Oak & Bell Metal York Minster 1840 Fire Memento Desk Wax Seal

Seal Detail

A fascinating piece of social history is to be found in this unusual oak and bell metal desk seal, the handle of flat top form tapering to a collar and rectangular matrix with canted corners made from bell metal, with an inscription on the rim reading:

OAK & BELL METAL OF YORK MINSTER BURNT MAY 20 1840

The matrix is also engraved with the stylised initials GR.

This fascinating seal was produced following the horrendous fire of 1840 that struck York Minster.  Many items were made following the fire to raise funds for the rebuilding, although this is the first seal that I have come across.  

Seal Specification

Height 65mm

Diameter of matrix  15mmx13mm

Weight:  22g