In the mid-20th century, Charles Haudot (1919–2010), a renowned sigillographer from Strasbourg, dedicated himself to the meticulous reproduction of medieval seals, particularly those from the Alsace region. Serving as the head of the photo laboratory at the Bas-Rhin prefecture within the departmental archives, Haudot utilized his expertise to create detailed facsimiles of these historical artifacts.
Haudot's reproductions were crafted with precision, capturing the intricate designs and inscriptions of the original seals. These facsimiles were invaluable for educational and research purposes, allowing historians and scholars to study the iconography and heraldry of medieval Alsace without handling the fragile originals.
In a 1963 letter to Mademoiselle Rumeau, the deputy director of the National Archives in Paris, Haudot offered a collection of fifty such facsimiles. He emphasized the care taken in their identification, mounting, and three-dimensional reproduction, underscoring his commitment to preserving and disseminating the region's rich sigillographic heritage.
Today, Haudot's work remains a testament to the importance of preserving historical artifacts through high-quality reproductions, ensuring that the legacy of medieval seals continues to be accessible for future generations.