JOSEPH JACQUES DEFERMON (1752-1831) Wax seal of Jacques Joseph Defermon, round, in silver, engraved with the big arms of count minister, under count's hat, girded with the orders of the Iron Crown and the Legion of Honor. Handle in turned ebony. 28 mm. Height : 84 mm. B.E. First Empire period. The coat of arms of Defermon as Count Minister is as follows: Argent, speckled with ermines, a wildling sable with two claws, the sinister half with leaves and apples argent, the dexter half with leaves and apples or; in the free quarter of count minister. Note : The representation of these arms is often made with the free quarter of the councillors of state. Biography Mr. Jacques DEFERMON, Count of the Empire, Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor, Knight of the Royal Order of the Iron Crown, Minister and State Councillor, President of the Finance Section and Intendant General of the Extraordinary Domain of His Majesty the Emperor of France. In the course of his administrative duties, he acquired a reputation for severity and was reproached for being too strict with taxpayers, hence his nickname "Let's close the till".