18thC English Pipe Clay Sailor/Cannon Silver Crest Desk Seal

Seal Detail

An English pipe clay desk seal, early 19th century, the handle fashioned into a standing figure of a seaman, in period dress with suspended ship's whistle in his pocket, holding a sword with one hand in front, whilst the reverse shows him holding onto a cannon with the other.  The base comprises a silver collar and oval matrix, engraved with a lion rampant on a ground, within a line and beaded border.

Although unidentified, this is a rare and unusual form of seal, still surviving in excellent condition considering its fragility as a material.

Seal Specification

Height:  103mm

Diameter of matrix:  17mmx20mm 

Weight:  30g