IRISH BOG OAK, GOLD AND AGATE ARMORIAL DESK SEAL

Seal Detail

A fine mid 19th century Irish bog oak and gold armorial desk seal, the handle of finely carved bog oak of waisted baluster form, the body with deep vertical fluting and  slightly domed terminal inset with a gold flowerhead.  The narrow waist is encircled by an applied gold floral collar, above a stepped rectangular gold mount, the matrix of superb banded agate of mainly deep to pale oranges well engraved with arms of a full achievement comprising impaled shield a lion rampant and a bend with crest above of a leopard's head guardant and motto at base reading: PRO REGE ET PATRIA (For King and country).

As yet, the arms have not been identified but it highly suggested that further research is carried out on this seal, believed to be Irish where bog oak was frequently combined with gold mounts and floral appliqués to produce high-quality seals.  In superb condition.

Seal Specification

Height:  62mm

Diameter of matrix:  15mm x 18mm 

Weight:  24g