Gerry's Collection
of Antique Wax Seal Stamps
The Golden Collection
The wax seal stamps are regrouped in various sections to easily explore the collection.
This is a unique and rare piece: the wax seal stamp of a bishop, made from a single heavy piece of brass. It's easy to identify that this stamp belonged to a bishop, given the low-crowned, wide-brimmed flat hat and the 12 green tassels, six on each side. The coat of arms features two trees. In ecclesiastical heraldry, the presence of trees in a bishop's coat of arms often emphasizes the nurturing and protective role of the church.
Gold, Pomponne, Brass, and the Language of Prestige in Wax Sealing.
A wax seal stamp with a golden appearance is not always made of solid gold. Pomponne and brass were frequently used, and in some cases, other metals were simply adorned with gilding or gold paint. Gold, however, was more than a decorative choice—it conveyed power, prestige, and permanence. A seal stamp was not merely a functional object; it was a deeply personal emblem, often bearing a coat of arms or monogram, and encasing such a mark in gold underscored its significance and authority. For the aristocracy, gold was a natural extension of their societal role, symbolizing lineage, legacy, and courtly refinement.
Among the most elegant alternatives to gold was pomponne, a gilded alloy developed in 17th-century Paris and named after the jeweler Duc de Pomponne. Typically composed of copper, zinc, and occasionally tin or silver, pomponne imitated the appearance of solid gold while remaining far more affordable. It rose to prominence in the late 17th and 18th centuries, especially in finely crafted luxury items such as snuffboxes, watch cases, wax seal stamps, and wax cases. Pomponne was especially valued for its ability to hold detailed chasing, engraving, and repoussé work, making it ideal for richly ornamented handles and casings. Brass was also widely used during this period, particularly for functional yet elegant stamps. Strong, durable, and capable of holding intricate engraving, brass offered a refined appearance at a lower cost, serving both practical and decorative roles in the world of correspondence.
This beautiful little golden stamp was given to me as a birthday gift. The shield is adorned with a double chevron, stars, and a crescent. Together, these elements in a coat of arms can tell a story about the family's values, aspirations, and history. Two chevrons typically symbolize strength and protection, while stars represent honor, excellence, and divine guidance. They also convey hope and aspiration, reflecting the family's ideals or achievements.
This stamp bears the engraved coat of arms of the de Banne d'Avéjan family, a distinguished noble house from the Languedoc region of southern France. The family's recorded prominence begins with Pierre de Banne, the earliest known seigneur of Avéjan. Over the centuries, the family acquired numerous estates and titles, most notably that of Marquis d'Avéjan. Among its important members was Charles de Bannes d'Avéjan (b. 1688), who served as Bishop of Alès from 1721 and had previously held the post of chaplain to the Duchess of Berry. In the 19th century, Léonce de Banne d'Avéjan (1810–1878), Count of Avéjan, played a pivotal role in the economic development of the region, notably by initiating the exploitation of local asphalt and lignite deposits. The quartered arms engraved on the stamp reflect the family’s alliances through marriage with the noble houses of La Fare and d’Estaing (Extinct).
A notable piece in my collection: a wax seal case made entirely of gold, purchased from France. The engraving of the coat of arms is finely detailed and shows considerable craftsmanship. I find the dove with an olive branch interesting, as it symbolizes peace, hope, and reconciliation. The work on the compartment (the base or supporting element for the coat of arms) is also quite well done.
This stamp comes from the German von Reininghaus family. Johann Peter von Reininghaus was a chemist from Westphalia who started a brewery near Graz (Austria) and expanded into spirits and liqueurs. He became one of the most successful manufacturers in the region, contributing to its prosperity and progress. He married Theresia Friederica Mautner von Markhof, who was born in North Bohemia in 1850. Both were connoisseurs and promoters of the artistic work of their time, but Johann Peter was also a poet. The engraving on the stamp shows a beautifully detailed crown, and on the shield, there is a rearing horse. A horse rearing on its hind legs symbolizes courage, valor, and a willingness to engage in battle.
A nice French stamp depicting the "Judgment of Paris," which refers to a well-known myth from Greek mythology. In the story, Paris, a prince of Troy, is asked to judge a beauty contest among three goddesses: Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Each offers Paris a tempting bribe to be named the fairest. Ultimately, Paris chooses Aphrodite, who promises him the love of the most beautiful mortal woman, Helen of Sparta. This decision sets the stage for the events that lead to the Trojan War.
Even though I have not found records confirming such a marriage, the alliance coat of arms on this stamp, surmounted by a marquis’s coronet, appears to have belonged to a descendant of Claude Godard d’Aucourt, Marquis of Plancy, and a member of the Eudes d’Eudeville family. Claude Godard d’Aucourt, Marquis of Plancy (1716–1795), was a French libertine writer, dramatist, and librettist. The marquisate of Plancy had existed since 1656, but Claude Godard d’Aucourt personally acquired the lordship and château of Plancy on 14 June 1764, at which point he assumed the title Marquis of Plancy. He served as receveur général des finances (Receiver General of Finances) in Alençon in 1785. Among his most famous works are Les Mémoires Turcs (1745) and the licentious novel Thémidore (1745). His son, Claude Godard d’Aucourt de Saint-Just, was also a noted librettist.
A nice golden stamp from the family of a Baron, with a handle carved from brass. What stands out in the coat of arms is the depiction of a water well, which can symbolize several concepts, such as abundance and prosperity. A well often represents a source of life and nourishment, suggesting wealth and the provision of resources. It can also symbolize fertility in agricultural terms or even safety and stability, reflecting the idea of a constant source of water.
Gerry's Collection of Antique Seal Stamps.