French Eagle - Napoleonic Emblem - 1804 - Historical Wax Seal Stamp

Wax seal stamp featuring the French Eagle adopted by Napoleon I in 1804, one of the most recognisable emblems of the Napoleonic period.

Following his elevation as Emperor of the French in May 1804, Napoleon sought a new emblem to represent his government and dynasty. Several symbols were considered, including the lion, cockerel, elephant and fleur-de-lis, before Napoleon ultimately selected the eagle.

The design was formally established by decree on 10 July 1804. It depicted a golden eagle in an antique style, clutching a thunderbolt in its talons. The imagery deliberately recalled the eagle of Ancient Rome and also drew upon the earlier Carolingian tradition associated with Charlemagne.

The eagle quickly became closely associated with Napoleon I and appeared across official French heraldry, ceremonial objects, decorations and regimental standards. Following Napoleon’s coronation, gilded bronze eagles were presented to French regiments at the Champ de Mars on 5 December 1804, consciously recalling the standards carried by the Roman legions.

The original heraldic design was developed by artists and craftsmen including Vivant Denon, Martin-Guillaume Biennais and Jean-Baptiste Isabey’s circle, while the famous regimental eagles were produced from designs by sculptor Antoine-Denis Chaudet.

Today, the French Eagle remains one of the most distinctive symbols of the Napoleonic era and an important example of early 19th-century French heraldic design.

Each stamp is made of solid brass, fitted with a wooden handle and presented in a velvet pouch.

Design: French Eagle / Napoleonic Eagle
Association: Napoleon I
Date: 1804
Period: Napoleonic France
Style: Historic French heraldry
Stamp Size: 30 mm
Material: Solid brass
Type: Wax seal stamp / sealing stamp

Suitable for letters, envelopes, historical collections, heraldry displays, genealogy projects, traditional stationery and decorative sealing.

“Soldiers, here are your colours!” — Napoleon I, 1804