17/18thC Silver & Wood Double Ended Desk Seal - Branch from Oak Tree Charles II Escape

Seal Detail

A superb example of a commemorative English late 17th or early 18th century desk seal, of silver and wood, the handle comprised of alternating sections of silver and oak wood, the silver collar engraved with the inscription:

This is a Branch of the Oak in wh Charles 2d was Concealed 

The seal features matrices at each end, the larger circular one with a cypher within a lined border, the other engraved with the image of an oak tree with acorns. 

The escape of Charles II from England in September 1651 is highly symbolic in English civil war history as the time when the monarch fled the city of Worcester for London and despite being disguised, was forced to hide within an oak tree to avoid capture (with a reward of £1000).  This oak tree stood within the grounds of Boscobel House, at which a descendant of that original oak tree still stands!    Charles eventually made his way to France and had to remain there until the death of Oliver Cromwell in 1658 allowed him to return and regain the monarchy.  As a footnote, in 1664, on the occasion of the KIng's birthday on 29th May, the day was designated Oak Apple Day, by an Act f Parliament and a special service was inserted in the Book of Common Prayer.  For over 200 years, the King's birthday was celebrated by the wearing of a sprig of oak leaves in remembrance of the tortuous events in 1651.

This rare seal on offer now is a superb commemorative piece of English history, in superb condition commensurate with its age.  

Seal Specification

Height:  74mm

Diameter of matrix:  12mm & 15mm 

Weight:  13g