French aristocracy Bronze, malachite Aristocratic cachet Malachite - 6.5 cm
01
day
17
hours
28
minutes
37
seconds
Current bid
€ 242
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Anna Hue-Roques
Holds bachelor's degrees in Law and Art History with an Ecole du Louvre auctioneer diploma.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
43 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 5591 | €242 | |
|---|---|---|
 Bidder 8300 | €202 | |
| Bidder 5591 | €140 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 123609 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
19th‑century French aristocratic seal with a natural malachite handle and a gilded bronze mount, the matrix set with a green stone intaglio depicting a griffin bust under a torqued crown, height 6.5 cm and matrix about 1.5 × 1.2 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Aristocratic seal – Malachite handle – Gilded bronze mount – Heraldic intaglio (griffin) – 19th century
Superb 19th-century aristocratic cachet, featuring a handle made of natural malachite, shaped in an elegant conical form, showcasing very typical concentric veins of this stone.
The lower frame is made of finely chiseled and gilded bronze, decorated with a rich neo-rocaille repertoire: scrolls, shells, cartouches, and deeply sculpted foliage.
The matrix is set with a green hard stone intaglio (probably green agate or dyed turquoise from the 19th century, to be confirmed), carved in relief.
Iconography
The intaille depicts a bust of a griffon (or stylized heraldic wyvern/dragon) emerging from a crown of twists.
Under the animal, a speech bubble bears a motto in capital letters, visible in mirror.
ADVISE • HUMOSE • TANDI
The exact reading remains uncertain, as the engraving is slightly worn, but it likely corresponds to a fantasy family motto or a coat of arms inspired by Britain (typical of sentimental seals from the 19th century).
Dimensions: height 6.5 cm; matrix approximately 1.5 × 1.2 cm.
Style and dating
The malachite and gilded rocaille bronze combination is a strong marker of French productions around 1850–1880.
The carving is made in the style of private seals inspired by English design, which was very fashionable during the Second Empire.
State
Malachite in excellent condition, without chips or cracks.
Gilding still fresh, very clear reliefs.
Perfectly set stone, readable engraving.
Minor signs of use on the gilding, consistent with the item's age.
Interest
A mark of quality significantly above average, bringing together:
• noble materials (malachite, gilding, hard stone),
careful heraldic engraving
19th-century French aristocratic style
Ideal collectible piece for enthusiasts of office seals, intaglio art, aristocratic objects, or semi-precious stones.
Provenance: Private collection.
Photos are an integral part of the description of the objects and complement their presentation. They allow you to assess their condition and characteristics. Please examine them carefully before any commitment.
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped with a tracking number to ensure fast and secure delivery.
Happy bidding
Seller's Story
The Sanctuary of Curiosities was born from a deep passion for sacred art, devotional objects, and ancient curiosities, witnesses to a rich spiritual and cultural history. Each item offered is the result of meticulous research, carefully sourced across Europe, respecting its authenticity, rarity, and condition.
We are committed to selecting only meaningful objects, with special attention paid to details, materials, and provenance. Our approach is guided by respect for religious heritage and the desire to pass on these fragments of the sacred to passionate collectors, enlightened amateurs, or places of reflection.
Each item is carefully examined, documented, and packaged with the utmost care to ensure a calm, professional, and respectful shopping experience.
Translated by Google TranslateAristocratic seal – Malachite handle – Gilded bronze mount – Heraldic intaglio (griffin) – 19th century
Superb 19th-century aristocratic cachet, featuring a handle made of natural malachite, shaped in an elegant conical form, showcasing very typical concentric veins of this stone.
The lower frame is made of finely chiseled and gilded bronze, decorated with a rich neo-rocaille repertoire: scrolls, shells, cartouches, and deeply sculpted foliage.
The matrix is set with a green hard stone intaglio (probably green agate or dyed turquoise from the 19th century, to be confirmed), carved in relief.
Iconography
The intaille depicts a bust of a griffon (or stylized heraldic wyvern/dragon) emerging from a crown of twists.
Under the animal, a speech bubble bears a motto in capital letters, visible in mirror.
ADVISE • HUMOSE • TANDI
The exact reading remains uncertain, as the engraving is slightly worn, but it likely corresponds to a fantasy family motto or a coat of arms inspired by Britain (typical of sentimental seals from the 19th century).
Dimensions: height 6.5 cm; matrix approximately 1.5 × 1.2 cm.
Style and dating
The malachite and gilded rocaille bronze combination is a strong marker of French productions around 1850–1880.
The carving is made in the style of private seals inspired by English design, which was very fashionable during the Second Empire.
State
Malachite in excellent condition, without chips or cracks.
Gilding still fresh, very clear reliefs.
Perfectly set stone, readable engraving.
Minor signs of use on the gilding, consistent with the item's age.
Interest
A mark of quality significantly above average, bringing together:
• noble materials (malachite, gilding, hard stone),
careful heraldic engraving
19th-century French aristocratic style
Ideal collectible piece for enthusiasts of office seals, intaglio art, aristocratic objects, or semi-precious stones.
Provenance: Private collection.
Photos are an integral part of the description of the objects and complement their presentation. They allow you to assess their condition and characteristics. Please examine them carefully before any commitment.
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped with a tracking number to ensure fast and secure delivery.
Happy bidding
Seller's Story
The Sanctuary of Curiosities was born from a deep passion for sacred art, devotional objects, and ancient curiosities, witnesses to a rich spiritual and cultural history. Each item offered is the result of meticulous research, carefully sourced across Europe, respecting its authenticity, rarity, and condition.
We are committed to selecting only meaningful objects, with special attention paid to details, materials, and provenance. Our approach is guided by respect for religious heritage and the desire to pass on these fragments of the sacred to passionate collectors, enlightened amateurs, or places of reflection.
Each item is carefully examined, documented, and packaged with the utmost care to ensure a calm, professional, and respectful shopping experience.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
French aristocracy
Century/ Timeframe
XIX siecle
Name of object
Aristocratic cachet Malachite
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
malachite, Bronze
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
6.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1000
Width
1.2 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Depth
1.5 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
