19thC English Gold & Chalcedony Earl of Shrewsbury Fob Seal

Seal Detail

A gold and hardstone fob seal, English, circa 1790, openwork husk and scroll handle in inverted lyre form, the domed cushion reeded at rim, the oval white chalcedony matrix engraved with the initial "T" below an earl's coronet, within a motto reading:

HUMANI NIHIL ALIENUM 

The motto is that of the Earls Talbot. William, Earl Talbot and 2nd Baron, was appointed Lord Stewart of the Household, sowrn of the privy council in 1761, and advanced to an Earldom, as Earl Talbot, on 10 March in the sane year.  He married in 1733/4, Mary, only daughter and heiress of the Rt. Hon. Adam de Cardonel, of Bedhampton Park, Southampton.  His lordship was created, 17 October 1780, with special remainder to his only daughter and her male descendants, Baron Dynevor of Dynevor, co. Camarthen.  He died on 27 April 1782 when the earldom expired and the Barony of Talbot of Hensol reverted to his nephew John.

John Talbot, 1st Earl Talbot and 3rd Baron, was born in 1750 and married in 1776 to Lady Charlotte Hill, daughter of Wills, 1st Marquess of Downshire.  His lordship was advanced to a viscountcy and earldom on 3rd July 1784, by the titles of Viscount Ingestre and Earl Talbot and took by royal licence, 19 April 1786, the additional surname of Chetwynd.  He died 18 May 1793 and was succeeded by his elder son.

Seal Specification

Height: 23mm

Diameter of matrix:  15mmx18mm 

Weight 5g