A HARDSTONE AND GOLD TRIPLE ENGLISH DESK SEAL CIRCA 1860

Seal Detail

A hardstone and gold triple desk seal, English, circa 1860, the white chalcedony handle of pommel form, gold leaf and dart double collar above the sprig-engraved faceted cushion, the exterior oval bloodstone matrix engraved with a coat of arms comprising crest, helm, mantling and shield, unfolding to reveal an oval white chalcedony matrix engraved with a monogram, the innermost onyx matrix engraved with the same crest.

The monogram reads EB.

The triple seal, of the third quarter of the 19th century, in engraved with the arms of Bentham impaling Rous.  The crest is that of Bentham.  Curiously, a marriage is recorded of the Revd. Dr. Bentham, Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, to the second daughter (name unrecorded) of Thomas Rous of Piercefield, co. Monmouth, who died in 1737.

Seal Specification

Height:  85mm

Diameter of main matrix:  15mm x 18mm 

Weight:  65g