19thC Gold Mounted Hardstone Armorial Beehive Desk Seal - William Braikenridge

Seal Detail

A fine gold mounted agate desk seal, the handle of striated agate of knop top form, showing mainly brown striations, with tapering stem to an ornately cast circular gold mount with chalcedony matrix, well engraved with armorial comprising shield, crest of a beehive and motto reading:

BELLO AC PACE PARATUS (Ready During War And Peace)

The seal of William Braikenridge, landowner, army officer and Justice of the Peace in co. Avon. Braikenridge had an interesting life and his vast collections of topographical prints, watercolours and natural studies especially on beetles, fossils, books, manuscripts etc etc were bequeathed by William to the Bristol Corporation. The seal features his arms crest of a beehive which seems fitting.  Presented here in excellent condition.

Seal Specification

Height:  65mm    

Diameter of matrix:  18mm 

Weight:  22g