All things traveled in vest pockets, pouches or saddle packs, c.1700s, and French necessities such as a seal and sealing wax always traveled thus, a fine old silver (unmarked, so not likely French sterling, heavy, perhaps like nickel silver) tube case, seal on one end and the open interior for a long finger of hard sealing wax. An official correspondence, or even a love note (billet doux) would be a folded page sealed away from prying courier eyes (likely they could not read anyway), and sealed with a few melted drop of red sealing was into which the owner's seal would be impressed. I've shown this seal as it is and also flipped in the 'negative' to show the impression it would make in the wax. Beautiful old thing. Measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, this is an early one, c1700s, hand crafted oval tube that slips smoothly and snug, one end into the other. With a 'finger' of sealing wax (cool hard, not like candle wax) kept inside, the owner's personal seal ready on the one end. These are rare to find. I've had several over the decades which were 18k gold, and as you can see, this is heavy gauge silver, less than typical for sterling. I can't find marks, at least. It has had much use, shows wonderful age and appeal, but no serious bends or flaws other than those immediately visible from use.
