He was the eldest son of Count Peter John de Salis by his second wife Cecile Henrietta Marguerite, daughter of David Bourgeoise of Neuchâtel.

A renowned numismatist, he is recorded on a large board as one of the British Museum's major benefactors.

He married (Iver, 1 February 1862) Amelia Frances Harriet, daughter of Christopher Tower, JP DL MP, of Huntsmoor Park, Iver and Weald Hall, Essex, by his wife Lady Sophia Cust, eldest daughter of the first Earl Brownlow.

In 1881 Burke's records the Countess at 7, Athlestone Terrace, Cromwell Road, London (where she died in 1885), and as at Grange Hill, Kilmallock, Ireland.

Catherine Sophia (Katie) (29.1.1863-), John Francis Charles (1864-) and Henry Rodolph (Rudie) (1866-).