A true museum piece, this seal is one of the best finds we’ve had the pleasure to offer recently. We’ve done our homework and this is what could be said of this piece. This brass wax seal features a large Phrygian cap with a loop and a flat, circular base used for wax impressions. The relief shows a figure with a Phrygian cap on a staff, an altar, and a rooster. The inscription reads "LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ" at the top, "LOI" at the towards the bottom, and "NATION” ("Liberté, Égalité, Loi et Nation"). This seal is most likely a rare functional artifact from the French Revolution. While most recall the current motto of the French Republic “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, it took many years for the current motto to be standardized (it wasn’t fully adopted until 1848) and the variant "Liberté, Égalité, Loi et Nation" reflects early ideals (1789-1795) where law and nation were emphasized. It was most likely used to seal documents during the First Republic, possibly by the National Convention, a provincial council (e.g., Marseille), or a private revolutionary. Wax seals authenticated early constitutional documents, often featuring "La Nation, la Loi" with liberty and equality. A 1791 seal with "Liberté, Égalité, Loi et Nation" could have been used by a deputy or official to seal correspondence during the constitutional phase. In addition, the 1793 Constitution tied liberty, equality, and law to the nation’s will, and wax seals were critical for decrees and passports during the Terror. A 1793 seal from the National Convention or a provincial committee (e.g., Marseille, Lyon) might bear this motto. The Committee of Public Safety likely used such tools to seal official documents, with the altar symbolizing the constitutional order and the rooster vigilance. Finally Provincial leaders or citizens often created custom seals during the Federalist Revolt (1793) to affirm loyalty. A Marseille seal or a private revolutionary’s tool might use "Liberté, Égalité, Loi et Nation" to seal letters. The loop allowed personal carry, blending utility and symbolism. The motto reflects the era’s focus on law and nation, and the wear suggests significant use. This piece is an authentic artifact from the French Revolution, probably 1793–1794, with dark black, uneven wax residue, heat marks, and scratches as opposed to a commemorative or reproduced piece made during the 19th and 20th centuries, where such markers would not be present. Exceptional, museum quality piece. True collectors item. 10 grams.