wax stamp of the special commissioner of the secret police of napoleon III

Brass stele with large imperial arms, bordered with the inscription "COMMISSARIAT SPECIAL". Diameter 3.7 cm. Bone handle. H total 9.5 cm.

France.
Second Empire.
Very good state.

NOTE :
Under the Second Empire, Napoleon III issued a decree placing 30 special police commissioners under the supervision of the prefects and the Ministry of the Interior. In addition to repressing common law offences, they are responsible for monitoring the state of public opinion. In 1861, new directives broadened their prerogatives, particularly with regard to the police of foreign nationals and that of ports and borders. These special commissioners constitute the first lasting territorial establishment of the intelligence activity.