This book is a compilation of the privileges of the sea consulate, which was a kind of commercial court created in 1388. This document was produced from the 14th century and kept up to date until the 18th century. The binding dates from the 17th century and was made using old parchments. The binding of this register is of remarkable quality. The leather is richly worked, using a technique called cold stamping, and has two color paints.
Document number: 13Bp1.
The upper plate bears the arms of the city of Perpignan surmounted by a royal crown. The lower plate is illustrated by a vessel. This is the emblem of the consulate: a similar nave hung from the Sea Lodge building which currently houses the city's Tourist Office, located not far from the town hall. Nowadays, it is a reproduction that is visible to passers-by. For conservation reasons, the original boat is kept in the town hall.
To protect the binding motifs, the book is fitted with copper cabochons, four on each cover. A custom box was made for the restoration of this work. The rest of the register is made up of copies of deeds, written on parchment.
Our bi-weekly cultural events
Every other week, the Departmental Archives of Pyrénées-Orientales, in collaboration with La Semaine du Roussillon, offer a box entitled “ Archive Treasures“. This box highlights exceptional pieces from the department, accompanied by their historical context. The objective is to make this heritage known to readers, in order to enrich their understanding of local history and its importance.
The documents presented vary from one week to the next, thus offering a diverse overview of the archival riches that our department contains. By discovering these treasures, readers can better understand the social, economic and political developments that have shaped their environment. These pieces, often little known, tell stories that have had a significant impact on the lives of residents and the history of the department.
The other weeks, find the most beautiful posters from the Jean Vigo Institute.
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