BSG.BS.01771 — French, Customs / Tax Seal

Found in West Lancashire, 18mm.

CI ligate, CONTRIBUTIONS curving down IND curving up around // 7(6)7

Small seal with deep circular indentation on both sides, one containing the stylised ligature CI, the other the number 7(6?)7.

From a distinctive group of seals with various numbers on the reverse. Some have CONTRIBUTIONS around the inner raised edge and possibly IND - an abbreviation of Indirect to give 'Contributions Indirectes' - indirect taxes (French). "Taxes can be divided into direct taxes (taxes on income or property), and indirect taxes (taxes on alcohol and tobacco)." From 'France as a superpower 1700 - 1715'

Confirmation of the letters forming the ligature has been found on an official French Ministry letter stamp.

From Michel Royer, "For this type, I think we can date them from the 3rd republic period from 1870 to 1940".