Early 18thC Heavy Steel Brass Bavarian Ironmongers Desk Seal

Seal Detail

A fine example of an early Bavarian steel and brass desk seal, the handle of flat top form, octagonal tapering stem to a large circular mount and brass matrix, well engraved with a central panel comprising various ironmongery tools such as with winged griffin supporters, with a circumscription within a beaded and lined border reading:

EIN. ERSAMES. HADWERCKH. DER. SCHMIDT. VND. WAGNER. IN. NEVSTADT. AN. DER. WALDNA(AB?) 

A superb example of this type of desk seal, similar to that used by Guilds and at first glance appears to be a Guild seal.  But in this case, it appears it was for a factory owned by Messrs. Schmidt and Wagner, located in the town of Neustadt an der Waldnaab, a municipality in Bavaria.  Presented in excellent condition albeit wear and dents to the matrix commensurate with its age. 

Seal Specification

Height:  100mm

Diameter of matrix:  52mm 

Weight:  466g