100th Anniversary of the Great Seal of the Republic of Estonia

The First State Seal of Estonia was ordered in 1925 from the London firm Waterlow & Sons and, by law, was used only in foreign relations, which is why very few seal impressions have survived. The last documented uses date from 1938–1940, with the final known impression made on July 4, 1940. At the beginning of the Soviet occupation, the seal was dismantled and its matrix and patrix were hidden. During the deep years of occupation, the state seal was discovered by Peeter Peips, who concealed it in his home yard, thereby helping to preserve a symbol of state continuity.

In October 1992, President Lennart Meri initiated the production of a new state seal, which was manufactured by Helsingin Leimaisintehdas. In 1993, the Supreme Court resolved a constitutional dispute over the custody of the seal, confirming it under the responsibility of the Secretary of State. In the year of the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, the matrix and patrix of the First State Seal were returned to the Government Office; the location of the press remains unknown. The matrix and patrix are currently on display at Stenbock House. The State Seal was adopted in 1926.