sentiment of the bond that connects us to the ones we love. When you hurt, I hurt.
Depicting a withering rose surrounded by the phrase "Flétrie Avant Le Temps" / Withered with time.
Depicting an anchor, cross and heart symbolizing faith, love and hope.