17/18thC Bronze Bavarian Legal Notary Desk Seal - Johann Lotichius

Seal Detail

A fine Bavarian original bronze seal dating to the late 17th or early 18th century, the handle of simple rectangular section with suspension loop at top, to a circular matrix, well engraved with a central depiction of a man in period dress on his knees in prayer with tools of his employ, in front of a roughly hewn mountain, with clouds behind (referencing the Divine presence at his back) and inscription above reading:

ORA ET LABORA (Pray and Work)

with outer circumscription within a beaded border reading:

IOHANN CHRISTIAN AVGVST LOTICHIVS. NOT: PUBL: CAES: 

An official seal of the Notary, Johann Lotichius, with reference to the Christian Benedictine practice of work and prayer forming the greater part of the day. The emphasis of this form on a seal was primarily to display the kind of character that the Notary wished to portray to his clients i.e. hard working and Christian in character.   

Presented here in excellent condition and a charming depiction to boot.....

Seal Specification

Height:  27mm

Diameter of matrix:  42mm 

Weight:  110g